Category Archives: Travel
EXPLAINING THE “QUEEN CITY”
BRYCE ON OUR CHANGING WORLD
- On the banks of the Ohio River: Cincinnati, the “Queen.”
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Prior to moving to the Tampa Bay area of Florida, I lived in Cincinnati, Ohio for 17 years. During this period, I went to high school, graduated from college, and we started our business which we subsequently moved to Florida. Quite often I am asked to describe what life is like in the “Queen City,” representing the city’s nickname (“Queen City to the West” to be precise). I have lived in quite a few locations throughout the country, not to mention visiting many more, but Cincinnati was a unique experience that is difficult to describe; instead, you have an intuitive feeling that is difficult to articulate. Such is Cincinnati. There is just something “different” about it. It is certainly not like Cleveland, Columbus, Toledo, Akron, or any other city in Ohio. It is unique. For example, most cities have their airport near the downtown area; Cincinnati’s is across the river in Kentucky, not Ohio. The airport designation “CVG” doesn’t mean “Cincinnati Vicinity G???”, but “Covington” instead (Kentucky) thereby representing an interesting political chapter in Cincinnati’s history.
The city rests on the northern shores of the Ohio River in the Southwest corner of Ohio, adjoining Kentucky and Indiana making up the “Tri-State” area. It was settled in the late 1700′s, and it was a frontier town that made good. So good, it quickly became the crossroads of America, where settlers traveled through on their way to the western frontier. The city prospered so much in the early days, the federal government seriously considered moving the capitol there after the British burned Washington during the War of 1812, thereby eliminating the potential of attack by the sea. This, of course, never transpired but Cincinnati continued to grow nevertheless. By 1870 it represented the mean center of U.S. population. Today, the Queen City is strategically located within a 700 mile radius of two-thirds of the industrial wealth of Canada and the United States, making it an ideal locale for conducting business.
The city has a strong German heritage based on immigrants settling there and setting up shop. Breweries grew, shipping and manufacturing proliferated, and for a long time was called “Porkopolis” because of the pork processing plants there. Even to this day, Cincinnati’s strong work ethic, food, and general attitudes can be attributed to its German roots.
Seven hills surround the city making up a valley that traps pollutants and humidity, and explains why it has evolved into a “Sinus Gulch” where the inhabitants suffer from an annoying nasal “Sniff” heard throughout the day. During the summer, the weather can be stifling; in the winter, the valley can retain the cold. Spring and Autumn are perhaps the two most scenic and enjoyable seasons.
Cincinnati has a unique sight, sound, smell, and even taste to it. From an architecture perspective, the city has everything from massive mansions made of brick and hidden away in country settings, to simple turn-of-the century wooden structures with steep roofs and front porches that dominate the neighborhoods. Television is rather unique, or at least was a few years ago. Considerable television innovations originated from the Queen City and, for a long time, local talent dominated the channels with homespun humor and a blend of bluegrass and midwest music. Natives fondly remember people like Bob Braun, Paul Dixon, Bob Shreve, Glenn Ryle, and “The Cool Ghoul.” However, celebrities such as Steven Spielberg, Jerry Springer, Doris Day, Roy Rogers, and the Clooney family all started here as well. Alas, the locals eventually gave way to national programming and the Cincinnati character faded from television screens. Fortunately, local radio stations still feature homegrown personalities.
Over the years Cincinnati has had many breweries due to its German heritage. One by one, they were all pushed aside by national brewers. Names like Burger, Hudepohl, Schoenling, and Wiedemannn slowly faded away. In terms of food, Cincinnatians enjoy their restaurants. Since there are no real glamor places to relax locally, particularly in winter, there isn’t much to do but tuck away the groceries. In addition to having some of the finest restaurants in the country, the fare is based on its “Porkopolis” past, featuring a variety of sausages, ribs, and a breakfast meat called “Goetta” which is similar to Philadelphia Scrapple, but made with pinhead oats instead. Cincinnati chili is also unique. Do not expect a bowl of hot spicy meat. Instead, it is served on a bed of spaghetti, with a layer of onions, a layer of kidney beans, and topped with a bed of grated American cheese.
Even driving around town is strangely different in Cincinnati. Instead of a cut-throat rush hour in the morning, Cincinnatians seem to just quietly go about their business in the morning and possess an intuitive understanding of every twist, turn, and back alley to be navigated in the city. It is also common to see motorists stop to give aid to other motorists in trouble.
What this all adds up to is a strong sense of neighborhood in Cincinnati which took me a long time to figure out. At first it seems elitist in nature. The citizens genuinely love their hometown, particularly their sports teams (e.g, the Reds and Bengals), local celebrities, and hometown boys and girls that make good on the national stage. It’s no small wonder many people grow up and never leave Cincinnati, nor understand why people want to leave. It’s very introverted in this regard. Should you move to the area, as we did many years ago, you must adapt to the culture for it will certainly not adapt to you.
Not surprising, Cincinnati is conservative in both its thinking and politics. They simply do not like to change. This has hurt them on more than one occasion, particularly the downtown area which has lost considerable business over the years to Northern Kentucky. When I return to my old neighborhood there, it is like time has stood still; nothing of substance has changed. I know where everything is and all of the names of the families. Although I’ve been gone for over a quarter of a century now, it is like I never left. Although it may take an act of God to implement a change to Cincinnati, such as a new building, road or restaurant, the citizens remarkably embrace it. On the one hand, Cincinnatians give the appearance of being “stick in the muds,” but on the other they are some rather creative innovators and inventors. In addition to television and radio, Cincinnati is home to massive jet engines, consumer products, machine tools, banks and insurance companies, and some rather impressive computer technology. Their strong and determined work ethic, coupled with a competitive imagination, and strategic location in the country to conduct business, makes Cincinnati a stable work environment.
