Countries Archives - Page 56 of 201 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

Play nice on the Dublin-NY portal

15th May 202415th May 2024 funtime65

They’re brothers by a different mother, sisters by a different mister, so come on just play nice on the Dublin-NY portal.

Because, guess what, you’ve only just gone and got this interactive twinning of two of the world’s great cities suspended.

By flashing body parts and images of the Twin Towers on it.

Now we all know the bonds and family links that tie the Fair City and the City that Never Sleeps.

Including our own, with all four of my Irish mum’s brothers making their way to America and swelling its population.

And that Dubliners and New Yorkers share the same edgy, anti-establishment view of their world.

Sign of the times

But there is a line that’s been crossed and spoiled the fun for all those stepping into each other’s worlds.

Whether looking out of O’Connell Street into Broadway or back the other way.

All of which brings up again the Holidos and Don’ts of proper responses at tourist sites and historic attractions.

Particularly following a trip last week to the Hollywood sign.

Or at least as close as you can get which is about 800m.

Now it’s only 50 years since we could all, if we were fit enough, clamber up to the sign.

Before antisocial types forced the authorities’ hand through graffiti and desecration of the site.

Now if you try to get near the sign the LAPD will warn you off by loudspeaker that you will be fined $3,000 for your troubles.

Not that that seems to deter folk as we witnessed on our trek in the Hollywood Hills.

Please do not touch

The same has become true of Uluru, Ayer’s Rock to the old father-in-law when he lived out there and went walkabout.

Sometimes, of course, it’s mere overexcitement that causes people to go too far.

And mean that the guardians of the Pere Lachaise Cemetery have now had to put a glass screen over Oscar Wilde’s grave in Paris.

Or entitlement as pushy photographers try to capture a corner of a cherub on the Sistine Chapel.

Of course, alas, tourist desecration is nothing new with the original Vandals, a tribe from the East, sacking Rome.

And generations helping themselves to Classical infrastructure lying around for their own home.

We should be grateful then for what is left and how complete the centrepiece of that other Classical powerhouse, Athens’ Acropolis is.

No thanks, of course, to Britain, who hold on graspingly to the Elgin Marbles.

Reach out across the oceans

Now, coming back to the question of today and our cri de coeur…

Modern technology allows us to reach out across oceans to the descendants of those who left generations ago and could not come back.

So play nice on the Dublin-NY portal because remember they’re brothers by a different mother, sisters by a different mister.

Countries, Europe, Food & Wine, UK

Steamin’ in the Garden of England

14th May 202414th May 2024 funtime65

You won’t give it much thought when you’re drinking hoppy beer but it’s all around you in Kent… and here’s an offer to get there and get steamin’ in the Garden of England.

Go to any authentic Kentish country pub, so that’ll rule Weatherspoons out then, and you’ll see hops hanging from beams.

So hops, what are they and why are they important to beer?

Now here is an area I felt I needed to research.

And that is why I sought out the answers in two of the homes of hops… Kent and Czechia.

Hop over to Czechia

Look at the head on that: Zatec, Czechia

Now I’ve shared the allure of Hoptown, Czechia, or Zatec as its called locally.

Its Astronomic Clock which is a parable on drinking, its Hop Museum.

And its Hop Festival which includes competitions including ‘Biggest Gut’, and, yes, I’m working on it.

I must though get back to Kent after a dozen years away after a family Dickens and Chaucer family holiday there.

Unfortunately the excellent Dickens World attraction has been consigned to history after hitting Hard Times (soz!)

But, of course, you can take your own tour, and sup in the pub where Charlie had his favourite beer transported to his house nearby.

I drank mine with a kangaroo burger… now, that was hoppy.

We’ll meet again

So for the day that’s in it and because my globetrotting pal Jo is championing the Garden of Ireland’s home charms.

I’m happy to share that you can travel back in time through the luxury of steam travel to classy Kent.

With Steam Dreams Rail Co.’s Garden of England Lunchtime Tour.

Tour de fields

Making a splash: The White Cliffs of Dover

This nostalgic tour offers passengers a view of Kent’s picturesque landscapes and the majestic White Cliffs of Dover.

You will depart from London Victoria, before cutting eastward to the North Downs and crossing the River Medway to Canterbury.

