America Archives - Page 3 of 82 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Iolar where the Aer Lingus eagle dares again

27th May 202627th May 2026 funtime65

Is it a bird, is it a plane… no it’s an Irish plane Iolar where the Aer Lingus eagle dares again.

Should you have been out for a stroll around Bristol in the West Country of England on May 27, 1936 then you’d have been in for a shock.

When a Havilland DH.84 Dragon, or Iolar or Irish eagle in Gaelic parlance, flew over your head.

If you’re still around today of course, you won’t bat an eyelid at metal birds flying over your heads.

But sometimes it does no harm to turn the clock back.

And that’s what Aer Lingus has done, flying the EI-ABIIolar from Dublin to Bristol as part of its 90th anniversary celebrations.

The craic was 90

Green for go: Aer Lingus cabin crew members Laura Stapleton and Nicola Crimmins. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

Back in 1936, Aer Lingus was a fledgling airline with one aircraft, one route, five passengers, driven by an ambition to connect Ireland to the world.

Since then, the airline has flown everyone from Popes to Presidents, proudly providing an enduring connection between Ireland, the UK, Europe and North America.

Aer Lingus’ de Havilland DH.84 Dragon, EI-ABIIolar, is one of the last remaining aircrafts of its type and represents Ireland’s rich and storied aviation history.

As Aer Lingus’ first aircraft, EI-ABI Iolaroperated for two years with the newly-formed Irish airline, before it was sold and later lost during World War II.

Today’s Iolaris, a sister aircraft to the original, which was welcomed into the Aer Lingus fleet in the 1960s.

It was first restored for the airline’s 50^th anniversary in 1986. Now re-registered as EI-ABI, Iolar remains an enduring symbol of Aer Lingus’ heritage.

The Irish Volunteers

Landed: Laura and Nicola emerge from EI-ABI, Iolar. Picture: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

Iolar had been proudly on display in Aer Lingus’ maintenance headquarters at Dublin Airport in recent years.

With preparations to return the aircraft to its former glory commencing ahead of Aer Lingus’ 90^th anniversary.

The four‑month restoration, carried out by Midland Aviation at Abbeyshrule Aerodrome in County Longford, was supported by a dedicated group of Aer Lingus volunteers.

The skilled team combined archival research, engineering expertise and traditional craftsmanship to restore the aircraft.

‘While preserving its structural integrity and historical authenticity.

The restoration work included maintenance and certification checks, including full top overhauls of both engines and careful cosmetic restoration of the airframe.

With the skills of one of Ireland’s last aviation carpenters playing a vital role in preserving the aircraft’s authenticity.

Around the world with Aer Lingus

Flying Aer Lingus: My go-to Transatlantic carrier

Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus Chief Executive Officer, said: ‘I am incredibly proud of the dedication and expertise shown by our colleagues and partners in bringing Iolar back to life.

‘And preserve an important piece of our history for future generations.

‘As we mark our 90th anniversary, we’re conscious not only of where we have come from, but how far we have progressed over the past nine decades.

‘From that first flight carrying five passengers across the Irish Sea, the airline today connects Ireland to over 100 destinations across Europe, the UK and North America.’

Of course, much as we would like the intimacy of a five-passenger flight we recognise times change and will relent to share our experience with others.

Even when liquored-up rugger buggers (and England’s west country is full of them) think it’s a great wheeze.

To chuck nuts at each other and past our heads.

Thankfully though Aer Lingus’s angels in the air are always there to intervene on our behalf.

Countries, South America

The Galapagos are turtley the ultimate in slow travel

23rd May 202623rd May 2026 funtime65

A shout-out here to our heroes in a half-shell on their special day because the Galapagos are turtley the ultimate in slow travel.

Now, as you well know by now, we’ve been spending years poking our noses underwater and into turtles’ lives.

Only to discover we only had to take ourselves out to Turtle Nirvana, the Galapagos, where they’re given right of way on the roads.

With tour guides holding up traffic signs to keep motorists at bay and allow our slow creepers to cross the path.

Darwin and a few species

Our friends at The Internet Traveller have put together a 12-night Ecuador and Galapagos special from £4755pps.

Where you can channel your inner Charles Darwin and get up close and personal with the Giant Turtles.

Of course, because this is slow travel so we’re in no hurry and are glad to sample the joys of Quito in Ecuador.

Stroll through the cobble street UNESCO-listed Old Town.

And take a ride on the TelefériQo for jaw-dropping views of the city and beyond.

