Master Index of Archived Threads


Vacations 2009

SteveJRogers Dec 22 2008 08:15 PM

Going to be here: in Aruba on MLK Weekend this January, also same weekend as the AFC and NFC championship games. Hopefully the NFC one will be here:

Benjamin Grimm Dec 22 2008 08:31 PM

New Orleans in April. I should get home just in time to watch the first-ever game at Citi Field on television.

Farmer Ted Dec 22 2008 08:43 PM

Rose Bowl bound plus some shenanigans in SoCal for the New Year.

Fman99 Dec 23 2008 01:19 PM

Not in 2009, but taking Fboy and Fwife to NYC next week to take them to the Museum of Natural History. Neither of them have ever been there. Planning a trip for the kiddies to Sesame Place (Hershey, PA) for sometime in the summer of '09.

Benjamin Grimm Dec 23 2008 01:24 PM

If you go to Hershey you'll be more than a hundred miles away from Sesame Place. I'd suggest checking a map before you head out.

metirish Dec 23 2008 01:37 PM

[quote="Fman99":e5rfwlym]Not in 2009, but taking Fboy and Fwife to NYC next week to take them to the Museum of Natural History. Neither of them have ever been there. Planning a trip for the kiddies to Sesame Place (Hershey, PA) for sometime in the summer of '09.[/quote:e5rfwlym] Never been to NYC ?

cooby Dec 23 2008 03:27 PM

[quote="Benjamin Grimm":76qelw9s]If you go to Hershey you'll be more than a hundred miles away from Sesame Place. I'd suggest checking a map before you head out.[/quote:76qelw9s] I'd suggest he avoids Sesame Place at all costs and goes to Hershey, PA

Benjamin Grimm Dec 23 2008 03:39 PM

Is Sesame Place any worse than any of the other similar places? I've been very fortunate in that I never had to go there, even though we live in the adjoining county. Somehow we managed to avoid it, and now our kids are too old for it anyway. We did go to Hershey Park a couple of years ago, and it was nice enough for what it is.

Edgy DC Dec 23 2008 05:01 PM

I need a vacation. BADLY.

seawolf17 Dec 23 2008 05:15 PM

If the little ones are into Sesame Street, Sesame Place is unreal -- it's like heaven. We did a day and a half there, and I don't know if we could have taken more -- but it was like 1000 degrees those two days, and we wore ourselves out. It's bigger than you think it is once you're there, but it's not all that big, and you can only do the same things so many times before it's just time to move on. It's overpriced, like every theme park, but you know that going in.

Edgy DC Dec 23 2008 05:18 PM

Shouldn't Sesame Place be in, like, Harlem?

Fman99 Dec 23 2008 05:45 PM

[quote="Benjamin Grimm":1zit7e3r]If you go to Hershey you'll be more than a hundred miles away from Sesame Place. I'd suggest checking a map before you head out.[/quote:1zit7e3r] You can see that we are in the very preliminary stages of this trip.

Fman99 Dec 23 2008 05:45 PM

[quote="metirish":2yd9ksyp][quote="Fman99":2yd9ksyp]Not in 2009, but taking Fboy and Fwife to NYC next week to take them to the Museum of Natural History. Neither of them have ever been there. Planning a trip for the kiddies to Sesame Place (Hershey, PA) for sometime in the summer of '09.[/quote:2yd9ksyp] Never been to NYC ?[/quote:2yd9ksyp] Fboy has only been to Flushing. Fwife has been to Manhattan before, I think. I have been there many many times. I meant that neither of them have ever been to the AMNH.

metirish Dec 23 2008 05:57 PM

You knew I was being a dick though , sounds like a fun trip and cool that you are going to The Museum of Natural History . I'm guessing they saw the movie "Night at the Museum".

Fman99 Dec 23 2008 07:50 PM

[quote="metirish":1ohwuy4c]You knew I was being a dick though , sounds like a fun trip and cool that you are going to The Museum of Natural History . I'm guessing they saw the movie "Night at the Museum".[/quote:1ohwuy4c] Not even close. I went there when I was about the age my son is now. And I still remember it vividly. The scale of some of the larger displays (the whale, dinosaurs, etc.) is most impressive to the very small. So now it's time to pass that along to him.

themetfairy Dec 23 2008 09:45 PM

Sesame Place is great. We had season tix for it when the kids were small. It has lots of water activities, lots of non-water activities, and a lot of interactive things that your two small kids would really enjoy. If/when you get to planning the trip, shoot me a PM if you want further info.

Fman99 Dec 24 2008 07:14 AM

[quote="themetfairy":aoamgt0r]Sesame Place is great. We had season tix for it when the kids were small. It has lots of water activities, lots of non-water activities, and a lot of interactive things that your two small kids would really enjoy. If/when you get to planning the trip, shoot me a PM if you want further info.[/quote:aoamgt0r] Thanks MF, I will keep you in mind for that.

seawolf17 Dec 24 2008 07:21 AM

Honestly? I think Sesame Place would suck in the rain and/or cold. Seems like the bulk of the activities are water-related.

soupcan Dec 24 2008 09:16 AM

Skiing in Utah in February. Passover in San Diego in April.

