After arriving from Seattle to picturesque Victoria Harbor by ferry we enjoyed three very leisurely days in the city. Victoria is a great tourist destination and every sight is a near perfect picture. The hanging flower baskets, the architectural beauty of the Empress Hotel and British Columbia’s Provincial Parliament building fronting the harbor, and the chance to stroll along the waterfront are just some of the charms that keep me going back. We had a double-decker bus tour of the city and for the first time our group saw the elusive black-tailed deer and even happened to see a gray whale surface as we drove along the waterfront. (As the Tour Director I’d like to take credit for arranging these chance encounters, but luck and good fortune were on our side.)

I will take the credit for our group meeting the “Queen.” During high tea at the Empress, she “arrived” and taught us all the royal wave and how to properly stir our tea…never clink the tea spoon on the tea cup! Jess and Frances Mills celebrated their anniversary and Frances was presented with an exquisite 29¢ strand of plastic pearls from the Queen’s “personal collection.” Meeting her is always a treat. While teaching us proper tea time etiquette, she regales us with the latest gossip and scandals of the Royal Family. Oh, and even if you missed this trip, you won’t miss the Queen. For some reason, she always seems to be in town when we are. Amazing but true.

Butchart Gardens is always a sensory experience. The gardens began in the remnants of an old rock quarry a century ago. Jenny Butchart began planting roses and now the garden is a maze of beauty with its Japanese gardens, English and Italian Rose Gardens, and the famous sunken garden that feels like walking through a postcard. My mom considers it a necessity that I get there once a year so I can provide her with seeds for her flowerbeds. I know not to come home empty-handed.

The last two days of the trip were spent in Vancouver. The city has such a unique feeling. Its downtown is dense and has the feeling of New York City mixed with Seattle, but on a much smaller scale. We were in town for The Festival of Lights, a competition where countries compete to dazzle the crowd of 20,000 or more people with elaborate firework displays. After a nice dinner cruise we had the luxury of watching Mexico’s presentation from the deck of our ship. The full moon and lights of the city made for a perfect backdrop for a perfect evening.

Oh, about that Macarena incident…as the ship returned to the dock, a DJ was playing familiar classics, and this is where the night turned a little more lively. After singing along and dancing from our seats to the YMCA, I was dared by some of our ladies (Teri, Luanne, and Mary) to get on the floor and dance. We made a deal that if I danced they would join me. The DJ played the Macarena which has an accompanying dance. We got on the floor and after teaching everyone the moves we were all dancing when the entire catering staff of the ship joined us on the dance floor. It was one of the best times I have had with a group because everyone just let loose and had a great time. There were incriminating videos and pictures taken and I will pay dearly to keep them hidden!

This blog entry doesn’t even begin to capture all the incredible things we saw and experienced. I am including some pictures from our trip because, after all, pictures are worth a thousand words. If you have pictures to share or would like me to send you a picture that I took just email me at Chris@sportsleisure.com. You can also check out these photos and more on our facebook page if that’s your sort of thing.  I love this trip and look forward to escorting another group to two of my favorite destinations next year. Come along with me, eh, and sip a cup of tea with the Queen…

No related posts.

Check it out for yourself over on our publications page, or rest assured your copy is in the mail!

Our 2010-11 Tour Preview Day is coming up on September 11th.  This year’s show will feature the Food & Folk Festival, tons of entertainment, and as always – your chance to get the coveted Tour Catalog before anyone else!

Space is limited, and tends to go quick, so be sure to reserve your spot over on our Registration page or by calling the office.

Related posts:

1. Our 2010 Catalog & Dream Book, “Imagine,” Mailed to All Travel Club Members
2. “Live from New York, it’s…Sports Leisure Vacations on the radio!”
3. Building a Dream Book

On a recent trip we followed our usual modus operandi: one day Disneyland, one day California Adventure, one day back at Disneyland. In between we enjoyed good food, good shopping, and great rides and shows. Want to enjoy a 50 minute Broadway show in a theater that would rival any on Broadway? See “Aladdin” in the new California Adventure theme park. Hankering for great food and maybe some wine? While the original park still doesn’t sell alcohol, the new park does and has wonderful meals at the Wine Country Trattoria. Want to learn more about the parks and the famous Mr. Disney? Take one of several personally guided tours of the parks including the popular “Walk in Walt’s Footsteps.” Of course many of the old favorites are still at Disneyland including the recent return of one of its signature attractions, Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln, which Disney created for the World’s Fair in 1964.

