America Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Harping on about underwater music in Florida

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And because we’re all in need of a smile these days that’s why we’re harping on about underwater music in Florida.

And the sonorous snorkelers who have just put on a coral concert for the ages.

Beneath the waves for the 42nd annual Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival.

Ocean-themed favorites streamed through underwater speakers at Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

As dancing mermaids strummed guitars, plucked harps and sounded trumpets.

And tropical fish swam through the melodies.

Between songs, divers heard reminders about protecting fragile coral reefs.

By respecting marine life, using mooring buoys, and practising responsible diving and snorkelling.

Manatees & other marine mates

We have seen first hand what is being done in the name of those who live under the sea.

And made some conservation chums along the way.

Such as JP, the manatees’ mate and penguins pal at SeaWorld in Orlando.

Of course, you don’t have to have fins for feet and be able to breathe underwater to help out our fishy friends.

Which is just as well for this landlubber who struggles in water.

Gulping most of it from the Red Sea to the Caribbean.

And for the most part missing out on swimming through the shoals.

Although with a deep breath I still managed to see Mr and Mrs Turtle on a couples holiday…

And to clarify, that was a humans break.

Turtle Girl Power

And talking of turtle power a big shout-out to Girl Power and her handlers.

This honey in a half-shell was rescued in the Keys around International Women’s Day last month.

And taken to The Turtle Hospital tangled in fishing line and covered in life-threatening tumours.

Four months later, she proved resilience can be stronger than any obstacles in her way.

“Girl Power was a long shot,” said manager Bette Zirkelbach.

With a satellite transmitter attached to her shell, Girl Power was released from Sombrero Beach in Marathon.

As the Turtle Hospital’s official competitor in the Tour de Turtles race, she will be tracked by Sea Turtle Conservancy.

Tour de Turtles

Off you go: Bette Zirkelbach and Jory Geib release Girl Power. (Natalie Danko/Florida Keys News Bureau)

As she journeys out to sea. Girl Power’s satellite tag will transmit her location whenever she surfaces

And that allows scientists to study her migration while giving us a front-row seat to cheer her on.

For roughly three months, she will compete against other rehabilitated sea turtles.

To see who swims the farthest in this year’s Tour de Turtles.

America, Countries

The beginning of the US’s rail story

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And today’s question is where can you track the beginning of the US’s rail story?

Well, if you said Baltimore then first class, although to be fare (we can go like this all day) everyone travelled the same back in 1827.

Now our Baltimore buddies are preparing for next year’s bicentennial of American railroading in 2027.

With the B&O Railroad Museum, birthplace of American railroading, rebranding itself as the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation.

To tell the story of how a 13-mile line between Baltimore and Ellicott’s Mill in Maryland kickstarted the networks we have today.

Of course, in the beginning they were horse-drawn cars which were then replaced by steam locos.

And then there’s its place in history as a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site.

And for trainspotters

The announcement comes as the museum continues its transformative $38 million campus expansion.

The project includes new visitor experiences, expanded gathering spaces and an outdoor amphitheater.

And for trainspotters… 30 million archive documents, chronicling the history, development and impact of American railroading.

The expansion will culminate in the opening of Innovation Hall ahead of the nation’s commemoration of the 200th anniversary of American railroading next year.

But it’s not just about looking back, the Innovation Hall will showcase the future of railroading technologies.

Visitors will explore engineering, automation, sustainability, freight systems, passenger mobility.

And emerging innovations shaping the next generation of rail transportation.

The train reigns

All of which shines a light on this much-overlooked mode of American transport.

With the car the king and residents of the big cities warning any and every visitor of the dangers of rail travel.

While because of the size of the country Americans take planes like we take trains…

My train set: Miniature rail in Colorado

Amtrak on the east coast, Chicago monorails, the Boston T, miniature versions.

And those who want the authentic beatnik experience bus it or bike it.

We say, though, let the American train take the strain and wonder at the classical stations.

And, of course, start in Baltimore.

America, Countries

One hundred and fifty years of Colorado

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And they’re having a high old time today as they celebrate One hundred and fifty years of Colorado.

Although it’s known by all as the Centennial State on account of it being this day in 1776 that Ulysses Grant granted them statehood.

Now like all Coloradophiles we have been following progress of the Sesquicentenary all year.

And particularly since we gathered in my Glasgow birthplace to toast our Mid-West pals.

Now because every day is a school day here are some killer Colorado factoids which make the 38th State special.

