I am off to New Orleans for Jazzfest tomorrow…strike another thing off the bucket list. NoLa rocks anyways but the lineup for this weekend is just awesome!
Lucky Dogs and 3 for 1 beers. I also enjoy watching the police clear the street at 3-4 in the morning and beat down stupid drunks as they refuse to leave or mess with the horses.
NOLA is the best!
Any recommendations on a place to stay in San Francisco? I've been there once, but it was for a work conference so we had to stay by the airport.
My wife and I are going on a short trip and would like a decent hotel in a nice central location.
My wife and I stayed at the Omni several years ago. It's an old bank building with a tremendous lobby/bar area and the rooms were very nice. I think I stumbled into a good deal when booking but don't recall the details.
Convenient location on California Street so it was easy to catch a cable car and also a short walk to Market if we wanted to catch a street car or bus. One of the best parts - at least then - is they had a free architecture walking tour on one of the weekend morning that was fantastic. IIRC ours was led by a former prof at UC-Berkley. No idea if it's still offered but it was definitely a trip highlight for us.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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My wife and I stayed at the Omni several years ago. It’s an old bank building with a tremendous lobby/bar area and the rooms were very nice. I think I stumbled into a good deal when booking but don’t recall the details. Convenient location on California Street so it was easy to catch a cable car and also a short walk to Market if we wanted to catch a street car or bus. One of the best parts – at least then – is they had a free architecture walking tour on one of the weekend morning that was fantastic. IIRC ours was led by a former prof at UC-Berkley. No idea if it’s still offered but it was definitely a trip highlight for us.
I was out in San Francisco for work once many years back, but it was definitely fantastic.
I've been stuck in hotel rooms that were only very slightly larger than the bathroom I had at the Omni.
B1G refs... corrupt, or just incompetent?
Any recommendations on a place to stay in San Francisco? I’ve been there once, but it was for a work conference so we had to stay by the airport. My wife and I are going on a short trip and would like a decent hotel in a nice central location.
Try the Pineapple Hotel at Union Square. Good priced boutique type hotel. I’ve stayed at both the SF one and San Diego. I think they still offer a stay 2 nights get a third free. Rooms aren’t huge unless you get one with a couch, but nice touches, happy hour in the lobby, free bikes, stuff like that.
What have I got? I got no snacks and I got no respect.
Travis-age 6
Orchard Garden Hotel in San Fran is solid.
As for NoLa it is both a dump and awesome. It is very old, very dirty but so much fun! Great vibe and awesome restaurants and bars. If you don't like a bleepshow stay off bourbon!
The girlfriend loves the Garden District so we usually stay there but since it is Jazzfest and we are taking the shuttle to the show we are staying at a boutique hotel in the French Quarter.
I am off to New Orleans for Jazzfest tomorrow…strike another thing off the bucket list. NoLa rocks anyways but the lineup for this weekend is just awesome!
I’ve heard such mixed reviews from people about NoLa. Pretty much either a complete dump or the best place ever. No in between.
We went for 4 days, stayed in the French Quarter and enjoyed it. There’s lots of cool stuff to just walk around and see like the Museum of Death, Jackson Square, French Market, Preservation Hall, Hall of Voodoo, Audubon Museum plus just cool architecture. Theres so many cool little places to eat that you can’t go wrong. And the people watching is first rate…we saw a lady pushing a stroller with a skunk in it. Outside of the French Quarter I can see why people think it’s a dump.
The first bar we walked into after checking into the hotel was hosting a homemade bikini contest, and I had just started as we walked into the back room. I was probably a little too naiive as I was not expecting bikinis made of cling wrap or whipped cream. I voted for the peanut butter bikini (creamy, of course).
The weekend only got better until we stumbled across a naked couple in the bushes. They made eye contact with us and announced “hey Vikings fans, we’re peeing in the forest!”
Great City!
I am off to New Orleans for Jazzfest tomorrow…strike another thing off the bucket list. NoLa rocks anyways but the lineup for this weekend is just awesome!
I’ve heard such mixed reviews from people about NoLa. Pretty much either a complete dump or the best place ever. No in between.
We went for 4 days, stayed in the French Quarter and enjoyed it. There’s lots of cool stuff to just walk around and see like the Museum of Death, Jackson Square, French Market, Preservation Hall, Hall of Voodoo, Audubon Museum plus just cool architecture. Theres so many cool little places to eat that you can’t go wrong. And the people watching is first rate…we saw a lady pushing a stroller with a skunk in it. Outside of the French Quarter I can see why people think it’s a dump.
