I was in Washington, D.C. first weekend of October 2009   to participate as “ground crew” for the teen-aged youngsters of friends of mine.   It was the first time to see what this unusual and fantastic adventure in Weightless Flying was all about.  Hands down, or is it feet up, it was a 110% success for all of us.

Zero G is the brainchild of an entrepreneur and an ex-astronaut.  It took ten years for certification, testing and development so that the well-controlled set of flight patterns flown by a specially outfitted 727 jet gives maximum enjoyment and full experience to the 35 guests aboard.  Flying for about 1.5 hours and alternating weightless and ‘weighted’ segments, it is the same experience that our own astronauts utilized to acclimatize themselves to the movements/activities they would need to know in space.

The 727 has its own dedicated airspace in which it performs a series of parabolic maneuvers so that the first three rounds are of Martian and Moon weights and the final 12 are simulating total weightlessness of space.   Done in a graduated introductory series to accustom the guests on board to the feel and safe fun of this unique state-of-existence, it is an exhilirating ‘one off’ ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ treat.  BUT this doesn’t have to be once in your lifetime … many on board the flight were returning for their 2nd, 3rd or more times!!!

I can only tell you that dressed in my “ground staff” flight suit (the same you get for your actual flight activities) I longed to be able to board and join them for their adventure in the sky.   There is a little graduation ceremony and in order to know what that is, I strongly encourage you to check it out and participate. When the Junior Birdsmen and Birdswomen walked back into base after their flights, their eyes sparkeled and they had been changed in a way that can only be experienced to understand!!

Way to go!!!

Finding the short title to tell a marvelous story was the greatest challenge … but let me tell you more in a few paragraphs.

I just returned from a short journey but with an amazing impact ….  Bora Bora.  French Polynesia is reached relatively easily from the West Coast of the U.S.A. using Air Tahiti Nui (best way to reach a destination is to be on board a flight with staff reflecting the culture of your anticipated destination).  Where else would you get flight announcements in Tahitian, French and English enroute???

Once you arrive in Papeete, Tahiti and with a quick switch in the same terminal to the domestic flight section, you only have a short island hop on Air Tahiti and are landing at Bora Bora airport having passed past famed Moorea and over the island of Taha’a (another reef surrounded volcanic island in French Polynesia’s chain of islands).  Reaching Bora Bora you have landed in Paradise.    As we were staying at the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, our private welcome with a lei of flowers was a quick precursor of our entire stay.  Only 25 minutes around the lagoon by private welcome boat we landed on our Four Seasons ‘motu’ to be greeted and taken to individual over-water bungalows.

Everywhere we went on the resort, the personnel were there to offer a warm and understated welcome allowing one to quickly feel part of the ‘island family’ and not just a guest of a resort hotel.  This level of service and genuine warmth occurred all the time and everywhere at the resort…  the groundsman the second morning greeted me like an old friend after a quick chat the day I arrived; our amazing restaurant server, Jeanne, discussed with us her preferred top tattoo artist on the island — hers being a dramatic and beautiful example of his work; the spa treatment person whose love of her art showed in the care and quality of her massage treatment.  One felt immediately at home — easily and naturally.  And the resort is concerned about environment and has a full-time marine biologist who leads snorkeling expeditions in the waters of the resort to share and explain the biological realities of his water world.

The island offers so much to do if one wishes — jet skiing on the lagoon, swimming with bat rays and reef sharks, private picnics for honeymooners on a small island, 4 x 4 circle touring of the main island, spa treatments and yoga lessons as well as a special children’s area along with a ‘fun jet of water’ set away from the adult pool area so that kids can play safely and happily.   Dining options abound … on resort as well as on the mainland or even if one wishes at a neighboring ‘motu’ resort.   We sampled creative cocktails at the Sunset Bar, watched a locally based Tahitian-dance troupe with dinner at the open air restaurant, ate some of the best ‘pomme frites’ poolside in a lounging ‘fare’ large enough for about 6 people to share, and to say that the ‘little afternoon snacks’ left in our bungalows were yummy would be a severe understatement.  Delicious!  Each afternoon a little surprise is left in the living room area to tempt and entertain the palate.

This is not just another “island destination” …  this is worth the journey to not only relax, take in the sun of the South Pacific, but to learn about the natural world, the culture and history and the long traditions of welcome.  Perfection is sculpted by the efforts of those who welcome us to share their part of Paradise.

