I found this blog post by Everything-Everywhere. It's a little hardcore about picking travel clothing, but the thought process is good. It's a great article if you're interested in long term travel, an interesting article to get you thinking if you're doing shorter trips. This guys next posts will involve some other packing tips - shoes and accessories.
I don't travel quite so light myself, but I do try to find clothing that will all match. I often take pants that roll up with buttons (the girl version of zip-off pants) that can be worn as pants or capris. If I expect I might have to do laundry while away I try to bring some quicker drying shirts.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Frequent Flyer Programs Misconceptions
I find a lot of people from all walks of life don't fully understand Frequent Flyer Programs, how they work or how to make them work for them. I'll admit that even I am just getting a grasp on them.
The first misconception about frequent flyer programs is the idea that you need to fly a lot with one airline to take advantage of them, and while that does help it's not the only way to make them work for you.
Most airlines are part of airline alliances, this allows you to fly on one airline but build up points with another airlines frequent flyer program. For example: If you belong to American Airlines (AA) frequent flyer program and book a trip with British Airways, (BA) both members of One World, you can use your AA program number to buildup your points from your flight with BA. Or, you can use your AA points to book your flight with BA. With this understanding I try to keep a frequent flyer program with one airline in each alliance and use that number when I fly with other airlines within the alliance.
Building up miles can be quite difficult if you don't fly too often or fly with whoever has the best deal. If you're using the same airline or airlines within an alliance most of the time, but not enough to earn your miles, then you might want to consider getting thier credit card. You'll earn points on your purchases and build up your frequent flyer account more quickly, maybe just enough to get an upgrade or free flight. Take a look at different opportunities to earn double or triple miles with your credit card, it may take nothing more then using your card at the right places. Be aware that credit cards associated with frequent flyer programs often have large fees - from no fee to over $100 a year. BUT, you may be able to earn these fees back by having the card. One of the benefits of the Continental credit card is that you are waived baggage fees. You would reduce that yearly fee from $95 to $65 with one round trip flight where you are checking a bag.
Airline credit cards usually have high interest rates so if you have trouble paying off your credit card month to month then these cards might not be your best option.
After reviewing all the different airline cards I personally decided on the American Express Card. It allows you to earn points with each purchase and then the points can be transferred to most airlines for use in purchasing tickets, upgrades and other types of travel. Additionally, I have family who have used their Amex card this way and have been more then happy with it. Here is an article that has ratings of some of the airline credit cards. I do also have a Jetblue Amex card, but am planning to close that account when it's up for renewal.
What to do when you have lots of points, but nowhere to go or not enough to do anything with? Many programs offer other products you can purchase with expiring points. I've gotten subscriptions to magazines with my old points in the past, a better use then losing the points. You can also donate to charitable organizations, a nice way to give if you don't have the cash to donate.
Here is a list of the current airlines alliances as of Aug 2009:
One World
American, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japanese Airlines, LAN, Malav, Qantas, Royal Jordanian
Sky Team
Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia, China Southern, Delta, Continental, CSA Czech Airlines, KLM, Korean, Northwest
Star Alliance
Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asian Airlines, Austrian, BMI, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shanghi Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airlines, Spainair, Swiss, TAP Portugal, Thai Airways Int., United, US Airways
In late October Continental will be moving from Sky Team to Star Alliance.
And to give credit where credit is due, I started to understand this whole airline miles stuff when I read Chis Guillebeau's Unconventional Guide to Discount Airfare.
The first misconception about frequent flyer programs is the idea that you need to fly a lot with one airline to take advantage of them, and while that does help it's not the only way to make them work for you.
Most airlines are part of airline alliances, this allows you to fly on one airline but build up points with another airlines frequent flyer program. For example: If you belong to American Airlines (AA) frequent flyer program and book a trip with British Airways, (BA) both members of One World, you can use your AA program number to buildup your points from your flight with BA. Or, you can use your AA points to book your flight with BA. With this understanding I try to keep a frequent flyer program with one airline in each alliance and use that number when I fly with other airlines within the alliance.
