TRAVELS – Anecdotes and Highlights
Return Flight from Perth to Melbourne
Aware that all the airlines are in post pandemic strife I decided to lighten their load and did not request a special meal on my flight home. Oh dear, – when I was offered a choice of 2 dishes I was then informed that the meal I had selected was no longer available. Really!!
As I do not eat pork the remaining choice was clearly not an option for me. No apology was forthcoming, – instead I was told “it’s not my fault!”. On previous flights it was often possible to find a bread roll or apple on board – but not on this occasion. I was handed 2 tiny 15gram packets of Santos Rice Crackers. Wow certainly enough to sustain me on a 4 hour flight…..not! Ha Ha!!!
Aha, but I had invested in a packet of chips and a chocolate prior to departure. Maybe I had a 6th sense, maybe I just enjoy these snacks. I have always adhered to the Scout motto – BE PREPARED.
TRAVELS IN THE USA
In my youth I spent approximately 5 months crisscrossing the USA. Greyhound buses and I became extremely well acquainted. I relished the opportunity of seeing the diverse cities and countryside which was not always visible from a plane or train. My journeys also served as a wonderful way of meeting locals and being entertained by their tales. Here are some of my experiences and highlights.
Greyhound Buses
- An extremely friendly driver, who was intrigued to learn that I resided in Africa, invited me to sit upfront, on his bus, and became my personal tour guide sharing information and history about all the places through which we travelled. His knowledge was immense and imbued with a great sense of humour. I suggested he consider becoming a tour guide.
- Returning to the bus after a midnight snack, at a bus depot, I realized that I had left my jacket in the busy restaurant. Thankfully I remembered prior to our departure and returned to the restaurant where it sat, on the back of a chair, waiting for me. How fortunate….as this was the only jacket in my possession at the time.
- On yet another journey I was seated beside an extremely large man who occupied the greater portion of the seat. His wife sat on the opposite side of the aisle. We conversed briefly and I then dozed. Upon waking I realized that the bus had stopped, briefly, so that passengers could buy refreshments. I decided to continue relaxing and was pleasantly surprised when my bus companion presented me with food and a beverage upon his return to the seat. How fortunate – I thanked him profusely. Mine not to reason why – just to enjoy!
- Having passed marshlands and mudflats, in the western region of the USA, the bus rounded a corner and behold, an amazing city appeared before my eyes. This was my introduction to Salt Lake City. (SLC) The city lies in a mountain valley and was founded by Brigham Young, and his followers, in July 1847. It was chosen, no doubt, for its remoteness as members of the Church of Latter Day Saints (LDS), also known as Mormons, sought to escape persecution. As a child I heard about a wonderful choir, the Norman Tabernacle Choir. Imagine my surprise, when I grew older, to realize that the first word was, in fact, Mormon. To date this choir remains among the most famous in the world.
- Wandering the streets of New Orleans, including the French Quarter and Bourbon Street, I delighted in the lights and colours of this unique city….prior to the devastating hurricane in 2005. Despite feeling ambivalent about jazz I relished the opportunity of being in the birthplace of this musical genre and appreciated listening to a range of styles played by Masters of their craft. The ‘mandatory’ Mississippi cruise on a Paddle steamer was a novelty and we were entertained by a number of jazz bands throughout our voyage while we succumbed to an amazing repast of Cajun and Creole dishes.
- I am convinced that the 3 star hotel, in Philadelphia, where I stayed for 3 days, functioned, in part, as a brothel as well as providing accommodation for travellers. My impression was that customers were ‘picked up’ elsewhere and then brought to the hotel by their respective ‘partners’. I was never accosted and was always treated with respect by the management. Certainly an interesting time.
San Diego SeaWorld
A highlight of my journey was visiting SeaWorld in San Diego. Arriving as early as possible, I spent a measly 8 hours in this wonderland determined to see as much as possible in my limited time. I don’t recall having toilet breaks or time to acquire sustenance….the amazing shows and exhibits took precedence. I could have spent a week in this paradise.
- Additional Highlights of my trip in the USA
- I spent 3 wonderful days with my mother’s pen friend, Evelyn, and her husband, Lyle, in Iowa. They were superb hosts, insisting that I slept in the main bedroom in their rural property and provided sumptuous meals while regaling stories about Iowa. They insisted on driving me to Cedar Rapids, the largest corn-processing city in the world, where they introduced me to a range of citizens in their “boondocks” population – Evelyn’s words.
- River rafting in Colorado – what a fun and exciting ride, thankfully we all returned safely to shore
- Walking down into the Grand Canyon – constantly being passed by people riding mules; good on me for choosing to walk!
- San Antonio with it’s unique river walk was delightful; followed, of course, by a visit to The Alamo. As a child I was introduced to the Ballad of Davy Crockett, a song which is seldom heard today. Yes, Davy Crockett, known as the “King of the Wild Frontier” was a real person. A congressman from Tennessee he fought at The Alamo. There are, however, over a hundred versions of how he died on the 6th March, 1836 – the final day of the Battle of the Alamo.
- State House/Liberty Bell in Philadelphia – It first chimed in July, 1776 summoning citizens to the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. It later became known as ‘Liberty Bell’ when it was adopted by abolitionists aiming to stop slavery. Freedom for all!
- The Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building afforded amazing views of Manhattan. I was also fortunate to have the opportunity to see the World Trade Centre prior to it being destroyed in the September 11 attack in 2001. A heinous crime in which so many innocent people perished.
- Knott’s Berry Farm – this enormous theme park is a 46 minute drive from Los Angeles. I relished riding on the Calico Mine Ride as well as the Timber Mountain Log Ride, of course getting soaked in the process.
- La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, Los Angeles – An active paleontological site, the museum houses specimens excavated from the tar pits. Among the finds are the remains of a range of animals including wolves, bison, turtles and a sabre-toothed cat. I was awed!
- Grande Ole Opry House in Nashville – the world-famous home of country music. Certainly one of a kind.
- Hearst Castle – located overlooking San Simeon – midway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. Built by William Randolph Hearst, this incredible hilltop complex boasts a twin-towered main building, 3 luxurious guesthouses, terraced gardens, pools and fountains. Ostentatious and pretentious to the extreme – an understatement!
Flight to Reading
Arriving 3 hours early for a local flight, in the USA, I was informed that my flight had been cancelled as it was Thanksgiving the next day. I was told that the last flight of the day was due to depart in 25 minutes and that the airline could accommodate me. Thank goodness I tend to arrive early.
Believe it or not, I was the sole passenger on a 50 seater plane. I was given a choice of seats – and as I walked down the aisle I ensured that I did not bump into any other passengers. Ha Ha!! The journey was delightful and I was entertained by the flight attendant throughout our 30 minute flight. Apparently the pilot hailed from Reading and was intent of reaching home as quickly as possible. Upon landing we joined the Indy 500…and definitely won the race.
Take care, stay safe, remember that smiling and laughter are good for all of us.