IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT HOCKEY IN THE TRUE NORTH – TORONTO , CANADA . VISITING THE CANADIAN WALK OF FAME .

You  and  your  brother ,  plus  your  grandparents ,  are  doing  a  little  sightseeing  on  the  third  day  of  your  30  Plus  Teams  Tour  of  Toronto .

You  basically  shopped  until  all  of  you  dropped  and  ate until  you  were  full  at  Eaton  Center .

Now   it was  time  to  go  to  the  Theater  District  and  see  the  Canadian  Walk  Of  Fame  that  your  grandparents  told  the  two  of  you  about .

Even  though  they  hadn’t  lived  in  Toronto  for  more  years  than  the  two  of  you  could  remember ,  they  still  remembered  where  it  was  located .

”  King  Street  past  Simcoe  Street .  It’s  near  the  Roy  Thompson  Hall  and  the  stars  are  on  both  sides  of  the  streets , ”  says  your  grandfather .

Before  the  two  of  you  see  the  first  star  on  the  sidewalk ,  the  two  of  you  notice  a big  red  empty  chair  that  is  right  in  front  of  the  now  closed  Royal  Alexandra  Theater .

It’s  a  seat  from  the  theater .

Your  grandfather  wants  to  take  a  picture  of  the  two  of  you  on  either  side  of  the  chair ,  since  you  can’t  sit  in  it .

It  just  happens  to  be  roped  off .

Your  grandmother  has  found  the  first  star  right  in  front  of  the  theater .

It  belongs  to  singer  Celine  Dion .

This  isn’t  the  only  star  that  you  all  see  nearby .

Your  brother  has  found  the  star of  the  man  known  as  ”  Mister  Hockey  ” ,  the  late  Gordie  Howe .

The  four  of  you  keep  walking ,  but  you  and  your  brother  keep  your  eyes  out  for  other  stars  of  people  that  you  recognize .

You  both  can’t  believe  that  the  names  on  the  sidewalk  were  actually  people  who  were  born  in  Canada .

Like  the next  star  that  you  see .

It’s  the  actor ,  William  Shatner .

”  Captain  Kirk  is CANADIAN ? !  ” ,  you  ask ,  referring  to  the  role  that he made  famous ,  Captain  Kirk  on Star  Trek .

Your  grandmother  has  stopped  to  take  a  picture  of  another  person  that  she  recognizes .

It’s  the  singer  Paul  Anka ,  who  not  only  has  a  special  place  in  your  grandparents  hearts ,  but  your  late  parents  as  well .

Your  parents  always  had   his  music  playing  at  your  home ,  and they  would  dance  and  sing to  his  songs  when  they  were  around  the  same  ages  that  the  two  of  you  are now .

As  you  all  continue  walking  down  King  Street ,  you  notice  that  while  not  as  big  as  the  Hollywood  Walk  of  Fame ,  there’s  a  lot  of  stars  on  the  street  and  it’s  just  not  actors  or  actresses ,  but people  from  every  walk  of  Canadian  life .

 

You  want  to  get  a  picture  of  the  CN  Tower ,  which  seems  to  be  photo bombing  every  picture  that  you  want  to  take  of  another  theater ,  the  Roy  Thompson  Hall .

As  you  walk  back  towards  your  hotel ,  your  brother  seems  to  be  really  excited  about  another  star  that  he  sees  on  the  sidewalk ,  and  he  nearly  knocks  you  down  to  look  at  it .

”  OH  WOW !  AWESOME ! , ”  you  scream  out ,  just  as  excited  as  your   brother .

Your  grandparents  have  no  idea  why  you  two  are  so  excited  because  they  really  don’t  recognize  the  name .

But  you  and  your  brother  do .

It’s  Mario  Lemieux  and  he’s  not  just  one  of  the  country’s  greatest  hockey  players ,  he  just  happens  to  be  the  owner  of  your  favorite  hockey  team  ,      the  Pittsburgh  Penguins .

REVOLUTIONARY TALES – BOSTON , MASSACHUSETTS – THE CHURCH OF CHRISTIAN SCIENCE .

The  quinoa  salad  with  the  Feta  Cheese  and  Tomatoes  really  hit  the  spot  for  the  five  of  you .

The  other  things  that  you  brought  from  the  Farmer’s  Market ,  the five  of  you  will  save  for  later .