The Flamingo is great for families of all ages. The pool is wonderful and they also have a hot tub. The hotel has reciprocity with the health club next door. Tennis is free there and you have to pay a nominal fee if you want to use the gym or take classes.  The resort also
offers yoga lessons on certain days of the week.

Go to www.flamingoresort.com for more details on what they have.

There is a lot to do in the area. For the kids (and adults), there is the Charles Shultz museum. The Russian river is not far away and you are also close to many of the wineries in Sonoma and Napa.  So there is plenty to keep you busy, or you can just stay in this little oasis and never leave!

IF YOU WANT to see Eastern Europe in comfort, style and safety, it’s hard to beat a Viking Danube River cruise. I’ve just cruised the Eastern Danube aboard the Viking Neptune. During the 16-day voyage we had multiple stops in seven countries with local guides providing free tours in Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Serbia, Slovakia, Austria and Germany.

River cruise ships are far different from the big ships that ply the oceans. On the river it’s an intimate experience. Our ship had 123 passengers, mostly Americans, who were there to see the countries, rather than for entertainment and gambling. My fellow passengers were travelers seeking something different in cruising, with the accent on time on land.

More time was spent on the land than on the ship, apart from sleeping. There was lots of healthy walking. Average age of the passengers was in the 60s with a sprinkling of younger and older. Eighty percent of them had cruised with Viking before.

On board were three other Northern Californians: Bob Wells of Tiburon, who called the cruise “remarkable”; Richard Wall of San Francisco was impressed with how great the trip was handled by the Viking staffers and crew. He said, “It made everything a lot more interesting.”

Ed Spurr of Capitola termed the trip, “top-notch with all living up to what was promised.”

At every stop — and that means every day of the cruise — the fare included local guides showing us cities and quaint small towns. We saw places and things dating back to the Middle Ages and even earlier. Talks and presentations on the ship prepared the passengers for what was to come all along the 1,800-mile river journey.

The highlight of the trip was different for each. There are churches and castles, buildings and bridges, reminders of past conflicts dating back to Roman and Turkish conquests. Striking examples of things centuries-old stood alongside more recent history. It was a never-ending photo shoot. In Passau, Germany, we were treated to a concert on the world’s largest cathedral organ at St. Steven’s Cathedral. With 17,000 organ pipes the sound was both massive and delightful.

Viking does the Eastern European Odyssey in both directions, starting and ending either in Bucharest, Romania, or Nuremberg, Germany. Viking has a fleet of 21 ships that move smoothly with 18 different itineraries over rivers worldwide. There’s virtually no feeling of motion on rivers other than to see the passing panorama through each stateroom’s picture windows. River cruising is becoming so popular that it has been growing three times faster than ocean cruising. From one end of the Danube to the other there are a total of 425 river cruise ships.

Here are a few practical tips for anyone planning to travel in Eastern Europe. Because of the many different currencies, carry a lot of five euro bills. They are more readily accepted than the dollar. After buying something you get a small amount of local currency as change. Good walking shoes are a must and bring an umbrella.

Viking doesn’t frown on people bringing along alcohol to their cabin. On free time, if you want to ask a local about whatever, choose a young local. They are more apt to speak English. Restrooms are called “WC.” An oddity: A beer on shore usually costs less than a coffee or Coke.

Viking provides free and unlimited Wi-Fi access on all of its river cruises. Passengers without a computer can rent them. The food features Europe’s specialties. If the day’s menu is unappealing, steak and chicken always are available. The real food-treat aboard is a wide selection of savory and interesting cheeses. There’s dancing in the evenings to live music.

Because of the limited number of river passengers at any stop there are fewer tourist traps than at most ocean ports. Museums are less crowded and there’s plenty of good seating at events and church concerts.

Ed Arnow’s “On the Go” column appears regularly.He can be reached at BrentwoodBuzz@aol.com.

I just returned from a fantastic trip to the Land Down Under.  My trip included the wonderful city of Sydney,  charming and interesting Canberra (capital of Australia), Melbourne and quaint and delightful towns of Victoria and the magnificent seaside town of Byron Bay, New South Wales.  This write up is the wonderful highlights of my experiences:

Sydney:
Old Sydney Rocks Holiday Inn –Location is perfect!  Right in the heart of the rocks.  Wonderful value for money.  Great for Families and travelers on a moderate budget.  I highly recommend this property.  Service too was excellent!

