Cruise 12 miles down the Kona Coast to Captain Cook’s monument while a local historian points out over 50 points of interest and historical sites. Upon arriving in Kealakekua Bay a Hawaiian style buffet dinner is served. Listen to live entertainment and watch the beautiful sunset on the way back. Includes one complimentary cocktail and cash bar thereafter.

“The last time we were in Kona, I took the whole family out for the Body Glove Dinner Cruise.  We started off in Kona town, and cruised down the coast toward Captain Cook’s Monument.  There was live music from a local Hawai’ian favorite named LT Smooth.  The food was great, and the sunset was something out of a movie.  It was like being inside a perfect postcard, and with the love of family and the spirit of Aloha all around, it was a perfect night.  I suggest going on the Body Glove Dinner Cruise to anyone visiting the Big Island.  It is totally awesome, and really makes for some great memories,” said George Christopher Thomas.

Hawaiian Island Menu

~Tropical fruit platter

~Macadamia nuts

~Mango chutney cream cheese & crackers

~Pork and taro Lau Lau’s steamed in ti leaves

~Teriyaki beef kabobs

~Grilled pulehu chicken

~Lomi lomi salmon

~Steamed Rice with furikake & shoyu

~Caesar salad

~Punalu’u guava and taro dinner rolls & butter

~Dessert

~Kona coffee and assorted teas

* One complimentary cocktail included

Offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

A portion of all proceeds from the Historical cruise are donated to the Kona Historical Society for the preservation, restoration and education of the culture and history of the Kona Coast.  Adults $115.74 – Youth (6-17) $83.59 – Five & under always free!(Rates through12/31/13)  *Wednesday Special Historical Lunch Cruise:  Adults $94.31 – Youth (6-17) $72.87- Five & under free.  Lunch includes: Deli style sandwiches, chips and cookies (Same day booking)

The Premium bar includes includes Budweiser, Bud Lite, Coors Light, Heineken, Corona, Kona Brew’s Longboard Lager, Chardonnay, Merlot, Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum, Whalers Dark Rum, Puerto Rican Light Rum, Smirnoff Vodka, Jose Cuervo Tequila, Jack Daniels Whiskey, Dewar’s Scotch, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Juices, mixers, and much more.

George Thomas

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Secluded within a grove of acacia trees, the lodge looks out over the golden savannah plains, with uninterrupted views of the mountain itself. Close by are a series of emerald green swamps, which are fed by the melting snows of Kilimanjaro. These, the only sources of water in this otherwise starkly beautiful but arid park, attract huge numbers of wallowing elephants, hippos, buffalos and plains game. Meanwhile, from the prehistoric site of Observation Hill, the sunset over Kilimanjaro is magnificent.

At the centre of ‘Maasailand’, the lodge’s décor reflects the brilliant primary colours and iconic shapes representative of these legendary warriors. At the heart of the lodge, shaded by palm trees, is a free-form swimming pool; to either side of which stretch the rooms. Each room is housed in a single storey building opening directly on to the grounds, each reflecting a Maasai manyatta theme: each with its own hand-painted wall frescos.

The central dining area is reached by a timbered bridge over a melt-water stream, while the lounge and bar feature a broad terrace and a blazing fire-pit where evening cocktails can be enjoyed. Activities include daily game drives in custom-built traditional safari vehicles, ‘sundowners’ on Observation Hill, bush breakfasts, bush dinners, Maasai dance performances, visits to Maasai villages and tree-planting programmes.

GETTING THERE — Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge is located within Amboseli National Park, which lies approximately 250 kilometres from Nairobi and close to the Tanzanian border.

By road: transfers by road from Nairobi take approximately 5 hours.

By air: the airstrip is 11 kms from lodge and a ‘meet and greet’ and transfer service can be offered (Please let us know your arrival time in advance).  (www.serenahotels.com/serenaamboseli)

George Thomas

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LAS VEGAS, NV — For the 19^th consecutive year, Las Vegas has maintained its reigning title as the top trade show destination in the country, according to Trade Show News Network’s (TSNN) “2012 TSNN Top 250 Trade Shows in the United States” list.  Las Vegas hosted 53 of the largest shows, more than the next two competitors combined.

“Las Vegas is honored to be recognized as the No. 1 trade show destination for the 19^th year in a row, and we share this achievement with our colleagues in the meetings and convention industry of Las Vegas who make this ranking possible,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president/CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.  ”The success of Las Vegas is a testament to our ability to provide exceptional customer service and more value for the experience than any other destination.”

The coveted list by Tarsus Group represents the top 250 trade shows held in the country last year, ranked by net square footage. The 53 shows in Las Vegas encompassed 20,460,671 million square feet, or 31.2 percent of the total space for all 250 shows. The largest single show was the International CES, held in Las Vegas, at more than 1.8 million net square feet.