You  don’t  want  to  think  about  it ,  but  your  30  Plus  Teams  Tour  of  Boston  is  almost  over .

Sort  of .

You  think  you  might  stay  longer ,  but the  five  of  you  will  think  about  this  later  when  you  get  back  to  the  hotel .

Right  now  you  all  are  going  to  the  South  End neighborhood  of  Boston .

The South  End  is  not  to  be  confused  with  another  neighborhood  of  Boston ,  South  Boston ,  or  as  the  locals  know  it ,  ”  Southie . ”

You  all  might  not  get  the  chance  to  fully  visit  South  Boston ,  even though  you  all  were  close  by  it when  you  all  went  to  South  Station ,  the  Boston  transportation  hub .

South  Boston  has  one  of  the  largest  Irish  populations  in  the  world ,  next  to  Ireland  and  Northern  Ireland .

They’re  descendants  of  the  Irish  that  settled  in  the  country  during  the  Great  Potato  Famine .

They  have  one  of  the  biggest  St. Patrick’s  Day  parades  in  the  country ,  but it’s  not  held  on  March  17th ,  it’s  held the   Sunday  BEFORE .

March  17th  is  one  of  those  ”  only  in  Boston   ”  holidays  .

It’s  called  Evacuation  Day  and  its  celebrates  the  day  the  British  got  out  of  town  for  good .

The  five  of  you  keep  walking  down  Huntington  Avenue  in the  South  End ,  not  South  Boston  until  you  reach  the  headquarters  of  the  Christian  Science  Church .

The building  is a very imposing  but  very  stately  building  known  as  ”  The  Mother  Church . ”

The  five  of  you  haven’t  been  here  since  you  all  left  college ,  but  even  now ,  the  fountain  and  reflecting  pools  look  so  very  peaceful .

The  day  is  a nice  Fall  New  England  day .

It’s  not  cold  at  all .

There’s  tables  and  chairs  in  the  plaza  around  the  church  and  they  look  so  inviting  to  all  of  you .

This  is  the  perfect  place  to  sit  down  and  think  about  where  you  all  may  go  next  on  your  30  Plus  Teams  Tour  of  Boston .

 

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT HOCKEY IN THE TRUE NORTH – TORONTO , CANADA – VISITING THE HOCKEY HALL OF FAME .

You  and  your  brother  are  on  your  30  Plus  Teams  Tour  of  Toronto .

Your  grandparents  are  going  to  meet  you  at  Brookfield  Place ,  which  just isn’t   any  old  mall  in  the  city ,  it’s  also  the  home  of  the  Hockey  Hall  of  Fame .

This  is  the  place  where  anyone  who  considers  themselves  a  hockey  fan  should  visit  at  least  once  if  not  twice  if  you  happen  to  be  doing  your  own  30  Plus  Teams  Tour  of  Toronto .

Your  grandparents  are  standing  in  front  of  The  Hockey  Hall  of  Fame  Store ,  which  is  called  ”  The  Spirit  of  Hockey .  ”

Right  in  front  of  the  store  is  a  life size  figure  of  a  hockey  goalie .

You  and  your  grandmother  want  to  channel  your  inner  fashion  models   and  take  lots  of  pictures  in  front  of  the  statue .

Your  grandfather  is  more  than  happy  to  oblige ,  taking  picture  after  picture  of   the  two  of  you .

Your  brother  isn’t  a  happy  camper ,  though .

Inside  the  store  there’s  a  Pittsburgh  Penguins  hockey  jersey  that  he’s  sure  has  his  name  on  it .

He  doesn’t  have  time  for  all  these  pictures ,  he wants  to  go  into  the  store .

As  the  four  of  you  walk  into  the  store ,  the  two  of  you  are  mesmerized  by  all  the  hockey  related  items  in  this  store .

There’s  not  only  every  type  of  clothing  for  all  30  hockey  teams ,  but  mugs ,  pictures ,  posters ,  hockey  cards ,  laptop  covers ,  iPhone  covers ,  notebooks  and  everything  else  with  any body’s  favorite  or  not  so  favorite  team  splashed  over  it .

Your  grandparents  are  looking  at  Toronto  Maple  Leafs  caps  and  jerseys .

