ONCE AGAIN WITH FEELING - GRACE POTTER AT NO. 23 ON THE 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

GRACE POTTER & THE NOCTURNALS - something very rare these days - a real rock band with a point. Formed in 2002, this band, with a lead singer that channels many of the greats - Rait, Benatar, Tina - even Joplin,  has become a popular fixture on the American rock scene.

I stumbled on this killer tune last year and it still brings an edge to the Christmas Spirit. The kiddies better get their act together or things will not go so well for them when the Big Man shows up.

 

BTW - Just in case you were wondering, the Hammond B3 riffs are by the bona fide rocker chick from Vermont - Go Girl!! Grace Potter and the Nocturnals deliver a little rock ditty that will wake up the kids.

 No. 23 on The 2016 Christmas Countdown Naughty Naughty Children (Better Start Actin' Nice).

 

Keep Those little Ones Happy and Good This Season - Merry Christmas!!

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

NO. 24 ON THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - MICHAEL FRANKS DOES HIS THING - A PLASTIC STAR

 A PLASTIC STAR FOR AN ALUMINUM CHRISTMAS  TREE- OH THE JOY!!

 

Very old school. Aluminum Christmas trees were first available in 1958. I was nine. I think we had one once, but, I cannot swear to it. They appeared and disappeared quickly. However, they are making a return in today's markets for vagabond souls searching for innovation from the mid century. That era of product design brought us all the great things that we look back on and wish we still had - big fin cars, funky, yet sleek Jetson furniture and great, great music.

 

I have been a die hard fan of Michael Franks since I heard his classic Popsicle Toes. His combination of great jazz arranging and his unique voice make him a perfect artist for Christmas tunes. Today, I hope you like this very unique Christmas tune about a plastic star for an aluminum Christmas tree.

No. 24 on the 2016 CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - Michael Franks performing "I Bought You A Plastic Star".

 

Christmas is the best time of year - Enjoy It!!

D.L.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

THE NOMAD ARCHITECT CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN - 2016 EDITION

It's Official - Five Years Now - Very, Very, Very, Very, Very Merry Christmas!!!

This crazy, eclectic look at the music of the biggest holiday and celebration of the birth of Christ is in year number five. And, because I have gotten numerous requests from friends and others, I have perused, reviewed, reviewed again, viewed again and listened to countless tunes from every genre of Christmas Music from Stravinksy to Satchmo to continue this holiday tradition. Hopefully, you will like some of the new things out as well as many  favorites from years past. SO HERE WE GO!!




No. 25 on the 2016 Christmas Countdown

OK. I'm not bragging when I tell you that we had the distinct pleasure of hearing one of the truly great jazz orchestras and singers in our very own home town last year perform this incredibly arranged Christmas Classic that was written at least sixty years ago by a writer named Jack Fox.

René Marie joins the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis in concert for "'Zat You, Santa Claus?" off their live album, BIG BAND HOLIDAYS.
 

MERRY CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 1, 2016

D.L.STAFFORD
thenomadARCHITECT

RANDON VAGABOND ALERT - THIS IS ABSOLUTELY NUTS!!

OK - If you are a budget conscious vagabond and long to travel to faraway lands in Europe AND you want to throw in a side trip to Iceland for a few days, but you can't bring yourself to pull that trigger because the flights to Paris or Barcelona or Milan or anywhere else across the pond are just too steep, then The Nomad Architect has something you need to see. I mean this deal is shamadelicious, bona fide crazy and simply unbelievable. But I have checked it out and it is the real deal. If you are willing to be flexible, you can have a great trip with a side adventure in one of the most enchanting places in the northern hemisphere. Read on fellow vagabonds. This deal can scratch your wanderlust itch for a song.

WOW and Then Some!!!!!

