America Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

America, Countries

Aer Lingus is working Nine to Flyve for Dolly

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And we thought you’d appreciate some good aeronautical news and that is that Aer Lingus is working Nine to Flyve for Dolly.

The Irish national airline carrier has only marked The Queen of Country’s passing by dedicating their flight to Nashville.

In Dolly’s name… renumbering their Dublin-to-Nashville service EI95.

Been there, bought the t-shirt: The Great Dolly

Aer Lingus currently has transatlantic fares available from €199 each way, as part of a return trip.

So doll up, get your nails done and your blonde wig on… and ladies do the same.

Bookings must be made before 29 September 2026 for travel between October 1-March 19.

A Parton gift

Talking of books the promotion of reading was one of Dolly’s great passions.

And we all know of her roots and that she pledged to get the world reading.

After growing up in a Tennessee home where her Daddy couldn’t read.

And that she went on to found the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

Which since its inception since 1995 has gifted more than 330,000 books to under-5s.

A leaf out of Dolly’s book

Now taking a leaf out of Dolly’s book Aer Lingus are donating books on their Nine to Flyve flight.

Every child on the first EI95 service will receive a book to enjoy during their journey.

And to take home as a memento of the flight.

Which parents will be delighted with to keep the wee ones quiet.

While Daddy and Mummy Dolly listen to their Dolly playlist on their headphones.

Or maybe watch 9 to 5 on the infotainment.

To get them in the mood for celebrating Dolly at the Grand Ole Opry.

Or further afield at Dollywood.

America, Countries, UK

Saturday Night Live… from Chicago

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As the UK laps up another dose of US improv, here’s why it was really Saturday Night Live… from Chicago.

Comedy fans have long greeted the holler after the opening sketch announcing Saturday Night Live… from New York.

And while the weekly anarchic tilt at the week is shot now in New York, and its UK version in London.

It is Chicago where improv is rooted, and in particular The Second City comedy club.

Which spawned Belushi and Aykroyd, Murray and Gardner, Fey and Poehler and Louis-Dreyfus and Carrell.

The original and best

John Boy: John Belushi, middle back, Second City

The Windy City is rightly proud of its hallowed place in the comedy firmament.

And it is not by accident with Chicagoans showing all the spontaneity and inventiveness.

Which led them to the Mid-West in the first place.

Viola Spolin is credited with being the Godmother of Modern Improv.

And that surely is a stage name given to gags.

And she passed on the funny gene to son Paul Sills who founded the Compass Players which led to the formation of the Second City.

Now what happens in Chicago soon gets taken up in the Big Apple and beyond… think skyscrapers.

And Second City has expanded since its inception in the 50s to spread the word to NY and Toronto and to the virtual ether.

Of course there is nothing quite like the original.

And if you want to discover the next SNL superstars then The Second City Chicago always put on the best show.

Sheer Pandemonium

As a sample Chicago is putting on Pandemonium, Please Hold through Friday.

Which they call The Second City’s 114th MainStage Revue Pandemonium.

A loud fast and gloriously unhinged night of comedic mayhem.

With the six-person cast cranking the amps and stage dives headfirst into the chaos with blistering sketches.

With tickets from $40-$80… and with a card and your own joke to go, In conjunction with The National Comedy Center New York.

And now the punchline

And because you’re you we’re sharing ours with you here for nothing.

Why didn’t the toilet paper cross the road?

Because it got stuck in a crack.

America, Countries

Muhammad Ali’s gift to Kentucky

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Down by the Ohio legend has it that there’s an Olympic gold medal in the mud… Muhammad Ali’s gift to Kentucky.

In truth, the world’s greatest-ever sportsman’s legacy is far greater than the trinket he threw.

Into the Ohio River in protest against racism.

And in this the tenth year we are reminded of how we can mark it in his home town of Louisville.

On a knockout Internet Traveller 14-night Legends & Landmarks of Kentucky fly-drive holiday from £2,375pps.

In the rounds

You’ll fly into Cincinnati and stay two nights at the vibrant Hotel Covington in Covington.

And sign up for a Sin City Mobster Tour.

Days 3-6 will be spent in Louisville at the 21c Museum Hotel, Louisville, where you’ll came face to face with a 20C icon.

Where you can step into the ring at the Muhammad Ali Center.

While if racing is more your thing and it is Favourite Cousin Kath’s Kentuckian husband Mark’s.

Then you can immerse yourself in the Churchill Downs at the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Where the history of ‘The Run for the Roses’ gallops to life.

Drink it all in

Now drinking in Kentucky obviously means bourbon and where better to stay than the Distll-Inn in Bardstown.

Stay two nights and embark on A Taste of Bardstown Tour where you’ll learn the art of bourbon-making.

Shifting gear your next pit stop is the National Corvette Museum in the lyrically-named Bowling Green.

Going underground; The world’s longest caves

With a billet at the Holiday Inn Express.

And the enchanting Mammoth Cave, which is no idle boast, with it stretching 426 miles.

Making it the longest known cave system in the world, though we don’t expect you to do it all.

It’s finger-licking’ good

Now no visit to Kentucky is complete obviously without a stop-off for a KFC.

And where better than the Colonel’s home town of Corbin and the original Sanders Café.

While because Southerners believe that anything the North can do they do it better.

Then take in the nearby Cumberland Falls, ‘the Niagara of the South.’

You’ll round off your tour with three nights in classic equine country, Lexington.

Not in a stable although Kentuckian horses are housed in style.

But in the elegant Campbell House in Lexington.

And be treated to a Kentucky Horse Farms Tour that takes you through the rolling pastures of the Bluegrass Region.