Tagged With "Festa Major"
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Re: 'Flying Dutchman' ends 15-week cruise
UPDATE: Home at last... Costa Deliziosa finally docked in Genoa, Italy around noon today, New York time after being at sea since January 5th. It was the last major cruise line ship still at sea, and has no known Covid-19 cases on board. Debarcation of the remaining 1519 passengers and 898 crew will take several days as Costa and Italian authorities work on how to get them home without exposure to infection.
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Re: Belgium and Sweden see night-train link
I haven't found a definitive answer to that; the nearest I have come is speculation that DB is concerned about competition with existing conventional trains along the route; DB is the major carrier on the route, but they are clearly not doing much of a job of it as the schedule I've linked here shows. The minimum number of train changes is 2, with some itineraries requiring 8! And the ones with only 2 or 3 changes sell for nearly $200, compared to $70 with 8 changes. I'd think a direct...
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Re: "Mind Your Manners!" VisitBritain Warns Hoteliers
No, no one is hacking them...and the "advice" was picked up by all the major British papers...usually with an air of slight derision. You won't find it on the public website, which is devoted to getting us to visit; it was distributed as guidance to hotel operators, and as a press release. Originally Posted by TatToo: It is not the author's list. The cited articles and various others on the Internet state that the list was originally published on VisitBritain's website. However, I am not...
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Re: Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, Kennedy Space Center
Thanks for an orbit of memory lane! I think for me the most amazing aspect of the whole space program is how we have moved from each launch being a major news event before, during and after to seeing space in the papers only when something goes wrong--and these days, it seems to be mostly plumbing issues on the International Space Station. Looking at the pictures...it's amazing how big some aspects are, and how small the actual shuttle is!
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Re: Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, Kennedy Space Center
Thanks for the comments, guys! The entire shuttle is actually much longer than I'd thought, maybe 180 ft. What was surprising is how small the living/pilot compartment is where the astronauts spent so much time. It's that space in front of the opened cargo door. The US space program is just a former shadow of itself with the retirement of the Shuttle program and nothing ready to take its place. But I was pleased to hear that NASA is working on the Orion project. It is a rocket based space...
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #33
One last set of clues before the "reveal" on Tuesday: 1) A major river flows near (but not through) this place 2) The photo does not demonstrate the scenery this place is most known for Do you know where Gumbo is?
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Re: Please Don't Squeeze the Passengers: Airbus
Airbus has taken a major step in passenger comfort with the introduction of the new Airbus 380, their new double-deck airliner. Just as a large cruise ship will sail choppy seas in much greater comfort due to its size and sophistication, the new 380 is so much more smooth, quiet and comfortable up in the skies. Sure seat sizes and configuration will vary between operators but certainly the overall 'environment experience' is so much nicer
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Re: Renting an apartment in Europe
AirBnb, and the other major rental agencies, have cancellation policies upfront that give you some choice. AirBnb has several levels ...one allows you to cancel almost up to the last minute, others have shorter deadlines. An advantage of using an agency that works this way...pretty much like a hotel booking site...is that the intermediary is holding your deposit and that can save hassles. Obviously, rules about dissatisfaction vary also, but usually if it can't be ironed out, you'll get at...
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Re: Finally some good news! Whistler or Banff
I don't ski either (bad knees), but I've visited both of these destinations. There are pros and cons to each. Both is a little over an hour's drive from their closest major airport, Vancouver for Whistler and Calgary for Canmore. Whistler is close to the coast, but high up. So they usually have good snow, but depending on the year, it can get soggy by spring and sometimes ice crusted. Banff area is far more likely to have nice light powder during the spring break season. Some people swear by...
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Re: Doctor List for Traveling
SueZee, wherever you travel in the world your hotel will find you a suitable doctor who will speak enough English for your needs - just like Dr.F says - and Italy will have plenty. Don't bother with lists as they will always be out of date by the time you might want to use them, plus it will no doubt not list a great doc that the hotel knows is just around the corner! At the worst the hotel will have an English speaking staff member sit with you to help translate. Conversely, I do think that...
