Category Archives: Tourism

New York On Ice

Posted on December 20, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

One of the most popular diversions in New York City during the winter holiday season is ice skating in the world famous Central Park. The skating pond in Central Park first opened to the public on December 19, 1858 and … Continue reading →

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The Rise and Fall of the World’s First Social Network

Posted on December 19, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

Up until quite recently, I was a habitual buyer of postcards during my travels. Mind you, I rarely ever sent the postcards to anyone, but rather keep them as reminders of the places that I had visited. When I was young, postcards … Continue reading →

Posted in Air Travel, Art, Books, Europe, History, Public Transport, Tourism, Travel Writing, USA | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Like a stock photo you can sleep in

Posted on December 15, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

The pitch-perfect SNL commercial (below) featuring Kate McKinnon & Billie Eilish advertises the ubiquitous, bland, budget hotel that can be found all across North America. I’ve stayed in way too many over the years. Our rooms provide every comfort required … Continue reading →

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But, Where Are You Really From

Posted on December 1, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

Most folks go through life without ever being asked “where are you really from”, but people from a minority ethnic background or mixed racial heritage are frequently subjected to the intrusive question. Here in North America this is an all to common … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Asia, Tourism, USA | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Questions of Travel

Posted on November 30, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

There are too many waterfalls here; the crowded streams hurry too rapidly down to the sea, and the pressure of so many clouds on the mountaintops makes them spill over the sides in soft slow-motion, turning to waterfalls under our … Continue reading →

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Just One More Thing

Posted on November 29, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

The photo above perfectly captured MRW I saw an image on a blog of a Peter Falk statue in Budapest, Hungary. Now, I’ve only been to Budapest one time, and only spent five days in the Hungarian capital, but somehow … Continue reading →

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Every Traveler Needs A Magic Backpack

Posted on November 21, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

In the magical video below, actor/comedian/magician Michael Carbonaro demonstrates the extrordinary attributes of an amzing “Swiss Army’ backpack. I’m sure that once you see it you’ll want one too.  

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Happy To Chat

Posted on November 20, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

I recently ran across this project in Krakow, Poland known locally as Gaduławka, or happy to chat. It is an upgraded bench that encourages people to talk to each other. This simple nudge in the form of an inviting sign … Continue reading →

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Music by Miles

Posted on November 17, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

I recently ran across this wonderful video below featuring images by the late Saul Leiter accompanied by the sublime music of Miles Davis. It reminded me of an exhibition of Leiter’s photographs and painting that I happened to see the … Continue reading →

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There’s Nothing Funny About The Haunted Clown Motel

Posted on November 16, 2021 by Brian D. Butler

I have stayed at some sketchy motels over the years, but nothing quite equals the bizarre Clown Motel in Tonopah, Nevada. Located adjacent to and on top of an old west cemetary, the motel/roadside attraction offers spooky, and IMHO very creepy, accomodations … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Hotels, Tourism, Uncategorized, USA | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments