CULTURAL ADVENTURES Archives | TRAVELS WITH TAM

New York For Newbies: A First Timer’s Guide To The Big Apple

July 26, 2018 By Tam Warner 22 Comments

island in the hudson, big apple, 5th avenue, statue of liberty — New York!

New York For Newbies: A First Timer’s Guide To The Big Apple

Visiting New York is one of the most popular places on travel wish lists and bucket lists. After all, the skyline is iconic and there are many famous sights to see and cultural activities to indulge in. It is a relative smorgasbord for tourists! The Big Apple can be a little intimidating for first time visitors because of its size, but luckily, even if you are a first-time visitor, you can have an amazing trip!

Getting your bearings

New York is a surprisingly simple place to get the hang of geographically. This is because it is split into just five districts, called boroughs. The first is Manhattan, probably the most famous, and the one that is located on the island in the Hudson. Then there are Queens, Brooklyn, The Bronx, and Staten Island.

With New York’s excellent subway and bus transport system, it shouldn’t be too tough to find your way around, even without a car. In fact, the roads in New York are known to be somewhat hair-raising, even for the most confident driver, so newbies visiting the city may wish to skip hiring a car for their first visit entirely.

Safety

Another surprise for first time visitors to the Big Apple is that New York is one of the safest cities in the world! Of course, there are still the usual risks that you will encounter in any big city, and one in particular to avoid are pickpockets. I know all about pickpockets, as I have been a victim of them twice! They are good at what they do, so watch your bags and do not leave zippers exposed!

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Pickpockets in New York operate on the subway or in crowded spaces like in Time Square or where street performance is occurring. They often use a bait and switch scam which is when one person creates a scene and while someone else relieves you of your wallet, smartphone, and valuables. With this in mind it’s best to avoid keeping things in trouser or coat pockets, and instead, use a bag that is worn and accessible only to you. I’ve had people get into my backpack, so keep your stuff on your front!

Also, concerning safety, it’s always smart to not mark yourself out as a tourist or newbie as much as possible. What this means is that if you need directions, ask a storekeeper rather than a stranger on the street, or use your headphone for Google Maps.

Lastly, keep the guidebooks to a minimum, and carry minimal cash, who doesn’t take credit or debit cards these days?

Don’t miss sights and attractions

Which of New York’s famous sites and attractions you should visit on your first trip? There are plenty of choices!

Be sure to head to the center of the city where you will be able to marvel at the structure of Grand Central Station, take a walk in the famous Central Park, and head over to 5th Avenue for some high-end shopping.

Then there the famous Lady Liberty herself, a gift to America in 1886 by the French and located on Liberty Island in the Hudson River. The Statue of Liberty is an iconic attraction that all New York Visitors must see, and you can access the site via a ferry tour, although it is worth considering booking before the day you go, to avoid long queues.

If you are up for a bit of culture on your Big Apple Visit, then there’s nowhere better than the rather spectacular MOMA or Museum of Modern art on 53rd street in Manhattan. You can make it a triple whammy by taking a trip to the Metropolitian Museum of Art, on 5th Avenue and the Guggenheim, designed by Frank Lloyd-Wright, also on 5th Avenue on, as well!

Last of all, if you are looking for some high energy fun, why not head on over to the theatre district and take in a show like Anastasia on Broadway, now showing at the Broadhurst? Such musicals are known for their stunning costumes, and substantial production values, making them a very entertaining activity to partake in.

Alternatively, if you would rather be out and about why not take a walk around The Bustling street of Chinatown? There you can visit the very vintage Nom Wah Tea Parlor, or The Golden Unicorn, and treat yourself to an authentic chinese meal.

New York delicacies

Talking of food, it would be a crime to visit New York without partaking of some of the particular delicacies that are “street food”.First and foremost this means hot dogs, which are pretty much available on every street corner, especially in central New York. Although Crif Dogs and The Cannibal Beer & Butcher are rated among the best.

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There are other places to eat as well as thehot dog carts, and particularly popular right now are the food markets, and the Heartland Brewery on 8th Avenue. Try the soft pretzels with cheese dip, pulled pork sandwich, or the pastrami egg rolls which are getting rave reviews!

Alternatively, if you fancy something with a little more kick then why not head on over to Los Tacos No. 1, on 9th Avenue? There is often a long line! Luckily it moves quickly and is a favorite with locals for tacos, tortillas, and carne asada. Yum!

