The Polite Traveler

Dear Polite Traveler, The initial indication that this museum would be first-class was outside its doors.  Fenced and crawling in front of the museum are ten world-famous David Černý's " Babies " created to draw our collective attention toward how we dehumanize ourselves.  Within the same area is The Fault Line Meditation by Everette Solomon aka JEVPIC .  Ingeniously, his installation reflects CA’s San Andreas Fault while also helping us understand that “the fault is just a fault” and not to dwell on our mistakes, but to understand them, learn from them, and move forward.  Beautifully lit up at night, this brilliant art installation spoke to me as none has in quite some time.  Is that a car resting on its front bumper? A car balanced on a pool of water, Gonzalo Lebrija’s  History of Suspended Time (A monument for the impossible) is a wonder.  It’s a must-see, if just for the fun of it.  Whoa!  Marilyn is Ginormous! Forever ...

The Tale of Our Trip to Palm Springs Dear Polite Travelers, At least 5000 years, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians inhabited Palm Springs before white people came to claim large portions of it for themselves.   Due to presidential decree, they are—again—considered the largest landholder of the land they previously roamed unincumbered.   This back and forth of the land, people, and culture are just three of the unique qualities of this majestic, dramatic site.   And I couldn’t resist a visit, especially since tourist information boasted its measures to curb Covid.   For me, this was a let’s-travel-slam-dunk.   Information Stop Our first stop was the visitors center right off highway 111.   It’s a small historic building with a dramatic San Jacinto Mountains backdrop.   I was looking for information about the Rat Pack I grew up with from the early ‘60s.   Yes, I’m that old.   We learned their influence was everywhere, es...

Imagine a trip to a tropical island.   The air is fresh with smells of the ocean, sand, and something that can’t be put into mere words.   It is more of a feeling, rather than something that can be simply discussed or splashed down on a cold page.   Now, imagine Hawaii.   If you’ve never been, you are probably picturing swaying palms, sandy beaches, and tanned bodies lying everywhere.   Even if you’ve been to some of the Hawaiian Islands, you may be visualizing this right now—great vision to invoke mid-winter.   Keep this vision as we move on.      The big island, Hawaii, always held great interest for me since I was a young child because of the many romantic stories about the cowboys on the biggest cattle ranch in the US, the Parker Ranch.   Of course, in Hawaii, those cowboys are called Paniolos.   So here I am, a much older version of that little girl swooning over ranch life and horses and expecting to see cattle roaming ...

What is Universal's King’s Cross Station & The Hogwarts Express Revised 4/2021 Dear Polite Traveler, Channeling the excitement Harry must have had for his first ride on the Hogwarts Express – and finding platform 9 ¾ – I nearly ran through a wonderfully replicated King’s Cross Station to get to said train.  Totally unnecessary, but I couldn’t help it.  I am an old lady who still thinks she is a kid. Note : Follow CDC and Park guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask when in public.    Let’s Make a Little Magic Attention to detail is on overload at King’s Cross, right down to the perfume ad Harry and Dumbledore stood in front of near the beginning of the movie Half-Blood Prince.  Slow down and try to appreciate the setting.  Gaze at the brick walls.  Appreciate the ubiquitous musician at the front of the station—very typical at the actual King’s Cross in London.  Platform 9 ¾ Once up a flight...

Priceless Entertainment Surprises At Universal Orlando Revised 4/2021 Where can one find performances by The Blues Brothers and Marilyn Monroe, not to mention singing frogs and break-dancers?   As a returning visitor to Universal Orlando, I have experienced some of the professional entertainment that springs up all over the park and was expecting some of the same.   However, I was pleasantly surprised during my most recent visit. Note : Follow CDC and park guidelines when visiting.  Always wear your face mask when in public.     Marilyn woos my hubby. Photos adorn the walls of my daughter's home, so it's safe to say she's a mega-fan of Marilyn.  Consequently, I took every advantage to get photos of this iconic figure.   The actress playing Ms. Monroe is always in character and a hoot to meet.   Checking our Universal Studios Florida park map, I found times – and place – where Marilyn and her “Diamond Bellas” would be performing and tug...