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America, Countries

Get your certificates on Route 66

10th November 202610th November 2026 funtime65

And here’s something to show off to the people back home… get your certificates on Route 66.

We must say in all our excitement at Santa Monica Pier we missed the 66-to-Cali kiosk on Santa Monica Pier.

Where you can get your shiny booklet to prove you completed the 2448 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica.

And instead raced to the End of the Trail sign for the must-have selfie.

We did, of course, get the bookend pic in Downtown Chi-Chi too as evidence of the full route.

Now if you see where we’re going here it’s more than we do.

A dead cert

So is it as easy as that then just get a pic at the start point and the terminus and blag the interview?

When the good folk at the 66-to-Cali kiosk ask you for details about your trip including favourite places and people on 66.

What you would do differently the second time and what you were surprised by.

And just trot out Saint Louis, Joplin, Oklahoma City (it looks so pretty), Amarillo, Gallup, Flagstaff, Winona, Kingman, Barstow, San Bernardino and Los Angeles.

And particularly if you sing Get Your Kicks.

Because they’ve heard it all before.

A new song for the next 100 years

Which may be why the Route 66 people came up with a new song for the next 100 years.

And darn it, if you’ve only gone and missed the competition and a shot at the $10,000 prize.

The Santa Monica Route 66 Music Contest obviously drew a host of entries confident they could match and even better Bobby Troup’s standard from 1946.

And include even more place names.

With Bart Blackburn triumphing with I Know the Way and like us you can cheat by hopping forward to the 1:37:50 mark.

And in further good news for those who would try and get round the 66-to-Cali kiosk questioneers.

You can always send away for one for around $9.88 to $11 and use all the info you’ve gleaned from us here who have been mingling and singling out info on the Route for you these last few years.

America, Canada, Countries, Sustainable Tourism

Canada and New England Under Shared Skies

31st October 202631st October 2026 funtime65

And underneath the bluster they really are old pals so we’d like to share the success of Canada and New England Under Shared Skies.

With our old pals at Discover New England rewarded for their efforts with their northern neighbours.

With a Best New Tourism Initiative award from JRNY Travel Magazine for Under Shared Skies.

The cross-border travel campaign developed in partnership with their amis in Southern Quebec.

So that’ll be the six New England states and three tourism regions in Southern Quebec,

Inviting overseas visitors to experience the natural and cultural heritage both regions work to protect.

Stars and Stripes & Maple Leaf

Under Shared Skies offers a customisable, two- to three-week driving itinerary.

Connecting Boston, Massachusetts and Montreal, Quebec.

The route takes travellers through western Mass, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine in New England.

And the Eastern Townships, Centre-du-Quebec and Montérégie of Southern Quebec.

And highlights exceptional stargazing opportunities.

Outdoor recreation, cultural experiences and protected natural landscapes.

Canada-based inbound tour operator Jonview serves as the programme’s channel partner.

Additional guides offer opportunities to expand the journey into other parts of New England and Southern Quebec.

On the right Amtrak

Now as we’ve come to expect from our North American friends and travel providers.

They’ve done the heavy lifting for us with options.

But we know what we like and like what we know and that’s seeing coastal New England by Amtrak.

You should start in Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford, Connecticut.

And rideshare or take the Bradley Flyer Bus to Hartford Union Station for the Northeast Regional Amtrak line.

Every witch way

The train stops in walkable New Haven,

And give Handsome George IV a big sloppy kiss, either before or after your slice of Apizza.

Mystic, Westerly, and mural capital Providence are also on your route before you alight at Boston’s South Station.

From Boston, the MBTA Commuter Rail and the Boston Water Taxis and Ferrys simplify travelling without a car.

To witch hub Salem on the North Shore, Provincetown on Cape Cod or Quincy in South Boston.

The Maine line

From Boston, Amtrak continues north on the Downeaster through Maine as far North as Brunswick.

Old Orchard Beach has a seasonal stop a block from the beach.

Freeport’s station is directly in downtown.

Portland’s station is only a couple of miles outside of downtown and there is ample ride share service.

