Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings

The weatherperson was right.  The prediction was 100% chance of rain and we had 100% rain starting early this morning.  Being from California we are very scared to go outside in a drizzle and today was much more than a drizzle.  So we did what any married couple without their kids and in an incredible hotel room would do……………………… we read our books.

We could only read for so long and had to get out even if it meant to deal with the rain. So we got a ride and headed over to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.  Mrs. Gardner lived in Boston at the turn of the century (from 19th to 20th) and became very wealthy when her father died and left her lots of money.  She and her husband traveled the world and collected art.  Mrs. Gardner’s husband died December 10, 1898 and six weeks later she purchased land needed to construct the museum where her art collection is now housed.   The museum occupies over 74,000 square feet.  Patrice and I thought it would be a good idea to build a separate structure for our art collection as well.   Ours was recently completed.  See below:

Apparently Mrs. Gardner and her husband enjoyed Italian masters.  I remember when I went to the Uffizi Gallery in Florence I was told not to miss “Madonna and Child”.   I searched and quickly found “Madonna and Child”.   A few steps later I saw another piece called, “Madonna and Child”.  I soon realized they were not alone.  There were all sorts of pieces in the museum of the same title.  Well the Gardner Museum here in Boston is no different.

In addition to “Madonna and Child” there are all sorts of other beautiful works of art including this statue called “Torso and Right Leg of Dionysus”.

Nearby was this sculpture but I couldn’t find its name.  I would just call it “Ouch”.

The painting that got the Gardners started on their love affair with art was “The Concert” by Vermeer.  Apparently that work and 12 others were stolen in 1990 by thieves dressed up as members of the Boston Police Department.  The work has never been located and its estimated worth is $200,000,000.   This is what is left of the Dutch masterpiece.

Tomorrow we are going to see John Williams at the pre-season Boston Pops concert.  I am wondering if we will see a bunch of grown men with light sabers like we do when we see Mr. Williams at the Hollywood Bowl.  I sure hope not.

One thing I do hope for is comments from my readers.  I hate to think I am just sending this to one or two people. Don’t be shy, put in your comments.  Just remember the entire world can see what you write so be kind.  If you are going to mention anyone I recommend you only use their first name.

So far we have been staying at a hotel near Fenway Park for obvious reasons.  We are done with baseball for this trip so it is time to move closer to our other passion……..FOOD.  On previous trips we have enjoyed the amazing restaurants of the North End of Boston.  This area has traditionally been the Italian section.  We were told that years ago the area was 90% Italian.  The same guide also said that now it is 30% Italian and 70% Yuppies.  The wonderful restaurants have survived and there are numerous places to get a scrumptious cannoli.

Yesterday was raining so we opted to take a trolley tour of Boston protected by a bus. Today the weather was much nicer.  After moving to our new hotel in the North End, I realized I had left my credit card at the restaurant at which we had dinner last night.  So that meant a return trip to the Fenway area and since we were there Patrice suggested that we take a Fenway Park stadium tour.  Patrice is great at recommending things to do.  Frequently they are not things I would pick myself (like a tour of Fenway).  Just as frequently they turn out to be enjoyable experiences (like this time).  The tour took us all over the park and the friendly guides filled us with interesting facts.  I got a chance to show off some of my storage of useless knowledge, such as who wore #9 for the Red Sox (Ted Williams, of course).  And why #42 is in blue while all the other retired numbers are in red (it belonged to Dodger Jackie Robinson and all of baseball has retired his number).

We then headed to James Hook & Company (at the recommendation of my friend, Eric) to have lobster rolls.   Sorry I was too hungry to take a picture of them before we ate them. But here is a picture after.