Building up miles can be quite difficult if you don't fly too often or fly with whoever has the best deal. If you're using the same airline or airlines within an alliance most of the time, but not enough to earn your miles, then you might want to consider getting thier credit card. You'll earn points on your purchases and build up your frequent flyer account more quickly, maybe just enough to get an upgrade or free flight. Take a look at different opportunities to earn double or triple miles with your credit card, it may take nothing more then using your card at the right places. Be aware that credit cards associated with frequent flyer programs often have large fees - from no fee to over $100 a year. BUT, you may be able to earn these fees back by having the card. One of the benefits of the Continental credit card is that you are waived baggage fees. You would reduce that yearly fee from $95 to $65 with one round trip flight where you are checking a bag.
Airline credit cards usually have high interest rates so if you have trouble paying off your credit card month to month then these cards might not be your best option.
After reviewing all the different airline cards I personally decided on the American Express Card. It allows you to earn points with each purchase and then the points can be transferred to most airlines for use in purchasing tickets, upgrades and other types of travel. Additionally, I have family who have used their Amex card this way and have been more then happy with it. Here is an article that has ratings of some of the airline credit cards. I do also have a Jetblue Amex card, but am planning to close that account when it's up for renewal.
What to do when you have lots of points, but nowhere to go or not enough to do anything with? Many programs offer other products you can purchase with expiring points. I've gotten subscriptions to magazines with my old points in the past, a better use then losing the points. You can also donate to charitable organizations, a nice way to give if you don't have the cash to donate.
Here is a list of the current airlines alliances as of Aug 2009:
One World
American, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japanese Airlines, LAN, Malav, Qantas, Royal Jordanian
Sky Team
Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air France, Alitalia, China Southern, Delta, Continental, CSA Czech Airlines, KLM, Korean, Northwest
Star Alliance
Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asian Airlines, Austrian, BMI, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shanghi Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airlines, Spainair, Swiss, TAP Portugal, Thai Airways Int., United, US Airways
In late October Continental will be moving from Sky Team to Star Alliance.
And to give credit where credit is due, I started to understand this whole airline miles stuff when I read Chis Guillebeau's Unconventional Guide to Discount Airfare.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Travel Tip: Navagating the train
One of the challenges of traveling to a city you don't know, is getting around - depending on the city, the bus or the metro may be the best option. But when you're on a metro it can sometimes be hard to figure out where to get off the train. In London where you speak the language it's not too hard. If you travel to Paris things get a little more complicated since there is a language barrier. A city where they use a different alphabet makes it much harder.
Here is my tip - take a picture of the name of the metro stop. When all else fails you can refer to the picture on your digital camera, and this works anywhere, not just in a city with a different alphabet. If you're drunk in Berlin and can't remember the name of your stop you can refer to your picture, and if you're really drunk you can get a local to help you with your picture.
Here is my tip - take a picture of the name of the metro stop. When all else fails you can refer to the picture on your digital camera, and this works anywhere, not just in a city with a different alphabet. If you're drunk in Berlin and can't remember the name of your stop you can refer to your picture, and if you're really drunk you can get a local to help you with your picture.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Travel Tip: Booking connecting flights
For my trip to Knoxville and then to Pittsburgh I had to book two sets of connecting flights. Apparently US Air has the cheapest prices but no non-stops.
After narrowing down times that would work for my I looked at stopover times. Many different flight options had similar total times, but the amount of time of the stop over was was different depending on where I was flying in and out of. I opted for the flights with the longest stopovers. It's not that I like long stop overs but rather my concern with missing my connecting flight. With how often flights are delayed any stopover less then an hour made me nervous. While it's handy to get off one plane and hop on the next, it's not so good if you end up missing your next flight. I ended up with a 2 hour and an hour and a half stop over. Now I need to keep my fingers crossed!
