Holiday Calories do count

For many of us been on holiday means weight gain and for me this year has been  tough one with no fewer than 6 trips completed. And if I'm honest I've not worked hard enough between my trips so have decided i need a push before Xmas followed by another one afterwards.

One thing I'm not prepared to do is diet while on holiday, i like a drink or two and do enjoy my food especially when eating out.

Don't let me fool you my weight as always been on the heavy side but does fluctuate significantly although i'm actually reasonably fit for my age. I actually don't weigh myself i go by my clothes and how tight they feel nd must admit some of my holiday clothes were getting uncomfortable.

So my push began on my return from America and i believe its starting to take effect, its not easy but with will power i'll be able to wear all my glad rags dring the festive season.

One of my issues is my sweet tooth and thats one thing i've cut out completely, don't have anything in the house to tempt me. Bread is another thing I've eliminated at this time so no filling up on that and cheese has been limited. This s definately the right way for me.

I also occasionally would have a bottle of beer at home but not at present.

Am also trying to build up my exercise.

So how do you keep your weight in check following holidays ?

Thought I'd share this with you because I'm sure I'm not alone doing this and it is holiday related.

Americas Heart & Soul - Part 4 - "New Orleans"

First thing I'll say is that I think 450 miles in one day is too far, the interstates we travel down on this holiday arn't the most scenic in America. This Holiday needs to follow route 61 along the Mississippi for this leg of the trip and not I55, extend the holiday by one night with a overnight stop added at either Vicksburg (civil war history) or Clarksdale (birthplace of the blues), seems such a shame racing past them places.
Stephen our tour manager gave us an American history lesson on route to try fill in the hours on the road, a few listened, others plugged there music in while many tried to catch up with needed sleep.

We stopped for lunch at somewhere called Golden Corral an all you can eat buffet for around $12, was very good value i thought, plenty of choice, liked the puddings but i always like puddings.

Our other stop was at the Oak Alley Plantation which told us a bit about the days of the Slave, we also got a tour of the main house plus of course a free drink. Was ok but was there too long but suppose given the distance Ted our driver needed a rest.




As we started approaching the Big Easy we were driving through many swamps finally getting to our hotel early evening. The hotel was virtually an old warehouse but i liked it although some thought a bit far from the French Quarter (15 min walk) but ok by me was a nice area itself and i walk that to my local.

After getting showered and changed we were taken on a walking tour of the French quarter (Jackson square, Bourbon St, etc). Afterwards some returned on the coach while many stayed out to look for food which was a plenty.

Five of us found a bar/cafe we fancied and ordered our drinks and meals. When the meals came only four arrived and guess whose was missing (almost like Dennys last year). The staff were very apologetic even the chef came out to apologise and said it wouldn't be long. Others laughed as when mine came they had about finished and i was starting to feel anorexic, however i had the last laugh when the knocked it off my bill, first meal in new Orleans was a freebie. We eventually went back to the hotel for a couple more drinks before getting our heads down following a long day.

Next day was Teds final day with us, decent chap so thought most of us tipped him well and in the morning he took us over the longest bridge in the world (24 miles) over water for those that wanted to. This was followed by a City tour with a local guide which was ok but as i've said its not perfect on a coach.





The highlight of the evening was the Mississippi River Jazz cruise, enjoyed it the music ws excellent although i'm no jazz expert, the meal was adequate but not the best i've had. However do think all those that went seemed to enjoy.







Following day was the one optional excuursion i opted for, the swamp tour which was good, saw plenty of alligators and our boat driver had a small young one on board for those that wanted to handle one. However he stupidly held it on one of our ladies backs that didn't want it near her, frightend her somewhat which was well out of order and i hope someone from JY complains to the company because Stephen was made aware on our return.

On our return we had some free time in late afternoon to do our own things i took the opportunity to go to the Louisiana Confederate Museum, was small and wish i had more time to visit the much larger world war 2 museum next door. Still its a city i feel we just scatched the surfice so may go back one day.