Willets Point Dec 24 2008 08:24 PM

Our holiday travels to visit all our parents start tomorrow and carry into 2009, but after that I think it will be fiscal austerity time.

themetfairy Dec 24 2008 08:26 PM

We're thinking of a trip to Toronto and Buffalo at some point during baseball season.

metsmarathon Feb 12 2009 09:00 AM

going to beautiful hawaii at the end of this month, early next. totally can't wait. i think i'm going to need to pick up a few extra memory cards for my camera... and maybe 20 books for the damned flight!

sharpie Feb 12 2009 09:12 AM

Headed for Florida for a week tomorrow. Too early for ST games but school vacations are not set by me.

soupcan Feb 12 2009 09:48 AM

Our plans changed - we're off to Steamboat, Colorado instead of Utah for some schussing. Leaving Saturday for a week.

Benjamin Grimm Feb 12 2009 10:03 AM

[quote="metsmarathon":2k5qwolp]going to beautiful hawaii at the end of this month, early next. totally can't wait. i think i'm going to need to pick up a few extra memory cards for my camera... and maybe 20 books for the damned flight![/quote:2k5qwolp] We went there last year and loved it. Which islands will you be visiting? We did Oahu, Big Island, and Maui. When you're in Honolulu, be sure to sample a Puka Dog.

themetfairy Feb 12 2009 10:35 AM

[quote="metsmarathon":3umkrgbb]going to beautiful hawaii at the end of this month, early next. totally can't wait. i think i'm going to need to pick up a few extra memory cards for my camera... and maybe 20 books for the damned flight![/quote:3umkrgbb] Cool - enjoy running on the beaches there :)

metsmarathon Feb 12 2009 04:01 PM

oahu, and big. if you've got further suggestions we're very much open to 'em; gonna be there about 10 days. we're actually planning on running in a 10k around diamond head while we're there. unfortunately, just after we decided on when to go, we realized that a few weeks later is the hilo marathon. so, we'll just have to go back to hawaii if we ever decide to run a marathon in every state. sadly, with 10 marathons apiece, we've only got two states checked off. sigh.

themetfairy Feb 12 2009 05:05 PM

That 10K sounds wonderful :)

AG/DC Feb 12 2009 05:07 PM

If it's a choice between Hawaii 5-0 tour and the Magnum, PI tour, which way do you go? Answer, the Bobby Brady tour, of course.

Edgy DC Feb 24 2009 10:10 AM

Off to Chicago through Saturday for a conference. Will be visiting with Not-a-Sister Christine.

sharpie Feb 24 2009 11:13 AM

Had a good time in Miami, Everglades City and Sarasota last weekend. Flew my daughter down from North Carolina for the Miami portion. Ate good Cuban food, saw a bunch of alligators, had great weather. Now I'm back -- it's cold.

Fman99 Feb 28 2009 09:12 PM

While it doesn't really qualify as a vacation, I am getting a brief respite from winter for a two day trip to San Antonio for work, on the company dime. Fly in Monday, meetings Tuesday, fly home Wednesday. It does afford me free time Monday and Tuesday night as well as a hotel right on the Riverwalk. Been there twice in the last year for work and I must say it's a beautiful town. As well as forecasts in the high 70s both days.

Rockin' Doc Mar 01 2009 06:57 AM

My wife and I really like the boardwalk area of San Antonio. Enjoy the warmth and sunshine while partaking of the cold beverage of your choice. I recently spent a 4 day weekend at Barefoot Landing Resort in North Myrtle Beach. Seven of my buddies and I spent the weekend golfing and playing poker, while eating and drinking too much. Everyone survived the weekend (designated drivers are such a blessing) and returned safely home to their families last sunday. Our family will be spending 8 days on Chincoteague Island off the coast of Virginia in mid June. Hope to see the wild ponies and do a little fishing. Mostly, I hope to just spend time relaxing with the family and simply enjoying a few good books. Still working on a family retreat for July 4th weekend.

themetfairy Mar 26 2009 06:59 PM

A quick baseball trip to Toronto and Buffalo later in the summer.

Elster88 Apr 28 2009 10:09 PM

Bermuda. Heard the sand is pink but won't believe it until I see it for myself.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 29 2009 04:48 AM

The black sand in Hawaii is actually dark grey. I bet the pink sand in Bermuda is actually light red. If that's the case, be sure to demand all your money back. We're taking advantage of historically low summer fares to Europe and will be in the Alps in late July. Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Plane tickets have been purchased and I'm currently working on hotel bookings. It will be hard to get baseball scores there. Each night game will end way too late for the morning papers. And depending on where I am, I may have trouble finding an English-language paper, so I may end up several days behind on my Mets news. Anyway, at best, most European papers only print a line score without any game account, so I'll be very much out of touch during what may be a crucial part of the season. I like the idea of that now, but it may be frustrating when the time comes.

themetfairy Apr 29 2009 05:28 AM

[quote="Elster88":328gpubw]Bermuda. Heard the sand is pink but won't believe it until I see it for myself.[/quote:328gpubw] It's white sand with red crushed coral for a pink effect overall. Bermuda is my favorite place in the world, and I've visited the island several times. Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss it :) BG - where will you be in Switzerland? We visited Geneva and Montreux (for the Jazz Festival) two years ago.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 29 2009 07:16 AM

We're flying into Zurich and will probably go to Lucerne (or Luzern) Then we'll head east towards Prague, Vienna, and we'll see Munich on the way back to Zurich for the return flight. There will also be stops in smaller towns along the way.

themetfairy Apr 29 2009 08:15 AM

Cool - it sounds like a gorgeous itinerary :)

Benjamin Grimm Apr 29 2009 08:18 AM

I'll have to bring my camera!

metirish Apr 29 2009 08:19 AM

[quote="Elster88":lliyllho]Bermuda. Heard the sand is pink but won't believe it until I see it for myself.[/quote:lliyllho] Sounds great m have fun. You too Ben Grim , you take great vacations. Nothing concrete yet but hoping to go to Puerto Rico sometime in the next several months.

