The Buzz

Webster's College dictionary's describes travel as: To go from one place to another, as by car, train, plane, or ship; a journey.  Currently that journey is going to be expensive with fuel at new all time levels.  Pessimist or optimist; is that gas tank half-empty or half full?  As I see it, one of two things is going to happen: 1) People are going to stay home; or 2) The travel industry is going to offer enticing discounts to draw customers to their destinations.  I don't know about you, but option "2" sounds a whole lot better then pulling garden weeds, mowing the lawn, and chemically attacking and scrubbing multi-colored allege from my opaquely winterized pool!

May is noted as the official beginning of travel season, and I was surprised to learn that May was full of travel related firsts.  The first passenger railroad service in the US began in 1830, and the first transcontinental railroad was completed in 1869.  How about the first US Post Card issued in 1873, and New York's pride and joy, the Brooklyn Bridge, opened to traffic in 1883.  Then there was the first transatlantic flight in 1919, followed by the Golden Gate Bridge opening to the public in 1937.  Let's not forget the first tubeless tire introduced 1947; and we celebrated the first manned space flight in 1961...now that's a lot of travel related firsts!  Moreover, I'm sure I'm not the first to say shop for deals on travel and use your economic stimulus tax dollars to enjoy domestic travel opportunities to ensure those monies aren't sent out of the country purchasing foreign manufactured goods.

There are also a few wonderful holidays to celebrate in May:  May Day, Mother's Day, Armed Forces Day, National Maritime Day, and Memorial Day.  However, in my zeal to find May information, I came across a bizarre calendar made by a couple high school students.  Allow me to share a few of their "newly" created American holidays...I'm sure some of you can relate and would love to have reason to celebrate:  "International Tuba Day"; "No Socks Day"; "National Hoagie Day"; "Worthless Penny Day"; "National Waitresses/Waiters Day"; "Eat What You Want ‘Cause Calories Don't Count Day", and my favorite, "Visit Your Unknown Relatives Day."  Therefore, remember your mothers, nautical explorers/entrepreneurs, and celebrate the lives of those who have gone before us.  Rasp the rust off the ol' BBQ then invite a few friends over to commemorate your own special life's accomplishments holiday..."All About Me Day."  (Hint: just don't tell your guests what you're celebrating until they walk through the door with their bounty of fruits, cheeses, and salads...it's much more embarrassing and difficult to leave immediately carrying a full bowl.)

This month's edition of Gold Country Families E-Magazine features some interesting domestic travel destinations, a wonderful cruise, additional local theater productions, and a few more humorous or touching reader's stories.  We wish everyone a magnificent May.

Ciao, (Italian Good-Bye)

Patrick Witz
Writer/Editor/Publisher/Photographer
Gold Country Families E-Magazine
A FREE Internet Travel, Entertainment, & Leisure Magazine
editor@goldcountryfamilies.com