The Wrangler and Home Again

Home again!

It was a long two-day drive, but I made it home last night. While leaving Albuquerque, we were caught in a big thunderstorm with accompanying downpours. It rained off and on most of the way back.

One of the things I wanted to do on the trip was to stop at The Wrangler store in Cheyenne, Wyoming. In 1977, I got my first pair of boots there. Whenever I am in Cheyenne, I make it a point to stop there.

I got myself a belt and a necklace for a lady friend. At the checkout counter, I was told that Boot Barn bought Wrangler 15 years ago, so I was able to use my Boot Barn charge card. 

Below are photos of The Wrangler:

Freeport, Bahamas: 13 Top Places To Explore

Above, with the Norwegian Sky docked nearby, passengers roamed shops in Freeport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During our cruise to the Bahamas last summer, the first cruise stop was at Freeport.

We were there for a few hours and the time was spent at a shopping complex of small businesses. With our ship, the Norwegian Sky, docked nearby, we wandered around the shops.

There is much more to Freeport for people to see. Unfortunately, the time allotted was not enough for any real exploring. I enjoyed our Nassau stop a lot more as we were able to take bus and boat tours there.

MSN has posted a gallery of things to see in Freeport.

They begin with:

Looking for a Bahamian escape that’s a little less crowded but still packed with charm? Freeport might just surprise you. As the second-largest city in the Bahamas, Freeport blends sun-soaked relaxation with vibrant local flavor. I’ve walked its white-sand beaches, browsed through colorful straw markets, and kayaked through mangrove forests—and trust me, it’s more than just a port stop. Curious where locals go to unwind or where you can find the island’s best conch salad? From underwater cave systems to buzzing cultural hubs, these 13 must-see spots in Freeport deliver more than just postcard views—they offer stories, flavors, and moments that stick with you.

To see more, go here. 

Mother's Day Shopping, Etc.

Above, the El Rancho's Silver Screen restaurant. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Finally, after days of rainy and cold weather, it was sunny out yesterday with 70° temperature.

This motivated me to get the mini bike going. 

First, I filled up my five gallon gasoline can at the Flying J. This is for the mini bike and my zero-turn mover. 

After filling the mini bike's gas tank and putting air in the rear tire (it has a slow leak), I took it for several spins around the subdivision. It worked just fine.

This morning will be my grocery shopping day in Gallup. I usually stop in the El Rancho Hotel's restaurant for breakfast on Sundays before shopping. I generally get their Monument Valley enchilada breakfast. 

The restaurant had good crowds the last two times I was there. It will probably be the same today as today is Mother's Day. 

This week, I will see about getting the Jeep to the mechanic's to get it working again now that the weather is a little more cooperative.

Lest I forget, Happy Mother's Day!

Ports O' Call Village Now History

Above, an old post card photo of Ports O' Call Village. 

Back in the 1970s and 1980s, my family, friends and I used to head down to San Pedro to visit Ports O'Call Village. It was a fun place to eat at and shop.

Over the years, poor management let Ports O'Call Village become rundown. Shops went out of business.

Today, it is nothing but a memory. 

According to SanPedro.com:

Ports O’Call has been demolished for a planned new development. LA Waterfront Sportfishing, the San Pedro Fish Market, and the Crusty Crab remain open. The Ports O’Call Restaurant is demolished. Harbor cruises, whale watching and sport fishing trips still depart on a regular basis from LA Waterfront Cruises The old Ports O’ Call is gone forever. The slide show below is postcard views from it’s hey day.

Hopefully, the new development will be just a fun as Ports O' Call used to be.

To read more, go here.

Freeport

The first stop after leaving Miami was at Freeport, Bahamas.

Freeport basically consisted of shops of various toursty goods. We docked alongside of where the shops were located and we were there until about 4:30.

I bought a few things, including a travel bag to replace the torn Clamper bag. 

Some photos of our Freeport stop:

Above, some Freeport shops with our ship in the background. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, passengers disembarking at Freeport. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, the Harley-Davidson shop sign. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, inside the Harley-Davidson shop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a pirate statue in one shop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, another pirate statue in a different shop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Freeport shops. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, a view of Freeport from our ship. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, having a cigar before sunrise in Freeport. 

