tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82904610904321027492024-03-13T21:24:10.493-07:00Oh No Not Another &$#!@ Travel BlogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-84876482834745914332014-08-09T18:26:00.001-07:002014-08-09T18:26:11.394-07:00This Blog Has Moved - Sorry!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
To all of my blog readers who are still coming to this site - I apologize, but something I thought had happened months ago apparently never did. Back in June, I joined the blogging team at <a href="http://upgrd.com/">upgrd.com</a>, a larger travel website dedicated to all things travel. I had thought this blog would be disabled, with an automatic redirect to the new page, but while cleaning some stuff up this afternoon, realized that was never done. So, for those of you who have been coming to this blog for the last 2 months and have been bewildered at the lack of new content - my sincere apologies. Please mosey on over and update your bookmarks to my new site - the Road More Traveled blog at upgrd.com.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://upgrd.com/roadmoretraveled">http://upgrd.com/roadmoretraveled</a><br />
<br />
Happy trails!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-43223821821099370562014-06-07T07:51:00.003-07:002014-06-07T07:51:59.557-07:00The Frog and Onion Pub, Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda - Restaurant Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SnoPl5FyTw4/U4_bjS3N-AI/AAAAAAAACs8/fe_bnxgvb7I/s1600/IMG_8873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SnoPl5FyTw4/U4_bjS3N-AI/AAAAAAAACs8/fe_bnxgvb7I/s1600/IMG_8873.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My wife and I just recently got back from a combination road trip to Boston and cruise to Bermuda. I decided to kick off my series of posts with a restaurant review, this one of the first restaurant we visited in Bermuda, the Frog and Onion Pub at the Royal Naval Dockyard. You might be wondering why we're eating in a restaurant when we came to Bermuda on a cruise ship, where your fare includes the right to stuff yourself silly 24/7. Well, this particular itinerary gave us from 11 A.M. Sunday to 5 P.M. Tuesday on the islands, and to get the most out of your time, it's best to get an early start and not have to keep going back and forth to the ship. Therefore, we made plans to have lunch off the ship each day.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>A reminder of my proprietary, double secret rating system:<br />
<br />
5 - I Would Walk 500 Miles (And I Would Walk 500 More) to visit this place<br />
4 - Worth a visit when in town<br />
3 - Meh; I won't object if a friend suggests it, but I wouldn't recommend it on my own<br />
2 - Only if nothing else is open<br />
1 - Run, Sriram, Run!<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
The Frog and Onion Pub </h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Royal Naval Dockyard, Somerset Island, Bermuda</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lunch 11:30-5:30, dinner 5:30-9:30, bar 11:30-midnight, 7 days a week (in season)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.frogandonion.bm/">http://www.frogandonion.bm/</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Price - $30-40 per person (includes 1 pint of beer and a soda)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Directions: Between the Bermuda Craft Market and the Bermuda Arts Center, across from the Bermuda Maritime Museum; in an area of the Dockyard known as "Victualling Yard". From Hamilton, take the ferry or the #7 or #8 bus to Dockyard.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Before I start, a word about restaurant tipping in Bermuda - with very few exceptions, restaurants in Bermuda automatically add a 15-18% gratuity to your bill, regardless of the number of people in your party. Don't be fooled and double tip, unless you found the service so awesome that it deserves a 30-35% gratuity. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Frog and Onion gets quite a bit of publicity on cruise review board such as <a href="http://www.cruisecritic.com/">Cruise Critic</a>, primarily due to its proximity to the cruise ship dock (a 5 minute walk), but also because it has a reputation for good food and fun. When walking to the <a href="http://www.craftmarket.bm/">Bermuda Craft Market</a> from the ferry dock, the Frog and Onion is right there as you enter the building.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FuMUA6rrnpc/U4_hW_tvW4I/AAAAAAAACtU/vW4EpAmumlE/s1600/IMG_8910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FuMUA6rrnpc/U4_hW_tvW4I/AAAAAAAACtU/vW4EpAmumlE/s1600/IMG_8910.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The place has a very British-pub feel to it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tFjTAsD4aI4/U4_hxBUQBCI/AAAAAAAACtc/WPnFm_IBlDA/s1600/IMG_8912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tFjTAsD4aI4/U4_hxBUQBCI/AAAAAAAACtc/WPnFm_IBlDA/s1600/IMG_8912.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mkI33IuFY5I/U4_hxWRgGFI/AAAAAAAACtg/G3A4bvjToPo/s1600/IMG_8914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mkI33IuFY5I/U4_hxWRgGFI/AAAAAAAACtg/G3A4bvjToPo/s1600/IMG_8914.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tygPeVoQ3DY/U4_hxem7TuI/AAAAAAAACtk/METGMwIbJq4/s1600/IMG_8917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tygPeVoQ3DY/U4_hxem7TuI/AAAAAAAACtk/METGMwIbJq4/s1600/IMG_8917.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We went in a little after 12, and were surprised to find not that many people here. I was later told that the crowds would be a lot worse tomorrow, with a Royal Caribbean ship scheduled to arrive in the morning. Something to consider if you are planning a trip to this part of Bermuda - try to stay away when two ships will be in at once, as the Dockyard can get congested. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The British pub feel is appropriate because the food consists of some very British fare, along with an on-site microbrewery (hence the Dockyard Brewing Company). We started off with the red onion rings.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMq16lM9IDw/U4_jmU0siYI/AAAAAAAACt4/lCEkEt43iok/s1600/IMG_8915.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMq16lM9IDw/U4_jmU0siYI/AAAAAAAACt4/lCEkEt43iok/s1600/IMG_8915.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
These were good - nice and crispy without being excessively greasy. The dipping sauce, which they call "Bermuda Jam Storm Surge Dip", was really good, kind of like a sweet & sour sauce. I just wish there was more of it. (Incidentally, don't be scared off by the bottled water - tap water is safe to drink in Bermuda.) For the main course, I ordered the Ploughman's lunch, and my wife had the baked salmon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bOlBIg0mki0/U4_k_bubzxI/AAAAAAAACuI/77bS__dYrPU/s1600/IMG_8919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bOlBIg0mki0/U4_k_bubzxI/AAAAAAAACuI/77bS__dYrPU/s1600/IMG_8919.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5BS5gHGlS0/U4_k_VIGigI/AAAAAAAACuE/VEbNvb8KIHg/s1600/IMG_8920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i5BS5gHGlS0/U4_k_VIGigI/AAAAAAAACuE/VEbNvb8KIHg/s1600/IMG_8920.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
What is a Ploughman's lunch? Welcome to the British version of the smorgasboard - pork pie, cheese, apple, pickled onion, carrots, tomatoes, pickle condiment, butter, and a baguette, set up for you on a cutting board to mix and match as you please. This was a deceptively small looking dish; in fact, the pork pie is REALLY filling, and this meal will stuff you pretty good. The pie of course is the center of the dish, and is something of an acquired taste. It is served cold, and was kind of like eating a ginormous cold cut sandwich. I couldn't quite decide how much I liked it. The pork was tender and well-seasoned, but something seemed just a bit odd about eating a giant slab of meat cold. My wife said she thoroughly enjoyed the salmon. I'm not a fish person, but I have to say, it did look pretty good.<br />
<br />
As I mentioned at the beginning, the Frog and Onion features an on-site microberwery, the Dockyard Brewing Company. I tried the Somers Amber Ale. I like the occasional amber beer, and this is a good one, if not a great one, if you like ambers. Prices are high, but not outrageous - $4.75 for a half pint (9 oz), $8.25 for a pint (20 oz.), or a 6 oz. sampler of each beer on tap (5 beers, 30 oz. total) for $12.95. The big gimmick promotion here is if you order a 50 oz. beer or a gigantic (probably the equivalent of 3 cocktails) Dark 'n Stormy (a Bermudian cocktail made with ginger beer and rum), you get to keep the glass. You can also get Bermuda's more well-known signature cocktail, the rum swizzle, here. Just so you know, much as is the case with mai tais in Hawai'i, having a rum swizzle is mandatory when you visit Bermuda.<br />
<br />
You might think service would suffer given the automatic tipping (I have seen this to some extent in Europe, depending on where you are). I found the service to be just fine, though admittedly, the restaurant wasn't very full when we were there. Our waiter periodically checked in on us, and was a friendly fellow. We were in and out in just around an hour. They did have some live music starting at 1:30, and the website advertises music every Monday night from 9 P.M. to midnight. Both NCL and Royal Caribbean are in town Monday night, so if you're heading here via cruise ship, you'll have the opportunity to check this out if you're in to live music.<br />
<br />
<b>Rating: </b>4 stars. Good food, not terribly expensive, and a good atmosphere. The pub looks like it would be a lot of fun in the evening. Just be cautious if both cruise ships are in town at the same time; I've heard the place does get a tad busy.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-27181651021261664222014-06-07T07:51:00.001-07:002014-06-07T07:51:22.793-07:00Lima, Peru<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_UCQuU6gP4/U5J_JO2RbpI/AAAAAAAACuo/axcerWmJIK4/s1600/394911_4685538810177_489327781_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_UCQuU6gP4/U5J_JO2RbpI/AAAAAAAACuo/axcerWmJIK4/s1600/394911_4685538810177_489327781_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The colorful architecture of downtown Lima</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is part 5 of my series about our cruise to South America in December, 2012. Today's port-of-call is Lima, Peru's capital city. This would be my third country in South America, after Colombia and Ecuador. <br />
<br />
For a general overview of the cruise and the trip report index, click <a href="http://meanmeosh.blogspot.com/2014/04/cartagena-colombia.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b>Date of Visit: Monday, December 17, 2012</b><br />
<br />
Cruising down the west coast of South America is a longer trip than it might first appear. <b> </b>The Pacific coastline is nearly 5,000 miles long from Colombia to the Tierra del Fuego (a place I very much hope to go someday) at the Chile/Argentina border. This meant two whole sea days to get from Manta to Lima, or more specifically Callao, a western suburb where the port is located.<br />
<br />
On the first sea day, we saw numerous sightings of whales and dolphins. I don't have a high-powered camera to get a good shot of a moving animal, but I was able to get this fuzzy shot of a whale (or possibly a dolphin) from our balcony.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-heFld9RV2nI/U5KMZ8rnDcI/AAAAAAAACu4/1B0HLgBirCk/s1600/154417_4685460968231_1799711469_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-heFld9RV2nI/U5KMZ8rnDcI/AAAAAAAACu4/1B0HLgBirCk/s1600/154417_4685460968231_1799711469_n.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We were also treated to yet another spectacular sunset, courtesy of some clouds that happened by in the early evening.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLdcoBb1w4s/U5KM2oy1PfI/AAAAAAAACvE/DeklD1ANzY8/s1600/542869_4685463048283_806654070_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLdcoBb1w4s/U5KM2oy1PfI/AAAAAAAACvE/DeklD1ANzY8/s1600/542869_4685463048283_806654070_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--k2ZCQJQO9I/U5KM2odkE1I/AAAAAAAACvA/9Nhv0f28OsU/s1600/541813_4685464488319_775721086_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--k2ZCQJQO9I/U5KM2odkE1I/AAAAAAAACvA/9Nhv0f28OsU/s1600/541813_4685464488319_775721086_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Originally, we were scheduled to arrive in Lima at 8 A.M. Monday morning. However, we were told late Saturday that the Peruvian immigration authorities wanted to check every single passenger's passport before anyone would be allowed to deboard. The captain decided to haul a** and get to Lima by Sunday afternoon instead, so that immigration could go through passports and we would be allowed to leave the ship as scheduled Monday morning. Not a terrible outcome, with the only drawback being that we would be stuck all afternoon and evening on the ship in a smelly port (and it was REALLY smelly from our balcony, which meant sitting out there wasn't an option). But as it turns out, nothing would go smoothly from this point forward, and Celebrity's handling of port snafus would leave much to be desired. More on that in future posts.<br />
<br />
The arrival into Callao provided for some good photo opportunities. Notice the smog in the background. The cool Humboldt current keeps this part of South America temperate but rather cloudy, which leads to a lot of smog getting trapped near the ground, similar to Southern California. Summer in Peru (late December through April) is usually the one time of year that it is sunny, but we were told that we were about a week or two too early to see much of the sun.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2yBGrU4d6I/U5KPhHeyssI/AAAAAAAACvU/rnovorB_Ioo/s1600/551771_4685466248363_1045709716_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2yBGrU4d6I/U5KPhHeyssI/AAAAAAAACvU/rnovorB_Ioo/s1600/551771_4685466248363_1045709716_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--4y1p6okC9M/U5KPhboxqnI/AAAAAAAACvY/g63lKznMHao/s1600/644320_4685466928380_1008549085_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--4y1p6okC9M/U5KPhboxqnI/AAAAAAAACvY/g63lKznMHao/s1600/644320_4685466928380_1008549085_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Lima is one of the oldest cities in South America, founded by Spanish explorer Francisco Pizarro in 1535 (Peru had been inhabited by the Incas for many centuries prior to that). More than 7.6 million people call Lima home today. Many historical buildings and institutions still exist today, and several of these would be on the agenda for our guided tour, with the same group of people we toured with in Cartagena. This time, though, I made sure to triple check the time so we wouldn't be late...<br />
<br />
It took about half an hour to get from the port of Callao to the center of Lima. One of the first things we passed by was an enormous Santa Claus head hanging out of a building.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0x6OCGfMX94/U5KTVD56roI/AAAAAAAACvo/GoVkOAgaa_A/s1600/36530_4685535130085_57192285_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0x6OCGfMX94/U5KTVD56roI/AAAAAAAACvo/GoVkOAgaa_A/s1600/36530_4685535130085_57192285_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Next we passed by the Plaza Castilla, which contained a statue of Jose de San Martin, a revolutionary who helped Peru gain its independence from Spain in 1821.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gr63wJfq5g/U5KUKl3yhUI/AAAAAAAACvw/rLX0WNYcZn8/s1600/564601_4685535170086_1943931325_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gr63wJfq5g/U5KUKl3yhUI/AAAAAAAACvw/rLX0WNYcZn8/s1600/564601_4685535170086_1943931325_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We then stopped for some time at the <a href="http://goperu.about.com/od/citiesandregions/tp/The-Plaza-De-Armas-In-Lima.htm">Plaza Mayor</a> (Central Square), also known as the Plaza de Armas. Several buildings of historical significance can be found in this general vicinity, but perhaps the two most important are the <a href="http://www.limaeasy.com/culture-guide/historical-buildings/presidential-palace">Palacio del Gobierno</a> (Presidential Palace) and the <a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/peru/lima-cathedral">Catedral de Lima</a>. The first photo is the palace, completed in 1930, along with the fountain in the center of the plaza.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pMmPalQme0M/U5KXbQ_xbbI/AAAAAAAACv8/tcxqMLR_nnw/s1600/734997_4685536850128_1666490124_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pMmPalQme0M/U5KXbQ_xbbI/AAAAAAAACv8/tcxqMLR_nnw/s1600/734997_4685536850128_1666490124_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The Catedral de Lima, a stunning piece of baroque architecture, was originally constructed in 1564, but several earthquakes destroyed the main building over the years. What you see today was mostly constructed in 1746. The Cathedral also houses the remains of Pizarro.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUbVd-J3P0c/U5KamIQhcFI/AAAAAAAACwM/WsPN8fodjnc/s1600/307606_4685536290114_1814071363_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUbVd-J3P0c/U5KamIQhcFI/AAAAAAAACwM/WsPN8fodjnc/s1600/307606_4685536290114_1814071363_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0d6Sxkmge8/U5KamF5sCyI/AAAAAAAACwI/w6cXkMCnsJw/s1600/268593_4685536570121_1473578108_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F0d6Sxkmge8/U5KamF5sCyI/AAAAAAAACwI/w6cXkMCnsJw/s1600/268593_4685536570121_1473578108_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Also on the Plaza is the Archbishop's Palace. This building looks older than it really is. It was "only" built in 1924.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9SbT0VdOQA/U5KbFq-_bXI/AAAAAAAACwY/Slpx8wdOF3Q/s1600/224838_4685538250163_1614012790_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J9SbT0VdOQA/U5KbFq-_bXI/AAAAAAAACwY/Slpx8wdOF3Q/s1600/224838_4685538250163_1614012790_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our next stop was the <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/peru/lima/sights/religious/monasterio-de-san-francisco">Convento de San Francisco</a>, constructed in the 1620s and a spectacular example of Moorish baroque architecture. It is most famous for its catacombs, which are said to house the remains of more than 70,000 persons. We did take a tour of the church and the catacombs, but they did not allow photos to be taken inside, so you'll have to make do with a few photos of the outside.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5ku7cNk1bo/U5KcMq_GymI/AAAAAAAACw4/srUuo0BggT8/s1600/418759_4685539210187_1348660898_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5ku7cNk1bo/U5KcMq_GymI/AAAAAAAACw4/srUuo0BggT8/s1600/418759_4685539210187_1348660898_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kwDNRSXL9kc/U5KcLzQG18I/AAAAAAAACwk/S-MW5y1bkwg/s1600/249954_4685539530195_10429503_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kwDNRSXL9kc/U5KcLzQG18I/AAAAAAAACwk/S-MW5y1bkwg/s1600/249954_4685539530195_10429503_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ahEqOZMmYSg/U5KcM_S0dbI/AAAAAAAACw0/zAi6qytQ9MM/s1600/734112_4685539850203_425396351_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ahEqOZMmYSg/U5KcM_S0dbI/AAAAAAAACw0/zAi6qytQ9MM/s1600/734112_4685539850203_425396351_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJJNHNKu4Do/U5KcL4TbleI/AAAAAAAACwo/uELNhhhWzcQ/s1600/294023_4685540090209_915434563_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJJNHNKu4Do/U5KcL4TbleI/AAAAAAAACwo/uELNhhhWzcQ/s1600/294023_4685540090209_915434563_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VvkeGJdOOpE/U5KcL-u5JWI/AAAAAAAACws/q9VLu8rT3aw/s1600/282969_4685540570221_519627223_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VvkeGJdOOpE/U5KcL-u5JWI/AAAAAAAACws/q9VLu8rT3aw/s1600/282969_4685540570221_519627223_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
We then took a driving tour around the city for awhile before heading to our last stop of the day. On the way, we passed by one of the city's colorful slums, which you can see extends well up the hill in the background. This is a typical scene when traveling in developing countries - pockets of poverty, sometimes extreme, juxtaposed with beautiful colonial architecture and gleaming office towers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CchUVg8c7PY/U5KcyCVlj7I/AAAAAAAACxM/6-BSLlGsL5Q/s1600/224990_4685540970231_179263664_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CchUVg8c7PY/U5KcyCVlj7I/AAAAAAAACxM/6-BSLlGsL5Q/s1600/224990_4685540970231_179263664_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After driving around for an hour or so, we proceeded to our final stop of the day, the <a href="http://www.limaeasy.com/culture-guide/museums-lima/archeological-museum-rafael-larco-herrera">Museo Larco</a> (Rafael Larco Herrera Archeological Museum). In addition to being located in a beautiful, flower-filled garden, the museum showcases Peru's pre-Columbian history, including a large collection of textiles, ceramics, and gold and silver coins and jewelry, among other things.<br />
<br />
First, the beautiful gardens surrounding the museum. A few breaks in the clouds had finally developed by then, making for a wonderful afternoon. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8zXEjWZ8DfY/U5KfMs-iQxI/AAAAAAAACxc/HSVuhAqEkds/s1600/63774_4685555050583_1695139313_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8zXEjWZ8DfY/U5KfMs-iQxI/AAAAAAAACxc/HSVuhAqEkds/s1600/63774_4685555050583_1695139313_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu11cbIpOsQ/U5KfMnilqJI/AAAAAAAACxg/qQv4dDIsRO4/s1600/64500_4685546930380_1087844722_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Eu11cbIpOsQ/U5KfMnilqJI/AAAAAAAACxg/qQv4dDIsRO4/s1600/64500_4685546930380_1087844722_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iCAxte5R5GY/U5KfMtrsWsI/AAAAAAAACxY/vgw_rcNcsII/s1600/553354_4685552050508_2105524047_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iCAxte5R5GY/U5KfMtrsWsI/AAAAAAAACxY/vgw_rcNcsII/s1600/553354_4685552050508_2105524047_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are a few samples of the ceramics, gold/silver objects, and jewelry on display in the museum.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMVzUm-cGNA/U5KfuI-t8hI/AAAAAAAACyE/bJ1SIqjJwBQ/s1600/268008_4685556170611_264348456_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yMVzUm-cGNA/U5KfuI-t8hI/AAAAAAAACyE/bJ1SIqjJwBQ/s1600/268008_4685556170611_264348456_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BKFjv9PNKM/U5KfvOqt16I/AAAAAAAACyA/QHBAAldnrEA/s1600/537764_4685563410792_1241930219_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BKFjv9PNKM/U5KfvOqt16I/AAAAAAAACyA/QHBAAldnrEA/s1600/537764_4685563410792_1241930219_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lOtmCu9Xw1Y/U5KfuBSlbUI/AAAAAAAACxw/vgbaid6Zfqo/s1600/423249_4685563730800_263550047_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lOtmCu9Xw1Y/U5KfuBSlbUI/AAAAAAAACxw/vgbaid6Zfqo/s1600/423249_4685563730800_263550047_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2pXoswxpwxc/U5KfuVc_6bI/AAAAAAAACx0/Vnn4EboY4ek/s1600/418667_4685564610822_932122923_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2pXoswxpwxc/U5KfuVc_6bI/AAAAAAAACx0/Vnn4EboY4ek/s1600/418667_4685564610822_932122923_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
It was already after 2 by this point, and time to head back to the ship. That's one of the drawbacks of cruising. You get to see a lot of different places, but rarely stay in one place long enough to really explore it in depth. I'd like to return to Peru one day, especially to take a few days to visit Machu Pichu and the Andes.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Miscellaneous Things to Know</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>- Currency - </b>the Nuevo Sol; current exchange rate is approximately 2.79 to the dollar. A few tourist heavy shops will accept dollars, though at a crappy exchange rate. ATMs are widely available, and credit cards widely accepted.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>- Climate</b> - as mentioned above, cold ocean currents offshore keep the weather overcast and cool most of the year, with a warmer, sunny period from late December through April. Similar to Southern California, there isn't much variation in temperature from season to season; it was overcast and in the upper 60s the day we were there, but our tour guide said temperatures rarely exceed 85 degrees even in the summer. Also similar to Southern California, the climate is very dry, with an average of only around 10 inches of rain a year.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>- Transportation</b> - unless you're part of a tour group, or fancy a walk, city buses or taxis are the way to get around town. Buses are ridiculously cheap - crosstown fares might run 2-3 soles - but be aware of a few things before going this route. First, the concept of a "bus stop" doesn't really exist, except in some wealthier suburbs; you just flag down a bus that you see going down your street. Generally your best bet is to go to a major street corner where you see a bunch of people standing around. It also helps to have at least a rough idea of where you're headed, and to know enough Spanish to ask the driver if you're headed the right direction. It is also said that the safety of the buses (privately operated) can be questionable, and buses are not permitted to run into the historic city center; you'll have to get off nearby and walk. If you want to travel by taxi, be aware that they don't use meters, so you'll need to negotiate the fare before getting in. Minimum fare is usually 5 soles, though "official" cab companies and nighttime rides may incur a surcharge.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>- Food</b> - our tour didn't include time for a lunch stop (boy, was I glad I hit the breakfast buffet hard), so I didn't get to sample Peruvian cuisine. The country's most popular dish is "lomo saltado", which is stir-fried beef mixed with vegetables, soy sauce, vinegar, and cilantro, served with french fries and rice. More than anything, the dish highlights the Asian fusion you often see in Peruvian cuisine - local ingredients prepared with Asian techniques (Peru has a fairly significant population of Asian descent). Other dishes highlight the Spanish influence on Peru, such as arroz con pollo (chicken with rice) or arroz con camarones (shrimp with rice), which are similar to Spanish paella.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>- Other</b> - if you have respiratory problems, be aware that pollution levels in Lima, thanks to the persistent marine layer that covers the city most of the year, can be very high. Peru, especially the highlands, are known for clothing made from alpaca fur (think of an alpaca as a long-haired llama). There is a craft ship near the dock in Callao that sells these, but the prices seemed high to me. You're probably better off trying to find a place in the city; remember to negotiate off the sticker price. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The website <a href="http://www.limaeasy.com/peruvian-food-guide/typical-main-courses">limaeasy.com</a> provides a good overview of typical local dishes if you'd like to peruse before your trip.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-5898398908936947012014-05-31T11:09:00.001-07:002014-05-31T11:09:08.595-07:00Manta, Ecuador<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8LtKItXZNZQ/U4lQdCVqYOI/AAAAAAAACqQ/-o9cBvR9rL0/s1600/251371_4685410166961_777766188_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8LtKItXZNZQ/U4lQdCVqYOI/AAAAAAAACqQ/-o9cBvR9rL0/s1600/251371_4685410166961_777766188_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sunset over Manta, Ecuador</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is part 4 of my series about our cruise to South America in December, 2012. Today's port-of-call would be Manta, Ecuador, a fairly small city literally straddling the equator, its official latitude being just 0 degrees and 57 minutes south. This would not actually be my first visit to South America - that milestone was completed when we stepped off the ship in Cartagena, Colombia a few days earlier - but this was my first visit to the Pacific side of South America south of the equator. One of these days, I'll get around to writing about my actual first visit to the southern hemisphere, a trip to South Africa in April, 2008.<br />
<br />
For a general overview of the cruise and the trip report index, click <a href="http://meanmeosh.blogspot.com/2014/04/cartagena-colombia.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
NOTE: if you're dying for a trip report about Bermuda, just relax, jack. I'll start putting some up within the next few weeks. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b>Date of Visit: Friday, December 14, 2012</b><br />
<br />
It's a pretty long way from Panama to Ecuador, so we had an entire day at sea on Thursday the 13th. It turned out to be a very ugly, rainy day<b> </b>at sea, but that was actually just fine with me. I was perfectly content to sit on the balcony and vegetate while watching the rain. Shortly after returning from breakfast, a flock of birds (I'm not sure what species) started flying alongside our ship for a couple of hours. I'm guessing they were either following a school of fish, or were hoping to poach any garbage that might accidentally fall overboard. In any event, I was able to snag a couple of decent photos as they flew in front of our cabin.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-02sncxwH3IA/U4lTtLcWoBI/AAAAAAAACqc/R3tYaDKMfrI/s1600/37095_4685330524970_415191081_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-02sncxwH3IA/U4lTtLcWoBI/AAAAAAAACqc/R3tYaDKMfrI/s1600/37095_4685330524970_415191081_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYWI-l3S0Jo/U4lTtN4x0jI/AAAAAAAACqY/QNSu7S6BMA0/s1600/574767_4685330724975_2127298953_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYWI-l3S0Jo/U4lTtN4x0jI/AAAAAAAACqY/QNSu7S6BMA0/s1600/574767_4685330724975_2127298953_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
We also saw dolphins and whales periodically, but they didn't come close enough to get a good photo. <br />
<br />
The steady rain finally let up by evening, just in time for a good photo of the departing rain shaft over the ocean in the distance, for all you weather geeks out there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFhpSpcw9xc/U4lUffTV4_I/AAAAAAAACqo/v1mKCCWLV-s/s1600/397723_4685330884979_160926362_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FFhpSpcw9xc/U4lUffTV4_I/AAAAAAAACqo/v1mKCCWLV-s/s1600/397723_4685330884979_160926362_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Manta is a fairly small city on the central coast of Ecaudor, home to about 200,000 residents. This would seem like an odd place for cruise ships to dock, but given the distance from the Panama Canal to the next major city - Lima, Peru - ships doing the canal crossing to South America need a place to stop on the way, and Manta is the best option in the area. Tuna fishing and processing is the main industry in the region, aside from tourism. The nearby village of Montecristi is also well-known for straw weaving, and is where the original "Panama hat" was invented. That's right - Panama hats didn't come from Panama. They came from Ecuador. Manta is also a place to get trinkets made out of the <a href="http://www.taguanutivory.com/what-is-tagua-nut.html">tagua nut</a>, an inedible nut that is instead used for carvings. The city is full of street vendors selling tagua carvings, if that is something that interests you (make sure to negotiate the price before you buy).<br />
<br />
By the time we reached Manta in the morning, the weather had cleared - a harbinger of a beautiful day ahead.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vZxUu_Idh-w/U4lYtHM-LoI/AAAAAAAACq0/MKxf9iSV34E/s1600/386674_4685404686824_668062274_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vZxUu_Idh-w/U4lYtHM-LoI/AAAAAAAACq0/MKxf9iSV34E/s1600/386674_4685404686824_668062274_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6xUV2XPUr8/U4lYtCUWZUI/AAAAAAAACq4/d8Ylqz3nl90/s1600/546415_4685404846828_676383306_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v6xUV2XPUr8/U4lYtCUWZUI/AAAAAAAACq4/d8Ylqz3nl90/s1600/546415_4685404846828_676383306_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
We had a tour arranged with the same Cruise Critic group we hung out with in Cartagena to go see the <a href="http://ecuadorlifefoodtravel.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-cloud-forest-of-pacoche.html">Pacoche Cloud Forest</a>, a rain forest that is home to howler monkeys among other wildlife. Unfortunately, flatulence of the brain got in the way - the group leader left a message on our phone to meet 30 minutes earlier than first scheduled, but I didn't bother to check, so we ended up missing the tour. That was a bummer, because I was really looking forward to seeing the rain forest. I tried to see if we could get on the cruise line-sponsored tour that was also heading out that way, but it was full. So, we just decided to make our own fun in town.<br />
<br />
For something like $5 per person, the cruise line offered tickets for a shuttle bus that would drop you off at a nearby mall, from where you could look around or walk to other parts of the city. That sounded like better than nothing, so off we went. The bus drops you off at the "Centro Commercial", which contains several trinket shops, a small restaurant, and a grocery store. We picked up a 2 liter bottle of water at the supermarket for something like 55 cents - much, much cheaper than what you'd find on the cruise ship. And so that's my piece of advice for the day - when you're cruising, it's almost never a good idea to buy bottled water before getting off the ship. You can almost always find it cheaper in a store in town.<br />
<br />
Anyway, while walking around, we ran into an American expat couple, and they offered a couple of suggestions on what to see while we were in town (it turns out there is a decent sized expat community in Manta). They pointed us to a free history museum, so we headed that way. No photos were allowed inside, but along the way, we saw this statute in front of a church.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-45Tyxv3IiY8/U4oJwlFxw_I/AAAAAAAACrM/97k5XZOE5pg/s1600/551021_4685404806827_1418216850_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-45Tyxv3IiY8/U4oJwlFxw_I/AAAAAAAACrM/97k5XZOE5pg/s1600/551021_4685404806827_1418216850_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
After spending some time at the museum, we headed over to downtown Manta to look around. The city center is rather unremarkable, but there is a pleasant public park around the Plaza Civica, or town square.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2MNP8ulR7g/U4oMIKQh6rI/AAAAAAAACrc/s8XU1JAECog/s1600/379397_4685406526870_766021580_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m2MNP8ulR7g/U4oMIKQh6rI/AAAAAAAACrc/s8XU1JAECog/s1600/379397_4685406526870_766021580_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8Z3FQTMPak/U4oMIGxjP6I/AAAAAAAACrY/CcQO2G6GYK0/s1600/24438_4685405566846_1263732363_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8Z3FQTMPak/U4oMIGxjP6I/AAAAAAAACrY/CcQO2G6GYK0/s1600/24438_4685405566846_1263732363_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There is also a vantage point courtesy of a pedestrian bridge that provided an excellent view of the port, and our cruise ship.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4O3HzL6ow8c/U4oN-NuUibI/AAAAAAAACrs/ZqYLpsQgXxk/s1600/268400_4685406606872_762715754_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4O3HzL6ow8c/U4oN-NuUibI/AAAAAAAACrs/ZqYLpsQgXxk/s1600/268400_4685406606872_762715754_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
By this time, it was barely noon, but thanks to the intense sun angle being literally right over the equator, it was already pretty hot, and having hiked all the way over from the mall (probably a mile and a half away), we were already feeling a little bushed, not to mention hungry. The expat couple had told us to go to the main beach by the ship to find good local food, so we headed back that way. It took about a half hour, and we found our way to <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ecuador/pacific-coast-and-lowlands/manta/sights/beaches-islands-waterfronts/playa-murcielago">Playa Murcielago</a> (Bat Beach, so named because the beach is roughly in the shape of a bat). There are two food courts on the beach the "Playa Murcielago Cafes" on the west side, and the "Malecon Escencio Murcielago" on the east. We headed to the latter, and quickly found <a href="http://www.travbuddy.com/Restaurant-Oh-Mar-v358723">Restaurante Oh Mar</a>. As you would expect, it's a seafood joint. My wife had the local specialty, the ceviche (cold marinated fish or shrimp mixed with vegetables and/or spices), and I had chicken stew. The stew was good, but too big a portion. My wife actually wasn't a huge fan of the ceviche, but I think it was more of ceviche not being her thing as opposed to this version not being good. It was a good meal, if a bit on the pricey side for the area ($25 for the two of us).<br />
<br />