“Once again, Las Vegas is the No. 1 destination of the ‘2012 TSNN Top 250 Trade Show List,’” said Rachel Wimberly, president and editor-in-chief of TSNN. “Las Vegas proves year after year the tremendous value it has to offer trade shows that are held there.”

The two closest competitors hosted 47 shows combined, with Orlando hosting 27 and Chicago hosting 20.  To see the full TSNN list, visit http://www.tsnn.com/toplists-us.

Las Vegas Meetings Snapshot:

• Nearly 22,000 meetings in 2012
• 4.9 million delegates in 2012
• $6.7 billion impact to local economy
• Supports nearly 57,000 jobs

George Thomas

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BERLIN, GERMANY – We flew into Berlin at night, out of the East Midlands in the UK.  The flight was just under two hours, and was really quite pleasant. We were about to spend five days in this historic German capital.  I figured that would be enough time to practice my German and eat some Prussian delicacies.  When you travel with a European, even if they are British, throughout Europe they have a really easy time going through countries.  If you happen to be an American, traveling from different European countries will cause you to fill out detailed paperwork and get interviewed, even grilled.  So I have become mildly adjusted to this, but having to remember the five addresses we are staying at in the UK at 10 o’clock at night while Joanne cruises through the other line can be quite difficult.  But whatever, as long as my lady is close, she can sign language me the zip code of her brother’s place in London.  (The postal codes over there have numbers and letters, so it is like 5NG 8X3JCL, I’m sure they have some kind of system behind it.)

After landing and being eyeballed by Frau Border Patrol we were off to the city.  Neither one of us had ever been to Berlin, or even Germany for that matter, and had no idea what we were doing.  We flew Ryan Air, which is like the Southwest Airlines of Europe, and they are based in Dublin, Ireland.  They can be quite strict with bags, so we only brought our carry on and did not check any luggage.  After reviewing my family tree with Frau Border Patrol and going over my entire schedule in Berlin, the German Government let me in the country, and we hit the ground running.

Father Christmas, or maybe Joanne’s brother Iain, got me a travel guide to Berlin, and I had spent several minutes reading up on this great city.  The book suggested we take a train into the city, as the airport was about 15 minutes south of the city center.  So being wild and crazy fools, we went and bought train tickets, and looked for one to board.  Well, most other intelligent people would already have a plan, but not us; we were ready to hop on the next train we saw, no matter where it was going.

Looking back, this was totally stupid, and we happened to luck out totally and completely.  The first train we saw moving we tried to get on, but it was just parking for the night.  Then someone who spoke none of the languages we spoke came and asked for directions, now that’s funny.  We tried to communicate but to no avail, and then they wandered off.  We decided the train not moving until the following morning was not the way to go, and followed the people asking us for directions.  Well I had anticipated the ride into town would be about an hour, with all the stops, but we accidently got on the express train and would be in downtown Berlin in 15 minutes, awesome.

The first thing I noticed was how clean everything was, the streets, the buildings, the inside of the train station.  It really stands out immediately, like the people of Berlin care and make an active effort not to litter, I was very surprised.  Our hotel, The Regent, was a five minute walk from the train station, and the cool night air felt crisp and refreshing.  There was something about Berlin, maybe everyone was happy because of the River Spree, and I like a good river just as much as the next guy.

Our hotel exemplified classic elegance with a modern look, and apparently all the famous people stay at The Regent, so I felt right at home.  Our bathroom was the size of a normal hotel room, and the suite we stayed in overlooked a famous building.  I don’t know the name of the architectural masterpiece outside my window, but I did get several digital pictures of it.  There was even a mini-fridge and bar; I decided I would fix all my drinks at this location, while watching myself in the mirror practicing my German.

When we finally got settled it was late at night, but a bag of chips from the Nottingham Airport was not going to cut it, so we were off into the darkness to forage for food.  I asked the people behind the front desk if there was a market or maybe a Ralph’s somewhere around.  He said about five blocks down there is a normal supermarket.  Perfect, I love markets in foreign countries; it is incredibly interesting to see what they are selling, especially in the deli section.  Well, in Berlin there are bangers and sausages everywhere.  It must be the processed meat capital of the world.  I saw every conceivable size hot dog and banger and sausage and kielbasa known to man.  Did the Germans invent the hot dog? They must have, in Frankfurt no doubt.

And don’t even get me started on lunch meats; they had hundreds of different kinds of bologna.  I couldn’t believe my eyes, what was going on here? Gourmet baloney, thousands of different kinds of hot dogs, this place was great.  Then, after picking out a loaf of bread and some high class sliced meat, we thought of picking up a beer or two.  Goodness gracious, when we first saw the price, I believed it to be a misprint.  After getting fleeced in London and Paris for the price of drinks, this place they call Berlin was pretty rad.  If my calculations were correct, it was just about $0.25 a beer, and these were the 24 ounce ones.  They must make a lot of German beer in Germany, because these were not only the name brand ones, but higher end beers as well.  Well, we bought as much as we could carry, and it was back to the hotel for a Becks and a gourmet baloney sandwich.

