The Changing World of Saint Nick

WARNING: Very political topic. Move on to the jokes if you’re not into this.

Everybody knows that the jolly, obese, white bearded man in the red suit is the American version of Old Saint Nicholas — a lanky philanthropist from Turkey … wait! Isn’t Turkey a Muslim country? Muslims don’t have saints! What’s wrong with this picture?!?

Bullies

At one time there were a lot of Christians in Turkey. In fact, the apostle Paul had planted some of the earliest churches like Ephesus and Antioch in that country which is today 99% Muslim. So where did the Christians go? Simply stated, I guess they were bullied out. In fact, the Christians and followers of other religions in Turkey are in hiding for fear of their lives. How ironic that Saint Nick would be beheaded in his own country today.

Division From Within

The war in Israel and Palestine has fed the world with genuine and fake news which has festered warring factions of sympathizers for either the Jews or Hamas. There’s no confusion where the conservatives stand — their position has remained the same since the Jewish state was established in 1948. The confusion is among the liberals. It’s interesting that the true ideologies within the liberal party are now unraveling. A recent Congressional hearing with the Presidents of Harvard, Penn State and MIT has revealed the uniform antisemitism of these ivy league schools. These universities are in panic mode because Jewish donors and other alumni are pulling out. The cancer within has finally been exposed.

We know full well that (1) leaders can be bought; (2) news can be slanted to media biases; (3) rotten apples exist in law enforcement organizations like the FBI, the CIA, etc.— so if it’s true that millions of people are easily fooled, perhaps it’s time to reconsider one’s allegiance — should one be loyal to a party regardless of how far its moral compass has drifted? Does one fear the bullies or fear being ostracized by society?

I really hope we all open our innocent eyes to current events and discern the evil, monied, powerful elites that are out to destroy our nation. Regardless of party affiliation, let the facts fall where they may. Stop defending a wrong. Legal or illegal — does the end justify any means? What if one’s belief is wrong? Afraid to discuss the issues? That’s sad.

Speaking From Experience

I grew up during the Marcos dictatorship. Believe me, It’s no fun to live where poorly educated, heartless, short-sighted buffoons rob and kill with the blessings of the powerful. I survived a judicial system where one’s connection determined who was innocent. I have friends who went missing … friends who were shot because they dared to stand up against those bullies. The longer the regime dragged, the more abusive the bullies became.

Yesterday was Pearl Harbor Day — a day that awakened a sleeping America to the bullies in Japan. Will history repeat itself? If you’re still wondering who to side with, perhaps this video below might help. Let me know what you think of it.

THE MIDDLE EAST PROBLEM

Of course there are exceptions. I have good friends who are Muslims … just had a fun chat with one of them this morning. Of course I’ve made some general statements — but stop using this gaslight excuse to remain undecided. And of course, this is just my opinion. TGIF people!

Raoul

p.s.
In case you’re wondering, no matter which country or how many nations gang up on little Israel, Israel will never be wiped out. It says so in the Bible. Deservedly or undeservedly. these Jews are the Chosen People. They will never be eliminated.

“Those who believe in nothing are very, very jealous of those who believe in something.” – Dennis Praeger

JOKE OF THE WEEK

Thanks to Riley of Wisconsin

Parting Shots

Thanks to Tom of Pasadena, CA

Thanks to Art of Sierra Madre. CA

I found these

Hey, click on the picture of “Abe” to read my article of the
Ford Theatre (in Washington, DC) where Lincoln was shot.

The Traveling Boy

My good friend (and jokester) Terry and I came up with these.

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The post Christmas Riddles appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Our current T-Boy Society of Film, Travel and Music poll is devoted to souvenirs you purchased or found in a foreign land or country. The specifications included any item that leads to a thoughtful remembrance of your journey and still colors your thoughts today.

The intention of the poll is to offer you a chance to see another side and perspective of our esteemed staff of writers.

Bookmarks in My Pages of Travel by Deb Roskamp, T-Boy Photographer.

I love reading.  When we travel, I try to pick up some bookmarkers to remind me of where I’ve been.  That way, I can mark my books as I travel through the pages. – Deb Roskamp

The Fab 4 Invade Cambodia by Ed Boitano, T-Boy Editor.

