Pushing Back the Jet Lag Wall

I feel like time zones no longer exist, though I am sure there is a wall to hit at some point. I landed in Boston yesterday afternoon to be greeted by Lil and then drove us back home. There was only one slight problem to deal with, my car was at JFK. At seven this morning I hopped a bus to NYC, had a Legal Eagle breakfast meeting at 9:00 then rushed back to Port Authority to catch a 10:20 New York Transport Service bus to JFK to pick up the car. Minus the meeting time it took about 2 1/2 to get to JFK. via this system and at a cost of $35. With gas and parking prices I think I have finally found the best way to deal with flying out of NYC. I have a week before I head to Germany and that will be the true test, pushing the jet lag wall back a little bit further.

Resistence in Lyon, a Chilling Night

I was racked with feverish chills and powerful aches and pains’; reaching for a water bottle was almost undoable. Last night was one of the worst nights I ever spent. I feared that malaria from a recent trip to Kenya might be kicking in. It takes about 2 weeks for it to hit and the timing was just right. I woke up feeling better but weak. I am heading to the Museum of Fine Arts to hang with some old friends such as Rubens, Degas and Gauguin for a bit of piece of mind.

Yesterday I went the Centre for the History of the Resistance and the Deportation, a return visit. This powerful exhibit is one of the most moving I have ever seen. Lyon had a huge résistance movement. While there I saw a Jude card issued to an Anny Horowitz, I know an Ann Horowitz back home. I continually awoke with thoughts of that last night, fevered and frightful. Perhaps I will sleep better after a visit to see fine art.

Tibet Libre, Protest and Romance

The best reason for protest is romance said my waiter as he saw me snapping pictures of the pro- Tibet protest. In fact that was how Jean met his wife many years ago. The word is that France will boycott the China Olympics. As I hung around and snapped photos I did notice a lot of fraternization going on in the ranks. Street life in Lyon is theater and nothing like a cause to act upon. A loaf of bread, jug of wine and thou, and of course a good cause, up Tibet.

Dancing in Lyon

The last time I was in Lyon the tango was big. I caught this guy on the steps of the Opera House showing his stuff.

Market Day in Lyon

Love Lyon

Lyon is the most underrated city in France, I personally love it! It is a beautiful spring day here and I just went to the market and bought a roasted chicken and some salad. I ate it on the bank of the Soane River one of the two rivers that flow through the city. Two museums for this afternoon after a visit to the Air France office.

Train to Lyon, a Refresher Course

I asked the clerk this morning at the station if he spoke English but did it in French, one of the few phrases I know. He thanked me in perfect English for at least know some rudimentary French. I try to take a refresher course every once and a while by heading on my own. Press trips can make you a bit lazy when you get used to guides, drivers and such. My trip from Chamonix to Lyon was a great example of getting back to finding your own way. While only 2oo kilometers it took two trains, two busses and six hours to do. Long but great, to see the people and places that are sometimes missed when tooling in style, the number of stars of your hotel drops also. That also feels good as I am very comfortable in my new digs at the Mercure in Lyon. So far my refresher course in traveling is going great, recertification seems close at hand.

Leaving Chamonix

Leaving Chamonix today and heading to Lyon, France's second biggest city. it will be hard to pull out of this charming city and my supurb accomadations at the Valhalla Chalet. Collineige certainly set everything perfectly for my stay. www.collineige.com

Tonight I will be in Mercure Lyon Beaux-Arts and near the old city. The pace will quicken as I end this trip in France.

Above Chamonix France

Chalets In Chamonix

And then there was one…. I am alone in Chamonix and still at the fabulous Chalet Valhalla. It is one of those places that I wish I could click my heels and make Lil suddenly be here! In fact I wish the world could check in for a bit and see the sun sinking over Mt. Blanc and the other snow capped peaks. It is best done from the hot tub on the Valhalla’s deck. Many thanks go to Collineige and in particular Colleen Olianti, they offer such great alternatives to hotel stays. This place sleeps so many and is perfect for a Chamonix base as many do, even from Aspen. In the morning I will be greeted by the sun lighting up Mt. Blanc, I am having trouble posting pictures but for a glimpse check out Sony’s http://www.gonomad.com/crossthatbridge/index.html Lil, click your heels! For a listing of Collineige proporties go to www.collineige.com

Montenvers, Mer de Glace

Yesterday afternoon we took a small cog railway up to the Mer de Glace, the Alps second largest glacier. The little train that could made it up as Chamonix slowly shrunk and mountain peaks swallowed us up. Soon we disembarked near the Montenvers Hotel and restaurant. The stone hotel against granite rock mountains painted with snow was indeed an impressive sight to behold. Below the glacier continued it slow descent down towards Chamonix Valley.

