Eating Out in France

 Joining some European travel writers on a canal trip in the AM. Do Not know if I will be able to blog for five days. Will be for the next nine through out Southern France. 

Steel Wheels Through France

 It is the day before I leave for France’s Languedoc- Roussillon region for a five- day luxury barge cruise on the Canal du Midi and it is all fitting into place. After that trip I have nine days to explore on my own. That will be so much easier with the comp Rail Europe Pass that came today. It’s been a long time since my days of train hopping around Europe. Got an invite to stay a few days at one of France’s finest hotels in one of the country’s prettiest places, the medieval city of Carrcassonne. The award winning Hotel de la Cite will be a great spot to pull out the map and decided where to go next! 

Falls Wedding

 The wedding in High Falls of my niece Kourtney to Greg Falls was such a great event. All 350 guests had a great time under the massive tents turned into an enchanted forest. The food was great and the spirits flowed and music filled the country air. All week people in the area have commented to me about the wedding my sister Victoria St John Gilligan was having at High Ridge Farm, it exceeded all expectations! Congrats Kourtney and Greg.  

Going Broke

 Read a great piece on AOL about rich people that have blown it, a few named were Mark Twain, Buffalo Bill and comeback kid George Foreman. It was interesting in its take about people and their relationship with money. Entertainers and people who inherited cash tend to be the biggest losers of fortune, bottom line is to be satisfied with less and live that way cause it doesn’t grow on trees.

Here is an snip:

“Someone who goes broke, or someone who goes into debt, is really somebody who isn’t comfortable having their money,” Ms. Gurney says. “Yes, it appears as a lack of discipline. But the lack of discipline comes from an emotional place that causes them to be undisciplined. It’s not about the money. It’s about our emotional relationship to money.

“The people who are out there just running through money have failed because they haven’t come to terms with who they are and what they want the money to do for them,” she adds. “I see a lot of baby boomers beginning to panic because they haven’t figured this out.” 

Garlic, Ajo Way to Go

 Ajo is Spanish for garlic, health food extraordinaire and a regular part of my dishes. Saugerties NY is having their 18 annual Garlic Festival this week. Over 80 venders and multiple acts will fill both Saturday and Sunday. Garlic soup, sausage, green beans and even garlic ice cream will be served. Cooking demonstrations, garlic growing and braiding will fill out the programs. Buy some breath mints and head up! 

Dodge Power, Forget the Flower Power

 My niece's wedding is this Saturday and folks are starting to head to High Falls to celebrate it, only 350 close friends and family. Here my nephew managed to use one of my sister's boyfriends classic cars to take me on a turbo charged ride back to the 70's. In John's collection is Iron Mike Tyson's BMW. Bet the low fallen fighter wishes he still owned it! 

Budapest Demonstrations

 It certainly seems like the world is in a state of unrest recently. Coup in Thailand and heavy rhetoric at the UN are just two episodes cranking out on the news. The last few nights there have been violent demonstrations in Budapest, a wonderful city to visit. The BBC did a “man in the street”, interviews recently. Here is one reaction.

It's a really scary situation here at the moment.
I am not talking about the violent protests, but the desperate political and economic situation we are facing under this government.
The prime minister lies to his people and admits it! It is a shocking and sad situation for us all to be in.
I have friends who are out protesting - I would be with them but I am seven months' pregnant. Even so I intend to get out and attend one of the mass rallies over the coming days. I feel that strongly about it.
Unfortunately there have been some violent protesters but, while I hate to see violence and fighting, they have their reasons to be there too Send us your comments
Why? Because I have one child and another on the way and I am so worried about the future of my family living under this government.
We have to take out huge loans to survive and our taxes keep going up. There is no sign of any improvement.
This is why the people of Hungary are angry.
The protesters are mostly peaceful. They believe in democracy and protest is the only way they know to attempt to force change.
Unfortunately there have been some violent protesters but, while I hate to see violence and fighting, they have their reasons to be there too. They are also angry with a government that is failing them.
The state-run media say they are troublemakers and hooligans but they are simply young people like us. 

