Tagged With "Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests"
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Re: Hamburg concert hall: Overdue, Over Budget, Finished
Nothing like inept bureaucrats to run up the budget....Imagine, €300 for a toilet brush! I'm sure an adequate brush could have been purchased for €3. And that's just one example. Beautiful building, but at a cost of nearly $US 1 billion, it does seem a bit pricey.
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Re: Hamburg concert hall: Overdue, Over Budget, Finished
The German government were offering Hamburg as a suitable venue for the Olympic Games. The good people of Hamburg have said they no longer trust developers and politicians. No thank you. I find the new Concert Hall to be a monster on stilts. Not a pleasant view from any angle.
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Re: Carnival opens 'social impact' program to all
A good question, and one open to discussion. we can be sure of Carnival's motivation, and sure that the local government has not done these things. But how to assess whether it is a good thing is more complicated, I think.
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Re: Dec. 30, 2016: Ice Cream at Albert Dock, Liverpool
Is it ever not, on a summer day, while traveling? But yes, it was quite good, and featured Liverpool-only flavors (no, not scouse)!
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Re: Ryanair, Norwegian near a 'feeder flight' deal
Sounds like a good strategic move for both carriers, and should have positive benefits to consumers, at least in the short term.
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Re: Dec 15, 2016: Kamloops, BC, Canada
Her husband is Canadian and went with his job. And she loves the fresh air and wide open spaces. She reckons its a good place to raise her 2 sons,
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Re: November 24, 2016: Enger Tower, Duluth, Minnesota
Hi Garry I never thought of counting the number of steps to the top of Enger Tower for I was too preoccupied with the beautiful scenery; However, thanks to your question I did some internet investigating and discovered that apparently there are 105 steps you must walk to get to the top of Enger Tower (therefore 210 steps in total to get up and down the tower). You really don't need to be an Olympian to get to the top of Enger Tower. Although the number of steps sounds like a lot, and the...
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Re: Liverpool: Three Thoughtful Museums
Excellent history lesson Paul. Interesting and good photos too.
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Re: Ryanair's O'Leary: I have a way to make flying free
I hope I didn't sound as if I were kicking him, although at points he's opened himself to it, and I think intentionally...in his business, gejotting noticed is important and he's good at it. And, as you point out, he's reshaped an entire industry, nearly on a worldwide basis. Even Uber and Airbnb haven't achieved that degree of 'disruption.'
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? (#195)
Here are the final clues for this week's travel puzzle. The reveal goes up on Monday. Good luck!
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Re: VW Microbus: Back to the Future?
The VW Campervan has never gone out of fashion. It's still a vehicle that draws attention when seen on the street. Stands a good chance of revival - Scooby Dooo !
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Re: Swinner Gill Waterfalls and Lead Mine
very nice set as always my friend,i can only aspire to be as good as this
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#287)
Here are your final puzzle clues. Reveal will be posted on Monday. Good luck!
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo #353
Here are your final puzzle clues. The reveal goes up Monday, so review all the prior clues and see if you can put everything together and solve where we're at this week. Good luck!
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Re: January 20, 2020: Newport Beach, California
Great photos Rob. Can I use your POD page to ask a question that I've been afraid to ask ? When I visit my US Family each year from the UK I am impressed with the good standards of Restaurant Food. But when I ask why some Restaurants are rated better than others the answer surprises me. "Because Restaurant C serves huge portions" In a health concious World I wonder do folks ever question themselves ?
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Re: April 15, 2020: Around Brera, Milan
A great display of Milan's Artistic talent. Looks good for a City Break !
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, July 14, 2015: YanGuan -- a scenic little town to watch Qiantang’s Tidal Bore （钱塘江潮）in China
I have heard of the Qiantang Tidal Bore, which is the biggest in the World. The largest in Europe is that on the River Severn in South West England, which is highest near the equinoxes - a website details times and height predictions. I attach some pictures from a few years ago taken near a pub, conveniently located near a good viewing site. The bore is particularly popular with surfers, and I believe the world record for longest wave ride was recorded there.