The lobster rolls were great.  They sell also lobster rolls at Fenway but I wonder how many they sell in view of how they are named on the menu.  See below:

On the topic of ballpark food, friend sent me a link to an article that is perfect for our baseball travels.  It lists the 10 best ballpark eating treats.  From the looks of some them I am glad those are parks we have already seen.  Judge for your self: https://www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/best-food-new-ballpark-snacks-mlb-baseball-stadiums

After lunch we walked to the Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum exhibit.  Remember how I said Patrice gets me to do things I wouldn’t ordinarily do on our vacations and I’m pleasantly surprised how much fun they turn out to be?  This was not one of those times.  It was a Boston Tea Party reenactment that was more geared for 8 year olds.  Unfortunately for us our 8 year old was with his parents and not with us.

At night Patrice found us a comedy club on the North End called “Improv Asylum”.  As the name implies it is a local improvisational comedy troop and they were hilarious.  I think they might have been shocked to see us since I don’t think there was a couple there whose ages added together equaled either of ours.  If fact when we came in we asked if there was a senior’s discount and the cashier didn’t know.  There was and this might have been the first time they ever had to use it.

More fun planned for tomorrow.  The forecast is for rain but only a 100% chance of that. I am still hopeful that the skies will be clear.

 

 

 

 

I had been looking forward to this day for months.  Opening day at Fenway Park sounded like an awesome experience.  The night before we made a plan.  After awakening we would head downstairs for breakfast.  Then, take a leisurely walk around the area and finally head to the park for the game.  Postgame plans were deferred until later.

I usually get up much earlier than Patrice so it was my job to make sure we got up in time to get downstairs before breakfast ended at 10:00 AM.  When I awoke I took a look at my watch and much to my surprise it was 6:54 (plus 3 hours for the time difference made it 9:54).  Quickly I got up and alerted Patrice, “Honey it’s almost 10:00 AM, get up, we need to go downstairs for breakfast.”  To which she replied, “What are you talking about?  It isn’t even 7:00 AM yet”.  Oops, I forgot, I had already set my watch ahead.

A couple of hours later we headed downstairs and much to my surprise encountered a number of Pirate fans.  Of course we were outnumbered by the Red Sox boosters.  One group of 4 guys had flown in from Texas for the game.  They were all trying to hit every MLB park like we are trying to accomplish.  One had already completed the feat.  One other had two left (Fenway being one) and the other two were lightweights just getting started.

After breakfast we started to explore.  We quickly realized this day was for the committed fan.  Or shall I say a fan that should be committed?  First look at the cost of parking (see below).

In addition to the cost of parking (I was told it was $90 closer to the park.) there were those who were interested in more than just baseball.   We saw people lining up to get into bars, and I don’t just mean one bar.

In addition to the “fans” we saw a local weatherman reporting the forecast (sunny and no chance of rain) for NBC.  We also saw a female sportscaster practicing for her news segment.  Then closer to the park we found a series of statues honoring Red Sox heroes like Carl Yastrzemski, Bobby Doerr, Dom DiMaggio, Johnny Pesky and of course Ted Williams.  I felt a bit stupid not thinking of naming this the “Ted Williams Tour” since the “Splendid Splinter” was from San Diego (where we just left) and played 19 seasons with the Red Sox here in Boston.  I tried to make up for my faux pas by having our picture taken in front of one of his statues (he is also depicted in a second statue with 3 of his teammates).

We also saw today’s guest of honor, Tom Brady, arrive.  He was slated to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.  I didn’t realize it was him but his name was buzzing around and I did manage to get a picture of his car (see below) but didn’t get a view of the Boston Deity himself.

I not only didn’t know it was Tom Brady, I had to read the logo on the car to realize it was an Aston Martin.

We finally made our way to the will call area and were surprised to see the number of people on line.  After getting our tickets we then had to go through security, much like you experience at airports, to enter the stadium.  See the sign below for what you must remove from your pockets.

Inside the park I saw some things you just don’t see at Dodger Stadium or many other of the modern ball parks today.