Jordan Times and Al Gore

 I thought that the opinion piece in the Jordan Times was interesting concerning the movie, An Inconvenient Truth starring Al Gore. While I haven’t seen it yet I have heard rave and not so good reviews. I like checking newspapers online from places I have been and the Jordan Times is one of them.

“Gore shows that glaciers have receded for 50 years. But he doesn’t acknowledge they have been shrinking since the Napoleonic wars in the early 1800s — long before industrial CO2 emissions. Likewise, he considers Antarctica the canary in the coalmine, but again doesn’t tell the full story. He presents pictures from the two per cent of Antarctica that is dramatically warming, while ignoring the 98 per cent that has largely cooled over the past 35 years. The UN climate panel estimates that Antarctica’s snow mass will actually increase during this century. And, whereas Gore points to shrinking sea ice in the Northern Hemisphere, he fails to mention that ice in the Southern Hemisphere is increasing.” 

Bangkok Babylon

 After hearing more about the coup in Bangkok my thoughts went to a book recently read called Bangkok Babylon by Jerry Hopkins. In the book Hopkins recalls his first 10 years as an expatriate in the city. Better yet are the stories about other expats such as the man thought to be the model for Colonel Kurtz in Apocalypse Now. Glimpses into the stranger than fiction lifestyle. 

Prime Thai, No Job Security

 Imagine if you were on a press trip and you heard your senior travel editor spot at your publication was not yours anymore. Magnify that by millions and that is how the Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra feels today. Worse is the fact that he is at the UN in NYC, hope his hotel doesn’t boot him if his country’s credit card declines. We have all been fired before but somehow I got a feeling that a bottle of “Jack” and listening to Daniel Powters, Had a Bad Day isn’t going to cut it!

Here is a clip from AOL News: “Sondhi, a Muslim in this Buddhist-dominated country, is known to be close to Thailand's revered monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
A senior army general, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation, said the armed forces chiefs were meeting with the king to discuss forming an interim government, suggesting it would probably be led by civilians.
As soldiers and armored vehicles moved through a drizzly Bangkok, an announcement from the military had earlier declared a provisional authority loyal to the king.
It declared that”Council of Administrative Reform" had seized power in Bangkok and nearby provinces without any resistance. It recognized the king as head of state” . 

Hudson Valley is Corn to Apples

 The end of this years corn season is fast approaching here in Ulster County. A record apple season is gearing up and is going to be a big one. Hudson Valley apples are prized in Europe 

Training at ByWater Bistro in Rosendale NY

 In about a week I will be in the South of France wining and dining 24/7--count on it. I found a great place to train last night in Rosendale NY only a mile or two down the road. Rosendale is a hip little town with an old theater and eclectic shops. In now has one of my favorite places to eat.

Bywater Bistro was great on all counts, food, service and style. It has gardens that spread towards a creek and a patio that was perfect last night. Over candlelight Lil and I enjoyed some great creations by chef/owner Samuel Ullman. It was so peaceful and delicious that we even went for a split dessert and digestive. Like I said I am in training! 

Max in Malaysia

 Just read Max's piece on Malaysia on GoNomad.com and loved it. It had lots of factual info that only Max would notice.

Malaysia has the world’s only rotating monarchy. Every five years a new king is named from one of the nine original provinces, so the nation takes turns with who gets the royal treatment. We watched the King’s procession makes its way into the royal Palace in Kuala Lumpur and later saw him during the opening ceremony at the Citrajarna colors of Malaysia festival in the downtown streets.

There are vestiges of old regimes throughout the country, and a marked difference in the work ethic and pace from the west coast to the east. We spent time in the hustling, bustling traffic of Kuala Lumpur and Malacca, on the west, and then flew to Terrenganu, on the east, which was much more slow-paced. There were also far fewer women on the streets without the headscarf, here nearly every woman wore the long head to toe saris and scarves required of Islamic tradition.

