America Archives - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Van Gogh Museum at 50

3rd June 20233rd June 2023 funtime65

It’s apt that the Dutch are celebrating the Van Gogh Museum at 50 with sunflowers, it’s blooming marvellous.

Flowers are one of the things the Dutch are known for which is why Vincent and his fellow artists are so darned good at them.

I’m thinking my school art teacher Mr Cairney missed a trick with us budding Scottish artists giving us apples to draw.

Although he probably thought the Scottish national flower, the thistle, might not have been the most aesthetic.

Flowers of Amsterdam

Flowers are at the heart of the Dutch story with tulips the must-have status symbol of the 17th century.

The rarest of which was as expensive as a Dutch townhouse.

With the demand in the bulb causing a run which led to the world’s first financial bubble.

All of which you can learn more about at the Tulip Museum in Amsterdam and check out Breughel’s observations.

And how tulips saved the Dutch during the last winter of the Second World War.

Vincent Sun Gogh

Whether Van Gogh was giving in allowing others to paint the Dutch national flower (unlikely) we’ll never know.

But he never painted one tulip in his lifetime although there is one named for him, a reddish-brown one that reaches 50-60cms.

Perhaps though he’d realised that sunflowers were more his thing.

They’re certainly the Dutch Royal Family’s.

With Queen Juliana symbolically presented with a sunflower at the museum’s opening back in 1973.

And Princess Beatrix the same, although a new flower obvs, this week at the Museumplein.

Drone rangers

Earlier in the day, employees distributed tens of thousands of sunflowers, transforming the Museumplein into a sea of flowers.

As a gift to the city of Amsterdam, a drone display took place at 11pm.

The Sunflowers represented generosity to Van Gogh and he painted three in the Yellow House in Arles.

And hung two in the guest room when Paul Gauguin came to stay.

One of which the Frenchman asked if he could have which may have sparked the row which saw Vincent hack his ear off.

Play to the gallery

We’ll never know but we do know he painted two more and we’re just grateful one hangs in the Van Gogh Museum.

Alongside the Potato Eaters, Bedroom in Arles and Almond Blossoms among others, Starry Night is at the MOMA in New York.

The Van Gogh Museum is indeed the gift that keeps on giving as you explore the Pictures of Amsterdam.

So as we celebrate the Van Gogh Museum at 50 we’ll be sure to add again to there 53 million who have already been through its doors.

And we’ll be flying into Schiphol, one of our fave airports, with Dutch airline carrier KLM… check out site for best offers.

And maybe pushing the boat out to stay at George and Amal’s fave Dutch hotel, the Dylan.

Asia, Countries, Europe, Flying

Plane tips for flying toddlers

28th May 202328th May 2023 funtime65

We were so grateful for the air steward’s unorthodox way of calming our screaming baby we thought it might make these plane TUI tips for flying toddlers.

You know, putting lukewarm teabags over your kiddie’s lugs to curb air pressure.

Babe in arms: With the Son and Heir in Liverpool

All of which meant we and the Son and Heir hit the ground running on that TUI trip.

Treat them to a new toy

And also make sure you pack some of their existing toys (ours was Lego).

It’s even worth investing in a couple of new toys if you have a longer flight.

This tip alone can help to keep your little one entertained throughout the entire flight.

Let them watch out the window

We can all remember feeling like we’re floating on a cloud.

On those first giddy flights as children.

Which is why we should treat our kids to a window seat.

And let them follow too the world map on the sensor to help your child identify where you are.

That’s entertainment

Dig your old colouring books out of the attic or garage.

While sticker books are always reliable and try theming it with your holiday.

Read them a book

Taking a flight with your child gives you a great opportunity to bond.

For the Son and Heir a memorable trip to Turkey saw him holding his place in his Harry Potter book as he walked through market.

In-flight entertainment

Not that we’re against modern technology.

Where there aren’t screens for films, you can download movies to a device they can watch.

Keep them refuelled

How bazaar: But we love a Turkish marketplace

So let’s start at the very beginning with babies.

It’s definitely worth taking a bottle of milk for the flight or breastfeeding on take-off and landing.

The sucking motion can help to stop their ears from popping.

You can carry more than 100ml through security and the cabin crew can heat it up for you on the plane.

If your child is older, try giving them a drink or something to eat instead.

So seeing that TUI has us covered on their planes let’s jump on this sample Turkey offer with a free child place.

Deal us in

And because Turkey is the ideal destination for kids and big kids here’s what’s on the radar.

Seven nights self-catering at the Club Candan on August 21 from €1,849 (2+1), €2,439 (2+2).

America, Countries, Flying

Air Miles and Hurry Styles

27th May 202327th May 2023 funtime65

And I’m back with more pins for my world map… but only after a 26-hour trans-Atlantic odyssey of air miles and Hurry Styles.

Now they say the last yards are the hardest for a runner to which my 16-year-old Scottish long-distance champion can testify.

And I had to put the sprint of all sprints on along Princes Street and into Waverley Station to catch the last North Berwick train.

After the peacocked Harry had left Edinburgh’s Murrayfield Stadium and its environs in gridlock and our Citylink bus running at snail’s pace.

That said chapeau to the bus driver for negotiating the back roads of the city.

To get me to the snaking Waverley station with half a chance of my connection.

Deep in the heart of Texas

Get off your horse: John Wayne in Alamo City

It had been a long day’s journey into night.

Starting out at the Westin Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas, my base over four days of the annual American Travel Fair, IPW.

Where I had booked a taxi only to cancel sheepishly when he arrived when a colleague kindly offered me her Uber ride.

My glee at saving a few precious bucks was tempered though when my airline carrier American Airlines charged me $70 for my check-in bag.

But I’d arrived five hours early, the advice is three for international travellers, but better safe than sorry.

And I couldn’t book online, I’m old school and irrationally don’t trust the digital pass.

And then the British Airways app crashed.

Dallas mini-series

Now for all that Alamo City, San Antonio is America’s seventh-biggest city it is smaller in comparison to Dallas Fort Worth.

And with only a couple of hours to play with I’d lie if I said I wasn’t anxious.

Particularly with a shuttle to my terminal to negotiate.

What the duck: Heathrow, but the Coronation is still going on

If my last leg would be the longest my flight out of the US alas was seemless.

And here was me hoping it would be cancelled and I might be offered a free night in Dallas.

With the new pal I’d made in the line, the Dallas Stars basketball fan, celebrating a comeback play-off leg win that night.

American nights

Refuelling: With Philly cheesesteak and an Arnold Palmer

American Airlines has been a new experience for me but save for the baggage check-in surprise it went off smoothly.

Randomly I got front of aisle seating to help for the overnighter with those long legs I’d need later.

And timely films to take in such as the Civil Rights epic true story Till which brought back memories.

Of MLK50, walking in the footsteps of Martin Luther King through Tennessee and Mississippi.

Alas, and isn’t it always the way, the hardest leg was the home one?

My British Airways London to Edinburgh flight pushed out and then held up a couple of hours.

Making the whole experience longer than the nine hours it took to get from Dallas to London.

My heart is ticketying

Mind you, American Airlines were as good as their word and got my baggage home.

Albeit my address slipped out of its Universal Orlando Shrek and Donkey ‘Are we there yet’ luggage tag.

The question I fired off like a repeater all through our crawl through the Harry Styles traffic to the train station.

Now Waverley with its random platforms is a challenge at the best of times…

Thankfully the train was delayed a couple of minutes and got on, a sweaty mess, just in time.

I’d made it home after all those Air Miles and Hurry Styles.

And the Scary One was there on the platform waiting for me.

Now to break it to her that I’m off to another Travel fair in early June.

Leeds should be a breeze but my travels are rarely ticketyboo.

Still it wouldn’t be any fun following my misadventures otherwise.

America, Countries

San Antonio is not my first rodeo

26th May 202326th May 2023 funtime65

San Antonio is not my first rodeo and God willing it won’t be my last American Travel Fair so gracias Texas, it’s been excelente.

And as I while away the time in San Antonio airport I’m relieved, as always, that I managed to stay on.

Buckin’ hell: The electronic one in Denver

It probably helps that my bull this time was plastic but I’m taking that as a victory anyway.

Particularly after the ignominy of my feeble efforts out West to stay on the electronic bull inside Denver Broncos’ Mile High Stadium.

With my fall being relayed to everyone in the stadium on the big screen.

More action

But then they do say in showbiz you should always leave the audience wanting more.

We could all do with more of the type of entertainment and experiences San Antonio has to offer.

And the lasso artist twirling his rope as we entered Alamo Plaza was certainly giving us that.

