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Vacations 2015

Benjamin Grimm Jan 01 2015 06:49 AM

Anyone making any plans yet? I got nothin' so far, just a vague possibility or two.

Fman99 Jan 01 2015 06:52 AM Re: Vacations 2015

Booked for Orlando the first week of April. Renting a house, which worked out great for us last year.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jan 01 2015 07:54 AM Re: Vacations 2015

Thinking about San Francisco for the Mets visit in July.

Ceetar Jan 01 2015 12:54 PM Re: Vacations 2015

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: Thinking about San Francisco for the Mets visit in July. hmm, Mets on the West Coast, friend lives out there, they have good beer, I have Jet Blue points.. *eyes Sophie expectantly*

Rockin' Doc Jan 01 2015 02:21 PM Re: Vacations 2015

The Mrs. and I are taking our first cruise in February. Nine days touring St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Thomas, and Bahamas. Should be a nice break from winter and we'll see how we like the cruising lifestyle. Have a week in Myrtle Beach in June and anticipate 7-8 days on Grand Cayman in the fall.

themetfairy Jan 01 2015 03:15 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Rockin' Doc wrote: The Mrs. and I are taking our first cruise in February. Nine days touring St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Thomas, and Bahamas. Should be a nice break from winter and we'll see how we like the cruising lifestyle. Have a week in Myrtle Beach in June and anticipate 7-8 days on Grand Cayman in the fall. Which cruise line?

Rockin' Doc Jan 01 2015 07:15 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Norwegian Cruise Lines. We have always debated about cruises as we tend to prefer picking a location in which to enjoy some quiet time away from the masses. We like to soak up the sun, take in the sights and culture, and relax in peace away from the crowds. I have a suspicion that cruises will present a very different experience for us, but we felt we should at least try a cruise to see how we enjoy it.

themetfairy Jan 01 2015 09:09 PM Re: Vacations 2015

I haven't cruised on NCL before, but it's supposed to be top notch. On a cruise there will be tons of activities, but you can partake as much or as little as you like. One thing that has worked well for us on sailing days is to let the kids do their own thing during the day but to set a time and place to meet for dinner. One observation that my son once made is that cruise ships are very effective at separating you from your money without making you ever reach for your wallet. Soda packages are good, because the kids can get free refills at will for one set cost. If someone is offering you a drink, ask for the cost BEFORE you let them put it in your hand. And I don't know whether your wife is into spa services, but they are way overpriced and the staff (usually independent contractors not employed by the cruise line, so if you are unhappy with the services the cruise line will claim that they can't help you) will try to push you to buy products after the fact; best to put off that massage until after getting home. All that said, cruises have their positive points. Your meals and entertainment are included, and it can indeed be a very relaxing experience. Have a great time!

sharpie Jan 01 2015 09:15 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Nine days in Colombia (Cartagena, a beach town and Bogota) at the end of February; a few days in Austin in May; a trip to the west coast to see my daughter sometime (seeing the Mets at AT&T sounds like a good plan, might try to pull that one off too); western Minnesota for the missus' family reunion in June, I think.

Benjamin Grimm Jan 02 2015 06:21 AM Re: Vacations 2015

Rockin' Doc wrote: Norwegian Cruise Lines. We have always debated about cruises as we tend to prefer picking a location in which to enjoy some quiet time away from the masses. We like to soak up the sun, take in the sights and culture, and relax in peace away from the crowds. I have a suspicion that cruises will present a very different experience for us, but we felt we should at least try a cruise to see how we enjoy it. I've never been on a cruise before either. Maybe some day I'll be willing to try it, but probably not anytime soon. I know a lot of people LOVE cruises, but I think I'd feel antsy and confined. No matter how big the boat is! I felt that way at Disney World!

A Boy Named Seo Jan 02 2015 09:38 AM Re: Vacations 2015

sharpie wrote: Nine days in Colombia (Cartagena, a beach town and Bogota) at the end of February; a few days in Austin in May; a trip to the west coast to see my daughter sometime (seeing the Mets at AT&T sounds like a good plan, might try to pull that one off too); western Minnesota for the missus' family reunion in June, I think. "Colombia! The only risk is wanting to stay!" Very jealous, man.

sharpie Jan 02 2015 10:02 AM Re: Vacations 2015

Thanks, Seo. Pretty excited. As far as cruises --- my father worked in the cruise ship business (a couple of companies that no longer exist). Over two summers in college I worked on cruise ships. Once you are a crew-member I can't imagine wanting to be a passenger. I understand (and appreciate for my upbringing) that many people do enjoy them but I'd rather be somewhere than spend my time getting somewhere.

themetfairy Jan 05 2015 04:31 PM Re: Vacations 2015

We started out the year with a long weekend in San Antonio. We visited friends, saw The Alamo and several other missions, took in a Spurs game and ate some great Mexican food. The weather wasn't as warm as we would have liked, but we still had a great time. Remembering Faith and Fear in Flushing at the Alamo - At the San Jose Mission -

Vic Sage Jan 06 2015 08:04 AM Re: Vacations 2015

did you see the basement?

themetfairy Jan 06 2015 08:06 AM Re: Vacations 2015

We did not see the basement, but I did run on the ground above it.

