The Vagabonds

By P. Paul Provost

Traveling, a passion of this author, has prompted me to share my experiences with others, especially senior readers. This group of people, of which I am a part, has not always been privileged to take time out to travel, for various reasons. Granted, it is an expensive venture, or hobby, however, it is great fun, adventurous and a wonderful opportunity to meet people of different cultures and living standards.
As creatures of habit, we love to stay put and seldom find interest in leaving home, regardless of the occasion.
This book, "The Vagabonds", tells the story of the travels and adventures of a couple, husband and wife, who truly love to travel. It encompasses places here, in the United States of America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Canada, South America, New Zealand, Australia and many other places, including various islands and villages.
This author is confident that this story will capture your attention and imagination. Surely you will be anxious to share it with relatives and friends. Once you've read this book, it will be as though you have taken the venture with us.
My mission, and hope, is that more seniors will become interested and venture out on cruises, or other modes of travel, to places they have never trod before. Forget about Disneyland for a while. Be a "Vagabond" at least once in your life. My wife, Frances J., is the cruise mistress. She started me on the cruise circuit instead of land touring. This author sailed for twenty years, while in the U. S. Navy, and thought sea life was over for me. If anything, I should be thankful that my wife loves to sail, because we cruise together, as often as we can, and it is such a relaxing mode of travel. She inspired me to undertake this work, and is my personal editor. Her inspiration is very infectious. It was a success.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 22, 2011
• ISBN: 9781463428556

P. Paul Provost

P. PAUL PROVOST, A gentleman of great fortitude and insight, never allows himself to sit idle. When there is nothing in particular that must be attended to, he eagerly creates something of a positive nature. This is the reason he dared to test his ability, a third time, and produce, "The Vagabonds", for others to enjoy. Both of his prior works, "A Sailor's Story, the Autobiography of Percy Paul Provost", and "Ebony Legends in Sports", are also available from this publisher. His identity and credentials remain the same. Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Provost later chose to serve, valiantly and honorably, in the United States Navy, for twenty years. He retired in the year 1959, after achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Being raised in Texas and serving in the military brought forth an awareness that, in order to achieve what he wanted in life, he would have to make further educational advancement. With his military career complete, Provost earned an A. A. Degree from Oakland City College and his Real Estate Broker License, in California, which he utilized to the fullest. He didn't stop here. Provost furthered his advancement, in the year 1981, by earning a lifetime, "Instructor Credential", for teaching the subject matter of Real Estate, in the California Community Colleges. Now retired, he is truly enjoying the fruit of his labor, as a golf enthusiast and world traveler, along with his wife. (THIIS IS TO BE USED INSIDE THE FRONT DUST COVER)

Book preview

CONTENTS

REMEMBERING MY PARENTS…

INTRODUCTION

FOREWORD

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

EPILOGUE

REMEMBERING MY PARENTS…

missing image file

MY FATHER

PAUL MEYER PROVOST

This book was conceived and written in honor of my beloved parents, with my memory of yesteryear gone by. It’s a joy to think of them and the love they gave me and our family.

My father’s advice to me was always full blown, with pride and joy, full of good advice. He would say, Son, you are young and have a good head. Take care of it and always follow your first mind. You are smart and intelligent so don’t sleep on that. Stay awake and follow your dream. The world is your oyster so go for it, and the brass ring. God knows how much I loved this man.

missing image file

MY MOTHER ADELPHINA

JEAN BAPTISTE PROVOST

My mother, quite different, but a jewel, full of love and joy of family. She was always a motivator of education (book learning), as she would say. Above everything, get you some education (book learning), because you must work hard to earn a living. Whatever you do, do it right, give it your best because one day you may have to do it for a living. Pray that the Lord will continue to give you love and good health.

INTRODUCTION

Prior to taking you on this adventure, with The Vagabonds, I feel it fitting to provide some information regarding my genealogy, in order for you to know a little about my lineage.

A relative, named Claude Provost, made contact with another family member, to inform him about the research he was doing regarding the family name (tree), Provost. Coincidentally, Claude had researched nearly every Provost family tree in North America. During research of the name, various spellings of the name were detected. Martin Prevost was found to be the first Provost immigrant, coming from France to Canada in 1611. Others who followed him include Francois Provost, Eustache Prevost and Rene Provost.