After lunch, we had some free time to explore Playa Murcielago. Manta is famous for its beaches, with the Murcielago being the most popular. I can see why - it is a beautiful beach. As you can see, parasailing is also a popular sport here thanks to the gusty winds that frequent the area.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjZxat2mWUM/U4oUlv8_SBI/AAAAAAAACsE/7hBDARQk7pI/s1600/399992_4685408006907_317180162_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjZxat2mWUM/U4oUlv8_SBI/AAAAAAAACsE/7hBDARQk7pI/s1600/399992_4685408006907_317180162_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_jaDuigkw8/U4oUlsMCT8I/AAAAAAAACr8/kEIsG6Abkdg/s1600/268565_4685407926905_431818287_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_jaDuigkw8/U4oUlsMCT8I/AAAAAAAACr8/kEIsG6Abkdg/s1600/268565_4685407926905_431818287_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AXpWdsEFAEY/U4oUlnsFpeI/AAAAAAAACsA/XB2YzqeonI8/s1600/165810_4685408606922_1465219148_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AXpWdsEFAEY/U4oUlnsFpeI/AAAAAAAACsA/XB2YzqeonI8/s1600/165810_4685408606922_1465219148_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
We decided to head back to the ship at this point. Thanks to the clear skies, we were able to get some spectacular sunset photos as we sailed away for our next destination, Lima.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzuYNtt0sZU/U4oVVUKCLPI/AAAAAAAACso/qPl4oydVaVg/s1600/602786_4685409366941_644583757_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzuYNtt0sZU/U4oVVUKCLPI/AAAAAAAACso/qPl4oydVaVg/s1600/602786_4685409366941_644583757_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kNjyN4FuE7g/U4oVUqJKu2I/AAAAAAAACsU/Ye-O5jOC5q0/s1600/190791_4685409086934_233994086_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kNjyN4FuE7g/U4oVUqJKu2I/AAAAAAAACsU/Ye-O5jOC5q0/s1600/190791_4685409086934_233994086_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEz1hm6tfwg/U4oVUyheD6I/AAAAAAAACsY/mANrElMBkF0/s1600/309397_4685410486969_1379103257_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEz1hm6tfwg/U4oVUyheD6I/AAAAAAAACsY/mANrElMBkF0/s1600/309397_4685410486969_1379103257_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N6napZEJLLw/U4oVVipcLEI/AAAAAAAACsc/v9a5f1-o8I4/s1600/538599_4685410446968_1385658222_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N6napZEJLLw/U4oVVipcLEI/AAAAAAAACsc/v9a5f1-o8I4/s1600/538599_4685410446968_1385658222_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
Honestly, I have to say I was a little underwhelmed by Manta, though my opinion may well have been different if I hadn't stupidly missed our shore excursion to the cloud forest. That being said, the beaches are very nice, and the weather is usually great for a beach day.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Miscellaneous Thing to Know</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>- Currency </b>- U.S. dollar. That's not a misprint; the U.S. dollar is the official currency of Ecuador, so you don't have to worry at all about exchanging money. However, you will still be charged a foreign transaction fee if your credit/debit card charges one, so check that before you go.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
- <b>Climate </b>- Manta is smack dab on the equator, so as you would expect, the climate is warm, but quite dry due to the influence of the cold Humboldt Current offshore. Temperatures are quite steady throughout the year, with highs generally in the mid-80s and lows around 70. Rainfall averages 10 inches per year, with almost all of this falling from January through April. The sun angle is extremely strong, so carry plenty of water and make sure not to accidentally over-exert yourself.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>- Transportation</b> - Manta itself is fairly compact. As mentioned, the cruise lines offer a shuttle service to drop you at the Centro Commercial, from where you can walk most anywhere in half an hour. Taxis are pretty cheap in Manta (approx. $1 for a 3km ride), but as always, confirm the fare before you get in. Buses to the rest of Ecuador are dirt cheap - you can get to Guyaquil for $5 and Quito for $8-10. However, if you're coming in on a cruise ship, you won't have time for either. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You can rent a car from the airport, a couple of miles east of town, but I don't recommend it. Traffic is kind of haphazard.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>- Food</b> - the local specialty is ceviche. However, be cautious who you get your ceviche from, since the main ingredient is fresh, raw seafood. The two food courts on Playa Murcielago are more expensive, but safe for tourists. Don't drink the water, but as mentioned earlier, you can buy a 2 liter bottle at the supermarket at the mall for about 55 cents. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>- Other - </b>also as mentioned earlier, there are many street vendors in town selling tagua nut items, as well as Panama hats brought in from nearby Montecristi. Street vendor prices are negotiable, so never pay full freight. If you do buy a tagua nut carving, make sure to pack it carefully in your bag. I found out the hard way that the carvings are fragile, and will break easily. It also does help if you know some rudimentary Spanish. My wife and I no doubt screwed up several words and tenses, but even that was enough to get the point across.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-28767485585315264942014-05-24T20:31:00.003-07:002014-05-24T20:31:20.984-07:00The Beaches of Bermuda - A Photo Essay<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wqspxP8oHh0/U4Fcl8w4VmI/AAAAAAAACm0/nZOaylGn9eM/s1600/IMG_9114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wqspxP8oHh0/U4Fcl8w4VmI/AAAAAAAACm0/nZOaylGn9eM/s1600/IMG_9114.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Not a beach, but waves crashing rocks in Bermuda</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Greetings tonight from Columbus, Ohio, at essentially the halfway point back home to Dallas. I normally don't like to put posts up immediately about places I've just visited - I like to take the extra time to think about what to write and how exactly to organize things - but I really didn't want to be days late with a post again. Needing something quick to put up, I thought I'd leave all of you with some photos of the great beaches we saw in Bermuda during our short visit there. Not to worry, I will eventually have a series of posts up about my trip, but in the meantime, enjoy - and start working on finding your beach this summer! NOTE: Photos posted in the order we visited them.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Alexandra Battery Beach - St. George's</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A small pink sand beach about a mile east of St. George's town. You can also find a few pieces of sea glass here if you are lucky. (I'll talk about this in a future post, but Bermuda is especially famous for pink sand beaches, a coloration caused by the corals that surround the island.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6q8reltzEdQ/U4FeMY_7W_I/AAAAAAAACnA/s7SD-uRIFAM/s1600/IMG_9091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6q8reltzEdQ/U4FeMY_7W_I/AAAAAAAACnA/s7SD-uRIFAM/s1600/IMG_9091.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUoxtRA95O0/U4FeOoeTnmI/AAAAAAAACnI/ToPZjS03vDM/s1600/IMG_9099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUoxtRA95O0/U4FeOoeTnmI/AAAAAAAACnI/ToPZjS03vDM/s1600/IMG_9099.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
St. Catherine's Beach - St. George's</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A white sand beach adjacent to Ft. St. Catherine, about a mile northeast of St. George's town.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iB_L01hLgNU/U4FfDSfLQiI/AAAAAAAACnQ/D7WPUg7aCvM/s1600/IMG_9138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iB_L01hLgNU/U4FfDSfLQiI/AAAAAAAACnQ/D7WPUg7aCvM/s1600/IMG_9138.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWcT0gd0RfA/U4FfFMiIB9I/AAAAAAAACnY/Qp9vxG-C2J0/s1600/IMG_9139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hWcT0gd0RfA/U4FfFMiIB9I/AAAAAAAACnY/Qp9vxG-C2J0/s1600/IMG_9139.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Tobacco Bay Beach - St. George's</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A popular pink sand beach about a mile north of St. George's Town, and 1/2 a mile north of Ft. St. Catherine. There is also a fairly decent sized lagoon adjacent to the beach.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SljGwMeTRfw/U4Ff9aqlTKI/AAAAAAAACng/C3IEUPW4Jvk/s1600/IMG_9176.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SljGwMeTRfw/U4Ff9aqlTKI/AAAAAAAACng/C3IEUPW4Jvk/s1600/IMG_9176.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kw3q6nGGTZ0/U4FgAE_i5hI/AAAAAAAACno/ApfuGegIIyQ/s1600/IMG_9179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kw3q6nGGTZ0/U4FgAE_i5hI/AAAAAAAACno/ApfuGegIIyQ/s1600/IMG_9179.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Horseshoe Bay Beach - Southampton Parish</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Arguably Bermuda's most famous beach, and one that tops pretty much every "must see" list on all things Bermuda. Located about halfway between Hamilton and the Royal Naval Dockyard (where the cruise ships dock).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jnTHwtx2Ic/U4Fg-MLt0GI/AAAAAAAACn0/aqUVBosVea8/s1600/IMG_9345.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jnTHwtx2Ic/U4Fg-MLt0GI/AAAAAAAACn0/aqUVBosVea8/s1600/IMG_9345.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CAQIC01nCIs/U4Fg-8f-XbI/AAAAAAAACn8/MA7M6lUpnIA/s1600/IMG_9360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CAQIC01nCIs/U4Fg-8f-XbI/AAAAAAAACn8/MA7M6lUpnIA/s1600/IMG_9360.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Chaplin Bay Beach - Southampton Parish</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Another pink sand beach about 1/2-3/4 mile east of its more famous cousin, Horsehoe Bay.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pxjGueh7kYU/U4FiAShZL8I/AAAAAAAACoA/V52pYiKar_k/s1600/IMG_9422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pxjGueh7kYU/U4FiAShZL8I/AAAAAAAACoA/V52pYiKar_k/s1600/IMG_9422.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pc7vThMgxVQ/U4FiBqN1UZI/AAAAAAAACoI/mPVsFwlf9Jw/s1600/IMG_9423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pc7vThMgxVQ/U4FiBqN1UZI/AAAAAAAACoI/mPVsFwlf9Jw/s1600/IMG_9423.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Jobson's Cove - Warwick Parish</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A small but beautiful pink sand beach/lagoon about a little further east of Chaplin Bay beach.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7zk9Fi4CV3M/U4FiuQmP6qI/AAAAAAAACoQ/Cw1dBUvTxZA/s1600/IMG_9426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7zk9Fi4CV3M/U4FiuQmP6qI/AAAAAAAACoQ/Cw1dBUvTxZA/s1600/IMG_9426.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-37mO_xRTUuo/U4FiwBvFuhI/AAAAAAAACoY/VmlOLgZjQas/s1600/IMG_9428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-37mO_xRTUuo/U4FiwBvFuhI/AAAAAAAACoY/VmlOLgZjQas/s1600/IMG_9428.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And last but not least...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Warwick Long Bay Beach - Warwick Parish</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Much less famous (and crowded) than Horseshoe Bay, but the beach is actually a little longer, and just as beautiful. About a 45-60 minute walk (I'd guess 1 1/2-2 miles) east of Horseshoe Bay, via Chaplin Bay, Jobson's Cove, and a series of other small beaches and coves along the way.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1gqh9-CuJg/U4FjhkJ-kTI/AAAAAAAACok/hdfdAAfszxc/s1600/IMG_9432.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q1gqh9-CuJg/U4FjhkJ-kTI/AAAAAAAACok/hdfdAAfszxc/s1600/IMG_9432.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ieid1SXQjow/U4FjilXMXpI/AAAAAAAACos/ZaTB4QKdwL4/s1600/IMG_9445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ieid1SXQjow/U4FjilXMXpI/AAAAAAAACos/ZaTB4QKdwL4/s1600/IMG_9445.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Stay tuned for a detailed trip report, including all of these beaches, over the coming weeks!</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-88391768477949095372014-05-20T12:26:00.000-07:002014-05-20T12:26:08.369-07:00This Summer's Most Valuable Vacation Advice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oOaT5oNGhic/U3ug7ZbjFOI/AAAAAAAACmk/-O3FSQPncz4/s1600/IMG_8612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oOaT5oNGhic/U3ug7ZbjFOI/AAAAAAAACmk/-O3FSQPncz4/s1600/IMG_8612.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Downtown Boston from a cruise ship balcony</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Greetings from sunny Bermuda. First off, apologies to regular readers of this blog for the late posting. I had fully intended to schedule this post to publish before leaving on vacation, but well, let's just say that things have an amazing way of getting in the way when you're getting ready to get away. Anyway, with Memorial Day, and thus, the traditional beginning of American summer vacation season soon to be upon us, I thought this would be an appropriate time to relay some travel advice for those planning a summer getaway. While the title of this post may be a bit over-hyped, I do hope it proves to be useful for some of you. To that end, I offer two simple yet effective pieces of advice...<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
1. Be Prepared, and</h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
2. Be Flexible</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sounds like advice from Captain Obvious, but during all the time I've spent traveling, I've been amazed by the number of people I've run across that simply haven't done any preparation for an expensive vacation - or are naive enough to demand that things work exactly the same in a developing foreign country as they would here at home. Or that allow a little hiccup to completely ruin their day and/or their vacation, while letting the "Ugly American" label show through (more on that in a few minutes).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So what exactly do I mean by being prepared and flexible? I'll let a personal example from our drive up to Boston to catch our cruise ship tell the story. The weather was awful while driving through West Virginia (something I had expected given the forecast from the day before), and a signboard indicated a total closure of I-79 a little south of Morgantown up ahead. Knowing this could mean big trouble, I took the next exit, fiddled around with Google Maps to find an alternate route, and managed to find a way around. The whole thing delayed us by 20 minutes, but I'm pretty sure the 5-mile backup we would have been stuck in otherwise would have been a lot longer than that. Fortunately, I managed to pick up good cell service where we were, but if the phone didn't work, I also had a paper map in the car and would have been able to plot out a longer but still effective alternate. Or we could have also used that opportunity to just wait out the delay by stopping for lunch or visiting a museum or other tourist site in the area. Either way, it wouldn't have ruined our day - and since we had given ourselves plenty of extra time to get to Boston, it wouldn't have meant issues catching our cruise, either. Bottom line when road tripping - plan your route, be alert for problems up ahead (ideally, have a passenger check traffic conditions on a smartphone periodically), and take a few minutes to decide how to react. And give yourself plenty of extra time, especially if you are driving to catch a special event like a graduation or a cruise.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Similarly, if you are flying somewhere, I almost never recommend trying to arrive the same day as something really important that you can't afford to miss, such as a cruise, graduation, important seminar, etc. In other words, fly in the day before and suck up the extra night of hotel costs (especially if you're taking a cruise - if you're already dropping thousands of dollars on a cruise, surely an extra $250 for a hotel room and a meal or two isn't going to bust the budget any more than it already is). Even if your flight gets canceled, you still have the fallback option of flying out the next morning to get to your event in time. I would strongly suggest, though, to keep a close eye on the weather the few days before your scheduled departure. If it looks like a major weather maker is going to be a problem - and believe me, widespread thunderstorms, which occur at times during the summer, can quickly cripple airports like Atlanta, Chicago, or Dallas - start thinking about contingencies. You may be better off trying to rearrange flights before the storm hits, and before hotel cancellation penalties start kicking in. Airlines often waive change fees if severe weather is expected, as they'd much rather have you fly before or after than deal with reaccommodating you if your flight is canceled. Even if you have to eat a change fee or a night's hotel room, it may still be worth it compared to possibly having to wait 2-3 days to catch a replacement flight, which isn't out of the ordinary during a bad storm. And please - don't yell at the counter or phone agent. They really can't do anything about the weather, or the fact that your flight was canceled. And if you're polite, they just might be inclined to help you out a little by getting you seats together, finding a way to get you on that flight where you'd be #63 on the stand-by list, etc.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And one final piece of advice - when you're in a foreign country, don't expect things to proceed at the same pace as they do here at home. You just end up looking like a jackwagon. Case in point - we're riding the bus here in Bermuda, and at a stop, some guy starts yelling at the bus driver because she tells him he can't take a baby stroller on board unless it can fit in the storage area behind the driver's seat. He continues to make a scene by condescendingly demonstrating how he'll make it fit to the driver while continuing to fume about how he didn't have to do this on the ride over. The guy's wife mutters that everyone shaking their heads obviously doesn't have kids. No, ma'am - everybody is shaking their heads because your husband is a jackwagon that epitomizes the term "Ugly American". I've run across plenty of others that complain about slow restaurant service, or the fact that the bus is 5 minutes late, or that the floor in the hotel is a little dirty, etc. Please don't be an Ugly American. Relax. You're in [insert amazing destination here]. Go with the flow. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And with that - happy vacationing! Stay tuned to this blog for a full series of reports over the summer detailing both our road trip to Boston and back, and our cruise to Bermuda. You'll be glad you did!</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-56555551717094525022014-05-10T09:11:00.000-07:002014-05-10T09:23:30.901-07:00Transiting the Panama Canal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CyET7nSBuCY/U22RigWllFI/AAAAAAAACf4/uioFWxudiWI/s1600/1568_4685231322490_1743863782_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CyET7nSBuCY/U22RigWllFI/AAAAAAAACf4/uioFWxudiWI/s1600/1568_4685231322490_1743863782_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cruising through Gatun Lake on a sunny day</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is part 3 of my series on our cruise to South America in December, 2012. Today was the thing I was looking forward to second most on this cruise - making the shortest transcontinental journey in the world on our cruise ship via the Panama Canal! This was actually my second visit to the canal. The first was in December, 2005, but the ship we were on didn't actually go through the canal. It just went through the first set of locks on the Caribbean side (the Gatun Locks) and turned around, and then we took a small boat through the rest of the canal. <br />
<br />
For a general overview of the cruise and the trip report index, click <a href="http://meanmeosh.blogspot.com/2014/04/cartagena-colombia.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b>Date of Visit: Wednesday, December 12, 2012</b> (yes, 12/12/12)<br />
<br />
I won't spend a lot of time on the history of the canal itself (you can follow the link in the next paragraph for more details), but suffice to say, it is one of the world's greatest engineering marvels, and upon its completion in 1914, revolutionized world trade by eliminating the need for ships to go around Cape Horn to get from the Atlantic to the Pacific. <br />
<br />
When traveling from east (Caribbean Sea) to west (Pacific Ocean) through the canal, you begin at the Gatun Locks, just outside of Colon, Panama. Why the need for the locks? The canal traverses the mountains of the continental divide, which means an increase in elevation of 85 feet through the middle of the canal. Big oceangoing ships can't negotiate the elevation by themselves, so the series of locks raises ships to the canal's maximum elevation, and then lowers them back to sea level at the Pacific side, first through the Pedro Miguel locks, then the Miraflores locks. <a href="http://www.acp.gob.pa/eng/">This site</a> maintained by the Panamanian government has general information and illustrations on transiting the canal and the operation of the locks, along with the canal's history and special events commemorating the 100th anniversary of the canal's opening this year, for those who are interested.<br />
<br />
Anyway, one big advantage we had was that our room had a balcony, so there was no need to wake up at the butt crack of dawn to jockey for position on one of the public decks (my advice - always go for the balcony if you can swing the extra cost. We woke up to this view of the jungle from our balcony, just as we were preparing to enter the Gatun locks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PeygHOEKXJ0/U22fT4DWn0I/AAAAAAAACgI/Er9LNabtwEQ/s1600/541850_4685229042433_2486304_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PeygHOEKXJ0/U22fT4DWn0I/AAAAAAAACgI/Er9LNabtwEQ/s1600/541850_4685229042433_2486304_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
As ships transit towards the lock gates, they actually aren't under their own power. Instead, a series of locomotives pull the ship forward to the gate, where the ship waits until the lock is either filled with (when rising in elevation) or drained of (when dropping in elevation) water. This photo shows a typical example of the locomotives used in the process.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hPtAK7bsEJ4/U22gCpwRUdI/AAAAAAAACgQ/StEzQ_-VRcs/s1600/386714_4685229242438_343449135_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hPtAK7bsEJ4/U22gCpwRUdI/AAAAAAAACgQ/StEzQ_-VRcs/s1600/386714_4685229242438_343449135_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
I wanted to view the canal crossing from a variety of vantage points, and I first headed to the aft (back) of the ship. It must have been my lucky day, because I actually found an open spot to view the opening and closing of the first lock (the Gatun Locks are actually three separate locks, thus rising or lowering ships in three stages). I took this short, 1 1/2-minute video of the lock gates closing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-EX0Tk-QzU&feature=youtu.be">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-EX0Tk-QzU&feature=youtu.be</a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
While waiting at the second lock, I got a view looking back towards the Caribbean sea. Here, you can clearly see the elevation change on both sides of the first lock.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--DHphgG5cDg/U22jqoMT8LI/AAAAAAAACg0/Y5LrnMjYI8s/s1600/734833_4685229802452_1202862054_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--DHphgG5cDg/U22jqoMT8LI/AAAAAAAACg0/Y5LrnMjYI8s/s1600/734833_4685229802452_1202862054_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
I then darted over to the forward end, and amazingly, again found an empty spot to shoot photos. This is looking at the third and final lock, with Gatun Lake in the distance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0tP3jZNpkbQ/U22kJbsaLWI/AAAAAAAACg8/24V2bhr4YG0/s1600/735090_4685229882454_1378526199_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0tP3jZNpkbQ/U22kJbsaLWI/AAAAAAAACg8/24V2bhr4YG0/s1600/735090_4685229882454_1378526199_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://www.viator.com/Panama-City-attractions/Gatun-Lake/d950-a4311">Gatun Lake</a> was, when it was filled in 1913, the largest man-made lake in the world. Today, it remains arguably the most important part of the Panama Canal system; it is the lake which provides the water which runs the lock systems. Water is drawn from the lake to fill the last of the Gatun Locks and the Pedro Miguel Locks, and is returned the lake when water is drained from these locks. Without the lake, the canal would be unable to function. Fortunately, since the Panamanian jungle receives copious amounts of rainfall, maintaining lake levels usually isn't a problem.<br />
<br />
The lake is a scenic waterway, with beautiful views of the surrounding jungle and mountains everywhere. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ4bQ3E-Vtw/U22luby_5DI/AAAAAAAAChI/8t-0z7fJlJg/s1600/724_4685231802502_1076553596_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ4bQ3E-Vtw/U22luby_5DI/AAAAAAAAChI/8t-0z7fJlJg/s1600/724_4685231802502_1076553596_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asrMw1sKSlA/U22lueU8pDI/AAAAAAAAChM/uQCIDYM5Nzo/s1600/301860_4685231842503_2057939078_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asrMw1sKSlA/U22lueU8pDI/AAAAAAAAChM/uQCIDYM5Nzo/s1600/301860_4685231842503_2057939078_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
This bridge over the Rio Chagres carries the train that we rode on the previous day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RyS27ELdKkQ/U22mI27ErKI/AAAAAAAAChY/SC53MaxDKf0/s1600/301860_4685232362516_1632098362_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RyS27ELdKkQ/U22mI27ErKI/AAAAAAAAChY/SC53MaxDKf0/s1600/301860_4685232362516_1632098362_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
The Rio Chagres marks the entrance to the <a href="http://www.czbrats.com/Builders/Bennett/culebra1.htm">Culebra (Gaillard) Cut</a>, where the canal passes through the difficult terrain of the continental divide. The cut was considered the most difficult and dangerous section of canal to construct due to the terrain, made even more difficult by the relatively primitive construction technology available in 1915. These photos were taken during our last trip in 2005, but demonstrate the narrow, steep section of the cut. The bridge is the Centennial Bridge, a relatively new bridge that carries the bypass of the Pan-American Highway around Panama City.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WndBy-kofz8/U25DqpVMIEI/AAAAAAAACjY/R22S0FUiAeE/s1600/DSCN0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WndBy-kofz8/U25DqpVMIEI/AAAAAAAACjY/R22S0FUiAeE/s1600/DSCN0141.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lzdbKKmPfas/U25DrfzDCbI/AAAAAAAACjc/bMeH1TizZ10/s1600/DSCN0146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lzdbKKmPfas/U25DrfzDCbI/AAAAAAAACjc/bMeH1TizZ10/s1600/DSCN0146.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nAswh6cW_mQ/U25DrTTrqfI/AAAAAAAACjg/pFJIxrIJCVY/s1600/DSCN0154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nAswh6cW_mQ/U25DrTTrqfI/AAAAAAAACjg/pFJIxrIJCVY/s1600/DSCN0154.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5S93MXKzjs/U25Dr59hbeI/AAAAAAAACjs/CzQRNktTvf4/s1600/DSCN0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5S93MXKzjs/U25Dr59hbeI/AAAAAAAACjs/CzQRNktTvf4/s1600/DSCN0156.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Shortly thereafter, we approached the Pedro Miguel Locks, a single-level lock that begins the process of lowering ships back to sea level. Here, you can see a construction area where the new, wider lock system is being built.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--SLhcmBD0h4/U22nPa11fTI/AAAAAAAACh4/KI3HbP_OhyI/s1600/23754_4685235002582_1228821291_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--SLhcmBD0h4/U22nPa11fTI/AAAAAAAACh4/KI3HbP_OhyI/s1600/23754_4685235002582_1228821291_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The amateur meteorologist in me couldn't resist taking a couple of photos of tropical thunderstorms. This one in particular was pretty cool; if you look closely in the center of the photo, you can see the Bridge of the Americas in the far distance through the downpour.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGgRXMdGi3g/U22nxrkgKDI/AAAAAAAACiA/OlL0_meR1BE/s1600/531444_4685234962581_401251560_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGgRXMdGi3g/U22nxrkgKDI/AAAAAAAACiA/OlL0_meR1BE/s1600/531444_4685234962581_401251560_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Now on the other side of Pedro Miguel, there are clear views of the jungle to the south. We didn't see any wildlife of significance on this trip, but on our first visit in 2005, we saw a crocodile in this general area, as shown in the second photo.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jms50vdsN44/U22oeoFdKhI/AAAAAAAACiM/mj59M2q89uY/s1600/301792_4685236282614_10910485_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jms50vdsN44/U22oeoFdKhI/AAAAAAAACiM/mj59M2q89uY/s1600/301792_4685236282614_10910485_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yLVkzLfqtC8/U22ootCXY9I/AAAAAAAACiU/d8gGmkgAJvc/s1600/DSCN0206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yLVkzLfqtC8/U22ootCXY9I/AAAAAAAACiU/d8gGmkgAJvc/s1600/DSCN0206.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
This is looking back at the Pedro Miguel Locks, with one ship waiting to enter and another leaving. You can also see here the lowered water level within the lock, which "dropped" our ship to the lower elevation on the other side. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94Eqe8o5jKE/U22phUIKlmI/AAAAAAAACic/sTyzY5fH4Mo/s1600/564503_4685236522620_1386147251_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-94Eqe8o5jKE/U22phUIKlmI/AAAAAAAACic/sTyzY5fH4Mo/s1600/564503_4685236522620_1386147251_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Finally, we approached the final set of locks, the two-level Miraflores Locks on the outskirts of Panama City. At Miraflores, ships are lowered back down to sea level. This was taken from the forward end of the ship.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2RaxjktbjxE/U246q5txQcI/AAAAAAAACis/6EDyLcGRe_s/s1600/906_4685243282789_500755733_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2RaxjktbjxE/U246q5txQcI/AAAAAAAACis/6EDyLcGRe_s/s1600/906_4685243282789_500755733_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Being situated close to Panama City, the Miraflores Locks are something of a tourist attraction for people to come and watch ships being raised and lowered through the facility. An observation deck has been built for that purpose, and was packed with people.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yoMKNX4sHYw/U247F_VuX0I/AAAAAAAACi0/4zZNbChHr6c/s1600/184578_4685244242813_1501841018_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yoMKNX4sHYw/U247F_VuX0I/AAAAAAAACi0/4zZNbChHr6c/s1600/184578_4685244242813_1501841018_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Both of these photos are from the aft of the ship, looking back towards Pedro Miguel. In this one, we are sitting in the second lock, just after being lowered in. You can see the water level being raised again in the first lock to allow the ship behind us to enter.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHM-EjjhYDM/U248qWgw5HI/AAAAAAAACjA/0ULTT5Pq3aQ/s1600/394913_4685245882854_2126043281_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wHM-EjjhYDM/U248qWgw5HI/AAAAAAAACjA/0ULTT5Pq3aQ/s1600/394913_4685245882854_2126043281_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
And now, the ship is clear of both locks, and is steaming towards the open Pacific Ocean at last.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-15B14U5bmfk/U249WU6aRPI/AAAAAAAACjI/ayeXQlHEFUM/s1600/46401_4685247602897_386357660_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-15B14U5bmfk/U249WU6aRPI/AAAAAAAACjI/ayeXQlHEFUM/s1600/46401_4685247602897_386357660_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Though the distance from Gatun to Miraflores is only a little more than 40 miles, the entire transit took a little more than 8 hours. We entered to Gatun Locks a little after 8:00, and departed Miraflores a little after 4:00. The reason? Too much traffic. In fact, it isn't unusual for cargo ships to take 20-30 hours for the entire crossing. The widening project should help to some degree.<br />
<br />
After passing Miraflores, the Panama City skyline can be seen to the south, and the <a href="http://www.worldheadquarters.com/panama/destinations/bridge_americas/">Bridge of the Americas</a> appears forward of the ship. The bridge was opened in 1962 to connect the two sides of Panama that had been cut-off by the canal, and originally carried the Pan-American highway until the Centennial Bridge bypass was built.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o2G5pg-gO7g/U25IpewBzGI/AAAAAAAACkA/j7gLN9OuC8g/s1600/397648_4685249962956_170909127_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o2G5pg-gO7g/U25IpewBzGI/AAAAAAAACkA/j7gLN9OuC8g/s1600/397648_4685249962956_170909127_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SQh7Rlg6Zyo/U25IpfQITDI/AAAAAAAACkM/WwDbu6LDpiM/s1600/63771_4685252963031_704738324_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SQh7Rlg6Zyo/U25IpfQITDI/AAAAAAAACkM/WwDbu6LDpiM/s1600/63771_4685252963031_704738324_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The strange looking building here is the <a href="http://www.biomuseopanama.org/en">Biomuseo</a>, designed by architect Frank Gehry. The museum, still under construction but scheduled to open soon, will contain exhibits about natural history of the Isthmus of Panama and the biodiversity of the area.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hby4RINdowA/U25LE57_CDI/AAAAAAAACkU/0VMOnLBkF0w/s1600/536065_4685254763076_43570974_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hby4RINdowA/U25LE57_CDI/AAAAAAAACkU/0VMOnLBkF0w/s1600/536065_4685254763076_43570974_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
The condo project here was apparently partially funded by The Donald himself (Donald Trump). From what I gathered, the project failed during the 2008 recession, but the buildings still stand.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gzi2JcOYoHc/U25Lg-GYcpI/AAAAAAAACkc/TUeCxRNvKO4/s1600/735176_4685256603122_1545099913_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gzi2JcOYoHc/U25Lg-GYcpI/AAAAAAAACkc/TUeCxRNvKO4/s1600/735176_4685256603122_1545099913_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
And finally, as we made the final turn to head to the open Pacific, we saw a glimpse of the marina and shopping mall we visited the day before, with the vast Panama City skyline stretching behind in the fading light of a truly awesome day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xi2NeXcNjo/U25LzKzkeeI/AAAAAAAACkk/Ygre1tKER_M/s1600/321161_4685257043133_1693523740_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xi2NeXcNjo/U25LzKzkeeI/AAAAAAAACkk/Ygre1tKER_M/s1600/321161_4685257043133_1693523740_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
If you would like to see the canal, but cruising isn't your thing, there are a multitude of day tours available from both Colon and Panama City to tour all or part of the canal by smaller vessel, along with shorter tours of the Miraflores Locks and Gatun Lake for ship-watching. Cruise line tours generally ran $100-150 a person back in 2012. You can probably find something a little cheaper from a local tour company. <a href="http://meanmeosh.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-panama-canal-railway-and-panama-city.html">See my previous piece on Panama</a> if you'd like more information on the country itself.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-76035727675729679792014-05-03T10:05:00.002-07:002014-05-03T10:05:39.650-07:00Stuffed in St. Louis - Restaurant Reviews<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Whenever we travel somewhere, I always try to identify at least one well-regarded local restaurant ahead of time to sample the local cuisine. During our short weekend trip to St. Louis, my wife and I each chose one place - I picked a BBQ joint to experience some of that famous St. Louis barbeque, and my wife picked an Italian place to experience the distinctive cuisine of The Hill, St. Louis' version of Little Italy. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>First, a reminder of my patented rating system:<br />
<br />
5 - I Would Walk 500 Miles (And I Would Walk 500 More) to visit this place<br />
4 - Worth a visit when in town<br />
3 - Meh; I won't object if a friend suggests it, but I wouldn't recommend it on my own<br />
2 - Only if nothing else is open<br />
1 - Run, Sriram, Run!<br />
<br />
First up...barbeque!<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Pappy's Smokehouse</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3106 Olive Street</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
