Tagged With "Day Without Cars"
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Re: Switzerland: First passengers for world's longest tunnel
That sure is a long tunnel, and from a country that likes to make them as much as the prairie dogs I see on the plains. I would think ventilation would be a problem in such a long tunnel. Would you know if the trains need their own oxygen system? Having driven through the Swiss tunnels by car before, which were about 15 km long as I recall, the air was extremely bad in them and made me regret not driving the scenic route over those windy roads across the mountains.
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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: Huntingdon, Pennsylvania: Peaceful Holiday Getaway
Nicely done Stephanie ! The Swigart Car Museum was on my list for a future travel blog since I travel Route 22 but go east from I-99 to my brothers' residences in Punxsutawney and Parker, PA. I always seemed to be short on time to take the detour to go west on Route 22. Your Swigart photos whetted my appetite to now take that detour and visit that place. Loved the automobile photos and the stories behind some of them.
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Re: Huntingdon, Pennsylvania: Peaceful Holiday Getaway
Thank you George. They close in the winter, so call first to be sure so that it's not a wasted trip.
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Re: Free Things to do in Phoenix, Arizona
Never knew there was so much free stuff to do in Phoenix. Seems like you could spent the better part of a week seeing and doing things without paying one admission fee. Thanks for sharing these, Samantha.
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Re: Tips to help with packing no matter where you are going
An excellent and useful post, Marilyn! Part of how I pack depends on where I'm traveling. For example, if I'm on a road trip with a car that has a large trunk, I don't really need to economize with my packing. I can take everything along that I might need and not have to deal with the hassle of laundry and such while on the road. If I'm on a trip of a week or less, I never take more than a carry-on bag and my laptop bag. Longer trips get a little trickier because often I need special...
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Re: Boston in the fall - suggestions please!
Regarding hotels, Mac, I think I'd spend a few days in Boston to begin with, presuming that's where you are flying into. This will let you get over your jet lag and also give you a chance to see the state of the colors and plot out where you want to go. I would NOT go without having at least a night's reservation booked ahead because you'll waste too much time looking for a place to stay and will end up paying rack rate. Things will be busy and pretty filled up in the small towns of New...
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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: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 16, 2015: Franklin Automobiles in Tucson, Arizona
Notice on the 1910 Model G Touring car, it's a right hand drive car. Most early US 1900 cars were because drivers of horse drawn carriages sat on the right. The US only started to change when Ford put a left hand drive on a 1908 Model T so passengers didn't have to enter the car in oncoming traffic.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 16, 2015: Franklin Automobiles in Tucson, Arizona
I’ve heard that, but I’ve also always wondered if it were true, since a driver holding the reins on a horse or horses would want to be able to exert equal force on either side…and all the pictures I can find of buggy drivers seem to show the driver in the middle! One site I just looked at suggests that Ford made the switch to make it easier for passengers to get in and out, by moving the driver away from the curb; the same site suggests that in the early days on the Continent, right-hand was...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 16, 2015: Franklin Automobiles in Tucson, Arizona
It is amazing the different stories there are! And because of all the different car manufactures there might be truth to a lot the stories. About the horse carriages,the pictures I've have seen of the old carriages is the driver sitting on the right , especially if theres two seats up front, because a right handed person would want to use the whip with his right hand and not whip the passengers.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 16, 2015: Franklin Automobiles in Tucson, Arizona
Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 16, 2015: Franklin Automobiles in Tucson, Arizona
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Nov. 16, 2015: Franklin Automobiles in Tucson, Arizona
The pictures I found on my quick look were all of NY and Montreal tourist buggy drivers...and I since realized that they must be a special case because...even more important than the whip, probably...you have to sit on the side where the lever for the brake is!
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Re: Heidelberg Castle: Where Gumbo Was (#135)
Ah, now I see what you meant. No, nothing esoteric. It's actually part of the roofline of one of the buildings; the black area with the rectangles is just the shadow of part of the windowless wall adjoining it. Here's what it looks like without the shadow...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo #187
A very limited exterior view...but not without solid hints, both in the names and the style. Starting tomorrow, double clues and more specificity!
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Re: Take a road trip in Elvis's 'last Caddy'
The 8 tracks would be part of the ambience of the car. You can still find lots of them on eBay and such, so I'd keep the audio system as it is.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#288)
Absolute extreme difficulty Travel Rob. Just had a family emergency and sent in my best wild guess without any real confirmation.