As an aside, it is relatively easy to recognize a person from the Queen City. They will say “Please?” instead of “I beg your pardon?” or “Huh?” I haven’t heard this specific idiom used anywhere else in this context. Also, true native Cincinnatians tend to say “CincinnatAH” as opposed to “CincinnatEE.” It’s a dead giveaway as to their roots. “Sniff”.
Keep the Faith!
Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.
Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
For Tim’s columns, see:
timbryce.com
Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.
Copyright © 2012 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
NEXT UP: WASTING YOUR WRITE-IN VOTE – Now is not the time to be foolish with your vote.
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FLY FISHING IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA
BRYCE ON OUR CHANGING WORLD
- Beware of hatchery fed trout.
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I have been fortunate over the years to fish in a variety of locations throughout the country. You may remember me discussing my passion in “Fly Fishing at St. Timothy’s.” The last few years though I have primarily been concentrating on the streams in the picturesque mountains of western North Carolina or as it is better known down south as the “Florida Riviera.” While northern tourists come to Florida during the winter, Floridians tend to gravitate to the Carolinas and Tennessee for their getaways.
Unlike Florida which is an extremely flat state, North Carolinians build their homes in mountainous terrain that only a billy goat can navigate. Instead of placing their houses on level terra firma, the locals have a propensity for building them in the most awkward places possible. Driveways have steep inclines with twists and turns that would probably stump Harry Houdini. Despite this, during the summer months the foliage is in full bloom, a variety of butterflies start their mating ritual, soft breezes blow through wooden front porches, and the melodic sound of nearby mountain streams can be heard just about everywhere.
The streams themselves are shaded with cool, clear mountain water providing refuge for our adversary, the rainbow trout. In a way, they remind me of the streams in Connecticut where I grew up and would swim, fish, and make rock dams in the streams. The water was crystal clear and the cool waters felt delicious on a hot day. The rocks in the stream can be treacherous, so you are always mindful of wearing appropriate boots or water shoes to avoid slipping. In my case, I have some old mountain boots I like to wear with wool socks to keep me warm. They have served me well over the past twenty years, but this time I found they tended to weigh me down as I trudged in and out of streams. Frankly, I felt like I was wearing ten pound wingtips. I think it’s finally time to trade up to something lighter and more comfortable.
Some fly fishermen consider the sport an art form. As for me, I am there to fish, not to paint. True, I love to be out in the wild with my rod and reel, a good cigar, and no phones, but I tend to be more pragmatic about it. Fly fishing requires you to become a traveling salesman. If the customer doesn’t like your product, you have to either keep moving along and knock on another door or change the product on display. In less than sixty seconds I can determine if the fishing spot holds any potential. If it doesn’t, I move along or change my fly. Others can take what seems like an eternity to make up their mind; they may be persistent but rarely are they rewarded.
Although I have had success in the mountains in the past, on a recent visit I came up empty. So much so, I started to believe the North Carolina fish hatcheries had somehow trained the fish to ignore flies and, in a way, I was right. My friends and I heard the state hatcheries department had released some trout upstream from us and we eventually stumbled upon a half dozen of them in the clear waters. We then set about catching them as quietly as possible. One by one, we gently floated our flies just a few inches above their heads. They evidently were not impressed and ignored our advances. We then tried a variety of different flies, but to no avail. Becoming desperate, we started to try other methods to catch them, including spinners, plugs, a hook and worm, even a piece of beef jerky. Time and again, the result was the same: Nada. I would have even tried a small piece of Spam had it been available but I am certain it wouldn’t have changed the outcome, they just let it pass indifferently under their noses.
Later that evening, we came upon a native whom we explained our dilemma to. He was not surprised by our failure and even seemed to relish in our frustration. He then went on to explain how the state feeds the hatchlings which consisted of small pellets containing a tiny white grub or worm that emerges upon hitting the water. Frankly, we didn’t stand a chance. It was like stalking our prey with filet mignon when they had been weaned on Captain Crunch. Fortunately, we changed tactics and moved elsewhere, but it took us awhile to improve our disposition.
For three days, I clomped around the streams of western North Carolina, wearing clunky footwear and a fishing vest loaded with enough gear to equip a small RV. I am my own worst enemy in this regard. Between the slippery rocks in the stream, heavy equipment, and a growing case of arthritis, I discovered I was no longer as spry as I once was. Now and then, I would just stop and enjoy the calming and therapeutic effect of the cool waters which refreshed me. It was only on the last day of my trip did I shed myself of the gear, the ancient boots, and began to enjoy fishing again. “Simplify” was my mantra for the day which produced beneficial results. Instead of worrying about hatchery-fed fish, I concentrated on the basics. Like Willy Loman, I just knocked on a lot of doors and kept moving along enjoying the great outdoors.
North Carolina is a wonderful place to fish, you just have to be a little smarter than your adversary.
Keep the Faith!
Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.
Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
For Tim’s columns, see:
timbryce.com
Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.
Copyright © 2012 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
NEXT UP: PROVOCATION & THE OWS TAMPA – Tampa welcomes Occupy Wall Street to the RNC.
Also look for Tim’s postings in the Palm Harbor Patch and throughout the Internet.
