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A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas
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Zudnic
Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose
Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas
Should have said so
Lucky you, I wish I had an excuse like that to go to Thailand over and over again !
This will be my 7th trip there and my wife is from Bangkok, but I always love hearing about the experierence of others that have been.
Should have said so
Lucky you, I wish I had an excuse like that to go to Thailand over and over again !
Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas
I have to ask: Why are you going to Rayong? It's a major chemical manufacturing zone (my company have at least 3 plants there). And there are definitely better beach areas in Thailand.
A Thailand story: I was in Thailand with a couple of co-workers who wanted to visit the Tourist Night Market in Patpong. I don't know if it's the same now, but then all they did was drop a whole lot of stands selling kitschy souvenirs smack in the middle of the street that had strip clubs running the length of it. All the touts from the strip clubs had little cards saying each of the different tricks the strippers did, such as the "dart trick", "ping pong ball trick" or "cigarette trick." One enterprising guy came up to us with his card and the line "F show? F show? You want F show?" except he actually dropped the F-bomb.
Funnier still was when he went up to a middle aged European couple and did his shtick. The look of shock on her face was priceless!
I have to ask: Why are you going to Rayong? It's a major chemical manufacturing zone (my company have at least 3 plants there). And there are definitely better beach areas in Thailand.
A Thailand story: I was in Thailand with a couple of co-workers who wanted to visit the Tourist Night Market in Patpong. I don't know if it's the same now, but then all they did was drop a whole lot of stands selling kitschy souvenirs smack in the middle of the street that had strip clubs running the length of it. All the touts from the strip clubs had little cards saying each of the different tricks the strippers did, such as the "dart trick", "ping pong ball trick" or "cigarette trick." One enterprising guy came up to us with his card and the line "F show? F show? You want F show?" except he actually dropped the F-bomb.
Funnier still was when he went up to a middle aged European couple and did his shtick. The look of shock on her face was priceless!
DaveStPaul
New member
Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas
Those guys in Kowloon crack me up. They just walk right up, "Copy watch? Copy handbag? Cheap suit?" It must work, too, because it's always the same. Somebody at some point must actually say, "Why, yes, I'd like to see your knock-off watches. Take me up some alley, please!"
Those guys in Kowloon crack me up. They just walk right up, "Copy watch? Copy handbag? Cheap suit?" It must work, too, because it's always the same. Somebody at some point must actually say, "Why, yes, I'd like to see your knock-off watches. Take me up some alley, please!"
Gibber
Little Boxes
Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas
I'm shooting a friend's wedding near Rockland (or is it Rockport?) Maine in August (21st) and am looking to finally spend a few days in Acadia National Park (either before or after). Looking for advice on how to best spend a couple of days there, relatively inexpensively. I'd like to at least do some hiking (not too far, yet) and photograph some good scenic stuff...
I've casually begun to browse some websites for some ideas, but if anyone here has spent some time there and has any suggestions, I'd appreciate it!
I'm shooting a friend's wedding near Rockland (or is it Rockport?) Maine in August (21st) and am looking to finally spend a few days in Acadia National Park (either before or after). Looking for advice on how to best spend a couple of days there, relatively inexpensively. I'd like to at least do some hiking (not too far, yet) and photograph some good scenic stuff...
I've casually begun to browse some websites for some ideas, but if anyone here has spent some time there and has any suggestions, I'd appreciate it!
Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas
Josh, funny, I just did this trip in September, let me gather my thoughts and chat w/my parents about it and I'll come up w/some stuff for you.I'm shooting a friend's wedding near Rockland (or is it Rockport?) Maine in August (21st) and am looking to finally spend a few days in Acadia National Park (either before or after). Looking for advice on how to best spend a couple of days there, relatively inexpensively. I'd like to at least do some hiking (not too far, yet) and photograph some good scenic stuff...
I've casually begun to browse some websites for some ideas, but if anyone here has spent some time there and has any suggestions, I'd appreciate it!
Zudnic
Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose
Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas
My favorite was when I was on a street corner looking for the sign - deciding to go left or right. A guy walks up and goes, "Do you need directions? Perhaps you are looking for a new suit?"
