Tagged With "Musical Ride"
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Re: Qantas eyes more UK-Oz nonstops
After sitting on an airplane seat for 12 hours it's an absolute pleasure to ride an exercise bike in Kuala Lumpur Airport - before my onward journey to Oz. Just for 20 mins so the lower part of my body regains the will to live. I thought a few minutes jogging would help me - until I realised I had presented myself as a moving target to the Airport Police. The thought of a 17 hour direct flight in cattle class is awful. Maybe travelling in business class - with room for my arteries to...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, July 14, 2015: YanGuan -- a scenic little town to watch Qiantang’s Tidal Bore （钱塘江潮）in China
I have heard of the Qiantang Tidal Bore, which is the biggest in the World. The largest in Europe is that on the River Severn in South West England, which is highest near the equinoxes - a website details times and height predictions. I attach some pictures from a few years ago taken near a pub, conveniently located near a good viewing site. The bore is particularly popular with surfers, and I believe the world record for longest wave ride was recorded there.
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Re: Local Flavor: Pearl Brewery Farmers Market, San Antonio
I'm so tempted to buy the wonderful foods I see in street markets. But being a tourist with nowhere to store and cook I regret I must pass. Much of the fruit and veg I have never seen before and I'm eager to try. Which is true I suppose for most folks in England. If we don't recognise a sweet potato - then we don't buy it. I do miss the vanilla flavoured Apples ( Custard Apples ) I had in Australia.
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Re: Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu (Where Gumbo Was #230)
On my last visit to Diamond Head we left near to the closing time. A large Limousine was waiting to take us back to Waikiki. I hadn't ordered one but the driver insisted we used him to take us back. "I will charge you the same as the Taxi fare you paid to get here" Sounded like an offer too good to refuse ! Before we arrived back in Waikiki another 4 couples had joined our Taxi ride. Had to admire the driver for ingenuity. Very good earner !
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Re: Visiting My Backyard—Riverside Park
It was my backyard, too, for quite a while. We lived at 99th St and West End, a short walk away in the late 40s and early 50s, and my uncles used to take me for walks there. My father tried to teach me to ride a bike there (our family story is that I learned, but he didn't teach...go figure). Later, I went to Columbia for several years; aside from anything else, it's where I escaped from tiny apartments and roommates to spread the Sunday NY Times out on a bench. Glad to see it's alive and...
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Re: July 11, 2018: New Orleans Streetcars
HI George. I hope they still have them in Pittsburgh. It is on our bucket list and would love to ride them around the city Thanks for sharing.
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Re: Controversy in What City is #1 in Foreign Tourists
This feud is now drawing comparisons on which city is better. The London Telegraph did a fun photo chart.Of course London won on their chart lol. To me its like comparing apples and oranges. Both great cities. And only Megabus ride apart! http://www.telegraph.co.uk/tra...r.html?frame=2796448
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Re: World's scariest hiking trail?
To be precise, the Hua Shan trial has two sections. The longer scarier section with local advise to be done during night is now equipped with Gondola. Only the hard core climber will try that section now. There are park ranger standing by the entrance to screen if some one is really fit for the climb (after seeing the trial in person, i realized that the screen is not just for increasing the Gondola revenue! ). Not be too relaxed yet, even after the Gondola ride, to reach the tea house, one...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, April 5, 2014: Brocante
I wonder if this was what the Beach Boys had in mind with their song, " Little Deux Coupe ?" Don't think so, but I understand the fondness for a car. Mine was the 1974 Dodge Charger SE.... never owned it,, but my brother did and it was a lot of fun to ride in. And I think Winnie would have relished the moment as much as you...
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 1) An overview of the Country and its People
To say that Ireland is typically wet and cold is true of Winter. The Summers are often pleasant and warm but when you get to the West Coast then the wind blows in of a cold Atlantic Ocean. But the weather can change 4 times a day - so there's something there to please everyone. Ireland has wonderful fresh food. Fresh from the sea and farm. Try a locally produced Vintage Cheddar Cheese or an 18 year old Jamesons Whiskey. Soda bread is a local speciality. But stay away from the home made...