St. Louis, MO 63103</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Mon-Sat 11 A.M.-7 P.M.; Sunday 11 A.M.-4 P.M. (or until the meat runs out)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.pappyssmokehouse.com/">http://www.pappyssmokehouse.com/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Price - $10-20 per person without alcohol</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Directions: From I-64, exit at Grand Blvd. (37A eastbound, 38A westbound) and go north on Grand. Turn right at Lindell Blvd. Lindell will turn into Olive. Pappy's will be on your right immediately past Compton. Parking is behind the restaurant. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I used to have a client in St. Louis, and I was first introduced to Pappy's by a colleague from the St. Louis office during one of my visits to the city. Pappy's looks pretty unassuming from the outside. And yes, that is their meat smoker.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7udqTVcITIs/U2RLKl_8iMI/AAAAAAAACbU/qSN5n9aQDd0/s1600/IMG_1304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7udqTVcITIs/U2RLKl_8iMI/AAAAAAAACbU/qSN5n9aQDd0/s1600/IMG_1304.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Despite the unassuming experience, the wait for a table can be very, very long. We got there a little before 2:30 on a Saturday afternoon, and we still had to wait almost 40 minutes. Pappy's has crowd control down to a science, though. The lines are controlled so that you don't order your food until a table is available to seat your party, which a server will quickly direct you to. This gives you an idea of the line and the crowds inside.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-69KJr6E-4ZY/U2ROQAFvYHI/AAAAAAAACbg/sMzIWwMCmyc/s1600/IMG_1297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-69KJr6E-4ZY/U2ROQAFvYHI/AAAAAAAACbg/sMzIWwMCmyc/s1600/IMG_1297.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BHy5xId2M0/U2ROQZzNHxI/AAAAAAAACbs/IiGVY3qgmFg/s1600/IMG_1302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0BHy5xId2M0/U2ROQZzNHxI/AAAAAAAACbs/IiGVY3qgmFg/s1600/IMG_1302.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There are also a couple of interesting artifacts on the wall, including a stuffed hog's head, and a warning to any Chicago Blackhawks fans that think about dropping in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03OqQar-o2U/U2ROpKAU8hI/AAAAAAAACbw/vPotpFLTKRI/s1600/IMG_1298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-03OqQar-o2U/U2ROpKAU8hI/AAAAAAAACbw/vPotpFLTKRI/s1600/IMG_1298.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfMwXQQvGc8/U2ROppSVjRI/AAAAAAAACb0/20NhYQdVd0w/s1600/IMG_1299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfMwXQQvGc8/U2ROppSVjRI/AAAAAAAACb0/20NhYQdVd0w/s1600/IMG_1299.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
So what's Pappy's famous for? Ribs, the dry-rubbed variety. This was actually my third time at Pappy's, and I've had the ribs on previous visits. They definitely live up to the hype. Today, though, my wife and I would try something different - a frito pie, with pulled pork in mine and turkey in hers. I also took a bottle of locally made Fitz's cream soda. Why the frito pie instead of ribs? It was already late, and we planned to eat heavy pasta for dinner, and I thought the frito pie was a relatively small portion (plus, being an East Texas native, I've had a thing for frito pies since my days going to high school football games). My recollection was, um, a little off...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJmPz_-PrbM/U2RPshXTw7I/AAAAAAAACcI/xT-s0hMart8/s1600/IMG_1303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lJmPz_-PrbM/U2RPshXTw7I/AAAAAAAACcI/xT-s0hMart8/s1600/IMG_1303.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
This is a very large pie. And very delicious, at least in my opinion. The pulled pork was tender, nicely smoked, and rendered with just enough fat to make it really tasty. The thing I like the most about this dish, though, are the sweet BBQ beans. I love sweet beans, and I think they make a perfect foil for the pork and crunchy fritos. My wife, however, begged to disagree. She found the beans too sweet, and thought that they made the dish way too rich. So beware, mixed reviews.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Can't really say much about the service. You order at a window, a server finds you a table, and then they bring you the food. Basic, but it works. Prices are also quite reasonable. <b>BEWARE</b>: as the hours above suggest, Pappy's is only open until the meat sells out. On a weekday, the pickins' start getting slim about 6:00, so if you want to eat here, I suggest going for lunch. Speaking of which, Saturday was a beating due to the lines, though on weekdays, the crowds usually start thinning out about 1:30. Try a late lunch on a weekday, or better yet, get your order to go and have a picnic in Forest Park, just a couple of miles down the road. No waiting in line if you do take-out.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Rating: </b>4 stars. I would consider giving it 5, especially based on my previous visit where the ribs were to die for, but I'll knock it down a notch in deference to my wife's poor review (which I kind of felt bad about, since I directed her to the frito pie...)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
After a few more hours of touring, we decided to get our Italian fix at...</div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Zia's on The Hill</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5256 Wilson Avenue</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
St. Louis, MO 63110</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Mon-Sat 11 A.M.-till (usually between 10 and 11 depending on crowds)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.zias.com/">http://www.zias.com/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Price - $30-40 per person (2 appetizers, 2 dinner salads, 2 pastas, 1 dessert, no alcohol)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Directions: From I-44 or I-64, exit Kingshighway Blvd. and go south. Immediately past I-44, turn right on Shaw Avenue. Turn left at Edwards Street. Zia's is on the southeast corner of Edwards and Wilson (on the left if heading southbound on Edwards). Parking is on the street wherever you can find a spot. I found more spots available by going west on Wilson Avenue, for what it's worth.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Hill, St. Louis' version of Little Italy, has many, many Italian restaurants, including legendary spots like <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dominicsrestaurant.com%2F&source=maps&ei=aV5kU5aCNsqa8AGutYD4Ag&cd=1&usg=AFQjCNFkWXeFVOs2Yc8qMwVfHvz0j1JZZA&sig2=_ahE_-65j702V-h1iw6-3g&ved=0CBEQ8xooCjAA">Dominic's</a> and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.giovannisonthehill.com%2F&source=maps&ei=ZF5kU9nDO6qh8QGMrYCQBw&cd=1&usg=AFQjCNH1zuBWugB6sPpTzrMQDJZ63XsewQ&sig2=BscOpMDo9b8BkdmtPCPmDg&ved=0CBEQ8xooCjAA">Giovanni's on The Hill</a>. We briefly toyed with trying one of those, but considering that we were planning on being out the entire day and wouldn't have time to change (not to mention we'd probably be tired), we decided to go somewhere a little more low-key. Zia's was our choice based on reviews, and a couple of items on the menu that my wife really wanted.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As with many restaurants in The Hill, Zia's is in a converted row house.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GElD3nSHhAU/U2RgAGUZhcI/AAAAAAAACcc/SqkzE3L4lfw/s1600/IMG_1311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GElD3nSHhAU/U2RgAGUZhcI/AAAAAAAACcc/SqkzE3L4lfw/s1600/IMG_1311.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The place was hopping even at almost 9 P.M., though we were seated promptly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9t0hyFHgjA/U2Rg4Ocak4I/AAAAAAAACck/Nn-bwd_5qSk/s1600/IMG_1308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9t0hyFHgjA/U2Rg4Ocak4I/AAAAAAAACck/Nn-bwd_5qSk/s1600/IMG_1308.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For appetizers, my wife ordered the seafood stuffed mushrooms, and I ordered the toasted ravioli, which is supposed to be a staple of Italian restaurants in St. Louis.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lHHVGVOUBTM/U2RhVdoFRrI/AAAAAAAACcw/_lPNvTCir4s/s1600/IMG_1307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lHHVGVOUBTM/U2RhVdoFRrI/AAAAAAAACcw/_lPNvTCir4s/s1600/IMG_1307.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DqZt9TmaPo/U2RhU3t9ADI/AAAAAAAACcs/8lTsqYW3w08/s1600/IMG_1309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3DqZt9TmaPo/U2RhU3t9ADI/AAAAAAAACcs/8lTsqYW3w08/s1600/IMG_1309.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There was nothing wrong with the toasted ravioli, but I realized that they're just not my thing. The beef filling was fine, and I was a big fan of the marinara sauce served on the side (slightly sweet, with a good hint of basil and a solid fresh tomato flavor), but I don't know, the crusty, kind of hard texture just didn't work for me. I guess ravioli just isn't meant to be toasted. I don't care for seafood stuffed mushrooms, but my wife disliked them so much that she wolfed down all 6 of them in 10 minutes flat.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We also ordered dinner salads, which were alright, though not great. I liked the sweet Italian house dressing and the generous helping of shredded cheese, though all you get is a bowl of lettuce. That's one of my pet peeves these days - how hard is it to put a couple of pieces of tomato and some shredded carrots in a salad anyway? The diced red peppers were a nice touch, though.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then, it was on to the main course. My wife had the tutto mare (linguine with assorted seafood in garlic cream sauce), and I had the pasta special, which was meat tortellini in a roasted red pepper cream sauce.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mn0Mk39JJ0E/U2RjTac_iVI/AAAAAAAACdA/SYuq4dWpCXg/s1600/IMG_1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mn0Mk39JJ0E/U2RjTac_iVI/AAAAAAAACdA/SYuq4dWpCXg/s1600/IMG_1310.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I liked this dish. The tortellini were perfectly cooked with a tasty yet not-too-heavy meat filling. The sauce clearly had a good dose of heavy cream, and I liked the flavor infused by the roasted red peppers, though the overall flavor was perhaps just a tad too sweet. The bigger problem was, after stuffing myself on frito pie for lunch, and eating an appetizer and salad, this was just too much food. Too bad we were just visiting, or a doggie bag would have been in order.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was really hoping to escape without dessert, but my wife insisted, and we ordered a chocolate cake with sea salt and caramel to share. I forgot to take a picture, but it was definitely a "right-sized" piece of cake - something two people can easily finish, even after a heavy meal. That was appreciated. Especially since I was completely stuffed already. The cake was delicious, by the way. The combination of sea salt and caramel gave the cake a salty-sweet combination that was lovely.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Some reviews I read online indicated that service here can be hit-or-miss, but it was excellent on our visit. Our waiter took our orders promptly, thoroughly explained the night's dinner specials, and walked by frequently to top-up sodas and water. We were in and out in just about one hour on the dot, not bad at all for a full-service restaurant where the food is cooked fresh. Our total bill came to $75 - which seems like a lot on the surface, but this was a LOT of food. If we were at home and boxed things up, we'd each have 1, possibly 2 meals to reheat.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Rating: </b>4 1/2 stars. This was some good stuff, and if you're visiting St. Louis, you don't even have to go that far out of your way.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-19013992836199546172014-05-03T10:03:00.000-07:002014-05-03T10:03:17.122-07:00Hilton St. Louis Frontenac - Hotel Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x07v_IM2o28/U2UE61urUwI/AAAAAAAACdQ/BcPpSMsGe84/s1600/IMG_8260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x07v_IM2o28/U2UE61urUwI/AAAAAAAACdQ/BcPpSMsGe84/s1600/IMG_8260.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Route 66 shield on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For our recent trip to St. Louis, we went back and forth on location. Do we choose a hotel downtown that's walking distance to the Arch, museums, and mass transit, or someplace a little bit outside of town where we won't have to pay extra for parking? When visiting a large city, I usually greatly prefer to stay someplace centrally located to what we want to see with good access to rail so I don't have to mess with driving. But in this case, while sketching out our itinerary, we wanted to hit a couple of things well outside of the city, which meant we'd have no choice but to have a car. That made the decision easy, since downtown hotels would mean an extra $20 a day for parking at least. We ended up settling on the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac, as they had a special for an executive level room at essentially the same price as a regular room for AAA members.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Hilton St. Louis Frontenac</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1335 S. Lindbergh Blvd.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
St. Louis, MO 63131</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/missouri/hilton-st-louis-frontenac-STLFHHF/index.html">http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/missouri/hilton-st-louis-frontenac-STLFHHF/index.html</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Facilities: Free wi-fi, completely non-smoking, free local area shuttle, business center and meeting rooms, free parking</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Location</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Just south of I-64, Exit 28 (US 67/Lindbergh Blvd.), 12 miles west of downtown (20 minutes without traffic). Or go to the Brentwood Metrolink station (I-64 and Hanley Road, 5 miles east), and take the Blue Line downtown, approximately 25 minutes. Approximately 10-15 minutes from Forest Park. Approximately 15 minutes from Lambert - St. Louis International Airport via I-170 and I-64. Approximately 1 hour to Meramec Caverns via I-64, I-270, and I-44.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Review</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Hilton St. Louis Frontenac is a fairly new property, built to mimic French-colonial architecture.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KlcY8O5g8z8/U2URQHqT0gI/AAAAAAAACdg/Y-SiciYjLKo/s1600/IMG_8340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KlcY8O5g8z8/U2URQHqT0gI/AAAAAAAACdg/Y-SiciYjLKo/s1600/IMG_8340.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9LDoW4Xf4LU/U2URQcpNRuI/AAAAAAAACdk/eo7ne-kh6xI/s1600/IMG_8343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9LDoW4Xf4LU/U2URQcpNRuI/AAAAAAAACdk/eo7ne-kh6xI/s1600/IMG_8343.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have to say the inside of the hotel is mighty impressive for a mid-level property, especially the chandelier in the lobby (~$150 a night for an executive level room before AAA discount).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEVNdHcjcoY/U2USX5kpl4I/AAAAAAAACd0/wELN4wKLLJQ/s1600/IMG_8334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEVNdHcjcoY/U2USX5kpl4I/AAAAAAAACd0/wELN4wKLLJQ/s1600/IMG_8334.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnSgzbboWAY/U2USYOPgEJI/AAAAAAAACd4/qMiTUstFjk8/s1600/IMG_8336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qnSgzbboWAY/U2USYOPgEJI/AAAAAAAACd4/qMiTUstFjk8/s1600/IMG_8336.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yh12TvKDJCQ/U2USYDSJqEI/AAAAAAAACd8/2ax0IUDgYgg/s1600/IMG_8337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yh12TvKDJCQ/U2USYDSJqEI/AAAAAAAACd8/2ax0IUDgYgg/s1600/IMG_8337.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u5idJmB-pr4/U2USZEx7cgI/AAAAAAAACeE/UFYbLBGGmtg/s1600/IMG_8339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u5idJmB-pr4/U2USZEx7cgI/AAAAAAAACeE/UFYbLBGGmtg/s1600/IMG_8339.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Our executive level room on the third floor was large, with separate work and sitting areas. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r5xHE7UKDZ0/U2UVX57bIBI/AAAAAAAACeY/e5sBNJsaPIQ/s1600/IMG_8328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r5xHE7UKDZ0/U2UVX57bIBI/AAAAAAAACeY/e5sBNJsaPIQ/s1600/IMG_8328.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-epWDu2T1U/U2UVYIS8SmI/AAAAAAAACeg/1fEqNAxLmTM/s1600/IMG_8330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-epWDu2T1U/U2UVYIS8SmI/AAAAAAAACeg/1fEqNAxLmTM/s1600/IMG_8330.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0ezDNZTTPg/U2UVYBTyQ6I/AAAAAAAACec/aqt-UYGQVxs/s1600/IMG_8331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q0ezDNZTTPg/U2UVYBTyQ6I/AAAAAAAACec/aqt-UYGQVxs/s1600/IMG_8331.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
These rooms also have a separate coffee maker/closet area before the bathroom, with marble fixtures throughout this area and in the bathroom. The bathroom was a tad small, at least in comparison to the room, but my bigger complaint was no tub to go along with the shower. This seems to be a growing trend, even in high-end hotels - presumably to burnish their "green" credentials - but it irritates me greatly. Shouldn't it be the customers' choice on how green they want to be?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fmiOigSvzk/U2UWmklOj6I/AAAAAAAACe4/4mAF3w1o7VM/s1600/IMG_8325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3fmiOigSvzk/U2UWmklOj6I/AAAAAAAACe4/4mAF3w1o7VM/s1600/IMG_8325.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VeCnGy8sTcY/U2UWm_BpRrI/AAAAAAAACe0/qjj8HJX0_Ho/s1600/IMG_8326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VeCnGy8sTcY/U2UWm_BpRrI/AAAAAAAACe0/qjj8HJX0_Ho/s1600/IMG_8326.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_nJJdupRbOQ/U2UWmrrA1bI/AAAAAAAACew/7kxo6yphLIY/s1600/IMG_8327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_nJJdupRbOQ/U2UWmrrA1bI/AAAAAAAACew/7kxo6yphLIY/s1600/IMG_8327.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The executive floor comes with the added perk of access to the executive lounge, which includes complimentary breakfast in the morning and snacks/beverages in the evenings. We came in too late on Friday, and we were out the entire day on Saturday, so we didn't have a chance to check out the evening reception, but we did stop in for breakfast both mornings. The lounge is pretty small, with seating for maybe a dozen or so guests. There was an Indian wedding going on Friday night, so it was pretty crowded when we were there Saturday morning (though we did find a table for two with no problem). It was much less crowded on Sunday. I couldn't get a good shot of the breakfast line, but the pickins' were kind of slim - a few cereals, some yogurt, self-service instant oatmeal, and one main dish (cream cheese blintzes on Saturday, fresh muffins on Sunday). A small selection of breads was also available with a self-service toaster. I'm not going to complain much since it was free, and the lounge attendant was friendly and kept what was there well-stocked, but the limited selection was somewhat disappointing. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sP74WuOuLgU/U2UZiP7UfpI/AAAAAAAACfQ/Y-4CQ_qlUH0/s1600/IMG_8321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sP74WuOuLgU/U2UZiP7UfpI/AAAAAAAACfQ/Y-4CQ_qlUH0/s1600/IMG_8321.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2KLB_BD0-QA/U2UZifMdhJI/AAAAAAAACfU/zK5v323eAEY/s1600/IMG_8322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2KLB_BD0-QA/U2UZifMdhJI/AAAAAAAACfU/zK5v323eAEY/s1600/IMG_8322.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-omWgDBwmdJc/U2UZiaOhAVI/AAAAAAAACfY/KqekuXFUT9g/s1600/IMG_8323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-omWgDBwmdJc/U2UZiaOhAVI/AAAAAAAACfY/KqekuXFUT9g/s1600/IMG_8323.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75j7a9jiKYM/U2UZjVnqzvI/AAAAAAAACfk/ZQF94Oj_XkM/s1600/IMG_8324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-75j7a9jiKYM/U2UZjVnqzvI/AAAAAAAACfk/ZQF94Oj_XkM/s1600/IMG_8324.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Service throughout the hotel was fine, though I can't say it was exceptional. Everyone was friendly and efficient, though you definitely don't get the "wow" factor that you would at a more upscale property. One downside: the hotel does have an outdoor pool, but it is currently closed for renovations. Not that the lack of a pool is a particularly large deal in the Midwest in the middle of April. I'm guessing it'll be back up and running by spring.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The property's location is a plus. The suburban area surrounding the hotel is fairly quiet, but being literally a block from the freeway provides exceptional convenience to just about everything. Being close to the light rail is an added bonus if you want to explore downtown or Forest Park but don't want to drive in (though in reality, navigating St. Louis isn't all that difficult in comparison to other large cities). There is also a mall (albeit a high-end one) and a supermarket across the street. For you Route 66 buffs, Lindbergh Blvd. was an actual (later) routing of the Mother Road, providing a good place to stay in an important crossroads for the historic route.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Rating:</b> 4 stars. Not an exceptional hotel, but a good one with a good location in the St. Louis metro area. And a great price, at least during the shoulder season.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-29430425472347992822014-04-26T11:55:00.002-07:002014-04-26T11:55:50.357-07:0046 Hours in St. Louis - The Last 22<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flFY4QDk1_I/U1vd_vZaUcI/AAAAAAAACXE/xGtBqrrqFYY/s1600/IMG_8217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flFY4QDk1_I/U1vd_vZaUcI/AAAAAAAACXE/xGtBqrrqFYY/s1600/IMG_8217.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Old Courthouse Museum</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is a continuation post of this post, which covered our first day of a short weekend trip to St. Louis. Here, we pick up where we left off on Sunday morning, to take in as much of the area as we could before we had to head back to the airport for our 8 P.M. flight.<br />
<br />
Reminder of our itinerary for Day 2:<br />
<br />
The Old Courthouse Museum<br />
Missouri History Museum<br />
Forest Park<br />
The Great River Road from Alton to Nutwood, Illinois<br />
<br />
You can read about Day 1 of our trip <a href="http://meanmeosh.blogspot.com/2014/04/46-hours-in-st-louis-first-24.html">here</a>. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The original plan for this day (Sunday) was to do our indoor activities (mostly museums), as the weather forecast earlier in the week called for rain by afternoon. As it turned out, today was just as beautiful as Saturday, if a little warmer and more humid. The good thing, of course, is that this meant we could spend more time outside.<br />
<br />
We visited the Arch on our first day, but we had to leave before we could visit the <a href="http://www.gatewayarch.com/experience/old-courthouse/">Old Courthouse Museum</a>, so we decided to come back today. As I mentioned in Part 1 of this post, I'll do a more detailed post of the Arch and the Old Courthouse later, but will include a brief summary here. This courthouse was the site of the famous Dred Scott case between 1847 and 1850, and the museum contains several exhibits dedicated to the history of the case, along with the history of St. Louis in general from the time of Lewis & Clark to today.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQiug8I_4hk/U1vhcNmv0rI/AAAAAAAACXY/0MWCo6P5kKU/s1600/IMG_8350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQiug8I_4hk/U1vhcNmv0rI/AAAAAAAACXY/0MWCo6P5kKU/s1600/IMG_8350.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The courthouse rotunda</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FHy4sTcAueM/U1vhcPAyRtI/AAAAAAAACXQ/ID27l7ZAoJU/s1600/IMG_8355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FHy4sTcAueM/U1vhcPAyRtI/AAAAAAAACXQ/ID27l7ZAoJU/s1600/IMG_8355.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sample artifact on display - bed with buffalo quilt</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-94oEMF1S0WQ/U1vhdFP4oCI/AAAAAAAACXs/2T1rPZbZB2c/s1600/IMG_8358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-94oEMF1S0WQ/U1vhdFP4oCI/AAAAAAAACXs/2T1rPZbZB2c/s1600/IMG_8358.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Example of frescoes inside the courthouse</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Dd4FAwIKhE/U1vhdaUhPcI/AAAAAAAACXo/WQ46M9IZ6QI/s1600/IMG_8362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0Dd4FAwIKhE/U1vhdaUhPcI/AAAAAAAACXo/WQ46M9IZ6QI/s1600/IMG_8362.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Restored courtroom, where it is believed the Dred Scott case was tried</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D29xHpR2V2Y/U1vhd05G1vI/AAAAAAAACXw/RTxmOCYSFIQ/s1600/IMG_8384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D29xHpR2V2Y/U1vhd05G1vI/AAAAAAAACXw/RTxmOCYSFIQ/s1600/IMG_8384.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Plaza and fountain on west side of courthouse</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After lunch, we walked by Busch Stadium on our way back to the Metrolink (light rail). Those of you who are Cardinals fans will appreciate these photos. As you would expect, the hometown brew is prominently on display.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3UkEP8UwZ3M/U1vqMgRDHHI/AAAAAAAACYI/5T_h3FCCT30/s1600/IMG_8393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3UkEP8UwZ3M/U1vqMgRDHHI/AAAAAAAACYI/5T_h3FCCT30/s1600/IMG_8393.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3K_Ikoobs0Y/U1vqNIlmRkI/AAAAAAAACYQ/ErThk_tCLVg/s1600/IMG_8395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3K_Ikoobs0Y/U1vqNIlmRkI/AAAAAAAACYQ/ErThk_tCLVg/s1600/IMG_8395.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxavMwuFQwc/U1vqNBncGMI/AAAAAAAACYM/ABB5x0FNVGw/s1600/IMG_8396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxavMwuFQwc/U1vqNBncGMI/AAAAAAAACYM/ABB5x0FNVGw/s1600/IMG_8396.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Our next stop was <a href="https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/parks/parks/view-park.cfm?parkID=1&amp;parkName=Forest%20Park">Forest Park</a>, a very large park about 5 miles west of downtown, and home to several major attractions including the <a href="http://www.stlzoo.org/">St. Louis Zoo</a> and the very cool <a href="http://www.slsc.org/">St. Louis Science Center</a>. Forest Park was originally constructed as part of the 1904 World's Fair, and doubled as one of the sites of the 1904 Olympic Games (bet you didn't know the Olympics were once held in St. Louis).<br />
<br />
Our destination was the <a href="http://mohistory.org/">Missouri History Museum</a>. The museum currently has a very good interactive exhibit on the 250th anniversary of the founding of St. Louis, as well as a very good exhibit on the 1904 World's Fair. Definitely worth a visit, especially since it's free. Museums are difficult places to get good pictures (especially for people like me that never bothered to read the camera's instruction manual), but here's a mock-up of Charles Lindbergh's plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, along with the original facade of the building.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PjSlhHJmeWc/U1vuFnAo5KI/AAAAAAAACYo/mm4PbAnWp08/s1600/IMG_8400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PjSlhHJmeWc/U1vuFnAo5KI/AAAAAAAACYo/mm4PbAnWp08/s1600/IMG_8400.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UcfTPCAvNpc/U1vuFopbwqI/AAAAAAAACYk/r548afydXck/s1600/IMG_8419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UcfTPCAvNpc/U1vuFopbwqI/AAAAAAAACYk/r548afydXck/s1600/IMG_8419.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Our original plan was to then visit the <a href="http://www.slam.org/">St. Louis Art Museum</a> (also free), but we were both feeling a bit gassed by this point, so we just walked around Forest Park for a few minutes instead. This is a great place to be on a pretty spring day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mW3XBlytIlg/U1v1gAC9HfI/AAAAAAAACZE/90ei9AnD2tE/s1600/IMG_8401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mW3XBlytIlg/U1v1gAC9HfI/AAAAAAAACZE/90ei9AnD2tE/s1600/IMG_8401.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NzIdEA7_CIY/U1v1gTCJtmI/AAAAAAAACY8/zLLfM8Hts8Q/s1600/IMG_8405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NzIdEA7_CIY/U1v1gTCJtmI/AAAAAAAACY8/zLLfM8Hts8Q/s1600/IMG_8405.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U2KUTCJu_r4/U1v1gTyhBMI/AAAAAAAACZA/AH2Ss96eY4k/s1600/IMG_8407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U2KUTCJu_r4/U1v1gTyhBMI/AAAAAAAACZA/AH2Ss96eY4k/s1600/IMG_8407.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Unknown older building in the background</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LDwo8KFG6sM/U1v1hdlBGHI/AAAAAAAACZU/itnA-0NXZAU/s1600/IMG_8413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LDwo8KFG6sM/U1v1hdlBGHI/AAAAAAAACZU/itnA-0NXZAU/s1600/IMG_8413.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Forest Park is one of the city's fancier neighborhoods</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kgK6KhedU_c/U1v1h0C_8WI/AAAAAAAACZY/lRJJ-h9_eqk/s1600/IMG_8415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kgK6KhedU_c/U1v1h0C_8WI/AAAAAAAACZY/lRJJ-h9_eqk/s1600/IMG_8415.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We still had a good 3 hours before we needed to be at the airport. The beautiful weather made it a perfect time for a Sunday drive, so we decided to head for the <a href="http://experiencemississippiriver.com/">Great River Road</a>, a series of scenic byways that stretch along the Mississippi River and some of its tributaries from Minnesota to Louisiana. We intended to do this on Saturday after finishing up with Route 66, but we ran out of time. To get there, we had to backtrack to Alton, Illinois on the same road we used to see the Mississippi/Missouri confluence point. We had plenty of daylight this time for a good view of the Highway 67 bridge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSUAfJYSNUc/U1v4wgudbeI/AAAAAAAACZo/-Ebp-iQolyI/s1600/IMG_8421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eSUAfJYSNUc/U1v4wgudbeI/AAAAAAAACZo/-Ebp-iQolyI/s1600/IMG_8421.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
From here, the Great River Road follows Illinois State Highway 100, designated a National Scenic Byway. The road follows the Mississippi River to Grafton, then the Illinois River from its confluence with the Mississippi (there is no view of the confluence along the road on the Illinois side, though you may be able to see it from the marina in Grafton). The road between Alton and Grafton is spectacularly scenic as it hugs the east bank of the river; the southbound lanes provide an especially scenic view of the high bluffs dotting the river on the Illinois side.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Id9ChZ3e1E/U1v6nGvSkRI/AAAAAAAACZ0/7FgjIezrAtc/s1600/IMG_8426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Id9ChZ3e1E/U1v6nGvSkRI/AAAAAAAACZ0/7FgjIezrAtc/s1600/IMG_8426.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Northbound</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gtt60qjaiqQ/U1v6nCdavsI/AAAAAAAACZ4/Ok1kRE7c7_M/s1600/IMG_8429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gtt60qjaiqQ/U1v6nCdavsI/AAAAAAAACZ4/Ok1kRE7c7_M/s1600/IMG_8429.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YUodl_tcWrI/U1v7FCclUZI/AAAAAAAACaE/e86xyHHqeew/s1600/IMG_8443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YUodl_tcWrI/U1v7FCclUZI/AAAAAAAACaE/e86xyHHqeew/s1600/IMG_8443.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Southbound</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cAFLyxL110/U1v7FLFuMkI/AAAAAAAACaI/R334JY4yK9E/s1600/IMG_8446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cAFLyxL110/U1v7FLFuMkI/AAAAAAAACaI/R334JY4yK9E/s1600/IMG_8446.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
North of Grafton, the road winds through woods and farmlands along the Illinois River.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8c2njADFO2c/U1v74YkawsI/AAAAAAAACag/_VIOf7-WCRo/s1600/IMG_8435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8c2njADFO2c/U1v74YkawsI/AAAAAAAACag/_VIOf7-WCRo/s1600/IMG_8435.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Illinois River at Pere Marquette State Park</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pNLEGXrHwMY/U1v74h-OQJI/AAAAAAAACaY/vOMhRpNTSoc/s1600/IMG_8437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pNLEGXrHwMY/U1v74h-OQJI/AAAAAAAACaY/vOMhRpNTSoc/s1600/IMG_8437.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-AxySM4COk/U1v74paMStI/AAAAAAAACac/ey0CmhfX5Pc/s1600/IMG_8439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J-AxySM4COk/U1v74paMStI/AAAAAAAACac/ey0CmhfX5Pc/s1600/IMG_8439.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Backwaters at Pere Marquette State Park</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZLmTTSyLz4/U1v75jGF76I/AAAAAAAACao/uiHjH3ha0gE/s1600/IMG_8440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZLmTTSyLz4/U1v75jGF76I/AAAAAAAACao/uiHjH3ha0gE/s1600/IMG_8440.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of bluffs near the Illinois River</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At this point, it was time to turn around, as it was time to get to the airport for our flight home. A little bad weather was approaching Dallas, but thankfully, our flight was on time (though a little rough on the descent due to turbulence). 48 hours later, we were home after a lovely weekend.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-47491848743025756862014-04-26T11:49:00.000-07:002014-04-26T11:49:05.128-07:0046 Hours in St. Louis - The First 24<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4lihHrkw-I8/U1sj8Bimg6I/AAAAAAAACR0/_O4Z0bz7cGQ/s1600/IMG_8211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4lihHrkw-I8/U1sj8Bimg6I/AAAAAAAACR0/_O4Z0bz7cGQ/s1600/IMG_8211.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Gateway to the West</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In honor of the end of tax season (I am a tax accountant by trade), my wife and I made a trip to St. Louis last weekend. Why St. Louis? My wife had never been and wanted to see the Arch and a couple of museums, and the Gateway to the West is usually a most pleasant place to be in late April. This would be a short trip (10 P.M. Friday to 8 P.M. Sunday), but having been to the city several times over the past few years thanks to an ex-client located here, I know my way around and figured this would be enough time for what we wanted to see.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Our Day 1 itinerary (covered here):<br />
<br />
The Gateway Arch and surrounding grounds<br />
Pappy's Smokehouse <br />
Route 66 from St. Louis to Litchfield, Illinois<br />
Edward "Ted" and Pat Jones Confluence Point State Park (confluence of Missouri and Mississippi Rivers)<br />
Zia's on the Hill <br />
<br />
Our Day 2 itinerary (covered in Part 2):<br />
<br />
The Old Courthouse Museum<br />
Missouri History Museum<br />
Forest Park<br />
The Great River Road from Alton to Nutwood, Illinois <br />
<br />
I won't write up a detailed flight review, but did want to briefly talk about our flight up to St. Louis on Southwest. Southwest has been hyping the rollout of their new-and-improved WiFi system on board which includes free Dish TV (they charge for WiFi, but you can access Southwest.com, a flight tracker, and Dish TV without paying). I seem to always draw the short straw when flying Southwest, getting old planes with no WiFi on probably 2/3 of my trips. This time, though, our plane had it, and I got to try it out. It is pretty awesome - both the TV and the flight tracker.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nL_0fW1lDqU/U1v-fJ02ONI/AAAAAAAACbA/9zmrJCfP26o/s1600/IMG_1293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nL_0fW1lDqU/U1v-fJ02ONI/AAAAAAAACbA/9zmrJCfP26o/s1600/IMG_1293.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DT9fW6_pl24/U1v-fCGgDDI/AAAAAAAACa8/lQF-KHWqFsg/s1600/IMG_1295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DT9fW6_pl24/U1v-fCGgDDI/AAAAAAAACa8/lQF-KHWqFsg/s1600/IMG_1295.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We didn't get in until a little before 10 Friday night, so we wouldn't start touring until the next day. Before we left on Friday, the forecast called for great weather on Saturday but the possibility of rain on Sunday, so we made plans to do most of our outdoor-related stuff on Saturday. First up - the most recognizable symbol of St. Louis, the <a href="http://www.gatewayarch.com/">Gateway Arch</a>. I will post a more detailed write-up of the Arch and the larger <a href="http://www.nps.gov/jeff/index.htm">Jefferson National Expansion Memorial</a> later, but will include a brief summary here.<br />
