Shining a spotlight on celebrities and athletes who love to travel. Created and developed by Stacy Steponate Greenberg.
Ask Kobe Bryant or Steve Nash which defender gave them the toughest time on the basketball court – they and hundreds of others in the NBA would probably say it was Bruce Bowen. The three-time NBA champion fought his way through Europe and the CBA to eventually excel on the game’s highest level, making the all-defensive team ten times and having his uniform number retired by the San Antonio Spurs. These days, Bowen and his seemingly endless supply of bow ties can be found on ESPN, explaining the game he loves to millions of fans, or at his home-base in San Antonio helping fight childhood obesity and getting involved in many local charities.
THE OVERHEAD COMPARTMENT with Bruce Bowen begins now…..
OC: When you were playing in the NBA, what was your favorite city to visit?
BB: New York
OC: What did you do during your spare time?
BB: Dinner! Being able to visit so many great cities, Dinner was a must! I didn’t do too much sight seeing because if recognized, people didn’t necessarily embrace me with kindness.
OC: The Spurs annually have a long road trip when the rodeo comes to San Antonio, what is the key to packing for a trip that long?
BB: Making sure to pack for weather! Nothing like going to the Midwest during the winter with just a sweatshirt when it’s 25 degrees. Same thing with suits, wools and cashmere when not going to Miami.
OC: NBA teams travel via charter, what was the hardest part of the adjustment back to commercial planes?
BB: Not driving straight to the plane! Having to park, in the day lot or whatever is just so overwhelming sometimes.
OC: Favorite place for leisure travel?
BB: Spain. Love the culture and the Cariño people and the food!!!!!
OC: What do you like to do in your down time for leisure?
BB: I enjoy playing golf in my down time!!!! Just like Greeny….I think you know him.
OC: What is one thing a visitor to San Antonio must not miss?
BB: Must visit the Alamo, and then the Riverwalk. Don’t go expecting too much with the Alamo……..
OC: What’s the strangest thing that ever happened to you on an airplane?
BB: Someone took a photo of me sleeping and posted it on Twitter!
OC: In an airport?
BB: In an airport, seeing OJ & Nicole and the way people received the 2 of them and how gracious OJ was with the people.
OC: In a Hotel?
BB: All Star weekend watching the Lobby Walk of Shame……..
OC: First thing you do when arriving at a hotel in your room?
BB: Open the curtains and use the bathroom. Never fails, always have to use the bathroom NO MATTER WHAT!
OC: Biggest pet peeve about hotels?
BB: Cold Room service, when things are supposed to be hot. And housekeeping still trying to open your door when the Do Not Disturb light is on……
OC: Room service or Hotel restaurant or neither?
BB: Depends on what part of the country. New York, you can’t go wrong with either. California you can’t go wrong with either. Milwaukee………..Restaurant!
OC: Complete the following sentence: I never leave home without ___________________________
BB: Lotion and Carmex! Gotta keep the lips and skin moisturized!
OC: Go to snack when on the road?
BB: Sunflower seeds!
OC: Travel secret/habit about you that no one knew until now, ______________________
BB: …..I hate taking my shoes off at the airport!!! Yuck!
OC: Top three favorite restaurants any where in the world
BB: Maestros AZ, Philippe NY, Sarafina Italian NY
OC: How many bow ties do you own? How do you decide which ones to wear for the biggest events?
BB: 200. I select by how big the moment is!
Bruce Bowen, please use care upon departure as items may have shifted in The Overhead Compartment during our journey. Thanks for choosing us for your travel tips! Have a wonderful day!