Now, I’ll bring things closer to home, regarding my more immediate family, beginning with my paternal grandfather and his birth place, etc. Alcindor Provost, Jr., was born in the state of Louisiana, March 1863 (died January 25, 1948, Houston, Texas). He and Marie Rebecca Narcisse were united in marriage, in St. Martinville, Louisiana, in 1888. Her parents were Toussaint Narcisse and Marie Thibodeaux. Alcindor’s brother, Joseph, married Marie’s sister, Helen Narcisse and Alcindor’s sister, Laperle, married Marie’s brother, Octave Narcisse. Alcindor and Rebecca were called Old Papa and Old Mamma.

Alcindor and Marie had six children, Toussaint Provost (1889), Marie Laure Provost (1891), Marie Rose Provost (1894), Joseph Samuel Provost (1896), Joseph Garfield Provost (1898) and Paul Meyer Provost (1900), all born in St. Martinville. Alcindor and Marie relocated to Dayton, Texas, Liberty County, in 1910, purchased a large farm which they worked for 24 years, until retiring in 1934.

You will see, from the information I was able to obtain from my mother before her death in 1995, that her part of the family tree is quite a bit more extensive. My maternal grandfather, Alexandre Jean Baptiste, (the son of Alfred Jean Baptiste and Rosa Wills), was born in Louisiana, February 2, 1870 (died 1935, Louisiana). Alexandre and Ada Celestin Frederick were married in St. Martin, Louisiana, in 1887. (Ada is the daughter of Aspasie Celestin.)

Alexandre and Ada had eleven children, Raoul (1888), Vaurice (1890), Joseph Alexander (1893), Ovide (1894), Aida (1895), Hermitt {Alma}(1897), Adelphina (1898), Clifton Onezaul (1904), Louise (1905), Leotha (1906) and Bernvenue Peter (1907), all born in Louisiana. Some time later, the family moved to New Iberia, Louisiana. All of my Jean Baptiste family members are deceased.

Paul Meyer Provost, born December 20, 1900, St. Martinville, Louisiana, and Adelphina Jean Baptiste, born December 16, 1898, Cecilia, Louisiana, were united in marriage in 1920 at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Houston, Texas. This young couple had eight children, two boys and six girls, namely: Percy Paul Provost (1920), Herbert Joseph Provost (1921), Helen Earline Provost (1923), Ruby Mae Provost (1925), Willie Mae Provost (1927), Justine Provost (1928), Lorrie Provost (1930) and Faye Helen Provost (1934).

Although many years have elapsed, I do recall my father telling me that he and his brother, Samuel, were running buddies. They had fun courting many young ladies, until they met the Jean Baptiste sisters, who were new to the area, from Louisiana, and now were the cream of the crop. Lo and behold, the two courtships did not last very long, before Samuel married the older sister, Hermitt (fondly known as Alma), and since my father no longer had a running buddy, he married the younger sister, Adelphina. She nearly fulfilled the promise made to him; that of giving him a baseball team. You can’t say that she didn’t try!

This author, Percy Paul Provost, grew up in a small, plantation like village, called French Town, populated mostly with people from Louisiana, who were called Creoles, because they spoke Creole and French languages. It really was a village. Initially we didn’t have paved streets, sidewalks, street lights or in-door toilets. Later, as the community grew, we acquired a few gravel streets and running water. Most of the children attended public school until about 1929, when Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church and School were built. The average cost to attend the School was ten cents ($0.10), once a week for each child, to be paid every Monday of a school week.

The winter months were terrible because it rained quite often, which created mud puddles through the area. The precipitation or showers, as we often called light rain, made it difficult to navigate, as we walked through the neighborhood. There were a few vacant lots which we used as a play area to shoot marbles and fly kites, as well as a large prairie, that we utilized as a baseball field. I often longed for the day when I would grow up and leave French Town, the village. Each year became more depressing for me and I longed to leave and travel. It didn’t really matter where travel would take me, just as long as it was away from Houston, Texas. I had a hobby of raising banty chickens and pigeons, and also had a dog named Rover.

