Weekly Program: week of 12 December: Our visit to North America
1 view
Skip to first unread message
Bob Faser
Dec 12, 2011, 4:45:49 AM12/12/11
to weekly...@googlegroups.com
Well, it's been about a week since Rosalie and I returned from our vacation to the US and Canada.
Our flight across the Pacific from Australia was via Air New Zealand (Melbourne to Vancouver via Auckland, return). From previous experience, Air NZ is our favourite way to cross the Pacific. They avoid the current trend among airlines to treat Economy Class passengers as cattle. We decided to go via Vancouver as neither of us have been there before, but we heard good things about Vancouver. (Flying from Australia to the east coast of North America, you really need to do a west coast stopover, if at all possible.) The weekend we were in Vancouver, we attended "Jazz Vespers" in a downtown church near where we were staying.
From Vancouver, we flew via Air Canada to Montreal, a city we've enjoyed in the past. Montreal was the one place where we splurged on accomodation. We stayed at the "Reine Elizabeth" ("Queen Elizabeth") which was the only luxury establishment where we stayed. It's located above the main railway station for Montreal, and across the street from Montreal's Catholic cathedral, which is a miniature verson of St. Peter's in Rome. (The "Reine Elizabeth" was one of the hotels which hosted John and Yoko's famous "bed-in" in the 1960s - as per the Beatles' "Ballad of John and Yoko".)
From Montreal, we headed south into the US. In the States, our travels were mostly via Amtrak and Greyhound. We caught up with friends in Hackettstown NJ, Ellenville NY, Mahopac NY, Natrona Heights PA (near Pittsburgh), and Cross Lanes WV (near Charleston).
Rosalie celebrated her first Thanksgiving in the US. I celebrated my first Thanksgiving in the US since 1979. We reflected on the idea that Thanksgiving was one holiday where just about everyone in the States can say, "Yes, this is my holiday", in that it's spiritual without being sectarian. In many ways, the way the following day has become "Black Friday" and a celebration of the pre-Christmas commercial culture was a letdown. (This wasn't part of the Thanksgiving scene I remembered in the '70s.) The fact that people were complaining about "Black Friday" was (in my opinion) a healthy sign, though.
Rosalie saw her first game of American football. (For the record, the University of Charleston beat West Virginia State. As we were staying with a U of C alum, this was a good thing.) I would have liked to have attended the Lafayette-Lehigh game the following weekend, but we were on the wrong end of the state of Pennsylvania ... and besides, the wrong team won. (Go, Leopards, for next year!)
Speaking of college football, it was interesting being around when the Penn State scandal emerged (and being in Pennsylvania when the scandal was at its worst). (For those outside the States, a retired assistant football coach at a major university was accused of paedophilia and of using his coaching role as a means of cultivating victims. A number of university officials - including the iconic senior football coach - were accused of being involved in covering up for the assistant coach.) The sense of public bertrayal raised by this case was comparable with that raised when senior clergy were involved in paedophilia (either in committing the crimes or in the cover-up), which may give some indication of the cultural importance of sports for many people in western cultures.
Near Pittsburgh, we visited the site of a 19th century Utopian community. The Harmonists, an apocalyptic religious sect from Germany, migrated en masse to the US in the early 19th century and set up a model community ("Harmony", near Pittsburgh) where they expected to wait for the end of the world. They later moved to Indiana ("New Harmony") before returning to the Pittsburgh area to build a more permanent community ("Economy", the community we visited). The community died out in the early 20th century. (Mandatory celibacy tends to do that.) In addition to "Harmony", other things worth visiting in the Pittsburgh area include the Heinz History Museum and the Carnegie Museum and Art Gallery. As well, we saw this rather quirky
chapel in an obscure sidestreet (St. Anthony's Chapel) displaying a large collection of medieval religious relics which in 19th century Dutch priest working in Pittsburgh had managed to acquire.
In NYC, along with watching the ice skaters in Rockefeller Centre, we went to the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at the Discovery Museum near Times Square (related to the Discovery network on cable TV). In addition to samples of the Scrolls, there was a good collection of artifacts from one of the Israeli museums. I'd recommend the exhibit to anyone within a bull's roar of NYC who has an interest in the history of Judaism, or Christianity, or (in my case) both.