I ended up making all of my connections, some more comfortably then others. In the future I will continue to look for layovers on the longer side, or at least make sure I know that there are more flight options if I miss my connecting flight.
After narrowing down times that would work for my I looked at stopover times. Many different flight options had similar total times, but the amount of time of the stop over was was different depending on where I was flying in and out of. I opted for the flights with the longest stopovers. It's not that I like long stop overs but rather my concern with missing my connecting flight. With how often flights are delayed any stopover less then an hour made me nervous. While it's handy to get off one plane and hop on the next, it's not so good if you end up missing your next flight. I ended up with a 2 hour and an hour and a half stop over. Now I need to keep my fingers crossed!
I ended up making all of my connections, some more comfortably then others. In the future I will continue to look for layovers on the longer side, or at least make sure I know that there are more flight options if I miss my connecting flight.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Adversity
I find that non-travelers often have an opinion on your choice of vacation location. Why would you want to go to Egypt or Russia??? Or well anywhere that isn't a tropical paradise. I didn't get much flack over Hawaii, but did hear about how long the flight was. Oh, the drama of it all! It's frustrating and can, at times, take the wind out of your sails.
Currently, I'm getting flack over going zorbing. Some people are just baffled by the idea, others are intrigued but not interested. A lot of people just think it's plain old dumb. These people have no sense of adventure, one must wonder what is on these people's Bucket List? The most frustrating part of people who feel a need to share their opinion is when they share. Hey, if I bring up the idea then I expect to hear their opinion, but when you're having a regular conversation and they change topic to: Are you still going to go zorbing? Really??? Just drop it because at this point because I'm tuning you out...
I don't have any answers to how to get rid of these people. One the one hand I try to surround myself with positive and supportive people, but I don't have much choice in my family. I do try have conviction in my decisions, educate myself about them, and do them with enthusiasm. Does it really matter in the end what others think? They're not going to strange places or doing adventuresome things and they are missing out on life. Don't let their notion of "living life to the fullest" affect yours because it's obviously different from yours. Go to Egypt, Russia, the Middle East, Zorbing, Bungy Jumping, or whatever catches your interest.
Currently, I'm getting flack over going zorbing. Some people are just baffled by the idea, others are intrigued but not interested. A lot of people just think it's plain old dumb. These people have no sense of adventure, one must wonder what is on these people's Bucket List? The most frustrating part of people who feel a need to share their opinion is when they share. Hey, if I bring up the idea then I expect to hear their opinion, but when you're having a regular conversation and they change topic to: Are you still going to go zorbing? Really??? Just drop it because at this point because I'm tuning you out...
I don't have any answers to how to get rid of these people. One the one hand I try to surround myself with positive and supportive people, but I don't have much choice in my family. I do try have conviction in my decisions, educate myself about them, and do them with enthusiasm. Does it really matter in the end what others think? They're not going to strange places or doing adventuresome things and they are missing out on life. Don't let their notion of "living life to the fullest" affect yours because it's obviously different from yours. Go to Egypt, Russia, the Middle East, Zorbing, Bungy Jumping, or whatever catches your interest.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The Tower of London
In 2005 I visited London on my Contiki trip. I had a long list of things I wanted to do, but only a day and a half to do them all so I had to pick selectively. I decided the second thing (the first was the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace) I wanted to do was the Tower of London because I wanted to see the crown jewels. I'm really not into jewels for myself, but they are fun to look at.
Shortly after I got there a tour was starting with one of the Yeoman/Beefeater so I took that tour. The first thing I remember learning was what their uniform means, or what the insignia "EIIR" means - Elizabeth The Second Reigns. This insignia will change when there is a new monarch in England. I distinctly remember it being a cool and rainy day (shocking!) in London, and it rained during the tour. But the Yeoman was friendly and continued on with the tour. The official records show that 300 or so people were killed or tortured in the Tower of London, but they found the remains of over 1000 people under the church, hmmmm. Today the moat is empty, apparently stuff tends to accumulate there when it has water so they leave it empty. Rumor has it that the Tower is haunted, the most haunted building in all of London. I didn't see any ghosts, but then they might just know that I'm afraid of them and steared clear of me.
