Bike Parking at Your Event (Santa Cruz, CA)

A question for event planners, is this an unusual tool one will find only in California with events or not?  It is typical to find around here and environment friendly.  This bike valet was spotted at an event in Santa Cruz.  A nice, organized set up to help out visitors, just sayin....

Have bike, will travel!  ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Welcome Weekend - Santa Clara University

I strayed away from my normal activities yesterday, even skipping our Art & Wine Festival in Santa Clara ( I know I can go today (Sunday) to watch my favorite band, Joe Sharino).  By doing this I stumbled upon the back-to-college weekend at Santa Clara University. I listened to the new Student Body President for 2011 and to President Michael Engh, President of Santa Clara University.

Santa Clara University President Welcomes Students

I was really taken in to watch over the heads of these 3,000 students with their families preparing to go through their world journey.  I know that graduation is an accomplishment, I am glad I was able to see the fresh start, beginning journey of these students' yesterday.What lies ahead each of them?

Traveling?  Yes, people are now traveling to get situated in Universities across USA for the 8-9 months.  Congratulations to these students with their choices! And, good luck and enjoy your college years!

Bringing you news as we see it each day! ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Silence. Remembers September 11 in Silence.

Silence. 

A day to remember in silence. I will never have the memories and feelings of the people actually at the places in turmoil on this day. My heart connects to them in silence.

I remember the days of silence that followed without any activity - our skies were empty because air traffic was closed.  I went to sit in one of our local parks where I previously would watch planes take off and land from SJC (Mineta San Jose International Airport).  On 9/11/2001 and for several days after, there was no activity. Silence. 

I was in the midst of finalizing my plans for a trip to the Greek Islands departing on 9/14/2001.. It was canceled (because no planes flying yet). I still have not gone.

I still have a New York City skyline postcard highlighting the Twin Towers in the middle that was sent to me from a friend visiting New York City with a postmark of 8/22/2001 – it is framed, on my wall.

This is what I remember as I wake up today and listen to planes flying overhead and low today. A magnificent noise we sometimes take for granted.

A couple of years ago when I was showing San Francisco to a friend who was in town, we found ourselves (without planning) in the middle of the Presidio cemetery overlooking the San Francisco bay. The day: September 11.  It is fascinating how we were automatically guided to this place to remember in silence. 

Presidio San Francisco - 9/11/2009

I am grateful for the noise today.   

Remembers this day and the silence, always ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Sleeping Tips in Hotels

I enjoy your questions and conversations, please continue to comment either here, on my Facebook page, or by email.  And, I will share tips I have gathered from everyone plus my own to help you. 

Do You Sleep Well in Hotels?

This is my answer to one of the travel concerns people quite often mention to me. They talk about actually trying to sleep because of the noise in hotels.  Now this may be from various reasons beyond a traveler’s control.  You are in an unfamiliar environment. There are several ways to overcome noise or sleepless nights as seen in the USA Travel Today video by Rolf Potts in 2010.

The one thing that I do is to turn on my external radio, located next to the bed. I like listening to jazz or instrumental stations. You may like other types of music.  I find this will rise above any other external noise.  Yet, I am able to wake up in case of emergencies that may happen and for my early morning wake up call when working on-site meetings. If I wear my iPod, there is always the possibility of over sleeping. 

Preparing the Bed for Travelers - FireSky Resort & Spa 2009

 Inside Tip: I also enjoy roasting marshmellows and eating s'mores along side fireplaces at the FireSky Resort. 

My Favorite Resort Hotel

This brings memories to me of one of my favorite hotels that I stayed with a couple of years ago, the FireSky Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona.  I discovered little thoughtful things I needed were already provided, like extra power outlets for my electronic toys located in the base of lamps. The flowing waterfalls were relaxing, and they happen to offset any conflicting noise throughout the resort (like lively group gatherings). And, it reminded me of my favorite by-the-water properties.  When my bed covers were turned down at night, my guest room attendant also turned on soft jazz music.  Of course the friendly and engaging staff of the resort was a bonus.  Simple tricks to enjoy your stay. 

View the USA Travel Today video by Rolf Potts and find more information of one of my favorite resorts with my article, Firesky Resort & Spa. 

What is your favorite tip for sleeping in hotels? 

Have a fantastic night's sleep!  ~ Exploring with the Fun Tour Guru

*Image is mine