Those guys in Kowloon crack me up. They just walk right up, "Copy watch? Copy handbag? Cheap suit?" It must work, too, because it's always the same. Somebody at some point must actually say, "Why, yes, I'd like to see your knock-off watches. Take me up some alley, please!"
My favorite was when I was on a street corner looking for the sign - deciding to go left or right. A guy walks up and goes, "Do you need directions? Perhaps you are looking for a new suit?"
MadTownSioux
Fighting Sioux Hockey Fan
Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas
National park to put on your 'Don't Miss' list - Yosemite. Just the most amazing scenery ever. We went the week after Labor Day, and there were NO crowds. It was wonderful - the weather was great. The biggest problem was that Yosemite falls was dry. But the other falls weren't.
Half Dome from Glacier point:
<a href="http://s968.photobucket.com/albums/ae162/MadTownSioux/?action=view¤t=HalfDome.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae162/MadTownSioux/HalfDome.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
El Capitan from the valley floor
<a href="http://s968.photobucket.com/albums/ae162/MadTownSioux/?action=view¤t=ElCapitan.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae162/MadTownSioux/ElCapitan.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Also, be sure to get out of the valley - see the sequoias, Hech Hechy, the back country, hike up to Half dome, etc.
National park to put on your 'Don't Miss' list - Yosemite. Just the most amazing scenery ever. We went the week after Labor Day, and there were NO crowds. It was wonderful - the weather was great. The biggest problem was that Yosemite falls was dry. But the other falls weren't.
Half Dome from Glacier point:
<a href="http://s968.photobucket.com/albums/ae162/MadTownSioux/?action=view¤t=HalfDome.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae162/MadTownSioux/HalfDome.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
El Capitan from the valley floor
<a href="http://s968.photobucket.com/albums/ae162/MadTownSioux/?action=view¤t=ElCapitan.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i968.photobucket.com/albums/ae162/MadTownSioux/ElCapitan.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
Also, be sure to get out of the valley - see the sequoias, Hech Hechy, the back country, hike up to Half dome, etc.
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Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas
I sent you an email but I forgot to mention that when you are in Bar Harbor take a tour of The Jackson Laboratory. You'll walk right by my office (it actually gets kind of annoying in the summer, they always stop outside my office and talk for a few minutes before continuing on). Most people only dream of such a privilege
I'm shooting a friend's wedding near Rockland (or is it Rockport?) Maine in August (21st) and am looking to finally spend a few days in Acadia National Park (either before or after). Looking for advice on how to best spend a couple of days there, relatively inexpensively. I'd like to at least do some hiking (not too far, yet) and photograph some good scenic stuff...
I've casually begun to browse some websites for some ideas, but if anyone here has spent some time there and has any suggestions, I'd appreciate it!
I sent you an email but I forgot to mention that when you are in Bar Harbor take a tour of The Jackson Laboratory. You'll walk right by my office (it actually gets kind of annoying in the summer, they always stop outside my office and talk for a few minutes before continuing on). Most people only dream of such a privilege
Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas
I want to climb the Nose on El Capitan. I have a friend that is a park ranger at Yosemite. I should go visit him sometime and maybe we can take it on.
I want to climb the Nose on El Capitan. I have a friend that is a park ranger at Yosemite. I should go visit him sometime and maybe we can take it on.
MadTownSioux
Fighting Sioux Hockey Fan
Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas
It would be awesome.
Wow, good luck with that!
It would be awesome.Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas
I'm a bad climber, and I've never done any aid/big wall climbing, so I don't think it will happen real soon. I am super interested in doing it though.
Wow, good luck with that!
I'm a bad climber, and I've never done any aid/big wall climbing, so I don't think it will happen real soon. I am super interested in doing it though.
Zudnic
Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose
Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas
Just got back yesterday and greatly enjoyed myself. Biggest disappointment was missing Milford Sound as the night before we were supposed to go there was a big rainfall and numerous landslides and the road in was closed for about 5 days.
Spent my first week in Auckland with a friend and the 5 days I spend there was probably too much but it also had the benefit of free room.