What motivates me to travel to Disneyland year after year? Honestly, it’s the faces of my children and my wife as we spend several days with each other. It’s the small town feel of walking down Main Street USA and exploring the western rivers of Frontierland by steamboat. It’s the clean walks and pathways, the beautiful landscapes, and that fact that there is always something old and something new to see. And it’s the food – Murphy Family tradition dictates a great breakfast at the Carnation Café on Main Street, lunch at the Wine Country Trattoria, and a fantastic dinner at the Blue Bayou Restaurant, adjacent to the water of the popular ride Pirates of the Caribbean.

It’s been years since Sports Leisure visited the Magic Kingdom. Any takers?

Related posts:

1. Culinary Classics in LA

Let’s start with the food. The first meal our group had was on the outskirts of Chicago at a place called Del Rhea’s Chicken Basket. Being a Southern boy, I had always assumed that Southern folk had the market cornered on fried chicken. I hate to admit that I may be wrong. Actually a longtime Route 66 landmark (that famous route starts in Chicago, while the Lincoln runs along the outskirts of the city), Del Rhea’s serves up the crispiest, juiciest fried chicken I have ever had. Add to that real homestyle mashed potatoes and gravy with corn fritters (think hushpuppies with corn drizzled with honey) and we are talking about some good eating. It makes my stomach growl just thinking about it. If I am ever back in that area, and I hope to be, they had better have me a seat ready!

Another meal that stands out is the Maid-Rite loose meat sandwich. It sounds a little funny, but it’s definitely something worth trying. It’s basically an unformed hamburger. The meat is browned and seasoned, and piled high on a bun, topped with cheese, a generous smear of yellow mustard and covered with dill pickles. The group loved it, and some even went back for more—Larry Mullnix, I’m talking to you—and I even took one home to eat cold the next day!

In Shelton, NE, a tiny town, there is small museum dedicated to the history of the Lincoln Highway. We were greeted by Bob Stubblefield and his wife and other volunteers with smiles, coffee, and cookies. The museum had original signs that lined the highway on display and even original paving bricks from the highway. The buildings are conjoined and in true Midwestern fashion, the corner is a bank that looks out diagonally towards the intersection, a feature that welcomes in the bank’s patrons and their money. The original vault is still intact and one can feel the history of the building. Mark posed inside the vault for some funny pictures. We tried but could not get the door closed fast enough so we had to take him with us.

In Kimball, NE, you would think the President himself was traveling with us, because it seemed the entire town showed up for our arrival. We stopped to visit the historic Wheat Growers Hotel that is currently undergoing renovation. The town is raising funds in the hopes of restoring the hotel to its original grandeur. There is much work to be done and much need for funding. Sports Leisure Vacations helped with their cause with a $250 donation, which was presented to the mayor of the town in the presence of the media—the one local reporter. It was truly a big event for them and they treated us like small-town royalty. I wish them the best in their efforts. Hopefully one day I will be able to say that I returned to enjoy the elegance of the restored Wheat Growers Hotel.

Our journey had it all, even the passage of a Barnum and Bailey circus train on its way to its next stop in rural Illinois. (We all kept watching for the car with the clowns!)

In 2011, Sports Leisure Vacations will embark on the third leg of the journey from Cheyenne to San Francisco. There will be many more sights to see and fun to be had. I encourage you to come along, slow down, and enjoy seeing the country and the land, instead of simply jetting over it. Take the time to reconnect with the history and appreciate the life along the historic Lincoln Highway.