Joanne was so tired she fell asleep holding her half eaten sandwich, and good thing too, because the next day was going to be action packed.  I believe the best way to get acquainted in a new city is the “Hop On Hop Off” bus tour.  I had already scouted out the nearest stop; it was right by the Brandenburg Gate, and about three minutes’ walk from The Regent.  My plan was to be the first ones on the bus in the morning, and do a full loop with the earphones explaining everything.  There were something like 25 stops, and the full loop takes about two hours.

It was time to soak it in, so at around 8:00 am Berlin time, we were off to go find a coffee and catch the bus full of tourists.  About two stores down from the “Hop On Hop Off” bus stop was a breakfast and coffee house.  This was a perfect opportunity to get a cup of coffee and prepare for the fun, so we waltzed into this hip happening place and ordered two to go.  The guy said he is going to put both of them in one cup.  Why?  Apparently you could have fit 15 coffees in one cup; each serving is like the size of a shot.  That will be 7 Euros please.  I should have ordered a 24 ounce beer, then it would have been $0.25 cents. So after consolidating our coffees into one easy to carry cup, we hopped on the bus and plugged in our earphones.

I felt like I was in an interactive field trip for history class, and the things I had only seen in books, like the Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall, were right before my very eyes.  What I found interesting is while the city was divided for all those years, they had two separate municipal entities right next to each other.  So now that the Berlin Wall has come down, there are two opera houses, two city centers, at least two museums, there seemed to be two of everything.  Also, throughout the city, where the wall was standing they now have special stones down that path so you can always know exactly where this historic icon of the Cold War was, it is really quite neat.

We went around the city, but couldn’t do the full two hours.  Checkpoint Charlie was coming up, and it was about time to hop off.  It really gave us a good understanding of where everything was, and having five days to spend in Berlin sure was something.  Checkpoint Charlie could be the most famous attraction in Berlin.  It is where the allies would check your papers when you were coming or going, and it was also where they used to trade spies back and forth during the Cold War.

This was a tourist hotspot, and there are also a lot of panhandlers.  I would keep your wallet in your front pocket and try not to bother with them, they will sometimes be holding up a cardboard sign like homeless people do, just be careful.  I only really encountered them at Checkpoint Charlie, but with it being the center of historic activity, you can see why they are there.

We took the necessary photos, played tourist and hopped back on the bus.  Throughout the time we spent in Berlin, we must have jumped on and off that bus 30 times.  I was using this form of tourist transportation as my own personal taxi service; it was genius and really made the trip work.

There is so much to do in Berlin, and between the museums, the Berlin Wall and the historic palaces and castles, you might just get your vacation on.  There is a part of the Berlin Wall they left up, and brought in famous artists to paint murals there.  It’s called the East Side Gallery. We spent a few hours at this most interesting art exhibit, taking hundreds of pictures.  Obviously we hopped on to get there, and hopped off, then hopped back on. The Berlin Pass is definitely the way to go.

Berlin is also a walkable city, and sometimes we opted to just walk the mile to the next attraction.  We had time to explore, and even spend the day in Potsdam at a conference, but that is an entirely different travel article.  If you get the chance, make your way to this beautiful European capital city.  It is really inexpensive once you arrive, and the people are extremely nice and hospitable. We had the most excellent time in Germany, and can’t wait to get back.  Plus, the choices of frankfurters and the price of beer sure leave a lasting impression.  As JFK once told a crowd in West Berlin, “I am a Jelly Donut.” Keep your eyes out for panhandlers and put mustard on everything, you are going to love this great city.  (For more information, please visit www.regenthotels.com/EN/Berlin)

George Thomas

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LONDON, ENGLAND — I started to listen to The Clash a few weeks before my big trip to England.  London was calling, and our hotel was just a few tube stops away from the Thames, so for at least several days in a row, I too could say… “I live by the river.”  It really gets you in the mood, for being cold, fish and chips, cups of tea, rain, and great Indian food.

The more I visit London, the more I fall in love with that great and historic city.  It definitely has the hustle and bustle feel of the Big Apple, and you might have to kick it up a notch getting on and off the tube, mind the gap.

We usually take the nonstop from LAX to London Heathrow and it averages around 11 hours in the air.  I look at this as an opportunity to catch up on movies I haven’t seen yet, so the flight is three movies long, with a couple of TV shows thrown in there.

Once we land, I am usually jazzed and ready to get our suitcases and go.  On our last trip to London I told my lady we should be as touristy as possible, visiting everything we can in the time we have allotted.  There is so much history in London, and since it has been around for so long, a lot of museums, castles, palaces, old buildings, and things to do.  My favorite spot is right across the street from Big Ben.  Here in this park-like area, you can see the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, statues of famous historic figures, and the London Eye.  For me, this is the heart of the city, and a great place for photographs. We usually visit this section of town a few times before we come back to America.