You will climb to the southern tip of the Kent Downs before descending to meet the South Coast at Dover.

Steaming beneath the famous White Cliffs alongside the Channel.

The train will then run northwards, cutting across the heart of Kent to Tonbridge before passing through Sevenoaks en route back to London Victoria.

You’ll get a glass of Champagne and canapés, followed by a three-course lunch, accompanied by a half bottle of wine per person and concluding with coffee and petit fours.

First-class guests are welcomed on board with Bucks Fizz and freshly brewed coffee and tea.

Additional drinks can be purchased from the luxurious Hippocrene Bar.

Make it a date

The 2024 departure dates for the 70000 Britannia are 20 June, 9 July, 16 July, 23 July, 30 July, 6 August, 13 August, and 20 August.

Prices are Premium Standard (non-dining) from £85pp, First Class (non-dining) from £145pp.

And Pullman Dining from £225pp.

So, it’s full steam ahead for Kent, whether it’s your first time or you’re a returnee.

We all like to get steamin’ in the Garden of England.

Countries, Europe, Sport

Scots football garnish in Garmisch

13th May 202413th May 2024 funtime65

They’re more used to winter sports and skiers but there will be some Scots football garnish in Garmisch this summer.

The Bavarian town, Garmisch-Partenkirchen to give it its full name, has become the location of choice for the Scotland football team.

For Euro 24 where they will take on hosts Germany, Switzerland and Hungary.

Boogie Scottishland: Scotland’s football team

The Germans, as I discovered on my recce there last month, are ready to put on quite the show for football fans this summer.

Including a monster set of goalposts the breadth of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin.

Which, of course, Scotland’s Tartan Army will see for themselves when they get to the final.

Go with the snow

What they and the team will find in Garmisch before then is a valley town where the beer flows even when it doesn’t snow.

I visited Garmisch out of season although to be fair the peaks are always white.

And the townsfolk proudly display their winter sports successes and the occasion when they invited the world to their town.

That was back in 1936 when they put on a dress rehearsal for another more infamous Games in Berlin in the summer.

The champions of those Winter Games are adorned on the walls of the restaurant bar where we clink steins.

And sample the best Bratwurst sausages, Wiener Schnitzel, Black Forest Gateaux and Augustiner lager.

Part of Kirchen

At the heart of the scenic town is its ski jump… not for the faint-hearted.

Particularly when you’re at best a blue/red run skier.

Steve Clarke and his players, and the fans, may want to take in the excellent Garmisch-Partenkirchen historical walking tour.

The imposing Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for the Disney Castle, is a short drive away.

Germany’s highest hill Zugspitze dominates the skyscape and hikers, including our Top Flight party, happily scurried up to enjoy the views.

Tartan party

Scotland’s footballers will have an even bigger mountain to scale when they face Germany in the competition opener on June 14 in Munich.

But win lose or draw there will be plenty of Scots football garnish in Garmisch next month.

Countries, Europe, Music

I won’t give in to Eurovision’s dark tourism

12th May 202412th May 2024 funtime65

My head’s busting today (and not because I joined the house girlie party) but I won’t give in to Eurovision‘s dark tourism around this year’s contest in Malmo in Sweden.

In what was meant to be a celebration of 50 years since its greatest champions Abba won the competition with Waterloo.

The music fest has become more of a war than a channel of peace and unity.

The protests around the Israel entry and the original lyrics to their song, the subliminal messages in Driuid Ogham on the body of the Irish singer and the Dutch singer’s disqualification have all betrayed the spirit of the competition.

Now not for one minute do I intend to descend into the politics of the Middle East.

Only to say it seems to me be only humane to take an even-handed empathy and sympathy for both sides.

But the bullying of the Israeli singer was wrong both on a personal level and because it ignores the country’s history in the competition.

Much of that harassing has come from an LGBTQ+ lobby who do not take into account that Dana International from Israel was Eurovision’s first trans winner in 1998.

Keep it neutral

Thankfully then next year’s competition, a return to the scene of the first in 1956, will be more neutral.

Or you’d hope so as it is being held in non-aligned Switzerland.

And kudos to winner Nemo for not getting embroiled in the politics in their acceptance speech.