Read the rest here  

Severgnini's Take and our Expert Cindy Bigras

 I have a book just finished that I cannot wait to discuss with GoNomad’s Italian expert Cindy Bigras. The book La Bella Figura: a Field Guide to the Italian Mind has had me chuckling all day, even over my lunch of ravioli. Cindy went to Georgetown University in Washington D.C. and studied and worked in Florence for three years. She is as classy as the Uffizi Museum and just as interesting.

Beppe Severgnini wrote the book but I really want to get Cindy’s take. I did however read his first book, the international best seller, Ciao America. He pegged us spot on! Cindy, this one gets sent immediately up to Mass. 

Jordanian Smile

 Just one of the many smiles encountered in Jordan 

Night Draws Near

 The first time I walked through the market in Amman I was mesmerized. The hustle and bustle was amazing. Just as in South America the market is far more than buying goods, it is a place to meet and chat, and it is a place to socialize. On returning two years later I went back to the market area and was again immediately euphoric and this time actually got to talk with several men. Their interest in America was authentic and good natured.

Inundated with cable news stories about Iraq I realized that I know little about the people there. No market to stroll through. I started a great book that delves into the country and its complex make up. Night Draws Near by Anthony Shadid is so far fascinating. The blend of history, culture and current events are wonderful. I wish I could take it to the market. 

Discover America Partnership, Howdy Partner

 The US doesn’t have a tourism board a fact that Max and I have bitched about for years. An organization has started dealing with the US’s short comings and aims to not only attract foreign visitors but improve the opinion of Americans abroad. In the UK alone favorable opinions of American has slipped 27% over the last six years. In France where I am heading later this month that figure is 39%. An interesting statistic on the site is the fact that 72% of travelers from abroad that have visited the US have a positive opinion of Americans.

Some of the business leaders that are part of the organization are Jonathan Tisch of Loew’s Hotels, J W Marriott Jr. of Marriott International and Roger Dow CEO of the Travel Industry Association. Check out Discover America Partnership. 

Naked Cowboy Sing Along

For eight years Robert John Burke has been giving NYC his all, as the Naked Cowboy. This street performer dressed in white briefs, boots and cowboy hat daily takes his spot on Times Square with beat up guitar. Apparently he really knows how to play it; he is working on a debut album. Even though he hasn’t gotten a major deal yet he guarantees it will be a big hit. He predicts that he’ll become, “a multi-gazillionaire with castles in every city”. If Paris Hilton can why not the Naked Cowboy?

Agua Luca, Cachaca of Champions

 Your first sip of cachaca should be done near a beach in Brazil. The second taste should be in a caipirinha; the added sugar and limejuice mellow the third- largest-selling spirit on the planet. In the off chance that your not headed to Brazil anytime soon two former financers left their jobs at J.P. Morgan to work with a family distillery in Brazil to develop a premium cachaca now in the states called Agua Luca. Good work Joseph Bowman and James Tramonte keeping the summer alive! 

Sept 11, No Preconceived Notions

 Sept 11 five years ago is not just an event rememberd but one felt deep within. As a transplanted NY State resident I awoke very early that day in AZ to what I could only think was an HBO movie on my screen. As reality hit I sat in shock feeling very far away from my family and close friends. In fact that was the day I knew in my heart that I would soon be moving back where I knew I belonged. My terminally ill father and my mother also happened to board a plane that Sept 11 morning, on what was to be his last visit to AZ. They ended in Atlanta with most of his medical supplies temporarily lost in the baggage hell that that was created by the attacks. They eventually made it when the jets once again flew. I flew to San Francisco the day flights once again were allowed and I would be lying if I didn't admit that it was unnerving. I was to meet an agent that had interest in a book that I was then working on. Of course the idea didn't fit well in the days after Sept. 11 2001. Since then many preconceived ideas just don't fit well anymore. 

