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Tagged With "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner"

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Re: The Empire Strikes Back: McDonalds sues Florence

GarryRF ·
And rightly so too ! The smell of a fast food establishment hits you before the visuals. The litter it creates and the smell of people who insist on eating - on the hoof - as they visit palaces of art is an abomination !!
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Re: Dec. 23, 2016: Out of Service (Sign of the Times)

Jonathan L ·
Oh My! What will Dr. Who do?
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Re: 'Le Doggy Bag' catching on in France

kerouac2 ·
Why would anybody say that the habit was "despised"? Disdained, perhaps, but most of the French are quite frugal. If anything, they have always been embarrassed by leaving leftovers, if they had to do so. I had a great aunt in Moselle who always kept plastic bags in her purse for stowing away extra food at restaurants.
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Re: 'Le Doggy Bag' catching on in France

Paul Heymont ·
Your great aunt is not so different from some of my American relatives who did the same before it became "acceptable," even "expected" to ask here. I always enjoyed the wonderful rolls one of my uncles brought home in his pockets when he took clients to fancy restaurants...
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Re: New airport scanners may end all that unpacking

DrFumblefinger ·
This would be very welcome news for travelers, especially those who don't fly very often.
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Re: Ryanair's O'Leary: I have a way to make flying free

GarryRF ·
It's a shame to see the man who has opened up Europe for flights at bus fare prices being kicked again. He has many ideas to generate income - away from ticket prices. Some are just a reflection of his Irish sense of humour and others are worth listening to. He has succeeded in breaking the mould in Europe where flying was just for the wealthy. A man to be praised - not criticised !
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Re: Ryanair's O'Leary: I have a way to make flying free

GarryRF ·
I would call some of his ideas just "plane" silly - but never threatening. Twice. But Michael O'Leary is often the victim of the American media circus who love to inflame public opinion .
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Re: Belgium and Sweden see night-train link

Paul Heymont ·
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: 12 Countries ask vouchers instead of refunds

Professorabe ·
I have said it before and certainly have not changed my mind: why do airlines think they are above the law? There are plenty of other businesses suffering severely at present, but they do not have the option of hanging on to their customers' cash to keep themselves afloat. The way in which airlines have behaved over this issue is simply disgraceful and will have done nothing to engender goodwill amongst their customers. Indeed, many might - at a stroke - have destroyed the benefits of their...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#302)

Travel Rob ·
This is the first new clue to this week's puzzle, with more to come daily. Check them all carefully for hints to where Gumbo is!
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo #353

DrFumblefinger ·
Your next set of puzzle clues features some of the residents at our mystery destination, who are quite famous.
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Re: France: Cameras are watching more than speed

Amateuremigrant ·
I'm very wary of surveillance when it applies at an individual level. However, traffic, often high speed traffic, has to be regulated (Highway Code) for us to expect to survive most journeys. Who is it that would object to bad driving being scrutinised ? They may well be grateful some day that someone else's misdemeanour has been noted. if you mindfully do that stuff, you shouldn't. And if you won't behave among the rest of us, then maybe you shouldn't drive.
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Re: Amsterdam: Glimpses of the Jordaan

GarryRF ·
An absolutely fascinating City. Amsterdam is unlike anywhere you have been or anywhere you will go. Steeped in History with so many Museums. It's fascinating to walk around. Delightful friendly people who have a lot of respect for the people who have kept it a free country.
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Re: January 20, 2020: Newport Beach, California

Paul Heymont ·
Always a puzzle, Garry, when looking at restaurant reviews, because not everyone values the same thing, and not everyone is health-conscious, even if they say so! And it's not just portion size, either: even in more sensible portions there can be a lot of unhealthy extra calories, food that isn't fresh, etc. And with the arrival of plant-based 'meat,' I find myself amazed at how many people who rail against processed food are pleased to eat this incredibly-processed 'food' because it is...
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Re: Sweden jumps into night-train market

Paul Heymont ·
I'd agree on the Amtrak experience: fine trip, but not sleep-friendly on the Sunset Limited or the Coast Starlight. But I also found the Catania-to-Naples night train not the smoothest either, but it did come with the excitement of the entire train being loaded onto the ferry for the crossing to the mainland!
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo #360

DrFumblefinger ·
Here are your final puzzle clues, and I think they should be very helpful. Review all the clues and you should come up with the correct solution before Monday's reveal. There is only one place this can be.
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Re: Boston in the fall - suggestions please!