TIM’S TRAVEL PLANNING CHECKLIST
BRYCE ON MANAGEMENT
- Don’t leave home without it.
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To use this segment in a Radio broadcast or Podcast, send TIM a request.
Travel used to be fun and carefree; you grabbed your tickets, got on the airplane and off you went. Thanks to terrorists though, the TSA, and the dangerous world we now live in, it has become quite complicated. I have done my fair share of traveling over the years and learned a few things along the way, such as how to organize a trip with a minimum of headaches. Below is a checklist I use to mentally prepare myself. Now, I’m finally putting it to paper to perhaps make travel planning a little easier for others. This checklist is not designed to help you order tickets, only how to prepare for the trip after you have made the purchase decision. It will also not cover the items you can or cannot carry on to an aircraft (see the TSA for guidelines). If you have a concern or question, either contact the TSA or your airline carrier. Aside from this, these suggestions will hopefully simplify your trip and make it more enjoyable. I have listed my suggestions in alphabetic order:
AIRLINE COURTESY LOUNGES – Most major airlines offer private lounges available on a membership basis. They offer comforts for the weary traveler, including beverages, snacks, privacy, television, Internet access, comfortable chairs for catching a few winks of sleep, clean washrooms, and sometimes showers. If you are going to be traveling extensively, it may be wise to purchase a membership. Don’t want to join on an annual basis? Most airlines have a 30 day membership available or pay as you go. If you have a rough and rugged road to travel, it may very well be worth it. Contact your airline for details.
AIRLINE TICKETS – Make sure you have your seat assignments in advance. If you have certain food requirements, notify the airline in advance, not on the day of departure. Boarding passes can still be obtained at the airport but most people prefer printing them in advance on their computer, usually 24 hours in advance. Print two copies, just in case. TRAVEL INSURANCE may be wise if you are planning an expensive trip where there is a possibility your travel plans may change. As for me, I typically avoid it under normal circumstances.
AIRPORT – get there early. TSA usually creates unGodly security lines where you are seemingly strip searched. Wear comfortable shoes you can quickly slip in and out of, and socks to avoid the germs awaiting you in the security screening area. Avoid wearing or carrying anything metallic, particularly coins, lighters, or anything else. Try not to dress like a Huckleberry thereby indicating you’re an inexperienced traveler to be taken advantage of by charlatans.
AUTOMOBILE, PREPARATION – If you are going on a lengthy trip by automobile, be sure to have your car’s tires, brakes, and oil checked, and possibly have it tuned up. An ounce of prevention now, may save you headaches later on.
BALLOT – If you will be gone during election time, be sure to request an “absentee ballot” from your local board of elections.
BATTERIES – make sure all of your batteries for your electronic devices are charged or replaced. It might not be a bad idea to bring extra batteries if you are going to be gone for an extended period.
BILLS, PAYING THEM IN ADVANCE – if you are going to be gone for an extended period of time, try to have your bills paid in advance so that you will not be in arrears upon your return. If necessary, have someone you trust pay bills for you, or utilize electronic payments.
CALL HOME – upon your arrival, let your loved ones back home know that you have arrived safely, either by telephone, instant message, or e-mail.
CAMERA – Are you planning on taking pictures during your trip? Make sure your digital camera is fully charged and ready to use. Don’t forget the charger and any other cords and attachments. I typically purchase a book of photos of the country I’m visiting (the local photographers are much better than I am).
CAR RENTAL – It pays to make reservations well in advance, not to mention shop around and look for specials. I tend to use reputable firms with airport shuttles as opposed to hitching a ride to East Podunk to pickup a car. Beware of insurance coverage; I tend to get minimum coverage but it is your choice. (Also see “International Driving Permit”).
CASH – do not take an inordinate amount of hard cash with you. If you are robbed, it will be impossible to replace. Take enough cash for taxis or shuttles, tipping, basic “walking around” money, and perhaps a drink or something to eat along the way.
COMPUTER – If you are planning on taking your laptop, be sure you will have Internet coverage. As with the telephone, check on available coverage.
CONCIERGE – a hotel concierge can be your best friend if you treat him/her right. Let them know what your interests are and ask for their advice regarding restaurants, tourist attractions, transportation, and currency exchanges. Sometimes they may point you in the wrong direction, particularly if an outside firm is paying them a commission for every tourist they send their way. Develop a good rapport with them if possible and they will, in general, treat you right.
CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS – alert your credit/debit card companies of your travel plans. Such companies may refuse the processing of transactions from a faraway location (including within the United States). In addition, write down your credit/debit card numbers and customer service telephone numbers and keep them in a safe place. This can be invaluable if you lose your wallet or purse and need to cancel them (and get new ones).
CURRENCY EXCHANGE – try to have some local currency with you before you arrive, for use with taxi drivers, tipping, etc. You can obtain such currency through a bank, but it may be better to get it at an airport if you have some time between flights. While at your destination, check with the hotel’s concierge or front desk on how to exchange money. Make sure you are getting the correct rate, realize that not everybody necessarily will charge you the same rate. Sometimes black market rates are better than those offered by the banks. For the latest rates, check HERE.
ELECTRICAL CONVERTERS – not everything runs on the American electrical system, including plugs. Fortunately, there are inexpensive adapter plugs available for you to plug-in an American electrical device. Radio Shack provides a fine TUTORIAL on this subject.