Bonza Bike – This is a wonderful way to see Sydney for a few hours.  This is a guided bike tour seeing many of the highlights of Sydney.  A most unique experience.  Wonderful for families.

Hunter Valley:This near a 2 -hour drive North of Sydney.  It is well worth a one- day excursion or preferably an overnight.  The Hunter Valley is a wonderful wine area full of boutique and large wineries producing some very well known wines.  Also the Hunter has a great microbrewery for beer and is known for Ginger Beer. Other things to do in the Hunter Valley: Hot Air Ballooning, Wine Tour by a private horse drawn Carriage, a must see is the Hunter Valley Gardens.Two outstanding accommodations in Hunter Valley I recommend are:

Tower Estate– 5 star deluxe accommodation.  Small elegant Inn with a collection of furnishing and antiques that adorned the rooms.  This property provides the utmost in Service, Food and Wine. Great for couples and honeymooners.  Breakfast is included with the room rate.

Peppers Convent-  So charming. It is a step back in time. Located in the middle of the vineyards and next door to Roberts French 5-star Restaurant. This lovely small Hotel is a step back in time.  Sit in its Parlour for pre-dinner drinks and enjoy the ambience and warmth of the Parlour.  Breakfast in their lovely plantation style dining room is such a treat.  The breakfast is so hearty; and so delicious!

Canberra:The Capital of Australia and indeed a most unique place to visit and experience.  If one has the time I highly recommend the drive from Sydney to Canberra.  It can be done in a day but an overnight enroute would be better.  Fantastic place for families and children.  Must see’s:  The Parliament House, The War Memorial and the Embassies. Canberra is a great place to rent a bicycle, visit wineries and do some Hot Air Ballooning.

Beechworth, Victoria:Driving from Canberra to Beechworth, Victoria.  Here again an absolute must if one has the time.  I found this to be one of the biggest highlights.  It is about a 2-½ hr. drive without any stops from Canberra.  This town is well known for its famous bakery, Beechworth Bakery.  It is a step back in time, like something from a Western movie set.  The wines, produce and cheeses that come from this part of Victoria are popular. This region also is very popular for Horse back riding. The movie, the man from the Snowy River was filmed near here in Victoria’s high country. There are also ski resorts nearby.  One of the very well known award winning wineries near Beechworth is Brown Bros. located in Ilwara near the Ilwara Cheese factory and Bread Baking Company.  Brown Bros. has an outstanding restaurant on site.  I highly recommend Wardens for fine dining in Beechworth.  This restaurant has an outstanding Italian Chef form Piedmont, Italy. Beechworth offers some wonderful and charming Bed and Breakfast Inns with some of the very best in Australian Hospitality.

Yarra Valley:This is an ever so popular wine region area outside of Melbourne about 45 minutes or less.  Domaine Chandon has their wonderful champagne cellars here. Not only is the Yarra, known for its wonderful wines and wineries but also Hot Air Ballooning and Horse Back Riding are so popular.

Chateau Yering Historic House– 5 star luxury boutique hotel with an award winning restaurant and chef.  This is a beautifully restored Victorian House.  Chateau Yering is a member of Chateau and Relais.  Once here your guests will never want to leave!

Melbourne:  This vibrant stylish city reminds me of San Francisco with all of its many Trams.  Melbourne is a sprawled out sophisticated city known for its Food, Fashion and Theater. There is not enough time to experience every restaurant and its wide variety of Ethnic Foods.  The Hotel accommodations offer so a wide range of choice for every budget.

I stayed at the very new Hilton on South Wharf, facing the Yarra River. Hilton South Wharf is a must stay hotel located in a very excellent part of Melbourne and within walking to many places and very close to Melbourne Casino. The rooms are very large and done in beautiful woods and state of the art furnishings, the bathrooms are very large too and beautiful.  Many of the rooms have incredible views overlooking the Yarra River and the city skyline.  Their Executive Floor is a must to experience. They offer a delicious buffet type breakfast, afternoon tea service with homemade cakes and cookies, evening cocktails and a variety of snacks both hot and cold with cheese platters. Wine, Beer and Liquor is available throughout the day until 11:00 pm at night. One can also set out on the beautiful woodened terraced area to enjoy the view of Melbourne from the Executive Floor Lounge.  The Service at the Hilton is the very Best of the Best!From the moment you walk in its open and beautiful appointed Lobby you will feel at home.
Other places of interest and places to experience:

Bendigo:

The Great Ocean Road - this is a day trip along the spectacular coast line, be sure to include the Helicopter flight over the 12 Apostles. I did this and it was unbelievable!