Benjamin Grimm Jan 11 2015 10:47 AM Re: Vacations 2015

Just had a conversation with a travel agent about a family trip to Peru. At the moment it looks like it will be too expensive, but I'm hopeful I can find a way to make it a quite a bit cheaper. (That worked for me when we went to South Africa three years ago; with luck I can manage to do so again.)

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Jan 11 2015 11:00 AM Re: Vacations 2015

What's a good, cheapish quick-hit midwinter vacation to take these days? Am thinking of surprising BetterHalfer with a weekend getaway to somewhere warm, and came across a couple of hotel-inclusive deals to places like New Orleans for 700ish. Any other recommends?

sharpie Jan 11 2015 01:22 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Just had a conversation with a travel agent about a family trip to Peru. At the moment it looks like it will be too expensive, but I'm hopeful I can find a way to make it a quite a bit cheaper. (That worked for me when we went to South Africa three years ago; with luck I can manage to do so again.) Went to Peru for three weeks about five years ago. We found it to be a very inexpensive country and ended up being one of the better trips we have taken. Stayed in Arequipa, an Indian town in the Colca Canyon; Puno; Cuzco; a week at a lodge in the Amazon rain forest; Machu Picchu; and Lima. If you want some details or suggestions on how to make the trip cheaper you can pm me.

Benjamin Grimm Jan 11 2015 02:34 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Thanks! I may just do that. The quote I have from the travel agent has our accommodations averaging $900 per night. I'm sure I can do MUCH better than that.

themetfairy Feb 08 2015 09:22 PM Re: Vacations 2015 Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Feb 09 2015 06:36 AM

D-Dad and I decided to spend the weekend in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The weather was beautiful, which was the only thing we were really looking for out of the trip. But while we were there, we had a chance to see the Caribbean Series. IOW, a meaningful game in February - Plus I got to meet the Cuban Cow Bell Man - Between the baseball and the Bacardi distillery, it was a great weekend.

Benjamin Grimm Feb 09 2015 04:41 AM Re: Vacations 2015

That view -- is it from the Hilton Caribe?

themetfairy Feb 09 2015 06:08 AM Re: Vacations 2015

Benjamin Grimm wrote: That view -- is it from the Hilton Caribe? It is indeed - shall I assume that you've stayed there?

Benjamin Grimm Feb 09 2015 07:11 AM Re: Vacations 2015

Yes, we were there in 2010 when we went to see the Mets play the Marlins in San Juan. It was a nice place, but a little too remote for us, so we ended up switching to a hotel on Ashford Avenue, along Condado Beach.

Rockin' Doc Feb 16 2015 09:41 PM Re: Vacations 2015

The weather could not have been any better for our first cruise. The ship, Norwegian Cruise Lines Getaway was well appointed and immaculate. The staff on the ship was very friendly and went out of their way to make our visit memorable. The food was quite good (once we learned to avoid the buffets) and far too plentiful. There were several shows (comedians, dance shows, and dueling piano bar) that we enjoyed. Yet, in the end, both my wife and I found the cruising lifestyle was not our preferred means of relaxing and enjoying a vacation. There are simply too many people jammed into a constricted space for our taste. We generally pick a location for our vacations then stay at a smaller, boutique-type of hotel that allows us to relax away from the masses, while having several days to explore the area and take in the local sites. We found cruising to be a much more crowded and hectic week than we are accustomed to and only having 6-8 hours at each stop didn't allow enough time to explore and experience each island (St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Nassau, Bahama) except in a most superficial way. We met numerous people that took cruises frequently and preferred them as their chosen means of vacationing. I guess it depends in what you are looking for during your vacation. For my wife and I, this was our first and very likely our last cruise.

Benjamin Grimm Feb 17 2015 04:46 AM Re: Vacations 2015

Your account pretty much confirms how I imagine I'd feel about a cruise. I've never been on one, and I doubt I will anytime soon. I know there are many who love cruises, but to each his own. I just wish that people would stop trying to convince me that going on a cruise is better than the kind of vacation I actually enjoy.

