The Wonders of Travel by Wayne Avrashow
Our author Wayne Avrashow is sharing his travelling experiences with us today. Enjoy reading his blog and get a copy of "ROLL THE DICE", his political thriller.
THE WONDERS OF TRAVEL
All the senses are in play when you travel—seeing sights you have only witnessed in videos, books or magazines; tasting new culinary treats and experiencing new adventures—my thrill is touching history, walking on the same streets as someone trod one thousand years ago.
When I was younger, trips to islands were fun—weather, beaches, and physical activity. One of my sons recently married, he and his bride honeymooned in Belize, maybe there’s a hereditary connection.
There is much to see in the United States. I travelled cross-country decades ago with my buddies selling merchandise on rock music tours. Since then, I have relaxed in the serenity of Santa Fe, New Mexico; stood in Boston’s Faneuli Hall where Sam Adams roused the Colonists; thrived in the vibe of Miami’s South Beach when my son attended the U; and thrilled with my two sons in Yankee Stadium where the mighty Babe propelled home runs. I am in constant marvel at Washington D.C.
A political friend from Los Angeles worked in the Clinton White House and he arranged a private, after-hours tour, including standing outside a roped-off Oval Office.
My vacation dreams are now abroad—in Europe—I viewed Napoleon’s apartment and tomb in Paris, dined in Paris where Ben Franklin was feted; gazed at religious artifacts at the Vatican, stood at Checkpoint Charlie the former dividing line of tyranny and freedom from East and West Berlin, had nightmares after touring the Sachsenhausen concentration camp and shuddered at Wannsee, thirty minutes outside of Berlin, at a retreat both tranquil and horrific as man’s inhumanity to man was on full display as the Nazis plotted the “final solution.”
My novel Roll the Dice is about mega-rock star Tyler Sloan’s campaign for the United States Senate in Nevada. The novel explores many themes; an estranged father-son relationship, his past returning to haunt him, and all forces are amplified as the book covers a three-month sprint of a political campaign.
Every protagonist in a novel has personal depth, preferences and history. One snide reporter was aware of Sloan’s love of baseball but questioned if the rock star had any religious beliefs. The journalist asked, “Which have you visited more often, church or Wrigley Field?”
As a mega-rock star, Sloan headlined concerts around the world. I sprinkled in travel highlights for Sloan that I imagined he would enjoy; a dinner on Paris’ River Seine and standing in the ruins of ancient Rome at the Roman Forum. The references round out his character.
While Paris is my favorite city; Italy is my favorite country. I am in a state of constant marvel visiting Rome and standing in the Eternal City’s ancient ruins. Just imagine being at the Colosseum centuries ago when slaves battled the lions for their freedom. You will stand in awe at structures built pre-B.C. and in the earliest centuries A.D.
I imagine you can have a mediocre meal in Italy—but I never did. I was a babbling fool over every meal in Italy, from Rome to Milan to Florence to Lake Como to Venice. I told my wife that the Caesar salad was the best I ever had, the cappuccino was the tastiest, the pizza was the greatest and the grilled fish and chicken were mouthwatering. You have not tasted true gelato until you have savored it in Italy.
Lore is that throwing three coins in the Trevi Fountain will bring you good luck. I did it. I am not sure if it works, but all the tourists toss in around $3,500 per day. It is a worthwhile cause since the funds go to charities.
My wife and I visited the small town of Montepulciano and toured a winery from the 14th Century! In Los Angeles, I love the history of Musso & Frank’s restaurant which opened in 1919!
My favorite destination was Venice, Italy. The city rose from the water many centuries ago. We travelled by water taxis and gondolas. Yes, the gondoliers wear striped black and white shirts. In Venice, you are surrounded by ancient buildings, water, and mouthwatering food. Take a leisurely ride along the Canal Grande, the main canal, and be in awe of the city that is built on water.
Bottom Line—travel enriches you. Travel whenever and wherever you can. I should have followed that advice earlier in my life. My next three vacations: Israel, England (must do the Abbey Road walk, although my ex-wife beat me to it) and a return to Milan with days in Venice. I can’t wait.
ROLL THE DICE
By Wayne Avrashow
Fiery Seas Publishing
November 28, 2017
Political Thriller
What happens when one of America’s biggest rock stars leaves the Las Vegas stage to run for the United State Senate?
The ultimate celebrity candidate, Tyler Sloan is no stranger to politics – his estranged father was a California governor who narrowly lost a Presidential campaign.
He runs as a political independent, refuses campaign contributions, and dismisses special interests and lobbyists.
Sloan is caught in a political campaign fraught with; sexual scandal, corruption and conflicting loyalties.
Will he be able to navigate through political turbulence and his own past to win the race?
AMAZON ~ BARNES & NOBLE ~ KOBO ~ iBOOKS
Wayne Avrashow was the campaign manager for two successful Los Angeles City Council campaigns and a Deputy/Chief of Staff to those two elected City Council members. He served as a senior advisor for a successful city-wide referendum in the City of Los Angeles, co-authored ballot arguments on Los Angeles County-wide measures, served as Chairman for a Los Angeles County ballot measure, and was a Los Angeles government Commissioner for nearly twenty years. He currently serves as a Board Member of the Yaroslavsky Institute, a public policy institute founded by long time Southern California elected official, and now UCLA professor, Zev Yaroslavsky.
His background in politics, government, business, and law provides unique insight into the machinations and characters that populate political campaigns.
Wayne is a practicing attorney who specializes in government advocacy, real estate, and business law. Formerly, he was an officer in two real estate development firms. As a lawyer-lobbyist, he has represented clients before numerous California municipalities and in Nevada and Idaho. He has lectured at his law school and taught at Woodbury University in Los Angeles. He has also authored numerous op-ed articles that appeared in daily newspapers, legal, business, and real estate publications. In addition, he is the author of a self-published book for the legal community, Success at Mediation—10 Strategic Tools for Attorneys.
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