Related posts:

1. On the Lincoln Highway….and Stuck in the Mud!
2. Building a Dream Book

It’s no secret that Sacramento in the summer is my least favorite place to be. I don’t do hot. Strange for a girl raised in Honolulu, but that’s another blog. So even though I’m not a “real” baseball fan, I did consider myself blessed to take a group of our clients to “The City” to see their beloved Giants play the rival Dodgers. When the motor coach pulled up alongside AT&T Park to drop us off, the temperature outside was 69 degrees… I smile because I know that Sacramento will be 90ish hot today.

By the time the scoreboard tells us we are in the bottom of the fifth, I realize that there has been a steady stream of people walking by my seat in section 130 and I laugh to myself because they are almost always holding two cups of beer in their hands. You could have told me it was “Ocktoberfest” and I would have believed you. Somewhere between yet another homerun by the, ahem, Dodgers and the umpteenth hundredth two fisted beer drinking fan walking by, I take it all in…the perfect weather, the fans flying their team colors, McCovey Cove, the right field upper deck, the ML pennants flapping in the breeze, the beautiful blue skies…and realize that I am genuinely enjoying this moment!

People often ask me why an Island Girl like myself would want to live anywhere else. It’s not for lack of love of my Island heritage or appreciation for its beauty. I love and appreciate it all, even more since I moved to Sacramento in ‘96. But for days like this, and I’ve had many here on the “mainland”, the Islands simply can’t compete.

God didn’t answer my prayer for a Giants win this time, and Mark graciously lifted his ban to banish me and told me I could come back (he must have realized he needed the extra body in the office). I understand now why some people just love baseball…it was (almost) a perfect day!

No related posts.

You know, it’s been my experience that the critics don’t always get it right.  This is one of those times.  Promises, Promises is based on a 1960’s movie called “The Apartment.”  It stars Tony-nominated Sean Hayes (of Will and Grace) and Kristin Chenoweth, and features music by 1960’s and 70’s iconic composers Hal David and Burt Bacharach.  It is a “period piece,” in that it is set in the 60’s.  It fits the music.  Sean Hayes, in his first Broadway leading-role, is terrific.  He’s funny, he can sing (although his voice is a bit thin in spots) remarkably well and he can act.  Did I mention he’s funny?

The musical comedy is a bit slow in spots, but those moments are short and infrequent.  Tuesday night’s audience at Promises, Promises, apparently didn’t read the reviews.  The theater was packed and the audience roared their approval.  The show has star power with Hayes and Chenoweth and it highlights them well.  It is a Broadway night well spent.  The Tony Awards often determine a show’s fate, and they are three weeks hence.  But with a break or two, this show will enjoy a long run.  And why not?  It’s fun, musical and leaves you humming the tunes as you walk out of the theater.   Promises, Promises delivers on them.  Promises that is.  Big time.  Enjoy the show.

Related posts:

1. “Live from New York, it’s…Sports Leisure Vacations on the radio!”

I intended to only let a few days pass between my postings covering my recent trip to Spain, but life happened—specifically trips to a couple of Washingtons (DC and state), a newsletter deadline and oh yea, I think I did laundry a time or two in there.  Let’s see if I can recapture a Spanish state of mind . . .

Leaving Madrid, we headed south through the province of La Mancha.  We didn’t meet up with Don Quixote, but we certainly saw his windmills.  Interspersed among the antique structures were modern wind turbines, a major source of power on the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal).  As we drove across the flat plains completely encircled by mountains, I was reminded of California’s Central Valley.  The only thing missing was large-scale agriculture.  The weather conditions seemed right for it, but we were told their soil is of very poor quality in this region.  No wonder poor Don had so much time on his hands.

Our first overnight destination was Granada, home of the Alhambra Palace, the most extraordinary example of Moorish architecture in the world.  Thanks to a nearby cruise ship port of call (Cadiz), I had visited here twice in the 1990s, but my interest then was purely architectural.  This time, our local guide presented the amazing structure in its historical and cultural context.  It was only more beautiful from this perspective.

