December 2008
Since our USA and Netherlands trip in May, I have been following up on the contacts made when visiting previous guests on our tours which resulted in several bookings with some for 2010 already.
I also spend time mentoring other tourism businesses in the Nelson area on a voluntary basis (www.businessmentors.org.nz) (www.ntbt.co.nz) and I have put in some groundwork on my tourism consulting business
(www.nztourismconsulting.co.nz) email: consult@nztourismconsulting.co.nz
which I intend to activate more in the next off season.
Michelle (17) had an eventful year at her last year at Garin College, and becoming a world Champion Youth Entrepreneur.
(www.globalenterprisechallenge.com)
She won, with her New Zealand team, the Global Enterprise Challenge 2008, in conjunction with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise held over the weekend in Auckland. Team New Zealand presented their ‘Lillypod’ Business idea, Business Plan and oral presentation beating 20 other participating countries (including Australia, USA, England, Germany, Japan, Korea) to win this prestigious title. She is off to University in February.
On the global economy, I wrote a column for our local Nelson newspaper, capping it off with: “In my view, a lot of what is happening is corrections and adjustments to unrealistic good years of extraordinary growth. It is time to get creative and explore new opportunities. Remember that every downturn will be followed by an upswing. Make the present problem a solution or opportunity, and balance realism with optimism”
Christmas was a quiet affair with the rest of the family in the cold and snowy USA for a family visit and I preparing the busy season, as well as being on tour now.
New Year’s will be on the road with guests in Napier, where we will have a unique dining experience.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
USA / Netherlands family trip
May 11, 2008: Back Home.
We’re home after approximately 41,500 km and 52 hours flying time in 8 different planes. (I did another 6 plain rides extra within the USA to visit previous guests and do presentations). We managed to change to the 7:05 AM flight on Saturday after arrival from Shanghai, and Erik was on the Saxton field soccer pitch at 9 for his game and Michelle at the netball court for her game after almost three days of travel straight from Amsterdam. Weather wise we came from an unusually warm (26-28C)pre summer in the Netherlands to the frosty nights in Thorpe.
Aside from the family visits in Illinois –which was the highlight for all in the US, the Netherlands highlights for Erik were all the soccer stadiums we saw and the Dutch breakfasts, Joan liked the Amsterdam canal boat ride best, Michelle’s favorite was a visit to Anne Frank’s house and shopping and I enjoyed seeing all those people from my “previous life’ again.
APRIL 28, 2008; AMSTERDAM
Early AM arrival in Amsterdam.
Check into hotel downtown, and after a quick rest we get our first impressions of the city. In two days time it is ‘Koninginnedag’ (Queens Birthday) and preparations are in full swing everywhere for the festivities. The 29th we all take a canal boat ride and get off at several stops, one being the Anne Frank House. Walking a lot around downtown, ‘Kermis’ (fair) at the Dam and just taking in all the bicycles in their many shapes and forms. A common saying was ‘death By Bicycle’ you have to have eyes back and front. The interesting style of houses, the (brown water) canals and the many café’s and restaurants are impressive. The weather however is cold and rainy, something which will entirely change later when we get to Fryslan.
On Queens birthday we travel to Rotterdam via Schevingen and Den Haag. The weather is still cold and rainy so we decide against a walk on the beach. Robert’s friends in Rotterdam takes us around all the interesting places like the Euromast, harbor bridge, Feyenoord Stadium and Robert’s old neighborhood which is now renovated and mostly occupied with people from Turkey.
May 1st is also a holiday here: Labor Day. So again, quiet on the roads driving North from Rotterdam via Lisse and Sassenheim along the many fields with colorful bulbs. We skip the Keukenhof as there are many vast fields of bright colors all over. We stop at old fishing towns of Medemblik, Hoorn and Enkhuizen where the old houses dominate, the large traditional sailing ships are moored and the people are friendly. Crossing the Afsluitdijk and entering Fryslan, stopping for dinner in Harlingen, a port which serves the ferry to some of the islands north and also harbors a large ‘Bruine Vloot” (Brown fleet of traditional sailing ships). We arrive late at the small town of Langweer (pop. 800) a place where I spent more than 15 years before coming to New Zealand. From here we cycle, sail on a skutsje from (again) very old friends of mine (unfortunately not much wind at all) and bicycle some more. This evening Michelle plays tennis at the Langwar tennis club and at the same time Erik trains with the Langwar soccer club. We all are welcomed and integrated in the lives of the families we stay with which is a special experience for all.
A day with Henk and Anneke in Snits, sailing (this time there is a reasonable wind) in their Schouw.
One very obvious landmark pops up all over; many windmills and not only from the original traditional type but the electricity generating huge 3 bladed ones. Also several ‘aquaducts’: roads under the river or canals. Funny driving a car right under a sailing boat.
From there we spend the last days in Grou, a place I lived for a short time before moving to New Zealand. Sailing and a big party with 30 or so old friends from yesteryear. Very moving and great to see all these people again. Some I had not seen for almost 30 years.