Last of all, with a strong Jewish heritage, it’s no surprise that you will find some fantastic bagel joints and delis in the Big Apple as well. You probably won’t have time to try everything on the menu as they are so vast! Don’t worry though because a classic pastrami Reuben is always a good choice, as is cream cheese and lox. Just remember to ask for it ‘easy on the pickles’ if you’re not into gherkins! Plus, no one will spot you as a newbie if you start to master the local lingo!

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and don’t forget to check out CITYPASS

When on the Wrong Side of History

June 19, 2018 By Tam Warner 1 Comment

Amy Roberts welcoming us to The Harrington School.

Being on the wrong side of history isn’t unusual, and there are many examples of it in the United States (and around the world). Learning about such circumstances can be very enlightening, and when the wrong is clearly acknowledged I am so appreciative. Not long ago I paid a visit to beautiful St Simon’s Island in the state of Georgia, and learned so much about the history of the area! One of my favorite experiences was our visit to The Harrington School, and meeting Amy Roberts.

Amy Roberts is a wonderful storyteller and historian.

The names of the students at The Harrington School and art depicting the importance of education to this community.

My group toured with Cap Fendig’s Lighthouse Trolleys and Tours, and he obtained permission to visit The Harrington School off hours. The school was founded in the 1920s by emancipated slaves on St Simon’s Island. The school provided education for children through 7th grade until the Georgia schools were desegregated in the 1960s. The school became the focal point of African American communities on St Simons Island. Apparently, Gullah Geechee heritage is simply being an American whose origins are in Africa and whose ancestors were slaves. At least that is what I gathered from Amy Roberts, our lovely guide at The Harrington School, which is open to the public.

Amy Roberts was a thoroughly enjoyable personality who attended the Harrington School in the 1950s. Her stories of the school and the community of former slaves and their families was riveting. I learned that Eugenia Price, a southern author, wrote a trilogy about the history and lives of the plantations of St Simons Island. From Amy, I also learned about an incident in St Simons that ought to have tremendous historical influence on us as Americans. The story as I heard it from Amy is that slave catchers “conned” a group of Igbo (now Nigeria) Africans to come to the United States to participate in agricultural endeavors. When they boarded the ship they were chained and learned what their fate was going to be: slavery. The Wanderer, the ship that carried them to America, docked in Savannah where most of the people were bought for about $100 per person by slaveholders John Couper and Thomas Spalding of St Simons’ Island. These poor people were crowded onto the York, a coastal vessel, in chains and transported to Dunbar Creek on St Simons. During the trip, led by their chief, the Igbo rebelled, took over the ship, and drowned their captors. Rather than endure slavery, several of the Igbo people committed suicide by drowning themselves in Dunbar Creek. The story grabbed my heart and I felt this sacrifice in my bone marrow. The event is known as the Igbo Landing Mass Suicide and even though there are accounts that differ regarding the event, the power of this story has a huge impact.

This incredible painting shows the mass suicide of the Igbo people. Look closely at the water where faces are floating.

I love the South, but its past is on the wrong side of history. The Harrington School and the stories of “slaves” and their “owners” help to give us a view into the actual humanity of the individuals, and the redemption of the evils of slavery. I feel the same way about Confederate flags and statues, they should be displayed as artifacts of a time in history that must be remembered because of the great wrongs committed, not in honor of their “lost cause”. The idea of the demise of a society based on slavery being “romantic” doesn’t sit right with me. For me, it is an unfathomable evil to “own” people. Glorifying the antebellum society pre Civil War is something people tend to do, without recognizing exactly what they are glorifying. I found the history of St Simons and the birth of an African American community around The Harrington School to be a story of hope, perseverance and honesty on the part of the island, and the people of the island.

A visit to St Simon’s is many things, but among the many activities and quaint streets, there is a history worth knowing.

Why Cozumel is a Fantastic Culinary Destination!

June 16, 2018 By Tam Warner 8 Comments

Cozumel is a Fantastic Culinary Destination!

I love Cozumel, Mexico, a beautiful island in the Mexican Caribbean. It offers so much to visitors like world class diving, snorkeling, and yes, fantastic culinary delights! I know people in the USA are on edge about visiting Mexico these days, but let me tell you, I feel safer here than I do in my home in Dallas, and I’m betting you will too! [Read more…] about Why Cozumel is a Fantastic Culinary Destination!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!!!!!!!!

June 7, 2018 By Tam Warner 5 Comments

Take me out to the ball game, take me out in the crowd, buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks, I don’t care if I never get back! Let me root, root, root for the home team, if they don’t win it’s a shame! For its one, two, three strikes you’re out at the old ballgame!