Colorado Rocks

Now there have been many Coloradan singers of note and tributes to the state’s beauty.

From Henry John Deutschendorf Jr’s (or John Denver to you and me) Rocky Mountain High.

To Ryan Tedder and OneRepublic’s Stop And Stare at the iconic Red Rocks.

But even more ubiquitous than either is America the Beautiful, inspired by Katharine Lee Bates’ visit to Pikes Peak in 1893.

The same year as Colorado became the first state to grant women the right to vote through a popular referendum.

Here for the beer

Coloradans, of course, will be celebrating with a beer from any one of the 420 craft breweries.

And we’re lucky enough to have an insider in University of Boulder beer archaeologist Travis (no, we’re not making that up).

Now you probably know Colorado as a high old state… and not just for its liberal drugs laws.

But it also has the highest mean altitude of all the states with Denver known as The Mile High City.

And Coloradans are fond, of course, of saying that you only have to drink half as much to get twice as drunk.

Springs in the air

The Great Outdoors: Out and about in Colorado

The Centennial State is also famous for its hot springs.

With the world’s largest natural hot springs pool in Glenwood Springs.

With the two-block long pool across from the historic Hotel Colorado, a favorite stop of former president Teddy Roosevelt.

The inimitable Teddy is, of course, not alone in embracing the charms of the Coloured Red (on account of the topography) state.

Here’s Bill & Johnny

And every visitor to Colorado naturally pays homage to Buffalo Bill at his tombstone.

Where you will be expected to throw a coin on to his stone in tribute.

But Colorado too is home to The Stanley Hotel, in Estes Park.

Where a host of celebrities and heads of state that have stayed at the luxurious 1909 hostelry.

And here’s Johnny, from Stephen King’s novel The Shining, the hotel inspiring the author.

Fair is fowl

Now if you’re of a strong constitution then maybe you’re looking for something a bit more head turning.

So head to Fruita, where the town folk celebrate Mike the Headless Chicken Day.

To commemorate farmer L.A. Olsen who cut off Mike’s head on September 10, 1945 for his dinner.

Only for Mike to live for another four years without a head.

So have a high old time today as you have all year.

And here’s to the next 150 years.

America, Countries

The Universal appeal of Ozzy Osbourne

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It was always a match made in heaven (or should that be hell) and that’s the Universal appeal of Ozzy Osbourne.

So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that our old pals at Universal Orlando and Hollywood Resort have put together a homage to The Prince of Darkness.

With the people who know him best… mum Sharon and brother Jack.

Guests can anticipate a wild ride as they climb aboard the Crazy Train.

For a terrifying living horror movie trip through his disturbing world of rock and roll.

You’ll be transported through Ozzy’s outrageous and eccentric solo career.

All to the background music of Ozzy’s solo albums…

The Blizzard of Ozz, Diary of a Madman, Bark at the Moon, No More Tears, Scream and Ordinary Man.

Brum notes

The haunted house will show you where it all began, in Ozzy’s hometown of Birmingham.

Starting with “Crazy Train”, Ozzy’s most famous song, guests will travel through time from his early childhood.

To the Osbourne Asylum, inspired by his iconic album Diary of a Madman.

And embrace his personas, Madman Ozzy and Werewolf Ozzy to the Prince of Darkness.

At Universal Orlando, Halloween Horror Nights guests will venture through ancient ruins and foreboding dungeons.

Before boarding the Crazy Train for a twisted ride.

At home with Sharon & Jack

And who better to review the experience than Sharon and Jack themselves?

‘Ozzy never stopped pushing boundaries, and he loved anything that gave fans a new way to experience his music and the worlds he created,”

‘Halloween Horror Nights has done an incredible job bringing that spirit to life.

‘Walking through these haunted houses, you’ll recognise so many moments inspired by his music and imagination.

‘It’s a wonderful tribute to Ozzy, and we hope fans have as much fun experiencing it as he would have had seeing it come together.’

At Universal Orlando, Halloween Horror Nights guests will venture through ancient ruins and foreboding dungeons.

Before boarding the “Crazy Train” for a twisted ride.

Just the ticket

Halloween Horror Nights runs select nights at Universal Orlando Resort, beginning Friday, August 28 through Sunday, November 1.

And at Universal Studios Hollywood from Thursday, September 3 through Sunday, November 1.

Tickets for Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are available at AttractionTickets.com.

America, Countries, Food & Wine

Stein down by the Ohio

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And for our US friends, and one particular half-German-half Scottish American, we say Prost to 50 of years of the Oktoberfest stein down by the Ohio.