<a href="http://www.nps.gov/jeff/index.htm"><br /></a>
Instead of the usual approach to the Arch from downtown, we approached from the opposite end, along the riverfront. From this side, you truly experience the "Gateway to the West".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4UtiiOA6eQ/U1srBdjb2MI/AAAAAAAACSE/FdL62rUoXi8/s1600/IMG_8150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4UtiiOA6eQ/U1srBdjb2MI/AAAAAAAACSE/FdL62rUoXi8/s1600/IMG_8150.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
The lawn on the east side of the Arch also affords a fine if distant view of the old federal courthouse, now the <a href="http://www.gatewayarch.com/experience/old-courthouse/">Old Courthouse Museum</a>, which I will also cover in more detail in a future Arch-related post.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_KeNlmGyhag/U1sr1EfyNQI/AAAAAAAACSM/5UH1CUnkMfU/s1600/IMG_8154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_KeNlmGyhag/U1sr1EfyNQI/AAAAAAAACSM/5UH1CUnkMfU/s1600/IMG_8154.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
There are a variety of things to do inside the Arch, including The Museum of Westward Expansion, tram rides to the top, and a couple of IMAX-like movies. We did all three, and started off with the museum, which has several exhibits and artifacts covering the first Lewis & Clark expedition, and the country's subsequent expansion west of the Mississippi River in general.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ohvbNoFlAhI/U1stJ4viCyI/AAAAAAAACSY/u3f0R0v75FY/s1600/IMG_8163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ohvbNoFlAhI/U1stJ4viCyI/AAAAAAAACSY/u3f0R0v75FY/s1600/IMG_8163.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Awl-1i8Rx28/U1stKLNvBVI/AAAAAAAACSk/QuHkWMcVFd0/s1600/IMG_8166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Awl-1i8Rx28/U1stKLNvBVI/AAAAAAAACSk/QuHkWMcVFd0/s1600/IMG_8166.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Tribute to Eero Saarinen, who designed the Arch.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CblZMXUVows/U1stKIx5CMI/AAAAAAAACSc/0efrRK2n7P8/s1600/IMG_8168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CblZMXUVows/U1stKIx5CMI/AAAAAAAACSc/0efrRK2n7P8/s1600/IMG_8168.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Red Cloud, a chief of the Lakota Sioux tribe</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jw0MswxrTGo/U1stK2FRB7I/AAAAAAAACSw/4h1q1CJ1d2k/s1600/IMG_8172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jw0MswxrTGo/U1stK2FRB7I/AAAAAAAACSw/4h1q1CJ1d2k/s1600/IMG_8172.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Conestoga wagon typical of the 19th century</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
We watched a movie about the Lewis & Clark expedition, then took a tram up to the top to take in the view. Visibility is 30 miles on a clear day, with an especially good view of the old courthouse and Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ck65eNE_0Zc/U1svxnPog6I/AAAAAAAACTE/ZDDV13GHPts/s1600/IMG_8187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ck65eNE_0Zc/U1svxnPog6I/AAAAAAAACTE/ZDDV13GHPts/s1600/IMG_8187.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1YrUJkH1V5k/U1svx56trBI/AAAAAAAACTQ/maWMfF-T30o/s1600/IMG_8185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1YrUJkH1V5k/U1svx56trBI/AAAAAAAACTQ/maWMfF-T30o/s1600/IMG_8185.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kurYUHCO5pk/U1svxguFA7I/AAAAAAAACTI/FUZKIkp3t8o/s1600/IMG_8184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kurYUHCO5pk/U1svxguFA7I/AAAAAAAACTI/FUZKIkp3t8o/s1600/IMG_8184.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We were originally planning to visit the Old Courthouse Museum immediately afterwards, but it was already pushing 1:30, and our plan for the remainder of the afternoon required a rather long drive from downtown. So, we just walked around the grounds of the Arch and the Old Courthouse before heading to lunch. As an added bonus, it was a picture perfect spring day with the trees just beginning to bloom.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yek6SXMCkGc/U1sy6ip8jdI/AAAAAAAACTg/oKoKNxm712g/s1600/IMG_8204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yek6SXMCkGc/U1sy6ip8jdI/AAAAAAAACTg/oKoKNxm712g/s1600/IMG_8204.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Trees in bloom with the Arch looming behind</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dZk8pT5kIsg/U1sy6omzQhI/AAAAAAAACTo/UThrcukjOnQ/s1600/IMG_8210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dZk8pT5kIsg/U1sy6omzQhI/AAAAAAAACTo/UThrcukjOnQ/s1600/IMG_8210.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Old Courthouse gardens</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3SoNuUR38M/U1sy68hOc3I/AAAAAAAACTk/p_7NP3wwi0E/s1600/IMG_8217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3SoNuUR38M/U1sy68hOc3I/AAAAAAAACTk/p_7NP3wwi0E/s1600/IMG_8217.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Old Courthouse viewed from the west</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qGaehtUgKQ0/U1sy7h_TU0I/AAAAAAAACT4/Xm7FmlEDh28/s1600/IMG_8221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qGaehtUgKQ0/U1sy7h_TU0I/AAAAAAAACT4/Xm7FmlEDh28/s1600/IMG_8221.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The large park to the north of the Arch</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
After lunch at <a href="http://www.pappyssmokehouse.com/">Pappy's Smokehouse</a> (full review coming later), we hit the Mother Road for as much of <a href="http://www.historic66.com/">Route 66</a> as we could get in before our final stop for the day. Much of Route 66 in Missouri and Illinois is still accessible and driveable, making St. Louis a good starting point for road geeks. We made it as far as Litchfield, Illinois, 53 miles to the north, before having to turn around. CAUTION: although many parts of St. Louis have been cleaned up and restored, several parts of the city, along with East St. Louis and Madison Illinois across the river, are in rough shape. REALLY rough shape, arguably equal to what you'd find on the south side of Chicago or in Detroit. This includes several neighborhoods where Route 66 passes through today. If you're going to explore Route 66 in the area, make sure you know where you're going.<br />
<br />
We stopped for a while at the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/route66/chain_of_rocks_bridge_illinois_missouri.html">Chain of Rocks Bridge</a>, a bridge across the Mississippi River that actually carried a bypass spur of Route 66 around central St. Louis. The bridge is now closed to vehicular traffic, but you can still hike or bike across it. The bridge is famous for the curve built in halfway across the bridge.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iH18gXQKuAA/U1vJ5MGTcfI/AAAAAAAACUQ/f797RbMTSrQ/s1600/IMG_8244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iH18gXQKuAA/U1vJ5MGTcfI/AAAAAAAACUQ/f797RbMTSrQ/s1600/IMG_8244.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>East end of the bridge on the Illinois side</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DPcHELEno_Q/U1vJ5SFDW7I/AAAAAAAACUY/hPILcHSyOSs/s1600/IMG_8245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DPcHELEno_Q/U1vJ5SFDW7I/AAAAAAAACUY/hPILcHSyOSs/s1600/IMG_8245.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Bridge deck heading west</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkrSTOSvcEU/U1vJ5F45OhI/AAAAAAAACUU/GbgWOkV2Et4/s1600/IMG_8255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nkrSTOSvcEU/U1vJ5F45OhI/AAAAAAAACUU/GbgWOkV2Et4/s1600/IMG_8255.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Looking south</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Stb2Ed8X2NM/U1vJ50SB8QI/AAAAAAAACUk/aNm7QzLxQOU/s1600/IMG_8259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Stb2Ed8X2NM/U1vJ50SB8QI/AAAAAAAACUk/aNm7QzLxQOU/s1600/IMG_8259.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pair of old road signs at the Illinois/Missouri state line</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P3kXsPKOcOw/U1vJ6en8hlI/AAAAAAAACU4/HkRD6M4d9eQ/s1600/IMG_8260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P3kXsPKOcOw/U1vJ6en8hlI/AAAAAAAACU4/HkRD6M4d9eQ/s1600/IMG_8260.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xvbwi4pZJNc/U1vJ6QXKLVI/AAAAAAAACUs/TnPOS49X628/s1600/IMG_8263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xvbwi4pZJNc/U1vJ6QXKLVI/AAAAAAAACUs/TnPOS49X628/s1600/IMG_8263.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The curve</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5wjBu_H7Xs/U1vJ61PLzKI/AAAAAAAACU0/HF5L_wp8SFY/s1600/IMG_8268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K5wjBu_H7Xs/U1vJ61PLzKI/AAAAAAAACU0/HF5L_wp8SFY/s1600/IMG_8268.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Old pump station with St. Louis skyline in background</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9V5s103NHU/U1vJ7VkQW3I/AAAAAAAACVE/TDqeKUMz6z8/s1600/IMG_8292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v9V5s103NHU/U1vJ7VkQW3I/AAAAAAAACVE/TDqeKUMz6z8/s1600/IMG_8292.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Original concrete pavement on bridge access road</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From here, we continued up to Litchfield. We didn't have a ton of time to search for old Route 66 architecture (think Art Deco), but did spot a couple of restored touristy-spots along the way. One other note for road geeks - after you cross I-55 north of Staunton, you will see several sections of fairly well-preserved abandoned road to your right. Much of Route 66 between St. Louis and Chicago was expanded to a divided highway after World War II, but with the construction of parallel Interstate 55 later, the divided highway became unnecessary, and the state gradually abandoned one set of lanes. You can still walk or bike across some sections, though most bridges and culverts have been removed.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lt20vNfJsIo/U1vP0H71ibI/AAAAAAAACVg/XSnAmTW9_2Y/s1600/IMG_8294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lt20vNfJsIo/U1vP0H71ibI/AAAAAAAACVg/XSnAmTW9_2Y/s1600/IMG_8294.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The quiet town of Edwardsville, Illinois</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GNrTBYTvV8k/U1vP0MdAGqI/AAAAAAAACVc/EuRN_V6tu68/s1600/IMG_8297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GNrTBYTvV8k/U1vP0MdAGqI/AAAAAAAACVc/EuRN_V6tu68/s1600/IMG_8297.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Restored business in Hamel, Illinois</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pP6-GB426nQ/U1vP09xnuKI/AAAAAAAACVo/iI78Y6xlgEM/s1600/IMG_8298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pP6-GB426nQ/U1vP09xnuKI/AAAAAAAACVo/iI78Y6xlgEM/s1600/IMG_8298.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Restored gas station in Staunton, Illinois</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M__3xekJf3Q/U1vP1FszAZI/AAAAAAAACV0/vpdNPdUeOLA/s1600/IMG_8300.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M__3xekJf3Q/U1vP1FszAZI/AAAAAAAACV0/vpdNPdUeOLA/s1600/IMG_8300.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Abandoned section of divided highway approaching Litchfield</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At this point, we turned around and used the quicker I-55 to head back towards St. Louis for our last to-do list item of the day - the <a href="https://mostateparks.com/park/edward-ted-and-pat-jones-confluence-point-state-park">Edward "Ted" and Pat Jones Confluence Point State Park</a> just across the river from Alton, Illinois, where the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers come together at a single point. We barely made it in time, just as the sun was setting. From the small parking lot, a 1/4 mile trail leads to a single point where America's two great rivers, the Mississippi and Missouri, come together, and then flow downstream to the Gulf of Mexico as one. The park is inaccessible when the rivers are in flood.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqLDRJTLpho/U1vZ_KvQV2I/AAAAAAAACWI/3Qr29xTCsIs/s1600/IMG_8301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eqLDRJTLpho/U1vZ_KvQV2I/AAAAAAAACWI/3Qr29xTCsIs/s1600/IMG_8301.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Access road to the state park</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agrMe_4sKe0/U1vZ_Q5aO4I/AAAAAAAACWM/CaPtPtsH5PM/s1600/IMG_8302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-agrMe_4sKe0/U1vZ_Q5aO4I/AAAAAAAACWM/CaPtPtsH5PM/s1600/IMG_8302.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Missouri River approaching the confluence point</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lha4C21wF3M/U1vZ_MxV7uI/AAAAAAAACWQ/oJiZyF59Kug/s1600/IMG_8307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lha4C21wF3M/U1vZ_MxV7uI/AAAAAAAACWQ/oJiZyF59Kug/s1600/IMG_8307.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The confluence point, marked by the monument at the end of this walkway</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XIaI-tKhJ9w/U1vaAAI7FVI/AAAAAAAACWg/bKgHEGtygvs/s1600/IMG_8311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XIaI-tKhJ9w/U1vaAAI7FVI/AAAAAAAACWg/bKgHEGtygvs/s1600/IMG_8311.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mississippi River, looking upstream towards Alton, Illinois</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hrXJmJLPiC8/U1vaAIpyBGI/AAAAAAAACWk/iaTPsD-Uy30/s1600/IMG_8315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hrXJmJLPiC8/U1vaAIpyBGI/AAAAAAAACWk/iaTPsD-Uy30/s1600/IMG_8315.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Closer view of confluence point</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kP-Al6q_XqI/U1vaAhZZEsI/AAAAAAAACWo/_FVXVADyQeg/s1600/IMG_8318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kP-Al6q_XqI/U1vaAhZZEsI/AAAAAAAACWo/_FVXVADyQeg/s1600/IMG_8318.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>1993 flood marker</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EzyO2sger2E/U1vaBJp7TOI/AAAAAAAACW0/9jWp3zCmCq0/s1600/IMG_8320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EzyO2sger2E/U1vaBJp7TOI/AAAAAAAACW0/9jWp3zCmCq0/s1600/IMG_8320.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fiery sunset over Missouri River</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To cap off a wonderful day, we then went to <a href="http://www.zias.com/">Zia's on the Hill</a>, a well-regarded Italian restaurant in The Hill neighborhood, St. Louis' version of Little Italy. I'll post a full review on Zia's later. The Hill is a picturesque Midwestern neighborhood, but as it was completely dark by the time we got there, I couldn't take any photos.<br />
<br />
And with that, just about a full 24 hours after first arriving at our hotel, we came back and crashed after a long day. Read about Day 2 of our visit in my next post.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-68353555960634897342014-04-25T17:34:00.001-07:002014-04-25T17:34:03.899-07:00Mr. Branson Goes to Love Field - Maybe?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I don't normally post on Fridays, but we here in Dallas received an announcement today that was important enough to pass on today. Virgin America announced at a press conference this morning that <a href="http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2014/04/at-the-virgin-america-event-friday-morning-were-going-to-get-the-gates.html/">they have reached an agreement with American</a> on obtaining their two gates at Love Field and, therefore, will be starting nonstop flights from Love to San Francisco, L.A. (LAX), New York LaGuardia, and Washington National effective October 13. Sort of (which I'll get to in a minute).<br />
<br />
This all started when the U.S. Department of Justice approved the merger of American with U.S. Airways, but on the condition that the combined carrier <a href="http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2013/11/doj-announces-settlement-in-lawsuit-with-american-airlines-and-us-airways.html/">divest gates and slots at certain airports</a>, including the two gates that American currently leases from the City of Dallas at Love Field. Delta, Southwest, and Virgin America all subsequently told the city and the DOJ that they wanted the gates, a battle that Virgin appears to have won, at least on the surface.<br />
<br />
It appears we have a pretty interesting soap opera in the making. Terry Maxon at the <i>Dallas Morning News</i> reports that <a href="http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2014/04/american-airlines-exec-virgin-america-was-the-only-airline-on-doj-list-for-dallas-love-field-gates.html/">AA was apparently told by the DOJ</a> that only one airline was an acceptable recipient of the gates, and that airline was Virgin. But hold on a minute - Virgin apparently decided to make their announcement and start selling tickets before the city actually approved the gate swap. According to the same article, American presented the city with a plan to assign its leases to Virgin, a request that the city denied. It has since resubmitted its proposal as a sublease of its gates, which the city council is supposedly going to discuss on Monday. In fact, Maxon reported late last night that <a href="http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2014/04/city-of-dallas-says-no-decision-made-yet-on-who-gets-the-two-love-field-gates.html/">the city has made no decision</a> on who will get the gates. (As a side note, Delta has also been selling tickets from Love Field to several destinations <a href="http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2013/11/delta-plans-flights-to-new-york-four-other-cities-if-it-can-get-dallas-love-field-gates.html/">outlined in this proposal</a>. Never mind that the DOJ announced in March that Delta was not an acceptable bidder for the gates.)<br />
<br />
So what do I think will happen? The Dallas City Council has a well-deserved reputation around these parts for the occasional bout of dysfunction, so it wouldn't surprise me if this drags on for a little while. At the end of the day, though, if the federales tell Dallas that Virgin will get the gates, then Virgin will get the gates. Personally, I think this is the best solution anyway. Southwest already controls 16 out of the 20 gates at Love Field, and Delta's proposed service would have relied primarily on regional jets. I don't know about you, but I hate regional jets. Delta tries to spruce this up by noting that their RJs come with first class, and in some cases premium economy, but if you ask me, that's just putting lipstick on a pig. Virgin will use real planes, and they have a reputation for low fares and excellent service.<br />
<br />
Most importantly - Virgin has a major fare sale going on right now, <a href="http://www.virginamerica.com/vx/booking/flights-from-dallas-dal?int=hp_module_01_love_140425">with prices as low as $79 one way</a> and half off of Main Cabin Select (premium economy) and First Class fares for flights between October 13 and November 20. If you need to fly between Dallas and L.A., New York, San Fran, or D.C. during that time period, act fast and grab one of these fares. You have about 28 hours left as of the time of this posting.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-57779165847820381592014-04-19T07:38:00.000-07:002014-04-19T07:38:15.195-07:00The Panama Canal Railway and Panama City<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OX96q2SETIo/U0mmpN3BJII/AAAAAAAACPI/GCkhKH5iiyc/s1600/543833_4685253163036_67268879_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OX96q2SETIo/U0mmpN3BJII/AAAAAAAACPI/GCkhKH5iiyc/s1600/543833_4685253163036_67268879_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Panama City skyline</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Welcome to Part 2 of my report on our cruise to South America in December of 2012. Our second port, on the 5th day of our cruise, was Colon, Panama, and today's report will cover our tour of the historic Panama Canal Railway and Panama City. Incidentally, this is the second time I've been to Limon. We took a Panama Canal cruise in December, 2005 that also stopped here, but the ship didn't go all the way through the canal. We took a smaller boat through the canal to Panama City instead.<br />
<br />
For a general overview of our trip and the trip report index, click <a href="http://meanmeosh.blogspot.com/2014/04/cartagena-colombia.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
NOTE: If you're looking for a report on the canal itself, you'll have to wait until the next installment, which will include a photo essay of our crossing of the canal on the Celebrity Infinity. <br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b>Date of Visit: Tuesday, December 11, 2012</b><br />
<br />
This doubled as my dad's 70th birthday, and as the first generation world traveler in our family, he was happy to be on both a cruise ship and train (his favorite modes of transport) on the same day. We didn't realize it at the time, but this would be the last birthday we would share together, which in hindsight, makes this day seem even more special. So, this trip report is dedicated to you, dad.<br />
<br />
Colon is an altogether unremarkable town. Logistically, Colon is a very important port, being the site of both the Caribbean Sea entrance to the Panama Canal via the <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/panama/around-colon/sights/beaches-islands-waterfronts/gatun-locks">Gatun Locks</a>, and the Panama Free Trade Zone. All of that adds up a rather dismal industrial backdrop (and in fact, cruise lines constantly warn passengers not to stray into town alone, especially after dark). However, it is a convenient jumping off point for tours to Panama City, and the historic Panama Canal Railway, whose eastern depot is located here.<br />
<br />
The train is run by the <a href="http://www.panarail.com/home.html">Panama Canal Railway Company</a>, originally established in 1855 to carry gold and wood across Panama so that they could then be shipped elsewhere, and also to transfer shipments from the Atlantic to Pacific side of the continent without having to go around South America. Today, it is primarily a freight railroad, but also manages tourist trains that run to the east end of Panama City, especially for the numerous cruise lines that visit Panama. Numerous tour companies sell tours including trips on the railroad, but we booked ours through Celebrity Cruises.<br />
<br />
Because of the way the train depot is set up in Limon, it wasn't possible to get a good shot of the train, but it looked very similar to this one that we rode in Alaska.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JaRY02zGqeQ/U0oB9emL00I/AAAAAAAACPY/8N1shBCRzY0/s1600/1012830_10200912759154971_966672324_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JaRY02zGqeQ/U0oB9emL00I/AAAAAAAACPY/8N1shBCRzY0/s1600/1012830_10200912759154971_966672324_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Shortly after departing the depot, you get a brief view of the construction zone where the canal is being widened. The canal has been a victim of its own success of sorts; some ships are now too large to transit through the canal's locks. The widening project will solve that problem.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L12oH02FENo/U0oG1uQWFpI/AAAAAAAACPo/iQRfLBX-pgA/s1600/536240_4683979131186_6944207_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L12oH02FENo/U0oG1uQWFpI/AAAAAAAACPo/iQRfLBX-pgA/s1600/536240_4683979131186_6944207_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Shortly after leaving Colon, we passed by Gatun Lake, an artificial lake created by the original construction of the canal. Although it may not look like it, the lake plays a crucial rule in the operation of the canal, as water is alternately drawn and released to the lake to operate both the Gatun locks (the first set of locks on the Caribbean Sea end of the canal) and the Pedro Miguel locks, at the west end of Gatun Lake. Without the lake, the canal wouldn't be able to operate.<br />
<br />
Despite the low overcast, and the dense jungle hugging the tracks, some decent views of the lake appeared from time to time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uFVQGG2T2Dw/U1HIVHFL8TI/AAAAAAAACQA/xvhJIUWnVHY/s1600/74570_4683979171187_1235033228_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uFVQGG2T2Dw/U1HIVHFL8TI/AAAAAAAACQA/xvhJIUWnVHY/s1600/74570_4683979171187_1235033228_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zq4Vi6_GR3w/U1HIU8sTrzI/AAAAAAAACP4/ruDeXhDhib8/s1600/190673_4683980371217_1115820082_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zq4Vi6_GR3w/U1HIU8sTrzI/AAAAAAAACP4/ruDeXhDhib8/s1600/190673_4683980371217_1115820082_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4dY1Dq4tOsM/U1HIU7OLDQI/AAAAAAAACP8/4zsehhVEn4Y/s1600/541031_4683980251214_676658622_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4dY1Dq4tOsM/U1HIU7OLDQI/AAAAAAAACP8/4zsehhVEn4Y/s1600/541031_4683980251214_676658622_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ApU3_WJpJ5I/U1HIYUJQiKI/AAAAAAAACQU/-5Vr12SSmu0/s1600/564506_4683980771227_459994353_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ApU3_WJpJ5I/U1HIYUJQiKI/AAAAAAAACQU/-5Vr12SSmu0/s1600/564506_4683980771227_459994353_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8hJHsSMVmtc/U1HIYYJTrkI/AAAAAAAACQQ/LGoDWiV_Ilc/s1600/577942_4683981011233_536843157_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8hJHsSMVmtc/U1HIYYJTrkI/AAAAAAAACQQ/LGoDWiV_Ilc/s1600/577942_4683981011233_536843157_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
If you're wondering how the train crossing this area will look to someone watching from a ship, here's a sample, taken the next day from our balcony while crossing the canal in the cruise ship.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SYNU_Utss88/U1KDkbeVa2I/AAAAAAAACRU/1weLte5k3UU/s1600/420989_4685233362541_1800809951_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SYNU_Utss88/U1KDkbeVa2I/AAAAAAAACRU/1weLte5k3UU/s1600/420989_4685233362541_1800809951_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A little later, passing through the Culebra Cut, where the canal cuts through the continental divide, we pass by what I first thought was a construction zone of some sort. I realized later that this was an example of "step farming" on the hillside. What they were growing, though, I don't know.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bec8gyuZd8U/U1HJbe4hmhI/AAAAAAAACQg/BYdz2c5CGVc/s1600/551750_4683980331216_677185960_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bec8gyuZd8U/U1HJbe4hmhI/AAAAAAAACQg/BYdz2c5CGVc/s1600/551750_4683980331216_677185960_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
The entire journey takes about 2 hours, and ends just past the Miraflores locks, in the eastern outskirts of Panama City. There, we boarded a couple of buses for a brief tour of the city before turning around and heading back to the ship. The first thing of significance we passed was a square with some kind of military monument.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6EKcmBoGEQ/U1HKF7gZI8I/AAAAAAAACQo/7nmpha3iVr0/s1600/565017_4683980971232_1251161484_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_6EKcmBoGEQ/U1HKF7gZI8I/AAAAAAAACQo/7nmpha3iVr0/s1600/565017_4683980971232_1251161484_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
We then traveled to the canal administration area, where a Christmas tree (a much better one than the one we saw in Cartagena the day before) had been put up in front of the main administration building.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nym4KM5w3BU/U1HKbLpQ8BI/AAAAAAAACQw/AccLltwwoD8/s1600/224978_4683982131261_1264900364_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nym4KM5w3BU/U1HKbLpQ8BI/AAAAAAAACQw/AccLltwwoD8/s1600/224978_4683982131261_1264900364_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Any cruise line-sponsored shore excursion must include the obligatory shopping stop for guests to pay the local tourist tax, and this trip was no exception. This time, we were taken to an area called the Flamenco Marina, which houses both a marina and an "outlet mall" of sorts containing a variety of small shops and restaurants. For junk hunters, this mall actually did have a couple of pretty decent spots for that, with a couple of shops selling cheap Panama t-shirts for 3 for $10. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, the Marina does provide for a nice view of downtown Panama City in the distance (no sign of Eddie Van Halen or David Lee Roth, however).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1fUydv79fWg/U1KAsrNVGLI/AAAAAAAACRA/gUKGKSPTEp4/s1600/301842_4683981371242_1179275021_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1fUydv79fWg/U1KAsrNVGLI/AAAAAAAACRA/gUKGKSPTEp4/s1600/301842_4683981371242_1179275021_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s90hc1vY1Lc/U1KBa_mx7cI/AAAAAAAACRI/WugjwgS9MsI/s1600/406708_4683981811253_1213986196_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s90hc1vY1Lc/U1KBa_mx7cI/AAAAAAAACRI/WugjwgS9MsI/s1600/406708_4683981811253_1213986196_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After snapping these photos and buying a few cheap t-shirts, it was time to head back. Unfortunately, such is life with cruising - since you're usually only in port for about 8 hours, there's not enough time to explore a place in-depth. In particular, I wanted to see the city's colonial <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casco_Viejo,_Panama">Casco Viejo</a> neighborhood, but maybe next time. Originally, this tour was supposed to consist of the train ride to Panama City and a bus ride back, but for some unexplained reason ("unexplained reason" would turn out to be a recurring theme on this trip, as it turned out), we were told that we'd be taking the train back to Colon as well. No great shakes, though as a road trip/transportation geek, I was hoping to check out the new "Corredor Norte" toll road from Panama City to Colon. The scenery was really no different from the way down, so I'll end the report here. <br />
<br />
If you'd like to read more about Panama City itself, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/24/travel/24hours-panamacity.html?_r=0">The New York Times</a> has an excellent article detailing things to see and do if you only have 36 hours to see the place. I highly recommend reading this before planning your trip. <br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Miscellaneous Things to Know - Panama</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Currency:</b> Technically the official currency of Panama is the "balboa", but its exchange rate is fixed at par with the U.S. dollar. Virtually everyone in Panama will accept USD, and it's not unusual to receive change in both balboas and USD. Credit cards are widely accepted.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Climate:</b> Think South Florida on steroids. It is very hot and humid, with a long rainy season, from May to January. Carry plenty of water and mosquito repellent if you are planning on being out and about.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Language: </b>Spanish is the official language, though English is more widely spoken than most Latin American countries. It does help to know a little Spanish, or to carry a Spanish phrasebook, if you plan to explore less touristy areas of the city.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Transportation: </b>Panama City has a very good international airport, with <a href="http://www.copaair.com/sites/us/en/pages/homepage.aspx">Copa Airlines</a> (a subsidiary of United) the country's flag carrier. I flew Copa on our way back from Santiago, and the service is very good, with low fares especially in first class (beware - it is like domestic first class on U.S. airlines, not the lie-flat seats you see on flights to Europe or Asia). Flight time from Dallas or Houston to Panama City is approximately 4 hours.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As far as getting around Panama City itself, taxis are plentiful and dirt cheap, generally less than $5 to any destination within the city, so that's probably the way to go if you want to explore the city. As in any developing country, confirm and/or negotiate the fare with the driver BEFORE getting inside. Be aware that if you plan to get out and walk, the city's street system
is poorly marked, with streets that often change directions or end
abruptly. The haphazard street network, along with high levels of traffic congestion, also means that I strongly discourage attempting to drive within the city. The city's bus system is notoriously haphazard and unsafe, and is not recommended, especially since taxis are so cheap.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you are visiting by cruise ship or taking a one-way rail journey to or from Colon, I have heard that taxi fare to Colon runs about $60, but have not confirmed that personally. Speaking of the railway, you can't book tickets directly with the Panama Canal Railway; these have to be purchased through an excursion company or through the cruise line. Our tickets via the cruise line in the domed car were $129 apiece back in 2012.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Click <a href="http://www.frommers.com/destinations/panama-city/275649#sthash.5K85ZChK.dpbs">here</a> for more information on getting around Panama City.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Food: </b>I've never actually had a chance to try Panamanian cuisine, but <a href="http://panama.angloinfo.com/lifestyle/food-and-drink/traditional-dishes/">based on this post</a>, it's a cross between Mexican and northern South American cuisines. The local specialty is supposed to be gallo pinto, a mix of rice, beans, and pork. Remember, this is still a developing country, so use caution when eating at street vendors.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-21210197835326553062014-04-12T08:00:00.000-07:002014-05-31T11:56:01.770-07:00Cartagena, Colombia<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFlieb0TeEs/U0dbrTRC23I/AAAAAAAACKQ/XqV4j7S6Fgo/s1600/540796_4683820007208_722986773_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFlieb0TeEs/U0dbrTRC23I/AAAAAAAACKQ/XqV4j7S6Fgo/s1600/540796_4683820007208_722986773_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>View of Cartagena from La Popa Monastery</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After writing my post about my day in the Chilean Andes, I thought this would be a good time to finally blog about my first trip to South America (albeit now out of order, since Santiago was our last stop before flying home). My parents, my wife, and I took a 15-night cruise on the Celebrity Infinity from Fort Lauderdale to Santiago via the Panama Canal. There were three main reasons I wanted to do this cruise: 1) it was a lifelong dream of both me and my dad to go to South America; 2) this cruise included a full transit of the Panama Canal in the cruise ship itself, which promised to be an incredible experience, and 3) I had a bunch of United Airlines frequent flier miles that I wanted to burn, and a Christmastime flight from Chile back home seemed like a good use of them, especially since I had enough miles for 2 business class tickets.<br />
<br />
This will be a multi-part trip report series. Below is a full listing of the series, which I will complete over the next several weeks as time permits. Unfortunately, I hadn't thought about starting a travel blog when I took this cruise, so this won't be a detailed review of the cruise ship itself (I didn't take enough notes or photos of the ship), and you plane geeks will be disappointed that I didn't take enough notes for a flight report. <br />
<br />
Cartagena, Colombia (today's post)<br />
<a href="http://meanmeosh.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-panama-canal-railway-and-panama-city.html">The Panama Canal Railway and Panama City</a><br />
<a href="http://meanmeosh.blogspot.com/2014/05/transiting-panama-canal.html">Transiting the Panama Canal</a><br />
<a href="http://meanmeosh.blogspot.com/2014/05/manta-ecuador.html">Manta, Ecuador</a><br />
Lima, Peru<br />
Arica, Chile<br />
La Serena, Chile<br />
Valparaiso and Santiago, Chile<br />
<a href="http://meanmeosh.blogspot.com/2014/03/a-day-in-chilean-andes.html">A Day in the Chilean Andes</a><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b>Date of Visit: Monday, December 10, 2012</b><br />
<br />
Our cruise actually began on Friday, December 7th, but we would spend 2 days at sea before reaching our first port of call, Cartagena. We were supposed to set sail at 4:00 P.M., but due to an unexplained delay, we didn't actually leave until nearly 8. Not that it really mattered, given that we'd have 2 whole days to make up the time. A positive side effect, though, is that this allowed me to get a late evening shot of the Ft. Lauderdale cruise ship pier.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-amFaeMyRoC4/U0h9S26gNGI/AAAAAAAACKg/1HB5tLyseGw/s1600/268419_4683677643649_1087823205_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-amFaeMyRoC4/U0h9S26gNGI/AAAAAAAACKg/1HB5tLyseGw/s1600/268419_4683677643649_1087823205_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
