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America, Countries

The United Steins of America

18th September 202518th September 2025 funtime65

Guten tag und Prost to our German freundes everywhere but a focus today on the United Steins of America.

Where the German diaspora has since 1990 been ranked as the biggest, at 50 million, of all immigrant groups in America.

This time of year Germans and Germanophiles come together to clink steins wherever they are.

Oktoberfest for the senses

With Oktoberfests a fixture of Germanic communities across the country.

In towns and cities well served by airlines from the Old World.

Of course, all boozists should complete a pilgrimage to the Munich Mecca at least once in a lifetime.

And, trust me, you’ll want to go back the next year, and the one after that and that.

Until there are no more halls to get chucked out of.

And you’re searching for another country where there’s not a Wanted poster for you, like, say the United Steins of America.

Freundes across the water

Our freundes in the Oo Es of Eh point us to their biggest.

And Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in Ohio, The Denver Oktoberfest in Colorado, and the town of Leavenworth, Washington.

Or Frankenmuth, Michigan, Helen, Georgia, La Crosse, Wisconsin and Fredericksburg, Texas.

While we have alighted on another, and one with a Wiener race (behave!) and much more besides in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Rally to Raleigh

Which has the added advantage of a new direct route through Ireland, with pre-clearance, with Aer Lingus.

The 11th annual Triangle Oktoberfest at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary is a two-day affair.

With plenty of family-friendly activities including live music, storytelling and dancing,

And the beloved wiener dog races involving America’s favourite dog, the daschund.

And traditional Bavarian food and fare from local favorites that include The Butcher’s Market and Annelore’s German Bakery.

So that’ll be strudels, kuchen, bier pretzels, bratwurst, German chocolate and more.

Plus, of course, local and traditional German beers and all-day music from the King Guys Oktoberfest Brass Band.

Admission to the festival starts at $20 (buy online or at the door).

And food and drinks are purchased separately (a sampler pass for unlimited beer pours can be purchased at the venue).

North Carolina on my mind

And a word to the wise, if you can resist climbing onto the bandstand, grabbing the mic and singing My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean.

Then they might just let you hang around.

Aer Lingus have 26 direct routes to North America with pre-clearance out of Ireland.

The Irish national airline carrier offers Dublin to Raleigh from €1,011.

America, Countries, Deals, Music

The other Aid at 40 in Minnesota

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All eyes this year have been on Band Aid and Live Aid but let’s focus here on Farm Aid, the other Aid at 40 in Minnesota.

That the Land of 10.000 Lakes is staging this year’s Farm Aid, its 40th, is a homecoming of sorts.

With Minnesota’s favourite son Bob Dylan the inspiration for the charity which has helped out struggling farmers with $80m.

The Bard of Duluth

Because it was the Bard of Duluth who planted the seed for the movement which continues to pull up trees.

When he made a cri de coeur during his performance at the Philadelphia leg of Band Aid.

By exhorting the organisers to use some of the money raised to pay the mortgages on some of the farms in the US.

A clarion call that was taken up by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Elton John and Bonnie Raitt annually over four decades.

The Grand Old Men and Women of Country and Americana will gather at Minneapolis’ Huntington Bank Stadium on September 20.

The pre-festival

Making music with my friends: Willie Nelson

A pre-festival event, Color Me Country Takeover at the Fine Line two days before will honour the legacy of diverse musical artists and farmers.

And will feature this year’s Academy of Country Music Lift Every Voice Award recipient, artist Rissi Palmer.

Of course, there is one other who might contest that he is Minnesota’s favourite son, one Prince Rogers Nelson.

And, of course, there is always something new and purple going on in Minnesota.

Prince Rain over us

With Purple Rain, the world premiere stage adaptation of Prince’s legendary film and album, running October 16-November 16.

At Minneapolis’ historic State Theatre before an anticipated Broadway run.

More Minneapolis stages like the Guthrie, Latte Da, Jungle and others have theatrical productions throughout the fall season.

Jet over to Minnesota

While Sir Paul McCartney will appear at U.S. Bank Stadium in the Got Back Tour on October 17.

So Get Back to Minnesota if you’ve been before or jump on the Jet out there for the first time.

Or if you can turn your mind to those who till the land of this great state and country back in the USA.

And you’ll be doing something for the other Aid at 40 in Minnesota.

And because we always promote transatlantic travel out of Dublin with Aer Lingus with preclearance.