Went out to eat in the French quarter then to a bar advertising music we had seen not too far from the hotel. Thought it would be good but sadly can only describe it as noise somewhat spoiling the last night for me, bad choice as plenty of other options in New Orleans.





Finally on the last morning before making our way to the airport some of us found time to visit the Madri Gras Museum which was basically a big warehouse where the design, make, repair and store some of the floats. Was wel worth the visit.





So summing up the holiday, it was good but could be improved in my opinion with a few little tweaks. Stephen our our manager was excellent certainly no complaints there and it was a nice group of people to travel with. My personal experience was a bit spoilt by my sore ankle and not sleeping too good through other issues in the early part but that was all just bd timing and othing to do with the holiday. If you fancy it, go for it as there are many excellent experiences and highlights on the way.

Americas Heart & Soul - Part 3 - "Memphis"

Day 6 we hit the road early and the planned stop at a family run restaurant was cancelled due to the amount of people expected. There had been a big religious convention in St Louis (judging by the hats i saw was thinking Royal Ascot).
It was agreed to stop and get food at a large Walmarts which was actually fine as i don't mind a sandwich at Lunch. Also gave a few of us chance to do some bargain shopping and i came away with a couple of pairs of Wrangler jeans for $22 each (about £14 to my reckoning).

At this stage need to say we had a birthday on the coach, not just any birthday it was Dawns 40th so we all gave her a rendition of the song while Stephen our Tour Manager presented her with a cupcake with 4 candles on (one for each decade).

On arrival in Memphis we stopped at the visitors centre to use the facilities, steal all their leaflets and pick up some scruffy bloke who was out city guide. Now Memphis is a city you look at that on the surfice looks awful but actually provides some of the holiday highlights sadly our tour wasn't one of them. We did go to the Lorraine Motel (national civil rights museum) to see where Martin Luthur King was shot but most of us were dissapointed we didn't have time to go in.

Still at the end of the tour we got one of the highlights when we visited Sun Studios albeit a little late, the tour of the small studio was fantastic with a really enthusiastic bloke telling us the history in a humerous fashion. You do feel in awe when you stand at the microphone where the likes of Wolf, Cash, Perkins, Lewis and someone called Presley once stood.






We then got to our hotel which was located only a couple of blocks to Beale Street where everyone was heading for the food and nightlife. So it was a quick shower & shave and hit Beale, group i was with decided to eat at Silky O'Sullivans Irish Bar, was a woman singer on and by the looks of the black rings around her eyes think she was on something sronger than aspirin. She had a decent voice but killed a few songs by been too loud (or am i getting old).

After the meal had a walk up Beale looking in a few souvenier shops so June & Steve could compete in the fridge magnet competition.
For entertainment we had decided on Blues City Cafe where a group called Hillbilly Casino where playing, they were a Rockabilly act from Nashville and when the walked on stage the looked crazy but was they good, awesome i would and what a range of songs. Some people bought their teeshirts but for some unknown reason i wanted one but ended up with their Christmas Album. Latest night out of the holiday but definately a Memphis highlight.

Following morning and breakfast at TGI Fridays which was ok it was off to Church and a Gospel Service, turned out interesting but even if you didn't like it you couldn't leave judging by the bouncers on the doors keeping people in. The Gospel singers were amazing nd the lead singer had a cracking voice and they even had a guitarist & drummer in the church.
Now the reverand was something out of the movies and he gave a sermon like you've never seen he also encouraged a lot of friendship and we all had to give people near us a hug on more than ne occasion. Certainly was a experience.

Following our escape from the hugs and handshakes it was on to Graceland where we spent 5 hours, for me 4 hours would have been enough but appreciate more ardent Elvis fans would want to stay all weekend.

Was impressed though enjoyed touring the house and the various museums and its well worth doing even if you are not his biggest fan. Passing the grave was quite touching.

















That night some of us decided to eat at TGI Fridays food was fine but they took an age for them to find us some knifes & Forks, ok for those with chips but me as i had mash with my meal. Poor service to be honest and didn't really deserve their tips that we gave them.