Mt. Blanc

Skiing Mt. Blanc

Collineeige in Chamonix

Chamonix is sweet, high above Mt. Blanc stands tall and proud and currently with a stock of pearly white snow. I am bedded down in a Chalet named Valhalla that is available from the Collineige, a company that will set you up in grand style in Chamonix. For the last 27 years they have been placing people in fine lodgings and dealing with all your concerns.

This morning we took the cable car up to Mt Blanc and its amazing views and vistas, simply incredible. The clouds were far below and the snow capped peaks against blue skies provided a day to remember, the French Alps astound! www.collineige.com

Food Alps Food

High Above Val d' Isere

High above Val d’ Isere is a restaurant called Fruitiere, a magical place that can be reached by the La Daille gondola. It setting is spectacular amidst mountain peaks and snow fields. On our arrival last night the Jazz band Vitamine welcomed us with tunes that kept the ski boot clad feet stomping. Cocktails were served and the bright white snow turned a bluish tint and the sky darkened.

Inside the place course after course of food was served and the good time band moved table to table setting a jovial mood. As things got more raucous we at the N. American table stood and moved to the beat. Soon the Russian table followed suit and before long we actually danced on the tables. Hands were clapping and voices raised and the magic of the French Alps took hold. I stepped out in the cold night air to cool off from the revelry, and the darken peaks took mysterious forms and held me spellbound. It felt good to be alive.

Val d' Isere, Stunning

Val d’Isere is stunning and the best skiing area I have ever seen, the possibility of runs is endless. Up and down mountains and valleys with vistas that make you feel like you are on top of the world. The truth is you are on top of Europe. There are about 90 writers from around the world here to ski and learn about the FIS World Alpine Ski Championships 2009. We have a small but great little N American group here with 3 Americans and three Canadians. I am also enjoying the company of GN writer Sony Stark. Tonight we ski to dinner and torch our way down.

French Alps, GN Covers It

Life with the blondes in the French Alps, writers from all around the world are gathered here for the 2009 ski champs. A glass of red and snow!

On to the French Alps

After just a few days rest I am back at JFK and in the Air France Lounge with my fingers crossed for the upgrade to bizz class. I haven't been in a lounge in awhile and am enjoying its comforts and treats. It already sets a different mood for my trip to ski in the Alps, work related of course. It has been a very busy spring starting with a trip to Lapland above the Arctic Circle. next w2as the complete opposite with a trip to Kenya and the equator. Its back to the cold with the French Alps. It is exciting but traveling is hard work and mood swings come when you are on the move alot, still I wouldn't trade my job with anyones.

White Sands in Mombasa

The picture of me in my palm hat was taken by my friend Lynn O"Rourke Hayes an avid clicker, on arrival at the White Sands Resort in Mombasa. Mombasa was a interesting place to wind down after days on safari. Safari happens to be the Swahili word for traveler. Here is a You Tube video of the place.

Kilaguni Lodge, Kenya

One of the great pleasures of life is sitting on a huge veranda that has a fantastic view. Kilaguni Lodge takes it one step further due to the water holes beneath the main lodge. At night the animals all come in from the bush to drink, many of the guest also head to the bar to drink also. A cold Tusker beer and the parade of zebra, giraffes, baboons and hundreds of other species provide an unbeatable experience. Later during dinner the floodlights come on and the show continues.

Wake up early and again watch Africa start its day and the creatures are still busy topping off their thirst. The Lodge is the oldest park lodge in Kenya.

Wildlife Face to Face, Kenya

Mombassa Beach

Maasai Women

Amboseli Elephants

Amboseli National Park is located under the mighty Mt. Kilimanjaro and was thrilling. We saw lions, elephants, giraffes and many other fascinating creatures. My favorite animal to catch in the wild is the zebra and there was plenty to see. We stayed at the Sopa Amboseli Lodge, monkeys played at my door and in the morning sun Kilimanjaro was stunning. Hemingway stayed nearby while writing the Snow of Kilimanjaro, a good choice.

Kenya's Peace Cabinet

It is thumbs up in Kenya as the deal between Pres. Kibaki and the ODM party reaches agreement and a coalition cabinet is named. Since the reports of violence last Dec. tourism in Kenya had dropped by around 70%, crises. Our final Kenya event was out in the bush at the Nairobi National Park was upbeat. Under starry skies and amidst the sounds of Africa’s animals the celebrations continued long into the night.