Enjoyed the Auckland Museum immensely and the Maritime Museum is excellent if you enjoy boats. Spent a day on Ragittoto and climbed One (Gone) Tree Hill and Mt Eden one day. We also went down to Hamilton to catch a Rugby game one night. Did go to Sky Tower and got in for free as my friends girlfriend works for the casino which owns the tower.
Spent the other two days in the Bay of Islands. Went to Cape Reinga, 96 mile beach and some other out of the way coves and beaches in the area. Did a boat cruise the other day and saw some dolphins and penguins. About a week after I was there it was in the news as a pod of Orca's attacked some dolphins right in front of a tour boat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJaRjEs8-Ko
I did the South Island and Wellington/Rotorua in the North on a tour because basically that was the only was I could fit in as many sights in the 3 weeks I got for vacation.
Really enjoyed Queenstown would have liked to have an extra day or two there. I did the Dart jetboat which was nice but the other parts of the 6 hour adventure were a bit overrated as it included a 45 minute ride each way to and from Glenorchy and 45 minutes free time in Glenorchy, population 256 with 2 stores and 2 restaurants. The ride and walk thorugh the countryside to catch the jetboat were pretty interesting though. The gondola ride and view from above the city and lake were incredible.
In Otago I visited the yellow eyed penguin reserve and nature cruise which were great as we saw several penguins in the reserve, one molting it's feathers another one coming in from fishing for the day and a small baby. On the wildlife cruise we saw the albatrosses, which are incredible to see in flight with their wingspan but when you see them on the water they look like a big seagull, also Dusky and Hector dolphins, they look like baby killer whales and another penguin out fishing.
I didn't hit the Antarctic Center in Christchurch because both day we were there we got in around 4 in the afternoon and left the next morning so I didn't have a whole lot of time though I did get to the museum to check out their exhibit. I also enjoyed the Tranz Alpine train ride. We stayed at Fox Glacier and unfortunately only got to go view the glacier.
We stopped for lunch in Kaikoura but only stopped briefly to see a large bunch of seals lounging by the ocean. Though we had quite a few around the boat in Otago and Bay of Islands.
Te Papa in Wellington was very good and spent most of the day after the ferry ride there.
In Rotorua they took us to the Agrodome show which wasn't that great but I went to Te Puia and enjoyed looking at the geyers and hot springs. We also went to a Kiwi Encounter which was interesting as we got to see Kiwi eggs, they take them when they are eggs hatch them and keep them until they are about 2lbs to help them survive, several that had just hopped and then go into a dark house where we got to see 3 of them shuffling about. This was a little different then some of the others as there was no glass or anything between us and the kiwi I basically looked over a small wall and there was the kiwi poking in the ground.
I greatly enjoyed our night at the Hangi. Got chosen to do the Hongi. ceremonial greeting with the warrior, will teach me to sit down front, also did the Haka.
The glow worm caves with the exception of the 5-10 minutes we were on the boat in the glow worm cave was just like every other cave I was in. it was interesting to see the glowing worms but I was glad I didn't pay extra to go to another glow worm cave.
I thought the food was good but not a whole lot different from England. We had the same breakfast every day at the hotels the typical English b-fast eggs, bacon, hashbrowns. For main courses being in the NYC area their huge amount of Chinese and Indian restaurants didn't do a whole lot for me and it was tough to eat lamb fish and chips for 3 weeks. I was surprised that venison was expensive as it was since we saw quite a few deer farms.
I thought the beer okay but I tend to like German and Belgian beers, both Mac's and Speights had a few I liked the Speights Gold Medal Ale and Mac's Great White. I enjoyed Galbraiths brew pub in Auckland and a chain of Belgian pubs Occidental were excellent.
Just got back yesterday and greatly enjoyed myself. Biggest disappointment was missing Milford Sound as the night before we were supposed to go there was a big rainfall and numerous landslides and the road in was closed for about 5 days.
Spent my first week in Auckland with a friend and the 5 days I spend there was probably too much but it also had the benefit of free room.