Willets Point Apr 29 2009 11:18 AM

2 1/2 weeks until North Carolina's Outer Banks!

Fman99 Apr 29 2009 12:46 PM

Damn, I need a vacation. I need to figure that out. Taking a long weekend to Virginia in June to visit family (and take in a Mets v. Nats tilt in D.C.). Week long trips, with two very small children, are still daunting to me.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 29 2009 02:25 PM

[quote="Fman99":2j8ucuak]Week long trips, with two very small children, are still daunting to me.[/quote:2j8ucuak] Just do it. They'll rise to the occasion.

themetfairy Apr 29 2009 02:26 PM

Or take shorter trips while the kids are small. There's a lot to be said for three or four night getaways.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 29 2009 02:30 PM

True. But if you're craving a longer trip, don't let the ages of your kids hold you back. We went to Spain for two weeks with a two-and-a-half-year-old boy. We went to Puerto Rico for nine days with a five-year-old boy and a ten-month-old girl. And both were great trips. Go where you want to go. And bring the kids. I give that advice to anyone who'll listen, but all but a few consider my advice to be the rantings of a mad man. And maybe they're right.

sharpie Apr 29 2009 02:36 PM

I completely agree with Grimm. Kids are adaptable. We're looking to go to Peru for a few weeks in July.

themetfairy Apr 29 2009 02:43 PM

Agreed that you should go where you want to go, and bring the family. Personally, I don't think I'd enjoy exotic travel with young ones in tow. There's something to be said for a location that's within driving distance. But if you're more daring, then go for the longer trips to more distant places.

cooby May 15 2009 03:55 PM

Hello from Hammondsport, NY! A slight change from our yearly fall winerying, we decided to come up for our 30th anniversary. (Monday) So far we have gone to the Corning Glass Mart (a must!) and three wineries. The one winery (Renasaince) (which obviously I have no idea how to spell) used to be DeMay and we had pictures of us and our daughter at age 10 months there, which we scanned and gave to them. They were very happy with them and the man in the pictures with her was the present owner's dad. Right now I am sitting in the kitchen of our inn in Hammondsport and it is so quaint! My husband had flowers waiting for me here! Some of my favorites! Lilacs, talking flowers (you know them as snapdragons), tulips... He is so sweet! We have been admiring the lilacs all day; t hey even seem to grow in the woods here.

themetfairy May 15 2009 04:33 PM

Enjoy your anniversary trip!

Willets Point May 15 2009 06:02 PM

Leaving for North Carolina tomorrow. I so need this vacation.

cooby May 17 2009 07:46 PM

[quote="themetfairy":121j9v2l]Enjoy your anniversary trip![/quote:121j9v2l] We did :)

The Second Spitter Jun 16 2009 07:30 AM

Can someone please tell me the best way to get to Cooperstown from NYC? Right now the plan is to drive -- how long will it take each way? (I'm guessing it's at least 2.5 hours) Is there a less tiresome way? Also what is general consensus for the best Tex-Mex restaurant in NYC? TIA.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 16 2009 07:56 AM

[quote="Triple Dee"]Can someone please tell me the best way to get to Cooperstown from NYC?

300 wins or 500 homers seem to do the trick.

Also what is general consensus for the best Tex-Mex restaurant in NYC?

Hmmm. I wouldn't know the best place, necessarily but there's a good variety of Mexican-style restaurants along 9th ave. in the 50s and 40s. Rosa Mexicana is good, and there's a one at 50th & 9th which I can't remember the name of.

For authenticity, you'd prolly do best to go Corona or some other Mexican-influenced neighborhood ?

metirish Jun 16 2009 08:05 AM

Garcia's - 70-09 Austin St, Queens, NY 11375, excellent Mexican food here garciasnyc.com

Gwreck Jun 16 2009 08:41 AM

[quote="Triple Dee":fqwas156]Can someone please tell me the best way to get to Cooperstown from NYC? Right now the plan is to drive -- how long will it take each way? (I'm guessing it's at least 2.5 hours) Is there a less tiresome way? [/quote:fqwas156] You need to figure 4 hours each way. I-87 North to I-88; I-88 West to US-20. US-20 West to Route 80. Route 80 South to Cooperstown. There is an alternate way that more scenic but may take longer.

Farmer Ted Jun 16 2009 10:00 AM

Willets, the Teds stayed at this juke joint last summer for a week. Decent. Quiet. Where were you? http://www.lighthouseview.com/

sharpie Jun 16 2009 10:17 AM

We're going to Peru for three weeks beginning July 11. Pretty excited and it has been actually pretty hard scheduling things (still in the midst of doing that).

HahnSolo Jun 16 2009 10:26 AM

Disney baby! My kids get their first taste of Disney World later this summer. As for my vacation, I am taking the week off after we return.

metirish Jun 16 2009 10:29 AM

[quote="sharpie":2oi5x6fn]We're going to Peru for three weeks beginning July 11. Pretty excited and it has been actually pretty hard scheduling things (still in the midst of doing that).[/quote:2oi5x6fn] Steer clear of Machu Picchu , nothing to see there.

sharpie Jun 16 2009 10:58 AM

Thanks for the tip, Irish. I'll put it on my must-miss list.

