Day 4 -- July 3, 2009

 

         This was the long-anticipated day of our competition. There was certainly no sight-seeing planned for this eventful moment. After a short warm-up, we had pictures taken and then were bussed to the Honda Center. When it was our turn on stage, we definitely sang well and entertained the huge audience, but it was over so fast...  At this point, I have no idea how we did, since Lee and I commenced our tour of California before the beginning of the second session (there were fourteen of us in the first group of choruses and fifteen in the evening portion of the show). Someone will hopefully call me today with the results. I have no illusions about winning -- we were ranked 27th out of 29 going in, but we're hoping to improve our position, which we could do with a great performance.

         The four best choruses we saw were the Vocal Majority, from Dallas, Texas, the Alexandria Harmonizers, from Virginia, the Great Northern Union, from Minnesota, and the Ambassadors of Harmony, from St Louis. We'll see who takes the title.

         After dinner, we headed to Santa Barbara, the first destination on our whirlwind tour of the Golden State. We were fortunate to have little or no traffic en route, and we arrived in the early evening.

 

      Contest Update -- I just received the results by email! We finished 27th, but our score was improved from the New England District Championship. The winners were the Ambassadors of Harmony, with the Vocal Majority, 2nd, and the Great Northern Union 3rd.

      Day 3 - July 2, 2009

 

      We had great plans for this day, but the most ambitious of them died in LA's famous traffic. After our chorus practice, we set out for downtown Los Angeles to field test my walking tour. On the way, we stopped at the Crystal Cathedral, not far from our hotel, where Sunday services are broadcast all over the world via television. It was certainly an impressive church, very modern and ritzy -- it is the lone picture from this day in California.

      Next we headedfor the freeway and our excursion into the downtown. However, we were almost immediately slowed down and virtually stopped in our tracks when we encountered some highway construction. After about a half hour of this stop-and-go stuff, we saw a sign which indicated Los Angeles was still twenty (20) miles away. So, we took the next exit and reversed direction, returning to our hotel, where we hopped the shuttle to the Honda Center to see the Barbershop Quartet semi-finals. The singing was incredible and we soon forgot our previous plans.

      After the competition we took a short walk and then headed south to meet our cousins for dinner. Our reservations were in Newport Beach, a posh LA address, at the Pelican Hill Resort, a magnificent complex overlooking the Pacific. We had a lovely dinner in the Colosseum Grill and chatted the evening away with great conversation and reminiscence.

     Day 2 - July 1  This was certainly a low-key day. Chorus practice started the day, at 7:30 AM. Lee went for a walk and then we joined up to explore the area south of the hotel. We especially wanted to check out the Embassy Suites, since a friend suggested that they are a great value. We liked what we saw and actually made a reservation there for July 14th (our last night). We'll see about the value. We also checked out a recommended Italian restaurant, Buca di Beppo, but have not tried it yet.

     Next we had lunch at the nearby California Pizza Kitchen, a chain which we had never tried before. It was very good! After returning to the hotel area, we hopped the shuttle to the Honda Center to see some of the quartet competition. These guys are incredible! Later, we had supper at a Cheesecake Factory, knowing that they are consistently good. We finished our day by checking out the practices of two of our competitors, the Vocal Majority (from Texas -- absolutely unbelievable!) and Ambassadors of Harmony (from St Louis -- also excellent).

     Day 1 - June 30, 2009

 

      We arrived in Anaheim, southeast of Los Angeles, yesterday around noon. Our hotel for the Barbershop Convention is the Clarion, conveniently located near the Convention Center. Of course, everything here is about Disneyland, just a few blocks from here, but we are not interested in the theme park, since we've been there before.

     We are here for the International Barbershop Harmony Society Competition. My chorus, the Narragansett Bay Chorus, is competing with choruses from all over the United States, Canada, and even some from around the globe (England, Sweden, New Zealand, etc.). The excitement is mounting as we have our first practice this morning.

