Oregon & Washington

Oregon & Washington

August 2013

Thoughts of a trip to Salem Oregon to visit niece Annie & family  plus friends in Seattle had sort of fallen by the wayside, but Marjorie happened to talk w/ Noah (son of her cousin Jim & Susan), whose job travels have accumulated many more frequent-flyer miles than he can use, in particular soon-to-expire cash vouchers. Noah generously arranged flights to cover most of our traveling. We owed him some cash for what wasn’t covered by vouchers, used our American Airlines miles (thanks to R’s South American flights in June) for car rental in Oregon, and our United miles for M’s return from Minneapolis. Whew!! Very complicated, but we were able to patch it all together in a short time for a very economical cash outlay. Many thanks to Noah!

          We’ve been to the Pacific NW several times, but it’s so beautiful we don’t mind repeating some of those experiences, plus seeing family & friends. Down to Queens Friday PM for overnight w/ the Queens Wards. Son Matt’s Taxi and Carpark Service will take us to LaGuardia for early Sat. AM departure, watch over our car, and pick Dad up when he returns. We also have special airline treatment: Boarding Group 1 and “Economy Plus” extra leg room courtesy of Noah’s “Premier Access” status. But OOPS #1: We forgot to bring our courtesy United Lounge passes from out frequent-flyer credit card; I’ll have to mail that to Marjorie for a long layover on her return from Minneapolis. Flights to Chicago and then to Portland both ahead of schedule, easy pickup of our Alamo car: a cute little bright blue Chevy Spark w/ only about 1700 miles on it. Penelope (as we call our Brit-voiced GPS) says the drive to Salem will be 2,972 miles and take 46 hours! Poor dear, she thinks we’re still in Latham. We get her oriented for a much more agreeable 1-hour, 50-mile drive south. 

          We’re greeted by Annie, Lillian (3½, who Uncle Russ has never met), Cora (1½, who neither of us has met), and cat Norman. Garrick has left early to take photos for a friend’s wedding. Annie heads off for the wedding, we enjoy time w/ the grandnieces; Auntie Marjorie gives baths and bedtime stories. But OOPS #2: Marjorie left glasses on the plane; she works the phones to learn where they are in the United lost-and-found.

New York State Jaunts

Having lived most of my life in New York, there have been many trips through different regions of the state. Some of these jaunts appear in other posts. Here are some others.

Catskills Getaway

March 2012

          Marjorie spotted a “Living Social” on-line voucher for an overnight at a B&B in the Catskills, Margaretville Mountain Inn.  Seemed like a good opportunity for a winter getaway, tho w/ our dawdling it comes as winter is ending (both calendar & climate).  But it comes at a good time for some R&R: I’ve been struggling with disc problems and pinched nerve in my neck, Marjorie has had several recent back-and-forths to Queens for grandsons care.  And altho this outing is not as involved or eventful as our usual travels, it was an enjoyable mini-trip that seems worthy of a mini-journal.

Bavaria

Bavaria

May 2006

 

          Bavaria is one of the trips floating in my head for a while, so not too hard to put the basic plans together.  Some tips from travels by my Mom & stepfather Bill, also my brother and sister-in-law.  We’d hoped to connect with Christoph, who’d come from Germany for a summer visit with Mom & Bill as a young boy many years ago (he’s now a VW exec); sorry our schedules won’t coincide.  Old standbys Frommer’s & Rick Steves books for sights to see, dining tips; B&Bs & small hotels arranged via internet.  Flights thru orbitz.com: LTU transatlantic, Lufthansa within Germany.  Hadn’t heard of LTU (which stands for something very long in German), googled to learn LTU just had 50^th birthday, is “Germany’s favorite leisure airline on the internet.”  Invited Wisconsin friend Kay, who’s joined us for a couple of trips, but she had plans for Peru with other friends.  Peru fell thru; & even tho we’re her 2^nd  choice, we graciously forgave & re-invited her (but told her she’d have to ride in the back seat).  She was able to arrange same flights & lodging, coming to Albany the Sunday before & staying until Saturday after the trip.  I got an International Driver’s License from AAA; Kay felt the driver might need divine guidance so brought a St. Christopher’s medal for the rental car.  I remember a little of my college German, my German grad student said I spoke with little accent.  Tutored Kay on platzes, schlosses, kirches, etc., tho she occasionally lapsed into Spanish  ̶  guten morgen, Kay, not hola.