Heerenveen is an eredivisie soccer club who is 4th and are playing for a place in the UEFA cup. We visited their stadium, and we lucked out seeing the stadium from the Sky box owned by my very old company I worked with through an old co-worker who is still with the company and happened to be at the stadium for a meeting. Pure chance!
One relaxing day, last minute shopping for memorabilia and we are in the camper from Janneke and Email on our way to Schiphol Airport. It’s all over now. Boarding our KLM flight and via Shanghai we get back to Auckland.
Pu Dong Airport at Shanghai is large, and Air New Zealand has just started to use these facilities. Unfortunately we have to go through customs (in and out) and from one terminal to another, searching for ANZ counter, where the check in line is an hour long. Customs did not have any clue as what to do with ‘transit passengers’ and the language barrier did not help either.
We’re home after approximately 41,500 km and 52 hours flying time in 8 different planes. (I did another 6 plain rides extra within the USA to visit previous guests and do presentations). We managed to change to the 7:05 AM flight on Saturday after arrival from Shanghai, and Erik was on the Saxton field soccer pitch at 9 for his game and Michelle at the netball court for her game after almost three days of travel straight from Amsterdam. Weather wise we came from an unusually warm (26-28C)pre summer in the Netherlands to the frosty nights in Thorpe.
Aside from the family visits in Illinois –which was the highlight for all in the US, the Netherlands highlights for Erik were all the soccer stadiums we saw and the Dutch breakfasts, Joan liked the Amsterdam canal boat ride best, Michelle’s favorite was a visit to Anne Frank’s house and shopping and I enjoyed seeing all those people from my “previous life’ again.
APRIL 28, 2008; AMSTERDAM
Early AM arrival in Amsterdam.
Check into hotel downtown, and after a quick rest we get our first impressions of the city. In two days time it is ‘Koninginnedag’ (Queens Birthday) and preparations are in full swing everywhere for the festivities. The 29th we all take a canal boat ride and get off at several stops, one being the Anne Frank House. Walking a lot around downtown, ‘Kermis’ (fair) at the Dam and just taking in all the bicycles in their many shapes and forms. A common saying was ‘death By Bicycle’ you have to have eyes back and front. The interesting style of houses, the (brown water) canals and the many café’s and restaurants are impressive. The weather however is cold and rainy, something which will entirely change later when we get to Fryslan.
On Queens birthday we travel to Rotterdam via Schevingen and Den Haag. The weather is still cold and rainy so we decide against a walk on the beach. Robert’s friends in Rotterdam takes us around all the interesting places like the Euromast, harbor bridge, Feyenoord Stadium and Robert’s old neighborhood which is now renovated and mostly occupied with people from Turkey.
May 1st is also a holiday here: Labor Day. So again, quiet on the roads driving North from Rotterdam via Lisse and Sassenheim along the many fields with colorful bulbs. We skip the Keukenhof as there are many vast fields of bright colors all over. We stop at old fishing towns of Medemblik, Hoorn and Enkhuizen where the old houses dominate, the large traditional sailing ships are moored and the people are friendly. Crossing the Afsluitdijk and entering Fryslan, stopping for dinner in Harlingen, a port which serves the ferry to some of the islands north and also harbors a large ‘Bruine Vloot” (Brown fleet of traditional sailing ships). We arrive late at the small town of Langweer (pop. 800) a place where I spent more than 15 years before coming to New Zealand. From here we cycle, sail on a skutsje from (again) very old friends of mine (unfortunately not much wind at all) and bicycle some more. This evening Michelle plays tennis at the Langwar tennis club and at the same time Erik trains with the Langwar soccer club. We all are welcomed and integrated in the lives of the families we stay with which is a special experience for all.
A day with Henk and Anneke in Snits, sailing (this time there is a reasonable wind) in their Schouw.
One very obvious landmark pops up all over; many windmills and not only from the original traditional type but the electricity generating huge 3 bladed ones. Also several ‘aquaducts’: roads under the river or canals. Funny driving a car right under a sailing boat.
From there we spend the last days in Grou, a place I lived for a short time before moving to New Zealand. Sailing and a big party with 30 or so old friends from yesteryear. Very moving and great to see all these people again. Some I had not seen for almost 30 years.
Heerenveen is an eredivisie soccer club who is 4th and are playing for a place in the UEFA cup. We visited their stadium, and we lucked out seeing the stadium from the Sky box owned by my very old company I worked with through an old co-worker who is still with the company and happened to be at the stadium for a meeting. Pure chance!
One relaxing day, last minute shopping for memorabilia and we are in the camper from Janneke and Email on our way to Schiphol Airport. It’s all over now. Boarding our KLM flight and via Shanghai we get back to Auckland.
Pu Dong Airport at Shanghai is large, and Air New Zealand has just started to use these facilities. Unfortunately we have to go through customs (in and out) and from one terminal to another, searching for ANZ counter, where the check in line is an hour long. Customs did not have any clue as what to do with ‘transit passengers’ and the language barrier did not help either.