Ceetar Feb 17 2015 05:13 AM Re: Vacations 2015

I've still never cruised, I'd like to try it at one point, but it never seems better for my limited amount of vacation than something else I could plan myself. Maybe if I was fitting in a third or fourth 'quickie' vacation in? Do people in say, Chicago, talk up cruises like they do around here? I imagine part of the allure is that there is no travel, a quick train ride into Manhattan (or wherever you depart from) and you're on a boat already having fun. Having to fly to say Miami and then take a boat feels like it'll take some of the joy out.

TransMonk Mar 30 2015 11:31 AM Re: Vacations 2015

I'm visiting Cabo San Lucas in mid-April for four days of relaxing on the beach / by the pool.

Fman99 Mar 31 2015 07:45 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Headed out tomorrow morning for a week in central Florida. No Disney this year. Gatorland, Seaworld, a trip to Cocoa Beach, Aquatica water park, and a rental house with a pool. Also a visit from FDad and FMom, driving up from Miami to see the grandkids (and us).

TransMonk Apr 15 2015 10:21 AM Re: Vacations 2015

I'm happy to report that Cabo will now be the Mexican destination for wifey and me. We had a very good time.

Edgy MD Apr 15 2015 10:42 AM Re: Vacations 2015

Ceetar wrote: I've still never cruised... That's not what I hear. Seriously, why do parents ever have to take kids any place other than a water park? What is the downside?

Ceetar Apr 15 2015 10:57 AM Re: Vacations 2015

Edgy MD wrote: Ceetar wrote: I've still never cruised... That's not what I hear. Seriously, why do parents ever have to take kids any place other than a water park? What is the downside? well you know, sometimes, long road trip alone, pull into a rest area, you need that personal connection. I imagine it's because parents want to go other places than water parks?

themetfairy Apr 15 2015 11:13 AM Re: Vacations 2015

Parenthood shouldn't have to relegate a person to a steady diet of water parks for 18+ years.

LeiterWagnerFasterStrongr Apr 15 2015 11:37 AM Re: Vacations 2015

For those who can afford it, time- and money-wise, travel's part of the educational process. Also, if you're trying to raise a kid who's not entirely self-centered, you probably also don't want every family vacation to revolve entirely around the kid's wishes and such, right? Time and money are aligning for us just enough to take our first trip in a while, ourselves-- a long North Carolina weekend in late May structured around a family wedding in Charlotte.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 15 2015 12:04 PM Re: Vacations 2015

themetfairy wrote: Parenthood shouldn't have to relegate a person to a steady diet of water parks for 18+ years. Absolutely! I'm quite pleased that I've managed to mostly (although not entirely) avoid theme parks for our family vacations.

sharpie Apr 15 2015 12:17 PM Re: Vacations 2015

What LWFS and Ben said. I took our kids to Orlando once and the missus did once as well -- we never all went and those trips were rolled up into other things. Otherwise, we traveled with them as much as we could. After they moved out we traveled even more. They end up going to water parks on school trips or camp or whatever. I went to one once. It was okay.

Mets – Willets Point Apr 15 2015 01:39 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Vacations 2015 for me: * Next week, my son, my mother and I will be spending part of spring break in beautiful New York City, including a Mets game on 4/23. * End of June, my family and another family with two kids will be sharing a beach house on Cape Cod. * End of July, long weekend of camping on the coast of Maine. There's a week at the end of summer after summer camp ends and before school begins that I'm looking to fill with some sort of vacation as well.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 15 2015 02:06 PM Re: Vacations 2015

We're going to be in Peru for two weeks from late July into early August. As a result, there will likely be a delay in the announcement of the Schaefer Mets Players of the Month for July. We do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Ceetar Apr 15 2015 02:08 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Benjamin Grimm wrote: We're going to be in Peru for two weeks from late July into early August. As a result, there will likely be a delay in the announcement of the Schaefer Mets Players of the Month for July. We do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. I hear Peru is big on potatoes. like, dozens of different kinds.

Frayed Knot Apr 15 2015 02:13 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Don't think I've ever been to a waterpark - as an adult or as a kid. There were beaches on Long Island (hence the name) so traveling to places with artificial water set-ups never seemed to enter the equation.

Benjamin Grimm Apr 15 2015 02:16 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Ceetar wrote: I hear Peru is big on potatoes. like, dozens of different kinds. Why else would we be going???

sharpie Apr 15 2015 08:12 PM Re: Vacations 2015

I hear Peru is big on potatoes. like, dozens of different kinds. Peruvians, while it is where potatoes come from, don't eat many potatoes. I asked a Peruvian Amazon guide about that when I was there and he said that he might eat them on occasion but "we jungle people, we like rice." This year: went to Colombia in February. It was great, by the way. A few days in Austin next month A few days in California in June moving my daughter from San Francisco to Portland A few days in Minnesota later in June at mrs. sharpie's family reunion. We'll figure out the rest of the year later.