Tuesday, May 23:

          It’s been quite cool & rainy here, we’re hopeful for nicer in Europe (read on to find the answer).  But this AM mostly sunny for nice drive to NYC & our usual departure routine.  Lunch w/ Matt & grandson Willy at SoHo Diner, Willy shows off new walking skills started a week ago.  Matt drives us to JFK plenty early, quickly thru check-in & security.  Terminal 4 has many other foreign airlines, including very distinctive Egypt & Jordan planes.  We feel quite foreign on our LTU flight to Dusseldorf; very few non-Germans, everything primarily or only in German.  Takeoff a bit ahead of 5:45 schedule, pretty views of Long Island & ocean.  Have to pay for headsets, but Johnny Cash bio-pic “Walk the Line” will have good music.  Dinner comes w/ only a tiny stirring spoon, a challenge for my pork & Marjorie’s pasta.  We think it’s a security thing  ̶  nothing sharp!  ̶  but turns out to be a caterer supply error.  Limited legroom on this“air bus,” but many empty seats so Marjorie sends me to find another seat so she can stretch her legs across our seats.  I don’t sleep much, M & K seem to do better.

Scandinavian Sojourn

Scandinavian Sojourn

July 2008

 We’ve been asked: Why Scandinavia?  Well, there’s Hans Christian Anderson, Victor Borge, Edvard Grieg, Bjorn Borg, ABBA, Vikings, trolls, fjords, smorgasbord.  Plus some cooler summer weather and up to 20 hours of daylight.  Heard on the radio that Denmark is the “happiest country in the world.”  Don’t know how that’s measured  ̶  some silly sociological survey?  ̶  but it sounds like a fine place to start a trip.  Our trips are generally independent, but after looking into the geography we’d want to cover, with complex transport options & myriad details for 3 countries, decided to take only our 2^nd “escorted” trip (not counting a Rhine cruise).  Cosmos “Focus on Scandinavia” had excellent itinerary & price I’d have trouble beating on our own; Cosmos is the budget arm of Globus, a well-respected Brit company.  

 The package also made it easier for friends Diane & Jerry to join us, as they had for the Rhine cruise.  And Jerry has Viking (and/or troll?) blood from his Norwegian heritage.  We parlayed frequent flyer miles into almost all the airfare, saving lots of $  ̶  so that, as you’ll read, we were able to afford food over there! 

 Son Matt off to Germany on Tues. to perform w/ Argento chamber ensemble.  Marjorie to Queens on Wed. to help daughter-in-law Anthea & grandsons Willy & Miles.  I drive down Fri., 4^th of July: hotdogs & beans our celebratory meal, plus local La Nueva bakery treats, NYC fireworks on TV.

Minnesota-Wisconsin Family Visits

Family Fun in Minnesota & Wisconsin, You Betcha!

July 2015

 

          We’re off to Minneapolis to visit our nephew Andy, wife Staci, & children Abigail & Henry. Auntie Marjorie has visited before, but Uncle Russ is especially looking forward to finally meeting Abigail & Henry. Adding to the family reunion fun, we’ll be joined by grandparents: Marjorie’s sister Mary & hubbie Jeff (aka Mar-Mar & Pop-Pop). And we received in the mail a ♫Message in a bottle♫: a bottle w/ enclosed message inviting us to Abigail’s 6^th birthday party w/ a luau theme; to get us in the right mood, the bottle also contained some shells & plastic flowers. Staci is legendary for her themed BD parties, so we’re all a’twitter for this one. We’d been tipped off earlier, picked up appropriate luau shirt for me (or “Hawaiian bowling shirt,”as son Matt called them during our Hawaii trip years ago) & dress for Marjorie on previous travels. This comes as a nice midsummer break, especially for Marjorie, who’s been very busily in charge of organizing a summer art camp for kids that took place the last week of June. In turn, I’m so exhausted from my grueling heading-into-retirement regimen!: playing golf for the 1^st time in some 20 years and starting my travel/photos blog. We’re also still coming down from a wonderful July 4^th: a bus trip to see the NYC fireworks, not getting home until almost 3am. No guidebooks & maps for this trip, have to rely on the locals; tho Marjorie speaks pretty good Minnesotan, you betcha!

