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Home in Tucson, Arizona

3rd December 20243rd December 2024 funtime65

Jo Jo had his reasons to leave his home in Tucson, Arizona, well, he was a bit of a loner… and we reckon Paul McCartney was probably on some Californian grass too.

Because people have been putting down roots in the Sonoran Desert for 250 years.

And are doing so in ever-greater numbers now.

Our friends in the Grand Canyon State only alerted us to their quarter millennial anniversary next year.

As is the way in these southern border states and the pride of the south-west has only been in the union since 1912, their place names are abbreviated from far more luxuriant titles.

We have to Get Back to 1775 for the founding of the Presidio San Agustin del Tucson.

And while Southern Arizona has undergone many changes since then.

Tucson has maintained the multicultural roots the city was founded on 250 years ago.

Fiesta time

A celebration will take place at the Presidio San Agustin Del Tucson on August 25.

It will acknowledge the rich cultures of people who lived in the region over thousands of years.

Including the O’odham, Yaqui and Apache.

The free fiesta will feature performances that celebrate the variety of cultures that make the region special including mariachi, live music and dance.

Next year also marks 10 Years as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy for Tucson.

The city’s culinary scene has evolved from thousands of years of agricultural history and a border that encompasses distinct Mexican and Native American traditions.

All of which led to its designation as the United States’ first UNESCO World City of Gastronomy in 2015.

And its reputation as “America’s Best Mexican Food.”

Gastronomy and astronomy

Food for thought: Skies and sizzlers in the Deep South

Visit Tucson launched America’s Best Mexican Food Field Guide this year, spotlighting a trail of local Mexican restaurants giving users a true taste of Tucson.

Tucson is also known for its Dark Sky and Astro Tourism.

The Headquarters of Dark Sky International in the greater Tucson area has long been a haven for stargazers and astronomers alike.

Visit Flandreau Science Center & Planetarium, Steward Observatory which celebrates its 50^thanniversary in 2025.

To learn about the university’s astronomy missions and other projects.

Situated in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, the city is surrounded by five mountain ranges, perfect for adventure lovers.

More than just deserts

Outdoor enthusiasts should not miss a stop at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

A model for native plants and animals featured together in ecological outdoor exhibits.

Wildlife enthusiasts can indulge in birdwatching with over 500 species of birds just waiting to be spotted along the Tucson Birding Trail.

And the anniversaries don’t end there.

With the Tucson Rodeo Parade, the largest outdoor winter event, turning 100 in 2025 and set to take place on February 20.

Now the San Antonians in neighbouring Texas will tell you it won’t be my first rodeo.

So, there’s no better time to revisit the Deep South and Get Back Home in Tucson, Arizona.

We found a return flight for a sample January 6 to January 11 ticket from under £3,000 flying with American Airlines through British Airways.

America

My version of a really solid Tennessee excursion

20th November 202420th November 2024 funtime65

Step aside, partner, it’s my day, bend an ear and listen to my version of a really solid Tennessee excursion.

And I won’t play hard and fast with the route which never went actually through Carolina…

It was western Virginia, although we’re sure that their ham and eggs is mighty fine.

The lovesick sap on the train from Pennsylvania Station in New York to Chattanooga may well have enjoyed his magazine and Baltimore.

But he would have missed the views along the way.

You won’t make that mistake when you visit Chattanooga, which not surprisingly makes the most of its railway heritage.

Tennessee is not very far

Full steam ahead: A Chattanooga choo-choo

With the Tennessee Valley Railroad putting on year-ride vintage rides for fans of the Volunteer State, of which we are signed-up members.

Now naturally at this time of year the emphasis is on Christmas.

And the Tennesseans don’t let the small matter of being in the Deep South of the US to stop them celebrating the North Pole.

Tennessee Rail Road Valley puts on a Magical Journey with North Pole Limited Christmas Train, a Christmas Tea and Christmas Daylight Express.

You can also enjoy a picturesque round-trip train ride through the Hiwassee River Gorge.

Write a letter and meet Santa and enjoy a delicious gingerbread cookie and chocolate milk on the train.

And just so the big people don’t feel left Santa’s Hiwassee Holiday is just for you over-21s.