The Cincinnatians (the Germans use a Z instead of a soft ‘c’) are marking the half century of Oktoberfests in timeous fashion.

With a massive two-story clock tower inspired by a traditional glockenspiel.

Which will include a biergarten on the ground floor and a performance stage on the second.

With a Cincinnati-themed backdrop and a 31ft bell tower with a working clock.

Its five 3D-printed mechanical bells will chime electronically every hour.

Which we imagine will set the weiners running for the three-day Oktoberfest Zinzinnati unique showpiece.

Everyone’s a wiener

Just mustard: Making his way to the starter’s line

The Running of the Wieners itself marks 19 years of sausage dogs dressed in hot dog costumes.

Now if you don’t have a dachshund in your life and remember they are the most popular pet dog in the USA.

You can just cheer on the runners.

And know that there are other events you can participate in.

Everybody as you would expect in a festival which draws 500,000 Cerevisaphiles and is the largest in the USA and second biggest, after Munich, in the world, joins in.

In the Gemütlichkeit Games.

The curtain-raiser which pits media personalities and civic leaders against each other in Bavarian-style competitions.

Brewing up a storm

If you’re the active kind then there are 14k and 7k brewery runs passing by famous beermakers.

With prizes and a party for all those who take part.

While if you’re the more stationary type then the Hoisting of the Steins will be more your thing.

The rules of which even the most lubricated of Beerfest visitors will understand.

So that’ll be fair drinkum then for an Aussie/Kiwi and one Jock Top Deck crew from 1985 and 1986 reunion then.

The trick is to keep your arm fully extended and horizontal.

Munchen date: Getting ready for the Beerfest

While dropping the arm or spilling any of the beer results in immediate disqualification

And we’re with you in thinking that the hardest thing is keeping your Sam Adams (the sponsors and our favourite Boston tipple) at arm’s length without drinking it.

Tweet music

Don’t chicken out: Join the Chicken Dance

Now you won’t need to imbibe to take part in the world’s biggest chicken dance but we reckon it helps.

Komm wieder (that’ll be come again in Teuton).

Well, some 72,000 took part in the dance to the Tweets’ Birdie Song.

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati returns to Cincinnati’s riverfront from September 17-20.

You can fly from London to Cincinnati from £778.69 with British Airways on September 16, returning September 20.

Now get into training and…

EIN PROSIT, EIN PROSIT, DER GEMUTLICHKEIT

Countries, South America, Sport

Hutton and why Scots cheer Argentina against England

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And for the day that’s in it’s hats aff to Watson Hatton and why Scots cheer Argentina against England.

And you thought it was because of Diego Maradona and his Hand of God.

When it was Scottish teacher Hutton, the Father of Argentinian Football, all along.

For it was Gorbals boy Watson who popularised the game in Buenos Aires along with his fellow Caledonian emigres.

Watson, a keen sportsman (obvs) introduced kickball at the St Andrews Scotch School in the nation’s capital in 1882.

And the Glaswegian was behind the formation of the Argentine Association Football League in 1893.

And two years later the Buenos Aires English High School and a former pupil’s team in 1898 which became known as the Alumni Athletic.

Argentinian Alumni

Now historians of Argentinian football will know all about Alumni, the leading lights in that country’s game in the first two decades of the 20th century.

Watson was himself standing on the shoulders of another giant, an Alec Lamont, a head teacher from St Andrews, who two years prior to Watson’s league set up the Argentine Association Football League.

The earliest known league outside of Britain which St Andrews won after a play-off with Old Caledonians.

Our cup of Lipton tea

Now World Cup anoraks will be quick to tell you that the first final was between Argentina and Uruguay.

But it was an established rivalry by 1930, again because of Scots.

Glasgow tea magnate Thomas Lipton donated the Copa Lipton trophy in 1905 for competition between both nations which ran until 1992.

Watson’s son Arnold starred for Alumni and scored in Argentina’s 2-0 Copa Lipton win over Uruguay in 1906.

And that Scottish thread has been running through Argentinian teams ever since.

James Brown’s Boys

With a James Brown, one of the original Scottish settlers to Argentina in 1824 delivering manifold to the Argentinian cause.

Seven brothers and a cousin, all grandchildren of James Brown, would play for Argentinean clubs and six would also play for the Argentinian national team.

Jorge Gibson Brown captained Argentina from 1908 to 1913 and if you recognise that name in a previous Argentina team then ten out of ten.