My time in Sihanoukville, Cambodia was far too brief. But it was easy to see a fledging nation still recovering from the genocide of the Khmer Rouge regime and their own war with Vietnam. I was stunned to see such poverty in this nation attempting to make tourism an important component in their infrastructure. Animals grazed in open garbage dumps, and derelict homes on stilts tilted towards the sea. Yet young children with open smiles rushed up to me to say hello in English. I couldn’t help but to notice a rather haphazard swap meet, surprisingly blessed with items from foreign lands: Britney Spears CDs, Mickey Mouse Paraphernalia, Hollywood movie plaques, and, most ab fabulously, a vintage Beatles lunch bucket, which still adorns my kitchen cabinet today. – Ed Boitano

A Maya Pot in Remembrance by Richard Carroll, T-Boy Writer.

Driving the back roads of Mexico in the African Queen, a 1972  VW Camper, I spent weeks in Southern Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula in the State of Quintana Roo. The semi-tropical landscape wraps around ancient history, and stony temples standing for some 3,000 years. Flights of fantasy and puzzlement swirled about while driving on narrow dirt roads to remote villages, and where time was firmly locked in place in a continuance of the ancient Maya civilization.

I often came upon Maya temples covered with vines and foliage, most of them not listed on maps, and the village people speaking the ancient Maya language. My Spanish produced questionable smiles. It seemed as if I was discovering centuries-old altars and shrines with sun-bleached stones and a mystic otherworldly setting where large iguanas sunbathed on the ancient structures, eyes blazing.

Easily out numbering the ancient pyramids of Egypt, hundreds of Maya sites in Mexico and Guatemala are yet to be uncovered. The Yucatan Peninsula is tropical, dense and lush, with a green coastal lowland featuring gently rolling terrain, mangrove swamps and a porous limestone base that produces caves and cenotes that were favored by the Maya.

One afternoon, the sun high in the sky, I was lost, the birdlife mocking me in a squabble of songs. I found a village but failed to communicate with anyone, my Spanish going downhill. Beyond the village was a ruined Maya site with a temple that looked as if it has been hit with a lightning strike. I walked past the temple along a stony path to a pile of stones wondering if I would ever find my way out to a paved highway with signs. I was carrying a long stick to ward off any snakes that might be lingering on the path or undergrowth, when I uncovered a small Maya pot buried beneath a flat smooth stone. It was smaller than my hand but intact, and crusted with dirt and a few ants. The classic Maya pot was a splendid omen. I wondered who held it last, what was its use, who was the potter, and how many Yucatecan sunsets had it endured?

Somehow, I found a paved road to Guatemala, the Maya pot resting on the passenger seat leading the way. Strangely enough, things stated running smoothly, no more flat tires, petrol stations aplenty, and with the Maya pot I made it home to Southern California safely. The little pot is displayed in our home reminding me of the sweeping Maya world of Middle America, full of great mystery and intrigue, a complex enigma that can lay hold of the sensibilities, and can fulfill a longing for adventure and discovery. – Richard Carroll

All That Glitters by Susan Breslow, T-Boy Writer.

On my first visit to San Miguel Allende (which Condé Nast Traveler readers named Best City in the World), I headed to the Jardín Allende, where wrought-iron benches offer a place to relax or meet friends under wide shade trees. Lining both sides of the park, vendors display their wares.

I was attracted by the variety of earrings, many of which incorporate hearts, an iconic symbol of the city. Before I left, I’d acquired a collection of pressed-tin danglers, and none cost more than $5. Mexico is also known for Oaxacan embroidery, and San Miguel offers everything from clothing to furnishings enlivened by colorful threadwork. In this area, just about everything was affordable, including the variety of tasty ice cream flavors sold from pushcarts. Those with a taste for more upscale shopping are advised to visit Fabrica la Aurora, a collection of galleries, shops, and restaurants inside a renovated textile mill. For sustenance, take a break at Chocolate and Churros San Agustin, which offers an extensive menu of chocolate drinks and just-made churros to dip. That, you can’t take with you… just the memory. – Susan Breslow

Postcards From Everywhere by James Boitano, T-Boy Writer.