Your  grandmother  even  wants  to  look  at  the  section  for  women  only  hockey  apparel .

Your  grandfather  wants  to  see  if  his  jersey  that  he’s  thinking  of  buying ,  fits  him .

There’s  no  dressing  rooms  in  the  store ,  but  that  isn’t  stopping  your  grandfather  from  trying  on  the  jersey .

He’s  not  the  only  one  doing  this  either .

Since  the  game  that  you  all  are  going  to  is  against  Pittsburgh ,  you  and  your  brother  both  brought  your  jerseys  with  you .

But  since  you  can  never  have  enough  hockey  outfits ,  your  brother  is  going  to  buy  another  one .

You  don’t  want  another  jersey ,  but  you’re  looking  long  and  hard  at  the  mugs ,  laptop  covers ,  and  while  you’re  at  it ,  that black and  yellow  Penguins  shirt  that  you  saw  in  the  women’s  hockey  section  looks  pretty  good  right  about  now .

When  you  all  have  made  your  purchases ,  it  was  time  to  go  downstairs  and  visit  the  Hockey  Hall  of  Fame .

Since  you  purchased  tickets  over  the  Internet  for  everyone ,  the  cashier  scans  your  ticket , stamps  all  of  your  hands  and  tells  you  that  the  stamp  allows  you  to  leave  and  come  back  later  the  same  day .

No  way are  any  of  you  leaving  to  come  back  later  in  the  day .

No  matter  how  long  it  takes  the  four  of  you  to  visit  the  Hockey  Hall  of  Fame ,  you’re  not  leaving  and  coming  back .

When  you  all  enter  the  building , you  see  an  exhibit  on  players  who  have  been  elected  to  the  Hockey  Hall  of  Fame .

Your  grandparents ,  who  lived  in  Toronto  at  one  time ,  are  fascinated  by  the  exhibit  that’s  supposed  to  represent  an  actual  hockey  dressing  room .

There’s  also  a  hands-on  exhibit  of  sitting  in  one  of  the  seats  in  the  old  arena  of  the  Toronto  team ,  Maple  Leaf Gardens  .

This  brings  back  memories  of  going  to  games  in  Toronto  for  your  grandparents .

This  is  all  very  nice  to  you  and  your  brother , but  the  two  of  you  came  here  to  see  something  else .

You  all  want  to  see  the  room  that  is  one  of  the  most  popular  exhibits  at  the  Hockey  Hall  of  Fame ,  it’s  called  “The  Great  Hall .  ”

In  this  room  are  the  trophies  given  to  hockey  players  and  teams  over  the  the  years  for  outstanding  play .

You  and  your  brother  recognized  the  trophies  for  Rookie  of  the  Year ,  Best  Goaltender ,  and  Coach  of  the  Year  .

These  aren’t  the  trophies  you  want  to  see  though .

Right  in  the  middle  of  the  room  is  the  trophy  that  you  all  came  to  see .

It’s  the  trophy  that  every  hockey  player  dreams  of  holding  and  every  hockey  fan  wants  to  touch .

It’s  the  Stanley  Cup  and  you  and  your  brother  are  in  awe  when  you  see  it .

The  four  of  you  aren’t  the  only  ones  waiting  to  see  it .

There’s  a  big  long  line  of  people  waiting  to  do  the  same  thing  that  the  four  of  you  are  waiting  for .

When  it’s  finally  your  turn ,  you  and  your  brother  are  like  a  couple  of  children  instead  of  the  college  graduates  that  you  are ,  rushing  up  to  the  trophy  just  to  see  the  names  printed  on  it .

Your  grandparents  are  right  behind  you  and  your  grandmother  rubs  her  fingers  over  the  trophy  ever  so  gently .

Once  again ,  your  grandfather  is taking  a  lot  of  pictures  to send  to  your  other  relatives  back in New   Jersey  and  Trinidad . He’s  also  going  to  take  pictures  of  the  four  of  you  back  at your  hotel  before  the  four  of  you  goto  the  game  later  in  the  evening .

But  that’s  later  on .

Right  now ,  your  grandfather  is  looking  at  the  exhibit  on  the  1980  United  States  Olympic  Team .