After my tour, which was excellent and informative about British history, I went to see the crown jewels. They don't advertise it, but I believe they're all copies. But it was still fun and interesting to see, they are quite impressive. I didn't know that there are different crowns, they don't all wear the same crown to the coronation. They're all quite similar but there were so many different ones that it actually became confusing.
In hind site I don't know that I would put the Tower of London as my first thing to see, or even my second. I'm kinda sorry that I missed Westminster Abby, I suppose that just means that I have to get back to London one of these days. But the Tower of London is worthy of a top 5 things to do in London, so if you have more then 1 day in London, add it to your list.
Shortly after I got there a tour was starting with one of the Yeoman/Beefeater so I took that tour. The first thing I remember learning was what their uniform means, or what the insignia "EIIR" means - Elizabeth The Second Reigns. This insignia will change when there is a new monarch in England. I distinctly remember it being a cool and rainy day (shocking!) in London, and it rained during the tour. But the Yeoman was friendly and continued on with the tour. The official records show that 300 or so people were killed or tortured in the Tower of London, but they found the remains of over 1000 people under the church, hmmmm. Today the moat is empty, apparently stuff tends to accumulate there when it has water so they leave it empty. Rumor has it that the Tower is haunted, the most haunted building in all of London. I didn't see any ghosts, but then they might just know that I'm afraid of them and steared clear of me.
After my tour, which was excellent and informative about British history, I went to see the crown jewels. They don't advertise it, but I believe they're all copies. But it was still fun and interesting to see, they are quite impressive. I didn't know that there are different crowns, they don't all wear the same crown to the coronation. They're all quite similar but there were so many different ones that it actually became confusing.
In hind site I don't know that I would put the Tower of London as my first thing to see, or even my second. I'm kinda sorry that I missed Westminster Abby, I suppose that just means that I have to get back to London one of these days. But the Tower of London is worthy of a top 5 things to do in London, so if you have more then 1 day in London, add it to your list.
Monday, August 17, 2009
From a Town known as Oyster Bay Long Island...
..Rode a boy with a 6 gun in his Hand... From Billy Joel's Ballade of Billy the Kid.
Oyster Bay is an interesting little town on the North Shore of Long Island. There's a beach and some historical sights, what more could you want? It's not a bad little place to spend the day if you want to see a smaller town on Long Island that isn't too suburbanized. While there is some strip malls, they hold a lot of the necessary places - grocery store, drug store, Dunkin Donuts. You wont find large box stores here, and there is a small downtown district so it has a quaint feel to it. And if you're looking for stars, go to Stop and Shop and maybe Branjolina will show up.
I'll start with some historical sites: Teddy Roosevelt's house, Sagamore Hill is in Oyster Bay Cove, it's a very nice National Historic Site. Visiting the house is by tour only, which are conducted regularly throughout the day and only cost $5. Check their website for operating hours. If you're stuck waiting for your tour there are a few other things to do there - take a walk, Sagamore Hill is in a lovely woody area and walking paths. There is also another museum on the property about Teddy. Of interest in Oyster Bay is the talk of building a Theodore Roosevelt museum in Oyster Bay, though I'm not sure of the status of it.
Raynham Hall is another museum in Oyster Bay. Raynham Hall is the former home of the Townsend family and features the history of the American Revolution and Victorian Times. There is also a Railroad museum in the works for the town.
The beach. Oyster Bay has a quaint little beach, it has a view of Centre Island and its mansions, always fun to look at. There are tennis courts, handball courts, a playground for children and the Oyster Bay marina with some lovely boats to look at. I enjoy taking a walk at the beach when I'm in the area. The one problem with the beach is that it is VERY rocky. If you're not interested in going in the water you're better off hanging out at a grassy area and avoiding the rocky sand. If you need to park and don't want to pay the fee, there is some parking near the old train station at the end of Audrey Avenue.