Back in the olden days, there was no Facebook or Instagram. When you traveled, you were cut off from your friends and family back home. It wouldn’t be until you returned home and you got your rolls of film developed that you could share your travel experiences with them.  To create a bridge of contact, post cards were invented: a tangible cardstock souvenir literally from that place, printed with a colorful set of photos of the place and adorned with an exotic postage stamp. This little rectangle of cardstock though would be personalized with your own message and handwriting, and then laden on an airplane, barge, to be delivered weeks or even months later to the loved ones back home. Often, the sender would have returned long before the post card arrived. But who cares? What a unique souvenir for the recipient: a little piece of ‘over there’ which would never disappear. Of course, now on we can connect instantly and send blanket greetings on social media. But long after our profile pages fade away, these little post cards will remain.

So, I still send postcards when I travel. I try to send them from the farthest and most interesting destination, I try to find the most interesting card, the most colorful stamp. And years ago, when I would send out a batch of post cards to my friends and family, I’d always mail one to myself as well. I have dozens of these now, and they are all in one big binder, a wonderful souvenir from my years and years of travel. – James Boitano

A Fashionable Souvenir by Tom Weber, T-Boy Writer.

I brought back “fashion” as a souvenir from Oz on our just-concluded, month-long vacation. The fashion is a handcrafted pair of wooden eyeglasses by a Queenslander, via Germany, boat maker who also dabbles in eyeglass frames (Fritz Frames) and furniture when he’s not restoring wooden boats. Be on the lookout the next couple of weeks IF my glasses arrive soon by DHL courier. – Tom Weber

Not the Running of the Bulls by Ringo Boitano, T-Boy Writer.

With the advent of bulls, introduced by the Spanish to Peru, no longer would the pre-Columbian populace have to use human strength in dragging their stones and materials over 500-year-old Incan terraces. I noticed many life size bull decorations on rooftops in the Sacred Valley, intended to bring good luck, prosperity, crops and livestock fertility. Though never a fan of knickknacks, I couldn’t resist purchasing a small ceramic Toritos de Pucará (Pucara Bulls), readily available by artisans, as a souvenir and symbol of the Andean farms. Plus, I never shied away from good luck. – Ed Boitano

Magnets of Memories by Fyllis Hockman, T-Boy Writer.

After decades of traveling the world, my walls and shelves are covered with mementos and souvenirs. I finally reached the point where I hesitated to buy anything more simply because I knew I had nowhere to either hang or put it. So now I simply buy an appealing magnet and relive memories every time I access my refrigerator. – Fyllis Hockman

My Own Laughing Buddha by T.E. Mattox, T-Boy Writer.

Back in the 70s when I was still in uniform and stationed in Asia, I drew two weeks of R&R. I thought I’d visit some countries nearby, so I picked Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand. Being a young sailor, Hong Kong and Singapore were pretty much an alcohol-infused haze, hey it was R&R and I still had most of my liver. 

But Thailand was sobering. As our plane touched down in Bangkok, our pilot informed us that a coup d’etat was currently underway throughout the country. He also stated it shouldn’t be a problem but we should stay alert, stay in groups and have a nice visit. 

I’m not the brightest bulb in the lamp, but coup d’etat and have a nice visit don’t belong in the same conversation much less the same sentence. After clearing customs and boarding the bus to our hotel, wouldn’t you know about six to eight very angry young men all carrying Kalashnikovs, waved our bus to pull over and stop. After yelling at our driver through the closed door, he relented and opened it. Collectively, we all wished he hadn’t. Three of the armed individuals came aboard the bus, very animated, yelling at the driver. Not understanding a word of any of the three main Thai languages, I can assure you my underwear immediately recognized the AK-47s. Then I heard the bus driver say clearly… tourist followed by the word, American. After another heated exchange and a few more angry scowls, the head ‘coup’ conspirator yelled something at all of us and pushed his way back off the bus. The driver closed the door and drove us straight to the hotel. Every single one of us walked directly into the hotel bar. The rest of the visit was non-eventful…

The following day near Patpong Road I found my favorite souvenir. It is a 14 lbs. solid teakwood carving of a laughing Buddha that I have to this day. With my dog tags still hanging around its neck, it reminds me that tomorrow is never guaranteed and you should enjoy every minute that you have. The next rounds on me. – T.E. Mattox

An Old Poncho in Old Bogota by Skip Kaltenheuser, T-Boy Writer.

