Been There Done That Too…

Hawaiian Airlines

// September 5th, 2009 // No Comments » // Hawaii, Love'm, USA

Anyone who’s ever flown to Hawaii on United or virtually any other US carrier knows it’s a flying sardine can – even in First. So when I recently flew on Hawaiian Airlines I was prepared for the worst.  Wow – was I surprised.  Hawaiian’s planes are comfortable even in coach, and their First Class service – is First Class!  Hawaiian’s First class has a generous 42″ seat pitch in First (vs. United’s 36″ to 38″ in FIRST)  , great service, great entertainment (pvp players), and really good food.  (more…)

The “M” Resort, Las Vegas

// July 11th, 2009 // No Comments » // Love'm, Nevada, USA

As I looked through the weekly offerings from the TravelZoo VIP Newsletter a “Buy 2 Nights Get One Free” at a brand new 5 Star Las Vegas Resort caught my eye.  I could use a short escape, and Vegas is always fun and easy.  So, I booked 3 nights at the new M Resort.

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Vaporettos – Venice’s Water Bus

// May 16th, 2009 // No Comments » // Europe, Hate'm, Italy, Venice

Without a doubt one of the biggest rip offs in Venice, Italy – their “Vaporettos” ie PUBLIC waterbus service.  Talk about gouging the tourists.  ONE TRIP – regardless of length, it can be 1 stop or 10 stops, is 6.5 Euros (approximately $8.5 – 9 US).  When compared to, oh, the 20 minute bus trip from Venice to the Airport which is a very reasonable 3 Euros, or the THREE DAY PASS (bus and metro) in Rome for 11 Euros it makes you want to bend over and grab your ankles when you hand them the money for the vaporetto ticket. (more…)

Amadeus Hotel, Venice, Italy

// May 16th, 2009 // No Comments » // Europe, Italy, Love'm, Venice

After my recent trip to Venice I’m trying to figure out why all the guidebooks lead everyone to believe the area by the (SMN) train station is dangerous and a dump with seedy hotels…  It’s not.  In fact the Amadeus Hotel is a wonderful 4 star hotel less than a 5 minute walk from the train station (SMN). Which in Venice is important – you’ll either arrive by bus or train (I recommend the train, less stairs) and you have to lug your luggage to your hotel. (more…)

Salvador de Bahia

// April 23rd, 2008 // Comments Off // Brazil, Transatlantic Nov'07

The next port of call was Salvador de Bahia. The main attraction in Salvador is the perfectly preserved 16th & 17th city, Pelhurinho. A UNESCO World Heritage site that commands the hilltop overlooking modern Salvador de Bahia. Salvador de Bahia’s close connection to Africa can be seen in the local costumes that the women dress up in for the tourists, and the images also appear in the paintings found all over the city. (more…)

Recife

// April 22nd, 2008 // Comments Off // Brazil, Transatlantic Nov'07

After sailing a day south along the Brazilian coast we arrived in Recife, another fun in the sun destination. In addition to the beach, Recife’s small historical center still has several colonial buildings dating back to the original Dutch settlement, and while some are in rather shabby condition, they are charming and worth a quick look. The downtown was the first stop for the ship’s shuttle bus and you can find a couple of small, modern shopping centers, tourist information, and an internet cafe here. (more…)

Fortaleza

// April 21st, 2008 // Comments Off // Brazil, Transatlantic Nov'07

After several days at sea we arrived in Fortaleza, Brazil. The main attractions in Fortaleza are the beaches. So, if you’re into sand and sun make that your main destination. This is also the best place to buy your Brazilian souveniers.

The Mercado Central is one stop shopping, eating, ATM, Bureau de Change, and (if it’s open) internet cafe. If you’re arriving on a cruise ship they usually have a shuttle (for a fee) to the Mercado. If you want to see a little something more than the Mercado and the Beach, the Cathedral is just across the street. (more…)