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Re: Experience Lalgarh Palace with Palace on Wheels Train
Without doubt this mode of travel appeals to some people. However, on our travels through Rajasthan we encountered tour groups from the Palace on Wheels on a couple of occasions and felt that going by road, with a car and driver, suited us much better. You simply saw a hell of a lot more, had much more contact with the local people, and were not tied to any schedule. We stayed at the Laxmi Niwas Palace, which is part of the Lalgarh site, and it was very pleasant indeed. (Whilst there are...
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Re: Belfast: An Uneasy City
Garry, I'll live with judgemental, but without taking it as a bad thing. Travel and observation involves judgement, even at the simplest level (am I having fun? would I come back here?), but sometimes the circumstances require a deeper look and thought. In that way, for instance (and perhaps unfairly) it is possible to visit Dublin, and have only a historic thought to 1690 and 1916; they're woven into history and customs, but only at a level that does not consciously intrude—but to visit...
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Re: Top Tips and Advice for Travel to Malta & Gozo
"Tropical Paradise" is stretching it a bit - Malta is nowhere near the tropics and, whilst it has a mild climate, it is far from tropical. However, having been there, I concur that it is well worth a visit. We rented a local flat for a week and found the bus services quite good (and thus did not rent a car). Rabbit dishes seem to be ubiquitous on restaurant menus and we found many of them very good - although it is probably true to say that I am more fond of rabbit than my wife.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Mar. 19, 2014: Bouillabaise
If I find a meal I enjoy on my travels, then I try to recreate it when time allows. Have you been successful in importing a meal that makes a pleasant surprise for the folks back home ? I never did try the Chinese "Fish Head Soup" or the "Chicken Porridge".
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Mar. 19, 2014: Bouillabaise
A number of times we've found dishes or cooking methods that have become part of our routine at home--but I'll pass on this one because (among other things) the particular fish needed are only available here at prices that would make you think they flew first-class! But we have continued to make the meat-stuffed zucchini we learned in our Bologna cooking class two years ago. No shortage of domestic zucchini!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Mar. 19, 2014: Bouillabaise
Another reason to go back to Marseilles!I hadnt even given thought to go fishing in the natural harbors of the Calanques.Who's going to cook my catch?
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Mar. 26, 2014: A Window in Paris
Nothing like a room with a view!!
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Re: Gallery: Hill Tribe Market, Inle Lake, Burma
Good one, Port Morseby. Markets are always fascinating places to visit and this one looks exceptional. Very colourful people as well as the wares they sell and your pictures certainly tell a story.
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #11
And what possible good is a puzzle without a bit of chicanery - by definition, I should think. I haven't seen the arena at Arles, though it's already on my list for the next visit to France. I have walked past the arena in Verona as it was between the train station and the garden I'd come to photograph. Likely why it came to mind just after the Colosseum.
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #11
My profile pic used to be me holding up the Old Roman wall in Chester . Without me there,is it still standing? Lol I especially enjoyed seeing the Racetrack there.
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Re: Suggestions wanted: Andalusia
Will you have a car? I ask, because if you will, you might consider stopping at one or more of the White Towns between Seville & Granada. I stayed a week in a house just outside Iznajar, a lovely little place, and visited a bigger town, Antequera, worth a stop. For a brief stop I'd recommend the smaller town, one of a number in the area, millions of olive trees everywhere. There is no train there although Antequera has a station, but outside the town. Below the town of Iznajar, beside...
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Re: Suggestions wanted: Andalusia
I should have said, but no: no car...although I did consider taking one for a day, for the Jerez excursion. Sounds more and more, though, like we'll have to plan on returning to Andalusia another time...
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Re: "Mind Your Manners!" VisitBritain Warns Hoteliers
The Author of these "Do's and Don'ts" is a Trainee Journalist and has gathered this list without leaving the comfort of her armchair. Lazy journalism based on stereotypes you find in cheap travel guides. Maybe we could start a list of "Do's and Dont's" for US Hotels and employees ? #1 : DONT say "You guys from Europe all sound the same !"
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Re: "Mind Your Manners!" VisitBritain Warns Hoteliers
Perhaps not a trainee journalist. Since the list came from the government's tourism promotion agency, we might presume the author to be a Trainee Bureaucrat, who someday will be, sadly, writing the rules! Originally Posted by GarryRF: The Author of these "Do's and Don'ts" is a Trainee Journalist and has gathered this list without leaving the comfort of her armchair. Lazy journalism based on stereotypes you find in cheap travel guides. Maybe we could start a list of "Do's and Dont's" for US...
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Re: World's scariest hiking trail?
yes, I have been in that tea house before, without a helmet !
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Re: World's scariest hiking trail?
Originally Posted by Dr.Y: yes, I have been in that tea house before, without a helmet ! You are a very brave man, Dr.Y! I hope the tea was good, at least.