That’s  the  one  known  as  ”  The  Miracle  on Ice . ”

As  the  four  of  you  leave  the  Hockey  Hall  of  Fame ,  you  and  your  brother  both  agree  that  this  was  the  best  day  of  your  30  Plus  Teams  Tour  of  Toronto .

START SPREADING THE NEWS – NEW YORK CITY – WALKING ON THE HIGHLINE .

The  three  of  you  are  on the first  day  of   your  30  Plus  Teams  Tour  of  New  York  City .

You  all  can’t  believe  how  tall  the  buildings  are  here  in  this  city .

All  of  the  buildings  seem  to  go  up  and  up  forever .

The  city  where  the  three  of  you  are  from ,  Cleveland ,  doesn’t  even  have  buildings  that  tall .

You  all  had  lunch  by  the  Empire  State  Building  and  the  three  of  you  oohed  and  aahed  at  the  sight  of  that  building.

Now  the three  of  you  are  going  over  to  the  what  all  the  travel  guides  say  that  you  should  visit  when  you  come  to  New York   City .

No ,  it’s  not  the  Statue  of  Liberty ,  Rockefeller  Center ,  Times  Square  or the  National  September  11th  Memorial .

It’s  the  Highline ,  which  goes  from  34th  Street  and  11th  Avenue  all  the  way  down  to  Gansevoort  Street  in the   Meatpacking  District .

The  Highline  at onetime  was  an elevated  train  track.

You  can  even  walk  on part  of  the  tracks  without  worrying  about   a train coming .

The  three  of  you  walk  the  entire  length  of  the  Highline ,  pausing  to admire  some  of  the  statues  and the   many different  kinds  of  flowers  in the   park.

When  you  all  reach  the  end  of  the  Highline ,  you  all  see  the  Whitney  Museum  of  Modern  Art .

The  three  of  you  figure  that  since  this  is  your  first  real  day of  seeing  New  York  City ,  you’ll  have  plenty  of  time  to  visit  the  many  museums on  your  30  Plus  Teams  Tour  of  New  York  City .

Instead ,  the three  of  you  are  going  to  do  as  the  other  New  Yorkers  do .

Get  something  to  eat  and  walk  while  you’re  eating .

This  is  one  place  where  you  really  don’t  want  to  look  like  a  tourist .

Even  though  the  three  of  you  are .

You  all  may  just  have  been  in  New  York  City  for  a  few  hours ,  but  the  three  of  you  are  really  feeling  bold  now .

Instead  of  getting  off  at  one  of  the  many  exits  on   the  Highline ,   the  three  of  you  are  going  to  walk  back  from  Gansevoort  Street  all the   way  down  to  34th  Street  and  take  your  first  subway  train  ride  in the   city .

 

 

START SPREADING THE NEWS – NEW YORK CITY – A WALK THROUGH LITTLE ITALY .

It  seems  as  though  the  three  of  you  are  walking  around  in  circles .

You’re  looking  for  Bowery  Street ,  which  supposedly  will  lead  the  three  of  you  to  your  next  destination  on  your  30  Plus  Teams  Tour  of  New  York  City  –  Little  Italy .

At  one  time ,  Bowery  Street  was  the  skid  row  area  of  the  city  with  many  people  down  on  their  luck .

Not  anymore .

”  See  that  huge  statue  of  Confucius , ”  you  say  to  your  cousins .

You  point  to  the statue  of  the  Chinese  philosopher  Confucius  looking  oh so  peaceful  near  the  entrance  to  the  Manhattan  Bridge .

Nearby  is  Columbus  Park ,  which  looks  very  calm  now ,  but  at  the  turn  of  the  century  this  was  the  center  of  the  very  dangerous  Four  Points  neighborhood .

You  remember  seeing  the  movie  and  reading  the  book  about  it  called  ”  The  Gangs  of  New  York . ”

You  all  finally  see  Bowery  Street  but  no  sign  that  Little  Italy  is  even  close  by .

You  see  a  map  that  tells  you  where  the  three  of  you  are .

There’s  another  Little  Italy  but  most  tourists  want  to  see  the  Little  Italy  that  the  three  of  you  are  having  trouble  finding .

This  is  the  Little  Italy  that  most  tourists  know  about ,  not  the  one  on  Arthur  Avenue  in  the  Bronx .

The  three  of  you  aren’t  the  only  tourists  that  seem  to  be  having   an  ”  Are  we  there  yet ?  moment .

