MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM

The Musical Instrument Museum, simply referred to as “MIM”, is located in Phoenix, Arizona. 

As you enter the facility be sure to pick up your headset before starting off on your adventure.  This allows you to see, hear and experience musical traditions from every corner of the globe.  I was also given a paper guide to help navigate through the six Galleries: Geographic Gallery, Artist Gallery, Experience Gallery, Mechanical Music Gallery, Collier STEM Gallery and the Conservation Lab. 

Before heading off to the various Galleries I decided to watch the short introductory video located very close to the ticket counter.  In addition to learning the mission of the museum, the video boasts that the MIM houses over 10,000 musical instruments representing all the world’s countries and many territories.  Each instrument inside the museum tells a unique story about the musician that played it as well as the places it has traveled.  I was anxious to begin my musical journey around-the-world. 

 

As I headed to the Geographic Gallery I wasn’t sure what to expect nor was my mind prepared for what I was about to experience.  Note: Be sure to wear very comfortable shoes as my visit took almost three hours. 

 

The Geographic Gallery focuses on the major world regions, namely Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania, Latin America, Europe, and United States / Canada. Many of the instruments displayed are rare, historically significant, or part of distinctive musical cultures. Video monitors with footage of musical performances show instruments played in their original contexts.

 

Some of the more interesting and unusual items you will see include:

• Over 64 rare mandolins from the Zeliker Collection
• barrel organs
• mechanical zithers
• cylinder music boxes
• instruments created from recycled and discarded materials such as oil drums, water pipes, kitchen utensils and x-ray film by a youth orchestra in Cateura Paraguay
• a Nouveau Alto 6-valve Sax by Belgian inventor Adolphe Sax (1814-1894)
• the first Steinway piano made by Heinrich Englehard Steinway in 1836
• an ornate kamancheh - "Zendegi" (bowed spike lute) Iran (1750-1794) in Middle East Gallery. One of only 7 remaining in the world.
• a Degara gyil - the largest and most complex wooden African xylophone
• bagpipes from around the world
• a Japanese Sho mouth organ made in 1509 by a Buddhist priest - in working condition for more than 500 years.

  

  Degara Gyil in Ghana exhibit
  

  
  

  

  "Zendegi" Kamancheh (bowed string lute) in Middle East Gallery
  

  
  

  

  First Steinway piano built 1836
  

  
  

  

  Nouveau Alto 6-value Sax
  

  
  

  

  Recycle Orchestra
  

  
  

  

  Japanese Sho mouth organ cerca 1509
  

  
  

  

  Bagpipe Exhibit

You won’t want to miss the Artist Gallery.  No matter your age, you will find a display that you can relate to.   This Gallery celebrates music’s most influential artists.  Those artists who have deeply touch our lives.  Exhibits in this Gallery span sound, style and era.  Nearly 40 displays showcase instruments and artifacts from some of the greatest musicians in the world. 

 

You will be able to both see and hear instruments played by an outstanding list of music icons such as Elvis Presley, Tito Puente, the Carter Family and Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Joan Baez, Maroon 5, Glen Campbell, Black Eyed Peas, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Denver, Roberta Flack, Roy Orbison, The Who, Carlos Santana and many more.

You TubeVideo of Artist Gallery 

 

After your stroll down memory lane in the Artist Gallery, you will want to proceed to the Mechanical Music Gallery.  Here you can explore instruments that ‘play themselves’. 

The period between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries is known as the Golden Age of Mechanical Music, when there was a surge in the creation of self-playing instruments in Europe and the Americas.  In this Gallery you will find a range of instruments that use technologies such as punched cards and discs, paper rolls, pinned cylinders, and electromagnets.

 

At noon and again at 3pm daily, you can view the "Apollonia" Orchestra perform Copacabana.  

Also in the Mechanical Music Gallery, watch the Violano Virtuoso Instrument demonstration. 

 

Apollonia Orchestra / 25 ft long x 10 ft tall

Diminutive trumpetto toy instrument using paper rolls

QRS Player Pianos

Regina Style 33 music box with 12 perforated steel disks

After three hours I had only made it through three of the six Galleries so plan your day accordingly.