Many travellers who are lured by the beauty of Downeast, Maine and towards Acadia National Park will often times rent a car in Portland.

And continue their self-drive tour or hire a luxury guide service through North American Traveler or Joshua’s Worldwide.

Canada Way

Now Canada Eh, you say or in French-Canada with an insouciant Gallic shrug.

Well the Southern Quebec leg of USS (that’s Under Shared Skies) includes..

The Eastern Townships (Lac-Mégantic, Orford, Magog, Sherbrooke), Centre-du-Québec (Odanak and Bécancour), and Montérégie (Kahnawà:ke, Rigaud, Hudson and the approach to Montréal).

All of which highlight Québec’s International Dark Sky Reserve, cultural heritage, and agricultural traditions.

As well as wine and cider tours, agritourism feasts including cranberry harvest time, cheese making and, naturellement, maple farms.

While if you want to get right under the skin of Quebec then take in the additional Indigenous experiences connected to the Abenaki Nation,

And so because the air above us is for all of us let’s all get behind Under Shared Skies of the US and Canada.

America, Countries, Sport

Austin we have a Big Four problem

25th October 202625th October 2026 funtime65

And as we follow Kimi Antonelli’s procession to the F1 World Championship we reflect that Austin we have a Big Four problem.

With the home of US Grand Prix (OK, there’s Vegas too) the 12th most populous city in the US with a million citizens.

So why when Austin can draw the big cars and big celebrities to central Texas can it not attract a marquee Big Four sports team?

Deep in the heart of Texas

Well, we’re reliably informed by our Texan hombres that they’re the victims of Lone Star state politics.

And the rival interests of Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.

Although Alamo City does allow its little brother to host three Spurs NBA matches with the Houston Rockets in town just on Friday.

To coincide with the F1 circus.

The two February games against the Memphis Grizzlies and Denver Nuggets.

Taking place during the annual San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo road trip.

When San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center is unavailable.

Music to our ears

Post with most: F1 headliner Post Malone

Now Austin’s place in the F1 calendar has become secure melding the two things it does best… music and cars.

Austin you see bills itself, not unreasonably, the World Live Music Capital of the World.

Wit Maroon Five, Post Malone and Alesso headlining the F1 weekend

Of course, as well as the US Grand Prix providing a showcase to the world for Austin.

A home run

It is also a reminder that baseball, American Football, ice hockey and basketball choose not to cash in on the city’s possibilities.

Although Austinians still believe that they can win hearts and minds and a franchise.

And are pinning their hopes on becoming one of the two cities to claim one of the spots slated for Major League Baseball in 2032.

And seeing off the challenge of Salt Lake City, Nashville, Portland, Orlando, Raleigh and Montreal.

Major airlines fly into Texas although you may need to fly via a major hub.

Countries, Europe, Flying, Halloween

Go Golem-O-Ween for Halloween in Prague

22nd October 202622nd October 2026 funtime65

And we’re scaring up something different here for you… go Golem-O-Ween for Halloween in Prague.

Anybody who has been to Praha, and if you haven’t you should, will have bumped into Golem.

Maybe not on the streets of the Czech capital although the little clay clout is known to prowl the neighbourhoods.

But in the book stores and ka-ching shops of Prague where he is a go-to kids book, cuddly toy and Czech merch.

Bohemian mischief

Golem, no, not Tolkein’s boggly-eyed bad hobbit, but no less menacing.

Namely the animated anthropomorphic clay creation of Rabbi Judah Loew Ben Bezalel in the late 16th century.

When he took the mud from the Vltava River and brought it to life to defend the Prague ghetto.

If all this creationism sounds familiar then yes you’re right to mention that the First Man Adam was created from mud.

Now that the Czechs put on a show for Halloween and bring their unique Bohemian flair to it should come as no surprise.

Kafka to climbing babies

And to explore the city’s dark side the museum dedicated to the great apocalyptist Franz Kafka is a great place to start.

Praguers, of which the Metamorphosis author, are by nature mischievous.

As you’ll see near the Kafka Museum where two steel figures, representing politicians, on a map of Czechia peeing on the country.