Monday, April 28, 2008
APRIL 28, 2008; AMSTERDAM
Early AM arrival in Amsterdam.
APRIL 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 2008: CHICAGO / OTTAWA
Family visit; grandma in Ottawa. Rehearsal dinner and Jason and Kathryn’s wedding. Family photo at Starved Rock Lodge. Hail and thunder storm. Boat ride with John and Jim on the Illinois river.
APRIL 22, 2008: PHILADELPHIA
Horse and Buggy ride, visits to The Kimmel Center, Anne’s office and Fred’s project 101. Afternoon to the overwhelming large King Of Prussia Mall.
APRIL 21, 2008: NEW YORK
Daytrip to New York. Taking the train into Penn Station where we meet long time friends of Joan, Fred and Vickie for lunch at the bustling restaurant. From there a walk to Rockefeller Centre, up to the 69th. floor for a view, and via Time Square back to the train and Philly.
APRIL 20, 2008: PHILADELPHIA
Sunday shopping and sightseeing in Buck’s county.
Visit a friend’s (Fred) horse farm and walked across a bridge to New Jersey.
APRIL 19. 2008: PHILADELPHIA
Five AM up and to the Asheville airport, which is of similar size of Nelson. The prop planes are taxiing on one engine to save fuel. Two short flights and I meet up with Joan and Anne in Philly. Michelle and Erik are asleep after their long trip from New Zealand yesterday. After lunch to the ballgame; Phillies against the New York Mets. The home team lost 2-4. The imposing stadium has 44,000 people and the large screen gets all the attention from time to time. Anne lives down town, older brick houses, bad streets (holes, cracks and litter) but a bustling nightlife with the many cafes, shops etc.
APRIL 18, 2008 ASHEVILLE, NC
Dave is over 90 years old, plays tennis 3 times a week and was world champion senior player in the 85-90 year bracket. The area they live is called Beaver Creek and is a secluded ‘gated community’.
Received confirmation from the people I spoke to in California that they have booked their flights and will be traveling on a NZ custom tour with me next February. Also the people I met in Montgomery are ready to sign up as well.
Today downtown shopping and the rive side arts and crafts studios. Shoes and jeans are still less than half of what these are in NZ. There are many older red brick (tall) buildings mainly due to the available clay in the area, still standing and not replaced by the modern glass towers. There are studios and art galleries in the old store / warehouse / industry buildings along the river. Many of them rough iron and steel sculptures and glass. There is also a macro brewery and interestingly, a processing plant for bio-fuels. These guys collect from 100-150 restaurants in the city their cooking oil and veggies and convert to bio diesel, sold to almost ten gas stations in the area as Blue Ridge Biofuel. Placeways gallery has a woodworker making similar furniture as we can see in Nelson. They are using some different woods like cherry and maple. The nicest decorated place was the restrooms in the building.
North Carolina’s slogan ‘First of Flight” relates to the Wright brothers who (arguably) took their fist flight from here.
This evening it’s a cook-out Southern style at (my previous tour guests) Elisabeth and Stuart.
APRIL 17, 2008: ASHEVILLE, NC
After a long rest Peg takes me to the mail attraction of the State; Biltmore House. America’s largest home, build in 1895 has grandeur and elegance throughout.
This castle like enormous building has thousands of visitors each day, shuffling through the many rooms, from formal dining room to the fourth floor where the servants lived.
Gardens, farm and winery as well as a small village are all part of the estate where some 3,000 people work on maintenance, hosting etc. A visit to the winery after lunch. Due to the number of people, all the visiting ‘wine tasters’ are grouped and directed to one of the 10 tasting areas each with a host/ hostess explaining the wines. One interesting detail is that there is the free tasting area for the ‘common’ wines and an area where the tasting cost $3 –for the top wines. On the way back we travel a part of the Blue Ridge Parkway a totally new road of more than 440 miles, created as a ‘rural’ scenic alternative for the highway. The views of the valleys and mountains compete with Maine and Vermont. Imagine the looks of it in fall! A visit to the Folk Art Center where many different arts and crafts are on display and for sale. One interesting instrument maker was demonstrating the Psalter a German dulcimer type of instrument, played with a bow. Dinner at Savoy an excellent restaurant with trout on the menu.
APRIL 16, 2008, ASHEVILLE, NC
Ralph takes me for a 2 ½ hour drive back to Atlanta City airport. Red clay soil dominates the color all along the long straight and flat highway. Many car manufacturing plants are in this area, a brand-new KIA plant is being built along the highway. Massive buildings of steel framing are up. This will be a boost for the regional employment. Atlanta airport has a bright glass central hall with shops and cafes and a friendly atmosphere. In the corridors are tall plants and rocking chairs which give the whole place a relaxed feel. A short flight to Charlotte and then another short flight with a Dash 8 (remember these in NZ?) loud and noisy. Asheville is a (really) small airport where I am met by Peggie and Dave who traveled with me in 2001. I was expecting Elisabeth and Stu (custom tour 2005) however due to a mis-communication / lost emails (?) they had to send Peg and Dave. I did three states today and lost an hour traveling from Alabama (Alex City) to Georgia (Atlanta) and now in Asheville, North Carolina.
