Traveling, a passion of this author, has prompted me to share my experiences with others, especially senior readers. This group of people, of which I am a part, has not always been privileged to take time out to travel, for various reasons. Granted, it is an expensive venture, or hobby, however, it is great fun, adventurous and a wonderful opportunity to meet people of different cultures and living standards.
The Vagabonds
By P. Paul ProvostAuthorHouse
Copyright © 2011 P. Paul Provost
All right reserved.ISBN: 978-1-4634-2681-1Contents
REMEMBERING MY PARENTS ..........................................................................ixINTRODUCTION.....................................................................................xiFOREWORD.........................................................................................xviiCHAPTER ONE ONLY THE BEGINNING...................................................................1CHAPTER TWO A EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE................................................................12CHAPTER THREE CRUISING THE CARIBBEAN AND THE HAWAIIAN GET A WAY..................................39CHAPTER FOUR WEST AFRICA "AKAWAABA" LAND TOUR AND THE MEXICAN RIVIERA CRUISE.....................57CHAPTER FIVE OUR AMTRAK ODYSSEY..................................................................77CHAPTER SIX CELEBRATING THIRTY YEARS TOGETHER....................................................100CHAPTER SEVEN A FATHER'S DAY GIFT................................................................141CHAPTER EIGHT THE "BIG EIGHTY" ASIAN CAPITAL LAND AND CRUISE TOUR................................151CHAPTER NINE CELEBRATING OUR FORTY-FIRST YEAR TOGETHER...........................................190CHAPTER TEN ADVENTUROUS TRANSPACIFIC CRUISE AND TOUR.............................................223CHAPTER ELEVEN THE CANCUN GOLF EXPERIENCE........................................................265CHAPTER TWELVE OUR LIFETIME LAND AND NILE RIVER CRUISE JOURNEY...................................278CHAPTER THIRTEEN CHINA AND YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE..................................................338CHAPTER FOURTEEN SINGAPORE TO SOUTH AFRICA.......................................................365EPILOGUE COUNTING MY BLESSINGS...................................................................435
Chapter One
ONLY THE BEGINNING
It's not as though this was our first time traveling out of the state of California, our home, however, it was the first venture of this nature. Just the two of us, Frances J. and Paul Provost, with God leading the way, drove away from home the morning of September 18, 1970, in our black, 1970 Lincoln Continental Mark III, en route to what would be a twenty-three state journey, with visits to many places of interest.
After driving about five-hundred miles we spent our first night away from home, in the state of Oregon. Continuing on our way the next morning, we headed for Spokane, Washington, the largest city in Eastern Washington, located on the Spokane River. We arrived there early afternoon, so we had an opportunity to see some of the beautiful lilacs, which have been plentiful since being introduced to the area, many years ago. The nickname for this city is "Lilac City". Annually, for over 70 years, in the month of May, the Spokane Lilac Festival and Parade is held, to honor all military members.
The next morning, September 20, we were up bright and early, about 6:00AM, and had the opportunity to witness one of the most beautiful sunrises that we had ever seen, over the city of Spokane. We soon began a northward drive, passing through Idaho, to the border of Canada, the adjoining country just north of the United States of America. About 50 miles from here we reached Fort Steele, which is in the province of British Columbia. Fort Steele became a historical park in the year 1961. During the gold rush days, in the mid 1800's, this site was originally established as a ferry service, utilized for Kootenay Bay crossing. After touring this site, we continued our journey, and before long, crossed the border into Alberta, Canada, the next province as we journeyed on our eastward path across Canada. Almost immediately we found ourselves in view of, what one would call, a breath taking sight, Banff National Park, the first national park of Canada. The white peaked mountains, and emerald colored waters of Lake Louise, were like a painted picture. Several deer were in view and stood as if they were statues. This area was so mesmerizing until we didn't want to leave, but we did.
After reaching our final destination of the day, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, we checked into the Sheraton Summit Motel then strolled a short distance, to experience the view from the "Husky Tower", the tallest revolving tower in North America at 626 feet, built for a cost of about $3 ½ million.
For the next few days we continued our journey across Canada, first visiting Regina, Saskatchewan, the Capital and second largest city of this province then on to Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Capital and largest city of this province. Winnipeg has a very diversified economy, including finance, manufacturing, food and beverage production, culture, retail and tourism. As we moved along, Thunder Bay, Ontario was the next city on our agenda. This city is the result of the merger of two cities, Fort William and Port Arthur, in addition to the townships of Neebing and McIntyre, which occurred in January 1970.
Our next stop in Canada was Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Here we went on a wonderful boat tour, which took us through the locks in the St. Mary's River area, one of the top attractions in this region, not far from the state of Michigan. After a wonderful day in Sault Ste. Marie, the following day we made our way to Niagara Falls, Ontario, and visited the "Skylon Tower", restaurant, also a revolving tower, where we enjoyed a delightful dinner, and night view of the Falls. Upon arrival at Niagara Falls, there was a great deal of excitement. We learned of a tragedy which had recently occurred. A person accidentally fell over the Horseshoe Falls and drowned. This was more excitement than we needed.
