NICE, FRANCE - VIEUX NICE

Nice is often dismissed as simply the airport gateway to Monaco, or to Provence and the French Riviera, but it's much more than that. Vieux Nice, the old town district, is a vibrant and wonderful little playground of markets, restaurants and night life that give the area a special flair quite unlike many other spots in the world.

The best part is the exploration of the various alleys and passageways which give the adventurous traveler a lot to play in both during the day and after hours.

THE FRIDAY MARTINI - HOLLYWOOD, CA

This week's Friday Martini is from the center of Hollywood, just a half block up from the famous intersection of Hollywood and Vine.

The Delphine Eatery and Bar is located in The W Hotel, featuring excellent American cuisine and -- obviously -- a wonderful bar and selection of drinks. Service is prompt and Southern California friendly.


The Vodka was Ciroc.

Have a great weekend!

KORCULA, CROATIA - SEASIDE TREASURE

I'e had a couple of ideas recently for longer blog essays, so expect those in the next week or so.

Otherwise, the pic of the day for today is from the wharf in Korcula, Croatia.

One of my favorite towns in the world, Korcula is both "Historic Old Town" and very modern new city in a spectacular seaside setting. Literally the best of both worlds.

CARLSBAD, NEW MEXICO - THE PECOS RIVER

From its headwaters in the Sangre de Cristo mountains northeast of Santa Fe, the Pecos River runs nearly a thousand miles due south as it crosses New Mexico and settles into Texas, finally merging with the Rio Grande.

Despite a well-earned reputation as a wild river at the northern end, the waters are serene and gentle as they approach the southern end of the state. Here they neatly bisect the city of Carlsbad, NM, providing drinking water and a welcome aquatic respite from the surrounding desert areas of New Mexico and Texas.

SAN DIEGO, CA - NIGHT IN THE GASLAMP

San Diego's Gas Lamp District is the poster child for urban renewal . Once a dilapidated and crumbling part of town, the district is now a vibrant hub of the city's social activity. Night clubs, restaurants and other activities all occupy just a handful of square blocks downtown, yet defines, accents and distills the city's character into bite-sized -- or shot-glassed -- size.

SEDONA, ARIZONA - CLEAR CREEK TRADING

I was on the balcony of my hotel room, overlooking highway 89A as it drops down into Sedona, Arizona. The hotel was directly across from the Clear Creek Trading Company.

This is their driveway. From our balcony.

VANCOUVER, BC

Double shot today from the outside deck of the Granville Market in Vancouver.

This is why any sane parent doesn't look away while letting a 5 year old drive the baby stroller.

"Mommy, watch!"

MANHATTAN

There are tens of thousands of train stations around the world, ranging from the very opulent to the very humble.

And then there's Grand Central Terminal in New York. 

Some stations are far busier. Some stations are far "grander". 

But none is more iconic.

It appears in legendary films such as North by Northwest, The Cotton Club, Arthur and even featured as the setting for a dance number in Terry Gilliam's The Fisher King.

Grand Central Terminal, Manhattan, New York City.

THE FRIDAY MARTINI - SYDNEY, NSW

The Friday Martini this week comes to us from Sydney, Australia.

The restaurant is Wolfie's Grill, outdoor patio seating.

Stoli.


Have a great weekend.

ANTIGUA, GUATEMALA

We've had a series of hot days here in California. Naturally pour thoughts drift to cooler things like iced tea, a dip in the pool and maybe an ice cream cone.

Below, a street ice cream cone vendor in old town Antigua, Guatemala -- an even hotter place than LA -- waits patiently for customers as he watches the world go by.

MIDDLEBURG, VIRGINIA

(Another small format change. The location of the photo on the daily post will be the title of the entry.)

Virginia is for (Wine) Lovers

Middleburg, Virginia, one of the most affluent old money enclaves in the country, has traditionally been known for two things: Money, and Horses.

In the last few decades the town has seen an increase in tourism based upon the Virginia wine industry, perhaps one of the best "up and coming" but unknown wine regions in the United States, despite being possibly the oldest grape growing area in the Eastern Seaboard.

(Thomas Jefferson himself grew grapes in the Old Dominion)

Come in and taste the wine, then take a glass of your personal favorite outside for a few moments of relaxation, watching the world as it quietly passes by...

...on horseback, of course.

THE DAILY ESCAPE: THE WALL

Known simply as "The Wall", where people walk respectfully and quietly reflecting upon the list of names of service people lost in a confusing war. 

Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington, DC.

Annnnd...We're Back

Okay, kids. Back in business. Sometimes there are personal issues that require your undivided attention and family comes first.

But...we're back.

And to celebrate let's take a quick jaunt over to Paris for a walk across the Seine River. 

They've outlawed them now, but for a time loving couples could declare their affection by locking a padlock along the wire fencing on bridges that cross the river. Apparently all of the locks were putting a terrible strain on the metalworks and causing damage.

However, this is France. 