Afterwards it was a walk to Beale for a couple of Beers but it was much quieter on a Sunday night as most of the weekend crowd had gone home.

So thats Memphis and following Day it would be on the road again for the trek to New Orleans.

Americas Heart & Soul - Part 2 - "St Louis"

Day 4 and we hit the road meeting our coach driver Ted who was a really nice bloke.

One stopover was Springfield Illinois of course known for one person Abraham Lincoln (well other than Bart Simpson). First part of the visit was to his Grave or should I say Tomb, had done this 2 years ago on route 66 but followed at the back of the group.

Then it was on to a new museum dedicated to Lincolns life, showing all stages of it, enjoyed this as it was all new to me. This also coincided with lunch and a few of us walked a couple of blocks and just past the old state capitol building was a place called Robbies and was really nice, good food with real friendly staff.

After we had been fed and watered it was onto Lincolns house but a bit of a botch up with the bookings resulted in our group not been allowed in. Apparently JY had been told it was closed but had been given the December schedule instead of November.

Must say Springfield is just about Lincoln with pictures & statues everywhere which resulted inthe term "Lincolned Out" been used, think John Wilks Booth nearly became our hero.

Then onto St Louis and the check in at our hotel, nice place but think they got the staff from MacDonalds failures, totally let a nice hotel down. Fortunately i was ok in my room but many others in our group where doubled booked, some had key cards that didn't work (took 45 mins to reprogramme) and bar staff that went awol when you wanted a drink.

To be honest St Louis wasn't my favorite part of the holiday, I'd come on the trip with a injured ankle and had been taking prescribed anti-inflammetries which were making me feel ill. Was also very tired as not been sleeping too well again due to problems i brought from home swimming around in my head.

First night in the city people scattered in all directions, some came with me to Lacledes Landing as i'd promised to take them to a bar i know called Show Me (ok the servers are good on the eye). We had to cross some road works to get there and nearly got run over in the process as no footpaths.
Getting there found most places including Show Me closed, did find a Pubwhere we ate but can't believe how quiet the so called entertainment district was, certainly gone downhill since my previous visits.

On day 5 we visited the Gateway Ach which most of our group went up, done it before so i decided to check out the museum underneath. Then it was the City Tour which was good took us to lots of places, Forest Park is a beautiful part of the world and we also stopped for lunch at the market (although i had a sarnie from subway) before finishing the tour at the Brewery (never mind the tour the freebies was good).

After getting back to fawlty towers some of the group decided to go to the City Museum but I was struggling with a mix of ankle pain and tiredness so decided to go to my room for a rest only to find room service there so went back to the bar for a beer while they finished.
Finally got to me room to find the had taken all the towells but missed the bath towell i had hung on the back of the door, decided to use this for everything rather than try get sense out of reception.

That night we ate at a Chinese restaurant close to the hotel, was good can recommend to others visiting the city. Was planning to go to some bars i know past the Baseball stadium as they have good live music but i was too tired and opted for an early night (unheard of for me). Lack of sleep, sore ankle had taken their toll and believe it or not i crashed at 9-15pm. Slept really well which put me in much better form for the rest of the holiday, my ankle also got better from this point.

So that was St Louis and the following morning we hit the road to Memphis not before leaving a note for room service to tell them my tip was with my towells.

Americas Heart & Soul - Part 1 - "Chicago"

Just back from a enjoyable holiday "Americas Heart & Soul" with Just You which took in 4 Cities, Chicago, St Louis, Memphis & New Orleans. Decided to write this blog in 4 parts as it seems logical.

Unusually for my trips wih JY I actually knew two of my fellow passengers June & Steve who both did the same holiday last year, was great to catch up as not seen either since although exchanged a few emails.

June actually drove to my house and travelled to Heathrow with me and we eventually got to our overnight hotel by 6pm despite a few delays on the M1. We had arranged to meet Jan & Stuart through the Just You forum.

We found Jan first as she was waiting in front of reception as arranged, Stuart had also arrived so at 7pm the 4 of us crossed the road to the Three Magpies for a meal.