There are no hotels in Oyster Bay, the closest one would be in East Norwich, but I believe it is closing if it hasn't already.
Dining - For a diner type of restaurant I recommend Taby's on Main Street. The prices are reasonable, better then many other diners on Long Island, the portions large and the food is fresh and consistently very good. There is also Canterbury Ales which is popular with the locals. They have a bar and are a little pricier. Oyster Bay Clam Bar has a good reputation though I've never eaten there. If you want some quick pizza or pasta you can try Mario's, I don't love their pizza, but the have fantastic ravioli.
Oyster Bay is an interesting little town on the North Shore of Long Island. There's a beach and some historical sights, what more could you want? It's not a bad little place to spend the day if you want to see a smaller town on Long Island that isn't too suburbanized. While there is some strip malls, they hold a lot of the necessary places - grocery store, drug store, Dunkin Donuts. You wont find large box stores here, and there is a small downtown district so it has a quaint feel to it. And if you're looking for stars, go to Stop and Shop and maybe Branjolina will show up.
I'll start with some historical sites: Teddy Roosevelt's house, Sagamore Hill is in Oyster Bay Cove, it's a very nice National Historic Site. Visiting the house is by tour only, which are conducted regularly throughout the day and only cost $5. Check their website for operating hours. If you're stuck waiting for your tour there are a few other things to do there - take a walk, Sagamore Hill is in a lovely woody area and walking paths. There is also another museum on the property about Teddy. Of interest in Oyster Bay is the talk of building a Theodore Roosevelt museum in Oyster Bay, though I'm not sure of the status of it.
Raynham Hall is another museum in Oyster Bay. Raynham Hall is the former home of the Townsend family and features the history of the American Revolution and Victorian Times. There is also a Railroad museum in the works for the town.
The beach. Oyster Bay has a quaint little beach, it has a view of Centre Island and its mansions, always fun to look at. There are tennis courts, handball courts, a playground for children and the Oyster Bay marina with some lovely boats to look at. I enjoy taking a walk at the beach when I'm in the area. The one problem with the beach is that it is VERY rocky. If you're not interested in going in the water you're better off hanging out at a grassy area and avoiding the rocky sand. If you need to park and don't want to pay the fee, there is some parking near the old train station at the end of Audrey Avenue.
There are no hotels in Oyster Bay, the closest one would be in East Norwich, but I believe it is closing if it hasn't already.
Dining - For a diner type of restaurant I recommend Taby's on Main Street. The prices are reasonable, better then many other diners on Long Island, the portions large and the food is fresh and consistently very good. There is also Canterbury Ales which is popular with the locals. They have a bar and are a little pricier. Oyster Bay Clam Bar has a good reputation though I've never eaten there. If you want some quick pizza or pasta you can try Mario's, I don't love their pizza, but the have fantastic ravioli.
Friday, August 14, 2009
California Highlights Part 7 - Los Angeles
This morning we had breakfast at the hotel and headed to LA. It was about a 2 hour drive to LA and then we got the option of doing a walking tour of LA (we were trying it out and if it was good Contiki might add it to the list of optionals). It was was, good info. I had been to LA and the Hollywood Walk of Fame area before, but I did learn a bunch of new stuff. We saw the theaters and the Hollywood Sign then it was back on the bus and off to Venice Beach.
At Venice Beach we saw a glass walker and I got to help with his show. Let me tell you, the plastic lobster freaked me out for some reason, almost as bad as the guy walking on the glass. Venice was interesting, muscle beach and rollerblading guy with the guitar. But we had a nice lunch.
