Tagged With "Sun Gate"
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Re: Wonders of the Modern World
The Soviets have never been completely transparent about Chernobyl, but this is the story as best as I was able to synthesize it: It seems that the alarm system was malfunctioning (going off all the time) so it was turned off by the tech monitoring the system. He had the fuel rods pulled out of their cooling chambers for maintenance work, was distracted (remember, the alarms are off), then by the time he focused back on the task at hand the rods had begun to melt and couldn't be reinserted...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov 17, 2015: Mdina Gates, Malta
Mdina is one of the few places I've been that's, in my experience, unlike any other. I thought it so beautiful on my first visit that I booked a room in the closest hotel just outside this gate and spent several days exploring it and the adjacent town of Rabat. Lunch at the restaurant of, I believe, the only hotel in Mdina, the Xara Palace , was memorable, wonderful service and food and a small compensation for not staying in the 5 star hotel. Thanks for the memory, IslandMan.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Jan. 20, 2014: The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California
It is a great photo of a great bridge! And likely a rare day. Most of the times I've been in SF the fog and gloom preclude a nice photo of the Golden Gate.
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Re: Buddy, Can You Spare 5.3 Million Dimes?
Yes, some facilities have no space for reassembly. The least they could do is hand people clear plastic bags for all of their little stuff at the beginning. Toss coins, keys, cell phone etc into clear plastic bag. Toss belt and shoes into clear plastic bag. Slam plastic bags into bin with your luggage items. Grab your plastic bags and luggage items out of bin at the exit and run for your gate, shoeless. At least people would not be fumbling around, trying to get their small odds and ends out...
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Re: Oresund Bridge to get mammoth paint job
I guess this is true of all the great bridges. I know the same happens at the Golden Gate Bridge in san Francisco.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo #180?
Having come through the passage in yesterday's clue and through a gate we find a building with this room
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Re: How to not miss a connecting flight
There are a lot of good tips in the article about streamlining your connections. While I mostly enjoy flying, travel days are busy and tiring enough that I hate to be rushed. I try to get to the airport early (often I've been grateful that I gave myself that extra time), and I don't take flights that have connections I consider too tight. I like at least 1.5-2 hours between my connections. I've been delayed on arrival often enough that having less time than that is no fun. As planes travel...
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Re: November 30, 2017: Delhi in a Nutshell
The Ajmeri gate, if I'm not mistaken - Ajmer in Rajasthan was much more important in the past, but now known mainly as the portal to Pushkar, where the world renowned 'camel fair' is held. Perched on a conical hill there is the only temple in India dedicated to Brahma
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Re: Bumped up to Business on Turkish Airlines
George G, considering what I've seen in business class while walking through, I think the gate agent was trying to upgrade Business Class by upgrading you!
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Re: What do travelers like least about airlines?
I was thinking about what I like least about airlines and it's really the lack of info some airlines supply you with. I recently had two good flights on American Airlines. One from Atlanta to Phoenix and then a connector plane to Tucson. So you'd think that would be a positive experience. During my short layover in Phoenix though , American Airlines changed gates of my plane at least 4 times, having passengers move to gates and await various countdowns.The flight was only delayed about an...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, February 22, 2015: Machu Picchu
Beautiful photos, Grand Escapes! I'm especially fond of the one of the llama roaming the streets of Machu Picchu. They are the official "lawn mowers" of the park. Machu Picchu after the tourist train leaves and before it arrives is a totally different experience than during the peak of the day. If there's one travel spot you'll want to spend a night or two so that you can enjoy some tranquility before it gets overwhelmed with people, then I'd say this is the one.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, February 22, 2015: Machu Picchu
Love the blog and pics. I visited Machu Picchu many years ago and had a wonderful time. It was an experience I will never forget. Thanks for bringing back great memories.
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Re: Memphis, Tennessee 3) The rest of the city
I love love LOVE Memphis, would go back in a heartbeat! Enjoyed reading your post! Global Mimi.
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Re: Memphis, Tennessee 3) The rest of the city
Thanks for your comment, Mimiadventures! Good food, great music, nice people -- always something great to return to. I really didn't get into the great local food very much, but Memphis is reknowned for its "soul" style cooking and, of course, its BBQ.
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Re: New trend: airport lounges for non-members
It is a pleasure, as well, when making early morning connections in Europe. I've had lounge access through various credit cards for the past few years and truly enjoyed breakfast in a lounge while waiting for the next flight, and even the ability to doze a little, knowing that a) the seat is comfortable, b) my bag is safe and c) the agent at the desk will remind me it's time to walk to the gate! Even at $35 a pop...likely worth it.
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Re: World's 10 Best Airports? Maybe...
These are all important international hubs, but I'm inclined to agree with TravelRob. Most of these airports are massive and far from user friendly. Maybe they have a large assortment of restaurants from which to choose, etc. But I like short lines, a quick security screen and a reasonable walk to the gate not requiring a bus or train to get there.