My discontent came during the youthful years of my life, about 1935, when I was fifteen years of age. I truly began to notice the conditions around me and knew that they were not conducive to my mental growth. Although my family life was wonderful, for a poor, Negro neighborhood, these conditions were a stagnant situation for my personal growth and development. I became tired of living life as a second class citizen and truly longed for change to come that would effect my condition, in a positive manner. The situation made me sad and resentful, which I came to realize was a terrible way to live, separated and deprived of so many opportunities that the White fellow men were privy to.

I began to feel sorry for myself and it didn’t seem like I could talk about it with any body, who could help, because they all appeared satisfied in their little world. Taking heed to this realization, I decided to take it to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My first request was that He relieve me of this burden, of being nailed down in this little village, by providing a way out of this environment. The next request of the Lord was for Him to give me faith to believe, within myself, that my escape from this place will be forever. Next I asked Him to give me the courage and strength to begin a new life, with a wonderful family, to call my own. My requests continued by asking the Lord to allow me to travel the world over, with enjoyment and happiness, to my heart’s content, and to keep the guiding light in the window of a Christian Church, at which I can stay a faithful member of and render praise to God, always. Allow me good health and love of family, and to have some of my man-made desires, a dream car and a small ranch in the country with a community of God-fearing people. These things I asked for in Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Lord heard my prayers and has answered them in full, for which I am so grateful. The Proof is in the Pudding. The Lord has given me a full life, and continuing, everything I’ve asked for and more. I have made a few mistakes, along the way, when I ran astray and forgot the Golden Rule, but the lessons were well learned.

It would be remiss of me not to introduce Frances J., my wife, whom I met at City College in 1962, and tell you a little about her family lineage. We shared several classes, enjoyed each other’s company and became good friends. Nearly a year after graduating together, we were married in 1964 and have shared a blissful life together. She has aided so much, in helping to complete my development, growth and patience, by showing love and providing companionship. She is the sunshine in my life and the Jewels in my Crown.

Frances’ parents were both born in Teague, Texas, Freestone County. Her father, John Walker Jackson, born January 19, 1905 (died October 9, 1999, Chowchilla, California), was from a family of eight siblings, including him. Her mother, Opha Busby Jackson, born September 25, 1905 (died September 11, 1969, Oakland, California), was from a family of four siblings, including her. John and Opha were united in marriage December 13, 1925, in Teague, Texas. To this union were five children, John Wesley, Delbert, Fecie, Billie and Frances, all born in Teague, Texas.

About nine months after Frances was born on January 29, 1943, the Jackson family relocated from Teague, Texas to Oakland, California, where they lived a modest life. Beginning from the age of four years and nine months, Frances attended Oakland public schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade, beginning at Cole Elementary School, 10th and Union Streets in West Oakland. After moving to East Oakland with her family, she continued her schooling at Lockwood Elementary, advanced to Havenscourt Jr. High, then to Castlemont High School, from which she graduated in June, 1960. Frances continued her formal education at College of the Pacific, Stockton, California, for a period of time, then transferred to Oakland City College, graduating with an Associate Arts Degree, with honors. She continued to strive and make further advancements.

Frances J., as I often call her, has contributed, tremendously, in assisting me to complete this, my third work as an author. Completion of this book is the reflection of a lifelong desire, a chronicling of an actual journey of travel, a first hand view of the world of many other peoples. Frances J. and I, as husband and wife companions, have been known as the world travelers. Rightfully so because we do travel quite frequently, an adventure that we enjoy. This is the reason I have chosen to present The Vagabonds to you.

FOREWORD

The answer to one of my prayers had come to fruition. I enlisted in the United States Navy, at the age of eighteen, for six years, in 1939. This provided a way for me to leave the village, in addition to an opportunity to serve my country while I was still a young man.

My military training lasted for a period of three months, in Norfolk, Virginia. This was a terrible experience because it was not for the position I had enlisted. However, as fate would have it, I survived the training and after graduation was assigned to the USS Arkansas, a battle ship (Man-of-War). This ship was named in honor of the 25th state of our United States, Arkansas, and was commissioned on September 17, 1912.

