So this began round two in the world travels of my parents. Their first trip to Europe in 1965 spurred Dad on to more adventures. Especially after the National Lampoon vacation in 1966, in a prototype RV. That story will eventually be told.
So anyway, as a Pomona Rotarian he jumped at the chance to go back. I do believe this is a mix of several Rotary club members from area cities. The other thing was, he decided at some point that when us three kids reached the age of 15, that he would take us individually to Europe. So this trip in 1967 was Kathy’s turn. My Mother also talked him into taking my Grandmother. Kathy can confirm this, but I don’t believe my grandmother had ever flown on a commercial jet before. Because I remember it was a big deal in the family. Hell, half of them showed up to LAX to see her off.
Dad loved traveling, but he had limits. My mother loved the beach, so we spent our young youth at Balboa/Newport. After I got my opportunity in 1970, Chris would be up next in 1973. This is where things went off the rails. You see the family was out to dinner at Domenico’s in Claremont one Sunday evening in 1971 or early 72, when the subject of a vacation destination for the summer of 72 came up. Well none of us had been to Hawaii except Dad, and that was during WW2. He wasn’t keen on the idea. With just the right amount of vino consumed he lowered his guard and said we had a choice. Hawaii or Europe! So in the summer of 1972 this family took a trip to Europe.
Remember my 18th birthday celebration. Well Dad was Pomona Rotary president that year, and the international convention was in Lausanne, Switzerland. The folks spent another month there. Finally Dad made good on Chris’ trip in around 79 or 80 I think. This time he stuck in time for a little Mediterranean cruise. Late in Mom’s life she and I were reminiscing about those trips, and she told me that Dad put all the itineraries together and then took them to the travel agent. He knew what hotels he wanted to stay at.
Lastly, my father loved hanging with the locals. Especially the bartenders at the hotel bars. My mother needed time to get herself ready for the evening, whereas it took five minutes for Pop’s. He took up nightly residency at those bars. Mom knew exactly where to find him.
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