Roadboy Cycles Vancouver and Pender Island

Canadian Gulf Islands Tour by Vermont Bike Tours (VBT) 

After a stunning arrival via seaplane into Victoria's Inner Harbor I joined my cycling buddies who had arrived earlier for dinner and a little window shopping (I found an Irish wool hat I had to have) andan obligatory stop at Rogers Chocolates. Then it was off for a great nights sleep.

Victoria's Inner Harbor From The Empress Hotel

 

Cycling Day One:

After a morning walk and a little sightseeing in and around British Columbia's beautiful Provincial Capital, we met our guides Sam and Zuzana for intro's, a bike fitting, and a quick 7 mile warm-up ride through Victoria. 

Similar to Vancouver, Victoria features some very nice separated bike lanes. Along the way we passed the world's tallest Totem Pole (127'-7") and a digital display calculating the number of cyclists using each trail each day, month and year. 

The ride ended early enough we could gather for a welcome reception and dinner. The night was off to a great start for me as one menu choice was (my absolute favorite Alaskan sea treasure) sablefish / black cod. The buttery smooth fish was cooked perfectly. 

 

Cycling Day Two:

In the morning we were shuttled to a rendevous spot near Victoia's airport where we collected our bicycles and took a seaside ride past some very expensive seaside residences on our way the BC Ferry Terminal at Swartz Bay. Here, we boarded the ferry for a sailing to Otter Bay on Pender Island.

 BC Ferry to Pender Island

The sailing was beautiful with smooth waters and blue sunny skies. Upon disembarking on Pender Island we cycled to lunch. From there we were off to Brooks Point where we watched the horizon looking for pods of orca's. Then it was on to check into the lovely Poets Cove Resort and Spa. 

The resort is clearly designed for weddings and my room had an amazing view of the cove and a spot clearly designed for wedding photos. 

 Views Along The Ride to Point Browning

The View From My Room at Poets Cove Resort

 

Cycling Day Three:

In the morning we shuttled to the Port Browning Marina where we were outfitted to spend a few hours sea kayaking. Once we were outfitted and a given safety briefing, we began our paddling along the coast and in Port Browning Harbor.

 

 Sea Kayaking in View of Harbor Seals Sunning on a Nearby Island

Along the way we were joined by some inquisitive seals who followed us along and popped their shimmering silver heads up now and then between our kayaks to check us out. Above us eagles and ospreys soared. 

After the kayaking Sam our guide grilled a wonderful picnic lunch. 

Our Picnic

After lunch Sam provided a bike clinic illustrating basic bike maintenance. I really appreciated the methods he illustrated for reattaching dropped chains (even while moving!), minor derailleur adjustments and changing tubes.

We retraced the route to our hotel in time to swim and soothe muscles in the resorts hot tub.

Afternoon Cycling Back to Poets Cove

View to Mortimer Spit

 

Cycling Day Four:

On day four we were shuttled to Otter Bay to collect our bikes and take the ferry back to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. The day included a ride to the Sea Island Cider Mill for a light lunch and a tasting flight of three of their wonderful organic ciders.

 

 Lavender Blooming at the Sea Island Cidery

Our cycling ended at Oak Bay we checked into the wonderful Oak Bay Beach Hotel and Spa. This hotel is truly special (and was recognized by Conde Nast Traveler as Canada's No. 1 hotel in their 2021 Reader's Choice Awards. The rooms were quiet and included fireplaces. The hotel's cozy Snug Pub and its mineral pools and spa all overlook the bay.

The Oak Bay Beach Hotel

Cycling Day Five:

Our last day included our longest rides including 20 miles on the Galloping Goose Bike trail to Victoria's renowned Butchart Gardens (with a gelato stop along the way) and 21 miles back to the Oak Bay. This was probably my third or fourth visit to the stunning Butchart Gardens and everything seemed to be in full dazzling bloom.

 The Sunken Garden (Butchart Gardens)

We returned for a soak in the mineral pools and then dressed for our farewell dinner.    

Oak Beach Bay's Mineral Pools 

(Views of the Chatham and Discovery Island Indian Preserves Beyond)

The tour calls it day six, but in reality the trip is five days which run by fast. So the next morning we gathered in the morning to make our way to whatever means of travel we were respectively using to depart the Island. 