Dublin to Minneapolis flights from €196.43 as part of an each way flight.

America, Countries, Deals, Flying, Music, Sport

When Ne-Yo gave me everything

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It always pays to be up the front which is how I came away with a prized possession when Ne-Yo gave me everything in the USA.

When I came to reach highest to grab his sweat towel just at the point when he was belting out his classic toon with Pitbull.

And yeah, picture me with a Kodak, although we had moved on from that by 2017.

And our friends from the American Travel Fair in Washington DC boomeranged us holding the precious cloth later on.

All of which memories came flooding back as news pinged in my inbox of Pitbull’s much-anticipated run in Las Vegas.

Tonight, let’s enjoy life

Pitbull is taking the party to the Neon City this weekend, Friday, September 12 and Saturday, September 13.

As part of his Pitbull: Vegas After Dark The Residency.

Short notice we grant you but you might want to come back on November 21 and 22.

And a hint there for someone with that week being when I’ll have marked up six decades on this third rock from the sun.

This being Vegas there’s always a fight going on with this weekend seeing Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford going at it at the Allegiant Stadium.

Although Vegas brings out the lovers not the fighters in us.

Whether that was the Beatles LOVE Cirque du Soleil at the Mirage back in the day.

Or dancing to the Whip-Its with Cami from Utah off the Strip.

The Big Fight

Spell it out: Muhammad Ali at the Hall of Excellence

Not that we don’t enjoy watching a good fight or wrapping ourselves up in boxing memorabilia, hype and thunder.

Channel your inner Muhammad Ali then at the Hall of Excellence where The Greatest’s boxing gloves are on display.

Along with Tiger Woods’ golf ball from his first Masters win, Olympic gold medals and all seven of Tom Brady’s championship rings.

Take a self-guided tour, narrated by such voices as Oprah Winfrey, Bob Costas, our old pal from Huntington Beach Snoop Dogg, and Morgan Freeman.

Think outside the box

In her shoes: The ruby slippers at the Sphere

If, of course, its showmanship you’re after follow the yellow brick road to the newest experience at Sphere for a mind-bending showing of The Wizard of Oz.

Which is expanded to fit the 360°, 16k definition screen.

You’ll be wrapped in colour and movement as seats rumble while you feel cool breezes and the sweet scent of poppies fills the air.

And we got a whiff of how much fun these shows are from taking in Shrek at Universal Studios in Orlando.

Before the show, take photos with the giant ruby slippers installation outside.

Also, during Canelo-Crawford weekend, you can catch the Eagles live as the legendary rockers continue their residency.

And because we always try to fly out of Ireland because, well because, but also its preclearance.

Aer Lingus flies nonstop from Dublin with fares starting at €206.61 each way.

America, Countries

BB comes back to life at 100 in Mississippi

9th September 20259th September 2025 funtime65

For his fans he never really left us but, get this, a hologram of the King of the Blues as BB comes back to life at 100 in Mississippi.

All thanks to our friends at Visit Mississippi, with whom we shared an unforgettable odyssey along the Blues Trail.

And who are only unveiling a life-size hologram of BB.

Who is set to take the stage at Club Ebony at the BB King Museum in his home town of Indianola.

In a full concert performance on September 13.

Where you can see him sing again his most beloved songs, including The Thrill is Gone.

BB’s Big Birthday

Club Ebony has been renovated in 2023 ahead of BB’s Big Birthday.

All of which gets the thumbs-up from his daughter Karen Williams.

‘I’m absolutely amazed at what the museum is doing with this wonderful tribute to my father,’ she said.

On the right track: Bandanaman on the Blues Trail

‘I have a two-fold wish – that he had lived to be one hundred so we would still have him.

‘And also that he could see all these celebrations. They are more than what any of us had expected.

‘My Dad was a one-of-a-kind people person, and he loved people almost as much as he loved playing the blues.

Just the ticket

Visit Mississippi and the Mississippi Blues Trail commission recently honoured the B.B. King Museum & Delta Interpretive Center.

With the unveiling of a NEW Mississippi Blues Trail marker.

That recognises the museum’s dedication to preserving and celebrating the life, music, and legacy of the Great Man himself.

Of course, for many of us, our first close connection with BB is in Memphis at his iconic Beale Street club.

And while we all, of course, got into the spirit of the Blues band from the balcony above.