Thursday, July 9:

          Easier travel than usual, flying Delta direct out of Albany. But very early (6:42am). My colleague Dave & wife Nancy on our flight, headed to their own family reunion in Rochester MN. On-time departure, we enjoy our small splurge on “Comfort+” seats (Whoo-Hoo!). Arrive Minnespolis 8:10, sunny w/ views of Mississippi River & Twin Cities skyline coming in. Picked up by Staci & Henry. After a stop to watch the end of Abigail’s tennis camp session,

to their beautiful house & yard in Mendota Heights. We meet their very friendly (& well-behaved, after first ignoring him per Staci’s directions) English goldendoodle “Dasher” (named for his Christmas origins, aka “Dash” or “Dasherdoodle”). We get a house tour, including their famous TV bathroom (remodeling was featured on “Bath Crashers”). 

We enjoy time with Abigail & Henry and tours of their colorful rooms, with big connecting closets. After lunch the usual routine: nap for Henry & quiet time for Abigail; and Auntie M naps on the patio. 

Alaska

Alaska

May/June 2001

Tues., May 22:

          We awake to a drizzly day after a very dry spell.  We've put together our own "cruisetour": independent for the land portion of Anchorage, Seward, and Denali, with a rental car to get around; a Princess "Inside Passage" cruise from Seward to Vancouver; then an add-on visit with friends Stew & Patty in Seattle. I feel prepared from reading Michener’s Alaska for background.  Now it’s off to our Alaska adventure . . . eventually.  We finish cleaning up for friends, Marlene & Frank, who’ll be here a couple of nights while we’re gone.  We should have houseguests every time we travel so we’ll come back to a neat, clean house.  Packing not as efficient as for Europe, but we’ll need only 3 of the 6 luggage tags sent by Princess.  Unlike our usual crack of dawn starts, we leave Albany at the civilized time of 11.  But the trip takes 16 hours, 3 flights (Albany to Chicago to Seattle to Anchorage): 9½ hours flying, the rest “lounging” in airports.  At least the flights are free, thanks to our credit-card miles.    

To Marjorie’s disdain, I loosen up my shutter finger with shots of Chicago skyline and concourse with flags at O’Hare.  A beautiful view of Mt. Ranier coming into Seattle and sun setting on Olympic Mts. after takeoff.  In a seat ahead of us a young mother clutches her own teddy bear; doesn’t mind being in the air, but needs comforting for takeoffs & landings.  On time into Anchorage at 11pm (3am Albany time!).  We pick up our Alamo Buick Century, very comfortable w/ power everything, and head to Parkwood Inn, at the edge of the city convenient to the main north-south road.  Inexpensive and not fancy, but very roomy  w/ sofa, walk-in closet, full kitchen, and what Marjorie deems “the best shower in the world.”  Not very dark yet, even at midnight.  Sunrise here at about 4am, sunset 10:30pm.  Both quite gradual, with 20+ hours of “functional daylight,” as a guidebook puts it.  Temps our first few days in the 40s & 50s, a little cooler than typical.

Wed., May 23: 

          Sunny AM, a nice way to start.  We pull out of the motel to see snow-capped Chugach Mts. looming ahead.  There’s hardly any time on the whole trip we can’t see snowy mountains.  120 miles south to Seward, following a beautiful drive around Turnagain Arm.  Various sights, including effects of tides (37’ here, 2^nd in N. America to Bay of Fundy) and tsunami from 1964 earthquake (stands of trees killed by saltwater and remains of the town of Portage that was flooded).  Our 1^st moose-crossing sign, and a very friendly dog at one turnout we think might have been abandoned.  Lots of snow along the road inland.   

A stop at Exit Glacier outside of Seward; you can walk right up to it on a trail still snow-covered.  It’s still early spring he

re w/ buds on trees (and very large dandelions here and in Anchorage).  Rangers point out local birds: magpies, stellar jays, ravens (Marjorie learns a joke later about the difference between ravens and crows, but can’t remember it). 

Brazil & Argentina

Adventures in South America

June 2013

  The “wild and crazy” Ward brothers have an adventure! Tho pretty well-traveled, neither Doug nor I has been to South America. I’ve arranged several trips thru Gate1, and their “10 Day Classic South America” hits excellent highlights. Wives were asked to join us, but Marjorie and Ann seemed happy to bid us bon voyage. It seems odd to travel w/o Marjorie (tho I did the choir Italy tour w/o her), but this balances her Rhine Christmas markets cruise last December w/ sister Mary. I’m sure Doug will be a fine companion; we’ve generally played well together. There are extra tasks & expenses: CDC-recommended shots for hepatitis (a series of 3, the last after we return) and yellow fever; no shots for dengue fever or malaria, just be careful with clothing and repellent to fend off mosquitos. Tourist visas required for Brazil seemed a bit complicated to acquire, so I used services of GEN VISA recommended by Gate1, and needed a tasa de reciprocidad (“reciprocity fee”) to enter Argentina. Doug has had cataract surgery & new glasses; hope he won’t be bumping into things. Plus complexities of 2 languages (Portuguese & Spanish  ̶  I brush up from past trips) and 2 currencies (real, 1 BRL= $.49; peso 1 ARS= $.19). Also cautions about being careful about when and where we’re out and about on the streets, especially in Rio. It’s winter there; expected temps in the 70s in Rio, 50s in Buenos Aires; it’s gotten to the 90s here  ̶  imagine, going to South America to cool off!

  Marjorie has taken advantage of my upcoming absence to visit Mary in KC. I don’t feel too abandoned, as she’s left some food and prepared a package of pharmaceuticals to address potential needs during my trip. She’s also more train-savvy and advised on traveling to and from NYC. 

Down to NYC 5/28 to visit w/ our Queens family (plus it’s nice to see “Grandad” Brian, daughter-in-law Anthea’s father, who arrives for a stay), we attend son Matt’s Talujon percussion concert, and I drop off Marjorie at LaGuardia next AM for her flight to KC (she’ll return 6/11). 

Then go figure: she goes off to the land of tornados and a ferocious storm hits Albany! 3 tornados in the area, lots of tree damage around us, no power for 25 hours. But I do have company until Sunday: frequent Albany Symphony guest Grace.

Vermont B&Bs

Vermont B&Bs

We've enjoyed a variety of short stays at inns & B&Bs in our region. An early one was a short anniversary celebration at the Arlington Inn in 1992.More involved outings are described below.

August 2013

            After enjoying other Living Social discounts for B&Bs in the Catskills, New Hampshire, and Newport, enticed by an offer in Southern Vermont: the Cooper Hill Inn, near E. Dover, set on a 2700’ hill w/ panoramic views of the Green Mtns., landscaped gardens, surrounded by forest. Originally a 1797 farmhouse, the Inn is now a “sprawling colonial home” w/ 10 guest rooms and large covered porch suitable for “lazing.” It’s a popular wedding venue, judging from photos on their website. The deal includes a welcome bottle of wine, “country breakfasts,” dinner one night at the Inn, a small pizza, and even an Asian cooking class led by the hostess.