APRIL 15, 2008, ALEXANDER CITY
Catching up with emails etc. Lunch in town. A small (11,000) friendly town which was , and in a small scale still is, the home of Russell (athletics sportswear) Some of the mills are still here, however the shop is not a real outlet store (no specials) and they are now part of FruitoftheLoom label and all owned by Warren Buffett. The Russells still own vast areas of land, which slowly is being developed. We visit Cliff and Sara who were on a 2006 custom tour before Cliff went out hunting in Wanaka for a week. On the wall in his trophy room are his New Zealand mountain thar and stag mounted.
April 14th. 2008. ALEXANDER CITY
Ralph picks me up from the hotel and we catch up on the drive from Atlanta to Alexander City. Ralph and Allyn were on our custom tour in 2006 and we cast our thoughts back and talk about any changes. At 5 PM Allyn and Ralph have invited some 25 plus friends who are interested in travel (and New Zealand) I do a lot of talking and ‘selling’ We’ll follow up with the people most interested in the next few days. The house is on Lake Martin, on a very pretty and secluded point, however today was a very windy day. From my olden sailing days, I would say a great day for rough sailing. The house is bright and colorful and contains a great selection of arts and crafts from all over the world. I notice a few familiar (Hoglund) glass pieces from New Zealand. Also added my gift to them which is classic Maori art. All along the lake some 20000 people have some of the most humungous houses, with some contemporary and more cabin like ones as well. Up to half are holiday homes.
April 13th. 2008. ATLANTA
After Joan and David drop me off at SFO, I fly to Atlanta, Georgia. From the air the area looks very flat and green and in the midst of the flat a few clusters of skyscrapers popping up in the distance. Late arrival at the hotel. Disruptive day
Due to loosing 3 hours (time difference)
April 12th. 2008. Redwood City (San Francisco peninsula)
Catching up on work in the morning, and planning to travel by train to Redwood City, however I changed my mind about the train and had the cab drive me. Had a look around in Los Altos and later in the afternoon met up with potential guests. They are planning to visit New Zealand next January for a three week custom tour. Tonight I will stay with Joan and David, previous guests from a custom tout a year or so ago. We have a great dinner at the Woodland Pub.
April 11th. 2008. Los Angeles.
Daytrip to Los Angeles for presentation and update at Tourism New Zealand. This time, check in at the airports is more strenuous; shoes off, laptop out etc. and the ticketing is all ‘punch it in yourself’
A little delay for my United flight –not as bad as American Airlines who have huge problems with cancelled flights. Darrell, an old friend of Joan’s who lives in LA meet me at the airport and drives me to the meeting with Tourism New Zealand in Santa Monica after we have lunch. At the meeting we exchange information; I present our update and hear about some of the trends. We also explore the new possibilities for us with the new flights from Canada direct into Auckland. On the way back to LAX Darrell shows me his beautiful hillside house (5 rooms 6 bathrooms- one person) just outside Santa Monica, actually within Los Angeles. Many ‘celebrities’ reside in that area. On the way back to LAX I took some pictures of the 2 x 8 lane highway which was very busy. A long line at security where extra details were looked at. There was also a sort of check-up point driving onto the airport, which indicated they had something going on. I managed to rebook the return flight an hour earlier than planned however when everyone was loaded onto the plane and sitting down, they discovered that there was no pilot and co-pilot-oops. So, and hour later after waiting in the plane, we took off back to San Francisco. Altogether a long but successful day.
April 10th 2008. San Francisco.
This day will be drafted in the history books for the big day of confusion in the worldwide Olympics Torch Relay. I took the BART to downtown, and walked along the Embarcadero towards where the torch was supposed to start from. Since I was early enough, people were gathering along the road behind the set up gates, and enormous amounts of police in any way shape or form were gathering around. Waiting at an intersection, many pro Tibet protesters were congregating, and an escorted bus turned the corner-all the protesters jumped on that bus and stopped it. The bus was empty – or perhaps it had the torch in it (under the seats??) Even now we don’t know for sure, because due to all the protests, the entire route was changed and changed again.
I went for lunch at Pier 39 and luckily missed most of the commotion and the many disappointed people who were waiting and did not get to see the torch because of the different route.
April 9th 2008. San Francisco
It is time to visit the county where all of my guests come from: the US of A. My last visit was in 2002, when I visited many travel agents and some of my previous guest, this time only previous clients are on my travel schedule. Mind you, over 60 % of my guests are word of mouth referrals, so that’s where I put my energy and expense.