With a nightcap with St. Nick, a one-hour train ride with all the bright trimmings of the season.

Where you’ll get two drinks, a sweet and savoury treat box, a souvenir bell, keepsake boarding pass, and a visit from Santa, all for $140 a table for two.

Loop the loop

Santennessee: And it’s looking a lot like Christmas

And because Tennessee isn’t just for Christmas then why not plan ahead for May-late November and the Hiwassee Loop?

You’ll be whisked away on a five-hour journey through the lower Hiwassee River gorge, featuring that loop.

This 50-mile round trip starts at 1:30 p.m. and ends at 5:30 p.m, showcasing the natural beauty and railway marvels of Tennessee ($56pp).

The high point of which is at Farner, where the tracks intriguingly cross over themselves.

As they spiral up the mountain, the only example east of the Mississippi.

The one I call Funny Face

Festive fun: And I’m beginning to look a lot like Christmas

It looks like the Tennessee Valley Railroad has taken care of everything.

Well, maybe not a certain party at the station, satin and lace, I used to call funny face.

Guess, I’ll take her with me this time and maybe branch out to those familiar and memorable destinations from my MLK 50 trip.

And start a whole new my version of a really solid Tennessee excursion

Fly London Heathrow to Nashville with hotel stay at the Hayes Street Hotel with British Airways from December 11-16 from £1,633pp.

Chattanooga is just two hours drive, and the whole of the Volunteer State awaits.

Asia, Countries

Atoll tale of British empire and Mauritius

6th October 20246th October 2024 funtime65

Admit it you never knew where Chagos was neither and why should you… this is atoll tale of British empire and Mauritius.

And how Britain has now meekly surrendered sovereign territory it has held since 1814.

To a group of islands in hock to the land-grabbing Chinese.

Of course that is only half, or less, of the story.

Whose atoll is it anyway?

Ya dancer: Mauritius have got the Chagos back

With the UN and international law, which awkwardly does apply to Britain, saying they should give it back.

And China only guilty of expanding its trade routes as it has done across the Indian Ocean.

Leaving aside which of the colonial powers, the Arabs, the Portuguese, the Dutch, the French or the British has rightful claim.

And the answer must surely be none.

The transferral of the uninhabited but strategically important atoll to Mauritius shines a light on that holiday destination.

Although, alas, not like other atolls in the Indian Ocean like the Maldives Chagos has yet to be turned into a holiday hotspot… although, here’s hoping.

Mauritians are coming

Veranda standard: And lounge back and think of Mauritius

And how better to immerse yourself in Mauritian culture than signing up for the weekly ‘Mauritian Day’ at Veranda Point aux Biches.

Veranda Point is a family friendly boutique hotel on the north west coast with a barefoot eco chic vibe.

The weekly ‘Mauritian Day’ is where guests can take a Creole lesson, paint with a local artisan, learn how to dance sega (and no, that’s not an old video game) and play a traditional Mauritian musical instrument.

Located between two charming fishing villages, the hotel has three spectacular restaurants and two bars in addition to three pools.

While the Seven Colours Wellness Lounge provides a unique setting in Mauritius with spa cabins right on the beach and overlooking the lagoon.

From €2,412 for seven nights. £875 with British Airways from London Gatwick.

Maurice in wonderland

And the derivation of Mauritius… well, it’s named after a former Dutch royal, Maurice, the Prince of Orange.

So it’s Atoll tale of British empire and Mauritius but it transpires that it was Maurice’s island all along.

Just saying for all those Mo’s and Maurices out there.

Caribbean, Countries, Flying

Chop, chop, get out to Saint Lucia

18th May 202418th May 2024 funtime65

You’ve flown over one of the jewels of the Caribbean and have had to stop for a deep clean when all you want to hear is… chop, chop, let’s explore Saint Lucia.

Of course, the best way to first see Saint Lucia and its stand-out Piton Mountains is in a bird’s view.

And how much closer can you get than by chopper as we found out over Barcelona and the Grand Canyon.

So if you had your head turned down the first time you saw a copter, say in Magnum PI, or now I’m A Celebrity, read on.

Because luxury boutique resort & spa, Cap Maison in Saint Lucia has raised the bar with its ‘Fly & Save’ offer.