            Marjorie started the week staying up past midnight Sunday to watch the impressive Perseid meteor shower (but it’s after Russ’ bedtime). Off to Vermont Tuesday AM (8/13). We had some “tropical heat wave” weather in July, but looks to be very comfortable this week: forecasted temps in the 70s, rain this AM but clearing some in the PM and mostly sunny the rest of the week. Thru Bennington, admiring decorated panther sculptures spread along the main drag, then about 25 miles on Mollie Stark Byway (and past her State Park, also a statue in Wilmington; she was wife of a general and nurse during the Revolutionary War). Our first “Moose Crossing” sign and roads leading to ski areas: Haystack and Mount Snow (which we’ll see from our inn). A local “MOOver” bus painted like a cow. It’s a pretty drive, lush vegetation, deep forests, curves & hills, lots of cows & horses in fields, including many young ‘uns. Thru a 1-lane covered bridge to Newfane, on the National Register of Historic Places.

NYC 4th of July & Other "Holidays"

          I grew up in Brighton, a suburb of Rochester, and Marjorie & I have lived in Albany since 1974, so there have been many jaunts thruout NY: NYC & Long Island, the Capital Region, the Catskills & Adirondacks, Western NY. I’ve seen Niagara Falls in every season (my mother lived in nearby Lewiston for many years). Mostly these travels were not written up, but here (and in other posts) are some selections from "holiday" celebrations. But first a few "archival" photos around NYC. 

Barcelona

Barcelona

May 2010

 We’ve been asked, Why Barcelona?  Some of our travels have covered regional areas, even several countries, but we’ve also enjoyed settling in and getting to know a particular city and its environs.  Barcelona seemed an intriguing place to explore and “hang out”  ̶  interesting art, architecture, culture, food, etc.  ̶  much like our trip to Lisbon.  Our conductor friend Francisco loves Barcelona; too bad he won’t be there to show us around, especially the nightlife and tapas bars of which he speaks so fondly.  Air/hotel package is thru Gate1travel.com; we used them for a trip to Greece and were very pleased with the arrangements.  Flights on Iberia; it’s good we’re not on British Air; we met some folks in Barcelona whose trip was disrupted by a BA strike.  A month ago ash in the upper atmosphere from a volcanic eruption in Iceland closed many airports in Europe, but that seems to have subsided (fingers crossed).  There’s financial turmoil in Europe, but that’s to our benefit in bringing down the euro’s value.  We’ll see how much of my high school Spanish I remember: I think I have the basics-- Hola, Buenos dias, and Donde está el baño (“where’s the bathroom”).  One complication: Catalan is a prevalent dialect in Barcelona (Catalunya region), so maybe I should use On és el lavabo.  We have our trusty Frommer’s guide.  My brother Doug is joining us: wife Ann & daughter Katie are doing their own trip to Montreal.  When we’ve travelled w/ friend Kay she’s kept a detailed ledger (“Kay owes” & “Wards owe”) to keep track of joint expenses.  Doug’s an accountant: does that make him more or less trustworthy for this task?  As on past trips w/ my bro there will be dueling diaries as we both write up our accounts, not to mention elbowing each other for the best photo angles.  The game is on!

Istanbul & Western Turkey

 We've visited Turkey twice. Our first trip focused on Istanbul. That was so interesting that we just had to see more! So our second trip covered considerable ground in western Turkey. Both trips are reported below.

Istanbul

February 2006

 

Where’s Moldova?  What’s aubergine?  These and other questions will be answered here.  But let’s start at the beginning.  The seed was planted last spring, when a Turkish sociologist contacted me (as Chair of Sociology) about giving a talk on his research on human rights.  Recep, wife Nuray, daughter Hatice (age 10), and sons Furkan (8) & Ali Ishan (3) were in nearby Troy for a year on family matters.  As it happens, one of our favorite eateries, Ali Baba, is a Turkish restaurant in Troy.  Friendship grew from several dinners and other activities.  When they left Recep suggested “Turkish coffee along the Bosphorus” for our next meeting.  I don’t need much prodding about trips, the prospect of visiting such a fascinating place with friends to show us around was too good to pass up.  Add in a “Lonely Planet” guidebook, suggestions from son Matt & Anthea’s friend (and their wedding photographer) Murat, and things began to come together.  There were some subplots.  Two January bird flu deaths in Turkey led to talks with “infectious disease” people and a look at the Center for Disease Control website.  No one advised against travel, just precautionary tips: wash hands regularly, don’t play with chickens.  Recep said they’re advised not to eat chicken, otherwise things seem OK.  Also Muslim protests about Danish cartoons with the image of Muhammad, a serious breach of their strictures.  We usually avoid highlighting our Americanism when overseas for political reasons; guess we also shouldn’t appear to be Danish  ̶  Oh, Canada?  Then a week before our trip NYC was hit with record snowfall; the only airport mishap a Turkish Airline jet sliding off the runway (no injuries).  Who do you suppose our flights are with?