Who doesn’t love America’s favorite past time? There is just something about going to see a live game of baseball! When Rate Your Seats .com contacted me, I was very excited about the opportunity to go to a Ranger’s game! RateYourSeats.com is the best website to buy your baseball tickets–with actual seat view images before purchasing! Now, I like that idea! For that matter, RateYourSeats.com is the best website to purchase any tickets at live events in the Big D! Try them out, you will love the easy way to navigate their website!

rate your seats, baseball game, funnel cake, root root root — View from our seats!

My husband and I had Club Seats, which gives you the option of wait staff for your food! Yum! Randy had a bar-b-q sandwich, I had to eat a hot dog even though I haven’t had a hot dog since I can’t remember when. I mean, it’s a baseball game! And don’t forget to spoil yourself with a funnel cake! And a great big Coca Cola!

Next time you need to purchase tickets, head to RateYourSeats.com and see the view from the seats you purchase! Pretty sweet deal!

St Simon’s Island is Full of Authentic Southern History and Charm

June 5, 2018 By Tam Warner 6 Comments

I loved my recent visit to St Simon’s Island and enjoyed the authentic southern history and charm of the place! It truly is like stepping back in time because the island does not allow buildings over four stories, so there are no big name hotels (the Supreme Court ruled that the island could keep their zoning regulations!). No big chain restaurants. Everything is small, authentic, one of a kind. It is very hard to find places like that anymore! Welcome to St Simon’s!

Captain Fendig’s Lighthouse Trolleys and Tours is the best company on the island to get the real scoop and stories. Cap is island born and bred, and he makes sure his tour guides are the real deal.

There is only one place to get your St Simon’s history and stories….Lighthouse Trolleys and Tours!

The Bloody Marsh Battle Site

The end of Spain’s designs on Georgia came on July 7, 1742, when British troops ambushed the Spanish and ended Spanish claims on the colony forever. James Oglethorpe colonized Georgia for Great Britain, but there were many disputes over the Georgia and Florida borders between Spain and Britain. The fight found the Spanish taking cover in the forest….but the outnumbered British caught them by coming across the marsh (swamp) and over 200 Spaniards died. (Want more info? Click on https://www.goldenisles.com/listing/bloody-marsh-battle-site/210/) Cap Fendig took us to the site, and like a true history buff, he had one question for us: what if the Spanish had won? My bet is that everyone would be speaking Spanish on St Simon’s, and probably the whole Eastern seaboard!

The Marker at the Bloody Marsh National Park.

St Simon’s Island Lighthouse

There are only five remaining lighthouses in Georgia, and you guessed it, St Simon’s is one of them. It is still in operation, assisting traffic entering St Simon’s Sound. The historic site is beautiful, it houses a fascinating museum, gift shop and yes, you can climb the 129 steps to the top of the lighthouse! For more information go to www.saintsimonslighthouse.org.

The Lighthouse Keeper’s house, now a museum

An incredible piece made by an unknown during the Civil War. The head of Nora August, a contraband slave, is carved from Ivory…it really is an amazing piece. (But no more ivory! We are losing our elephants!)

Christ’s Church, Frederica

The church was built in 1820 and destroyed by Union soldiers during the Civil War. It is the 3rd oldest Episcopalian Church in the USA. The cemetery was the most fascinating part of the tour…Cap Fendig had a Union Soldier waiting for us at the entrance to the grounds, and the family histories of those buried there were riveting. Many famous Georgians have been laid to rest at Christ Church, including southern novelist Eugenia Price, who wrote the St Simons Trilogy.

After being destroyed in the Civil War Christ Church was rebuilt by Anson Phelps Dodge in 1886. The grounds are spectacular.

The stained glass in memorial to Anson Phelps Dodge.

There is something so peaceful about older cemeteries.

There is a sense of Southern timelessness at Christ Church.

Those buried here live on in the history of Christ Church.

Behind Harry, our Union Soldier, is the stone memorial of Lordy King.