Anyway, it was a stimulating trip in many ways.
Bob.
Our flight across the Pacific from Australia was via Air New Zealand (Melbourne to Vancouver via Auckland, return). From previous experience, Air NZ is our favourite way to cross the Pacific. They avoid the current trend among airlines to treat Economy Class passengers as cattle. We decided to go via Vancouver as neither of us have been there before, but we heard good things about Vancouver. (Flying from Australia to the east coast of North America, you really need to do a west coast stopover, if at all possible.) The weekend we were in Vancouver, we attended "Jazz Vespers" in a downtown church near where we were staying.
From Vancouver, we flew via Air Canada to Montreal, a city we've enjoyed in the past. Montreal was the one place where we splurged on accomodation. We stayed at the "Reine Elizabeth" ("Queen Elizabeth") which was the only luxury establishment where we stayed. It's located above the main railway station for Montreal, and across the street from Montreal's Catholic cathedral, which is a miniature verson of St. Peter's in Rome. (The "Reine Elizabeth" was one of the hotels which hosted John and Yoko's famous "bed-in" in the 1960s - as per the Beatles' "Ballad of John and Yoko".)
From Montreal, we headed south into the US. In the States, our travels were mostly via Amtrak and Greyhound. We caught up with friends in Hackettstown NJ, Ellenville NY, Mahopac NY, Natrona Heights PA (near Pittsburgh), and Cross Lanes WV (near Charleston).
Rosalie celebrated her first Thanksgiving in the US. I celebrated my first Thanksgiving in the US since 1979. We reflected on the idea that Thanksgiving was one holiday where just about everyone in the States can say, "Yes, this is my holiday", in that it's spiritual without being sectarian. In many ways, the way the following day has become "Black Friday" and a celebration of the pre-Christmas commercial culture was a letdown. (This wasn't part of the Thanksgiving scene I remembered in the '70s.) The fact that people were complaining about "Black Friday" was (in my opinion) a healthy sign, though.
Rosalie saw her first game of American football. (For the record, the University of Charleston beat West Virginia State. As we were staying with a U of C alum, this was a good thing.) I would have liked to have attended the Lafayette-Lehigh game the following weekend, but we were on the wrong end of the state of Pennsylvania ... and besides, the wrong team won. (Go, Leopards, for next year!)
Speaking of college football, it was interesting being around when the Penn State scandal emerged (and being in Pennsylvania when the scandal was at its worst). (For those outside the States, a retired assistant football coach at a major university was accused of paedophilia and of using his coaching role as a means of cultivating victims. A number of university officials - including the iconic senior football coach - were accused of being involved in covering up for the assistant coach.) The sense of public bertrayal raised by this case was comparable with that raised when senior clergy were involved in paedophilia (either in committing the crimes or in the cover-up), which may give some indication of the cultural importance of sports for many people in western cultures.
Near Pittsburgh, we visited the site of a 19th century Utopian community. The Harmonists, an apocalyptic religious sect from Germany, migrated en masse to the US in the early 19th century and set up a model community ("Harmony", near Pittsburgh) where they expected to wait for the end of the world. They later moved to Indiana ("New Harmony") before returning to the Pittsburgh area to build a more permanent community ("Economy", the community we visited). The community died out in the early 20th century. (Mandatory celibacy tends to do that.) In addition to "Harmony", other things worth visiting in the Pittsburgh area include the Heinz History Museum and the Carnegie Museum and Art Gallery. As well, we saw this rather quirky
chapel in an obscure sidestreet (St. Anthony's Chapel) displaying a large collection of medieval religious relics which in 19th century Dutch priest working in Pittsburgh had managed to acquire.
In NYC, along with watching the ice skaters in Rockefeller Centre, we went to the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at the Discovery Museum near Times Square (related to the Discovery network on cable TV). In addition to samples of the Scrolls, there was a good collection of artifacts from one of the Israeli museums. I'd recommend the exhibit to anyone within a bull's roar of NYC who has an interest in the history of Judaism, or Christianity, or (in my case) both.
Anyway, it was a stimulating trip in many ways.
Bob.