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Re: 1000's Drawn to North Dakota
Yes DrFumblefinger, housing looks like a major issue there. And North Dakota can have harsh weather that one doesn't want to get stuck outside in. It is nice though to hear of places with more jobs than people
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Re: Signs of Delhi
The signage all over India presents marvels of interpretation for visitors and locals alike. Somewhere I have a pic of a sign down an alleyway in Tamil and English "URIN STRICKTLY PROHIBITED" �� - to no apparent effect ! Signage in English is largely because it is the only language understood throughout the country ! When the first Congress convened in 1947, speakers of Hindi, Bengali and Tamil etc eventually agreed proceedings to be held in English - the only common language ! Check out any...
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo (#38)
I'm tempted to suspect that it is in the north of England, perhaps near York. The trouble is that so much of the country outside the major cities would have been poor. The clue must be in "selling it's goods" which suggests that they had a manufacturing or production base already established. Or was that perhaps farming produce.... I do like the filigree cast iron roof supports - very "of the period". Oooh, this is a tough one.
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #40
To answer some of the questions raised and hopefully move this along, here's some new info: 1) Jonathan L, of these two countries is correct. But we need something more specific than that. 2) Mac, you are one of the most traveled people I know so I believe you'd recognize any roof you'd seen before. And it is close to a major river 3) PHeymont, it's in a large city So where exactly is Gumbo?
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Re: Gallery: Signs of Waikiki
Signs of the Modern Culture, indeed, Garry. Waikiki is about as new a neighborhood as you'll find in any major city. There are no old man-made artifacts or structures here. How long will it last? Like most modern culture, it likely will keep evolving trying to keep up with the times. Old places torn down to be replaced with newer structures. But Hawaii certainly does have places built by the early civilizations that inhabited it. It's not clear when man settled these islands but let's say...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#50)
Let's see if we can get the buzz going... 1. The documentary takes place in a courtroom 2. Several major travel hubs are nearby
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Re: High Tech Goes Low Tech
Even though the print industry is hurting, the advertisers still seem to pay a lot more per ad. I would think that's a major reason CNET decided to do this.
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Re: St. Louis Gateway Arch - Gateway to the West
I visited the arch many years ago on a hot, windy summer day. I like your comparison to the Mork ride, because it was quite fascinating to work our way up to the top of the arch in that unusual tram. But it was extremely unpleasant at the top. Very hot and stuffy, and the wind was shaking our footing like a major earthquake would have. Views were limited but interesting, but the arch is beautiful and an amazing feat of engineering. Thanks for sharing your memories of this great landmark!
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Re: An Hour from Rome
It's amazing what you can find so close to major tourist destinations. I really enjoyed this post and photos...beautiful!
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Re: Sick of Your Credit Card Being Declined While Traveling? Visa Offers New Service
The credit card companies are shy about any purchases abroad of a substantial amount, because of they risk they pose. Even if I call and let them know my step by step plans, I can still run into trouble with one or more cards. I don't carry my cell phone on major international trips (yet) and don't like the idea of geotracking me. If someone has stolen wallet, they could just as easily have stolen my identity. PIN identifications works fairly well, but even that is not without glitches as I...
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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".
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Re: How do you use the internet while traveling?
One problem I had was the places I stayed at had no Wi-Fi , so I noticed the lack of public wi-fi a lot more than on other trips. In Japan, besides the airports, Starbucks and 7-11, I had rarely could find Wi-fi and they blocked my VOIP phone, which I don't remember from previous trips. In Europe it wasn't much better and even some major train stations were lacking Wifi. I talked to a lot people in Europe and heard the same feedback about lack of Wi-Fi .
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Re: And the squeeze goes on: are carry-ons next?
Good news for people traveling on Canada's two major airlines, Westjet and Air Canada. They will not adapt these new standards to their markets. The old baggage rules still apply. More on this story in the Vancouver Sun .
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, April 13, 2015: Waimea Canyon, Kauai, Hawaii
My family all climbed to the peak of Malham Tarn in Yorkshire. England. Quite an achievement - 4 hours - but you had that feeling of self satisfaction completing it. When I offered all the kids a drink from my rucksack they all refused. "Dad - could we have something from that Ice Cream van ?" A major road passed within 20 feet. The moral of the story being - Had we driven there for an Ice Cream - then 20 years later - No one would remember our day out ! Malham Tarn Yorkshire England
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#109)
It's clue time! Not only do popular attractions surround this building, it is located right downtown and itself is a very well reviewed major downtown attraction. It's opening was covered by a lot of major media outlets.