My first sailing, as a messman, was on a Navy training mission, to Brazil, South America, with about 1,200 midshipmen from Annapolis, Maryland, the U. S. Naval Academy. Many of the sailors suffered with seasickness, during the voyage, which resulted in this being a very unpleasant experience for me. We returned the, mostly seasick, midshipmen to New York City, New York, for disembarkation. No ill effects or seasickness occurred during my first sea voyage, or any voyages thereafter.

This initial Navy commitment was extended and resulted in becoming a twenty-year career. Other experiences during this time included serving aboard three different transport ships, hauling supplies to Russia, England and Scotland. Sailing the Atlantic Ocean was always dangerous territory, often dodging the German submarines, however, we managed to survive. As time continued I sailed aboard my second Man-of-War ship, a light cruiser, the USS Brooklyn. After being trained I experienced firepower cruiser command, with a special fleet of ships, gathered in the largest military harbor in the world, Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia. Finally, after sailing the Atlantic seas for many days, we were informed that our mission was to assist, or act as enforcement for United States troops who would be landing at Casablanca, Africa. Our mission was successful, and we returned, unharmed, with part of our fleet, to our home port in Virginia. Erwin Rommel, German General, referred to as the ’Desert Fox’, was defeated.

Now joining with the United States Pacific Fleet, my next assignment would first be to visit Mare Island Naval Shipyard, Vallejo, California and San Francisco Naval Shipyard, Hunter’s Point, before sailing for the Pacific Fleet Headquarters, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii for a short stay. Sailing from Pearl Harbor our initial mission was training and hard work, constantly cleaning and painting the ship. Ultimately we learned that our next port-of-call would be Eniwetok Proving Ground, a nuclear test station, where I spent eighteen months. The time spent at this duty station was enjoyable. While there I had the opportunity to meet three renowned Navy personnel, Chief of the Pacific Fleet, Fleet Admiral Chester William Nimitz and Fleet Admiral William Frederick Halsey, Jr. I was introduced to Admiral Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr., who became Chief of Naval Operations.

Something else that I must share. While serving aboard the USS Chilton, APA-38, in 1946, during A-Bomb testing, Operation Crossroads, I served and shook ‘the hand that shook the world’, physicist, Dr. Edward Teller, who became known as the father of the hydrogen bomb, (the H-Bomb). Teller was quite active in the research and development of the A-Bomb. While aboard the USS Boxer, Aircraft Carrier, as Chief Steward, in charge of the Officers Mess, I was at Eniwetok Proving Ground, for the purpose of testing the H-Bomb, referred to as Operation Hardtack.

Finally, after serving in Japan and Korea, during the Korean War, and completing my military career, with duty in Alaska and Washington, D. C., my ‘crown jewels’ and farewell, I had served my country well.

Military travel was completed, however, the desire to travel was still in my blood. Now it was time for civilian travels, of my choice, which I have experienced, abundantly, in my new life, along with my wife. We have experienced numerous modes of travel, self guided, automobile tours, air flights, land tours in various other countries, train trips and, yes, sea voyages aboard cruise ships, believe it or not, which have added joy and happiness to our lives. We’re hoping, that after traveling with us through these pages, you can share the joy of the experiences that we, The Vagabonds did.

CHAPTER ONE

ONLY THE BEGINNING

It’s not as though this was our first time traveling out of the state of California, our home, however, it was the first venture of this nature. Just the two of us, Frances J. and Paul Provost, with God leading the way, drove away from home the morning of September 18, 1970, in our black, 1970 Lincoln Continental Mark III, en route to what would be a twenty-three state journey, with visits to many places of interest.

After driving about five-hundred miles we spent our first night away from home, in the state of Oregon. Continuing on our way the next morning, we headed for Spokane, Washington, the largest city in Eastern Washington, located on the Spokane River. We arrived there early afternoon, so we had an opportunity to see some of the beautiful lilacs, which have been plentiful since being introduced to the area, many years ago. The nickname for this city is Lilac City. Annually, for over 70 years, in the month of May, the Spokane Lilac Festival and Parade is held, to honor all military members.