 

VERDE CANYON RAILROAD

4 Hours / 20 miles / 110 Years of History

My last trip to Arizona found me at the Drury Inn & Suites Phoenix Airport and I certainly was not disappointed.  

In addition to complimentary wi-fi and airport shuttle, it also offers a full breakfast buffet that included Belgian waffles/oatmeal/eggs/sausage/potatoes/fresh fruit/biscuits and gravy/cereals/breads/pastries plus much more. My favorite time was during the 5-7pm nightly slot as the hotel offers a “Kickback Experience”, providing up to 3 complimentary drinks along with a beautifully furnished buffet with items such as nachos/hot dogs/chicken fingers/potatoes/vegetables/soups and the like.

This property also offers discount rates for AAA/Seniors/Federal Government/Military/Law Enforcement and more so check out the link to see if you qualify. 

 

The Verde Canyon Railroad is a Southwestern adventure that will take you on a ride through Arizona’s back country, only accessible from the comfort of this train and the only excursion train in the Southwest which offers every guest two (2) seats for the price of one: inside viewing through large panoramic windows and 360-degree views from the open-air observation cars.  Both vantages afford scenery, high-desert flora and fauna, historic trestles, dramatic geology, unusual rock formations and a brief pitch black passage through a century-old 680-foot tunnel.

Observation Deck

Photo: Public Domain

The boarding location for the Verde Canyon Railroad is north of Phoenix airport in Clarkdale Arizona.  My GPS displayed a driving distance of 115 miles from the Drury Inn and would take me 1 hour and 56 minutes.

 

Traveling with my daughter-in-law Trista, we pulled out of the hotel parking lot at 10:00am.  We were asked to check-in at the train depot between 12:00p-12:30pm.  I’m sure they suggest that to encourage you to take advantage of their gift shop and café offerings as our check-in took less than 5 minutes.

 

As you stroll down the sidewalk bordering the outdoor dining area you will come to the John Bell Museum, a renovated boxcar packed with the interesting history of the train line, the Canyon and our neighboring communities all told through a collection of train memorabilia and historic artifacts spanning more than a century.

John Bell Museum boxcar

Inside John Bell Museum

Inside John Bell Museum

You can also find an outside bar area.

Outside bar area

Should you arrive early be sure to walk through the Boxcar Gift Store. 

Boxcar Gift Store

You can also enjoy lunch at the Copper Spike Cafe located inside the Depot.  The cafe has a varied menu of regional favorites, many prepared with locally grown and sourced ingredients. There is an entree to suit everyone’s taste, from the light eater to one with a heartier appetite, from a carnivore to a vegan. Check out the menu here.  

Photo: Public Domain

Our 1:00pm first class tickets had us seated in the Phoenix car, seats 6A and 6B.  The renovated vintage train sports 10 cars with an observation car sandwiched in-between every 2 cars.  Including the engines and caboose the train is ¼ mile in length.   

Observation car

 

Our car, named "Phoenix", was located 2 cars in front of the caboose.  

In front of our assigned Phoenix car

  

When sold to capacity the train seats 300.   

 

The layout and décor of each car is slightly different.  Our seats were on an elevated side at a table for 2.  The car was complimented with large picture windows for viewing. 

As we settled in we were delighted to see snack boxes and water awaiting us at our table. Each box was stuffed to the brim with grapes/cheese/deli slices/crackers and 3 bite sized decadent chocolate desserts. 

Trista with our snack boxes

Just before departure we were served a small pour of champagne for a group toast. 

 

Each individual car was serviced by an enthusiastic employee ready and willing to serve the drinks of your choice.  

As we slowly rolled along announcements were made to focus our attention on points of interest with music softly playing in the background  in-between announcements.   

Photo: Public Domain

Photo: Public Domain

Photo: Public Domain

Photo: Public Domain

Photo: Public Domain

Photo: Public Domain

Photo: Public Domain

Photo: Public Domain

 

My only complaint on this trip was the PA system.  We had a large family group sitting across from us that were very loud talkers.  This made it difficult to hear the narration.  I feel that individual headphones would remedy this.  Otherwise, a great memory. 