All of which is a slightly strong-handed introduction to all things Eurovision tourism related.

For it is a thing all right.

With Liverpool getting a £40m boost from holding the extravaganza on behalf of Ukraine last year.

Obvious really when you think that Eurovision is the biggest cultural event in the world.

With its three live broadcasts drawing 162 million viewers.

Big noise in the hood

There’s still a point: But lose the politics

It’s all eyes on your town and a marketing guru’s dream to provide a showpiece of what’s best in your hood.

It helps, of course, to be one of the world’s richest countries… think all those Swiss banks.

Iceland ran a subpar candidate in 2020 Netflix comedy Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga which was really rooted in reality.

Hosting the event could cause the country to go bankrupt.

A fear long held in Ireland, which holds the record for most competition wins along with Sweden on seven.

With its national broadcaster RTE said to have almost gone bankrupt hosting the event.

While in 2012 when Azerbaijan welcomed the contest in capital Baku, it was reported that the country spent upwards of €55 million hosting the event.

Not including the €92 million stadium they built for it.

Swede sounds of the tills

Some 100,000 visitors descended on Malmo this last week swelling its 350,000 population.

That including ticket buyers from 89 countries, fans without tickets, sponsors.

And the performers from 37 participating countries, each with around 20 crew members.

All of which had the hoteliers in the city rubbing their hands with glee.

With business hotel Clarion Malmö Live, sold out months before the event with rates from €167 up to €790 per night.

While boutique Malmo hotel MJ’s is just one to have gone all-out kitsch for Eurovision.

Its rooms sold out on the day Malmo was announced as host city last July.

While the few remaining “x-tra” small rooms (just over 100 sqft) came in at upwards of $300 a night.

Swiss timing

International appeal: Dana International

None of which should put us off what should be an annual celebration of the power of music.

To unite and the common values we share across Europe and Eurofriendly countries like Australia, and yes, Israel.

So let’s not be ambushed, and I won’t give in to Eurovision’s dark tourism.

And rather sing out loud for what a great continent we have and why we should promote all our great destinations.

MEET YOU AT EUROVISION IN SWITZERLAND

Africa, America, Asia, Countries, Europe

Northern Lights mania

11th May 2024 funtime65

So in nearly nine years in Aberdeen, ‘the home of the Aurora Borealis’ I never saw them once but now in my little rock at the top of Europe and across the continent there is Northern Lights mania.

OK, so I was messing in science in school so don’t really follow any of the reasons for this phenomenon.

But here goes… the arrival of a Coronal Mass Ejections from the sun can cause the annulus to expand, bringing the aurora to lower latitudes.

That Aberdeen has dined out on the boast of being ‘the home of the Aurora Borealis’ is mainly due to the salesmanship of concert pianist Mary Hall.

A Brummie no less, who never set foot in the Granite City, but who wrote the song with her husband Mel for a homesick Aberdonian, Winnie Forgie, who they befriended.

Heavenly dancers

The ‘Heavenly Dancers’ as they are known in these parts were once again celebrated when Local Hero, a Burt Lancaster movie mostly set in Aberdeenshire, just up the coast became a cult hit in the 80s.

The story being that an oil baron switched his plans to pump the North Sea for fuel in favour of building an observatory after falling in love with the area.

Those who have seen the Northern Lights say that it’ll do that to you.

Of course, while people up and down the country and across Europe are claiming to have seen the Northern Lights from their back gardens the best place to view them is in remote areas.

And in spots unaffected by street lighting.

Now while we bask on this British island and wherever you live Dark Skies resorts cater for us at other times of the year.

Tenerife star trekking

Now you’ll have seen the Tenerfenos protesting the overtourism on their island but that’s mainly in the southern hotspots.

The real jewels on the Canarian island are in the interior, the west coast and the volcanic peak in the north that is Mount Teide.

Europe’s most visited national park there is still plenty of space for us all to trek.

And as for stars, you’ll get an unspoiled view too of the milky way and Saturn’s rings from the top of Tenerife.

Night out with stars in the States

Now when you think of a night out with the stars in the States you immediately think of Hollywood.

And yes, that was one takeaway from a week in LA LA Land.