Two  other  tourists  seem  to  be  looking  at  the  same  map  that  you  are .

As  the  three  of  you  keep  walking ,  you  finally  see  it .

One  of  your  cousins  points  to  the  banner  that  proudly  reads  :

”  WELCOME  TO  HISTORIC  LITTLE  ITALY .  ”

At  one  time  this  neighborhood  was  mostly  Italian ,  then  many  Chinese  people  moved  into  the  area ,  sending  many  Italians  out  of  the  neighborhood  and into  different  areas  of  the  city  and  other  boroughs .

The  three  of  you  forgot  how  long  it  took  you  all  to  get  here  once  you  saw  all  those  Pizzerias ,  Cappuccino  shops ,  and  Gelato  stands ,  not  to  mention  the  one stand  the  three  of  you  seem  very  mesmerized  by .

”  CANOLIS ! ,  ”  the  three  of  you  scream  out  in  unison .

What  would  a  trip  to  Little  Italy  be  without  seeing  a  stand  or  bakery  that  sells  canolis ?

The  three  of  you  are  tempted  by  the  little  crepes  filled  with  Vanilla  Cream ,  Chocolate  Cream ,  or  Vanilla  Hazelnut  Cream  surrounded  by  Chocolate  Chips .

This  is  one  of  the  reasons  you  all  wanted  to  see  Little  Italy  –  the  food .

After  you  all  have  paid  for  the  canolis ,  which  you’ll  eat  when  you  get  back  to  the  hotel ,  you  walk  across  the  street  to  the  San  Gennaro  Church .

This  church  is  the  starting  point  for  the  week  long  Feast  of  San  Gennaro ,  which  honors  the  patron  saint  of  Naples ,  Italy .

It  takes  place  in  September  and  you  all  can  imagine  how  much  fun  it  is .

Standing  on  the  sidewalk  and  looking  at  how  very  narrow  these  streets  are ,  you  wonder  how  anyone  could  get  through  here ,  let  alone  people  carrying  religious  statues  on  their  shoulders .

As  the  three  of  you  walk  into  the  courtyard  of  the  church  and  see  all  the  religious  statues  as  well  as  a  mural  honoring  the  Italian  –  American  soldiers  and  the  flag  of  Italy ,  you  all  don’t  seem  to mind  how  long  it  took  you  to  get  to  this  neighborhood ,  which  really  does  seem  to  be  swallowed  up  by  Chinatown .

 

IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE MUSIC – NASHVILLE , TENNESSEE . INTRODUCTION TO MUSIC CITY .

”  You’re  going  to  where ? ?  !  ” ,  you  were  asked  by  friends  and  family  when  you  told  them  where  your  30  Plus  Teams  Tour  was  going  to  take  you  to  next .

You’re  going  to  the  capital  of  Tennessee ,  Nashville .

Other people  call it   ”  Music  City .  ”

On New  Years  Eve ,  don’t  expect  to  see  some  fancy  jewel  encrusted  ball  dropping  like  in Times  Square ,  nope ,  this  is  Music  City ,  you’re  going  to  see  a  Music  Note  dropping .

Right  now  you  aren’t  thinking  about  New  Years  Eve .

You’re  on  your  30  Plus  Teams  Tour  and  since  no  one  wants  to  go  with  you ,  staying  home  and not  going  at  all   is  not  an  option .

Since  you  don’t  live  that  far  away  from  Nashville ,  you’re  putting  gas  in  that  brand  new  car  and  driving  there .

You  have  your  map  just   in  case  your  GPS  acts  up .

You  really  aren’t  that  that  big  of  a  Country  and  Western  fan ,  but  you  understand  there’s  more  to  the  city  than  country  and  western  music .

This  is  a  30  Plus  Teams  Tour  so  you’re  going  to  see  a  Tennessee  Titans  football  game  as  well  as  a  Nashville  Predators  hockey  game ,  seeing  that  you’re  such  a  big  fan .

Of  hockey ,  not  the  Nashville  Predators .

You  can’t  name  that  many  Country  stars  ,  but  you  do  know  that  one  of  the  biggest  stars  is  married  to  one  of  the  Nashville  Predators .