Romance will ever out.

THE FRIDAY MARTINI - LAHAINA, HI

STILL AWAY FROM THE DESK, BUT I THINK I'VE EARNED THIS MARTINI

Have a terrific weekend, and we hope to resume normal posting Monday.

Martini from Cheeseburger in Paradise, Lahaina. 

Calgon, take me away.

AWAY FROM THE DESK

Hey kids. Forgive me, but circumstances beyond my control 

are keeping me from timely posting of the daily photographs.

I'll resume in a few days. In the meantime, please read the Editorial on the new laws in North Carolina and Mississippi. 

#nohate

THE DAILY ESCAPE: TRUE RELIGION

When I am on the road, particularly to a new or exotic location, a favorite photographic and cultural practice for me includes a brief stop in at a local house of worship.

Whether it is monumentally grand or charitably humble, the vast majority of institutions speak to a spirituality and peace which is all too difficult to find in this modern day world. I may not endorse or follow the religion myself, but no matter what the faith my visit often creates an opportunity for a quiet moment of introspection.

And while I can be awed by the power and architecture of many great structures -- St. Paul's in London; Notre Dame in Paris; The National Cathedral in Washington, DC; The Vatican -- it's more often the truly humble, unassuming gathering places which give me a spiritual pause.

(La Iglesia de la Santa Cruz, Bahia de la Santa Cruz, Huatulco, Mexico)

EDITORIAL: Targeting Bigotry

I am a Traveler. 

I allow myself the conceit to capitalize that word. It means something to be a Traveler. It is a value, to be able to capitalize that word. Being a Traveler means you Travel with an open point of view, willing to learn and not judge. It means that having an accepting, inquisitive and open mind being not the least among the very basic requirements.

As a responsible Traveler and travel blogger, I find myself in the sickening position of having to strongly recommend travelers avoid two US states. There is a movement in this country, codified so far in North Carolina and Mississippi, towards legislating bigotry as some sort of protection of religion. 

Any religion which embraces bigotry and hate is not worthy of protection.

In North Carolina it becomes worse because the law forbids cities and counties from enacting their own legislation, thereby shutting down their protections under the Constitution.

This is personal for me. I have relatives and friends who are transgender.

I have relatives in North Carolina I must now tell I will not visit until their legislature grows up.

State-sanctioned bigotry, state sanctioned hate cannot be tolerated. It's where we, as a country once were and have worked tirelessly to grow beyond.

In that view, I must strongly advocate that travelers, tourists and visitors avoid spending money or time in either Mississippi or North Carolina until those states, those legislators, rejoin the 21st century.

They have so much to offer, but their legislative bigotry outweighs their undeniable charm.

North Carolina's beautiful Emerald Isle

The majestic Mississippi as seen from Vicksburg, MS

WEEKEND ESCAPE

Time for a little traditional French roast cafe' and beignets?

Take a few moments and relax on the patio at the Cafe du Monde, New Orleans.

(Arrive early, before the tourists do.)

THE FRIDAY MARTINI

 Today's ice-cold delight is from CATALINA JAZZ CLUB on Sunset in Hollywood.

Stoli.


Have a great weekend!

THE DAILY ESCAPE: GRAVEYARD

It's early dawn as the sunlight cascades down into the churchyard, behind which sits a graveyard dating to the late 1700s. Some are easily read while others sit slowly weathering with time and the elements.

(Davidsonville, MD.)

Full Fair

Who doesn't love a county fair? 

Exciting rides, farm animals, cultural exhibits, games, hot dogs...cotton candy... 

Perfect for a night out under garish lights and an "anything can happen" vibe.

(Los Angeles County Fair)

THE DAILY ESCAPE: Pocatello Taxi

Pic of the day is a video. Taxiing to runway Pocatello, Idaho.

MONDAY

The famous Westin St Francis Hotel, adjacent to Union Square, San Francisco.

WEEKEND MARTINI

It occurred to me, just now, that I didn't post the Friday Martini.

So here's a Saturday one for planning purposes.

Anthony's Burgers and Brews

M Resort and Casino, Henderson, NV

Chopin

THE DAILY ESCAPE: DECISIONS, DECISIONS

There are days I go to put up a post when I have no idea what I'm going to use as my photograph. I simply go into the archives until something catches my eye.

Other days, it's completely planned out.

This one is in the middle. I wasn't sure what I was going to post this morning until I remembered having been editing this shot a day or so ago. My wife and I are going through a bit of a rough time courtesy health and Mr Murphy, who has a law of which you might not want to run afoul.

So we have to find humor where we can. In this shot -- one which initially doesn't seem to betray any potential for humor -- it kind of snuck up on me.

This is from New Orleans' St Louis Cemetery #1, just adjacent to the French Quarter.

If you scan the items below you will find a few things that would only be found in a Big Easy graveyard: Feathers, Beads and Bacardi.

Laissez les bons temps rouler, y'all.