Jose Luis Brown scored one of the goals as Argentina won the World Cup in 1986.

Vamos Argentina

While World Cup winner and key member of today’s Argentina team Alexis Mac Allister, is clearly one of Jock Tamson’s Bairns.

All of which you can regale your Argentinian friends with when you visit the country’s iconic grounds.

And the museums Museo River Plate, Boca Juniors’ interactive Museo de la Pasion Boquense and the intimate Diego Maradona Shrine at Argentinos Juniors Museo.

While, of course, you can pay pilgrimage to the Father of Argentinian Football himself, Watson Hutton.

At the British Cemetery (Cementerio Britanico) on Avenida Elcano in the Chacarita neighbourhood of the capital, accessible via the Federico Lacroze subway station.

America, Countries, Europe, Flying, Sport

A tale of Lief, Erling and Transatlantic Norse power

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The Americans have never seen anything like it before, only they have… it’s a tale of Leif, Erling and Transatlantic Norse power.

Because, in truth, Leif Eriksson and the Vikings were the first settlers of North America.

Nearly 500 years before Christopher Columbus.

When the longboats made terra firma at L’Anse aux Meadowes in Newfoundland.

And made their way over the years, four million of them, to the Upper Midwest and the Pacific Northwest.

Mostly to Minnesota, the Dakotas, Wisconsin, Washington State and California.

The Norse Home Country

Well, they’ve been joined, as we’ve all seen in the last month, by crewmen and women from the Old Country.

With the Norwegians giving the Scots a run for their money as the party people of this World Cup.

With their Viking-rooing, or Viking rowing crowd surge.

Even taking over escalators in Boston.

And those very same Scots taking to Norway as their adopted team.

Well, the nearest train station for Shetlanders is Bergen.

Row, row, row your boat

And while none got wet in its production apart from spilled lager.

Modern Norsemen did put their backs into it to row all the way across the Atlantic.

With 338 Norwegian supporters crossing the Atlantic on Norse Atlantic Airways’ longship to New York.

Of course, most of us don’t have that amount of time (and that’s our excuse) so we avail instead of their flights.

The stuff of legend

Norse have been putting on extra seats for Miami for their quarter-final match with England.

And we dare say that Norse flights will be in high demand for the final on Sunday, July 19 in New Jersey.

But here they are, should you be free for next Sunday, from £1,082 return Saturday to Monday.

America, Countries

Okie Bronco saddle up for National Cowboy Day in Oklahoma

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Okie Cowboy saddle up for National Cowboy Day in Oklahoma… where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain.

Now there are many states that claim to be the home of the Cowboy and we’re making it our mission to trail as many as we can.

Although by new-fangled transport because Izzy here has nowhere to go and is getting there slow.

But ahead of the Cowboys’ Big Day, which celebrates its 21st birthday this year, we’re flagging up Oklahoma.

Whose charms Irish cousin Eddie O who has relocated to Edinburgh has been regaling us with these past months.

So let’s whip-crack-away, whip-crack-away, whip-crack away out to Oklahoma to see what’s been going on.

Well, the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum are inviting Wild West fans to join them for a celebration of our Stetson-hatted heroes and heroines.

A ride good time

Of course, the Okies are encouraging us all to go native and dress up in our Western duds.

While we can also look forward to a presentation from Cowboy Cook Kent Rollins.

There will be family-friendly activities and crafts while exploring Prosperity Junction and Liichokoshkomo’ (no, us neither).

And we dare say a nod to famous Oklahomans Will Rogers and Gene ‘The Singing Cowboy’ Autrey.

The biggest boot

Now the Museum is certainly putting its foot down in stamping its claim on being the Home of the Cowboy for this year.

To correspond with the centenary of Route 66.

With the erection of a towerig 35ft-foot (sorry) sculpture, the biggest in the world, that celebrates the Great Highway’s history.

The newest attraction at the museum, it is designed by Okie artists Cameron Eagle and his son Daniel.

Beyond its artistic significance, it reflects the family’s deep roots in Oklahoma, as Cameron’s grandfather helped build Route 66.

The fun kicks off, as it always does, on the fourth Sunday of the year, this year Sunday, July 25… so get your boots on.

America, Central America, Countries, Sport

A healthy attitude to altitude

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And ahead of a certain football game in Mexicoo City here’s how to build a healthy attitude to altitude.

Courtesy of our friends from Denver, the Mile High City.

Where the first piece of advice we were given was around booze.