And as luck would have it I still have a drinks voucher in the pocket of an old waistcoat I never wear.

Singing the Blues

For the Dutch member of our party (and I’d always recommend at least one) BB King’s was where he got the chance to live out a dream.

And get up on the stage and play trumpet and get paid into the bargain.

Which is how they do it in the Deep South, and as it should be.

Of course, when BB comes back to life at 100 in Mississippi in a hologram that might be one way around it.

America, Caribbean, Cruising, Deals, Ships

Cruise into Cruise Week with Click&Go

8th September 20258th September 2025 funtime65

Yes, on land or sea we’re always thinking of our next trip but the industry sets aside a period every year to highlight its offers, and we’re going to cruise into Cruise Week with Click&Go.

The Irish online travel providers, as usual. are ahead of their time with Cruise Week next week, Monday, 15 September to Sunday 21 September.

With fantastic MSC Cruises full fly and cruise packages.

Including return flights from Dublin with checked-in bag, transfers, entertainment gratuities and meals onboard.

Caribbean cruising

For many their first port of entry to cruising is Florida and the Caribbean.

And that’s where we’ll start with a fly/cruise from Dublin to Orlando and the Caribbean.

On board MSC Grandiosa for €1,129pp from January-March.

You’ll get four nights in an Orlando hotel with plenty of time to catch up on our Disney and Universal pals.

And then a seven-night cruise, leaving Port Canaveral and headed for Nassau, Bahamas.

Where we’ve sailed to but like Aaron in the Bible didn’t get to set foot in the Promised Land.

It’s then onto San Juan, Puerto Rico, Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and back to Port Canaveral.

The offer is based on 2+2 (aged 2-17 sharing).

And a bite of the Big Apple

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

Now if you still fancy the Bahamas but think well it’s just down the coast from New York then Click&Go have you covered here too.

They’re offering a fly/cruise on board Meraviglia based on €1,399pp from this October-April.

It includes an overnight hotel stay in New York and a seven-night cruise.

Departing New York for Port Canaveral and then onto Nassau.

And also taking in the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve before it’s back to the Big Apple.

Miami nice

Even closer, of course, is Miami and you can set off from there on board the brand new World America.

Based on €1,549pp with travel from October 2025 – March 2026.

Your trip includes one night Miami hotel stay and the 7-night cruise.

And you’ll get to take in Roatan, Honduras, Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico (areeba, areeba) and the Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas.

The bumper 14-nighter

Or the bumper 14-nighter.

Fly out to Orlando before stepping on board the Seashore for €1,599pp with travel from October 2025 – January 2026.

Including seven nights Miami hotel, plenty of time to sample the nightlife, beaches and architecture.

Even if you are prone to go around in circles, like this blogger.

And then the seven-night cruise, leaving Port Canaveral for Nassau.

And on to Cozumel, Mexico, Roatan, Honduras, Ocean Cay Marine Reserve, Bahamas and back to Port Canaveral.

So a good way to start your Monday with our pointer to cruise into Cruise Week with Click&Go.

America, Countries

Shining a light on Oregon… and here’s puppies

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It wouldn’t have been half as scary with big slobbering St Bernards but that’s how they’re shining a light on Oregon… and here’s puppies.

Now if Timberline Lodge on Oregon’s mighty Mount Hood looks familiar it’s because it is.

As the exterior shot for the American cult horror movie The Shining.

Visitors though expecting a manic Jack Nicholson breaking through the door or eerie twins will have to use their imagination.

Because it’s more fur than fear at Timberline Lodge where the VIPs, yourself included, of course, are its mascot puppies.

And we do love a mascot puppy, like Yale’s Handsome Dan.

Oregon’s mascots

Heidi and Bruno are the latest in a line of esteemed St Bernards to take up residence at the ski lodge.

H&B are the 10th and 12th dogs to join the historic, decades long tradition at Timberline Lodge.

When the lodge opened in 1937, St. Bernards were chosen because of their long association with mountain rescues in the Swiss Alps.

They symbolise safety, loyalty, and mountain heritage.

Hansel and Gretel were the first puppies, followed by Lady and Bruel.

For decades, these dogs lived at Timberline, roaming the lodge freely and greeting countless visitors, skiers, and climbers.

Not to be overlooked

Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977.

And famously used by Stanley Kubrick for the exterior shots of the Overlook Hotel in The Shining.