E-MAIL, AUTO RESPONSES – If you are going away for awhile, do not write a default e-mail response such as, “I’ll be away on vacation from DATE to DATE”; Translation: “Hello burglars, the house is deserted, come and get it.” Frankly, it’s nobody’s business where you are. Try something like this instead, “I’m away from my office right now, please contact John Doe if you require immediate support, (telephone number and e-mail address).” If possible, periodically check your e-mail while you’re on the road and answer critical messages.
EMBASSY – It may be wise to write down the telephone number and address of the local American embassy or consulate. Click HERE for a listing. (Also see “Police”).
ENTERTAINMENT – you may be traveling for hours. Either plan on getting plenty of sleep during your journey or take something to occupy your time, such as a book, magazine, portable DVD player, laptop computer, or some other electronic device. On airplanes, observe the proper decorum for using such devices.
FLASH DRIVE – Don’t want to lug around a laptop with you? Put a lot of your data on a simple flash drive which you can carry in your pocket. Rarely do I take a laptop with me anymore. Instead, I keep important documents, email addresses, and web bookmarks on my flash drive. You may also want to scan your passport, driver’s license, tickets, and traveler checks and maintain them as JPG or PDF files on your flash drive (as opposed to photocopying such items as mentioned under “Photocopying.” I also make active use of GOOGLE DOCS/DRIVE for documents, graphic presentations, and more, which I can easily access from any computer. Using this same rationale, I also check my e-mail using such things as GOOGLE GMAIL or YAHOO! MAIL.
HOTEL BUSINESS CARD – You can obtain such cards from the front desk or concierge. Take more than one. They are particularly useful for finding your way back to your hotel. If you are in a place where you do not understand the language, just hand the taxi driver the card and he’ll get you home.
HOTEL ROOM KEY, LEAVE AT THE FRONT DESK – this is a custom most Americans cannot seem to grasp. By leaving your key with the front desk, you do not have to worry about losing it or having it stolen (plus it is one less thing to carry with you).
INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT – if you are planning on driving an automobile overseas, obtain an International Driving Permit in advance. In addition to allowing you to drive, it also makes a handy form of identification. You can obtain such a permit on the Internet or at AAA. It would also pay to familiarize yourself with local rules of the road, and ROAD SIGNS.
JET LAG – if you are traveling to distant lands, try to adjust your sleep patterns accordingly. For example, when I’m traveling to the Orient, I try to get as much sleep as possible on the aircraft to get myself on the time zone of my destination. Just remember, it is easier to adjust as you chase the sun (going from East to West) and harder when you chase the moon (West to East).
LOCAL CUSTOMS – familiarize yourself with local customs, such as greetings, forms of address, dressing for occasions, and tipping.
LUGGAGE – Try to pack lightly thereby minimizing additional baggage charges. If you are planning on shopping, take an extra collapsible bag for such sundries. Be sure that all bags have attached identification tags, including your name and address. Some people also add their mobile telephone number and e-mail address thereby expediting contact with you in the event of lost luggage. I have also found it useful to add luggage straps which keeps the bag together in the event the locks break by reckless baggage handlers. Because many bags look alike, it may pay to put something colorful on it so you can spot it easily on the luggage carrousel, perhaps a ribbon, a rag, or some tape. If you need to take unusual items such as golf clubs, fishing poles, etc. contact the airlines and ask for their advice on how to best pack them. As to carry-ons, keep it simple and small enough to fit under the seat in front of you (in case the overhead compartments are full).
MAPS – obtain in advance a map of the destination you will be visiting. Bookstores, Hotels, AAA, and other travel agencies have a plethora of them available, not to mention what you can find on the Internet. Study the map before you arrive so you know where you are going.
MEDICATION – obviously you want to bring sufficient amounts of your medications, but it is the unexpected you should take into consideration, such as coming down with a cold, motion sickness, and indigestion (particularly if the local cuisine doesn’t agree with you).
NEWSPAPERS AND MAIL, HOLDING – newspapers left on a driveway is an invitation for thieves to rob your house. Either arrange to have someone pick them up for you or have them stopped. Leaving the mail in your box may expose important papers to thieves as well. Want to stop your mail, either call or visit your local post office or click HERE.
NOTIFY a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member that you will be gone and to keep an eye on your residence. Also notify the local police.
PASSPORT – You simply cannot travel without a passport anymore, be it by ship or airplane. Driver Licenses may suffice in North America but the preferred method is to carry a passport with you at all times. You can apply for a passport at a local post office (call them first) or check ON-LINE. If you haven’t traveled in a while, check the expiration date of your passport, maybe it is time to renew. (Also see “Visas”).
PETS – If you are leaving your pets at home while you are traveling, make reservations to have them boarded or have a friend or family member take care of them. If you are taking your pets with you, check with the airlines about traveling restrictions and possibly shots. Also be sure to contact the hotel regarding their policy on pets.
PHOTOCOPY YOUR PASSPORTS, TICKETS AND TRAVELER’S CHECKS and hide them in the lining of your luggage or some other safe place. Losing such items overseas can be a painful experience. (Also see “Flash Drive”).
POLICE – It might not be a bad idea to get the telephone number of the local police and carry it with you, in case of emergency of course. No, not everyone uses “911″ for emergencies; the British use “999″ and other European countries use “112.” (Also see “Embassy”).
RESIDENCE, CLOSING IT UP – make sure you have timers on lights in strategic areas of the house so it doesn’t give the appearance it is deserted. Give consideration to lawn maintenance or snow removal while you’re away. Also, make sure your heating or air conditioning is set at a minimal level so that you do not waste electricity (and money). It’s also a good idea to turn off plumbing, particularly to toilets. Should the lines burst or leak you can be left with an expensive mess. And of course, make sure all of the windows and doors are locked and major appliances turned off.