Back From The Bahamas

Above, the Norwegian Sky docked in Nassau. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The five-day cruise to the Bahamas is now history.

Friend Mitch Geriminsky and I got back to Jamestown last evening in the rain. For once, we didn't have any issues in returning home. No cancellations. The only delay was our final flight home from Atlanta. But that was only a half hour. We would have been late to board as our connecting flight was a little late and passengers in front were slow to get out of our way (until I said something).

Above, having a cigar in the smoking area overlooking the pools.

We had a good time on the cruise. We went with Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky. It was not one of those mega cruise ships. This one has a capacity of about 2,000, a more manageable number. 

We went first to Freeport, Bahamas and did some shopping. I had to buy a small bag as the new Clamper one tore on one side. It was not overloaded either. Just cheap.

Above, during the Nassau boat tour. Photo by Mitch Geriminsky.

The next day was spent in Nassau. We took a boat tour and then a bus tour. We stopped at a flea market next to an old fort. Then, we went to a very expensive mall (one shop was for Rolex watches) called Crystal Court at Atlantis Resort. It rained hard during our bus tour.

Tuesday night, we took in a musical show of 1970s rock 'n roll. 

Wednesday night, I did some gambling in the ship's casino. I made $60 on roulette. 

Above, lobster tails for Thursday night's dinner. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Then, on Thursday, we went jet skiing at Great Stirrup Cay. Jet skiing over ocean waters is much different than on lake waters. The jet skis were more powerful than the ones at Lake Havasu. One can easily get thrown off if they give the jet ski too much throttle. Mitch hit a wave wrong and was thrown off his jet ski into the drink. Too bad I missed it. 

When I download my photos from my Canon Rebel, I will post photos of the trip.

How To Spend A Weekend In Tokyo

Above, Sensoji Temple is a short walk from the Nakamise Street shopping arcades. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Summer is fast approaching and people may be considering a trip to Japan for their summer vacation. The dollar is doing great against the Japanese yen, which makes a trip more affordable.

Granted, summer is not the greatest time to visit Japan. It get very hot and humid. But if that doesn't bother you, AFAR has some ideas on what to see in Tokyo in four days.

They begin with:

Tokyo, the world’s largest metropolis with 37.4 million people, presents a dynamic contrast of historical and contemporary. I offer market tours here and many of my clients say how much they love the city. It’s hard not to love. People are polite. The streets are clean. The cuisine is outstanding, from high-end sushi shops to a simple egg salad sando at the convenience store. My tip: Have a rough itinerary but allow time to wander and explore the quiet side streets.

It’s best seen on foot. Paul McInnes, editor in chief and creative director of Voyapon, a site about Japan and Japanese culture, says of the city: “Many people don’t realize that Tokyo is very much a walkable city. One of the best books about this very subject is Laura Elkin’s fantastic Flâneuse, which focuses on exploring various cities, including Tokyo. You really get to know more about how Tokyo works and you find various nooks and crannies that you hadn’t realized existed. So, invest in some comfortable walking shoes and explore this great modern city.” (McInnes himself captures the details on Japan in his psychogeography writings of walking through Tokyo and Kyoto.) Here’s how to best spend four days in Tokyo.

To read more, go here. 

NM One of The Most Expensive States To Buy Groceries

Lately, I've been noticing how high my grocery bills have risen.

I haven't changed my buying habits, but what used to cost me around $70-75 in total, now totals over $100.

Piñon Post has posted an article that what I have experienced isn't a figment of the imagination.

They wrote that New Mexico is one of the most expensive states to buy groceries.

They start with:

According to a recent study from HelpAdvisor, New Mexico is the sixth most expensive state in America to buy groceries.

HelpAdvisor’s study has uncovered a stark reality: the average American’s weekly grocery bill is $270.21, significantly lower than New Mexico’s average of $ 286.39.

“While U.S. inflation slowed in 2023, grocery store cash registers continued running hot. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the consumer price index for food at home was up 1.7% year-over-year in November,” HelpAdvisor noted.

The only states beating New Mexico’s $286.39 average weekly grocery cost were Florida at $287.27, Washington at $287.67, Mississippi at $290.64, Nevada at $294.76, and California at $297.72.

