Are you planning a week-long road trip or need a temporary ride while your car is in the shop? Renting a car for a week can be expensive, but fear not! With some savvy hunting and a few tricks, you can snag an amazing weekly car rental deal that won’t break the bank. In this article, we’ll share some relatable tips and advice on how to score the budget car rental in Denver, so you can hit the road without emptying your wallet.

Start Early and Book Online

The early bird catches the worm; the same goes for car rental deals. Don’t wait until the last minute to book your rental car; start early to secure the best prices. Online booking platforms are your best friend for hunting for deals.

Websites like Expedia, Kayak, or Priceline offer price comparisons among various rental companies, giving you a better chance of finding the most affordable option. Booking online also allows you to take advantage of exclusive discounts and promotions.

Be Flexible with Dates and Locations

Flexibility is the key to unlocking hidden car rental treasures. If your travel dates are flexible, try shifting them a day or two to see if the rates improve. Moreover, consider different pick-up and drop-off locations, as rental prices can vary significantly depending on the branch’s location.

Sometimes, picking up your car from an airport location might be pricier than getting it from a downtown branch.

Sign up for Loyalty Programs

Car rental companies like Budget car rental in Denver often offer loyalty programs with many perks. Signing up for these programs is usually free and can give you access to member-only discounts, faster reservation processing, and even vehicle upgrades.

Some credit card companies also offer rental car perks, so check if your credit card offers any benefits.

Compare Different Car Types

Balancing your needs with your budget is essential when choosing a rental car. While opting for a luxury SUV may be tempting, it might not be the most economical choice. Smaller, fuel-efficient cars often come with lower rental rates and better gas mileage, saving you money on both the rental and fuel costs.

Utilize Discount Codes and Coupons

Never underestimate the power of a discount code or coupon. A quick Google search can lead you to websites offering exclusive promo codes for car rentals. You can find these deals on coupon sites, travel forums, or the rental company’s website.

Remember to check the terms and conditions before using any codes to ensure they’re valid for your desired dates and locations.

Consider Independent Car Rental Companies

While well-known car rental chains dominate the market, independent car rental companies can offer great value for money. These local businesses often have competitive prices and personalized customer service. Don’t be afraid to explore lesser-known options, but do read reviews and check their credibility before making a reservation.

Avoid Extra Fees and Insurance Duplication

Keep an eye out for hidden fees that can inflate your rental cost. For instance, rental companies may charge additional fees for GPS navigation, satellite radio, or toll transponders. Consider using your smartphone for navigation and entertainment to save on these extras.

Regarding insurance, your personal auto insurance or credit card may already cover rental cars, so there’s no need to purchase duplicate coverage from the rental company. Verify this information with your insurance provider or credit card company before you pick up the rental car.

Hunting for a weekly car rental deal doesn’t have to be a daunting task. You can score the best deal on wheels by starting early, being flexible, signing up for loyalty programs, comparing different car types, utilizing discount codes, considering independent companies, and avoiding unnecessary fees.

Take Control of Your Road Trip Budget Today and Put These Car Rental Hunting Tips into Action!

Don’t settle for overpriced rentals when you can drive away with fantastic deals that give you extra cash for your adventures. Start by booking your car rental in Denver early, comparing prices online, and signing up for loyalty programs to unlock exclusive perks.

Remember, being flexible with your travel dates and locations can open up a world of cost-saving possibilities. Explore various car types and use discount codes and coupons to slash expenses further. Consider independent car rental companies for personalized service and competitive rates.
So, what are you waiting for? Start your car rental hunt today and embark on an unforgettable journey without financial stress. Happy hunting and safe travels!

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All photographs by Deb Roskamp unless otherwise noted.

While everyone seemed to be relocating north to Seattle, I bolted from my home town for the bright lights of Los Angeles. But I would return to my ancestral home often. While visiting, I would frequently kick myself for never exploring the amazing attractions outside of the western part of the state. Sure, I knew Western Washington’s Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, the islands of Puget Sound, the rain forests and the rugged Washington coast well, but I never really gave the rich agricultural eastern part of the state, known more for sun than rain, a chance. This spring I decided to do something about it.

The legacy of Spokane’s World’s Fair in Expo ’74 remains today at
the 100-acre Riverfront Park.

First Stop – Spokane

Nestled on the far eastern border of the state, Spokane was originally the home of The Spokans (“children of the sun”), who were drawn to the hunting grounds and abundance of salmon in the Spokane River. This changed with the arrival of the first European settlers who established a trading post and eventually a railroad industry that built the city.

Spokane – now the second largest city in Washington – was put on the national radar when it hosted the world’s first environmentally themed World’s Fair in Expo ’74. The event transformed the city’s urban core, removing the railroad yard along the river, converting it into the 100-acre Riverfront Park, the centerpiece of the fair. Its legacy remains today with many of the attractions still in use.

On what was a perfect Sunday afternoon, I strolled through the park, watching families frolicking on the Looff Carrousel and the Skyride which glides over the Spokane Falls. As I branched out into the city, it was easy to see that Spokane boasts the best of both worlds: a setting in spectacular natural beauty, but with a plethora of urban pleasures of a re-invented downtown, restaurants, bookstores and vibrant nightlife thanks to the presence of Whitworth and Gonzaga Universities. I was hungry to see more. So, I rented a car for an exploration of the Spokane Region, where I discovered a world of ancient cedar forests, pristine rivers, quaint small towns, deserted ghost towns and scores of golf courses.