     While we are here, we plan to see some of the local sights, and then, when the competition is over, we will tour California for about two weeks. Our plan is to drive up the coast, stopping in Santa Barbara, and Monterey, before spending a few extra days in Sonoma, California's Wine Country. Next, we will head north and inland, to Lassen Volcanic National Park, then work our way back to Anaheim for our return to New England.

     I will try to make daily posts during our trip, with emphasis on the various attractions we visit during our stay here. Hopefully, there will be photo albums each day to supplement the text.

   American historian and champion of women's suffrage, Miram Beard, once wrote,

 

        "Travel is more than a seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living."

 

      I particularly like this quotation, since it says much of what I believe about travel, succinctly and eloquently. Travel causes an evolution in thought and perspective which transforms a person, totally. This metamorphosis can be yours, too, if you choose to engage.

 

       This particular century features some of the world's most famous churches as well as other iconic structures around the world. Considering that these structure are almost 1,000 years old, it is remarkable that they still exist in such good condition.

 

         1. Alcazar, Segovia, Spain (1120) -- This fairy-tale-like castle was one of the models used for the construction of Cinderella's castle in Disneyland. Its towers and turrets dominate the western ridge of the city and overlook a vast countryside.

 

         2. Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland (1128) -- Anchoring one end of the city's Royal Mile, this grand palace was once the residence of Mary, Queen of Scots, rival to the throne of England, of Queen Elizabeth I.

 

         3. Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia (1130?) -- This incredible complex of structures was once part of a royal city which was, until fairly recently, overtaken by the jungle.

 

         4. St Francis Cathedral, Assisi, Italy (1140) -- This beautiful church, built to commemorate the life of the father of the Franciscan Order of monks, displays gorgeous murals depicting his life and the life of Christ.

 

         5. Stephansdom, Vienna, Austria (1147) -- One of Austria's most beloved structures, this church dominates a popular square in the center of the Altstadt. Its distinctive tiled roof and tower can be seen from all over the city.

 

         6. Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, France (1163) -- This iconic building, home to Victor Hugo's famous "hunchback" is THE classic Gothic cathedral, with its flying buttresses and Rose Window.

 

         7. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Italy (1173) -- One of the most photographed and well-known structures in the world, the leaning tower is only part of the group of structures which occupy the Piazza dei Miracoli in this Tuscan town.

 

         8. Saladin's Citadel, Cairo, Egypt (1176) -- Built to withstand the periodic attacks of the Crusaders, this impressive complex dominates the skyline of Egypt's capital city.

 

         9. Alcazar, Seville, Spain (1181) -- This fortified royal palace impresses visitors with its intricate architecture, while its calm and cooling gardens offer respite from the oppressively hot summers in southern Spain.

 

         10. Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech, Morocco (1184) -- This large structure dominates the mysterious and important city of Marrakech.

 

         11. Chartres Cathedral, Chartres, France (1195) -- Used as a model for the construction of Gothic churches all over Europe, this religious building dominates the skyline of the region and makes a popular day excursion from Paris.

 

         12. Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny, Ireland (1195) -- Here is one of the most impressive castles in Ireland. The city of Kilkenny is an extremely popular destination for tourists to this friendly nation.

          Leave to Samuel Johnson to be totally practical and utilitarian about travel. His quote reads,

 

               "The use of travelling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are."

 

          Obviously then, he sees travel as a way to, sort of, put the face with the name, to find out directly what things are like, rather than take someone else's word for it. I suppose there is some truth in the statement, for often, things do not live up to expectations. But the sentiment is too pragmatic for me. I travel because I love it and enjoy seeing and experiencing new places. I am certainly motivated differently than Mr Johnson.

     Poet and critic, Leigh Hunt, wrote,

 

             "Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion."