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Re: World's 10 Best Airports? Maybe...
I think the comments, and mine are all hitting on the same point: better airport is not more amenities for while you're trapped there...better airport is not trapping you there. I get disbelieving stares when I tell people that Laguardia is my favorite. But, while it looks a bit dated, its size means you don't have ridiculous hikes, and it's easy to get in and get out. Heathrow T5, on the other hand...especially if you are transferring from T3...is an experience that makes you feel like...
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Re: Boarding Etiquitte and Carry-on Bags
I usually try to get a seat in a zone where I'm guaranteed bin space. I usually have a laptop bag for my computer and travel documents, which goes under the seat in front of me. The rest of the items, including spare eyeglasses, camera, medications and clothes go into my carry-on. I can't take the small risk of these items getting lost so I need that carryon with me. It's rare that gate-checked bags get lost but they can. Generally for trips of a week or less, I can get by with just a...
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Re: Drone video shows off Norway's midnight sun
I was not aware that drones were becoming so popular, but why not, I suppose? I just left Yellowstone NP and there were signs everywhere specifically banning the use of drones (hope that includes from the government, too!). Nothing like trying to fish a failed drone from a boiling thermal pool, I guess.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, May 28, 2015: Logan Pass, Glacier National Park, Montana
Brings back some wonderful memories! The Going to the Sun Road is one of North America's most spectacular drives. But it does get very crowded in the summer, so take your time and drink in that beautiful scenery! Glacier NP joins Waterton NP in Canada to form an International Peace Park and these two parks together are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Re: The newest, biggest, bestest airport: Aren't they all?
I often find that better facilities and more relaxing just mean they've added a shopping mall and an entertainment area to extract more money between gates. So I now have further to walk - and drag my carry-on to get to the gate. Maybe developers see us customers as "Lambs to the slaughter" Squeeze us - until our pockets run dry. I'd be happy if all those moving walkways worked. The cartoon Jetsons never had a problem with them in the 60s. Before they were even invented I think ! Vey...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, May 28, 2015: Logan Pass, Glacier National Park, Montana
Awesome pictures. I was in Waterton Park in the early 80s with work in early May before the season opened. The town site had dozens of mountain sheep everywhere. It was so beautiful and peaceful. We were about the only people other then residents there. Must certainly do another trip down that way and go across into Glacier Park as well. Thanks.
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Re: On your marks, get set, get on board!
Sometimes getting to your gate involves walking half a mile. Walkways - when they are working - are a necessity to our ageing parents and less mobile neighbours. I just hope distances in this airport are not extreme.
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Re: Max Gate - home of British author Thomas Hardy
Max Gate seemed to me to be very much more about 'Hardy, the man and his life' whereas his cottage, whilst small and pretty, was I suppose, just his early days. Max Gate was interesting to see. PS I am very impressed that you walked to his cottage from Dorchester!
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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: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#306)
Here is your next puzzle clue. A brick wall and iron gate protect the entrance to the garden at this historic site.
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Re: February 17, 2020: San Francisco Views
Go to Fishermans Wharf. Rent a Bicycle. Ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. Stop at all viewing spots. On to Sausalito. Stop for Coffee and a cake. Sit on the sea wall and watch the Fishing Boats cleaning their nets. The Seagulls will steal your piece of cake when you're not looking . Back on the Bicycles and on to Tiburon using the Cycle Tracks. Find the Ferry Terminal then back home to base. Wonderful days excersise !
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Re: Sun Life Building, Montreal, Canada
Nice! The angle turns a cliche 'looking-up" picture into a really fresh view!
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Re: Discovering Art and History at Göttweig Abbey
My wife and I took a fantastic road trip down the banks of the Danube from Germany to Vienna. We stopped and toured Stift Gottweig (photo attached) which was a terrific find as you have described. Likewise our weather that day was blustery and chilly during our Thanksgiving holiday back in the mid-1990's. The nearby town of Krems was also a nice stop (photo of the Krems Steiner Tor (stone city gate)) is also attached. Enjoyed your travel description that rekindles the memories of that road trip.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 26, 2013: Zhangjiajie National Park, China
Like ! the picture of the hairpin turns. That is my kind of road. The picture of Heaven's Gate is very special. thank you
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Re: Sun Studio, Memphis, Tennessee: The house Sam Phillips built
One of the great iconic symbols in the history of R&R! Sam Phillips was an absolute genius. And sometimes most amazing to me is that all that talent lived in one small city. I think Memphis has only around 300,000 or so population. Memphis gave rise to soul, rhythm and blues, and of course rock and roll music. What a wonderful musical legacy! Thanks for the stroll down memory lane!
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Re: Sun Studio, Memphis, Tennessee: The house Sam Phillips built
Thank you Ottoman. Great photos and thanks for this important piece of Americana.