Where to Stay in Spokane

The iconic Davenport Hotel is a grand hotel that stems back to the gilded age. It helped transform Spokane’s dying city core into a vibrant destination where people have returned to live.

The district is even named the Davenport Arts District. With that said, it is well-worth a self-guided tour, but it can be hard on the pocketbook.

A pleasant alternative to the Davenport is just down the street: The Montvale Hotel. On a much smaller scale than The Davenport, this property has re-imagined itself as premier boutique hotel with a modern twist, while still maintaining the ambience of downtown’s bygone era. If you’re in town just for the day, it too rates a tour.

On to the Palouse

In October 1805, Lewis and Clark arrived in The Palouse region. They were stunned by the beauty and magnitude of its landscape of rolling hills and plateaus. As with other tribes on their historic exploration, they made friends with the nomadic Palus tribe, renowned as expert equestrians. The term Appaloosa is a derivation of the Palouse horse. Traditionally, the Palouse region was defined as the fertile hills and prairies north of the Snake River in southeast Washington and north central Idaho.

Today The Palouse Scenic Byway combines 208 miles of sweeping hills and spectacular vistas, expansive wheat and lentil farmlands, and small towns with distinctive, rich history and charm.

The Dahmen Barn’s attractions include a gift shop featuring art, fine crafts and products from the Palouse, artisans at work in their studio spaces who will share their creative process with visitors, a monthly art exhibition, and regularly scheduled classes and performance events.

There is no center to The Palouse Scenic Byway; it is a place to simply leisurely drive along the gentle curving highways, sprinkled with antique shops, wineries, easy access venues for hiking and biking, and, above all, photography. If you ever needed to stop the world and simply relax, this is the place for it.

Pullman – My Home Base

With a population of 27,030, the charming town of Pullman is similar to the much larger Spokane with spectacular natural beauty surrounding its core, plus offering urban amenities due to Washington State University towering above it. It’s also located right smack in the middle of The Palouse. There’s a refreshing small town feel, and the locals are welcoming and excited that you are exploring their area.

A number of Pullman restaurants have embraced the slow food movement with the emphasis on seasonal and locally grown food. With bread made with local wheat, produce from nearby farms, cheese made at the WSU and fish from the Snake and Columbia Rivers, you are quite literally tasting the landscape.

Recommended Pullman Restaurants

South Fork Public House is the brain child of co-owner of Jim Harbour, who is also a professor at WSU. Utilizing regional ingredients, they are known for their wine and beer pairings with seasonal local food items.

My favorite dish: MAC & CHEESE – penne noodles tossed in WSU-made Cougar Gold cheese sauce, topped with locally smoked bacon & seasonal scallions. The torpedo-like grissini, made with Palouse wheat, makes a popular component to the meal.

The Black Cypress is a venue that reflects the qualities of the Palouse region that keep people living here. A hybrid of Greek and local food items, owner Nick Pitsilionis places an emphasis on an appreciation for honest food, company, and drink. Many of the produce items come from his own farm.

My favorite dish: TIE: Golden Lentil Soup – Washington is the US’s leading producer of lentils – served with seasonal bruschetta that consists of grilled local Panhandle Bakery bread made with Palouse Sheppard’s Wheat.

And in-house smoked back bacon from a hog raised on the WSU campus, along with local apples and Guinness mustard, whose hops are imported from Yakima, Washington, served on the side. Guinness hops.

Joan Swensen’s love for fusion-style cooking was piqued during her decade of living and eating out “a lot” in San Francisco. Her restaurant reflects this passion with unique parings, using regional items as much as possible. Joan’s Swilly’s restaurant is now gone, but her passion with unique parings, using regional items continues on as Executive Chef at Paradise Creek Brewery in Pullman.

My favorite dish: Gazpacho – the best I’ve ever had – made completely with local produce, followed by Sage-Chipotle Pork Tenderloin with Vanilla-Fig Sauce, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes and Baby Bok Choy

Where to Stay in Pullman

A Holiday Inn may not seem regional or unique, but there’s something about Pullman’s Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites that takes service and amenities to the next level. And even better, The Palouse is right at your doorstep.

Extra: Central Washington’s Lower Yakima Valley

With the stars above and the lights below best describes Roskamp Vineyard’s enchanting position on top of Snipes Mountain in Central Washington’s Lower Yakima Valley. With the majesty of Mt. Rainer and Mt. Adams in the distance, the vineyard was the brainchild of Herman Roskamp (1922 – 2002) and his wife, Gay. They diligently dedicated themselves to the labor intensive work and patience of creating a world-class vineyard from scratch. The Yakima Valley has long been an abundant produce belt for the Pacific Northwest – not to mention its golden hops are exported to the Guinness brewery in Dublin – and it only made sense that vineyards would soon follow. Mr. Roskamp knew his vineyard would be a smashing success for the Yakima Valley is blessed with 300 days of annual sunshine and enjoys the same latitude as the great wine-producing regions of France. When the Washington wine explosion hit the market, Roskamp Vineyard was at the forefront, with their grapes widely sought after from major wineries. Recently two Roskamp Vineyard wines received national attention: The Co Dinn 2014 Roskamp Vineyard Block Two Syrah, which emotes an intense and distinctive bouquet of dark raspberry, herb and plum, and the premium Co Dinn 2015 Roskamp Vineyard Chardonnay that features a unique delicacy and complexity. Today Washington State is the second largest wine producer in the U.S. Mr. Roskamp was selected as Yakima Valley’s rookie wine grower of the year in 2001 at the age of 78-years-young. Roskamp Vineyard is currently managed by Gay Roskamp, son Michael and his wife, Shari.