 

We will start this little adventure with one simple word - WOW. That's right, WOW Airlines, based in Iceland, is the highly rated newest member of the low cost airline market and they have recently started flights from select US airports (Boston, New York, DC, etc.) to numerous European destinations (Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam, etc.). Much like Ryan Air of the UK, they do charge for everything, but, if you're smart, you can get to Paris and back for under $450, including one carry on and one checked bag or $350 with only one carry on. And even if you have to get to one of the airports  WOW flies from, you can still do this on the cheap, compared to normal flights with  Delta or other major carriers. But the good news doesn't end there. As part of their low price offers, you can fly to Reykjavik, stay a few days and wander around the beautiful small country of Iceland (It only has 330,000 plus residents), then catch your flight to Paris or some other destination and then fly back to your US destination. It's almost like a two-fer.

The only catch with these ridiculous fares is the necessity to be smart AND flexible to get the lowest price or travel with one change of clothes in your single carry on and stay where washers and dryers are available. Don't laugh, I just read an article by a fearless traveler who spent a year traveling in Eurasia with one carry on bag. To assist my fellow vagabonds with this process and to help you get the lowest price, just follow this link - WOW Stopover In Iceland and additional details with this link - How Does the WOW Stopover Work?.

You Gotta Find A Place Right?

Just because I CARE and I want my readers to have the best of the best, at reasonable prices- here  are some links to cool places to stay in Iceland depending on your budget. And, of course, you can utilize these same sites for your stay in Europe.

I-Escape. I have personally used this great bundler for high design places many times. This link lists numerous places in Iceland that will give you a comfy place to lay your head and enjoy this small, eco-centric country from high to low price.

AIRBNB. I just stayed a week in yet another killer place from AIRBNB in Sonoma and for a lot less than I would have paid in a major hotel. They have 300 plus rentals in Iceland from very cheap to very expensive.

TABLET. Since you will save so much on your flights, you may want to check out TABLET HOTELS for a more expensive place to rest your weary bones after hiking the hinterland all day.

So there you have it. If you have those wanderlust blues and need a fix for less money, WOW has the plan for you to enjoy some serious away time on the cheap. And don't postpone too long - the deal may go away and it starts getting pretty cold in November in The Land of Fire & Ice.

Góða Ferð My Fellow Vagabonds,

D.L. Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

 

 

WEST COAST FOOD, WINE & CLINT'S PLACE - CARMEL PART DEUX

OK - IT'S BEEN A WHILE BUT READ ON!

My  02/15/16 post raised a few points about one of the most unique west coast environments in Central California - Carmel By The Sea. With its very dense, almost zero lot line homes built by artists, writers, actors and other famous and not so famous creative types from 1929 on, it is truly an environment that must be seen to be appreciated. So - You may want to take a quick look at that post before reading today's Part II on the lovely village Carmel By The Sea. Its restaurants, artisan shops, small museums and small "downtown" area will provide any visitor with a perspective on how people of means and artistic  bent have managed to create a place of intense, small urban quality that is like no other place you will experience.

DO NOT MISS EASTWOOD'S PLACE - AMAZING!

First, Clint was not there the night we ate at this very old, well appointed simple restaurant. However, if you go to Carmel, this place is a must. Great food and an amazing setting make The Mission Ranch Restaurant a place that must not be missed. I highly recommend eating outside on the terrace overlooking a rolling pasture and a few sheep with the Pacific beyond. Vegans need not apply. The specialty is Slow Roasted Prime Rib - GO AHEAD MAKE MY DAY!! The food, the service, the wine. All these ingredients combine to generate this acclaimed restaurant's  high ratings by people who rate such things. What a gig - huh?

And nothing goes better with great cuisine than a very, very good jazz pianist. We sat right next to the keyboardist as he played some great classics and new stuff while we waited for our table. We are both jazz lovers and hearing this great jazz pianist gives this place that sense of old school  and new day vibe combined. So, when in Carmel, check out this restaurant located on the original twenty-two acres along with  the thirty-one room Mission Ranch Hotel. The place was rescued and saved from the condo developers by none other than the former mayor Clint Eastwood, who, we were told, shows up unannounced on a regular basis.