We even had some in game entertainment other than baseball when, what looked like a teenager ran on to the field from the right field area before he was finally tackled in left field, taken from the field and handed to the police.

We enjoyed the traditional rendition of “God Bless America” and “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” before the Sox half of the 7th and then a Red Sox tradition of “Sweet Caroline” before the Sox half of the 8th.

After the game we headed back to the hotel and then bundled up for a nice walk to one of our favorite restaurants in Boston, The Union Oyster House.  Patrice and I were dressed very warmly for the cold Boston night but we came upon this young lad heading home after shopping at Bed, Bath and Beyond.

Sorry to write so much, but it was a special day.  The forecast calls for rain today so I probably won’t be writing as much.  One other note, why wasn’t it a perfect day?  Well, the Pirates came out on the short end opening day.  But as they say, no one ever clinched the pennant in April.

Yesterday we had a very pleasant flight to Boston.  On arrival we could see snow on the ground from the plane but when we exited the airport it was cold but not overbearing.  I didn’t even take my coat out of my backpack but felt comfortable in my long sleeve shirt.

On planning this trip Patrice and I decided to splurge.  The airline advertised a service where they pick up your bags from baggage claim and deliver them to your hotel.  If the delivery destination is within 40 miles they guarantee arrival within 4 hours.  The service was not very expensive and we decided to treat ourselves.  So shortly after leaving the plane we bypassed baggage claim and were in a taxi on our way to the hotel.  Still being on LA time we were not ready for dinner so we decided to just chill out and do some reading.  We also watched a movie on the hotel “Smart TV” using our Netflix account (I just love the new technology).  About 3 hours after arrival I decided to email the bag service to get an update.  I got a reassuring reply that our bags have been picked up and we should expect delivery soon (the airport is less than 6 miles from our hotel).  We were starting to get hungry so we started to investigate places to eat.  As the 4 hour mark rolled around there was still no sign of our bags so we decided to call.

At first I was told that the 4 hour guarantee started from the time the order was assigned to a driver.  So I questioned “So if they pick up the bags the day after arrival we can expect them 4 hours from that time?”   The agent back-peddled and said she would get us an update on arrival of our luggage.  After being on hold she asked me to check with the front desk (who said the bags had not arrived) and then the agent told me they would arrive in 3 minutes.  While keeping her on the line we waited.  Ten minutes later she checked again.  She gave me the driver’s cell phone number and the hotel called for me.  The driver told the hotel staff that he would be arriving in 1-2 hours.  Meanwhile the bag agent got back on the line and she told me that the company said the bags “Had already been delivered”.   At this point I was about to lose my composure (This is Patrice now, I am editing his post and want you to know the truth, “about to lose his composure” is an understatement.  Don’t tell him I told you but tears were streaming down his face, he was kicking the wall and rolling on the ground).

The agent said the company will be refunding our money because of this inconvenience. The last thing I was concerned about was my money, I needed my clothes.  Most important I needed my Pirates shirt.  How could I go to the game wearing anything else?

The bag agent was very sympathetic and said she would call me as soon as she heard something else.  We decided to go across the street to dinner and pray that our bags would show up.  While at dinner we told our server why we looked so disturbed (Patrice again here, I was fine, what he means by we, was actually him).  Shortly after our food arrived I could hardly eat a bite but then the phone rang.  The bag agent called and said our bags had been delivered.  I immediately left the restaurant (told the server I’d be right back) to confirm arrival of our luggage.  I entered the hotel and the front desk clerk confirmed that the bags had arrived and were now in our room.  I returned to the restaurant relieved only to have Patrice ask, “Are you sure they delivered OUR bags”.  Again anxiety struck home.  Patrice insisted that she check and shortly thereafter she reported that all was good.

Our server seeing our relief and hearing of our trauma served us a little get well surprise (see below).

I will leave our day at Fenway until tomorrow.