The next morning, September 20, we were up bright and early, about 6:00AM, and had the opportunity to witness one of the most beautiful sunrises that we had ever seen, over the city of Spokane. We soon began a northward drive, passing through Idaho, to the border of Canada, the adjoining country just north of the United States of America. About 50 miles from here we reached Fort Steele, which is in the province of British Columbia. Fort Steele became a historical park in the year 1961. During the gold rush days, in the mid 1800’s, this site was originally established as a ferry service, utilized for Kootenay Bay crossing. After touring this site, we continued our journey, and before long, crossed the border into Alberta, Canada, the next province as we journeyed on our eastward path across Canada. Almost immediately we found ourselves in view of, what one would call, a breath taking sight, Banff National Park, the first national park of Canada. The white peaked mountains, and emerald colored waters of Lake Louise, were like a painted picture. Several deer were in view and stood as if they were statues. This area was so mesmerizing until we didn’t want to leave, but we did.

After reaching our final destination of the day, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, we checked into the Sheraton Summit Motel then strolled a short distance, to experience the view from the Husky Tower, the tallest revolving tower in North America at 626 feet, built for a cost of about $3 ½ million.

For the next few days we continued our journey across Canada, first visiting Regina, Saskatchewan, the Capital and second largest city of this province then on to Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Capital and largest city of this province. Winnipeg has a very diversified economy, including finance, manufacturing, food and beverage production, culture, retail and tourism. As we moved along, Thunder Bay, Ontario was the next city on our agenda. This city is the result of the merger of two cities, Fort William and Port Arthur, in addition to the townships of Neebing and McIntyre, which occurred in January 1970.

Our next stop in Canada was Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. Here we went on a wonderful boat tour, which took us through the locks in the St. Mary’s River area, one of the top attractions in this region, not far from the state of Michigan. After a wonderful day in Sault Ste. Marie, the following day we made our way to Niagara Falls, Ontario, and visited the Skylon Tower, restaurant, also a revolving tower, where we enjoyed a delightful dinner, and night view of the Falls. Upon arrival at Niagara Falls, there was a great deal of excitement. We learned of a tragedy which had recently occurred. A person accidentally fell over the Horseshoe Falls and drowned. This was more excitement than we needed.

After dinner we made our way to the hotel, where we spent the night. The next morning it was ‘on the road again’, after spending about a week in the beautiful, historical country of Canada, and we were now re-entering the United States of America.

A tour of this kind would not be complete without a visit to Detroit, Michigan, the Motor City, going through the areas which had been destroyed, due to a civil disturbance which occurred in 1967. This incident was covered by national media, television, newspapers, etc., and required the assistance of Michigan National Guard and Army troops in order to be resolved.

During our stay in Detroit, we visited with a friend for a couple of days, while she graciously hosted us, with a tour of the city and a gathering of friends at her home.

Since this was Motor City, we took it literally and on the morning of September 27, 1970, got our auto motor going and were ’on the road again’. After being on the road for about ten hours, we entered New York City, New York, and checked into the Americana Hotel, in Times Square, which was our ‘home away from home’ for the next few days. Upon checking in, we parked our car in the hotel garage, and didn’t see it again until four days later when we left this city. For us, and so many others, travel in and around this city was by numerous means, other than driving. The hotel was some fifty stories high, and you wouldn’t imagine who wanted to experience living in a room on the top floor. Yes, it was Frances J. After a couple of nights, she made the decision that we would never live on the fiftieth floor in a hotel again. The whistling sound of the wind was more than she really expected, however, she wouldn’t be outdone, so she decided that we would hang in there for the duration. The view from our hotel window was more than expected. We had a panoramic view of Central Park, centrally located in downtown Manhattan, probably the most visited city park in the United States. It was established as a National Historic Landmark in 1963.

Our visit, in New York City, was quite busy and very enjoyable, trying to fit everything into a few days. One day was adventurous, on a city tour of Manhattan Island, via Circle Line Boat Cruises. This included cruising along, viewing the picturesque sights of the Empire State Building, the several bridges in the area, one of which is the Brooklyn Bridge, the United Nations Headquarters and the Statue of Liberty.

