tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46488297755451824252024-03-05T04:35:32.097-08:00Frugal FliersUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-19651056828364055862022-01-17T09:00:00.049-08:002022-01-17T09:00:00.169-08:00Getting around Heraklion and to Knossos Palace by public transit<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisfHt1l0zgJWKI7WOZ-TI3_mjbNBAdPCcNIfPOpNjosbJejg6eKWYfkoAwTXSYA6frIQq6efUrpYyeEjJ-nfbBTrhzqaiE-Bsa3jMXuIPeJLWbF5spVqMI2753ii2AIuZX8nyQ8bKwKKrQWokrAd5osrMbt209zhhsZyazrjwc9hFNpMkw1tkx67E=s1177" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEisfHt1l0zgJWKI7WOZ-TI3_mjbNBAdPCcNIfPOpNjosbJejg6eKWYfkoAwTXSYA6frIQq6efUrpYyeEjJ-nfbBTrhzqaiE-Bsa3jMXuIPeJLWbF5spVqMI2753ii2AIuZX8nyQ8bKwKKrQWokrAd5osrMbt209zhhsZyazrjwc9hFNpMkw1tkx67E=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br />Heraklion was one of our favorite stops on our Greece cruise.<p></p><p>Not only was the city easy to navigate from the port, but it didn’t require the use of a tender. Let’s explore how you can save some big money by skipping the pricy cruise excursions and using public transit to get around.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigbN4UdPmFi4CCptSVwY_rzXDJz-OF1NqGuUqCxmth2M_6KzwxYN53ctMU6AkznWidX3-ztAIry8ikG9tPqrC5RotW9XSjykuBCxZbtWJHwwdOlFCQnzr6m8s0O_r1djD96iI5IaR5c7lgxMVUalFcN7N8pvoSvY4DDOAIJYlNsupIrc_uDzXAv_0=s1124" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1124" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigbN4UdPmFi4CCptSVwY_rzXDJz-OF1NqGuUqCxmth2M_6KzwxYN53ctMU6AkznWidX3-ztAIry8ikG9tPqrC5RotW9XSjykuBCxZbtWJHwwdOlFCQnzr6m8s0O_r1djD96iI5IaR5c7lgxMVUalFcN7N8pvoSvY4DDOAIJYlNsupIrc_uDzXAv_0=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>The port has a large map to help visitors orient themselves. You’ll notice the bus station is just a short walk away from the port. From there, you can get just about anywhere in the city. There is also a free shuttle bus from the port </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Knossos Palace</h2><p>Our first stop after breakfast was Knossos Palace. We walked a few blocks to the urban bus station (not the intercity bus station) and caught Bus 2 to Knossos. I recommend buying a round-trip ticket for €3.40, if possible. Onboard, the fare is €2.50 each way although the fare machines were all broken when we were at the bus station. Either way, it’s much cheaper than the shore excursions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUIXQ53ibs2Eu8LgvJGX9Cal2KMGQOgKygMtWQPUyIHYw9juLB9PcNJDDneaaTrm6QuH3AOVYCy6zhy203klVJMXxvkPvn8h7-B8hgd6bQchAyb5MJ33tKtBvFDzIGuZpGvTLUDs7mT9Kak_OVibKRv5F-A9m5xKvu938ZaT3PJ2PT1Fz6ZL7QXuE=s1124" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1124" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUIXQ53ibs2Eu8LgvJGX9Cal2KMGQOgKygMtWQPUyIHYw9juLB9PcNJDDneaaTrm6QuH3AOVYCy6zhy203klVJMXxvkPvn8h7-B8hgd6bQchAyb5MJ33tKtBvFDzIGuZpGvTLUDs7mT9Kak_OVibKRv5F-A9m5xKvu938ZaT3PJ2PT1Fz6ZL7QXuE=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p>Bus 2 runs every 10-15 minutes to Knossos Palace. The ride will take about 20-30 minutes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNPMIqRm4ynp0_pv7sqPNPjMS4MC3Gx5yAeUHY8Ui-5LtJ9bBmgSolkO7If_n2W5EI2dr5J8ImkcWEEIq02zZXdAU_tow6PuI8TnAZqk8EWFo2Fdr2hwjEM5EMLjhrLEvyny_2kR5c8R83GGyslQRDiIh0W771pH58mhMwXrrpLqICeWCfBhyNtec=s1177" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNPMIqRm4ynp0_pv7sqPNPjMS4MC3Gx5yAeUHY8Ui-5LtJ9bBmgSolkO7If_n2W5EI2dr5J8ImkcWEEIq02zZXdAU_tow6PuI8TnAZqk8EWFo2Fdr2hwjEM5EMLjhrLEvyny_2kR5c8R83GGyslQRDiIh0W771pH58mhMwXrrpLqICeWCfBhyNtec=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>We spent a few hours exploring the ruins and then caught the bus back to Heraklion. The stop is just to the right of the Knossos Palace exit. I would have taken a picture, but the bus was loading when we walked out and we didn’t want to miss it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg0FIuEtKYGbYJVTaA3d0kWQxnTAygH6ffbfiGbgRjZfzrWuxinV7QsJstxLxn0nxKXM-C6wfuR8DL4aytw0ix0y1evn-bFuzxH5g78zWEj_iaKINBgKxPRQB9zoxl8RcRscWWfMATTIGCSo7ZQpdnFgoDk5P-Cg4YlJcNEO2IF4oPPpPCLbRrnSw=s1124" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1124" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg0FIuEtKYGbYJVTaA3d0kWQxnTAygH6ffbfiGbgRjZfzrWuxinV7QsJstxLxn0nxKXM-C6wfuR8DL4aytw0ix0y1evn-bFuzxH5g78zWEj_iaKINBgKxPRQB9zoxl8RcRscWWfMATTIGCSo7ZQpdnFgoDk5P-Cg4YlJcNEO2IF4oPPpPCLbRrnSw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>We returned to the ship for a quick lunch, since the boat was tendered and we could easily access the dock. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Exploring Heraklion</h2><p>With full bellies, we then walked back out of the port to the CityBus red line stop located nearby. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4kxL5NmNAFrPsPvHTTUm2fU-FBxCodj7w04Xy5twGygD1QareUo_-HanXOLsnOddZCP3df_Qrc_ImhaZlM31n8P7aoJzBS2AnchT5FpOHdnGMxhJIykO4cbECcrgV3cxGXfSjHbtXzhksg8HikIEHA3O_RsZj52dyxWaC_R9UJAEM4z9Xvi5xL8U=s1124" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1124" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4kxL5NmNAFrPsPvHTTUm2fU-FBxCodj7w04Xy5twGygD1QareUo_-HanXOLsnOddZCP3df_Qrc_ImhaZlM31n8P7aoJzBS2AnchT5FpOHdnGMxhJIykO4cbECcrgV3cxGXfSjHbtXzhksg8HikIEHA3O_RsZj52dyxWaC_R9UJAEM4z9Xvi5xL8U=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>This is one of two free <a href="https://www.heraklion.gr/files/items/2/247/citybus.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bus routes provided by the city</a>. Note: there are two “red” bus stops at the port. One is for the free CityBus and the other is a paid tourist bus. The CityBus looks like a van (pictured above) while the tourist bus is a bus. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwC6qKB-o2wFY_sNmEBGdOGG9sTBnJEwxsOK2Ot3baTxmeO0icv2BheSchFnGSCirAiVX8hZD-bF18Rlch7zgeZdPhe0coEIzSSUa4Qn69gxegO240DkZeMfZ7T0bVxFunZhhMnZQiQRRA4raTbsXhX1dL_3NovjauvZgbzDfm0tvUtxuF0N6op00=s1124" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1124" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwC6qKB-o2wFY_sNmEBGdOGG9sTBnJEwxsOK2Ot3baTxmeO0icv2BheSchFnGSCirAiVX8hZD-bF18Rlch7zgeZdPhe0coEIzSSUa4Qn69gxegO240DkZeMfZ7T0bVxFunZhhMnZQiQRRA4raTbsXhX1dL_3NovjauvZgbzDfm0tvUtxuF0N6op00=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>We took the CityBus two stops to the archeological museum and were very happy not to have to walk uphill. We planned to take it again to other stops but instead decided to walk to nearby attractions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtRzAlTy6aWVMCbsdTWruuuqVYbGaoDJoD0aAOEPmR3jtotnCz6xGhOcd9kISqUyEpLgTMjZCP6cEhJvpvnMSfmpMO_VK0r5WKS96jsrGCd_4CZ6nk6mVS_whMih0Ua3HfgWpnowJ9VWhMPya_qmoVxnbYDyJKcfiysH1v3FZgA_TQY0MDNA7RDjA=s1124" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1124" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtRzAlTy6aWVMCbsdTWruuuqVYbGaoDJoD0aAOEPmR3jtotnCz6xGhOcd9kISqUyEpLgTMjZCP6cEhJvpvnMSfmpMO_VK0r5WKS96jsrGCd_4CZ6nk6mVS_whMih0Ua3HfgWpnowJ9VWhMPya_qmoVxnbYDyJKcfiysH1v3FZgA_TQY0MDNA7RDjA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>We ended our long day of sightseeing at the Venetian Harbor, which is 1km from the port, and stop #11 on the CityBus. We waited a few minutes for the bus to arrive and then made our way back to the ship. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1tu4aSlvgLtlz3MTiMyE5kXl6ufMV0dfXw5ioW7NGM3tHYw9uPJe3dFn6eoNmgHrjMPrH7k3_1_t6ZbS1GRnJAOV8wDsL7L5io-wmj-izSZEJAxb1OdU7DRfAPwLwAonYbU71TzC_R6f_lfocfm7KDBAsJ2cTqQiJDZcWDg0zJPNG5Q5LcfSRHq4=s1124" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1124" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1tu4aSlvgLtlz3MTiMyE5kXl6ufMV0dfXw5ioW7NGM3tHYw9uPJe3dFn6eoNmgHrjMPrH7k3_1_t6ZbS1GRnJAOV8wDsL7L5io-wmj-izSZEJAxb1OdU7DRfAPwLwAonYbU71TzC_R6f_lfocfm7KDBAsJ2cTqQiJDZcWDg0zJPNG5Q5LcfSRHq4=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>The route goes much further east than the bus map shows before entering a neighborhood and then turning back towards the port. It was full of locals every time we used it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYtkE-ZLme1jQ6i46kebcqiMK__qfjaau6hbh-8XpMHjP8zeznIjpPVQU3kfFNciGFA9liObcHzpZ5fUV1Casm7bSvckvllnKpIuwlJ174m79OM71FHcAotJNT4eDjxtYYwGJ_l-8niCt44yjPQwj8SZ86ZZvuR-Riiq0LMzQVdQjKrKYio7XD7ew=s1177" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYtkE-ZLme1jQ6i46kebcqiMK__qfjaau6hbh-8XpMHjP8zeznIjpPVQU3kfFNciGFA9liObcHzpZ5fUV1Casm7bSvckvllnKpIuwlJ174m79OM71FHcAotJNT4eDjxtYYwGJ_l-8niCt44yjPQwj8SZ86ZZvuR-Riiq0LMzQVdQjKrKYio7XD7ew=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>Heraklion is a fantastic city to visit and we greatly appreciated that it was easy to get around from the port using public transit. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuWXoS0G80MFC_NtlfxHfYF-Or6UYpf4NCAAqJlK8nUTnAZSyPxuqBN0TMuYV_-y7RF3G0OuX4xL2afNhm0mZSKqQcs9B5X54tkKpuqwTysBEVN0OjtPHdCvxhnjYCdveNlIukY4CODcyTv2ajTr8STUlid4AkaR0sYin7I8VtnsDWMz8aCtYWIYQ=s1177" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuWXoS0G80MFC_NtlfxHfYF-Or6UYpf4NCAAqJlK8nUTnAZSyPxuqBN0TMuYV_-y7RF3G0OuX4xL2afNhm0mZSKqQcs9B5X54tkKpuqwTysBEVN0OjtPHdCvxhnjYCdveNlIukY4CODcyTv2ajTr8STUlid4AkaR0sYin7I8VtnsDWMz8aCtYWIYQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>If you’re tight on time, you can also take a taxi around town. Drivers are often waiting for passengers when ships arrive.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigJNnTeHS_W8e9RwhmctWJqrNG-4w6AshjCDe8iL87XjM2lXvl8tg3lw8D7rkYF3Mo2kM-4oiIt2bPcXftafKzX18ibstjbUQUxnEt0rmq-y34tX0S-OpZ3sHa7ICCuxRbWl4CMosBHvDxOpEWpLx6a3jAHqqkQnWiKT8p6BDx_TTOL9ZSboFVn-Y=s1124" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1124" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigJNnTeHS_W8e9RwhmctWJqrNG-4w6AshjCDe8iL87XjM2lXvl8tg3lw8D7rkYF3Mo2kM-4oiIt2bPcXftafKzX18ibstjbUQUxnEt0rmq-y34tX0S-OpZ3sHa7ICCuxRbWl4CMosBHvDxOpEWpLx6a3jAHqqkQnWiKT8p6BDx_TTOL9ZSboFVn-Y=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>Prices are fixed based on the destination.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Heraklion, Greece35.3387352 25.14421267.0285013638211566 -10.0120374 63.648969036178848 60.3004626tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-65326913689931843822022-01-03T09:00:00.059-08:002022-01-03T09:00:00.162-08:00How to get from the Athens Airport to City Center and Piraeus Port<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMDn8O2_Fov9qeKgw9UaKE31YRBVRo-7twKZSymr5bRLwWEHvXkOg5I9Y_pluFuB5t0PE_kqQ6-1KDiiY5Ut9e1ePoduzIqBBKY8C7Gq_gSt3Aj8m1SGgs-3K-6cNvc4GrEZc3cV7FQ9TSH89gNw_2rDuQwikXyRpu3NN1hDsIJv-v3QjmhM2Sfbg=s763" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="763" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMDn8O2_Fov9qeKgw9UaKE31YRBVRo-7twKZSymr5bRLwWEHvXkOg5I9Y_pluFuB5t0PE_kqQ6-1KDiiY5Ut9e1ePoduzIqBBKY8C7Gq_gSt3Aj8m1SGgs-3K-6cNvc4GrEZc3cV7FQ9TSH89gNw_2rDuQwikXyRpu3NN1hDsIJv-v3QjmhM2Sfbg=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Athens is a top travel destination with several U.S. airlines pointing their airplanes at the beautiful Greece city. In 2021, we began our journey through Greece in Athens by spending a few days here before continuing to other islands and returning to Athens. We’ll explain some of the options at your disposal to help you get from the airport and then explain why we decided to travel using the methods selected.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span>Fares</span></u><br /></span>First, the base transit fares. Each method offers its own intricacies and is highly dependant on how long you plan to stay in Athens. All tickets may be purchased in advance and only become activated upon first use.<br /><br /><b>Metro/Railway:</b> €9 to/from the airport and includes transfers within 90 minutes of validation. Note: if you are connecting, it may make sense to wait to validate your ticket until close to when the train arrives to avoid losing out on later transfers because the pass expired too soon. This ticket can be purchased from station vending machines with cash or card and is not valid on express buses.<br /><br /><b>Express Bus:</b> €5.50 to/from the airport. This ticket can be purchased from drivers and kiosks and does not include transfers.<br /><br /><b>Tourist ticket:</b> €20 for 72 hours of travel within Athens, including one airport round-trip by Metro, Railway or express bus. The clock begins upon first use. <br /><br /><b>Multi-day passes:</b> Athens also sells a 24-hour ticket for €4.10 and a 5-day ticket for €8.20. There are also, longer duration tickets available, but we’re primarily focusing on travel for tourists.<br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span>Airport to City Centre</span></u><br /></span><b>Taxi<br /></b>Taxis are a good option for groups of four or more. There’s a flat fare of €35 to/from the Airport to/from the <a href="https://www.aia.gr/userfiles/5b8cde13-2054-49cf-9bc2-8a92207812cb/153010_daktilios.pdf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Athens City Center Inner Ring</a>, which is a rather large area that encompasses most hotels frequented by tourists. There is an additional charge of €14 for trips that end between midnight at 5 am. This means if you get into the taxi at 11:30 p.m. and get out at 12:05 a.m. you must pay the overnight surcharge.<br /><br /><b>Athens Metro<br /></b>The M3 metro serves the Airport every 30 minutes. At €9, this is a cost-effective way to access the center of Athens in just 40 minutes, especially if your hotel is near Monastiraki. We stayed further to the south, so we transferred to a bus at Monastiraki. There are plenty of elevators if you’re traveling with a large suitcase. Note: the last M3 leaves the airport at 11:33 p.m., so if you have a late-arriving flight, then the Metro may not work for you.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-eEnJ0WH-1nGva3EA4-U4G1iKtwuz00JS2Uo38eMDfPHnO_3AH-fqfSgXw9uQvGYzZFVTJzhzx0qaMFKOvAscaq0izPX9n5ZUJwmEP7pa63hBB1mSPebfxq3nqTw2q6-XTYbggYZbYC0qSrlPwSFPeijD--2ASzCugo3cxm-bf1S2JoewTfBL-zU=s763" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="763" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg-eEnJ0WH-1nGva3EA4-U4G1iKtwuz00JS2Uo38eMDfPHnO_3AH-fqfSgXw9uQvGYzZFVTJzhzx0qaMFKOvAscaq0izPX9n5ZUJwmEP7pa63hBB1mSPebfxq3nqTw2q6-XTYbggYZbYC0qSrlPwSFPeijD--2ASzCugo3cxm-bf1S2JoewTfBL-zU=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Athens Airport Metro Station</td></tr></tbody></table><div><b>Express Bus to City Center<br /></b>Four express buses serve the Airport 24/7. The X93 goes to the intercity bus station on Kifisou Ave., X95 to Syntagma, X96 to Piraeus and X97 along the beaches to Elliniko. Most tourists take the X95 or X96. At €5.50, the buses are the cheapest way to get into Athens or get to Piraeus. However, Athens traffic can be horrible and the buses make stops along the way to drop off passengers, so plan for the bus to take at least an hour into the city. <br /><br /><b>Suburban Railway<br /></b>An hourly train departs the Airport for Piraeus and calls at Athens Central Railway Station. This service may be convenient for travelers going staying further north of the Acropolis or connecting to intercity rail service. It is also attractive for those going to the Piraeus port since it is a one-seat trip. The fare for the railway is also €9.<br /><br /><b>What did we do?<br /></b>Initially, we were scheduled to land in Athens Monday evening and depart Saturday evening. Our long stay meant a Tourist Ticket wouldn’t work. We planned to take the X95 since our flight wasn’t scheduled to land until 10:45 p.m. and we wouldn’t likely make the last M3 because we would need to clear passport control and collect our luggage. We decided to pay a one-way fare for the X95 and then buy a 5-day pass for use during our remaining days in Athens. British Airways ended up canceling our flight, so we scrapped that plan.<br /><br />Instead, we took a United flight that arrived Monday mid-morning. We opted to take the Metro into the city to avoid any potential traffic delays. <div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHxoKGIzfP4AAWJ2QYnD_ZkDW9AHoISopK7mXmBHLL0ZbTLTKF2KOJ2Y4tjUoAUcQLvcueoH_V6U0Q8-BJ6GcfZaq4PzeVP0gNfYnm4w0pEMUS7QuYg9s-K2wMuZe-evi6kq8BamviAiN__0DM0vQnV3jNnA_nZJgvMmO3G8gJGZPrNSK6ph3vaRw=s763" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="763" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHxoKGIzfP4AAWJ2QYnD_ZkDW9AHoISopK7mXmBHLL0ZbTLTKF2KOJ2Y4tjUoAUcQLvcueoH_V6U0Q8-BJ6GcfZaq4PzeVP0gNfYnm4w0pEMUS7QuYg9s-K2wMuZe-evi6kq8BamviAiN__0DM0vQnV3jNnA_nZJgvMmO3G8gJGZPrNSK6ph3vaRw=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The M3 has helpful luggage racks</td></tr></tbody></table><div>We paid the full-fare €9 and then purchased a 5-day pass when we got to Monastiraki because our hotel was on a bus route and the multi-day passes must be purchased from a vending machine. However, didn’t activate it. Instead, we used our airport ticket for the bus to the hotel, since it is valid for 90 minutes. This gave us some extra time before beginning the clock on our multi-day pass because we would need every minute of it during our stay.</div><div><br /><u><span style="font-size: large;">Getting to/from Piraeus<br /></span></u>After five days in Athens, it was time to tour the Greek Islands. We opted for a cruise, but many travelers take ferries. Both depart from Piraeus, but the port is massive and the guidebooks leave a lot of details out. Here’s a <a href="https://ontheworldmap.com/greece/city/piraeus/piraeus-port-map.jpg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">good map</a> to follow along.<br /><br /><b>Background<br /></b>Piraeus is served by the M1, the Suburban Railway, the X96 express bus and several local buses. The M1 and Railway have separate stations, located a half-block away from each other. Depending on where you’re going, transit may leave you up to 2km away from your port gate.<br /><br />Gates E1-E10 are for ferries to Greek Islands and gates E11-E12 are for cruises. If you depart from E5 or E6 then congratulations because you can easily access all forms of transit and you can stop reading here. Gates E1-E4 are easily accessible from the Metro and Railway by using a free shuttle bus that the port provides. Gates E7 and E8 are just 500m from the Metro and the Railway and are easily walkable. Gates E1, E3, E5 and E7 are also served by the X96 and you can walk from the even gates to a nearby stop.<br /><br />Gates E9 and E10 are where things start to get interesting. These are on the eastern side of the port, about 1km from the Metro/Railway. Much too far than I care to walk with luggage. So, I recommend taking the 826, 843 or 859 bus three stops to Olympiakē, which is in front of these gates.<br /><br />Gates E11 (Cruise Terminal A) and E12 (Cruise Terminal B/C) are used by cruise ships and are 2.5km from the Metro/Railway. Terminals A and C are accessed directly from their respective gates. Terminal B requires a free shuttle bus to the E12 gate. Gates E11 and E12 are only served by taxis and local buses.<br /><br /><u><span style="font-size: large;">Athens City Center to Piraeus<br /></span></u><b>Metro<br /></b>Travelers can take the M1 train from Monastiraki directly to Piraeus. Most Metro stations have elevators that you can use if you have luggage. From there, you may have to transfer to a local bus or shuttle bus depending on which gate you’re using. A multi-day pass or one-way fare will cover the cost to Piraeus and transfers to a local bus if needed.<br /><br /><b>Local Bus<br /></b>The 826, 843 and 859 all travel between gates E9-E12, with E12 serving as the terminus for the routes. There are also several other local buses serving on nearby and adjacent streets, so it’s worth checking to see if a bus may be more convenient.<br /><br /><b>What did we do?<br /></b>Our cruise departed from E11 and, based on the location of our hotel, we decided to take the 229 bus from Dafni to Telōneio. This required a lengthy bus ride that was 10 minutes longer than the fastest option.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidJQjoqHNrJ_PnvgF_b8dvqkqvK78MedUI51OT-nbGCIrvEwuVq0YeHj_K12LV4Os-7bHsdRjWZxMdVbxq6ma6GVnSiQUxCFfCcafGPxusIPDZgrhDtV8knPUBWpkofTrhYdVXvq90JK9yluvLCu3agRA8zo7-q-fKkNWWVOTkHXgpIeqzr6CCiWA=s763" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="763" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidJQjoqHNrJ_PnvgF_b8dvqkqvK78MedUI51OT-nbGCIrvEwuVq0YeHj_K12LV4Os-7bHsdRjWZxMdVbxq6ma6GVnSiQUxCFfCcafGPxusIPDZgrhDtV8knPUBWpkofTrhYdVXvq90JK9yluvLCu3agRA8zo7-q-fKkNWWVOTkHXgpIeqzr6CCiWA=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gate E11/Cruise Terminal A</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>However, it dropped us right in front of our gate and would limit how much we were hauling our luggage, so it was very convenient compared to using the Metro and a local bus. Other travelers may find using the M1 and then transferring to 826, 843 or 859 bus is more convenient.</div><div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><u>Piraeus to Athens Airport<br /></u></span>Ferries use assigned gates, so you can easily figure out where you’ll be arriving. Cruises always use E11 and E12, but you won’t find out which terminal your ship is returning to until the cruise is underway. It’s best to review the locations of the closest local bus stops so you don’t end up walking further than necessary. <br /><br /><b>Metro<br /></b>Travelers can take the M1 from Piraeus to Monastiraki and then transfer to the M3 to the airport. You must purchase a €9 airport ticket. I recommend purchasing in advance so you can also use this to cover the cost of a local bus, if needed, since it is valid for a 90-minute trip. However, you’ll want to time this out with the Metro schedule to ensure it doesn’t expire too early. Travel time: 1 hr, 5 minutes, plus local bus transfer, if needed.<br /><br /><b>Suburban Railway<br /></b>An hourly train goes from Piraeus to the airport. You can use the same €9 airport ticket as the Metro. The Piraeus rail station is located about a half-block north of the Piraeus Metro station. Both arrive at the same airport station. Travel time: 1 hr, 5 minutes plus local bus transfer, if needed.<br /><br /><b>Express Bus<br /></b>The X96 serves odd gates from E1-E7. Those at even gates E2-E8 can walk to nearby stops. Travelers at E9-E12 will need to take a local bus or walk (not recommended with luggage) to the X96 stop at E7. The express bus is the cheapest option at €5.50 but is also scheduled to take the most time, 60-90+ minutes depending on traffic. You can purchase your ticket from the driver, so no pre-planning is required.<br /><br /><b>What did we do?<br /></b>We decided ahead of time to take the Railway because it took the same amount of time as the Metro, but didn’t require a second connection. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMDn8O2_Fov9qeKgw9UaKE31YRBVRo-7twKZSymr5bRLwWEHvXkOg5I9Y_pluFuB5t0PE_kqQ6-1KDiiY5Ut9e1ePoduzIqBBKY8C7Gq_gSt3Aj8m1SGgs-3K-6cNvc4GrEZc3cV7FQ9TSH89gNw_2rDuQwikXyRpu3NN1hDsIJv-v3QjmhM2Sfbg=s763" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="763" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMDn8O2_Fov9qeKgw9UaKE31YRBVRo-7twKZSymr5bRLwWEHvXkOg5I9Y_pluFuB5t0PE_kqQ6-1KDiiY5Ut9e1ePoduzIqBBKY8C7Gq_gSt3Aj8m1SGgs-3K-6cNvc4GrEZc3cV7FQ9TSH89gNw_2rDuQwikXyRpu3NN1hDsIJv-v3QjmhM2Sfbg=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piraeus rail station</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We purchased an airport ticket before leaving Athens and timed out our trip so we would arrive at the airport within the 90-minute limit.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVkzgjwYPzhub_tjMHA0HQlVZCc0xeyvaH-wirCpPgjxautMJ-U3jqpRQwj6WlHkZ-1ZGsFWFJsHtGJqHEyeOhX6UDrhvZJNoG5fJWiBJCHVZWQGKwpYrK3R2MVdUbj0FmUrkJ1ZeanQy6tpioS2m0XhhKozE0hj5ID9mmPZT4-vJQDyLWKd3QW94=s763" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="763" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVkzgjwYPzhub_tjMHA0HQlVZCc0xeyvaH-wirCpPgjxautMJ-U3jqpRQwj6WlHkZ-1ZGsFWFJsHtGJqHEyeOhX6UDrhvZJNoG5fJWiBJCHVZWQGKwpYrK3R2MVdUbj0FmUrkJ1ZeanQy6tpioS2m0XhhKozE0hj5ID9mmPZT4-vJQDyLWKd3QW94=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Suburban Railway comfortable interior</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Some people we met on the boat took the local bus with us and decided to take the Metro because it was leaving a few minutes before the train. It’s really a personal choice, but I prioritized not having to transfer over a small time savings.</div><div><br /><div>In our case, the ship docked at Terminal C and there were no passport checks so we walked off the boat, grabbed our luggage and crossed the street to the bus stop where numerous (all?) buses go to the six stops to Metro/Railway or five stops to the X96 bus. <br /><br />Travelers who do not purchase airport tickets in advance must pay the local bus fare of €1.20 on board, although some buses that only board from the rear were not accepting cash. You must then pay for an airport ticket at either Piraeus station or on the X96 bus.<br /><br /><u><span style="font-size: large;">Final thoughts<br /></span></u>While Google Maps is extremely helpful, you should use caution when simply typing in “Athens International Airport” for the airport. I found it often defaulted to the express bus because it claimed the train or Metro required a 15-minute walk, which is not true.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi40wOenwfJU1hnHhP_4WlXINDtOq2Mh-nNYbE-kNR4JBRbe4vw-1ShaKwMP3apspz3BsMBIQ-FJva62ThKbNWq4EU5szshc1EjK6bqV5cko3WXEC38E0LzGzQIsnJjnnxN9sNn-yA5BC6-t_DrG3az1FAfr15Ittd0nZOt_HFC-ZjR8p-gkRJY8HA=s763" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="763" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi40wOenwfJU1hnHhP_4WlXINDtOq2Mh-nNYbE-kNR4JBRbe4vw-1ShaKwMP3apspz3BsMBIQ-FJva62ThKbNWq4EU5szshc1EjK6bqV5cko3WXEC38E0LzGzQIsnJjnnxN9sNn-yA5BC6-t_DrG3az1FAfr15Ittd0nZOt_HFC-ZjR8p-gkRJY8HA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div>The Metro/Railway station is across the street from the terminal. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjSc1obv9T9dpZMtpdp8OaPGNvbYGxJ5Bth4G_o14t4knCOpZHXBKESglsHZpKPdTIHsKDZzWSsIl2yQGakqiRMR_jQkkja9YrjC8uFFGR6Zt0Twd2oPC7g7Aqa_1Z_u7gWFtowIHyjgbdYj4iM0YW0uG2a1lmnRRgheXL5QmiMRdTKykEjljgQaY=s763" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="763" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjSc1obv9T9dpZMtpdp8OaPGNvbYGxJ5Bth4G_o14t4knCOpZHXBKESglsHZpKPdTIHsKDZzWSsIl2yQGakqiRMR_jQkkja9YrjC8uFFGR6Zt0Twd2oPC7g7Aqa_1Z_u7gWFtowIHyjgbdYj4iM0YW0uG2a1lmnRRgheXL5QmiMRdTKykEjljgQaY=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Signs will point the way to a bridge that you can cross to quickly reach the station.<br /><div><br /></div><div>I recommend putting in the <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/AKLJc5AVMR13RBi69" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">airport Metro station</a> (not the rail station on Google Maps, even though they’re the same thing) as the destination to get the most accurate result.