 

           Isn't this the truth? Being accompanied by one's family and inner circle is the most enjoyable type of travel. There is no missing home, since the important parts of home are with you. I would love to have the money to take my family on a cruise or fly them all to some fabulous destination. It would probably make the greatest trip! When my children were younger, we did take them everywhere with us, and some of these trips were truly memorable. I took thousands of photos, telling my kids that we were making memories. I still reflect on these days and hope that I can achieve something similar, before I die, with my grandchildren.  

      We are now beginning to survey some of the oldest structures that still remain intact. When visitors confront these buildings, they are truly amazed at how long-lasting some places have been constructed. Here are my favorites from this time, long ago.

 

          1. Bete Gyorgis, Lalibela, Ethiopia (1210) -- Ethiopia's rock churches are a world marvel and this is probably the most impressive of these structures, which are found in clusters in the western part of the country.

 

          2. Duomo of Siena, Italy (1215) -- This glorious church with its black and white striped marble is the rival of Florence's famous duomo and is equally impressive.

 

          3. Binnenhof, The Hague, Netherlands (1229) -- This large complex, situated on a lake in the center of town, is now occupied by government buildings and museums, but retains its elegance.

 

          4. Dom, Cologne (1248) -- This impressive cathedral, one of the world's largest dominates the skyline of the important commercial city in the northern part of Germany.

 

          5. Moai, Easter Island, Chile (1250) -- Much of this island is cloaked in mystery, especially concerning the origin and purpose of these impressive stone monuments which are strewn throughout the countryside.

 

          6. Great Buddha of Kamakura, near Tokyo, Japan (1252) -- This stately and solemn bronze Buddha is one of the largest in the world and has been hosting pilgrimages and tourists for hundreds of years.

 

          7. Castel Nuovo, Naples, Italy (1279) -- This impressive structure overlooks the busy port of Naples, the largest city in southern Italy. The formidable fortification dominates the square.

 

          8. Hofburg, Vienna, Austria (1279) -- This major complex of palaces, churches, and other buildings was the winter residence of the rulers of this important nation and display, fittingly, the power and wealth of the Hapsburgs.

 

          9. Caernarfon Castle, Wales (1283) -- This is one of the most impressive castles in Great Britain and is the most popular destination in the interesting country of Wales.

 

          10. Conwy Castle, Wales (1283) -- Just as formidable as Caernarfon (#9 above), this castle's interior is even more impressive than its exterior.

 

          11. Duomo, Orvieto, Italy (1290) -- Here is another of Italy's most beautiful churches, with mosaics and sculptures that attract thousands of tourists each year.

 

          12. Duomo, Florence, Italy (1296) -- Perhaps the most beautiful of all Italy's churches, the striking exterior has numerous statues in niches of the pink, green and white marble. The campanile, built much later, continues in the same pattern, and the church's Baptistry, opposite the front door, contains Ghiberti's famous bronze doors that depict scenes from the Bible.

 

      Here is a list of my favorite things to do while in the Big Apple. There is such a variety of activities here that a full week is necessary to do the town justice. Some of these activities or attractions are not only suitable for children, but are highly recommended for them.

 

        1. See a Broadway Play -- New York is the world Mecca for live stage, and the talent and quality of productions seems endless. The section of the city known as Broadway is roughly the 10 blocks between 45th street and 55th street, centered around Times Square.

 

        2. Visit the Sony Wonder Lab -- This unusual hands-on tribute to state-of-the-art technology is especially wonderful for kids, and it's one of the few things in the city which are free.

 

        3. Join the Crowds at Rockefeller Center -- Whether you are here for the Today Show, in the morning, or you stop by later in the day or evening, this area is always bustling. Frequently, there are exhibits in place; there is public skating in the winter; or, you can choose to take the NBC Studios tour.

 

        4. Take in the Panoramic View from the Top of the Empire State Building -- One of New York's iconic landmarks, the Empire State Bldg is a must-see attraction, in the major shopping district, along 34th Street. Brave the long lines because the view is incredible!

 

        5. Tour the United Nations Building -- This headquarters for world discussion contains a plethora of interesting objects and artwork donated by countries all over the world.

