Travel Planners, On the Air with Kevin and Sue McCarthy

With Max and Cindy heading to Italy today, I will be filling in for Max on Kevin and Sue McCarthy’s Travel Planner radio show. The show runs in Chicago, St Louis and Springfield among other places. I love doing their show because of their up- beat personalities and demeanor. My two segments will be about my last two trips, Puerto Rico and Europe’s Lake Constance area. I love radio as an outlet, it offers a chance for spontaneous thoughts about locations.

Canaan Compound

The Kennedy’s have their compound on Cape Cod and my in laws have theirs in Canaan Maine, 63 acres of country delight. After a few adventure trips it is great to be hanging out in such a wonder place. Better yet to have such wonderful people to do so with, communal dinners with 4 sisters as an anchor is lively and entertaining. Everyone here has their own talents such as healer, author, gardener and jeweler. A massage by Chuck’s magic fingers washed away pains acquired caving in Puerto Rico and pedaling around Europe. I probably relax better here than any place on Earth, for that I am truly grateful.

Gardens in Caanan Maine

Our last visit to P&E's house in Caanan ME was during x-mass and the snow was thick on the ground. In summer the acres of gardens are in full bloom and buzzing with the sound of bees busy at work. Starting the day with a cup of coffee while strolling the grounds is a guarantee of a great day ahead.

Camden Maine, Coastal Heaven

“Why would you want to visit Camden ME on the busiest week of the summer,” a friend asked. While I do not like crowded places, I don’t avoid them either. I have found that places that are popular usually are for good reason. Camden is one of my favorite places on the coast of Maine. It is beautiful and a great place to visit, in fact we are looking for a rental next summer some place between Rockland and Belfast. Camden is smack dab in the middle.

It wasn’t too busy and we had a wonderful time, we even ate lobster right on the water at Atlantica. Our table was on the rail and the huge moon over the harbor was stunning and we enjoyed talking with the German family seated next to us. Our room at the Country Inn was fabulous and reasonable considering its amenities. I will never let a place’s popularity be a reason not to visit; I would miss too many wonderful memories.

Best Restaurant in Maine

A few years ago I went out on the Schooner Heritage on a GoNOMAD assignment, a great week sailing off the coast of Maine. The night before shipping out I came across a little restaurant called Café Miranda’s in Rockland Maine and it was terrific! The owner/chef Kerry Altiero says, “Its comfort food for whatever planet you’re from.” The food is global and great, best I have found anywhere in Maine. Even better is the funky free form style, so little yet so complex. I told Lil about the place and today I took her there, better than ever.

Best Travel Bookstore in New England

Whenever we head up to Maine we usually spend a night in Portsmouth NH. While the draw is its wonderful coast atmosphere, a stop at my favorite travel book store, Gulliver’s is a must. It is jam packed with everything a traveler could want books, maps and knick knacks. Stop in and see Alison Tucker and Gulliver’s, you’ll be glad you did!7 Commercial Alley

Heading up the Maine Coast

I took my son Chance yeterday to his first apartment or living on his own. He will be attending Albany SUNY for his junior year, making Lil and I empty nesters once again. We had one night as nesters because today we leave to work our way up the Maine Coast to visit family. This is our last hurrah for the summer and we intend to make the best of it!

Adventures in Puerto Rico Isn't Just Beaches and Coladas

Having a narrow view point will affect your traveling. Plain and simple things are not always what they seem. I am sure that most people assume that Puerto Rico is just another island where catching rays and sipping coladas is the peak activity. They couldn’t be further from the reality. The adventure opportunities are absolutely amazing and hands on. High in limestone mountains are hundreds of miles of caves that sometimes get you feeling claustrophobic. Climbing through them can be treacherous and the lamps on your helmet aren’t for show. In the heat wading through a rushing river becomes a necessity as your feet struggle for footing. Rappelling down a sheer drop attached only by a rope and harness while paisley colored butterflies float past is an experience that I will never forget and can only hope to repeat.