SUNDRIES – purchase travel sized toiletries in advance, including clothes detergent if necessary to wash your socks. In all likelihood, you won’t like the prices overseas. Make sure you bring sufficient medications with you. Also, if you are so inclined, take a small bottle of booze. I can assure you, it will be a lot cheaper than the hotel’s mini-bar. Also bring a sufficient amount of tobacco. Better yet, you can buy such things at the Duty Free shops either at the airport or on your airplane. If you are not sure, ask the airlines regarding allowances you can purchase.
TAXIS AND SHUTTLES – Make sure you have a plan for getting from the airport to your final destination, such as your hotel. If you are going by taxi, be sure to ask how much it will cost BEFORE you get into the cab. Otherwise you might wind up on an expensive joy ride.
TELEPHONE – If you are planning on taking your cell phone or smart phone, it might be wise to see if you will have any connecting coverage at your destination. Check with your carrier and also be sure to understand any special connecting fees. Sometimes it is preferable to take a prepaid telephone card with you instead.
TRANSLATION – obtain a pocket dictionary and learn some basic words and phrases, such as “Please,” “Thank you”, “How much?”, and “Where can I find…” Make a simple cheat sheet of common expressions, such as on an index card, and carry it with you. There are also some smart phones that now have translation “apps” available for download. Familiarize yourself with how they work before you go.
TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS – ask your family and friends about favorite places to visit at your destination if they have been there, including sightseeing, restaurants, and do’s and don’ts.
TRAVELERS CHECKS – in this age of credit/debit cards, the use of travelers checks have diminished. However, I have always found them to be a universally acceptable form of payment. You can obtain travelers checks from your bank, AAA, or other financial institutions.
TRIP SHEET – write out your travel agenda, along with the name of the hotel(s) you will be staying at, their address, telephone, e-mail and web addresses. Also include your travel itinerary complete with flight numbers and departure/arrival times and dates. This is useful not only for yourself, but provide a copy for your loved ones.
VISA – if you are traveling overseas, you may need an entry visa which can typically be obtained from an embassy. For a listing of country requirements, click HERE. Some countries may also require you have certain shots which you can either get from your doctor or a medical clinic. Specific paperwork is required which is commonly attached to your passport. When getting such shots, be sure to take your passport with you. (Also see “Passport”).
VOICE MAIL – As with the “E-mail” response, do not leave a voice message indicating you are away. Also, periodically check your messages.
WEATHER – check the forecast for your destination and pack clothes accordingly. Don’t forget the portable umbrella.
Hopefully you will find this checklist helpful in planning your next trip. If I have overlooked something, please be sure to drop me a line with your suggestion. Now for the hard part of the trip: enjoy yourself! Bon voyage Y’all!
Keep the Faith!
Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.
Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M&JB Investment Company (M&JB) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
For Tim’s columns, see:
timbryce.com
Like the article? TELL A FRIEND.
Copyright © 2012 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
NEXT UP: THE FACTS ABOUT: UNEMPLOYMENT – Don’t trust the media, here’s how to look it up yourself.
Also look for Tim’s postings in the Palm Harbor Patch and throughout the Internet.
FLORIDA IN WINTER TIME
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I remember when I was moving to Florida years ago, my in-laws in Ohio warned me, “You’re going to miss the change of seasons.” It’s been 27 years since then and, so far, so good. No, I do not miss the change of seasons and frankly, the mere thought of going back into the snow belt gives me the shivers. Keep in mind, I lived in the north most of my life and survived the great snow of 1967 in Chicago, but enough is enough. Also, this is not about boasting how the Sunshine State has a better climate than the northern states. I learned a long time ago that Florida is not for everyone and, as such, you must be mentally prepared to move down here. Life is certainly different.
While northerners are shoveling snow, we’re still mowing our lawns in Florida. True, the grass slows down a bit in terms of growth, but it still needs to be manicured. My northern friends tell me they relish the time off from yard work. While they’re hibernating indoors, I prefer to be outdoors. Floridians tend to become claustrophobic if they cannot go outside. Some go to the beaches and parks, but mostly we leave that to the tourists who invade our state during the winter months. If you’ve got a boat though, you are probably out in it on the weekends enjoying the sunshine and some fishing. Golf, tennis, softball, and trapshooting are favorite pastimes as well this time of year.
During the winter, our temperature usually hovers in the 70′s during the day which is quite comfortable. The 60′s are considered “cool,” 50′s are “cold,” and anything else is freezing. Now and then, a blast of Arctic air pushes down from Canada thereby driving temperatures below freezing. This is obviously dangerous to our crops and other plant life. To protect the plants, it is common to cover them with old bed sheets and blankets which looks rather comical if you’re not from Florida. Plant life on lawns are dutifully “bedded” down for the night with an assortment of coverings which seem to be better suited for Christmas than anything else. If you do not cover your plants, you will undoubtedly lose them and be forced to replant new ones in the Spring, at a substantial cost I might add. It may look silly but it is worth it.