</div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Athens, Greece37.9838096 23.7275388-5.908041982908415 -46.584961199999995 81.875661182908416 94.0400388tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-18240767312847564802020-06-01T09:00:00.011-07:002020-11-28T22:51:41.043-08:00Navigating Viazul across Cuba<span style="font-size: large;">When many people think of Cuba, they think only of Havana, but do yourself a favor and go beyond the capital. We visited Trinidad, Cienfuegos and Playa Giron with Viazul. Each had its own unforgettable culture and vibrancy.</span><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqw6jhIw-NCabvRKgeEzbmwTf3MbLZdrx8xTHBl7oPwO68yuy6p9yJOkblkBT5ILqphBRMTXNu6-A0NXLWbBxhtIhc2FtU3h6M8vo-V2usy-3l4HMRu887e-BdwElbdqZlfx024fKOsWg/" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1244" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqw6jhIw-NCabvRKgeEzbmwTf3MbLZdrx8xTHBl7oPwO68yuy6p9yJOkblkBT5ILqphBRMTXNu6-A0NXLWbBxhtIhc2FtU3h6M8vo-V2usy-3l4HMRu887e-BdwElbdqZlfx024fKOsWg/w640-h480/bus.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />Like many visitors, we started our trip in Havana, but our journey with Viazul started long before we touched down. Here's our experience and 10 rules to follow:<br /><br /><br /><b>Pre-Journey</b></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBl90pNvdsDC_6Okq4KWCLn2U4LCn5F6qFpr4gF6_eAQhlsUNlb_Hv0He4o2omqN-t9gPC4JwC5N2f2LurLxcLlR2131ekTuyzh-h4u4W3VZkTNSsvmVQbdfAcYLAMkozuqMzy5BfEj0/" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1244" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBl90pNvdsDC_6Okq4KWCLn2U4LCn5F6qFpr4gF6_eAQhlsUNlb_Hv0He4o2omqN-t9gPC4JwC5N2f2LurLxcLlR2131ekTuyzh-h4u4W3VZkTNSsvmVQbdfAcYLAMkozuqMzy5BfEj0/w640-h480/Destination+placard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Cuba’s intricacies make it difficult to plan as you would a typical trip. Often buses, cars and trains are not reliable because of the country’s infrastructure. We methodically built our trip with contingencies that thankfully weren’t needed. <br /><br /><br />We planned to give ourselves a few days in each city to see the central and western portions of Havana. This allowed us some cushion if the flight was delayed or other issues arose. We then mapped out a plan to spend time in Playa Giron, Trinidad and Cienfuegos with the goal of minimizing wasted time on the road and maximizing our time in the cities.<br /><br />From there, we decided to book our tickets online to help shore-up (but never cement...because Cuba) our plans. <br /><br /><b>Online booking</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><font size="4" style="font-size: large;">It looks like Viazul may have launched a new booking platform in mid-2020 that wasn’t working when I tried to play with it, but YMMV. Here’s what we found when we booked in December 2019:</font><br /><br /><i><font size="4"><u>RULE #1: Book early and online (when possible)</u></font></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><font size="4" style="font-size: large;">Viazul used an antiquated booking system. It only sold 15 tickets per journey online, which must be purchased at least one week in advance. You must create a free account to buy your tickets. Be prepared with your passport details, although no one ever checked our passports outside of Havana. Within a week of the journey, tickets are only sold in-person up to the capacity of the bus. First come, first serve.</font><br /><br /><font size="4" style="font-size: large;">Almost all of our buses were sold out. We heard reference to a standby list for same-day travelers, but never saw one. Drivers seemed to just do their own thing except in Havana where everything was done by the book and in advance.</font><br /><br /><font size="6" style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Havana to Playa Giron</u></b><br /></font><font size="4"><u><i>RULE #2: Keep checking the website</i></u></font></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><font size="4" style="font-size: large;">Any ticket out of Havana seemed the hardest to get online. We tried to buy a month early and all of the seats for this route were sold out. Then, a week later somebody canceled one ticket, but we needed three.</font><br /><br /><i><u><font size="4">RULE #3: Buy the ticket when you see the ticket</font></u></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><font size="4" style="font-size: large;">I’m not sure how, but I ended up getting the site to allow me to buy two tickets despite it showing just one available. I figured it’s easier to get one ticket in Havana than three.</font><br /><br /><i><font size="4"><u>RULE #4: Print your confirmation before arriving in Cuba</u></font></i></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><font size="4" style="font-size: large;">I kept checking the site up until a week before we were due to leave. Finally, I ponied up the extra money to have someone from </font><a href="https://zunzuncar.com/" style="font-size: large;" target="_blank"><font color="#3367d6">Zunzuncar</font></a><font size="4" style="font-size: large;"> go get the last ticket. I decided it was probably more convenient, efficient and, in the end, cheaper to have someone get it rather than gamble and buy when we arrived. </font><br /><br /><i><font size="4"><u>RULE #5: Be on time</u></font></i></span><div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Since this was our first trip with Viazul and Havana is a major hub, we arrived an hour early. </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEist6DuM_kkbZzQY4eF2aAQgWCwNTMWUUpWVBZYQxKTNo_glpgARX0rxeoqTn7CgjXBK8Ul8855oGrttgznyQAJsRRc1uTUWhIo7f8sQlAT4TThX5HKVGBT_9vYHI-LHeqtjXwOgXumg1Y/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1244" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEist6DuM_kkbZzQY4eF2aAQgWCwNTMWUUpWVBZYQxKTNo_glpgARX0rxeoqTn7CgjXBK8Ul8855oGrttgznyQAJsRRc1uTUWhIo7f8sQlAT4TThX5HKVGBT_9vYHI-LHeqtjXwOgXumg1Y/w640-h480/Havana+bus+station.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The bus station was a flurry of activity at 6am, but mostly for Omnibus Nacionales, Cuba’s national bus company that’s off-limits for most visitors. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LGav4KmZeojMQHc2F6FpJF87Rpp2p7dIl0qVpVOmBwFM37a1V10DADMX-DBEsdTSrrNNtACoFwcjXL15UBMssHlwdW61zpMz6E5aBwJuNl1c5s8BUnS4WV7iv3fC5nkmiy9Dh2QYmQE/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1244" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0LGav4KmZeojMQHc2F6FpJF87Rpp2p7dIl0qVpVOmBwFM37a1V10DADMX-DBEsdTSrrNNtACoFwcjXL15UBMssHlwdW61zpMz6E5aBwJuNl1c5s8BUnS4WV7iv3fC5nkmiy9Dh2QYmQE/w640-h480/HAvana+office.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We made our way to the Viazul office where there was already a long line waiting to check-in at the single kiosk. </span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><i style="font-size: x-large;"><u><font size="4">RULE #6: Remember to exchange your confirmation for an actual ticket</font></u></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRh42Xq5bbeVr1L-SRRsfO2ZjnFCQje0oLdNPBg5iGpBX-u7WdhrgvuIWYDv9RD8k56IEaLFiPMT6o-TrHsqRQ2wztQ_eZdC8MGW-G5CkwdKTRbcSWBz5OEnk1sFKJBdApEbwK02XHyw/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="982" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRh42Xq5bbeVr1L-SRRsfO2ZjnFCQje0oLdNPBg5iGpBX-u7WdhrgvuIWYDv9RD8k56IEaLFiPMT6o-TrHsqRQ2wztQ_eZdC8MGW-G5CkwdKTRbcSWBz5OEnk1sFKJBdApEbwK02XHyw/w640-h250/boarding+pass.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">The line moved quickly and we were soon at the front. The attendant spoke little English, but there wasn’t much to say. He compared the printed email with his computer manifest and wrote out our tickets. We were told to wait a few minutes before boarding. </span></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><i style="font-size: x-large;"><font size="4"><u>RULE #7: Follow the crowd, except when it’s not beneficial (see rule #9 below)</u></font></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">About 10 minutes later, a woman yelled out the cities where our bus was stopping and gave instructions, in Spanish, on where to find the bus. There was some confusion among those who didn’t speak Spanish, but they followed the crowd past the Omnibus customers and down a narrow hallway. A window on the side opened to the baggage office where we were allowed to check one bag each.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZtObVvWYz0yI0TqkONsVAD_1aQhzVOmtfl9eoDHSI61l8Uaig_plKgq17oDUPD-0MzbJPH87cqTXE42UcjagUA6lc5Ncogm9W20hiKx8GLd5fsunFXoRLl9fPgiRPvqSXNXbhOC4kAk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1244" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZtObVvWYz0yI0TqkONsVAD_1aQhzVOmtfl9eoDHSI61l8Uaig_plKgq17oDUPD-0MzbJPH87cqTXE42UcjagUA6lc5Ncogm9W20hiKx8GLd5fsunFXoRLl9fPgiRPvqSXNXbhOC4kAk/w640-h480/baggage+room.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This was the only time anyone weighed our suitcases. You’re allowed 20 kg per person. The weight is combined for groups and our total came to 59 kg. The man behind the counter waved us down the hallway toward the bus stands where we found a Viazul bus waiting.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><i style="font-size: x-large;"><font size="4"><u>RULE #8: Bring a sweater</u></font></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSV1ybxnj0dl5EukOU7rjFAa6hk2eyrmLHO15mus_mCfwrRKz4Nto3i3Ov-UaCqmdwoAKW_Kestwnz_kkQcgEyLcVDP4KJrz56SIiiR2HQ3DA77w03RaxO7N87YE6scXcu1qrTBh3Onek/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1244" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSV1ybxnj0dl5EukOU7rjFAa6hk2eyrmLHO15mus_mCfwrRKz4Nto3i3Ov-UaCqmdwoAKW_Kestwnz_kkQcgEyLcVDP4KJrz56SIiiR2HQ3DA77w03RaxO7N87YE6scXcu1qrTBh3Onek/w640-h480/locals+bus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Viazul uses newer, Chinese-manufactured, buses instead of older models or even converted tractors on bus</span><span style="font-size: large;">es for locals (pictured above). </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5p97zUlXTWK-JMXlTWSsjPPb7znN4MthaOLZPu1W-j210xOq8Q2zx6lu1kyUUVifSKgxSBZtyxKkULd-yvjYDwDzNujUTt4MHtVpTBZfkSl9GuB6rpJJTYPxhoFmp_EWisKZ_qNk6t4o/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1244" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5p97zUlXTWK-JMXlTWSsjPPb7znN4MthaOLZPu1W-j210xOq8Q2zx6lu1kyUUVifSKgxSBZtyxKkULd-yvjYDwDzNujUTt4MHtVpTBZfkSl9GuB6rpJJTYPxhoFmp_EWisKZ_qNk6t4o/w640-h480/Inside+bus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">These higher-end Yutong buses have more comfortable seats and air conditioning that seems to only work on full blast. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYajDrtDE-z8trdlYfqxP5vLbW9cGOjNOOCH_tKZqTwYiXWi1xXEKL2NbVc95QW9CwlQm2uzysxPnVKZi0aG2KwNeSMtlUmY5UnWqlUDnTSzEers2CTX2zayHIiEoxPpt-sMblNZDaTqA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1244" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYajDrtDE-z8trdlYfqxP5vLbW9cGOjNOOCH_tKZqTwYiXWi1xXEKL2NbVc95QW9CwlQm2uzysxPnVKZi0aG2KwNeSMtlUmY5UnWqlUDnTSzEers2CTX2zayHIiEoxPpt-sMblNZDaTqA/w640-h480/two+drivers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">All long-haul buses have two drivers who drive the full length of the route and return the next day. We later learned Viazul is almost always on time, but this trip was the exception. Despite both drivers being ready to leave at 7am, there was some issue with the paperwork for the journey. The ticket agent kept calling for an “Andres,” but nobody responded. While the drivers kept joking with each other, it was clear the driver behind the wheel was getting agitated. At 7:30am, two women got on the bus and we pulled out….only to stop once again when the man who took our suitcases earlier came running out and started banging on the side of the bus. The driver stopped and two more women got on (don’t be them and follow rule #5). The drivers were very confused and talked with the attendant before we pulled out again. Then the driver’s cell phone rang. It was the ticket agent AGAIN asking if Andres was on board. The co-driver went through the bus looking for Andres when one of the women who got on raised her hand. It seems someone mistyped Andrea.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">8am is the peak of rush hour for most cities, but in Havana, where most Cubans can’t afford a private car, there was no traffic. The urban streets of Havana quickly faded into the rural countryside. I was optimistic we would actually make up some time, but around 9:45am we pulled over to a restaurant off the main highway. Recognizing the delay, the drivers cut the rest stop to 30 minutes instead of the usual hour. Eventually, we arrived in Playa Giron for our stay.</span><br /><br /><br /><b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Playa Giron to Trinidad</u></b><br /><i style="font-size: x-large;"><font size="4"><u>RULE #9: Trust, then verify</u></font></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I bought these tickets online, but a few days before leaving for Cuba I got an email from Viazul saying they canceled our 10:30am bus and booked us on one leaving at 2:45pm. However, they never sent a confirmation email. I figured I’d ask when we got to Playa Giron.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">When we arrived, the office was closed with a sign saying it would reopen “tomorrow at 8:45am.” I got up early the next day and went to the office, but it was still closed. I hung around for a bit in a long line that became our own United Nations. There was a group from Spain in front of me, some young adults from France behind, several Italians near the front and four Korean women at the head. Around 9am, a frustrated German man walked up and claimed the sign was here when he arrived three days ago and he had no faith the office would reopen. I then translated the message to the Spanish who told the Italians who told the French and I worked with the Koreans.</span><br /><br /><br /><i style="font-size: x-large;"><font size="4"><u>RULE #10 Drivers make the rules outside of Havana</u></font></i></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">A bus pulled up at 10:20am so we ran up and explained our predicament. My mother, who speaks fluent Spanish, explained the situation to the co-driver. He was doubtful we’d get on the later bus if it even ran. This bus was full, but he agreed to let us sit in the front row that’s usually reserved for Viazul staff. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oyuqXurkgnl3NAFL6PqjVLqYh1hk6n-DmHuGKnj5oVsbDf7v3g7yVs32uIPpX7SP6MKMmodFUdrX0bnfIpnsRQ87obYq7UYF2FZ2n5wCrIx37uzc_X56XCvDrppxTpxfhb9rdyRt9P0/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7oyuqXurkgnl3NAFL6PqjVLqYh1hk6n-DmHuGKnj5oVsbDf7v3g7yVs32uIPpX7SP6MKMmodFUdrX0bnfIpnsRQ87obYq7UYF2FZ2n5wCrIx37uzc_X56XCvDrppxTpxfhb9rdyRt9P0/w480-h640/tilted+wheel.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">I couldn’t help but notice the bus had 343,355km (213,351mi) on the odometer. Judging from the off-center degree of the steering wheel, I hoped they at least put some money into maintenance.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLLmpVPLqdqtlzsoIGWBJjunzzodjby54NqR6YuHdU8nRbweLflIxR3zj8a53ke_4tnZWXovf5y3dyGX4O0xQgZ9nmeYYNGW3oylLv3s-MTHZ0FhRxQG8BSrS35scczLU5ItRVl_KqfA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="312" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLLmpVPLqdqtlzsoIGWBJjunzzodjby54NqR6YuHdU8nRbweLflIxR3zj8a53ke_4tnZWXovf5y3dyGX4O0xQgZ9nmeYYNGW3oylLv3s-MTHZ0FhRxQG8BSrS35scczLU5ItRVl_KqfA/w640-h480/Trinidad+bus+overhead.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Our bus largely emptied in Cienfuegos so we moved into the regular seats for the rest of our trip to Trinidad. We later learned the 2:45pm bus did run as scheduled.</span><br /><br /><br /><b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Trinidad to Cienfuegos</u></b></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">After two iffy experiences, I made sure I was early (rule #5) to get our tickets. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsDnfsw5W8i4ZdoCFbxFM3zhshOgiN8m8rzWBBBBaDfSxuNT1l4nQDhDdV652SOSYkfAYQ8ZH19gLhWlhGV1aBYwimuh8S4zyuzZYhz7mc_CL6BB9hGkzwigw2Uo-h3ChXc75gpZ9pog/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1244" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsDnfsw5W8i4ZdoCFbxFM3zhshOgiN8m8rzWBBBBaDfSxuNT1l4nQDhDdV652SOSYkfAYQ8ZH19gLhWlhGV1aBYwimuh8S4zyuzZYhz7mc_CL6BB9hGkzwigw2Uo-h3ChXc75gpZ9pog/w640-h480/Trinidad+office.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The line was to the door even an hour before departure, but as I waited, I realized it was just a large group that was talking to one man who needed to check in for his bus. There were several buses leaving around the same time, so when I got to the front, the man at the desk told me to wait a few minutes so he could finish up the bus that was ready to depart. Soon, he handed over the stack of blank boarding passes to another worker who issued our passes. I then returned to our casa to wait until it was time to board.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Yqvxt-YOZo3XkYiLbP5RxkH1i_JsMiOjpqibVJOKOlXLyjH7yTAmUQFcptfEkq_txlfh-Ta5pJ8at53hPEiUIIKg10B3NWTM5kKrY0w4jXtMr8EDbP66KYol7y3TfgdLg7QIWqILs2Q/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1244" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Yqvxt-YOZo3XkYiLbP5RxkH1i_JsMiOjpqibVJOKOlXLyjH7yTAmUQFcptfEkq_txlfh-Ta5pJ8at53hPEiUIIKg10B3NWTM5kKrY0w4jXtMr8EDbP66KYol7y3TfgdLg7QIWqILs2Q/w640-h480/Bus+loading+TRI.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The bus was almost fully loaded when we returned, so we had to split up to find seats. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: large;">Even though it was a non-stop bus, we stopped twice. Once for the driver to exchange empty water bottles for full ones from a woman on the side of the road (Rule #10). And again when a passenger got motion sickness. Still, we arrived on-time to Cienfuegos.</span><br /><br /><br /><b style="font-size: x-large;"><u>Cienfuegos to Havana</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Unlike most terminals, Viazul and Omnibus share a waiting area in Cienfuegos. The Viazul agent works out of a small, air-conditioned office and a short line extended out. Before long, he came out to ask anyone going to Havana to come to the front. I went into the office behind another man and was surprised he was using an actual printer for the tickets. Everywhere else, agents hand-wrote the information. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">A few minutes later, a very hyper man came out to ask those going to Havana to bring him our bags. He could barely focus as he tagged them. On some he forgot to place a tag (Rule #9). There was also confusion about where the line started and ended because he clumped us together.</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYrNBYscax9hfA6MzsWYdTdpsXL71XXTgwnHSrHls5cUnAFRsBGAuCI9GarOanIZ68NSoU8IgBL0j8PDuDyca0oN_sFawlTrrI4NjblQopbpdZ8TKzmESZbwdLu3Ayw3saVBBlBn_H8g/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1244" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYrNBYscax9hfA6MzsWYdTdpsXL71XXTgwnHSrHls5cUnAFRsBGAuCI9GarOanIZ68NSoU8IgBL0j8PDuDyca0oN_sFawlTrrI4NjblQopbpdZ8TKzmESZbwdLu3Ayw3saVBBlBn_H8g/w640-h480/Cienfuegos+lots+of+buses.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our bus arrived early and all of the bays were taken. The hyper man tried to move out buses that had finished unloading. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Eventually, our bus pulled in and we got seats together. </span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The drivers seemed to be in a hurry and we ended up leaving 8 minutes early (rule #5). I hope nobody was left behind in the confusion (rule #7).</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-size: large;">We made good time towards Havana. Our bus was “express,” so it didn’t go off the national highway to stop at Playa Giron or Playa Larga. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tuf-GheZ3SxzKLmLa-Z1DeYHVuZjX4u7zUQYYYb6lTPFirjGYCh4tO-35PAWMwr4uXmb4u7vk5qLr5_3xu0G60cyDlVeexoiAPNvCzr6QR0CabMBN6a29I74-MfaCWN1xsfnqy035-w/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1244" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tuf-GheZ3SxzKLmLa-Z1DeYHVuZjX4u7zUQYYYb6lTPFirjGYCh4tO-35PAWMwr4uXmb4u7vk5qLr5_3xu0G60cyDlVeexoiAPNvCzr6QR0CabMBN6a29I74-MfaCWN1xsfnqy035-w/w640-h480/Rest+stop.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, we still made the long rest stop so the drivers could eat. We got an expensive coffee and sat around waiting for them to finish their meal. There is a bathroom at the stop, but you have to tip to use it. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1T8EVmg6y7VyujhsK0u6erzyYWyJ4u_9pIvwaPEUlS2GwKqsE8hXIHm7rlDCHnxVKG8Y_RFHihKL8RMFxoYgBC0EStZ8uPOy96eLizFs6WNz5zOj9RDIsRLa-sxkEGcstzqs_8tUBcrU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1244" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1T8EVmg6y7VyujhsK0u6erzyYWyJ4u_9pIvwaPEUlS2GwKqsE8hXIHm7rlDCHnxVKG8Y_RFHihKL8RMFxoYgBC0EStZ8uPOy96eLizFs6WNz5zOj9RDIsRLa-sxkEGcstzqs_8tUBcrU/w640-h480/Havana+buses.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;">Eventually, we pulled into Havana about 10 minutes early.</span></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:</span><br /><br /><b style="font-size: x-large;"><font size="4">How early should I check-in?</font></b></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">Viazul recommended we arrive 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes before departure depending on when and who you asked. It really depends how lucky you’re feeling. Generally, 60 was very early, 45 seemed right, but rushed, 30 was cutting it close and any less you better pray the line isn’t too long, unless you’re going from a very small stop.</span><br style="font-size: x-large;" /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>How should I get to/from the terminal?</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">We used an arranged driver or walked. It’s hard to find drivers for early morning departures, so expect to pay more and ask your casa for help. There were usually plenty of taxis waiting at the terminals. Havana has a taxi area that was very busy. Most drivers wanted us to pay 15 CUC to get to Old Havana, but we knew better than to pay more than 10 CUC. We worked with a contact who helps connect travelers with private drivers to get an affordable ride. <br /><br />It helps if you already have a casa booked because some will try to steer you toward a casa where they can earn a commission.<br /><br /><b>Are there bathrooms on the bus?</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">No, but there are breaks every few hours. In an emergency, you can ask the driver to pull over.<br /><br /><b>Can I stretch at stops?</b><br />Not usually. The drivers are focused on boarding passengers in a short time, but you can ask if they’re early.<br /><br /><b>What if I can’t make a reservation?</b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://zunzuncar.com/" target="_blank">Zunzuncar</a> will go in-person to buy your ticket for a 10 CUC fee. It’s best to place an order at least a week in advance to have the best chance at getting it. Alternatively, you can buy when you arrive or same-day, but it’s first-come, first-serve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What if I still can’t get on?</b><br />There are usually taxi drivers/collectivos hanging around the bus stations. They often charge more than the bus, but may be better for large groups because they will go directly to your casa without any stops along the way. If you’re solo or only with one other person, you may try splitting the cost with someone else in the same situation. For example, in Playa Giron we needed a local driver to get around. The first driver I asked turned us down because he was trying to find a fare going back home to Havana so he didn’t have to ride empty. The second driver we approached agreed to take us around if we could be back by 5pm so he could take another group he was scheduled to bring Havana.</span></div>