The sad irony of all this is that New Mexico is one of the poorest states, yet grocers are sticking it to the population.

To read more, go here.

Other Plans

Above, the El Rancho's Monument Valley enchiladas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While millions of people gather in today's solar eclipse umbra, I will be in Gallup having some Monument Valley enchiladas at the Silver Screen restaurant at the El Rancho Hotel.

The Gallup area will not be within the umbra (or path) of the eclipse (maybe we'll get a partial eclipse) anyway, so I will be enjoying a hearty breakfast and doing a little grocery shopping. I already made out my list. 

Some friends are now in Texas awaiting the celestial event. One posted a photo of himself and his wife at the Alamo in San Antonio. Maybe they're looking for the basement? At least if there's cloudy skies, they will take in some attractions in the Lone Star State to make the trip worthwhile. 

Made It To Gallup and Back

A little while ago, I got back home from a little grocery shopping trip into Gallup.

It was a nice drive except for the windy conditions we are experiencing. The winds are averaging 30 mph with gusts of around 45 mph. I figured I'd best get everything done before we are hit with dust storms this afternoon (at least that's what the National Weather Service is forecasting). 

It might get a little wet around here starting Thursday.

The forecast for today and the next few days:

Today

Patchy blowing dust between 3pm and 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 54. Windy, with a southwest wind around 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph.

Tonight

Increasing clouds, with a low around 30. Breezy, with a southwest wind 15 to 25 mph.

Monday

Mostly cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 52. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 26. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday

Sunny, with a high near 54. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 26.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 56.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

Thursday

Scattered rain and snow showers after 11am. Partly sunny, with a high near 49. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday Night

Scattered rain and snow showers before 11pm, then a slight chance of snow showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 25. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

It Pays To Shop Around

It definitely pays to shop around.

Recently, I ordered a box of shotgun shells for $9.99 at MidwayUSA. This is a good price, but their shipping charge was $13.95.

Thankfully, I ordered other items so that the "bite" of the shipping charge wouldn't be as much. The shipping price would have been the same if I ordered the shotgun shells alone.

Today, I ordered the same shotgun shells at the same $9.99 price through Cabela's. Their shipping charge is only $5.00. A much better deal!

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to guess where I'll be making my future purchases from!

15 Best Things To Do In Key West On A Cruise

Above, there's plenty of stores to shop at in Key West. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During the cruise I took to Havana, Cuba in April 2019, we had a stopover in Key West, Florida for a few hours.

I found Key West an interesting and fun place.

As part of our cruise package, we were able to get around town on trolleys. The first stop for me was the Hemingway House, the former home of author Ernest Hemingway. Later, I visited the Shipwreck Museum. In-between, I enjoyed a margarita at a restaurant next to a nice cigar shop.

There are many things to see and do in Key West, but if one is just going to be there for a few hours, an article by Cruzely would be a big help in prioritizing on the places to see.

They begin with:

Sitting just about 130 miles from Miami, Key West isn’t that far from major cruise ports. Despite that close proximity, however, it can feel a world away.

World famous for its laid-back lifestyle, the island is much more than just a place to party (although you can certainly do that). From beaches to history to food, there’s something for everyone in Key West when you visit on a cruise.

Below, we cover a ton of things that are all within a short distance of the port and available to do during the day while the ship is docked.

To read more, go here. 

What Not To Pack For A Hawaii Vacation

Above, the Royal Hawaiian Center at Waikiki. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since many airlines slap on surcharges on luggage weighing over 50 lbs., more people are learning the fine art of packing light.

That goes for travel to Hawaii. There are things that are unnecessary to pack as most are available to purchase in Hawaii.

Beat of Hawaii posted an article on things not to pack before leaving the mainland.

They start with:

Whether you’re the most seasoned traveler or a newbie who doesn’t think about a packing checklist for Hawaii, today’s post will help keep your luggage under control. Your editors, Rob and Jeff, use Google Docs to keep a packing list up to date for mainland travel, and even then, something is always forgotten.

What to pack for a Hawaii vacation should seemingly be pretty easy given our general lack of dress codes, casual nature, and near-constant tropical temperatures. We say, “Keep it simple” and “Less is better.” But even then, it can get weird.