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 1) An overview of the Country and its People
Thanks for your comments, Garry! We actually had very nice weather during our visit, GarryRF. It was windy and rainy at times, but being from Canada that was no great hardship. Still, good for people to be forewarned and prepared. Always pack in layers and let one layer be a rain shell. It was one of your fellow countryman who said, "There's no bad weather, just bad clothing" or something to that affect, but I can't remember who that was. Didn't try the "moonshine" (no one offered!), but my...
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Re: The Valley Island of Maui: 2) Haleakala National Park
US Immigration is a bit of a hassle, although most Canadians receive about a smooth a ride as possible. In most Canadian airports, you can actually clear immigration within Canada, rather than the USA (infinitely preferable because the lines are so much shorter). Not sure if that's true of Montreal, though. Thank you for your kind words about the Hawaii blogs. Hawaii is a special place. I've always gone and explored it by myself, so in this setting I tend to drift to isolated places that are...
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 1) An overview of the Country and its People
The American addiction for "Ice Cold Beer" should not be applied to Guinness! Its a Stout - full of flavour - to be savoured - cool as the Pubs Cellar! Billy Connelly is the Scottish comedian who's observations of life have had us in stitches for years now. But like many Brits - he's felt the warm winters of LA and is reluctant to come back ! Is it uniquely British to actually enjoy cool weather? Perhaps the way we've been bred ! I do get odd looks in the Autumn when many North Americans are...
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 1) An overview of the Country and its People
I'm more partial to the lighter beer, wheat ales specifically. But the Guinness was good. Had one other stout there, the name of which eludes me, and we enjoyed it, too. Like women, cars, food, etc. beer is very much an individual taste. I actually like my beer cool, but not ice cold. Also a matter of taste. What's your favorite English brew?
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 1) An overview of the Country and its People
When I go to my local Pub in Liverpool I'll have a choice of Beers. Heineken Dutch Lager - San Miguel Spanish - Carlsberg Danish - Stella Belgian - Fosters Australian - Sagres Portuguese. Plus many local brews. Old Speckled Hen, Bishops Finger and my favourite Newcastle Brown Ale. Served in a Pint - 20 ounce - Bottle. With a half pint glass. It keeps cooler in the bottle ! Liquid Toffee ! Not a light Beer. Lots of Flavour and quite potent. I've found bars around Ocean City Maryland who serve...
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 1) An overview of the Country and its People
I didn't know that there were so many Irish in Liverpool. There are certainly many of them in Canada and the USA as well. One wonders how many more Irish live abroad than on their home island.
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Re: A Visit to Ireland: Part 1) An overview of the Country and its People
Stephen Fry commented on the BBC (jokingly) to an Irish Guest "Do you know why the grass is so much greener back in Ireland ?- Because you're all over here walking on ours !"
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Re: The Worst Train in the World
A fascinating journey and, I think, very well suited to the younger crowd. Thanks for sharing this story with us. I felt like I was on that ride with you!
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Re: The Worst Train in the World
Thanks FlashFlyer. The thing about adventures like this is you have no idea what an adventure it'll be until it happens and you can't get out of it even if you want to. So, no guts required. Yes, Burma will certainly change, has already. Currently not enough infrastructure for those wanting to visit but if you've traveled in Asia you know the entrepreneurial spirit is alive & well and it won't be long, I suspect, before it will come to resemble other parts of the region. So, good news as...
