California Dreamin'

Hello from California!

I have fond memories of California. Nothing but love. It was my home for over 30 years! I wasn't sure what to expect or how to feel being back after all this time. I was open to any emotion or experience. For me, it certainly felt changed.

My six-week stay in Orange County, California would include three different moves. I stayed in two different Airbnb's, and also a guest cottage behind a home. One place was literally across the street from the beach! The others were close to the beach - and only about 10 minutes from the marinas, harbors, and docks along Pacific Coast Highway. Pretty nice!

The main purpose of being in California was to connect with friends. I did - and it was really, really beautiful. I had heartfelt conversations with friends that I haven't seen in almost three years. There's nothing better than a hug to bring forth those loving connections

I have to admit, it did sometimes feel like a California dream...

Huntington Beach - Surf City USA

Huntington Beach (also known as Surf City USA) is located along the coast of Orange County, California. It's known for its beach culture and active outdoor lifestyle - especially surfing. It also hosts the US Open of Surfing and Pacific Airshow. Huntington Beach is quite a beautiful place!

Laguna Beach

A place that will always be close to my heart is Laguna Beach. Laguna has been part of my life since my first visit in the early 1990s. Even when I first lived in Los Angeles, my friends and I would drive down on weekends to go to the beach.

I loved Laguna from my first visit, and I eventually made my home there. The lifeguard tower at Main Beach is iconic. When you see pictures, postcards, or paintings of Laguna, it will likely include this structure.

It's hard to believe, but this tower was actually part of a gas station back in the 1930s, and was originally across the street. It was later moved (by horses!) to the beach and used as a lifeguard tower. Today, it's a secondary tower because of its small size. A larger tower was eventually built nearby. Such a cool structure!

*Historic photo courtesy of Laguna Beach Historical Society

Favorite Moments:

After spending so many decades in California, with so many memories, this Golden State will always be special to me. And I'm always thankful for these friends.

Scrolling through my camera roll, I picked some of my favorite moments in California. Good times with wonderful people. It feels good to know that I can always come back and feel welcome.

So...I went to a beach wedding with former co-workers and friends, got my haircut by Dustin, went to a beautiful Sanskrit Sound Bath by Stacy, and reminisced with Myra (and her two adorable kids) about our twenty-year friendship! Oh, and I got cast in a short film!

Finally...

There is no doubt that being back in the US has been an adjustment. So much has changed. Yet some things haven't.

I had wonderful and meaningful conversations with so many people in California. It was really heartwarming. I appreciate their friendship and kindness so much. I'm really glad I got to go.

Now that my time in California has come to a close, it's time to head back to Minnesota and spend more time with family until the end of the year. I'm dreaming of winter snow (hopefully), coffee by the fire, family and kid stuff, and best of all - the holiday traditions!

But before I get back to Minnesota, I've got a couple stops to make. One is in Oklahoma City, and the other in Des Moines, Iowa - otherwise known as The Heartland!

I really appreciate those who have been reading my travel blogs. Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // CREATIVE // VOICE TALENT

TAPP

Bob Tapper

actorbobtapper@gmail.com

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275

Minnesota Nice

Hello from the United States!

It was an easy flight from the UK to the US, and it was quite an odd feeling returning after nearly three years. I think it was a combination of excitement, apprehension, and just entering the unknown that had me wonder...

Have things once familiar to me changed?

Everything in the US (and the world I suppose) feels a bit fragile right now. Nowadays we're challenged to find common topics to discuss with each other. One wrong word about politics, viruses, health, cultural issues, etc. can shake up relationships like never before.

My bottom line is this: I agree with some people. I disagree with others. That actually seems quite normal to me. I hope as time goes on we can all feel more secure in expressing our thoughts and opinions with each other.

I'm just trying to forge forward, accept and not judge others that may think and believe differently than me, practice non-reactivity - and most of all, be kind.

Given that, I''m expecting some quality moments in the US, and it started with two weeks in the great state of Minnesota to spend time with family. Being with my family helps to ground me. There's something special about being around people that have known you all your life. It's nice having a home life for a bit! Minnesota nice.

So, here was my Minnesota experience in September:

Lake Living

Minnesota is known as the Land of 10,000 lakes - the highest number of any state in the US! It makes sense, since Minnesota (according to the Dakota Sioux) actually means "clear, blue water."

The lake is the perfect place for family and friends to gather. Quiet and peaceful. The sound waves hitting the shore is so soothing. It's all about boating, swimming, and fishing. And just before sunset is the best time to catch a fish or two.

The Battle of Jesse James

Jesse James was an American outlaw, known for his bank and train robberies. On September 7, 1876, Jesse and his gang attempted to rob the First National Bank of Northfield, Minnesota.

