http://www.visittheusa.co.uk/ Archives - Page 4 of 5 - Jim Murty’s TravelTravelTravel

America, Countries

A star in stripes in the US on Flag Day

14th June 202513th June 2025 funtime65

And finally, I’m off to Chicago, a star in stripes on Flag Day.

Today, June 15, being the day Americans celebrate ‘Old Glory’ every year.

In honour of Betsy Ross’s drape, marking the 13 founder states in stripes.

And 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing the new constellation which was the new nation.

Flagging up Chicago

United States of AmAerica: My flight providers

That I’ll be spending the next week in The Windy City is apt.

As a major rally featuring 300,000 schoolchildren honoured the Flag here 130 years ago.

In Douglas, Garfield, Humboldt, Lincoln, and Washington Parks.

Proud nationalist Benjamin J Cigrand had taken up an idea from the Civil War and run with it.

Where Ross is boss

And so we are where we are now.

And for that we are thankful to Philadelphia upholsterer and friend of George Washington Betsy.

Whose story we can follow in the City of Brotherly Love at Betsy Ross’s House where a flag-raising ceremony is held daily.

When in Philly, of course, we gather around a certain cracked bell.

But this Americanophile and revolutionary naturally sought out a flag-raising ceremony myself at the old town hall.

Holding back the civic officers just so I could get my picture for posterity.

Waving the flag

Now wherever I go across the Oo Es of Eh I seek out the flag.

And wrap myself up in it since taking the Atars and Stripes back with me from my first visit as a 17-year-old.

By order of the Flag: In the ‘White House’

Which has been used on a flagpole, as a dinner cloth.

And the least said about what my Best Man Andy used it for the better.

Not, of course, what the founding fathers had in mind.

When they adopted the flag of the United States on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

I’d expect though they’d appreciate my devotion.

A star in stripes in the US on Flag Day.

America, Countries, Sport

On board with Brian Wilson in California

12th June 202513th June 2025 funtime65

Turns out I was on board with Brian Wilson in California all along by skipping the wave.

Because like Brian I’m more natural at singing the praises of surfin’ than actually doing it.

As my guides from waterskiing in Malta through paddle boarding on a Royal Caribbean cruise in Barcelona will testify.

Surfin’ for us and everyone else for whom walking on sand makes more sense is about the Good Vibrations.

Wouldn’t it be nice

And there is nothing better than catching The Beach Boys themselves in California.

I guess we should have guessed all along about Brian’s aversion to surfing when we watched him on board Sloop John B.

On the overhead video during lunch break of the annual American Travel Fair in Anaheim.

As his Beach Boys channeled his vision on set below and Mike Love and I pressed flesh.

The home of surfing

As is the tradition of the Great American Song Surfin’ USA name checks as many locations as you can in a three-minute hit.

Apart from, and Brian has taken his reasons for omitting it to the Next World, Huntington Beach.

Now Huntington Beach bills itself as Surf City USA.

And while we didn’t exactly follow Jan and Dean’s advice.

And buy ourselves a ’30 Ford wagon called Woody we did get a party growin’.

Surfin’ Dogg

With a little help from a Surfin’ Dogg.

The dudest of rappers putting on a set which had us all dancin’ into the early hours.

Not that Surfin’ dogs are anything unusual on this stretch of the Pacific 44 miles south of Los Angeles.

As I first discovered when Huntington Beach rolled into Dublin and reached out to us.

And I discovered that anyone can surf with Huntington Beach even putting on dog surfing competitions.

With Bono, a Brazilian Labrador the champion although this one doesn’t wear the shades.

Anyone maybe other than me and the Beach Boys genius.

But then for his fans he will always walk on water.

And I’ve something in common with him as I’m on board with Brian Wilson in California.

So Do It Again, get out to the USA and when you do go through Ireland with Aer Lingus with pre-clearance.

To Los Angeles, sample round trip £636.

America, Countries, Music

Rainy Days and Songdays – Chicago Singday City

8th June 20258th June 2025 funtime65

And as we count down to getting the band back together our update playlist Rainy Days and Songdays – Chicago Singday City.

Now we’re reliably informed by no less a figure than Frank Sinatra.

That it would never let you down… and Chicago was his kind of town after all.