Echidna Walkabout – this is all about Wildlife in the Wild and truly experiencing nature at its best.  Experience exceptional wildlife on this day tour out of Melbourne.  Better than a Zoo.

The Eureka Skydeck 88 – The most inspiring views of Melbourne.

Dalyesford Spa Country & The Lake Hotel – Known for its natural Mineral Springs and wonderful treatments offered to guests visiting this wonderful part of Melbourne.  This area has charming towns and accommodations such as The Lake House.

Lake House – Is wonderfully situated on the Lake Dalyesford in the heart of Victoria’s Spa Country and sets within wonderful manicured gardens.  Many of the rooms have a Lake view.  Lake House has one of Australia’s most popular restaurants. This property is known for its popular day Spa. Year after year this resort wins awards and is considered a real retreat.

Fairy Penguins and Phillip Island – Phillip Island is only 90 minutes away from Melbourne.  See the smallest penguins in the world.  Each day at Sunset this tiny little penguins emerge from the ocean and waddle ashore to their sand dune burrows.  The Fairy Penguin Parade is one of Australia’s most leading attractions.  The best tour of seeing the Fairy Penguin Parade is “UP CLOSE and PERSONAL” – premium viewing platform.

New South Wales – Byron Bay: I flew from Melbourne to Coolingatta Airport, Southern tip of Queensland near the Gold Coast.  It is about a 45-minute drive to Byron Bay.  Byron Bay is where the Sea meets the Rainforest and truly is a very lay back resort destination.  Byron Bay is noted for its artsy town and nearby little artsy communities that have wonderful craft markets every weekend. The locals take pride in their Organic Farmers Markets.  Of course too, Byron Bay was once known as a Hippie free spirit area but it is now a community that prides itself with the natural beauty that surrounds the area from farmlands to rolling hills, to the Ocean and beaches and of course one of its famous walks to the Byron Bay Lighthouse which is still man operated.

The Byron at Byron – Total Rustic Luxury amongst the Rainforest with the Ocean very near by.  The owners live on site and truly make each guest feel so special as though they are visiting their house.  The staff goes beyond providing the utmost in Service.  There are two room categories; the Everglades set amongst the rainforest and Ocean. The rooms are more like small condo’s, each with a kitchenette, ensuite, bedroom and lovely spacious bathrooms.  But what is so special too, is that there is an enclosed verandah outside adjoining each unit before actually going into the unit and there is another enclosed veranda off the en suite.  How perfect for those early mornings to set on the Verandah listening the wonderful sounds of the birds amongst the rainforest.  There are boardwalk pathways that meander from the rooms through the rainforest.  The walks are so beautiful and especially just to stop along the pathway along the boardwalk and rest on a bench overlooking one of the many Billabong marshes covered with waterlilies.

Spa – Yes, The Byron at Byron has an incredible Spa.  How about a relaxation massage with warm Macadamia nut oil being massaged into your skin.  Finished with sitting out on a private deck outside of the treatment room with a Jacuzzi and candles lit all around.  But then I must mention too the wonderful Cuisine.  Outstanding Chef.  Once a week the chef goes to the Farmers Market and buys Organic produce that he will be using for the meals to be prepared.  Guest are invited to accompany him to the Farmers Market.  The Byron at Byron is truly a total rediscover one’s self experience where all the Stress is let go and replaced with pampering your heart and soul.

I hope this has given you some new insights into Australia. It truly is the Land of Oz.

DID YOU KNOW ……  MONTRÉAL is one of the more exciting and interesting North American cities??   Did you know …. that Montréal has summer festivals galore and they not only appear in sequence but even, if you are lucky, overlap to give you the full panoply?   Did you know …. both French and English are equally used and you get the best of both cultures?