Kazuri Beads from Nairobi

Bead work, or ushanga, is one way that many make a living in Kenya. The careful work done yields one of a kind designs, and Kazuri Beads are done with a philanthropic goal.

Single women who need work make the beads and the results are fantastic. Here is a shot of their work room in Nairobi.

Kenya Has Settled the Goverment Split with a New Cabinet

The Government in Kenya has formed a cabinet that should quell the problems Kenya has about worries of violence. Tourism nose dived here with international coverage.

I was at a conference when the news broke and spent hours discussing the problem with officals. I did a TV Kenya 24 interview about my trip through Kenya the past week and was asked 'will Americans now visit?'

For these Maasai I hope so, they depend on dollars derived from their fabulous crafts. Come to Kenya it will change you!

Maasai Child

Masai Children

Maasai Children

Maasai Enkang, Kenya

My trip to Kenya has been remarkable and has etched memories in my mind that will last for ever. A few days ago we visited a Maasai enkang or village homestead. The bright garb and telling faces will cause your heart to beat faster, the singing will make you shuffle your feet and some sadness will also enter your soul. To gaze into a life so different from mine was very emotional. Perhaps in many ways the experience was more moving then time spent seeing the strangest animals in Amboseli and Tsavo national parks. I cannot wait to share my experience via the hundreds of pictures taken, very soon.

Maasai and Hearts

Kenya has been amazing though I still cannot post the way it should be. I have just seen the Big Five and stayed at amazing lodges. I today went to a Maasi Village that would break and make hearts. The pictures that we took are amazing, because it is real life! Frustrated and trying to keep in touch!!

Kenya at the Kilaguni Lodge

Connecting from the bush is very hard but seeing amazing animals a pleasure. Will be in Mombassa in the morning and will post about an amazing trip in Kenya!! It has been better than I ever thought!

Amboseli Bound

The KTB threw a fanastic bash for all of the visiting writers last night at the Niarobi National Museum. Great music and food and a lot of conversation. Today we head out into the bush to Amboseli National Park. Included will be a vist to a Massia Village, the jumping tribe. Kenya has certainly held my interest thus far!! I only wish i could post some pics because it is easy to take some great ones here.

Kenya, Problems But Fine

Pictures seem to hard to down load but Kenya rocks! I spent the afternoon at Karen Blixen's place better known as the Out of Africa, house. The city teems with people and it is Africa. Writers from all over are here and the Kenya situation while tenious is fine for this boy. It was a long trip but Africa has a feeling that is its own. We went to a huge party at the Kenya Musuem that had writers from around the world. I disregard the newspapers headlines that the gov. and op party are going into battle again. Kenya is a must see and in the morning we go bush. Picture taking is amazing and roll with the punches , it is what we do! Will try to post good pics in the morning, They are all around.

Kenya, a Post Election Inspection

It has been a great week home but I am heading out again to Kenya a return to Africa. Post election tourism is way down after the riots almost by 70%. Word spreads fast and Kenyan wants the world to know that the situation has stabilized. The dollars that are brought into Kenya trickle down to very poor and needy people and the situation is desperate. Writers from the UK and the US will get a chance to see for themselves just what is going on in Kenya.

I am looking forward to game safaris and lodges under Mt. Kilimanjaro, as well as time in Mombassa and Nairobi. It will be such a pleasure to once again be under African skies and I am filled with hope that Kenya will weather its current dilemma.

Chill Out

The Lowly Dollar Still Works

I was as grumpy as a polar bear today as there was a hold on my credit card today when I was paying for my Air France ticket. When recently in Finland I had a different card turned down, frustrating when you know it was totally good. I have never had these things happen before but I hold Hannaford Supermarkets responsible.
Just before going to Finland I got a letter in the mail from my bank saying that my debit card had been corrupted by some stolen #'s from the supermarket's system. I cancelled the card and had a new one sent. I have just called every card company I deal with and temp holds were on 75% of them. I may just go back to carrying cash, even though the dollar doesn't go far in Europe it still works. It beats getting rejected!

Team GoNOMAD Gets the Gold in Lapland Rally

On our last day in Lapland we had a road or should I say an ice rally race. Spunky little carts souped up for max power on snow and ice. Spin outs on turns was unavoidable and powering down the stretches mandatory. As the wheel spun snow flashed like a rooster tail from behind these mini motored machines. After a few practice runs we gathered in formula formations for a race for the gold. Vapor steamed my helmet visor as we waited for the flag to drop. In a flash it was time to put the pedal to the metal and down the track we went. After four laps I headed down the stretch and the checkered flag dropped a win for team GoNOMAD and a gold medal for my memories. WWW.scm.fi