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Re: The Worst Train in the World
Jill, one thing I didn't think to say when I wrote this report is, consider buying 2nd class seats. I could see into the next car, as it swayed in the opposite direction from ours, and it was fitted with wooden benches, presumably bolted down and consequently a less harrowing ride. It may be more crowded but also more interesting.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 22, 2013: Fantastic Skylight in Barcelona
Thanks for the photo Pheymont. I adore ornate ceilings. Something from the past you don't get repeated today. This is in the Cunard Building in Liverpool. Built in 1914. Before it moved its HQ to New York in the 60's.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 22, 2013: Fantastic Skylight in Barcelona
That's gorgeous! By coincidence, I was in Cunard's New York booking hall from about the same period last week...it is now a bank. I will try to find a picture.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec. 22, 2013: Fantastic Skylight in Barcelona
Well, turns out to be a moment of mis-identification. The building I was in, 1 Broadway, had been the offices of United States Lines; Cunard was up the street at 25 Broadway. I haven't a picture yet for the booking hall-turned-bank, but here are two shots of Cunard's Great Hall, which is now a postal facility.
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Re: Minneapolis in the winter
Hi Theodore! I am a Mall of America fan. You can easily spend an entire weekend (or many evenings) at the Mall of America. First of all, the mall is very easy to get to by train from downtown (CICAK did a wonderful job explaining that), and fares are quite cheap (fares go for about $1.75 to $2.25 one way depending on what time of day you ride). As CICAK also mentioned, there is something for everybody at the mall. If you just want to find a warm dry place to walk and people watch, I believe...
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Re: Banksy Opens up a Bemusement Park in England
Although they might be better advised to let it ride. Not only is the parody nature of it possible armor against a suit (in
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, May 22, 2014: Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida
What's the best ride?
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, May 22, 2014: Universal Studios, Orlando, Florida
Originally Posted by Travel Luver: What's the best ride? Hi Travel Luver! I can honestly say that I enjoyed all the rides at the Universal Studios Theme Parks, but if I had to pick a favorite or favorites, I would have to say that I particularly enjoyed the 3-D rides such as "Despicable Me Minion Mayhem" (where Gru turns you into a Minion and you embark on a wild ride through Gru's lab), "The Simpsons Ride" (where you embark on a wild ride through Krustyland and Springfield), and "The...
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Re: Goreme, Cappadocia: Where Gumbo Was (#69)
What a great experience and great photos to share it with all of us -- thanks for that! I'm curious about the balloon ride. I presume it was pretty cold up there? How long was the ride? About how high did you go? Did it all feel safe to you?
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Re: Gumbo’s Pic of the Day, January 23, 2015: Postcard from Morocco: A long and winding road...
Mac, your photo reminds me a lot of the Hiram Bingham highway which winds its way up to Machu Picchu. We walked in to Machu Picchu on the Inca trail the first day we were there, but the second morning took the bus up from Agua Calientes. It was definitely a ride to remember.
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Re: Memphis, Tennessee: 1) Graceland
What a wonderful write-up of one of my favorite performers ever! I grew up listening to Elvis and this article took me right back to those days! Fantastic photography too!
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Re: Memphis, Tennessee: 1) Graceland
Thanks for the grand tour, Dr F. One place I remember very well. Must return one day...Graceland, Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee, I'm going to Graceland,.....
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Re: Memphis, Tennessee: 1) Graceland
You've put together an interesting tour DrF. I never knew you got that up close and personal on a tour . You mentioned the 2nd floor. Do the family still live there ? I'm surprised to see there's no mention of his manager. 50% - wow - that's some fee. Heard stories but never knew that was the figure. There have been other cases of artists - of that time - being mis-used too.
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Re: Memphis, Tennessee: 1) Graceland
Originally Posted by DrFumblefinger: Hi Garry. Yes, the tour really gets you into the private corners of Elvis' life, with the exception of the second floor which has always been closed to the general public. In the early years that Graceland was open, Elvis' grandmother lived there but she's passed on some time ago. I believe that Priscilla (Elvis' ex) and Lisa Marie stay there from time to time - mostly because they have fond memories of life with Elvis here. The Colonel took 50% and Elvis...
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Re: Memphis, Tennessee: 1) Graceland
Thank you DrFumblefinger for an excellent blog with photos to match. Reading this article and seeing these pictures makes me want to go back to Graceland for another visit. Again, thank you for such a wonderful job.