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Havana, Cuba23.1135925 -82.3665956-5.1966413361788462 -117.5228456 51.423826336178848 -47.2103456tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-80133831936064127012020-05-11T09:00:00.000-07:002020-05-11T09:00:09.272-07:00How to see (and appreciate) the Louvre in three hours with directions<span style="font-size: large;">The Louvre is an icon of Paris and an art lover’s dream. The museum is a former fortress and residence of French Kings, which dates to the 12th century. Unfortunately for today’s visitors the layout doesn’t make for the easiest visit to see the highlights so there are a lot of ups and downs.<br /><br />Let’s be clear, you can spend an entire day here and not appreciate everything it has to offer. This guide is for those who only have a few hours and want to see the highlights.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You can enter anywhere, but for simplicity, we began the guide near the main entrance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Start:</u></b>You’ll likely begin your journey on the Lower Ground Floor (-1) under the pyramid. Look for signs pointing to the three different wings of the Louvre (Richelieu, Sully and Denon) and head toward <i>Richelieu</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Continue straight up to room 104, turn right into 105 and go up the stairs to Floor 0, arriving at the </span><b style="font-size: x-large;">Law Code of Hammurabi</b><span style="font-size: large;"> in room 227.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Proceed through the 230 toward the restrooms, turn left in room 231, left toward room 309, and turn right through 300 until you reach the stairs. Go back down to Floor -1, make a u-turn and visit the </span><b style="font-size: x-large;">Medieval Moats</b><span style="font-size: large;"> from the original construction in 1190 in room 133.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Continue around the moats in 133 and go back upstairs near 338 to Floor 0 and the </span><b style="font-size: x-large;">Great Sphinx of Tanis</b><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Walk through galley 339 to room 346 to <b>Venus de Milo</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From there, proceed into galley 347 and 408 then go upstairs to <b>Winged Victory</b> (you will pass her again) in 703.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Take an opportunity to view the </span><b style="font-size: x-large;">Apollo Gallery</b><span style="font-size: large;"> in 705.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Exit right into galley 661, turn left into 663, past the stairs into 601 and the portrait of </span><b style="font-size: x-large;">Louis XIV</b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>(NOTE: This may have been moved to a different room).<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Return back past <b>Winged Victory</b>, turn left into galley 709 go to the wall, turn right into galley 710 and view the works of <b>Leonardo da Vinci</b> in the 13th to 15th Century Italy section. Appreciate the other paintings here, too. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Head toward the masses viewing his most famous painting, the </span><b style="font-size: x-large;">Mona Lisa</b><span style="font-size: large;">, in 711.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Expect large crowds as you <strike>push</strike> politely make your way to the front.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Take a breath after battling the crowd and turn right out of the galley into room 702 to see the </span><b style="font-size: x-large;">Coronation of Napoleon</b><span style="font-size: large;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Return back toward the Mona Lisa exit, past the gift shop into room 700 and view <b>Liberty Leading the People</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Head down the stairs into 403 and </span><b style="font-size: x-large;">Michelangelo’s Dying Slave and Rebellious Slave sculptures</b><span style="font-size: large;">. Continue straight through the room and head downstairs to where you entered.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Bonus: We also didn’t mention the <b>Napoleon III Apartments</b>. If you’d like to add it on, we recommend going first after entering the museum, last before leaving or after viewing the painting of Louis XIV. </span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris, France48.8606111 2.3376440.25433360000000249 -80.2795435 90 84.9548315tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-56863730213257319182020-05-04T09:00:00.000-07:002020-05-04T09:00:04.439-07:00Review: Toledo and Segovia in a Day with Amigo Tours<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You could easily spend a day or more in both Toledo and Segovia, but our time was short and we didn’t want to skip either. As I started researching options, I quickly decided an organized tour would be the easiest and most affordable way to see the two cities in a day. There are many sites offering this tour at varying cost but, in the fine print, I generally found they were almost all operated by Amigo Tours. I settled on buying from Civitatis, which sold the 11 hour tour for $55 each. It was the cheapest price, even less than through Amigo Tours directly.</div>
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<i><u>7:30am - Boarding</u></i><br />
We showed up before the sun fully rose at the Plaza de Toros. Two Amigos buses and a full-size van were already parked in the bus lanes. I was nervous about finding the departure spot after reading some reviews complaining about finding the pick-up point, but it was very easy. Boarding was just about to get underway. The tour guides introduced themselves in English and Spanish and divided the group up onto a respective bus based on their preferred language. There were more English speakers so the van became overflow for the English tour.<br />
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<i><u>7:45am - Departure</u></i><br />
It was immediately clear Amigos is experienced in dealing with large groups. The guides were extremely efficient and despite having about 120 people, managed the group with ease and personalized service.<br />
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Our bus had two guides on board, so the ratio of guides to people was a manageable 1:25.<br />
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They took turns discussing what we would see. One focused on Toledo and the other on Segovia before giving us some time to rest.<br />
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<i><u>8:45am - Toledo Overlook</u></i><br />
Traffic was light and we got to our first stop after an approximately 45 minute journey. The guides divided the group and told us we would stay with our assigned guide for the day. We then separated and were given a chance to take in the breathtaking scenic overlook. The city feels like something out of a fairy tale. The old buildings reflected beautifully in the morning sunlight. I could have lingered for much longer, but the guides were efficient and moved us back to the buses. There was a lot to see.<br />
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<i><u>9am - Toledo Walking Tour</u></i><br />
We got off the buses and grouped with our guides again. Claudia used a small headset and loudspeaker to ensure we could hear her as she began our walking tour. The volume pierced through the otherwise quiet streets as the city seemed to be just waking up.<br />
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She walked very quickly while stopping to point out the main attractions. Unfortunately, given our short trip, we wouldn’t have time to go inside most of them. We spent several minutes at Catedral Primada (Toledo Cathedral), the gorgeous landmark of the city before ending the tour at Plaza Zocodover about an hour later.<br />
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<i><u>10am - Toledo Free Time</u></i><br />
Claudia gave us roughly 90 minutes to explore on our own. We opted to have a quick snack, browse the shops and visit the Museo del Ejército (Army Museum) inside the Alcázar de Toledo.<br />
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<i><u>11:30am - Depart Toledo</u></i><br />
Everyone was on time at our meeting point. We followed Claudia down winding streets and walkways to the buses and were soon on our way to Segovia. The guides again briefly discussed what we would see and then left us to our own devices. We slept for the duration and woke up as we pulled into Segovia.<br />
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<i><u>1:30pm - Arrive Segovia</u></i><br />
The buses came to a halt near the shadow of the towering aqueduct that dominates the landscape. The city is known for its pork and our stomachs were starting to rumble given the lunch hour. Claudia recommended a few places and dishes, including the famous suckling pig, and instructed us to come back at 3pm for an optional walking tour or we could meet the bus at 4:45pm.<br />
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We walked along the streets to a small shop that sold ham sandwiches. The pork was very good, but we opted not to have the suckling. Tara treated herself to a churro with chocolate sauce for dessert before we picked up some souvenirs and met up with Claudia.<br />
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<i><u>3pm - Segovia Walking Tour</u></i><br />
About half of our group participated in the walking tour. Claudia expertly navigated the streets while discussing the city’s amazing history. This time, I appreciated her loudspeaker so I could hear her over the buzz from Segovia’s streets that were filled with tourists and locals alike. We passed by the famous Cathedral of Segovia and ended at the Alcazar, roughly one mile from the starting point.<br />
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<i><u>3:45pm - Alcázar de Segovia</u></i><br />
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered a must-see attraction, which also means it’s crowded. The interior rooms give a good look at what life was like in the Late Middle Ages.<br />
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Claudia appeared to have a minor hiccup getting our tickets (included in the price of the tour) because the process seemed to take a long time. She then shocked us when she instructed us to be back at the meeting point at 4:45pm. This allowed for about 40 minutes to see the inside, but she assured us it would be enough time.<br />
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Everyone quickly walked to the entrance only to realize Claudia forgot to give us the map/guide that explains what we’re seeing. We wasted a few minutes tracking it down and then made our way through the museum. <br />
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We appreciated the restoration work and standout architecture.</div>
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The Alcázar’s windows provided picturesque views of the hillside landscape.</div>
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Claudia was correct that we didn’t need too long inside and in hindsight the timeline probably prevented us from dawdling, but I still would have liked an extra 15 minutes.<br />
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<i><u>4:45pm - Depart Segovia</u></i><br />
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Finally, we made our way out and back to the shadow of the aqueduct.<br />
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Some people apparently got lost, so we ended up waiting an extra few minutes before loading the buses and making our way back toward Madrid a little after 5pm.<br />
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<i><u>6:30pm - Arrive Madrid</u></i><br />
There was some rush-hour traffic as we got toward the city. Finally, we arrived back at the Plaza de Toros. We jumped on the Metro and headed back towards our hotel for dinner and called it a night.<br />
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Overall, Amigos Tours did a great job and I would definitely recommend them. This tour makes for a long day, but if you’re limited on time, it’s an affordable way to see the highlights of these two amazing and beautiful cities without wasting any time.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-44361322913619631932020-04-27T09:00:00.000-07:002020-04-27T15:55:52.414-07:00What’s the best way to get to Madrid MAD Airport? We explain them all.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaNWRlb6raOkZQ_ckmTZc9IkPAVcmbyMu2cvwK8WIcefi0riB_uG8yJc0m5tslW_iCwcbnOBUW0OmnIGw9YRwN1UNYO2zZtBaJbZmIkpEGcJ7Tt7Mk2nrEQsq7uRF70Db4SYOswlev2c/s1600/station.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1190" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDaNWRlb6raOkZQ_ckmTZc9IkPAVcmbyMu2cvwK8WIcefi0riB_uG8yJc0m5tslW_iCwcbnOBUW0OmnIGw9YRwN1UNYO2zZtBaJbZmIkpEGcJ7Tt7Mk2nrEQsq7uRF70Db4SYOswlev2c/s640/station.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">After four great days in Madrid, it was time to return home. We arrived into the city by train from Sevilla and were faced with several choices to get to the airport.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We quickly ruled out a taxi, a ride-hailing service or any other private transportation. About €30 was too expensive for just two Frugal Fliers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I initially planned to take the <a href="https://www.esmadrid.com/en/airport-express" style="text-decoration-line: underline;" target="_blank">Exprés Aeropuerto bus</a> for €5 each from Atocha station, which would require an Uber ride from our hotel. The bus makes three stops to the airport and calls at all Terminals in numerical order.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then, I realized we could take the <a href="http://www.aena.es/en/madrid-barajas-airport/train.html#1237554327698" target="_blank">Cercanías Madrid C1</a> train. Our hotel was a short bus ride away from Pirámides station, which had elevators to help us with our luggage. The C1 snakes through Madrid, making 9 stops to <a href="http://aena.mobi/m/en/madrid-barajas-airport/train.html" target="_blank">Terminal 4</a> at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport in just 38 minutes. At €2.60 it was cheaper than the bus and took the same amount of time.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzi5atJenFCiwwvStBuHPoVp7omKS1c2Et47OUOVj3mXwwFcjGWon7SWHqfOG9tga0zAdt_YQtVdi7qZ3QAhY0QUbkeGMhYkiZdL1qNq7MfRH5u3XU50UhyFOc8qSHBCX59vHqJrtgMbg/s1600/T4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1190" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzi5atJenFCiwwvStBuHPoVp7omKS1c2Et47OUOVj3mXwwFcjGWon7SWHqfOG9tga0zAdt_YQtVdi7qZ3QAhY0QUbkeGMhYkiZdL1qNq7MfRH5u3XU50UhyFOc8qSHBCX59vHqJrtgMbg/s640/T4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Unfortunately, when we traveled, we didn’t realize public transit was running on a holiday schedule for Holy Thursday, so the wait at Pirámides was a bit longer than anticipated. Still, it was well worth it. The train cars were clean and empty with plenty of space for our luggage.</span></div>
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It was an easy walk to the terminal with plenty of signage to direct us inside.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.aena.es/en/madrid-barajas-airport/underground.html#1237554327301" target="_blank">Metro Line 8</a> is the absolute cheapest way to get to the airport at just €2. However, it can require several transfers to get from some sections of the city (not ideal with luggage) and can take more time.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7yJ9Vo5aj5X718B_rWBMLLeaVRg7mqtyJa0apBC5UgFo_KJJsJarWsbtjDK2fiip9nd9PiHyr44NQKQkiI3H6wGnXmf8RJTfs6oean9yzIoYI1VRrCn8k9fshPat1BjG8hncEgFIhaY/s1600/planes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1190" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis7yJ9Vo5aj5X718B_rWBMLLeaVRg7mqtyJa0apBC5UgFo_KJJsJarWsbtjDK2fiip9nd9PiHyr44NQKQkiI3H6wGnXmf8RJTfs6oean9yzIoYI1VRrCn8k9fshPat1BjG8hncEgFIhaY/s640/planes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Keep in mind, the C1 only goes to Terminal 4. This is useful for those flying Iberia, Air Nostrum, Vueling or OneWorld alliance partners, like American, but may not be convenient for others because it requires the use of a free intra-terminal shuttle bus for T1-T3.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I don’t think Google Maps or Madrid do enough to publicize this route, so take time to see if it works for you.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, OneWorld international service departs from T4S. The S is for satellite, which means you have to take a people mover train to passport control. It's a one-way train so don't leave anything behind. We found a man's passport and turned it over to an airport worker. I imagine he had a very rough day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We allowed plenty of time for the process and to have breakfast at the Neptuno Lounge. However, we didn't realize, despite our plane having a gate number, it was actually parked at a remote stand. American called "final boarding" about 30-40 minutes before departure so we had to hustle to the gate. It was fine in the end and they kept the bus parked there for quite a while. Then we took the scenic route to the plane. The crew was already prepping for departure and seemed surprise when the bus full of people walked on.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-67137399876387762872020-02-17T09:00:00.002-08:002021-01-01T22:44:52.056-08:00United almost made us miss our flight (twice). Here’s how they made it right.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The night before our big trip to Cuba, I started checking our flights. We were supposed to fly from Albany to Newark and then onto Havana. Around 8pm I noticed the inbound aircraft for our Albany-Newark leg in the morning was delayed more than four hours, but it was still going to run. I did the math in my head and realized if the same crew was scheduled to work my flight, they wouldn’t get the legally required 10 hours of rest. Still, United showed my flight would be on time. <br /><br /><div>
Initially, I thought Commutair must be using a different crew, or perhaps they had added a crew base to their maintenance facility in Albany when I wasn’t paying attention. Around 10pm I started having doubts. Commutair didn’t open a new base and I figured out there were three crews staying the night. Only one crew would be legal to fly early enough in the morning. I (correctly) guessed they would fly the 6:30am departure, not our 7:30am flight. Still, United showed my flight would be on time.</div>
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I started getting ready for bed around 12:30am. This time when I refreshed the United app the flight was <b>delayed</b> “because your crew arrived later than scheduled.” The app said the flight would get in at 9:46am. I was skeptical because my experience has been those departure estimates can be off by a lot, especially for crew rest issues. I also know 29 minutes to get from Terminal A to Terminal C in Newark is cutting it way too close because you need to wait for a shuttle bus. Technically, the connection time drops to just 14 minutes if the gate agent decides to remove our seats 15 minutes before departure and there’s only one flight a day to Havana so we couldn't miss the flight.</div>
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I took a minute to calm myself and called United. I got through to Joyce right away. She agreed there wasn’t enough time to connect. The earlier Newark flight was sold out, so she offered to put us on an American flight leaving later in the day and casually mentioned it would arrive at 8am the following morning...meaning we’d spend the night in Miami at our expense and lose a day of our trip. It was a non-starter. </div><div><br /></div><div>I asked to get on a Delta flight that had seats, but Delta doesn’t play nice at re-accommodating United passengers, so Joyce nixed that idea. She then offered us United flights out of Hartford or Syracuse, but I told her if I’m going to drive 2+ hours, it’s going to be toward Newark and our connecting flight. I also asked if she would upgrade us to Economy Plus since it was almost completely empty anyway.</div>
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Joyce put us on hold for about 25 minutes to make the changes. When she returned, she said our confirmation number would remain the same and we were set for the trip. I asked her to hold while I checked on my end and noticed we were still showing "booked" on the delayed Albany-Newark flight. Joyce claimed she left the leg in there so we could file a refund online, but it wasn’t active and promised we wouldn’t have any problems.<br /></div><div><br /></div>
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I then went to bed -- grabbing whatever little sleep I could since these changes meant instead of a 20-minute drive to the airport, we were facing a 2.5-hour drive in the middle of the night. </div>
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When I got up, I noticed the reservation still looked the same, but we got in the rental car and headed south. Around 5am, I got a text from United with information about "boarding our delayed Newark flight" from Albany and realized something was wrong. Tara used my phone since I was driving, and called United. After a short hold, we were connected to Nidia and explained what happened. She listened and asked to put us on hold to work with the international support desk. We waited. And waited. And waited. </div><div><br /></div><div>After about 30 minutes we started getting nervous. Tara decided to try calling United from her phone while we were still on hold. The system asked her something about making a payment and she quickly hung up. We took it as a sign that Nidia didn’t abandon us. Sure enough, a few minutes later we received an email with just the Newark-Havana flight. </div>
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Nidia returned to the phone to let us know she reissued the tickets, that we were good to go, and asked if there was anything else she could do before she disconnected. I was happy to know there was a solution but had to ask why this happened. Nidia hesitated and explained the ticket just needed to be reissued. I was reading between the lines and pressed whether Joyce made a mistake. Again, Nidia paused and admitted Joyce hadn’t done things correctly. In fact, to her, all it looked like Joyce did was upgrade our seats.</div><div><br /></div><div>She explained that had we not called when we did, Albany staff would have put us down as a no-show and our reservation would have been canceled. I want to believe United staff in Newark would have been able to see the notes from Joyce and reinstated our tickets. However, my experience is that it's always easier to deal with this <u>before</u> the reservation is canceled.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsmQhVcs56oe9t_uOn-26Ddvy-sG2AtG1vcUBgOWeNcvtNVfcgpKOVFrpbt0rBQZgFlJXk5eNeuTWSdF43ZFrVi-AWGpUZfH8KBffU6ciwWTxej9WyKEK7moqWdqxH7cnavZP7HWzpJ4/s1190/IMG_3420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1190" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsmQhVcs56oe9t_uOn-26Ddvy-sG2AtG1vcUBgOWeNcvtNVfcgpKOVFrpbt0rBQZgFlJXk5eNeuTWSdF43ZFrVi-AWGpUZfH8KBffU6ciwWTxej9WyKEK7moqWdqxH7cnavZP7HWzpJ4/w640-h480/IMG_3420.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>We checked in to Havana with plenty of time and decided to use our Priority Pass at the lounge in Terminal B for breakfast. After a much-needed cup of coffee, I filed a claim with United and sent along receipts for gas and tolls. Hertz didn’t charge us any extra fees to drop off our car in Newark instead of Albany, so I didn't think it was right to try to claim the rental car that we were going to have regardless.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_W5y99WGpmUf9EOSa0r3PVJGGX8gM7EfTPIN9AaAn9Hwao2fzdBXmxZIMVUgUlmYxXeShRLtFoqg0-Uo40OvhipUmin2lUNzIy7nc-ltYqn81iM_hoAondRdO4zlugsKVW6PVuXxzig/s1050/IMG_6016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1050" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_W5y99WGpmUf9EOSa0r3PVJGGX8gM7EfTPIN9AaAn9Hwao2fzdBXmxZIMVUgUlmYxXeShRLtFoqg0-Uo40OvhipUmin2lUNzIy7nc-ltYqn81iM_hoAondRdO4zlugsKVW6PVuXxzig/w640-h480/IMG_6016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>A few days later, we received a response from Customer Care. They agreed to send us a check for $20 in expenses (as requested), refund the portion of our reservation from Albany to Newark (roughly $23 each) and issued us vouchers for $150 each toward a future flight, which is more than we paid to get to Havana.<br /><br />This isn’t the first time United has made a mistake and then made it right, which is one of many reasons why I keep flying them. Certainly, I think United should have handled this correctly the first time. Joyce added a lot of unnecessary stress, aggravation and frustration to the start of our trip. </div><div><br /></div><div>Arguably, the system could have noticed we had an “illegal” connection time and offered self re-booking options on the app that would have made the process faster. That said, United didn’t put up a fight to make this right. <br /><br />Oh, and FWIW, the flight from Albany arrived in Newark at 10:06am...almost exactly when we pushed back for Havana.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), 3 Brewster Rd, Newark, NJ 07114, USA40.6895314 -74.17446239999998215.1674969 -115.48305639999998 66.2115659 -32.865868399999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-38517177407904162002020-02-10T09:00:00.000-08:002020-02-10T22:44:55.921-08:00Yes, you can go to Cuba as an American from the U.S.. Here’s how we did it and the forms to you’ll need.Cuba has long been on our must-see places. We originally wanted to go in 2017, but uncertainty over rule changes made us postpone the trip. Finally in the summer of 2019 we decided to buy the tickets.It wasn’t without hassle and requires a detail-oriented person, but it was well worth it.<br />
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We were going to be in New York for the New Year. We wanted to spend some time with family then fly out on JetBlue to Santa Clara. Our plan was to start in the center of the island and then make our way west toward Havana and leave on Delta there. The tickets were cheaper and places to stay were better priced in Havana further away from the holiday. <br />
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Unfortunately, in October 2019, the U.S. banned flights from the U.S. to any Cuban city other than Havana. JetBlue gave us the option to either rebook to their non-stop to Havana at no extra cost or get a refund. We would have come out ahead by a few dollars by sliding over to the Havana flight, but decided to take a refund and rebook a day earlier since the changes meant an extra half-day of ground transportation in Cuba that we weren’t expecting.<br />
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United had a better deal than JetBlue and I get two free checked bags on United. It was a no brainer for the two of us, but I needed four tickets with four checked bags. Then I noticed Business Class tickets were just $54 more than a regular ticket and it includes two free bags and a meal. The most frugal option would have been to just upgrade one person because, after accounting for traditional bag fees, we would have come out ahead $6, but we paid to put two family members in the front since it wasn’t much more. <br />
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As you book your ticket, the airline website will ask the reason for your travel and you’ll need to select one of 11 OFAC-approved reasons for going to Cuba. We selected “support for the Cuban people.” There is no documentation required when booking your ticket to prove your reasoning. However, you must keep proof that you met the OFAC guidelines for five years after your return.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s9qkY04PSgGPlvIwnl6u2QcU3OqobFr7hO8ZZx-DuRmpfEpF7NIWZs2YPHNfltE525CCk6g1tbVLNf0Sn5B6WgGIN6nbQYG7JEV6XC9d_zJunhnVZF5RRAEhP423lxg2nC4jqdgmTmk/s1600/UA+Cuba+Desk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s9qkY04PSgGPlvIwnl6u2QcU3OqobFr7hO8ZZx-DuRmpfEpF7NIWZs2YPHNfltE525CCk6g1tbVLNf0Sn5B6WgGIN6nbQYG7JEV6XC9d_zJunhnVZF5RRAEhP423lxg2nC4jqdgmTmk/s400/UA+Cuba+Desk.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">United's Cuba desk at Newark</td></tr>
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The check-in experience to Cuba varies by airline. At Newark, United tucks away a “Cuba desk” at the far west corner of baggage claim. It features an inefficient system to get you underway. Here’s how it works:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_TBjuXtr2v-867FViEmAfayHY9TE4m7HHWEArytl9QJsngBTuqa7tvu3VpPxaqeDPss7ijBzXSPy2dVKfxEXhxr0bTvUNvMbv5RaYDePb_674tujYU6OjA-gx7-yvXf_57NX9sEWIZQ/s1600/Cuba+desk+UA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_TBjuXtr2v-867FViEmAfayHY9TE4m7HHWEArytl9QJsngBTuqa7tvu3VpPxaqeDPss7ijBzXSPy2dVKfxEXhxr0bTvUNvMbv5RaYDePb_674tujYU6OjA-gx7-yvXf_57NX9sEWIZQ/s400/Cuba+desk+UA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After you enter the stanchions, a United employee sitting off to the side at an unmarked podium will then pull you out of line to check your passport.<br />