You  also  know  that  the  city  is  called  ”  The  Athens  of  The  South . ”

You  have  no  idea  why  that  is ,  but  you  sure  are  going  to  find  out .

Friends  and  colleagues  who  have  been  to  Nashville  all  say  that  the  people  are  very  friendly .

Being  from  St. Louis ,  Missouri ,  ”  The  Show  Me   state  ” ,  you  want  to  see  this  first  hand  how  friendly  they  are .

The  travel  guides  also  say  that  Nashville  is  one  of  the  up  and  coming  cities  to  visit  this  year .

Your  parents  not  only  want  you  to  be  careful  and  drive  safely ,  but  they  also  want  you  to  be  sure  to  buy  some  Moon  Pies  back  with  you .

Just  what  are  Moon  Pies ?

They’re  little  cakes shaped  like  a  pie,  but  instead  of  a  fruit  filling ,  they have   marshmallows  inside .

They’re  mostly  covered  in  chocolate ,  but you’ll  see them  in  other  flavors  as well .

You’re  going  to  be adventurous  and stay  at  the  Nashville  Downtown  Hostel ,  which  is  close  to  all  the  action  on the   main street  in town ,  Broadway .

You  don’t  even  need  to  drive  around  town .

Pretty  much  everything  is  within  walking  distance ,  including  Nissan  Stadium ,  home  of  the  Titans  and  Bridgestone  Arena ,  home  of  the  Predators .

To get  you  in the   mood  for  your  trip ,  your  nieces  and  nephews  made  you a  play list of  Country  Music  from  singers  that  you  do know  .

In a matter

of  hours ,  the  skyline  of  St. Louis ,  Missouri  will  be  gone ,  and  your  30  Plus  Teams  Tour  of  Music  City  is  going  to  begin .

START SPREADING THE NEWS – NEW YORK CITY – WALKING AROUND CHINATOWN .

The  three  of  you  have  left  Allen  Street ,  which  is  known  as  ”  The  Avenue  of  The  Immigrants . “

As  you  walk  down  the  street  something  looks  very  different .

The  signs  everywhere ,  even  the  Starbucks  are  in  a  different  language .

Welcome  to  the  most  populated  Chinatown  in  the  Western  Hemisphere .

When  you  all  were  in  Queens  you  visited  the  Chinatown  section  of  Flushing .

But  this  is  the  Chinatown  to  end  all   Chinatowns ,  even  the  one  in  San  Francisco .

You  all  just  know  that  the  three  of  you  are  going  to  get  lost ,  it’s  that  big .

The  map  you  all  have  is  of  no  help ,  neither  is  the  guidebook .

After  you  see  some  of  of  Chinatown ,  Little  Italy  is  going  to  be  the  next  destination  on  your  30  Plus  Teams  Tour  of  New  York  City .

That’s  where  you’re  trying  to  get  to  now .

Your  guidebook  is  telling  you  to  look  for  the  Manhattan  Bridge .

That’s  what  you’re  trying  to  do ,  get  as  close  to  the  Manhattan  Bridge  as  you  can.

You  see  the  signs  for  the  Manhattan  Bridge ,  but  just  where  is  it ?

As  the  three  of  you  keep  walking ,  it  looks  like  you’re  underneath  some  scary  looking  tunnel .

You  see  people  doing  what  seems  to  be  Tai  Chi  exercises .

When  you  leave  the  tunnel ,  one  of  your  cousins  looks  up .

”  We’re  underneath  the  Manhattan  Bridge !  Look  at  at  that  view,  ”  she  says ,  very  excitedly .

You  all  look  up .

Your  cousin  is  right .

Could  this  really  be  the  Manhattan  Bridge ?

Sure  enough ,  it  is .

Now  it’s  your  turn  to  be  confused .

You  were  under  the  impression  that  to  be  under  the  Manhattan  Bridge ,  you  had  to  be  in  the  neighborhood  known  as  DUMBO ,  which  is

short  for  Down  Under  Manhattan  Bridge  Overpass .

Dumbo  is  actually  in  Brooklyn  and  you  can  see  some  of  it  from  where  the  three  of  you  are  standing .

You’re  standing  on the   East  River  Greenway ,  which  is  part  of  the  FDR  Drive .

Not  only  are  cars going  above  you  and bikes  passing  by the   three  of  you ,  but  other  people  are  admiring  the  view.