I just returned from an educational trip to Montréal during the “Just for Laughs” Festival and found the town active, vibrating with energy and full of people just enjoying marvelous summer weather.  Located on an island in the St Lawrence River almost due north of New York City and easily reachable by air or train from the Northeast USA no less California, Chicago and places in between, Montréal is a perfect place to enjoy both spring, summer, autumn and winter activities.

Summer:  stroll rue St Paul O. in Old Town Montreal — sampling maple products, buying olive oils and cheeses - fresh-made and piquant -, breakfasting in small cafés with large bowl of café au lait or caffé latte munching a croissant, a baquette with confit du canard, or just soaking up the sun at a small outside table watching others flow past your table.  Catch a horse-drawn carriage for a gentle clip-clop journey over cobbled streets near the original foundations of the city walls overlooking the riverbank.  Not far away and just up the hill, the “International district” full of Scottish-designed, masonry buildings from the turn of last century and end of the century before proclaim the fiscal might and  entrepreneurial energies of past captains of industry.   Modern architecture pierces the sky and you see reflected in these panes of glass, historic buildings of the bygone days.

Summertime brings the flourishing of the many covered markets scattered around the city of Montréal, where attractively decorated baskets hold impeccably fresh herbs, legumes, vegetables and fresh fruits — all with small restaurants and stand-up counters for those whose hunger needs immediate attention.  A mixture of English and French punctuate the busy atmosphere and families, single shoppers and elderly citizens alike make sure their home ‘pantries’ are filled with the best of foodstuffs.

Many neighborhoods are undergoing renaissance with classic buildings being renewed both inside and out … tiny gardens in the “Italian district” have beans, basil and tomato plants in profusion in their yards proclaiming the summertime’s bounty.  Because Montréal has attracted peoples from all over the world, their cuisine and cultures have added to the mix and no matter where you go in Montréal, you will see signs on storefronts offering the specialities of their region to others in town from different backgrounds.   It is a lively city and fabulous for young people to enjoy the varied nightlife no less the many annual festivals of jazz, humor, culture and history on offer.

Did you know …. Montréal is a World Class Destination??   When you think travel, think Montréal.  It will surprise you and delight you!!!

I recently had a wonderful opportunity to stay at the Cringletie House Country Hotel in Scotland.   

Cringletie House Country Hotel is located on beautiful rolling hills about 30 minutes drive south of Edingburgh and near the wonderful Tweed Fishing River. 

The Cringletie house was designed by the famous Scottish architect David Bryce, and it was completed in 1861 when the Wolfe Murray Family took possession of it.

Jacob and Johanna van Houdt, the owners since 2003, have beautifully restored the interior of the mansion. There is a wonderful gourmet restaurant using herbs and vegetables from their own walled garden.  

The first thing that strikes you here is the very warm welcome.  When you enter the property, you immediately become very happy, and this feeling stays with you throughout your stay.  The rooms could not be more charming.  In my case, I had a room with a fantastic view to the countryside and hills around.  Sheep and lamb grazing on the meadows and daffodils blooming everywhere.  I was there in April!

This is a perfect place to vacation for all and more of the following reasons:

• Historic lodging in elegant accommodations
• Gourmet food
• Unique hospitality
• Fishing for salmon and trout in the Tweed River (packages available with gear and guide)
• Hiking in more than 40 signposted walks
• Golfing on 5 great golf courses within 10-30 minutes drive
• Heritage sites all around
• Edinburgh nearby
• Mountain biking in famous Glentress Forest
• Riding

Several packages offered which include dining, activities etc.

Christmas and New Years packages

You will also have the opportunity to book accommodations through Sidsel with her first hand knowledge, and be offered some of the specials programs offered through our agency.
Ask me about the 3 day package with fly fishing lessons!

For questions, please call me at 415-273-3813

Condors soaring higher as the thermals warm in the early morning air at Colca Canyon; brown, white or multi-colored baby alpacas awaiting their next bottled milk snack on the lawn of Las Casitas de Colca; modern day Peruvian highlanders in international orange jumpsuits and helmets utilizing the ancient Inca rope pull/log roller technique to move heavy road equipment across an arched bridge over a rushing river in Machu Picchu township — all of these are part of the broad Peruvian experience.
 