AND A SCENIC DRIVE TO A REALLY COOL RESTUARANT

Because Carmel is not very big, it is one of the most feet friendly towns you can visit. Around every corner is a bistro, a brunch place or a bakery with great food - not to mention many small and expensive art galleries and small shops. And, of course, there is Carmel Beach, where you can hang out and dip your toes in the Pacific. The architectural flavor of the town is old school to the max with mostly wood siding bungalows and no large buildings. It is intimate and cosy. You get the feeling that you are a local, even if you're only there for a few days. One interesting architectural masterpiece on the Pacific is the Walker House - Cabin On the Rocks, designed by Frank LLoyd Wright and built in 1949. It was featured in the movie A Summer Place. However, if you want to tour the house, you need to plan on a June visit. It's open to the public only one day each year.

In addition to walking the town and emjoying the food and the vibe, you must hop in your car and take a nice drive down California 1 to a culinary institution - Nepenthe Restaurant. In Greek it means "Isle of No Care". Make absolutely certain you grab a seat on a waterfront front bench/table about 200 feet above the Pacific. Serving hungry locals and visitors from all over the world since 1949, in a building designed by Architect Rowen Maiden, a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, this is a great day trip to the heart of Big Sur for a great meal, great atmosphere and killer views. And the leisurely drive down California's Coast Road (CA 1) with magnificent coastal views around every bend - a little over an hour - ain't too shabby either.

 

One final suggestion - If you want to  impress your significant other, reserve a view table at Sierra Mar Restaurant, which is on the property of The Post Ranch Inn boutique hotel.  If you have a little bit of extra cash and you really want to impress your travel partner, reserve a Pacific Coast room at this  $875 - $1,300 per night multiple award winning place. It's a tad rich for this Nomad, but, if you can pay the freight - don't hesitate.

AND LET US NOT FORGET THE WINE - OH YES THE WINE!

Since California produces 90% of the wine in the United states, you really can't go to this part of the country without spending at least a day or two touring and tasting some of the best wine in the world. Just get a Carmel Valley Map and go man go. The Bernardus Winery is a great place to start. If you want to pick up some delicious lemon olive oil, in addition to some great wine, check out Joullian Vineyards & Winery. And there are at least twenty other, mostly small, boutique wineries that will quench and delight your taste buds.

So, if you need a few days getaway or something longer, Carmel By the Sea, along with Big Sur and other Central California must sees, is a place you should add to your bucket list.

Next Up. Some thoughts on Sonoma Valley Wine Region - California Here We Come!!

Bonne Randonnée,

D.L. Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

 “To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” – Freya Stark

 

CHRISTMAS IN JULY - HELLO NEW YAWK CITY - BOOYAH! - REPOST

DANCE OF THE SUGAR PLUMS, GREAT ART & RIDICULOUS FOOD IN THE BIG APPLE

OK - In the interest of pure, unedited honesty - this is a repost. It's not too early to plan your travel future and planning a trip to NYC during Christmas should start about now. So, I thought you might benefit from reading about our experiences in what many consider to be America's greatest urban center. Whether you agree with that is a discussion for another time and another place. I know, I know - You probably don't really want to read about the bright lights of NYC at Christmas time right in the middle of our currently long hot summer. But I have to correct a most egregious dereliction of duty on the part of this wandering vagabond heart. I left out all the cool stuff and my thoughts on all things great and small in the city that never sleeps - not to mention a killer hotel right off Times Square. I got way too busy dealing with all things holiday- kids, the countdown, presents, shopping (ugh!) - and we bought a house - SO, I have posted nil in months.