 

Check out the train schedule of the Verde Canyon Railroad  

 

 

 

A COSTA RICA ANNIVERSARY

What better way to celebrate an anniversary than a quick getaway to Costa Rica, our southern neighbor.   

Located in Central America, Costa Rica links North and South America, bordering Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Population is listed, as of 2019, at 5.1M.

 

The country is divided into seven provinces comprised of San José, its capital, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Puntarenas, Guanacaste and Limón.  The local currency is the colón and its official language is Spanish.

 

One of the most important characteristics of the country was the abolition of its army on Dec. 1, 1948 by former President José Figueres Ferrer. On that date, Costa Rica differentiated itself from other Central American countries that utilize military as a method of defense.

 

The highest point in Costa Rica is Cerro Chirripó  at 12,536 feet above sea level.

 

To book my week in Costa Rica I selected Travel By Jen aka JetSet Vacations. I opted for the "land only" package as I was able to purchase a very reasonable airfare using Alaska Airlines.

 

The basic one-week package included car rental for the duration of the trip, 3 nights in the Arenal Volcano area, 3 nights in the Guanacaste area and 1 night in San Jose.  Since it was for my anniversary I opted for some upgrades to enhance our time. 

 

The Alaska Airlines flight landed in San Jose, Costa Rica at 6:49pm. A representative from the Solid Car Rental Company escorted me to an awaiting van for the short transfer to their off-airport location.

Solid Car Rental Company Van

The Travel By Jen package includes a rental car for a week but you will still need to purchase additional COMPULSORY insurance coverage for the week. You will be given 2 choices; a $25 daily additional fee which requires a $1,000 HOLD on your credit card plus you will be faced with a $1,500 deductible for any accident or the $35 daily fee places a $600 HOLD on your credit card but reduces your deductible to ZERO.  I opted for the $35 day rate and was charged $276.85 for the week.  They also placed a $600 HOLD on my credit card but that was promptly removed when I returned the vehicle.  

 

My first night in Costa Rica was to be at Volcano Lodge in La Fortuna.  My GPS indicated it was under 100 miles but would take me 3 hours to drive.  It was already 7:30pm and I wasn’t comfortable driving strange roads at night so opted to stay at the Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton at the airport.  It is located next door to the rental car location. This proved to be a smart decision as the roads were winding, dark and very little, if any, striping.

Hampton Inn & Suites San Jose Airport, Costa Rica

Hampton Inn & Suites San Jose Airport, Costa Rica

Hampton Inn & Suites San Jose Airport, Costa Rica

After a complimentary breakfast at the hotel I set my sights, and GPS, for Volcano Lodge at La Fortuna.  The drive through the rain forest was beautiful and I had no difficulty finding the property.

 

Before you can proceed through the security gate and enter the property you must first check-in at the building on the right.  Here you will receive your waterproof bracelet and key to your room, along with a parking pass.  They offer complimentary coffee here. 

 

The Volcano Lodge, Hotel and Thermal Experience is located in Arenal Hot Springs.  This 4-star property is in the mountains, minutes from Arenal Natura Ecological Park and only about 5 miles from the town of La Fortuna. 

Closet and safe in room

Seating area in the room

2 double beds

Bathroom

Patio seating

Shower

View from the patio area

With 64 rooms located throughout this tropical botanical garden setting, I was pleasantly surprised to find my room right next to the thermal baths, pool and restaurant.  The unit featured 2 double beds with hypo-allergenic bedding, complimentary WiFi, 32-inch LCD TV, refrigerator, coffee/tea maker, private bathroom, hair dryer, shower, air conditioning, private terrace and daily housekeeping.  The property also offers a full-service spa for massages, body treatments and facials.  Parking is complimentary.

 

A complimentary hot/cold buffet breakfast was served daily from 6:30am-10:00am.  Local wildlife was abundant during breakfast as they have a feeding area right next to the restaurant. 