Every year in Northfield, they recreate the events of that day. It was fun to be a part of the crowd and capture the re-enactment!

Minnesota State Fair

Our State Fair is a great state fair. Don't miss it, don't even be late!

Rodgers & Hammerstein

The Minnesota State Fair is a sure sign that summer is over and autumn is around the corner since it ends on Labor Day each year. The fair is one of the largest in the US and also one of the oldest. It began in 1859.

Watching kids get excited about midway games and rides, the smell of the wonderful food (omg the bacon!) is what this fair is about. Oh, and also the farm animals!

Finally...

My time in the US is all part of this incredible journey of international travel and pursuing my creative endeavors. Whether it's exploring a new city or country, or visiting a familar one, I'm so grateful I can continue working on my acting, filmmaking, and travel blog passions.

Next blog is all about my California trip!

I really appreciate those who have been reading my travel blogs. Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // CREATIVE // VOICE TALENT

TAPP

Bob Tapper

actorbobtapper@gmail.com

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275

Bye For Now England

Hello from the United States!

The month of August was my last month in the UK for a while. I had an incredible time, learned so much, and really enjoyed feeling like a Brit.

My last month was spent in Manchester, and my Airbnb was in a newer area called The Quays. Quay (pronounced "key") actually means a platform near the water, and it was a beautiful place to spend a somewhat warm summer month. The Quays were built around 2010, so the buildings are modern in architecture, with plenty of walkways, bike ways, foot bridges, green spaces, restaurants, and bars.

My Airbnb stays in Leeds and Liverpool were in more traditional, older residential areas that felt authentically English. Since the Quays are a new development in the last 10 years, this stay didn't feel at all like England. But I loved it!

Media City

Media City is a mixed use development that was within walking distance of my Airbnb. It was mainly developed as a media center, and the main tenants are Quayside MediaCityUK shopping center, the BBC, ITV (a British television network), and the official filming studio for Coronation Street, a long-running soap opera that began in 1960.

I spent almost every evening here. In addition to the stunning architecture and media presence, it has great restaurants and bars, with nice outdoor seating and music. Everything is connected by quaint foot bridges and canals. To me, I felt like Oz.

Five Ways The UK Is Different From The US:

Even though it seems like we're sister countries (given our history and all) there are some real differences between the US and the UK. Here are my top five!

1. Beer

When you think about alcohol in the UK, you probably first think of the pub. The pub culture in the UK is iconic, and I don't think anything compares to it. But going into a pub for a pint is different in the UK compared to the US for one big reason - a UK pint is larger than a US pint because of the difference in measurement systems.

The British Imperial pint is 568.261 ml (20 fluid ounces), while the US Customary pint is 473.176 ml (16 fluid ounces.)

Believe me, if you drink enough during the course of an evening, that extra four ounces adds up!

2. Housing

If you live in the city, you'll likely live in a block long, brick constructed connected flat. You probably won't have a backyard and swing set for the kids - and very unlikely to have a garage. Fortunately, there are many parks to play and relax.

3. Parking

Given the efficient transportation system in the UK, you probably don't need a car. But obviously, some people do. Finding a parking space isn't easy (again, no garages), and if you have to park on the grass or sidewalk - well, so be it. Roads can be narrow.

4. Betting

Betting is quite common around the world, but they've made it a retail business in the UK. You can walk into Ladbrokes, Betfred, or Paddypower and bet on horse races, dog races, and of course, the lottery. It's so much easier (and much more fun) than popping into the nearest 7-Eleven to just buy a quick-pick lottery ticket!

5. Hello?

Every country in the world has a different way of saying hello. In Portugal, it was "Bom Dia." In Croatia, it's "bok."

In the UK, it's "you okay?" Or, "you alright?" This caught me off guard, because in the US, when someone says that, a logical response would be "Good. Why? What happened?" Here's a text exchange with a friend that is a good example of that! 🤣

Goodbye UK, Hello US!

Finally...

I haven't been back in the US for almost three years, and I'm sure it's going to be a bit of an adjustment. When I think back to all the places I've been and experiences I've had, it's clear in my mind that it's been an incredible ride.

But now it's time to reconnect with family and friends. It's all part of the journey. I can't wait to spend the holidays with family, because I haven't had that since 2019.

My airline ticket is round trip. I flew from Manchester to Paris, then Paris to Minneapolis. My return flight is December 31, 2022 - and I'll be back in Europe January 1, 2023, when the journey keeps going.

I really appreciate those who have been reading my travel blogs. Thanks for following along!

ACTOR // CREATIVE // VOICE TALENT

TAPP

Bob Tapper

actorbobtapper@gmail.com

www.bobtapper.com

Outside US: +01 9494846275

Inside US: (949) 484-6275