And that visitors need drink only half as much to get twice as drunk.

And twice as much water as you would at home.

Not easy when you’re at an international travel fair and are being wined and dined around town.

Even when you’re breakfasting at the institution that is The Milk Market.

Food for thought

Breakfast of champions: And that’s OJ, honestly

It turns out too that I should have been side swerving all those lovely sugary treats the Americans do so well.

And rather seeking out the broccoli, bananas, avocado, cantaloupe, celery, greens, bran, chocolate, granola, dates, dried fruit, potatoes and tomatoes.

Which all help you replenish electrolytes by balancing salt intake.

Dressed to chill

Got it covered: Keep cool and your head protected

Now we expect that the England football fans are all dressed in their best retro tops and ready to go.

But maybe those lion and crusader costumes might chafe a bit in the heat and thin air.

Better too having extra protection against the sun which is naturally closer higher up.

A different hat: But maybe not in the heat

Because there’s 25% less protection from the sun up in the air.

So sunscreen is a must.

With Denver receiving more than 300 days of sunshine each year (more than Miami).

So bring sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm.

Take it easy

The welfare of the people who take the pitch, of course, will dictate the mood.

Of the fans who have followed them out and up to Mexico City.

Our altitude advisers tell us that the effects of exercise are more intense at altitude.

Bandanaman: And the Bandanettes at Coors Field

So if you normally run ten miles a day at home.

Then you’re best to try six miles at altitude until you build up the red blood cells.

The Mile and a Half City

Which, of course, England manager has been reminding us he hasn’t had the luxury to do with his players.

Getting his excuses in early.

He might want to try this one too should his attackers balloon the ball over or if the Mexicans hit their target.

And bear in mind too all of you at the footie or plans to take in magical Mexico City.

The Mile and a Half City.

Which we found a sample deal with £1,032 round trip from Edinburgh with KLM, through Amsterdam and back through Paris with Air France.

America, Countries

Bismarck, the state capital you never knew

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And on this day of days, the USA’s 250th anniversary, a shout-out to Bismarck, the state capital you never knew.

Because while the powerhouses of New York, Boston, Philly, DC, Chicago, Miami, Vegas, San Francisco and LA will hold the biggest parties.

America is bound by its Capitol motto E pluribus unum… out of the many few.

Which means that the lesser-known Bismarck is just as important as any of the 49 others and the District of Colombia’s colossus.

And on my radar ever since my American History tutor Ted Ranson put me back in my box.

When I berated the Americans I’d met on my first trip to New York for not knowing Edinburgh was the capital of Scotland.

The awesome Ted

So Ted challenged me to name the capital of North Dakota.

Which since 1873 so near enough 150 years ago has been known as Bismarck.

Renamed from Edwintom for the-then German Iron Chancellor, whose career I also tracked as a history major.

By the Northern Pacific Railway to attract German investment and European immigrants to the developing Dakota Territory.

Consigning Edwin Ferry Johnson, the railroad’s engineer-in-chief, to a note in history.

And his brother by a different mother

So because nowhere else will you find the 250th July 4th focus on Bismarck, North Dakota, we will.

And we heard it straight from the horse’s mouth when we met up with adopted North Dakotan Teddy Roosevelt.

When we reminisced over his treks with Scots Father of the National Parks John Muir.

And the totemic Teddy waxed lyrical about the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library slated for this very day.

In Medora, 155 miles, or two hours’ drive, along Interstate 94 West.

Read all about it

Teddy’s library covers eight chapters of his storied life.

Beginning with his childhood in New York City, followed by his early adulthood.

Including his formative time ranching and hunting in the Little Missouri Badlands in the 1880s.

Which puts us in this place at this time in North Dakota.

Dakota makes you feel like the one

Now the first pit stop for anyone wanting to know what is happening today, even if virtually from abroad is the America250 site.

So you can enjoy Mandan Rodeo Days, the North Border Bronco Rally in Walhalla.

The Turtle Mountain Chief Little Shell Memorial Powwow in Dunseith.

And bringing it back to Teddy as always must the Broadway hit (and we love a Broadway show) Teddy & Alice: An American Musical.

Now wherever he is now my old hippie Americanophile tutor Ted will be proud.

That I have explored many of the places and faces he enthused us with back in those heady student days in Aberdeen.

Like his hero and namesake Ted you were our Man in the Arena.

Now door to door my American odyssey would be a 16-hour marathon through the Eastern seaboard or Chicago.