The Second Spitter Jun 17 2009 02:27 PM

[quote="John Cougar Lunchbucket"][quote="Triple Dee"]Can someone please tell me the best way to get to Cooperstown from NYC?

300 wins or 500 homers seem to do the trick. Hah. I didn't want to ask what is the quickest way to get to Cooperstown, because I wanted to avoid responses like; HGH, Nandrolone, or the cream & clear. [quote="Gwreck"]You need to figure 4 hours each way

Now I remember the reason I avoided going there when I lived in NYC.

Thanks for all your responses guys.

Swan Swan H Jun 17 2009 02:38 PM

We're heading up there in November - we think - for another combination sports and music weekend. John Gorka is tentatively scheduled to play at the Otesaga Hotel on Nov. 7, and if the show is confirmed we're going to go up, stay at the Otesaga's kid sister, the Cooper Inn, for a couple of nights and make a fine weekend out of it. Last time we went we drove through blinding snow. Hopefully we'll be too early for any of that.

DocTee Jun 18 2009 12:54 PM

Was in Peru in 2006. Stayed in Lima (lots of history, lots of crime). I never felt safe, even when touring the churches. An official from the US Embassy actually encouraged our group to purchase knives and brass knuckles to defend ourselves. It wasn't that bad, but driving through the port of Callao (which looks like a war zone) I could see why he might caution us. Miraflores is excellent. One of the local delicacies is guinea pig. I passed.

metirish Jun 18 2009 01:20 PM

An official from the US Embassy actually encouraged our group to purchase knives and brass knuckles to defend ourselves Sorry , but that is hilarious....

Benjamin Grimm Jun 18 2009 01:23 PM

Did he also recommend duct tape in case of a WMD attack?

DocTee Jun 18 2009 01:31 PM

I'm serious. He addressed a group of some 300 college students and basically said that we were entering a war zone, where people "had no respect for human life, and who knew that we--as Americans-- carried more money than they would make in a month." He told us the location of local stores that sold pepper-spray, etc, and preferred that to brass knuckles, since "you can inflict pain on people before they get close enough to do you harm." He said that anyone who went out alone was a target, and that if we were riding a bus, etc to keep our arms inside (he told of one tourist who was snapping pictures from the window who had her camera snatched, etc). It was over-the-top, but one kid in my group had his bag slashed and camera stolen-- in a cathedral.

sharpie Jun 18 2009 01:48 PM

We spend one night in Lima -- the night before we go home. Arequipa/Colca Canyon; Puno/Lake Titicaca; Cuzco/Machu Picchu; Manu Reserve is our itinerary. Puno is the only mildly high-crime area we're in.

metirish Jun 18 2009 01:50 PM

I'd still have Doc hook you up with his knuckleduster guy .

Rockin' Doc Jun 18 2009 06:58 PM

Currently in the midst of an 8 day vacation on Chincoteague Island, Virginia. Getting too much sun and enjoying fresh seafood from the local waters of Assateague Island. Mallards, egrets, and deer are the family's daily entertainment while eating breakfast overlooking the salt water estuary beside the hotel. We plan on taking a cruise this weekend in hopes of seeing some more wildlife and hopefully to see some of the wild ponies of Assateague Island.

Edgy DC Jun 18 2009 07:26 PM

You really haven't been until you've drunkenly tried to mount a pony bareback.

Rockin' Doc Jun 18 2009 08:05 PM

[quote="Edgy DC":1a266lpz]You really haven't been until you've drunkenly tried to mount a pony bareback.[/quote:1a266lpz] Edgy acting as Fman straight man.

Frayed Knot Jun 18 2009 08:07 PM

Mallards, egrets, and deer are the family's daily entertainment Egrets, you've had a few.

Chad Ochoseis Jun 19 2009 09:25 PM

With things slow at work right now, Mendoza Woman and I decided to take a trip to Reykjavik. Leaving a week from Wednesday, staying a week. Definitely going to see Þingvellir National Park, if only because I Þink the letter Þ is the coolest Þing in the history of Þings. Anyone been to Iceland? Any advice?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 19 2009 10:22 PM

We went years ago, had an excellent time! Fantastic place. Enjoyed the Þingvellir. Blue Lagoon is very interesting but you know, touristy. My advice is to rent a 4WD vehicle and do the sights along the "ring road." Our favorite was Gulfoss, a tremendous waterfall from glacier runoff, unspeakable power and beauty. Here we are all blown away by it: We continued off the ring road to join up with a hiking trail known as Laugaveur (sp.?) where we stayed at a hostel type thingy in the woods overnight. It was right next to a natural hot spring where people stayed in the water till dusk -- 3am-ish, I guess. I forget exactly where that was, I am sure that place is well-known enough. We did some driving through the interior using topographic maps as guidance -- I dunno about trying that unless you know a local (we sorta did) since our truck got caught in snow once. But just the craziest shit you ever saw out there: volcanos, bare rocky red landscapes that look like Mars, steam coming out of the ground, the smell of sulfur everywhere. Unforgettable peace and weirdness. Reykjavik has a reputation as a hot nightlife city, or it used to, if discos are your thing, but I would guess you'd prefer the outdoors even more. The most we did in the city was eat some really fresh seafood. Take your camera and many times the batteries/cards you think you might need.