After Venice Beach we dropped a couple people off at LAX since this was the end of the tour. The rest of us headed down to our hotel in Anaheim. We all settled in to our rooms and went to dinner then the hotel bar for drinks. We had a lot of fun together for our last night, it was sad saying our last goodbyes and reminiscing about the trip.
The next morning I was up early and off to the airport to fly home...
At Venice Beach we saw a glass walker and I got to help with his show. Let me tell you, the plastic lobster freaked me out for some reason, almost as bad as the guy walking on the glass. Venice was interesting, muscle beach and rollerblading guy with the guitar. But we had a nice lunch.
After Venice Beach we dropped a couple people off at LAX since this was the end of the tour. The rest of us headed down to our hotel in Anaheim. We all settled in to our rooms and went to dinner then the hotel bar for drinks. We had a lot of fun together for our last night, it was sad saying our last goodbyes and reminiscing about the trip.
The next morning I was up early and off to the airport to fly home...
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Update on fall travel
I've been meaning to post this, but my job has been very demanding of my time lately, hopefully next week will be better. But here is an update on my fall travel.
I have all my hotels booked, I even have two booked in Knoxville. I'm debating staying at the downtown Holiday Inn or an independent downtown hotel - the hotel St. Oliver. While it's budget, it seems quirky and to have personality. It's also cheaper, and in a good location (I think). I haven't made the decision officially, but I have some time. I am leaning toward the St. Oliver.
I've also got a car rental secured, unfortunately it's much more expensive then I thought. I'm playing around on priceline though trying to find something cheaper, but I doubt I'll save much money, but I'll keep trying.
I have all my hotels booked, I even have two booked in Knoxville. I'm debating staying at the downtown Holiday Inn or an independent downtown hotel - the hotel St. Oliver. While it's budget, it seems quirky and to have personality. It's also cheaper, and in a good location (I think). I haven't made the decision officially, but I have some time. I am leaning toward the St. Oliver.
I've also got a car rental secured, unfortunately it's much more expensive then I thought. I'm playing around on priceline though trying to find something cheaper, but I doubt I'll save much money, but I'll keep trying.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
California Highlights Part 6 San Fran to Santa Barbara
This morning we boarded the bus and headed down to Santa Barbara. We arrived in Santa Barbara in the early afternoon and walked around Sterns Warf and some of the stores on State Street. I wasn't overly impressed with Santa Barbara, not much there and kinda expensive.
After Sterns Warf we went to the hotel, which was very nice and a bunch of us went in the hot tub to chill out for a bit. We had dinner at the hotel and then we headed out to some bar in Santa Barbara where we played pool, danced and generally had a good time. The bar closed at 2am so at 1:30 they had last call and at 1:45 told everyone to get the fuck out, it was great! We call cabs to get back to the hotel and hung out in someone's room for a while talking. We had found out earlier that 2 people on our tour were actually Tour Managers in Europe with Contiki so I got a couple tips from them for future trips.
After Sterns Warf we went to the hotel, which was very nice and a bunch of us went in the hot tub to chill out for a bit. We had dinner at the hotel and then we headed out to some bar in Santa Barbara where we played pool, danced and generally had a good time. The bar closed at 2am so at 1:30 they had last call and at 1:45 told everyone to get the fuck out, it was great! We call cabs to get back to the hotel and hung out in someone's room for a while talking. We had found out earlier that 2 people on our tour were actually Tour Managers in Europe with Contiki so I got a couple tips from them for future trips.
Monday, August 10, 2009
California Highlights Part 5 - More San Fran
The first thing we had to do this morning was say goodbye to the those who had done the LA to the Bay tour, this was the end of their tour. Then we were off to breakfast (the best breakfast of the tour) at Pier 39 and then take the 9am ferry to Alcatraz. After breakfast we had some time to goof off and take some silly picture.
At Alcatraz we did one of those tours where you rent the headphones and it tells you stuff, I found this whole thing exciting since I was interested in prisons when I was in college. This was a highlight of my trip. We also went on part of a live tour of the underground that the Military had used before it was a Federal Prison.