Once again, just like last year, I thought today's post would give at  least a virtual respite from that famous Tallahassee heat and humidity. As a close friend and musical mentor who moved to Arizona said upon returning for a short visit - "I knew I was in Tallahassee when I got off the plane and all the air was sucked out of my body". That's what happens when you live in a place that averages about 20-30 percent  humidity. Serves him right for leaving God's Country. My apologies to those vagabonds who happen to live in more hospitable summer climes. So this week's post will enter into the official blogosphere record a trip that has been on my bride's Bucket List since we started life together 42 years ago next month - Christmas in New York City - Check!

 

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION - WHERE YOU SLEEP MATTERS

 

Making a hotel reservation in New York, can be a daunting task. New York may, in fact, have more hotels per square foot than any city on the planet. According to the internet - and you know its true if it's on the internet - 54 million wandering souls visit this city every year. When you toss in the roughly 8 million plus permanent residents, well it's a busy place.


Therefore, you want to stay as close to the action as possible, lest a Nomad spend too much time and too much money getting from place to place, particularly when you factor in relatively long waits for taxis - and it's Christmas!

 

After researching dozens of hotels in NYC, we settled on a very small hip place just two blocks off Times Square - ROW NYC. This boutique hotel has everything one needs to rest up from a day of sight seeing or a night on the town. The design motif is pure urban minimalist from the understated lobby-bar-social meeting place to the large graphics in the rooms. Typical for New York, the rooms are not huge, but plenty big for two bleary eyed vagabonds. I recommend a Superior City View Room. It's about the same price as a regular room and you get glimpses of the city that absolutely, positively never sleeps. Our room had a killer view up the 8th Avenue canyon. Concierge Service was very good and helpful with directions, restaurant recommendations/reservations, etc.. One helpful point here - Make your reservation at least two months before your trip and check back often as your departure approaches. We got a reduced rate about a week before our trip via an email offer from the hotel. At Christmas no less- go figure!

 

 

OMG "FILL IN ANYONE'S NAME HERE" - YOU WON'T BELIEVE THE FOOD

Like New Orleans, Chicago, Austin, Paris and all of Italy, New York City has great food that will warm the cockles of every foodie vagabond's heart. American - Fusion - Italian - Burgers - Cheap - Expensive - As they say in my neck of the woods - If you cain't find good food in New Yawk, you ain't lookin'. There are two particular restaurants that IMHO every temporary Manhattanite must check out. First, for a superb Italian feast, the quaint bistro Amarone Ristorante will transport you to that little place you always want to be when you enjoy a fine meal with the one you love. This place just happens to be in the heart of the Theatre District, but you will think you are on a side alley in Montepulciano. The place is simple with unadorned brick walls and classic white table cloths. The food is real and superb. The wine, all Italian of course, is also outstanding. And all the waiters may be from Brooklyn, but they sounded Italian to me. The restaurant's tag line on their web site says:

Amarone Ristorante is a secret gem in Hell's Kitchen. This authentic Italian gem offers amazing eats that reflect the owners' Italian background.

Again, from my neck of the woods - It ain't braggin' if you can back it up. Amarone backs it up.

ATTENTION ALL VEGANS - DO NOT READ THIS!

Carnivores, on the other hand, listen up. Upon the recommendation of an in-law, who shall remain nameless to protect her from the onslaught of Texts, Tweets, Instagrams and Facebook Trolls she would no doubt receive from the red meat hating food police, castigating her for recommending a restaurant that prides itself on serving the finest slain bovine on the planet, we made reservations at one of the most unique restaurants I have ever had the pleasure of eating in - Quality Meats. This interesting multi-level eatery, part of an exclusive group of  restaurants in New York and Miami, proves that quality really has no substitute. Steaks with every trimming you could ever want paired with a great wine recommended by the excellent wait staff came together like Sinatra and "New York, New York"  . I'm spreadin' the news - Quality Meats must be added to every  NYC loving foodie's Bucket List. And kudos to my unnamed in-law. You did good girl.

 

WHO LOVES YOU PRETTY BABY!