When you move to Florida, your blood begins to thin out thereby making it easier for you to withstand the summer heat. However, as a byproduct, you become less tolerant of the cold. To illustrate, when I first moved to Florida I built a house with a pool. As the project was coming to its conclusion in April, I remember talking to my contractor as we watched my pool filling up with water. I mentioned I was delighted to see the pool completed and looked forward to jumping in it as soon as it was filled. He looked at me incredulously and warned me the temperature of the water would only be in the 70′s. I replied that Yes, I was aware of the temperature and said, “Won’t that be perfect?” He just laughed and walked away shaking his head in disbelief. After I acclimated to the Florida temperatures I began to understand why he shook his head. Today, I won’t go into the water unless it is, at the very least, in the 80′s; the 90′s would be even better. Such is what happens to your system when you move to Florida.
The most noticeable change to natives here is the substantial increase of motorists on the roadways. November marks the beginning of the snowbird migration. This is where northerners, predominantly retirees, begin to make their annual trek down here to Florida. Sure, their money is nice for our economy but we have to contend with some God-awful drivers. There are New Yorkers in SUV’s who think they own the road, people from Ontario who believe they are always driving in a school zone, and others from the Midwest who are just plain lost. This disparity in driving styles results in a lot of stop-and-go traffic where drivers are forced to constantly switch between the peddle and brake. It sure would be nice if we had a national driving standard instead. Following the Spring baseball season and college breaks in March, the snowbirds pack up their gear and begin their migration back to the north. I-75, the main artery through western Florida is clogged beyond belief. Floridians know to avoid it like the plague.
Then there is the problem of the many dialects we hear during the winter months from the snowbirds. In addition to British and German accents, there is of course the Canadian, “Eh?”; the Minnesota “Don-cha-know?” and “Yah!”; and of course the New York “How ya doin?” By the time the tourists finally leave, Floridian speech patterns have been disrupted beyond comprehension. Thank God, we don’t get too many Russians down here, otherwise we would all be saying “Nyet!”
With the onslaught of snowbirds, restaurants become clogged, particularly at 4:30pm when “early bird” specials begin. If you are a Floridian, you learn to eat later during this time of the year. You also learn to avoid “all-you-can-eat” specials as the Canadians swoop in like vultures and God help anyone who gets in their way.
Contrary to what my in-laws warned me, we do have a change of seasons down here in Florida. It is quite subtle but you do indeed notice it. The Spring is marked by the smell of orange blossoms. Summer is, of course, hot but it is something Floridians are accustomed to. Just about any true Floridian would rather take the sweat of summer heat over the bone chilling winter cold as experienced up north. Summer also marks the start of hurricane season which is something we’re mindful of and prepare ourselves accordingly. October normally denotes the beginning of Autumn down here and my favorite time of the year as the weather is simply perfect.
Yes, we do indeed notice the change of seasons in Florida. We just don’t have that God-awful weather up north. Although we may grouse about the snowbirds invading our territory, we are mindful they play an important role in our economy and, as such, try to make them feel at home. However, when April comes we cannot wait to wish them “Bon Voyage” and reclaim what is rightfully ours. There’s only one problem, year after year, more and more snowbirds refuse to go home and elect to stay behind. Maybe it’s time for a little prodding.
Keep the Faith!
Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.
Tim Bryce is a writer and the Managing Director of M. Bryce & Associates (MBA) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
For Tim’s columns, see:
http://www.phmainstreet.com/timbryce.htm
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Copyright © 2012 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
THE ALPINE INN
The Alpine Inn is a nice little bed and breakfast nestled in the mountains of North Carolina. It is located in Little Switzerland, a little hamlet about 90 miles east of Asheville, and a stone’s throw from Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak in the eastern part of North America. The scenery of the Blue Ridge mountains is simply spectacular, particularly from the back porch of the Alpine Inn. In addition to the scenery, the area is great for hiking, has some fine golf courses, excellent trout fishing, hunting, and is renown for gem mining.
I visited the Inn recently in order to get in some fly-fishing. It is run by a couple I know, Susan & Ron Lough, who took it over about four years ago and have been steadily improving it. As I said, the Inn is small and unassuming and is easily dwarfed by any of the hotel chains. The premise behind the Inn is simple, it offers nothing; nothing but a clean and comfortable room, peace and quiet, clean air, and a magnificent view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For someone from the hustle and bustle of city life, it is a welcome change of pace. No, it’s not Mayberry, but you’re starting to get the idea.
I call the road to the Alpine Inn “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride,” as it winds around the mountain. There’s no need for police to run their radar guns here as the road twists and turns in such a way as to naturally prevent speeding. Think of it is as San Francisco’s famed Lombard Street, except on steroids. The idea is to start to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Having visited the area before, I relished the quiet serenity the Inn has to offer, but I’m afraid not everyone would agree with me. On this last trip, I observed a family who had stopped for the evening at the Inn. They had two teenagers who were not initially impressed by the Inn and complained the rooms lacked air conditioning, television and phones. First, being tucked away in the mountains, the rooms are naturally cool even on the warmest summer day. Second, the scenery is such that it makes everything on television pale by comparison. And Third, cell phone reception in the mountains is just fine thank you. The teens were stressing out from technology withdrawal for quite some time, but eventually calmed down after their parents pulled out a board game which the family played outside on a picnic table. Actually, it seemed like they were having a great time after they acclimated to their new environment.
If you are looking for all of the creature comforts familiar to you in the hotel chains, the Alpine Inn is probably not the place for you. However, if you want a quiet and cozy getaway, a place where you can decompress from the rat race, the Alpine Inn is worth checking out. Then again, maybe we need more places that offer “nothing.”
Such is my Pet Peeve of the Week.
Keep the Faith!
Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.