After Alcatraz we went over to the Ghirardelli factory shopping center thing, which was very nice. After that I was starving so my group broke off and I went off with the kookie guy from Vegas for lunch. We ended up at some quaint little restaurant where the guy working their thought we were a couple, then thought we were with a church group, then that we were gay. It was an interesting lunch. Then we headed up to Lombard Street where we ran into other people from the tour, it's amazing how small a city becomes when you're on a tour. At this point I went back to sightseeing with my regular group and we headed off to Chinatown on the cable cars. It was a nice ride through the city. After Chinatown we saw some other stuff, Coit Tower, Washington Church (I think that's the name), and the Trans American Pyramid.
After touring the city we went back to the hotel to chill a bit then went to dinner with a bunch of people, after wandering a bit we finally found a place to eat. After dinner some went in the hotel hot tub and there was a room party where I heard some guy in the hotel had been arrested while someone on the tour was on the phone with his mother in Australia. Good times had by all!
At Alcatraz we did one of those tours where you rent the headphones and it tells you stuff, I found this whole thing exciting since I was interested in prisons when I was in college. This was a highlight of my trip. We also went on part of a live tour of the underground that the Military had used before it was a Federal Prison.
After Alcatraz we went over to the Ghirardelli factory shopping center thing, which was very nice. After that I was starving so my group broke off and I went off with the kookie guy from Vegas for lunch. We ended up at some quaint little restaurant where the guy working their thought we were a couple, then thought we were with a church group, then that we were gay. It was an interesting lunch. Then we headed up to Lombard Street where we ran into other people from the tour, it's amazing how small a city becomes when you're on a tour. At this point I went back to sightseeing with my regular group and we headed off to Chinatown on the cable cars. It was a nice ride through the city. After Chinatown we saw some other stuff, Coit Tower, Washington Church (I think that's the name), and the Trans American Pyramid.
After touring the city we went back to the hotel to chill a bit then went to dinner with a bunch of people, after wandering a bit we finally found a place to eat. After dinner some went in the hotel hot tub and there was a room party where I heard some guy in the hotel had been arrested while someone on the tour was on the phone with his mother in Australia. Good times had by all!
Friday, August 7, 2009
California Highlights Part 4 - San Fran
We were up early for breakfast and the drive to San Francisco. All I really remember about the drive to San Fran was watching The Rock in honor of our visit to San Fran. Once in town we were dropped off at Pier 39 to get lunch and walk around a bit. Finding something for lunch was tough since I'm not much of a fish eater, I eventually broke down and had some fried shrimps. We also did some shopping and I bought an awesome shirt to wear to dinner that night.
After we were picked up from Pier 39 we were taken on a city tour. We went to our hotel then and were given some time to chill out before going to the optional dinner in Chinatown. I went out with a couple people around San Fran in our free time, we saw their City Hall which was a nice building. Then we went back and got ready for dinner. On the way to dinner we took a cable car into Chinatown. The dinner was ok, I distinctly remember someone at my table insulting the staff by refusing the soup, apparently that's not appropriate. It turned into an amusing cultural exchange.
After dinner we all went to a bar not too far from Chinatown. After that I went home in a cab with a couple people and the rest went to a club.
After we were picked up from Pier 39 we were taken on a city tour. We went to our hotel then and were given some time to chill out before going to the optional dinner in Chinatown. I went out with a couple people around San Fran in our free time, we saw their City Hall which was a nice building. Then we went back and got ready for dinner. On the way to dinner we took a cable car into Chinatown. The dinner was ok, I distinctly remember someone at my table insulting the staff by refusing the soup, apparently that's not appropriate. It turned into an amusing cultural exchange.