After a 3 hour delay I arrive in San Francisco (SFO airport), and I experience a refreshing difference from my last experience at LAX. This time no cues, no lengthy check ups and no digging in suitcases. Just a walk thru from the plane to the shuttle. Didn’t even had to open my laptop. Outside it is surprisingly cool here for the time of the year? (50s F) with a stiff breeze.
Relax for the afternoon, and a meal at the Hungry Hunter around the corner of La Quinta Hotel. Get used to American meals: salad first, bread, water and large portions of everything. Also, speed is a factor. No time to quietly sit and ponder for a while. One AM flights, the CalTrain and the next door cool houses creating some noise throughout a restless night.
Early AM arrival in Amsterdam.
APRIL 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 2008: CHICAGO / OTTAWA
Family visit; grandma in Ottawa. Rehearsal dinner and Jason and Kathryn’s wedding. Family photo at Starved Rock Lodge. Hail and thunder storm. Boat ride with John and Jim on the Illinois river.
APRIL 22, 2008: PHILADELPHIA
Horse and Buggy ride, visits to The Kimmel Center, Anne’s office and Fred’s project 101. Afternoon to the overwhelming large King Of Prussia Mall.
APRIL 21, 2008: NEW YORK
Daytrip to New York. Taking the train into Penn Station where we meet long time friends of Joan, Fred and Vickie for lunch at the bustling restaurant. From there a walk to Rockefeller Centre, up to the 69th. floor for a view, and via Time Square back to the train and Philly.
APRIL 20, 2008: PHILADELPHIA
Sunday shopping and sightseeing in Buck’s county.
Visit a friend’s (Fred) horse farm and walked across a bridge to New Jersey.
APRIL 19. 2008: PHILADELPHIA
Five AM up and to the Asheville airport, which is of similar size of Nelson. The prop planes are taxiing on one engine to save fuel. Two short flights and I meet up with Joan and Anne in Philly. Michelle and Erik are asleep after their long trip from New Zealand yesterday. After lunch to the ballgame; Phillies against the New York Mets. The home team lost 2-4. The imposing stadium has 44,000 people and the large screen gets all the attention from time to time. Anne lives down town, older brick houses, bad streets (holes, cracks and litter) but a bustling nightlife with the many cafes, shops etc.
APRIL 18, 2008 ASHEVILLE, NC
Dave is over 90 years old, plays tennis 3 times a week and was world champion senior player in the 85-90 year bracket. The area they live is called Beaver Creek and is a secluded ‘gated community’.
Received confirmation from the people I spoke to in California that they have booked their flights and will be traveling on a NZ custom tour with me next February. Also the people I met in Montgomery are ready to sign up as well.
Today downtown shopping and the rive side arts and crafts studios. Shoes and jeans are still less than half of what these are in NZ. There are many older red brick (tall) buildings mainly due to the available clay in the area, still standing and not replaced by the modern glass towers. There are studios and art galleries in the old store / warehouse / industry buildings along the river. Many of them rough iron and steel sculptures and glass. There is also a macro brewery and interestingly, a processing plant for bio-fuels. These guys collect from 100-150 restaurants in the city their cooking oil and veggies and convert to bio diesel, sold to almost ten gas stations in the area as Blue Ridge Biofuel. Placeways gallery has a woodworker making similar furniture as we can see in Nelson. They are using some different woods like cherry and maple. The nicest decorated place was the restrooms in the building.
North Carolina’s slogan ‘First of Flight” relates to the Wright brothers who (arguably) took their fist flight from here.
This evening it’s a cook-out Southern style at (my previous tour guests) Elisabeth and Stuart.
APRIL 17, 2008: ASHEVILLE, NC
After a long rest Peg takes me to the mail attraction of the State; Biltmore House. America’s largest home, build in 1895 has grandeur and elegance throughout.
This castle like enormous building has thousands of visitors each day, shuffling through the many rooms, from formal dining room to the fourth floor where the servants lived.
Gardens, farm and winery as well as a small village are all part of the estate where some 3,000 people work on maintenance, hosting etc. A visit to the winery after lunch. Due to the number of people, all the visiting ‘wine tasters’ are grouped and directed to one of the 10 tasting areas each with a host/ hostess explaining the wines. One interesting detail is that there is the free tasting area for the ‘common’ wines and an area where the tasting cost $3 –for the top wines. On the way back we travel a part of the Blue Ridge Parkway a totally new road of more than 440 miles, created as a ‘rural’ scenic alternative for the highway. The views of the valleys and mountains compete with Maine and Vermont. Imagine the looks of it in fall! A visit to the Folk Art Center where many different arts and crafts are on display and for sale. One interesting instrument maker was demonstrating the Psalter a German dulcimer type of instrument, played with a bow. Dinner at Savoy an excellent restaurant with trout on the menu.