I saw two "Little People" so drunk they could barely stand walking on Bourbon street, followed by a family pulling their kids in a Radio Flyer. Then the cop at the end of the street kept playing "Bad Boys" on his PA in his car and freaking people out 
WWII Museum is also worth the trip even if you hate NoLa...it is beyond amazing. 3 full buildings including one with a dozen actual planes hanging from the ceiling. I have gone 3 times and still have not seen everything.
WWII Museum is also worth the trip even if you hate NoLa…it is beyond amazing. 3 full buildings including one with a dozen actual planes hanging from the ceiling. I have gone 3 times and still have not seen everything.
I believe that museum has one of two surviving gliders from the Normandy invasion. There is one in the Normandy museum in Sainte-Mère-Église and I seem to recall our tour guide telling us the other was in the New Orleans museum. Basically made of plywood & some fabric....can't' even imagine what those guys went through.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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Yes - it’s right there when you walk in. It doesn’t take long going through that museum to 1) realize the sacrifice WWII veterans made for defending their country and 2) shake your head at how anyone who fought in the war actually returned home alive
I spent nearly a full day there and never left the area just focused on the Pacific theater. I believe the 3rd building opened the year after I went
On a similar note, the WWI museum in Kansas City is worth a trip if you're in the area.
On a similar note, the WWI museum in Kansas City is worth a trip if you’re in the area.
I went there last year...very cool I agree!
Yes – it’s right there when you walk in. It doesn’t take long going through that museum to 1) realize the sacrifice WWII veterans made for defending their country and 2) shake your head at how anyone who fought in the war actually returned home alive I spent nearly a full day there and never left the area just focused on the Pacific theater. I believe the 3rd building opened the year after I went
My gf's great uncle was a tailgunner in the big bombers...when I pointed out where he sat on one hanging in the museum her eyes bugged out of her head.
The only place I specifically remember by name in NoLa is the Cat's Meow. If it's still there and hasn't changed format it's a you-know-what bar, but fun, fun, fun.
Damn that Kevin Lynch!
The only place I specifically remember by name in NoLa is the Cat’s Meow. If it’s still there and hasn’t changed format it’s a you-know-what bar, but fun, fun, fun. Damn that Kevin Lynch!
Is it a salad bar?
Sushi bar. Cats love raw fish
Bonin is close.
Pretty sure my girlfriend doesn't want to go there 
The only place I specifically remember by name in NoLa is the Cat’s Meow. If it’s still there and hasn’t changed format it’s a you-know-what bar, but fun, fun, fun. Damn that Kevin Lynch!
Is it a salad bar?
it’s a ballet
Headed to Asheville in early August. Any recommendations? Mainly there for a bachelor party but looking for beers and food plus outdoor options like hiking or biking or rafting
We just returned from 19 days traveling in Croatia, what a beautiful and interesting country, I highly recommend it. This was our youngest nephews High School graduation trip, our gift to him. We’ve taken all our nephews and niece on the trip of their choice. Sounds indulgent (it is) but we get to travel somewhere too. ?
Flew into Zagreb for a few days, mostly just walked around, took a cooking class. Smoked fish spread, prune stuffed pork tenderloin in wine sauce, apricot strudel with us stretching our own strudel dough! Then we traveled down the coast to Split, stopping for 4 hrs at Plitvice Natl Park. 4 hrs was not enough, a stunning wonderland of pools, waterfalls and rocky outcrops. At Split we picked up our sailboat, 42 ft boat who was a beauty. My husband was a very happy sailor and it was quite manageable with 3 people. Sailed the Dalmatian Coast, islands of Solta, Hvar, Vis and Brac. Water was crystal clear turquoise, cool but perfect for swimming. Nephew got his eyes opened to European habits/quirks. Like overweight mid-aged Germans swimming naked off the back of their boat! Ha. Unfortunately for him, no pretty topless women, just beer bellies. That was countered with the fact he could drink alcohol at 18. After sailing for a week we traveled to the Istria Peninsula, very Italian. Stayed in Rovingi as our base but spent 4 days exploring tiny hilltop villages, fantastic wineries and we went truffle hunting. Croatian truffles are the same as Italian or French, but not known outside Croatia. They are half the price! We spent 1 1/2 hours on a hike through the woods with a guide and trained truffle dog. She found about a dozen, mostly golf ball size, but one at 164 grams! Then back for a truffle lunch.
Food was wonderful, lots of seafood on the coast and islands, I had all the grilled squid I wanted. Yummm. But overall the influence is very Italian or Austrian/Hungarian. Delicious wines, good beer. Not crowded in June, but more then one local mentioned massive crowds due in August. Croatia is a very popular European vacation destination.
