Tagged With "Virgin America"
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Re: Boston in the fall - suggestions please!
Thank you Dr. F. - wise words we will keep 1-2 hotels booked ahead and be flexible beyond that. We are really looking forward to this new 'slice' of America, I never realised that the Pilgrim fathers just named every new town after their old home towns - I'm going to be quite confused!! Thanks too Garry that looks lovely! I envy you being there ahead of us!! PS we are now on the verge of booking Cuba too and are horrified at the cost that Virgin Atlantic is trying to screw us for an upgrade...
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Re: July 28, 2016: Coit Tower, San Francisco, California
It really is one of the most beautiful cities in North America. Thanks for reminding us of these great views!
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Re: Nothing sacred: Swiss chalets aren't Swiss!
I'm used to the fact that all the Camrys my family has owned were assembled in Kentucky...but when you see where all the God Bless America souvenirs come from, that is a poser!
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Re: Sept 1, 2016: Wild Roses on the River Side.
A great moment of a wonderful day.... We have wild roses in North America too, at least in the mountains and northern parts. But they are smaller and while they smell nice, are not as fragrant as those you describe.
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Re: Top 4 Rafting Destinations in Europe
Thanks for this! I usually think only of North America when rafting is mentioned, but obviously that's been a mistake...
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Re: Post-Merger AA Route Changes at DCA, LGA
Virign America will bee getting some of AA's slots at LGA - That is a net plus in my book!
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? 21.0
It is an art deco nautical building?? It's possible to be in America... i think
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Re: Please Don't Squeeze the Passengers: Airbus
I've never flown an A380, Mac. They still haven't caught on in North America, where Boeing clearly dominates the market. One thing that I've wonder about is with all those people to board (somewhere over 500), is the process of getting on and off the plane very slow or have they figured out how to make this move along with reasonable efficiency?
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 1) An overview of the Country and its People
Thanks for your comments, Garry! We actually had very nice weather during our visit, GarryRF. It was windy and rainy at times, but being from Canada that was no great hardship. Still, good for people to be forewarned and prepared. Always pack in layers and let one layer be a rain shell. It was one of your fellow countryman who said, "There's no bad weather, just bad clothing" or something to that affect, but I can't remember who that was. Didn't try the "moonshine" (no one offered!), but my...
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Re: The Valley Island of Maui: 2) Haleakala National Park
Yes, we will go through U.S.Immigration at Trudeau Airport in Montreal. At one time, the U.S. Immigration hall there had a huge banner across it emblazoned with the words "WELCOME TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" It isn't there anymore. Someone must have figured out this was still, after all, Canada. Yes, 17 days is a long time on a ship. I am travelling with a friend who needs this type of getaway just now.
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Re: Wow! Iceland Express successor adds U.S. flights
I really am excited about hearing this.I was a big fan of Iceland Express, so I'm hoping Wow will offer the same consistent low prices to North America as they did.
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Re: Minneapolis in the winter
The Mall's more interesting than you might think - besides the shopping there are the restaurants, amusement venues, and events going on. Here some info about stuff to see at the Mall http://www.mallofamerica.com/attractions To get to the Mall of America you Take Metro Transit (easy and clean) From Minneapolis Hiawatha Light Rail (Route 55) - The Hiawatha light-rail line offers fast, frequent service from downtown (5th Street) to Mall of America. Hiawatha light-rail trains leave every 7.5...
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Re: Minneapolis in the winter
Hi Theodore! I am a Mall of America fan. You can easily spend an entire weekend (or many evenings) at the Mall of America. First of all, the mall is very easy to get to by train from downtown (CICAK did a wonderful job explaining that), and fares are quite cheap (fares go for about $1.75 to $2.25 one way depending on what time of day you ride). As CICAK also mentioned, there is something for everybody at the mall. If you just want to find a warm dry place to walk and people watch, I believe...