Related Articles:
Olympic Peninsula; My Private Seattle; Olympia, Washington; Columbia River Cruise; Lost in the North Cascades; Northern Washington; Samish Island, WA; Eastern Washington

The post Discovering Paradise: Spokane, Pullman & The Palouse appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Such was the case when a friend and I recently escaped to Marina del Rey, one of my favorite Southern California beach locations. After surfing the web a little, I found a great hotel room and lined up some fun and tasty activities.

My getaway began when I checked into Marina del Rey Hotel, a waterfront retreat, located minutes from Santa Monica and Venice Beach. The hotel boasts 164 boutique accommodations, the award-winning SALT Restaurant & Bar, and a year-round heated infinity pool & spa — all with gorgeous views of Marina del Rey. The property also offers a fitness center, business center and on-site bicycle rentals.

Our 350 sq-ft king suite featured a king bed with premium high-thread Egyptian cotton linens, a luxury bathroom with rainforest shower head, free wireless Internet, and a balcony with table and chairs and incredible views overlooking the pool and the marina.

But the hotel’s best feature is its proximity to the spectacular marina. Built in the early 1960s at the site of an old salt marsh, Marina del Rey is a modern wonder of construction. As one of the world’s largest man-made small craft harbors, it features eight basins and is home to approximately 6,500 boats.

In spite of its epic marina and quaint seaside location, Marina del Rey is still kind of a hidden gem. Located near the larger, more famous areas of Los Angeles such as Venice Beach and Santa Monica, the tiny city can be overlooked. But for savvy travelers from around the globe, the place is waterfront paradise.

Janet Zaldua, CEO of the Marina del Rey Convention & Visitors Bureau says “Marina del Rey is an urban waterfront playground that offers tourists resort-like amenities, exceptional hotel accommodations, and dining experiences with breathtaking Marina views.”

A great way to see the marina is via the Marina del Rey WaterBus, which currently runs Thursdays thru Sundays. The colorful boat makes six stops each way on its trip. Stops are Fisherman’s Village, Burton Chace Park, Marina Beach, Dolphin Marina, Esprit 1, and Del Rey Landing. Tickets are $1 each way and can be purchased from the dock attendants stationed at each WaterBus stop. Attendants can also assist with any questions on WaterBus service and provide additional information on a wide range of activities in Marina del Rey.

We took the Waterbus to Marina Beach, also called Mother’s Beach. Here we lounged on the sand and played in the water. We then rented a kayak from the Pro SUP Shop. Located in the parking lot in front of Mother’s Beach, the company specializes in stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking and offers daily rentals and lessons by professional ASI & WPA certified instructors.

During our hour tour of the harbor we paddled past million-dollar yachts and old wooden sloops. I waved to small boats passing by and barking seals sunbathing on docks. Kayaking is not only a great way to see the harbor; it is also a good workout and very relaxing. For those looking to get into paddle boarding or kayaking Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey is probably one of the best places in the Los Angeles area to learn.

For dinner we took the WaterBus back near our hotel and then walked about 10 minutes to a small shopping center, where we found L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. Here we enjoyed a delicious and casual Hawaiian-styled dinner. Our meal featured a seafood combo plate with fried shrimp, fish fillet and Hawaiian chicken, served with white rice and macaroni salad. My friend had Loco Moco plate with savory hamburger patties over rice and topped with brown gravy and two fried eggs. With our food we had a couple cold Corona beers.

The Marina del Rey Hotel is located at 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey, CA 90292.

More information on Marina del Rey Hotel (or call 310.301-1000).

More information on visiting Marina del Rey.

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Trust you all had a safe and happy 4th of July celebration. My wife and I had planned a day of fun at Malibu’s Zuma Beach, but found it was closed along with all other L.A. County beaches. Not a problem, we understand the theme of taking a couple steps backwards in a united front to defeat the deadly C-19 that has been savaging our nation.  Unfortunately the concept of good citizenship is alien to many of our bad citizens who think the spreading of the virus to our most vulnerable, by not adhering to the L.A County mandate of wearing masks and social distancing, is their right under the constitution. But isn’t this a national crisis? We came together during WWII, after the 9/11 terrorist attacks and were once quarantined in L.A. homes due to the Rodney King riots. Police departments have been instructed to give fines to offenders, but are having difficulties coordinating it with L.A. County officials. So far it’s just been warnings and handing out masks. The City of West Hollywood, however, is now offering fines.  Surround by L.A. proper, the city is small and easy to maintain. In a blow to travel, the E.U. has banned all travel from the U.S. as a result of the polarization of the pandemic by our Executive Office. We now lead the world with infections, with Brazil and Russia behind us. With exception of Sweden, the E.U stats of the spread of the virus have actually flattened, while ours is shooting straight up into the sky to an unknown destination. And what’s this from our Executive Office: by eliminating testing the cases will magically go down and soon C-19 will disappear. Perhaps this is a plan we should administer to people with the fear of cancer; the less tests and the cases of cancer will disappear.