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If you don’t have a visa (aka tourist card) from the Cuban government, one person from your group will need to go to the far right end of the desk and purchase one for everyone in your party (side note: United allows Cuba Travel Services to issue the visa, which charges an extra $25 on top of the $50 for the visa. It’s annoying to pay such a high fee when JetBlue, Southwest and Delta just charge $50). Don’t try to be sneaky and use a (cheaper) green tourist card that the rest of the world uses. All passengers on flights from the U.S., regardless of nationality, must use a pink tourist card.<br />
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Visa in hand, you can then rejoin the rest of your group who will have been making their way through the line. <br />
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An agent will then call you up to check you in. The experience is much like any other check-in desk, except after they tag your bags a man pushing a Smarte Carte, who isn’t prominently wearing a required airport ID and who’s only clothing that identifies him as an employee is a well-worn United hat, will come up and take your suitcase. I’m not sure where he takes it, but the luggage ended up in Havana. <br />
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If you’re connecting from another United flight, you will be required to purchase your visa from a CTS representative at the gate.<br />
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United usually has Republic fly an E-175 to Havana, but we took a rare mainline flight. It was about half-empty, but was booked completely full on the way back. United doesn’t overnight crews in Cuba, so the same group that brought us down would work the return. They also send an engineer to help with any issues, monitor ground staff and check all fluids that are put into the plane in Havana.<br />
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As we flew over North Carolina, a flight attendant came through with three forms: 1) “international debarkation,” 2) health declaration and 3) customs declaration. I also figured it was a good time to fill out my visa.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_nowJ5D4bzJAmGWhHs202J-sfjd6AmQTk8KhKbNkcU22kt2tzq5BD6UJejiiMN0ognWGe9asSxuS7rinMZG8D06BQFVjphxg_b24cQp0TJRj1DCGRT1BhAKCAZfkwSIBQ7Zu94Qkw_o/s1600/UA+Cuba+visa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_nowJ5D4bzJAmGWhHs202J-sfjd6AmQTk8KhKbNkcU22kt2tzq5BD6UJejiiMN0ognWGe9asSxuS7rinMZG8D06BQFVjphxg_b24cQp0TJRj1DCGRT1BhAKCAZfkwSIBQ7Zu94Qkw_o/s400/UA+Cuba+visa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pink Cuba visa from CTS</td></tr>
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I started with the tourist card, which is ironic because the U.S. explicitly forbids tourism, but to the Cuban government...you’re a tourist. Make sure to fill out the form exactly as told because you’ll need to buy a new one if you make a mistake. With my luck, we hit a slight bump as I was writing, so one of my passport numbers looked odd. I tried to fix it and prayed immigration didn’t care. Spoiler: they didn’t.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimi0MclrwdY5P6-o4POzzVybf_1SltwmXA3sHVamgc847rG_82GBVg19FXQIRDrgVBc1UAwIUw0ITW3l-8hT5lzLhjmboH_urNcbgK8WNvdyUUML-Gq5f6OK35PgZ_0aLcSR5BREfucPk/s1600/Declaration+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="662" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimi0MclrwdY5P6-o4POzzVybf_1SltwmXA3sHVamgc847rG_82GBVg19FXQIRDrgVBc1UAwIUw0ITW3l-8hT5lzLhjmboH_urNcbgK8WNvdyUUML-Gq5f6OK35PgZ_0aLcSR5BREfucPk/s400/Declaration+1.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuba declarations form</td></tr>
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I then moved on to the declaration. It was very straight forward until I got to the question about “equipment and items (electrical appliances).” I read online they are referring to things like refrigerators and toasters not hair dryers otherwise I might have put it down. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyES7TAszOmP_-lp12Q2PFj8GW7EUUO8KVAHmGhyz7w6oDuzVpTb0M3-xwWEkS6RprmzDwmfdjydErthz95DjUAVSENIsXswTQA48ZOPSTTQ8opF8w6_FxGBqC5UcKua_0g0bZM67jDPk/s1600/Declaration+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="662" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyES7TAszOmP_-lp12Q2PFj8GW7EUUO8KVAHmGhyz7w6oDuzVpTb0M3-xwWEkS6RprmzDwmfdjydErthz95DjUAVSENIsXswTQA48ZOPSTTQ8opF8w6_FxGBqC5UcKua_0g0bZM67jDPk/s400/Declaration+2.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't forget the back side!</td></tr>
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The only thing I saw Customs really inspecting was cameras, our hair dryer didn’t even rate a look.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LuyI67dwacCg6wkbn5XisLw75Qxmq1e8AbLtU5V5GK6Vx0ell2x9U0Egkq5zGrNt7yTq_0LGUIDGGxdOAa-su_nEOD5ZAVVFOonLDwTLo0ZW-M9jVHSzZjJ00eGEpGo3OLXq7Nmu9lc/s1600/Health+form.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="662" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6LuyI67dwacCg6wkbn5XisLw75Qxmq1e8AbLtU5V5GK6Vx0ell2x9U0Egkq5zGrNt7yTq_0LGUIDGGxdOAa-su_nEOD5ZAVVFOonLDwTLo0ZW-M9jVHSzZjJ00eGEpGo3OLXq7Nmu9lc/s400/Health+form.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuba health form</td></tr>
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The health form was also very easy. They just asked if you’ve felt ill recently. After clearing customs and passport control, there are people dressed like nurses waiting to collect the forms. I didn’t see them giving anyone a cursory look.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Lrx68jJLjK05Msc5aiUHybsYbmehTBpez9Yt0qRFnCgTR_B_mqhFwzuvLtShErFUvVQq8ve_WYhqHm3LT0Lab5FaXoDtKGHPbrddlZraIq0ZAmnxUbtyOUZIJ19-O9MNPgZ4jp9NOM4/s1600/Embarkation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Lrx68jJLjK05Msc5aiUHybsYbmehTBpez9Yt0qRFnCgTR_B_mqhFwzuvLtShErFUvVQq8ve_WYhqHm3LT0Lab5FaXoDtKGHPbrddlZraIq0ZAmnxUbtyOUZIJ19-O9MNPgZ4jp9NOM4/s400/Embarkation.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuba debarkation form</td></tr>
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Finally, I moved onto the debarkation form, which was my nemesis. I was so paranoid about making a mistake that I kept making them. I must have gone through at least three. Once I didn’t realize there were boxes for the information, so I wrote everything underneath. On another I made the mistake again with the citizenship question and on a third I wrote the address where we were staying on the wrong line. The flight attendant must have thought I was crazy, but I didn’t want to make a mistake. In the end, customs never even collected it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjreDAiX0mzwXzSADwDlCPHKiQaueGdPyN9Uey60nArPEA75NhuS4bFTiCOb0mZgwfiZhW6gHivLylfcCC62M0p62MYE8rP_WCwrlDugTlYTRVdP2IMYXQWNZfIxCj-4lYDru0of4DWR8/s1600/Terminal+2+HAV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjreDAiX0mzwXzSADwDlCPHKiQaueGdPyN9Uey60nArPEA75NhuS4bFTiCOb0mZgwfiZhW6gHivLylfcCC62M0p62MYE8rP_WCwrlDugTlYTRVdP2IMYXQWNZfIxCj-4lYDru0of4DWR8/s400/Terminal+2+HAV.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Havana's Terminal 2</td></tr>
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Once we were in Cuba, we did our best to document any time we spent money. When possible, we got a receipt. Unfortunately, that’s not always an option so sometimes we took pictures of private restaurants or shops. Certainly some of it is on the honor system, but we tried to bring back as much proof as possible and stored it away in a safe place for the next five years.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), 3 Brewster Rd, Newark, NJ 07114, USA40.6895314 -74.17446239999998215.1674969 -115.48305639999998 66.2115659 -32.865868399999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-90584113488933948642019-07-22T09:00:00.000-07:002020-04-27T15:59:04.674-07:00A day trip from Seville to Gibraltar<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IZhsy5Q9dgqwubpA4ruxMy2cTvn6MM_tUMxo-vlxm0A5bz8TOg9YLMFH7SU_OQSwNZfMsh9ZOTJsP00aGj3uXhJSFWT3cqskc9-LQ3Hyf5ivpHiTO03pyVo6fmqxRHmLtShrB_hIpqc/s1600/monkey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="655" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_IZhsy5Q9dgqwubpA4ruxMy2cTvn6MM_tUMxo-vlxm0A5bz8TOg9YLMFH7SU_OQSwNZfMsh9ZOTJsP00aGj3uXhJSFWT3cqskc9-LQ3Hyf5ivpHiTO03pyVo6fmqxRHmLtShrB_hIpqc/s320/monkey.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I’m a bit of a history lover, so when I saw how close Sevilla is to Gibraltar, I thought it would make for a great day trip. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After reviewing a lot of options, from organized tours to taking a bus, we decided to just rent a car. Our hotel was near the airport in Sevilla, so it was easy to take a €3 bus ride on the EA there to pick up our rental. We used our Costco membership to get the best price, but instead of booking through the Costco Travel portal, we entered their corporate code directly into the Alamo website. This allowed us to select an automatic transition vehicle, which we were having trouble guaranteeing through the portal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We decided to get the car the night before we left because the car rental companies at the airport didn't open early enough for us and tended to close early most days. Friday was a late night, so we picked up the rental at 10pm and returned at 10pm Saturday. The counter would be closed, but unlike some U.S. rental companies, which charge you when the vehicle is “checked in” by staff the following morning, Alamo in Spain is willing to honor the 24 hour rental period because your entry is verified by a license plate reader entering the garage. This also allowed us to leave straight away in the morning.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We also pre-paid for the gasoline, which is something I almost never do. We did this because 1) we knew we’d use an entire tank of gas 2) we could maximize reward points because it would charge as a car rental instead of fuel charge and 3) it was cheaper per liter compared to the nearby gas stations.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">6am - Breakfast at hotel</span></i><br />
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<i>6:30am - out the door and on the way</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Almost immediately after we turned onto the highway we encountered a sobriety checkpoint. I had begrudgingly purchased an International Driving Permit a few weeks earlier from AAA, but felt a wave of relief pass over me knowing I would have all of my documentation if needed. While the officers chatted at length with the driver in front of us, he just waved on everyone else.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From there, we decided to take the free roads down to La Linea de la Concepción. It added about 25 minutes to our drive in the morning, but saved about €8 each way. Traffic was bad heading to Seveille in the afternoon on the autopista, so it really only added about 10 minutes coming back.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUT03RPDiPwTTOiYFYNDbsqTgayWhDtlvXInqt6QPd7uHyNtHTJvgxKxfXayOha36wbBHBRqpm-WRzG3CNO9Xg5jc6Bja0CgwqbICd3E2CwxnpxP3kvnWkBEzV8HizTQmMVoJLh1SsjU/s1600/no+touch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1164" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUT03RPDiPwTTOiYFYNDbsqTgayWhDtlvXInqt6QPd7uHyNtHTJvgxKxfXayOha36wbBHBRqpm-WRzG3CNO9Xg5jc6Bja0CgwqbICd3E2CwxnpxP3kvnWkBEzV8HizTQmMVoJLh1SsjU/s640/no+touch.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkeys are cute, but please don't touch</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">9am - arrive at La Linea de la Concepción</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We read traffic can be bad when driving between Spain and Gibraltar, so we decided to park in La Linea and walk across. We discovered, after a quick internet search, that we can park for free near the stadium (Estadio Municipal de La Línea de la Concepción) and walk 1 km (.62 mi) into Gibraltar. It’s a nice walk and goes past some of the abandoned bunkers from the Spanish Civil War.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8l8o40Qe3k9aBcdpTfmIhGc7IW4YWt9YkfuoNyHzCOR6REnmkPYakJOx4y0cP7jgwgO3ObrUEU3RA7UcBUUmDzIXt6cPAL8I6NL2q8smiR4te7VjINPXIG1T5K5VDLwHOdLl-Lldsbg8/s1600/battery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1164" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8l8o40Qe3k9aBcdpTfmIhGc7IW4YWt9YkfuoNyHzCOR6REnmkPYakJOx4y0cP7jgwgO3ObrUEU3RA7UcBUUmDzIXt6cPAL8I6NL2q8smiR4te7VjINPXIG1T5K5VDLwHOdLl-Lldsbg8/s640/battery.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An abandoned civil war bunker</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">9:30am - cross into Gibraltar</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It was a breeze to walk into Gibraltar. We just flashed our passports at the officials. They gave it a casual glance and waved us on. I wanted them to stamp it, but they told us to ask on the way out. We continued onto Winston Churchill Ave. and started to search for the free shuttle to the Gibraltar Cable Car. It’s a great perk that really saves your feet. Unfortunately it’s hard to find. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0it3Q2tbbyoO9Ieb8b9wM5Tu-b5QmGi3Dv81leOx9TGQrvSHrGbTLRrqVJcmtoaM8WXJcNhSzMvC0dN4aHWJOt3OlX9ic4SGGHcSOoH7xRVuyrD10Oi8qxwTlMYoXZvl3-VWoGmRcgs/s1600/Shuttle+bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1164" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0it3Q2tbbyoO9Ieb8b9wM5Tu-b5QmGi3Dv81leOx9TGQrvSHrGbTLRrqVJcmtoaM8WXJcNhSzMvC0dN4aHWJOt3OlX9ic4SGGHcSOoH7xRVuyrD10Oi8qxwTlMYoXZvl3-VWoGmRcgs/s640/Shuttle+bus.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On board the minibus to the cable car</td></tr>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">9:45am - board shuttle</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After some back and forth, we spotted a minibus across the street with Calypso Transport written on the side and decided to ask if they knew where we could find the shuttle. I was worried it would be a scam to try and get us to pay for their tour, but it turned out to be the free cable car shuttle. The driver loaded two other confused families, filling the bus, and drove out. He pointed out some central locations and landmarks that we would later use to get back to La Linea.</span><br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLl0kwrWVQfHjso3ZzZnEsvz9K8-L6n-8NHsX8mURZSwtVNb33_KEffq_FMBzQk796SHJRYOo7cgniKocEbW6bLay00z9G098OeVC2Nef9uzbjVyeFj6YSamo0tgtCZb6fNiktE0cTg0/s1600/monkey+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1164" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoLl0kwrWVQfHjso3ZzZnEsvz9K8-L6n-8NHsX8mURZSwtVNb33_KEffq_FMBzQk796SHJRYOo7cgniKocEbW6bLay00z9G098OeVC2Nef9uzbjVyeFj6YSamo0tgtCZb6fNiktE0cTg0/s640/monkey+car.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cable car with barbary monkeys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">10:15am - up we go!</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">There was a bit of a queue to board the cable car, but we were soon on our way up the Rock of Gibraltar. We purchased the “Cable Car Return and Nature Reserve” package online ahead of time because we wanted to explore the grounds. The return ticket is a bit useless since if you want to take advantage of everything the nature reserve has to offer then you’re going to walk down.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We had a great time exploring the grounds, visiting the barbary monkeys, St. Michael’s Cave and much more. It was a LONG walk down, but well worth it.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjgcH-VV3Cr3BWgBuR384RCn4IlEGsmQf5JEfSNT6kXRSzPLe2b1yLSkkajwxVWQMt04k9E85ZQaiPGtAzaC00SCAYOiTL17ovVx8hlbifHLgP7IHlDEXwXwzLfB1DXPcCc64d2CW6AM/s1600/St+Michaels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1164" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjgcH-VV3Cr3BWgBuR384RCn4IlEGsmQf5JEfSNT6kXRSzPLe2b1yLSkkajwxVWQMt04k9E85ZQaiPGtAzaC00SCAYOiTL17ovVx8hlbifHLgP7IHlDEXwXwzLfB1DXPcCc64d2CW6AM/s640/St+Michaels.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside St. Michael's Cave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">3:30pm - finally down</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">After a full day of exploration, we finished at the Moorish Castle and found ourselves on Willis’s Road. It’s quite far from the center and we were ready to eat. Thankfully we spotted a red minibus from Gibraltar Bus Company sitting at a bus stop. We quickly consulted with the map and discovered the 1 bus would take us exactly where we needed to go for just £1.80. After all that walking, it was well worth it and about 20 minutes later we were near Market Place.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY51bZsFwXlxuXaCYC7MocXPKIVJd0uw3l8dOUTbEQahEBlZhzFsDqK7R5q17mpKw5P-cGGl8V40SXNBjE0jG1F2IzA5U2Ve6pk3O7dkyTR5MJ7ceb099fArHD55uwTBOb20wgnIqZi5k/s1600/top+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1164" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY51bZsFwXlxuXaCYC7MocXPKIVJd0uw3l8dOUTbEQahEBlZhzFsDqK7R5q17mpKw5P-cGGl8V40SXNBjE0jG1F2IzA5U2Ve6pk3O7dkyTR5MJ7ceb099fArHD55uwTBOb20wgnIqZi5k/s640/top+view.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">4:00pm - dinner</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We were craving fish and chips (when in a British Overseas Territory do as the British do) so we ate at <a href="http://biancas.gi/" target="_blank">Bianca’s</a> on the waterfront.</span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">5pm - exploration</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Admittedly, the rock took more time than expected. I’d hoped to explore more of Gibraltar, but we used the little time we had to walk around the area near Market Place Terminus.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQo7Wal5iJs5ItCguYMPdIOgW7Lkk0fTQS063UjbAUWGKt4CUM_vU6lA2EmBWVDP1Btekls-sxy8TliI04hc08U1nUrKi5eS4TlkvQ2z_vj2cJlI1AGipuSOMHhCaf88E_DGtVBgbs6Jg/s1600/panorama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="295" data-original-width="1308" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQo7Wal5iJs5ItCguYMPdIOgW7Lkk0fTQS063UjbAUWGKt4CUM_vU6lA2EmBWVDP1Btekls-sxy8TliI04hc08U1nUrKi5eS4TlkvQ2z_vj2cJlI1AGipuSOMHhCaf88E_DGtVBgbs6Jg/s640/panorama.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">5:45pm - back to Spain</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">We caught the 5 bus back to the border (sometimes listed as Frontier). I was determined to get our passports stamped from Gibraltar, so we talked to one of the Gibraltar Borders and Coastguard Agency officers who gave us a strange look, spoke to a supervisor and stamped the passport before we left. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Again, we flashed our passports at the Spanish border officials. They casually looked at mine, but stopped Tara. The officer examined her passport and couldn’t find the stamp from when we arrived in Barcelona. He then began to question her about when she first entered Spain. We explained that we were together and showed him the stamp from a week earlier. He appeared satisfied and waved us on. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">9pm - In Seville</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I dropped Tara off at the hotel and made my way back to the airport to return the car. Unfortunately, I didn’t time out the EA bus well, so I had to wait longer than I’d hoped to get back.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1OXo_jKHpOg-tjsf3BMmic7iwNlN10ZclHl1mbvG9pZppkvh19q5i_Shw2bwIhDHRAYFdOcLvjAD9el1h2kjUW4vVxCsalWN5ZMhK83xEwn5Z-Y6WPrP-Rkz04HXe3jgXHukHncAgzk/s1600/Rental+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1164" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip1OXo_jKHpOg-tjsf3BMmic7iwNlN10ZclHl1mbvG9pZppkvh19q5i_Shw2bwIhDHRAYFdOcLvjAD9el1h2kjUW4vVxCsalWN5ZMhK83xEwn5Z-Y6WPrP-Rkz04HXe3jgXHukHncAgzk/s640/Rental+car.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Returning the car in Sevilla</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was a long day, but I’m glad we got to see a place as unique and interesting as Gibraltar. It takes a bit of planning, but well worth the experience.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2Gibraltar36.140751 -5.353585000000066436.089451000000004 -5.4342660000000667 36.192051 -5.2729040000000662tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-56874839455733921372019-07-15T09:00:00.000-07:002019-07-15T23:22:29.636-07:00Hola BCN or Barcelona Card? We review both to get from BCN El Prat Airport.Barcelona offers two seemingly similar transit cards to help you get around this gorgeous city.<br />
<br />
For us, our decision started at the airport for an option that would get us from the airport to the city and back for the three days we would be in Barcelona.<br />
<br />
First, the basics…<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAq2S9JrhCEPcgWpMGKBjcs4Z6S7VP_Rrgvc9qRADEt0trM5MpBMhU4ai_WmKdnDx1UYYbJLMXBcmF2cnvwf3CEVBXVCHftROxMSlkszgaJLkcwwUBva7lsdliH3KsB29UYjb632sGBAM/s1600/bus+decisions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAq2S9JrhCEPcgWpMGKBjcs4Z6S7VP_Rrgvc9qRADEt0trM5MpBMhU4ai_WmKdnDx1UYYbJLMXBcmF2cnvwf3CEVBXVCHftROxMSlkszgaJLkcwwUBva7lsdliH3KsB29UYjb632sGBAM/s320/bus+decisions.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<u><b>Hola BCN</b></u><br />
-€19.98 when purchased online (you can even do this the same day)<br />
-Unlimited transportation within 72 hours<br />
-Includes funicular up to Montjuïc<br />
-No attractions or activities included<br />
-Can be picked up at <u>Metro</u> station vending machines<br />
<br />
<b><u>Barcelona Card</u></b><br />
-€41.40 for three days when purchased online<br />
-Unlimited transportation within 72 hours<br />
-No access to funicular<br />
-Includes free or discounted admission to select attractions<br />
-Must pick up at an <a href="https://bcnshop.barcelonaturisme.com/shopv3/en/product/1/barcelona-card.html" target="_blank">official tourist office</a>, such as near arrivals in T1 or T2<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuNR3NlmDF5T4X65wL6P_vssdPNyYwWVK4FtsnL15CbuBX92Xnj3LuTWguJcCcUW9-QYMsAuFmTSFJwFUqLMsHp9Ag7uWH0LDK9y5bIEYIj308w5GAhTAN6vgGOvEVjBoxdq3YPnGEKk/s1600/bus+to+mont.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAuNR3NlmDF5T4X65wL6P_vssdPNyYwWVK4FtsnL15CbuBX92Xnj3LuTWguJcCcUW9-QYMsAuFmTSFJwFUqLMsHp9Ag7uWH0LDK9y5bIEYIj308w5GAhTAN6vgGOvEVjBoxdq3YPnGEKk/s200/bus+to+mont.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from Montjuïc </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
First, we reviewed what attractions we might want to do. With limited time in the city, it quickly became obvious it would be a stretch for us to get enough value out of the Barcelona Card. Some of the most popular attractions we wanted to do weren’t included. At best we would break even and I didn’t want to be feel committed to race through something because we paid for it.<br />
<br />
I also didn’t like that you had to pick up the Barcelona Card in person. Our flight was due to arrive at 6:30am. Even accounting for passport control, we would have to spend time waiting for the office to open or pay for transportation to our hotel and pick it up later. As it turned out, our flight arrived early and the immigration lines were short so we were through a bit after 7am.<br />
<br />
The final decision maker for us was the funicular. We knew we wanted to go up to Montjuïc Castle. The funicular is included in the Hola BCN card, but not the Barcelona Card (editor’s note: the funicular was undergoing construction when we arrived, so we weren’t able to use it).<br />
<br />
Decision made, I went online and purchased two Hola BCN cards. The system emailed me a confirmation number and barcode that I could use to obtain them when we arrived.<br />
<br />
I then set out to decide whether to take the Metro or Rodalies.<br />
<br />
Our hotel was located near Paral·lel. It would have been 14 stops on one subway and another nine stops on another. I was slightly comforted by the likelihood that we would get a seat on the first subway, but I realized it was unlikely on the second because of rush hour. Certainly not the easiest way with baggage. Further, the idea of lugging suitcases up and down Metro staircases wasn’t attractive to me. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXBETKjZjhN98fwuWpTnYPH60Dfyi9GIJD3003-VnGY8kKF5uN6vEtlCb6IzGcQKDftL9F557Uklsx606FQMi1h_skq9OCeBIKsNYnVlhAl8athI0Iq_yh_gGtpDuy8erucYu_pJIYWA/s1600/seats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXBETKjZjhN98fwuWpTnYPH60Dfyi9GIJD3003-VnGY8kKF5uN6vEtlCb6IzGcQKDftL9F557Uklsx606FQMi1h_skq9OCeBIKsNYnVlhAl8athI0Iq_yh_gGtpDuy8erucYu_pJIYWA/s200/seats.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of empty seats</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Instead, I looked at the Rodalies R2 Nord (aka R2N) train. It’s a suburban commuter-style train that starts its journey at Terminal 2. This means you’ll likely get a seat. Plus, the layout is more spacious than a subway, so we had no problem comfortably finding space for our bags.<br />
<br />
After a (relatively) short transatlantic flight from New York to Barcelona, we took the free shuttle bus from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 and used the bridge to cross over to the Rodalies. I made the mistake of trying to get my Hola BCN card from the Rodalies ticket counter, but the agent told me to go downstairs to the adjacent Metro station to obtain them.<br />
<br />
I left Tara with the baggage upstairs and used a kiosk to get our passes. It was very efficient and, while there were no attendants, the staff had helpfully laid out several transit brochures and maps. I then returned to the R2N station and used our new Hola BCN passes to say “¡hola!” to Barcelona’s transit.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMM5ZR4s_Dgp8OJbmlVlFOLigGMAbN6evch2Z5xU9Djzx6Jv8LomJKpUF7dGto90rXl1MXnKgF4mfto2a7q-EyK0X9ALl31JKBWiBDGWN58DH81z921jLJHLRIZYx6an8V9Y7lAS1u79M/s1600/baggage+storage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMM5ZR4s_Dgp8OJbmlVlFOLigGMAbN6evch2Z5xU9Djzx6Jv8LomJKpUF7dGto90rXl1MXnKgF4mfto2a7q-EyK0X9ALl31JKBWiBDGWN58DH81z921jLJHLRIZYx6an8V9Y7lAS1u79M/s200/baggage+storage.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End seats have plenty of space for bags</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was on high alert for Barcelona’s infamous pickpockets or other scam artists who are known to work the big tourist stops. I spotted some transit security staff on patrol, but otherwise the station was empty given the early hour. A few minutes later our train rumbled in, let off the arriving passengers and then we boarded, along with security staff who continued patrolling the train as we left the station.<br />