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Re: Sun Studio, Memphis, Tennessee: The house Sam Phillips built
Thanks Ottoman for sharing your Sun Studios visit. I was there in 2007 and enjoyed every magic moment of it. My wife had to drag me away after the third day as we had to move on to our next destination (!). Being there was like stepping into the shoes of all the musical greats who had passed through those doors. My music collection has an abundance of Sun recordings and they are still my favorites.
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Re: Sun Studio, Memphis, Tennessee: The house Sam Phillips built
Actually, the importance of Memphis is long-standing and for good reason: it's on a flood-free bluff above the Mississippi. At different times in its history, both French and Spanish armies built forts there to control traffic on the Mississippi, and before the Civil War, it was the terminus of the only east-west railroad to cross the South...so it has always been a big transportation center. The railroad guaranteed its role in shipping cotton, and made it the center of the region.
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Re: Sun Studio, Memphis, Tennessee: The house Sam Phillips built
Well "I'm all shook up". "Thank you. Thank you very much" to all of you who liked and commented on my Sun Studio blog. I really appreciate your feedback. I hope you enjoyed this blog as much as I enjoyed putting it together and posting it. Cheers and happy travels everybody.
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Re: Valletta, Why Do I Love Thee So?
The island of Malta became part of the British Empire in 1800. The French had invaded Malta 2 years previously and were unwelcome. The British removed the French and established a base there at Valletta to give them a port in the Mediterranean Sea. And it provided employment and security to the local people. In 1964 it voted for Independence. The Coat of Arms of Queen Victoria can be seen over the VICTORIA GATE photo - above. The current Queen Elizabeth ceased any connection with Malta in...
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Memphis, Tennessee 3) The rest of the city
There’s a lot more to Memphis than Graceland, although Graceland is by far the city’s most popular attraction (which I’ve previously discussed here ). A city of about 650,000, Memphis has a...
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 3, 2013: Brandenburg Gate
Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate is surely one of the world’s most-recognized landmarks, and symbolizes Berlin in the way the Eiffel Tower means Paris and the Parthenon means Athens. It’s been the ceremonial center for marches and...
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Quebec — A Walled European Fortress In America
Quebec, like New York, is both a city and a state (or rather, a province). It’s an island of French heritage and culture within our Anglo-North American continent. We combined this visit with stops in Montreal and...
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FAA: Now you can use electronics gate-to-gate
Government safety rules are changing to let airline passengers use most electronic devices from gate-to-gate.Government safety rules are changing to let airline passengers use most electronic devices from gate-to-gate. The change will let...
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Verona: More than Romeo & Juliet
Verona from the hills, looking toward St. Anastasia and the Ponte Pietra My visit to Verona last summer was almost an accident—but a lucky one. It wasn’t on the original plan for our three weeks in Northern Italy, but online...
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A Day Among the Ruins
I chose Ostia Antica for a day trip from Rome, rather than the much longer trek to Pompeii. Aside from a few school groups, I had this remarkable place almost to myself. I realized that there’s a different crowd on...
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Tahquitz Canyon, Palm Springs
It's a great time of year to be visiting the desert regions of the Southwestern USA. The weather is warm and pleasant, the wildflowers are starting to bloom, and the oppressive heat of summer is a distant...
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Economy Ticket, Private Jet!
Weather can really scramble airline schedules, and this week was no exception with hundreds of flights cancelled or delayed, and thousands of passengers rebooked on other flights. But for two lucky Delta passengers enroute from Cleveland to New York,...
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Six Reasons Why Lisbon Made Me Nostalgic for San Francisco
A feeling of déjà vu washed over me when we landed in Lisbon and set out on foot to explore the city for the first time. As the days passed, I finally figured out what it was. Lisbon totally reminded me of San Francisco...
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San Juan, Puerto Rico: Outside the Walls
Because Puerto Rico was the first freshwater island for 16th-century travelers from Spain, and because it guards the entrance to the Caribbean, its Spanish masters went out of their way to defend it, not only with the huge fortifications at the...
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Road Trip, Day 1: City of Ten Thousand Buddhas and The Skunk
Gateway to the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas March 9, 2015 In the late ‘80s, I lived in L.A. for a couple of years. My S.O. knew lots of cool L.A. stuff. One of those was something he’d read that...
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Frontier's raising bag fees; will the other "low-costs" follow?
Frontier Airlines, which last year joined Spirit and Allegiant in the ULCC (ultra-low-cost-carrier) class that seems to mean ULC (ultra lots of charges) for most folks, is raising its fees for checked bags. The only checked bags that will not go up by...
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Gumbo's Pic of the Day, April 18, 2015: A Rainy Morning at Point Arena
Leaving Elk on the Mendocino County coast, I turned left onto California Highway 1 and drove south under a heavier-than-foggy sky. The plan was to make a couple of stops for pictures, then turn inland and head into wine country for an...