Ceetar Apr 15 2015 09:18 PM Re: Vacations 2015

I miss vacations. It's been a while for me.

Fman99 Apr 16 2015 11:19 AM Re: Vacations 2015

We did a week in Orlando, rented a house and had six full days there. Weather was perfect for almost the entire time -- each day 85 or higher and just a single 90 minute rainstorm the last day in town. We did one day at SeaWorld, one at their sister waterpark Aquatica, a day at Cocoa Beach, a day at this great nature preserve called Gatorland, and two days of short trips and relaxing time by the pool (our rental house had one). Fun was had all the way around. SeaWorld and Aquatica were 80% less crowded than the Disney parks, which I shall not attend ever again. We got to go on more rides and had more elbow room to roam around. Next year we're talking about a March trip to Arizona to combine some Cactus League baseball with a trip to the Grand Canyon.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 16 2015 12:15 PM Re: Vacations 2015

I'm afraid we dragged our feet too long and spent too much $$ recklessly and we're not gonna be able to pull off the trip to San Francisco to see the Mets as planned in July. We still have the week off though: Taking suggestions for a cool trip that would be somewhat less expensive than San Fran for a week, and could be slapped together quickly. Ideas?

Benjamin Grimm Apr 16 2015 12:51 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Montreal?

themetfairy Apr 16 2015 01:22 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Cooperstown/Toronto/Niagara Falls (if you have passports).

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 16 2015 02:31 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Did Cooperstown just last summer (I think). Montreal sounds like a good idea...

sharpie Apr 16 2015 03:28 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Montreal is a good idea. The Granby Zoo, which is not too far from Montreal, is pretty swell.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 27 2015 10:39 AM Re: Vacations 2015

San Francisco back on. Got Mets-Giants game and Alcatraz lined up. Staying at some generic Hilton near Union Square. What else should we do?

Ceetar Apr 27 2015 10:47 AM Re: Vacations 2015

John Cougar Lunchbucket wrote: San Francisco back on. Got Mets-Giants game and Alcatraz lined up. Staying at some generic Hilton near Union Square. What else should we do? Ghiradhelli square? Anchor Brewing? Sourdough Factory tour? Golden Gate Bridge/Sausalita? Muir Woods? The Exploratorium?

d'Kong76 Apr 27 2015 10:51 AM Re: Vacations 2015

The Stinking Rose Chinatown... dim sum

Ceetar Apr 27 2015 10:56 AM Re: Vacations 2015

21st Amendment Cellarmaker Oakland A's?

Benjamin Grimm Apr 27 2015 11:18 AM Re: Vacations 2015

We rented bikes and rode over the Golden Gate Bridge into Sausalito. That was fun, but a little harrowing on the far side of the bridge. My daughter, who was 6 at the time, was riding in an attachment at the back of my bike, and there was a downhill stretch where we were riding very close to traffic on a narrow shoulder. I was constantly evaluating the safest places to intentionally fall if the need should arise. So I guess I'm not exactly recommending that. If you like seafood, eat at Cioppino's, on Fisherman's Wharf, and order a bowl of cioppino.

themetfairy Apr 27 2015 11:25 AM Re: Vacations 2015

I was also going to suggest The Stinking Rose. If you have a sitter for Lunchpail, Beach Blanket Babylon is a SF staple, and is a lot of fun.

sharpie Apr 27 2015 11:43 AM Re: Vacations 2015

Exploratorium for the wee one, definitely. Golden Gate Park is pretty great. In the less-touristed part of the park, near the waterfront, there are buffaloes roaming in an enclosed area. Keep going from there near the Cliff House (overpriced, touristy place now) where you will find a pretty cool Camera Obscura and the ruins of the old Sutro Baths. Feels like you're in some Roman ruin. Also, really nice hiking from there. Really good restaurants on Valencia Street in the Mission. Really good burritos on Mission Street proper.;

John Cougar Lunchbucket Apr 27 2015 12:33 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Ceetar wrote: Oakland A's? A's gonna be at MFY Stadium actually Thanks for the suggestions! We arrive July 4 and I guess need to find somewhere to watch fireworks

sharpie Apr 27 2015 12:42 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Chrissie Field is the best place to watch fireworks in SF. It's off the Presidio. Did it many times.

