Page 42 June 2014 In honor of Father’s day, writer covers dad’s recent trip By Kaley Kalil In honor of Father’s Day, this month’s neighbor is John Kalil, my dad. A “neighbor” of more than 33 years, Kalil bought his first home in the Arcadia area on Halloween Day back in 1980, where he began raising a family two years later. This past April, Kalil discovered a “beautiful country full of beautiful people” in an island country in the Caribbean Sea – Jamaica, mon. “Since this was a packaged trip, I was able to kick back and relax,” Kalil said of his trip to Montego Bay. “It was nice to be able to pre-select activities ahead of time, and not spend time looking through tour brochures while on Jamaican time.” While there, Kalil enjoyed a Jeep tour through the jungle, driving by old sugar plantations “complete with trees growing out of old buildings, just like on the Indiana Jones ride.” “We also saw a ghost,” he added. “I don’t believe in ghosts, but I have this darned photo I keep looking at. It was taken in an old mansion, one that is supposedly haunted. I also got a great massage at the spa – from a real masseuse, not a ghost!” Despite the possible ghost, Kalil said he felt safe everywhere he went while in Jamaica. He enjoyed sharing meals and experiences with his travel group as much as he enjoyed the unplanned, free time throughout the trip. One special moment for Kalil was standing under a waterfall being “totally pounded by water.” “Only four people in our group did this,” he said. “I probably would not have done it if it wasn’t for [my son] Nick, and he probably would not have done it if it wasn’t for me.” Although this wasn’t Kalil’s first visit to the Caribbean (he has previously visited The Bahamas and Puerto Rico), he felt Jamaica was the best experience yet. Last October, Kalil traveled to Sea Island, Georgia, where the G8 Summit took place in 2004. He most recently returned from a trip to Washington, D.C. in May. “Regardless of your political affiliations or opinions, you can’t help but feel inspired by the history that envelops this place,” he said. Since his return from the “Land We Love” (Jamaica’s national anthem), Kalil noticed he’s been buying mangos and other fresh fruits in abundance, as he thoroughly enjoyed the fresh produce in Montego Bay. In early June, he will be spending time with his family and friends in Mission Beach in San Diego, California. One destination high on this traveler’s list of places to visit is Cawker, Kansas to see the world’s largest ball of twine. “So far, I haven’t found anyone willing to share my enthusiasm for such an adventure,” Kalil said. “I’m still looking.” Traveled lately? Email Kaley: kaley@ arcadianews.com John and Nick admire the bobsled used by the Jamaican Olympic team. John Kalil enjoying the tropcial setting. 2013 Located at the Phoenician 6000 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (480) 214-8000 www.jgsteakhousescottsdale.com SUMMER at A Jean-Georges Vongerichten Creation Kitchen Table Series Cooking class and dinner with Chef Jacques Qualin and friends June 13, July 11, Aug 8, Sept 12 $50 per person Summer Selects Enjoy select bottles of wine 50% off Daily 5-7

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