The following morning after a good hotel breakfast we caught the service bus (free flow) to the central bus station then to the terminal. Security was quick so we made our way to the lounge to start to meet a few others on the trip. Must say this is a great way of people meeting and i think it would be good for Just You to include on all holidays.

Flight as usual was boring but was on time which was a plus as i intended to go out in Chicago for a meal at a Irish Pub I know then on to a Blues Club and had previously voiced my concern with been on a afternoon flight. Got a big shock when reaching immigration in Chicago, got through in 10 minutes which is a record for me, never beaten my luggage before, was estimating over an hour.

Our Luggage was also soon there so we all (36 of us) made our way outside to catch our coach to the hotel, was a bit dissapointed that we had to wait 30 minutes for our coach to turn up, not sure what happend there but we were still ahead of my estimate time.

Got to the hotel just after 7pm and as our tour manager Stephen had moved the welcome meal back to the 2nd night mentioned to others i was off to an Irish Pub then Blues Club at 8pm.
Thought a couple may turn up but as it happend 12 of us made our way to Fado's for our meal only to find the place packed, apparently there was a big convention in town and everywhere would be busy throughout our stay.
Failing to get a table i came up with plan "b" another pub i know called the Kerryman and fortunately they moved tables around to seat the 12 of us together. Meal was good and it allowed a few of the group to get to know each other.

Afterwards seven of us went to Blue Chicago for some live music while the others decided to call it a night. Wasn't the best act i've seen but the place was bouncing due to the influx of people from the convention, certainly was a good way to spend our first night.

Day two we were up early for a included breakfast at the top of the Hancock Tower, breakfast was mediocre to say the least and we were a little unlucky to hit a misty day so the view wasn't at its best. Also my camera had decided to jam up (which i repaired later in the day) so was unable to take any pictures although others have promised to send theirs.
On the plus side gave me the chance to have a go on"Tilt" the glass window that tilts you forward looking straight down from the 96th floor.

It was then onto the City Tour for the next 3 hours or so and to be honest thought it could have been better, sure we visited many things around the City but was dissapointed a few important Chicago landmarks seemed to have been ommited (was a better tour for route 66 two years ago). Missed where the likes of the Biograph Theatre (Dillinger shot here), Wrigley Field, China Town, music studios (Chess), etc.

We eventually finished the tour at one of my favorite places the Navy Pier only to find many parts of it under refurbishment but the food court was open so was able to get a bite of lunch.

After lunch got lift back to the hotel before having a walk up the Magnificent Mile which was decorated with painted horses, grabbed a coffee in Dunkin Donuts (much better than Starbucks IMO) before going to get ready for the evening.

We all were taken to a local Pizza restaurant to try the traditional Chicago Deep Pan Pizza and to be honest its not my favorite meal, see slice of Pizza more of a lunch thing if anything. Still it all part of the local culture and as to be done but will let others comment on what they thought of it, although will add my sweet tough enjoyed the pudding course.

Afterwards a few of us decided to try Howl at the Moon duelling Piano bar only to be refused entry because there was a private event on (convention people again), so we just had a couple of beers in a local pub before calling it a night.

Day Three and a free day to do what you like and Chicago certainly as a lot to offer, five of us decided to catch a bus to the south side and visit the Museum of Science & Industry, we spent 5 hours there was superb even the food in the cafe at lunch time was good.
Talking to others in the group they all did different things, many the river cruise, others went to the Art Institute, some to the Zoo, some to a David Bowie exhibition, etc.
One thing everyone I spoke to agreed on is having a free day in such a great City is a very good idea.

On the evening it was the included visit to a Blues Club and was surprised to see it changed from a Club I like Kingston Mines to Buddy Guys Legends which is too touristy for me. Also you only get one act while you get two alternating at the Mines.
The act was average compared to some Blues acts I've seen although others thought it was good and really enjoyed it.

It was up early on Day four as we moved on to St Louis but chatting around the group everbody did enjoy Chicago and many said they would love to go back sometime.

Jet Lag

Just got from my American touring holiday this afternoon and can't believe I can't sleep and am blaming jet lag.