Chad Ochoseis Jun 20 2009 03:46 PM

Takk, JCL. And nice pic. A few questions - - When in Þingvellir, did you snorkel in Silfra? I'm trying to find a trip, and it looks like they're all sold out. - Is a 4WD necessary for the ring road? I was just going to rent a plain subcompact for a few days, thinking the ring road would generally be in good shape, and I could just park the car somewhere and hike at will rather than drive off-road. - Caught in snow off the ring road? Is there still snow along the ring road in July?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 20 2009 06:48 PM

I am sure you can do the road in a regular car. We got caught in snow and needed the traction when we went off it... Did not snorkel, did not not know there was snorkeling there. We did wanna take a boat trip but didn't get around to that either. Are you staying in the city? We were at a friend's place near Keflavik but spent 1 night in a b&B in the city.

Fman99 Jun 20 2009 07:17 PM

[quote="Edgy DC":ep9xkyj1]You really haven't been until you've drunkenly tried to mount a pony bareback.[/quote:ep9xkyj1] I guess that's better than riding some hog. HIYO!

Chad Ochoseis Jun 21 2009 06:32 PM

[quote="John Cougar Lunchbucket"]Did not snorkel, did not not know there was snorkeling there. We did wanna take a boat trip but didn't get around to that either. Are you staying in the city? We were at a friend's place near Keflavik but spent 1 night in a b&B in the city.

Snorkeling here. Rather expensive, as I think there's only one dive shop in the whole country. But it's not something we want to pass up.

They also offer scuba, but I washed out (dried out?) of the one scuba class I've taken in my life.

We're staying in the city, in a small apartment in a neighborhood called Framsoknarflokkurinn. I think that by Icelandic law, all place names must have ten letters or more.

cooby Jun 25 2009 03:56 PM

There is a street in West Chester, PA called Matlack Street. I was there today

Benjamin Grimm Jun 25 2009 04:09 PM

I was there yesterday! I cross Matlack (at 202) every day that I drive into work.

cooby Jun 25 2009 08:13 PM

It is named for him then? I know he is from West Chester.

sharpie Jun 25 2009 08:48 PM

My brother lives around there.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 26 2009 05:41 AM

[quote="cooby":2rhgbb7h]It is named for him then? I know he is from West Chester.[/quote:2rhgbb7h] I doubt that it's named for Jon Matlack specifically. He probably comes from a family with deep roots in the area.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 26 2009 06:06 AM

We're headed out to Coobyville again -- wedding in Meyersdale (sp.)?

Edgy DC Jun 26 2009 07:09 AM

Handsome street, but the neighbors look kind of nooisy.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 26 2009 07:22 AM

That doesn't look at all like the Matlack Street I see. The part I drive over is an ordinary suburban thoroughfare, with a traffic light and some industrial building. (I think it's a beverage distributor, but I'm not sure.)

seawolf17 Jun 26 2009 07:43 AM

[quote="Edgy DC":3eqqkx9v]Handsome street, but the neighbors look kind of nooisy.[/quote:3eqqkx9v] Well, that's one way to keep the riffraff out. Soup should have one of those installed.

cooby Jun 27 2009 07:54 AM

[quote="John Cougar Lunchbucket":pwdmi1ok]We're headed out to Coobyville again -- wedding in Meyersdale (sp.)?[/quote:pwdmi1ok] Miles and miles and a whole mountain range from where I live but is it close to Lewistown? That is where a gaggle of my friends are from! Try to have a good time :) The Matlack Ave we saw was from the Turnpike, I would imagine it HAS to have something to do with him or his family! Yesterday we went to Longwood Gardens, OMG if you can get there (anyone) do it! It is the most spectular place we have every been! I was texting friends all day long to go there (some of them even wrote back). We saw acres of flowers, trees, plants of every kind you can imagine, sundials, topiaries, gardens, water falls, towers, houses, a humongous conservatory, and I even saw a kitty there! (it was an employee) Oh and the waterfountain show at night! We were there from 11 am to 9 pm. Pooped today but every hour was packed (really!) and we could have spent even more time. Today we are off to Eastern State Penitentury and my daughters engagement party, a weird mix :)

Edgy DC Jun 27 2009 08:52 AM

Someday, you'll explain that one. Doesn't have to be today.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 28 2009 07:21 PM

[quote="cooby":b5mzk8ki][quote="John Cougar Lunchbucket":b5mzk8ki]We're headed out to Coobyville again -- wedding in Meyersdale (sp.)?[/quote:b5mzk8ki] Miles and miles and a whole mountain range from where I live but is it close to Lewistown? That is where a gaggle of my friends are from! [/quote:b5mzk8ki] Long drive -- all uphill, and complicated by a mid-trip projectile vomit that had us re-creating that scene from Pulp Fiction only with puke, not brains. But really pretty country and a very nice day for a wedding and lakeside reception reception Saturday. Plus we were mostly out of radio range from the MFY-Met games.

Edgy DC Jun 28 2009 07:31 PM

And again, I really apprediated the ride and I'm totally sorry about puking on your wife's dress.

cooby Jun 28 2009 08:14 PM

[quote="Edgy DC":2rojp237]Someday, you'll explain that one. Doesn't have to be today.[/quote:2rojp237] The party was at the Penitentury, it was two different things, and we didn't g o there anyway

Benjamin Grimm Jun 29 2009 06:58 AM

[quote="Benjamin Grimm"]That doesn't look at all like the Matlack Street I see. The part I drive over is an ordinary suburban thoroughfare, with a traffic light and some industrial building. (I think it's a beverage distributor, but I'm not sure.)