We’d been here before with lassoing albeit under very different circumstances.

Good ol’ Southern Boys

When we witnessed a Good Ol’ Southern Boy in the bar where we were eating, lassoing along with the action on the screen.

And while we’re talking about southern boys a shout-out to the musical acts which have been entertaining us all week.

And in particular the cowboys, Bryce Leatherwood at the Aztec Theatre and Dierks Bentley.

Both of whom brought the house down.

See y’all next year y’all

Now as I make my way back across three flights I’ll console myself with the knowledge that San Antonio is not my first rodeo.

And the beauty of the American Travel Fair is that you meet people who will tell you where you can get your next rodeo.

And that’ll be Let’s Rodeo San Antonio where the crackers (that’s Texan for cowboys) will be riding out from next February 8-25.

Here’s a glimpse of this year’s action… so see y’all next year y’all.

America, Countries

The Alamo is one to remember

25th May 202329th May 2023 funtime65

It doesn’t roll off the tongue quite as well, the Mission San Antonio de Valero, but the Alamo is one to remember.

The heroic last stand by William Travis, Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett et al is now a shrine in the city that has built up around it in Texas.

Flying the flag: The foreign nationals who fought at the Alamo

And a hobby horse of Phil Collins (yes, that one) who has curated the biggest collection of artefacts.

From the 1836 battle between the Mexicans and Texans.

And donated it to the city of San Antonio.

We are in hallowed company the night we visit, the closing party for the American Travel Fair, the IPW.

Getting your Phil

Alas not Cowboy Collins but someone from the other side, the great, great something or other son of General Sant Anna.

Who just happens to be in our party being guided around the old church and the spanking new museum.

Sant Anna looms large over the Alamo, as does Travis, Crockett and Bowie, the latter who spent the battle in bed.

Not because he was lazy or cowardly, anything but because he had been struck down ill.

And went down maybe not with his boots on but shooting from his bed.

Plaza dazzler

The Alamo Plaza Historic District houses all things Mission San Antonio de Valero.

And all pilgrims which means tonight the couple of thousand delegates from our fair.

Paying homage to those Alamo heroes you’d hope around the beautifully-carved Cenotaph.

And also eating meaty barbecue Texan treats, craft beers and Margaritas from the stalls that have been erected for us.

From all around Texas, Corpus Christie, Houston, Dallas and all points in between.

And listening to the best Country and Southern Rock.

Lone star of the show

In Texas where everything is bigger they fill the night sky with symbols of the Lone Star State.

A rodeo rider, map outline of the nation’s second biggest state, guitar, barbecue sausage and Margarita among other delights.

While down on ground level we channel our own Bucking Broncos on a life-size model.

I smile when asked to fill out an indemnity form before climbing on Bully.

Before being stopped as I approach the Alamo by a dapper Texas ranger who alerts me that my calf is leaking blood.

War wounds

I am donning my Davy Crockett raccoon hat I bought earlier on the River Walk.

I feel heroic with my battle wounds and can share with y’all…

The Alamo is one to remember.

America, Countries, Cruising, Culture

Friday nighters’ splash in San Antonio

24th May 202324th May 2023 funtime65

So I dipped my toe in the water today on my Texas trip… and happen if I stay to the end of the week I’ll be joining the Friday nighters’ splash in San Antonio.

I got my feet wet but never my trademark Bandana with an early-morning swim in the open-deck pool at the Westin Riverwalk Hotel.

Before taking to the Riverwalk again… on foot.

Obvious you might think but weekend revellers have been known to end up in the drink.

Which we discovered on our excellent Go Rio Cruises jaunt down the San Antonio River.

Margarita time

Most of which I’ve forgotten… you’ll forgive me but booze had been taken, Margaritas in one of those plastic yard glasses.

So beloved in Sin City Vegas.

Now despite being named for a saint, San Antonio’s citizens and visitors here know how to sin with bars hugging the riverfront.

Just as well then that the river was named and blessed by a priest.

With its bridges a favourite vantage point for weddings and Jennifer Lopez and Sandra Bullock chickflicks.

Feathered chicks proliferate on the river, sleepy ducks, well you would be in this 30C heat.

And if you’re lucky you might get to see Mother Turtle and her offspring.

Or the caricature version for the kiddies.

Cruise San Antonio

The riverboat cruise is an absolute pleasure with the knowledgeable guides breezing through San Antonio history.