Many are probably unaware that the Island is saturated with culture, discovering an ancient Tiano petroglyph while caving is mind blowing. Influences from the Tianos through the Spanish and into modern days are vivid and rampant. Sitting in San Juan’s old city is historically stimulating, even better over a dish of Chuchifrito (pork innards stew) with a cold Medalla. Sitting on a sandy beach with a colada is easily done in PR, its just better after you’ve opened your eyes to the possibilities. For the last forty years I have flown through San Juan’s Airport countless times. My biggest discovery is to layover and open up my viewpoint!

From Mud to Money, Marroitt's Casino in Puerto Rico

While the amazing Fem Adventurers kicked butt in the wilds, the old man kicked some butt in the real wilds, the Marriott’s Casino. Sure they hiked, climbed and rappelled better but winning a few $$$ was this old guy’s game. I loved the mud to money adventure that this trip to Puerto Rico provided; better yet I actually left with a cash stash! Thanks for the hugs and memories ladies!

Exploring The El Yanque Rainforest

To end our adventures in PR we went to Hacienda Carabali for some ATV riding, another first for me. We skirted the magnificent El Yunque Rainforest and lounged by the Mameyes River. The scenery was wonderful and the riding challenging.

Just as wonderful are the surprise refreshments waiting for us in our rooms at the San Juan Marriott.Last night a bottle of the best Sangria was in an ice bucket and waiting. If you ever visit PR look for Zavala Sangria simply marvelous!

Old San Juan, a New Love

I love when I am pleasantly surprised about a place and Puerto Rico fits the bill in spades. I expected to like the island, I love this place. Instead of a smaller clone of Miami, I saw a place that vibrates with class and culture. Old San Juan is stunning and well worth spending some time in.We had lunch at a place called Raices (Roots) that features local grub. The dishes were a perfect example of Puerto Rico's blending, native, Spanish and contemporary.

Lady Travel Writers Kick This Guy's But

It is funny but I am so convinced that I am of the weaker sex.On my last few trips the fem writers kick ass when adventuring!

Masochistic Adventure Traveler

I have a new masochistic side that is showing itself, pushing my limit while traveling. Drained with achy bones and dripping with sweat has become comfortable. Yesterday I fought my way through the Tanama River Valley in Puerto Rico. The day was spent climbing and wading through the river, frequent cave entries with bats flying around was also part of the trip. Pushing through the thick vegetation was so very interesting and the wild life thrilling.

To end the day I rappelled down a steep cliff, my first time, and zip lined across the river far below. My room at the San Juan Marriott was such a pleasure to return to! I rewarded myself with a dip in the ocean and let the pounding waves finish me off.

Marriott in San Juan, No Dean Damage

Room 810 at the Marriott in San Juan is well done and the pounding waves below are like a great melody, sleep is assured tonight. The resort is well appointed and not to large to be overwhelming, quite cozy. We had dinner at a very good local Thai place nearby called Bangkok & Bombay that was great, good food paired with warm breezes.

As I sit on my balcony tonight I was thinking about news reports this morning back in NY. Every report had the Caribbean hurricane reports as if the whole area was devastated. Glad to report that Puerto Rico is just fine!

Puerto Rico for Adventure

Hurricane Dean missed Puerto Rico so tomorrow I head down for a visit. Most visitors head down for resort and casino activities, not in my case. This trip is all about adventure and the great outdoors. Day one begins with a visit to the Rio Tanama in the Karst region with its limestone hills and caves. The hike will be through the valley wading through the river and end caving. If that wasn’t enough we then will do some rappelling and zip line action high above the river after lunch at the Perez Family’s Organic Tanama.

That’s only day one and I am glad I got some hiking and biking action in Germany, Austria and Switzerland earlier this month, looks like I will need it! Of course the nights will be a different story; I will be bunking at the newly renovated Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino in San Juan. Another plus will be hooking up with Peter Mandel; we last traveled up the coast of Norway together enjoying the aurora burials.