Paul Heymont ·
That's good news, Mac! OK...the leaves start turning first in the north, moving south as the weather changes...but timing is always tricky because it depends on each year's combination of temperature and humidity. Here's a link to a site I've found useful in the past...it's from Yankee magazine, and includes a live map of the progress of the leaves as well as itineraries and more. http://www.yankeefoliage.com/ We haven't had a good leaf-peeping piece on Gumbo yet, so I'm looking forward to...
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Re: Interview: Orion Travel Tech's Gary German

DrFumblefinger ·
Great interview and obviously Gary German is a man of vision. I like Gary's ability to come up with win-win situations. One that benefits both consumers and his corporate clients. I expect we'll be hearing a lot more from Orion in the years to come and I wish the company great success!
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#140)

Paul Heymont ·
I think Garry's got it...because he just posted the scene that was in today's e-mail in a cropped version, and which I obviously forgot to upload here! Congrats, Garry...and let's see who else twigged to it...
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Re: Crowded Sky: Boeing finds more room overhead

DrFumblefinger ·
I was aware that Boeing was working on this idea and it sounds like a real winner. A carry-on bag is almost a necessity for people who fly. Boeing deserves full credit and thanks from consumers for this innovation.
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Re: EU Parliament Ends Cell Phone Roaming Charges in 2017

Paul Heymont ·
Yes, it will apply to prepaid plans, which many Europeans as well as visitors use, but it's not as happily absolute as some of the celebrators make it sound. The final June 2017 step depends on a reform of the European wholesale roaming market in which carriers pay each other for roaming use, and is also subject to limits for those who roam "too much." Here's a quote from one of the Parliament members who was a leading proponent of the law (which also originally included provisions for net...
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Re: Miscou Island Lighthouse, New Brunswick, Canada (Where Gumbo Was, #134)

TravelingCanuck ·
Interesting story. A little known bit of Canadian history. Thanks. “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, October 5, 2015: Stone Gingerbread House

TravelingCanuck ·
I love stone houses like this one. There was one, on a much smaller scale, in my hometown that was right on the waterfront. @PHeymont - it is listed for a mere 11 million. http://www.zillow.com/homes/fo...4.039602_rect/18_zm/ “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – St. Augustine
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Re: The Best Things To Do In Boston

GarryRF ·
From Logan Airport you can take the Metro into the City. When you've seen enough at the first stop - get back on the Underground system and come up to ground level at the next stop. Repeat as often as time will allow. Great way to spend 8 hours between flights. Only the Bostonian's would drink green beer on Paddy's Day.
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Re: Airbnb's rural listings gain popularity

PortMoresby ·
"...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: Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site, Manitoba (Where Gumbo Was #184)

GarryRF ·
It was an extra surprise when I discovered the answer. Finally - I've found a Garry spelt with 2 R's - like in my name. Another well researched destination for travellers and history lovers alike. And for those Garry's with 2 R's who need to explain the 2 differing origins of the name. Excellent presentation !
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Re: A Visit to Berlin's Reichstag (Where Gumbo Was #186)

DrFumblefinger ·
I never received your guess, Garry. But from your comment I knew you knew. I'll add your name to the list of people who got it right. KA F
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Re: Hurricane cancels hundreds of flights, cruises

Paul Heymont ·
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: Why do Americans pay more to fly Norwegian?

Travel Rob ·
This is really disappointing to me. I'm sad that Norwegian is doing this and that other airlines have done this practice for a long time. Mainly though I'm disappointed to see the above answer given to NRK by spokesman, Lasse Sandaker- Nielsen, who we interviewed on TravelGumbo. At that time of our interview, I found his answers refreshingly direct. https://www.travelgumbo.com/blog/norwegian-air-1
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Re: France's love-hate relationship with Mickey D

GarryRF ·
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: Nothing sacred: Swiss chalets aren't Swiss!