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Re: Capital of Culture Series: Liverpool
Now there's another word with mixed definitions ! In Britain you would say "I like GarryRF's spirit" You may want to check out what your version means in England ! Like when I attend a party in America and I get "Pissed" (Drunk) And someone says "Why - who upset you to make you pissed?"
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Re: Do you Like these Hotel Tipping Tips ?
I certainly understand GarryRF's comments completely. A guest has a right to expect a good quality meal with good service. That should be part of the dining experience. That said, because I was raised and have lived in Canada/USA my life, I have a sensitivity to food service employees not being paid well and being stressed by their employers. So I tend to follow Dave B's guidelines (thanks for outlining these, Dave!) If I see a waitress is trying hard, I'll leave the 15% tip (and don't come...
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Re: Where in North America is the Euro the official currency?
Well, here's a bit to add, about the largest place in South America where the Euro is in use: French Guiana, which is technically a part of Metropolitan France (even Presidential candidates visit to drum up the vote!). Therefore, the bridge completed in 2011 and scheduled to open for traffic next month over the Oyapock River, will be the first permanent road connection between France and Brazil! More information HERE .
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Re: WiFi on the way for international flights
Geosynchronous orbit is only close enough to planes flying in that area (ie. around the equator). A plane flying the polar route from North America to Europe won't be able to connect with a geosynchronous satellite. They will be connecting with a series of lower altitude satellites, not unlike global satellite phone system. These satellites are moving quickly, as is the plane.
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Re: The Beautiful Pools and Geysers of Yellowstone National Park
Wow amazing pictures, beautiful colors, i love the ones with the yellow and orange colors. Is it true that under the Yellowstone Park is a giant vulcano and if it will be an eruption the whole America will be extinguished ?
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Re: Buenos Aires, Recoleta Basilica Nuestra Senora del Pilar's altar
DrF, I've never been to S. America so I'm fascinated by this one and all your pictures from BA. Please, keep them coming and I so look forward to the blogs to come.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo #20
Friday hint: The sun rises in the east...and this is North America.
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Re: Aug 4. 2016: Delaware City. Delaware.
I agree with Garry. Exploring small town America is tops! I love a few days in the big cities but feel at home in its small towns. Have yet to visit Delaware City but will check it out next time I'm in that part of the country. Imagine they have good crab?
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Re: The Huntington, Los Angeles (Where Gumbo Was)
Once again - an excellent introduction to the Gardens and Museums of America. Loved the photo's too. Must have taken some time putting them all together. Thank you.
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Re: Is there Danger in frequent, long-distance travel?
I think this study focused on the frequent long distant travelers -- say those who travel to and from Europe and North America every week. That intensity of traveling and disruption of biorhythm can definitely take its toll. The vacation traveler, who goes on a few trips a year, is not the focus of this study.
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Re: April 24, 2018: Thirsty?
And not the first time for a toilet as a museum exhibit. The Guggenheim in New York last year had a solid-gold working replica by Maurizio Cattelan, entitled America, that could be used by visitors. And, famously, in 1917, Marcel Duchamp challenged concepts of art and esthetics by exhibiting a 'readymade,' a standard urinal turned on its edge, signed as if by an artist, and labeled... Fountain.
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Re: Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg, Canada. Where Gumbo Was #36
Close but no cigar on Central Park's designer (who also did my backyard, Brooklyn's Prospect Park). Birkenhead was the work of Joseph Paxton, while the other two were done by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. Olmsted visited Birkenhead in 1850, three years after it opened, and while he was already thinking about Central Park, which opened in 1858. In his book "Walks and Talks of an American Farmer in England, Olmsted wrote about Birkenhead: "five minutes of admiration, and a few more...
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Re: Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg, Canada. Where Gumbo Was #36
In 1858, Frederick Law Olmsted won a design competition to improve and expand Central Park with a plan he entitled the Greensward Plan . 8 years AFTER Olmsted visited the Peoples Garden - Birkenhead Park England. He said "that in democratic America there was nothing to be thought of as comparable with this People’s Garden" So he took the plans back to New York. Entered the Central Park competition 8 years later. And won using Paxton plans from the Peoples Garden in England as a guide.