I just returned a few weeks ago from a remarkable and truly mind-changing visit to Peru.  This modest country in terms of ’self-promotion’ contains the widest possible options for visitors to learn and grow as individuals.  A culture deeply rooted in the land itself expresses its history through the daily living of the people, in the historical remains of many cultures dating back several thousand years, in the constant growth of the Andes by millimeters a year and in the booming economy holding firm even in current times.
 
A few highlights from this recent trip:
 
Sunday service held in the church next to San Francisco Monastery in Lima — Quechua sung by the voices of devout Catholics who stem from the highland people of Peru and still express their long-lived history in the costumes they wear at festive occasions which occur almost every week.  Cathedrals and churches are altar-adorned and made of wood carved from trees imported from Central America — deep mahogany wood twisting in Baroque curves reminiscent of Bernini’s marble columns in St Peters - Rome.  Here in Peru the complex altars are draped in gold not only melted from early Inca gold artifacts looted after the conquest but embellished by silver art created from silver extracted from the mines of this land. 
 
The Cathedral of Lima holds the remains of the Spanish conqueror, Pizzaro.  Huge and richly decorated it shows the enormous wealth of the country and its deeply Catholic heritage brought by the Spanish.   Nearby the Aliaga family whose ancestor traveled with Pizzaro has been living in Peru since the 16th century and now hosts elegant dinners in their private 20-bedroom home located just a few steps from the Plaza.  This building modestly presents itself to the street behind substantial wooden doors.  Dinner is delicious and eaten after canapés and cocktails served in the spacious and historical lounge.  Everything is presented in rooms which have lasted centuries overlooking internal shrub- and tree-planted courtyards.  One feels transported back centuries and gets the feel of “once upon a time.”
 
I was able to see the annual Potato Festival celebrated in the main Plaza des Armes of Lima.  The plaza was filled by bands and dancers from all the regions of the country giving expression to this most essential vegetable sustenance here in Peru.  The Inca even invented a way of freezing and drying potatoes to make them last for several years — dessicated but retaining all the nutrients and vitamins needed for survival. 
 
Nature along the coast has beaches festooned with flocks of pink flamingoes whilst red-headed turkey vultures hunch on the nature park signage in a relaxed pose awaiting their next potential meal.   The dry desert of the Peruvian coast reminds one of the Skeleton Coast of Namibia with dunes, windswept barren rock-strewn surfaces but here in Peru, the Andes sends water down long rivers and streams allowing pencil-thin lines of liquid nourishment to nurture smallholdings of vegetables, wheat and other grains.  The long descent from the mountains ends in outlets to the sea rich in wildlife and feeding occasional flocks of goats tended by peasants living a precarious and transient existence along the coastal road.  Just beyond these islands of plant richness, the dessicated desert takes over again.
 
The mountains are a world unto themselves — high passes at 16,200 feet descend into valleys like Colca with an almost Grand Canyon-like eroded riverine depression splitting the high fields of corn, quinoa and wheat.  Huge and even active volcanoes such as the three famous ones near Aerquipa dominate the area which is full of deep mines and grasslands of the high Alto Plano.   Aerquipa produces fine weavings in the small factories which handle the products of the alpaca, vicunya or other camelids who inhabit those grassy plains.  
 
Machu Picchu is mentioned here not last by intent but because it’s impressive site at 8,000 feet is a fitting summation of all that the history of Peru can present.  Dominated even at this elevation by higher peaks and sited dramatically above a deep lush valley, one can even hike the famed Inca Trail to the Sun Gate where the Inca astromoners could determine by the sun breaking through the 3 openings along this ridge of mountain, the solstices and equinoxes every year.  The Inca Trail was the “information highway” of it’s day connecting Cusco with Machu Picchu.  Along it’s 27 miles of up and down at high elevations, teams of runners going at top pace ran from outpost to outpost using the still undeciphered “quipus” (threaded counters knotted in a yet unknown language telling of crop quantities, of citizen censuses, of armed and administered parts of the empire … all needed to run the Inca government during its time in ascendency) as informational sources for their rulers.
 
There is so so much more but this short set of paragraphs should give a sense of this remarkable country and lead you to want to learn more and to visit there as well.

Looking for a quick little get away that won’t break the bank?  Portland, Oregon is it. There is so much to do and see in Portland the whole family will come away satisfied. 