<br />
The R2N, bound for Sant Celoni makes just a few stops as it heads toward the center. While a few people boarded, the train stayed empty until we got off at Passeig de Gracia. This is a big station with convenient elevators at every point between the railway and Metro.<br />
<br />
From there, we boarded the 3 subway for a quick four-stop ride to Paral·lel.<br />
<br />
The R2N takes about the same amount of time as the Metro after considering the shuttle ride, but the trip was much less of a hassle and made for a great welcome to the city.<br />
<br />
From there, we proceeded to use the city’s efficient public transit to get everywhere over the next three days. <br />
<br />
Finally, it was time to head back to the airport for our flight to Sevilla. <br />
<br />
This time, we would need to leave during the evening rush hour. We considered taking the Metro because we weren’t sure how crowded the R2N would get, but after seeing the packed subways, decided to chance the R2N. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzdj5DYj7dPJMu3JFbIA-MCoax58KRUDA10XhCHuxu15Ab7EYj_f_GQ2nt-KqAcU3DQS50bgi7AuUm8uncdMQQ-xq7JiIMNM2044kTehVX7N3WW3OYiq2BkS6dwgu5n45Z_YQf-Sfcxw/s1600/bcn+bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzdj5DYj7dPJMu3JFbIA-MCoax58KRUDA10XhCHuxu15Ab7EYj_f_GQ2nt-KqAcU3DQS50bgi7AuUm8uncdMQQ-xq7JiIMNM2044kTehVX7N3WW3OYiq2BkS6dwgu5n45Z_YQf-Sfcxw/s200/bcn+bus.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hola BCN will get you everywhere</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Again, we made our way to Passeig de Gracia. Given the early hour of our inbound train, and the jetlag, I didn’t take enough mental notes to remember how to get between the metro and railway. It took a little navigating, but we finally got there just as a delayed train was departing. I wasn’t too upset because we were early and I’d rather make sure we’re going the right way rather than taking the wrong train.<br />
<br />
After about a 15 minute wait, the R2N arrived. Do take the time to double check the train routing. Unlike the airport, multiple trains use the same platform. Only the R2N goes to the airport.<br />
<br />
This time, the train was more crowded, but we still found seats. The train’s roomy interior again allowed us plenty of space for luggage, so we didn’t feel in the way. Less than a half-hour later, we arrived at Terminal 2, which is primarily used by low-cost carriers, and checked in for our Ryanair flight to Sevilla.<br />
<br />
Finally, some travelers may find the T-10 card makes the most sense. It's a simple 10 rides for €10.20, but we decided against it because we didn't think we would hit exactly 10 rides to maximize its value.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0Barcelona, Spain41.3850639 2.173403499999949441.1944764 1.8506799999999495 41.5756514 2.4961269999999494tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-53346530041182094522019-07-08T09:00:00.000-07:002019-07-07T10:36:55.103-07:00Navigating Tijuana’s Route Taxis to Puerto Nuevo<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinImfdmiPr0bcMgisK-JqC1DGyyKts98To6EFOJakhAK2cxL_M4qpPNcKBf8enM-01fSOQSTlrDugxotXtX-KPmoJzyVbTSoJljm6yypGuwPu0iDyGoiouD0RYl83dymCk2TDhnm2JcUA/s1600/IMG_1196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="849" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinImfdmiPr0bcMgisK-JqC1DGyyKts98To6EFOJakhAK2cxL_M4qpPNcKBf8enM-01fSOQSTlrDugxotXtX-KPmoJzyVbTSoJljm6yypGuwPu0iDyGoiouD0RYl83dymCk2TDhnm2JcUA/s320/IMG_1196.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taxis start their routes from various points in Tijuana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tijuana public transportation is....well, I'm still trying to figure out what it is. Despite its large population, Tijuana still lacks uniform transit. The city came close with the SIT bus, but it never really caught on.<br />
<br />
First, let’s get the lingo right...<br />
<ul>
<li>Taxi Libre - traditional metered taxi</li>
<li>Taxi Especial - non-metered taxi, so more expensive, but good for large group</li>
<li>Taxi - a group taxi that runs on a set route (aka “taxis de ruta” or route taxi. In Puerto Rico, we called them Carro Publicos)</li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dRPCdDfHatGUqADgmzKGeh9UjNELXiUxm7EoIXUG0BxOGHh-oV9VMKei_IVnhLobbJNUqKAQ3nHsw-T3GefQo_Azeuccm66dnxQuR-RyS6FhxN2UiDy6jOaGDk6GXr_mF2lYHRaXKvs/s1600/IMG_1191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="849" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dRPCdDfHatGUqADgmzKGeh9UjNELXiUxm7EoIXUG0BxOGHh-oV9VMKei_IVnhLobbJNUqKAQ3nHsw-T3GefQo_Azeuccm66dnxQuR-RyS6FhxN2UiDy6jOaGDk6GXr_mF2lYHRaXKvs/s320/IMG_1191.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first stop of the taxi to Rosarito</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Most locals use the last one to inexpensively get around the city. They work just like a bus, assigned to a <a href="https://contactoruta664.wixsite.com/ruta664/mapa" target="_blank">fixed route</a>, in fact some of the vehicles are buses, but most are large vans or even sedans.<br />
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Each route is known by its color and vehicles are painted to match. For example, dorado y blanco (gold and white) goes from Otay to Centro. Amarillo y crema (yellow and off-white) goes from Centro to Rosarito.<br />
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You can make sure you're on the right taxi by looking at the side of the taxi near the bottom right corner. It shows the vehicles ID number and approved route. <br />
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Like a bus, you may have to transfer to get where you need to go.<br />
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For example, after spending the day in Tijuana, we wanted to eat lobster in the famous Puerto Nuevo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqt0Tk54Bmx-ptOc_Kc76AUQcV3GJFLazgdPLRRtiPjlBcDsQiwzp-eLuqS8vcBnqCzDRN2SRrRQuGSHrRQfIWcmU1NcJ09V7r5S1MijQoUNbZNUu0r5he7DylwfmC8DEkFHccrworp4/s1600/IMG_1190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="849" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqt0Tk54Bmx-ptOc_Kc76AUQcV3GJFLazgdPLRRtiPjlBcDsQiwzp-eLuqS8vcBnqCzDRN2SRrRQuGSHrRQfIWcmU1NcJ09V7r5S1MijQoUNbZNUu0r5he7DylwfmC8DEkFHccrworp4/s320/IMG_1190.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fares are posted on the window</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We walked to a <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Base+De+Taxis+Colectivos+Al+Rosarito/@32.5335905,-117.0361425,18z/data=!4m8!1m2!2m1!1sAmado+Nervo!3m4!1s0x0:0x1af37bf4b98fb8dd!8m2!3d32.5336573!4d-117.0349342" target="_blank">small alleyway</a> off Madero between 3rd and 4th (aka Carrillo Puerto and Calle Salvador Diaz respectively).<br />
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This is the first stop of the route. While many posters online claim the taxis will only leave when full, we found they left with a few open seats to pick people up along the way.<br />
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The van slowly made its way south, passing through La Gloria and eventually ending up in Rosarito. We rode to the very southern end (near Banco Santander) before paying the driver $22.50 MXP each and getting off. The etiquette is to generally pass the money up as you prepare to exit. The driver will give change. You'll see plenty of people doing this as you go and just follow their lead.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EeXkTFs8LBRgSbrXgdNfKBVNttITK1rCUB2VmbFchzVwhoipc1p3XgN-NUAuCJAYfAaOTjk_bH-emH1oowwaVNDL8PMUBmU5-1JBDuWtxhLDXtT7f6N1S1UAcJiezvZrV9qCpocGbgY/s1600/IMG_1188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="849" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EeXkTFs8LBRgSbrXgdNfKBVNttITK1rCUB2VmbFchzVwhoipc1p3XgN-NUAuCJAYfAaOTjk_bH-emH1oowwaVNDL8PMUBmU5-1JBDuWtxhLDXtT7f6N1S1UAcJiezvZrV9qCpocGbgY/s200/IMG_1188.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puerto Nuevo lobster for $23</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From there, we transferred to the White with Red and Blue stripes van heading south and hopped off at the entrance to Puerto Nuevo after paying about $15 MXP. Both taxis are MUCH cheaper than an Uber or Taxi Libre ($2 vs $25).<br />
<br />
Across the street from the entrance is a small covered bus stop where you can catch a taxi back. I suggest getting off as you enter the southern end of Rosarito near where the yellow and white taxis start their route (call out “a los amarillos” as you see the mass of taxis waiting to go north). This will ensure you get a seat on the next taxi heading out.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-3443515274994688662019-07-01T09:00:00.000-07:002019-07-01T15:01:45.449-07:00How to make the Hong Kong Airport Express worth itAs Frugal Fliers, we usually stick to public transit leaving the airport. Unfortunately, many cities offer tourist transportation options to airports that are more expensive than traditional methods (such as the<a href="http://www.frugalfliers.com/2018/01/how-we-did-it-navigating-from-newark_3.html" target="_blank"> AirTrain in Newark</a> and JFK, Chicago’s Blue Line when leaving O’Hare or Heathrow Express to name a few).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6b5plqo1x528ilh4wA0h6GS0xEG26hw9U8XshpDvn1-MDZXDHn74pcAWlv7ceydw4AtHWf5ErPtPkb8V3iZ0astJiNmHYQYM3vnA2QLkDRxF1bZKk3OAwjB97TIe1BTcawHZjSx1sU5U/s1600/HK+AE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1217" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6b5plqo1x528ilh4wA0h6GS0xEG26hw9U8XshpDvn1-MDZXDHn74pcAWlv7ceydw4AtHWf5ErPtPkb8V3iZ0astJiNmHYQYM3vnA2QLkDRxF1bZKk3OAwjB97TIe1BTcawHZjSx1sU5U/s320/HK+AE.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of open seats on this train</td></tr>
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Hong Kong’s MTR offers the Airport Express. At HK$110, it’s more money than the bus system or other MTR trains, so we approached it with a skeptic eye. However, they offer several amenities that make it worthwhile and a big time saver versus the bus.<br />
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For us, we used the Airport Express only when arriving in Hong Kong, since we used the <a href="https://www.cotaiwaterjet.com/" target="_blank">Cotai Water Jet</a> from Macau for our departing flight. <br />
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Here’s how to save money:<br />
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MTR fares can usually only be loaded to Octopus with cash. The exception is at the Airport Express counter when leaving customs and the vending machines just prior to boarding the Airport Express, which all take credit cards.<br />
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When traveling with two or more people, ask for a <span id="goog_232154778"></span>“<a href="http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/tickets/promotions_4persons.html" target="_blank">group ticket</a>”<span id="goog_232154779"></span> at the Airport Express counter. For the two of us, this brought the fare down to $85 per person. Groups of four pay as little as $70 per person.<span id="goog_232154782"></span><span id="goog_232154783"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEypqkZS_NDEJraQwp7ro0VZrp2h6IdFjUGFs6C9KdMVmoj3fKiXc3ZTepcfEz-_d9cjhpA_5dKE4i4jSJVmEn0GNO_M465JHisehWcUhzabVevCvrr1993dZC_wFnJ8gOUaD7WcE6eEA/s1600/HK+AE+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1217" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEypqkZS_NDEJraQwp7ro0VZrp2h6IdFjUGFs6C9KdMVmoj3fKiXc3ZTepcfEz-_d9cjhpA_5dKE4i4jSJVmEn0GNO_M465JHisehWcUhzabVevCvrr1993dZC_wFnJ8gOUaD7WcE6eEA/s320/HK+AE+map.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A helpful display shows when you're getting close</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Research the free Airport Express <a href="http://www.mtr.com.hk/en/customer/services/complom_free_bus.html" target="_blank">Shuttle Bus Service</a>. There are five free routes from Kowloon and four free routes from Hong Kong Station that connect to nearby hotels. You don’t have to be staying at the hotel to get off there, so check if your hotel might be near a hotel with a stop. Ours was on the list and the minibus dropped us across the street. Pro tip: Try not to lollygag too much after getting off the train. Shuttles depart about five minutes after each train and we almost missed our shuttle because we struck up a conversation with a local man who was recommending attractions.<br />
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The ease and efficiency of the service made it worth the few extra dollars that we would have saved had we taken a lengthy bus ride.<br />
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For those of you using the service to the airport, consider the added benefits of:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSGbGFDykWsq_EKC_ZbdPdO2aQpBsebgBYlrppTA5LmFtTJtGwI6LB0QhvTY_TAHVT_dkv8FxGNOT3Sg6iq5WCfS2CC5u61_3R9uLMnO2pkMhRtMEmC8yMQw5LmS54rdeKm0v2XBGguQ/s1600/HK+AE+minibus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1217" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSGbGFDykWsq_EKC_ZbdPdO2aQpBsebgBYlrppTA5LmFtTJtGwI6LB0QhvTY_TAHVT_dkv8FxGNOT3Sg6iq5WCfS2CC5u61_3R9uLMnO2pkMhRtMEmC8yMQw5LmS54rdeKm0v2XBGguQ/s320/HK+AE+minibus.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On board a shuttle bus to our hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>Free MTR connections when using the same Octopus card to continue on.</li>
<li>Free in-town check-in. This allows you to drop off your luggage and check in for your flight at the Airport Express station up to a day before your flight. This leaves you free to explore on your final day without dragging luggage all over town.</li>
<li>As an added bonus, if you used a taxi (fare of HK$40 or more with receipt) the same day you’re heading to the airport, there’s a 50% discount on Airport Express fares. You may find it hard to use this discount if you’re checking in early, but some may find it worthwhile.</li>
</ul>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-33000592245069992362019-04-08T09:00:00.000-07:002019-04-10T13:49:06.130-07:00Going to Hong Kong's Dragon’s Back? Take the right 9 bus.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGWJUFkWsC8VmM4mTqOz4vlmN-JUYmPoZsv2oUsMafflIJiJ-HQ4f8tYokrt7jtFjZEVY-9tyIjR71c1EMbPtLsPSLp0dz1UiCBvdnlxxtjUYloSJ3vun-DmML99ur6mijPnmC1h85LU/s1600/Dragons+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGWJUFkWsC8VmM4mTqOz4vlmN-JUYmPoZsv2oUsMafflIJiJ-HQ4f8tYokrt7jtFjZEVY-9tyIjR71c1EMbPtLsPSLp0dz1UiCBvdnlxxtjUYloSJ3vun-DmML99ur6mijPnmC1h85LU/s320/Dragons+back.jpg" width="320" /></a>We couldn’t leave Hong Kong without hiking some of its renowned trails. Our Visa Infinite concierge recommended Dragon’s Back so we packed our backpacks and headed out.<br />
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First, you’ll have to take the Island Line MTR to the last stop, Shau Kei Wan Station.<br />
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There, you’ll find two 9 bus services. One is a minibus and the other is a double-decker service from New World First Bus.<br />
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We took the minibus to the trail because we didn’t know about NWFB. It departs once full, which fortunately for us, happened once we got on. The ride was stiff, doesn’t take Octopus and more expensive than the double-decker. Since everyone is going to the same place, it’s a quick ride to the trailhead.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1g43niFRwvRtYLQ72GWh-Ms5fnJUjMddBOCuABaEy182MOGktPAO6lnqg0gN7MV4Yhkept1rT964xDOGgtuiu5saeM6e0jDdHgKLt4-BZxlD-dAmaARC7pttf-ZOXbw4RBe164cWzaQ/s1600/IMG_2668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="1024" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi1g43niFRwvRtYLQ72GWh-Ms5fnJUjMddBOCuABaEy182MOGktPAO6lnqg0gN7MV4Yhkept1rT964xDOGgtuiu5saeM6e0jDdHgKLt4-BZxlD-dAmaARC7pttf-ZOXbw4RBe164cWzaQ/s640/IMG_2668.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
The hike was great and tiring. After a long day the last thing you want is trouble getting a ride back. Unfortunately minibus after minibus passed us completely full. I noticed the bus signage at the stop looked like others closer to the city and thankfully a few minutes later my suspicions were granted when a double-decker rounded the corner.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2s-TF8dJ-voJ2SbUghnFQHGP9g3Jp7DxIyWWpBbjizIrhUfvKpGARO8sSzbw6Flk_09IICUYVqbAFj5L9hGkB5wNDpTo4Ze60m2yx_K9nVKQ8JY9076ZMob2K6yvozZb9ejxo381UUf4/s1600/empty+9+bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2s-TF8dJ-voJ2SbUghnFQHGP9g3Jp7DxIyWWpBbjizIrhUfvKpGARO8sSzbw6Flk_09IICUYVqbAFj5L9hGkB5wNDpTo4Ze60m2yx_K9nVKQ8JY9076ZMob2K6yvozZb9ejxo381UUf4/s400/empty+9+bus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
NWFB is air-conditioned, which is amazing after a long hike. The bus was nearly empty when we got on, but it didn't stay that way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZzJfupPKjlUa5D1rpE8VkbD3qaAOMwtbSh2vV4GMKQoKLPlJQ6LdxLFvZjAhuh5nVSr0w_2hE7igvVsA6M-xFE6Aa2UyBoO6GHEAIaPDRWozqMxcwZuh9fDdo0DdBo4S36g6tB6OK8Q/s1600/9+queue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWZzJfupPKjlUa5D1rpE8VkbD3qaAOMwtbSh2vV4GMKQoKLPlJQ6LdxLFvZjAhuh5nVSr0w_2hE7igvVsA6M-xFE6Aa2UyBoO6GHEAIaPDRWozqMxcwZuh9fDdo0DdBo4S36g6tB6OK8Q/s400/9+queue.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The bus made several stops picking up other hikers. It soon reached capacity and continued back to Shau Kei Wan.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOK3cvD3fbIRtfIGOHufXTJzMGf9F5_uj_9cnsRrnILrEf_P3EGBMt_NrAvhSI49KKkDc9nMhZjf64YkGRNRs6eG7KX7QPtjWf3kdrlcwDiTdATRsnheeDyzfrtqTt9fJKYRXlJJAbZ_A/s1600/A3+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="685" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOK3cvD3fbIRtfIGOHufXTJzMGf9F5_uj_9cnsRrnILrEf_P3EGBMt_NrAvhSI49KKkDc9nMhZjf64YkGRNRs6eG7KX7QPtjWf3kdrlcwDiTdATRsnheeDyzfrtqTt9fJKYRXlJJAbZ_A/s400/A3+sign.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With hindsight, to find the bus use Exit A2 leaving the station. Follow signs for “bus terminus.” </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wUZsgUwvjtiLyjLBAo1Lz9i4vdvIwRwg_9tPJ2OW8OGr4H3qUzjGSwiXtYICg9aYvt4S_n2bveMqpteOY5gbg7MgF8ACmIRtrQi6eHsN98I9QBGVdOXfkOTdjeJ37QWw3-8s0c6-lco/s1600/9+sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1wUZsgUwvjtiLyjLBAo1Lz9i4vdvIwRwg_9tPJ2OW8OGr4H3qUzjGSwiXtYICg9aYvt4S_n2bveMqpteOY5gbg7MgF8ACmIRtrQi6eHsN98I9QBGVdOXfkOTdjeJ37QWw3-8s0c6-lco/s400/9+sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As you get closer, look for additional signs directing you to the 9 bus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPhmGr3s-xAdo7x6dyxM-rhYFMoaSAWNb_wxKjX03hoFbK9rCrrS3_mBjsENArFwstOYS86n2R2CyWuAtCLDM1kkZLSEX3m14SHrigcH8WDUBS4Dl4t8yKV8ZpcPYsH0xEx730fZyKFY/s1600/k+bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPhmGr3s-xAdo7x6dyxM-rhYFMoaSAWNb_wxKjX03hoFbK9rCrrS3_mBjsENArFwstOYS86n2R2CyWuAtCLDM1kkZLSEX3m14SHrigcH8WDUBS4Dl4t8yKV8ZpcPYsH0xEx730fZyKFY/s400/k+bus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You’ll eventually end up near Bay K for the bus to Shek O.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKp6NtAg1srixyHRsLEUJAhgmvCuOt_W2CvLs2zmhf8JIMwf7nYnmoxGW-Gg2fk5C5aAcG8VYgpTwJmUym3o1dcKpPCm_P45dQkg8CGwdKTvzTwRqTi0uZxaFbxJsvEBphaKXjHr9I-c/s1600/9+bus+stop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKp6NtAg1srixyHRsLEUJAhgmvCuOt_W2CvLs2zmhf8JIMwf7nYnmoxGW-Gg2fk5C5aAcG8VYgpTwJmUym3o1dcKpPCm_P45dQkg8CGwdKTvzTwRqTi0uZxaFbxJsvEBphaKXjHr9I-c/s400/9+bus+stop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Expect plenty of company as you wait for Bus 9.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-87855690535672044712019-04-01T09:00:00.001-07:002019-04-01T11:14:49.858-07:00Flight Review: Hong Kong Airlines short-haul HX284 & HX285We booked a killer deal to Hong Kong, but decided to take a quick trip to Taipei. After weighing all the costs (and being gluttons for punishment) we decided to visit Taipei first, which meant tacking on a two-hour flight after more than 15 hours in the air.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk62UZlsFd-s1I5LKuBLuchVhY0TI1lvClUFYLh992Ha237S87DS2BITNK_eRTjCJc5gVeiet4A8vtwpwneEMnSgsaVGCa6sZ2-BhmTRznlGMOnyHXxN9tgopi6CcV92VilUGmRTPbMJo/s1600/Eva.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1138" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk62UZlsFd-s1I5LKuBLuchVhY0TI1lvClUFYLh992Ha237S87DS2BITNK_eRTjCJc5gVeiet4A8vtwpwneEMnSgsaVGCa6sZ2-BhmTRznlGMOnyHXxN9tgopi6CcV92VilUGmRTPbMJo/s320/Eva.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Making the booking</span></b></u><br />
We weighed several options. Frankly, I would have preferred a more conveniently-timed EVA Air flight, but we didn’t want to risk our inbound flight being delayed and having problems changing carriers. It also would have required us to clear immigration in Hong Kong and for us to get our bags then transfer them to EVA.<br />
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Instead, <a href="http://www.frugalfliers.com/2019/03/flight-review-hong-kong-airlines-long.html" target="_blank">we stuck with Hong Kong Airlines</a>, which allows you to merge separate reservations together so your bags are automatically transferred.<br />
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We started the search on Google Flights and found a $170 round-trip ticket (we found round-trips cheaper than separate one-ways). For some reason after selecting dates, HKA would then show up with a price of $155. I took the data to Kayak and Momondo, which led me to now-defunct Zuji. It had the tickets for $70 each way...a savings of about $15 per person.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">HX284 HKG-TPE</span></u></b><br />
The computers in LAX wouldn’t allow agents to print connecting tickets, so we had to stop by the transit desk in Hong Kong to get our boarding passes. <br />
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The security line was light and we had plenty of time to visit the Plaza Premium Lounge before our flight. It’s in a different part of the airport, but is quickly accessed by a people mover. </div>
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From there, it was time to board. The A330 was about 30% full so boarding was quick and we pushed back early. The flight felt completely empty because everyone was so spread out.<br />
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The crew were cheerful despite the late hour. I was impressed they offered a complimentary meal service on such a short flight. There was only one option of a small, hot sandwich and it hit the spot.<br />
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Since it was a short flight, I didn’t spend too much time with the Inflight Entertainment system, but I noticed there wasn’t as much content as the long-haul A350. The remote felt strange to use after becoming accustomed to the touchscreens. Still, Cantonese captions and all, it served its purpose of putting me to sleep and we arrived in Taipei almost a half-hour early.<br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">HX285 TPE-HKG</span></u></b><br />
We made our way back to the airport early <a href="http://www.frugalfliers.com/2019/03/getting-from-taipei-taoyuan-tpe-after.html" target="_blank">using the 1819 bus</a>. It dropped us off well before the HKA ticket counter opened. Finally, a little after 5am, workers arrived and quickly took our luggage and printed boarding passes for our flight.<br />
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Security and passport control lines were long, but moved quickly. We still had plenty of time to visit the only 24-hour Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 2.<br />
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It was busy, given the early hour, but we snagged seats outside near the replica of Taipei 101. </div>
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About an hour later, the crowd thinned considerably so we went to the made-to-order breakfast area.</div>
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I had the beef noodle soup, which was a let down compared to the delicious soups we enjoyed in Taipei. I’d recommend sticking to the well-stocked buffet.</div>
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Soon it was time to board, and we made our way to the gate. It was harder than anticipated to find because of a lack of signage directing us toward the right area. Once we figured it out, we got there just as boarding was beginning.</div>
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Again, we were on a former Singapore Airlines A330. The larger, double-aisle aircraft is a change to the 737s or A320s we’re accustomed to seeing on short-haul routes in the United States. The cabin seemed older than it was, but I suppose that might happen doing more frequent flights.</div>
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The service was great on this flight. The cabin crew was attentive and made quick work of the mostly full flight. I was again impressed they served a meal for the short flight. </div>
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This time, it was a generous portion of noodles, that I think was Zhajiangmian. I also appreciated the Taipei touch of a pineapple cake. I then sat back and enjoyed a movie. Before long, we were landing in Hong Kong.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-27016267061426631132019-03-25T09:00:00.000-07:002019-03-25T12:04:29.187-07:00Flight Review: Hong Kong Airlines long-haul HX68 & HX69 in EconomyHong Kong Airlines had a steal of an airfare from Los Angeles to Hong Kong for $323 round-trip in economy, so we jumped at the chance to explore this great city. We booked about five months in advance through Kayak and Vayama.<br />