And while we will celebrate The Second City all through next week in the US at the Travel Fair and after.

Sweet home Chicago

We will also mark its edgy side too.

Which The Blues Brothers immortalised in their cat-and-mouse race.

With the police, a Country band, Neo-Nazis and Carrie Fisher… all on a mission from God.

And, of course, celebrate in our annual Broadway lunch, Roxie Hart, her slick lawyer Billy Flynn and all that jazz.

Mob handed

Elvis recognised Chicago’s gritty side and its resilience.

On a cold and gray Chicago mornin’ a poor little baby child is born. In the ghetto.

While I’ll be glad to take Frank’s advice again that if I do go down to South Chicago.

And I bump into Bad, Bad Leroy Brown to call him Sir.

No peon to Chicago can ignore the most notorious of gangsters Al Capone.

And brother what a night it really was and brother what a fight it really was.

When the cops and The Mob duked it out The Night Chicago Died.

My Kinda Town

But, of course, we all know that Chicago is alive and bustling which is why…

It’s Tuggin’ my sleeve, Chicago is
The Wrigley Building, Chicago is
The Union Stockyard, Chicago is.

And one more time… My Kind of Town.

And it’s already on my Rainy Days and Songdays – Chicago Singday City playlist.

America, Countries

Holidos and Don’ts – tipping

14th May 202514th May 2025 funtime65

And in readiness for the Oo Es of Eh and prompted by an Italian guide on such matters we bring you Holidos and Don’ts – tipping.

A tip first of all is a contract To Insure Promptness and our American friends certainly provide that.

We have all seen cab drivers hurl luggage down at a measly tip or God forbid none at all.

While even of you have just got out of the Uber in the dodgiest and wrong part of Washington DC you are expected to open your wallet.

Tipping 100%

But what percentage of your bill should you give your service provider?

Well from experience a fifth of your tariff will elicit a warm wide smile and priority the next time you seek custom.

And so as not to look foreign, or worse, mean work it out beforehand so you’re not scrabbling around for notes.

Boston a gut

The rule of thumb too is that every service provider is entitled to your extra gratuity.

Even if you are that gormless inexperienced 21-year-old waiter getting your order wrong.

At the Black Rose Irish bar in Boston.

Now every American service provider knows the drill.

And that it is tips that make the job viable.

Everybody you would think, apart that is Faceache.

The Tragic Bus (Boy)

One of our waitress bosses at the sadly departed Guadalaharry’s Mexican restaurant by Quincy Market, Boston.

When we worked as Bus Boys, the lowest rung of the hospitality sector.

The convention for clearing the tables while the waiters schmoozed was widely accepted to be 10 per cent of their overall tips.

Which of course, said Faceache, and no I can’t remember her real name, ignored.

What was free, as well as Nachos which I have hence gone off for life, were the daily putdowns.

And getting called ‘Biafra’ on account of my then svelte figure.

All of which would have been helped with a healthy cut of her tips which I had helped win.

Customer is always right

Share it out: Everybody should get their cut

Those post-university experiences and my cousins running bars and diners in New York has led me to value the American tipping culture.

And it does work too as we witnessed first hand when our table were given free drinks on the eve of Cousin Eddie’s wedding.

Because of our extended wait.

Our American friends and family, of course, expect similar courtesy when they visit foreign shores.

A Brit of a lesson

But alas, at least here on our shores it can be erratic at best.

Which is when my formidable Auntie Kathleen, daughter of Donegal turned Queen of Queens hospitality would come in.

Reminding staff on these shores of the Holidos and Don’ts – tipping.

And what she would require for herself and her party if they did not meet her standards.

Countries

Karman feel the force at Kennedy Space Center

16th April 202516th April 2025 funtime65

Since we don’t all have Katy Perry’s connections a chance to feel the force our friends at Kennedy Space Center are inviting us all to Karman feel the force for free.

Without having to fork out $28million for the privilege.

Unless you’re a space nut you probably only found out about the Karman Line this week while following the Blue Origin New Shepard rocket and capsule launch.

Named after the Hungarian Theodore von Karman, born Karman Todor in Jewish Budapest, who defined the start of space as 100 kilometres above sea level.

Visitors to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida can enter a near-perfect replica of the New Shepard capsule.