Your tour will see you rest up at the Dann Carlton Hotel, because tomorrow, the real jungle adventure begins.

Head in the clouds

Big reveal here though The Internet Traveller wants us to do a bit of work now for our rewards.

If you can call it that as next stop is Ecuador’s cloud forest, Mashpi Lodge.

You’ll wake up to the calls of howler monkeys and the flutter of over 400 bird species.

Hike through misty trails, chase waterfalls, and glide through the treetops on the unique Dragonfly canopy ride.

While nightfall brings a whole new spectacle – bioluminescent fungi and the eerie glow of nocturnal creatures.

Your hosts will give you an overnight back in Quito to prepare you for your meeting with the turtles.

And snorkel up at Tijeretas cove where you’ll have the chance to swim alongside sea turtles, rays, and sea lions.

Our big beast

You’ll get a day to yourself on Isla San Cristobal and perhaps take a boat excursion to Kicker Rock or Isla Lobos.

And again pop in on the sea turtles, eagle rays, and the gentle (phew!) Galápagos shark.

Before visiting Isla Santa Cruz and a reunion with the big beast of the origin of the species… remember him!

You’ll arrive by speedboat after a riveting two and a half hour journey.

The Charles Darwin Research Station would make the old beardie one proud.

With its ongoing conservation efforts to protect the unique ecosystem.

And the perfect opportunity to have up-close encounters with the majestic giant tortoises.

A different breed

Later that day you’ll venture to the highlands where you’ll see the tortoises roam freely in their natural habitat.

There’s always another island, of course, and Isla Isabela is the largest in the Galapagos.

And one of the most volcanically active on Earth and you’ll get the chance to hike 17km up to Sierra Negra Volcano.

While an excursion to Las Tintoreras will give you the chance to observe white-tipped sharks at rest and see where marine iguanas nest.

Now because there is something admittedly voyeuristic here don’t overthink what you’re doing at the Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre.

Because if David Attenborough can…

Show me your boobies

There’s a whole sea of exotic creatures in and around Isla Santa Cruz and here you’re allowed to play out your inner kiddie.

And seek out the blue-footed boobie sea birds and pelicans.

Which is as good a place to complete your slow travel odyssey before making your way back slowly to Quito.

And on to London and quicker than Charlie and his Beagle who took a year to get home.

America, Countries, UK

Your own American Revolution in Britain

19th May 202619th May 2026 funtime65

Now you don’t have to visit Boston or Philly, though you should… you can have your own American Revolution in Britain.

Like much else in life I turn to TV historian Lucy Worsley to fill in those very few gaps in my knowledge.

And now I’m armed with the new knowledge from her TV show Lucy Worsley Investigates the American Revolution.

Of where the Patriots had their footprint on British soil.

I aim to explore what’s in my backyard.

Naked truth about Franklin

Lucy brings us naturally to the house where Benjamin Franklin lived from 1757 to 1775.

And where Lucy tells us he would announce himself to Londoners.

By drawing the shutters and standing breathing in the air in his birthday suit.

As well as its many artefacts and pointers to the Founding Father’s place in American history.

You can participate in a funky game the inventor, ambassador, writer and raconteur created.

Out of electricity and the King’s head.

Which all sounds a good idea… common sense really.

The Unofficial Founder

And so thought Thomas Paine, once of the English shires.

Now you probably wouldn’t associate Thetford, Norfolk as a hotbed of revolutions.

But it was here and in Lewes, Sussex that firebrand Paine first started pedalling his sedition.

Before, with Franklin’s help he decamped to the American colonies.

And published his best-seller Common Sense.

Down with the Crown

Standing tall: Putting Paine on a podium

With zinger lines such as…

‘There is another and greater distinction for which no truly natural or religious reason can be assigned.

‘And that is the distinction of men into kings and subjects.’

More of which you can learn for yourself at Bull House, his residence on the south coast of England.

And wrote his first political pamphlet The Case of the Officers of Excise.

Part of the first national unionised action anywhere in the world.

While if you want to travel, you can make your way to Paine’s homestead of Thetford for an obligatory selfie in front of his statute.

America, Countries

When Teddy Roosevelt followed John Muir’s way

17th May 202617th May 2026 funtime65

And because Americans have much to thank him for, today we remember when Teddy Roosevelt followed John Muir’s way.

Which, of course, we talked about when we hooked up with Teddy last year in Chicago.

And no, we’re not that old to have been there.

When the US President and the Scots conservationist and explorer made history back in 1903.

Teddy, steady go

But we did the next best thing, chewing the fat with Joe Wiegand.