APRIL 16, 2008, ASHEVILLE, NC
Ralph takes me for a 2 ½ hour drive back to Atlanta City airport. Red clay soil dominates the color all along the long straight and flat highway. Many car manufacturing plants are in this area, a brand-new KIA plant is being built along the highway. Massive buildings of steel framing are up. This will be a boost for the regional employment. Atlanta airport has a bright glass central hall with shops and cafes and a friendly atmosphere. In the corridors are tall plants and rocking chairs which give the whole place a relaxed feel. A short flight to Charlotte and then another short flight with a Dash 8 (remember these in NZ?) loud and noisy. Asheville is a (really) small airport where I am met by Peggie and Dave who traveled with me in 2001. I was expecting Elisabeth and Stu (custom tour 2005) however due to a mis-communication / lost emails (?) they had to send Peg and Dave. I did three states today and lost an hour traveling from Alabama (Alex City) to Georgia (Atlanta) and now in Asheville, North Carolina.
APRIL 15, 2008, ALEXANDER CITY
Catching up with emails etc. Lunch in town. A small (11,000) friendly town which was , and in a small scale still is, the home of Russell (athletics sportswear) Some of the mills are still here, however the shop is not a real outlet store (no specials) and they are now part of FruitoftheLoom label and all owned by Warren Buffett. The Russells still own vast areas of land, which slowly is being developed. We visit Cliff and Sara who were on a 2006 custom tour before Cliff went out hunting in Wanaka for a week. On the wall in his trophy room are his New Zealand mountain thar and stag mounted.
April 14th. 2008. ALEXANDER CITY
Ralph picks me up from the hotel and we catch up on the drive from Atlanta to Alexander City. Ralph and Allyn were on our custom tour in 2006 and we cast our thoughts back and talk about any changes. At 5 PM Allyn and Ralph have invited some 25 plus friends who are interested in travel (and New Zealand) I do a lot of talking and ‘selling’ We’ll follow up with the people most interested in the next few days. The house is on Lake Martin, on a very pretty and secluded point, however today was a very windy day. From my olden sailing days, I would say a great day for rough sailing. The house is bright and colorful and contains a great selection of arts and crafts from all over the world. I notice a few familiar (Hoglund) glass pieces from New Zealand. Also added my gift to them which is classic Maori art. All along the lake some 20000 people have some of the most humungous houses, with some contemporary and more cabin like ones as well. Up to half are holiday homes.
April 13th. 2008. ATLANTA
After Joan and David drop me off at SFO, I fly to Atlanta, Georgia. From the air the area looks very flat and green and in the midst of the flat a few clusters of skyscrapers popping up in the distance. Late arrival at the hotel. Disruptive day
Due to loosing 3 hours (time difference)
April 12th. 2008. Redwood City (San Francisco peninsula)
Catching up on work in the morning, and planning to travel by train to Redwood City, however I changed my mind about the train and had the cab drive me. Had a look around in Los Altos and later in the afternoon met up with potential guests. They are planning to visit New Zealand next January for a three week custom tour. Tonight I will stay with Joan and David, previous guests from a custom tout a year or so ago. We have a great dinner at the Woodland Pub.
April 11th. 2008. Los Angeles.
Daytrip to Los Angeles for presentation and update at Tourism New Zealand. This time, check in at the airports is more strenuous; shoes off, laptop out etc. and the ticketing is all ‘punch it in yourself’
A little delay for my United flight –not as bad as American Airlines who have huge problems with cancelled flights. Darrell, an old friend of Joan’s who lives in LA meet me at the airport and drives me to the meeting with Tourism New Zealand in Santa Monica after we have lunch. At the meeting we exchange information; I present our update and hear about some of the trends. We also explore the new possibilities for us with the new flights from Canada direct into Auckland. On the way back to LAX Darrell shows me his beautiful hillside house (5 rooms 6 bathrooms- one person) just outside Santa Monica, actually within Los Angeles. Many ‘celebrities’ reside in that area. On the way back to LAX I took some pictures of the 2 x 8 lane highway which was very busy. A long line at security where extra details were looked at. There was also a sort of check-up point driving onto the airport, which indicated they had something going on. I managed to rebook the return flight an hour earlier than planned however when everyone was loaded onto the plane and sitting down, they discovered that there was no pilot and co-pilot-oops. So, and hour later after waiting in the plane, we took off back to San Francisco. Altogether a long but successful day.
April 10th 2008. San Francisco.
This day will be drafted in the history books for the big day of confusion in the worldwide Olympics Torch Relay. I took the BART to downtown, and walked along the Embarcadero towards where the torch was supposed to start from. Since I was early enough, people were gathering along the road behind the set up gates, and enormous amounts of police in any way shape or form were gathering around. Waiting at an intersection, many pro Tibet protesters were congregating, and an escorted bus turned the corner-all the protesters jumped on that bus and stopped it. The bus was empty – or perhaps it had the torch in it (under the seats??) Even now we don’t know for sure, because due to all the protests, the entire route was changed and changed again.
I went for lunch at Pier 39 and luckily missed most of the commotion and the many disappointed people who were waiting and did not get to see the torch because of the different route.