Over the years, the one thing I have learned about British people is they love their Indian food.  This might have something to do with the Empire and their relationship with India, or who knows, whatever the case maybe, Indian food is beyond delicious.  Since I started hanging out with Britons, there has been a lot more tandoori in my life, and it really is a whole new world.

So we were off to one of the best Indian restaurants in all of London, the famous Quilon right next to Buckingham Palace.  This place was fancy, and if you showed up in a black tie and tuxedo you might still feel underdressed.  The first thing I thought is that the place was going to have fantastic sauces.  I love sauce, and Indian restaurants know how to make some of the best tasting stuff around.  The Quilon boasts a simple philosophy, which is a passion for south-west costal Indian cuisine.  I had never considered the food scene on the south-west coast of India, but the seafood recipes from that region are absolutely divine.

We started off with the pepper shrimps, which were batter fried prawns cooked in a fiery masala.  It was a great starter, but only made us hungrier.  Joanne ordered the Quilon fish curry, which has cubes of halibut simmered in coconut, chili, and raw mango sauce.  I decided since it was lunch; why not have the Malabar lamb biryani, a delicious lamb cooked with traditional Malabar spices in a sealed pot, with basmati rice.  Now believe me when I tell you, that dish will fill you up.  Their menu embodies a unique blend of ethnic and progressive dishes, and there is something on there for everyone.  This was a treat to eat at Quilon, and it should be on your list of restaurants to visit in London town.

After lunch, we were off to the London Eye, which is within walking distance of Quilon and Buckingham Palace.  It was a great activity for right after lunch, so I packed up my leftover Malabar lamb biryani in a doggie bag, got a side of mango chutney for later, and waltzed out into the rain to battle the elements on the walk over.  Now there is something very special about the rain in England, just like in Forest Gump, when Tom Hanks is describing the precipitation in Vietnam and how it comes from all angles. Well that happens in the United Kingdom, and the rain in December is cold.  So there would be times when we are standing in a tube station, and it was still raining on me.  How this happens I have no idea, it is like Harry Potter magic.  We would be walking down the street in London, with an umbrella big enough to start a business at a swap meet, and I would still be getting pelted in the face with stinging little raindrops.

I have never claimed to be very smart, or to be evolving slowly if at all, but it seemed like everyone in London was wearing waterproof rain boots.  I however was wearing a pair of Vans I bought in the San Fernando Valley, and my feet were soaking wet.  Joanne informed me that everyone really was sporting waterproof boots called “Wellies” because it rains a lot and they keep your feet dry.  Well, I now knew what I wanted for Christmas, and maybe if I was nice, Father Kringle, or whatever he is called over there would bring me some rain boots.

We were off to the London Eye, with bags of Indian food and my soaking wet feet.  Joanne was wearing her “Wellies” and her feet were as dry and snug as a bug in a rug.  Someday I too would own “Wellies” – but until such time it was off to a really slow Ferris wheel.  I wondered how much we could see if it was gray and rainy, but just as we arrived from our 15-minute walk from Buckingham Palace to the London Eye; it cleared up and stopped raining.  I needed a cup of tea.

The view is absolutely incredible.  The sky opened up and you could see for miles and miles.  The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben looked totally cool from up there, and it was just the right amount of time to go around once and see the city.  There is also a neat short 3D movie with interactive bubbles after the once-around, and that’s something I recommend checking out.  It comes with the ticket.

We had officially played tourist long enough for that day, and it was off to our beautiful hotel in Knightsbridge.  Now this is a really nice part of town, and I was looking forward to a hot shower and several cups of tea.  There is something about the UK that makes you want to drink tea.  It might be the temperature outside, the rain, whatever the case happens to be, cups of tea are great.  So after the tube ride to Knightsbridge, and as we are checking into The Cadogan, the nice man behind the counter offered us tea and cucumber sandwiches, and to take our bags to the room.  How did he know? Yes to all of the above.

This was a lovely touch, and made me want to stay at The Cadogan again, and I hadn’t even seen the room yet.  Maybe it was the wet Vans talking, but hospitality goes a long way, especially at certain times.  So we enjoyed some tea and finger sandwiches as we checked in, then it was off to get settled in our hotel room.  It was more of an apartment, with a living room and full family room.  This place had it all, including several fancy awesome looking contraptions in the shower area.  Now being from America, it is sometimes hard for me to figure out things in European bathrooms.  But just like a fun little puzzle you might receive in your Christmas stocking, I always have a go at it.

Joanne was in the other room planning a pub crawl with her brother and best friend, and I was finally going to get to take off my wet socks.  The shower was amazing, as was the property in general.  Everything is top of the line, and staying at The Cadogan is a great pastime in and of itself.  The place has an old classic feel, and is right in the heart of Knightsbridge.  The following morning, after a night of painting the town red, we experienced one of the greatest English breakfasts known to man.