Nevertheless, my spouse and I drove around the city’s canyons; once former lima bean farms, basking in its beauty of transplanted palm trees and endless array of brilliant desert vegetation. We found a small pocket park, about half a block in size, on Sunset Boulevard, across the street from the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel. We sat on shaded park benches, reading, talking and eventually taking photographs. It’s a famous landmark park, dedicated to Will Rogers, and a popular site for wedding photographs. Charlie Chaplin shot part of his silent film masterpiece, The Idle Class there, and the Beverly Hills Hotel itself was on the cover of the Eagles LP, Hotel California.

When the 4^th of July sun went down, we were disturbed to find Los Angeles County residents were ignoring the fireworks ban and lighting the sky with illegal fireworks.  The Los Angeles Fire Department claimed it responded to more than 100 fires, and the next morning unhealthy smoke blanketed the city. The city of Lancaster actually defied the fireworks ban, with mayor Rex Parris stating,  The only thing that will stops us is handcuffs. Is this blatant defiance of Law and Order an ugly precursor of things to come? We hope and pray that bad  citizens come to terms with this crisis, and realize that they and the Executive Office are the problem. Together, standing united, we can fix it.

And remember Covid-19 Direct Relief,  who addresses the courage of health workers on the front lines, honoring them with meaningful support, and the people most at risk in this pandemic are cared for – regardless of politics, religion, or ability to pay.

DONATE to DIRECT RELIEF

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Patrons, industry folks, actors, and media representatives gathered for the Opening Night Gala at the Directors Guild, which officially kicked-off this year’s festival. After feasting on a wide variety of nibbles and libations, we were ushered into the Renoir Theatre for the screening Les Misérables, co-written by Alexis Manenti and director Ladj Ly.  Shown for the first time in the U.S., in association with Amazon Studios, it won the Los Angeles Film Critics Award for Best First Film and is France’s 2020 Oscar submission for Best International Feature.* I must say that would not have been my first choice as we’ve seen a variation on that theme many times before.  The story revolves around of low-income housing projects in the Les Bosquets neighborhood of Montfermeil, France.  It features bad cops, a good cop, petty thieves, the Muslim Brotherhood, and a sad group of street kids left to their own devices who figure out how to retaliate against the abusive cops – nothing that we haven’t seen before. (Cast: Daniel Auteuil (Victor), Guillaume Canet (Antoine), Doria Tillier (Margot), Fanny Ardant (Marianne), Michael Cohen (Maxime), Denis Podalydès (François), Pierre Ardidi (Pierre)

In my opinion, a much more compelling film, with a very unique story line, is In Safe Hands. Written and tenderly directed by Jeanne Herry, who assembled an excellent acting ensemble, each of whom gives a heartfelt performance, the story takes us through the fascinating, intricate, and gentle process of adoption in France.  One could only wish we had a similar, almost painless, procedure here in the U.S. (Cast: Sandrine Kiberlain, Gilles Lellouche, Élodie Bouchez, Olivia Côte, Miou Miou)

Other films worth mentioning:

Hungry for Love, written by Laure de Colbert and well directed by Renaud Bertrand, the story revolves around the coming of age or “spring awakening” of a young girl named Chloé, fascinatingly played by Luna Carpiaux, who captures the teenage angst of young love.  The story takes us through the trials and tribulations of her first love, as well as touching upon the potential devastating consequences of social media. (Cast: Luna Carpiaux, Armelle Deutsch, Marilyn Lima, Jules Houplain)

Conviction is a fascinating courtroom drama written by Isabelle Lazard, Karim Dridi, and Antoine Raimbault, who is a first-time director. Based on a true story, the drama revolves around the second trial of Jacques Viguier, a law professor accused of murdering his wife who mysteriously vanished ten years ago. The story is both compelling and intriguing, as parts of a complicated puzzle are woven together.  Highly polished performances are given by the ensemble. (Cast: Antoine Raimbault, Isabelle Lazard, Karim Dridi, Marina Foïs, Olivier Gourmet, Laurent Lucas, Jean Benguigui)

One of my favorite films is Papicha, a stunning look at the life and times of young girls in Algeria trying to live like normal teenagers.  The powerful script written by Fadette Drouard and Mounia Meddour, who also directed, draws back the curtain on what a group of young women, attending a private school, endure because of Sharia law, sometimes enforced by violent women wearing burkas.  Despite the looming brutality, these spirited young women manage to enjoy some of the forbidden activities. A joint venture between France, Algeria, Qatar, and Belgium, hopefully one of those countries will submit Papicha for Best International Feature consideration. (Cast: Lyna Khoudri, Shirine Boutella, Amira Hilda Douaouda, Zahra Doumandji)

Writer/director Jérémy Clapin’s, I Lost My Body, won both the Audience Award and COLCOA Critics’ Award.  Honestly, the reason for the awards escapes me.  The film basically revolved around a hand searching for its body. (Cast: Hakim Faris, Victoire du Bois, Patrick d’Assumçao)

Cyrano My Love, one of two closing night films, won the American Students Award.  I absolutely loved this wonderfully written and directed film by Alexis Michalik, who also plays the lead role of the 20-year-old playwright who is commissioned to write a play while struggling with writer’s block.  Based on Michalik’s hit play, the story is set in turn-of-the-century Paris and said to be somewhat based on fact.  It is a hilarious look at how this playwright stumbles upon lines for his script. Cyrano My Love is deliciously photographed by cinematographer Giovanni Fiore Coltellacci, who captures the beautiful textures of that period of time. (Cast: Thomas Solivérès, Olivier Gourmet, Mathilde Seignier, Tom Leeb)