Here’s what not to pack for your Hawaii vacation.

First, there’s almost nothing you can’t buy here in Hawaii if you need it, including food and medications. Second, most of it won’t cost much more than on the mainland if you shop wisely. So don’t lose sleep if you should forget something. Leave these things off the list to begin with.

To read more, go here. 

Virtual-Reality Tour of Asakusa

Above, there's plenty of stores to shop in at Tokyo's Nakamise Street. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of my favorite hang-out places in Tokyo is Asakusa's Nakamise Dori shopping area. 

Besides being a historic part of Tokyo, there's plenty of things to see in do in the vicinity along with shopping. For kaiju fans, there's some toy stores to buy kaiju figures.

Nippon.com has posted "virtual-reality" tour video of Asakusa. 

They begin with:

Our new series of 360º virtual-reality tours of Japan’s most popular destinations kicks off with a look at Tokyo’s Asakusa district, home to the popular temple Sensōji and many other iconic views of the capital.

To see the video, go here. 

A Break From Snows Next Week

Above, snow still on the ground three days ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I had to go into Gallup after our Jamestown group's coffee/breakfast gathering at Denny's at the Flying J. I had to pick up my prescriptions and do some grocery shopping.

After picking up my meds, I stopped at Tractor Supply to get a 16 lb. bag of cat food. D.K. and her kittens have been eating like horses and fast depleting the bag of cat food I already had. For some reason, Tractor Supply had a lot of shoppers and long lines at the cashier. All shopping carts there were in use. There were also a lot of people at the Safeway market a couple of blocks away. It was a good thing I got the cat food at Tractor Supply, Safeway was out of 16 lbs. bags of cat food. 

Maybe people were holed up at home during the recent snows and depleted their supplies and it was a nice enough day (it was in the 40s) to go out and shop. 

From what the National Weather Service posted (below), it looks like we are getting a week-long break from snowstorms. It will be sunny and in the 40s for the most part this coming week. 

Today

Sunny, with a high near 42. Southwest wind 10 to 20 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 19. Southwest wind around 15 mph.

Monday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 38. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph.

Monday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 19. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 40. Southwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 17.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 39.

Wednesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 16.

Thursday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 40.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 16.

Friday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 46.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 22.

Saturday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 45.

Ya Gotta Teach 'Em Right, Pilgrim!

Several days ago, I received an email from the John Wayne Stock & Supply Company of their holiday catalog offerings.

While perusing it, I noticed that they had infant onesies. Since this would be the first Christmas for my second cousin Chrissie's son Colt in Tennessee, I decided to get him a John Wayne Saddle Up Rodeo onesie. 

Colt's older brother Gunnar is now six and I looked around the catalog and spotted a John Wayne "Made In America" puzzle. With his mom and dad's help, Gunnar should be able to while the time putting the puzzle together. 

The items were delivered yesterday.

What better way to start kids off right than to get them some Duke goods? Ya gotta teach 'em right, Pilgrim!

To access the John Wayne Stock & Supply Co., go here.

Kappabashi, All Things Kitchen

Above, the giant chef bust tells visitors that they're in Kappabashi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Longtime regular readers of this blog have read blog posts about Kappabashi, known as "Kitchen Town" in Tokyo.

Kappabashi is near Asakusa in Tokyo and the district has everything a cook, professional or otherwise, may need or want. 

Above, knives on display at the Kamaasa Knife Co. shop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I first went to Kappabashi in February 2014 to pick up some chef's knives. Following my purchases, I wandered around the district to see what other things were available. I returned there a year later to pick up some more goods.

Japan Today has a nice detailed article about Kappabashi that would be useful for future visitors.

They begin it with:

TOKYO - To spend a few hours wandering the Tokyo neighborhood of Kappabashi, not far from Asakusa, is not just a fun shopping experience, it is also a lesson in how many different kitchen toys exist in the world. This neighborhood, and especially its main drag, is jammed with shops that sell everything imaginable for the kitchen, whether it’s a home kitchen or a professional one. It makes sense that a city as obsessed with good food as Tokyo would be home to one of the largest shopping districts for kitchen implements in the world.

The breadth of items available in the more than 170 shops in the area is astounding. There is everything imaginable, and a few things one could never imagine (unless, perhaps, you are a professionally trained chef).