The Great White Way is one of America's great cultural treasures, and after over 1,400 performances,The Jersey Boys has become one of the hottest tickets on Broadway. With minimal set pieces, this drama/musical trip about one of America's greatest pop-rock groups, The Jersey Boys captures the true story and essence of the 100 million record selling super group. We so enjoyed the story about this often troubled group  with the unique high falsetto front man, Frankie Valli. The stripped down performance in the intimate August Wilson Theatre makes the musical presentation of some of the greatest pop songs ever recorded something to remember. And they sang virtually every hit this Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted group ever recorded - Sherry - Big Girls Don't Cry - Rag Doll - ad infinitum. The actor/singer Joseph Leo Bwarie absolutely killed the Frankie Valli role with his voice and the nuance of this complex icon and his even more complex relationship with the other members of The Four Seasons. If you are a child of the sixties, ya gotta go! And drag your kids along so they can see and hear what real talent looks and sounds like.

 

THE NUTCRACKER, THE ROCKETTES, A BIG TREE & MATISSE AT MOMA - WOW!!

 

One of the great joys of visiting a city like New York is the opportunity to see the best of the best. Premiering on February 2, 1954, the George Balanchine Nutcracker Ballet is something that every person, young or old, should see. The music of Tchaikovsky, combined with the genius of Balanchine and the talents of some 90 world class dancers, presents all that is magical about the vision of Christmas. In  a world that is growing increasingly harder to understand, this annual Christmas extravaganza brings all who see it closer to the joy and beauty of our greatest holiday tradition.

 

And then we have those girls with legs that seemingly go on forever - The Rockettes. With over eighty dancers, all the same height, this dance troupe has been performing their dazzling choreography for over eighty years in one of the most iconic performance halls in America - Radio City Music Hall. Put simply, The Rockettes are a true red, white and blue blast of pure entertainment presenting Christmas entertainment at its best. And they look pretty good doing it.

And there, right in the middle of Manhattan - The giant tree in Rockefeller Center sets the mood for any Christmas visit to The Big Apple. It's very big, it's very bright and it will make you feel like Christmas. If, upon viewing this magnificent sentinel of light, you don't feel like celebrating all that Christmas means - sorry, that's on you.

 

New York is one of those places that forces any Wandering Nomad to make sometimes hard choices on what and what not to see and do. However, one experience any self respecting vagabond cannot forgo on any visit to NYC is an afternoon wandering among the great works of art that adorn the walls of  The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). World class paintings, sculpture and other objects de arte abound in this museum that has been at the cutting edge of modern art since 1929. The special exhibit - Matisse: The Cutouts - must be seen up close and personal to grasp the impact of one of modern art's most compelling and inventive artists.

FINALLY - THE WORLD TRADE CENTER - BE PREPARED!

The horrific events of 911 are respectfully remembered in film, architecture and artifacts at The 911 Memorial and Museum. You simply cannot visit this amazing memorial without understanding how ordinary Americans can  do extraordinary things when circumstances demand it and the unflinching spirit of America in the face of incomprehensible horror. The  gravity of the devastation that took place on this iconic parcel of real estate is apparent as you enter the main plaza surrounding the black sculptural voids of the original Twin Towers with a continuous black granite viewing rail featuring the embossed names of some 3,000 innocent victims who died in this soul shattering, murderous attack perpetrated by people who redefine evil of the first order. Upon entering the museum, you are first given the opportunity to view a film with dozens of world leaders, firemen, police and other ordinary Americans who had some connection with the only attack on our homeland by a foreign entity. The museum itself, which descends to the lowest foundations of the original World Trade Center subtly features a simple modern design motif by the architectural-design team lead by  David Brody Bond juxtaposed against remaining foundations, steel columns and artifacts that render the experience not so much like a museum but more like a continuous visual and emotional journey through tragedy that ultimately gives way to the life affirming power of the human spirit.