The second closing night selection was La Belle Époque.  Written and directed by Nicolas Bolduc, who also did the cinematography. (Maybe too many hats?) The story revolves around a theatrical troupe that specializes in historical re-enactments. I found the film tedious, and as it was getting late, I actually thought about leaving before the ending, but my professionalism prevented me from so doing.  Suddenly the fire alarm sounded and lights began flashing around the perimeter of the room.  We were asked to vacate the theatre but in a few minutes were allowed to re-enter.  However, I barely sat down in my seat when we were asked to leave again.  With fire trucks outside the Directors Guild building, I decided to call it a night. (Cast: Thomas Solivérès, Olivier Gourmet, Mathilde Seignier, Tom Leeb)  The film was screened the next day, but alas, due to a prior commitment, I was unable to make that screening.  Oh well. C’est la vie and… a l’année prochaine.***

*The COLCOA French Film Festival is the premier festival for French films in Los Angeles and is an acronym for City of Lights, City of Angels, the original name of the festival in Hollywood, which began in the 1990s.

**Formerly referred to as Best Foreign Language Film

*** “That’s life” and “See you next year”

The post Directors Guild of America Hosts COLCOA – The Annual French Film Festival appeared first on Traveling Archive.

Special People

So I heard it through the grapevines that Denzel Washington will be in town this week. He’ll be shooting a movie less than 5 miles away from where I live. Am I excited? Yeah, I think I am. Will I join the throng of fans hoping to catch a glimpse of him? Nah! I’ve got work to do.

Living in Los Angeles you bump into celebrities occasionally. It’s like watching wildlife in a safari. I’m amused how these stars walk the streets of the real world and act like ordinary people.

I guess we all daydream about what it would be like to be a celebrity — earning celebrity salaries, getting celebrity attention everywhere we go, etc. But lest you daydream too much, remember: there is a high price for being a celebrity. These demigods live in an aquarium. They can never become ordinary ever again even when they fall from grace for whatever reason.

In the Broadway play Camelot, there is a scene where King Arthur and Queen Genevieve [the two most powerful people in the kingdom of Camelot] are faced with a “royal” mess that could unhinge the existence of their kingdom. And their minds race back to happier and simpler times. And they wonder how “simple folks” solve their problems. Do they whistle? Do they sing? Do they dance? How ironic that king and queen were willing to give up their most enviable social status to return to being a “simple folk.” We want to be like them but they want to be like us.

This month and next, I have a string of volunteer appointments to do caricatures for several fund raisers. I will be reading fascinating lives in the eyes of so many people. Sure, celebrities lead interesting lives but it’s my fellow “simple folks” who I enjoy the most. In God’s eyes, everyone is special … including them … including you.

TGIF people!

P.S. If you would like your quickie Caricature done, meet ME at the Lady of Guadalupe Church In LaHabra, CA from 1 to 5pm.

Joke of the Week

Thanks to Peter Paul of S Pasadena, CA for sharing this joke.

Don’s Puns

From Don’s collection of puns

Baby Conductor

Shared by Vanessa of Whittier, CA

Parting Shots

Thanks to Naomi of N Hollywood, CA who shared this:

Thanks to Peter Paul of S. Pasadena for sending this:

The post Back from Papua New Guinea appeared first on Traveling Archive.

My getaway to the waterfront city began when I checked into a gorgeous suite at The Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles Marina Del Rey. The hotel, located across the street from the marina and beach, and within walking distance to restaurants, makes a perfect base camp while in town.

My suite at The Hilton Garden Inn overlooked the pool and featured a super comfy king bed, a spacious sitting area with sofa sleeper and two large TVs. Other room amenities included an office desk with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and a small kitchenette area with microwave, refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker and sink.

Beyond cozy rooms and luxury suites, the hotel boasts a Jacuzzi and heated pool with marina views, fitness center, 24-hour lobby business center, on-site bicycle rentals, a gourmet restaurant, and meeting/conference rooms.

But the hotel’s best feature is its proximity to the spectacular marina. Built in the early 1960s at the site of an old salt marsh, Marina del Rey is a modern wonder of construction. As one of the world’s largest man-made small craft harbors, it features eight basins and is home to approximately 6,500 boats.

In spite of its epic marina and charming seaside location, Marina del Rey is still kind of a hidden gem. Located near larger, more famous areas of Los Angeles such as Venice Beach and Santa Monica, the tiny city can be overlooked. But for savvy travelers from around the globe, the place is waterfront paradise.

“Marina del Rey is an urban waterfront playground that offers tourists resort-like amenities, exceptional hotel accommodations, and dining experiences with breathtaking Marina views,” says Janet Zaldua, CEO of the Marina del Rey Convention & Visitors Bureau.

To get an up-close look at the water and boats, and some of the luxury condos and new developments lining the shoreline, I rented a kayak from the Pro SUP Shop. Located in the parking lot in front of Mother’s Beach, the company specializes in stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking and offers daily rentals and lessons by professional ASI & WPA certified instructors.