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Re: Gumbo’s Pic of the Day, August 1, 2014: Postcards from Greece - Santorini
A 980 foot climb Karl! We walked down but took the cable car back up! The trip up from the new port area is now in a regular bus but is still quite an alarming ride up!
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Re: RCA Studio B, Nashville, Tennessee
Thanks for the tour of this music Mecca, Ottoman. I'm a big music fan and always enjoy these sort of articles. It's interesting to know the history behind where the artists recorded their music and this looks like a must to visit.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 3, 2015: Chanteuse of Montmarte
You make me wish I were there again...thanks! By the way, how did you do the camera vignette effect?
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 3, 2015: Chanteuse of Montmarte
Excellent photo; very interesting narrative!!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 3, 2015: Chanteuse of Montmarte
Originally Posted by PHeymont: You make me wish I were there again...thanks! By the way, how did you do the camera vignette effect? Hello PH, yes, I wish I was there again too. Sitting at a cafe, sipping my coffee and trying to look Bohemian! I did the vignette in Google Picasa (free download and easy to use with many different effects to choose from)
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 3, 2015: Chanteuse of Montmarte
IslandMan, would you consider adding the un-vignetted version? It may not be as artistic but it would be interesting to see, to compare and to see details currently obscured.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 3, 2015: Chanteuse of Montmarte
Originally Posted by PortMoresby: IslandMan, would you consider adding the un-vignetted version? It may not be as artistic but it would be interesting to see, to compare and to see details currently obscured. Hello PortMoresby, I chose the vignette effect to focus on the chanteuse and to mask the other distractions around her. I think it adds a sense of surrealism and mystique that I believe is in keeping with the essence of Montmarte. I don't like "messy" pictures and I thought the original...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 3, 2015: Chanteuse of Montmarte
I'd dearly love to see her "messy" cart. But, yes IM, your vision takes precedence, certainly.
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Re: Memphis, Tennessee 3) The rest of the city
I love love LOVE Memphis, would go back in a heartbeat! Enjoyed reading your post! Global Mimi.
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Re: Memphis, Tennessee 3) The rest of the city
Thanks for your comment, Mimiadventures! Good food, great music, nice people -- always something great to return to. I really didn't get into the great local food very much, but Memphis is reknowned for its "soul" style cooking and, of course, its BBQ.
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Re: Concerns Over Safety Standards Grow After Balloon Accident in Cappadocia,Turkey
I'm glad MAD Travel Diaries had a safe balloon ride in Cappadocia. Sad to read this, Rob, because it's such a great setting to go ballooning in.
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Re: Underground Art: A Times Square Subway Gallery
The artwork is spectacular! It's a shame that more folks don't take the time to admire its beauty and the talent needed to create such pieces. Great write-up my friend!
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Re: London- multiple questions
I can only help with one of the questions...but GarryRF, one of the TG Gurus, lives in Liverpool and can certainly help with that part. For Stonehenge without a car, there are really two main options. There are a number of tour operators who run coach tours from London to the site; or you can take a train from London to Salisbury and take a bus from the station to the Stonehenge visitor center. The visitor center is new since I was there; it's about 10 minutes by shuttle from the stones...
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Re: St. Louis Gateway Arch - Gateway to the West
I visited the arch many years ago on a hot, windy summer day. I like your comparison to the Mork ride, because it was quite fascinating to work our way up to the top of the arch in that unusual tram. But it was extremely unpleasant at the top. Very hot and stuffy, and the wind was shaking our footing like a major earthquake would have. Views were limited but interesting, but the arch is beautiful and an amazing feat of engineering. Thanks for sharing your memories of this great landmark!
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Re: How loooong does it take to get to your airport?
Originally Posted by PHeymont You just have to conclude that all this planning is done by people who have chauffeurs or helicopters to get them to the plane on time... Or progress is blocked by some politician or lobbyist... ;-) I did just get a chance to read the blog you linked. While I agree that public transportation is much more available in Europe, and perhaps Asia, however with the few examples he sites, there really are few cities that have that 15-20 minute from "airport to...