One of the most interesting stories is that of Lordy King and Neptune Small. The King family owned Retreat Plantation on St Simon’s Island, and each child of the family had a companion slave with whom to grow up. Henry Lord Page King, called Lordy, had a slave, Neptune, who was only five months younger. They grew up together and all of the children and their companion slaves were taught to read and write by Anna Mathilda Page King, Lordy’s mother. It was not uncommon for slaves to accompany their owners to war, and Neptune went with Lordy when Civil War broke out. Lordy was shot and killed during the Battle of Fredericksburg, VA, in 1862, and Neptune found his body on the battlefield. He enlisted help from the officers to make a simple pine box to carry Lordy’s body, and in Richmond Neptune bought a casket and started home. The story says that Lordy’s siblings met Neptune in Savannah and they buried Lordy in a temporary grave because Union soldiers had taken St Simon’s Island for their headquarters. Neptune then went with Tip King, the youngest brother, when he went to the war, and stayed with him until the surrender. Neptune was free, but he chose to return to Savannah to disinter Lordy and take him home to be buried at Christ Church on St Simons, with his family. The King family gifted a small piece of land on their plantation to Neptune, and he took the name “Small”, apparently because he was a smallish man. He built his house, married, and raised his children there, working for the King family until he died. He was buried in the Retreat Plantation slave graveyard. Now, I am not a person to idealize the antebellum or war time South, and I’m not fond of the display of the Stars and Bars unless it is in a historical context, but I did find the story touching, that a slave who could have been free would have taken his companion home for burial. It speaks to a love or fondness for Lordy on the part of Neptune Small.

Stay tuned for more fascinating stories and blogs about St Simon’s Island and the King and Prince Beach and Golf Resort where I stayed in historical and casual splendor! Casual luxury is my favorite kind!

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Making the most of travel to Ireland!

June 3, 2018 By Tam Warner 16 Comments

visit to Ireland, visit Ireland, Ireland, visit northern ireland, northern ireland — Dublin

Make the most of your visit to Ireland! Everyone should visit Ireland, especially me! I am one of many Americans who have Irish roots, and I would love to pay a visit to the land of my ancestors. Do you have Irish roots?

Did you know that Ireland is the size of Indiana? In the mid to late 19th century, the Irish immigrant numbers were huge in America, and my ancestor, Philip LaHart, was one of them. Philip was born in Killenaule, Tipperary, Ireland in 1845, and immigrated to America in1862, a few years after the “Refugee Crisis of the 19th Century”, the Potato Famine. Like the 1.5 million immigrants from Ireland between 1845-1855, he came to make a better life for himself, and succeeded. He was my second great grandfather, which isn’t very far back when you think about it! I very much want to visit Ireland and see where he came from.

Take a look at these top tips for enjoying your Ireland adventures.

In case you didn’t know already, Ireland is actually made up of two countries. Northern Ireland is a part of the UK, while the Republic of Ireland is a wholly independent country and one that will stay a part of the European Union after Brexit. With two different currencies, different accents and even different cultures – you should experience both during your visit. The history of Northern Ireland is a turbulent one, and one worth study. Weather-wise, both countries are the same in that they feature a sometimes cold and wet climate. Ireland.com says to visit during the summer to enjoy the warmest, driest weather.

Travel by car

With so much glorious countryside to explore, I’m told a rental car is the best idea. While you can take trains and other forms of public transport, you’ll find it much easier to drive – even if you are on the other side of the road! This 5-day south coast itinerary is a good way to explore towns and cities like Cork, Wexford and Waterford as well as some picturesque stops en route. If you want to camp during your visit, you’ll find some great spots to enjoy the outdoors, offering you the chance to see Ireland at its best.

Enjoy popular tours and attractions

A visit to Ireland can be made even better by taking in some of its most popular tours and attractions. If you love the Game of Thrones, you’ll love this awesome Game of Thrones tour. I know I will! Meanwhile, the delights of Dublin include the world-famous Guinness Factory, and you can find out exactly what Ed Sheeran was singing about in Galway. There really is a lot to fit in during your time. Personally, I think I need to spend a month at least.

Ireland has a long and fascinating history from castles to abbeys and more, you can discover incredible historical sites in Ireland and Northern Ireland. I also want to see Hore’s Abbey in Tipperary, and the Rock of Cashel in Cashel, Tipperary. Giant’s Causeway is known as a breathtaking spot, so make sure you add it to your list of things to see. If you know your Irish geneaology, there will be even more for you to see.

A visit to Ireland offers so many rich experiences, perfect to satisfy your wanderlust. Whether you’re planning to visit Europe for the summer or you want to tick Ireland off your bucket list, you won’t be disappointed with your adventures. Let’s start planning an Irish getaway and find out what makes this part of the world such a special place to visit. I’m ready to go! I wonder if I will meet Jon Snow?

Be sure to let me know all about your visit, and I will do the same.

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