 

 

If you read yesterday’s blog you might have thought I was kidding about leaving for Boston in the morning.  That was not a joke.  We are currently cruising at 35,000 feet somewhere over Arizona on our way to Beantown.  Last year some friends asked me, how would I like to meet them at Fenway Park in Boston for opening day?  Sounded like a good idea at the time and I enthusiastically said yes.  Last week when the northeast was being pelted with 18 inches of snow my judgement came into question.

I told Patrice she didn’t have to go on the trip but she is a real trooper.  People have asked if she is a baseball fan and the answer to that question is a definite NO!  Patrice, like many Americans, finds the sport extremely boring.  But lucky for her, being married to me for 35 years has given her a lot of experience dealing with being bored.

Yesterday I called my friend, Gary, to wish him a happy birthday (yes, he is an April Fools Day guy) and told him of our plans.  Gary knew that we had been having a great time in San Diego and when we told him about our trip to Boston he said, “Tough life!”.  Gary seemed to be having a good night too.  He was out to dinner and sent me a picture of his leftovers (see below).

Like I said it has been snowing in the northeast but the forecast for tomorrow is sunny and 50 degrees.  At night we are suppose to get some rain.  Hmmmm, I suppose it might be better if we stay in and watch the finals of the NCAA Men’s basketball tournament. Patrice better not see this.  If she does, then I’ll be in REAL trouble.

 

 

 

Today was the last day of the conference and it was time to head for home.  Of course I couldn’t leave this wonderful town without making a couple more observations.  The San Diego convention center is truly amazing.  The layout is perfect and having our hotel attached made our experience a delight.  There is an enormous atrium which I think could house the entire population of South Dakota (see below).

So I got to thinking about what if this place was packed and people were trying to enter and exit this area.  Things could get very messy. Someone already thought that out (see below).

Yes those architects can be very ingenious at times.  Not so for doctors.  At least not the ones at the ACP Annual Meeting.  Notice the doctors lined up to exit this lecture.  See below.

If the doctors would have bothered to look to their left they could have seen me exiting from here (see below).

After the last Convention meeting we packed up and headed for home.  A nice dinner break was enjoyed a Rocco’s in San Clemente.  Patrice found it and much to my surprise I not only enjoyed a wonderful dinner but I got to watch the end of the North Carolina vs Oregon basketball game to see the last entrant into the NCAA finals.

I better sign off now, because we need to get up early.  Tomorrow we leave for Boston!

While I was busy getting smart Patrice explored the town.  Just minutes from the hotel she found about 6 bail bonds offices on the same block (see below).

Then while I was at the convention I tried to sign on to the Convention wifi with my phone and found this:

Why is an FBI surveillance vehicle at the American College of Physician’s Convention and can’t they keep a lower profile?  Do you think they were looking for Jairo’s Karma?  Or was it Steve Carell’s persona from the show “The Office”, Michael Scott, who was garnering their attention?  Neither made much difference to me, I was too busy trying learn some medicine.

I became a pseudo-celebrity yesterday when I volunteered to be the demonstration patient during a lecture about examination of the shoulder.  Today three different people recognized me as “The Shoulder Man”.   Too bad it wasn’t an examination of the face.  It would have been fun to be known as a “Face Man” for once in my life.

Tonight we attended a get together for the ACP Regions representing California, Hawaii and Arizona.  California is divided into a Northern Region and 3 Southern California Regions each with its own presiding Governor.  When we checked in, the woman at the desk wanted to know of which Southern California Region was I a member. Unfortunately I didn’t know.  To help me out she asked who was my Governor to which I replied “Jerry Brown”.  Needless to say, she wasn’t amused.

Tomorrow is the final day of the Convention.  We will head home at the end of the day.  That is not totally true, but more about that tomorrow.