As I have old friends living just across the Straits of Juan de Fuca in Sequim Washington, I left aboard the Black Ball Ferry's Coho in a morning sailing to Port Angeles.

75° temperatures, Canadian hospitality, amazing food and lots of sunshine and blue skies framed a beautiful cycling vacation.

Roadboys Travels © 2023

Cycling Stanley Park / Seaplanes to Victoria

Last Days in Vancouver

I take pride in crafting trips that (whenever possible) avoid any need to rent a car. Except in rural locales, where there are no other options, cars represent the frustration driving in unfamiliar surroundings. 

So traveling to superb multi-modal destinations, like Vancouver, makes me happy. Post EXPO 86 Vancouver knit together a remarkable multi-modal transportation network. There is robust public transport linking everything from the airport to downtown, the cruise ship terminal and a busy seaplane port. A huge advantage Vancouver offers is completely separated bike lanes (complete with separate bike traffic signals). 

It is so wonderful to pedal in the city with more than a white stripe separating your from idiots in cars texting while driving.

For my last full day in Vancouver I rented an e-bike from Cycle City (excellent) for an afternoon spin through Stanley Park.

Stanley Park is one of the very finest urban parks in North America. It is an oasis of calm with stunning views at every turn located next to one of the densest neighborhoods in North America. The park offers a wide and beautiful waterfront trail perfect for leisurely walking and cycling. Spandex clad thigh hammer road bikers can stick to the roadway with the cars.

Cycling Stanley Park Along the Shore

Cycling over the Top of the Lions Gate Bridge

As readers may know, Roadboy loves me some bridges. And the Lions Gate Bridge is one of my favorites. It is a graceful, almost delicate span that softly emerges from the park. Designed by Monsarrat and Pratley of Montréal, the iconic Lions Gate Bridge opened to traffic in 1938. It was "officially" dedicated May 29, 1939 by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth and it remains one of Canada's longest suspension bridges. 

I was surprised to learn that the Guinness Brewing family paid for the bridge during the height of the Great Depression. They needed a link from Vancouver to their residential suburbs in West Vancouver.

In 1955 Vancouver repaid the price of the bridge. It is named for twin peaks in the North Shore Mountains. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia it is about the same length as the Brooklyn Bridge. 

For Expo 86 the Guinness family returned to pay for the installation of the necklace lighting on the bridge.

Although expanded from its original 2 lanes to 3, the bridge is clearly inadequate to address modern traffic. However, the City has resisted making any dramatic changes to the structure.

Sunset from Stanley Park

After my cycle tour of the park I returned to my hotel to pack and prepare for my flight to Victoria the next day.

Seaplane to Victoria

Despite BC's elaborate ferry system the most convenient and easiest (and arguably one of the most scenic) ways to journey from downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria is via seaplane. The seaplane center is located steps from the Cruiseship terminal at Coal Harbor. Flights to Victoria are provided by Harbour Air. Harbour Air operates the largest all-seaplane fleet in North America.  My flight, in a Canadian built DHC-3 De Haviland Single Otter was smooth but noisy (bring earplugs). Also, be aware luggage is severely limited on these flights. As a result, I upgraded my fare and packed more carefully than usual for this trip.

 

Pilot Readies for Take Off

Roadboy Selfies

Circling Over Vancouver

The Lions Gate and Stanley Park

 Islands Nearing Victoria

 

 

Landing In Victoria's Inner Harbor

The beauty of landing in Victoria's Inner Harbor is in the ability to walk grab my bag and simply walk to my hotel (a really wonderful DoubleTree located right behind the stately Fairmont Empress Hotel).

After meeting up with my cycle friends we found a cafe for some cider and halibut and chips. Then, I was off to sleep. 

In the morning our 5 days of island cycling would begin.

Roadboy's Travels © 2023

Fashion Fiction: the Vancouver Art Gallery

And Some Serious Strolling

I believe a big part of Canada's major strength is anchored by its cultural diversity. Over my lifetime, immigration to Canada has ushered in profound change. While some will strongly challenge my assessment, I offer it as a friendly neighbor leaning over the fence. In fact, I believe neighbors are frequently better at spotting what we cannot see ourselves. As an example I typically trust the critical assessment of US politics presented in Toronto's Globe and Mail over anything published in the US.