In Gateway: The Deep Space Launch Complex on a VR journey beyond the Karman Line.

The New Shepard psalm

The Blue Origin VR experience, which opened in 2023, uses actual data and imagery to authentically mimic the voyage to space, and back home again.

By leveraging VR technology, including high-resolution graphics and advanced hand and motion tracking, the capsule ensures a deeply immersive experience.

To allow those who can’t physically enter the capsule on their own to have the same launch experience.

The capsule includes an accessible flight seat and VR headset external to the capsule.

The New Shepard experience is included with admission.

But a time should be booked via the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex app or via a QR code on arrival at the visitor complex.

Virtual space

Dome from home: The Kennedy Space Center Capsule

At Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, less than 1 hour from Orlando, guests can go beyond their imagination and discover something real.

From the dawn of space exploration, to current and ongoing missions.

Visitors can get a hands-on feel for the story of humans in space.

Guests of all ages will love getting up-close to real flight flown artifacts, going on inter-stellar VR and simulator experiences.

And meeting a veteran NASA astronaut, as we’ve done on their travels when Kennedy Space Center. came visiting our shores.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex opens daily at 9am, with closing times varying by season.

Single-day admission is $75 per adult, $65 per child.

A two-day ticket is available for $89 per adult and $79 per child.

Amazon adventure

Inner space: And channel your inner astronaut

All of which would have saved Katy, former Nasa rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, film producer Kerianne Flynn.

And journalist and girlfriend of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Lauren Sanchez of a few bucks.

But then there’s worlds of difference between their wherewithall and our own.

So Karman feel the force at Kennedy Space Center.

Of course, if you do have millions of dollars down the back of the couch.

And you get the taste for space travel on your VR journey.

Then get yourself to West Texas for the next trip to around 106km above the Karman Line.

Before reentering the atmosphere as the capsule parachuted to the desert floor.

America, Countries

Donald ‘Jay’ Trump and The Great Gatsby tour

10th April 202510th April 2025 funtime65

And as everything always comes back to him anyway today we’re taking you on a Donald ‘Jay’ Trump and The Great Gatsby tour.

The Great Gatsby, oft-described as the Great American Novel, was first published on this day in 1925.

And social and political observers in the Oo Es of Eh and elsewhere have been falling over themselves.

To draw similarities between Gatsby and the 47th President and their worlds.

And, of course, straight off the bat, both The Donald and The Gatsby have New York in common.

Making their name and fame in glitzy Manhattan and going on to build a world and a base around them.

Which, of course, we can discover for ourselves on what we’re calling a Donald ‘Jay’ Trump and The Great Gatsby experience.

Plaza Suite

Gatsbyphiles will know well The Plaza Hotel, near Grand Army Plaza and Central Park.

Where Gatsby demands Daisy admit she never loved Tom and which sets in motion the characters’ unravelling.

And which Trumpohiles will know too that The Donald owned in the late 80s and 90s.

To channel your inner Gatsby visitors can book the Plaza’s Gatsby’s Suite Experience.

The package includes a minimum two-night stay in the art deco-inspired Gatsby Suite.

And two tickets to see The Great Gatsby Musical on Broadway and a complimentary drink at The Broadway Theatre.

For stays through Wednesday, April 30.

Trump Tour de force

And while you are in the neighbourhood explore the Gatsby of our times, The Donald.

With the OnBoard Tours Trump Tours (4.5hr bus and walking tour for under $60 adult and under $50 for kids).

Apprentice fans will jump at the chance of placing themselves at the front door of the building.

Where contestants have left with the parting shot ‘you’re fired.’

Back to the Roaring Twenties

Your Trump Tours will drive you next by Trump Parc and Trump Parc East which date back to the Roaring Twenties.

And 40 Wall Street which briefly in 1930, was the tallest building in the world.

Now Trump Place remains a particular favourite of The Donald which he calls ‘The Crown Jewel of the Upper West Side.’

The great New Yorker is at every turn with Trump International Hotel near Columbus Circle.

America, Countries

Universal is coming to Britain

9th April 20259th April 2025 funtime65

And good news out of America… Universal is coming to Britain and it will be the biggest theme park in Europe when it launches in 2031.