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Re: World's scariest hiking trail?
It reminds me of the pictures I've seen of that ridge just below the summit of Everest, without the snow, but equally terrifying and as unlikely you'll find me there in this lifetime. Dr. Y, may I request you scatter my ashes from that location?
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Re: A visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
PHeymont, I never try to judge historic figures through the prism of modern values. Remember in the 18th century slavery was a global institution -- absolutely every country in the world had slaves. And being from Virginia, he knew the southern states wouldn't join northern colonies in forming a new country without slavery being allowed, so I don't think he thought it was time to fight that fight. I think he valued the formation of the new country above all else -- risking his life to do so...
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Re: A visit to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
I would agree that presentism is a real danger for historians...but without wanting to veer this discussion too far off course, you'll note that I cited two of his close colleagues and acquaintances in Virginia alone, not to mention Lafayette and many others IN HIS TIME AND ACQUAINTANCE who had already concluded that it was time, and many others were acting on it. It was an active debate in his time and place, he was aware of it, and sadly...he took the wrong side.
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Re: Where Gumbo Was (#9): Poiana Brasov, Romania
This area brings back fond memories I remember falling a lot too because I was unable to buy good boots in an era when Romania rationed just about everything. The hike from Brasov to Poiana is a nice one and there is a bus as well if you don't have a car. Besides skiing, there is also a good tourist restaurant in Poiana that serves hunters food. Not sure if the outdoor ice skating rink is still there?
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Jan. 11, 2014: Please Close the Gate.
When I stay with Family in the US I'm told there are many cultural subjects to avoid. I don't talk about your recent history, religion, your politics or your gun laws. With or without a sense of humour ! So I'll tread on the side of caution and not upset the natives !
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Re: "Spotted On the Road": Everglades City, Florida
It is an MGB. The rubber-covered bumpers first appeared on 1974-1/2 models. The appearance didn't change much after that. The wheels on this car lead me to believe that it is no later than a 1979 model.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 15 2013: Indian Pipe at Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge
I find fungi strangely captivating. A nice collection of photos, PHeymont, thanks!
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Re: Whom did you say was flying this plane?
Originally Posted by Bling: Have there been problems with the Google car ? It is interesting technology. As for wanting a human in the aircraft, we can all tell stories of car "accidents" that involved human error, not the mechanics of the machine. Maybe, maybe not. But there's only a couple or so of those on the road for testing. Whole lot different in a sky full of people, don't you think?
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, April 5, 2014: Brocante
I wonder if this was what the Beach Boys had in mind with their song, " Little Deux Coupe ?" Don't think so, but I understand the fondness for a car. Mine was the 1974 Dodge Charger SE.... never owned it,, but my brother did and it was a lot of fun to ride in. And I think Winnie would have relished the moment as much as you...
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Re: Tampa Bay Automobile Museum: 1) Museum Overview and its Czech collection
That Tatra T87 is amazing! What a beautiful car!!!!!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb. 2, 2014: New York Harbor at Sea Level
My only experience of being on the water in NY Harbor was a lesson in perspective and point of view, as this one is. Seen from a clear distance in this way, a great city is an entirely different beast.
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo #5.5
Oh, the trials of being a Late Night Gumbo! Puzzle #5.5 is, hopefully, quite puzzling...but PortMoresby made that remark without even seeing the picture...because I accidentally posted the puzzle without it. It is now in place...have at it, friends, and do your best to astound me again!
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Re: Tampa Bay Automobile Museum: 1) Museum Overview and its Czech collection
Thank you Drfumblefinger! I had no clue about this museum and his unique collection. I am especially fond of cars I don't see everywhere, and some of those Czech models, I didn't even existed I've been to car museums in Sarasota and the Tallahassee area, so Florida does have its share of good car museums
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Re: Tampa Bay Automobile Museum: 1) Museum Overview and its Czech collection
Thanks for the comments, guys. I really was not aware of what beautiful and innovative designs the Czechs had. I can believe that they are reliable. And I can believe that Adolf Hitler was capable of doing almost anything. Stealing the plans for a car seems almost a footnote in his twisted mind.
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Re: Tampa Bay Automobile Museum: 1) Museum Overview and its Czech collection
Actually, there are a number of different stories of how Ferdnand Porsche, under Hitler's direction, designed the Beetle. Another fascinating possibility surfaced last year in the Daily Mail (UK), showing similarities to a project by a German Jewish engineer, Josef Ganz, which Hitler saw at an auto show in 1933. Another aspect: the sort of streamlined design represented in all of these cars was not a unique design at the time; aerodynamic research was starting to have an effect on car design...