I firmly believe that, although not without pain, Canada's decades of cultural assimilation has deepened a national understanding of global issues, while solidifying a stronger foundation for Canada in its expanding role in international commerce and diplomacy. 

And, as a friendly neighbor, I can assure you that your efforts stand in contrast to those now held in my own beloved nation. During the same time frame we in the US have increasingly looked inward and perfected a national agoraphobia. Many US citizens are now consumed by fear with a capital "F". And this Fear is increasingly manifest in violence and vitriol directed at anyone with differing complexions, religions, gender identities and / or languages. Ring the wrong doorbell and get shot through the door by some twit "standing their ground".

By never putting our phones down (I too admit this with guilt) we have become numb to the relentless clickbait lies delivered to us 24/7. The lies are now highly personalized, manipulative and intended to be triggering. Just like the meddling in our elections, the lies are generated by trolls in St. Petersburg. Lincoln was right "a house divided cannot stand". By strategic use of social media our sworn enemies have convinced us to arm ourselves, choose sides and prepare for a second civil war. 

But on a happier note...

One thing is for sure in Canada. The increasing wealth of diversity sure as hell has improved Canada's formerly dismal food scene. Lets face it peameal bacon, maple syrup and ice wine only goes so far.

But now - wow, Canada's food scene is dazzling! Exhibit 1, was my hotel breakfast. What a wonderful blend of cultural influences; panko crusted crab scotch eggs with dukkah dusted avocado. 

Damn!

A Simple, Kinda Epic, Breakfast

 

After a breakfast like that I knew I had to get my butt in gear and seize the day. And, I decided it would be a museum day. 

 

Now, for first timers to Vancouver (with only enough time to visit one museum) I'd strongly advise a visit to its Anthropological Museum at the UBC (University of British Columbia). The building is arguably Arthur Erickson's finest masterwork, and the collection it holds is the best of its kind in the world.

 

But as I've visited it many times, I felt it was time for something new and decided to visit the Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG).

My arrival to the VAG brought two surprises: first, the main entrance is not at all where it should be, and second, the museum presents zero traditional, historical and / or fine art. Instead, its focus is on an ever changing series of unique exhibitions.

Nope, Not the Front Door

To find the sad new entry to the VAG you'll have to walk around to the back of the building where the current entrance was relocated to face Robson Square (the building being modeled in the middle of the night all those years ago.) 

In Robson Square Erickson made full use of his "Noble Stone of the Twentieth Century" (concrete). But, now Robson Square's aesthetic feels pretty tired and brutal.

 

Robson Square From the Entry to the VAG

Currently the VAG features two main exhibitions. The third floor presents the life and works of Abenaki filmmaker and activist Alanis Obosawin. The exhibit entitled "The Children Have to Hear Another Story" chronicles Obosawin's lifetime spent recording, preserving and celebrating indigenous cultures. The way history is presented to an outsider is pretty dense and can be confusing. But, taken in whole, it portrays a heartbreaking, yet ultimately hopeful, story.

The second major exhibit was Fashion Fictions. This exhibit surveys creative and highly experimental fashion; it is a slam dance of fashion created using unexpected materials and forms. To me it seemed like the natural progression of the work I saw from a young Issey Miyake nearly 50 years ago. Of special note to me were creations by Iris van Herpen (who was showcased in a fashion exhibit presented by the Phoenix Art Museum a few years back.)

The exhibit begins with a retrospective of eighties era efforts in fashion futurism. Then it goes on to presents examples of conceptual clothing using everything from paper to building construction materials.

 

Design Using Folded Paper

There is an entire gallery devoted to fashion examples using the imagery and inspiration of "puffy" coats.

Puffy Coats and Pants

A Puffer Blanket

Gethsemane Collection

Rick Owens (2021)
 

Utopie: But Beautiful III Collection (Silk)

Jun Takahashi (2017)

Hydro Medusa Dress Sensory Seas Collection

Iris van Herpen (2020)

 

Another Piece by van Herpen

Another Paper Dress

Stina Randestad (2022)

The exhibit was an enjoyable way to spend a morning. It left with the balance of my day to use to explore and just be a tourist along the at Coal Harbor promenade. It was some great people watching.