Our nephew loved it, his first time Internationally traveling. He was easy going, adventurous and open to new experiences, although again not impressed with naked Germans?. He starts college beginning of August for Mechanical Engineering.
What have I got? I got no snacks and I got no respect.
Travis-age 6
We just returned from 19 days traveling in Croatia, what a beautiful and interesting country, I highly recommend it. This was our youngest nephews High School graduation trip, our gift to him. We’ve taken all our nephews and niece on the trip of their choice. Sounds indulgent (it is) but we get to travel somewhere too. ?
Flew into Zagreb for a few days, mostly just walked around, took a cooking class. Smoked fish spread, prune stuffed pork tenderloin in wine sauce, apricot strudel with us stretching our own strudel dough! Then we traveled down the coast to Split, stopping for 4 hrs at Plitvice Natl Park. 4 hrs was not enough, a stunning wonderland of pools, waterfalls and rocky outcrops. At Split we picked up our sailboat, 42 ft boat who was a beauty. My husband was a very happy sailor and it was quite manageable with 3 people. Sailed the Dalmatian Coast, islands of Solta, Hvar, Vis and Brac. Water was crystal clear turquoise, cool but perfect for swimming. Nephew got his eyes opened to European habits/quirks. Like overweight mid-aged Germans swimming naked off the back of their boat! Ha. Unfortunately for him, no pretty topless women, just beer bellies. That was countered with the fact he could drink alcohol at 18. After sailing for a week we traveled to the Istria Peninsula, very Italian. Stayed in Rovingi as our base but spent 4 days exploring tiny hilltop villages, fantastic wineries and we went truffle hunting. Croatian truffles are the same as Italian or French, but not known outside Croatia. They are half the price! We spent 1 1/2 hours on a hike through the woods with a guide and trained truffle dog. She found about a dozen, mostly golf ball size, but one at 164 grams! Then back for a truffle lunch.
Food was wonderful, lots of seafood on the coast and islands, I had all the grilled squid I wanted. Yummm. But overall the influence is very Italian or Austrian/Hungarian. Delicious wines, good beer. Not crowded in June, but more then one local mentioned massive crowds due in August. Croatia is a very popular European vacation destination.Our nephew loved it, his first time Internationally traveling. He was easy going, adventurous and open to new experiences, although again not impressed with naked Germans?. He starts college beginning of August for Mechanical Engineering.
If you need an excuse to travel again I will loan myself out as a surrogate cousin. I have graduated high school but have not travelled abroad…..yet (wink).
I am also very appreciative and easy going during free trips.
We do not need an excuse but thanks for offering lol. Our next adventure is the Amazon in early November.
What have I got? I got no snacks and I got no respect.
Travis-age 6
Anybody been to Canada lately? We're planning on next week. There's a 25 step form called arrivecan that must be filled out on your phone prior to crossing the border. We can't get the stupid thing to work. Our son is good with computers and he couldn't get through step 1. :ddown:
Anybody been to Canada lately? We’re planning on next week. There’s a 25 step form called arrivecan that must be filled out on your phone prior to crossing the border. We can’t get the stupid thing to work. Our son is good with computers and he couldn’t get through step 1.
Just a few weeks ago. I've used ArriveCan twice. You have to be within 72 hours of crossing the border or it won't let you advance.
When we went a few weeks ago I remember my dad had some trouble on his phone (Android). It locked up. Mine (iPhone) had no issues. At the end of the process you can add another person to your ArriveCan trip. Since my dad's phone was locking up, I just added him to mine and we had no issues when we crossed the border. My other friends with Android phones had no issues, so I am not claiming an Android problem. Only that there is a way to add multiple people to one ArriveCan trip.
We crossed at Pigeon River and the were still not taxing for extra booze. We brought more than the 1L or 24 cans allowed and they didn't charge duty. But make sure you don't try to cross with chicken or eggs. You will be sent back to the US to drop them in the garbage. Same on the way back.
Anybody been to Canada lately? We’re planning on next week. There’s a 25 step form called arrivecan that must be filled out on your phone prior to crossing the border. We can’t get the stupid thing to work. Our son is good with computers and he couldn’t get through step 1.
Just a few weeks ago. I’ve used ArriveCan twice. You have to be within 72 hours of crossing the border or it won’t let you advance.
We used it in December. Bertogliat is correct, you can’t use it before 72 hours. I waited until 48 and it worked perfectly. I did 48 to deal with any delayed flights as it is when you ARRIVE, not when your flight leaves, so factor in any potential arrival issues. You can add more then one person on one app form, I did both my husband and myself on my phone.
What have I got? I got no snacks and I got no respect.