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<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Making the booking</span></b></u><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTNtcfesgdzgbZwiJEFgnMikJPAyiOQK0ULpX9I9MHGfIU4aj5oouNfCs8crRyabISTP5zXsZ78kSd0WDYZXiVlk29oEoavCIhFjOLPWbqT34NvnG-rLsx2_fCgGwenRjWv2kze5OrT8/s1600/LAX+plane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1043" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTNtcfesgdzgbZwiJEFgnMikJPAyiOQK0ULpX9I9MHGfIU4aj5oouNfCs8crRyabISTP5zXsZ78kSd0WDYZXiVlk29oEoavCIhFjOLPWbqT34NvnG-rLsx2_fCgGwenRjWv2kze5OrT8/s320/LAX+plane.jpg" width="320" /></a>Initially, we found the deal on Google Flights for about $378. We were tempted to pay a few dollars more to go with the more reputable Cathay Pacific, but when I checked for lower fares on Kayak and Momondo, I found even cheaper fares with HKA. The best price was with Vayama, so I clicked through to the site with Kayak. A minute later, I received a “booking acknowledgement” email, which basically means they have your request, but it’s not ticketed. <br />
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I was worried they might realize the fare was $55 less than everyone else, but about 8 hours later I received a second email with e-ticket numbers. These “851-” numbers are very important because, unlike most airlines, HKA doesn’t use traditional six-character reservation locators. I also verified the booking was legitimate with the airline. They sent me an official receipt, which showed the price paid as $382. As best as I can tell, we weren’t charged the fuel surcharge, which is why the price was lower at Vayama.<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>HX 69 LAX-Hong Kong</b></span></u><br />
We decided to rent a car to LAX. Advantage had a $23 one-way deal, so it would be much cheaper than driving up and paying for parking (the rental agent speculated they needed cars at LAX). We also wanted to leave time to get breakfast at one of the Priority Pass lounges.<br />
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We hopped off the shuttle at Tom Bradley International Terminal and made our way to the Hong Kong Airlines desk. The staff are contractors who said they also work the China Southern and Xiamen flights because of their knowledge of Cantonese.<br />
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There was no line, but it took a while to get our boarding passes because first they couldn’t find our connecting flight to Taipei. I booked it separately once we planned out our itinerary, but HKA lets you merge reservations at the airport and will check bags through to the final destination.<br />
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After a brief hiccup, the agent was able to check the bags to Taipei, but couldn’t give us boarding passes for the next flight. It seems the system was partially down so everyone (about 40% of the plane) with connections would have to go to the transit desk in Hong Kong.<br />
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We had a quick bite at Barney’s Beanery in T2 (a former Priority Pass restaurant worth skipping) and made our way to Gate 150 for departure. The plane arrived early from Hong Kong and I was excited to fly on an Airbus A350 for the first time.<br />
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Boarding felt chaotic. Everyone was separated into three groups (A, B, C) and queues junctured off in different directions. We decided to avoid the mess and sat comfortably until things quieted. Fortunately, boarding went quickly and we pushed back a few minutes early.</div>
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The in-flight entertainment system had enough content to keep me entertained. It was a variety of Asian and Western features. Nothing too special, but just enough. My favorite feature was the tail and nose cameras.<br />
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Soon after takeoff, flight attendants began a beverage and meal service. HKA offers a choice of a western or traditional meal. </div>
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We were in the back and options were a bit limited. I think I got the last traditional meal, which tasted fine for airline food.<br />
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It took longer than expected to clear the trays. Then I sat back and enjoyed the IFE.<br />
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One movie in and I was already starting to get hungry. Flight attendants set up a cart in the back with tea, hot water and snacks. I recommend going early in the flight because the best options (nuts and chocolate) were gone by hour 7. <br />
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There was also a midflight hot snack and a final meal service about two hours before landing.<br />
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Again, it was a choice of either a traditional or western meal. This time there was more selection. It was a quicker service and soon the crew began preparing the cabin for arrival.<br />
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The flight touched down about a half-hour early and taxied to the arrivals area.</div>
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We made our way to the transit desk, where many passengers from our flight were waiting to get their boarding passes. Some had tight connections, but our early arrival made things easier. We booked with a lot of pad for the connection, so we made our way to the Priority Pass lounge to relax before flying to Taipei.<br />
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>HX68 HKG-LAX</b></span></u></div>
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After exploring Taipei and Hong Kong, it was time for us to go home <a href="https://www.frugalfliers.com/2018/12/seeking-free-entertainment-in-glitz-and.html" target="_blank">from Macau</a>. We used our winnings from the casino (seriously!), combined with a China Eastern frequent flyer discount (free to join) to pay for the ferry directly to Hong Kong International Airport. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIB-tcOcXq6t7Z5TNvrvbPtMTFoXgsJceyWYAk3Q9Kc0iJrrmhPtKb8nvOk3fMuIB707f1GtwQTH9n8CT3N649NoeoXlq296DNL4jaQ3H49nvO1bQCLikN7Yka7G3_6jwYbqKkj1L2OkE/s1600/Casino+bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1043" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIB-tcOcXq6t7Z5TNvrvbPtMTFoXgsJceyWYAk3Q9Kc0iJrrmhPtKb8nvOk3fMuIB707f1GtwQTH9n8CT3N649NoeoXlq296DNL4jaQ3H49nvO1bQCLikN7Yka7G3_6jwYbqKkj1L2OkE/s400/Casino+bus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Our hotel, the Holiday Inn-Cotai Central, offered a free shuttle bus to the Cotai Ferry Terminal. The first bus got us to the Taipa Ferry Terminal with plenty of time for our ferry. </div>
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It’s an extremely convenient system. You check in for your ferry and flight in one place. They then tag and check your bags to their final destination at the ferry terminal. This avoids having to haul them on the ferry and throughout the terminal. Instead we just picked them up again at LAX. </div>
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The ferry was uneventful and we arrived on time to HKIA's Sky Pier.</div>
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As an added bonus, since you’re “transiting” through HKIA and not departing (Macau is a separate region) you’ll also receive a HK$120 refund of your departure tax! We then used the currency exchange desk at the airport to convert it to U.S. Dollars at a very fair rate.</div>
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We hadn't eaten breakfast yet so we headed to the lounge once again before going to our gate a few minutes before boarding. The U.S. requires Hong Kong to further scrutinize U.S.-bound passengers so allow time to show your passports again before boarding for LAX.<br />
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This flight was less crowded than the one going to Hong Kong. I had a whole row to myself and Tara had an empty seat next to her.</div>
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Even though it was a different month than when we left, the IFE had most of the same movies as we had on the way in. I re-watched “Hidden Figures” while waiting for lunch.<br />
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I chose the traditional menu item of fish with rice and vegetables. It was surprisingly tasty, once mixed together. The salad also complemented the meal well. HKA served an orange/chocolate mousse for dessert, which tasted great.<br />
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My expectations were high for the midflight snack, too. Sadly, it was disappointing. Flight attendants served a miserable pizza. It was topped with tomatoes that made the whole thing soggy. Thankfully, some snacks in the back held me over to the final meal, about two hours prior to landing.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">As we saw our second sunrise that Thursday, I selected my final traditional meal. </span></div>
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It was supposed to be a “dim sum variety,” which after tasting amazing dim sum for the last week, was a bit of a let down, but still good for airplane food. It was an average large dumpling and some noodles with a croissant and yogurt on the side. The smaller dumpling was very good, though.</div>
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Soon, we were landing at LAX almost 40 minutes before schedule. Thanks to Global Entry, we cleared customs well before the bags arrived. I’d be lying if I didn’t say I had some fear that my bags would somehow miss the ferry or plane. Thankfully, they came out toward the end of the baggage drop. A few minutes later, we were on our way to the Hertz lot to get our rental car and drive home.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-28462661535140564682019-03-18T09:00:00.000-07:002019-03-18T09:00:04.477-07:00Covering Lantau Island by bus, ferry and gondola<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYD4jj_j_ecGQEMouy6hP8bsrD7OnmeRzf8RVXzoXTT_RCUiKB0hXuzsH-l-FdwIM3SCDuV9CuHRTGNuX8z_qp_prR2Xzw7uITed5qE-uirGZafUhhGgW-tNuRICPDda53rpv9WDU1K0/s1600/IMG_2962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYD4jj_j_ecGQEMouy6hP8bsrD7OnmeRzf8RVXzoXTT_RCUiKB0hXuzsH-l-FdwIM3SCDuV9CuHRTGNuX8z_qp_prR2Xzw7uITed5qE-uirGZafUhhGgW-tNuRICPDda53rpv9WDU1K0/s320/IMG_2962.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We set out for a day trip to Lantau Island. It’s close to the airport, but feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. <br />
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The day before, we purchased discounted, one-way tickets for the Ngong Ping Gondola from Klook. The Hong Kong-based booking agency offered the best price in Taiwan Dollars for some reason. It also has its own ticket queue at the gondola, which can speed things up a bit (still brace for a long line).<br />
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Klook exclusively uses Window 12</div>
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The line extended down, around and in every direction</div>
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After exploring Ngong Ping, we headed to the bus terminus to catch bus 21 to the Tai O Fishing Village. The bus runs every hour during the peak times and accepts Octopus Card if you don’t have cash. It seemed very busy when we went, so we decided to go early and it’s a good thing because the bus filled to capacity for the 20 minute trip. </div>
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The Ngong Ping bus terminus</div>
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Tai O is a quaint area that was once home to a large fishing lifestyle. It still features many stilt houses as the river cuts through it.</div>
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Tai O Fishing Village</div>
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To save money and time we decided to take the ferry back to Tung Chung, where the Ngong Ping Gondola started. Fortune Ferry (CKS) provides the service four times a day. Again, I recommend getting in line early because people were turned away for the last ferry at 6pm (Consider the 11 bus if you do get stuck).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYEooW8zKJuNYKWVwQ98J-LdwONCYE3WIRufbizzupdCsrBVIiDNp4FKJ8nDYs4Wt6jDzF6nLkrfzFh5KtEfbvVTj2346IbbtEmXtBatWzviqCE_7s5rQ3LwZcI5ClyoLgi9wFfoalOA/s1600/IMG_3008-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyYEooW8zKJuNYKWVwQ98J-LdwONCYE3WIRufbizzupdCsrBVIiDNp4FKJ8nDYs4Wt6jDzF6nLkrfzFh5KtEfbvVTj2346IbbtEmXtBatWzviqCE_7s5rQ3LwZcI5ClyoLgi9wFfoalOA/s400/IMG_3008-EFFECTS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fortune Ferry (CKS) arriving at Tai O</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The ferry offered a great 35-minute sunset ride around the island for just HK$20. We even spotted a few dolphins jumping in the distance. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEfpeMCqUzDTXK8mVrW4t5eBYeHERWcEcXW_aw3MS7Z4zo8TJ9D3A4Rz0V-RYaHm7IkMHk_EB98serb8JusnZPIn8rky7YEHP5LLuwZ29J5aZ5w53Xne4jtTTtMH8XZQIs-s_U3JDs4k/s1600/IMG_3012.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEfpeMCqUzDTXK8mVrW4t5eBYeHERWcEcXW_aw3MS7Z4zo8TJ9D3A4Rz0V-RYaHm7IkMHk_EB98serb8JusnZPIn8rky7YEHP5LLuwZ29J5aZ5w53Xne4jtTTtMH8XZQIs-s_U3JDs4k/s400/IMG_3012.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Leaving Tai O by ferry at sunset</div>
<div>
<br />
Once docked, it’s a bit of a longer walk to the MTR station, but it gave us a chance to shed our sea legs and decide where we wanted to have dinner.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-57786744589825069672019-03-11T09:00:00.000-07:002020-02-08T13:57:40.243-08:00Getting from Taipei-Taoyuan TPE after-hours on the 1819 busTaipei has a great transit system. The MRT can quickly whisk you to the Main Station, but if you arrive on a late-night flight or leave early it presents a challenge since the last train to Taipei leaves the airport at 10:58pm.<br />
<br />
Enter the 1819 bus by Kuo-Kuang.<br />
<br />
We touched down at Terminal 2 a little before midnight and cleared customs quicker than expected for the late hour.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEbyS1rWyIRx6MdtMWemaddhnpz-G6A9AQBnqY9wq14XC05zpDjnGCn6Ij80WLKAF54b2HyvqWDGkhG9uNKTj07eeouQNm_LGR7sN_qzEZj1_NK9u6oU_ri344yiAo48RQIn70q0jv7I/s1600/tpe+terminal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEbyS1rWyIRx6MdtMWemaddhnpz-G6A9AQBnqY9wq14XC05zpDjnGCn6Ij80WLKAF54b2HyvqWDGkhG9uNKTj07eeouQNm_LGR7sN_qzEZj1_NK9u6oU_ri344yiAo48RQIn70q0jv7I/s400/tpe+terminal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The terminal was empty. Normally, you can ask the information desk for directions, but it was closed when we arrived.<br />
<br />
I quickly found a nearby ATM to get some cash and then followed the English and Mandarin signs for “Bus to City.”<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2YYYPgdwJd4tFsJl6WawxCLmklG7uoyjol7BcsoB6eLfTRun8fmHPmj4cbjcGTT1owlZKNRoei3YJ6Kk0wOdqtl9dYLMQq1PhGNc-ulOOwZrMaaFG4C9TdGhog8q2nrqTd0YTcpfQBA/s1600/TPE+bus+to+city.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy2YYYPgdwJd4tFsJl6WawxCLmklG7uoyjol7BcsoB6eLfTRun8fmHPmj4cbjcGTT1owlZKNRoei3YJ6Kk0wOdqtl9dYLMQq1PhGNc-ulOOwZrMaaFG4C9TdGhog8q2nrqTd0YTcpfQBA/s400/TPE+bus+to+city.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Bus to City" signage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It’s a short walk to the row of ticket counters and found the one for Kuo-Kuang. The woman at the counter spoke enough English to sell us the tickets and tell us the bus was leaving ‘right now.’<br />
<br />
Tickets are NT$140 for one-way or NT$260 round-trip...cash only. Make sure to hold onto the correct ticket for the trip back to the airport. You can also pay on board with EasyCard, but you only get the round-trip discount when paying cash.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5IZ4QisNEolbKrxcvRNg8TdNkzBcWTJtBk9h5sOOqm_T4WZ8Sq2Qop5qxpWQ7qG6Q6KatTu8g9HbJ7p_6JUUn8djqCsgnCHpfxY5eldAB_jXcW6BWq9zyVO5XNdJoHw6TAeQSMlJM1A/s1600/TPE+1819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit5IZ4QisNEolbKrxcvRNg8TdNkzBcWTJtBk9h5sOOqm_T4WZ8Sq2Qop5qxpWQ7qG6Q6KatTu8g9HbJ7p_6JUUn8djqCsgnCHpfxY5eldAB_jXcW6BWq9zyVO5XNdJoHw6TAeQSMlJM1A/s400/TPE+1819.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bus 1819 at Bus Bay 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We hustled outside to bus bay 2 to catch the waiting bus. Screens show bus numbers and destinations at each bay and on general monitors throughout the bus area.<br />
<br />
I think the 1819 does a bulk of its business overnight because it was pretty full. Over the years, Kuo-Kuang has continually increased the frequency of buses. They currently depart every 10-20 minutes until 2:30am. There isn’t any traffic overnight, so it took less than the scheduled 55 minutes to get us to the Main Station (although slower than the MRT, which would have been at 36 minutes).<br />
<br />
From there it was a quick and inexpensive Uber ride to our hotel in Ximending.<br />
<br />
Going back to the airport took a bit longer. We discovered the bus driver from the airport dropped us off in a more convenient location, but it wasn’t an indicator of where to get the bus back.<br />
<br />
<b>Pro tip:</b> set your Uber marker on <b><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Section+1,+Shimin+Boulevard,+Zhongzheng+District,+Taipei+City,+Taiwan+100/@25.0483252,121.5178473,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x3442a90d5031af09:0x521e8b672dd81842!2z5ZyL5YWJ5YGH5pyf5peF6KGM56S-!8m2!3d25.048224!4d121.5184363!3m4!1s0x3442a96d8d2571c7:0xa5fc8ed3a9ec6832!8m2!3d25.048324!4d121.5183958">Shimin Blvd just west of Exit M2</a> </b>to get off exactly at the Kuo-Kuang Terminal.<br />
<br />
The buses to TPE run every 25-30 minutes overnight then pick up in frequency to every 15 minutes after 4:50am. Since we had an 8am flight, we opted to take the 4:25am bus to be safe and give us time to get breakfast at the lounge.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBE6dvt_SaxRGX3NODP7Wm69_3Wocfucmeg3vIMjlF2rXQQOSM3o1WaBZhFez1P0CZNG15cgHpPwv7Qwq0r3K5s9GNq6eYw-iDWUFSJ1dkhNnJx9kThEP7_3sz-QW4C2UkBL_H6bkt7I8/s1600/TPE+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="1177" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBE6dvt_SaxRGX3NODP7Wm69_3Wocfucmeg3vIMjlF2rXQQOSM3o1WaBZhFez1P0CZNG15cgHpPwv7Qwq0r3K5s9GNq6eYw-iDWUFSJ1dkhNnJx9kThEP7_3sz-QW4C2UkBL_H6bkt7I8/s400/TPE+art.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artwork in the hallway to the bus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The bus was going to leave early, but kept stopping to pick people running to get on so we ended up leaving a bit late. We still got to the airport early since there wasn’t any traffic. The bus went to Terminal 1 first then Terminal 2 where we got off and waited for the Hong Kong Airlines counter to open.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKAJA1TMeIIx54BcvDy78PuaSxig7VVPuz3wvHmkFnv5WmJyoMMwlqFc-wNWjMRHU16ezqp7IdADKBDoCRS6xlBjucG4B580tlgtm1BgYP1CvTpNY2l6QFyx5p72PH00FrNqsn8_L4ks/s1600/TPE+Planes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1018" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKAJA1TMeIIx54BcvDy78PuaSxig7VVPuz3wvHmkFnv5WmJyoMMwlqFc-wNWjMRHU16ezqp7IdADKBDoCRS6xlBjucG4B580tlgtm1BgYP1CvTpNY2l6QFyx5p72PH00FrNqsn8_L4ks/s400/TPE+Planes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taipei-Taoyuan on a rainy day</td></tr>
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At less than US $5 per person, it was much cheaper for the two of us than taking a taxi, Uber or hotel transportation. However, if you have a group of four or more, you may find it more convenient and economical to use a private service.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-33434915951872848332019-03-04T09:00:00.000-08:002019-05-22T12:59:01.136-07:00Testing the credit card concierge. There was a clear winner.<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2z78x5qiM2zD6NPbjnN0z634T3v9Ytm1zf7Zv2Dldp2d9Pyu7S1G93pFsLdcRldzXEgAKnjQVzhjfHxiOo_gPUWBTMVNh2qigzwh4fiPPaOFQ-SUX76q8768fWIFsMfnP7lUUtSKQIoQ/s1600/HKG+dim+sum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1164" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2z78x5qiM2zD6NPbjnN0z634T3v9Ytm1zf7Zv2Dldp2d9Pyu7S1G93pFsLdcRldzXEgAKnjQVzhjfHxiOo_gPUWBTMVNh2qigzwh4fiPPaOFQ-SUX76q8768fWIFsMfnP7lUUtSKQIoQ/s200/HKG+dim+sum.jpg" width="200" /></a>If you’re like most people, you probably throw out the big document containing perks when you get your credit card. It contains valuable details about free rental car insurance and other, often overlooked and underutilized, benefits.</div>
<br />
Usually, Tara likes to plan our itinerary herself, but I decided to get her a little free help by using my credit card’s concierge. It’s a free benefit that allows you to shift the burden of planning to someone else. I used it once before to find some Yankees tickets, but they couldn’t find anything in my price range I didn’t already find. I ended up getting the tickets cheaper elsewhere. This time I wanted to see what they would find with less restrictions.<br />
<br />
Here were the questions I started out with:<br />
-What are some of the “must-see” attractions that we should tackle within our time frame?<br />
-What street food and local dishes are recommended?<br />
-Where should we go for a hike?<br />
-What’s the best way to get to Seven Star Mountain by public transit? (Although I couldn’t remember the name when I called)<br />
<br />
Then I called Chase (Visa) and the Citi Concierge:<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chase Sapphire Reserve</b></span></u><br />
My first call was to Chase. After a four minute hold the agent said concierge services were handled by the Ultimate Rewards travel center. I knew it wasn’t correct, but figured it was my best shot to get to the right person. The agent there then transferred me to Visa Infinite Concierge Karen.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOe5hdTk8jo-8l2mQWa9Ach0KKe4-TkDm7chja6UhLz_JvUpVzCOKvH6aH4poGUlnohTjPRG3EAmhfhUGZX7pBkyNcnC2dG-x40S-sZmsqL76Uq4zwNIvEopKO1uO0-btDdQmBw3LVuU/s1600/Dragon%2527s+Back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1164" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOe5hdTk8jo-8l2mQWa9Ach0KKe4-TkDm7chja6UhLz_JvUpVzCOKvH6aH4poGUlnohTjPRG3EAmhfhUGZX7pBkyNcnC2dG-x40S-sZmsqL76Uq4zwNIvEopKO1uO0-btDdQmBw3LVuU/s200/Dragon%2527s+Back.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chase recommended the Dragon's<br />
Back trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Karen was all too happy to take down the details about our trip. I thought she asked good questions to get a sense of our budget, hiking skill level and cuisine expectations. I was impressed when she quickly found the name of the volcano and thoughtfully took notes to guide the person who would ultimately be putting together our packet.<br />
<br />
A day later I received an email with activities. I found the “must-see” list uninspiring. They linked to organized tours that were not within the budget I provided. They also didn’t discuss public transit for the volcano and instead, again, linked to an overpriced organized tour. The hiking trails however were excellent. It definitely looked like they put some thought into it and we did most of them.<br />
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</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrRp83mk3FyHTbMhnrQSzxdUkWwGoBHvWNhh4kI15as9uOoKH-CvFSnLd6yaKW3-5OBKOD7zZmAT1YnxBVQnmjh6ROP64yUpQA3I_C0jfAN2R5vhv2YGlckq9LFQFrlDuPpd8yTMjvY0/s1600/IMG_2428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1048" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrRp83mk3FyHTbMhnrQSzxdUkWwGoBHvWNhh4kI15as9uOoKH-CvFSnLd6yaKW3-5OBKOD7zZmAT1YnxBVQnmjh6ROP64yUpQA3I_C0jfAN2R5vhv2YGlckq9LFQFrlDuPpd8yTMjvY0/s200/IMG_2428.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dim Sum from Fuda Dumpling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The following day I received a email from the concierge asking for more time to research the dining portion of my request. They wanted to call some of the restaurants and the time difference was delaying it. Two days later they provided an excellent list of restaurants, some of which we hadn’t come across yet, including Fuda Dumpling. More importantly they provided the dishes to try. We went to many of the restaurants and they were delicious! It was a huge time saver not only in planning the trip, but also when we were out because we weren't scrambling to find a restaurant when we got hungry.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b><span style="font-size: large;">Citi Double Cash</span></b></u><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iD_w9k10AL1VVLXJMt7L-RzXQ9zatqB8cRhXBcvoFnItCGDwra0O5_COkfxM5f7TqGWgc3EDaXELmNfxpHOFobQ3ey-N6AUARkhMZ-ejwGJEBmPS1mOOS1m9gGRUoG_WqASBFxomtrA/s1600/IMG_2431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="655" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6iD_w9k10AL1VVLXJMt7L-RzXQ9zatqB8cRhXBcvoFnItCGDwra0O5_COkfxM5f7TqGWgc3EDaXELmNfxpHOFobQ3ey-N6AUARkhMZ-ejwGJEBmPS1mOOS1m9gGRUoG_WqASBFxomtrA/s200/IMG_2431.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Handmade dumplings at <br />
Fuda Dumpling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I then tried calling the Citi Concierge service. Unlike Chase, which uses the Visa Infinite service, Citi opts to handle its benefits internally. On my first try the system routed me to the Visa Signature Concierge.<br />
<br />
Since I have a MasterCard, I knew this was wrong and instead asked for a benefit adviser who connected me to the right person.<br />
<br />
John was also pleasant to talk with. He also seemed experienced at this service and also took good notes. I noticed he didn’t focus too much on budget or timing. He also didn’t toss out ideas to gauge whether we would like organized tours. At first I was concerned this might result in incomplete data, but then he mentioned he would be the one doing the research. I figured he would do preliminary work and then fine-tune the results from there.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpwUwFJ3rHDJjfBE6BWE9BqS7xc_nUaSUhZbukpzU8PtC4hpZLcUMa38Kw7N2CAyZrqsbIbpnwjqILVOntw1HD860epOBkisr7U6nQcwqBPIEGWPHcQQNttvhJqGQi5lP6nFt4b0P_dY/s1600/IMG_2436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1164" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmpwUwFJ3rHDJjfBE6BWE9BqS7xc_nUaSUhZbukpzU8PtC4hpZLcUMa38Kw7N2CAyZrqsbIbpnwjqILVOntw1HD860epOBkisr7U6nQcwqBPIEGWPHcQQNttvhJqGQi5lP6nFt4b0P_dY/s200/IMG_2436.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chase recommended the<br />
Shilin Night Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Unfortunately, he never replied. I spent the next two weeks calling to follow-up. One agent said he left it “in-progress." A week later they escalated it to manager Carol who sent one email with tours far outside of my budget and with none of the activities I wanted. The second email had spot-on street food, but only for Hong Kong.<br />
<br />