Today was day one of the American College of Physician’s annual meeting in San Diego.  The ACP does a great job of providing excellent and timely lectures.  By timely I don’t just mean important up to date information but when they say they are starting at 7:00 AM they don’t mean 7:01. Yes I got up early this morning to hear about “How to Prevent Kidney Stones”.  For those of you who have been following this blog for a while you are aware that I had a stone. We received some great information.  Unfortunately the lecturer didn’t tell us what to do if you suffer your stone 85 miles from the nearest hospital while located in “What’s the name of this town”, Texas bordering on “Please get me out of here”, Mexico (like I did).

After learning about kidney stones I went to a lecture about “Travel Medicine”.  I know what you are thinking now, “His next course will probably be, “How to Write a Blog”.  No, actually that one was full so I went to hear a “Cardiology Update” instead.

The convention is very well run.  Our hotel is attached to the convention center so it could not be more convenient.  They have people all around holding signs that say, “Ask Me” which is very helpful when you are looking for your next classroom.  They also have an information booth with restaurant information (See below).

Who needs this when we have our own personal concierge.  When looking for a great place to eat why bother asking the hotel or convention people.  They don’t know us, they don’t know what we like.  Instead all we have to do is contact our daughter, Lindsay.  She is amazing at finding the best restaurants.  When we traveled with her in England and Ireland she would find us great places to eat.  Tonight she found us Eddie V’s Prime Seafood.  This was a perfect place after all the horrors I listened to today regarding red meat.  The place was fantastic.  It was very convenient (We walked there from our hotel).  They had live music (always a treat) and the food was superb.  Patrice enjoyed the halibut and I had swordfish (see below).

Traveling is so much fun when you have your own concierge.  A mere text between meetings and not only do you get an excellent restaurant recommendation you also get reservations.  We are a couple of lucky travelers.

That’s all for now.  I have a 7:00 AM class tomorrow and need to get to bed.  Why does 7:00 AM seem to come sooner on vacation?

Robert

Well we had a decision to make today, should we stay home and watch March Madness or go to the Broad Museum.  Well you know who runs this kingdom so …………………….. yes we went to the Broad.

Here are some pictures:

And some more:

Oh yes, I forgot, we had a wonderful lunch at Otium next door to the museum.

But we really did go to the museum.  I guess I forgot to get some shots for you.  Actually I did get one, and it says it all.

 

We have landed in New York and now waiting for our flight home.  Seeing Erica was wonderful in spite of the awful weather.  I enjoyed seeing my old friends and making new ones.  I am not sure the next time we will visit this wonderful country but I suspect it wont be in a February.

Since was my 9th trip to Spain I have been asked for travel tips to this country.  I am certainly no Rick Steves but here goes.

1.) Pack light.  For example do you really need that hair brush (see below).

2.) Take advantage of the local culture.  Especially don’t be afraid to try the local food.  (See Below).

3.) One last tip, WATCH WHERE YOU STEP!   Madrileños are not like Angelinos.  They do not walk their dogs with baggie in hand.   I have a great picture to demonstrate this problem but Patrice censored that addition.

Lastly, a few hours into our flight (and luckily after my nap) they made an announcement asking if there was a doctor on board.  After identifying myself to the flight attendant I was taken to a passenger in distress.  Apparently he and his wife had just arrived in Madrid enroute to a vacation in Portugal when they found out that their 19 year old daughter in New York had committed suicide.  The father had taken an Ativan and was feeling lightheaded.  The flight attendant gave me a blood pressure cuff that did not work and a stethoscope that looked like it came from a “Ken and Barbie go to Medical School Kit”. Fortunately I think the patient just needed a kind voice and an empathetic ear.  On our way to our connecting flight one of fellow passengers saw me and said, “You were the doctor on the flight?”.  After confirming his suspicion he then said, “You have a great bedside manner”.  I never get tired of hearing that.

Talking to a man and woman who just lost their daughter forever made leaving Erica in Madrid less painful.  Sometimes we just need perspective in life.

That’s all for this trip but I hope to be talking to you again next month.

Roberto