Today’s foremost Teddy Roosevelt, who channels everything there is to be said about the 26th Commander-in-Chief.

And was quick to tell me when he picked up on my accent of his Scottish roots through his mum Mittie Bulloch.

But he had little to say on his friendship with Dunbar, East Lothian-born Muir.

Well, Teddy’s memory may be failing him, being 168 now.

Although Teddy and John went on a three-night camping trip together.

And the Scot took the time to persuade the American how he could help preserved the Great American Outdoors.

The Great Outdoors

During Teddy’s presidency he placed 230 million acres of public land under government protection.

Including the iconic landmarks such as the Yosemite Valley and the Grand Canyon.

He became a close friend of Muir who had written: “Only by going alone in silence, without baggage, can one truly get into the heart of the wilderness.

“All other travel is mere dust and hotels and baggage and chatter.”

Walking in their footsteps

Now it was always Teddy and John’s earnest hope that we would check out the Yosemite Valley and Grand Canyon for ourselves.

While we can also mark John Muir’s legacy by visiting John Muir’s Birthplace in Dunbar.

Or walking the 134-mile John Muir Way.

From the east coast of Scotland, past my house in North Berwick, to Helensburgh on the west coast.

While Teddy’s Presidential Library will be in keeping with the Great Man on a different scale when it is opened on June 30.

A 93-acre site, a mile and a half west of Medora, North Dakota and celebrating the Great Outdoors.

And when Teddy Roosevelt followed John Muir’s way.

We’d expect too that there will always be a place for Teddy Bears to have a picnic.

America, Countries

When a Maryland town took the Michael out of the British

11th May 202611th May 2026 funtime65

And as we send Favourite Cousin and Cousin-in-law back home to the Oo Es Eh we’re as good as our word in sharing the story of when a Maryland town took the Michael out of the British.

A subject that King Charles noticeably decided not to drop into his banter in front of Congress in his speech up the road in Washington DC.

Too busy having a friendly dig at Donald Trump over the burning of the White House… ‘a small attempt at real estate redevelopment.’

St Michaels‘ part in the American story is heralded on the Chesapeake Bay coastline of Maryland but little known across the pond.

But the small Marylander community are rightly proud of their part in protecting the nascent nation as ‘the town that fooled the British.’ in the War of 1812.

All of which you can discover for yourself, and you should as an extension to visiting the US capital 85 miles to the west, at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.

Light the lantern of freedom

America the Brave: St Michaels fights back

The story goes though that in the early morning of August 10, 1813 the citizens reportedly placed lanterns high in the trees, on ships’ mastheads, and on the roofs of buildings.

So that the enemy would be fooled into firing over the town.

And so the British Redcoats rowed their boats along the Miles River, on a dark and stormy night.

The British appeared at Parrot’s Point at 4am, where the Americans had two cannons waiting for them.

As 300 British marines marched on shore, William Dodson and the Marylanders took aim.

Shots heard around the world

Sign of the times: The proud St Michaels boast

The museum’s curators tell us that the Americans “’were able to get maybe two shots. And then they grabbed their flag and ran back to town.’

After the Americans disappeared into the mist, the British got back in their boats, and trained their cannon on St. Michaels.

But they were not successful, shooting over the town.

St Michaels, just like every small town, big city and shotgun shack across the US will celebrate Modern America’s 250th all across the year.

And the good news for us is that they’re not playing Hide and Seek with today’s British visitors.

Countries, Europe, Flying

Get off to a flier with twin trips

10th May 202610th May 2026 funtime65

And as our own race across the world continues here’s how to get off to a flier with twin trips.

All of us know that burning curiosity of looking out over to the next field.

Before finding out for ourselves how green it is.

With visitors on our loveholidays odyssey to Rhodes availing of the hop, skip and jump to Marmaris in Turkey.

Symi, see you: And Turkey on the horizon

And sailing into Turkish broadband space in Greek Dodecanese Island Symi.

Just as we found on the Jordan side of the world’s waterway the Red Sea when we entered into Israeli broadband space.

While we looked out over the Jordan river itself at the site of John’s baptism of Jesus to Israel.

Broadening our borders

There are many ways to cross a border, some more hospitable than others.

And we’ve climbed every mountain to walk unopposed through a metal gate from Austria into Germany.

And will walk across the International Bridge from Valenca do Minho in Portugal to Tui in Galicia in north-west Spain on Camino.

With La Raya/A Raia (the border) Europe’s oldest, dating back to 1297.