Enjoyed the Auckland Museum immensely and the Maritime Museum is excellent if you enjoy boats. Spent a day on Ragittoto and climbed One (Gone) Tree Hill and Mt Eden one day. We also went down to Hamilton to catch a Rugby game one night. Did go to Sky Tower and got in for free as my friends girlfriend works for the casino which owns the tower.
Spent the other two days in the Bay of Islands. Went to Cape Reinga, 96 mile beach and some other out of the way coves and beaches in the area. Did a boat cruise the other day and saw some dolphins and penguins. About a week after I was there it was in the news as a pod of Orca's attacked some dolphins right in front of a tour boat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJaRjEs8-Ko
I did the South Island and Wellington/Rotorua in the North on a tour because basically that was the only was I could fit in as many sights in the 3 weeks I got for vacation.
Really enjoyed Queenstown would have liked to have an extra day or two there. I did the Dart jetboat which was nice but the other parts of the 6 hour adventure were a bit overrated as it included a 45 minute ride each way to and from Glenorchy and 45 minutes free time in Glenorchy, population 256 with 2 stores and 2 restaurants. The ride and walk thorugh the countryside to catch the jetboat were pretty interesting though. The gondola ride and view from above the city and lake were incredible.
In Otago I visited the yellow eyed penguin reserve and nature cruise which were great as we saw several penguins in the reserve, one molting it's feathers another one coming in from fishing for the day and a small baby. On the wildlife cruise we saw the albatrosses, which are incredible to see in flight with their wingspan but when you see them on the water they look like a big seagull, also Dusky and Hector dolphins, they look like baby killer whales and another penguin out fishing.
I didn't hit the Antarctic Center in Christchurch because both day we were there we got in around 4 in the afternoon and left the next morning so I didn't have a whole lot of time though I did get to the museum to check out their exhibit. I also enjoyed the Tranz Alpine train ride. We stayed at Fox Glacier and unfortunately only got to go view the glacier.
We stopped for lunch in Kaikoura but only stopped briefly to see a large bunch of seals lounging by the ocean. Though we had quite a few around the boat in Otago and Bay of Islands.
Te Papa in Wellington was very good and spent most of the day after the ferry ride there.
In Rotorua they took us to the Agrodome show which wasn't that great but I went to Te Puia and enjoyed looking at the geyers and hot springs. We also went to a Kiwi Encounter which was interesting as we got to see Kiwi eggs, they take them when they are eggs hatch them and keep them until they are about 2lbs to help them survive, several that had just hopped and then go into a dark house where we got to see 3 of them shuffling about. This was a little different then some of the others as there was no glass or anything between us and the kiwi I basically looked over a small wall and there was the kiwi poking in the ground.
I greatly enjoyed our night at the Hangi. Got chosen to do the Hongi. ceremonial greeting with the warrior, will teach me to sit down front, also did the Haka.
The glow worm caves with the exception of the 5-10 minutes we were on the boat in the glow worm cave was just like every other cave I was in. it was interesting to see the glowing worms but I was glad I didn't pay extra to go to another glow worm cave.
I thought the food was good but not a whole lot different from England. We had the same breakfast every day at the hotels the typical English b-fast eggs, bacon, hashbrowns. For main courses being in the NYC area their huge amount of Chinese and Indian restaurants didn't do a whole lot for me and it was tough to eat lamb fish and chips for 3 weeks. I was surprised that venison was expensive as it was since we saw quite a few deer farms.
I thought the beer okay but I tend to like German and Belgian beers, both Mac's and Speights had a few I liked the Speights Gold Medal Ale and Mac's Great White. I enjoyed Galbraiths brew pub in Auckland and a chain of Belgian pubs Occidental were excellent.
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Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas
If you get a chance to go out on a schooner, I'd recommend it. We did it out of Camden, which is on the way from Rockland or Rockport to BH. A little corny but on a day with some wind it is worth doing. Of course, Route 1 in August is not a quick way to get somewhere.
I would take full advantage of Acadia for hiking or biking...the view from Cadillac Mtn will get a few good pictures for you. I've never been a fan of whale watches but we did go out on one of the small boats that does the harbor area and we had a good time with the kids looking at seals, birds and other things you might miss on a high speed whale boat.