Then you see the future rising out of the ash heap from the main level of the museum as the New One World Trade Center, at a height of 1776 feet, comes into view and you hear yourself believing once again - America is still the most brilliant idea ever birthed in the mind of human kind. It is an experiment that will prevail  even in the most adverse of circumstances. As Thomas Jefferson said in 1787:

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots & tyrants. It is it’s natural manure.

As we were leaving this place, which so eloquently memorializes the somber events of that tragic day in our history, I looked up to see the gleaming new tower of the New World Trade Center and I thought - God Bless America Indeed.



Thank You New York & America - Still The Land of The Free

d.l.Stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE WEST COAST ANSWER TO THE GOOD LIFE - CARMEL BY THE SEA

NOCAL HAS FIFTY WAYS TO IMPRESS YOUR LOVER

And Carmel By The Sea, or simply Carmel, struts its stuff around every corner, in every courtyard, art gallery, bistro, bakery and restaurant with a view. Several years ago, we drove on the outskirts of Carmel on our way to San Francisco from Big Sur. So returning to this unique enclave of the quintessential "life up on the hill" has been on our Bucket list for years.

There are no bad views in Northern California's world apart from the morass of humanity that is found in Southern California. There is an endearing vibe, a zen quality, if you will,  of utter relaxation,  about this enclave of the rich and famous, ne'er do wells and old hippies with money. Founded in 1902,  Carmel, with its natural beauty and legacy of artistic residents, including painters, sculptors, poets, writers and other assorted creatives  has endured as a place to be seen and experienced to be appreciated. According to Wikipedia, in 1910 it was reported that 60 percent of Carmel's houses were built by citizens who were "devoting their lives to work connected to the aesthetic arts. Early City Councils were dominated by artists, and the city has had several mayors who were poets or actors, including Herbert Heron, founder of the Forest Theatre, bohemian writer and actor Perry Newberry, and actor-director Clint Eastwood."
 

AIRBNB + POINT LOBOS = KILLER VIEWS WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK

I have sung the praises of AIRBNB before on this blog. We have stayed at AIRBNB properties in the States and in Europe. Once again, the grand daddy of peer to peer vacation rentals did not disappoint. Just outside of Carmel we found this private guest cottage with a stunning view of the Pacific over Point Lobos State Reserve, considered to be the crown jewel of the California park system. Complete with small kitchen, rain shower bath, wood floors, large skylights, fireplace, comfy bed and floor to ceiling glass overlooking a large deck and the Pacific, The Epic Ocean View Private Lil Cottage served as NOCAL Central for our stay in the Carmel area. Because it is only five minutes from Carmel and just off California State Highway 1, access to downtown, other must sees, shopping and restaurants, including numerous places on the famous coastline road is quick and easy via car.
 

NEED  A NICE RIDE FOR PENNIES?  SIXT IS THE ANSWER

With the tag line - Drive First Class, Pay Economy - SIXT Rental Car is the latest to jump into the  travel/rental car market Stateside. And if you think that's just a marketing slogan, then you would be wrong. After our arrival at San Jose Airport, we picked up a tricked out BMW 5X SUV. After a slight learning curve with all of the new millennium gadgetry, we were on our way in the largest luxury SUV made by the venerable German automotive perfectionists. Now for the "NO WAY!" you say. The total rental?  Including federal-state-city-county-value added and California is broke taxes, enviro-natzi  fees, carbon footprint assessments, airport payola, the works - the total rental was $252 for four days. Same car, same time - Budget Rent-a-Car - are you ready? $782!!!!!!! Sometimes better mouse traps are just that - better mouse traps. Unfortunately, SIXT is not everywhere in the States yet, although they are in most major cities, so you need to check their web site for locations. They are everywhere in Europe, so a CHEAP NOMAD WHO LIKES ARRIVING IN STYLE RECOMMENDATION - check out SIXT next time you need a nice ride for a song.

Next time - Wine, Food and Clint's Place - Amazing!!


d.l.stafford
thenomadARCHITECT

“I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move.”
― Robert Louis Stevenson, Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes