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Tagged With "Pigeon Point Lighthouse"

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Re: AirBnB vs New York. Update

PortMoresby ·
I'd love it if they collected the bed tax here. Since they don't, and it's my impression that few here pay it, including it as part of my fee creates an imbalance for me, making it appear as though I'm getting more than I do. I state the breakdown in my listing but hardly anyone actually reads the listings. If they collected it, it would give a fair comparison of the room rate with the taxes added on at the end, as the fees are now. I think, though, despite what seems a good idea from the...
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Re: World's 10 Best Airports? Maybe...

Paul Heymont ·
I think the comments, and mine are all hitting on the same point: better airport is not more amenities for while you're trapped there...better airport is not trapping you there. I get disbelieving stares when I tell people that Laguardia is my favorite. But, while it looks a bit dated, its size means you don't have ridiculous hikes, and it's easy to get in and get out. Heathrow T5, on the other hand...especially if you are transferring from T3...is an experience that makes you feel like...
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Re: Impression about Perth, Australia

DrFumblefinger ·
I've actually visited Perth, attending a medical meeting there some years back. I really enjoyed the city. Mostly modern, but with historic colonial era buildings. Very friendly people, especially considering they're all descended from convicts (a point of pride and good humor with them, I found). Perth was a good springboard for a road-trip around southwestern Australia, including a drive up to Shark's Bay, through the wildflower way (am I remember that name correctly), down to the large...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, October 10, 2015: Northumberlandia, England

PortMoresby ·
I am in no way casting aspersions on the photography but I'm just not seeing the point of the thing. All that effort and resources for piles of dirt with tits. I wonder, if they imagine crowds will flock to see it, did they do market research to establish there would be interest? And if so, what do you suppose they asked doing the survey. I'm dumbfounded.
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Re: How loooong does it take to get to your airport?

TravelGirlJenn ·
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...
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Re: How loooong does it take to get to your airport?

PortMoresby ·
Heathrow Express MAY take 15 minutes. The only time it was convenient for me and I decided to give it try, it stopped part-way to Heathrow and we just sat there. I'd have gotten to the airport faster and paid quite a bit less to take the slower train from Paddington, the Heathrow Connect. Since then I make a point to stay along the Piccadilly Line of the London tube and pay the least of all.
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Re: New name for U.S. highest mountain

Paul Heymont ·
Good point…new name as far as official government name goes…old name as far as local peoples are concerned!
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo, #46

PortMoresby ·
The ceiling is clearly painted wood but the floor looks like terra cotta tile to me. Which could still point to Mexico.
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Re: Portland Bill Revisited: Pictures from a small island

Mac ·
PortMoresby is very right DrF, Chesil Beach is a 'shingle' beach is 29 kilometres (18 mi) long, 200 metres (660 ft) wide and 15 metres (50 ft) high - and pretty steep too!! The 'shingle' (large round pebbles) varies from pea-sized at the north-west end (by West Bay) to orange-sized at the south-east end (by Portland). It is said that smugglers who landed on the beach in the middle of the night could judge "exactly where they were" by the size of the shingle. The beach has been the scene of...
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Re: SkyMall's Business Dwindles With Increased Internet Usage In-Flight

Paul Heymont ·
Sorry, DrF, but they ARE gone. The name and remaining assets will be auctioned, and there's a fair chance a website under that name will survive, but the paper version in the seatback is doomed. Here's why. First, from the airline point of view, the small fees received from SkyMall no longer match the cost of having cabin and ground crew maintain the placement. That's why Delta stopped placing it a few months ago, and others seemed poised to follow. Second, SkyMall only looks like a catalog.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, January 27, 2015: Breaking the winter blues at the Calgary Zoo

DrFumblefinger ·
That's a good point, GarryRF! People who live in places with cold climates do adapt and most involve their kids in out door activities -- winter or summer. For example, downhill skiing is very popular. But that walk with the penguins intrigues me. I've never heard of this except, of course, in Antarctica. Need to go by and check it out sometime.
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Re: How to Irk the Brits

Paul Heymont ·
Like all myths exaggerated with a grain of truth or not, he lives on, along with his companions the Snobby Brit, the Nasty Frenchman, the Pushy German and all the rest. These days, it’s easy to find articles creating new misconceptions about Japanese and Chinese tourists. Point being, whatever these so-called “national characters” are, they are built on ignorance and prejudice; it is one of the great things about travel that they seldom survive actual experience.
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Re: Visual Bulimia? A Bloated Surfeit of Images?

Paul Heymont ·
Sheer volume has become a digital-age issue not only for images. The constant flow of e-mail (more spam than real, often); tweets about celebrities' teeth, clothes and turmoil; TV and radio repetitions as well as Konstant Kardashians are serious forms of mind pollution. Sometimes it takes an extended series of images to create a picture, an insight. But too many will mask, not highlight, the point. That's why I enjoy well-curated exhibits of the work of thoughtful (not merely skillful)...
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Re: Airbnb's plans for business travelers

Paul Heymont ·
I definitely agree that the interface has become more difficult to use in many ways, although easier in a few. In particular, some parts of the filtering and some information...more difficult. But I do think that the point of what McCabe was saying was that the corporate travel departments want to place restriction on what their employees can rent, and that Airbnb will help them do that...for their employees. Independent business travelers, or those who work for corporations with a more...
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Re: Airbnb's plans for business travelers

PortMoresby ·
My point, more succinctly, is that while I have no problem with Airbnb expanding it's customer base, a surprising number of my guests are first-time users and I spend an inordinate amount of time trying to extract them from dead-ends they've gotten themselves into on the site. Until the booking process is a straight line, easily negotiated by new users, I believe their efforts would be better spent serving the customers they already have, before heading in new directions.
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Re: Beating Jet Lag

Paul Heymont ·
I forgot that important point Garry makes...the watch. When you're dozing on the plane, in and out, you lose sense of the time...which makes it the ideal time to fool yourself onto destination time. Setting your watch ahead 6 hours when you're wide awake and just got off the plane doesn't really work.
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Re: Beating Jet Lag

DrFumblefinger ·
Some people claim the newer generations of jet-liners, like the Boeing 787, will reduce jet lag because they allow higher humidity in the cabin and higher air pressure (more oxygen). In fact that was discussed right here on a TravelGumbo during an interview with Norwegian Air . A few more points. I try not to have more than one or two connections on any flight, especially on overseas trips (for people traveling from small cities, this can be challenging). I find the fatigue factor clouds my...
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Re: Unusual Hotel Rooms

Travel Luver ·
I once stayed at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo, California. It has all kinds of unusual room designs. Believe ours was jungle themed, but it was unusual and made for a fun stay. It's a nice midway point between San Francisco and Los Angeles if you're driving along the PCH. Here's the link: http://www.madonnainn.com/
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Re: Iceland's newest museum: 23 full-size whales!

Paul Heymont ·
Yes, and perhaps we’d better leave the double entendres at this point… But yes, in 2012, the collection was moved to Laugavegur 116, just near the Hlemmur bus station.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo, #104

Mac ·
It is just amazing to realise that this was the real life daily view-point for a lot of very brave young men. Fascinating but also very thought provoking and sobering...
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Re: Florida warned: take action against future flooding

Paul Heymont ·
Garry, aside from the fact that climate change involves far more than the question of polar ice caps, we're not in huge disagreement, I think. 1. Climate change is a more accurate term than global warming, because it's not all about warming, and in some cases the change brings colder rather than warmer. 2. The effects are not the same everywhere, nor are they always immediately harmful. It is possible for one area to be threatened with inundation while another benefits from a return of...
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Re: In-flight refueling for airliners? Worth a look!

DrFumblefinger ·
Existing planes can travel half way around the world now, without refueling. For example, from Texas to Singapore. I'm not sure I see the point to this. Having a plane full of fuel flying around waiting to refuel another craft has to be expensive, and while the low risk of fire and such for the military might be acceptable, I'm not sure it is for commercial aviation. I'd rather have my plane refueled in the usual manner.
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Re: In-flight refueling for airliners? Worth a look!

Paul Heymont ·
I agree on the preference for not being refueled that way...I'm not going to be sitting in an ejection seat with a parachute attached. But the reason they're interested in doing this is not without merit. The idea is that the plane that flies that long route could take off on a shorter runway (reduce load on existing airports, more operations per hour, use other airports that are not now long enough), or replace fuel weight with payload (cargo or passengers). The tankers, obviously, wouldn't...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#109)

DrFumblefinger ·
Good point, PM, although this doesn't look like a tropical place to me.
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Re: Do Airlines offer the Best Loyalty Rewards Programs?

DrFumblefinger ·
Agreed, especially if you are clever enough to find a great back door to use your points the way you like. I think the point of the video was that your hotel gives you a lot more for the money you spend there than airlines do. I use a generic rewards card in Canada that builds up a dollar amount of bonus. I buy the hotel, flight, car rental I want and the money is returned to me. That way it's simple and easy.
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Re: Discounts top all in passenger perks survey

DrFumblefinger ·
Everything has relative value -- a hungry person would pick the free meal, for instance -- but at some point people pay for comfort. Many already pay a little extra for legroom by sitting in the exit row (or use points to do so). There comes a point where, especially on longer flights, you want to be comfortable and are willing to pay a little more to achieve that. I definitely consider the pitch and width of airline seats when making purchases, especially overseas purchases. I'll pay a...
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Re: Air and cruise lines: Out of parking space?

Paul Heymont ·
The side-by-side porting on river cruises can be interesting. Last spring on our Viking Rhine cruise we were at one point moored side-by-side with another Viking (identical) ship, walking through the other to reach ours. One couple from ours got confused and had lunch on the other before they realized they didn’t recognize any of the other passengers…
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Re: Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia

JHeymont ·
While this report is interesting in one regard, I find myself disturbed by the discussion of Woodrow Wilson that leaves out so many negative aspects of Wilson's legacy. Negative enough that students at Princeton have been trying to get his name off buildings. Wilson was a racist. A member of the KKK, or at least a friend. He showed Birth of A Nation, a racist, pro-Klan movie in the White House. He segregated the civil service, which had been one of the ways that Black workers had been able...
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Re: TSA strands 450 overnight: could it get worse?

Paul Heymont ·
To be fair to the TSA (which I find hard to do), the $7.3 billion is not all for screening, only about half is. That said, while airports are looking to outsource the screening, maybe they should hire Transport Canada! As for the PreCheck point: TSA can't seem to make up its mind. When it started, they semi-randomly selected 'extra' people to go through it, on the theory that they would like it enough to buy it—and some did, but not enough. Then the people who had paid for it started to...
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Re: Apr. 7, 2016: Budget Vacation in France

GarryRF ·
We enjoy camping here. And we have our own equipment. And we can put it up in 10 minutes too. But going to an area of Europe and getting budget accommodation that's central to exploring Paris - Berlin - Munich - Marseilles - St Tropez - Brussels - the Spanish Costa's etc and all at a budget price. With toilets - showers - hairdryers - on site stores for wine and food - then even the Ladies can't complain. And a car park so you can be off touring the caves and vineyards. Staying in a Budget...
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Re: Has anyone used their Enhanced Drivers License to travel to Canada or Mexico?

DrFumblefinger ·
Most of the people I know who have this license are those who don't want to travel internationally and who live near the Canada-US border. There are a number of town literally split by the border and people migrate across daily to visit friends or work. I think these licenses are intended for them. Same for the Mexico USA border. If you travel internationally and have a passport, no point paying extra for the license for most folks. Passports have become more sophisticated and if you read...
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Re: Journey through Karnataka: Hampi

TravelingCanuck ·
Thank you for sharing your journey to an amazing site. Places like this are part of what makes traveling such a pleasure. We in North America learn a lot about the history of Western Europe and some Middle East civilizations and empires from there. However we tend to pass over the rest of the world which included empires and civilizations as great as the Greeks, Romans and Egyptians. Hampi is just another point in favour of a journey to India.
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Re: Journey through Karnataka: Hampi

Professorabe ·
Thanks a lot for your comments. I fully agree with what you say - I also feel that there is a big hole in my education where the history of places like India is concerned. That is part of the reason why I enjoy doing blogs like this one: it forces me to do a bit of research and to broaden my own horizons.
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Re: Luggage to withstand airline handling

DrFumblefinger ·
Good point about the wheels. It was while pulling a suitcase across cobblestones that I became devote to the trolley-style wheels. Even Eagle Creek and Pacsafe bags can be purchased on sale or at discounted travel supply vendors. Whatever you buy, be sure it is a well constructed bag with heavy duty zippers and latches that won't fall apart on you when you travel (which has happened to me with a cheaper duffel-style roller made by Sierra Design).
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Re: How do you buy your travel?

Paul Heymont ·
A reminder I used to post on other sites...when you book through an agency, with OTA or brick-and-mortar, the next step is to ask them for the airline locator number (that 6-digit string that goes on your reservation). With that code, go to the airline's site and search for your reservation...doesn't matter if you didn't book it with them directly, you'll be able to find it with the code and your name. If not, call the airline! The reason for all this is to make sure that the agency did its...
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Re: How do you buy your travel?

Paul Heymont ·
Few more thoughts, following HistoryDigger and DrFumblefinger... 1. Definitely check all your affiliations on car rental; after years of getting better price through AAA than any other way I knew, I recently found that going to the same vendors through USAA (my car insurance) gets me even better. 2. Not only does Priceline have good pricing on cars, I've often found I can get 30-40% lower through their blind-bidding (Name Your Own Price) service. 3. RailEurope is something of a red flag for...
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Re: How do you buy your travel?

PortMoresby ·
There's been no mention, that I noticed, of consolidators for multi-segment air travel. I've had great success over the years using Airtreks and now, after a number of bookings, have a "relationship" with an agent there. The only job of a consolidator is to find their clients the cheapest fares point to point and string them together to make a unique personalized trip. They use airlines with which they have contracts for the lowest fares so, short of a spectacular sale, will, as far as I can...
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Re: Walking the Burgundy Canal

PortMoresby ·
Every walk is different, of course, so planning, for someone like me who isn't a distance walker, is essential. I can walk comfortably up to about 10 miles with my little pack, more if I must but try to avoid it, so there's no rush in the morning to be out early. I enjoy a leisurely breakfast and head out mid-morning. I'm never in the position of looking for a place to overnight because I've reserved in advance, either well in advance or at least a day or 2, knowing where I'll be. In France...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#117)

Paul Heymont ·
And now we take a quick look from the outside for Clue #4, sharing a bronze someone's point of view...
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? (#119)

DrFumblefinger ·
Time for another clue. Gumbo has reached the town that is his destination, in the presence of some friends. The type of gear you see is typical of what visitors to this part of the globe use when they travel here. The construction of this home is also typical of the local style. Does that help? As an aside, does anyone recognize the fellow in the yellow jacket? He is quite well known in his area of expertise (although is not the point of our puzzle).
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo? (#119)

Jill's Scene ·
That monumental achievement didn't happen to involve a fellow Kiwi, did it? A man who also happened to be very tall - at least from my point of view.
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Re: Are ATM's at European airport going to cost you more?

PortMoresby ·
" I believe the facts are somewhere in between..." PHeymont In between what? I checked for locations on Barclay's website and reported what I found. What am I missing? I'm not surprised that airport ATM's are becoming a bad deal, expected it long ago, but the assertion by the article's author that there are no machines except Travelex's appears to be inaccurate, my only point.
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Re: Are ATM's at European airport going to cost you more?

Jonathan L ·
My purpose in posting this was to pass along information that I felt was reasonable, although I could not check it myself. I am glad to hear that it moght not be correct, although, as I stated above, in Brazil (my last international trip) I encountered something similar. As someone who travels to Europe once every 2 years or so I felt that this was something I was needed to know, and that I could share for others like me, as a warning of changes that are happening. Maybe I chose the wrong...
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Re: Are ATM's at European airport going to cost you more?

PortMoresby ·
Jonathan, I was in no way suggesting you shouldn't have posted it and was very interested in the information, in fact. It effects us all who travel and as mentioned, I'm surprised it hasn't come to pass sooner. I could have worded my post better. Because the article wasn't fresh I wanted to check the facts as best I could from my computer, to see if the sky really is falling. He mentioned looking for a Barclay's ATM so that's where I went. I have no doubt there are fewer than before. My only...
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Re: Jan. 30, 2016: Houseboat, Marin County, CA

PortMoresby ·
These sites all say "Sausalito". Best guess, Kappas Harbor or Waldo Point, where Hwy 101 meets Bridgeway, the main drag through Sausalito. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/525584218987357033/ http://www.panoramio.com/photo/65281312 https://laundryonsundaes.wordpress.com/tag/parks/
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Re: A shout-out for Ryanair...no kidding!

PortMoresby ·
My reason for boycotting Ryanair is philosophical, rather than the practical considerations you mention and I'm sure I'm not alone. The few times I flew them I had no particular complaints. But at one point, after one more obnoxious attempt to get our attention by the CEO, I resolved that if Ryanair was the only way to get somewhere, I just wouldn't go there. I can only elaborate by comparing my feelings about the airline to those regarding some hotels. Under no circumstances would I stay in...
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Re: Italy joins anti-food-waste movement

GarryRF ·
We've seen so many examples of fields of freshly cropped food getting ploughed back into the land because it doesn't conform to standards. More than enough for the disadvantaged people. So we have a donation point on the way out of food stores too. Then all donations go to Food Banks in the area. Waste is waste. There is so much more food can be saved at source - farms - than the pickings of a few restaurants. Stores in the UK already have a tie-in with a deserving local charity for removing...
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Re: Apr. 16, 2016: Pigeons on the Roof

DrFumblefinger ·
What that roof needs is about two dozen cats.
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Re: Apr. 16, 2016: Pigeons on the Roof

Ava ·
I know a lot of travelers might be irritated by pigeons, but I just absolutely love them. I'm always feeding them and ending up suddenly surrounded.
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