Traveling overland with a big backpack from Kansas to South America in 1975, I wildly overpacked. Scout motto “Be Prepared” echoed in my mind. Along the way, I shed items that proved not worth their weight on my back, gifting or trading them. By the time I hit Bogota in the Andes, the third highest capital in the world, I’d shed too much. Morning chills had me envying the ponchos worn by local sheepherders. A blanket with a hole for your head, brilliant! Still have that first poncho, a tear just repaired, wearing it to keep down my DC thermostat. Harkens back to a trip that changed my perspective on the world through young eyes. Also, to buying emeralds in a bar on Bogota’s notorious Emerald Row, one of the world’s most dangerous pieces of real estate before Colombian authorities shut it down. Emeralds intended for a girl with green eyes. I still have the stones. And the memory of being chased at night through the narrow, winding cobblestone streets of Old Bogota by a one-legged beggar, but no time for that here. – Skip Kaltenheuser.

Pinatubo Pebbles by Raoul Pascual, T-Boy Webmaster & Illustrator.

My wife and I went to visit family several years ago and our son tagged along. My wife and I were content to catch up with loved ones but our spritely son was gung ho to explore. After days of nothing but family time, he realized he was surrounded by old foggies. And so he did research on Philippine tours and booked us for a trip to Mount Pinatubo, one of the most powerful volcanoes in recent history. The eruption was so terrifying, several nearby towns were covered by volcanic ash. In one town, the only visible remnant was the church steeple. For years, a left wing political movement cried for the ouster of US bases (personally, I did not agree with their politics) but within a few days Pinatubo covered Clark Airbase and Subic Naval Base with so much ash the US decided to abandon its operation there. The Pinatubo ashes drifted over the Pacific and even reached California.

We almost died walking up to the mountain to reach the lake inside the huge crater that had formed. Along the trail were yellow powdery phosphorous stones and other volcanic rocks. I picked up a few and I’ve given some to friends. But a few still remain in my collection. – Raoul Pascual

The post Souvenirs of Travel appeared first on Traveling Archive.

1. Wallaroo Hats

The summer sun can get mighty hot and sun protection is so important. Wallaroo Hats are not only lightweight, well designed, fashionable but also a fabulous way to protect yourself from harmful rays. All of their hats are tested and rated according to their UV-blocking capabilities.

Check out the Breton Women’s Sun Protection Hat. It is rated UPF 50 and the fabric fabric blocks out 97.5% of ultraviolet rays, according to the Australian Radiation Protection Agency. It also boasts a 4″ brim and is easy to pack as it rolls ups and then bounces back into shape.

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2. Ettitude

If sound sleep is something sacred in your world then check out Ettitude, an Australian lifestyle brand which boasts ultra soft sleepwear, sheets and eye-masks made from the word’s organic bamboo lyocell fabric.

The sheets are silky soft, and very comfortable to sleep on. Bamboo lyocell is silky smooth, similar to silk. It is also breathable, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and temperature regulating.

Try their special travel sheet – which is similar to a sleeping-sack. It’s comfortable and great for travel, but their sheets are just as lightweight – so if you are giving a new graduate sheets to take along on that travel adventure, either works well. Best part you can use both at home too.

For a long plane ride the “Five More Minutes” Eye Mask is a great option. It’s fitted, comfortable, and feels good on your face.

3. The Fisher Space Pen

Having a sturdy pen to take with you on vacation is a must. The Fisher Space Pen, the original Astronaut pen is a fantastic option for every adventure. It writes upside down, at any angle, under water, over grease, in extreme temperatures and last 3 times longer than most pens. A great option is the clear Anodized Aluminum Backpacker Space Pen with key chain which you can even have your name engraved on.

These pens are made in the USA by a family owned company which recently celebrated the 50^th Anniversary of the maiden flight of its iconic AG7 Original Astronaut Space Pen aboard NASA’s Apollo 7 Mission on October 11, 1968.