Yes, they’re regular visitors in these shores and in Ireland, spreading the gospel on hospitality nights promoting upcoming features.

And also inviting us over to Orlando and Los Angeles to immerse ourselves in their worlds.

So what can we expect… well, like a Ron Weasley trick all will be revealed but just not yet.

In with the bricks

Tracks of time: With pal Colin in Orlando

But what we do know is that it will be built in Bedfordshire on the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks site, 45 miles north of London, and will spread across 473 acres.

And it will attract 8.5million visitors in its first year alone.

That British Universal will be built on a former brickworks site brings to mind a story told to us.

By those behind the Wizarding World of Harry Potter on our first visit.

That when Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley were being recreated in Orlando 15 years ago a designer was passing through the airport.

Only to be stopped and asked why there was a brick in his luggage.

Of course they told Homeland Security that it was for the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

And that JK Rowling had insisted that it had to be exactly the same brick that she had imagined for his books from back home in Britain.

Rowling with it

Buttering up: With butter beer in Universal Orlando

It is that exact detail that sets Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley apart with every brick, fixture and fitting, merch and butter beer passed first by the author.

Of course Universal like the big milky way we live in is always evolving.

And Potterheads are besides themselves in anticipation.

For the Floridian funspot’s unveiling of 1920s Paris and the British Ministry of Magic at Universal Epic Universe on 22 May.

Five new worlds

Now we’ve been keeping you up to date with Universal’s mega plans in the Oo Es of Eh.

And its five unique new worlds including Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe.

And, of course, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.

Now just think then what they might have in store for all of us on this side of the pond with six years to go.

And that Universal is coming to Britain.

America, Countries

Pocohontas twice blessed in The Rotunda

5th April 20255th April 2025 funtime65

And on the anniversary of her wedding to tobacco planter John Rolfe which forged the earliest American union, a celebration of Pocohontas twice blessed in the Rotunda.

For those whose eyes might have wandered when Donald Trump was inaugurated in the Capitol’s Holy of Holies.

They will, of course, reflect on the commission of George Washington, the Father of the Nation, resigning his commission.

And perhaps miss the Mother of the Nation, Pocohontas, who again it’s worth flagging up is twice blessed in the Rotunda.

In a relief sculpture ‘The Preservation of Captain Smith by Pocahontas’ by Antonio Capellano.

And the painting ‘Baptism of Pocahontas’ by John Gadsby Chapman.

Capitol’s time capsule

The Rotunda is the Capitol’s time capsule chronicling the history of the Union.

Which makes it idiosyncratic that Pocohontas’s story should be included here in Washington.

Although its symbolism and the Native Americans’ birthright to this land makes it as justified as any.

Whether The Donald will one day be immortalised in the Rotunda’s fixtures and fittings is for the future.

But he will undoubtedly return here to lie in state as have 12 presidents from Abraham Lincoln through John F Kennedy to Jimmy Carter.

The modern Pantheon

For Americanophiles, and you don’t have to have majored in American history, The Rotunda is a must on your list.

Particularly as you might have missed the 200th anniversary of its completion.

For the visit of that hero of the Revolution, the Marquis de Lafayette’s visit in 1924.

And if it feels familiar to modern-day visitors who have also been to Rome then you’d be right.

As the First Fathers, Classical fans that they were, modelled it on the Pantheon.

A brief tutorial

Casting your eye around the Rotunda and it is better to sign up with a tour guide brings back old hippy Ted Ranson’s morning lectures.

The paintings of the Declaration of Independence, the Surrender of General Burgoyne, Lord Cornwallis and the aforementioned George Washington.

It’s among the Rotunda’s commemoration of the American explorers’ story that Pocohontas gets a second airing.

Along with the Landing of Columbus, Discovery of the Mississippi and the Embarkation of the Pilgrims.

Although it’s worth remembering that she didn’t do any exploring herself.

The Mother of the Nation

Capitol idea: On the hill in Washington DC

A native of the land around the renamed Jamestown, Virginia.

While there in four wreathed panels above the paintings frame portrait busts of John Cabot, Christopher Columbus, Sir Walter Raleigh and Sieur de La Salle

You’ll see the second Pocohontas in the relief panels above the four entrances.