Another day was spent, mastering the subway system, working our way to the famous Coney Island, a resort area in Brooklyn, with a boardwalk, amusement park and many eating places. We also visited Harlem, an area in the Manhattan borough and walked in the neighborhood, down its main 125th Street. This is a legendary area, known for night clubs with live music, since the 1920’s. It was described as the Black capital of the world, at one time, probably because of the Apollo Theatre, where primarily Black entertainers performed. The Savoy Ballroom, also in this area, was one of the finest and very well known clubs. It was very unique, compared to other clubs. They allowed inter-racial dancing, between their Black and White guests, which was frowned upon by other clubs, that had a White only policy. Also, we were privy to see the building which was the former Hotel Theresa, and known as the ‘Waldorf Astoria of Harlem’. Until the year 1940, only White guests, with the exception of a few Black celebrities, were allowed.

Our final day here was spent primarily shopping, at Neiman Marcus, for a few special items for Frances J. Mission was accomplished and after a good night sleep, ‘the Vagabonds’ were ’on the road again’, to wherever the road would lead.

We traveled through New Jersey and Pennsylvania, working our way through Maryland, then finally to our Capital, Washington, D. C. There was much history to partake of here, and it wasn’t possible to visit and see all of it, so we made what we felt were our primary choices, some of which are shared with you here.

A tour of the White House Mansion, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, where our United States President resides, was a must, and of course, we were not disappointed. Another visit was to the National Mall, an open national park area, in downtown Washington D. C., where numerous well known memorials can be seen. We visited the United States Capital Building, which is at the east end of the Mall, and the Washington Monument at the west end, built in honor of the first President of our country. Also located on the Mall is the Lincoln Memorial, a magnificent work of art, dedicated in 1922, with the statue of Abraham Lincoln at about 19 feet high. Arlington National Cemetery, another breathtaking sight, situated directly across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial, near the Pentagon, serves as the burial place for many of our veterans, who graciously served in our military services. It was dedicated in the year 1864. Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, also located here, is dedicated to service members of the United States of America, who died with unidentifiable remains. Honor Guards are stationed in front of the Tomb, twenty-four hours daily, each day of the year, and changed every thirty minutes. Observing the shift changing, the precise movement of these specially trained Guards as they walk, is quite a sight to watch.

Finally, was a visit to the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame Memorial, at the grave site of this President who was assassinated November 22, 1963. It is also in Arlington National Cemetery and was consecrated and opened to the public on March 15, 1967.

In the event anyone reading this book has not visited our United States Capital, it is highly recommended.

Completing the allotted time in Washington, D. C., we continued on our auto venture, heading westward through the state of Ohio, with no particular sights in mind, then on to Illinois. While in the state of Illinois, we visited Chicago, one of the most populous cities in the United States. Though there is much to offer here, we only got a glimpse. We visited the famous Wrigley Field where the Chicago Cubs baseball team plays, the Tribune Tower which is near the Michigan Avenue Bridge and the John Hancock Center, just completed the year prior to our visit.

Leaving Chicago, our journey took us southward through Indiana, Kentucky and, finally, Tennessee, where we spent a couple days in the area of Chattanooga, touring in the town of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee.

Lookout Mountain is known, historically, because the Battle of Lookout Mountain was fought here, November 24, 1863, as part of the Chattanooga Campaign of the American Civil War. Our visit here took us to Rock City and the caves of Ruby Falls, all within Lookout Mountain. As we explored this area, we were amazed at the various attractions, such as Lover’s Leap, a point where it is said that one can view parts of seven states, including: Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. Although we took the complete tour that was provided at Rock City, there’s one particular incident that I want to share, which is quite hilarious. There was what is known as the ’Swing-Along Bridge‘, about 180 feet across, above a deep gorge, extending from one huge rock area to another, which sways from side to side. Although it offers a breathtaking view, if you look up and out at the scenery, however, it is a challenge. Frances J., who sometimes is known to take a challenge, did so regarding this ‘Bridge’. However, it was a little more than she could handle. Ironically, she made her way about half way across, panicked, turned around, and went back to her starting point. What a pity! She would have had it made. We’re still talking and laughing about this until this day.