During my hour tour of the harbor I paddled past million-dollar yachts and old wooden sloops. I waved to small boats passing by and barking seals sunbathing on docks. Kayaking is not only a great way to see the harbor; it is also a good workout and very relaxing. For those looking to get into paddle boarding or kayaking Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey is probably one of the best places in the Los Angeles area to learn.

After playing on the water, I walked over to the swimming area for Mother’s Beach. Here I laid out my towel and put my umbrella in the sand and relaxed. I then headed back to my suite for a nap. For dinner I walked 10 minutes to Café del Rey.

Set on the harbor, with memorable views of boats and sunsets, Café del Rey is led by Executive Chef Job Carder who has created an exciting menu highlighted by creative seafood dishes, along with top quality steaks, chicken, chops and salads. The restaurant has been recognized by the Food Network and Wine Spectator.

My meal at Café del Rey began with chilled large shrimp with fresh herbs and cocktail sauce. With this I had a spicy Bloody Mary and homemade potato chips. For the main course, I enjoyed lobster ravioli with poached lobster tail, lobster mousse ravioli, lobster truffle sauce, mushrooms, peas and bottarga. While devouring this succulent dish, I watched boats bob in the harbor just outside the window.

The next morning, I worked out at the hotel’s fitness center and then walked around the Oxford Retention Basin, a serene wetland habitat located next to Hilton Garden Inn. The basin is a serene wetland habitat that features a lovely nature walk and a bike path surrounding a small lake full of trees, birds and other wildlife.

After a few strolls around the nature loop, I walked down the street to breakfast at Cafe Buna, a local favorite, known for its breakfast menu, which is served all day. Here I devoured Juevos Rancheros with flour tortillas, avocado, sour cream, over easy eggs, ranchero sauce, beans, rice and cheese.

The Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles Marina Del Rey is located at 4200 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, California, 90292. For more info, call 310-301-2000.

For further information, visit Marina del Rey here.

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As confirmed Cruise Aficionados going back at least 25 years, my wife and I, along with our daughter and her family, were excited to get on board the ROYAL PRINCESS in mid-April in San Pedro, for our cruise to Mexico. Once settled in our Stateroom we went topside to the SUN-DECK to get a better view of our departure. Oh my goodness, what huge changes have taken place in those intervening 25 years. Cruise ships now look more like gigantic, very tall apartment buildings, with the Royal’s highest deck — the Sun Deck — at 217 feet above the water. For ship purists like me, the hard facts are that cruise ships today do not have the same sort of “classical shape or lines,” as that of the Pacific Princess, the Princess cruise ship that was the maritime star of TV’s hit show “The Love Boat” in the 1970s.

I’d forgotten how much the cruise industry — and ships in general — have changed since then. Today’s cruise ships have “Thrusters” (small propellers) built into the underwater part of the bow (front) and stern (back) side of the vessel to make it more maneuverable. Facing outwards on their left (port) and right (starboard) side, the appropriate one’s are used in ports if the ship has to move left or right. When we were ready to depart, the huge 142, 714 Gross Tonnage ROYAL PRINCESS carefully maneuvered herself by way of the Stern and Bow Thrusters (with NO tugs to assist her!) away from the dockside. The 1970s Pacific Princess was 20, 636 Gross Tonnage, with a passenger capacity of 750, versus the 3, 560 on the Royal Princess, yet it NEVER seemed crowded!

As my wife and I did not want the hassle of flying to some port destination hundreds, or even thousands of miles from Los Angeles to board our cruise, we were delighted to find in our “cruise research,” that Princess has a series of cruises from LA to LA that include numerous destinations in Alaska, Mexico and even Hawaii, so we did the 7 day Mexico trip Los Angeles to Los Angeles, with one day stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. Questions to consider when taking a cruise include whether to have an Inside or Outside cabin; An Inside cabin usually means it does not have a porthole or window, and an Outside Stateroom means it usually has a balcony. We wanted a balcony as we’ve always felt a balcony makes a cruise a hundred times enjoyable. You can sit outside and lazily watch the Ocean slide by or, unwind as you’ve never relaxed before and, what a treat this is — open the door to your balcony ever so slightly at night, and hear the soothing sounds of the sea as you drift off into Dreamland on one of the Award winning Princess mattresses.

Our dinner every evening, was in the charming and, in our view, elegant Symphony Restaurant, where the service is impeccable, and the wide choices of amazing appetizers, exciting entrees, and delightful desserts, are all out-standing and delightfully delicious. Our waiter Lawrence, and the Maitre’D, Manuel, were the epitome of friendliness with very personal service. For our breakfasts and lunches, we dined in the Royal’s Horizon Court buffet and it is easy to see (and taste!) why, it is one of only 5 cruise line Buffets to have been voted THE BEST.

The quality and amount of dishes, fruits, succulent salads, beautiful breads, perfect pies, cereals, meat, and fantastic fish selections are an assortment of truly awesome foods. A marvelous addition to cruising today, and the joy of dining at sea, are “Specialty Restaurants” where you pay a fee and make a reservation. The best way for you, our reader, to know MORE about this option and costs, is go online and type in “Specialty Restaurants on the ROYAL PRINCESS.” The information you’ll find online covers ALL the wide and varied choices, and makes you realize what an “Eating Challenge” it is, as regards deciding what you’ll request. We decided on The Crown Grill. I ordered as my entrée New Zealand Lamb Chops. As our Crown Grill waiter placed them in front of me he said there are 3 types of knives for cutting meat and, would I like to see them? I instantly said YES, and then saw what I can only call an artistic hand ballet on how to use them. It’s one thing to see something on a menu, but another when you actually taste what you’ve ordered. I don’t know if it was “auto suggestion, but as I’d asked the aforementioned waiter to carve my lamb chops, I couldn’t wait to eat them — yes, each morsel of the lamb tasted better and more wonderful than I’d ever have thought possible.