But while there at the American Travel Fair, IPW, I was introduced to a wider galaxy of stars.

Utah really is more about the Milky Way than the Mormons with the highest concentration of International Dark-Sky Association-certified areas.

The Salt Lake State boasts 26 International Dark Sky Places within the state.

That accounts for 13% of the 200 locations around the globe formally recognized by DarkSky International.

Utah is also home to the first international Dark Sky Park, Natural Bridges National Monument.

Jordan jewels and Moroccan marvels

Of course, the desert is always a go-to for reaching for the skies.

And Wadi Rum in Jordan is designated an international Dark Sky Reserve.

Which means that you can spot stars that are over 100 times dimmer in Jordan than in your home town.

While if you find yourself inconvenienced in the Moroccan part of the Sahara Desert then what else is there to do?

Than watch the cycle of the night and day and shooting stars in Fezland while you’re shitting stars.

MEET YOU IN THE SKIES

America, Countries

Hasta Manana El Pueblo de Los Angeles

9th May 20249th May 2024 funtime65

Hasta Manana El Pueblo de Los Angeles… or LA or Tinseltown as it’s come to be known.

But my final adios to the City of Angels, another of its titles, is back where it all began.

With 44 adventurous and resilient farmers from Mexico who travelled 1,000 miles to be here in 1781.

Well, it was pre-Universal, pre-Disney and before Hollywood and Santa Monica and Venice Beach.

The district of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument is a world away from that but it is no less lively.

Across the road from LA’s biggest and grandest train hub, Union Station, El Pueblo de Los Angeles hums to a Hispanic beat.

With salsa music playing in the plaza and a senior couple kicking up their heels when I arrive.

Flying around old LA

I have been here before five years ago on a whistlestop visit between Santa Monica, Venice Beach and the Walk of Fame.

But now with more time to give before my FlyAway coach to the airport I immerse myself in Hispanic Los Angeles.

The Olympic Theatre is a much-loved institution to Los Angelenos, particularly of a certain vintage.

Which was known for its boxing, wrestling and roller derby days, and some all at the same time.

You’ll see a collection of exhibits and TV footage of all three sports as well as a nod to the Hispanic musical heritage… all free.

At the repurposed LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.

The Hispanic story

It’s all a fascinating insight into how the Hispanic Los Angelinos played.

As is the walk through the Hispanic story in El Pueblo de Los Angelos on the left of the ground floor.

It is a familiar one I witnessed in an MLK 50 Civil rights-themed odyssey through Tennessee and Mississippi.

So it doesn’t surprise me to see Californian Hispanics’ champion Cesar Chavez painted alongside Martin Luther King.

The museum is like the best afternoon lesson at school.

I watch testimonies from grown adults speaking of how deportation in the Twenties split up families.

And how the arrest of a group of Mexican youths over the death of a young man sparked the Zoot Suit riots of the 40s.

You also get invited into the homes of the Hispanics in the recreated Main Street on the upper floor.

House about that?

Now if historical recreations is your thang, and it is mine, then El Pueblo de Los Angeles also boasts the oldest house in the city.

The Avila Adobe is a mite smaller than those in the Hollywood Hills but it is no less significant… and free to browse around.

Built in 1818 by ranchero Francisco José Avila my takeaway is of the double the life size Crucifix that greets you on entry.

LA’s missionary roots should always be remembered despite it now being a temple to consumerism.

If it’s takeaways of the spicy Hispanic type that you seek then the smells emanating from the Olvera Street will draw you in.

Mexican soul food

I follow the LA Dodgers fans off their free shuttle bus from the ball game into Cielito Lindo, or the Lovely Sweet One.

Where I am persuaded to order the best Mexican in LA, the Beef Taquitos combo.

Which they have been serving with their secret avocado sauce recipe and beans and cheese since 1934.

Brad jokes that Buddy, also high on the Dodgers’ victory has been coming here since it opened its doors.

Market ravers

I explore the stalls on the market with the whiff of the leather products persuading me to invest in a new wallet.

Alas, I have little money to put inside it after a week of partying in California.

It’s Hasta Manana El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument for now.

But as someone quite revered in these parts once said… ‘I’ll be back’.