Timberline Lodge draws nearly two million visitors every year.

Considered an architectural wonder, it’s still being used for its original intent—ski lodge and mountain retreat.

Winter wonderland

Timberline is home to North America’s longest ski season.

In the height of winter in this great outdoorsy state, the ground floor is typically fully buried in snow.

With entry through a snow tunnel, or directly into the second floor.

The specs from our Oregon pals reveal that the lodge has, get this, a pub and restaurant.

And, of course, the St. Bernards and how better to be greeted by these cuddles after a full day on the slopes.

Those pleading puppy eyes

It is the only resort too in North America with lift-served skiing available throughout the summer should you wish to visit then.

Which will offer summer skiing and snowboarding on its high-altitude snowfield.

Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and climbing during the warmer months.

So that Timberline Lodge is an all-year destination.

And we’re happy to be shining a light on Oregon… and here’s puppies.

And who can resist those wet noses and pleading St Bernards puppy eyes?

What’s the deal?

All mod cons: And a pub and a restaurant

Portland International Airport is the nearest airport, 60 miles north-west of the lodge.

Average nightly rates from $242.86 to $377.86.

America, Countries, Deals, Europe, Flying

Today’s Roman Holiday at 1950s Norwegian prices

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And as La Citta Eterna has always been on an American’s bucket list we bring you today’s Roman Holiday at 1950s Norwegian prices.

The beauty of Rome, of course, is in its sobriquet, it really hasn’t changed since Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck’s days.

As a crown princess and American photographer whizzing about the piazzas in a Vespa.

And thanks to budget transatlantic airline Norse Atlantic Airways we can have our own Roman Holiday from $129 from New York to Rome.

Although you might prefer to travel like Princess Ann which Norse offer in their premium class.

Do it yourself

Ann and Joe’s adventures were, of course, self-guided and we’d advise that too.

Having used the day and a half at the end of our Via Francigena pilgrimage into the Vatican to explore Roma a piedi, on foot.

Our friends at gpsmycity have mapped out a suggested Roman Holiday itinerary.

Chief among them the Spanish Steps, where Ann scoops up gelato.

Full Ponte: Your view from the Sant Angelo Castle

Romanophiles will tell you it is one of the best vistas in the Italian capital looking out on to the Vatican.

Scoping the other way atop Sant Angelo Castle has been the prime location of popes and plebs.

And where Ann and Joe indulged in mischief under the twinkling lights and shared a dance on the banks of the Tiber.

Fountain of truth

Of course, nobody, American or otherwise, princess or pauper, can visit Rome without throwing three coins in the fountain.

To ensure that you’ll return, and we will.

Although, whisper it, we can’t recall the barber shop near the Trevi Fountain still being there.

From when Ann shed her royal tresses.

All part of your GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet.

But it’s still today’s Roman Holiday at 1950s Norwegian prices.

Countries, Flying

Airport drinks and the Ryanair solution

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You’re sipping apple tea in dry Male in the Maldives, off your Turkish Airlines overnighter, and thinking about airport drinks and the Ryanair solution.

Well, maybe not then, as well as being dog tired despite the business class sleep on board from Istanbul, via Dublin.

And the fact that Michael O’Leary was still to formulate the idea in that massive, overactive brain of his.

But the news of a whopping 41% rise in trouble at Scottish airports, and we dare say that’s replicated in similar airports, has us agreeing.

Two drink or not to drink

The bould Michael is suggesting a two-drink limit for passengers before getting on flights.

Which might at first sound draconic but us Jocks aren’t even allowed a drink when attending football grounds to limit the risks of violence.

Airport drinking has, of course, become a custom of holidaying , helped along by the ubiquitous Weatherspoon.

Only for every happy drunk there are leary louts who kick off at the check-out desk.

When they’re told their luggage doesn’t fit and they have to pay an excess fee.

And all before they get on the plane and top up.

Thou shalt not pass

Of course, in the worst cases the yobs on tour will end up abusing the cabin crew and fellow passengers.

And even cause the plane to be diverted for an emergency landing.

All of which disruption can be allayed by following Michael’s solution.

And insisting that passengers show their boarding passes as we do in the gift shops, stationers and pharmacists.

And that way being blocked after two drinks.

Cheers to Ryanair

Let’s dance: You can enjoy yourself without being drunk

Now 19-year-old Bandanaman who drank our transatlantic flight from London to JFK dry.