After dinner we made our way to the hotel, where we spent the night. The next morning it was 'on the road again', after spending about a week in the beautiful, historical country of Canada, and we were now re-entering the United States of America.
A tour of this kind would not be complete without a visit to Detroit, Michigan, the "Motor City", going through the areas which had been destroyed, due to a civil disturbance which occurred in 1967. This incident was covered by national media, television, newspapers, etc., and required the assistance of Michigan National Guard and Army troops in order to be resolved.
During our stay in Detroit, we visited with a friend for a couple of days, while she graciously hosted us, with a tour of the city and a gathering of friends at her home.
Since this was "Motor City", we took it literally and on the morning of September 27, 1970, got our auto motor going and were 'on the road again'. After being on the road for about ten hours, we entered New York City, New York, and checked into the "Americana Hotel", in Times Square, which was our 'home away from home' for the next few days. Upon checking in, we parked our car in the hotel garage, and didn't see it again until four days later when we left this city. For us, and so many others, travel in and around this city was by numerous means, other than driving. The hotel was some fifty stories high, and you wouldn't imagine who wanted to experience living in a room on the top floor. Yes, it was Frances J. After a couple of nights, she made the decision that we would never live on the fiftieth floor in a hotel again. The whistling sound of the wind was more than she really expected, however, she wouldn't be outdone, so she decided that we would hang in there for the duration. The view from our hotel window was more than expected. We had a panoramic view of Central Park, centrally located in downtown Manhattan, probably the most visited city park in the United States. It was established as a National Historic Landmark in 1963.
Our visit, in New York City, was quite busy and very enjoyable, trying to fit everything into a few days. One day was adventurous, on a city tour of Manhattan Island, via Circle Line Boat Cruises. This included cruising along, viewing the picturesque sights of the Empire State Building, the several bridges in the area, one of which is the Brooklyn Bridge, the United Nations Headquarters and the Statue of Liberty.
Another day was spent, mastering the subway system, working our way to the famous Coney Island, a resort area in Brooklyn, with a boardwalk, amusement park and many eating places. We also visited Harlem, an area in the Manhattan borough and walked in the neighborhood, down its main 125th Street. This is a legendary area, known for night clubs with live music, since the 1920's. It was described as the "Black capital of the world", at one time, probably because of the "Apollo Theatre", where primarily Black entertainers performed. The "Savoy Ballroom", also in this area, was one of the finest and very well known clubs. It was very unique, compared to other clubs. They allowed inter-racial dancing, between their Black and White guests, which was frowned upon by other clubs, that had a "White only" policy. Also, we were privy to see the building which was the former "Hotel Theresa", and known as the 'Waldorf Astoria of Harlem'. Until the year 1940, only White guests, with the exception of a few Black celebrities, were allowed.
Our final day here was spent primarily shopping, at Neiman Marcus, for a few special items for Frances J. Mission was accomplished and after a good night sleep, 'the Vagabonds' were 'on the road again', to wherever the road would lead.
We traveled through New Jersey and Pennsylvania, working our way through Maryland, then finally to our Capital, Washington, D. C. There was much history to partake of here, and it wasn't possible to visit and see all of it, so we made what we felt were our primary choices, some of which are shared with you here.
A tour of the White House Mansion, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, where our United States President resides, was a must, and of course, we were not disappointed. Another visit was to the National Mall, an open national park area, in downtown Washington D. C., where numerous well known memorials can be seen. We visited the United States Capital Building, which is at the east end of the Mall, and the Washington Monument at the west end, built in honor of the first President of our country. Also located on the Mall is the Lincoln Memorial, a magnificent work of art, dedicated in 1922, with the statue of Abraham Lincoln at about 19 feet high. Arlington National Cemetery, another breathtaking sight, situated directly across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial, near the Pentagon, serves as the burial place for many of our veterans, who graciously served in our military services. It was dedicated in the year 1864. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, also located here, is dedicated to service members of the United States of America, who died with unidentifiable remains. Honor Guards are stationed in front of the Tomb, twenty-four hours daily, each day of the year, and changed every thirty minutes. Observing the shift changing, the precise movement of these specially trained Guards as they walk, is quite a sight to watch.
Finally, was a visit to the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame Memorial, at the grave site of this President who was assassinated November 22, 1963. It is also in Arlington National Cemetery and was consecrated and opened to the public on March 15, 1967.
In the event anyone reading this book has not visited our United States Capital, it is highly recommended.
Completing the allotted time in Washington, D. C., we continued on our auto venture, heading westward through the state of Ohio, with no particular sights in mind, then on to Illinois. While in the state of Illinois, we visited Chicago, one of the most populous cities in the United States. Though there is much to offer here, we only got a glimpse. We visited the famous Wrigley Field where the Chicago Cubs baseball team plays, the Tribune Tower which is near the Michigan Avenue Bridge and the John Hancock Center, just completed the year prior to our visit.