One of my favorite pastimes when cruising, especially on days at sea, is heading up to one of the upper decks to watch the sun set. Saturday featured a fiery sunset over the mountains of Cuba in the distance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-keXIZZS2b-M/U0h-NZLNEhI/AAAAAAAACKo/bpBg8EXzPws/s1600/734801_4683704084310_365602141_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-keXIZZS2b-M/U0h-NZLNEhI/AAAAAAAACKo/bpBg8EXzPws/s1600/734801_4683704084310_365602141_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Sunday featured a fantastic sunbeam as the setting sun briefly disappeared behind a cloud. Interestingly enough, while waiting for sunset, I overheard a couple standing next to us mention that they were from Plano; we struck up a conversation, and discovered that they live a couple of miles from us. Small world.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5FHn6dGBXGE/U0h-paIw8ZI/AAAAAAAACKw/E-C2MQf96gM/s1600/543850_4683721924756_2004635799_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5FHn6dGBXGE/U0h-paIw8ZI/AAAAAAAACKw/E-C2MQf96gM/s1600/543850_4683721924756_2004635799_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Early Monday morning, we made our approach to Cartagena. Someone (presumably wealthy) was out on their speedboat, and a few minutes later, the Cartagena skyline came into view.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7eGhZiWj1qs/U0iAuCgD0WI/AAAAAAAACK8/6a3B4OwcxaU/s1600/534289_4683819327191_649788496_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7eGhZiWj1qs/U0iAuCgD0WI/AAAAAAAACK8/6a3B4OwcxaU/s1600/534289_4683819327191_649788496_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nfQZtrVcFh4/U0iAuPA1-KI/AAAAAAAACLA/4nhAhhRYUFQ/s1600/58625_4683819487195_1357863374_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nfQZtrVcFh4/U0iAuPA1-KI/AAAAAAAACLA/4nhAhhRYUFQ/s1600/58625_4683819487195_1357863374_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Colombia still has a reputation for being a bit lawless, so we'd get a few funny looks when we'd tell people that the cruise ship was stopping her. However, even during the height of Colombia's drug violence, Cartagena was largely spared, and thrives as a tourist destination today, both for its oceanfront beauty and its rich history dating back to the 16th century. Truth be told, it looks and feels a lot more like a Caribbean island than South America. More recently, Cartagena gained notoriety for a <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/colombia-secret-service-prostitution-scandal-spreads-dea/story?id=16399758">prostitution scandal involving the American Secret Service</a>.<br />
<br />
We had arranged to join a tour group via a <a href="http://www.cruisecritic.com/">Cruise Critic</a> message board (a good option if you want to do a shore excursion, but prefer a smaller group experience to the cruise line-sponsored tours), and our guide, <a href="http://www.cartagenatour.com/testimonials.html">"Dora de Explorer"</a>, met our group on the pier. Our first stop was the <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/colombia/caribbean-coast/cartagena/sights/religious/convento-de-la-popa">Convento de la Popa</a> (also known as La Popa Monastery, and Convento de Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria). The entrance to the monastery is at the top of a hill, which provides a magnificent view of the city on a clear day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7s35uV9pcy8/U0iPOricEQI/AAAAAAAACLc/30sWKwl7G24/s1600/154536_4683820567222_754904766_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7s35uV9pcy8/U0iPOricEQI/AAAAAAAACLc/30sWKwl7G24/s1600/154536_4683820567222_754904766_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Lzg6w9I870/U0iPOjcT12I/AAAAAAAACLU/SKuXX5aS_jk/s1600/735029_4683821127236_937207195_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Lzg6w9I870/U0iPOjcT12I/AAAAAAAACLU/SKuXX5aS_jk/s1600/735029_4683821127236_937207195_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3a5weP092U/U0iPOlxx9LI/AAAAAAAACLY/vQV9r_HSDQc/s1600/249896_4683821287240_1591499695_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s3a5weP092U/U0iPOlxx9LI/AAAAAAAACLY/vQV9r_HSDQc/s1600/249896_4683821287240_1591499695_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Built in 1607, the monastery is a well-preserved example of classical Spanish colonial architecture. Being in the tropics, the grounds are beautifully manicured, with the bougainvilleas in bloom during our visit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yyH5Maq-kuo/U0iVnBpuz5I/AAAAAAAACL0/Mi7E0ez-Jxg/s1600/418109_4683823767302_1606273904_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yyH5Maq-kuo/U0iVnBpuz5I/AAAAAAAACL0/Mi7E0ez-Jxg/s1600/418109_4683823767302_1606273904_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-81VaEgsjdms/U0iVnYgRWnI/AAAAAAAACL4/3k5Ao7pUKD8/s1600/734969_4683821487245_362928088_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-81VaEgsjdms/U0iVnYgRWnI/AAAAAAAACL4/3k5Ao7pUKD8/s1600/734969_4683821487245_362928088_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5z_0ec80cFc/U0iVu5kjuSI/AAAAAAAACME/lBWI5vPSmVg/s1600/541745_4683823127286_543895537_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5z_0ec80cFc/U0iVu5kjuSI/AAAAAAAACME/lBWI5vPSmVg/s1600/541745_4683823127286_543895537_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
This is the patron saint of the monastery, the Virgin of Candelaria. A couple of other period artifacts were also on display.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rgHvDiKTNOM/U0iWEhYxMNI/AAAAAAAACMM/klrq-2GK_c8/s1600/534231_4683823887305_1276266527_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rgHvDiKTNOM/U0iWEhYxMNI/AAAAAAAACMM/klrq-2GK_c8/s1600/534231_4683823887305_1276266527_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-80y1bnCzBPI/U0iWdiz4EII/AAAAAAAACMY/tpeqdQ7CexQ/s1600/295159_4683822687275_1411788664_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-80y1bnCzBPI/U0iWdiz4EII/AAAAAAAACMY/tpeqdQ7CexQ/s1600/295159_4683822687275_1411788664_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bPGQbzNzgxs/U0iWdoA0yNI/AAAAAAAACMU/8kQmMBXyfbc/s1600/58250_4683822487270_537722732_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bPGQbzNzgxs/U0iWdoA0yNI/AAAAAAAACMU/8kQmMBXyfbc/s1600/58250_4683822487270_537722732_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Next on the tour was <a href="http://www.colombiainfo.org/en-us/cities/cartagena/castillosanfelipedebarajas.aspx">San Felipe de Barajas</a> fort, built by the Spanish in 1536. This was strictly a photo stop - 20 minutes to walk around, grab a soda or a souvenir, snap a few photos, and get back on the bus. Which was too bad, because this fort looked like it was worth further exploration, at least a hike up to the top.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-le4qedRETGs/U0iXng88yBI/AAAAAAAACMs/uW6R8XZNZb8/s1600/307541_4683827407393_2078615364_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-le4qedRETGs/U0iXng88yBI/AAAAAAAACMs/uW6R8XZNZb8/s1600/307541_4683827407393_2078615364_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-8lAAOsNZ4/U0iXngCN2LI/AAAAAAAACMo/9xX6rdPaV_4/s1600/603177_4683825887355_683664152_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X-8lAAOsNZ4/U0iXngCN2LI/AAAAAAAACMo/9xX6rdPaV_4/s1600/603177_4683825887355_683664152_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Next, we traveled to "Old Town" Cartagena, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which features restored Spanish colonial buildings. We took an approximately 1-hour walking tour of the area.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HMsXwtHH3kc/U0iYZzxc7MI/AAAAAAAACNQ/HYfOL1sIfnI/s1600/564767_4683828247414_2028771704_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HMsXwtHH3kc/U0iYZzxc7MI/AAAAAAAACNQ/HYfOL1sIfnI/s1600/564767_4683828247414_2028771704_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-96TrVwM-tBw/U0iYZjDyYqI/AAAAAAAACM8/s_v108cjN_Q/s1600/541032_4683829727451_2110123220_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-96TrVwM-tBw/U0iYZjDyYqI/AAAAAAAACM8/s_v108cjN_Q/s1600/541032_4683829727451_2110123220_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0tRh3TCROg/U0iYZnqMP8I/AAAAAAAACNA/Nb9hCqMTk0U/s1600/553176_4683831287490_134702044_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R0tRh3TCROg/U0iYZnqMP8I/AAAAAAAACNA/Nb9hCqMTk0U/s1600/553176_4683831287490_134702044_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PPtvg8st-3o/U0iYZQSM2dI/AAAAAAAACM4/7nq0gF9CyEY/s1600/154536_4683836527621_1021224772_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PPtvg8st-3o/U0iYZQSM2dI/AAAAAAAACM4/7nq0gF9CyEY/s1600/154536_4683836527621_1021224772_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
A statue of Simon Bolivar, a revolutionary responsible for the independence of much of South America from Spain, stands in the center of the old city.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-evRFqhr0m1Q/U0iYua-ctJI/AAAAAAAACNY/nggGdAlTb-U/s1600/58222_4683832367517_243949522_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-evRFqhr0m1Q/U0iYua-ctJI/AAAAAAAACNY/nggGdAlTb-U/s1600/58222_4683832367517_243949522_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
We made a brief stop at the <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/colombia/caribbean-coast/cartagena/sights/museums-galleries/convento-iglesia-de-san-pedro-claver">Iglesia de San Pedro Claver</a>, a church founded by the Jesuits in the early 16th century. Father Claver, also known as the "Slave of the Slaves", spent his time in Cartagena minstering to the African slaves brought to Cartagena by the Spanish, and was the first person canonized in the New World in 1888. Note the stained glass windows, difficult to photograph but typical of churches built in the 17th century.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XdzIa78nMuM/U0ia_OqC_YI/AAAAAAAACNs/gsQjTeVC_4E/s1600/224817_4683833207538_2106536694_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XdzIa78nMuM/U0ia_OqC_YI/AAAAAAAACNs/gsQjTeVC_4E/s1600/224817_4683833207538_2106536694_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BXS7PA0MdbU/U0ia_EH-5WI/AAAAAAAACNo/lulhVU2TZY0/s1600/542107_4683833447544_2088116360_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BXS7PA0MdbU/U0ia_EH-5WI/AAAAAAAACNo/lulhVU2TZY0/s1600/542107_4683833447544_2088116360_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jTDhHj2gO9U/U0ia-3cms1I/AAAAAAAACNk/Fhw3A7RdqpY/s1600/47726_4683834127561_2111909044_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jTDhHj2gO9U/U0ia-3cms1I/AAAAAAAACNk/Fhw3A7RdqpY/s1600/47726_4683834127561_2111909044_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Once done touring the church, we headed back to our designated meeting point to catch the bus back to the ship. With it being just two weeks before Christmas, someone decided to put up a Christmas tree. A rather odd looking one at that. I can only hope the city planned to put some decorations up later.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7u4uCEAoH8Q/U0ispkR5KEI/AAAAAAAACOM/1DxzDFXML3Q/s1600/528724_4683835407593_793509224_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7u4uCEAoH8Q/U0ispkR5KEI/AAAAAAAACOM/1DxzDFXML3Q/s1600/528724_4683835407593_793509224_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
The tour only took up half the day, and we were back to the ship by a little before 2. (In case you were wondering - the city does have some very nice beaches, but we didn't visit any during our tour.) That gave us a couple of hours to look around the pier area before it was time to sail at 5. You have your typically overpriced gift shop there (nothing really worth buying), but there was a cool flock of flamingos next door.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p2-kcDIancA/U0iwkT2xOfI/AAAAAAAACOc/RVVHmyp6E2M/s1600/64510_4683837247639_1041754189_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p2-kcDIancA/U0iwkT2xOfI/AAAAAAAACOc/RVVHmyp6E2M/s1600/64510_4683837247639_1041754189_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l3tR05S0yyo/U0iwkb-bTkI/AAAAAAAACOY/nNDQEfUF-5k/s1600/262793_4683837207638_1121746789_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l3tR05S0yyo/U0iwkb-bTkI/AAAAAAAACOY/nNDQEfUF-5k/s1600/262793_4683837207638_1121746789_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
We were late sailing away yet again, but that provided for yet another terrific sunset photo from the balcony, this time of the Cartagena skyline.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qItCGqsOIPQ/U0iw62uWUgI/AAAAAAAACOo/9PL_wVYvDN4/s1600/536080_4683838767677_6326175_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qItCGqsOIPQ/U0iw62uWUgI/AAAAAAAACOo/9PL_wVYvDN4/s1600/536080_4683838767677_6326175_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Miscellaneous Things to Know</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>- Currency: </b>Colombian peso; current exchange rate is 1,917 pesos to the dollar. In areas frequented by cruise ship tourists, dollars are widely accepted, even by street vendors selling sodas and bottled water. Credits cards are accepted in most major shops, and ATM machines are widely available.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
- <b>Climate: </b>Cartagena is located on the Caribbean Sea coast, and is located at a latitude of 10 degrees north. It's hot here. And humid. If you don't like hot and humid weather, you'd be well advised to find somewhere else to go. Rainy season is May-November.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The combination of heat and humidity can make walking long distances rather taxing, especially if you try to climb the road to La Popa Monastery (elevation 450 ft) on foot, or hike up the San Felipe de Barajas fort. Carry plenty of water when you're out and about.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>- Language: </b>Spanish. It certainly helps to know or learn a little bit of Spanish before you go, but as with any city frequented by cruise ships, you can get along even if you don't. If you do know "poquito" Spanish, don't be afraid to try it out! Most of the locals will appreciate you trying, and will help you fill in the blanks.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>- Transportation</b>: There is a <a href="http://www.city-sightseeing.com/tours/colombia/cartagena.htm">hop on-hop off </a>double decker bus that circles around the important tourist sites in Cartagena, at a cost of $24.50 per adult/$19 per child. City buses also ply the streets frequently; however, unlike in the U.S., city buses are privately run by a multitude of companies. The website <a href="http://cartagenainfo.net/">cartagenainfo.net</a> provides an overview. If you do want to try and get around by bus, I'd strongly recommend knowing a little Spanish, or take a phrasebook with you so you can at least ask for directions.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Traffic in Cartagena is, shall we say, something of a madhouse. I wouldn't say it's quite as bad as India, but it's not far behind. I would strongly discourage attempting to drive yourself in the city. Taxis are plentiful, but as is the case in any developing country, while cab fares are negotiable, make sure you negotiate the fare <b>before</b> you get in the cab. Typical fares to common tourist destinations can usually be researched online before you go (Lonely Planet in particular has some good advice on this subject).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>- Food:</b> Coconut rice is the local specialty, often served with fish and lobster (the food does come with some Caribbean kick). Take the standard precautions you would when eating in any developing country. Tap water is not safe for Americans, so carry bottled water. <b>TIP:</b> the cruise ship, and street vendors in areas frequented by ship tourists, will sell bottled water and sodas at inflated American prices. Instead, find a general store or supermarket, and you'll pay considerably less.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>- Other: </b>Cartagena is well-known as a good place to buy emeralds and emerald jewelry. If you want to buy emeralds, make sure to do some research before you go so you can tell the difference between real and fake gems. Also, the city can get crowded when the ships are in town. If that bothers you, check the cruise lines' schedules before you plan your trip to help avoid them. And remember - this isn't the U.S., sticker prices are negotiable!</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-35153120452864284622014-04-05T08:42:00.001-07:002014-04-05T08:42:34.703-07:00What Is a Travel Rewards Credit Card, and Should I Get One?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rk-lickKJbY/Uz92E-DMPoI/AAAAAAAACIE/AAafjTDYgi0/s1600/75312_1614101906174_4630290_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rk-lickKJbY/Uz92E-DMPoI/AAAAAAAACIE/AAafjTDYgi0/s1600/75312_1614101906174_4630290_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Waipi'o Valley, Big Island, Hawai'i</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you read this travel blog, then chances are you've either seen advertisements and/or other travel-related blogs talking about "travel rewards" or "affinity" credit cards, all with some kind of enticing offer like "50,000 Bonus Miles!". If you read this blog, you probably also have points in at least one frequent flier/frequent hotel guest rewards program, and more importantly, yearn to use those points some day on a trip to a place like the one in the cover photo. But do they really work, and should you go out and apply for one? After the jump, I'll offer my take on these credit cards, and where I think it makes sense to get one.<br />
<br />
<i><b>Disclaimer Notice</b>: I do not receive a bonus or other compensation from any of the cards mentioned in this post. </i><br />
<i></i><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
What's the Difference Between an "Affinity" Card and a "Travel Rewards" Card?</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but there is an important distinction that you should keep in mind. An "affinity" credit card is usually tied to a specific airline's or hotel's frequent flier/guest program. Citi's AAdvantage Master Card and AMEX's Hilton HHonors Card are two such examples, tied to AA's AAdvantage program and Hilton's HHonors program, respectively. You earn a set number of points per dollar spent, which accrue in that specific frequent guest program, and are typically not transferable to competitor programs. Most affinity cards charge an annual fee, typically $75-99 per year, though sometimes as high as $450 per year; a few are available with no annual fee.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A "travel rewards" card, like an affinity card, generates a set number of points per dollar spent. Unlike an affinity card, though, travel rewards cards usually carry no restrictions as to which travel supplier you use. Points can either be applied as a statement credit, typically at 1 cent per point, towards travel purchases, or can be transferred to selected frequent flier/frequent guest programs - often at a 1:1 ratio, though sometimes at a reduced ratio. Cards in this category include American Express (with Membership Rewards activated), Capital One Venture, Chase Freedom, and Diners Club (with Club Rewards activated). Many travel rewards cards, including Capital One Venture and Chase Freedom, carry no annual fee; Diners Club and AMEX do usually charge fees, as high as $495 per year.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Kyle, aka "The Trip Sherpa", at UPGRD.com <a href="http://upgrd.com/thetripsherpa/q2-credit-cards-and-why-i-value-them.html">has a new post up</a> comparing 8 specific cards in both categories.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
(In your best Breakfast Club impersonation) Answer the Question!! Should I Get One???</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Alright, alright, quit shovin'! The answer, as is so often the case in real life, is "it depends".</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The first thing you should do is assign a value to the points you will be earning. For a basic travel rewards card like Chase Freedom, this is pretty easy - one point equals one cent in statement credit. But if you're thinking about an affinity card tied to a specific frequent traveler program, you'll have to guesstimate a value of those miles/points. A very rough rule of thumb for airline miles is that one mile is worth 2 cents (Southwest Rapid Rewards, an entirely revenue based redemption system, in fact pegs redemptions at a fixed rate of slightly more than 2 cents per point). Hotel points are probably worth a little less than that. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
However, there is something else to factor in - many cards, both affinity and travel rewards, come with various perks built in. These can range from discounts on mileage/points redemptions, to delayed baggage insurance, to rental car insurance coverage, to free checked bags, to airport lounge memberships (free or discounted). Some cards also feature no foreign transaction fees, an important benefit if you travel overseas frequently. Diners Club, for example, provides primary rental car insurance coverage and collision damage waiver for no extra charge as long as you put the entire rental on your Diners card; the CDW alone usually runs $15-20 a day, and the total value of the package is probably higher than that, since you would also avoid having to run a claim through your insurance company if in an accident.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now, it becomes a simple math exercise - how much will you be spending on the card, and how much will you be taking advantage of the card's perks? If the card charges no annual fee, like Chase Freedom, then in my opinion, it's a no brainer - get the card if you can qualify. You're basically getting free money for charging everyday expenses. Otherwise, if the benefits you receive equal or exceed the annual fee, it might be worth applying for the card. Using Diners Club as an example again, the card charges an annual fee of $95, so in order to get $95 worth of travel credits back, you'd need to charge $9,500 each year on the card. But if you rent cars a few times a year, you'd make your money back a lot faster than that with the rental car coverage. Likewise, Citi offers a "World Elite" AAdvantage affinity card with a $450 annual fee, but it comes with unlimited Admirals Club access and one free checked bag. Given that an Admirals Club day pass costs $50, and one checked bag costs $50 each way, if you fly several times a year, check a bag each way, and would use the lounge, you might find the benefits worth the fee.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Keep in mind also that some affinity cards offer point multipliers for staying within the brand. AAdvantage cards offer 2 points per dollar spent on American Airlines tickets, for example, and the basic HHonors cards offer up to 12 points per dollar spent at Hilton properties. If you plan on using the card for purchases within the brand, make sure to take that into account when computing your benefits.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
What Else Should I Keep in Mind?</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
First and foremost, if you get an affinity card tied to a particular program, don't go overboard in trying to stay within that program. For example, if you have the Citi AAdvantage card, I really don't recommend spending $1,500 to fly from Dallas to London on American if Delta will get you there for $1,000. Yes, you forego approximately 11,000 miles in this example (9,500 for the flight, and 1,500 for the foregone double bonus) - but at 2 cents a mile, you're spending an extra $500 to earn $220. Not a good deal if you ask me. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That being said, if you live in a "fortress hub" city like DFW and/or your employer requires the use of a specific carrier, and you're in the market for a travel-related credit card, I'd suggest at least looking at an affinity card for the carrier that dominates your city's airport. You're pretty much tied to that airline anyway, so you might as well get the benefit of multiplying your miles and getting stuff like free bags and lounge access (though if you fly that much, you're probably getting free bags courtesy of elite status anyway). Just make sure you'll earn enough benefits to justify the annual fee, if you're paying one.<br />
<br />
If your travel habits involve certain activities frequently - such as foreign travel or renting cars - then look carefully for perks specific to that particular activity, such as not charging foreign transaction fees or providing no-cost rental insurance. These expenses can add up quickly, so choosing a card that offers these benefits is important.<br />
<br />
And finally, a word about credit card "churning", or the technique of signing up for a rewards card, keeping it long enough to earn a sign-up bonus, and then canceling before the annual fee kicks in. Rinse and repeat with another rewards card. Some take a dim view of churning, considering it to be unethical behavior. While I don't consider the practice unethical, you should keep one important thing in mind - apply for a credit card generates an "inquiry" on your credit report, which does temporarily lower your credit score. I wouldn't get too carried away with applying for cards or frequently churning cards for this reason. And I would DEFINITELY NOT go hog-wild with applying for cards if you plan on buying a house or car within the next year; you'll want to keep your credit score as high as possible.<br />
<br />
So there you have it. Do your homework first, and enjoy collecting all those bonus points.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-31556775503913136142014-03-29T09:24:00.000-07:002014-03-29T09:24:02.865-07:00A Day in the Chilean Andes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hlp3XQPm15w/UzY4zDkUIoI/AAAAAAAACDI/Cb84Q-CqWgk/s1600/540911_4690117364638_1956193535_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hlp3XQPm15w/UzY4zDkUIoI/AAAAAAAACDI/Cb84Q-CqWgk/s1600/540911_4690117364638_1956193535_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Winding road in the Chilean Andes, west of Valle Nevado ski resort</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm not sure what it was exactly, but something today had me reflecting on a cruise we took to South America back in December, 2012, so for this installment on the blog, I decided to reach back in the record books and write about something from that trip. At the very end of our cruise, from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Santiago, Chile via the Panama Canal (I will add more installments from that cruise over time), we spent two days in Valparaiso and Santiago to recuperate a bit before the long flight back home. We had initially planned a shore excursion to the Andes on the cruise itself, but due to the incompetence of the cruise line, that tour got canceled. Some quick sleuthing on the internet turned up a company called <a href="http://www.toursbylocals.com/">Tours by Locals</a> that 1) offered day tours of the Andes from Santiago, 2) had availability on the day we'd be in Santiago, and 3) wasn't that expensive, at about $110 per person. And so with that, my wife, my uncle, and I decided to give it a try.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><b>Date of visit: Saturday, December 22, 2012</b><br />
<br />
The Mayans said the world was supposed to end the day before, but it turned out they were wrong. In fact, the day dawned crystal clear, without a cloud in the sky - a nearly perfect early summer day in Santiago. Our driver/guide Leo picked us up at the appointed time a little after 8:00 in the morning, and we were off to the mountains. Our hotel was on the west end of Santiago by the airport, so we had to pass through the center of the city on our way east to the Andes. We crossed over the river, which was muddy and running high from snowmelt in the mountains.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TVozQpOhr-w/UzY_Vr1TxiI/AAAAAAAACDU/bp2foCL8WxI/s1600/309444_4690096924127_931725782_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TVozQpOhr-w/UzY_Vr1TxiI/AAAAAAAACDU/bp2foCL8WxI/s1600/309444_4690096924127_931725782_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Leo wanted to pick up some fresh fruits for snacking and our lunch, so we briefly stopped at a fruit market near the city center. It was quiet early on a Saturday morning, but this area apparently gets very, very busy later in the day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIvrVOL4uRA/UzZAA6_fy8I/AAAAAAAACDc/-E_3xjTpbE8/s1600/551040_4690097044130_1734018869_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WIvrVOL4uRA/UzZAA6_fy8I/AAAAAAAACDc/-E_3xjTpbE8/s1600/551040_4690097044130_1734018869_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
We made one more stop in the city, at a monument we most certainly did not expect to see in Chile. This was a monument to three of the most important historical figures in India - independence leaders Jawarlahal Nehru and Mahatma Gandhi, and the country's national poet, Ravindranath Tagore.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a0x9f_GKm2g/UzZAh2zUkdI/AAAAAAAACDk/jh-GAewjuw4/s1600/394802_4690097004129_525822128_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a0x9f_GKm2g/UzZAh2zUkdI/AAAAAAAACDk/jh-GAewjuw4/s1600/394802_4690097004129_525822128_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmS7eI2x7Qc/UzZAh1Gyk9I/AAAAAAAACDo/cVlMXEZ_xlM/s1600/406101_4690097444140_804318004_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmS7eI2x7Qc/UzZAh1Gyk9I/AAAAAAAACDo/cVlMXEZ_xlM/s1600/406101_4690097444140_804318004_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
It didn't take very long at all to get to the mountains. Within 20 minutes, we were on a narrow, winding 2-lane road heading up through the foothills. Soon, we caught our first glimpses of the higher peaks and glaciers of the Andes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XZgCnElE3jQ/UzZBfcQQzLI/AAAAAAAACD8/VyKebX19cUg/s1600/734834_4690097724147_364022553_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XZgCnElE3jQ/UzZBfcQQzLI/AAAAAAAACD8/VyKebX19cUg/s1600/734834_4690097724147_364022553_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XZgCnElE3jQ/UzZBfcQQzLI/AAAAAAAACD8/VyKebX19cUg/s1600/734834_4690097724147_364022553_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XZgCnElE3jQ/UzZBfcQQzLI/AAAAAAAACD8/VyKebX19cUg/s1600/734834_4690097724147_364022553_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ybg6OQbpOQ4/UzZCLU0PF1I/AAAAAAAACEM/DFA3Ffv5TD4/s1600/536256_4690099244185_1781259674_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ybg6OQbpOQ4/UzZCLU0PF1I/AAAAAAAACEM/DFA3Ffv5TD4/s1600/536256_4690099244185_1781259674_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YSqcxietsNE/UzZBgAHNRgI/AAAAAAAACEI/XwCW_s7ye_s/s1600/16693_4690097764148_1570224344_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YSqcxietsNE/UzZBgAHNRgI/AAAAAAAACEI/XwCW_s7ye_s/s1600/16693_4690097764148_1570224344_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
As you can see, the climate here is quite dry, similar to what you would find in Southern California. Hence why Chilean wines are held in such high esteem.<br />
<br />
By a little after 10, we reached our first hiking spot in the mountains, at an elevation of about 5,000 feet. We were in a narrow valley surrounded by higher mountains, which provided a great view of the road winding through the terrain.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sr4r7Gp2EoY/UzZDDOz5ggI/AAAAAAAACEU/8kCkSkqc77U/s1600/181362_4690099924202_1232789212_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sr4r7Gp2EoY/UzZDDOz5ggI/AAAAAAAACEU/8kCkSkqc77U/s1600/181362_4690099924202_1232789212_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
My wife and uncle couldn't quite make it up all the way, but I powered on up to a vantage point on top of a hill (the elevation gain wasn't very much, maybe 100-200 feet). The point provided a stunning view of the Andes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cel-WiXTraI/UzZDsiqS7gI/AAAAAAAACEk/qtKRbJf54Mw/s1600/418010_4690101244235_1950687739_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cel-WiXTraI/UzZDsiqS7gI/AAAAAAAACEk/qtKRbJf54Mw/s1600/418010_4690101244235_1950687739_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PcVrW1kdeBk/UzZDsgT-euI/AAAAAAAACEg/cBSRVcGucoM/s1600/541693_4690101124232_569041252_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PcVrW1kdeBk/UzZDsgT-euI/AAAAAAAACEg/cBSRVcGucoM/s1600/541693_4690101124232_569041252_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BKWdu9pZiDA/UzZDsa2aIVI/AAAAAAAACEs/VZAx1if_oIc/s1600/16693_4690102404264_1528884692_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BKWdu9pZiDA/UzZDsa2aIVI/AAAAAAAACEs/VZAx1if_oIc/s1600/16693_4690102404264_1528884692_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Meanwhile, we were in for a special treat. Leo pointed out an Andean eagle sitting at the edge of the cliff. He sat pretty much perfectly still for a good 5 minutes, allowing for some rare bird of prey photos. The big guy appeared to be too preoccupied with scanning his territory to notice a couple of nosy humans with a camera.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8pBJvWt3nR0/UzZEZfOuYdI/AAAAAAAACFA/dCFx_Gcc1HI/s1600/543873_4690102964278_1732541826_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8pBJvWt3nR0/UzZEZfOuYdI/AAAAAAAACFA/dCFx_Gcc1HI/s1600/543873_4690102964278_1732541826_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3tbRx9otMg/UzZEZTh8qRI/AAAAAAAACE4/4cCaEEbMOaw/s1600/16786_4690104244310_859446239_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r3tbRx9otMg/UzZEZTh8qRI/AAAAAAAACE4/4cCaEEbMOaw/s1600/16786_4690104244310_859446239_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cP7J501-XPY/UzZEZbYmF0I/AAAAAAAACE8/ntd8_Mac4xs/s1600/184501_4690104324312_566457434_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cP7J501-XPY/UzZEZbYmF0I/AAAAAAAACE8/ntd8_Mac4xs/s1600/184501_4690104324312_566457434_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
With summer just having started the day before, some flowers were still in bloom, and a butterfly stopped by for a snack.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KF-chVnGxcM/UzZFF7KCIuI/AAAAAAAACFY/n5KKgUTODaY/s1600/227768_4690106284361_926621598_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KF-chVnGxcM/UzZFF7KCIuI/AAAAAAAACFY/n5KKgUTODaY/s1600/227768_4690106284361_926621598_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aydf_Mh7zuI/UzZFFKTIuuI/AAAAAAAACFM/78-98hZxeug/s1600/407427_4690105124332_1964612093_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aydf_Mh7zuI/UzZFFKTIuuI/AAAAAAAACFM/78-98hZxeug/s1600/407427_4690105124332_1964612093_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-votLgFQJDqs/UzZFFfDDc0I/AAAAAAAACFc/e-hpkJtA8Xo/s1600/65129_4690105204334_2048069998_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-votLgFQJDqs/UzZFFfDDc0I/AAAAAAAACFc/e-hpkJtA8Xo/s1600/65129_4690105204334_2048069998_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
As we headed higher into the mountains, we saw several scenic views like this one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BTUSEmSWZTQ/UzbnXP-7qEI/AAAAAAAACFs/WpRBOus94V8/s1600/155872_4690106364363_538744576_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BTUSEmSWZTQ/UzbnXP-7qEI/AAAAAAAACFs/WpRBOus94V8/s1600/155872_4690106364363_538744576_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
And I was lucky enough to get a good shot of a condor surveying the landscape - not the easiest task from a moving car, let me tell you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cCBYI38MVcw/Uzbnme-3ehI/AAAAAAAACF0/oV6BxGEnymg/s1600/531443_4690106484366_1786222075_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cCBYI38MVcw/Uzbnme-3ehI/AAAAAAAACF0/oV6BxGEnymg/s1600/531443_4690106484366_1786222075_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
A little before noon, we reached our final destination for the day, the Valle Nevado ski resort, at an elevation of approximately 9,000 feet. Valle Nevado literally translates to "snowy valley". Obviously there's not much snow on the ground in early summer, but just like in the U.S., the ski resort is open out of ski season for those who want to take a scenic chairlift ride or hike up what are usually skiing trails.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLVEIFpcyKY/UzboiENrcCI/AAAAAAAACF8/98PzC45NS2w/s1600/23392_4690110604469_1563505582_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BLVEIFpcyKY/UzboiENrcCI/AAAAAAAACF8/98PzC45NS2w/s1600/23392_4690110604469_1563505582_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8qbgyy-V8E/Uzbok4rOQWI/AAAAAAAACGE/8tBFXeielAg/s1600/550968_4690110644470_1931193846_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u8qbgyy-V8E/Uzbok4rOQWI/AAAAAAAACGE/8tBFXeielAg/s1600/550968_4690110644470_1931193846_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