If the peaceful tranquility of a garden setting is what appeals to you, there are two choice and both close by.  Visit the International Rose Test Garden in Washington Park where you can see 7,000 rose bushes and spectacular views of the city.  Next to the International Rose Test Garden is the Japanese Garden.  It has been proclaimed as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan and has an unsurpassed view of Mt. Hood.

Museums are a plenty with oldest museum in the Northwest, the Portland Art Museum, which is internationally renowned for exciting art experiences.  Located in the heart of downtown’s cultural district, the Museum’s campus includes an outdoor sculpture court and historical interiors. Tour the world and travel through history in magnificent permanent collection galleries, six stories of modern art and special exhibitions.  Each Sunday features activities for families.  In the World Forest Center Discovery Museum you can see the forest from a bird’s-eye view or take a wet-free raft ride in Class IV rapids. Climb underneath the forest to see the life below, or try your smoke jumping skills! Round out your adventure with video journeys to Siberia, China, South Africa, and Brazil.  If you are the scientific type , one of the nation’s leading science museums, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry is 219,000 square feet of brain-powered fun! Five enormous halls bring science to life with hundreds of interactive exhibits and displays. You can experience an earthquake, take part in live lab demonstrations, see a movie in the OMNIMAX Dome Theater, explore the universe in a world-class planetarium and even tour a real submarine!

No town big or small is complete without activities for kids and of course Portland has that.  Trek through the tropics amid the sounds of birds, monkeys and other creatures. You’re not in West Africa, you’re in Portland at the Oregon Zoo’s African Rain Forest exhibit. After you’ve survived the steamy tropics, dry off in the savanna, where giraffes, rhinos and hippos graze. From the crest of the Cascade Mountains to the coastal waters of Peru, travel around the world in an afternoon.  Want to cool down?  Enjoy indoor ice skating at the Lloyd Center Ice Rink, located in Oregon’s largest mall. The ice rink is a fun place to skate and build memories.  If you prefer a good old fashion Amusement Park, Oak Amusement Park has rides, go-karts, roller skating, picnic grounds, an historic dance pavilion and waterfront views making this jewel of an amusement park only minutes from downtown Portland.  Safe, wholesome, affordable family fun is always on the menu along with fries, hamburgers, corn dogs, cotton candy and more. Families can come for a whole day of fun without breaking the bank.

This is just a small sampling of what Portland has to offer.  

So if you are looking to get there, just think planes trains or automobiles. One can either take an hour and a half flight from Oakland, a scenic 8 hour drive from San Francisco, or a ride on the Amtrak Starlight Coast.

Greg doesn’t have your average desk job. He’s a movie producer and he’s here filming Gulliver’s Travels with Jack Black, Emily Blunt and very friendly Jason Segel. So I took the bus to Oxford, then another bus to Woodstock and visited him on the set at Blenheim Palace.

I had been there once before with my sister in the 70s when we were both in college, and it was great to go back. Oxford is a fantasy - a university town from the 13th century, as is Blenheim - a storybook palace in the spectacular English countryside. Before I connected to Woodstock I enjoyed visiting the churches, the libraries and the school buildings of Oxford, where some of Harry Potter was filmed. The sophisticated nature of the tourists in this town makes for a very different tourist experience. The first time I went I was 21 and actually was able to handle Michelangelo prints - by myself - with plastic gloves they gave me. It was for many years a highlight of my life. And this time the Ashmolean Museum was sadly closed for renovations, but I could still sense a trust that the locals have in the visitor as I roamed the historic schools that make up Oxford. No guards. No rules. It’s close to a perfect world.

It took me a while to find Greg. First I found the sword department. There are soldiers in this movie. Pretty cool, but I decided not to try and borrow one. Then I saw a princess up on top of the palace. But Greg was out to lunch. I mean, where do you go in Woodstock?

As I was checking out the scene of massive amounts of production equipment, I heard his voice from behind talking to a colleague. Walked right by me, but fortunately, silver hair and all (both of us) he recognized me once I called his name. We spent the better part of the afternoon catching up in between takes (and more takes) and whatever else went on. Jason (playing Horatio) filled me in on the plot while Greg was busy. From what I could tell, it looks pretty hysterical. Look for it in June of 2010.

Visit http://www.joshfriedmantravel.com/  for my complete set of photos from this trip and other posts.