It is a beverage place, called SPAZ.

cooby Jul 01 2009 05:55 PM

I saw that!

cooby Jul 01 2009 07:16 PM

[quote="cooby":1euzewtz][quote="Edgy DC":1euzewtz]Someday, you'll explain that one. Doesn't have to be today.[/quote:1euzewtz] The party was at the Penitentury, it was two different things, and we didn't g o there anyway[/quote:1euzewtz] I just realized I said the exact opposite of what I meant to here...the party was NOT at the penitentury, it was at my daughter's future in-laws house. Geezus

The Second Spitter Jul 17 2009 08:28 PM

Would like to know the experiences of anybody who has flown with US Airways on an international flight, particularly a cross-Atlantic one.

A Boy Named Seo Jul 18 2009 10:41 AM

Bunches of times with them domestic (budget option that will charge you a fee for any damn thing they can think of), but never international. Sorry, dude.

Rockin' Doc Jul 18 2009 12:28 PM

My wife and I have flown all over North America with US Air without any significant problems. Flew to St. Kitts and back once, but that's it for international flights with US Air. Sorry I can' be more helpful.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 22 2009 11:42 PM

[quote="Triple Dee":1lvig9t9]Would like to know the experiences of anybody who has flown with US Airways on an international flight, particularly a cross-Atlantic one.[/quote:1lvig9t9] Done it three times: From Philadelphia to Madrid in 1999, to Rome in 2004, and to Zurich a few days ago. Nothing spectacular, no problems. They feed you, and don't charge for luggage, but other than that it's not much different from a long domestic flight. Anyway, I just popped in to give a quick hello from Prague. Are the Mets in first place yet?

Kong76 Jul 23 2009 04:19 AM

BG: Are the Mets in first place yet?<<< How did you know? Did you hear Ollie threw a perfecto the other night? Cora hit for the cycle. Twice. And Francoeur ... baseball GOD!!!

Rockin' Doc Jul 23 2009 11:14 AM

Ben Grimm - "Are the Mets in first place yet?" Ben must be suffering from the time change. Poor guy is delirious.

metirish Jul 23 2009 11:50 AM

[quote="Benjamin Grimm":3bbszkl1][quote="Triple Dee":3bbszkl1]Would like to know the experiences of anybody who has flown with US Airways on an international flight, particularly a cross-Atlantic one.[/quote:3bbszkl1] Done it three times: From Philadelphia to Madrid in 1999, to Rome in 2004, and to Zurich a few days ago. Nothing spectacular, no problems. They feed you, and don't charge for luggage, but other than that it's not much different from a long domestic flight. Anyway, I just popped in to give a quick hello from Prague. Are the Mets in first place yet?[/quote:3bbszkl1] My younger bro was in Prague a few years ago , loved it. Apparently is a hot destination these days.

metirish Jul 28 2009 08:43 AM

[quote="Rockin' Doc":3cvd0k3u]Ben Grimm - "Are the Mets in first place yet?" Ben must be suffering from the time change. Poor guy is delirious.[/quote:3cvd0k3u] You won't believe what's happening while you are away.

Benjamin Grimm Jul 31 2009 01:24 PM

Just checking in again, this time from München (or, as we Americans call it, Munich). I have no idea what has been happening while Ive been away. Ive hardly given the Mets much thought at all, although Ive been wearing my cap out and about. I guess I have some catching up to do. I'll be back in the USA on Monday. I hope the stuff I've missed has been good stuff! (Not counting on it, though.)

Frayed Knot Jul 31 2009 05:29 PM

Les boys come on again For the high class whores And the businessmen Who drive in their Mercedes Benz To a disco bar in old Munchen

bmfc1 Aug 02 2009 07:27 AM

Our annual trip to Dewey Beach, DE. A friend dared me to meet him at the Bottle & Cork last night--he didn't think I'd go and he went elsewhere but I was there. Live bands, lots of young people a) drinking b) looking to "meet" others. I was glad that there were a few people there my age but the younger people either thought that we were in the wrong place or cops. Not the classiest joint in the world: when you finish your can of beer, you toss it on the floor and stomp on it. If you want to do a shot, the waitress will gladly join you so you don't drink alone. Given that I wasn't looking to "meet" anyone, and the music was way too loud, I didn't stay too long after I realized that I was stood up.

sharpie Aug 02 2009 09:33 AM

Just back from 3 weeks in Peru. Exhilirating but hardly relaxing. Slept in about 10 different places over those 21 days, none more than 5. A few nights in the Colca Canyon (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon) where we saw giant condors flying close overhead; islands in the middle of Lake Titicaca including the floating reed islands which unfortunately are totally touristed but really bizarre; a trip to Machu Picchu (as spectacular as they say it is); several days in Cuzco (beautiful but too touristy); 6 days in the Amazon rainforest with lots of treks, saw plenty of monkeys, giant river otters (highly endangered species); peccaries; tapirs; macaws, etc. A couple of days in Lima at the end -- a pretty vibrant city, at least where I was. I never felt unsafe (no brass knuckles for me) and I found the Peruvian people to be uniformly friendly. Glad to be home but a great great time.

Kong76 Aug 02 2009 01:23 PM

Sounds like an exciting adventure.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 02 2009 02:47 PM

hee he. You said titty caca

themetfairy Aug 02 2009 03:04 PM

Very cool sharpie!

Farmer Ted Aug 03 2009 11:22 AM

Thinking about a few days in Anchorage at the end of November. Anyone been?