Leaving Chicago, our journey took us southward through Indiana, Kentucky and, finally, Tennessee, where we spent a couple days in the area of Chattanooga, touring in the town of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee.
Lookout Mountain is known, historically, because the "Battle of Lookout Mountain" was fought here, November 24, 1863, as part of the Chattanooga Campaign of the American Civil War. Our visit here took us to Rock City and the caves of Ruby Falls, all within Lookout Mountain. As we explored this area, we were amazed at the various attractions, such as Lover's Leap, a point where it is said that one can view parts of seven states, including: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. Although we took the complete tour that was provided at Rock City, there's one particular incident that I want to share, which is quite hilarious. There was what is known as the 'Swing-Along Bridge', about 180 feet across, above a deep gorge, extending from one huge rock area to another, which sways from side to side. Although it offers a breathtaking view, if you look up and out at the scenery, however, it is a challenge. Frances J., who sometimes is known to take a challenge, did so regarding this 'Bridge'. However, it was a little more than she could handle. Ironically, she made her way about half way across, panicked, turned around, and went back to her starting point. What a pity! She would have had it made. We're still talking and laughing about this until this day.
Our time was spent in Tennessee, so we made our way to Georgia, for a visit to the city of Atlanta, to the birthplace and future Memorial Park of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We also had the opportunity to view the home where he lived, prior to his death in 1968, as well as the Ebenezer Baptist Church, which he co-pastored with his father, beginning in 1960.
We traveled through Alabama and Mississippi, anxious to arrive in the state of Louisiana, particularly its city of New Orleans, the 'birthplace of jazz', which has been given multiple nicknames, including that of "Nawlins", an acronym for its actual name. New Orleans is often referred to as the "most unique" city in America, and is known for its celebration time of the Mardi Gras, a carnival whose roots stem from a time of preparing for the start of Christian season of Lent. While there, we lived in the White House Hotel, an elequant hotel on Toulouse and Bourbon Streets, with all the amenities one would want or need.
When visiting New Orleans, this is no time to even think about a 'diet' of any kind. This city is well known for its delicious, southern, Creole foods such as catfish, jambalaya and gumbo, to name a few. We could not even begin to count the number of restaurants, and would be embarrassed to say how many we tried out.
After a couple days' stay in New Orleans, we drove on to Texas, visiting family in several cities, primarily Houston, the birthplace of this author. While visiting in Houston, family members were very hospitable, with plans for us, each of the several days that we were there. Since some of them were horsemen and often sponsored rodeos, we went on a planned trail ride, in addition to attending a couple of rodeos. We also toured the Houston Astrodome, the first dome stadium of any sport, which opened in the year 1965 and is known as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'. The Astrodome was home to the Houston Astros, major league baseball team and the Houston Oilers, professional football team.
Although the family had additional plans for us, we felt it best that we make our way toward home. After all, we did not want to 'wear our welcome out', and in addition to that, we had several other places to visit prior to returning home, so 'the Vagabonds' packed up and were 'on the road again'. Working our way westward, through the large state of Texas, we spent one night in Amarillo, continuing on our journey the following morning, through New Mexico, arriving at its border city of Gallup, late afternoon. Here we were fortunate and located a very quaint shelter for the night. It was the Log Cabin Motel, actually constructed of logs, with a cozy fireplace which suited us just fine, because it was now October and the nights were becoming cooler.
After enjoying a wonderful, very restful night, in our 'Log Cabin', it was time to move along to the next state, Arizona, for a visit at Grand Canyon National Park, established in the year 1919. It is said to be the second most visited National Park in the United States, second only to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, bordered between Tennessee and North Carolina. The Grand Canyon is the most famous, natural attraction in the United States, possibly in the world. It is some 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide, in some areas, and over a mile deep. The view of the natural rock formations is quite majestic, with hues like one has never witnessed before, and the Colorado River flowing through, adds another awe inspiring moment. After you've visited there once, it won't be your last time.
Moving along, we located a place to camp out for the night. Literally, to camp in because we two 'Vagabonds' don't do camping out. We actually found a motel for the night and the next morning, left and headed for what would be our last place to visit on our tour. In a few hours we arrived in Nevada, for an extensive tour of Hoover Dam, in Boulder City. This Dam another one of the greatest man made wonders, was named after the 31st President of the United States, Herbert Hoover, because he had a great influence upon the nearby states coming into agreement about water allocations, settling a long-time controversy. Dedication of the Dam was in 1935, by our 32nd President, Franklin Roosevelt. The tour we chose included viewing the Power Plant, visitor's center, observation deck and a look inside the Dam. During the tour we were given a very interesting analogy or comparison as to the amount of concrete involved in building the Dam. We were informed that the amount used is equal to that which would be used to build a 16 feet wide, two lane highway, the distance between San Francisco and New York. This is 'food for thought'. Hoover Dam is a massive structure.
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Excerpted from The Vagabondsby P. Paul Provost Copyright © 2011 by P. Paul Provost. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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