While you’ll notice too figures hanging from rooftops holding umbrellas.

Before you even get to the babies climbing the TV tower.

Ryanscare

All of which you can see for yourself with a city break, flying with Ryanair.

You can fly to Prague with fares starting from €29.99.

Africa, America, Countries, Culture, Europe, UK

Oor Wullie and other comic strip heroes on pedestals

15th October 202615th October 2026 funtime65

And a happy 90th birthday to the best-loved Scots boy who never grows old Oor Wullie and other comic strip heroes on pedestals.

The spiky-haired blond laddie in dungarees sits proudly on his bucket in Dundee laughing at his latest jape.

To celebrate his connections with the city’s Sunday Post where he first appeared in 1936.

Dan’s the man: Desperate Dan in Dundee

And near to other child’s comic strip characters Desperate Dan, Dennis the Menace & Gnasher and Minnie the Minx.

Boys will be boys: With Wullie in Dundee

All of whom lift Dundonians’ spirits every day as they pass through the city centre.

Which should be the way of it rather than be reminded how we are subjugated by warmongers and titans of empire.

Hang on Snoopy, hang on

Lend a hand: With Charlie and Snoopy at Knott’s Berry Farm

Dundee should act as a template to the rest of the world although we shouldn’t altogether despair.

As there are towns and cities where our favourite cartoon strip heroes are celebrated.

Step forward Charles Schulz’s birthplace, Saint Paul where Charlie Brown and his pals are immortalised.

So that’s Charlie, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and Snoopy again with Woodstock.

While America’s favourite trier is also put on a pedestal across the land and naturally at the Charles M. Schulz Museum.

Aye, aye, it’s Popeye

Muscling in: Popeye in Illinois

Now what we all look for in a statue is a strong structure that will resist any forces which we think you’d agree is Popeye.

The 6ft Sailor Man flexes his muscles in Segar Memorial Park to honour hometown creator Elzie Crisler Segar in Chester, Illinois.

Now everyone has their own favourite comic strip character.

Blistering Belgium, Tintin

Muscling in: Popeye in Brussels

And I would think the War Room bookshelf particularly bare without Tintin looking over me.

While Belgium’s most famous boy reporter is rightly celebrated across the land.

And touchingly is commemorated with his faithful companion Snowy at the Centre Culturel d’Uccle in Brussels.

While, and perhaps we shouldn’t look too closely at the reasons why.

Outside Hotel Memling in the former Belgian colony of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

There are, of course, those of our favourites who we have come to know many miles from their home.

And from Darkest Peru

Step up Paddington

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who we all know came from Darkest Peru.

Of course, no immigrant, has been so taken to the hearts of British people as the duffel-coated bear.

And Paddington Bear statues can be found across London and in 23 towns, cities and beauty spots throughout the UK and Ireland.

As part of the Paddington Visits trail.

As well as back home in Peru, in the capital Lima and in Machu Picchu.

Now we don’t know for certain if Oor Wullie and Paddington have ever met but if we had our way…

America, Countries, Sport

Football’s back and here’s where you’ll find Ted Lasso

10th October 2026 funtime65

And after the two-week international break football’s back and here’s where you’ll find Ted Lasso.

No, I’m not, to use a Ted line ‘being like a goldfish’ and I know he’s involved in the women’s club game and that’s been on.

It’s just I’m avoiding going Route 1 and passing it around at the back before bringing you today’s Ted-themed offer.

Because we know that’s who you’ve been watching during the footie famine.

Lasso ’em in

Now, of course, you’ll be wanting to follow in the stud steps of the Great Man.

Which you can, courtesy of a new transatlantic journey from Richmond, London, to Kansas City, Missouri.

All thanks to North America Travel Service’s seven-day Ted Lasso Holiday: Richmond UK and Kansas City.

Riches in Richmond

The adventure begins with two nights in Richmond, including breakfast and a guided Ted Lasso tour.

Where you’ll see Ted’s home, explore Richmond Green and Paved Court.

And visit the pub that doubles as the Crown & Anchor, Ted and the AFC Richmond team’s local.

We’re in Kansas… any more?