A Princess cruise IS an escape from reality and the often “routines of daily life,” which means life aboard is like floating in a dreamlike environment with many wonderful options. These include doing absolutely nothing except relaxing in, or by, one of the ship’s pools or spas and, if you wish, ordering drinks and food. Or, you can also enjoy one of the Royal’s almost countess events, programs or “Things” to see and do every day, all detailed in the ship’s news and information bulletin called Princess Patter. Here’s a sampler. Enjoy a “try out” massage; a Pictionary challenge; watch a feature film, such as “A Star is Born;” A goofy golf competition; a comedy show in the ship’s theater; Croquet challenge; Team Trivia; a pain management class; ballroom dance class Cha Cha. I was intrigued by the Trivia event — held on different days, different times, and a wide series of DIFFERENT subjects. One of the one’s I went to asked the question “How many Oscars did famous movie director Alfred Hitchcock get?” Do you know the answer? I was stunned, as were the other 90 or so people in the room, by the answer, NONE!

Our two grandsons, Peter, eleven, and Matthew, nine, also found “lots of cool stuff to see and do” aboard the Royal, but the one place they loved most of all, was The Lodge. Michelle, their Mom, said The Lodge, was specifically designed for kids 8-12 by Princess, and is a “safe place and environment where they played video games, got involved in some fun coloring contests, and got to meet other kids their own age.” I was delighted to hear she said, “it was evident, and clearly noticeable, that The Lodge was run very smoothly, and that the attentive staff took exceptional care to keep the kids safe.” She added that it gave her — and her husband Mike — “great peace of mind knowing where our kids, Peter and Matthew were at-all times, because of the Medallions they had on. What an amazing Princess invention this is, and the security it provides” she said. When going on vacation many people don’t have the time to learn more about the places they’ll visit. Princess does that for you with a 1 or 2 page overview, including info such as “The Best…” of each town or city, and special Points of Interest. There’s also local phone numbers for Tourist Information Centers, Post Offices, Banks, US Consulates, shopping, and tipping. I appreciated the fact that the history of each Port where the ship stops for a day, is entertainingly written and its thought-provoking format makes you REALLY want to do what’s suggested.

When my wife and I went up to the Buffet for breakfast, it looked as if there was a “traffic jam of ships” in the harbor. The ROYAL was berthed one way, then almost EXACTLY opposite to us — and seemingly only a few yards away — was another huge cruise ship also berthed lengthwise like us and, to the left of us, yet a third cruise ship! How do they get in!

Cruise lines are always on the lookout for imaginative ways in which to add new features that make a cruise even more spectacular. One such offbeat “tourist temptation” is the Princess SEAWALK. Contacting the Princess PR people, I asked them, “What were some of the reasons for installing this pioneering attraction.” “Well,” they said, “Princes Cruises wanted to create this innovative feature to give guests the experience they were walking on water.” Did they ever! Let me explain. When you go up to the Horizon Buffet on Deck 16 AFT (that’s the Stern, or “back end” of the ROYAL) there are — on both her left and right side of the deck — the aforementioned SEAWALK. It has 16 glass panels, and each SEAWALK is 60 feet long, and 128 feet above the Ocean, and it extends 28 feet out from the ship. I loved the fact of it being so unusual, and fun. As of right now, June, 2019, it can be enjoyed on three Princess Cruise ships — the ROYAL, REGAL and MAJESTIC.

If you’ve never taken a cruise, or even if you’ve taken lots of them, getting aboard a modern, totally up to date cruise ship today is a marvelous way to relax completely, enjoy fabulous and truly delicious food, along with the certain knowledge it IS the best, and most fun, escape from Reality. Period.

Contact John:

jd******@gm***.com

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I recently took an expedition to the La Brea Tar Pits to examine the fossil remains and to also see the new Second Home Serpentine Pavilion, a colorful temporary structure that is both a giant piece of art and a functioning public space.

My tour of the tar pits began in the main gallery, where I encountered large ground sloths, massive mammoths, and menacing saber-toothed cats. I also got a chance to look inside a real working lab to watch scientists prepare specimens found on site.

The biggest and most impressive display in the gallery is the Columbian mammoth. Standing nearly 14 ft-tall and weighing some 17,000 pounds this giant proboscidean mammal roamed what is now Los Angeles between 11,500 and 1.6 million years ago. The Columbian mammoth is recreated at La Brea Tar Pits with actual skeletal remains and also with a giant, live-sized model.

Another ancient animal found onsite is the giant ice age bear, which lived 12,000 to 1.5 million years ago. With the help of a giant replica, the museum brings this massive creature to life, giving visitors a scary glimpse of the largest carnivore during the last ice age.

The discovered bones of other extinct animals on display include the American Lion, which resembled today’s lions; the extinct camel, which lived about 45 million years ago; the California saber-tooth cat, with its huge fang-like teeth; the Dire Wolf; and the American mastodon.