There is nothing like a proper English breakfast, which usually includes sausages, back bacon, beans, eggs any style, toast, fried tomatoes, fried mushrooms and a healthy helping of black pudding.  You will not leave hungry, and there is always enough tea, coffee and orange juice to accompany this classic English staple.  The breakfast is second to none, and should be enjoyed with elegant company who can appreciate the finer things in life.  I could have stayed there all day, and had it for lunch and dinner.  A proper English breakfast is that good.

After spending a day or so in London, it was off to see Joanne’s family in the Midlands.  There would be fun and laughter up north, and lots of tea, but nothing can beat some time in London town.  Whatever you want to see and do, just plan it out and then execute your plan.  I wanted to eat some really fantastic Indian food, go on the London Eye, and stay in a fancy hotel.  Others might want some fish and chips and to go check out the museums.  Whatever tickles your fancy, London has it all.  It is a fantastic city and I just can’t wait to get back there.  (For more information, please check out www.cadogan.com)

George Thomas

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA — If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to wear a flower in your hair.  So says Scott Mackenzie, but there is something about that city that makes you want to throw up a peace sign and listen to some Grateful Dead.  I love San Francisco, and having a sister there to visit gives me an added incentive to drive up the 101 and get a clam chowder bread bowl from Fisherman’s Wharf.

In fact, the world famous wharf is absolutely perfect for people watching, if you were so inclined to participate in such an activity.  And besides the fascinating humans, the top notch seafood, the location on the bay, and the shopping, there happens to be an arcade right there as well.

The city was calling and left a couple of voicemails, and it was time for another road trip, up to San Francisco for some clam chowder and people watching.  I don’t know what it is, but for some reason I just love being close to Fisherman’s Wharf, and our hotel could not have been any closer.  We chose the Hotel San Remo, which might just be San Francisco’s best kept secret.  It is a hidden gem, right there in plain sight, and offers a one of a kind experience.

They buzz you in through the door and it is up a flight of stairs to the front desk.  This experience had an old New York Italian feel to it, I wanted a meatball sandwich right then and there.  Once we said our hellos and got our room keys, it was off to check out the digs.  It had an old world ambiance and made you feel like you were in a different time.  The rooms were well furnished, and just perfect for resting and sleeping when not exploring the city’s attractions.

They have a restaurant on the ground floor, and it is located in a quiet neighborhood between North Beach and Fisherman’s Wharf.  For me, the best part about staying at Hotel San Remo was the massage chair right outside my room, and the location.  We were close to everything, and there was a cable car stop just a few minutes’ walk away.

When I travel to the city by the bay, there is really only one thing I must do, and that is get a clam chowder bread bowl from Fisherman’s Wharf.  Now there are between five and seven vendors that sell this delicious wonderful great invention of a food, and I have tried them all.  Actually, they are all good, and each one has something a little different, maybe the sauce, maybe the size of the potatoes, but they are all super delicious.  I usually just rotate which ones I buy from, and try to get at least three or four bread bowls in on each trip to San Francisco.

After scheduling my weekend around clam chowder, there is another favorite activity I usually have to partake in, and that is a cruise around San Francisco bay.  I like to use the company “Red & White Fleet” when I cruise the bay.  They have been around forever, and offer very reasonable prices as well as numerous times throughout the day for the different cruises.

The one hour Golden Gate Bridge cruise is my favorite.  You can enjoy stunning views of the Bay and Alcatraz without ever having to leave the ship. The Golden Gate Bay Cruise is a true San Francisco original and is accompanied by insightful headphone narration available in 12 language options.  I like to listen in Spanish or French, to feel more cultured, plus it seems more exotic as well.  But the narration in English is quite informative and gives you a historical perspective of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the beautiful city of San Francisco.  The Golden Gate Bay Cruise is offered eight to twelve times daily starting at 10am.

After this wonderful cruise around the bay, it was time for some lunch.  And one of the most historic and delicious restaurants in all of San Francisco is the Cliff House.  This place is literally built over and perched up upon cliffs, hence the name.

We met my wonderful sister for lunch, and even as a native San Franciscan, she was in a continuous state of awe, it really is a beautiful place.  I am a lover of seafood, and the Cliff House is known for its spectacular views and award winning seafood.  I ordered the Cliff House Louis, a classic favorite with Dungeness Crab.  Wow, every bite was amazing, and I can see why this particular sandwich is famous throughout the city.

It was back to the Hotel San Remo for a nap, because with it being a double boat day, we were going to need the rest.  After watching Sesame Street, catching some shuteye and having some milk and cookies with my favorite stuffed animal, we were off to go check out Alcatraz Island at night.  I was very excited, had just watched “The Rock” in anticipation of this visit to Alcatraz, and my digital camera was fully charged.  I was ready to go, and you know it must be cool because my sister joined us, and she lives in San Francisco.