Then it’s time to swap Richmond for Ted’s real home including a scheduled flight from Heathrow to Kansas City.

With four nights at the historic downtown Hotel Savoy Kansas City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

An included Kansas City Food & History Tour delves into specialities including beef burnt end stew.

Discover downtown aboard the KC Streetcar and hear stories of the cowboys, gangsters and characters that shaped the city.

You’ll also get free time to explore the city’s legendary barbecue and jazz heritage.

To the 18th & Vine district, National WWI Museum and Memorial, Crossroads Arts District and Kansas City’s sporting culture.

Deal us in

The Ted Lasso Holiday: Richmond UK to Kansas City package is a seven-day, six-nighter, departing April.

Taking in Richmond & Kansas City and costing from £1,865pps, including two nights in Richmond with breakfast.

A Ted Lasso filming locations tour, return scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Kansas City.

Four nights at Hotel Savoy Kansas City, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and a Kansas City Food & History Tour with local tastings.

America, Countries, Sport, UK

Paws for thought… let’s have a British mascot hall of fame

27th September 202627th September 2026 funtime65

And on the back of a night at the ice hockey, here’s a paws for thought… let’s have a British mascot hall of fame.

Paws, as I ought to have known, but do now is Edinburgh Capitals’ lion mascot.

In a pride of big cats, the symbols of sporting teams the length and breadth of this island of Britain.

With Edinburgh’s two football teams, Hearts and Hibs adopting Tynie Tiger and Sunshine the Leith Lynx.

And Scotland represented by Roary the Lion.

Whisper it, we probably owe our southern neighbours for kicking it all off.

With their World Cup Willie for their World Cup in 1966.

Cats and mouse game

And yes, behind many of the mascots’ name is a giggling overgrown school kid, although sometimes it’s accidental.

Or because we are separated by a common language.

As we discovered as an Irish party visiting the Los Angeles Angels baseball team in Anaheim.

And our Angels guide proudly announced they like nothing better than getting their Mickeys out.

Which a man will be arrested for in Ireland.

Hall of Famers

All good fun and banter which, of course, drives fans everywhere.

And which our American friends recognise and mark in their Mascot Hall of Fame.

Wild World: With Anaheim Ducks’ Wild Wing

All the brainchild of Philly Phanatic, David Redmond, who held the position and costume from 1978-1993.

Now the Hall of Fame, like much else these days, is an online site.

After a spell between 2018-24 as an interactive children’s’ museum in Indiana.

Now should you or your mascot feel they belong in the Hall of Fame then you need to persuade the committee.

That you have been going for a minimum of ten years.

And that you have impacted your sport and community.

Inspired fans, and consistently given memorable and groundbreaking performances.

Meet the Mascots

You’ll only join a magical mascots membership.

That includes Cosmo, Miles, Goldy, Mrs Met and in the best tradition of these things, yes, Cocky.

We reckon Paws would be a worthy addition.

Not least because we can reveal that’s where Ed Sheeran has been hiding these past few days.

America, Countries

Vegas baby at Compston’s Palms Hotel

26th September 202626th September 2026 funtime65

Now none of us would settle for anything less than a room with a basketball court… it’s Vegas baby at Compston’s Palms Hotel.

The Scots actor giving us a whistlestop tour of his adopted town for Channel 4… all in the line of duty, of course.

Martin brings his earthy Scots schtick to Neon City and reminds us of this Scot’s unfinished business in Neon City.

Particularly with Las Vegas’s 5-Day Sale ending tonight, September 28, including the iconic Palms Hotel.

Half the fun and half as dear

Now assuming, which makes an ass of you and me, that you don’t have a spare $25,000 for a night’s stay.

And whisper it, Martin has, after dropping and flopping $20k on the Pontoon table.

Then the Palms has a range of 50% off suites.

From a Fantasy King for two from an average $158.74 including $21.99 resort fees per night.

To the Ivory Penthouse at from $358.74 average per night and including resort fees per night.

A tale of two Martins

Now Vegas still remains new to Martin as he explains, despite living eight years there with his wife Tianna and their son.