Giving guests the chance to kickstart their summer getaway with a VIP arrival in a helicopter.

From Hewanorra International Airport to George F.L Charles Airport in the north

Where a private car will take them on the remainder of their journey to clifftop billet Cap Maison in the exclusive Cap Estate.

Mud, glorious mud

You’ll get to enjoy the Sulphur Mud Baths, horse-riding along a beach, a coco ‘Bean to Bar’ experience and a Rainforest Zip Line Adventure.

Some of which we’ve enjoyed elsewhere in Barbados and Tobago and would obviously like to repeat.

While Saint Lucia boasts the only Drive-in volcano in the Caribbean (grilled burger please!!).

Nothing to worry about here… do like the islanders and just go with the flow.

Cap Maison offers newly refurbished hacienda-inspired fully fitted and furnished rooms.

Two to three-bedroom suites are available, as are smaller one-bedroom suites with roll away beds in various living spaces.

All suites feature a private pool.

Water thrill

The well-situated beach is set within a shallow cove and features its own water sports centre.

If you only like to dip your foot into the choppy waves of water sports.

Then Hobie Cat sailboats, like Bubba’s on Barbados maybe, are probably more you than kayaks, snorkelling and windsurfing but I’ll let you make up your own mind on that.

And the two on-site award-winning restaurants The Cliff at Cap and The Naked Fisherman and the beach restaurant The Naked Fisherman.

And who knows it might do what it says on the tin, if it was tinned, but, of course, it’s straight out of the sea.

Maison about on Saint Lucia

Cap Maison’s Fly & Save package is the stay in a Oceanview Suite with Pool or Oceanview Suite with Pool & Roof Terrace.

Where you can enjoy not only Cap Maison’s Linger Longer offer but also a VIP Cap Maison arrival via copter.

Taking in the Pitons vista.

*Minimum stay 5 nights, If the helicopter is unable to fly a luxury car transfer or a water ferry will be offered in its place.

Helicopter valid for up to two passengers, any additional passengers can be added at a cost – Helicopter is a shared transfer with other travellers.

The Linger Longer deal is on all Junior Suites and One Bedroom Villas Suites.

Travel between January 3rd to December 19th for the best rates with Daily Breakfast or All-Inclusive Meal Plan included.

Available on stays from four nights. For stays of eight nights or longer, guests will receive a greater discount on their stay.

So, what are you doing? Get busy.

And chop, chop, get out to Saint Lucia.

With British Airways flying from London Gatwick return for a sample five days from £809.

Africa, Countries

Mandela Manor

8th September 20238th September 2023 funtime65

When you’ve spent 25 years in a tiny prison cell as a freedom fighter you deserve to come out to something of a Mandela Manor.

We all, of course, became familiar with news of The Great Man‘s false incarceration in Robben Island.

Hands across the world: Me, Siseko and The Great Man in Gqeberha

But less about his life in the quarters he then relocated to back in Johannesburg.

His primary place of residence was in the leafy surrounds of Houghton.

Sanctuary Mandela

If it felt like a hotel to Mandela after all those years mucking out then it most definitely is now.

Sanctuary Mandela is now a re-envisioned residency, a boutique hotel with nine rooms.

Each room is dedicated to an aspect of his personality.

While the lush gardens reflect the South African icon’s love of nature.

With retreat spaces filled with perfectly curated exhibits that pay tribute to Mandela.

Every corner of the boutique hotel is envisaged to provide the combination of tranquillity, heritage, and mindful experiences.

Invictus victorious

And if you think Sanctuary Mandela looks familiar then it was used in the filming of Invictus.

All in our minds just now as the Rugby World Cup kicks off and Siya Kolisi’s Springboks attempt to retain the trophy.

While in memory of Mandela’s love for food, the fine-dining restaurant serves as a tribute to his favourite dishes.

As they were previously prepared by his long-time personal chef of 20 years, Xoliswa Ndoyiya.

Of course you can walk in Mandela’s footsteps across South Africa.

And feel his presence particularly in his home province of the Eastern Cape.

We found three nights from the start of next month for under £500 at £493 for two.

Where you can live like an icon in Mandela Manor.

And we picked out British Airways return flights for two for under £3,000 (£2,982.82).