Paul Heymont ·
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: Starwood's Aloft brand previews voice-activated rooms

DrFumblefinger ·
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: JFK to get $13 billion transformation

GarryRF ·
If it were possible to enforce staff to smile and try and help people. Change from $10 and a feelgood factor too. Better than the current Dantes Inferno - "Give up hope all you who enter"
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Re: October 5, 2018: Sweets Shop, Delhi

DrFumblefinger ·
I imagine that with all the places you've been and eaten at, you likely have the antimicrobial resistance of penicillin. But those of us who get out less often do need to be careful. Nothing can spoil a vacation quite as much as a case of vomiting or diarrhea. A few minutes of gustatory pleasure don't make up for hours or days of GI distress. I wouldn't recommend the tapeworm therapy, even if it works. Has nasty potential side effects.
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Re: October 5, 2018: Sweets Shop, Delhi

Amateuremigrant ·
Actually K, neither would I, but as the author of 'Supernature' it was kinda in his brief ! His friend advised the beef tapeworm because they're easier to evict than pork ones (!) - he had to eat ~50% extra to placate the sucker (sic) BTW resistances don't really last that long but you're right, I very rarely got, or get ill.
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Re: New cable car offers 'roof terrace'

DrFumblefinger ·
Might be a little frosty, but those of us who like to take photos on such journeys would relish the chance to sit on top. Every bit as safe as in the cage underneath.
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Re: Belfast: An Uneasy City

Paul Heymont ·
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: Where Gumbo Was #12. Brasov, Romania

Travel Rob ·
Congratulations Worker Bee! Nice write up PHeymont! The Black Church holds some significant memories for me personally as does the whole city. In the aerial shot, if you look closely, you will also find some drab communist era apartment buildings. The time of Ceausescu and the Securitate was a time no one who lived in the country will forget. It was also Romania's baby boom when a lot people of people were born due to no birth control. The Romanian people are talented and o pen and I...
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Re: Where Gumbo Was #12. Brasov, Romania

Paul Heymont ·
And speaking of Dracula: Bela Lugosi, the actor who made that role famous, was actually born in Transylvania!
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo #14

Paul Heymont ·
Sorry...the Puzzlemaster is in silent mode for now. The answers to both questions will have to come from your research and from other posters! Best of luck to you all!
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo #14

PortMoresby ·
It appears to me that it's a sewer, I'm guessing in Europe as that's where I've heard of tours of such inviting spaces ("Come dear, I love you so much, join me for a walk in the sewer").
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Re: Universal Orlando Goes All Out This Summer

Former Member ·
I love Harry Potter and the World of Harry, i'm a big fan It will be a dream come true if i'll ever visit this enchanted place
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb. 25, 2014: Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand

GarryRF ·
I was surprised to see that Buddhist bibles are placed in the bedside draw. Just like a Gideon's bible. Really is an amazing read ! Full of proverbs like : "A man who commits adultery likes licking jam off a sharp knife !"
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Re: Macaroons in a Paris bakery

Paul Heymont ·
Aw, come on...the flavors are labeled on the signs...but enlarging it enough to read has made me twice as hungry for them...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Jan. 20, 2014: The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California

GarryRF ·
I would recommend renting a bicycle at Fishermans Wharf. Take your time crossing the Bridge Stop at Sausalito - Starbucks - Take in the beautiful surrounds. Watch the Fishing Boats. Take the Cycle track and head for the Ferry at Tiburon. Come back to SF on the Ferry and watch as the City rises from the fog. Great day !
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Re: On Safari in Africa -- wildlife gallery

PortMoresby ·
I love the elephants and the Odd Couple on the far right going off to who-knows-where.
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Re: On Safari in Africa -- wildlife gallery

DrFumblefinger ·
Thank you for your comments PortMoresby and GarryRF!. Yes, we got quite close to the animals Garry, although you definitely need to have a telephoto lens and best to have a camera with a quick shutter speed. I used my digital SLR on these and shot photos in bursts of 5-6, picking out the one I like best. You need to be very careful about where you eat in Africa, maybe more so than in most places. But we traveled with a quality safari outfit (And Beyond), which not only prepared great meals,...
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #11

PortMoresby ·
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

Paul Heymont ·
Well, here it is Friday night, and I see everyone gathered around to see what's in the Gumbo (e)mailbag and here...because indeed, the mystery has again been solved. Gumbo was in the Roman Arena at Arles, deep in the heart of Roman France. First to point at the site (but not to actually claim it) was Port Moresby, who contributed a picture of it at 1 pm on Wednesday while others were pointing out other Roman arenas. PM was followed by TravelandNature at 11 pm that night—you'll have noted...
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? #11

Paul Heymont ·
The puzzlemaster is aghast at his error! He left the most important piece out of the chronology: the winner! And the winner, at 5:34 pm on Thursday, is @IAM_NOTATOURIST, one of our Twitter followers, whose guess was e-mailed in by our Twittermaster, TravelRob. Hey, @IAM_NOTATOURIST!—come on in and join us! The water and the welcome are warm.
 
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