 

Roadboy's Travels © 2023

Roadboy Returns to Vancouver BC

Hurts to say it but.....

parts of one of my favorite cities in North America (Vancouver BC) are showing some stress.

As many of Roadboy's readers know Vancouver holds many fond memories for me. My first visit here was at age 6 years as part of a family visit to Seattle's Century 21 Worlds Fair in (gasp) 1962. That trip made a huge impression on me (changed my life?) ultimately cementing a desire to start my architectural career in Seattle.  

During that first trip we turned North and made a side trip to Vancouver where I found a vibrant city nestled between water and mountains, filled with amazing parks, and immaculately clean.

Subsequent trips included a slightly buzzed college trip (where upon knocking on the side door to Arthur Erickson's architectural office at midnight, we found a full studio of obsessed, hygiene impaired, chain smoking, young designers working on a huge cardboard model of Vancouver's future Robson Square). 

The next trips were for North America's last Worlds Fair (Expo 86), then a few years later to begin an Alaskan cruise with my family from Vancouver's new cruise terminal (Canada Place from Expo.) Still later we came to see editions of HSBC's (formerly annual) multi-day Festival of Light pyrotechnical extravaganza. 

This trip I arrived to chill a few days prior to taking a seaplane to Victoria to participate in a week long cycling vacation on Vancouver Island.

After so many visits I've been smitten by Vancouver's diversity, sense of history, commitment to compact housing, and steadfast, correct, and righteous objection to being sliced up by freeways (like Portland and Seattle.)

Arrival was efficient. After endless years of collecting a departure tax from residents, Vancouver has a wonderful Airport filled with dazzling art. From the airport I rode the SkyTrain (also a legacy begun during Expo 86). 

 Raven Greeting International Arrivals to Vancouver Airport (YVR)

Then things went wonky. 

The walk from the Yaletown Roundhouse Station to my AirBNB on Hornby had me dodging homeless encampments, litter, and drug paraphernalia. A lot of empty retail shops and for lease signs in evidence.

And, with sidewalks becoming a permanent home to drug addicts and the mentally ill, Vancouver's streets are shared by emergency response vehicles running lights and sirens and some fine ultra luxury cars, windows tightly rolled up, transporting their occupants to homes somewhere else.

The rampant "have / have not" class warfare of most major American cities is in evidence in Vancouver.

Upon arrival at my AirBNB, I found out I'd been scammed by a certain scumbag named Andrew Chen who was supposed to be my AirBNB "host". Apparently he sold his property a few months ago and failed to cancel his bookings. 

After using AirBNB with success for many years I now have my own horror story to add to those of others. I just never expected it would happen in a place I associate with integrity.

After spending about three hours with AirBNB reps (who could not find any trace of Andrew or any comparable booking for less than 4 times the price), I was able to convince them to refund my money. Sadly, they told me that there were numerous future bookings for Andrew and gave no evidence they'd be notifying his future victims. 

Ironically, the refund arrived saying "Andrew had to cancel". I guess that's AirBNB spin for enabling fraudulent hosts?

Luckily, I have lots of points with various hotels chains. And, with hotel room rates (for the few available rooms here in summer) running between a breathtaking $460 and $1789 a night (I am not making that up) I opted to cash in some precious points.

A long walk to the hotel lowered my blood pressure. And, after settling into my very nice Delta hotel, I found a perfect little Asian storefront eatery across the street to enjoy some Donburi.  

Lesson learned: book only from Super Hosts.

Deep cleansing breath. 

The real trip starts tomorrow.

 

Roadboy's Travels © 2023

A Glorious California Springtime, A Centenary Birthday, and Sargent in Spain

Returning Home

In late April I returned to my hometown (Oakland, California) to visit my Aunt Marge who was about to turn 100.

I grew up living a block from my aunt and grandmother and would see them almost every day when I'd stop by after school to walk grandma's dog Pierre. I'd collect a coin and a slice of my grandma's fresh baked bread for my efforts.