Painting with an extremely broad brush and compacting centuries of history into a few sentences, the Moors, the ancestors of those we call Arabs, Middle Easterners and Muslims today, were in cultural, artistic, political, military and/or religious control of the Peninsula from about 711 to 1492.  After that, Catholic Christians came into power, and the Moors were pushed to the southern and eastern shores of the Mediterranean Ocean where they still remain in large part. Today, Spain has a more or less democratic form of government and the Catholic Church remains as the dominant religion.

For hundreds of years, the Moors built their grand public buildings and houses of worship along the major thoroughfares and in the city centers, and they built them in their preferred architectural styles—just like we still do today.  When the Catholics began to arrive in the 13^ththrough 15^th centuries, they had a challenge on their hands.  Great mosques, often centuries old, had the best addresses.  What to do?

Some mosques were taken down and grand new cathedrals and churches were erected on their footprint.  Other times, the mosque was converted to better accommodate the newly-arrived Christian faith.  Usually these conversions were rather large-scale, leaving very little of the original spiritual and artistic fabric intact.  Then there is the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, locally called simply “the Mezquita” (Spanish for mosque).

If you know me, you also know I am extremely religions.  In addition to this, I love the study of religions, all the more so when they seemingly conflict with my own beliefs.  Rather than becoming offended or defensive, however, I usually walk away with the comfort of knowing God is the author of all these expressions, and I’m the better for having learned about the new path.  My secondary education is largely in fine arts and architecture.  I love to explore how the built and decorated world mirrors a peoples’ belief about things both earthly and eternal.  I hit the jackpot in Cordoba.

The Mezquita was built between 786 and 988 on the site of a former monastery and an ancient Roman temple before that.  It was and remains one of the largest mosques ever constructed and, despite its conversion to a Christian house of worship nearly 800 years ago, is considered THE most important Muslim monument in the western world.  When a Catholic ruler conquered the city in 1236, over two centuries prior to the complete Christian domination of the Peninsula, the Mezquita was christened a cathedral.

The rest of the story is the stuff of both history and legend.  Perhaps the new king, Fernando III of Castile, was inspired by the beauty of the building, or maybe he was just broke and/or tired after years of fighting.  But whatever the case, the decision was made not to tear down the mosque, but to minimally retrofit the building for Catholic purposes.  (By the way, the name was officially changed to the Cathedral of Santa Maria Madre de Dios at the time, still its official name, but one that’s never stuck.  It was amazing to overhear someone say, “I’m going to mass at noon at the Mezquita.”)

Some years later, a zealous bishop wanted to impose a little more Christianity on the ancient edifice.  He did so by going to the middle of the huge worship space and simply pushing up the roof.  Natural light was then allowed to flood in and illuminate the lavish new altar and carved wooden choir, one of the largest in Europe, and safely the most elaborate one I’ve ever seen (and I’ve been in too many European cathedrals to count)!  Amazingly, he left everything else unchanged, including the Portada Mihrab, the “altar” at the head of the Muslim worship space.  Today, Muslims continue to visit this holy place to pray . . . and they are welcomed and encouraged to do so.  Our world could learn a lot from these people of faith in this antique city—a lot about hospitality, peace, cooperation and, dare I say, the way God intends for God’s children to live and interact.

OK, I know words on paper are pretty black and white . . . and boring!  Please take a moment to Google the Mezquita, or visit the city’s official English website at www.infocordoba.com and follow the Mosque link.  Any trip to Spain would be incomplete without a visit to this grand building, despite your religion or lack thereof.  It was and remains absolutely amazing, both an architectural and spiritual wonder of the world.

This is running long, so I’ll quickly recap a few more incredible experiences.  We learned the history of Flamenco dancing and enjoyed two performances.  Who knew the energetic, often-erotic dance was born of cave-dwelling gypsies centuries ago?  We visited a 200+ year old olive oil “factory” and even participated in an oil tasting.  They take their oil as seriously as a Napa vintner takes his wine.  They also liked to boast the fact it was Spain, not Italy, which began the commercial olive oil industry, today satisfying some 80% of the world’s consumption.  And in the cathedral in Sevilla, I saw Christopher Columbus’ tomb—one of three churches in the world who boast to have his earthly remains.