With my old much-lamented party animal Toothy dry would disapprove.

But two drinks should be enough for anybody before they board their flight.

Even those who are nervous fliers and we sympathise.

Now far from wanting to be accused of being a Grinch we should surely look at this for the sake of all passengers.

Because this is the brainchild of the great promoter of budget travel.

Who has been known to give a free drink to passengers after a successful Cheltenham.

Airport drinks and the Ryanair solution, maybe we’ll all look back in the future and sigh that it was ever any other way.

America, Countries, Ireland, Sport

Gridiron’s Farmageddon… on a Dublin field

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Scotland has its Old Firm derby, England’s East Anglia their Old Farm version and for College Football it’s Gridiron’s Farmageddon… on a Dublin field.

Yes, it’s that time of year again when tailgaters come over in their tens of thousands to Ireland.

For the 2025 Aer Lingus College Football Classic which this year features one of college football’s fiercest rivalries.

College footie fans need no explanation but maybe the rest of us do.

It is, of course, Kansas State University’s ‘Wildcats’ face-off with Iowa State University’s ‘Cyclones’.

Mascots touchdown

The latest iteration of which will take place at the Aviva Stadium tomorrow, August 23.

And with a uniquely Irish flavour with a commercial on the EPSN feed of mascots Willie the Wildcat and Cy the Cardinal.

Swapping the gridiron for a lively Irish pub session.

Now putting on any American Football game is akin to a military exercise and the Aer Lingus game just gets bigger every year.

Aer force Lingus

Flying high: Wildcats in town with Aer Lingus.Photographer: Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland

Aer Lingus operated special charter flights to Ireland, transporting players, coaches, cheerleaders and band members to Ireland.

While hundreds more supporters and friends have travelled on scheduled transatlantic services from cities across the US.

Aer Lingus also transported 947 pieces of baggage to Dublin.

Including 268 pieces of sports gear and 136 band instruments – 84 from Kansas State and 52 from Iowa State.

On top of that 16 tonnes of cargo made the journey from the colleges to Ireland via Aer Lingus’s scheduled cargo services.

Have a craicing time

Only here for the cheerleaders: Aer Lingus packing the fun Pic: Naoise Culhane.

All worth it though with the game alone projected to generate over €130 million for the Irish economy.

Dublin will be transformed into a festival of American football, with pep rallies, tailgates, live broadcasts, and immersive cultural experiences.

Blending the best of Irish and American traditions.

A full schedule of events as well as updates and key timings can be found on the Official Game Week App.

Following last year’s record-breaking audience of 5 million viewers, ESPN will once again broadcast the game live across the U.S.

Which this year will have a new twist.

Gridiron’s Farmageddon… on a Dublin field.

And it’s just half-time

And will be mega in its own right and a teaser.

For the Pittsburgh Steelers v Minnesota Vikings’ historic first NFL game on September 28.

America, Countries

Kick off the World Cup in your Kissimmee vacation home

21st August 202521st August 2025 funtime65

So how to afford your big States adventure next year, well, best kick off the World Cup in your Kissimmee vacation home.

Neighbouring Miami Stadium will host seven games, including the third-place game.

And knowing you can beat the football traffic by jumping on the Brightline Train ($32 for a three and a half hour ride).

And be back home quickly makes Florida your ideal base.

Home in on the football

There are more than 30,000 homes in Kissimmee and all at better rates than Miami hotels.

From two-bedroom condos to 15-bedroom mega mansions.

Meaning couples, families and groups of friends will all find the perfect accommodation.

Most vacation homes come with a private pool, and many boast themed rooms, games rooms, hot tubs, cinema rooms and more.

Reunion Resort, Margaritaville Orlando Resort & Championsgate offer facilities including water parks, golf courses, spas and restaurants.

The more the merrier

Of course, the more of you there are the cheaper your deal.

Fill your rooms up, and the fridge to save money on dining out.

Now most management companies also offer welcome packs and can even do food shopping before guests arrive.

On your doorstep

Many resorts also offer free shuttles to the main theme parks for those family members piggybacking your footie trip.

So you’ll save on Uber/taxis, car rental and parking costs, possibly the most stressful part of any Statescation.

And what’s more is that Kissimmee is just 25 minutes from Orlando International Airport.

So why not kick off the World Cup in your Kissimmee vacation home?