New York Times Travel Writing Policy, NY Post's Page Six

I read Page Six of the NY Post today with a little smile; only because I knew some emails would come in today. The topic about the NY Times policy about travel writers taking press trips has come up at frequent dinners over the years. The Times doesn’t accept pieces done while on press trips. Indeed I was told that if you were ever on one there is a big blacklist you are on. I personally do not care, while it would be amazing to get in the Sunday Travel Section it has never been a goal.

The reason I was interested in the Page Six piece was because it was about the Times perfume critic, Chandler Burr passing out free samples at a dinner of fine French perfume, he got for free. It happened to be a perfume that he gave a five star rating to in a recent review. The rebuttal that I frequently hear about the policy is that it only pertains to freelancers. Many times I have run into a writer that uses the, “Don’t ask don’t tell”, policy. Mine is do what you feel is right. I am still holding on to my position that any publication has the right to their own policy, even if you think it stinks

Busy Bee

Corny About Ulster County N.Y.

Since I am heading off to Puerto Rico this Tuesday I wanted to get full use of the magnificent weather in Ulster County today. There were events galore today to hit and I started at Kingston’s Saturday Farmers Market. I love shopping on Wall Street when it is closed to traffic and farm purveyors from all over the Hudson River Valley hawk their produce and specialty items. I always run into people who fill me in on what has been going on while I am away and a few tacos from Lucy’s is always a great welcome home.

August 18th is the date for the Hurley Corn Festival, a yearly event that I love. Corn is king here and the festival showcases it. The ingredient list for the amazing corn chowder served every year is as follows; 346 pounds of corn, 180 pounds of potatoes, 54 pounds of onions and carrots, 43 pounds of bacon and tubs of milk. Eating it on the main street packed with old Dutch stone houses equals any event anywhere. The more I travel the gladder I am that I am blessed to live here in Ulster County.

Champagne, Read it and Love It

Champagne, the elixir and all-round choice for celebration, can it also be worthy of a book? Yes is the answer and the book is Champagne; How the World’s Most Glorious Wine Triumphed Over War and Hard Times. The authors Don & Petie Kladstrup take you on a historic ride filled with anecdotes and insights.

Although Napoleon was a teetotaler his secretary was quoted saying, “a single glass was enough to restore his strength and produce cheerfulness of spirit”.
Napoleon himself said,” In victory you deserve it, in defeat you need it.” Prepare yourself for anything and chill a bottle.

Sexy Imperia Welcomes you to Konstanz

"This sultry lady has caused some raised eyebrows guarding the harbor at Konstanz", said our guide Ralf. She is named Imperia and holds a naked Pope and Emperor in her hands, symbolizing the power of women over men. It is also symbolic of the Council of Konstanz in 1414-1418 when the schism over the Catholic Church was solved.

The work was unveiled late at night in 1993 and was designed by artist Peter Fenk with the support of sponsors. The town council and church wasn't amused but the citizens of Konstanz embraced Imperia with relish.

St. Gallen, Read Up

Above the door to the St. Gallen Abby library is a quote in Greek that says it all, “this place is a pharmacy for the soul”. The library is stunning in design and has one of the world’s best collections of books dating back to the 700 hundreds. Even today you can use your passport as a library card to read through the collection. The ancient books are very much like the Book of Kells in Dublin.

That would make sense as St. Gallen’s founder was an itinerant Irish monk named Gallus. The story goes that he headed into the wilderness to find a wild and dangerous place. He stumbled into a thorn bush and was approached by a huge bear that apparently communicated with him. He was convinced that God wanted him to stay and a small chapel was built. For centuries afterwards the abbey of St. Gallen was the Barnes & Nobles of Middle Age Europe.

Konstanz and Meersburg, German Pleasures and Treasures

We ended our exploration of the Lake Constance area in the German towns of Konstanz and Meersburg and it was quite a finale. Quaint half timbered houses and spectacular lake views via boat and bikes were the order of the day. After a rainy start to the trip the days turned sunny and warm, perfect for exploring the flower island of Mainau. After days of hiking and biking I was beginning to feel like a Teutonic Warrior, lugging my heavy bag through the Zurich Airport however brought me back to reality.