Sadly, I didn’t get to see a real bullfight (thought the gruesome spectacle may truly be something best left unseen) or Barcelona (the Icelandic ash cloud made the flight impossible).  Oh well, this just gives me a few reasons for my next visit.  Sports Leisure travelers, please note: Look for a Spanish vacation in our 2012 tour catalogue.  Ole!

Related posts:

1. Clayton in Spain – Part 1

I use the past tense because I just returned from ten glorious days in Spain. As many of you are aware, Mark, my partner, and I are actively involved in the National Tour Association. Last week, NTA presented their first-ever off-the-continent gathering called MoNTAge. (Did you notice how NTA was cleverly included in the name?) It was my great pleasure to represent Sports Leisure Vacations and all of you by attending!

I have so many positive impressions of my adventure, far too many to recount here. (You can expect multiple blogs on the subject!) The first lesson I learned, however, is neither positive nor negative. It simply is. It’s a truth I think any traveler to Spain must acknowledge and appreciate, especially if coming from the States: Spain is not Mexico, nor is it any place you’ve ever visited in Latin America. Certainly there are similarities in culture and language, though as I quickly learned, Castilian Spanish is a far cry from Latin American Spanish. I often had to ask people to repeat even simple words like “gracias” because it sounded so different than what I was used to hearing and saying.

I know some of my friends and customers hold certain prejudices towards Mexico and Mexicans. This is their right, I suppose. But if such prejudices are keeping you from visiting Spain, then I humbly ask you to reconsider, for you are indeed missing one of Europe’s great destinations.

My adventure began in the Capital City of Madrid. In short, the city is amazing. I expected a dressed-up version of Mexico City. What I got instead was closer to Paris. Madrid is absolutely beautiful. The architecture is obviously French-inspired, and my tour guide was quick to point this out. But where Madrid really trumps Paris is in the landscaping. Broad boulevards. Magnificent parks. Stunning water features in each traffic circle. Every streetscape, in full spring blossom, was absolutely breathtaking.

Then there are the people of Madrid. So elegant and well-mannered. Being there over the weekend, and indeed the first nice weekend of the year in which spring was springing out all over, brought the people out in droves. Kids were quiet and stayed close to their guardians. Dogs, whether on a leash or not, were equally well-behaved. And forgive me for getting graphic, but I saw not one speck of poo on a street, sidewalk or gutter. Either dogs over there don’t poo in public, or owners are quick to clean it up. I never had a fear of being mugged (though I was warned about the “gypsies,” whom I’ve been acquainted with in Italy with most unpleasant results). I never had a fear of being run down by people on roller blades or skateboards. Basically, everyone acted totally civilized. It was quite refreshing.

Madrid has incredible museums, especially in the field of art. The Prado is amazing. I would say it’s on par with Chicago’s Art Institute, which is high praise from me, indeed. And I visited the Reina Sofia, the national contemporary art museum, to see a huge collection of works by Picasso and Dali. My guide was excellent, and truly made the abstract and sometimes troubling features of the art come to life. Suddenly, Picasso makes sense!

Shopping is great there, especially along the Grand Via—think Broadway, both in terms of retail outlets and theatre—which is celebrating its 100^th anniversary this year.

The city was amazingly quiet, especially considering the population of 5.5 million. Kids didn’t yell. Dogs didn’t bark. Police cars didn’t turn on their sirens. Drivers didn’t blow their horns. I didn’t even hear church bells ringing on Sunday morning.

Smoking is a European reality, but of all the destinations I would visit on this trip, I saw the least of it here. My local guide said the habit is falling in favor, and more and more restaurants are banning it—even some bars. If Ireland can outlaw smoking in pubs, why not Spain!

To have only a day and a half in such a grand city was a crime. I’m already planning my return. In my upcoming blogs, read about my visits to Cordoba, Baena, Carmona, Sevilla and my triumphal return to Granada.