Depending on when you leave Rockport/Rockland there are decent places for lunch in Lincolnville and Castine...Lincolnville is right on the side of the road, Castine, you have to head a few minutes off the highway.
We also liked heading into Northeast Harbor for a bit...if you play golf, the course is an old Maine course that we enjoyed each time we played. The Asticou is a really nice place for lunch, but not cheap.
Lastly, a kayak tour in just about town is also worth it. You are from up that way so you might be less impressed than those from farther away but I never had a bad kayak trip in Maine.
I'm shooting a friend's wedding near Rockland (or is it Rockport?) Maine in August (21st) and am looking to finally spend a few days in Acadia National Park (either before or after). Looking for advice on how to best spend a couple of days there, relatively inexpensively. I'd like to at least do some hiking (not too far, yet) and photograph some good scenic stuff...
I've casually begun to browse some websites for some ideas, but if anyone here has spent some time there and has any suggestions, I'd appreciate it!
If you get a chance to go out on a schooner, I'd recommend it. We did it out of Camden, which is on the way from Rockland or Rockport to BH. A little corny but on a day with some wind it is worth doing. Of course, Route 1 in August is not a quick way to get somewhere.
I would take full advantage of Acadia for hiking or biking...the view from Cadillac Mtn will get a few good pictures for you. I've never been a fan of whale watches but we did go out on one of the small boats that does the harbor area and we had a good time with the kids looking at seals, birds and other things you might miss on a high speed whale boat.
Depending on when you leave Rockport/Rockland there are decent places for lunch in Lincolnville and Castine...Lincolnville is right on the side of the road, Castine, you have to head a few minutes off the highway.
We also liked heading into Northeast Harbor for a bit...if you play golf, the course is an old Maine course that we enjoyed each time we played. The Asticou is a really nice place for lunch, but not cheap.
Lastly, a kayak tour in just about town is also worth it. You are from up that way so you might be less impressed than those from farther away but I never had a bad kayak trip in Maine.
MissThundercat
Are the cis okay?
Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas
A friend of mine and I are looking to fly out to Las Vegas for a week in late-August; any suggestions for while we're there? My goal is to not look like your typical tourist...
A friend of mine and I are looking to fly out to Las Vegas for a week in late-August; any suggestions for while we're there? My goal is to not look like your typical tourist...
Re: A Thread for Travel: Trips/Advice/Ideas
When I went with some friends, we dressed nice in the evening (although I was dressed up 100% of the time): business casual minimum, but that was just us. We like "old-style" Vegas.
Must hits:
Bellagio fountains. At night, they are gorgeous.
Venetian/Bellagio/(I hear) Wynn. Beautiful beautiful casinos. Just walk around, maybe play a table or two, but everything about them is awesome.
Take in a "lounge" show at one of the nicer casinos (like the ones mentioned above). These aren't your Wayne Newton/cheesy shows. It's usually a cover band, but it's nice and relaxing.
Have no plan. You walk by a place you want to check out? Check it out. We found a couple nice clubs/places to eat because of it. One of my faves was Rumjungle. Trapeze artists were flying over the dance floor, and they have a HUGE wall of rum. Huge.
Word of note: places don't really get hopping until at least midnight. At least. Adjust your schedule.
When I went with some friends, we dressed nice in the evening (although I was dressed up 100% of the time): business casual minimum, but that was just us. We like "old-style" Vegas.
Must hits:
Bellagio fountains. At night, they are gorgeous.
Venetian/Bellagio/(I hear) Wynn. Beautiful beautiful casinos. Just walk around, maybe play a table or two, but everything about them is awesome.
Take in a "lounge" show at one of the nicer casinos (like the ones mentioned above). These aren't your Wayne Newton/cheesy shows. It's usually a cover band, but it's nice and relaxing.
Have no plan. You walk by a place you want to check out? Check it out. We found a couple nice clubs/places to eat because of it. One of my faves was Rumjungle. Trapeze artists were flying over the dance floor, and they have a HUGE wall of rum. Huge.
Word of note: places don't really get hopping until at least midnight. At least. Adjust your schedule.
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