Our time was spent in Tennessee, so we made our way to Georgia, for a visit to the city of Atlanta, to the birthplace and future Memorial Park of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We also had the opportunity to view the home where he lived, prior to his death in 1968, as well as the Ebenezer Baptist Church, which he co-pastored with his father, beginning in 1960.

We traveled through Alabama and Mississippi, anxious to arrive in the state of Louisiana, particularly its city of New Orleans, the ‘birthplace of jazz’, which has been given multiple nicknames, including that of Nawlins, an acronym for its actual name. New Orleans is often referred to as the most unique city in America, and is known for its celebration time of the Mardi Gras, a carnival whose roots stem from a time of preparing for the start of Christian season of Lent. While there, we lived in the White House Hotel, an elequant hotel on Toulouse and Bourbon Streets, with all the amenities one would want or need.

When visiting New Orleans, this is no time to even think about a ’diet’ of any kind. This city is well known for its delicious, southern, Creole foods such as catfish, jambalaya and gumbo, to name a few. We could not even begin to count the number of restaurants, and would be embarrassed to say how many we tried out.

After a couple days’ stay in New Orleans, we drove on to Texas, visiting family in several cities, primarily Houston, the birthplace of this author. While visiting in Houston, family members were very hospitable, with plans for us, each of the several days that we were there. Since some of them were horsemen and often sponsored rodeos, we went on a planned trail ride, in addition to attending a couple of rodeos. We also toured the Houston Astrodome, the first dome stadium of any sport, which opened in the year 1965 and is known as the ’Eighth Wonder of the World’. The Astrodome was home to the Houston Astros, major league baseball team and the Houston Oilers, professional football team.

Although the family had additional plans for us, we felt it best that we make our way toward home. After all, we did not want to ‘wear our welcome out’, and in addition to that, we had several other places to visit prior to returning home, so ’the Vagabonds’ packed up and were ’on the road again’. Working our way westward, through the large state of Texas, we spent one night in Amarillo, continuing on our journey the following morning, through New Mexico, arriving at its border city of Gallup, late afternoon. Here we were fortunate and located a very quaint shelter for the night. It was the Log Cabin Motel, actually constructed of logs, with a cozy fireplace which suited us just fine, because it was now October and the nights were becoming cooler.

After enjoying a wonderful, very restful night, in our ‘Log Cabin’, it was time to move along to the next state, Arizona, for a visit at Grand Canyon National Park, established in the year 1919. It is said to be the second most visited National Park in the United States, second only to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, bordered between Tennessee and North Carolina. The Grand Canyon is the most famous, natural attraction in the United States, possibly in the world. It is some 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide, in some areas, and over a mile deep. The view of the natural rock formations is quite majestic, with hues like one has never witnessed before, and the Colorado River flowing through, adds another awe inspiring moment. After you’ve visited there once, it won’t be your last time.

Moving along, we located a place to camp out for the night. Literally, to camp in because we two ’Vagabonds’ don’t do camping out. We actually found a motel for the night and the next morning, left and headed for what would be our last place to visit on our tour. In a few hours we arrived in Nevada, for an extensive tour of Hoover Dam, in Boulder City. This Dam another one of the greatest man made wonders, was named after the 31st President of the United States, Herbert Hoover, because he had a great influence upon the nearby states coming into agreement about water allocations, settling a long-time controversy. Dedication of the Dam was in 1935, by our 32nd President, Franklin Roosevelt. The tour we chose included viewing the Power Plant, visitor’s center, observation deck and a look inside the Dam. During the tour we were given a very interesting analogy or comparison as to the amount of concrete involved in building the Dam. We were informed that the amount used is equal to that which would be used to build a 16 feet wide, two lane highway, the distance between San Francisco and New York. This is ‘food for thought’. Hoover Dam is a massive structure.

With that said, it was one more night, spent in Las Vegas, then homeward bound the following day, where we arrived, safely, on October 23, 1970, after traveling, some 10,000 road miles, time well spent.