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Re: Norwegian bank is out of cash, on purpose
Although I don't use cash every day, I sure want it when I need it. After living through Hurricane Katrina and the LONG power outage of the aftermath, I recognize when cash is crucial. And yes, DrFumblefinger poses a good question about the lack of cash during cyber warfare, which goes on regularly even if we choose to ignore it. Maybe we should go back to bartering for everything. But most of us have lost the art.
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Re: Norwegian bank is out of cash, on purpose
I'm not surprised that this is happening in Scandinavia, of all places. Many years ago I had friends in Denmark and Erik was an electrician. There wasn't enough work for all the electricians so they rotated the work and he worked for 6 months, then had 6 months off, paid. Sounds good? However, during the 6 months he was off he wasn't allowed to do any electrical work at all, including on his own house. I (and he) found the rule regarding his own house absurd. I see it related to the banking...
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Re: Canada gets its first non-stop to India
Thanks for the bit of advice, Garry. I usually use the USB port to keep my phone charged. Air Canada has a good flight movie menu and I tend to use that time to catch up on new releases.
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Re: Sea World gives up its killer whale shows
I grow weary of political correctness. Orcas are highly intelligent animals, no doubt -- and have the "cruelty" we expect of intelligent animals (anyone who's seen them hunt a baby gray whale for hours, only to kill it, eat its tongue and let the rest go to waste knows what I mean). I never saw Blackfish, but I do recall at the old Marineland park in Southern California. The park was closed for a number of months, and the orcas got depressed. Listless, didn't eat, didn't look good. Someone...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, November 11, 2015: Four Corners Monument
Brings back some good memories. We visited the 4 corners about 15 or so years ago and, of course, had to take pictures of each of us having an extremity in each of the 4 states. The country is beautiful, but it is remote and VERY HOT in the summer. Good advice on being prepared.
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Re: Miami or Orlando to Brussels : $324 Round Trip
If your looking to get to Europe for the holiday season on the Dreamliner cheap, this deal is too good to pass up. From Brussels, it's normally pretty cheap to get to Paris,London or Amsterdam.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Oct 20, 2015: Sicilian Fiat
Let's also not forget the Volkswagon on the European side. And the Ford Model T, which so greatly dropped the cost of an automobile it became a mass consumer good.
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Re: Carrick-a-Rede and the Rope Bridge
It's good that if you want to get the the best places you have to use your own motive power, and a little bit of nerve, too !
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#282)
Here are the final clues for this week's travel puzzle. The first two are from our destination of interest... The final photo is of a church taken within a few blocks of the destination of interest. It has a very distinctive style of architecture that should help you pinpoint the city. The reveal goes up on Monday. Good luck!
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Re: Airbnb's rural listings gain popularity
"...the short-term rental site is clearly not just for urban hipsters anymore." From my own experience I'd put a somewhat different spin on it. Something like "urban hipsters seek rural experience". A good percentage of my guests come from one of the hipster capitols of the universe, San Francisco.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#230)
And here are the final clues for this week's puzzle. I think these should help pin point where we're at. The reveal goes up on Monday so good luck with solving the puzzle.
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Re: Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu (Where Gumbo Was #230)
On my last visit to Diamond Head we left near to the closing time. A large Limousine was waiting to take us back to Waikiki. I hadn't ordered one but the driver insisted we used him to take us back. "I will charge you the same as the Taxi fare you paid to get here" Sounded like an offer too good to refuse ! Before we arrived back in Waikiki another 4 couples had joined our Taxi ride. Had to admire the driver for ingenuity. Very good earner !
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Re: View From The Chair Photography
You certainly have a good eye for what makes a photo exceptional. I look forward to seeing more of your talent on these pages.
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Re: Portland, Maine: A Big Little City
Thanks, SeeSaw! We didn't get to 'OOB' this trip, but we were there a few years ago, and it was just about as good a combination of quaint, hip and tacky as you could wish for...
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Re: Sept. 30, 2016: Autumn in Chicago
It's good to see a row of non-conformist trees. Like houses or Shopping Malls. The one that sticks out from the status quo is the one that gets my attention. Probably one of the reasons I like old small towns. Where the architecture spans 3,4 or 5 generations. All in a short walk.
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Re: Hurricane cancels hundreds of flights, cruises
I'm glad to hear good news on this front...it's certainly a distressing time for many, including our own Travel Rob, who has had to evacuate from Saint Augustine, Florida. And there are concerns that the storm may turn and hit some areas a second time...