America, Countries

Head is spinnin’ in Universal Hollywood

8th May 20248th May 2024 funtime65

So my head is spinnin’ in Universal Studios Hollywood.

No, not because of the rides… I learned my lesson from when The Hulk got angry with me years ago down in Orlando.

Although I held my breath and onto my breakfast then thanks to guide Natalie’s motion sickness tablets.

And fitted in a spin around Hogwarts in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

This year in Universal Hollywood I’m pacing myself.

Not least because my head is spinnin’ after a night that any of the Hollywood hell raisers would shrink away from.

I blame, er thank, the Minneapolis-St Paul, Travel South USA, Travel Texas and Washington DC Pride delegations for getting me this way.

Now while it is a schoolboy error to turn up like this on match night, haven’t we all been here?

The trick to making the most of your Universal Orlando evening is to follow the Murty Manual.

Water ride

Rehydrate: Don’t be a hero. Yes, the wine, cocktails and beer are flowing like the water rides but water is key.

You don’t have to be a monk, of course, and it would be rude not to order a Duff’s at Moe’s.

But soak it all up with a dirty Krusty Burger and fries.

It’ll bring some colour back to your face and make you more appealing when you meet up with Marilyn.

What a character

Meet the gang: The whole Universal gang is here, of course.

Doc from Back to the Future, Beetlejuice and our cast of animated heroes.

Shrek and Puss in Boots will pose for photos while Donkey will riff with you for your vid.

While I haven’t a scooby what the Mystery Machine mob made of this Bandanaman.

Tour de force

Get off your trolley: No, not like that, and I refer you to the Rehydrate section.

No, the studio tour is a joyous journey through 60 years of the behind-the-scenes world of Universal.

Now, they’ve ramped things up here since the last time I was here, as Universal Hollywood always do.

And Jimmy Fallon no less spins us through six decades of stories and sets in 45 minutes.

Joined by pals Stephen Spielberg, Meryl Streep, Jack Black and a host of Hollywood A-listers.

While you’ll also meet Jaws up close and personal who jumps out at you from the Hollywood lake.

While on your mid-tour break when you get out you can meet King Kong.

And something even scarier, Norman Bates fixing his eyes on you as he brings a wrapped-up body out of the motel bedroom.

Throw in a trip into a subway where you roll when an earthquake takes hold and everything breaks around you.

And it’s clear that Universal Hollywood’s story is a ripping yarn with you at the centre of it.

Oh brother

Pizza the action: We end the evening in Universal Hollywood’s in the resort’s newest attraction, Nintendo World.

Where we enter into a world of fun through the Green Tunnel and join Mario, Luigi and Princess Peaches.

And even get to go on a Mario Kart for a ride and a 3-D shoot-up for gold coins.

I’m back in credit (I scored 61 against a high score of 71).

I still got it. My head is spinnin’ in Universal Hollywood.

But I’m rich… in memories.

America, Countries, Music

Get Ziggy with it

7th May 20248th May 2024 funtime65

Diana Ross kicked it all off here in LA on Saturday and set off a chain reaction… and we’re not finished yet as we get Ziggy with it.

It makes sense that the City of Angels draws those who are blessed with the voices of angels.

And in Ziggy Marley, our entertainment for our last day at our American Travel Fair, IPW, his dad Bob is here with us in spirit.

Ziggy, you’ll remember from the One Love biopic is the cute kid Bob wrote Three Little Birds for.

Who went on to carve out a Grammy-winning career himself.

And truly we don’t worry about a thing here this week as our LA hosts have taken care of it all.

Wyld about Keanu

Diana, of course, is no warm-up act for anyone but the entertainment which has followed could easily pack an auditorium.

With Keanu Reeves’ band (no, not Wyld Stallyns) but Southern Californian schtick combo Dogstar bringing the house down.

And left the Italian delegation in particular weak-kneed as they shouted out their love for him from the floor.

While the legends that we so loved and lost couldn’t obviously be with us we were treated to the next best thing.

Regards to Broadway

With a Michael Jackson tribute act heading up the MJ musical which he gave us a taster of.

All part of a Broadway Musicals hour.

Where the casts of Chicago, Six, Back to the Future and new sensation Water for Elephants all featured.