This tour is amazing, and not to be missed the next time you are in the city.  The night tour is a unique program limited to just a few hundred visitors per evening.  It lasts about two and a half hours, and is full of information and includes: roundtrip ferry transportation, a live boat narration, a guided tour from Dock to Cellhouse, the Cellhouse Audio Tour, a keepsake souvenir brochure, recreation use fee, and a variety of special programs and presentations offered only at night.  I had the most excellent time, but the thing that struck me as the most interesting, was the sounds of the city from the rock.  You can only imagine what it must have been like to be locked up, and hear so much music and laughter coming from just across the bay.  The views of the city at night are also quite spectacular, and might even be cause to use that panoramic setting on your camera.

There is so much to see and do in San Francisco, and many different sections of the city with diverse and interesting backgrounds.  If you are looking for some peace and love, the Haight Ashbury section of town will definitely satisfy your inner hippie.  If you have never been, doing a bay cruise is a good way to start off, but this only really scratches the surface.  I have spent some serious time in San Francisco, and it just doesn’t get old.  Also, be sure to pack a jacket, as Mark Twain once said,…”The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.”  (For more information, please visit www.sanremohotel.com)

George Thomas

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The Catamaran awakens the senses, relaxes the body and soothes the soul. You can explore the hidden gardens with over 1,000 types of eclectic plants and flowers, exotic birds, 100 varieties of palm trees, and 30 types of hibiscus. Be sure to surround yourself with the striking sunsets, the splendor of secluded sandy beaches, and the sights and sounds of nature all in one place.

This historic property and its surrounding area was originally the summer estate of the Scripps family which they called Braemar. Mrs. Scripps, matriarch of the family, envisioned a simple yet elegant home, a place where the family could enjoy wonderful ocean breezes and comfortable starry nights. The family eventually abandoned their summer estate in late 1955, and it was sold. In 1958, Mr. William D. Evans acquired the property and began construction of what would become the Catamaran Resort Hotel. Initially the resort was a modest 82-room Inn. The pier has not changed much since the property was first purchased. The original décor was modeled off of a Spanish motif. However, the Spanish décor did not create the ambient feeling the Evans hoped to effect. He wanted the buildings to act as a frame around a picturesque landscape. After much deliberation, it was decided that the main constant motif of the ever-changing inn would be drawn from tropical themes and influences.

When looking at the main buildings, you will notice that the architecture is heavy on the bottom and light on the top. This is typical of colonial Hawaiian architecture. All of the window frames and doors you see in the hotel are carved out of Mahogany that was cut 25 years ago in Honduras. Expert craftsmen were hired to design and build the exotic waterfall and pond in the lobby. The waterfall itself is comprised of several distinct six-foot by eight-foot tall segments. The tile in the lobby is made up of handcrafted Cantera stone imported from deep in the heart of Mexico.

Throughout the decades, the Evans family has gone to great lengths to import traditional Pacific Island art. All of the ethnic art including spears, personal jewelry, hand-woven rugs, and warrior shields are from New Guinea and were made prior to World War II. As you face the front desk, look above and you will see a very large Tapa cloth made of Mulberry bark. It is from the New Hebrides Islands located off the coast of New Guinea. When this piece was commissioned, it was the largest one done since 1920 and took many different island families over a year to make. The wood that makes up the front desk is called Black Koa wood, which is native to the Tahitian Islands. The totem poles throughout the property were handcrafted in Bali specifically for the Catamaran. As you approach the stairs on the way to the Atoll restaurant, look to your left and you will see large carving encased in glass that looks like a stool. This piece of art is known as the “speaking stool,” the second largest known in existence. It was found by Michael Rockefeller in a headhunter village in 1961.

The Catamaran’s 313 rooms and suites are spacious and tastefully appointed with their own balcony or patio. Mission Bay, the world’s largest aquatic park, is at your doorstep and the enticing waves of the Pacific Ocean are just 100 yards away. Enjoy marvelous views of the California coastline or stunning city skyline from every part of the beach resort. In San Diego, activities and local attractions are never far away. Visit the world famous San Diego Zoo, historic Old Town, and SeaWorld. Whether staying at the Catamaran Resort for pleasure or business, you’ll experience San Diego, one of Southern California’s most exciting cities, in all its fascinating and colorful detail.   (For more information, please visit www.catamaranresort.com)

George Thomas

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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – If you live in Los Angeles, chances are you love a good road trip.  Being born and raised here, I have spent some serious time in a car.  And when you think of classic road trips from LA, a trip to Phoenix, Arizona is always at the top of the list.

So out of the clear blue sky, I decided I was going to Phoenix on a road trip, by myself or with other people.  I did not care, I announced it to my lady and the rest of the family, and set the date.  I was so excited; I would golf and swim at the pool, maybe work out.  It takes just under six hours to get there from Los Angeles, if you fly it is an hour, but sometimes there is nothing better than rolling down the highway.  I was already thinking about getting some beef jerky and corn nuts, the ranch flavored ones are my favorite.

