All Posts in "Month: January 2019"

My Day of Golf at the Classic Club in Palm Desert

During my last vacation in Palm Springs, my brother, who was in from Las Vegas, and I were looking for a  memorable place to play golf in what some consider the “Golf Capital” of the world. After searching various websites and golf magazines we found the Classic Club in Palm Desert.  Formerly the host location for the 2006, 2007 and 2008 Bob Hope Chrysler Classic, this nationally recognized course was designed by Arnold Palmer. Needless to say, with Arnold Palmer and his company behind the design the course is very, very challenging.

According to the promotional literature that they have on-line and at the course, the Classic Club has over 30 acres of lakes and streams, 14 bridges and an abundance of pine trees and desert foliage. The elevated undulating greens are surrounded by bunkers large and small protecting the greens and in key spots of the fairway ready to catch and errant drive or approach shot. So that it is not so daunting for the amateur, like my brother and I, there are five (5) sets of tees which substantially shorten the 7,305-yard course.

One of my favorite holes is the par 5 ninth hole. A dog leg right with water that comes into play on both the second and third shot, the green is an island which can be reached by a well placed approach. There are sand traps and pines lining the right side of the hole so you can’t take a short cut by cutting out the dog leg.

Another hole that is both fun and challenging is the par 3 twelfth hole. Surrounded by water on three sides, it requires a very accurate tee shot over water. There is a sand trap in the back, so simply playing safe and long is not the answer … READ MORE -->

Nicholas Rocha by — January 26, 2019 in Travel & Leisure
Tourism After Katrina

Tourism After Katrina

Statistics about how Hurricane Katrina affected the city of New Orleans paint a daunting picture: 800,000 people displaced from their homes, nearly $23 billion in damages, and 80 percent of the city flooded. News outlets covered the unfolding drama 24 hours a day right after the hurricane, but it is rare to see current images of the city as it rebuilds itself and returns to normal.

Hurricane Katrina affected not only the local populations but also the once-thriving tourist industry in the area. For those living outside of New Orleans, perhaps the last images they had of the city involved flooding, devastation, and chaos. It has been years since the hurricane and although the city and its residents were changed forever, there is still much to be admired about this great historic place.

The French Quarter and Old New Orleans

Most visitors to New Orleans come to see the French Quarter, which is iconic in films and the American imagination. Fortunately, this part of the city was not devastated by the hurricane and so it looks much the same as it did years ago.

The Jackson Square area is alive with fortune tellers, street musicians, and food. Visitors will experience the same sorts of sights and sounds in the area as they did prior to the storm a testament to the strength of the local human spirit.

Throughout the old town, a new respect for life veneers the bright lights and happy sounds. In uptown, many places have reopened, much to the joy of locals and tourists alike. Any visit to New Orleans will still be full of opportunities to enjoy all the great sights and experiences the city has to offer.

New Businesses Are Starting and Established Businesses Are Thriving

Immediately after Hurricane Katrina, the town was almost completely … READ MORE -->

Nicholas Rocha by — January 11, 2019 in Travel Tips