European Markets, Looking Great

Don't go running to your broker to buy a huge amount of Euros but any Bull or Bear will love the European Market. Even though I live amidst farm stands back home, I am always amazed at the produce for sale at European markets. The fruits and vegetables just look so vibrant and worthy of a cover shot in Sexy Vegetable magazine or Hot Fruit Weekly if such publications existed. It is tough for me not to spend hours snapping picts at the stalls, better yet they taste as good as they look.

Climbing Mount Pfaender, Austria

At 1064 meters Pfaender isn’t the tallest peak in Austria but it sure provided a challenge for us. We started the nearly straight up climb in the warm sunshine and immediately felt the pull in the hamstrings. We all had the chance to catch the cable car up but no one took the easy way. A few hours later we all had at one point or another wondered if you made the right choice. I am proud to say that once Todd a.k.a the Burgermiester and I finished we were mighty happy and very glad that we struggled up. My Tevas worked just fine though they aren’t the best Austrian climbing shoes!

From the top of Pfaender you can see views of Lake Constance, Germany, Switzerland and 240 peaks of the Alps. Mission accomplished we took the fabulous cable car down.

Stage for the Bregenz Festival

Breganz Festival, Starring Puccini

It has been many years since I have attended an opera and to be honest I really hadn’t felt like I was missing anything. Last night I went to see Puccini’s Tosca, a classic, at the Bregenz Festival and couldn’t have enjoyed it more. While the human efforts were wonderful, it was the magnificent stage on the lake that blew me away. As the sun settled the lights of the elaborate stage grew bright the music began. Soon I was lost in the three act opera unfolding but always I was thinking about our backstage tour that afternoon and the amazing engineering that literally propelled Puccini’s piece into a technical miracle. From beginning to end my eyes darted around the ever changing stage. I’m not sure but I believe that much of the clapping at the end of the show was dedicated to the stage out on the water. It was well deserved!

Keeping Swiss Time

It is 5 AM here at the Hotel Einstein in St. Gallen and rainy, yet I have my windows wide open. The sound of rain is soothing especially since the room is so comfortable. It was a busy day yesterday and we had so many transportation connections to make that it was dizzying. After departing a train or boat we had mere minutes to catch a bus or another train. It is no wonder why Switzerland is known for its watches; with tight travel connections they need them. Still over a wonderful dinner we patted each other on the back for keeping up with ours.

Obviously the topic of what our friends think a press trip is like and what the reality is came up as it always does. The consensus was that we are pictured as lounging around soaking up the good life. Yet the reality is there are people to meet and places to see and fitting it all in can be a challenge. The ultimate conclusion to a man was just how lucky we are to be in the situation we are, the things we see tops the list of favorites.

I am about to do one of my favorite things before we again hit the road to Bregenz, Austria, soaking aching muscles in a marble tub. It is quiet and peaceful and I am alone with my thoughts. The ringing church bells coming through the open windows just fortify how lucky I am.

Switzerland, High and Low Tech

It was an extremely busy day here in Switzerland today, trains, bikes and boats and again in reverse was once again our way of tooling. The biking though was amazing and not just cause the scenery was amazing. We took Flyers on our eleven mile pedal today, and had some battery powered pedal power. These things are amazing because when you need a little motor power you push a switch. They are not motor bikes however because you must pedal, the extra energy just adds an advantage. Very cool, check them out at www.rentabike.ch

We ended up at a place that specializes in farm stays called Feierlenhof that was a great glimpse into the farm life here in Switzerland. Great food and interesting farm life was a fantastic way to spend the morning. The mix of high tech bikes and farm living was a perfect insight into the complex Swiss style, and that was just the morning.

Swiss Travel System, a Sweet Deal

Most rail passes are ultra restrictive and expensive, I honestly believe that the Swiss Travel System is one sweet package. The pass works all rail lines including the scenic mountain ones. It also is good for all busses, even the city busses. Best yet is the fact that the boat companies that traverse the beautiful lakes, unbeatable. No looking for Swiss Franks when heading into the museums either, they even work there. In a country where 98.5% of its people live within 1 click of public transportation, it’s damn indispensable!