A short hike uphill from the lodge brings the towering glaciers of the Andes into view. These mountains in the distance are at an elevation of 15,000-16,000 feet. That is actually pretty tame for the Andes, which sports peaks as high as 24,000 feet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p9Nnb1egMUw/UzbpM6y-fMI/AAAAAAAACGM/jtRA-81TzN4/s1600/23318_4690114604569_1485232953_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p9Nnb1egMUw/UzbpM6y-fMI/AAAAAAAACGM/jtRA-81TzN4/s1600/23318_4690114604569_1485232953_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MxJgOIWnjXs/UzbpRQdJ_uI/AAAAAAAACGU/PrwPoIXgf0I/s1600/418165_4690113444540_1852669459_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MxJgOIWnjXs/UzbpRQdJ_uI/AAAAAAAACGU/PrwPoIXgf0I/s1600/418165_4690113444540_1852669459_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XCgg0qzdjYQ/UzbpUAWX8GI/AAAAAAAACGc/yA2efShCg7Q/s1600/421166_4690113484541_525136894_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XCgg0qzdjYQ/UzbpUAWX8GI/AAAAAAAACGc/yA2efShCg7Q/s1600/421166_4690113484541_525136894_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-dY7UmZEf8/UzbpWkWumJI/AAAAAAAACGk/uatRC-hRWmc/s1600/421153_4690114564568_1476672166_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-dY7UmZEf8/UzbpWkWumJI/AAAAAAAACGk/uatRC-hRWmc/s1600/421153_4690114564568_1476672166_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Shortly after departing Valle Nevado, on the way back to Santiago, we stopped on the side of the road to enjoy our picnic lunch (included in our tour cost). Leo had prepared some sandwiches, and also had some granola bars and the fresh fruits we had purchased on the drive up. More importantly, he brought a few cans of beer. After eating, I walked across the road to check out a small waterfall. A bird was also hanging out, and was nice enough to let me take a picture of him.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmRa7yf17XQ/Uzbqma3A09I/AAAAAAAACGs/ST-APUz7R3M/s1600/165834_4690115724597_114308001_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmRa7yf17XQ/Uzbqma3A09I/AAAAAAAACGs/ST-APUz7R3M/s1600/165834_4690115724597_114308001_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--RbnzvfSWGo/UzbqplROjDI/AAAAAAAACG0/s207ITv8r1M/s1600/393138_4690117044630_1479240382_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--RbnzvfSWGo/UzbqplROjDI/AAAAAAAACG0/s207ITv8r1M/s1600/393138_4690117044630_1479240382_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Further down the road, a couple of sheep apparently weren't particularly pleased about our presence.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTx7Jfgy1Js/Uzbq7RISCdI/AAAAAAAACG8/mUepZvjs5AI/s1600/13606_4690117684646_1617552063_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RTx7Jfgy1Js/Uzbq7RISCdI/AAAAAAAACG8/mUepZvjs5AI/s1600/13606_4690117684646_1617552063_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Further down the mountain towards Santiago, the hillsides were filled with a bright yellow/orange flower, so I asked Leo to stop for a couple of minutes at a pullout. The display would have been more brilliant about a month earlier, but it was still very nice, similar to what you might find in the southern Sierra Nevada of California in late spring.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8DfoA40Qjs/Uzbrml9iQVI/AAAAAAAACHE/nTRIj2ETLTY/s1600/284996_4690118084656_74165_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8DfoA40Qjs/Uzbrml9iQVI/AAAAAAAACHE/nTRIj2ETLTY/s1600/284996_4690118084656_74165_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HN2UtC-nrDw/UzbrqbQnVRI/AAAAAAAACHM/niXvh_xbL8s/s1600/531809_4690118444665_464615910_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HN2UtC-nrDw/UzbrqbQnVRI/AAAAAAAACHM/niXvh_xbL8s/s1600/531809_4690118444665_464615910_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t5_q1PCX-ek/Uzbruyi7UkI/AAAAAAAACHU/K40xyNNHlnc/s1600/603268_4690118484666_857442960_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t5_q1PCX-ek/Uzbruyi7UkI/AAAAAAAACHU/K40xyNNHlnc/s1600/603268_4690118484666_857442960_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
We made one final photo stop before heading back to the city, this one with a good view of a glacier along the Argentina border.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fazOM-9WOlw/UzbsIGDjGjI/AAAAAAAACHc/B3nw7L101fY/s1600/407564_4690120804724_2133212846_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fazOM-9WOlw/UzbsIGDjGjI/AAAAAAAACHc/B3nw7L101fY/s1600/407564_4690120804724_2133212846_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbEvsUA3UC8/UzbsKCXx5xI/AAAAAAAACHk/tbJHn3AsMOM/s1600/538032_4690119444690_1721784990_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cbEvsUA3UC8/UzbsKCXx5xI/AAAAAAAACHk/tbJHn3AsMOM/s1600/538032_4690119444690_1721784990_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
The long day and all of the hiking at altitude had finally caught up with me at this point, and I kept dozing on and off for the hour or so drive back in to the city. I did ask Leo if he could do us one favor when we were back in Santiago. Chilean wines have a very high reputation for quality, and so I'd asked if he could take us to a store that sold wines. Much to my surprise - we pulled in to Wal-Mart! Known as "Lider" in Chile, they have a surprisingly large selection of both Chilean and Argentine wines. We were directed to a "quite expensive" Pinot Noir, which much to my delight meant it cost $18! Four bottles of wine set us back less than $40; can't go wrong with that. We were also treated to one last look at the gleaming Santiago skyline as we headed back to the hotel.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHYYKxY4i8s/Uzbx054AxeI/AAAAAAAACH0/X25uoywoCS4/s1600/295237_4690121924752_386695859_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHYYKxY4i8s/Uzbx054AxeI/AAAAAAAACH0/X25uoywoCS4/s1600/295237_4690121924752_386695859_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
And with that, we pulled back in to our hotel a little after 5:00, after a long but great day experiencing the Andes. While it was still disappointing not to have made it to the awe-inspiring <a href="http://www.visitchile.com/en/chile-guides/articles/putre-chungara-lake-a-sanctuary-in-height.htm">Chungara Lake</a> in Lauca National Park during our cruise, I can't complain about our consolation prize. We still got to see the Andes, the scenery was terrific, and our guide Leo knew his stuff and gave us a very good narrated tour of the area (and helped me pick out some delicious Chilean wines at day's end). Of course, now I want to make it down to Patagonia that much more...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-34534337606086124472014-03-21T21:52:00.001-07:002014-03-21T21:52:53.430-07:00A Spring Evening in Downtown Dallas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xH7HjwAmvuA/Uy0Be0DfB0I/AAAAAAAAB_g/oxtXFjesgQA/s1600/IMG_1271%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xH7HjwAmvuA/Uy0Be0DfB0I/AAAAAAAAB_g/oxtXFjesgQA/s1600/IMG_1271%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
My wife's birthday is on Tuesday, but we decided to go out for dinner Friday night, since trying to do something during the week can be tough. With a little extra time to kill thanks to my office closing a little early on Fridays, we decided to take a walk around downtown Dallas to work up an appetite before heading to dinner on the edge of Uptown. Downtown used to be a place best avoided unless you had business there, especially after 5:00, but the city has done a good job of cleaning the area up and making downtown a place people actually want to visit. Learn more about our pleasant stroll on a beautiful Friday evening after the jump.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
This time of year (from mid-March to late April) is one of the few times of year where the weather in Dallas is actually pleasant, and as the picture above shows, this day was no exception. My office is at Thanksgiving Tower, on the corner of Elm and Akard Streets, and we decided to start by walking down Elm towards Dealey Plaza on the west end of downtown. On the way, you can catch a couple of glimpses of the glimmering Fountain Place skyscraper, a distinctive piece of the Dallas skyline.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jasbcaaKPmc/Uy0FLktb5AI/AAAAAAAAB_s/_T1D7UmTv0c/s1600/IMG_1247%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jasbcaaKPmc/Uy0FLktb5AI/AAAAAAAAB_s/_T1D7UmTv0c/s1600/IMG_1247%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
A few blocks to the west is the <a href="http://www.oldred.org/">Old Red Courthouse</a>, the old Dallas County courthouse built in 1892 (the county courthouse is now located in a nondescript office building a couple of blocks away). The building today houses a museum highlighting the history of Dallas County. Also in the park across the street is the John Neely Bryan log cabin. Bryan is considered the founder of the city of Dallas, though apparently, whether or not he actually lived in the cabin is a topic of debate.<br />
<br />
One block west is <a href="http://www.jfk.org/go/about/history-of-dealey-plaza">Dealey Plaza</a>. Dealey Plaza was originally constructed as a city park by the Works Progress Administration in 1940, but of course, the world knows the plaza for a much more sinister reason - the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Amazingly, in all the years I've lived in Dallas, and for that matter, worked downtown, I've never been down here. On the east end of Dealey Plaza is a small monument built to commemorate the construction of the park.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bRsxcnPuijg/Uy0KpucgxWI/AAAAAAAAB_8/tfGcFK0IPpU/s1600/IMG_1252%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bRsxcnPuijg/Uy0KpucgxWI/AAAAAAAAB_8/tfGcFK0IPpU/s1600/IMG_1252%5B1%5D.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
Also visible from here are a small flower garden, and a frontal view of the Old Red Courthouse.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ykocMoLEaeE/Uy0LHqM4xFI/AAAAAAAACAE/1KxmZuKY5ZQ/s1600/IMG_1253%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ykocMoLEaeE/Uy0LHqM4xFI/AAAAAAAACAE/1KxmZuKY5ZQ/s1600/IMG_1253%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BTsUQCaL9rk/Uy0LQMtm_qI/AAAAAAAACAM/AbUJzXFDSSI/s1600/IMG_1254%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BTsUQCaL9rk/Uy0LQMtm_qI/AAAAAAAACAM/AbUJzXFDSSI/s1600/IMG_1254%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
Looking west from Dealey Plaza, you can see the historic triple underpass, where Commerce, Main, and Elm Streets pass under the railroad tracks and Stemmons Freeway.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0ipgIyrYQw/Uy0Lv38O-BI/AAAAAAAACAc/nx46ZsNQ52Q/s1600/IMG_1255%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0ipgIyrYQw/Uy0Lv38O-BI/AAAAAAAACAc/nx46ZsNQ52Q/s1600/IMG_1255%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
"X" marks the spot - an X was originally placed in this spot on Elm Street by the Dallas Police Department in November 1963, to mark where President Kennedy was struck (the street has been repaved multiple times since then, but the X has been replaced each time).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E30mzUtSl0Y/Uy0MW3zx0hI/AAAAAAAACAk/qZ2oZHFge2c/s1600/IMG_1256%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E30mzUtSl0Y/Uy0MW3zx0hI/AAAAAAAACAk/qZ2oZHFge2c/s1600/IMG_1256%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Reunion Tower and the Hyatt Regency Hotel in the background. A sports arena, Reunion Arena, used to be located next to Reunion Tower, but has since been torn down. Why the name "Reunion", you might ask? In 1855, a group of French, Belgian, and Swiss settlers founded a community called "La Reunion" about 3 miles away along the Trinity River. It was originally intended as a socialist utopian colony, but 5 years later, it withered away and was incorporated by Dallas.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ig_WUL65RmA/Uy0MufCKZdI/AAAAAAAACAs/wLANYRxWjNU/s1600/IMG_1257%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ig_WUL65RmA/Uy0MufCKZdI/AAAAAAAACAs/wLANYRxWjNU/s1600/IMG_1257%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A closer view of the triple underpass.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DTczyFRk-wk/Uy0Nhi3RokI/AAAAAAAACA0/6FZKXQXX6lk/s1600/IMG_1258%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DTczyFRk-wk/Uy0Nhi3RokI/AAAAAAAACA0/6FZKXQXX6lk/s1600/IMG_1258%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
Looking back to the east at the Dallas County Records Building and the Old Red Courthouse. The office building behind the Records Building is Bank of America Tower, currently the tallest building in Dallas.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npfExCw5Rpc/Uy0OSjFB-XI/AAAAAAAACBA/3DXmyYZTYVw/s1600/IMG_1259%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npfExCw5Rpc/Uy0OSjFB-XI/AAAAAAAACBA/3DXmyYZTYVw/s1600/IMG_1259%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MF5eXDwFrb4/Uy0OdOXf6ZI/AAAAAAAACBI/ms3K6XDsCiU/s1600/IMG_1260%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MF5eXDwFrb4/Uy0OdOXf6ZI/AAAAAAAACBI/ms3K6XDsCiU/s1600/IMG_1260%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A map of the area, in front of the Texas Schoolbook Depository, now the <a href="http://www.jfk.org/">Sixth Floor Museum</a> (I couldn't get a good shot of the building itself due to sun angles at this hour).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VfumPQLoxhk/Uy0PSUF_90I/AAAAAAAACBQ/G3x0CURMZTA/s1600/IMG_1263%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VfumPQLoxhk/Uy0PSUF_90I/AAAAAAAACBQ/G3x0CURMZTA/s1600/IMG_1263%5B1%5D.JPG" height="476" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The famous, or infamous, <a href="http://mcadams.posc.mu.edu/dealey.htm">Grassy Knoll</a>, to the east of Elm Street and just southwest of the Texas Schoolbook Depository. Also known as the source of Kramer's "Back, and to the left!" joke in Seinfeld's spoof of the movie "JFK". The current road sign is not the original that was located here in 1963. That sign was removed under mysterious circumstances shortly after the assassination - but oddly enough, neither the FBI, the Dallas Police, the Dallas streets department, or TxDOT acknowledge removing the sign, or where it ended up (an effort was made to locate the sign to add it to a historical exhibit for the 50th anniversary of the JFK assassination).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9tRvi7bc3Dg/Uy0RIFudWkI/AAAAAAAACBc/LNLQdIBRgvI/s1600/IMG_1265%5B2%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9tRvi7bc3Dg/Uy0RIFudWkI/AAAAAAAACBc/LNLQdIBRgvI/s1600/IMG_1265%5B2%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1m3dhQLfz8/Uy0ROJe-ERI/AAAAAAAACBk/PeelO1TSdKU/s1600/IMG_1266%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1m3dhQLfz8/Uy0ROJe-ERI/AAAAAAAACBk/PeelO1TSdKU/s1600/IMG_1266%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
One last view of Dealey Plaza and Old Red.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-se8w9U7iY2M/Uy0STWOlCOI/AAAAAAAACBs/GWRK0ZsOurQ/s1600/IMG_1268%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-se8w9U7iY2M/Uy0STWOlCOI/AAAAAAAACBs/GWRK0ZsOurQ/s1600/IMG_1268%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
With that, we only had about 35 minutes until our dinner reservations, so we started heading back east towards Uptown. On the way, you pass through the West End Historic District. Several old warehouse buildings have been converted to new uses, mostly restaurants. This is a popular area before and after Stars and Mavericks games, since the American Airlines Center is only about a 10 minute walk away.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HcbyBqw2iOc/Uy0Sw0LewlI/AAAAAAAACB8/J9qPaSy3L9E/s1600/IMG_1270%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HcbyBqw2iOc/Uy0Sw0LewlI/AAAAAAAACB8/J9qPaSy3L9E/s1600/IMG_1270%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FycZH4BU6GI/Uy0S4AQN2kI/AAAAAAAACCE/Bf9vldktXc8/s1600/IMG_1269%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FycZH4BU6GI/Uy0S4AQN2kI/AAAAAAAACCE/Bf9vldktXc8/s1600/IMG_1269%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Our last stop before dinner was downtown's newest addition, Klyde Warren Park, unique in that it was built as a deck park on top of Woodall Rogers Freeway below. I thought the park was something of a boondoggle when it was first planned, but it's actually turned out to be popular attraction for both office workers and downtown visitors.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nGP_WmrcETM/Uy0TnDGgquI/AAAAAAAACCM/ukWTkPRQkzo/s1600/IMG_1273%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nGP_WmrcETM/Uy0TnDGgquI/AAAAAAAACCM/ukWTkPRQkzo/s1600/IMG_1273%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wuM2IcSnua4/Uy0Ts2-UErI/AAAAAAAACCU/nSy_uU3PlN4/s1600/IMG_1276%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wuM2IcSnua4/Uy0Ts2-UErI/AAAAAAAACCU/nSy_uU3PlN4/s1600/IMG_1276%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
Given the park's proximity to several office buildings and the Arts District, the park has become a magnet for food trucks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8U0FDY1ztIk/Uy0UAeBsUoI/AAAAAAAACCc/YVG_Vb3p2ug/s1600/IMG_1277%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8U0FDY1ztIk/Uy0UAeBsUoI/AAAAAAAACCc/YVG_Vb3p2ug/s1600/IMG_1277%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
I'd bet this fountain is a popular place for kids to play during the summer, but not so much on a 75 degree spring day. Meanwhile, some salsa lessons were about to start in the covered area.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nO2zXFqsDK4/Uy0UtNIxU5I/AAAAAAAACCk/cs4DmElZ2aA/s1600/IMG_1278%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nO2zXFqsDK4/Uy0UtNIxU5I/AAAAAAAACCk/cs4DmElZ2aA/s1600/IMG_1278%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We finally made it to dinner after that, but from our window seat, we could see an old trolley car pass by. DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) has refurbished some old streetcars to run up and down McKinney Avenue in Uptown. These are the very same streetcars that used to ply Dallas' streets before the freeways were built in the 1950s. They're free to ride, and come in handy if you want to go restaurant and/or bar hopping. Just beware, the streetcars have no A/C, which can be a bit of a drawback when it's hot outside.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3hR5CBuQ7wY/Uy0VnV04qeI/AAAAAAAACC0/eFj7jhe1NRo/s1600/IMG_1279%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3hR5CBuQ7wY/Uy0VnV04qeI/AAAAAAAACC0/eFj7jhe1NRo/s1600/IMG_1279%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
So you might be wondering at this point, why am I showcasing my own city in a travel blog. Well, no doubt some of you reading this blog will find yourself in Dallas, either on business or visiting family, so hopefully this will come in handy. But I think it's also useful to remember that even if you're a world traveler, there's some very cool stuff to see in the places we live in, which often don't cost a dime to see, except maybe for a bus ticket or a few bucks for parking. I serve this up as a reminder not to forget to look local once in awhile.<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-23061019853215744132014-03-15T07:51:00.002-07:002014-03-15T07:51:25.066-07:00Foghorn Harbor Inn, Los Angeles (Marina del Rey), CA - Hotel Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46NMCwEkN9E/UyO8dK8mhzI/AAAAAAAAB8s/Yn243A7iqcM/s1600/IMG_7974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46NMCwEkN9E/UyO8dK8mhzI/AAAAAAAAB8s/Yn243A7iqcM/s1600/IMG_7974.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Usually when I travel to La La Land, or anywhere else in Southern California for that matter, I don't have to bother with a hotel, because my in-laws live in the area and are more than happy to provide free food and accommodations while we're there. Back in January, though, we were headed to LA for a very special reason - my brother was invited to appear on the Jeopardy Battle of the Decades tournament, and the taping had been set for January 21st. Contestants aren't given specific times until the day of taping, so if you're a family member, you just have to show up in the morning and wait for your favorite contestant to come on. We needed to be at the Sony Studios in Culver City by 10 A.M., which is a really long drive from my in-laws' place out by San Bernardino, especially factoring in that we'd be fighting rush hour traffic in LA. Plus, my sister and her two kids would be flying in and had a terribly early flight out of LAX early the morning after the taping, so we decided to just get a hotel. The choice: the Foghorn Harbor Inn in Marina del Rey.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
About the Hotel</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Website: <a href="http://www.foghornhotel.com/">http://www.foghornhotel.com/</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Rates: $159-259, depending on season and room location</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Facilities: "Beachfront" hotel, free breakfast, LAX airport shuttle, restaurant next door, fully non-smoking</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Where Is It</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Foghorn Harbor Inn is located in Marina del Rey, about 10-15 minutes north of LAX on Highway 1 (Lincoln Blvd./Pacific Coast Highway), and about 20 minutes from the 405 (San Diego Freeway) via Washington Blvd. From LAX, take Highway 1 north, turn left at Fiji Way, then right at Admiralty Way. Proceed to the end of the road, and turn left at Via Marina. The hotel will be immediately on your left. From the 405, exit at Washington Blvd., go west, and proceed to Via Marina/Ocean Avenue (BEWARE - when traveling west, it is labeled only as Ocean Avenue, and thus easy to miss). Turn left, pass the first traffic light (Admiralty Way), and the hotel will be immediately on your left.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
The Review</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
First off, I have to say I'm really impressed how close the hotel is to LAX. Trying to get anywhere in LA can be a challenge due to Southern California's legendary traffic, but it took only 13 minutes from LAX, at 4 in the afternoon on a Monday. The return trip an hour later to pick up my sister from Terminal 1 took about the same amount of time. This is a HUGE plus if you're looking for a place to stay near the airport, such as for an early flight the next morning.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Admittedly, the hotel doesn't look like much from outside.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FLrxBhP7XVU/UyPC-tYdVJI/AAAAAAAAB88/D0yLhOGlOaA/s1600/IMG_7990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FLrxBhP7XVU/UyPC-tYdVJI/AAAAAAAAB88/D0yLhOGlOaA/s1600/IMG_7990.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHcaJSlAAFA/UyPC-urlH2I/AAAAAAAAB9A/RqKFhlBzFr4/s1600/IMG_7991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OHcaJSlAAFA/UyPC-urlH2I/AAAAAAAAB9A/RqKFhlBzFr4/s1600/IMG_7991.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
However, the place was actually pretty clean for a "beach" hotel. Usually, you're having to watch for stuff like sand and shell fragments all over the floor, but they do a pretty good job here of keeping the interior clean. As you would expect, the walls have a decidedly "seafaring" theme.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThXHDLuz08g/UyPDgh1tgwI/AAAAAAAAB9M/wHsyCbIvBmE/s1600/IMG_7992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThXHDLuz08g/UyPDgh1tgwI/AAAAAAAAB9M/wHsyCbIvBmE/s1600/IMG_7992.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8pM_EvrrogU/UyPDguxhLsI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/lbllTn40D78/s1600/IMG_7999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8pM_EvrrogU/UyPDguxhLsI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/lbllTn40D78/s1600/IMG_7999.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The room, a beachview room on the second floor, was a tad on the small side, but perfectly functional for a short stay.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZGrESHbBII/UyPFyYI0J5I/AAAAAAAAB94/kMnpsYA2AHc/s1600/IMG_7972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PZGrESHbBII/UyPFyYI0J5I/AAAAAAAAB94/kMnpsYA2AHc/s1600/IMG_7972.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6Gi6xKhbzw/UyPF906t2iI/AAAAAAAAB-A/6ZoN7J9GZBU/s1600/IMG_7971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E6Gi6xKhbzw/UyPF906t2iI/AAAAAAAAB-A/6ZoN7J9GZBU/s1600/IMG_7971.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Most importantly, the room came with a balcony, which proved to be a nice spot to enjoy breakfast and a cup of coffee while overlooking the "beach". One thing to be aware of - the "second" floor of this hotel is actually at ground level. Rooms on the first floor have much larger balconies, but you have to go down a flight of stairs to get to them. We didn't realize this until we checked in, and since my mom has trouble with stairs, we had to switch to two second floor rooms. Luckily, a Monday in mid-January doesn't appear to be a particularly busy time around here, so we were able to switch with no trouble.<br />
<br />
Speaking of which, I've used the word "beach" in parentheses a couple of times, for a good reason which you should definitely be aware of. The hotel is indeed a beachfront property, the only one in Marina del Rey as a matter of fact, but be aware that the beach is, in fact, artificial. The harbor in Marina del Rey was repurposed to provide a place for yachts to dock, and for shopping/restaurants along the water, with a beach put in for good measure. It is not, however, the Pacific Ocean, so if "beachfront" to you means "oceanfront", this isn't the place for you (we knew this when we booked, so it wasn't an issue for us). Despite being manmade, the beach is perfectly fine for beachy SoCal activities, with a volleyball game and sunbathing in full swing when we arrived.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LK3E-ji9OwA/UyPE9g3xlfI/AAAAAAAAB9g/URBG6a_ccSw/s1600/IMG_7970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LK3E-ji9OwA/UyPE9g3xlfI/AAAAAAAAB9g/URBG6a_ccSw/s1600/IMG_7970.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
And below are a couple more photos in the morning, when the beach was empty.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pdN42SYpxR4/UyPFJbiB-HI/AAAAAAAAB9s/nbmCOqVGROc/s1600/IMG_7994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pdN42SYpxR4/UyPFJbiB-HI/AAAAAAAAB9s/nbmCOqVGROc/s1600/IMG_7994.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yCFSKDjbiB4/UyPFJb9dpJI/AAAAAAAAB9o/hyWl92--M6Q/s1600/IMG_7993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yCFSKDjbiB4/UyPFJb9dpJI/AAAAAAAAB9o/hyWl92--M6Q/s1600/IMG_7993.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I mentioned that one of the features of the Foghorn is a free breakfast, available downstairs from 6-10, I think. This is a pretty solid setup, with both indoor and outdoor sitting areas, and a good selection of hardboiled eggs, fruits, yogurt, milk, juices, and microwaveable breakfast foods in the fridge. A selection of breads and cereals is also available; the photo just didn't come out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ06B2-n-Qw/UyPIOuThKmI/AAAAAAAAB-M/ifKI909XaL0/s1600/IMG_7995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wZ06B2-n-Qw/UyPIOuThKmI/AAAAAAAAB-M/ifKI909XaL0/s1600/IMG_7995.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy3iUE3eGrk/UyPIOnQecWI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/pq7T2WBiR3o/s1600/IMG_7996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy3iUE3eGrk/UyPIOnQecWI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/pq7T2WBiR3o/s1600/IMG_7996.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h9bHgwMxwUQ/UyPIOtCxNhI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/uruVVRE2jJU/s1600/IMG_7998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h9bHgwMxwUQ/UyPIOtCxNhI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/uruVVRE2jJU/s1600/IMG_7998.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Probably the best aspect of this hotel is the location. As I mentioned at the beginning, LAX is only 10-15 minutes away. Marina del Rey itself has many shops and restaurants, all within walking distance of the hotel (there is a halfway decent Mexican fast food joint at the corner of Via Marina and Washington, next to the Subway - can't remember the name, though). And, if you'd like to see a real beach, LA's world famous Venice Beach is only a 10-15 minute walk away down Washington. A few photos of Venice Beach on a beautiful Tuesday morning are presented below for your enjoyment.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYQTlRsGtuM/UyPJ6bc3ssI/AAAAAAAAB-o/s3InG708I0M/s1600/IMG_7976.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYQTlRsGtuM/UyPJ6bc3ssI/AAAAAAAAB-o/s3InG708I0M/s1600/IMG_7976.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4bbqFpSX_0/UyPJ6mEku-I/AAAAAAAAB-s/BJpgvdSUtfw/s1600/IMG_7977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b4bbqFpSX_0/UyPJ6mEku-I/AAAAAAAAB-s/BJpgvdSUtfw/s1600/IMG_7977.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xji9bctb_Ks/UyPJ6ST6XTI/AAAAAAAAB-0/mUf3Qge_1BM/s1600/IMG_7978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xji9bctb_Ks/UyPJ6ST6XTI/AAAAAAAAB-0/mUf3Qge_1BM/s1600/IMG_7978.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TqGK39SUfkg/UyPJ60YEJvI/AAAAAAAAB-4/LgimFkgAW38/s1600/IMG_7979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TqGK39SUfkg/UyPJ60YEJvI/AAAAAAAAB-4/LgimFkgAW38/s1600/IMG_7979.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I couldn't help but wonder how much these beachfront houses would cost, but then again, if I have to ask, I obviously can't afford them. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8r8uViQJ-4o/UyPJ7Hhsf0I/AAAAAAAAB_M/1SxZHHHfqQg/s1600/IMG_7983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8r8uViQJ-4o/UyPJ7Hhsf0I/AAAAAAAAB_M/1SxZHHHfqQg/s1600/IMG_7983.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I liked this scene, personally - a flock of seagulls enjoying a quiet morning on the beach. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iehc2ALAJK0/UyPJ7QL9BZI/AAAAAAAAB_I/0SLrvoBOLpo/s1600/IMG_7987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Iehc2ALAJK0/UyPJ7QL9BZI/AAAAAAAAB_I/0SLrvoBOLpo/s1600/IMG_7987.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Service at this hotel was friendly and personal. The lady who checked us in was, shall we say, a bit slow, but she was nice enough, and gave us suggestions on what to do in the area. They also arranged a shuttle to the airport for my sister for Wednesday morning (if the shuttle isn't running because your flight is too early or too late, the hotel will pay for a cab for you, which is a nice touch). About the only negative was that there isn't much to watch on the TV, but hopefully, if you're coming to LA, you're not spending a whole lot of time in your room watching TV. <br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
The Verdict</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Not the fanciest hotel in the world, but the Foghorn Harbor Inn provides a great location at a reasonable price. It's a good choice if you have an early morning flight out of LAX and want something a little different from a typical airport hotel, or if you'd like a beachfront experience without the exorbitant prices, especially with Venice Beach only a short walk away. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Rating: 3 1/2 stars. Nothing fancy here, but a solid value for those on a budget, with an extra 1/2 star for good service.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
P.S. If you're a Jeopardy watcher, you would have seen my brother, Babu Srinivasan, on TV on Monday, March 4th. If I have now piqued your curiosity and want to watch his episodes (this was actually his 4th appearance on the show), past episodes are usually available at <a href="http://jeopardy.com/">jeopardy.com</a> or on YouTube.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-83988511915917691022014-03-14T19:10:00.004-07:002014-03-14T19:10:55.790-07:00New and Improved! Follow This Crappy Blog on Twitter @MeanMeosh!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
A frequent follower of this blog suggested I join the 21st century and set up a Twitter account. I had long resisted doing Twitter, but this person did raise a very valid point - that Twitter makes it easier to update frequent readers about new posts as they go up. So I indeed did decide to quit being a luddite, and created a Twitter account. Follow me and this blog at @MeanMeosh today!<br />
<br />
P.S. Don't worry, I won't waste valuable bytes of your data plan by tweeting about the bathroom at the Statute of Liberty, though I may occasionally tweet a travel-related photo if I think it's too good to wait for a blog post.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-17070736897301007772014-03-08T09:43:00.000-08:002014-03-08T09:43:54.493-08:00Ellen's Southern Kitchen, Downtown Dallas - Restaurant Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I met a friend for a Stars game on Thursday, and not wanting to pay $20 for two hot dogs and a Coke, decided to grab some food in the West End before going to the game. We had no idea where we wanted to go, so my friend pulled out a restaurant finder app he had on his phone. Ellen's Southern Kitchen came up within short walking distance of DART's West End Station, and having read good things about this place in both the Dallas Morning News and other Dallas-area restaurant review sites, this sounded like a good place to give a try. Read about the deliciousness after the jump!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>First, a quick review of my proprietary Restaurant Rating System:<br />
<br />
5 - I Would Walk 500 Miles (And I Would Walk 500 More) to visit this place<br />
4 - Worth a visit when in town<br />
3 - Meh; I won't object if a friend suggests it, but I wouldn't recommend it on my own<br />
2 - Only if nothing else is open<br />
1 - Run, Sriram, Run!<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
The Place</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cx09eyvHRFk/UxtRL7GPfpI/AAAAAAAAB8A/XGDeuYSIoc8/s1600/IMG_1236%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cx09eyvHRFk/UxtRL7GPfpI/AAAAAAAAB8A/XGDeuYSIoc8/s1600/IMG_1236%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ellen's Southern Kitchen</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1718 N. Market Street</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dallas, TX 75201</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
7 A.M. - 9 P.M. Sunday-Thursday; 7 A.M.-10 P.M. Friday-Saturday</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ellenssouthernkitchen.com/">http://www.ellenssouthernkitchen.com/</a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Price: $10-20 per person without alcohol </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you're headed to a Stars or Mavericks game, this is a convenient spot, as it's only a 10 minute walk to the American Airlines Center.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
The Menu</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As the name implies, Ellen's specializes in Southern comfort food, and specifically, Southern breakfast food, because in the words of the owner, "grits rule". This is a bit hard to read, but I snagged a photo of the breakfast menu (breakfast is served all day, by the way).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3BInH5hEk0/UxtRzz62h4I/AAAAAAAAB8I/TvX0zKOIGqo/s1600/IMG_1233%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3BInH5hEk0/UxtRzz62h4I/AAAAAAAAB8I/TvX0zKOIGqo/s1600/IMG_1233%5B1%5D.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ellen's also offers a selection of sandwiches, burgers, and Southern specialties like fried chicken and chicken fried steak. They also have a selection of coffee drinks, chai tea latte, and hot chocolate. It was a cold day, and so I ordered the hot chocolate. It is homemade, and 100% delicious.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
The Food</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I kept debating whether I wanted breakfast for dinner, or if I wanted the chicken fried steak. Ellen's specialty is breakfast, after all, but I'm always down for a good chicken fried steak. I eventually decided on the "Big Ol' French Toast Breakfast", which is two slices of French toast, 2 eggs any style, bacon, sausage (2 links or patties), and hash browns. My friend had the "Big Ol' Country Breakfast", which is the same thing, except substitute biscuits & country gravy for the French toast. Diet food this wasn't.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qi9Da86g98U/UxtTZGsQhSI/AAAAAAAAB8U/M7yJcMwZiuo/s1600/IMG_1234%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qi9Da86g98U/UxtTZGsQhSI/AAAAAAAAB8U/M7yJcMwZiuo/s1600/IMG_1234%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xN2qUO1NJ9I/UxtTd_Sjh7I/AAAAAAAAB8c/dV2qbY0kXco/s1600/IMG_1235%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xN2qUO1NJ9I/UxtTd_Sjh7I/AAAAAAAAB8c/dV2qbY0kXco/s1600/IMG_1235%5B1%5D.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