Usually on the day i arrive home i stay awake until about 9pm, go to bed and sleep and get back in the routine.

Considering i've been on the go for around 30 hours cant understand it, i feel tired but my brain just wont shutdown, laid in bed an hour but decided to get out and write this post.

Its an interesting point but my body clock is 6 hours behind of course which certainly doesn't help, but it really does normally work for me (staying awake all day after getting home).

Anyone else have the same problem returning from the States ?

How do you deal with it ?

Off back to bed now to try again.



Update :- Did get to sleep on my 2nd attempt (sometime after 10pm) and slept really well until 9-30 this morning, seems to have done me some good as i'm not feeling tired at all.

Making Plans

Not long now before my Americas Heart & Soul holiday (see previous post) but my thoughts are currently looking further ahead.

Cirumstances have dictated that I've not got anything else planned for the future and this is unusual, its very rare for me not to have another trip to look forward to when i return from holiday.

First thing that comes to mind is the Christmas/New Year period and i just haven't a clue what i want to do. I've actually done something for the last 3 years, abroad twice and in the UK once and enjoyed them all. Maybe i should just stick a pin in the brochure and get something booked.

Looking further ahead i was hoping to do a couple of things with a friend but that looks unlikely so need to start planning ahead. I've really enjoyed my American Touring holidays with Just You and have no doubt the one coming up will be any different so had a quick ook at whats on offer next year.

Managed to find 3 tours that I think I'd like so need to start deciding which to go for :-

Big Texan Adventure
Yosemite, Grand Canyon and classic California
America's Historic Trail.

Maybe if the lottery comes up i'll do all three.

Also been looking at European City Breaks (4/5 nights) using my Avios points (like i did Barcelona last year), plenty of good options, be interesting to chat with anyone else that has Avios maybe we could travel together, more fun than been totally solo. Not that I mind if its somewhere i want to see, i'll go.

Talking of other solo travellers its been something I've been thinking about awhile now that its a good idea to get people together with the same interests and maybe a small group of 3/4/5 book the same trip. Don't get me wrong group holidays are fantastic and I've made many good friends but if a small group really fancy something and are experienced travellers not really needing a tour manager it does make financial sense to organise your own.
Its something I've done for groups of friends in the past and its not a big problem to do Be interested in others opinions on this (my email is at top of this blog or leave a comment).

One trip I've fancied and been pricing up is Chicago for the Blues Festival weekend in June, its something i want to go to anyway as a Blues fan. Its actually the largest Free festival in the world and lasts 3 days.

Its a City I like and of course offers far more, lots of things to see and do so it would suit others not just the music fans although i'm convinced they would be converted.
I was thinking of maybe something between a 7 to 10 day trip and as of today it could be done at a reasonable costs (costs vary all the time so this is a guide) :-

Priced up a 7 night trip in June including the festival weekend (hopefully costs will come down, always reckon January is best time to book) :-
Flight/Hotel (own room) - less than £1500 (direct flights and decent city centre hotel)
Transport - would use subways and buses which a 7 day pass is $28 that includes transfers from airport so would spend around £30 if did 10 days.
City Pass - $100 (£70) gets into 5 of the main attractions so sorts out most daytime activities although is other options.
So for around £1600 you have a good 7 night (9 day as the hol companies advertise) although i'll add it doesn't include meals.
Its no more than the price you get charged for a 3 night city break over there.

Obviously there are other optional costs like night time entertainment (music clubs often have a cover charge around $10) and maybe other daytime activities such as Lake or River Cruises.

Anyone else fancy same trip ?

Blues Highway here I come (part 1)

Not long now before I do a dream trip for me when i travel with a Just You group on their Americas Heart & Soul holiday.
Although we will be travelling on the Interstates the holiday will be following Route 61 (Blues Highway) which traditionally goes from New Orleans to Chicago.
We of course are going in the opposite direction and as well as the two great cities named will have stops in both St Louis & Memphis.

