Gerry Kataoka

golfkat

Gerry Kataoka

Instead of a long discourse on where I have been, how about I ask you to read something I have written that might interest you. And likewise, please share with me some of your best adventures and thoughts?
People ask, where is your favorite place? Two actually, the Amazon rainforest, and Angkor complex in Siem Reap. But then again, I enjoy many places, having been to all fifty of our United States. I love our National Parks.
I don't count places, but I do count experiences and friends.



Europe » Portugal » Northern » Porto » Santo Tirso May 12th 2024

Not often do I order a dessert wine in a restaurant. Usually, I am too full, or just want to share a small dessert that is not too sweet. But here are some basics to help you navigate a different world of wines. From Daily Meal: If you've ever reached the end of a delicious meal and decided you want something sweet but are not in the mood for a whole dessert -- look no further than a glass of dessert wine. Instead of url=https://www.thedailymeal.com/1206907/when-to-pair-a-dessert-with-wine-and-when-to-leave-it-alone/pairing a regular wine with dessert, dessert wine gives you the best of both worlds. But not all dessert wines are the same, nor are they created equally. So, how do you choose the right one for you? It's a good idea to take advice from Doreen Winkler, a consulting sommelier who ... read more
Love some ports
My favorite place


There are many things (with the help of "Passing Through Travel" to do in Napa Valley: The Oxbow Public Market is the epicenter of Napa’s local food and wine scene, offering a vibrant mosaic of gourmet vendors, artisan cafes, and specialty shops. This bustling marketplace showcases the bounty of Napa Valley’s agricultural heritage and serves as a gathering place for locals and visitors. From farm-fresh produce to artisanal cheeses and wines, the market is a culinary adventure that reflects the diverse flavors of the region. Downtown Napa is the vibrant heart of the Napa Valley, where the region’s rich history meets modern luxury and sophistication. This bustling area is a haven for foodies, art lovers, and shoppers, offering an array of boutique shops, world-class restaurants, and galleries. The Napa Riverwalk is a highlight, providing a scenic ... read more
Oxbow Market
Love the bike trails

South America » Brazil » Amazonas » Manaus May 11th 2024

When they "experts" publish these, lists, I am always curious about places I have also visited. This is a thrill-seekers list according to Kitty Holland of "Passing Thru Travel": The Trans-Siberian Railway, stretching over 9,000 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok, is the longest railway line in the world and offers one of the most iconic rail journeys. This epic voyage crosses eight time zones and offers a window into Russia’s vast and varied landscapes, from the dense forests of Siberia to the majestic Ural Mountains and the expansive steppes. Travelers can explore historic cities, experience Russia’s rich cultures and traditions, and interact with locals in remote communities. The journey can be customized with stops in cities like Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk, and the stunning Lake Baikal, the deepest freshwater lake in the world. A safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti ... read more
Santorini sunset
Cold beer in Belgrade


When I drive over to the Monterey Peninsula, I think first of Carmel, Pebble Beach, Seventeen Mile Drive, the Monterey Wharf, and good food. But many people head to Monterey for the wine. Monterey Wine Country boasts over 175 unique vineyards, most of which are in a 90-mile-long valley, with only eight primary viticulture soil types. Today’s growers use innovative techniques to preserve the land for future generations while producing the highest quality grapes, 42 varietals go into the area’s wines. The more southern Santa Cruz Mountains Appellation is home to more than 70 wineries, 200 small vineyards and 1,500 acres of wine grapes. As part of the historic Santa Clara Valley wine-growing region, Gilroy is home to a number of award-winning local wineries that offer tastings and tours in a casual, relaxing environment. The town ... read more
Cute wine?
Wine box wall

Europe » United Kingdom » England » Greater London May 9th 2024

From Interesting Facts: Travel opens our minds, exposing us to new cultures, cuisines, and breathtaking landscapes. But with countless “must-see” destinations heavily promoted in the media, it’s easy to get swept up in the hype, sometimes leading to disappointing or overpriced experiences. This list isn’t about bashing any place; it’s about encouraging a discerning mindset. Some of these destinations are beautiful, but it’s essential to manage expectations and be aware of potential pitfalls like crowds, inflated prices, or misrepresentation in that heavily filtered social media feed. Unfortunately, I have been to my share of over-hyped places. I will list just a few of theirs, along with my comments. The classic whitewashed villages, blue-domed churches, and dramatic sunsets are postcard-perfect. However, astronomical prices and battling Instagram crowds... read more
Budapest
Edo village at Haneda
GG Bridge