Press Trip, Lug Your Luggage

We got a great group on this trip to Lake Constance, 3 guys and 4 gals. We lugged our bags from busses to boats and a few trains in between and no bitchin about it. Laughter was the emotion and good conversation filled the busy day. Travel writers lugging their own luggage, you bet!

Maja, Swiss Tourism's Rep

The blonde is Maya our host from the Swiss Tourism Board in LA, she struggles right along with us, great host!

The Rhine Springs a Leak

We started the day with a visit to Rheinfall, Europe’s largest waterfalls. In height it is un -assuming, In amount of water rushing through it is massive, most likely enough water passes through in a minute to flush every toilet in NYC. Okay that’s my guess but it is massive. The falls are on the Rhine river just past Schaffhausen.

Swiss Trains, Above and Beyond the Call

For the third time in just about as many months I caught a train from a European airport to my starting destination, once again it was easy and quick. Today I caught the hourly train to Schaffhausen from Zurich to meet up with fellow writers tonight. Within an hour I arrived and checked into the Hotel Zunfthaus zum Rudin, a quaint place located in the old city.

Schaffhausen is picturesque to say the least with its half timbered buildings and pedestrian streets. I forced myself to keep going all day to insure that I get right into local time. I did have one mishap though, lost my phone in the airport rail station. Surprisingly when I checked my email from Lil she said that the lost & found folks had called her in the States to let us know that my phone will be waiting there for me, speaks volumes for the honesty and professionalism of the folks here in Switzerland.

Swiss International Airlines Gets Kudos

My flight to Zurich from Logan was just terrific and Swiss International Airline gets kudos. Seat 7D was comfortable and I had plenty of room. Service was great and the meal tops for an airline. I even managed to get in some sleep, rare on a plane.

Fifty Two Years and Holding Steady

Sitting in the Bizz Lounge waiting for flight 53 from Logan to Zurich to depart. My very understanding wife Lil drove me to Boston and we shared our anniversary and my B-Day lunch in the North End. Fiore's has fantastic food and setting it it was nice for us. I am going to make it up to her on my return, I have a special place to take her.

Lake Constance

Tomorrow I fly to Switzerland to begin a trip to Europe’s third largest lake from the banks of Switzerland, Germany and Austria. The trip will take me to some quaint cities and beautiful vistas. Hiking and biking and water exploration will be the focus as well as concerts and vineyard visits. Lake Constance is also known as the Bodensee and Swabian Sea.

Memories of Puerto Penasco

Every time I see a sunset part of me thinks about the shrimping village of Puerto Penasco, just over the border into Mexico from Arizona. When we lived in Scottsdale we would head there when ever a few bucks could be saved. The first few years we went the streets were just sand and the few motels very cheap. Shrimp the size of lobster tails could be bought right from the fleet and life was very good. We like all good gringos would head to Manny’s on the beach to watch the sun set into the Sea of Cortez. On occasion the green flash would happen just as the sun set and cheers would fill the air. Whales and dolphins would pass by as if to join in the frenzy. It was a little known secret then that Arizona had an ocean access, not so today. Still I would love to return some day and lift a cold one to the sun sinking!

Congrats to Tim McArdle and the Independent Artists Collaborative

Congratulations to the talented and nice guy Tim McArdle and his partner Henry Slattery for getting their script selected by the Ed Wood (Film Festival). I read about Tim’s success in the Ulster County Press, a great local paper. I am often asked how I started writing my travel stuff and I find that people aren’t really interested. Tim was the opposite; he would come out to the house for a cup of coffee and ask questions. At the time he was already an accomplished musician. It seems that his talent is backed up by motivation, a key element to success. The film, “Four”, will premier at the Spectrum Theater in Albany on Sept. 27 and run through Oct. 4.

He is part of a new local independent film group named IAC or Independent Artists Collaborative, founded by Michalina Almindo, Evan Leone, Christina Vinsick and Jim D’Ippolito. It is great to have artistic movers and shakers here in Kingston.