Tim Bryce is the Managing Director of M. Bryce & Associates (MBA) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
Tune into Tim’s new podcast, “The Voice of Palm Harbor,” at:
http://www.phmainstreet.com/voiceph.htm
Copyright © 2009 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
ALASKA – our 49th on their 50th
During my summer sabbatical I took a tour of Alaska, our 49th state who is celebrating their 50th anniversary of statehood in 2009. My two week tour took me to Katchekan, Juneau, Scagway, Valdez, Copper River, Denali, and Fairbanks. Often touted as the “Final Frontier,” I half-expected Alaska to be an extension of the American Wild West, complete with cowboys, horses, buffalo, etc. It’s not. Alaska has its own unique character and charm. “Rugged” is the adjective which more aptly describes it. Alaska is so big, it has it’s own time zone (contrary to popular belief, it is not Pacific or Rocky Mountain time).
Alaska offers a lot of eye candy in the form of mountains, glaciers, rivers, tundra, and wildlife. I tend to believe Franz Liszt’s “Les Préludes” should be listened to when touring the state as it reflects the majesty of Alaska’s wilderness. It truly is beautiful, regardless if you are a naturalist or not.
In late June, temperatures along the Inside Passage (in the southeast part of the state) hovered around the 50′s and dropped lower as you got closer to water or one of the state’s many glaciers. I’m sorry, but for this Florida boy, Alaska was simply too cold. At first, the coldness is a curiosity, but it loses its amusement when you finally realize this is as warm as it is going to get. Interestingly, as we moved further north in the state, and away from the glaciers, it actually warmed up. For example, Fairbanks was substantially warmer than the Inside Passage.
All of the cities have their own unique nuance, and the citizens are friendly, but Skagway is generally considered the favorite town to visit by tourists. It offers a rustic historic charm and simple geometric layout which is easy to navigate. More important, the natives (not the merchants who are only there temporarily) appear to be genuine and down to earth. When you stand in downtown Skagway, you cannot help but feel a part of Jack London’s “The Call of the Wild.”
In contrast, just outside of Skagway is Glacier Point, home to the Davidson Glacier and a wilderness adventure involving canoes, a lot of hiking, and man eating mosquitoes. These critters are so abundant and massive in size that I suspect they could easily carry off a small child if they were so inclined to do so. Between the coldness of the glacier and the piranha-mosquitos, it’s easy to overlook the beauty of the area and makes you wonder how the nature guides can live out there.
The town of Denali was perhaps the most picturesque place we visited. Its name means, “The Great One,” a reference to nearby Mt. McKinley, the highest mountain in North America. It is also home to the Denali National Park, which has an abundance of wildlife including moose, bears, caribou, wolves, foxes, and other things that go bump in the night. It’s no small wonder that everyone knows how to use a gun up there.
It rains a lot in Alaska, particularly the Inside Passage. Surprising to a lot of tourists is to learn this part of Alaska is actually a rain forest. Even in summer, you have to wear layers of clothing to protect you from the elements. Otherwise, Alaska can be pretty dry and quite comfortable during the summer months.
One thing that is difficult for tourists to adjust to is the summer solstice where the sun never truly sets. It’s awkward to try and sleep without any darkness, but somehow you adjust. However, it does have a tendency to distort your sense of time. As an interesting footnote, the Alaska Goldpanner baseball team of Fairbanks holds a Midnight Sun Baseball game to commemorate the solstice. It starts at 10pm and ends around 1am. What makes it unlike other stadiums is that no lights are used to light the field. It’s different, very different.
When touring Alaska, the real stars of the show is the abundant wildlife and your trip is not complete without having a close encounter of some kind. While there, we saw a lot of wildlife on land, sea, and air, including moose, caribou, reindeer, grizzly bears, beavers, otters, wolves, foxes, squirrels, bald eagles, gulls, terns, whales, seals, salmon, and arctic greyling. Interestingly, there are no snakes in Alaska as they cannot stand the cold anymore than I can. The favorite sighting among tourists though is the moose, a seemingly docile animal, but I don’t think I would like to get on its bad side in a close encounter. I’ll stay in the car if you don’t mind.
We signed up for a couple of fly-fishing excursions while there, one for salmon and one for arctic greyling. I found fishing to be hit or miss up there, and I wouldn’t recommend doing it without a guide who knows what he or she is doing. Be forewarned though, fishing is substantially different than the little streams and rivers we have in the lower 48, requiring a slightly different casting technique.
To me, I think the people of Alaska are just as inspiring, if not more so, than the landscape and wildlife. The people are self-reliant, multiskilled, proud of their state, and not afraid to tackle a challenge. They may prefer independence and isolation, but they have learned to work together as neighbors as well. The natives make you feel welcome and seem to be genuinely pleased to share their country with you, be it at a rest stop, hotel, or wherever.
When you consider how crazy the world is today, it’s easy to understand why people thrive on the isolation of Alaska. Way off on the horizon or on a ridge, it is not uncommon to see someone camping and just enjoying the quiet beauty of Alaska, and I guess that’s one of the big reasons why people come. Far and away, I saw more huckleberry tourists than Alaskans.
During the summer months, there is an influx of young people in their twenties to take on tourist related jobs, like waiters, guides, bus drivers, bell hops, etc. They come from all around the U.S. not simply for the money, but for the adventure of Alaska as well. Many are determined to stay for a short period of time, but fall in love with Alaska’s charm, and become full-time residents.
