travelogue – La Nouba, Cirque du Soleil

On March 23, 2006 By Rick McIn Cirque du Soleil, travel, traveloguesLeave a comment

La Nouba is an independent production built right into downtown Walt Disney World, Orlando.

It has been a big hit. In fact, Disney is considering building more specially-made Cirque venues at their other giant amusement parks around the world.

I loved the show. Their trampoline act is the best I have ever seen.

The current poster girl for La Nouba is one of the most popular Cirque performers, Natasha Hallet, member of the 1992 Canadian Olympic Team.

Natasha

Next travelogue on this trip >> baseball – Blue Jays in Dunedin

travelogue – Daytona Beach, Florida

On March 22, 2006 By Rick McIn travel, traveloguesLeave a comment

I drove by the International Speedway. It’s HUGE! Daytona is the Birthplace of Speed.

Then had lunch at famous Daytona Beach.

Daytona Beach

There was an indecent Spring Break bikini crowd around, but the bigger news was Daytona Bike Week which had ended just before I arrived.

If you are thinking of buying a Harley and driving down next year, be sobered by the death count: 21 motorcycle related deaths over 10 days. The previous high of 15 Bike Week fatalities was set in 2000.

The law requiring motorcycle riders in Florida to wear protective helmets was repealed in 2000. Most victims this year were not wearing helmets.

The second largest world gathering of motorcycle fanatics I much prefer — Sturgis in South Dakota, near Mt. Rushmore. I would be happy to join you in a Sturgis pilgrimage!

Next travelogue on this trip >> La Nouba, Cirque du Soleil

Worst American airline?

On March 21, 2006 By Rick McIn bad news, product complaints, travelLeave a comment

graph The big American airlines are likely doomed to extinction. It may be impossible to run a full-service national airline in the USA.

I flew American Airlines recently and concur that their service is crappy. American flys more unhappy passengers than anyone else.

Most annoyingly, American (and most airlines) are adding unexpected fees to delay the inevitable bankruptcy.

Baggage restrictions have been tightened supposedly because of fuel savings if we take less luggage.

Really?

On American you can take 2 bags each weighing up to 50lbs. If you check only 1 bag weighing 55lbs they immediately want you to pay a surcharge. If you resist in anyway (fuss with the bag for a minute) they give up on the extra fee. This scenario happened to me on all 3 AA flights.

Airlines ignore their luggage rules as they ignore their carry-on limits. It’s just another way to get you to pony up more cash.

I have little respect for big airlines. The sooner they are displaced by leaner upstarts, the better.

With so many big airlines suffering, will you? – Sep. 15, 2005

travelogue – Florida retirement?

On March 21, 2006 By Rick McIn cycling, kayaking, photos, product endorsements, travel, traveloguesLeave a comment

I visited Peter and Joyce Long at their new active retirement community just outside Ocala, Florida.

It’s a perfect Truman Show gated community catering to those age 55 or older who no longer work — but who refuse to slow down!

36-hole golf course, softball fields, swimming pools, aerobics, dance studio. 80 clubs and organizations catering to every interest, even synchronized swimming. We were waiting for the fitness centre door to open at 6AM each morning.

Two neighbours were both recently widowed. They met through the Singles Club and are now getting married.

If you are currently living in a SITCOM (Single Income, Two Children, Oppressive Mortgage) you want to email Peter — peter.long@longsworld.net — to learn more about what it is like to retire to Florida.

Peter

Also, check Peter’s photos of our Kayaking and Cycling day trips. Flickr (free) membership required.

Next travelogue on this trip >> Daytona Beach, Florida

travelogue – monkeys in Florida

On March 21, 2006 By Rick McIn kayaking, travel, traveloguesLeave a comment

Joyce

This is Joyce Long from a TV interview where she was asked her opinion of another huge new proposed housing development which threatened to pollute pristine Silver Springs — the world’s largest limestone spring.

Joyce and I in a double kayak pushed hard up river because other boaters told us that monkeys had been spotted. These must be the most northerly monkeys in the wild in North America. They are descendents from escaped movie monkeys.