My family roots in the Golden State date back to the gold rush. To say my grandma was indomitable would be an understatement. She was born in 1897 in Sacramento. When asked she could recall what she was doing the day of the Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake (she was 9). It made a real impression on her when  family friends, who'd gone to San Francisco for the day, never came home. She could also point out exactly where Sacramento's opium dens once thrived. Her toughness came in part from experiencing the trauma of abandonment when her father left for the Alaskan Klondike when she was just 3 or 4. A few years later an adored boyfriend did exactly the same thing. Loss was a hallmark of her life.

Now in 2023, Aunt Marge is nearly the last of our family to call California home. At 100 she is alert and quick to point out she has all of her own teeth. Marge was stunningly beautiful. She adored going to movies, never missed church, wore perfectly tailored clothes (many she made herself) and kept her cars in meticulous condition.

She began working for the powerful Southern Pacific Railroad (the "SP") at a time when American railroads owned the nations transportation network (and when SP employment came with a lifetime pension and health care). Now, tired of paying those benefits, the SP periodically calls to confirm she is still alive.

This trip also allowed me to visit long time friends and indulge in one of my passions; the art of John Singer Sargent. Prior to its closing on May 12 "Sargent in Spain" was on exhibit at the Legion of Honor (what we used to call the California Palace of the Legion of Honor).

The Legion of Honor

The Legion of Honor is a treasure in itself. It was a gift to San Francisco in 1924 from the flamboyant socialite Alma de Bretteville Spreckels (wife of the Spreckels sugar magnate).

The Palace of the Legion of Honor

Stunning Golden Gate Views From Lincoln Park

The museum design came when the French government gave Alma permission to construct a precise replica of the French pavilion from San Francisco's 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition. The pavilion at the Exhibition was a faithful 3/4 replica of the Paris' Palais de la Légion d'Honneur. I find it amazing how many of our most iconic national landmarks (the Space Needle, Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry etc.) are the direct result of participation in Worlds Fairs. An interesting aside, the US gave up eligibility to host future worlds fairs thanks to President Reagan who stopped paying our annual dues to the Bureau International des Exhibitions (BIE).  

Museum construction was delayed during WWI and, when opened in 1924, was dedicated to California's soldiers killed in the "Great War".

Interestingly enough, the museum was built in Lincoln Park. Lincoln Park has its own odd history. It was built over the former Golden Gate cemetery and potters field. The City in creating the park in 1909 first had to exhume and move the remains from the mainly Chinese cemetery. The process was haphazard with some bodies moved to Colma and misc. body parts showing up all over the park for years. The Museum is literally built over the dead (during its 1993 renovations they unearthed 700 human remains).

Lincoln Park was named to commemorate it being the western terminus of the Lincoln Highway (the coast-to-coast highway whose eastern terminus begins in Times Square).

Among other masterworks, the Legion of Honor houses a pretty comprehensive amazing collection of sculptures by Rodin (it was built when Rodin's art could be purchased directly from the artist's studio).

I'll always remember the museum from Hitchcock's Vertigo. It was here that Kim Novak went to gaze endlessly at the (fictitious) portrait of Carlotta Valdes.

 

John Singer Sargent in Spain 1856-1925

The Singer in Spain Exhibition was curated by Washington DC's National Gallery or Art. In January it traveled to San Francisco. The exhibit examines Sargent's time spent in Spain and its profound influence on his art. 

The artwork presented emphasizes the influence of Sargent's seven extended visits to Spain between 1879 and 1912. The 140 oils, watercolors, drawings and photographs displayed reflect the early influences of Diego Velázquez (from his time spent in Madrid's Prado) and his appreciation of Spanish Roma life. The Roma works led to his 1882 masterpiece El Jaleo (The Ruckus) displayed in Boston's Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. I also appreciated seeing his study sketches for the murals in the Boston Public Library.

In his time John Singer Sargent was arguably the world's most prominent society portraitist artist. In 1907 (at age 51) he retired from portraiture and went on to travel with wealthy friends exploring architecture and landscapes. 

Although his work was eventually marginalized by the modernist critics, his posthumous rehabilitation is certainly complete. Even Andy Warhol commented that Sargent "made everybody look glamorous. Taller. Thinner. But they all have mood, every one of them has a different mood"    

Here are some of my favorite items from the exhibit.