The French toast was good, though not quite great. Slices are big, fluffy, and with a good amount of crunch, though there was something just a little odd about the taste. I think it might have been a little too much vanilla added to the mix, perhaps. A minor issue, really, and they were still pretty tasty. The rest of the dish was really, really good. The eggs were very slightly undercooked but still good, and the bacon slices were absolutely perfect - not too crunchy to where they tasted like pork rinds, but cooked well enough to give you just a little crunch a good smoky flavor. I'm not usually a fan of sausage links, but these were delicious, with a good but not overwhelming amount of fat that lent to a creamy, almost melt-in-your-mouth kind of feeling. And last but not least, the hash browns were cooked perfectly, with a beautiful golden brown color, a crispy exterior, and a moist and tender interior. I stole a bite of my buddy's biscuits & gravy, and the biscuit (buttermilk of course) was very good, nice and fluffy with the layering you expect in a good buttermilk biscuit, and a good, rich sausage gravy.<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Neither of us were in a mood to stuff ourselves silly, so we skipped dessert. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Service was good. We were seated promptly, and having arrived about 10 minutes past 6:00, we made it to our seats for the 7:30 start with a good 10 minutes to spare, even with the walk to the AAC (which was desperately needed, despite passing on dessert). Our server was nice, actually came back promptly when we said we needed just another minute or two to order, and made sure our soda and water glasses were full. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
The Verdict</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Rating</b> - 4 stars. Not quite perfection, but still a very good meal, and I already plan to come back to check out the chicken fried steak. Better yet, this place is a relative bargain, with many main dishes available for under $10. Give Ellen's a try the next time you're visiting downtown.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-51881559749830884062014-03-01T12:39:00.002-08:002014-03-01T12:39:53.599-08:00Day Trips from Dallas - Talimena National Scenic Byway, Oklahoma/Arkansas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R2Fta7jfAIY/UxFhMgZQQ6I/AAAAAAAAB5A/0QgODkZPPO4/s1600/IMG_7418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R2Fta7jfAIY/UxFhMgZQQ6I/AAAAAAAAB5A/0QgODkZPPO4/s1600/IMG_7418.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Scenic overlook with winding highway in background</i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's been a while since I've done anything new with the "Day Trips from Dallas" series, and with my series about my recent trip to India complete, now seemed as good a time as any to pick it up again. On this past Christmas Day, we didn't have much going on since we'd be leaving for India in less than a week, so we decided to enjoy a scenic trip across the Red River to spend an otherwise lazy day. Our destination would be the Talimena National Scenic Byway, a beautiful, winding mountain drive in the Ouachita Mountains, just a few hours from home. In case the photo above has piqued your interest, read much more after the jump!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
What Is It</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The <a href="http://www.talimenascenicdrive.com/">Talimena National Scenic Byway</a>, sometimes called the Queen Talimena Scenic Byway, stretches 54 miles through the Ouachita Mountains (the southernmost portion of the Ozarks), from US 271 north of Talihina, Oklahoma to US 59/71 in Mena, Arkansas. It is marked as State Highway 1 in Oklahoma, and State Highway 88 in Arkansas. The Byway is a miniature version of the Blue Ridge Parkway/Skyline Driving stretching through North Carolina and Virginia. It was completed in 1969, but had its origins in two truck trails constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression. Several scenic overlooks and campgrounds along the road were built by the CCC, as roadside markers indicate.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
How to Get There</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The most direct route to get to the Byway from Dallas is to go north on US Highway 75, go east on State Highway 43 in Stringtown, Oklahoma, then north on State Highway 2 on the south side of Sardis Lake, then east on State Highway 1 to Talihina, and finally north on US Highway 271 about 8 miles to Talimena State Park and the state of the parkway. Total driving time is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes from downtown Dallas. You can also start at the eastern end of the Byway by taking IH-30 east to Texarkana, then north on US 71 to Mena, Arkansas. Driving time is approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For best results, allow approximately 3 hours to drive the entire Byway, so as to allow time to enjoy all of the scenic overlooks, do some hiking, and perhaps enjoy a picnic lunch at either Talimena State Park or one of the many picnic tables along the road. If you don't have time to do the entire thing, you can do what we did, and leave the road at US Highway 259 (about 90 minutes from the road's start), head south to Idabel, then head west then south on State Highway 37 back across the Red River to Mt. Vernon, Texas. Here, you can catch IH-30 west back to Dallas. The return trip home via this route is approximately 4 hours. This makes for a total travel time of approximately 11 hours if you do the full length of the Talimena, or approximately 9 hours if you do only the first half to Highway 259.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Most of the trip to and from the Byway is an easy drive, with some nice scenery past Stringtown in Oklahoma, down US 259 to Idabel, and on US 59/71 between Mena and Ashdown. Driving conditions can be challenging going up Winding Stair Mountain on US 271 past Talihina, along the Byway itself, and going through the other side of Winding Stair on US 259 a few miles past the Byway junction, due to steep grades and sharp curves. Similar to the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Byway is built atop the ridges that make up Winding Stair Mountain, and as such, the road dips, climbs, and curves along the natural contours of the mountains. There are a few especially steep grades, where a lower gear is necessary to head down, even in a small passenger car. Travel is not recommended during foggy or icy weather; you won't be able to see anything during fog, anyway, and the Byway is usually closed during snow or ice since the area isn't equipped to deal with clearing snow.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
What to See</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I called this a "miniature" version of the Blue Ridge Parkway, not just because it's shorter, but also because the mountains top out at a much lower elevation (about 2,000 feet at the highest point of the Talimena, compared to slightly over 6,000 on the Blue Ridge). The scenery, however, is similarly spectacular. Before I get to that, though, they say half the fun of seeing someplace is getting there, and there is some nice mountain scenery on the way there. Your first views of the Ouchitas come up quickly as you drive east on State Highway 43 past Stringtown.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_ZLxz0NV3g/UxFsbUqcRNI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/6_pY8ZYb1Vw/s1600/IMG_7394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m_ZLxz0NV3g/UxFsbUqcRNI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/6_pY8ZYb1Vw/s1600/IMG_7394.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KLF-Yp4lQ8s/UxFsbC3gfCI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/5q_qkMcxN_g/s1600/IMG_7398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KLF-Yp4lQ8s/UxFsbC3gfCI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/5q_qkMcxN_g/s1600/IMG_7398.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jl2RmJIb3HA/UxFsbVI-C1I/AAAAAAAAB5U/JaaVCizmvHY/s1600/IMG_7403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jl2RmJIb3HA/UxFsbVI-C1I/AAAAAAAAB5U/JaaVCizmvHY/s1600/IMG_7403.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Later, as you approach State Highway 2, you catch a glimpse of Sardis Lake. The highway actually runs right over the dam, and there is one parking area (which we missed seeing, unfortunately) that provides a sweeping view of the lake. Most of the other pull-out areas along the lake require the payment of a fee to enter, however. I did manage to get one photo looking back to the south as we passed the lake.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHOO-T3PPoI/UxFtIFtosfI/AAAAAAAAB5o/AVncU2yqKMo/s1600/IMG_7404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHOO-T3PPoI/UxFtIFtosfI/AAAAAAAAB5o/AVncU2yqKMo/s1600/IMG_7404.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Heading north out of Talihina, Winding Stair Mountain looms ominously ahead.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsfoJV4LBUY/UxFtYcNDLSI/AAAAAAAAB5w/kE08oZQKaO4/s1600/IMG_7408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nsfoJV4LBUY/UxFtYcNDLSI/AAAAAAAAB5w/kE08oZQKaO4/s1600/IMG_7408.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Which finally brings you to the western end of the Talimena. If you've left Dallas early in the morning, Talimena State Park, on your left off of US 271, makes for a great spot for a picnic lunch (we had planned to do just that, but I forgot the bread at home). Just a mile or so after turning on to the road, you start getting views like this to the south...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILebgKHlFYs/UxIvEhwC77I/AAAAAAAAB6I/kTVnyt3Vgk4/s1600/IMG_7411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILebgKHlFYs/UxIvEhwC77I/AAAAAAAAB6I/kTVnyt3Vgk4/s1600/IMG_7411.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QfxYbnJD74/UxFuQcVg3sI/AAAAAAAAB54/-t9YImyaZ_8/s1600/IMG_7412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QfxYbnJD74/UxFuQcVg3sI/AAAAAAAAB54/-t9YImyaZ_8/s1600/IMG_7412.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Notice the similarity to the Blue Ridge, especially the hazy background. At this time of day, though, the better views are on the north side of the road, as the Holson Valley Overlook shows.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRi6VJYDhGc/UxIvU_ydNFI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/4nyji1kkUbM/s1600/IMG_7416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PRi6VJYDhGc/UxIvU_ydNFI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/4nyji1kkUbM/s1600/IMG_7416.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZSuXsSuMIw/UxIvU-U6STI/AAAAAAAAB6U/DOkTdrEWEog/s1600/IMG_7417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZSuXsSuMIw/UxIvU-U6STI/AAAAAAAAB6U/DOkTdrEWEog/s1600/IMG_7417.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
You can also see the difference in vegetation between north facing and south facing slopes. South facing slopes tend to be dominated by pine trees, whereas north facing slopes are dominated by hardwoods, which have lost their leaves for winter in these photos. This is due to micro-climates created by the mountain ridges, which create differing levels of sunlight, temperature, and precipitation on either side of the ridge.<br />
<br />
A few miles further down, Sugarloaf Vista provides a view of Sugarloaf Mountain in the far distance (the high mountain in the middle of the distant ridge in the first picture). The mountain was historically used as a landmark for travelers going on foot or horseback to or from Fort Smith, Arkansas to the north. In the second, the shadows from the clouds in the late afternoon sun make for a somewhat haunting scene.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G18EPVIDHvE/UxI9CY4RodI/AAAAAAAAB68/lpk_6U7Orwk/s1600/IMG_7435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G18EPVIDHvE/UxI9CY4RodI/AAAAAAAAB68/lpk_6U7Orwk/s1600/IMG_7435.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t5FVoOJMXKg/UxI9CZAzn8I/AAAAAAAAB7A/1w7hcxaERFM/s1600/IMG_7436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t5FVoOJMXKg/UxI9CZAzn8I/AAAAAAAAB7A/1w7hcxaERFM/s1600/IMG_7436.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
The last vista we stopped at was Shawnee Vista, a few miles before the junction with Highway 259. This area apparently teemed with wildlife, and therefore was a popular hunting ground for the Native Americans, who would come from as far away as the Mississippi Valley to hunt here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4lPgcttJMY/UxI-9IJfu2I/AAAAAAAAB7Q/x-QodONp_Ww/s1600/IMG_7441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4lPgcttJMY/UxI-9IJfu2I/AAAAAAAAB7Q/x-QodONp_Ww/s1600/IMG_7441.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYPGHAP-N1s/UxI_DJVH-8I/AAAAAAAAB7c/m63Tjw8SKKM/s1600/IMG_7443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYPGHAP-N1s/UxI_DJVH-8I/AAAAAAAAB7c/m63Tjw8SKKM/s1600/IMG_7443.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqD00eK76Fg/UxI_DN54-qI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/mzrS36wrYqA/s1600/IMG_7446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WqD00eK76Fg/UxI_DN54-qI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/mzrS36wrYqA/s1600/IMG_7446.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I can also see why this was such a popular hunting area. It didn't take long for a wild creature to show up, in this case, an armadillo.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BfV7fupY7ws/UxI_cO4NmUI/AAAAAAAAB7s/3bJP2rMSqjs/s1600/IMG_7437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BfV7fupY7ws/UxI_cO4NmUI/AAAAAAAAB7s/3bJP2rMSqjs/s1600/IMG_7437.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OpgYgCcFwKs/UxI_cMmz_-I/AAAAAAAAB7o/lQUy_G_kHw8/s1600/IMG_7439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OpgYgCcFwKs/UxI_cMmz_-I/AAAAAAAAB7o/lQUy_G_kHw8/s1600/IMG_7439.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
As mentioned earlier, the drive from the Talimena to Idabel on US 259 is quite scenic, and I had taken a few photos along this stretch. Unfortunately, I appear to have nuked them, so I have nothing to share.<br /><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
When to Go</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The best time to go is during fall foliage season, which generally peaks in early-to-mid November. Although not as well known as other fall foliage displays around the country, such as the Blue Ridge or Vermont, the color can be quite spectacular here in the Oklahoma mountains, with bright reds and golds predominant during good years.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The weather follows roughly the same season that you find in East Texas - hot and humid from late May through mid-September, pleasant but occasionally stormy from mid-March through mid-May and mid-September through mid-November, and cool and wet with occasional sharp cold spells from mid-November through February. Be advised that although the elevation in the Ouchitas isn't that high, with the highest peaks only a little over 2,000 feet, temperatures along the ridgeline of the Byway can be up to 10 degrees cooler than in the valleys below. Be especially aware of this during winter, when a cool day in Dallas can be a cold one here.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Serving Suggestion</h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As mentioned earlier, if you leave Dallas in the morning, Talimena State Park in Oklahoma, or one of the many picnic tables along the Talimena itself (particularly the Horse Thief Springs turnout area), makes for a perfect place for a picnic lunch, particularly on a warm day. If you have more time, make it a long weekend, and instead of turning south back towards Texarkana in Mena, head north, then east on US 270 to <a href="http://www.nps.gov/hosp/index.htm">Hot Springs National Park</a> in the appropriately named Hot Springs, Arkansas. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You can also head over to <a href="http://www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com/">Crater of Diamonds State Park</a> in Murfreesboro, Arkansas to try your like at digging for diamonds (yes, you are allowed to keep anything you find). From Mena, head south on US 59/71 to Wickes, then east on US 278 to Nashville, then north on State Highway 27 to Murfreesboro. I wouldn't advise trying to do both the scenic drive and the Crater of Diamonds in the same day, though. You likely won't make it in time, and digging for diamonds does make for quite the workout, especially when it's hot outside.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-18300960483318820482014-02-22T09:28:00.000-08:002014-02-22T09:28:13.658-08:00Weather Chaos - Travel Tips for Bad Weather<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwg_O4G44ZU/UwjGfkTrQAI/AAAAAAAAB4c/X8zU3K_-EXM/s1600/26867_1366376353190_4906255_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bwg_O4G44ZU/UwjGfkTrQAI/AAAAAAAAB4c/X8zU3K_-EXM/s1600/26867_1366376353190_4906255_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Heavy snow at home on March 21, 2010</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This winter's wacky weather has caused its fair share of problems for travelers over the past few months. Impassable roads and paralyzed Southern cities have certainly been problematic, but air travelers have been whacked just as badly, with more than 25,000 flights canceled so far this winter according to some tallies. Winter weather can do much to disrupt a vacation or business trip, but much to the chagrin of storm-weary travelers, severe weather season is just around the corner, which can mean even more problems. After the jump, read five of my tips for planning around and dealing with weather-related chaos on your next trip.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>As the intro alluded to, while bad weather can strike anywhere, anytime, there are two primary seasons that cause problems in specific areas: winter storms in the Midwest and Northeast, primarily from November through March, and severe thunderstorms in the Midwest, South, and Southeast, primarily from April through September. I don't include hurricane season in the above, because while a strong tropical storm or hurricane can indeed cause significant disruptions, they occur much more infrequently than winter storms and severe thunderstorms. Which brings me to my first tip...<br />
<br />
<b>1. Where possible, when flying, avoid booking connections through areas that are prone to severe weather. </b>The issue here is pretty simple. If you end up having to connect somewhere, and your onward connections are canceled, you could be stuck in your connecting city for a long time; during the early January snow/extreme cold episode, for example, some people were stranded for upwards of 5 days before they could be flown home. And because it's weather-related, the airlines will offer you no compensation for out-of-pocket expenses, and furthermore, even if you have trip insurance, your coverage may max out if you're stranded that long. Certain airports are more prone to problems than others for various reasons. During winter, Boston, Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington DC airports tend to have the most problems during snow, while during spring and summer, Atlanta, Chicago, and DFW can grind to a halt due to severe thunderstorms (DFW, in particular, is prone to "training thunderstorms", where storms sit and spin around the airport for several hours - and since flights and ground crews can't operate during such conditions, the airport has to shut down until the weather passes). <br />
<br />
The solution: if you are flying from, say, Phoenix to London, and you can't get a direct flight, try to avoid connecting through, say, Chicago in the winter, or Atlanta in the summer. If you do have to connect through one of those cities, make sure to build in enough connecting time to give you a cushion in case of delays. As an aside, you might think that places like Denver, Detroit, or
Minneapolis are horrible places to go through during winter, but I've
found that it takes some pretty darn serious snow to cause problems at
one of those airports. You might consider connections through these
cities instead.<br />
<br />
<b>2. If you are traveling to a severe weather-prone area during the bad season, start watching the weather several days in advance.</b> If the weather looks like it could be bad, and you're driving, this might be a good time to consider arriving a day early to beat the weather, or rescheduling until after the storm passes. If you're flying, many airlines will start offering penalty waivers a few days before especially severe storms, allowing you to change your departure dates without a fee or a fare difference. Be aware, however, that a penalty waiver does NOT entitle you to cancel your flight for a refund. If you want a refund, you'll have to hope that your flight is eventually canceled by the airline.<br />
<br />
<b>3. If you are traveling somewhere for a critically important purpose, ALWAYS schedule your arrival for the day before</b>. I read and hear about far too many people who miss a critical business meeting, or an important personal event like a cruise or group tour, because they planned their arrival for the same day, and their flight then gets canceled because of weather. Yes, getting in a day early means you'll have to fork over more money for a hotel and some meals if nothing goes wrong, but if something does, you now have an entire extra day to figure out another way to get where you're going. This is especially critical if you are traveling overseas - there are a limited number of flights going out each day, so if your flight gets canceled, you are most likely going to have to wait until the next day to try again. And there's really nothing worse than dropping several thousand dollars on a cruise, only to miss the first couple of days because your incoming flight got canceled.<br />
<br />
<b>4. If you are traveling home from a city where bad weather is expected either where you are or at home on your departure day, consider booking a hotel in advance as "insurance".</b> If you can't reschedule your departure and your flight ends up being canceled because of weather, there is a very good chance that area hotels will be completely full by the time you get out of the customer service line to be rebooked. That means a lovely night sleeping on some chairs in the terminal, or on the floor. What I'll often do is book a room at a nearby hotel a few days prior, at a rate that can be canceled up to 4 P.M. or 6 P.M. the day of arrival. If weather ends up not being a problem, I just cancel it before the cut-off time. If weather strikes, I skip the mile-long rebooking line, head straight to the hotel, and try to re-arrange a flight home from there. If you're driving and can't get out before the weather hits, you now have a place to hunker down until the roads improve.<br />
<br />
If weather hits unexpectedly, or you just didn't have time/didn't want to book a hotel earlier, as soon as flights start getting severely delayed or canceled, get on the phone or the internet and book a hotel room BEFORE you get in the rebooking line. You're going to be standing in line or waiting on hold for 2-3 hours regardless, so you might as well have peace of mind that you have a warm bed to sleep in afterwards.<br />
<br />
And finally...<br />
<br />
<b>5. If you do end up stranded, get creative.</b> The friendly airline customer service representative might tell you that they can't get you home for 5 days, but you don't have to take that as the last word. Weather might have DFW shut down, but you might be able to fly to, say, Houston or Oklahoma City instead. Yes, you'd still have to find a way home from there, but even a one-way car rental might be more palatable than sitting at the airport for 2 days (and remember, as long as you are in the U.S., renting a car and driving home from wherever you happen to be is always an option, if not a particularly pleasant or cheap one). Or, just because the airline you're on doesn't have seats doesn't mean that other airlines can't get you home. Ask nicely, and that friendly agent just might be willing to book you on another airline to get you back the same day. If you're driving, of course, you have infinitely more options. If there's bad weather on your planned route, just whip out a map, and you can probably find a way around the weather, though it might add some miles to the trip.<br />
<br />
If you used a travel agent or have travel insurance, I wouldn't even bother standing in the rebooking line. Call your agent or the insurance company instead. Your agent may have the power to re-route you to a different airport or on a different airline, even if the airline won't cooperate with you (my company's agency once helped me get to India on a different carrier after my flight was canceled because of snow in Chicago). If you have insurance, call them immediately. After all, your insurance company is going to have to pay your expenses if you're stranded for more than a few hours., so they'll be that much more motivated to get you home as soon as possible. <br />
<br />
Above all else, don't be rude to the airline agents, either in the rebooking line or on the phone. They're going to be taking abuse from pretty much everyone ahead of you, so a little niceness just might prompt them to give a little extra effort to accommodate you.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-51302862802540019822014-02-15T15:19:00.001-08:002014-02-15T15:19:53.682-08:00Coming Home from India - Flight Review<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As I wrote about a few weeks ago, we flew to India via Qatar Airways. On the way home, though, for a number of reasons, we flew via British Airways. One of the primary factors was that we were flying home on Thursday, and I really needed to try and get to work for a little while on Friday, so I needed something with more space than regular coach class to rest. BA offers a premium economy class with more space that I thought might do the trick. Ultimately, we ended up with a little surprise that gave me all the rest I needed. Find out more after the jump.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Flights back in premium economy were considerably cheaper from Delhi than Chennai, which meant the need for a short domestic flight to Delhi first. For which we booked a flight on...<br />
<br />
<b>IndiGo Airways (6E) Flight 282</b><br />
January 8, 2014<br />
Depart Chennai (MAA) 20:05, 15 min late<br />
Arrive Delhi - Indira Gandhi Int'l Airport (DEL) 22:42, 7 min late<br />
Trip time: 2 hrs 27 min<br />
Economy Class, Seats 2E/2F<br />
Airbus A320<br />
<br />
For those unfamiliar with Indigo, it is a low-cost carrier (LCC) that focuses mostly on domestic flying within India, but has also recently launched some international routes. It is similar to Ryanair or Spirit Airlines, in that you get a super low fare, but have to pay extra for everything, including soft drinks and advance seat assignments. Most of the charges are bearable (1,000 rupees/$16 for an extra 10kg of baggage, for instance), but what really gets under my skin is the Rs. 200 "convenience fee" that you must pay for every online transaction - not just buying your ticket, but any changes as well. Sorry, but since the "convenience fee" can't be avoided unless you buy a ticket at the airport counter, it should be included in the fare. Anyway, I did decide to try out "Fast Forward", which for 200 rupees per person gives you priority check-in and priority baggage delivery at your destination. While it worked, frankly, it proved to be unnecessary. At the domestic terminal in Chennai, there was no wait in the regular line, and bags are pretty quick to come out at Terminal 1D in Delhi anyway.<br />
<br />
Chennai Airport has finally undergone some long overdue renovations, including a new domestic terminal. It's night-and-day better than the old terminal. As you can see from the photos below, it is pretty much in the same style as Terminal 1D in Delhi, and the new airport terminals in Bangalore and Hyderabad. Which shouldn't be a surprise I suppose, considering all three were built by the same consortium, GMR. While far from the most fabulous airport terminal in the world - the terminal is particularly lacking in food options - it is at least clean and functional, and doesn't present the foreign traveler with such a negative first impression of India like the old dumpy airport.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4MgEE6ZwV8w/UvWdqhkssHI/AAAAAAAABpA/FXwZUGtT0dI/s1600/IMG_1132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4MgEE6ZwV8w/UvWdqhkssHI/AAAAAAAABpA/FXwZUGtT0dI/s1600/IMG_1132.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fo9PJ-vLw_Q/UvWdrsZ0tMI/AAAAAAAABpM/yD5DfXpvBh0/s1600/IMG_1133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fo9PJ-vLw_Q/UvWdrsZ0tMI/AAAAAAAABpM/yD5DfXpvBh0/s1600/IMG_1133.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ngmPkof1Ok/UvWdrrK3oCI/AAAAAAAABpI/4Dbxl9ZCAbo/s1600/IMG_1134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ngmPkof1Ok/UvWdrrK3oCI/AAAAAAAABpI/4Dbxl9ZCAbo/s1600/IMG_1134.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZQV7yGobss/UvWdsnUEZ6I/AAAAAAAABpY/DUETwzr2HmE/s1600/IMG_1135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZQV7yGobss/UvWdsnUEZ6I/AAAAAAAABpY/DUETwzr2HmE/s1600/IMG_1135.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qlDer7lXmE/UvWduGuhCfI/AAAAAAAABpk/HSNjq-2wmHY/s1600/IMG_1136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9qlDer7lXmE/UvWduGuhCfI/AAAAAAAABpk/HSNjq-2wmHY/s1600/IMG_1136.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K1dQibBI_QA/UvWdtsk6p3I/AAAAAAAABpg/Qhmoyhk8AVc/s1600/IMG_1138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K1dQibBI_QA/UvWdtsk6p3I/AAAAAAAABpg/Qhmoyhk8AVc/s1600/IMG_1138.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
The biggest problem? As with other GMR airports, that would be obscene prices at the concession stands. 70 rupees for a lousy cup of instant tea. This in a place where you can get a lovely cup of chai on the street for 10 rupees.<br />
<br />
The incoming flight was a little late, and we boarded about 20 minutes late. The gate agent boarded by groups, and impressively, strictly enforced this so that people who tried to cut in line were told to wait. IndiGo keeps its planes clean, though as you would expect from an LCC, space isn't all that great (though not horrible either).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LNkwFcbyKrg/UvWeoLcqz_I/AAAAAAAABp0/NEg4qp8TXTs/s1600/IMG_1140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LNkwFcbyKrg/UvWeoLcqz_I/AAAAAAAABp0/NEg4qp8TXTs/s1600/IMG_1140.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtYpxlDxVrs/UvWenfImmFI/AAAAAAAABpw/YoQ4uo1LvlU/s1600/IMG_1141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtYpxlDxVrs/UvWenfImmFI/AAAAAAAABpw/YoQ4uo1LvlU/s1600/IMG_1141.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Service onboard remains very friendly and efficient, as has been my experience on previous Indigo flights. The flight attendant even addressed me by name when asking for food and drink orders, something you never see on American or even European carriers in coach. Otherwise, there's just not much to say about a 2 hour domestic flight. We didn't order anything, so I can't comment on the food & beverage, though prices are reasonable (I want to say Rs. 150 for a sandwich, Rs. 50 for a Coke). No in-flight entertainment is offered, aside from a small in-flight sales magazine offering Indigo branded Sky Mall-type items. I did find an ad highlight expanded service to Chennai amusing, as it urged readers to "IndiPo to Chennai" and to "Po today!" ("po" means "go" in Tamil). The seats were noticeably uncomfortable after about an hour, with poor back and thigh support. <br />
<br />
Overall, for short domestic flights within India, IndiGo is a good choice. I paid about Rs. 15,000 ($240) for two one-way tickets to Delhi, fees included. You can't really complain about that for a flight that would be roughly equivalent to DFW to Denver in the U.S., even if the seats aren't the most comfortable. Friendly and mostly on-time service is icing on the cake.<br />
<br />
<b>British Airways (BA) Flight 142</b><br />
January 9, 2014<br />
Depart DEL 03:37, 3 minutes early<br />
Arrive London Heathrow (LHR) 07:56, 26 minutes late<br />
Trip time: 9 hrs 49 min<br />
World Traveler Plus (premium economy), Seats 12E/12F<br />
Boeing 747-400<br />
<br />
Once we collected our bags at the Delhi domestic terminal (1D), we had to make our way to the international terminal (new Terminal 3), for which a free bus shuttle is provided. Previously, there was a very well-marked transfer desk where you showed your boarding passes, obtained passes, and then waited inside until the next shuttle showed up - a painless process overall. Alas, I guess India couldn't stand to keep things easy for visitors. Now, you are directed outside, where the transfer desk is poorly marked, the guy manning it doesn't speak English (or at least pretends not to for fellow Indians), and there are no signs at all telling you where to wait for the bus. I finally figured out that you had to cross the parking lot and stand by the service road, where the bus showed up after a few minutes - along with a "porter" who took my bags without being asked, and then demanded a tip for his service. Luckily it was a nice night when we were there, but I would hate having to wait outside by the road during monsoon season, or during the day in the summer when it can easily reach 110 degrees.<br />
<br />
Once at the international terminal, we were actually there so early that the check-in counters hadn't opened yet. They did about 10 minutes later, and while there was no separate line for World Traveler Plus, the line was short and we were through in probably 15 minutes. Immigration and security were moving steadily on this day, but still, it took nearly an hour to get through. Terminal 3 has been fairly recently opened; I believe it was completed in 2010 or 2011, and is now quite nice, especially compared to the horrid terminal that used to be here.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IOyU2VWeSoc/UvWms8toHkI/AAAAAAAABqI/2WiJUTNLVdQ/s1600/IMG_1142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IOyU2VWeSoc/UvWms8toHkI/AAAAAAAABqI/2WiJUTNLVdQ/s1600/IMG_1142.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwuekrJcPp8/UvWmtEsrPJI/AAAAAAAABqM/ght1aI0_QW4/s1600/IMG_1143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BwuekrJcPp8/UvWmtEsrPJI/AAAAAAAABqM/ght1aI0_QW4/s1600/IMG_1143.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
There's even a Starbucks Coffee here now (we didn't try it).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76d-9P8XoZU/UvWm5QhuW_I/AAAAAAAABqY/FnC_K2F5D0E/s1600/IMG_1144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76d-9P8XoZU/UvWm5QhuW_I/AAAAAAAABqY/FnC_K2F5D0E/s1600/IMG_1144.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
World Traveler Plus (WTP) is a kind of hybrid product, featuring a slightly (1") wider World Traveler (coach) seat with an additional 7 inches of pitch (38 inches vs. 31 for regular economy), and meals from the Club World (business class) menu, but served all at once with plastic cutlery like a regular coach meal.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDbR_O1HchM/UvWo_4azTQI/AAAAAAAABrE/LPzPIL_dE9s/s1600/IMG_1145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDbR_O1HchM/UvWo_4azTQI/AAAAAAAABrE/LPzPIL_dE9s/s1600/IMG_1145.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RaTOn6ixDZQ/UvWoEvZN2CI/AAAAAAAABqk/1dQl-OlyjuE/s1600/IMG_1151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RaTOn6ixDZQ/UvWoEvZN2CI/AAAAAAAABqk/1dQl-OlyjuE/s1600/IMG_1151.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6Yia9SLcqg/UvWoFaQfalI/AAAAAAAABqs/1n1QOuF4U6Y/s1600/IMG_1152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6Yia9SLcqg/UvWoFaQfalI/AAAAAAAABqs/1n1QOuF4U6Y/s1600/IMG_1152.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
As I mentioned, meals are supposed to be selections from the Club World menu, and things started off well, with a nice South African pinotage the featured red wine...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nMPn3dfQQLs/UvWodwutsfI/AAAAAAAABq0/a7GSJhVM3BU/s1600/IMG_1146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nMPn3dfQQLs/UvWodwutsfI/AAAAAAAABq0/a7GSJhVM3BU/s1600/IMG_1146.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
...and some tasty pretzels (though with an unfortunate name - I guess the British haven't gotten wind of the scandal yet).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmSJSfqWiOc/UvWo43xS8YI/AAAAAAAABq8/ASjKoHa4a4o/s1600/IMG_1147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vmSJSfqWiOc/UvWo43xS8YI/AAAAAAAABq8/ASjKoHa4a4o/s1600/IMG_1147.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
The meal, on the other hand...let's just say I have to question whether these were really Club World meals. Dinner was choice of pasta with chicken or vegetarian curry. I had the pasta.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIKiNMQNRmE/UvWpdpyuCfI/AAAAAAAABrM/vX74aQ4fVXk/s1600/IMG_1148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIKiNMQNRmE/UvWpdpyuCfI/AAAAAAAABrM/vX74aQ4fVXk/s1600/IMG_1148.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
It wasn't very good. I'm not a fan of spinach to begin with, but the spinach noodles were badly overcooked, and the cream sauce had no flavor (stereotypical British food in other words). I was hungry, though, so I ate probably 2/3 of it. My wife didn't like her curry, either.<br />
<br />
It was already very late at this point, so after polishing off my wine, I watched about half of a documentary about Siberian tigers, then nodded off for about 5 hours. The extra legroom made the experience far more comfortable than a regular coach seat, but unfortunately, the seat once again left me with a bad case of saddle sore. As I would slide down the seat, it just didn't provide enough support to the upper thigh. Sitting on the pillow helped a little, but not much.<br />