So now we’ve outlined some of the walkable borders.

We move on to those we can traverse by train and plane.

Now our friends at our local Edinburgh Airport have pointed us in the direction of these top twin trips.

From Berlin to Biarritz

Now Poznan’s charms have naturally long been known to Poles.

But for the rest of us we only came to love the western Polish city at Euro 2012.

With their fans’ backs to the action goal celebration.

Join the Poznan wave yourself by taking a three-hour train journey from Berlin.

While Austria and Hungary are linked by proximity and politics.

And Vienna and Budapest are just two and a half hours apart.

Of course, some countries’ borders are always disputed.

And people on one side share more in common with those across the border than the rest of the country they inhabit.

As is the way of it with the Basque Country, separated by the French and Spanish border.

But, of course, you can enjoy both by train from Biarritz to San Sebastián in just over an hour.

Countries, Europe, Flying

Nothing Toulouse making rowdy fliers pay

9th May 20269th May 2026 funtime65

As you don’t have to wreck the party to have a good time we agree with Ryanair you’ve nothing Toulouse making rowdy fliers pay.

The budget airline changed the face of air travel by making it affordable for everyone.

All of which meant, of course, that everyone had more money to spend on airport drinks.

And even more opportunity when we were required to turn up more than two hours before our flights because of extra security.

Which all led to the staple of a modern holiday… airport drinks.

Merci bien to the French

Of course overgrown big kids will abuse it for the rest of the class.

And flights crews increasingly face the threat of rowdy drunken passengers imperilling everyone’s safety way up in the clouds.

And pilots forced to reroute to protect everyone on board.

With the costs that involves which inevitably get passed on in increased fares.

And what of the miscreants, well this is where our French amis have stepped forward.

Ryanair takes the lead

With Toulouse Criminal Court fining two unruly passengers a combined €10,000 (expensive round) and 10-month suspended sentences.

After they disrupted a flight from London Stansted to Ibiza last year.

Forcing 184 passengers and six crew to divert to Toulouse.

Now all of this feeds into Ryanair’s bold moves to alter our relationship with drinking and flying.

With the airline arguing that bars and restaurants should restrict passengers to two drinks each.

Which may seem draconic but should be enough to get the party started.

While leaving the serving of alcohol at the discretion of flight crew also feels eminently sensible to all.

Happy drinkers

Sobering times: Don’t make a fool of yourself

Of course, we’re no saints, and have to reveal that we circumvented the cabin staff’s rules on a transatlantic flight from London to JFK.

And took shuttles back and forth to raid the crew’s stash behind the curtain next to the loo.

But here’s the rub, we were daft kids and did not disrupt our fellow passengers other than the hundred times we got out of our seats.

So the takeaway is that by civilising airport drinks and airplane drinking we can all enjoy ourselves.

And enjoy our flights and allow cabin staff to do their jobs, which is after all to look after us.

And get us safely to our destination and not hundreds of miles away in a different country.

America, Countries

Virginia Beach beat them to it

8th May 20268th May 2026 funtime65

So we’ve rewound the clock since the Puritans got a shock when they landed on Plymouth Rock and say… Virginia Beach beat them to it.

And with thanks to Porter and Gershwin and because anything goes we’re retelling the story of New America’s birth.

Because the first landfall of English settlers in the Americas actually took place in what is now Virginia Beach in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

You’re going to need a bigger boat: Land ahoy

On April 26, 1607, English settlers first came ashore at Cape Henry, in present-day Virginia Beach.

The area was originally home to the Chesepian tribe, who had lived there for generations.

Those same settlers would go on to establish Jamestown, recognised as the first permanent English settlement in the Americas.

Life’s a beach

Today Virginia Beach is a vibrant coastal city just southeast of Washington DC.

Offering 38 miles of Atlantic coastline, more than 200 miles of waterways, and a thriving food and arts scene.

And all that history of more than 250 years… more 419.

With the beacon of hope and Old World meets New World enlightenment centred around Cape Henry Lighthouse

The first public works project authorised by the US government, this landmark marks where English settlers first set foot in 1607.

The First Landing

Then there’s the First Landing State Park.

This largely untouched park offers miles of trails and waterways through cypress swamps, sand dunes and coastal scenery.

And where there’s parks there’s historic houses, some of the oldest surviving in North America.

The Thoroughgood House, a designated National Historic Landmark, offers insight into early colonial life.

Lynnhaven House, undergoing renovation, with limited preservation tours available, is one of the best-preserved examples.