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Re: Is it time to regulate airplane seats? Chris Elliott thinks so!
This debate seems to accept that the profit margins of Trans-Atlantic Flights are squeezed by costs outside the carriers control. The only solution they have is squeeze more seats in to control income. Last month I paid £759 ($1245) for 1 seat UK to Philadelphia - Return - with an American Airline. 7 hours in the sky. Each way. My £759 will also get me a flight to the Caribbean from the UK. 10 hours in the sky. 14 nights in a hotel. Food and drink included. And flight back. The Caribbean...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Oct. 2nd, 2014: What is a "Folly"?
Seems most government buildings in North America, by this definition, are follys. The Broadway Tower and its overview from the hill are quite an eye pleaser, Garry. Nice photo and a good education on a folly. Thanks.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 16, 2014: American Golden Plover
That's fascinating! I never thought about the color differences during migration...what a difference it must be for, say, a North American birder in South America!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 16, 2014: American Golden Plover
Yes, Arctic birds are common in southern USA, Central and South America and further north during migration. But to see them in their beautiful breeding colours, you need to go to the Arctic in spring or early summer. This plover had already changed to grey by mid-August.
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Re: A Busy Weekend in Philadelphia
I've only visited Philly once, and your post brought back some great memories of a nice city. I visited a few weeks after 9-11-01, a difficult and unsettled time everywhere in North America. But everyone was friendly and agree with Garry. A very walkable city with lots of great architecture and historic sites.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#76)
Here's something to chew on... 1. We're looking at North America 2. The steeple is far newer than the church, but it's design is older...
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Re: Memphis, Tennessee 2) The King's chariots
It's good to see the Elvis Legacy lives on. Does the "King" still have a following in America with younger people ? I'm amazed that younger visitors to Liverpool still want to see Beatles memorabilia. German, French, Japanese, Spanish and Scandinavian tourists and most under 40. Perhaps the fans of the 60s are too old to travel now !. A very comprehensive study of Gracelands DrF. Really enjoyed it !! Thank You.
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Re: Memphis, Tennessee 2) The King's chariots
Thanks, Garry. Yes, there is definitely an interest in Elvis from the younger generation. I'd say that today most of those visiting Graceland were not alive when Elvis died. And what's most amazing to me is how they come from all over the planet. Some of his greatest supporters, as you know, are from the UK (and also Japan for that matter). Elvis always regretted not performing in England, but his manager (he of the 50% cut fame) was an illegal alien without a passport, so he only kept Elvis...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#45)
Well, it's Saturday night, and time for a review of progress so far, guys! Yes , a bank. Yes , a big time gap between the two sculptures. No , not in Rome, San Francisco, New York. Free Hint: It's not in North America.
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Re: Canada: See it all while you're young (Summer Rail Passes)
Yes ,a good value ,but I'm still nostalgic for the old Eurail youth passes in Europe. Now it's the budget airlines in Europe that make travel within Europe a complete bargain compared to North America.
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Re: A visit to Waterton National Park
I love the pictures, Roderick. Part of what makes Waterton so special are its many wild animals. Almost like going on safari in America! I'm especially fond of the little bear. He looks so very lost without his mother. Hope you didn't get between her and the little one! And thanks for your first contribution to Travelgumbo!
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Re: Something completely unrelated to travel
I know many people who have travelled for a better career. Residents of North America often travel away from their birthplace. Here in the UK my family have lived within 2 miles for at least 150 years. We have strands living in the US and Australia. But we like to keep in touch. Travel isn't just about vacations. Nice video.