I sent Carol the list of questions, again, and she responded with a list of cheaper tours, including one for $2.51. I knew the absurdly low cost couldn’t be true and after some digging I found it was actually $2.51 for the entrance to the park, but the tour was actually $81! Huge difference.<br />
<br />
<b>Let’s review: </b>wrong questions, wrong budget, wrong information. I’m spending more time checking their work than they’re supposed to be saving me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZ7SeH_W_4ontCI9YQmTQvJsRNYyV4qOFsd8Vs-oJ46dvxs8zdSyYIu4YR5cwXX6ljg8k00fhU2UiR50NqugVsBSmSDS5eg1E_T24Fy_-kb-z5HIv9we7i_zky0fYMAsCCEZ-dlCONRY/s1600/IMG_2461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="655" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRZ7SeH_W_4ontCI9YQmTQvJsRNYyV4qOFsd8Vs-oJ46dvxs8zdSyYIu4YR5cwXX6ljg8k00fhU2UiR50NqugVsBSmSDS5eg1E_T24Fy_-kb-z5HIv9we7i_zky0fYMAsCCEZ-dlCONRY/s200/IMG_2461.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taipei 101 with Starbucks<br />
on Floor 35</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I tried following up, but got nowhere so I just gave up.<br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chase extra credit</b></span></u><br />
I was so happy with the work done by Visa Infinite that I called back with a tougher question. We wanted to take the 1819 bus from Taipei-Taoyuan Airport (TPE) into the city, but were seeing mixed messages about ticketing after midnight, so I asked Chase to clarify.<br />
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At first they emailed me a link to the schedule. When I called to further explain my question, they had a Mandarin-speaking agent call Kuo-Kuang bus service to get an answer. I was impressed. Their answers put my mind at ease and made for an easy, and frugal, trip into Taipei.<br />
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<u>Pro-tip</u>: with hindsight I should have also asked them to make us a reservation at the <a href="https://monkeymiles.boardingarea.com/make-reservations-youd-like-visit-worlds-tallest-starbucks/" target="_blank">Taipei 101 Starbucks</a>. It boasts great views of the city for the price of a cup of coffee. You need to make a reservation at least a day in advance and it’s advisable to have someone who speaks Mandarin make the call.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-24272014719601366552019-02-25T09:00:00.000-08:002019-02-25T09:00:04.507-08:00Is the Paris Museum Pass worth it? Maybe.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbZNJ5UbAogYSjHFwMaNwnj4PWeAJXSxt7prD5bw3KtfzHB3M5i82hMLHYuT5pQ_IiRWrMdn7MwC-M6M_q6GDAERgXBBz_Bz8d-OCcwD9qHhyxlglDRDiYnzI2YZGjfOLpv2FOk6gzEw/s1600/IMG_0960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="873" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDbZNJ5UbAogYSjHFwMaNwnj4PWeAJXSxt7prD5bw3KtfzHB3M5i82hMLHYuT5pQ_IiRWrMdn7MwC-M6M_q6GDAERgXBBz_Bz8d-OCcwD9qHhyxlglDRDiYnzI2YZGjfOLpv2FOk6gzEw/s200/IMG_0960.JPG" width="200" /></a>When we visited Paris, with rain in the forecast, we decided to use it as an opportunity to enjoy the city’s many museums.<br />
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We’d already been to the Louvre on a previous trip, but since our parents were with us this time, we HAD to see the Mona Lisa again (note: it’s smaller and more crowded than you think). Then my mom mentioned she wanted to see the Van Gogh exhibit at Musee d’Orsay. We also wanted to visit the Pantheon, which has a crypt filled with the final resting places of some of the “Nation’s Heroes.” The following day we already planned to visit <a href="http://www.frugalfliers.com/2018/10/tackling-palace-and-gardens-of.html" target="_blank">Palace of Versailles and the estate of Trianon</a>.<br />
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It quickly became obvious everyone was interested in the “big attractions” at the museums and less into other exhibits. That’s key in determining whether the <a href="http://en.parismuseumpass.com/" target="_blank">Museum Pass</a> is right for you.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN415hUpjhQigz3ybIP5O0yGpWztuYNJtGXHsRszag4zR7NhxS5X9sAty2xroTvltBOH4rBqv7Sw_I7idllx2yDI98eOEsxW-63eO9fatuoCJVcUrRmISxgFI7eJM-zp5bMn86cX8el08/s1600/IMG_0839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1164" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN415hUpjhQigz3ybIP5O0yGpWztuYNJtGXHsRszag4zR7NhxS5X9sAty2xroTvltBOH4rBqv7Sw_I7idllx2yDI98eOEsxW-63eO9fatuoCJVcUrRmISxgFI7eJM-zp5bMn86cX8el08/s320/IMG_0839.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Expect a massive crowd to see Mona Lisa</td></tr>
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First, we broke down the cost of each museum:<br />
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-Louvre: €15<br />
-Musee d’Orsay €12<br />
-Panthéon €9<br />
-Versailles (including Trianon) €20<br />
<b>-Total: €56</b><br />
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Then we looked at the Paris Museum Pass. At <b>€48</b>, it offers cheaper admission to all five museums in two days, plus it has the added benefit of allowing us to swap in other museums if we decided to change our mind.<br />
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For us, it was an easy decision to go with the pass, but it required us to go through each museum quicker than most art aficionados. Instead, others may find better value in the €62 four-day pass if you’ll be in Paris long enough.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr51mlCNjlgdUf0SS_qU_aA_PvUYnnx0wa0RSRkcMKM21QdzBNwRb-cH1mqY4R8-z6Pd2DI6X1cHzTFjyCR3ki0s0tXjSP6KCI4wzK4SeAv5vlMP1UAPlp9YDwfK2pYPR-5s8BSCdXko/s1600/IMG_1348.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1164" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr51mlCNjlgdUf0SS_qU_aA_PvUYnnx0wa0RSRkcMKM21QdzBNwRb-cH1mqY4R8-z6Pd2DI6X1cHzTFjyCR3ki0s0tXjSP6KCI4wzK4SeAv5vlMP1UAPlp9YDwfK2pYPR-5s8BSCdXko/s200/IMG_1348.JPG" width="200" /></a>If you average one large museum (i.e. the Louvre) and one small attraction (i.e. Panthéon) each day for four days you’ll come out well ahead. There's also the added bonus that you don't have to wait in queues to purchase tickets. You can just stroll to the next line for security, which is sometimes even longer.<br />
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I will note consider other factors before buying the pass.<br />
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First, make sure there is a charge for the museum you want. Notre Dame is one of the museums listed with the pass, but as a church, it’s free to enter. The charge is for the tour and greater access. Personally, I think just entering and exploring the church portion is enough for most.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbdw4sCs-ewVWWCmBKsDHH1VT-jTCUX1u7aAHhhs-EsE1bNuljF_rBAxEQCVRwbIpAqxwOk1hNpXRtxw5oR0O50qEIAbU_HmYBeFqWyOvH8qvxSllkrW1BX2P9o9XdDY1ai3pb50H7DY/s1600/PAR+Museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1164" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgbdw4sCs-ewVWWCmBKsDHH1VT-jTCUX1u7aAHhhs-EsE1bNuljF_rBAxEQCVRwbIpAqxwOk1hNpXRtxw5oR0O50qEIAbU_HmYBeFqWyOvH8qvxSllkrW1BX2P9o9XdDY1ai3pb50H7DY/s200/PAR+Museum.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of Musée d'Orsay</td></tr>
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Second, unlike most attractions, buying the Museum Pass direct may not be the cheapest option. We ended up buying from <a href="https://www.getyourguide.com/" target="_blank">GetYourGuide</a>. At face value, Get Your Guide is more expensive, selling the pass for €53, but <a href="https://en.norwegianreward.com/earn-cashpoints/travel/getyourguide" target="_blank">Norwegian Air</a> occasionally offers a special 18% off all attractions purchased through its partner site. That brought the price down to €43.46, or a €4.54 savings.<br />
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Finally, note <i><u>you cannot buy the Museum Pass at the museums</u></i>. Instead, it must be purchased online or at an authorized retailer. In our case, the order was processed online with the discount then <b>I had to take the vouchers to the Get Your Guide office</b>. It wasn’t far out of the way, but it did require an extra stop. Redemption there was very easy and I walked out with the passes in just a few minutes.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-66716104216982050832018-12-09T23:08:00.000-08:002018-12-23T11:47:49.173-08:00Seeking free entertainment in the glitz and glamor of Macao’s casinos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Except for the occasional nickel slot (the lowest you can play in Macao in Hong Kong money), Brandon and I don’t spent much time in casinos. The high end shops aren’t for us either. Luckily, just like Las Vegas, there is plenty to see in the hotels and casinos. If you find yourself in Macao, here are a few free entertainment options you don’t want to miss!
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<u><b>Tree of Prosperity:</b></u><br />
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Located in the rotunda of the Wynn Macao, the Tree of Prosperity is sure to dazzle the eyes. Every 30 minutes, on the hour, the show rotates with another show (see below). According to the Macao Government Tourism Office, the tree has more than 2,000 branches and 98,000 leaves composed of 24-karat gold leaf and brass leaf, which is a symbol of auspiciousness. The area where the tree rises and the chandelier drops shows Chinese and Western astrological symbols. When the show starts, the vibrant colors showcase the four seasons.<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QPEH3AaUMCU" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
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<u><b>Dragon of Fortune: </b></u><br />
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Also in the same location as the Tree of Prosperity is the Dragon of Fortune. This is a much shorter show, but just as spectacular. The dragon, symbolizing good fortune and well-being, rises to 28 feet while visual effects of fire roar above. A beautiful Lotus Blossom opens up and fog machines create a mystical feeling.<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hVZkSke3EOQ" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
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<u><b>Skycab:</b></u><br />
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To the south in Cotai at the Wynn Palace, more fun awaits in the skies. The skycab, an approximately 10 minute gondola ride around “Performance Lake,” stops at the bottom of Av. da Nave Desportiva and up at the top of the hotel so guests can go up or down. It provides great views of not only the Wynn Palace, but the other hotels.<br />
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When Brandon and I went there were no lines and we were able to stay on the gondola for the full ride. Although we didn’t go up during a performance on the lake, I’m sure that would be beautiful to watch from the gondolas!<br />
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<u><b>Performance Lake:</b></u><br />
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As mentioned, just below the SkyCab is “Performance Lake” where every 30 minutes a combination of lights, dancing water, and music attracts the attention of passerby’s. From My Heart Will Go On to Con Te Partiro, there is sure to be a show for everyone’s liking.<br />
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Here is a view of those shows from up above at the hotel and down on the street:<br />
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<u><b>Eiffel Tower and Light Show:</b></u><br />
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Just down the street at The Parisian Macao, you can’t miss the Eiffel Tower. It stands at just about half of the original in Paris. For a fee, guests can visit the 7th floor or go all the way up to the top on the 37th floor. On our way to Macao, as we loaded on the ferry, we received coupons to visit the 7th floor for free. I’m sure with a little bit of searching you can find these coupons as well. On the way in, I read being a guest at the hotel will get you in for free. This may have been a promotion at the time we visited. Please check with the hotel. Although not the most thrilling, the 7th floor provides views of the area and visitors can spend time taking photos near the “love lock bridge.”<br />
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At night the Tower puts on a sparkling light show every 15 minutes from 6:15 p.m. until midnight. It’s beautiful from up close and down the street. Once again, it was not crowded at all when Brandon and I visited during the day, but staff tells us it does get very busy at night during the night shows.
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<u><b>Decorations:</b></u><br />
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Just walking through the hotels you will find spectacular art to view and musicians/entertainers to watch. Here are just a few we found.<br />
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<u>Holiday Inn:</u><br />
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Floral art, fountain and statue in an area to the right of the check in desk:<br />
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<u>Conrad Macao:</u><br />
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<u>Sands Cotai Central:</u><br />
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<u>Wynn Macao:</u><br />
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Floral art and other art:<br />
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According to the hotel, the Buccleuch Vases, are from 1750 and 1810. The Qing Dynasty vases belonged to the 3rd Duchess of Buccleuch, Elizabeth Montagu. It says the only similar quartet of vases is at the Buckingham Palace in London owned by Queen Elizabeth II:<br />
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<u>Morpheus:</u><br />
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<br />
<u>The Parisian Macao:</u><br />
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A mine, an accordionist, a replica of the Vendôme Column in Paris, and other statues/fountains:<br />
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And as you walk around, be sure to examine the outside of the hotels as well. They can certainly be sights to behold as well!<br />
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<br />Tara Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197373317093979249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-84492663801490638902018-10-19T22:01:00.001-07:002018-10-19T22:11:51.533-07:00Tackling the Palace and Gardens of Versailles in a day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQDzf3u1SysEdJbnGpAMu0dYef50aZObQcjETryVim9mnMQa7po-numssgPHTufYjRvMmrzWSU4rAR0r75MD6q_Jw6VDRHMKYf6GAEJ-0RcHrsIjh1WKU7uLqte0MuMdEYo7B3Bx692A/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicQDzf3u1SysEdJbnGpAMu0dYef50aZObQcjETryVim9mnMQa7po-numssgPHTufYjRvMmrzWSU4rAR0r75MD6q_Jw6VDRHMKYf6GAEJ-0RcHrsIjh1WKU7uLqte0MuMdEYo7B3Bx692A/s400/DSC_0017.JPG" width="400" /></a>
Imagine walking through the grand hallways and rooms of King Louis XIV’s former palace. Majestic artwork and sculptures line the walls, artwork spreads across the ceilings, and chandeliers hang from the ceilings. It’s easy to be taken back in time, wondering how this could have possibly been someone’s home. When Brandon, our moms and I visited the Palace of Versailles I did my best to clear the noise and imagine what it would have been like for those who lived and visited there. Unfortunately the only time we were able to visit was over Easter weekend and with the massive crowds being herded through the palace, I couldn’t take it all in like I wanted.
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Even during non-holiday hours I hear it can get packed. If you’re looking to visit the palace, take in the gardens, and enjoy the entire area of the Grand Trianon and Petit Trianon, I suggest looking at spending two to three full days in Versailles. Trying to find your way around can get very confusing and if you wait until getting to Versailles, you will spend much of your time trying to figure out how to get around. However, if you only have one day, here is how we tackled the area.<br />
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<b>Starting in the Palace</b><br />
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The Palace of Versailles first began as a hunting lodge built by King Louis XIII in 1624. Then it was expanded into a royal palace and the official seat of the government of the kingdom of France by Louis XIV several decades later. In 1789, after the royal family had to flee Versailles due to the French Revolution, the palace fell into disrepair. Most of it was later restored and turned into a museum in the 19th century.<br />
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The palace has five areas you can visit. The Gallery of Battles, State Apartments, Louis XIV Rooms, Mesdames’ Apartments, and the Gallery of the history of the palace. Although this is not the order in which Brandon I walked through the palace, after doing it, this is how I would suggest it.<br />
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<b>Gallery of the History of the Palace </b><br />
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When you first enter the royal courtyard go the right where you can pick up an audioguide (we would have loved to have done this, but didn’t have time) and proceed to the gallery of the history of the palace on the ground floor. This is the perfect place to start because you walk through 11 rooms describing the evolution of the palace using paintings, models, and videos. It talks about how Louis XIV used the arts (architecture, paintings, sculptures, theatre, sciences etc) to show his power, as well as how he ordered 167 pieces of solid silver furniture to be melted down to help pay for the cost of the War of the League of Augsburg.<br />
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<b>Louis XIV Rooms </b><br />
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From here you can walk up the stairs (or use the lift) to see Louis XIV’s rooms. The rooms give you glimpse of the King, his family and the court, and major events of the 17th century.<br />
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<b>State Apartments</b><br />
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At the end of the rooms, you can enter the state apartments. If you didn’t pick up an audio guide, make sure you pick up the map before entering. Throughout these next rooms, you can see how Louis XIV used the sun as his emblem and theme. The state apartments are one of the most significant areas of the palace. The first seven rooms are drawing rooms, all dedicated to a specific purpose. This mostly includes games, entertainment and dancing during the Kings’ receptions for the Court.<br />
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Next you enter one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring parts of the palace, the Hall of Mirrors. Among the glimmering chandeliers on the ceiling, you will find artwork illustrating the life of Louis XIV from 1661 to 1678. Underneath the paintings and surrounded by walls covered in mirrors and windows, this large room was used to hold royal weddings, large receptions, and ambassadorial presentations.<br />
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While we were there, the peace drawing-room, queen’s bedchamber, salon des Nobles, and the Queen’s antechamber, all part of the state apartments were closed for work. Just be aware Louis XIV rooms and the gallery of battles are also only open intermittently.<br />
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<b>Gallery of Battles </b><br />
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Although we didn’t get to spend much time in the next area, the Gallery of Battles, I would have loved to have studied the paintings more. The thirty-some paintings are large and life-like, displaying French dynasties.<br />
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<b>Mesdames’ Apartments </b><br />
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From the first floor, make your way back down the ground level and to the courtyard. You can walk directly into the area of Mesdames’ Apartments from there. If you are short on time, this is an area I would suggest skipping. While it gives you a glimpse into the 18th century, it was the apartments for Louis XV’s daughters and might not be as important as the King’s rooms and the state apartments.
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<b>The Gardens </b><br />
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Back outside you can get to the gardens on the left side of the palace, right outside the royal courtyard. Typically the gardens are free to visit with the purchase of the palace ticket. However, it does cost on musical fountain show and musical garden show days. Since the gardens were open later that day, we decided to head for the Petit Trianon and Marie-Antoinette’s Estate first. From the Palace to this area it is 1.5 km or a little less than a mile to walk. For 7.50 Euros (approximately $8.80), you can choose to ride the tram to the Petit Trianon, the Grand Trianon, and the Grand Canal. This is the option we chose.<br />
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The ride was a nice one, winding by the Neptune fountain and along the edge of the garden. Since we were short on time we decided to go straight to Petit Trianon.<br />
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<b>Petit Trianon</b><br />
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This building was built between 1762 and 1768 for LouisXV and Madame De Pompadour’s private use. Less than a decade later, LouisXVI gave it to Marie-Antoinette and according to the complex, became her favorite place to stay. It includes a small, but beautiful church and luscious gardens.<br />
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Inside the home you have the chance to see Louis XV’s Billiard room, the first antechamber, the small and grand dining rooms, the queen’s bedroom, and a few other rooms. The Rechauffoir, which is the room where meals were reheated before being served, was particularly interested. It’s been restored to its original appearance and features copper cooking elements and 19th century tables.<br />
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From there we ventured back outside and walked about 10 minutes to the Temple of Love. This was definitely on my Versailles “to-do” list. The palace says Marie-Antoinette commissioned an architect to get rid of Louis XV’s botanical garden and make the area “more picturesque English-style garden, enlivened with a stream, constructions, lawns, views and winding paths.” The Temple of Love sits on an island and is a medium-sized Copula with 12 Corinthian column, marble floor, and the statue of a cupid. It truly is a romanic spot to take photos.<br />
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Although we wanted to see more of the estate (apparently there is a farm, Marlborough Tower, and many other fountains) and the Queen’s hamlet, we knew had to turn back in time to see the musical fountains.<br />
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<b>Musical Fountains and Grand Canal</b><br />
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We caught the tram once again. Since our moms were exhausted, they stayed on the tram until it reached the palace again. Brandon and I however, got off at the grand canal and made our way back to the palace by walking through the gardens. Some of the musical fountains were grander than others and they were all very different from each other.<br />
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I liked how the hedges were tall and the fountains were spaced far from each other. This made it feel as if you could focus directly on the show in front of you without getting distracted by something else nearby. I especially liked the Colonnade Grove, Mirror Pool, Theatre Grove, Latona’s Fountain and ParTerre, Neptune Fountain, the area of the Water Walk, the orangery, and the water garden.<br />
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By the time Brandon and I made it back up to the palace to meet our moms, it was time to say goodbye to the Palace of Versailles. This became a once-in-a-lifetime visit I will be sure to treasure for a long time.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/296134347" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>Tara Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197373317093979249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-19149544779834149212018-08-15T09:00:00.000-07:002018-10-19T22:10:44.940-07:00Learning How To Barter For Souvenirs <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OXVQiHhx0SSgPya85fpegRIO8icL1fWQwFoBGhRv8PJbHa45QXGDE4YF6tHjRRqvbPh-eD-fmm22YtmPwDAUh4mWDPovDKVzoXM5x5W7SbMmb80q92IKU-sJQx-PwQFBJfunRxI4xyk/s1600/DSC_0025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OXVQiHhx0SSgPya85fpegRIO8icL1fWQwFoBGhRv8PJbHa45QXGDE4YF6tHjRRqvbPh-eD-fmm22YtmPwDAUh4mWDPovDKVzoXM5x5W7SbMmb80q92IKU-sJQx-PwQFBJfunRxI4xyk/s320/DSC_0025.JPG" width="320" /></a> In many cities around the world, it's commonplace to barter for goods, services, and souvenirs. If you're from the US, and unless you spend time in places like Chinatown in the New York City, you might feel a bit uncomfortable with the bartering process. Fortunately, the more you travel the more you get comfortable with it.
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Not too long ago Brandon and I traveled to Tijuana and Puerto Nuevo, Mexico. While walking along the main tourist spot in the city, Avenue Revolucion, I decided I wanted to stop into one of the shops to pick up a souvenir. When I found what I wanted (a small, most-likely mass produced, hand-painted skull), I asked how much it was. One of the employees told me it was usually $9, but because I was the first customer of the day I could have it for $8. I walked around a bit more and decided in my head I would only be willing to spend $4 for it. Knowing she would come running after me, I began to walk out. On the way, she ran into Brandon and realized he spoke Spanish. Because of this she instantly dropped the price to $6. From there I kept saying $4 in Spanish and she finally dropped it to that. We both walked away happy.<br />
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Usually it's not that simple, and as you can see, different approaches can get you good deals. In the meantime, here are a few tips Brandon and I have learned in our adventures.