Of course all four Cities are known for their great music scene and one thing I'll be doing that isn't on the schedule is visiting many clubs and taking in the local scene, love my Blues but am up for it all.
Anyway I've been doing a bit of research and over next few posts will tell you about my intentions when I'm over there.
Certainly could be a few late nights and I'm sure they'll be a few others that love the music and wont mind been with the tired ones on the bus and tag along, got to get most out of the holiday and the music is important.

I know Chicago well as been numerous times and have also been to both St Louis (twice) and Memphis (once) so have a good idea what i want to do in those places but i'm going blind into New Orleans so will have to trust others and my instincts. Not quite finalised exact places I'll visit on a night as most places haven't got their music schedules up yet (but watch this space).

Away from night time I wont be doing the City tour in Chicago, the Arch in St Louis, Lincolns home in Springfield as these are things I've already done in the past.

I do intend to visit the Museum of Science & Industry in Chicago, its a long while since I've been and about a 30 minute bus ride from the ciy centre. Amazing place though one of the best museums i've been to and certain to be new things to see.

Probably also not do the City Tour in St Louis also (did it on route 66 holiday two years ago) but may visit Union Station instead, can do it on the Metro.

Although I've been to Memphis (9 years ago) i didn't get to Graceland so thats something I'm really looking forward to and of course the included Gospel Concert is a must.
Think the Jazz Cruise will be great and I've booked the optional Swamp Tour in New Orleans so they are things that I'mreally excited about.

Dissapointed we are driving past Clarksdale as its the "birthplace of the blues" and would love my photo taken and the Crossroads and visit the Delta Blues museum. Still cant do everything and its sure to be a great trip.

Can't wait.

It (sometimes) takes two to tango

Think some people will be thinking I've stopped travelling with the lack of updates on here so will confess in the last couple of months i've actually been away twice.
End of August had five nights away in Scotland and i only returned from a week in Madeira this weekend.
Reason I've not wrote them up is because I did them with a friend and this blog is about Solo holidays however after giving it some thought i can relate some experiences for the benefit of everyone including solo people who are considering the destinations.

Scotland :-
Was good visited a number of places in the 4 full days there including Stirling, Edinburgh & Loch Lomond.
Stayed at a hotel (Westerwood Golf & Spa) close to Cumbernauld which was a great location to get around. Was only a 5 minute drive to Croy railway station where there is a massive Park & Ride (free) so on the visits to both Stirling & Edinburgh we used the train which actually worked out cheaper than petrol and parking if we had drove to these cities (could have done same if we had visited Glasgow). Trains were very regular about every half hour to and from each city.
Stirling was first stop, nice place and was very impressed and we got a 3 day pass from "historical scotland" which allows you to visit lots of places in 3 seperate days over a 5 day period. The cost works out just £1 cheaper than the joint cost of visiting Stirling and Edinburgh Castles, so even if doing nothing else it helps you get fast track entry and beat the tourist queues.



On our last day we mapped out a diving route visiting 4 other smaller properties on the list including Blackness Castle and Linlithgow Palace which made for an interesting day out, so got full value for our pass.


Loch Lommond we made a full day driving through the trossachs national park east of the Loch then coming down the west side stopping off at numerous places. Found a nice little tea room in Tarbet (don't go to the tourist place on the lake front) and really liked Luss.
Did a boat trip from Luss which was a rip off, it was advertised as a lake cruise with commentry but turned out to be doubling as the water taxi taking people to the Youth Hostel at the other side. Still waiting for the commentry although they said a couple of words just before we docked

.
In hindsight would have drove to Ballach at the souh of the Loch and got the boat to Luss, had a couple of hours there then another boat back.
Nice trip which proves you don't need to leave this country to have a good holiday.









Madeira:-
My first ever trip to the flowered island and was very impressed with the place, would be a decent spot for Solo travellers as it feels very safe to walk around day and nght.

Flew with Jet2 from Newcstle and must admit I'm very impressed with the airport efficiency in everything, car park is handy, security is quick and facilities are good for a smaller airport. No wonder it often comes top in customer service surveys.