<br />
I woke up just as breakfast service was starting. This time, we both chose the "mixed grill" (I can't remember what the other choice was), though I regretted it pretty quickly. It smelled awful, looked almost as bad, and didn't taste much better. In fairness, the potatoes were good, and the scrambled eggs were alright, if a little dry, but the bacon and sausage were terrible.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jDD6RoRu5_Q/UvWr6jW9tRI/AAAAAAAABrY/MflJX95nXas/s1600/IMG_1150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jDD6RoRu5_Q/UvWr6jW9tRI/AAAAAAAABrY/MflJX95nXas/s1600/IMG_1150.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
Service was disappointing on this leg. The crew, while not rude, were not particularly friendly, either, and weren't particularly helpful or inviting. They got the job done, but clearly seemed tired. Considering that WTP is a good $1,000-1,500 per ticket more expensive than coach, while you shouldn't expect business class service, I was hoping for something better than regular coach.<br />
<br />
You might recall my mentioning a surprise at the beginning of this post. As we presented our boarding passes at the transit counter at Heathrow's Terminal 5, the agent's eyes lit up a bit, and she said "that's nice!". It turns out we had been upgraded to Club World, BA's business class! SCORE!!! You always secretly hope this will happen, and we just happened to get extraordinarily lucky.<br />
<br />
Our new Club World tickets allowed us access to the British Airways "Galleries" lounge at T5. We had a couple of hours before our flight to Houston would even board, so we stopped by for a little while. It's certainly far more pleasant and relaxing than waiting in the terminal. I took a few photos inside, but the picture quality was exceptionally poor, so I won't post them here. However, I did get a nice shot of a BA 747, similar to the one we came in on (and the one we would be leaving on).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cSSPJMbTY4w/Uv783hu8EkI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/R8_7w7LY6uQ/s1600/IMG_1159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cSSPJMbTY4w/Uv783hu8EkI/AAAAAAAAB2Y/R8_7w7LY6uQ/s1600/IMG_1159.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
After enjoying coffee with a touch of Bailey's and a bowl of cereal, I checked up on e-mail and surfed the internet for a little while, until it was time to head to the gate for boarding.<br />
<br />
<b>BA Flight 195</b><br />
January 9, 2014<br />
Depart LHR 10:25, on-time<br />
Arrive Houston George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) 14:49, 19 min late<br />
Trip time: 10 hr 34 min<br />
Club World (business class), Seats 17E/17F<br />
Boeing 747-400<br />
<br />
Needless to say, these business class seats had far more room than anything else we'd experienced to this point on this trip.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBM5djGr-0E/Uv_meNClUwI/AAAAAAAAB2o/iDVRz0JI_gQ/s1600/IMG_1160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBM5djGr-0E/Uv_meNClUwI/AAAAAAAAB2o/iDVRz0JI_gQ/s1600/IMG_1160.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G4oXNcjgJKA/Uv_mehmsL1I/AAAAAAAAB2s/ea8DzdyU1uw/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G4oXNcjgJKA/Uv_mehmsL1I/AAAAAAAAB2s/ea8DzdyU1uw/s1600/IMG_1161.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I3imNi1fSMs/Uv_mfO56FcI/AAAAAAAAB2w/RYnAvRAoo84/s1600/IMG_1162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I3imNi1fSMs/Uv_mfO56FcI/AAAAAAAAB2w/RYnAvRAoo84/s1600/IMG_1162.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
Club World seats lie flat, and are very comfortable, but you want to be careful when selecting your seat. The seats are in a staggered 2-4-2 configuration, and if you select one of the two adjacent middle seats in the center section, you have NO privacy at all from your neighbor, as there's no divider between the seats. Great if you're traveling as a couple, not so great if you're traveling solo.<br />
<br />
We settled in to our seats, the FAs brought a choice of champagne, orange juice, or water before take-off, and menus were distributed - regular paper menus this time, unlike the fancy electronic ones on Qatar Airways.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DunkoBNnCy8/Uv_pmNrO_tI/AAAAAAAAB3E/qBkkj1yGMyY/s1600/IMG_1168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DunkoBNnCy8/Uv_pmNrO_tI/AAAAAAAAB3E/qBkkj1yGMyY/s1600/IMG_1168.JPG" height="640" width="476" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t-1ktCgGQ6o/Uv_pmum0NnI/AAAAAAAAB3I/FuIsOrl_Yhc/s1600/IMG_1169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t-1ktCgGQ6o/Uv_pmum0NnI/AAAAAAAAB3I/FuIsOrl_Yhc/s1600/IMG_1169.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DTq9d8ejBxU/Uv_pmPtHE-I/AAAAAAAAB3M/DUCAmI57ChI/s1600/IMG_1170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DTq9d8ejBxU/Uv_pmPtHE-I/AAAAAAAAB3M/DUCAmI57ChI/s1600/IMG_1170.JPG" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
I had the crayfish, salad, and filet of beef. The salad and crayfish pate weren't bad, though I don't care for pesto sauce.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ND167tKJEQo/Uv_qqN2w8BI/AAAAAAAAB3c/96Zh77Irh-8/s1600/IMG_1163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ND167tKJEQo/Uv_qqN2w8BI/AAAAAAAAB3c/96Zh77Irh-8/s1600/IMG_1163.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
The beef, though - this was quite possibly the best in-flight meal I've ever had. The filet was a perfect medium well, the Bernaise sauce was rich and creamy, and the vegetables nicely cooked and tender.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HFkKDqFaNic/Uv_rVVFbZBI/AAAAAAAAB3k/UUlFXVUveXI/s1600/IMG_1164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HFkKDqFaNic/Uv_rVVFbZBI/AAAAAAAAB3k/UUlFXVUveXI/s1600/IMG_1164.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
As you can see, I didn't care for it too much...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VehU5v435yg/Uv_rdRoNVHI/AAAAAAAAB3s/bIdqcFDThpQ/s1600/IMG_1165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VehU5v435yg/Uv_rdRoNVHI/AAAAAAAAB3s/bIdqcFDThpQ/s1600/IMG_1165.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
Lunch was finished off with a cheese plate and a chocolate marble cheesecake, both delicious.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--l87Yd4cBMQ/Uv_sa2BDDhI/AAAAAAAAB34/SwhiyjpPnT8/s1600/IMG_1166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--l87Yd4cBMQ/Uv_sa2BDDhI/AAAAAAAAB34/SwhiyjpPnT8/s1600/IMG_1166.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XZaEidvtaq0/Uv_sbgqQGLI/AAAAAAAAB4A/0e1y-9ViZ0k/s1600/IMG_1167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XZaEidvtaq0/Uv_sbgqQGLI/AAAAAAAAB4A/0e1y-9ViZ0k/s1600/IMG_1167.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Belly full of food and a couple of glasses of wine, I stretched out on the seat and slept for about 4 hours. Unlike the last 3 flights, no saddle sore this time.<br />
<br />
I probably could have slept longer, but didn't want to overdo it, and then risk not being able to sleep at night. I played the British version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" on the IFE for a while. Some of the questions are a bit difficult unless you know British pop culture, but it is an addictive game, and kept me occupied for a couple of hours. About an hour and a half before landing, sandwiches and scones were served.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x86doYCUhyc/Uv_tzzh_KLI/AAAAAAAAB4M/2zwU6-Ltd18/s1600/IMG_1172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x86doYCUhyc/Uv_tzzh_KLI/AAAAAAAAB4M/2zwU6-Ltd18/s1600/IMG_1172.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
The beef sandwich was pretty tasty, but I don't eat salmon, and the cheese sandwich was only OK (which should tell you something, because I normally devour cheese). Shortly thereafter, it was time to land; no pictures this time, unfortunately, because we were in a middle seat, I couldn't take any pictures of the landing.<br />
<br />
Service on this flight was night and day compared to the previous one in WTP. Our flight attendant was wonderfully attentive, and provided excellent in-flight service. She was genuinely concerned when I accidentally spilled a glass of wine on my jeans and footstool, and quickly brought over an extra blanket and pillow from a nearby empty seat. While you definitely expect better service in business class, this was a big change from the rather indifferent service we received from Delhi to London. And honestly, I've experienced the same hit-or-miss service in Club World on previous British Airways flights, part of what makes flying BA a tad frustrating as a passenger, since you're never sure which version will show up.<br />
<br />
Our experience on LCC Indigo was about what was expected - basic product, but good service. For the price you pay, it's a good value. Our British Airways experience was mixed. Our Club World experience was fantastic, but I was a bit disappointed in World Traveler Plus. The extra room was welcome, but the lackluster service was a downer. I don't exactly have $6,000 lying around to purchase business class tickets, but I'll have to think about whether the extra fare for WTP is worth it next time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-19832155777417537702014-02-14T21:27:00.002-08:002014-02-14T21:27:59.929-08:00An Indian Road Trip, Part 2 - Pondicherry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ks1l0Bwj4g/Uv65azk2KyI/AAAAAAAAByM/Y7kZHV-Wn0o/s1600/IMG_7818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ks1l0Bwj4g/Uv65azk2KyI/AAAAAAAAByM/Y7kZHV-Wn0o/s1600/IMG_7818.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
By now, you've probably about our <a href="http://meanmeosh.blogspot.com/2014/01/kumbakonam-tamil-nadu-india-city-of.html">recent visit to Kumbakonam</a>, and our <a href="http://meanmeosh.blogspot.com/2014/02/mahabalipuram-india.html">short visit to Mahabalipuram</a> a few days later. There was one more spot on our to-do list, though: my mom and aunt wanted to show us the city of Pondicherry. My late father went to medical school there, and it was the first place my mom and dad lived together after they were married in 1965. I'd wanted to go there since my first visit to India in 1987, so despite the less than ideal circumstances, I was looking forward to going. Read more about our short day trip after the jump.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>It was a little before 1 by the time we left Mahabalipuram, with another 95 km to go before reaching Pondicherry, a stop en route to drop my uncle off at his office, and then a 160 km drive back to Chennai, so we'd have to hurry a bit. Which is too bad, because we saw another set of ancient temples on our way out of town, and we also had to skip the famous "Sea Temple".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jcCzl9Q5QNY/Uv7IB-rx_WI/AAAAAAAAByc/d8HvCvxqbIU/s1600/IMG_7792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jcCzl9Q5QNY/Uv7IB-rx_WI/AAAAAAAAByc/d8HvCvxqbIU/s1600/IMG_7792.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
A few miles down the road, we passed through some backwaters leading to the Bay of Bengal. In addition to a tourist area for the ancient temples, the area around Mahabalipuram is also a popular beach resort for folks from Chennai wanting to get a way for a day or two. They can't be seen in these photos, but several resort hotels can be found in the area around these backwaters.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNRWqffHimk/Uv7xUzfRCuI/AAAAAAAAByw/XRcjyrk2XTA/s1600/IMG_7793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yNRWqffHimk/Uv7xUzfRCuI/AAAAAAAAByw/XRcjyrk2XTA/s1600/IMG_7793.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q96me5aKFNY/Uv7xU-WIkMI/AAAAAAAABys/9TgUmK1C8GQ/s1600/IMG_7795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q96me5aKFNY/Uv7xU-WIkMI/AAAAAAAABys/9TgUmK1C8GQ/s1600/IMG_7795.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Further down, we saw what appears to be an enclave for the very wealthy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2zdDWPhIII/Uv7xpPpdi2I/AAAAAAAABzA/dAbd8NCN8Go/s1600/IMG_7801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y2zdDWPhIII/Uv7xpPpdi2I/AAAAAAAABzA/dAbd8NCN8Go/s1600/IMG_7801.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--kQA9mpUNeA/Uv7xpDKp6bI/AAAAAAAABy8/XQ5PQlmhhg0/s1600/IMG_7803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--kQA9mpUNeA/Uv7xpDKp6bI/AAAAAAAABy8/XQ5PQlmhhg0/s1600/IMG_7803.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
A typical view of the two-lane East Coast Scenic Highway. The area south of Mahabalipuram is considerable less congested than the section between Mahabalipuram and Chennai, so you can actually make pretty good time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwIYYsO3oOI/Uv7x2GIwyzI/AAAAAAAABzM/BEr_7vQAMyw/s1600/IMG_7804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KwIYYsO3oOI/Uv7x2GIwyzI/AAAAAAAABzM/BEr_7vQAMyw/s1600/IMG_7804.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />More beautiful backwaters. The color contrast of the water here is particularly striking.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg3MXDW3qSk/Uv7y3JhN1KI/AAAAAAAABzc/U86ysXqH3Ms/s1600/IMG_7805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg3MXDW3qSk/Uv7y3JhN1KI/AAAAAAAABzc/U86ysXqH3Ms/s1600/IMG_7805.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MF8Zb7jtHoQ/Uv7y3BBhSHI/AAAAAAAABzY/twt_yGTNjfY/s1600/IMG_7806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MF8Zb7jtHoQ/Uv7y3BBhSHI/AAAAAAAABzY/twt_yGTNjfY/s1600/IMG_7806.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Finally, we make it to the outskirts of Pondicherry. Pondicherry is technically a "Union Territory", an independent jurisdiction from Tamil Nadu which surrounds it (a union territory is similar to the District of Columbia in the United States). A monument is here to welcome us.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phUYckfwWsQ/Uv7zb7qH9vI/AAAAAAAABzs/6gnW7hvlLGg/s1600/IMG_7809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-phUYckfwWsQ/Uv7zb7qH9vI/AAAAAAAABzs/6gnW7hvlLGg/s1600/IMG_7809.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Some things never change regardless of where you are in India, though. The crowds and chaotic traffic are two such things.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dZd_owaLovw/Uv7z1XWkwOI/AAAAAAAABzw/8dWwwvQNUcM/s1600/IMG_7810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dZd_owaLovw/Uv7z1XWkwOI/AAAAAAAABzw/8dWwwvQNUcM/s1600/IMG_7810.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
And finally, we made it to our desired destination - the Jawaharlal Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kMYdDCNtXZY/Uv70Ksh_6uI/AAAAAAAABz8/kHdq9OSZKAc/s1600/IMG_7814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kMYdDCNtXZY/Uv70Ksh_6uI/AAAAAAAABz8/kHdq9OSZKAc/s1600/IMG_7814.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9HgB8VOU7k/Uv70KieLeeI/AAAAAAAABz4/J9ue2NzLO4Q/s1600/IMG_7812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9HgB8VOU7k/Uv70KieLeeI/AAAAAAAABz4/J9ue2NzLO4Q/s1600/IMG_7812.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
JIPMER is where my dad went to medical school. It's what's responsible for my dad starting a successful career, coming to the United States, and ultimately making my family's life possible. RIP, Dr. Sethurama Srinivasan.<br />
<br />
On our way to the center of Pondicherry, a cow creates a traffic disturbance. Well, not really. It walks into the street, and people just drive around it. Cows are sacred to Hindus, and as such, are usually given free reign, even when roaming loose in the streets.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MlyhSQr7anU/Uv71NiCJEpI/AAAAAAAAB0M/_1jG7ksjkCU/s1600/IMG_7815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MlyhSQr7anU/Uv71NiCJEpI/AAAAAAAAB0M/_1jG7ksjkCU/s1600/IMG_7815.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We arrive in the old center of Pondicherry shortly thereafter. Pondicherry was a French colony until 1964, at which time it was turned back over to India. My dad used to say that French was a required class in his medical school when he started, but the handover to India occurred a few months later, at which time they stopped teaching French. I don't know if that's true or not, but it sort of makes sense. Anyway, you can see the French influence in this part of the city - wide, tree-lined boulevards with typical French colonial-style buildings. Even the street signs are in Tamil and French. It's almost like being in the French Quarter in New Orleans, without the booze or beads.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sSV3pj1QGF4/Uv73ZE8BkHI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/bzA-zCTzsnU/s1600/IMG_7818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sSV3pj1QGF4/Uv73ZE8BkHI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/bzA-zCTzsnU/s1600/IMG_7818.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-du_K877jnAY/Uv73ZC5e3kI/AAAAAAAAB0g/Ziwo6Z6cQLU/s1600/IMG_7821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-du_K877jnAY/Uv73ZC5e3kI/AAAAAAAAB0g/Ziwo6Z6cQLU/s1600/IMG_7821.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c49YzsTxdb0/Uv73ZJkuTYI/AAAAAAAAB0c/sOOV1pMX1qQ/s1600/IMG_7822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c49YzsTxdb0/Uv73ZJkuTYI/AAAAAAAAB0c/sOOV1pMX1qQ/s1600/IMG_7822.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-teKSKOv0StE/Uv73ZvSqYrI/AAAAAAAAB04/sjHvt0D88Eo/s1600/IMG_7836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-teKSKOv0StE/Uv73ZvSqYrI/AAAAAAAAB04/sjHvt0D88Eo/s1600/IMG_7836.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pepcr7fkuSQ/Uv73Z4KchcI/AAAAAAAAB00/sGK0zuTjNSA/s1600/IMG_7837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pepcr7fkuSQ/Uv73Z4KchcI/AAAAAAAAB00/sGK0zuTjNSA/s1600/IMG_7837.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9VAt1i4PyNA/Uv73Z_BYonI/AAAAAAAAB0w/P9tG9AZqASw/s1600/IMG_7839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9VAt1i4PyNA/Uv73Z_BYonI/AAAAAAAAB0w/P9tG9AZqASw/s1600/IMG_7839.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
We also made a brief stop at the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. It is a place of spiritual worship, but not a church or temple in the traditional sense. Anyone is welcome to come inside and practice meditation, but it is completely non-denominational. Photography is prohibited inside, so I could only get this picture of the entrance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eqoPNWEpdx4/Uv74pnOpmrI/AAAAAAAAB1M/GwCLsbCBi98/s1600/IMG_7820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eqoPNWEpdx4/Uv74pnOpmrI/AAAAAAAAB1M/GwCLsbCBi98/s1600/IMG_7820.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
We also made a brief stop at the "beach" before heading back. I use "beach" in quotations, because unfortunately, the city has replaced the real beach with a seawall full of rocks. Mom was bummed out, because she was really hoping to walk on the beach like she and dad had done many times back in 1965. My aunt wasn't sure why the beach was removed, but apparently the same thing has been done in Kanyakumari.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v_LUnjOMoOU/Uv75g5W1OvI/AAAAAAAAB1U/7rMSti91yw4/s1600/IMG_7824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v_LUnjOMoOU/Uv75g5W1OvI/AAAAAAAAB1U/7rMSti91yw4/s1600/IMG_7824.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xtGhPnAM_kU/Uv75hMwNOaI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/tp1mfgK6yHM/s1600/IMG_7827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xtGhPnAM_kU/Uv75hMwNOaI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/tp1mfgK6yHM/s1600/IMG_7827.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3lvVco_jfXg/Uv75g9-yCjI/AAAAAAAAB1c/CxgYG1jgRN8/s1600/IMG_7829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3lvVco_jfXg/Uv75g9-yCjI/AAAAAAAAB1c/CxgYG1jgRN8/s1600/IMG_7829.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBnjAgh2uK8/Uv75hrEsfiI/AAAAAAAAB1s/c0uZnT6cd3E/s1600/IMG_7832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBnjAgh2uK8/Uv75hrEsfiI/AAAAAAAAB1s/c0uZnT6cd3E/s1600/IMG_7832.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
One last building I had to photograph before leaving - the Consulate General of France, a beautiful example of French Colonial architecture.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8shZ9WMAN1o/Uv752LLFJfI/AAAAAAAAB10/sDlGIz-3ZXk/s1600/IMG_7823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8shZ9WMAN1o/Uv752LLFJfI/AAAAAAAAB10/sDlGIz-3ZXk/s1600/IMG_7823.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LslQPhGQMCQ/Uv752EDRtPI/AAAAAAAAB14/YVkHncNR5vs/s1600/IMG_7825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LslQPhGQMCQ/Uv752EDRtPI/AAAAAAAAB14/YVkHncNR5vs/s1600/IMG_7825.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
It was time to head back to Chennai after that so we wouldn't get back too late. We did see a cool clock tower on the way out of town...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHAd6jd1wGg/Uv76HqdQL4I/AAAAAAAAB2E/xMBk5h633Ek/s1600/IMG_7842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gHAd6jd1wGg/Uv76HqdQL4I/AAAAAAAAB2E/xMBk5h633Ek/s1600/IMG_7842.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
...followed by an OK photo of the sun setting over the backwaters.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j0TXbDO3QCY/Uv76WkIlv9I/AAAAAAAAB2M/JdD1PVGs-l4/s1600/IMG_7843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j0TXbDO3QCY/Uv76WkIlv9I/AAAAAAAAB2M/JdD1PVGs-l4/s1600/IMG_7843.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
It was a tiring day, but the trip was worth it. We had to make sure to rest well that night, though, as we'd have to make the long flight back home the next day. Read about that experience in my next post.<br /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8290461090432102749.post-72395215505058800382014-02-08T15:08:00.002-08:002014-02-08T15:08:39.796-08:00Mahabalipuram, India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pHzTHyQdf24/UvWzcGwP9aI/AAAAAAAABro/oCSYC69eB0g/s1600/IMG_7671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pHzTHyQdf24/UvWzcGwP9aI/AAAAAAAABro/oCSYC69eB0g/s1600/IMG_7671.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Last week, I documented our road trip from Chennai to Kumbakonam and back. However, that wasn't the only road trip we ended up doing during our short trip to India. My mom and aunt wanted to show me and my brother the medical school my dad attended in Pondicherry (about 160 km south of Chennai), which meant another trip by car. On the way, we made a stop at Mahabalipuram, a heritage site featuring "sea temples" carved from sandstone more than 1,500 years ago. And of course, this meant enjoying my favorite hobby, the road trip. The photo above is pretty awesome, but see a whole lot more after the jump!<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>We were supposed to get going by 7:30, but it was nearly 9 by the time we finally got moving. I'll just stop by saying being late is a South Indian thing, which drives this particular anal CPA nuts. It once again took about an hour to clear the city, and reach the scenic East Coast Road. The backwaters of the area soon came into view.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-flZdhfkIEsI/UvW4cT4fSSI/AAAAAAAABr4/7mZOoVI7ozU/s1600/IMG_7662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-flZdhfkIEsI/UvW4cT4fSSI/AAAAAAAABr4/7mZOoVI7ozU/s1600/IMG_7662.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Our first stop was at the "Tiger Cave" a few miles before Mahabalipuram. As with the main structures in Mahabalipuram, the Tiger Cave was made out of sandstone, and takes its name from the carvings of tiger heads at the main temple site (see the cover photo). It was constructed in the 8th century AD by the Pallava kings. The cave site was fairly recently discovered and is still being excavated, so not much is known about the site. Because the temples were made from sandstone, the structures have not held up as well as other ancient temples in South India - naturally, sandstone is subject to erosion from wind and rain, which are both plentiful on the Tamil Nadu coast.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PlojIWIBexI/UvW6F8Qe5LI/AAAAAAAABsI/k_JU_5sP17k/s1600/IMG_7667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PlojIWIBexI/UvW6F8Qe5LI/AAAAAAAABsI/k_JU_5sP17k/s1600/IMG_7667.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eXM_0x9SuBI/UvW6FgS39SI/AAAAAAAABsE/DLEq1-Llfwo/s1600/IMG_7669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eXM_0x9SuBI/UvW6FgS39SI/AAAAAAAABsE/DLEq1-Llfwo/s1600/IMG_7669.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6ZbK0kfBEM/UvW6Fu_KYhI/AAAAAAAABsM/W8aPAYVIe3Q/s1600/IMG_7670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a6ZbK0kfBEM/UvW6Fu_KYhI/AAAAAAAABsM/W8aPAYVIe3Q/s1600/IMG_7670.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rW9yoRdSmos/UvW6GKeD2aI/AAAAAAAABtA/iVglL1yONLo/s1600/IMG_7676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rW9yoRdSmos/UvW6GKeD2aI/AAAAAAAABtA/iVglL1yONLo/s1600/IMG_7676.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YUFWz0CRSDI/UvW6GcgT0vI/AAAAAAAABsY/96dO9-ti7HQ/s1600/IMG_7677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YUFWz0CRSDI/UvW6GcgT0vI/AAAAAAAABsY/96dO9-ti7HQ/s1600/IMG_7677.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0geUPU5l-js/UvW6G389QEI/AAAAAAAABso/bDUWpesrNeg/s1600/IMG_7683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0geUPU5l-js/UvW6G389QEI/AAAAAAAABso/bDUWpesrNeg/s1600/IMG_7683.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qU-Dc5Axdco/UvW6HdvoCfI/AAAAAAAABsw/aKmIoE4j30c/s1600/IMG_7687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qU-Dc5Axdco/UvW6HdvoCfI/AAAAAAAABsw/aKmIoE4j30c/s1600/IMG_7687.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9E_GrATO1Qg/UvW6HkEbPrI/AAAAAAAABs4/jVe-QNXgv6U/s1600/IMG_7691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9E_GrATO1Qg/UvW6HkEbPrI/AAAAAAAABs4/jVe-QNXgv6U/s1600/IMG_7691.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Some pretty yellow flowers were also in bloom.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5rJcXJfgC_o/Uvam8hsqNsI/AAAAAAAABtU/4CiYCHJa-4I/s1600/IMG_7696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5rJcXJfgC_o/Uvam8hsqNsI/AAAAAAAABtU/4CiYCHJa-4I/s1600/IMG_7696.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
We then headed on to Mahabalipuram town itself, first stopping for coffee and tea at the "Adyar Ananda Bhavan". This place seemed to be more of a place for sweets, but the tea and coffee were OK, as was the idli. The grounds are also quite nice.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQC3xefIFjM/UvantoFo3NI/AAAAAAAABtc/gmEmOKajNlA/s1600/IMG_7697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UQC3xefIFjM/UvantoFo3NI/AAAAAAAABtc/gmEmOKajNlA/s1600/IMG_7697.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Our first stop in Mahabalipuram itself was the "Descent of the Ganges", also known as "Arjuna's Penance". It is a giant open-air bas-relief that depicts the mythical descent of the Ganges River to earth from space, while various Hindu gods and goddesses, along with mythical and domestic animals, watch in admiration.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xG2P68zJ_Iw/UvapSa0fXyI/AAAAAAAABto/FcVZmZsYcM8/s1600/IMG_7706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xG2P68zJ_Iw/UvapSa0fXyI/AAAAAAAABto/FcVZmZsYcM8/s1600/IMG_7706.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Below are photos of the intricate carvings within the bas-relief; it is really quite remarkable that this was even possible in the early 7th century, when it was believed that this sculpture was built.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KSSnaAMIMfw/UvaqCDfesYI/AAAAAAAABtw/Cd0Ab7BB5dU/s1600/IMG_7700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KSSnaAMIMfw/UvaqCDfesYI/AAAAAAAABtw/Cd0Ab7BB5dU/s1600/IMG_7700.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Y5BcLFKwMY/UvaqCOmh7hI/AAAAAAAABuM/9lbTubBIhfI/s1600/IMG_7701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Y5BcLFKwMY/UvaqCOmh7hI/AAAAAAAABuM/9lbTubBIhfI/s1600/IMG_7701.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vScN2t0a4Ig/UvaqCAJoN9I/AAAAAAAABt0/SUo42JYQWSg/s1600/IMG_7702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vScN2t0a4Ig/UvaqCAJoN9I/AAAAAAAABt0/SUo42JYQWSg/s1600/IMG_7702.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yIgh0-hXqtI/UvaqCsvHSqI/AAAAAAAABt8/wvXwAIVBvLs/s1600/IMG_7703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yIgh0-hXqtI/UvaqCsvHSqI/AAAAAAAABt8/wvXwAIVBvLs/s1600/IMG_7703.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OY1D7yHDjVQ/UvaqC3W91II/AAAAAAAABuA/F352rsM6qnE/s1600/IMG_7704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OY1D7yHDjVQ/UvaqC3W91II/AAAAAAAABuA/F352rsM6qnE/s1600/IMG_7704.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Next to Arjuna's Penance is one of many "cave temples". These are really artificial "caves" that were carved out of rock.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CgAsAyiLB4w/UvatiHdHOwI/AAAAAAAABuc/0WaR5J0KDrM/s1600/IMG_7705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CgAsAyiLB4w/UvatiHdHOwI/AAAAAAAABuc/0WaR5J0KDrM/s1600/IMG_7705.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bz7wyMp6WIk/UvatiTKtZ7I/AAAAAAAABug/4gpfFUlxD1g/s1600/IMG_7708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bz7wyMp6WIk/UvatiTKtZ7I/AAAAAAAABug/4gpfFUlxD1g/s1600/IMG_7708.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_SpqpwBGe0/UvatibH9ywI/AAAAAAAABuk/0T_NhQpJneo/s1600/IMG_7710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_SpqpwBGe0/UvatibH9ywI/AAAAAAAABuk/0T_NhQpJneo/s1600/IMG_7710.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Back towards the sea is "Thirukadalmallai", a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. My uncle said this structure is "newer", dating to the 17th century, but some information I have uncovered indicates it may also date back to the Pallava dynasty, like the rest of the the Mahabalipuram structures (6th-8th century).<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8-kJpvIpgU/UvauC8kMfYI/AAAAAAAABu8/zFdOpMtLsZ0/s1600/IMG_7713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H8-kJpvIpgU/UvauC8kMfYI/AAAAAAAABu8/zFdOpMtLsZ0/s1600/IMG_7713.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Behind the complex are a series of cave temples, most of which look similar. Here are some photos of a representative sample.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0CsJQUinMg/Uvaw1eDlKzI/AAAAAAAABvI/WS7QZ5V50rA/s1600/IMG_7726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0CsJQUinMg/Uvaw1eDlKzI/AAAAAAAABvI/WS7QZ5V50rA/s1600/IMG_7726.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dxxs7VAjgWE/Uvaw1c2v5MI/AAAAAAAABvM/bCaoQFFdeMY/s1600/IMG_7727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dxxs7VAjgWE/Uvaw1c2v5MI/AAAAAAAABvM/bCaoQFFdeMY/s1600/IMG_7727.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dz_ZMuRiui4/Uvaw1fATNzI/AAAAAAAABvQ/i4vgv3ySrdw/s1600/IMG_7728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dz_ZMuRiui4/Uvaw1fATNzI/AAAAAAAABvQ/i4vgv3ySrdw/s1600/IMG_7728.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Bf__jehEWU/Uvaw14o8U5I/AAAAAAAABvk/b1xCmiqgN4M/s1600/IMG_7730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Bf__jehEWU/Uvaw14o8U5I/AAAAAAAABvk/b1xCmiqgN4M/s1600/IMG_7730.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5qwPW70gPkw/Uvaw2LkiJFI/AAAAAAAABvg/LjoJI6IfPfM/s1600/IMG_7731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5qwPW70gPkw/Uvaw2LkiJFI/AAAAAAAABvg/LjoJI6IfPfM/s1600/IMG_7731.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
At the top of the path is another structure at the top of the hill, along with a view of the sea and an old lighthouse (the coastline used to be a couple of miles further inland than today).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_KomWkh0Eio/UvaxgpzvSXI/AAAAAAAABv8/7igiPwJ3rOk/s1600/IMG_7735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_KomWkh0Eio/UvaxgpzvSXI/AAAAAAAABv8/7igiPwJ3rOk/s1600/IMG_7735.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0HtiOdkhmw/UvaxgiajJmI/AAAAAAAABvw/2E4r-DcwOss/s1600/IMG_7737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0HtiOdkhmw/UvaxgiajJmI/AAAAAAAABvw/2E4r-DcwOss/s1600/IMG_7737.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9P8knCoxwFw/UvaxgpSQh9I/AAAAAAAABv0/4ynUXGSHYwY/s1600/IMG_7738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9P8knCoxwFw/UvaxgpSQh9I/AAAAAAAABv0/4ynUXGSHYwY/s1600/IMG_7738.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CYdBqpqlwM/UvaxhEJYC-I/AAAAAAAABwM/L_VwDwFrCzU/s1600/IMG_7740.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9CYdBqpqlwM/UvaxhEJYC-I/AAAAAAAABwM/L_VwDwFrCzU/s1600/IMG_7740.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AVXORPgHmmA/UvaxhVgvDMI/AAAAAAAABwE/IirVGjeJTUY/s1600/IMG_7741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AVXORPgHmmA/UvaxhVgvDMI/AAAAAAAABwE/IirVGjeJTUY/s1600/IMG_7741.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Also on the site is a balanced rock called "Krishna's Butter Ball".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X403kKAXjgU/UvayEwGrM8I/AAAAAAAABwY/in6EeigRWZY/s1600/IMG_7753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X403kKAXjgU/UvayEwGrM8I/AAAAAAAABwY/in6EeigRWZY/s1600/IMG_7753.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Meanwhile my mom, being the animal lover that she is, befriended a stray goat.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZlNUHq3lNk/UvayXBotftI/AAAAAAAABwg/sVlUN0UoWqE/s1600/IMG_7758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZlNUHq3lNk/UvayXBotftI/AAAAAAAABwg/sVlUN0UoWqE/s1600/IMG_7758.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
We then headed down the road a mile or so to the "Pancha Rathas", a series of five structures representing the five Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic, the Mahabaratha. As with the other structures of Mahabalipuram, the Rathas were built in the 7th century AD by the Pallava kings. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CLqeUSC9K3Y/UvazfCs-7LI/AAAAAAAABws/TLoD8Y6GhVs/s1600/IMG_7791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CLqeUSC9K3Y/UvazfCs-7LI/AAAAAAAABws/TLoD8Y6GhVs/s1600/IMG_7791.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Draupadi's Ratha. Notice that the Kali devotees we saw a few days ago on the way to Kumbakonam appear to have followed us here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znA-CO3o9YM/Uva0htLFWFI/AAAAAAAABw8/2UuTKtjtEPo/s1600/IMG_7765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znA-CO3o9YM/Uva0htLFWFI/AAAAAAAABw8/2UuTKtjtEPo/s1600/IMG_7765.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Arjuna Ratha.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ghn5rYsolW8/Uva1trL-jjI/AAAAAAAABxE/2g9Iy5KjMGE/s1600/IMG_7766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ghn5rYsolW8/Uva1trL-jjI/AAAAAAAABxE/2g9Iy5KjMGE/s1600/IMG_7766.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
A giant nandhi (Shiva's bull, his protector) and a giant elephant behind the rathas.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BeZ-K8znQOU/Uva2u6LpnKI/AAAAAAAABxQ/smKYSDJ3sQk/s1600/IMG_7770.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BeZ-K8znQOU/Uva2u6LpnKI/AAAAAAAABxQ/smKYSDJ3sQk/s1600/IMG_7770.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fnA_VB2iYqo/Uva2uweyHbI/AAAAAAAABxM/3OMq_SFnALM/s1600/IMG_7771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fnA_VB2iYqo/Uva2uweyHbI/AAAAAAAABxM/3OMq_SFnALM/s1600/IMG_7771.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Dharmaraja Ratha.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LTIJ5sVpqHY/Uva3HSOj59I/AAAAAAAABxc/hZhG5_o8oj4/s1600/IMG_7776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LTIJ5sVpqHY/Uva3HSOj59I/AAAAAAAABxc/hZhG5_o8oj4/s1600/IMG_7776.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Panoramic view of all of the rathas from the other end of the complex.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KcrjmTMm1vo/Uva3VQEK5hI/AAAAAAAABxk/PNecDHDB_nk/s1600/IMG_7778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KcrjmTMm1vo/Uva3VQEK5hI/AAAAAAAABxk/PNecDHDB_nk/s1600/IMG_7778.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Bhima Ratha.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XMgm7D-3OZQ/Uva3lQWZ1_I/AAAAAAAABxs/DsiQ1fg9WiM/s1600/IMG_7786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XMgm7D-3OZQ/Uva3lQWZ1_I/AAAAAAAABxs/DsiQ1fg9WiM/s1600/IMG_7786.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
And finally, the Nakula Sahadeva Ratha.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ExtH2TAhDRw/Uva3yYI_p7I/AAAAAAAABx0/VAR2sHfTE1U/s1600/IMG_7788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ExtH2TAhDRw/Uva3yYI_p7I/AAAAAAAABx0/VAR2sHfTE1U/s1600/IMG_7788.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
There is one other major structure in Mahabalipuram, the "Shore Temple". My brother and I actually have visited the shore temple, but it was more than 15 years ago, and I don't remember much about it. We unfortunately didn't have time to visit it this time. Given the limited amount of time we did have, I was just glad we were able to see Mahabalipuram at all.<br />
<br />
Next week, I will wrap up our trip to India with a post continuing our road trip to Pondicherry, along with a trip report of our flights back home.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11875183918525202270noreply@blogger.com9