Bob Travel

Skipper had just found out he did get the job he had auditioned for in Charlotte, North Carolina. At first he almost couldn’t believe his luck, but his mother was quick to remind him that it was his skill and professionalism that won him the position, and that luck had nothing to do it with it. Of course this was hard for Skip to believe, well at least in entirely because there were so few professional symphony positions available and so many, so very many musicians trying to fill them that he knew many of them possessed equal or greater talent to his and had at least a competitive experience level. He had no idea what caused the music directors and conductors to award positions to whomever they eventually chose but it certainly never seemed like having a bit of luck wouldn’t help.

He remembered well the day last month he was in Charlotte for the audition. Click here to see some Charlotte hotels similar to that he stayed in. It was a beautiful morning and he felt like he was in a solid place to perform. The concerto he had worked on, and played with his local symphony last year, was feeling like it was at a great place. He sipped his morning coffee in the resort café and though he was careful not to drink too much, he didn’t want to become nervous or worse create shaking hands, he thoroughly enjoyed his morning caffeine.

After the audition he went straight to the North Carolina Zoo, which he had preplanned to do. He enjoyed the short drive and was happy to get out of town and be in the open air. He always had a relaxing yet interesting and attention-diverting place to go after auditions, which helped him to not be too critical. He liked to observe and judge his performances, but he tried not to analyze auditions immediately after them because his well being always received a severe blow. So, he remarked at the beauty of the zebras and thought how fortunate they were to have such fabulous and distinctive stripes.

New York, the city that never sleeps then naturally has a robust morning life as well. So, if your a visitor or business person that can’t go to sleep because of jet lag or just plain to excited, don’t worry there’s plenty to see and do. Most New York Hotel Suites will gladly tell you what there is to do in the mornings of New York City. Places to dance till 3am, another place to eat at 4am that’s right next to a yoga studio which opens at 5am for morning salutation yoga.

Afterwards, you’ll definitely run into the groggy dog walkers, the disheveled IT employee or a elderly immigrant in bright leisure workout slacks power walking down the sidewalk. The sun will rise, so there’s even more to do at 6am in the morning. You’ll spot the sunrise through a visual latticework of suspension cables of the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges, just a 10 minute walk from the City Hall-Brooklyn Bridge subway stop.  Then entertain yourself with a view of the city when on the bridges, counter clock wise from the sunrise you will see the Midtown Skyline, the downtown skyline and then the ever popular Statue of Liberty. Hopefully, you’re hungry again, cause now, at 7am, it’s time for breakfasts, the bigger chains are always open, but search a little more to get a taste of maybe something in Chinatown, it’s just a few blocks away. Dim Sum or walk into that restaurant that has ducks hanging from the entry posts. If you’re not in the mood for that, stroll a little further
north to have brunch at Balthazar, a takeout bakery open for a continental breakfast and no waiting for a table and the first crack at a pile of free newspapers.

Central Park is another place for morning activities if you’re staying father uptown. There is an official opening time of 6am at the park, but you’ll have it virtually to yourself, until the runners start in around 7am. Go even if it’s raining or freezing, you won’t be disappointed no matter what the weather. Central Park is a definite must in the morning, say around 7:30am the New York Audubon offers bird watching on Saturdays. For Breakfast take a brisk walk from the southern end of the park to Norma’s serving a classic New York breakfast classic. That’s all Norma’s serves only breakfast and a bit on the expensive side, but so worth it.

As you can tell, there’s no end of possibilities of what and where to go in the New York morning. Just hanging around your hotel will reveal it’s own little treasures. So, wake up and smell the adventures of the morning.

This month the people of the city of Manchester, England got quite a treat, quite a show.  As part of a three day festival, that brought the Balearic Islands to Albert Square, the legendary Menorcan Horses of Spain gave the people a small glimpse into their beauty, the skill of the riders and the culture of this small island in the Mediterranean Sea.  For close to fifty years, the British have made up a large segment of the population of European tourists who have made the Islands their favorite destination for relaxation in the spas of the best Balearic hotels, dancing in the trendy clubs, and walking on the pristine beaches.  However, tourism in the Islands has dropped substantially during the economic crunch, and so the Islands were brought to tourists.

These horses have been important throughout Menorca’s history, having been pivotal and necessary during times when the island was defending itself, and during times of celebrations.  This is a very unique breed of horse, with only 1,500 animals registered with the Horse and Breeders Association.  This breed rivals that of the Arabian Horse, as in appearance they are exquisite creatures.  Their coats are black and they have billowing manes.  And much as with the Greyhound racing dogs, they are proportioned with incredible necklines, they are extremely muscular, and are well known for their sober demeanor and consistent character.  They are tireless when it comes to performing, either for the shows or for their owners.

The shows are extraordinary in part due to the skill of the riders, and in part due to the fact that this breed is not only beautiful, but extremely smart as well.  They have been gaining the reputation as the best breed for training, for riding and for their ability to interpret the intricate commands the riders makes using the harness.  They are well known and loved on the Island, and after the performance they gave in Manchester two weeks ago, they are well loved internationally now as well.