The principal shopping street of Kappabashi, a strip less than a kilometer long, is just a few dozen meters from Tawaramachi station on the Ginza subway line. Its entry is marked by a gigantic bust of a chef atop the Niimi Building on the corner, home of a shop selling dishes.

To read more, go here. 

Gallup 9th Street Flea Market

Above, the Gallup 9th Street Flea Market. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It has been about two years since I was last at the Gallup 9th Street Flea Market, thanks to the pandemic. But prior to that, I have attended it a few times and it is a good place to spend an hour or two browsing around.

Things appear to be back to normal and the Gallup 9th Street Flea Market is up and running again.

Only In Your State has posted an article on the flea market with photographs.

They begin with:

You can’t go wrong when you visit a flea market in New Mexico. You can find unique items, great deals, and fun gifts. But if you’re looking for a flea market that has it all, be sure to check out Gallup Flea Market. In addition to offering great treasure hunting, there is delicious food, great music, and even pony rides for the kids!

Located in Gallup, New Mexico, about two hours west of Albuquerque, you will find the Gallup 9th Street Flea Market. It is one of the largest Native American markets in the United States and has been operating for more than 25 years.

Above, the Gallup 9th Street Flea Market does have pony rides. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here. 

Nakano Broadway: Pop Culture Wonderland

Above, the Nakano Broadway entrance from JR Nakano Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When foreign tourists can finally travel to Japan unhindered and without overbearing rules as was the case before the pandemic, one must-see location in Tokyo to visit is Nakano Broadway.

Nakano Broadway is considered a "mecca" for otaku shoppers while in Tokyo. I made it a point to stop in whenever I am in Japan. I've purchased a number of items there including Godzilla figures and, if you can believe it, "Nipper", the RCA Victor dog.

Above, RCA Victor's "Nipper" I purchased at Nakano Broadway. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Nippon.com posted an article on Nakano Broadway that is well worth a thorough read.

They start it off with:

At the end of the Nakano Sun Mall shopping arcade outside of JR Nakano Station can be found a holy ground for otaku: Nakano Broadway. Packed with stores selling anime figurines and other ephemera, it even attracts fans who make pilgrimages from abroad. An exploration of the past, present, and future of this iconic Tokyo shopping space.

From Success to Shutters

The year 2022 marked the fifty-sixth anniversary of the opening of Nakano Broadway. A long shopping promenade called Sun Mall extends from the north exit of JR Nakano Station; Nakano Broadway, a 10-story building with three basement levels, sits near the north end of this arcade. The fifth through tenth floors are residential, and residents have access to a rooftop pool, a playground, and a garden plot.

The bottommost two floors are mechanical facilities, but the first basement floor through the fourth floor are jam-packed with a huge variety of shops—as many as 350 tiny outlets. The number isn’t precisely known, for the turnover of shops is constant.

To read more and see some tantalizing photos, go here. 

Asakusa Retailers Get Ready To Roll Out Red Carpet

Above, Nakamise Street before the pandemic. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the most enjoyable places to visit while in Tokyo is Nakamise Street (or Nakamise Dori) in Asakusa.

Tourists annually spend plenty of yen while visiting many shops.

Now that foreign tourists are about to be welcomed back (after a time for processing visas) to Japan, Nakamise Street's retailers are getting ready to welcome them.

According to the Asahi Shimbun:

Popular tourist destinations are gearing up for a return to pre-pandemic times in line with the June 10 resumption of procedures to finally allow inbound visitors after a two-year lull on entry.

While the initial inflow will be from a limited number of nations deemed to be at a lower risk of novel coronavirus infections and involve small tour groups, hopes are gaining traction that larger numbers will return this summer.

The Asakusa Nakamise shopping area close to spectacular Sensoji temple in Tokyo is regarded as a must-see tourist destination, and far more visitors were seen strolling through the narrow thoroughfare on June 10. Most, however, were Japanese women in kimono or students on school trips.

But the Nakamise association of retail outlets is already preparing for a full-scale return of hordes of foreign tourists. All 88 member stores boast posters in English calling on visitors to abide by infection-prevention measures, such as wearing face masks and disinfecting their hands.

To read more, go here.