Conrad Sienkiewicz
Dec 12, 2011, 8:21:53 PM12/12/11
to weekly...@googlegroups.com
I think one of the best ways to improve your appreciation and understanding of your own country is to visit another. I find that when I travel outside the US, I always learn more about it and how the world is not necessarily like the US.
Jazz Vestpers in Vancouver? Nice! Our previous choir director used to deliver a jazz Easter service that was amazing! Nothing like it.
I've been to Montreal but did not know it's connection to John Lennon. Thanks for turning me on to that, Bob! I'll have a different appreciation of that song next time I hear it.
Interesting points about Thanksgiving. I have one friend with some Native American blood who always reminds me that Thanksgiving is not celebrated on the rez. Historically, with the big picture, I don't care that Thanksgiving glosses over the injustices committed against Native Americans, but on the small picture, with families gathering to share memories and food, I love this holiday. My wife does her holiday shopping throughout the year, so we avoid the stores on Thanksgiving weekend.
The whole Penn State thing upsets me on several levels, but I won't go into it here. I just wish that in all scenarios, people would alert the authorites when the authorities should be alerted.
Dead Sea scrolls in NYC must have been nice. I still regret not seeing King Tut there last year, as I saw his stuff in the 1970s when it was at the Metropolitan. Oh, well.
Glad you had a great trip, Bob!
Conrad Sienkiewicz
Rotary eClub of District 7890
Rotary eClub of District 7890
From: Bob Faser <bobf...@hotmail.com>
To: weekly...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 4:45 AM
Subject: Weekly Program: week of 12 December: Our visit to North America
To: weekly...@googlegroups.com
Sent: Monday, December 12, 2011 4:45 AM
Subject: Weekly Program: week of 12 December: Our visit to North America
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Rotary eClub of District 7890 Weekly Program" group.
To post to this group, send email to weekly...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to weeklyprogra...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/weeklyprogram?hl=en.
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Rotary eClub of District 7890 Weekly Program" group.
To post to this group, send email to weekly...@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to weeklyprogra...@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/weeklyprogram?hl=en.
Kristin Kalar
Dec 13, 2011, 5:08:42 PM12/13/11
to Weekly Program Rotary eClub
Sounds like a wonderful trip Bob! So glad that you could come and experience so many places, and people, and things. Fun to go around a holiday time, to see what sorts of festivities occur. I have to agree with Conrad that traveling to countries outside of your own, really gives an appreciation of what you have gotten used to in your own country. thanks so much for sharing the highlights of your trip with us.
In rotary,
Kristin
Date: Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:21:53 -0800
From: bea...@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: Weekly Program: week of 12 December: Our visit to North America
To: weekly...@googlegroups.com
In rotary,
Kristin
Date: Mon, 12 Dec 2011 17:21:53 -0800
From: bea...@yahoo.com
Subject: Re: Weekly Program: week of 12 December: Our visit to North America
To: weekly...@googlegroups.com
Jeff Tager
Dec 13, 2011, 10:05:16 PM12/13/11
to weekly...@googlegroups.com
tBob, we really missed being able to host you and Rosalie and showing you a little of our corner of the world. Sounds like you saw the good and the bad, something that exists in every locality.
I love trips that promise a new surprise around every corner. The most amazing part of most of our trips was just interacting with folks on the street. Getting their perspectives on our world is certainly eye opening.. And, that's one of the things I like best about our Club, the opportunity to share perspectives.
We'll have to catch you the next time around... Jeff
Janie
Dec 16, 2011, 10:23:08 AM12/16/11
to Rotary eClub of District 7890 Weekly Program
Bob, I know that you are originally from the States but don't know
from where? I didn't realize Rosalie was not American. Is she a native
Aussie? What did she think of our Thanksgiving celebration? Hopefully,
it was a "traditional" event with all the turkey, dressing, football,
desserts and family that goes with the celebration. As regards the
football coach scandal I don't think it's so much putting sports on a
level as clergy but rather the abuse of authority and position and
betrayal of trust that is seen in both instances. Parents trust these
authority figures with their children (their babies, their own flesh
and blood that they carried for 9 months) and for those in authority
to abuse those babies and betray that trust is really the heart of the
issue. Connecticut has recently been hit with a number of teachers in
this same mess and the outrage is the same. I don't know if this is
some kind of epidemic or if it is just getting more publicity but I
hate it and hate hearing about it as well. Sometimes ignorance is
bliss I guess.