Kicks on Route 66

We’ve been treated too to the best hip hop and jazz in Louis York to promote Travel South USA Y’all.

And house and blues to project Chicago for next year’s convention.

There is a synergy to all of this with Route 66 which connects LA to Chicago celebrating its centenary.

This week has as it always is at IPW been about one love… for travel.

And we have of course been getting Ziggy with it.

America, Countries

Sun was coming up over Santa Monica Boulevard

6th May 20246th May 2024 funtime65

All I wanna do is have some fun before I die said the man sat in the Uber next to me… and the sun was coming up over Santa Monica Boulevard.

We are in the Uber from hell despite the easy jazz coming out of the driver’s playlist.

Well, they do say that the Devil plays the best tunes.

And forms pleasing shapes with Michael a well turned out Fifty-something dude from Seattle.

Who unfortunately can’t get us back from our night out from downtown LA Live to the pier.

Like a prayer for Donna

Donna, our sainted Irish travel pal from Tour America would be forgiven for going round the bend.

Michael is as he tries to connect his phone to hers with his showing her as a blue dot chasing after him.

Only in America!

After a couple of cancellations, at her cost, and we hope she gets her refund in the 23-hour refund policy.

And an hour in his roomy, air-conditioned Kia people carrier we give up the gig and book a second driver.

Uber to you

Michael 2.0 is a different animal and sex… her car is only a four-seater and we’re a five.

And she has brought her home with her which Donna has to sit among in the front-seat.

While she has the heating up full which knocks Julianne out in the back.

While our new pal who has latched on to who for the purposes here we’ll call Bill, or Billy or Buddy.

But whose real name is Stuart (from Manchester, England) and who is on the phone to Spain to his signora from Peru.

Now my Spanish is nada but I can figure out that there was an expletive next to Uber and Michael/Miguel in the conversation.

A toast at the Lazy Dog

Like all of life’s journeys, at least until now, we arrive at our destination.

The JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. Live, 15 and a half miles away, 45 minutes later.

Donna has a thirst on her like she has been stuck in the Mojave Desert over yonder above Las Vegas.

It is only sporting to take her to join our Irish and Bostonian pals (same thing really) at the Lazy Dog on our hotel doorstep.

For local craft beers… and regale our company with our Santa Monica adventure.

Rollercoasters, bumpers and whack a moles

How Julianne conquered her fears of rollercoasters.

Whupped my ass on the whack a mole, I got my own back on the American bumpers.

Before drinking it off in Bubba Gump itShrimp, near the sign for the end of Route 66..

And how we’d dragged Donna out of the jumping music joint Big Dean’s for all this.

Just as the sun was coming up over Santa Monica Boulevard.

America, Countries, Music

Bossin’ it with Boss Ross at the LA Coliseum

6th May 2024 funtime65

She’s Detroit born and bred but she’s also pure Hollywood… and we’ve only been bossin’ it with Boss Ross at the LA Coliseum.

Where the 1932 and 1984 Olympics were held and the 2028 Games will take place.

Diana is not shy (she never was) about telling our convention at the American Travel Fair, IPW, that she is 80.

So we can forgive her for not running around the stage like she once did.

Although she’s still got the moves even in the glitteriest of gowns.

Diana the goddess

Diana truly belongs here as much as any of the heroes who have graced this colossal arena.

The LA Memorial Coliseum, to give it its full name, honours Fallen Americans from the First World War.

Its rich history which has seen anything from big fights Jack Dempsey to big flights Charles Lindbergh grace the hallowed ground will be enhanced.

By the 3rd iteration of an LA Games.

Holding a torch

The torch with the eternal flame is a constant reminder of the City of Angels’ place in the Olympic story.

With the Games in four years’ time seeing LA make history as the first city to host the greatest show on Earth three times.

That other sporting colossus, the Football World Cup will act as a tasty hors d’oeuvre in two years’ time.

Diana on target

Where Diana has history for missing her penalty and bringing the posts down.

She didn’t miss the target though here this week.

When we were bossin’ it with Boss Ross at the LA Coliseum.

I’m staying at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A LIVE, having flown Glasgow through Dublin with Aer Lingus to LAX.

MEET YOU AT THE PARTY