4. Solo Messenger Bag

Part of traveling is having a great bag. What I like about the Solo Messenger Bag is that it is lightweight to start off with, not to mention elegant and well designed. It is filled with separate compartments for laptops and accessories.

Their Varsity Collection is also a great option as it is a combination of a retro collegiate sports vibe with a modern, clean design. The goal which it meets is to transitions from a workout look to going out one with friends. The bags are ultra-lightweight which gives you more room and options to fill them up with some new travel goodies.

5. Oilogic

Even if you are a skeptic about natural products, you should try Oilogic Essential Oils because they are helpful, much better alternative to medicines and they really do work. These essential oils are 100 percent natural and clear of synthetics and impurities, making products a safe option for adults, kids and babies.  They use 26 different essential oils, sourced from over 13 countries where plants are indigenous.

They have created natural remedies to help with sleep, to ease cold, cough and allergy symptoms, as well as boo-boos and itches from bug bites.  They all work well. I gave both the cough and allergy symptoms to family and friends and both products helped them find immediate relief. I’ve personally used the sleep oils and products and also discovered an improvement in my sleep.

6. Razor Scooters

Traveling around a city without a car forces you to only carry the essentials. These days many cities have scooters available on their street corners for pedestrians to try out. I’m a fan of the non-electric Razor A5 Prime scooter, as you have the same benefits of great site-seeing while also getting some exercise.

It provides a smooth ride, one can glide on it easily especially because of its large wheels, wide deck and it also has a rear-fender brake.

7. SPIbelt

Traveling light means just taking the essentials and SPIbelt offers a few great options. Small personal item belts are a practical way to carry a few items such as phone, keys, candy bar and lip balm which might be all you need when out of a day trip, trip to the gym or a quick run to the shops.

Check out the SPI Messenger bag which is the same concept, lightweight but bigger. It is a cross-body, one-size-fits-all messenger bag  that expands to easily hold a wallet, water bottle, towel, snacks and most tablets. It also includes a smaller, removable pocket that is perfect for smaller items.

8. Bonblissity

If you want to create your own spa day, a personal version of vacation relaxation, try a Bonblissity body scrub. Their small body scrubs are known as “body truffles” which both cleanses and moisturizes. They come in a variety of scents such as – Ocean Mist, Lavender Luxury, Fresh Lemongrass, Mango Sorbet, Sweet Satsuma, and Vanilla & Brown Sugar. They are made out of natural butters and oils. These individually-wrapped body scrubs can be used a few times, and will leave your skin feeling smooth and soft.

9. Biolaven’s Face Lotion

A lightweight lotion both for your face and to pop into your purse to use anytime is the Biolaven’s “Organic Day Cream with Lavender and Grapes”

It is a daily light moisturizer formulated for the sensitive skin comprised of nourishing grape seed oil and vitamin E. The scent is wonderful and it can be used all over the face and before putting on makeup. Imported from Poland it is dermatologic ally tested, hypoallergenic and the brand is affordable.

10. Bandelettes

Thigh chafing can make enjoying summer’s warm weather a challenge. Bandelettes are anti-chafing Thigh Bands. They are a  fun and sexy answer to what is so some is simply uncomfortable and for others creates scorching pain.

They can be used when wearing short dresses or skirts, and look like little lacy bands that are usually found at the top of a thigh-high stocking.” They are cute, comfortable and even if chafing isn’t an issue, they create a sexy summer look.

11. ThinOptics

People often take a pair or two of reading glasses on a trip, just in case they lose one. If you are looking for a very light pair of glasses, check out ThinOptics.

ThinOptics, created the world’s thinnest reading glasses which weigh a mere 9 grams. They are sturdy, and are paired with what seems to be a paper thin 4mm aircraft aluminum case that can slipped into a pocket, or attach to the back of a phone, tablet, laptop or e-reader.

Constantly innovating the company also has glasses which block blue light to help avoid sleep disruptions. Their  latest collection includes a variety of colors and styles.

The post Traveling Light – Great Items to Have On Your Next Adventure appeared first on Traveling Archive.