Six Tarzan films were shot here.

monkeys in Florida

Next travelogue on this trip >> Florida retirement?

travelogue – Key West, Florida

On March 20, 2006May 11, 2015 By Rick McIn photos, travel, travelogues, TVLeave a comment

… Homer: Florida?! But that’s America’s wang!

… Plant Psychiatrist: They prefer “The Sunshine State.”

I first learned about Florida from Miami Vice.

Sonny Crockett was the coolest cop on TV. He drove a Testarossa!

I wanted to put on expensive shoes (without socks) and drive that Ferrari to Key West. In the end I managed to drive a Chevy Nova rental — but without socks!

map

Ernest Hemmingway's house from 1931-1940. Descendents of his 6-toed cat still live here. — Ernest Hemmingway’s house from 1931-1940. Descendents of his 6-toed cat still live here.

See annotated photos of the southern most end of the USA by jumping to my photos on flickr.

I know what you are thinking. What ever happened to Rico Tubbs? (Philip Michael Thomas)

travelogue – Holocaust Memorial, Miami

On March 19, 2006May 11, 2015 By Rick McIn photos, travel, traveloguesLeave a comment

A few quiet streets away from the insanity of South Beach is a stunning memorial of the Jewish holocaust. Many visitors driving by only catch a glimpse of the giant bronze arm reaching for freedom.

Sculpture of Love and Anguish was created in 1984 by survivor Kenneth Triester. The arm has an Auschwitz tattoo and features terrified prisoners scrambling to escape.

The official website of the Holocaust Memorial.

No matter how many times I hear the story, it still drops me like a hammer.

I think of Sophie’s Choice.

I think of Schindler’s List.

And I think how impossible it is that genocide is still happening in the world today. 😦

travelogue – South Beach, Miami

On March 17, 2006May 11, 2015 By Rick McIn travel, travelogues2 Comments

If you’ve got it, you flaunt it at South Beach.

True that.

vibe

South Beach has a similar “vibe” to Santa Monica and Venice beaches in Los Angeles.

I love the art deco architecture. This neighbourhood was “a crime-ridden collection of crumbling eyesores populated primarily by drug-crazed lunatics” in the 1980s.

art deco

Surprisingly, I loved Miami. Loved the diversity. There is no better people-watching anywhere.

Amazingly the traffic is quite light (if you stay off the Ronald Reagan Turnpike).

I’ve never seen so many beautiful women in one place. Some are on the South Beach Diet: caffeine, cocaine and cigarettes.

American Airlines Arena, home of the Miami Heat. I saw my first NBA game (US$10). Shaq was still lumbering back and forth.

See more annotated photos of Miami by jumping to my photos in flickr.

travelogue – Is Guatemala safe?

On March 17, 2006 By Rick McIn travel, traveloguesLeave a comment

I am often asked if countries like Bolivia are “safe”.

To me they feel very “safe” for the tourist.

The real danger in life is motor vehicles. Your odds are good if you stay out of motor vehicles.

The risk of street violence, it seems to me, is worse in Toronto or other large North American cities.

One night down the street from my hostel in South Beach, Miami a rapper (or his loyal posse) initiated a shoot out at 5:30AM.

With any luck the American taxpayer will pay for his incarceration for up to 10 years. And the rapper gains some street cred.

Rolling Stone: Young Jeezy Arrested in Shooting

Next travelogue on this trip >> South Beach, Miami

travelogue – Xela, Guatemala

On March 12, 2006May 11, 2015 By Rick McIn hiking, photos, travel, travelogues1 Comment

The most dramatic region of Guatemala is the Western Highlands: towering stands of pine, and every town and village tells a story.

Xela (shay-la) is the jumping off point for Highland adventures. It is also the home of the most important trekking organization in Central America, Quetzaltrekkers — a charity which raises funds by leading hikes.

Cool!

More than that, Xela is a unique, unforgettable city with a surprise on every street.