PHOTO GALLERY

missing image file

CHAPTER TWO

A EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE

With much anticipation, the hour was nearly at hand for us to depart on our first extended air flight, in 1973, which would take us to the initial country of an eight European country tour. This was our first over seas vacation and would be for a duration of three weeks. We did lots of planning, especially when it came to packing, making wise choices of what clothing to take, as each of us was only allowed one suitcase. Since the currency was different, in most of the countries on our agenda, it was necessary to exchange U. S. dollars into five or six forms, prior to leaving home, for our convenience.

We gave a great gumbo party the night before our departure date, in celebration of our journey, receiving well wishes from all attending. Our friends drove us to the Oakland Airport, in Oakland, California, with a number of others following. James Jackson, my Real Estate business partner, and Lela, his wife, were along with us on this vacation. All enjoyed a wonderful send-off breakfast, prior to us boarding our airplane for a short flight to Los Angeles.

Once again, our journey began in the month of September. Now in Los Angeles for our connecting flight, we boarded Overseas National Airways, DC-10 airplane, with approximately 300 passengers, which departed about 4:00PM, destination London, England. Periodically the flight Captain would announce altitude, air speed, our location, etc. At one point, if memory serves me correctly, he announced that we were crossing the Grand Canyon. This comes to mind because of the auto trip we took in 1970, and made a visit to Grand Canyon National Park. Although we weren’t able to distinguish much of it from an altitude of about 39,000 feet, it was interesting to note that we had been there, on land, and are now crossing in the air.

After a smooth, non-stop, ten hour flight from Los Angeles, we landed safely at Gatwick Airport, London, England, Sunday morning, about 10:00AM, England time. This was truly a lovely flight, with no bumps-in-the-road. Our guide met us at the airport and we were transported, via motor coach, to the Kensington Hilton Hotel in London, our home during the stay here. After a few hours, we realized that not much sleep had taken place for us during the flight, and what people meant when they spoke about ’jet lag’. We checked out the various amenities of our hotel then decided to get a little rest and shut-eye.

Early evening, we joined James and Lela for an outing at the London Playboy Club, for dinner and dancing, which truly woke us up and made us come alive. Back to the Hilton for a night cap with our friends, in their room, and before long, it was on to our room for a good night sleep.

The following morning we joined nearly thirty other persons, who would be touring with us for the next three weeks, and we were off to a tour of Millionaires’ Row, an area where the most wealthy persons reside, many of them political persons. This tour took us through other areas including Beauchamp Street where many shops and restaurants are located, the famous Harrods, high-end department store, Chelsea District where famed writer Oscar Wilde and English actress, Jane Austen once resided. We also saw the Chelsea Barracks, grounds where military gather to prepare for the changing of guards. While visiting in London we witnessed Changing of the Horse Guard Ceremony at Buckingham Palace, where their duty is to guard the Palace. We also had the opportunity to cross the Chelsea Bridge, one of 18 bridges, according to our tour guide, where we crossed the River Thames. There was much more for us to see, in this beautiful city.

As our tour continued, Westminster Abbey, as it is generally referred to, was a must for us to visit. The proper name for this large, mainly Gothic church is Collegiate Church of St. Peter at Westminster. Generally persons must be wealthy to be buried in the Abbey. However, we were informed that writer-poet, Orare Ben Jonson, was the first poor man to be buried here. Other persons who are buried here include Charles Dickens, Charles Darwin and Geoffrey Chaucer. Other places on the tour included Piccadilly Circus, quite a tourist attraction, St. Paul’s Cathedral, third largest Cathedral in the world, the Tower of London, a historical palace, The Talk of the Town, a well known cabaret restaurant which has featured many entertainers including Judy Garland, Eartha Kitt and Frank Sinatra, a visit to Hyde Park, one of the largest parks in central London, and finally, Trafalgar Square where many sculptures and statues are displayed.

London, an aged city of over 2,000 years with such vast history, the Capital of the United Kingdom, we barely touched the surface of what there is to visit and explore. However, we ’Vagabonds’ must move on because there are a number of other countries to visit and experience.

Seated on our tour coach, we were now en route to Harwich, England, port. After arriving there and going through customs, passport check, etc., we boarded the ’Winston