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Re: Germans Reflect on Reunification
I was in Berlin on Saturday, the day of the 25th anniversary of reunification. There were tons of people in the city, as crowded as I've ever seen any major city. The main activities were in the Tiergarten, especially around the Brandenburg gate. By the time we made our way there, the police had closed down the area and were not allowing more people in because it was overcrowded. Still, everyone seemed well behaved and having a nice time. I think most Germans feel reunification was a good...
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Re: TSA strands 450 overnight: could it get worse?
The few US airports that have private security companies handling the screening are reporting good results and I think that's a good option for the airports. My guess is for liability reasons, airports are scared to dump the TSA. After seeing the comments by DrFumblinger and PHeymont, I do think we can learn from Canada on this. I did a little more reading on Canada's airport security. It seems all major airports in Canada have private screening. The airports give out three year contracts.
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Re: Guide to Greek Holidays, Summer 2015-style
That's all good information, PHeymont, thanks. No one knows how the Greek people will react to this, but there is a possibility of riots and demonstrations. Perhaps violence -- there is no way of predicting. The crisis will have a major impact on the Greek quality of life. I've heard some estimates that if Greece makes a new currency, it will have only a fraction of the buying power of the Euro, perhaps 25 cents on the Euro. That will obviously not be at all well received but its much too...
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Re: Lanai: Sorry, Island Closed for Renovation
This first project is scheduled for 3 months, but it’s not clear what the schedule of other projects will be, or if it will require the closing of both major hotels. Best advice, I think, would be to check with the Lanai Four Seasons resorts and see when they’re taking new reservations for. But two years out…probably no problem.
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Re: Feb. 11, 2016: Flatiron Building, New York City
Glad you grabbed one of my favorites! Even though it's sometimes had embarrassingly badly-dressed stores in the base, it's always had a real dignity to it. Incidentally, it was New York's first building with a steel skeleton instead of masonry, which allowed it to be built very rapidly. In a way, it was an advertisement for its owner, the Fuller company (still a major builder). Daniel Burnham was the architect—which doesn't mean the building was popular when new!
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Re: Weaker 'loonie' good and bad news for Canada travel
With the fall especially of oil prices (and other natural resources, which Canada is a major producer of), the loonie has indeed fallen compared to the US dollar but kept its relative value with most other currencies, including the pound and Euro. It seems despite a reasonably healthy economic profile, including until recently an almost balanced federal budget and low debt-to-GDP ratio, the value of the Canadian dollar is pegged to its natural resource valuation. With the pullback in the...
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Re: Going to Heathrow? Well, it's NOT in London!
Good points, although LAX is actually in LA, it's just that nothing in LA is near anything else. Here in NY, both of our major airports are in the city, but too convenient for public transportation...
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Re: A visit to Great Basin National Park
Well, for a start, make sure you visit Reno, Travel Luver. It's a much small town than Vegas but still has all the casinos, restaurants, etc that you'd expect from a Nevada City. From here it's easy to do a day trip to Lake Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, or down to Carson City. Reno is actually the closest major city to Great Basin National Park, say about a 3-4 hour drive. Vegas is 6-7 hour drive away. Salt Lake City is closer to Great Basin than Vegas. But you really can't do it as...
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Re: Classic American Cars #1
Cubans are famous for "customizing" their cars and making little (sometimes major) changes to them, for reasons not obviously apparent to us but which would have made great sense to them when they did it. But I'm sure as a car guy you are very familiar with this. It's only easy if you know the answer, Dave B. Thanks for your help in figuring out what it is. And thanks for sharing thes beautiful car photos, GarryRF. I could look at these great machines all day long.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 14, 2014: Alnwick Castle, Nothumberland
Thanks PortMoresby, very kind words. It just blew me away when I first saw the castle and then to learn that it had featured in just about every major military event in England's history... Well, Iwas dumbstruck!