Because you could spend a lifetime there and never get to know it all.

Which is why you’re always best to tap up the locals who do live their lives there.

Like those who keep the rooms, run the tables, curate the Mob Museum, the Neon Museum and much more besides.

Miss America: Meets Mr Scotland in Vegas

And visit the Xxx Off Strip every weekend, like Cami from Utah.

To listen to Eighties-covers burlesque troupe The Whip Its at Harrah’s and get unsuspecting Scots up on the dance floor.

Now depending on how far you go you could even end up up the aisle at the Graceland Wedding Chapel.

As colleagues in our party, Martin and Peter did, just for the story you understand.

Africa, Countries, Flying

Olympus above the Serengeti

23rd September 202623rd September 2026 funtime65

As sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti we all picture what a safari in Africa might be.

Although perhaps only Eighties American soft rockers Toto would put it like that.

Because Tanzanians and Kilimanjaro or Serengeti veterans will tell you there’s 200 mile distance between them.

With it all being part of rock legend that David Paich famously never set foot foot on the continent.

Toto recall

Flying high: Your British Airways flight awaits

Toto’s Africa though blares out of the lobby of the Boardwalk Hotel in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) in South Africa.

To remind us that safari country is on our doorstep.

So Paich’s leap of imagination clearly worked in promoting the joys of African safaris.

Now in Paich’s favour it is less of a trek to get to Kilimanjaro now than in his day.

African skies

And getting easier all the time with British Airways introducing direct flights.

From London Gatwick to Kilimanjaro and on to Zanzibar, starting with three flights a week.

Now our friends at Wild Frontiers have a ten-day safari into Tanzania’s Northern parks.

Of Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire as well as the Rift Valley and Lake Natron.

Plus a chance to climb the Sacred Mountain of the Masai (Ol Doinyo Lengai), and experience real Maasai culture.

Like a Maasai warrior

The safari travels into the best areas of this game-packed region.

Where you can camp among the game with the sounds of the African bush all around.

As well as visiting some off the beaten track areas of Masailand, where few venture.

Now to take in Kilimanjaro then Wild Frontiers will tailor your package.

So we’ll just leave you with the exhortations of David Paich…

Hurry boy, she’s waiting there for you.

America, Countries, Europe, Pilgrimage

Passport for Pocohontas on the John Smith Trail

21st September 202621st September 2026 funtime65

And as I train on for the Camino next week I’m leaving stamps on my passport for Pocohontas on the John Smith Trail for a next trek.

Pocohontas, as we don’t have to tell you, is twice blessed in the sacred Rotunda in the US Capitol in Washington DC.

We’re concentrating here on the stone relief sculpture above the doorway.

Titled The Preservation of Captain Smith by Pocahontas by Antonio Capellano.

Captain Smith and Pocohontas which you’ll know from your Disney are inextricably linked.

At home with Pocahontas

As they are on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.

The 3,000-mile trek through five states and the District of Colombia.

For Pocohontas fans Machicomoco State Park along the York river and Gloucester County Visitor Center are your touch points.

With Werowocomoco, where Pocohontas grew up, alas closed off for just now from us.

While the The National Park Service works through with Virginia’s First Nations how to shape the site.

With Werowocomoco holding truths about Native American societies in the Chesapeake stretching back thousands of years.

A tale of two Johns

The John Smith Trail is the authentic way through pre-American history.

In much the same way as the 216-mile John Muir Trail is in California.

You may be more familiar with the Father of the National Parks’ 134-mile coast to coast trek in his native Scotland.

Big hand: For John Muir in his native Dunbar

Now whichever trek you set out on remember to take your passport with you.

Yes, of course, that document that will let you through the security gate but also trail passports.

Where you collect stamps as a memento of your odyssey.

Stamp your authority

I’ll be on my second Camino passport but a Portuguese Way one to go with my Camino Frances.

While I also have a Via Francigena from my journeys in Italy.

All of which reminds me that I have to update my Big passport for next year and get my Irish one too, like the Daughterie.

The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail has 43 unique stamps,

And like all trails the first journey always has a first step.