 

        6. Take the Staten Island Ferry -- This ferry which plies New York harbor connecting Staten Island with Lower Manhattan. In the process, it provides fantastic views of the New York City Skyline and the Statue of Liberty. Perhaps more importantly, a ride on the ferry is free!

 

        7. Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island - Boat service to these two popular destinations is available from Battery Park, in Lower Manhattan, and from Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Both locations provide great views of the city, en route. Note that, for the first time since 9-11, Liberty's torch will open to the public, beginning in July, 2009.

 

        8. Take Some Time for Somber Reflection at Ground Zero -- The former location of New York's Twin Towers is now hallowed ground, as a result of the some 1,000 deaths on this site on September 11, 2001. Much of the area is still under construction, for a new building will rise on this spot in the next few years, but visitors can still see portions of a memorial, as a way of keeping the memory of this infamous day alive.

 

        9. Stroll Through Either the Toys 'R' Us Store or FAO Scwartz -- These two iconic toy stores offer a kaleidoscope of coloful displays and hands-on activities for children of all ages.

 

        10. Ride the Subway -- New York's subway system is one of the oldest and largest in the world. The underground stations are populated with interesting and unusual people and are great for people-watching. They are also pretty safe since there are numerous police officers patrolling.

 

        11. Visit the American Museum of Natural History -- This is one of the best museums of its kind in the world and contains an incredible array of creatures, an immense display of minerals and gems, and also offers a wonderful planetarium.

 

        12. Use Your Imagination at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) -- This incredible museum showcases, primarily, 20th century art of all types, and is one of the greatest museums in the world.

 

        13. Get Culture at the Metropolitan Museum of Art -- This more traditional art museum displays a huge collection of master works from all over the world.

 

        14. Stroll Through Central Park -- New York's huge city park offers a kaleidoscope of activities for people of all ages. There is skating in the winter, swimming in the summer, a zoo, and miles of walking or biking paths.

 

        15. Have a Bite in Little Italy -- Although this area has shrunk over the years and seems to be getting gobbled up by Chinatown, there are still some excellent restaurants and bakeries.

 

        16. Find a Bargain in Chinatown -- New York's Chinatown has long been known for bargains, in a city where reasonable prices are hard to find.

 

        17. People-watch in Washington Square -- This park, named for the Washington Arch which graces its northern boundary, is a popular gathering place and a good place to relax.

 

         18.  Monitor the World Business Activity at the New York Stock Exchange -- Head down to Wall Street in Lower Manhattan to see way stock transactions occur. Nearby is a statue of George Washington, on the spot where he was inaugurated as the first US President.

 

         19. Fight the Crowds in Times Square -- This famous section of the city is always bustling with shoppers, tourists, and regular New Yorkers. It is also the scene, on New Year's Eve, of the world's greatest new year celebration.

 

         20. Do Some Shopping at South Street Seaport -- This area of Lower Manhattan, on the East River, has turned warehouses into charming shops and restaurants. It is a beehive of activity during the day and early evening.

 

         21. Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge -- This familiar landmark, in Lower Manhattan, connects the borough of Brooklyn with Manhattan Island, and offers great views of city's east side.

 

         22. Go Gothic at St Patrick's Cathedral -- This famous church, on 5th Avenue, near the Rockefeller Center, is modeled on the great Gothic cathedrals of Europe.

 

         23. Look Up at Grand Central Station -- This Art Deco masterpiece has a ceiling decorated with the constellations of the night sky. It is still an important entryway into and exit from the city.

 

         24. Catch a Baseball Game at Yankee Stadium -- Although the original stadium has recently been replaced, the new venue is modeled after the old one and still contains a monument park, which pays tribute to Yankee and baseball greats, such as, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe Di Maggio, etc.

 

         25. See Incredible Wildlife at the Bronx Zoo -- This zoological park contains one of the world's finest collections of animals from around the world. Its realistic habitats are second to none.