from where? I didn't realize Rosalie was not American. Is she a native
Aussie? What did she think of our Thanksgiving celebration? Hopefully,
it was a "traditional" event with all the turkey, dressing, football,
desserts and family that goes with the celebration. As regards the
football coach scandal I don't think it's so much putting sports on a
level as clergy but rather the abuse of authority and position and
betrayal of trust that is seen in both instances. Parents trust these
authority figures with their children (their babies, their own flesh
and blood that they carried for 9 months) and for those in authority
to abuse those babies and betray that trust is really the heart of the
issue. Connecticut has recently been hit with a number of teachers in
this same mess and the outrage is the same. I don't know if this is
some kind of epidemic or if it is just getting more publicity but I
hate it and hate hearing about it as well. Sometimes ignorance is
bliss I guess.
Janie
Jo-Marie
Dec 16, 2011, 11:24:53 AM12/16/11
to weekly...@googlegroups.com
Janie
I sure agree with you, I think the media has become judge and jury and way past just reporting news, there are encouraging the celebrity status. I often think that some many crimes are copy cats just looking for attention and the media always seems to give it to them
Bob, I thought you were Australian, so where do you hail from??
Looking forward to a very busy week for the Gagala household, always kind of crazy but in such a fun way....
Excited and so very lucky to have our family all together and enjoying one another and the joy of Christmas and always
Jo-Marie Gagala, CTA, ACC, DS, OMS,
J & C Travel Inc, President
630 310 0979 cell
"The World is a book,and those who do not travel read only a page"
-----Original Message-----
From: Janie <Janie_C...@sbcglobal.net>
To: Rotary eClub of District 7890 Weekly Program <weekly...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Fri, Dec 16, 2011 4:23 am
Subject: Re: Weekly Program: week of 12 December: Our visit to North America
From: Janie <Janie_C...@sbcglobal.net>
To: Rotary eClub of District 7890 Weekly Program <weekly...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Fri, Dec 16, 2011 4:23 am
Subject: Re: Weekly Program: week of 12 December: Our visit to North America
Bob, I know that you are originally from the States but don't know from where? I didn't realize Rosalie was not American. Is she a native Aussie? What did she think of our Thanksgiving celebration? Hopefully, it was a "traditional" event with all the turkey, dressing, football, desserts and family that goes with the celebration. As regards the football coach scandal I don't think it's so much putting sports on a level as clergy but rather the abuse of authority and position and betrayal of trust that is seen in both instances. Parents trust these authority figures with their children (their babies, their own flesh and blood that they carried for 9 months) and for those in authority to abuse those babies and betray that trust is really the heart of the issue. Connecticut has recently been hit with a number of teachers in this same mess and the outrage is the same. I don't know if this is some kind of epidemic or if it is just getting more publicity but I hate it and hate hearing about it as well. Sometimes ignorance is bliss I guess. Janie -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Rotary eClub of District 7890 Weekly Program" group. To post to this group, send email to weekly...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to weeklyprogra...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/weeklyprogram?hl=en.
Bob Faser
Jan 4, 2012, 5:53:19 AM1/4/12
to weekly...@googlegroups.com
Janiea:
I'm originally from Bayonne, NJ, but moved to Oz in early 1980 because the Uniting Church invited me to an Australian parish. Rosalie's originally from Australia (from the state of Tasmania, which is the island off the southern coast of Australia).
Bob.
I'm originally from Bayonne, NJ, but moved to Oz in early 1980 because the Uniting Church invited me to an Australian parish. Rosalie's originally from Australia (from the state of Tasmania, which is the island off the southern coast of Australia).
Bob.
> Date: Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:23:08 -0800
> Subject: Re: Weekly Program: week of 12 December: Our visit to North America
Jo-Marie
Jan 4, 2012, 3:56:42 PM1/4/12
to weekly...@googlegroups.com
Bob:
I have been to Tasmania and love it, do you get there often?
"Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present."
"The World is a book,and those who do not travel read only a page"
Reply all
Reply to author
Forward
0 new messages