A Falucho

(Port of Palma 1908 Cincinnati Art Museum)

Sargent was intrigued by ships and this painting portrays a working sailing ship at port. The shimmer of the water showcases Sargent's impressionist skills. Note the perfect minimalist brushwork capturing the joy of the two boys swimming below the hull. To me this painting evokes many of the paintings of his Spanish contemporary (and a personal favorite) Joaquin Sorolla. Sorolla's painting "and they still say fish is expensive" in the Museo del Prado literally bought me to tears.

Spanish Roma Woman

(1879-1882 The Metropolitan Museum of New York)

Like so many of Sargent's portraits, Roma Woman stopped me in my tracks. The woman's serene expression conveys wisdom and leaves the viewer knowing that the subject led a rich life. Sargent possessed a genuine affection for the Roma people at a time when they were outcasts in Spanish society.   

La Carmencita (Carmen Dauset Moreno)

(1890 The Musée d'Orsay)

La Carmencita Dancing

(1890 Private Collection)  

Sargent met La Carmencita in New York and produced the two vivid and rich paintings above. The first is exquisitely formal and the second literally explodes with the energy of flamenco evoking his famous El Jaleo. Notice the hand with two fingers withdrawn to play castanets. 

I find it interesting that dancers are frequently portrayed that way. Fred Astaire also frequently danced with two middle fingers withdrawn. While not playing castanets, in his quest for perfection, Astaire withdrew the fingers to de-emphasize his (in his opinion) overly long hands.     

Spanish Woman

(1879-1880 Private Collection)

There were no notes on this painting, but the use of shadow, the flow of her hair, and intensity of her gaze is breathtaking. 

Street in Venice

(1882 The National Gallery of Art)

So many elements in this painting seem disconcerting to me. The young woman, lost in thought and wearing clothes seemingly in tatters, is being gazed upon ominously by one of the the dark characters leaning against the wall behind her. While not portraying Spain this painting was included as it suggests the influence of Diego Velázquez.

Study for the Boston Public Library Special Collections Hall

(1895-1900 The Metropolitan Museum of Art)

All in all a wonderful trip, topped off by an amazing brunch complete with the best waffles I've ever eaten. Thank you Dorothy!

 

Roadboy's Travels © 2023

 

Belafonte's Return to Lake Tahoe

My Missed Opportunity

The Backstory

When my parents settled down after World War II they found a lot with a small house on it located on Davenport Avenue in the Oakland hills. The steep lot had sheep grazing on it and a wonderful view of San Francisco and the Golden Gate. Mom referred to the little house as a "sheepherders shack". 

Dad spent much of the next three decades renovating and expanding that house.

But, at the time the realtor showed them the property, they were surprised how affordable it was and questioned why so many of the houses on the street were for sale.

The realtor grudgingly told them the house next door had been recently purchased by a woman who "passed for white". And, when her very dark West Indian husband appeared, for sale signs bloomed.

The couple went on to play a pivotal role in the formative years of my life.

My father worked nights for most of my childhood. We kind of only saw each other on weekends and when we would go on camping trips each summer.

So every night I'd eat dinner with my mom and sister and then ask to go "visit next door" where my neighbors were somehow willing to put up with the nosy little boy from next door. I got to eat fried plantains and toast with homemade guava jelly. We'd sit on the carpet in front of their HiFi spinning records. 

My favorite records featured the magical Calypso beat of Harry Belafonte.

Time spent next door included patient explanations of the civil rights movement. And what I was told stood in stark contrast to what I heard at home. 

They would take me places in their white Plymouth Lancer and Mr. H always enchanted everyone with his beautiful lilting West Indian "Cola Nut" accent.

My neighbor's were both well educated and frequently hosted cocktail parties that I'd somehow drift into. I was clueless who their guests were and only later would I come to find out that guests included famous entertainers, musicians from Count Basie's Orchestra, local politicos, and presidential cabinet members. 

After I graduated from High School. My dad retired and we decided to move to Idaho which is where I went to college. In college I traded a few calls and letters with my neighbors and at one point got a call to ask if I could meet them in Lake Tahoe. No explanation was given why.

 

The Story

The timing was 1977(?) and I was facing midterms in college. So when I explained to them that I couldn't meet in Tahoe it was understood. 

I later found out from my sister (who coincidentally lived at Lake Tahoe and was able to join them) that they had seats in the Sahara Hotel's "High Sierra" showroom to see Harry Belafonte.