Asia » Japan » Tokyo » Shibuya May 7th 2024

From MSN Explore: Even as millions of tourists flock to Japan, keep in mind that Japanese people make up the vast majority of those dining at restaurants across the country. According to data from the CIA, a whopping 97.5% of the population is Japanese. Moreover, Japan ranked 87 out of 113 countries in EF's English Proficiency Indexlist, landing in the lower end of the "low proficiency" category. With this in mind, the owners and staff at some establishments may be reluctant to welcome guests they fear might misunderstand them and their culture. Restaurant workers might not have translated menus prepared, and they may not know how to explain their food to people who don't speak Japanese. That was the reason one Okinawa bar owner gave for posting a "Japanese only" sign, according ... read more
Fresh from the tank!
Eel is a delicacy!

North America » United States » Georgia » Atlanta » Midtown May 6th 2024

Lovefood lists these places in our fifty states as unforgettable places to eat. I agree! Here are a few we have visited over the years. What better place to dine in the Grand Canyon State than in the midst of the red rocks themselves? This fabled restaurant is tucked into the El Tovar Hotel, which has pride of place in Grand Canyon Village, and offers dramatic vistas of the surrounding landscapes from its large windows. On the menu are failsafe options such as steak, plus more unusual choices like oven-roasted duck with wild rice and a honey-bourbon chili glaze. The burger here is the BEST we have ever had!! It's not hard to guess the specialty of this celebrated mom-and-pop joint on Maui's North Shore. Mama's Fish House is one of the best-loved ... read more
The famous Salt Lick
Love Mary Mac's Tea Room

Asia » Japan » Tokyo » Ginza May 5th 2024

I still miss the little boy (and girl) on this special day. May 5, formerly known as Boys Day in Japan, is now called Children's Day. (Written in 2009) Many of you think of May 5 as Cinco de Mayo. But May 5 is a big day in Japan as well, for it is an annual event, now called Children's Day, or originally Kodomo no Hi. It is set aside to respect children's personalities and to celebrate their happiness. It became a national holiday in Japan in 1948. It was always a special day when my son was a little guy. And of course, like most Asian families, the boys are favored with gifts, toys, sporting goods, and money. Originally, May 5 was called Tango no Sekku, or Boys' Day, and known as a Feast of ... read more
Hachiko visit, April 2024

Europe » Germany » Bavaria » Munich May 5th 2024

Despite the experts at Travel and Leisure, there are many walkable cities in the world. I would rank Seattle, Boston, Athens, Tokyo, Lisbon, Vienna, Belgrade, St. Petersburg and Vancouver as my favorite walkable cities. T & L says: "Munich is officially the most walkable city in the world, for several reasons. For instance, it has a huge 1,468,623km (912,560 miles) worth of bike trails – the second highest anywhere in the world – as well as 86% of the population living within 1km (.62 miles) of a car-free space – again, the second highest on our list," the findings revealed. "Despite Munich’s public transport being the third most expensive … it scores the fourth highest for safety, which is key when walking around, as well as the joint second highest for people living within a kilometer ... read more
Seattle coffee scene
Nevsky Prospekt


We love the Kentucky Derby. In years past, we always had a big Derby party at our home. We did all the Derby activities, including champagne, mint juleps, betting, and the highlight, a hat contest. Having been to the Derby, the excitement of race day, and the "most exciting two minutes" in sports has become a tradition with us. Though our current home is too small for a party, we still regard the first Saturday in May as a special day. What makes it special? Some Derby history from Sportsletter: Before airplanes and space travel, radio and television, the Great Depression, and two world wars, there lived a horse race in Louisville that's stood the test of time. Baseball may be the Derby's only elder sport in America’s young history, but I would argue the Derby ... read more
Famous mint julep
Love the hats
Some partiers




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