I picked the Arizona Grand Resort; because it has everything you can think of and is right there in Phoenix.  As it got closer to the date, and everyone could tell I was going to Phoenix no matter what, my lady decided to come with me.  At least I would have someone to talk to during the drive, and I could tell her about all the fun I was going to have.

My plan was quite scheduled and detailed.  In the morning I would wake up and go play golf at the resorts award winning course.  Then Joanne would be awake and we could go get a nice lunch, from there it would be a delightful workout, then to the pool until dinner time.  We proceeded to do this three days in a row, then it was back to Los Angeles to run a newspaper.  But first and foremost, I came to hit the links, sink some birdies, and rip some drives 300 yards out of bounds.

For over two decades, Arizona Grand Golf Course has supported the rich tradition of the game with its unique links course, featuring panoramic views of the surrounding desert landscape. The golf course was spectacular and totally fun to play.  Teeing off early in the morning is key to having a full day, and keeping out of the heat if you happen to be in the desert.  Dramatic elevation changes and breathtaking mountain vistas highlight the diverse and challenging par 71 layout. There is one par three where you are on top of a mountain, launching your tee shot into the valley below, plus the view from on top of the mountain is incredible. The course compliments the grandeur of the spectacular Sonoran desert with stunning conditions and a service staff committed to creating exceptional experiences for players of all ability levels.

The Arizona Grand Resort also has a lot more than just golf.  Our room was luxurious and delightful.  The window opened right up to the golf course, and you could watch the sunset and see the magnificently colored clouds.  I could have just laid on the bed, watching local news and worrying about monsoons, but we came out to do things. The gym was first class, with a spa and sauna in each of the locker rooms as well.  There were several pools, tennis courts, and every conceivable weightlifting machine you could think of, including free-weights.  A light workout after golf, then a steam & soak in the spa can really relax you, and is definitely the way to go.

Another great thing about the Arizona Grand Resort is their waterpark.  Believe it or not, there are several water slides, a wave pool, and an ongoing flowing river.  We went and got two rubber tubes and just chilled in the river.  It goes around in a huge swerving circle with waterfalls and a white water section.  We must have been in the water for five hours and gone around seventy five times, it was quite fun.

The resort has everything you need, including some award winning restaurants.  One of the nights we decided to walk up to Rustler’s Rooste.  Not only was this a much discussed restaurant in the Phoenix scene, it was also a ten minute walk from the resort.  Once you get up to the restaurant, the view of Phoenix is incredible.  It is definitely worth eating at Rustler’s Rooste, if not for the vista and view alone.

Rustler’s Rooste was established in 1971. The legend goes that the original site, atop a butte in the foothills of South Mountain, was a hideout for cattle rustlers. Today, it is Arizona’s Legendary Cowboy Steakhouse. It is located 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix and Tempe, 20 minutes from Scottsdale and 10 minutes from the airport.

Rustler’s Rooste is a 2-story building with our lounge on the top level. Stroll over the indoor waterfall and take the slide into the dining room — (for the faint of heart, there is a staircase). Both areas are bordered on the north side by large plate glass windows that provide an unparalleled view of the city lights.

I had the ribs, and the meat just fell off the bone.  The atmosphere is very cowboy, and I wished at that very moment I owned some snakeskin boots and a large hat.  I don’t even know how to lasso a tree stump, and I couldn’t line dance to save my life.

The food was great, and the location is really cool, being able to see the entire valley and airport.  You could watch the planes come in and take off, it was all quite amazing.

I love a good road trip to the desert.  Phoenix is just far enough away to make it another world, but close enough to jump in the car and drive out there.  Besides the great food, wonderful golf, waterslides and a five star resort, the sunsets are some of the best in the world.   It is time to grab your swimsuit, fill up the tank, and head out to the desert.  (For more information, please visit www.rustlersrooste.com and www.arizonagrandresort.com)

George Thomas

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SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA — Since it first opened its doors in 1988, The Phoenician has set the standard for luxury and service in the Sonoran Desert. The AAA Five Diamond resort is a visual masterpiece, spanning 250 acres of lush gardens and dramatic desert terrain against the spectacular backdrop of Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona. Here, the spirit and vitality of the Southwest are embodied throughout the resort’s landscaping, art and architecture.

But what truly sets The Phoenician apart is the remarkable diversity guests will find here, allowing them to create the travel experience of their dreams. Accommodations range from luxurious guestrooms to residential-style casitas. Dining can be a casually elegant affair, as found at the Italian-inspired Il Terrazzo; as informal as a refreshing salad enjoyed poolside; or as memorable as a romantic feast just for two under the stars. The world-class recreational offerings of The Phoenician’s golf, tennis and spa facilities are balanced by the more unconventional pleasures of touring the resort’s fascinating Cactus Garden or exclusive $25 million art collection; or feeding Koi at Necklace Lake Lagoon.