So visitors can get an idea of how the bones are cleaned and prepared, there is a working lab in the middle of the museum that is surrounded by windows so guests can watch paleontologists at work.

While touring the museum I learned a lot of history about the tar pits. Over the last 50,000 years, Ice Age animals, plants, and insects were trapped and preserved in sticky tar, which is actually asphalt. More than 100 excavations have been made at the Tar Pits since the early 1900s, and most of the fossils discovered here are housed onsite. The discoveries range in size from huge, extinct mammoths and sloths to “microfossils,” or tiny remains of plants and animals that give us clues about how ancient ecosystems and climates changed. Since opening, the museum has excavated over 3.5 million fossils from the Tar Pits, and they are still digging.

Besides all the incredible bones on display, the museum is also showing a movie called Titans of the Ice Age, which is an additional $5 on top of admission. In this mesmerizing 3D adventure, narrated by Christopher Plummer, viewers will discover an icy world on the brink of extinction, where humans share the frozen tundra with majestic beasts. The movie is a great way to see how these magnificent creatures lived 10,000 – 50,000 years before humans, and how they became trapped in tar, preserved in time, and are being unearthed today at the Tar Pits.

Outside the museum are actual bubbling tar pits, including the large Lake Pit that welcomes visitors near the front entrance. Left over from asphalt mining work in the 1800s, the pit is highlighted by mammoth trapped in tar.

Across the lawn from this pit is the new Serpentine Pavilion, designed by Spanish architect SelgasCano. Organized by Second Home, a London-based workspace business, the 866-sq-ft chrysalis-like structure is covered in a translucent, multi-colored fabric membrane, allowing the public to experience architecture “through shape, light, transparency, color, and materials.”

The pavilion offers the public a flexible, multi-purpose social space in which to enjoy public programs and events focusing on the intersection of art, design, science, and nature. The Second Home Serpentine Pavilion will be at La Brea Tar Pits from June 28 to November 24, 2019.

The La Brea Tar Pits is located at 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, 90036. Adult admission is $15 and parking is $15. For more information, call 213.763.3499 or visit www.tarpits.org

Greg Aragon
Greg’s Getaway

Twitter: @gregsgetaway
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First, why would anyone living in Los Angeles take the train to San Diego, I mean you can get there in about 2 hours on the Freeway, and second, was San Diego’s airport runway, and was it long enough for the long distance flight to London? A few years ago I was invited on a trip to London by way of San Diego, with the purpose of the journey being to experience (and write about)  British Airways service to London from that city.  More on THAT airport, in a moment or two.

As I live in Los Angeles, what is the most interesting way to get to San Diego? Well, I reasoned, THIS would be the ideal time to do something I’d THOUGHT about forever, but never made time to actually do. Take the train. My goodness, what a relaxing and enjoyable trip it was. I even wished it lasted much longer. I boarded in LA’s Union Station where, in its heyday, it was THE place for movie stars of the day, yes movie stars, to go back and forth across the country by train in luxury. Indeed, Union Station is a glorious reminder of the Golden Age of US railroad travel.

I rode in Amtrak’s Double Decker Business Class with large panoramic windows, making it a real joy to enjoy the scenery as we went on our way. On the First level there’s a special area to get coffee and cookies and other sweet pastries to tempt your palette. If work is your thing, there are electrical outlets for laptop computers, and lots of stretch out legroom.  I’d long since given up my Surfboard (!) but I could easily have taken it along, unboxed, as well as my bicycle, because Amtrak allows you to take both on the SURFLINER as carry-on luggage! Try THAT with an airline, and you’ll be on the receiving end of laughter and the word “No.” Amtrak obviously loves southern California lifestyles!

Some of the stations en route were so quaint and romantic, making me think of yesteryear when times were more peaceful and tranquil. A fact stunningly illustrated as the train lazily glided along the extensive beach part of the trip. Any closer and we’d have actually been on the beach!

I asked a fellow passenger – a lady on the other side of the car – the obvious question – why take the train? Part of the answer was in front of me, as she had her lap top out on the tray table and was busily typing away. She said “I take the train because it’s relaxing. It’s all peace and quiet. No worries about traffic.” Like me, she said she also loved the fact that much of the trip is right by the Pacific Ocean. In fact, when we arrived in San Diego, I wanted to instantly do the whole trip over again, as it’s so enjoyable.

OK, now to that amazing San Diego airport. The airport’s original name was San Diego Municipal Airport – Lindbergh Field, located on 661 acres, 3 miles northwest of downtown San Diego. The runway though, has a unique place in American aviation history. It is the busiest single-runway airport in the nation, at 9,401-feet long and 200-feet wide.

As an ex-airline employee (I was Manager of PR for Continental Airlines) I was mesmerized by the fact that San Diego’s Lindbergh Field has a shorter runway than many other airports in the US who have long distance flights to Europe. So, I wanted to experience it firsthand. As we waited to take off it seemed to me that the aircraft revved up its engines to an extraordinarily high RPM degree that I’d never known before. Indeed, when the pilot released the aircraft’s brakes, I felt as if I was on a “thrill ride” at Disneyland: it was if we’d been shot out of a canon because the acceleration was so intense and instant, as the aircraft thundered down the runway. It was, I thought, just like a thoroughbred racing car at peak performance. Yes, of course we made it, but it was – at least for me – a huge thrill as we lifted off the runway almost within its final few feet.

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