Travis-age 6
Anybody been to Canada lately? We’re planning on next week. There’s a 25 step form called arrivecan that must be filled out on your phone prior to crossing the border. We can’t get the stupid thing to work. Our son is good with computers and he couldn’t get through step 1.
Just a few weeks ago. I’ve used ArriveCan twice. You have to be within 72 hours of crossing the border or it won’t let you advance.
We used it in December. Bertogliat is correct, you can’t use it before 72 hours. I waited until 48 and it worked perfectly. I did 48 to deal with any delayed flights as it is when you ARRIVE, not when your flight leaves, so factor in any potential arrival issues. You can add more then one person on one app form, I did both my husband and myself on my phone.
Thanks guys. I'm kinda nervous about this as I'm not a big tech person.
Anybody been to Canada lately? We’re planning on next week. There’s a 25 step form called arrivecan that must be filled out on your phone prior to crossing the border. We can’t get the stupid thing to work. Our son is good with computers and he couldn’t get through step 1.
Just a few weeks ago. I’ve used ArriveCan twice. You have to be within 72 hours of crossing the border or it won’t let you advance.
We used it in December. Bertogliat is correct, you can’t use it before 72 hours. I waited until 48 and it worked perfectly. I did 48 to deal with any delayed flights as it is when you ARRIVE, not when your flight leaves, so factor in any potential arrival issues. You can add more then one person on one app form, I did both my husband and myself on my phone.
Thanks guys. I’m kinda nervous about this as I’m not a big tech person.
My Father-In-Law doesn't have a smartphone and had to get into Canada for a fishing trip so I helped him fill out the form on ArriveCan so he could take a printed copy of the QR code with him instead - worked perfectly. So if you're nervous about using the actual app that would be an option as well.
Back from our trip to Jasper, Banff, and Glacier National Parks. Indescribable beauty everywhere you look. Saw bears, big horned sheep, and mountain goats. Walked on the Athabasca Glacier in Jasper.
Now for the bad part. We no more than got home and my wife and I both started coughing up a storm. Went to walk in testing and both Covid+. They prescribed the anti viral pills so we got started on them right away. Severe sore throats, chills, and non stop coughing.
What a lousy way to end a great trip!
Back from our trip to Jasper, Banff, and Glacier National Parks. Indescribable beauty everywhere you look. Saw bears, big horned sheep, and mountain goats. Walked on the Athabasca Glacier in Jasper.
Now for the bad part. We no more than got home and my wife and I both started coughing up a storm. Went to walk in testing and both Covid+. They prescribed the anti viral pills so we got started on them right away. Severe sore throats, chills, and non stop coughing.
What a lousy way to end a great trip!
At least it didn’t happen during your trip!
Hope you have a speedy recovery and no long term effects!
We’ve officially booked a trip to Amsterdam for late October.
Anyone been there that time of year? Sights to see?
Back from our trip to Jasper, Banff, and Glacier National Parks. Indescribable beauty everywhere you look. Saw bears, big horned sheep, and mountain goats. Walked on the Athabasca Glacier in Jasper.
Now for the bad part. We no more than got home and my wife and I both started coughing up a storm. Went to walk in testing and both Covid+. They prescribed the anti viral pills so we got started on them right away. Severe sore throats, chills, and non stop coughing.
What a lousy way to end a great trip!
My wife tested positive for Covid the day after we returned from San Francisco. Can't wait for my work trip next week to see if I end up in a similar spot.
We’ve officially booked a trip to Amsterdam for late October.
Anyone been there that time of year? Sights to see?
It will be chilly but not outrageously so. I can highly recommend get the IAMsterdam card, good for 24/48/72 hours and gets you all kinds of perks. Free canal boat ride, fast lane entrance into most museums, etc. restaurant discounts kind of suck as they’re all tourist spots.
Maritime Museum is great. Much more interesting then I expected, inside and waterfront exhibits. Included w/card
Rembrandt House is very cool. It’s his actual house and studio. They do a rotating exhibit of things, along with a house tour you can do on your own. IWC
Rijksmuseum. IWC and you get the fast pass lane. Otherwise you can be waiting over an hour to get in. Because we had the card we only went to the Dutch Masters and the Delft galleries.
My opinion, but don’t waste your time with the Anne Frank House. It’s privately owned so not IWC. The lines are long and slow, they no longer let you in the attic, just show you the hidden door. You are shuffling in a line, very strict, no lingering, keep moving. It was a mess. As a historian I was also disappointed in their information, less true facts and too much Anne the Saint. Do Jews have saints? But you get my drift.