And pointing out buildings which were physically moved from one point to another on stilts.

This being a river then naturally it has been at the mercy of the elements.

And you’ll learn of the challenges of a flood which rose to 10ft.

It pays then to have God on your side.

And San Antonians built ornate churches by the river complete with gargoyle grotesques carved into the exterior.

Some of which look like me after a night of post-partying at IPW, the American Travel Fair, more of which later.

Fun on the water

Back at the pool: At the Westin Riverwalk

And with that I must return to dry land, another riverside bar or restaurant.

And listen to another mariachi band and keep an eye out for a floral parade which is sure to pass by.

Now taking a bend in thus here tale, much like the San Antonio river did I not set you some homework.

To tell me about a famous fortification where we will bring this party to an end tonight.

The Friday nighters’ splash in San Antonio will have to wait.

Tonight, I’ll get someone to hold my drink, I’m off to fight at the Alamo.

America, Countries, Culture, Music

San Antonio will Mex your day

23rd May 202323rd May 2023 funtime65

Whoever won, whoever lost at the Alamo know something, San Antonio will Mex your day.

With the jewel of South Texas a smiling, dancing riposte to Donald Trump’s mission of division.

The missions are a good place to start when exploring San Antonio, southern Texas where the travel world has gathered for America’s annual travel fair.

The Spanish missions which are Texas’s only UNESCO World Heritage site.

Which UNESCO tell us are an example of the interweaving of Spanish and Coahuiltecan cultures.

Footsteps of history

The missions history which includes the unforgettable Alamo is, of course, a challenging chapter of colonisation.

Which we discovered as we walked in the footprints of the first nation Native Americans, Texans and Mexicans (and Germans).

On our 300+ years of history coach tour of the San Antonio environs.

We’d got a taste of the Mexican influences in this, the seventh biggest city, in the country with 1 and a half million, at breakfast.

This being Texas where everything is bigger we’d feasted on barbecue beef, Mexican tacos and chicken and the fruits of the land.

All washed down with Texan cerveja and margarita, the latter which they made us work for.

On your bike

On a bike where they hook up the blender for you to power the mix.

All this brunch partying to extravagantly costumed and oversized-headed Mexican caricatures on a Sunday.

At the natural history and Mexican heritage Witte museum.

And you feel duty bound to beg Deo for forgiveness at any of the well-preserved churches the missions.

Alas, we are too late for the mariachi mass and have to make do instead with paying homage to the muscular friar Francis who founded the Franciscan order.

An order of discipline, devotion to Deo, poverty and great beards.

And they run in my family too through my mum’s cousins who were at the heart of the Nunraw Abbey near my new homestead North Berwick in Scotland.

And who I followed out to Medjugorje in Bosnia & Herzegovina where a Franciscan friar told us how he accidentally set his whiskers alight.

At a candle ceremony.

But I digress… and I have been going around in circles, particularly on the spectacular Riverwalk in San Antonio.

Around San Antonio

Super trooper: Buffalo Soldier Turner McGarritty

So if I deviate into Buffalo Soldiers, German towns, country, jazz and more.

I always seem to get back on course too.

Know something too though that San Antonio will Mex your day.

But maybe remind me the best way to get to the Alamo to channel my best Davey Crockett.

I should be OK as all signposts on the walk point to the famous fortification.

America, Countries, Flying, UK

Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo

20th May 202320th May 2023 funtime65

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

Luggage overheads

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.

And saw a sign saying ‘remember to take all your luggage with you.’

Now my own suitcase will have had an adventure of its own.

Before hopefully we are reunited later today in San Antonio.

Not tempting fate because I’ve been here before in Denver and in Munich at the start of my Greek Odyssey.

But so far I can report that this edition of Holidos and don’ts is ticketyboo.

Of course being the man who invented the notion of the accidental traveller it wasn’t the first thing to trip me up.

And a holidos and don’ts tip here… don’t put your suitcase in the overhead rack on the train.

Because if you’re fixating on the online check-in that won’t go through you might just forget it.

Luggage overheads

Which, of course, some random wise guy smilingly stopped me on the platform to laugh at my expense.

After I’d run back to the stationed train to retrieve it.

Now whatever mishap may befall you on your travels take heart that someone is sure to have been there before you.

And that was brought home to me when clutching my suitcase close to me on the airport coach I looked up.