DocTee Apr 27 2015 06:19 PM Re: Vacations 2015

I sent you a PM. I lived in the Bay Area for 15 years, back now. Hopefully my suggestions will alert you to some hidden gems. As to my own travel plans, I recently returned from Istanbul. It. was. amazing.

themetfairy May 31 2015 09:40 PM Re: Vacations 2015

We just returned from a cruise with the family to Bermuda. I'm not a cruise person, but it worked out for us. And the nice thing about cruising to one place is that you get to spend some time exploring your destination. The nice thing about being at sea is that there are a lot of activities available. I climbed a rock wall and went through a rope course, which are things I'd never do otherwise. And spending time in Bermuda never gets old - This was a good way for us to celebrate my son's college graduation and have some quality family time before what promises to be a very busy summer.

Mets – Willets Point Jun 01 2015 11:37 AM Re: Vacations 2015

Is that the Hamilton Birdcage? And if it is, where are your white gloves?

themetfairy Jun 01 2015 12:11 PM Re: Vacations 2015

It's indeed the Birdcage. Front Street was closed for Harbour Nights, so we could go into it without dealing with the traffic. What's funny is that I couldn't find a passerby to take the photo of the four of us, so I just asked a policeman. Afterwards D-Dad ribbed me about asking a cop to take my picture and the fact that he said yes (without me being under arrest). Only in Bermuda

Mets – Willets Point Jun 01 2015 03:17 PM Re: Vacations 2015

And you didn't borrow his gloves. :)

Chad Ochoseis Jun 01 2015 08:44 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Edinburgh in early August to see parts of the Edinburgh Fringe and to celebrate my SO turning 50. Possibly elsewhere in the UK - certainly a trip down to London to see the restored Globe Theatre. Any suggestions on things to do in Edinburgh or elsewhere in Scotland are appreciated.

John Cougar Lunchbucket Jun 01 2015 08:58 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Don't bother with the Scotch Whiskey tour ... big time tourist trap. We had the best time just wandering the streets and watching rugby in pubs. Castle and the city are really stunning.

sharpie Jun 04 2015 12:03 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Just got back from moving my daughter from San Francisco to Portland. Never been to the latter before. Nice town, purty scenery, great food.

Benjamin Grimm Jun 04 2015 12:29 PM Re: Vacations 2015

We were in Portland last summer. There was that area where all of the food trucks park... it was so hard to choose which one to go to. We ended up opting for Hawaiian. If I lived in Portland I'd keep going back and sampling a different food truck.

themetfairy Sep 29 2015 11:12 AM Re: Vacations 2015

I just got my Hepatitis A vaccine today. Suddenly the trip to Cuba in November is seeming more real!

John Cougar Lunchbucket Sep 29 2015 01:00 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Benjamin Grimm wrote: We were in Portland last summer. There was that area where all of the food trucks park... it was so hard to choose which one to go to. We ended up opting for Hawaiian. If I lived in Portland I'd keep going back and sampling a different food truck. Our neighbors from Brooklyn moved all the way out there to start a food truck biz. If you ever need vegan meatballs and beer, look them up.

sharpie Sep 30 2015 02:59 PM Re: Vacations 2015

I'll be in Portland again in a few weeks to see my daughter. Might need a vegan meatball.

El Segundo Escupidor Oct 11 2015 03:46 AM Re: Vacations 2015

I sent you a PM. I lived in the Bay Area for 15 years, back now. Hopefully my suggestions will alert you to some hidden gems. As to my own travel plans, I recently returned from Istanbul. It. was. amazing. I went to Constantinople for a weekend last month. It was pretty good. The hot chocolate at the Ciragan Palace was something out of this else world. Bascially it's served like this: and you pour the hot water/milk yourself.

Rockin' Doc Oct 27 2015 04:46 PM Re: Vacations 2015 Edited 1 time(s), most recently on Oct 27 2015 07:32 PM

Greetings from Grand Cayman. Mrs. Doc and I are in the midst of a week in Grand Cayman. We were here in 2013 and fell in love with the island and the people. I guess Grand Cayman is too my wife and I as Bermuda is to Cookie Mom (I'm sorry Metfairy/Scarlet Knight but you will always be Cookie Mom to me). Luckily, Grand Cayman pulls all their network and cable stations from south Florida feeds so I will be with y'all throughout the World Series. The rest of the time I intend to be drinking rum and relaxing as much as possible. I am saving my stress for the games.

themetfairy Oct 27 2015 04:52 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Have fun RD!

themetfairy Nov 11 2015 08:41 PM Re: Vacations 2015

Thursday I leave for Miami. Friday I leave for Havana. Sunday I run the Marabana. Shit's getting real!

cooby Nov 12 2015 06:07 AM Re: Vacations 2015

Very cool!