Please eat at an Indonesian restaurant and do the “rice table”. Popular from the Dutch Indies shipping era, a rice table consists of dozens of dishes so you can sample the various food. It is not really spicy, but most are highly flavorful. I can PM a good one that my friend who lives in Amsterdam recommended.
Also sample the different croquettes, another Dutch favorite. Croquettes and a beer was often our lunch.
What have I got? I got no snacks and I got no respect.
Travis-age 6
We’ve officially booked a trip to Amsterdam for late October.
Anyone been there that time of year? Sights to see?
Make sure that you check the Covid restrictions. I just had to change my upcoming trip because of them. Apparently the Netherlands are one of the few, if not only, EU/Schengen countries that still has restrictions
We’ve officially booked a trip to Amsterdam for late October.
Anyone been there that time of year? Sights to see?
It will be chilly but not outrageously so. I can highly recommend get the IAMsterdam card, good for 24/48/72 hours and gets you all kinds of perks. Free canal boat ride, fast lane entrance into most museums, etc. restaurant discounts kind of suck as they’re all tourist spots.
Maritime Museum is great. Much more interesting then I expected, inside and waterfront exhibits. Included w/card
Rembrandt House is very cool. It’s his actual house and studio. They do a rotating exhibit of things, along with a house tour you can do on your own. IWC
Rijksmuseum. IWC and you get the fast pass lane. Otherwise you can be waiting over an hour to get in. Because we had the card we only went to the Dutch Masters and the Delft galleries.
My opinion, but don’t waste your time with the Anne Frank House. It’s privately owned so not IWC. The lines are long and slow, they no longer let you in the attic, just show you the hidden door. You are shuffling in a line, very strict, no lingering, keep moving. It was a mess. As a historian I was also disappointed in their information, less true facts and too much Anne the Saint. Do Jews have saints? But you get my drift.
Please eat at an Indonesian restaurant and do the “rice table”. Popular from the Dutch Indies shipping era, a rice table consists of dozens of dishes so you can sample the various food. It is not really spicy, but most are highly flavorful. I can PM a good one that my friend who lives in Amsterdam recommended.
Also sample the different croquettes, another Dutch favorite. Croquettes and a beer was often our lunch.
What’s IWC?
Included w/ card
The Minnesota couple killed in the plane crash near Seattle were friends with my sister and BIL, and one of their kids played softball and hockey with my niece. I didn't know them but I feel awful for that family.
We just got back from 11 days at Disney and Universal in Orlando. We had a really good time and it was fun to see Universal for the first time.
Disney has some pretty cool stuff that’s new in the last 5-6 years between Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story World and the new Guardians of the Galaxy ride, but they’ve gotten extremely expensive while taking away some of the ‘good’ customer experiences. I suspect this is just going to continue to be the case and make it much more of a one-time trip for many families
The best part of not having kids is not having to justify going to Di$ney World. I went once when I was 13 and have never even considered going back.
Jane = Disney!
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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The best part of not having kids is not having to justify going to Di$ney World. I went once when I was 13 and have never even considered going back.
My wife and I have gone to Disney without the kids before and had a pretty fun time. We've done a couple cruises with Disney as well and have always said we'd go on one of those without the kids in the future.
As expensive as Disney is getting they still are pretty darn good at entertainment. With some of the changes though I don't think I'd want to go again during Spring Break or another 'peak' time. It was crazy hot as you'd expect in late August but the crowd sizes were pretty manageable.
On the flip side I don't really have a need to go back to Universal anytime soon. The Harry Potter areas were interesting but outside of that and one roller coaster all their rides all seem the same. There also wasn't as much entertainment and other stuff to do in my opinion.
The best part of not having kids is not having to justify going to Di$ney World. I went once when I was 13 and have never even considered going back.
Agreed. I went in high school as part of an “educational” trip for national honor society. Great time then but I don’t think you could pay me to go there today.
My kids never asked to go to DisneyWorld, and I think they're too old to want to go now. I feel like we dodged a bullet. Taking out a second mortgage to experience hell on earth is not my idea of a fun vacation.
My kids never asked to go to either. My daughter did go there with the Lancers one summer and said it was over hyped and overpriced. Overall my family is more of a "natures wonders" kind of people rather than going to the trappings of a theme park.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
Yeah I spent two weeks in South Africa and probably paid less overall than it could cost to spend a week in Orlando...
Yeah I spent two weeks in South Africa and probably paid less overall than it could cost to spend a week in Orlando...
We went to Thailand in 2007 and 17 days there was cheaper than a week at DisneyWorld.
We will go back I’m sure again in a few years. We do have fun going every 5 or so years (much like Vegas) but we aren’t going to suddenly join their vacation club or get an annual pass. We have other places we want to go