Spacious, Elegant Accommodations

The Phoenician offers guests a choice of 643 spacious accommodations from guestrooms and luxury suites to casitas with private entrances. In the main resort building, there are 450 beautifully decorated guest rooms averaging 600 square feet, plus 12 luxury suites and two expansive 3,000 square-foot presidential suites. All offer private balconies and are appointed with elegant furnishings, hand-selected artwork and crisp, white duvets with Sealy Posturepedic Firm Pillow Top mattresses to induce the sweetest of sleep. Oversized bathrooms are dressed in Italian marble and stocked with plush robes and The Phoenician’s signature, full-size toiletries.

The intimate Canyon Suites, nestled against Camelback Mountain, is a boutique resort within the resort offering guests enhanced signature services, such as a therapeutic bath turndown, fresh-brewed tea or coffee in a sterling silver set, a seasonal amenity presented by Executive Chef Paul Carter and a Canyon Ambassador to take care of the guest’s every desire, including. The Canyon Suites features 20 guestrooms, 38 luxury suites and two presidential suites, as well as its own secluded “edgeless” pool and cabanas.

A short stroll from the main building adjacent to the Necklace Lake Lagoon, the casitas include an additional 119 guestrooms and suites offering doorstep parking and private entrances. The first floor casitas are pet-friendly. Cats or dogs up to 50 pounds are accommodated here.

Award-Winning Dining

The Phoenician offers seemingly endless dining options that are as diverse as they are inspired. Among the nine restaurants is Il Terrazzo, featuring authentic American-Italian cuisine; and J&G Steakhouse, showcasing a bill of fare created by world-renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.   For a more casual experience, the charming Café and Ice Cream Parlor serves tempting treats and light meals in a family-friendly atmosphere; and the Oasis and Canyon Grills present a variety of poolside favorites; while a complete lineup of signature burgers, appetizers and desserts await at the Relish Burger Bistro.   For a more traditional experience, relax to the rich temptations of Afternoon Tea in the Lobby Tea Court.

Another popular gathering spot, the Thirsty Camel Lounge, serves luxury spirits, light fare and rare cigars with live piano or saxophone adding to the ambience. And for private dining, The Praying Monk offers an intimate, Renaissance-inspired setting for small parties. Dinner at tee box eight is a private gourmet dinner for two served under the stars at the highest point on the resort’s golf course. This romantic experience is also available within one of the resort’s secluded garden retreats near the casita lawn.

World-Class Leisure Pastimes

At The Phoenician, world-class recreational options abound. The golf club offers 27 holes of championship play on three, nine-hole par 70 combinations. Designed by Homer Flint and Ted Robinson, Sr., the courses feature stunning mountain and city views, while the 11-court Tennis Garden is the only resort facility in the Southwest to offer four playing surfaces.

Guests in search of enlightenment can indulge in an array of pampering and rejuvenating spa treatments at the 22,000 square-foot Centre for Well-Being, or learn about the resort’s many treasures – both natural and cultural – with guided and self-guided tours of the two-acre Cactus Garden and The Phoenician’s $25 million art collection.

For total relaxation, nine sparkling swimming pools tempt with their promise of cool refreshment, while an array of secluded garden retreats, which dot the grounds like secret, hidden oases, offer peaceful spots for reading, picnicking and other quiet pleasures. Family travelers will appreciate the activity-filled Explorers Program, which includes the supervised Funician Kid’s Club for ages 5-12. The Explorers Activity Center adjacent to the Tennis Garden houses a theater complete with a 72-inch-wide cinema screen and surround-sound speaker system. The center also features a 60-inch plasma television and the popular Nintendo Wii game system for kids and teens to enjoy interactive play.

Meetings as an Art Form

With more than 120,000 square feet of interior/exterior meetings and event space, The Phoenician seamlessly accommodates groups of all sizes – from small, high-level executive gatherings to grand affairs for 2,500. Here, guests will find the same design, forethought, and attention to detail that characterize the resort’s leisure programs.

The centerpiece of the resort’s meeting facilities is the contemporary, 15,000 square-foot. Camelback Ballroom, complemented by the traditional 22,000 square-foot Phoenician Grand Ballroom. Cutting-edge audiovisual capabilities are showcased in the 5,270 square-foot Estrella Theatre. Up-to-the-minute support technology – including high-speed Internet access, dedicated servers and Wi-Fi capabilities – is balanced by the attentive services of an Executive Meeting Specialist assigned to every group.

The Phoenician, a AAA Five Diamond resort, is owned and operated by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide as part of The Luxury Collection. It is minutes from both Sky Harbor International Airport and the region’s finest shopping and dining. For additional information and reservations, call The Phoenician at (480) 941-8200; toll free (800) 888-8234 or visit www.thephoenician.com.

George Thomas

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