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Re: Canters Deli and the Original Farmers Market, Los Angeles
Somehow, I never knew about Canters...have to try them next time! How do you feel they compare to Langers, which is my favorite (I tell people the pastrami is as good as but different from Katz's, and the bread is better).
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Re: France's love-hate relationship with Mickey D
The French see themselves as being the pinnacle of epicural delight. But unfortunately the McD chain provides a good and affordable alternative. Not everyone wants waiter service 3 times a day. Only the well heeled could afford it. The French object to calling a fast food outlet a "Restaurant". So that's the root of the problem. Snobbery. You can take the quails eggs in aspic - at the top of the "dress for dinner" brigade - or a Big Mac to fill your belly. I love a well presented meal as...
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Re: Money Savings Tips, for your Big Trip - Part 1
These are all good tips and add up to quite a bit of coin. I've also never had luck with renegotiating cable rates. But I did give up my coffee stop and just brew my own and take it along to work. Works fine for me. Looking forward to the rest of your tips. Thanks, Samantha!
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Re: Starwood's Aloft brand previews voice-activated rooms
Definitely not a good idea for those who talk in their sleep. Lord knows what the room might to to them!
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Re: Money Savings Tips, for your Big Trip - Part 1
Thanks Samantha. All great tips. Some we do now and some (public transit) we do not since we live outside Edmonton and both work in the city. A 15 minute commute would turn into over an hour on transit. We actually just redid our cable subscription, obtained a better plan and updated internet with a reduced monthly cost. With our kids now moved out we are able to save a good bit on our utilities, phone costs and especially food costs. All extra coin for the next trip.
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Re: Money Savings Tips, for your Big Trip - Part 1
Great tips.! Cable companies usually don't reward loyalty and offer their best promotional rates to new people. Netflix, Amazon Prime are good ways to save on cable bills if you can get internet. As far as eating out, I always find it's a question of what I order. I avoid drinks, desserts , and the cost is not bad at all.
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Re: Surprising Speke Hall, Liverpool
Great piece! I can't say enough good things about John Lennon Airport that's next door. Not only is does it have a wide array of budget flights for Europe, the passport control is actually friendly there.
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Re: Sept. 10, 2016: Farewell to an era?
Memories of days gone by when the privileged few had a lifestyle worthy of preserving in our history books. Not the typical home of the era. Probably 1 in 10 million.
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Re: Sept. 10, 2016: Farewell to an era?
Yes, but far more than 1 in 10 million worked there to serve that lifestyle! As with the plantation houses, we're often shown the homes of the rich and powerful as though the servants either didn't exist...or were no more than appliances! To be honest, one of the best parts of the Downton series, for me, was the depth with which they were portrayed, and the way in which new realities developed as the servants began to imagine independent futures.
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Re: Sept. 10, 2016: Farewell to an era?
What I like best about the Downton Abbey series is not its portrayal of class struggles, but of how beautifully characters of all types are developed and how their appreciation of people of all types is portrayed. The estate owners genuinely like and looked after their employees. The employees were loyal and genuinely like and looked after their employers.
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Re: Visiting My Backyard—Riverside Park
It's always gives a "feel-good factor" to revisit the playgrounds of our childhood. I remember the field where I hit my first six runs in cricket. To do it today I would have to hit the ball through 16 windows. Time and bad City Planners can be so cruel.
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Re: Money Savings Tips, for your Big Trip - Part 1
Thanks DrFumblefinger. Glad you enjoyed the post and the second part will be out this week!
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Re: Money Savings Tips, for your Big Trip - Part 1
Hi there Rob. Since I wrote this post we actually cut the cable and only have OTA and Netflix. Saves us over $100.00 a month. Nice amount to save for our travel adventures! And you are right about the drinks. That is what will kill you. Stay away from them and it should help. Thanks for the comments. Part 2 this week!
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Re: Money Savings Tips, for your Big Trip - Part 1
Thanks for the comment. Glad you were able to get a new contract with your cable company. We had Comcast and they don't care about retaining customers, only getting new ones Such a shame. Thanks for the comment and happy travels.