HahnSolo Aug 10 2009 11:38 AM

Since the wife got the OK from her doctors to travel, the Solos will be making their planned trip to Disney World this Sunday through Saturday. My kids have never been, and the last time I was in Disney World? There was only the Magic Kingdom, and they were constructing the monorail for Epcot. So this will be new for me too.

Benjamin Grimm Aug 10 2009 12:30 PM

[quote="Farmer Ted":cjpq9amt]Thinking about a few days in Anchorage at the end of November. Anyone been?[/quote:cjpq9amt] I was there in 2006. Not much of a city; it's the outdoors stuff in Alaska that makes it worth the trip. When I was there it was July, so I can't say much about what it might be like in November. The Alaska that you see in the summertime is not the typical Alaska.

themetfairy Aug 11 2009 04:53 PM

We just got home from a whirlwind trip to Cooperstown, Toronto, Niagara Falls and Buffalo. A lot of baseball and some cool scenery in a five day period!

Valadius Aug 11 2009 05:00 PM

How was Toronto? I've been thinking about going for a while.

Frayed Knot Aug 11 2009 05:11 PM

It's different than New York since in one case you take the A train and the other you take the train, ay.

themetfairy Aug 11 2009 06:52 PM

I love Toronto. I've been there several times - it has New York's energy, and there's always a lot to do. Plus if you're going for a game, you know that you'll never have to deal with a rainout. We splurged and stayed at the Renaissance Hotel (formerly Skydome Hotel) attached to the Rogers Centre. Pricey, but worth it for the convenience and the fun of being there. One of the top moments on the trip was when we shared an elevator ride with David Cone. Normally I would have paid a visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame, but since the Stanley Cup is still hanging out with the Red Wings we gave it a pass. Had dinner at Gretzky's restaurant on MK's birthday - it was fun to see all of the trophies and things on display. And D-Dad and I caught The Second City's late show on Saturday night. I always have a lot of fun in Toronto. If you're thinking about visiting, go for it.

A Boy Named Seo Aug 12 2009 10:10 AM

[quote="sharpie":ke4hf61b]Just back from 3 weeks in Peru. Exhilirating but hardly relaxing. Slept in about 10 different places over those 21 days, none more than 5. A few nights in the Colca Canyon (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon) where we saw giant condors flying close overhead; islands in the middle of Lake Titicaca including the floating reed islands which unfortunately are totally touristed but really bizarre; a trip to Machu Picchu (as spectacular as they say it is); several days in Cuzco (beautiful but too touristy); 6 days in the Amazon rainforest with lots of treks, saw plenty of monkeys, giant river otters (highly endangered species); peccaries; tapirs; macaws, etc. A couple of days in Lima at the end -- a pretty vibrant city, at least where I was. I never felt unsafe (no brass knuckles for me) and I found the Peruvian people to be uniformly friendly. Glad to be home but a great great time.[/quote:ke4hf61b] That sounds awesome. I was supposed to go there last year w/ this girl I was seeing, but there were bulletins about political unrest and that in Lima, and I think she was a little freaked out. Any beach time? I don't know if you surf, but I've heard that they've got one of the longest lefts in the world.

sharpie Aug 12 2009 01:09 PM

I spent very little time in Lima and no other time on the coast. During my brief time in Lima, however, I saw a whole lotta surfing going on and I've heard that just south of the city it is a surfer paradise. There was a transit strike for one day while we weren't travelling anywhere but that was the extent of political strife that we encountered. There have been recent demonstrations having to do with nefarious doings by American natural gas companies in the north of the country which we heard about before we got there but heard nothing about while we were there.

Valadius Aug 17 2009 01:01 PM

I'm headed to Italy with my family this evening. We'll be spending a week split between Florence and Milan.

metirish Aug 17 2009 01:10 PM

[quote="Valadius"]I'm headed to Italy with my family this evening. We'll be spending a week split between Florence and Milan.

It you make it to Rome can you compare the Forum to MFY stadium II




I'm sure it can't compare to Gate 2 but throw your eye over it. I have provided the above picture as a reference.

themetfairy Aug 17 2009 02:48 PM

Have a great trip Val!

Valadius Aug 20 2009 09:22 AM

Greetings from Florence! Honestly, there's not much to tell. I'm not an art person, so I can't really appreciate all the artwork I've seen in the last two days. But the statue of David really is magnificent. My feet are killing me, and it's past time for my siesta.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 22 2009 05:24 AM

Week at the beach starting .... NOW

metirish Aug 22 2009 08:49 AM

[quote="John Cougar Lunchbucket":1d3edhp0]Week at the beach starting .... NOW[/quote:1d3edhp0] Where you at?.....not looking good for beaches in this area . enjoy

John Cougar Lunchbucket Aug 24 2009 03:45 PM

rehoboth beach de with the fam-i-lee. Great weather, lots of beer so far.

Valadius Aug 24 2009 04:18 PM

I return from Milan tomorrow. All in all, had a nice week in Italy, but put on like ten pounds from all the food.

Valadius Aug 25 2009 12:48 PM

I'm back in New Jersey. Had a great time, will talk more about the trip later.

themetfairy Aug 25 2009 07:35 PM

Hi from Ocean City, MD. We're getting some R&R after MK's Bar Mitzvah mania.