Among them Daniel Boone. the Landing of the Pilgrims and William Penn’s Treaty with the Indians.

A whole potted history then of America all around you in the Rotunda.

With one Native American rightly taking her place which we will remember especially.

America, Countries

Float on in The Big Easy

9th February 20259th February 2025 funtime65

With all eyes on New Orleans today for Super Bowl LIX we throw it forward and tell you how to float on in The Big Easy.

Mardi Gras is New Orleans’ annual calling card to the world with tens of thousands set to visit on March 4.

Super Tayl: Taylor and Travis and the Super Bowl

And up to 40 floats costing thousands of dollars each meandering their way along the streets.

All of which I could take notes from for my next parade.

Mardi Gras World

And I’ve been spending a lifetime from Barbados to Barcelona to improve on my float.

At the 1986 Aberdeen Uni charity Torcher parade when I left the newspaper office desk on the float in the car park overnight.

As I went off drinking only to find it wasn’t there the next day.

Hardly an anecdote that would make the cut at the Mardi Gras World which celebrates everything Fat Tuesday.

And we dare say Blaine Kern, New Orleans’ Mr Mardi Gras ever since Depression days, would have had something to say to me.

Build your own

MGW has been at the heart of the community for 40 years.

Picking you up on their free shuttle and giving float fans a tour for $29.95.

For an overview of the history of the festival before continuing through their float den.

Where artists work year-round to build spectacular floats and props.

Now if you have the time, and make some, then get the experts to teach you and make your own mini-float ($85).

With a two-hour group workshop an option to upgrade with food, wine, beer, and cocktails.

Let the mask slip

While MGW also offers a mask-making class with upgrades like food, wine, beer, and cocktails and/or a local jazz or Cajun band.

All of which feels like it has our names on it.

Having become immersed in New Orleans jazz and Sazerac culture at American Travel Fairs.

All major airlines fly to New Orleans.

America, Countries, Food

An Address to a Trumpie gie US her haggis

25th January 202525th January 2025 funtime65

And on this Burns Day. An Address to a Trumpie gie US her haggis.

You might have missed it in the avalanche of executive orders and requests to the new US President.

But Scotland’s haggis-makers are lobbying this son of a Lewis lass.

Tae reverse a 50-year ban on Scottish sheep’s lungs since Richard Nixon inexplicably took against our national dish.

Best laid plans: Of mice and wee men and wimmen

And what’s mair we’re hopeful The Donald will listen.

The Donald, of course, has his footprints, or more his golf spikes, across Scotland.

With courses in Aberdeenshire and Burns’ back yard Ayrshire.

The Scottish diaspora

Now while the 47th President may be more partial to a burger we dare say Mary Ann MacLeod Trump introduced him to the haggis when he was younger… and Burns.

The Bard has, of course, been sustenance for the Scottish diaspora.

And he has given rise to Burns Suppers proliferating around the world.

And visitors to the excellent heritage village of Alloway in Ayrshire will find the extent.

In the Statue House at the Burns Monument Gardens, Alloway.

Where an engraved stone map of the world has miniature Burns statues showing where he is celebrated.

Burns the man for a’ that

Brithers be for a’ that: With ‘The Donald’ in NY

Including of course Donaldland as he’s about to rechristen the USA but the English-speaking world in general.

Burns is also a working man’s hero in Russia too… a man’s a man for a’ that chiming with the socialist ethos.

And that is the beauty of the poet, he is something of a Mr Potatohead.

Or Mr Tattiehead as that could be translated in Scotland.

And that is not to decry Burns as he has been ambushed by socialists, capitalists and colonialists alike.

Washington and whisky

The 48th President of America: In Washington DC

Now just like in Burns’ homeland the Bard is celebrated in our own wee kitchens, in pubs and in grand estates and country houses.

And by his ain folk and by politicians, businessmen, royalty and celebrities alike.

With the St Andrews Society of Washington, DC holding their annual Burns Supper.

Just down the road from the White House at 1615 H Street NW with tickets at ¢250.

Where the good members from the American capital would be only too glad.

To have the half-Scottish 47th President and DC‘s most famous resident make the toast.

To the Immortal Memory and the members to him.

So here’s An Address to a Trumpie gie US her haggis.