To Lebowski and All The Young Dudes

I now know why they call it the web. I got an email from Larry Habegger about a blog on BestTravelWriting.com. It was about the movie The Big Lebowski and a story by Phil Cousineau in The Best Travel Writing 2006. I do not want to spoil the story so check it out for yourselves here. It is an actual letter from the “The Dude” himself.

The movie is great and transcends all generations. My nephew Drew and I love to watch it over again when he comes home from San Francisco. I even have Kenny Rodger’s Just Dropped In to See What Condition my Condition is In, on my Ipod. Its nice to know that the real Dude still abides! Great work Phil!

Charity Begins at Home

 I shot this pic when I was in Guatemala awhile back. It is strange but sometimes I need to go to Picasa to sort out when and where I've been to some places. I was going through some today to get some pictures that I will frame and donate to charities here in the Hudson Valley for silent auctions. I am now going through the thousands of stored memories for one of my favorite events of the year, the UCCC or Ulster County Community College fund raiser. This college is right down the street from my home and is such a treasure for residents in UC. Every time I look at this photo I think how I wish I could just follow this guy down the road he is on. 

Travelers' Tales, Solas Awards

 Some of my proudest moments of travel writing were seeing some of my narratives in a Travelers' Tales book. They now have some new travel writing awards called the Solas Awards. The TT editors will chose winners in 21 categories ranging from adventure to humor, from destination to memoir. The grand prize category has cash awards of $1000, $750 and $500. The Solas Awards are part of BestTravelWriting.com a great new website filled with stories and news related to travel writing. Executive Editor Larry Habegger also has a site of his own. 

Antigua Guatemala

  

Directly to Greenland on Air Greenland

I got a hankering to visit Greenland especially since I missed a chance this summer. Air Greenland is going to make it easier to get to Greenland with a new route from Baltimore to Kangerlussuaq / Sonderstrom. This was done with a management agreement with Aviareps. Air Greenland has never entered into such an agreement before. Obviously they are ready to expand their reach and I for one would love to be one of the first to fly direct to a place I know little about. After going to www.greenlandtravel.dk the sooner the better. After seeing the aurora borealis last winter in Norway I am ready to pullout the winter gear and explore.

Jordan, I Would Return Anytime

In a week that has been harder than one faced in many years I got news about the shooting of tourists today in Amman Jordan. One Brit killed and several shot at the Roman coliseum situated in the heart of the city. I have been to Jordan twice in the last three years and am stunned. I have never been to a place where the people have been so warm and friendly. The King is a stabilizing force in an area that is rife with political tremors. Jordan has historically been known for its moderate and fair stand in the ME. It is a country that has been trying harder than any to get that message out, the Tourism Board is tops! This is not a country that has an oil regime or one that is looking to dominate or facilitate terrorism. It is a country that is extremely stable with an eye to a peaceful future and looking to share its treasures and culture. I recently spent several days in Amman meeting various ministers from the government and even a Princess. I then went out to Wadi Rhum to spend time camping with the Bedouins. I will remain a fan of the country for my lifetime. Do not let one act of a madman change the course of a country dedicated to stability. I would go back in a heart beat!

Soothing Cup

It is Labor Day 2006 and I have a cup of steaming GoNOMAD Café Blend coffee to my right. Max and Cindy brought it with them. It is rich and smooth and soothing. The soothing part is best because we got some terrible news this Friday about my son’s foolish behavior and its consequences on his college career. It was easier to bear having old friends visiting. I have always felt that Labor Day was the end of summer and in some ways the beginning of my year. Lil goes back to teaching tomorrow and I go back full steam to the traveling I love so well!

Exit Stage Right

If you’re out trucking the highways this Labor Day weekend I’ve got the book for you, Explore the Next Exit Before You Exit guide. How many times I’ve wondered about places right off the thousands of interstate exits I have passed over the years. What little oasis might I have unknowingly zipped by at 70 MPH. The need for a burrito, burger or even sushi can hit at anytime, granted most listings are chains but the nearby possibilities are also there. Emergency help such as hospitals and stations round up the info, clear concise and for me important. After all it is all about the journey!