After dinner we all went to a bar not too far from Chinatown. After that I went home in a cab with a couple people and the rest went to a club.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
California Highlights Part 3 - Yosemite
After breakfast we were off to beautiful Yosemite National Park for some hiking. Hiking? I thought this was a vacation? A couple of us decided to do the Upper Yosemite Fall Trail hike to Columbia Rock, but ended up going almost to the top of Upper Yosemite Fall...
As we got close to the top A.J. (my roommate) and I decided to head back down as it was getting late and we were getting tired. We ran into Bon (our very cool driver) on the way down and finished hiking down with her. By the time we got down we only had time for a quick snack, which sucked since we were hungry. We we got back to the Chalets a couple people did laundry and a couple of us headed to the hot tub, it was the only water sports we could do since it was winter, but it was nice to relax.
Tonight we had to make our own dinners, which meant going to the grocery store to get something to make in the kitchen, unless you wanted to spend a lot of money at the restaurant in the chalet village. We bought some microwave type stuff and ate in the Chalet.
After dinner we went to a room party at one of the Chalets.
As we got close to the top A.J. (my roommate) and I decided to head back down as it was getting late and we were getting tired. We ran into Bon (our very cool driver) on the way down and finished hiking down with her. By the time we got down we only had time for a quick snack, which sucked since we were hungry. We we got back to the Chalets a couple people did laundry and a couple of us headed to the hot tub, it was the only water sports we could do since it was winter, but it was nice to relax.
Tonight we had to make our own dinners, which meant going to the grocery store to get something to make in the kitchen, unless you wanted to spend a lot of money at the restaurant in the chalet village. We bought some microwave type stuff and ate in the Chalet.
After dinner we went to a room party at one of the Chalets.
Monday, August 3, 2009
California Highlights part 2
I was up around 6am to get ready and get to the Hotel where the tour would leave. When I arrived I found out I was early. I had to wait a bit to meet the Tour Manager, Dan, who sent me with coupons to get some breakfast. After breakfast I got on the bus and met Ty, who was still drunk from the night before and a couple other people. Apparently a bunch of people had stayed out all night, so I knew this was going to be a good tour!
Las Vegas was the end of the tour for those doing Western Highlights, and the beginning for those of us doing the California Highlights. In honor of us everyone had to do introductions then Dan played the day song - Around the World by Red Hot Chili Peppers. While we were on our way to Yosemite I got to see the worlds largest thermometer and windmills designed to generate electricity, which I think look kinda cool. After 2 or so hours of driving we had our first stop at an outlet center, I did some shopping (bought some sandals) and had lunch at In N Out Burger, a good opportunity to get to know people on the tour.
After that we were back on the bus and on the way to Yosemite. Our hotel for the next two nights would be Chalets on Bass Lake. The Chalets were cool, each had a kitchen and living room on the main floor, an upstairs loft and downstairs was a bedroom with two beds and a bathroom. The only drawback was that there was 4 to a Chalet so you had to juggle 4 people into the bathroom in the morning to get ready.
When we got in we had dinner at the hotel, another opportunity to get to know people. After dinner we hit the bar for drinks.
Las Vegas was the end of the tour for those doing Western Highlights, and the beginning for those of us doing the California Highlights. In honor of us everyone had to do introductions then Dan played the day song - Around the World by Red Hot Chili Peppers. While we were on our way to Yosemite I got to see the worlds largest thermometer and windmills designed to generate electricity, which I think look kinda cool. After 2 or so hours of driving we had our first stop at an outlet center, I did some shopping (bought some sandals) and had lunch at In N Out Burger, a good opportunity to get to know people on the tour.
After that we were back on the bus and on the way to Yosemite. Our hotel for the next two nights would be Chalets on Bass Lake. The Chalets were cool, each had a kitchen and living room on the main floor, an upstairs loft and downstairs was a bedroom with two beds and a bathroom. The only drawback was that there was 4 to a Chalet so you had to juggle 4 people into the bathroom in the morning to get ready.
When we got in we had dinner at the hotel, another opportunity to get to know people. After dinner we hit the bar for drinks.
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