She told me that after the show they were invited backstage to visit with Mr. Belafonte. My sister said they talked like old friends. My (very white) sister was introduced as their daughter and they noted their "son" (moi) was away at college. 

Oh to be able to turn a clock backwards.

Here is what I later found out.

Apparently Mr. Belafonte had performed in Lake Tahoe years before at the hotel casino across the street. Despite being the headliner. The hotel owner gave strict instructions to enter and exit through the loading dock and to not walk through his casino before or after his shows. 

Despite having to endure that indignity Belafonte met his obligation to perform without indicating to his audience the obscene treatment he had received. 

But my neighbor's knew the story and that Belafonte swore he'd never again return to perform at Lake Tahoe until he could "enter through the front doors".

That Sahara show was Belafonte's return in triumph. Coincidentally, at almost the same time the casino owner that snubbed him died. Under new ownership Belafonte returned repeatedly to play the venue across the street as well.

 

With Mr. Belafonte's passing this week at age 96 heaven became richer by one.

Roadboy's Travels © 2023

 

Looking Forward to Travel in 2023

Will This Be The True "Return" to Travel Year?

Happy New Year! 

Well like many I suppose, I've spent portions of my recent holiday mapping out future travel plans (🙂!) So far I've planned 2-3 major trips in 2023 (two trips are baked and one is in fluid stages), as well as beginning tentative consideration for some trips into 2024. 

I benefited from a willingness to commence international travel as soon as travel destinations began post vaccine re-openings. It offered calm, once-in-a-lifetime visits to normally overrun travel destinations. 

Now, judging from the massive amount of tourists that invaded Greece after our departure last May, the flood gates of travel are once wide open.

Looking ahead here is Roadboy's current destination list. 

First there will be an increasing amount of business travel (yet still nothing like my pre-covid life). There has been a sea change in business travel needs now that many clients are more comfortable using web meetings. While still valuable, my actual "get on a plane" business trips are much less frequent. 

Beyond that in 2023 I have firm plans for 2 major sightseeing / fun trips and am seriously considering a third with my daughter.

 

Trip One: Sightseeing Western Canada by Bicycle

In June I will fly to Vancouver BC for a week of general sightseeing. This region IMHO is perhaps North America's most beautiful urban treasure. Vancouver is simply marvelous. It has no inner city freeways slicing though it. It has encouraged compact housing since the 1970's. It has amazing parks and is richly multi-cultural (which presents stunning cultural and cuisine options). The latter of which fully exploits a rich harvest from the sea and produce and wines from the nearby Okanogan Valley. Add a necklace of mountains and you have an embarrassment of riches.

From there I will join my cycling chums for a week of biking on Vancouver Island with some sea kayaking and stops in lovely Victoria stirred in for good measure.

 

Trip Two: Venice and Cycling the Dolomites

This trip will begin in late September. The timing is critical as it is when the overwhelming tourist crowds in Venice taper off and surrender this magical city back to the locals. But first I'll begin the trip with a week in London (the new Non-stop AA service from Phoenix to London has totally spoiled me). From London I'll fly to Venice for $80 (is that incredible?) to join with my cycling buddy Beth for a few days immersed in Venetian history.     

From Venice we will begin our cycling adventure in the Valleys of the Italian Dolomites. The cycling portion includes Cortina d'Ampezzo, Riscone, Merano and then concludes in Verona. Hopefully the balance between cycling vs. pasta carbs can find equilibrium......

 

Trip Three: Cycling Bangkok, Vietnam and Cambodia

Still in the formation stages December may see a visit to Japan (which my daughter and I both miss terribly) and/or Singapore. We will then spend a few days exploring Bangkok. 

The cycling part of the trip will then include 7-8 days cycling in Vietnam to include Hanoi, Hue, Hoi An, and Saigon. 

I'm hoping to conclude that journey with a visit to Siem Reap Cambodia.

Looking to 2024 there are possible trips to Iceland, the Azores (with maybe side trips to Seville and Valencia). New Zealand is planned for March or April. Beyond that Argentina and Chile still own spots on my wish list. 

In 2025 I'm toying with a couple of weeks sightseeing and cycling in South Africa. But we shall see what life holds as by then. 

Roadboy's Travel © 2023