“The [Café] Central is a place for people who have to kill time, so as not to be killed by it. . . .” --Alfred Polgar “I AM SIGMUND SPIELBERG!!!” The obviously unemployable flaneur with umlaut eyes landed at my marble-topped table without a proper invite, brusquely pushing aside a Thonet wooden chair. Brandishing a copy of Der Spiegel on a wooden rolling pin in his left hand, and reeking from an unfortunate cologne resembling turning … [Read more...]
The Luxurious MGM Grand, Las Vegas
As a guest of the MGM PR team I was in Las Vegas to cover the iHeartRadio Festival and a number of related activities. I stayed at the MGM Grand for 3 nights. MGM Grand exceeded my expectations. A waiting limousine whisked me from the airport to my room. The driver was friendly and we soon struck up a conversation; he grew up only less than 5 minutes away from my hometown. Besides the driver being personable, it was a pleasure to enjoy the … [Read more...]
Halloween Hell
“If you don’t give me your candy, I’m going to bloody your nose!” menaced the big kid who had chased me down and tackled me onto a driveway. “Here, take it, I don’t want it, I don’t want it,” I whimpered miserably, adrenaline on overtime, phlegm and tears dripping like candlewax down my Pumpkinhead face. I quickly handed over my pillowcase jampacked with Hershey’s, Sweet Tarts, Razzles, Doublemint Gum, Milk Duds, Candy Corns, icky … [Read more...]
A Weekend in Niagara
A weekend in Niagara was a great way to wrap up the summer. Bright lights, attractions abound, shows, casinos and the beautiful landscape of parks and the world famous Niagara Falls made it feel like an amusement park for adults and children alike, or like Canada's Las Vegas. A trip to Niagara affords an endless supply of things to do and see, from the thundering Niagara Falls where you can Journey Behind the Falls and ride the Maid of the … [Read more...]
Try Something New: Activities in Cyprus
Cyprus has become a popular holiday destination largely due to its idyllic beaches and reputation as a family friendly and fun island. There is so much more to Cyprus than just sand, sea and sun though, and a holiday here can be packed full of interesting and exciting activities that can be enjoyed if you are the kind of person that needs a little more than relaxation by the waves. Try your hand at some new things whilst on a Direct Holidays trip … [Read more...]
New Developments in Detroit
Detroit, or America’s great comeback city, as it is so commonly referred to these days, is a beacon of tenacity and fortitude. We’re the real deal with our ever growing selection of restaurants, music festivals, entertainment and sports venues not to mention some very live local character. A ton of new development is taking place in The D, from a renovated convention center to new hotels, restaurants and a light rail on the way. The coming months … [Read more...]
Why Isle of Wight Should Be Top of Your List
The Isle of Wight is a tiny island off the south coast of England, but don’t let that fool you. It is full to the brim of history, culture and lots of things to see and do. Here are a few of the must do things for when you visit. Walk with the Animals If you fancy yourself as a bit of a Dr Dolittle, then the Isle of Wight is perfect for you. With the Owl and Monkey Haven, Seaview Wildlife Encounter, Isle of Wight Zoo and more, there is … [Read more...]
The Howler Monkeys of Nicaragua
A deafening jungle downpour assaulted the clay roof of my cousin, Rob’s Nicaraguan ranch house. Lying snug in bed, I foresaw the cancellation of our excursion at first light to track the elusive Mantled Howler Monkeys. Every day for the last week, I’d been woken by the guttural roaring of howlers somewhere off in the Mombacho jungle, but I had yet to lay eyes on one. The fierce rain was so loud from inside the house that even if they were calling … [Read more...]
8-year-old triplet boys, with parents, look up, down and all around
CHICAGO — On our first afternoon in Chicago, my wife, my triplet sons and I set out in the face of a biting wind down Michigan Avenue. These eight-year-olds have never been to a city much bigger than Louisville, Kentucky, where we live. I worry that Chicago will scare or overwhelm them. If this trip goes badly, will Gabrielle and I have to reassure them that no, big cities aren't all bad? What version or vision of Chicago can I show these … [Read more...]
Up, Up into the Andes – Ecuador
After seeing the streets flooded with people last night - alcohol flowing like water, dancing, music and lots of action - we stumbled out of our hotel early this morning to eerily empty streets. However, remnants of last nights' craziness were clearly evident - including broken bottles, other shattered glass and nasty messiness left from those who had to much liquor and were unable to keep it in their stomachs. Saturday is the big party night … [Read more...]
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