Morning visitors during breakfast

Entrance to breakfast buffet

Feeding area for local wildlife

Breakfast buffet line

Buffet seating

There are four mineral rich thermal springs that vary in temperature with the hottest one being 105.4 degrees Fehrenheit.  I found it more comfortable to use the largest and coolest of the baths.  This allowed me to turn on the jets and relax for as long as I wanted.  In addition, the lower baths had a swim up bar.  

Upper baths

One of the thermal fed jacuzzis

Swim up bar in the lower thermal pool

upper pools

This property features 2 free-form cold water swimming pools, along with 2 exclusive free-form hot springs, with cascading falls, secluded pools and varying temperatures.  One of the hot spring pools features a swim-up bar plus ambient lighting and music in the evening.  There are also 2 hot spring fed jacuzzies, one of which is covered.  Pool towels, lockers and changing rooms are all complimentary, as well as ice dispenser and billiard table. 

Complimentary Lockers

 

One of the fresh water pools

Upper thermal baths

 

Arial of lower baths with swim-up bar    Photo: Public Domain

Upper thermal bath with drink table

Bathing in thermal water increases your body temperature, killing germs, including viruses, and also increases the hydrostatic pressure of the body, which increases blood circulation and oxygenation.  The temperature increase also helps dissolve and eliminate toxins from your body.

Lower baths

I have also read that it helps to reduce the aging process of the body.  I’m all for that.   

 

Next stop would be Occidental Tamarindo All-inclusive Resort in Guanacaste at Tamarindo Beach.

Occidental Tamarindo

Driving time from the Volcano Hotel to the Occidental Tamarindo was 4 hours and a dramatic change of scenery. 

 

The small area of Tamarindo was very busy and reminded me of trying to drive through Santa Cruz, California during Spring Break week.  The road to the Occidental Tamarindo was under construction so I found myself dodging traffic cones and pot holes for the last mile. 

 

I arrived at the hotel a little after noon but was not assigned a room at that time.  They did check me in however and I was given my all-inclusive waterproof bracelet.  Luggage was handed off to the baggage porter to be stored in a secure area awaiting my return at 3pm.  Without luggage I was now free to roam the property and have enjoy the lunch buffet.

 

The buffet was clean and well organized with sufficient staff and offered a large selection of breads, fruits, main dishes and desserts.   Soda, wine and beer were all easily accessible. 

Buffet Restaurant

Buffet Restaurant

Buffet restaurant seating

After lunch I made my way to the outside bar located next to the pool and beach.  With a piña colada in hand I located a beach lounge and enjoyed the scenery while waiting for my iPhone alarm to go off at 3pm.   

Relaxing at the beach

Back to the registration desk where my key awaited.  I was assigned room #2136 which was a first floor room in a building next door to the outdoor bar as well as closest to the pool, beach and buffet restaurant. 

Bathroom shower stall

Bathroom shower stall

Bathroom

Desk and coffee/tea maker

Seating area

2 double beds

The time spent here was glorious.  In a nut shell - Breakfast, walk along the beach, dip in the pool, lunch poolside, watch the iguana and howler monkeys, nap.  For the afternoon - REPEAT!

Entrance to Occidental Tamarindo

Pool area

Pool Area

For a US Citizen to reenter the United States, a COVID test had to be done 72 hours prior to our departure from Costa Rica.  The only place that the hotel could find was 30 minutes away at the Beach Side Clinic in Huacas.  Off to the clinic for the 2-minute COVID swab, hand over $115 and drive back another 30 minutes.  Within 48 hours I received the results in my email box. 

 

The drive from Occidental Tamarindo back to San Jose was 4 hours and once again the scenery changed.  If you have GPS you should be able to set it to "AVOID TOLLS".  If you don't you will find yourself shelling out colõn at four different toll booths along the way.

 

The Travel By Jen (Jetset Vacations) package included 1 night at Fleur de Lys. I felt very uncomfortable as I drove through the neighborhood and after entering the property made the decision to not check in. Instead, I went back to the Hampton Inn and Suites by Hilton at the airport.  I did write a letter to Travel By Jen with my concerns about the Hotel Fleur de Lys and was given a small $45 credit to apply to my next booking.

 

All in all the trip was fantastic and I would certainly do it again.