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Re: Help with mobile phone for Morocco
While I haven't been to Morocco for over 2 years, phone service for locals in non-industrialized nations all over the world tends to be cheap phone, available locally, with prepaid sim cards that you reload. It depends a great deal on what services your friend wants and can they, for instance, do without data and use the wifi in their accommodations or will they go to pieces without having it all, all the time. If that's the case, I can't help and will be expensive, all things relative, I...
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Re: What to expect from Air Travel in 2015
I think North America is ready for the emergence of several new budget carriers, Rob. The drop in fuel prices now makes it all the more opportune. At least the lower fuel costs will hopefully take off some of the pressure on upward prices.
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Re: For those who hate Heathrow, Gatwick plans new allure
Gatwick, if selected, will have much better transportation than now; in fact, they are committed to building it even with one runway. Every 2.5 minutes, into Central London. DrF: Gatwick is hoping this will bring some North American flights again; US Airways was the last North American carrier into Gatwick, and they stopped in 2009, sucked into the great vacuum of Heathrow. Gatwick used to have a lot of N. America business back when restrictive legislation limited the number of their flights...
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo #26
Its a Funicular Railway - but there are so many in Europe and America !
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Re: "Pops" is a New Route 66 Icon
Iron Brew it is. Made in Scotland. From Girders. (So the ad says) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGyKpx12d_E TravelGirlJenn. Love that quote on your comment. Since I bought a TomTom with US maps on I've been seeing a new America. I can now get lost on my annual road trip around the US and the places I've found are amazing. I just follow my curiosity. And near the end of the day I ask my English speaking lady to take me home. And she says "Keep right and join the Motorway" Love it !
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, February 25, 2015. St. Augustine, Florida
Do they still have horse and carriage rides there? The horses wore beautiful displays and looked really elegant in their finery. Is that where I saw the oldest wooden school in America ?
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, February 25, 2015. St. Augustine, Florida
Yes, they still have horse and carriage rides along the bay! So beautiful!! And yes, that's where you saw the Oldest Schoolhouse. It's such a lovely city!! Originally Posted by GarryRF: Do they still have horse and carriage rides there? The horses wore beautiful displays and looked really elegant in their finery. Is that where I saw the oldest wooden school in America ?
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Re: Colorado National Monument
Excellent idea, rbciao! Although I'd recommend visiting the desert regions of the southwest in the shoulder seasons, rather than during the heat of summer. No question in my mind that some of the best scenery in the world is in North America. Ciao!
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Re: Iran: Friendliness, Culture, Modernity - So Far Away From The Clichés!
That's a fascinating look at a country rarely visited by people in North America. I especially enjoyed your lovely photos, which share so vividly the experience with all of us. I have two specific questions: 1) What is the tourist infrastructure in Iran like? Easy to find hotels or hostels? Restaurants? Public transit? 2) I've always enjoyed those Iranian people I know, but I'm not sure if the bulk of our readers (Mostly from the USA and Canada) would receive the same welcome from the...
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Re: How to Irk the Brits
The first thing that surprises me on this blog is how eager people are to believe any of the pure drivel that film makers produce. Yahoo send a team to London to be controversial. That's the script. They don't want to tell a story of people who are just like the folks you left behind in America. No. That's not going to grab anyone's attention. PHeymont has lived in both countries and knowingly avoids such divisive journalism. Wherever you travel in the world you find people who are giving ,...
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Re: Sun will disappear Friday...but most won't notice
I've only experienced one total solar ecclipse in my life and it was very memorable. I'd like to see at least one more in my life time. Thanks for the guide on future dates. There's actually one going across North America in 2 years, so might focus on getting as close to that as possible.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, March 24, 2015: Chinese lantern festival in Toronto’s Ontario Place
Hi Karl, just back from USCAP trip. The one in Ontario Place actually happens in summer and the exhibition lasts several weeks each year (I noticed this year, Ontario Place is undergoing a major renovation). The festival also happens in other North America cities like this year's "Arizona Chinese Lantern Festival - February 19-22 and February 26-March 1 ~ 5PM to 10PM Each Night".