Rockin' Doc Sep 28 2009 08:18 AM Re: Vacations 2009

Currently enjoying 5 days basking in the sunshine and taking in the historic splendor of Savannah, Georgia for my wife's birthday. We are having her birthday dinner tonight at The Pink House which dates back to 1771. It has served as a bank, a private home, headquarters for General Sherman's officers during their march, and now a fine dining establishment. Planning a day or two at Tybee Island beach and an evening dolphin cruise before we head back home on Thursday.

themetfairy Sep 28 2009 12:31 PM Re: Vacations 2009

Do the ghost tour RD - it's fascinating. And have fun - Savannah is a gorgeous town :)

Benjamin Grimm Sep 28 2009 12:36 PM Re: Vacations 2009

Has anyone ever been to Jamaica? (The island nation, not the one in Queens.) I was reading about it in Sunday's travel section, and it sounds like a fun place for a quick getaway, but the State Department's website contains a number of crime warnings. Just wondering if those of us who have been there have felt safe, unsafe, or somewhere in between.

TransMonk Sep 28 2009 12:39 PM Re: Vacations 2009

Never been, but will be there in February (waiting for the 2010 Vacation thread).

sharpie Sep 28 2009 02:23 PM Re: Vacations 2009

Also thinking of going there in February. My boss is Jamaican and she talks of how much safer it has gotten over the past few years. Apparently they have built a new road that rings the island replacing the potholed one that was there which resulted in a lot of breakdowns which resulted in some bad things happening.

TransMonk Sep 28 2009 03:01 PM Re: Vacations 2009

Once it gets closer, let me know if/when/where you are going. We might have to get together for some rum and/or goat.

Benjamin Grimm Sep 28 2009 05:10 PM Re: Vacations 2009

Leave a message in a rum bottle for me, somewhere where I'd find it about six weeks later.

The Second Spitter Sep 29 2009 08:33 AM Re: Vacations 2009

Avoid going anywhere near Trenchtown.

sharpie Sep 29 2009 09:28 AM Re: Vacations 2009

Once it gets closer, let me know if/when/where you are going. We might have to get together for some rum and/or goat. Ah, rum and goat. Yes, once we know what we're doing I'll let you know. If it happens it would be the week that President's Day falls on.

TransMonk Sep 29 2009 09:34 AM Re: Vacations 2009

Bah...I'll be there the week before...the 4th thru the 10th in Negril. We didn't know when we booked the trip, but we're staying over Bob Marley's birthday, which is like a national holiday there.

HahnSolo Sep 29 2009 12:25 PM Re: Vacations 2009

[quote="sharpie"] If it happens it would be the week that President's Day falls on.

That's the same week my wife and I are going to PR. No kids! Staying at the Gran Melia. It was recommended by a friend who lived in PR for 5 years...anyone here ever stayed there?

John Cougar Lunchbucket Oct 12 2009 01:01 PM Re: Vacations 2009

[quote="sharpie":1pfk5fn4]Also thinking of going there in February. My boss is Jamaican and she talks of how much safer it has gotten over the past few years. Apparently they have built a new road that rings the island replacing the potholed one that was there which resulted in a lot of breakdowns which resulted in some bad things happening.[/quote:1pfk5fn4] Would you believe we also may be headed to Jamaica in February? -- last week of the month prolly. Do you guys have any opinions on "all-inclusive" deals? To me it doesn't really feel much like *traveling* if you're all cocooned into a single resort, but as referenced above with crime and stuff perhaps that's not a bad thing and it does take away some uncertainty (cost and otherwise).

Benjamin Grimm Oct 12 2009 01:05 PM Re: Vacations 2009

I've always opted not to go with "all inclusive" and have never regretted it. The little bit of research I've done on Jamaica so far has left me confused. Some say it's a dangerous place, but others say that the reputation is an old one, from the 1980's, and now Jamaica is as safe as anywhere else, as long as you avoid the urban areas.

TransMonk Oct 12 2009 01:39 PM Re: Vacations 2009

No all-inclusive for us. We are staying at 2 places in Negril over six days (3 on the beach and 3 on the cliffs). Both were very resonably priced as far as we were concerned. http://www.catchajamaica.com/ http://www.kuyaba.com/accommodation.htm Have heard varying reports on the crime. Mostly, we think that as long as we're mindful that we could get robbed, we prolly won't.

sharpie Oct 12 2009 03:43 PM Re: Vacations 2009

I did an all-inclusive in the Dominican Republic about 6 or 7 years ago and that's the last time I'll do it. If I go somewhere different I want to be out in it and not in some faceless hotel complex that might as well be anywhere. Plus I get bored with the food which you feel you must eat because you've paid for it.

Rockin' Doc Nov 11 2009 10:12 PM Re: Vacations 2009

Leaving tomorrow morning for a business/liesure weekend stay at the historic Grove Park Inn. We have been to Asheville and the surrouding area numerous times in the past, but haven't been there for five or six years. Looking forward to some quiet dinners with the Mrs. and a cocktail or two by one of the enormous fireplaces throughout the hotel.

cooby Nov 14 2009 03:05 PM Re: Vacations 2009

If you want to create a sensation, no matter where you roam, walk around in a Troy Polamalu jersey.

metirish Dec 29 2009 04:09 PM Re: Vacations 2009

Flight to San Juan cancelled for tonight......coastal flood warnings for San Juan......leaving in the morning at 6AM instead.....bummed

metirish Dec 30 2009 06:12 AM Re: Vacations 2009

On flight to Atlanta , got upgraded to first class, nice.... dumb woman getting busted right now for smoking in bathroom, OMFG how stupid is she?, they just took her passport.