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1) Set a price in your head for what you feel the souvenir is worth. Keep in mind, if it's truly handmade or hand carved it could be more.</div>
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2) Don't feel bad walking away if you can't settle on a deal. In Bali, Brandon and I had ladies pretend to start crying when we said we weren't looking for souvenirs. We were the only tourists around so they began to surround us and shove items in our faces. At one point it became very overwhelming so we just turned around and walked away.</div>
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3) Shop around. Many stores have the same item. You can practice bartering with other shops to get a sense of the real price.</div>
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4) Stay firm to your max price. You can always come back to buy the item later.</div>
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5) Check grocery stores. Some have souvenirs which usually have set prices.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Tf1QwaHrkPyx6SSeJmpHEs7N-I97T82M2Dbx87UJ2jlognmaE-KlrVyuxCDr3BMymyj5yYu-itDohykOXExjs460CDRhEL8uI1ijQAwlCJnjFZJBoaOKUWZXbVQrsMgWK9BnLm-6X-Y/s1600/DSC_0149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Tf1QwaHrkPyx6SSeJmpHEs7N-I97T82M2Dbx87UJ2jlognmaE-KlrVyuxCDr3BMymyj5yYu-itDohykOXExjs460CDRhEL8uI1ijQAwlCJnjFZJBoaOKUWZXbVQrsMgWK9BnLm-6X-Y/s320/DSC_0149.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Do you have any tips? Feel free to share the with us below!<br />
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Tara Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197373317093979249noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-30040528291900022802018-06-28T09:00:00.000-07:002018-06-28T22:33:06.826-07:00San Diego International Airport opens new customs facility<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrRHZyd_jj6HgUPg1Szg7IVL7z6t3s8oDFs_Vn5VH8PHQKliXPNAGei36eidyYfS4yJcfzWQ9_DY_PvL7sjyDnG1D7ehA0SUUskU0CpeqtPIpczQzpHSIqWOAwFYJ_20NEIiQxNlFLtw/s1600/IMG_1268.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1600" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrRHZyd_jj6HgUPg1Szg7IVL7z6t3s8oDFs_Vn5VH8PHQKliXPNAGei36eidyYfS4yJcfzWQ9_DY_PvL7sjyDnG1D7ehA0SUUskU0CpeqtPIpczQzpHSIqWOAwFYJ_20NEIiQxNlFLtw/s200/IMG_1268.HEIC" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">San Diego International Airport is opening a new customs area and gave the Frugal Fliers a sneak peak. Technically, called a new Federal Inspection Services facility, the airport redesigned four existing gates to allow for more international arrivals in Phase 1. It will expand to two other gates in Phase 2, which is underway. </span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once complete, the airport will have the capacity of handling up to six international flights at once. Currently, the airport can handle three from airports without preclearance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The change will require yet another gate change for airlines who currently use the high numbered gates as they will become common-use with preference going to arriving international flights.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The airport first modified gates 48-51 on the west end of the terminal. All are now “swing gates,” which will either allow arriving domestic passengers directly into the terminal or divert international passengers not arriving from preclearance airports to the new customs area. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">This was created by adding stairs and a walkway to the old exterior of the building. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Eagle-eyed readers will notice this gate can't fit the larger international aircraft.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many gates have been restriped to accommodate larger aircraft at this end of the terminal. It appears the a 747-400 is the largest plane that can fit here. Currently, British Airways is the only carrier that occasionally uses the 747.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fun fact: the international area is the only place in the airport with signs for the toilet. Everywhere else the signage is for restrooms.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXTY-3ZaHgPK9A6GdfoNKzDEs8O61rZNtWhUrhWBi_nsRg29rzfJuiygf5ulnTtZd_iT670tTM6amPAqznTVGuROYZ4zjglmHEHx9hCJdCpgowxPvx9BQDu0BRmyEOFLWycG0owebzbA/s1600/IMG_1246.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXTY-3ZaHgPK9A6GdfoNKzDEs8O61rZNtWhUrhWBi_nsRg29rzfJuiygf5ulnTtZd_iT670tTM6amPAqznTVGuROYZ4zjglmHEHx9hCJdCpgowxPvx9BQDu0BRmyEOFLWycG0owebzbA/s320/IMG_1246.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Passengers will then make their way upstairs to a room with an obscene number of stanchions. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was designed with a lot of natural light and there’s a blue hue throughout, which is supposed to remind travelers of the sky. The black signs in the upper corners are actually dynamic, digital signs to control flow based on need. For example, a flight filled with Americans returning from Mexico will have different method of processing compared to a Lufthansa or Japan Airlines flight with a healthy mixture of international and American travelers. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This area is only for American and Canadian passport holders and anyone else eligible to use an <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/apc" target="_blank">Automated Passport Control kiosk</a>. Pro tip: you can bypass the line by filling out your declaration ahead of time with the <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control" target="_blank">Mobile Passport Control app</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everyone else, including Global Entry holders and passengers who completed a mobile declaration can skip this hall and continue to the baggage area.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1dID1Z4QuFrHwsfzrSliGg4SABzDVCGnV4mJLOgNju1pgvAfKKM_hJCNv29EhyphenhyphenmAAr9vKdDiuLQx167Zi4VFQqBejywhVdfHCzazjTEQBTgbT8wuiautAiU3990XrHYcBDSrYpwXl_c/s1600/IMG_1251.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1354" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1dID1Z4QuFrHwsfzrSliGg4SABzDVCGnV4mJLOgNju1pgvAfKKM_hJCNv29EhyphenhyphenmAAr9vKdDiuLQx167Zi4VFQqBejywhVdfHCzazjTEQBTgbT8wuiautAiU3990XrHYcBDSrYpwXl_c/s320/IMG_1251.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The airport added an escalator above an existing one to bring travelers down two floors to baggage claim. The tan colored walls are meant to remind travelers of the area's many canyons. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMSfyANrTojlLUE_bGn4Wlh4rRKX9-cxFBfVuF1-LMasMVUIBVKKKAjJ27JGuDrt9IzFMY72jWfRIdy9itPRLiYQnWeVGnVtimGXxgKow3JRf3I7uMonFjK2mOj0dTS5xtfQBIo6KD7w/s1600/IMG_1254.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqMSfyANrTojlLUE_bGn4Wlh4rRKX9-cxFBfVuF1-LMasMVUIBVKKKAjJ27JGuDrt9IzFMY72jWfRIdy9itPRLiYQnWeVGnVtimGXxgKow3JRf3I7uMonFjK2mOj0dTS5xtfQBIo6KD7w/s320/IMG_1254.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The artwork in baggage claim is inspired by the beach on one wall, which appears sand-colored.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJV151FRmgYiY3IypL7H9iJrR3kv4Wkf94oZQ4GwxKFVU5UsVSJFitqp2oh3N3rEadOXLsirABSDTwnpgDdFALBW5BIjPwAGszRlhAOcX-PSI2eMTrB4cPSJjlnSJX0-egIM1NOFVmdI/s1600/IMG_1259.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJV151FRmgYiY3IypL7H9iJrR3kv4Wkf94oZQ4GwxKFVU5UsVSJFitqp2oh3N3rEadOXLsirABSDTwnpgDdFALBW5BIjPwAGszRlhAOcX-PSI2eMTrB4cPSJjlnSJX0-egIM1NOFVmdI/s320/IMG_1259.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Carry-on” luggage art graces the frosted window.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1qNdp851KkmpEN3UAmgUTupcdYOZ4vEBtoQbjNsXCoYiSQtHXSFDzGLV5RFbf6_SxA8LD1UpaY-qWRWy06PjlXng03j3FmGaob4vrbEud351MJLBaFtF-ms80Vu5-Zvdmc5RpvgZHac/s1600/IMG_1260.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1qNdp851KkmpEN3UAmgUTupcdYOZ4vEBtoQbjNsXCoYiSQtHXSFDzGLV5RFbf6_SxA8LD1UpaY-qWRWy06PjlXng03j3FmGaob4vrbEud351MJLBaFtF-ms80Vu5-Zvdmc5RpvgZHac/s320/IMG_1260.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Each "bag" contains one unique item sourced by the community such as the balloon animal in one bag.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4nMFR_7k3L07uYqVGFY_HgqzqiKP7BM35NCVnZIyUxVqqA5U0a0x3ilUzqX6Iv1kT8EKIsqKuw59Yxyd_FjDi_LWN_laZh37n2oRkzQ0wVs8CWVFPK_lHFGaM_hx5Sk-NhGevm8l0fI/s1600/IMG_1256.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb4nMFR_7k3L07uYqVGFY_HgqzqiKP7BM35NCVnZIyUxVqqA5U0a0x3ilUzqX6Iv1kT8EKIsqKuw59Yxyd_FjDi_LWN_laZh37n2oRkzQ0wVs8CWVFPK_lHFGaM_hx5Sk-NhGevm8l0fI/s320/IMG_1256.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Global Entry holders will go along the sand wall to one of the kiosks. Meanwhile everyone else can grab their luggage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Notice the test bags still on one of two carousels. The system utilizes the existing baggage belt since these carousels used to be numbered 7 and 8. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">San Diego is the second airport with CBP’s new layout. It requires passengers to get all of their luggage before seeing a customs officer. And, yes, luggage carts are free in this area only. Carry-on passengers should benefit from quicker processing since they're not stuck behind those who will have to wait for luggage. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Again, the airport installed digital signage to adjust queues based on how many passengers are ineligible for automated processing. International travelers will have to queue for screening by an officer sitting at one of 16 new podiums. Everyone who used an automated kiosk will go along the wall for final verification and speak with anyone who received a dreaded <a href="https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/1287/~/global-entry-receipt-with-x-on-it" target="_blank">“X” on their kiosk receipt</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxsOq7CXSdEV-fss8bWuwKVBY1mu9V9Gl8GY2mLj-r-AjkzJATMzPvb5b11oQrukp9vyeyvFVEsEAeQZ-OxDIyErc2k9dUVYdPhDWL8gByxYNuuObZZuF33bGHt1kF8_2mg4cEXB1Ang/s1600/IMG_1263.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxsOq7CXSdEV-fss8bWuwKVBY1mu9V9Gl8GY2mLj-r-AjkzJATMzPvb5b11oQrukp9vyeyvFVEsEAeQZ-OxDIyErc2k9dUVYdPhDWL8gByxYNuuObZZuF33bGHt1kF8_2mg4cEXB1Ang/s320/IMG_1263.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">The secondary screening area is visible after passing through primary. There is a seating area and access to an interview room. Holding cells in the back if needed.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc395FhsmuFjIKFkYoPUzz-OuuMPqipSBcBfz8S4ma6bjqUodsl9Z0S_f_HLc-YKR2n5LgHQhLnoe3juRVpB3fU9aCG0bW40yisy7zwdceJOXzYwq4YD9cU47SU-pI2t2D7VdIyR0bHkQ/s1600/IMG_1265.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1457" data-original-width="1600" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc395FhsmuFjIKFkYoPUzz-OuuMPqipSBcBfz8S4ma6bjqUodsl9Z0S_f_HLc-YKR2n5LgHQhLnoe3juRVpB3fU9aCG0bW40yisy7zwdceJOXzYwq4YD9cU47SU-pI2t2D7VdIyR0bHkQ/s320/IMG_1265.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, passengers are directed to exit through the first of two sets of doors. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjwHd2oIHXjwopDpgmNzSmcVcUVOPOKVRCT8wWMDvnLZtURuz7n9tHnY1YcQTg7Ei5P2qrC4lAfFVbVkRSoUKUo7AxGOaBbCjEkMfhp-HmQFilPKPgnZKfYx-oDRBnPa3sk7kqGYz2Cs/s1600/IMG_1267.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1600" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZjwHd2oIHXjwopDpgmNzSmcVcUVOPOKVRCT8wWMDvnLZtURuz7n9tHnY1YcQTg7Ei5P2qrC4lAfFVbVkRSoUKUo7AxGOaBbCjEkMfhp-HmQFilPKPgnZKfYx-oDRBnPa3sk7kqGYz2Cs/s320/IMG_1267.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">After the first doors it's a quick u-turn to drop your baggage off for a connecting flight, but only if your bag is tagged to your final destination. If you're going to a different airline you'll have to haul it to the counter by going through the second door. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">This delivers you to the meet and greet area, which features an ATM, currency exchange and information desk. All of which were still under construction when this photo was taken. There are also plans to add a coffee stand. For your caffeine fix now you’ll have to use Einstein Bagels near Checkpoint 6.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Connecting passengers going to Terminal 1 can take a shuttle bus at the existing MTS bus stop. Terminal 2 passengers can go to the next building and proceed upstairs to TSA screening.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This $229.4 million project is a big step forward for San Diego International Airport. It significantly increases the size of the FIS from 26,000 square feet to 130,000 square feet.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0San Diego International Airport (SAN), 3225 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA32.7338006 -117.193303799999977.211766100000002 -158.50189779999997 58.2558351 -75.884709799999968tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-90710399331587059192018-06-20T09:00:00.000-07:002018-06-20T09:00:03.761-07:00Flight Review: VS20 SFO-LHR in EconomyIt’s our first trip to Europe since Tara moved to the west coast and I was looking forward to not having to stop in New York. Say what you will about the long flights, but they get you there a lot faster than stopping on the east coast.<br />
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I scored a great deal through Delta for a $420 roundtrip flight from San Francisco and was excited when I noticed it was a Virgin Atlantic-operated codeshare. It was our first time on what was once Richard Branson’s airline and I was looking forward to the uniquely British hospitality to properly set the tone for the start of our trip.<br />
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We were among the last third of passengers to board the aircraft after spending a little too much time in the Air France-KLM lounge thanks to Priority Pass. Since we were near the back of the plane, everyone around us was already seated and the overhead bins were closed. Fortunately, the 777 has plenty of room so we had no problem finding a spot for everything.<br />
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There was a slight delay pushing back from the gate, but we still departed on time.<br />
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I immediately started swiping through the In-Flight Entertainment system and was disappointed by the selection. Perhaps I was spoiled by United’s IFE when we went to Asia, but I felt there was a lack of blockbusters and past hits. I eventually settled on a movie and waited for dinner service.<br />
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By the time they got to us, my first-choice meatball linguine entree was gone and since I don’t care for mushrooms, I went with the vegetarian paneer tikka masala. The gravy wasn’t particularly spicy, but it was flavorful, which was important since the spinach was bland.<br />
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I found it interesting Virgin chose to serve an American pretzel snack. I would have expected a more native snack choice, but it wasn’t a huge deal...just an observation.<br />
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The highlight by far was the red velvet cake cup. It was delicious!<br />
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I started to notice the service wasn’t as “hip” as I expected. Aside from the mood lighting, Virgin colors and funky fonts on the menu, it could have been any airline. I expected frequent reminders of the cheeky, upstart that once was Virgin Atlantic. To me, that’s achieved through the flight attendant’s attitudes and service. While they did their jobs adequately there wasn’t a special touch that you might get on a Southwest, ANA or Singapore flight.<br />
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After an offering of tea or hot chocolate, it was time for sleep. I was knocked out for almost the duration of the flight. The woman in the middle seat marveled at my ability to stay asleep so long. She finally had to wake me to go to the lavatory since I was in the aisle seat.<br />
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I nodded off for a bit longer, then the flight attendants came around with an offering of croissants with cheese, fruit and yogurt. My phone was tucked well away at that point otherwise I’d have taken a picture. It satisfied the rumbling tummy at the time, but didn’t hold me over for long. After going through customs in Terminal 3 we walked over to the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 2 for a quick meal before heading into London.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4648829775545182425.post-71565943040150283242018-06-05T00:11:00.000-07:002018-06-05T21:32:50.518-07:00Beauty of Dublin's Downtown, Castles and Nearby Howth<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsqQik4Jq8KLz0-oLjrXzl54RJ8_v3t9yU6uQO9N8AYUBhq6UOIAQr1D-yVS6BTMxrr1yeUL2KsuJTbKTEmXmckEZbKYrDIj1v9Rbq5E1mRkvF4pFkXf3oAf-iaD4HawsqCQh8dP6esY/s1600/DSC_0292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsqQik4Jq8KLz0-oLjrXzl54RJ8_v3t9yU6uQO9N8AYUBhq6UOIAQr1D-yVS6BTMxrr1yeUL2KsuJTbKTEmXmckEZbKYrDIj1v9Rbq5E1mRkvF4pFkXf3oAf-iaD4HawsqCQh8dP6esY/s400/DSC_0292.JPG" width="400" /></a>On the second leg of our first international trip, Brandon and I settled on Ireland. It’s a country I’ve always dreamed of visiting. I wanted to see the historic castles and vast rolling hills of the countryside. In this look-back entry, I will transport you to our trip to Dublin and the surrounding area.</div>
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February 23, 2016, 11:30 a.m. Dublin time:</div>
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Dublin has been fantastic and it’s sad to think we are already leaving! I hope to make it back someday and see more of the cliffs and the countryside. We arrived on Sunday the 21st around 10 a.m. from Oslo and from there we made our way to the Abbington House Bed and Breakfast in the neighborhood of Drumcondra, about 10 to 15 minutes by tram from downtown Dublin. It’s a cute little bed and breakfast, but I’m learning European rooms can be tiny. Brandon and I barely had room to put our suitcases on the floor, and sometimes when passing each other in the room, one of us had to hop on the bed. It was quite the experience, but we managed!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOoD14Hj4p_C7SCBjPKVrzDXNYpBO6DJ9uHimvnknK0ZLcBQxIsEfU1jATIZu6s4G3_L5fiX07X36X8xfomjA1865BPtpjTP2Ipj4m_XroTqxE9KG74HboSvxrDxiRQh3A78cxMdlOGxQ/s1600/DSC_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOoD14Hj4p_C7SCBjPKVrzDXNYpBO6DJ9uHimvnknK0ZLcBQxIsEfU1jATIZu6s4G3_L5fiX07X36X8xfomjA1865BPtpjTP2Ipj4m_XroTqxE9KG74HboSvxrDxiRQh3A78cxMdlOGxQ/s320/DSC_0244.JPG" width="320" /></a>We began our trip here with a free walking tour of Dublin. Our tour guide was absolutely hilarious and was what seemed to be fully Irish. His name was Eoin which is pronounced Owen in English. He started us at the Dublin Castle, which is where the government now works. It has a very fascinating history. The tax revenue office is now based in the building the British built. The tower of the castle is where they held prisoners. He told us about the speech Queen Elizabeth IInmade there in 2011, what an impact it made that she even visited and how profound it was when she greeted them in Irish, especially since the language had been banned for so long. He also talked about how Mel Gibson used the Irish Army soldiers in his movie “Bravehart” and how the scene about Normandy in the movie “Saving Private Ryan” was shot in Ireland. He talked about JFK’s visit a few months before he was assassinated. One-third of the population of Ireland stood along the streets to get a glimpse of him. His family had actually immigrated to the US from Ireland. The speech was about hope. It came at a time when the Irish really needed it because there was such a state of poverty and so many people were emigrating.<br />
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We saw the castle from the back in the garden. We learned more about the Irish language and how only about three percent of the population still speaks it fluently. There are even villages you can only live in and build a house in if you speak Irish fluently.<br />
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We saw the “40 steps” show in the movie “P.S. I Love You” (which I loved!) and the Temple Bar neighborhood where U2 got its start during a battle of the bands competition. Now Bono owns many of the bars, restaurants, and places in that area. We also visited Trinity College which was very pretty as well and had a chance to see the Leinster House. This houses the seat of Oireachtas, the parliament of Ireland, and is modeled after the old and first White House (not to be confused with Aras an Uachtarain, or the “mini white house,” further out of the downtown area of Dublin).</div>
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After the tour, we tried to visit Stephens Park, but got distracted by a nice mall and by that time the park gates had closed. The mall and the outside shops along the cobblestone streets were so cute! Dublin was almost exactly as I had imagined it. Old buildings, cute cafes and coffee shops everywhere mixed with pubs. I absolutely loved it! I liked it was very pedestrian friendly and so colorful.<br />
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Earlier in the day, before the tour, we went to this cute little coffee shop called Bittersweet Cafe. There I ate a roasted chicken bacon chabatta sandwich. Really good and the latte was delicious as well. All the baked goods everywhere were so tempting! I have heard Europeans tend to have more fresh food than America does. McDonalds even had its own separate cafe with bakery items.</div>
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The clothing differences weren’t as apparent here as Norway. Still many skinny jeans, but more variety and everyone wasn’t as dressed up as Oslo. I also had to get used to people driving on the other side of the road. I kept looking the wrong way while while waiting for the tram to arrive! Of course, I enjoyed listening to the accents as well.</div>
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After getting a few gift items from the mall, and taking a few minute nap on a bench, we got Leo Purdock’s Fish and Chips (chips really means fries, crisps are chips). This came at the suggestion of a friend and it was delicious! It was rainy and cold that day, but we had to sit outside and eat anyway because it was the only place to go. We ended up back at where our tour group met, just on the other side of City Hall.<br />
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From there we walked to the river and I took plenty of pictures of the Ha’Penny Bridge. I noticed the engraved locks that had been put there, just like the “love lock” bridge in London which was recently taken down due to its weight. Walking along the river was pretty. We made our way to Tara Street and took the “DART” or tram/train from there. Back to our hotel, we were exhausted!<br />
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The next day was packed. We woke up pretty early and made our way to Kiemham Gaol, the city’s old prison. While I got in line for tickets, Brandon went to Spar, the local grocery chain/drug store to get the English breakfast roll (suggestion of the tour guide!). It was a heart attack waiting to happen, but it was delicious! It had several sausages, corned beef, ham and egg with sweet chili sauce on buttered bread. So good we ended up getting it two days in a row!</div>
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The prison tour was really interesting and actually only 4 Euros instead of 10 because they are doing renovation on it. (Currently one Euro is about $1.10 in the US.) It was interesting to hear how young children, even as young as 10 years old, were jailed for things such as stealing potatoes. Women and children were jailed and subjected to hard labor just like the men. The children had separate “exercise” yards from the men and women. We saw the jail cells, including solitary confinement and the big common area, as well as the execution yard where two crosses are now planted. The museum in the prison was huge, covering three floors with many artifacts and stories from those who spent time there.</div>
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Next we traveled to the Malahide Castle and Gardens outside Dublin. It’s one of the oldest castles in Ireland. This, too, was very fascinating. I really enjoyed its history. It was in the Talbot family for more than 700 years. It was claimed in about 1165 and was taken over from the Talbots for a short time. The land was given to them for helping and supporting the King. It was last lived in by Rose Talabot, but when her brother Milo died she couldn’t afford the taxes on the estate. She had to hand it over to the country, when then it was opened up to the public. She died at 93 years old in 2009 at the Malahide house in Tasmania. The rooms all had very unique facts about them and the gardens were so pretty. The whole castle covered more than 260 acres. The west garden is about 20 acres and the other garden (walled garden) is a bit smaller. It contains plants, trees, and flowers from all over the world. Milo started it due to his love of gardens. It included several green houses, a pond, and a “chicken yard.” The castle itself is said to be haunted.<br />
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From there we took two trains to Howth, a coastal community with several piers and cliffs northeast of Dublin. This, too, was of course beautiful. We walked along one pier where there were several restaurants. At the end of it you could see “Ireland’s Eye Island” and the Howth lighthouse on the other pier. It was so fascinating to see all the fishing boats. I couldn’t imagine doing that work!<br />
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We came across the imprint of King Edward’s footprints at the end of the pier. They are very tiny! We also observed seagulls fight over a starfish that had just been caught. We walked further towards the cliffs, hoping to do the cliff walk, but after waiting for the bus to come (we noticed busses and public transit didn’t seem to be much on time here), we decided we were too cold and couldn’t wait any longer to get to the summit. It was getting dark anyway.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYhSIProt8PvOW_HedePh6URiFItt5XV7I0FgsvWc4jgrxlqJaJImiMDZKWflEKnQ31TrHQqF92WFVyWZnT3KnvSb4tkKsKuf3lvjVbOQflbwg5DObkPCL1F6lo-eDTGIzhDBeWbGlNM/s1600/IMG_1402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoYhSIProt8PvOW_HedePh6URiFItt5XV7I0FgsvWc4jgrxlqJaJImiMDZKWflEKnQ31TrHQqF92WFVyWZnT3KnvSb4tkKsKuf3lvjVbOQflbwg5DObkPCL1F6lo-eDTGIzhDBeWbGlNM/s320/IMG_1402.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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From there we went back to the first pier to eat dinner at a seafood restaurant. We shared a platter for two. I never thought I’d like smoked salmon, but it didn’t taste fishy, which was good! It included fried fish, fish goujons (I think that’s the name?), calamari and salad. We also tried Bulmers cider as a suggestion from my friend. I highly suggest it!</div>
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Finally, after a long day, we went back to the hotel to get ready to leave for London the next day. </div>
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I really hope to get back to Ireland someday. I just loved the atmosphere. The Irish were so funny and nice. Not a huge fan of the chilly rain, but I heard it rains a lot. As the tour guide said, “We have good days and we have authentic days!” </div>
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Until next time Ireland, cheers!</div>
Tara Grimeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16197373317093979249noreply@blogger.com0Dublin, Ireland53.3498053 -6.260309699999993453.0463133 -6.9057566999999933 53.6532973 -5.6148626999999935