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Re: New Pilot Rules: Safer skies, but some delays likely
I always thought that was a major problem.Glad they are looking out for the pilots. Anyone who has ever flown a long flight to Asia or Australia knows how tired a passenger gets.I can't imagine having to make critical judgements as a Pilot under little rest.
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Re: Baja California: La Paz — John Steinbeck’s “The Pearl”
Thanks for the note, TravelandNature! AeroMexico has pretty regularly scheduled flights into La Paz, though through Mexico City, so you'll have to connect. Worth checking major search engines like Expedia or Kayak, though, because it is a rather long drive, though I enjoy the desert scenery of Baja California.
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Re: Check Your Statement! A Big Hotel Credit Card Breach...
In the most secure system, the PIN is known to you, the user, but is not in your records at the issuer. That's why if you forget your PIN, a new one can be generated, but no one can send you your "lost" PIN the way that passwords can be. In the PIN system, the first communication takes place at the terminal. The terminal reads the PIN from the chip on your card, and asks you to enter it on the pad. If it matches, the terminal does NOT send the PIN to the clearing house or merchant...it only...
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Re: Check Your Statement! A Big Hotel Credit Card Breach...
That's correct. It is, of course, not totally impossible to create a duplicate chip, but it takes major equipment, not $5 worth of RadioShack parts...and it would also require much more information than can be harvested easily. The relative security (and it is relative) has driven over 80% of the world's credit card fraud toward the U.S. as other areas become more difficult. And once everyone is on board, the Trojan Horse mag stripe can come off the card as well.
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Re: Bayfront Stadium, Pensacola: As Good as it Gets
Nice touch, having a chance to catch a ball while swimming! Seriously, maybe the best thing about the revival of minor-league ball (besides the training opportunities for future big-leaguers) is the affordability that makes it possible for families to enjoy and learn the game now that most major league tickets (and concessions) are out of range! There's no way you can really understand baseball from TV watching, where you don't really see the game, only the camera angle chosen at that...
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Re: Canada's Westjet enters Trans-Atlantic market
Westjet has been promoting this to its frequent flyer members (like yours truly) for months now. They have extensive routes in North America, including Mexico and the Caribbean, but this is a big change in their business model. I'm not sure if this will work well, though. Westjet only flies Boeing 737s (much like Southwest, for example). That transatlantic journey is a long and uncomfortable one to make in a single aisle aircraft. In contrast, Air Canada, the other major Canadian airline,...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Jan. 23, 2014: Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Ontario
Hi Garry RF and DrFumblefinger. Thanks for you interest on today's pic of the day...the Sleeping Giant. Garry, in Northwestern Ontario (and many other areas of Canada), aboriginal names are used quite commonly. In Thunder Bay, many medical clinics, schools, recreational centers, and so on have an aboriginal name, not to mention the many towns and landmarks in the area that also have aboriginal names. A major piece of Northwestern Ontario's history involves the fur trade (which of course the...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Apr. 2, 2014: Looking Across Time
Seeing this picture, I somehow assumed that the Gare d'Orsay was the location of Martin Scorcese's movie 'Hugo'. But now I read that the station in the movie was actually a composite of "Gare Montparnasse, the train station where a major part of the film’s action takes place...the Gare du Nord for its façade and the Gare de Lyon for its geographic location and clock tower, an important plot element in Hugo ." Momentarily disappointed, I read on, "... the Gare d’Orsay, provides another...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, April 12, 2014: Mokelumne Hill, California
I find stories of Gold Rushes to be absolutely fascinating! One that always gripped me was the Klondike Goldrush in the late 1800s. This was the last major one because after this telegraph and eventually phone lines change the world by providing more accurate information in a timely way, but in the late 1800s, everything was still word of mouth. It was at a time when stories of gold made 100s of thousands of people give up their lives, sell everything they owned, and head out to get their...
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Is your airline on time?
How does your favorite airline compare to the best there is? Here are some of the best. Of major international airlines, Iberia had the best on time performance, 90.05%. Of the budget carriers, AirBaltic had the best record,...
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AirAsia offers 1-month 10-city pass
AirAsia, one of the major budget arilines in Southeast Asia, is offerning a one-month pass for about $148 that allows travelers to fly free among 10 Southeast Asian cities. Airport taxes, etc. are extra. The pass is designed to increase tourism...