April 9th 2008. San Francisco
It is time to visit the county where all of my guests come from: the US of A. My last visit was in 2002, when I visited many travel agents and some of my previous guest, this time only previous clients are on my travel schedule. Mind you, over 60 % of my guests are word of mouth referrals, so that’s where I put my energy and expense.
After a 3 hour delay I arrive in San Francisco (SFO airport), and I experience a refreshing difference from my last experience at LAX. This time no cues, no lengthy check ups and no digging in suitcases. Just a walk thru from the plane to the shuttle. Didn’t even had to open my laptop. Outside it is surprisingly cool here for the time of the year? (50s F) with a stiff breeze.
Relax for the afternoon, and a meal at the Hungry Hunter around the corner of La Quinta Hotel. Get used to American meals: salad first, bread, water and large portions of everything. Also, speed is a factor. No time to quietly sit and ponder for a while. One AM flights, the CalTrain and the next door cool houses creating some noise throughout a restless night.
Monday, April 14, 2008
USA trip
April 9th 2008. San Francisco
It is time to visit the county where all of my guests come from: the US of A. My last visit was in 2002, when I visited many travel agents and some of my previous guest, this time only previous clients are on my travel schedule. Mind you, over 60 % of my guests are word of mouth referrals, so that’s where I put my energy and expense.
After a 3 hour delay I arrive in San Francisco (SFO airport), and I experience a refreshing difference from my last experience at LAX. This time no cues, no lengthy check ups and no digging in suitcases. Just a walk thru from the plane to the shuttle. Didn’t even had to open my laptop. Outside it is surprisingly cool here for the time of the year? (50s F) with a stiff breeze.
Relax for the afternoon, and a meal at the Hungry Hunter around the corner of La Quinta Hotel. Get used to American meals: salad first, bread, water and large portions of everything. Also, speed is a factor. No time to quietly sit and ponder for a while. One AM flights, the CalTrain and the next door cool houses creating some noise throughout a restless night.
April 10th 2008. San Francisco.
This day will be drafted in the history books for the big day of confusion in the worldwide Olympics Torch Relay. I took the BART to downtown, and walked along the Embarcadero towards where the torch was supposed to start from. Since I was early enough, people were gathering along the road behind the set up gates, and enormous amounts of police in any way shape or form were gathering around. Waiting at an intersection, many pro Tibet protesters were congregating, and an escorted bus turned the corner-all the protesters jumped on that bus and stopped it. The bus was empty – or perhaps it had the torch in it (under the seats??) Even now we don’t know for sure, because due to all the protests, the entire route was changed and changed again.
I went for lunch at Pier 39 and luckily missed most of the commotion and the many disappointed people who were waiting and did not get to see the torch because of the different route.
April 11th. 2008. Los Angeles.
Daytrip to Los Angeles for presentation and update at Tourism New Zealand. This time, check in at the airports is more strenuous; shoes off, laptop out etc. and the ticketing is all ‘punch it in yourself’
A little delay for my United flight –not as bad as American Airlines who have huge problems with cancelled flights. Darrell, an old friend of Joan’s who lives in LA meet me at the airport and drives me to the meeting with Tourism New Zealand in Santa Monica after we have lunch. At the meeting we exchange information; I present our update and hear about some of the trends. We also explore the new possibilities for us with the new flights from Canada direct into Auckland. On the way back to LAX Darrell shows me his beautiful hillside house (5 rooms 6 bathrooms- one person) just outside Santa Monica, actually within Los Angeles. Many ‘celebrities’ reside in that area. On the way back to LAX I took some pictures of the 2 x 8 lane highway which was very busy. A long line at security where extra details were looked at. There was also a sort of check-up point driving onto the airport, which indicated they had something going on. I managed to rebook the return flight an hour earlier than planned however when everyone was loaded onto the plane and sitting down, they discovered that there was no pilot and co-pilot-oops. So, and hour later after waiting in the plane, we took off back to San Francisco. Altogether a long but successful day.
April 12th. 2008. Redwood City (San Francisco peninsula)
Catching up on work in the morning, and planning to travel by train to Redwood City, however I changed my mind about the train and had the cab drive me. Had a look around in Los Altos and later in the afternoon met up with potential guests. They are planning to visit New Zealand next January for a three week custom tour. Tonight I will stay with Joan and David, previous guests from a custom tout a year or so ago. We have a great dinner at the Woodland Pub.
April 13th. 2008. ATLANTA
After Joan and David drop me off at SFO, I fly to Atlanta, Georgia. From the air the area looks very flat and green and in the midst of the flat a few clusters of skyscrapers popping up in the distance. Late arrival at the hotel. Disruptive day
Due to loosing 3 hours (time difference)
April 14th. 2008. ALEXANDER CITY
Ralph picks me up from the hotel and we catch up on the drive from Atlanta to Alexander City. Ralph and Allyn were on our custom tour in 2006 and we cast our thoughts back and talk about any changes. At 5 PM Allyn and Ralph have invited some 25 plus friends whoa re interested in travel (and New Zealand) I do a lot of talking and ‘selling’ We’ll follow up with the people most interested in the next few days. The house is on Lake Martin, on a very pretty and secluded point, however today was a very windy day. From my olden sailing days, I would say a great day for rough sailing. The house is bright and colorful and contains a great selection of arts and crafts from all over the world. I notice a few familiar (Hoglund) glass pieces from New Zealand. Also added my gift to them which is classic Maori art.