Finger Lakes Fall

Finger Lakes Fall

September-October 2013

            After nearly 40 years in Albany, we’re finally getting around to a fall jaunt into the Finger Lakes wine country for some serious leaf-peeping. After classes on Thursday (10/10) we head to Webster (outside Rochester) to visit my college friends Alice & Rick, plus their adorable friendly Morkie dog Scooter. Arrival on a very pretty evening. Convivial relaxation on their porch w/ wine (starting our weekend wine tasting), popcorn, deer in the backyard. Out for a tasty “Asian Fusion” dinner. We invite them to join us tomorrow, but things too busy here w/ a project to redo facing around their fireplace.

            Off after breakfast on Friday. Overcast & some light rain, but pretty fall colors in subdued light, atmospheric low clouds among the hills as we drive south. We see “It can wait. Text stop ahead.” signs that have popped up recently along the interstates. About 1½ hours to Bath and Hammondsport. [My Nana was a Hammond, but I’m not able to score any “Hammond discounts.”] Pretty towns, lovely old houses here and thruout our travels.

Rhine River Cruise

Cruisin’ on the Rhine

June 2003

Friday, 6/6:

            We had received some info in the mail out of the blue about European river cruises.  Rather a splurge for us but very enticing, so like last summer’s trip to Central Europe we gathered our own mini-group: brother Doug & wife Ann again, Ann’s Uncle Harry, Diane & Jerry (Wisconsin friends now living in Santa Fe).  Excitement built when Viking River Cruise (VRC) “documents” arrived.  Even our AAA agent Jenny was impressed with how classy they were and the attention to detail, wants to hear all about it.  Are we worthy to board?  We head to NYC, find parking right in front of Matt and Anthea’s in Astoria (our son and his fiancee).  Anthea takes Marjorie up on a shopping offer, asking for a special European bath gel.  We walk by pretty rose gardens in their neighborhood to the subway.  Dinner in a Japanese restaurant before Matt and 2 other percussionists accompany a Chinese dance company for their 25^th anniversary.  A very interesting performance. 

Saturday, Sunday 6/7-8:

           After a local Greek breakfast w/ Matt & Anthea (pretty cosmopolitan, huh?  ̶  Japanese, Chinese, Greek, then off to Europe), Matt takes us to JFK early to avoid possible Belmont traffic (NY-bred Funny Cide is trying for the Triple Crown this PM).  Heavy rain, not much traffic, terminal almost empty when we arrive.  Air France flight leaves on time a little after 5.  Some free wine to relax.  Arrive Paris early at 5:30am.  Pretty sky, scattered thunderstorms & sunrise.  1-hour connecting flight arrives Basel about 9.  We and several other VRC cruisers met by Tour Manager Yvette & other staff who welcome and shepherd us efficiently thru customs to take us to the ship.  A hitch, tho: one of our 2 (very efficiently packed!) bags didn’t arrive.  Apparently it’s not uncommon, we’re assured all will be taken care of.  Sunny & very warm, becoming very humid in the PM.  Too early to occupy our cabin, so I take a quick stroll into the city, discover that PostoMat is not an ATM (no trouble finding ATMs to get local currency after this).  Light lunch on the ship, then a 10-15 minute walk into the city.