While the Francis Land House provides another window into 18th-century living.

The Auld Triangle

History tourists will shape up then for The Historic Triangle.

Around an hour’s drive away, Jamestown, Williamsburg and Yorktown together chart the evolution of early America.

From first settlement to revolution.

Virginia Beach provides an ideal coastal base from which to explore these landmark sites.

The world’s your oyster

And eat it all up with a farm visit at the Pleasure House Oyster Farm.

The Lynnhaven oysters, named for the river, have a direct link to early colonial history.

They were among the first foods enjoyed by Captain John Smith and the Jamestown settlers in 1607.

And, of course, visitors from the Old World now arriving by air to Washington Dulles Airport rather than ships.

America, Countries

Who wants to be a ranch hand?

2nd May 20262nd May 2026 funtime65

And when a guy in a Mississippi bar starts up with a lasso you put it on the bucket list for a twirl… so who wants to be a ranch hand?

America is many things to many people but for the post-war Old World generation their first introduction to the US was cowboy movies.

So when you get the chance to saddle up on the Prairies you take it with both reins.

As I did in Colorado channeling my inner Buffalo Bill.

With my fellow congress of rough riders of the world.

Although I’d say that easy-going Issy was made from a different breed from Bill’s steed Brigham.

And Issy would doubtless be happy to leave the other horses to rustle the cows.

The Big Sky

Having spent five minutes trying to get her to turn round I reckon I’ve some way to go to be much use around a range.

But luckily our old pals at American Sky have the very thing for wannabe cowboys and girls.

A chance to Live the Ranch Life in the Wild West.

Set within 60,000 acres in Arizona’s Rincon Mountains, on the eastern edge of Tucson.

Tanque Verde Ranch offers an authentic yet upscale take on the classic dude ranch experience.

Hit the trail

Guests can spend their days riding through desert trails, hiking among cacti or soaking up the scenery.

Before gathering for relaxed, communal evenings.

So get your cowboy boots on for this Wild West itinerary.

The special ranch

The Tanque Verde Ranch Stay is an authentic six-night Western adventure.

Which combines activity, nature and heritage.

From £2,649pp, on a full-board basis, including flights, accommodation and selected activities.

Now American Sky suggest a minimum three- night stay.

But they can tailor-make your holiday to suit you and book any number of nights at the ranch.

America, Countries, Food & Wine, UK

Trump rolling out Kentucky barrels for Scotch whisky

1st May 20261st May 2026 funtime65

And because we (and King Charles) have his ear Donald Trump is rolling out Kentucky barrels for Scotch whisky.

The US President is the toast of his late beloved mother Mary’s Scots homeland today after lifting prohibitive tariffs on uisce beatha.

Because he told us of ‘Scotland’s ability to work with the Commonwealth of Kentucky on Whiskey and Bourbon.

‘In that there had been great Inter-Country Trade, especially having to do with the Wooden Barrels used.’

A toast to Trump

This year’s blond: ‘The Donald’ in New York

All very timely too as Favourite Cousin, New York Kath and Kentucky Cousin-in-law Mark fly in to see us in North Berwickety.

And we will be breaking out the Woodford Reserve he first introduced me too, and in front of tomorrow’s Kentucky Derby too.

The truth is that almost everyone who has enjoyed a drap of Scotch will also be drinking in the best of Kentucky too.

Because ex-bourbon barrels are used to mature over 90% of all scotch whisky today.

We have, of course, the half-Scottish 45th and 47th President to thank for cutting the cost of our national drink.

A New Deal

But it his predecessor, the 32nd President, Franklin D. Roosevelt who made it all possible.

When he stipulated as part of his New Deal that all bourbon whiskey barrels must br single-use barrels.

Which created a supply of barrels for Scots to pounce on to store their liquid gold.

And so Kentucky barrels became the standard containers for Scotch ever since.

Gracias amigos

Best family bar none: Johnnie Fox’s in Dublin mountains

Enhanced further by Spain’s decision in the Eighties that all sherry must be bottled on home soil, taking their casks off the market.

The rest as they say is history and science.

And for that bit we’ll turn to the whisky attraction experts this week.

The distilleries, the Scotch Whisky Experience on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile and the Johnnie Walker Experience, on the capital’s Princes Street.

And now that The Donald is channeling his Scots half we humbly implore that he looks again at the ban on Scottish sheep lungs.

An integral part of our national dish haggis.

Because we know he takes calls from journalists… and reads Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel.com.

SLÁINTE AND MEET YOU IN THE BAR