Related posts:

1. Clayton in Spain – Part 2
2. A 12 Week Travel Odyssey Comes to a Glorious Conclusion; or, scratch one from “The Bucket List”

As part of my preparation for the trip, I spent the two weeks prior reading up on some of the road’s history, most famous stops and best bathrooms (an important aspect of any adventure!).  What I learned was that this road was truly a labor of love for all those that helped make it possible.  Private donations kicked off the highway’s conception and its supporters spent months preparing the best route to take through the country using mostly already existing local dirt roads.  Far from what we’re used to seeing today, the Lincoln Highway meandered through town after town of small-time diners, farm land and local neighborhoods.  Even after the highway was finished, traveling it was no small feat.  The trip took a minimum of 30 days to finish and the first Lincoln Highway guide even suggested that you bring full camping gear for some stretches and to light signal fires in the event of an emergency so local townspeople could come to your aid!

Above all else, however, I learned that when you’re traveling America’s oldest roads, some things never change.  Traveling the old highway today is just as exciting as it ever was – though arguably in a different way – and maintaining it is still a labor of love.  Most of the small towns were bypassed long ago and largely left abandoned, but you can still see the highlights if you know where you’re going.  For example, you’ll absolutely love the Egyptian theater in Dekalb and the old Creston murals.  Exploring the corn fields in Nebraska for trail markers is an adventure, but be careful!  Our trip left us stranded in a foot of mud while we searched the plains for evidence of a wagon trail long since deserted.  You’ll have to see if you have better luck than us come June if you’re joining us as we explore the Lincoln Highway.  One more thing, if you happen to locate the mysterious footsteps in Ogden, I want to hear about it!

Related posts:

1. Southern Boy Learns Midwest Hospitality Along the Lincoln Highway
2. A 12 Week Travel Odyssey Comes to a Glorious Conclusion; or, scratch one from “The Bucket List”
3. Following the Paths of the Presidents

The annual Open House celebration at the Sports Leisure offices was a huge success last weekend, despite a rather strange visitor who insisted on interrupting each of the ten sessions.  A combined crowd of nearly 300 attended and were kind enough to bring along requested donations of toilet paper and Easter toys.  Nearly 1,000 rolls of TP were donated to Loaves and Fishes and 133 toys, mostly Easter bunnies, were given to Officer Zach Hatch of the Rancho Cordova Police Department, for delivery to low-income children as Easter presents.

Sports Leisure staff was on hand to share a lively presentation lasting a little over an hour.  Guests were treated to a continental breakfast or light lunch, depending on their arrival time.  Sessions were limited to a maximum of 40 to allow a more personalized experience for travelers.

A quick update of previously announced tours was given, with Scott, Ramona, Kevin, Clayton, Patricia and Mark giving one minute snippets on selected trips.  After a special interest feature presentation that varied from session to session, the schedule of short new summer and fall trips was unveiled.  All the trips will be listed in the upcoming Sports Leisure newsletter, which will begin arriving in members’ mailboxes at the end of this week.  Readers of this blog can access the new newsletter on line at www.sportsleisure.com, click on the new newsletter section in the middle of the home page.

As previously mentioned, the only obstacle to the otherwise perfect presentations was a visit from a character that insisted on referring to herself as “Honolulu Helen.”  Decked out in a grass skirt, coconut shells and a variety of cheap and tacky leis, she barged (and that is the only nice way to say it) into the room each time the program reached The Real Hawaii tour, regaling the audience with the virtues of the Sports Leisure package. We were only able to snap this quick, blurry photo of “Helen” before she darted out the door, but eye-witnesses report that the blurriness is actually an improvement over reality.

Vice-President Clayton Whitehead, when asked to comment on the carnage…I mean visitor, could only shake his head and say, “Why, why did she have to come here.  Ten times in three days.  It’s just a tragedy.  We should have hired security to prevent that type of thing”

Mr. Whitehead’s comments seemed to sum up the shocked reaction of others in attendance.  Helen was last seen boarding a Super Shuttle van headed for the airport.  Despite (Helped by?) her antics, the program was a success, with many of the new trips reporting heavy sales interest this past week.

Related posts:

1. The Traveler for Jan/Feb and Open House Registration