After visiting Alaska, I was often asked, “Could you live there?” Perhaps if I was 30 years younger, had no family connections, and wasn’t so set in my ways, maybe, just maybe. As a confirmed Floridian, it’s hard for me to imagine enduring the cold again. The real question is, “Would I recommend a visit to Alaska?” Absolutely. To paraphrase author Guy de Maupassant, “See Alaska and Die,” meaning you have finally seen something meaningful and inspiring.
Alaska has certainly come a long way in its short 50 years of statehood. It is truly amazing to see how they carved a civilization out of the wilderness, a real tribute to the human spirit.
By the way, perhaps the most interesting gift I found up there was decorated moose droppings. You can’t help but feel that someone is pulling the tourists’ leg with this one.
Such is my Pet Peeve of the Week.
Keep the Faith!
Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.
Tim Bryce is the Managing Director of M. Bryce & Associates (MBA) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
For a listing of Tim’s Pet Peeves, click HERE.
Download Tim’s new eBook (PDF), “Bryce’s Pet Peeve Anthology – Volume I” (free) DOWNLOAD).
Copyright © 2009 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
CRUISING
I went on an ocean cruise last month. My wife and I have been taking cruises since we were married in the early 1980′s and have sailed on various lines in different locales. I know a lot of people will argue with me on this, but I find most of the cruise lines to be fundamentally the same in terms of operation. Maybe it’s because all of the major lines are now owned by Carnival Corporation & plc under the tutelage of Micky Arison in Miami.
The people on board are interesting; both the crew and the passengers. The crew works hard and are hospitable (those that speak English, and even those who do not). Passengers are an interesting mix though, you have your basic blowhards who are trying to impress others, the health freaks, retirees who wander aimlessly and get in your way, the rednecks on their first cruise, young people who haven’t yet learned shipboard etiquette, and people you generally want to avoid like the plague. I don’t think the Vanderbilts or Rockefellers cruise anymore. I guess someone in Carnival’s sales department finally figured out there is more money to be made from the middle class.
Over the years I have come to admire the cruise lines as a brilliant marketing machine. Actually cruising is only a portion of their business. They also maintain incestuous relationships with all of the local merchants and hotels you encounter on your voyage; they either own them outright or extort advertising money from them. Then, of course, they nickle/dime you to death on everything: drinks, Internet access, cell phone contact, etc. When you are cruising, you learn quickly that nothing is free.
Waiters and cabin stewards do a first class job. Most are from overseas (e.g., the Philippines, Brazil, etc.), and they can teach their American counterparts a thing or two when it comes to service. However, I tend to look at a ship as an eating/colon cleaning machine. Food is everywhere and you are treated to some truly remarkable dishes, both in terms of quantity and quality. I don’t think anyone has ever disembarked from a ship without tucking away a few pounds.
This all means you spend a lot of time in the bathroom, which has been remodeled over the years. The toilet is now particularly effective and strong. The first time I flushed it I thought it was going to suck the family jewels down the drain. Very scary.
The showers are functional and have lots of hot water, but it can be very awkward taking a shower while the ship is rolling on the high seas. The shower curtains are made of cling wrap which acts like a magnet enveloping your body. Between the shower curtain and the rolling of the ship, I felt like a mummy surfing on the high seas. Note to Carnival: somebody look into redesigning the showers.
For entertainment there are nightclub acts and Las Vegas-style musical reviews. I realize the ship’s cast tries hard, but it’s nowhere near the caliber of Las Vegas (or Las Cruces for that matter). If you’re a recognizable entertainer and you’ve been asked to perform on a cruise ship, it’s time to fire your agent as it means your career is flickering out. Not to worry though, they always need help in the galley.
The casino has always been a favorite of mine and the cruise lines do a competent job with the little space they are afforded. I love a game of craps or baccarat, but these are limited on ships. Often there is but one craps table and baccarat tables are particularly scarce. There is a lot of blackjack tables as well as roulette, and a table for Texas hold’em poker, not to mention the many slot machines on board. Unlike Vegas though, you have to pay for your drinks which, frankly, surprises me.
If you are a smoker, you would think that a cruise ship would be a wonderful place to kick back and enjoy yourself. Regrettably, this is not the case as smoking is confined to very few secluded places, kind of like being sentenced to a Gulag. Before embarking on our latest voyage I learned there was a comfortable cigar room on board. The prospect of this appealed to me as I enjoy a good cigar. However, when I finally found the room, which truly looked great, it was crammed full of cigarette smokers who had nowhere else to go. Believe it or not, cigar and cigarette smoking does not mix, which quickly killed the cigar room for me.
One of the nice things about cruising is that you tend to lose track of time and dates as you are often preoccupied by a good book, a shore excursion, relaxing on deck, the health club, or whatever. Cruising can be an excellent distraction from the rigors of life, assuming you can forget about your laptop and cell phone for a while. After being pampered for a week, you feel refreshed and ready to go back to work. The only down side to cruising though is when it’s over, it’s time to start another diet.
Such is my Pet Peeve of the Week.
Keep the Faith!
Note: All trademarks both marked and unmarked belong to their respective companies.
Tim Bryce is the Managing Director of M. Bryce & Associates (MBA) of Palm Harbor, Florida and has over 30 years of experience in the management consulting field. He can be reached at timb001@phmainstreet.com
For a listing of Tim’s Pet Peeves, click HERE.
Download Tim’s new eBook (PDF), “Bryce’s Pet Peeve Anthology – Volume I” (free) DOWNLOAD).
Copyright © 2009 by Tim Bryce. All rights reserved.