Although flying with Jet2 actually sorted the flight/hotel myself through Expedia and although had to pay extra for my luggage and arrange our own transfer we saved £70 per person on the holiday.
Arranged the transfer online through a company called Madeira Transfers (they had good reviews on tripadvisor), they also offer excurrsions. The good thing about this company is that although you book online you don't pay until you get there (pay driver in euros) so don't have the worry of giving them your credit card details. The driver was there with my name up on arrival and again there on time for our return from the hotel.


Stayed at the Pestana Grand hotel which is a good hour walk into Funchal (harbour area) but they provided a free shuttle up to 7pm and there was plenty of service buses (you can get a pass at reasonable cost).

We did Bed & Breakfast and only had our evening meal at the hotel first night as only arrived at 8pm, it was a buffet and good but Funchal is so full of restaurants its more fun moving around.

Ate at a different place each night and they were all good stndard bt thought the best was the ones in the back streets in the Old Town.

A must is to do the Hop on hop off buses and their are two companies do it (Yellow & Red), reckon Red is the best option as they visit a couple of interesting places that the Yellow doesn't, one a lovely Church on a hill (can see it from all over) with some nice gardens behind it (surprising not many got off here) and also a stunning view point to look over the city.


Did a jeep tour to the west of the island which was great fun and also visited Nuns Valley, got brave and did it on the service bus which was fun (although we didn't do it you can get dropped off at the view point and walk down to the village which takes an hour or so apparently as bus goes there also).
If i go to Madeira again would plan a few trips on local buses, its a good adventure and the services seem reliable.

Did all the usual tourist stuff like cable cars and the wood tobbagons which was fun.

Night of the Twisters

Haven't posted for awhile on here so thought I'd tell you a little bit about a trip I did on my own back in 2008 to the "City of Fountains".





Ok now you are thinking Rome but its actually Kansas City not the Italian capital I'm talking about, apparently of the two places Kansas has more fountains.

To be honest its not the most interesting city I've ever visited and not too much comes out of the memory bank about it. The people were friendly, nothing wrong just not many places of interest to visit for a tourist.

Do remember a good museum dedicated to the Great War but not much else.



As for nightlife there seemed to be three main areas, the Power & Light district which to be fair I only visited at daytime as it was a fair distance from my hotel and needed a bus or taxi to get there. Think it hadn't been open long but there seemed to be plenty of good bars, clubs, restaurants so imagine it would have been fun.

Walkable my hotel (Best Western) was another modern area "The Plaza" and although i found a couple of ok Pubs when I tried it was mainly restaurants (and shops) so much better for singles and not solo travellers.

Also walkable from my hotel was Westport which for those that don't know the old part of town, a few Pubs and bars, bit rundown but much more to my liking. As I said earlier the locals were very friendly and I met a good few caractors up here.
The history of the area was also of interest to me (been a western fan) its where the wagon trains split for three great routes west (Sante Fe, Oregan & California trails).

Well one night I'd got ready and was walking up the hill to Westport I noticed the sky had gone real dark and what i thought was an air raid siren started sounding. When I got there I visited a Pub and asked about the Sirens to be told "Tornado Warning" and advised to find somewhere safe.

Well found a cellar bar and fortunately they had a live group performing (whom had arrived). Now think it was to do with the imminent weather but was only about 10 people in the place but the band played anyway.
They were called "Project Chameleon" and played on and off all night while we sheltered from the weather and tried to drink the place dry.
Because so few people in the audience got talking with the front man and his wife (who sang) strange thing he also played the flute and only other group i recall with one in was Jethro Tull.
They did Rock covers and were quite good was an enjoyable night, asked if any of us in the audience wanted to get up and sing. I declined (cant sing) but one American cha did and sang "mary had a little Lamb" not the nursery rhyme but the Stevie Ray Vaughan classic. As SRV is one of my favorite acts it pleased me.

Eventually think about 5am made my way back to my hotel for breakfast, apparently the twisters had hit north of the city and we had just had a bit of wind, still turned out to be one of them unexpected great nights.