It is time to visit the county where all of my guests come from: the US of A. My last visit was in 2002, when I visited many travel agents and some of my previous guest, this time only previous clients are on my travel schedule. Mind you, over 60 % of my guests are word of mouth referrals, so that’s where I put my energy and expense.
After a 3 hour delay I arrive in San Francisco (SFO airport), and I experience a refreshing difference from my last experience at LAX. This time no cues, no lengthy check ups and no digging in suitcases. Just a walk thru from the plane to the shuttle. Didn’t even had to open my laptop. Outside it is surprisingly cool here for the time of the year? (50s F) with a stiff breeze.
Relax for the afternoon, and a meal at the Hungry Hunter around the corner of La Quinta Hotel. Get used to American meals: salad first, bread, water and large portions of everything. Also, speed is a factor. No time to quietly sit and ponder for a while. One AM flights, the CalTrain and the next door cool houses creating some noise throughout a restless night.
April 10th 2008. San Francisco.
This day will be drafted in the history books for the big day of confusion in the worldwide Olympics Torch Relay. I took the BART to downtown, and walked along the Embarcadero towards where the torch was supposed to start from. Since I was early enough, people were gathering along the road behind the set up gates, and enormous amounts of police in any way shape or form were gathering around. Waiting at an intersection, many pro Tibet protesters were congregating, and an escorted bus turned the corner-all the protesters jumped on that bus and stopped it. The bus was empty – or perhaps it had the torch in it (under the seats??) Even now we don’t know for sure, because due to all the protests, the entire route was changed and changed again.
I went for lunch at Pier 39 and luckily missed most of the commotion and the many disappointed people who were waiting and did not get to see the torch because of the different route.
April 11th. 2008. Los Angeles.
Daytrip to Los Angeles for presentation and update at Tourism New Zealand. This time, check in at the airports is more strenuous; shoes off, laptop out etc. and the ticketing is all ‘punch it in yourself’
A little delay for my United flight –not as bad as American Airlines who have huge problems with cancelled flights. Darrell, an old friend of Joan’s who lives in LA meet me at the airport and drives me to the meeting with Tourism New Zealand in Santa Monica after we have lunch. At the meeting we exchange information; I present our update and hear about some of the trends. We also explore the new possibilities for us with the new flights from Canada direct into Auckland. On the way back to LAX Darrell shows me his beautiful hillside house (5 rooms 6 bathrooms- one person) just outside Santa Monica, actually within Los Angeles. Many ‘celebrities’ reside in that area. On the way back to LAX I took some pictures of the 2 x 8 lane highway which was very busy. A long line at security where extra details were looked at. There was also a sort of check-up point driving onto the airport, which indicated they had something going on. I managed to rebook the return flight an hour earlier than planned however when everyone was loaded onto the plane and sitting down, they discovered that there was no pilot and co-pilot-oops. So, and hour later after waiting in the plane, we took off back to San Francisco. Altogether a long but successful day.
April 12th. 2008. Redwood City (San Francisco peninsula)
Catching up on work in the morning, and planning to travel by train to Redwood City, however I changed my mind about the train and had the cab drive me. Had a look around in Los Altos and later in the afternoon met up with potential guests. They are planning to visit New Zealand next January for a three week custom tour. Tonight I will stay with Joan and David, previous guests from a custom tout a year or so ago. We have a great dinner at the Woodland Pub.
April 13th. 2008. ATLANTA
After Joan and David drop me off at SFO, I fly to Atlanta, Georgia. From the air the area looks very flat and green and in the midst of the flat a few clusters of skyscrapers popping up in the distance. Late arrival at the hotel. Disruptive day
Due to loosing 3 hours (time difference)
April 14th. 2008. ALEXANDER CITY
Ralph picks me up from the hotel and we catch up on the drive from Atlanta to Alexander City. Ralph and Allyn were on our custom tour in 2006 and we cast our thoughts back and talk about any changes. At 5 PM Allyn and Ralph have invited some 25 plus friends whoa re interested in travel (and New Zealand) I do a lot of talking and ‘selling’ We’ll follow up with the people most interested in the next few days. The house is on Lake Martin, on a very pretty and secluded point, however today was a very windy day. From my olden sailing days, I would say a great day for rough sailing. The house is bright and colorful and contains a great selection of arts and crafts from all over the world. I notice a few familiar (Hoglund) glass pieces from New Zealand. Also added my gift to them which is classic Maori art.
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