Tagged With "Hong Kong Wine Dine Festival"
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Re: Tickets: Check before you cancel!
British Airways are trying their best to hold on to their customers' money. We have had 4 flights from Frankfurt to London cancelled by them (on two separate bookings). Whilst by law they should simply refund the money to the credit card, they send you links involving only 'travel vouchers' and phone numbers with automated messages directing you to the same vouchers. It is extremely difficult to find anything to do with actual refunds, but I am persisting. I also am pursuing claims under EU...
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Re: July in France: More than Bastille Day
Great photo of the lavender field. I remember all the years living in Germany, seemed there were weekly fests going on in our village or in one of the neighboring villages. Any excuse for outdoor music and to gather with current and new friends to drink local wines and beers along with plentiful grilled meats. I truly miss that part of European living. Fests all year long and never a rain date ... they just put up tents and partied in the rain. Photo of my wife Diane with two musicians at a...
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Re: Is Porto worth the trip?
Much as I loved my time in Porto...it's NOT a day trip. Much too much to do there, including evening stroll along the Douro, port-wine tasting across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia and more. I'd say take the advice above and save Porto for another trip. Of the recommended day trips above, I'd vote for Sintra. It's an easy trip--trains run about every 30 minutes, more frequently in rush hours, The town itself is interesting, the Moorish Castle up on the mountain and the Pena Palace above that...
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo #6
"A settlement of people" is interesting. How about trading settlements? There were many European closed settlements. The Dutch in Japan, the British in China (Hong Kong, Shanghai), the Portuguese in Malacca and Macau...there were probably (in fact I'm pretty sure) Arab trading colonies as well... I think we're talking about a bridge into one of these trading settlements.
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo #6
O.K. So it's not in Japan or probably Malaysia or Indonesia. I think it unlikely that Port Moresby has been to Myanmar (though he certainly appears to be a very intrepid traveller). The more reading I do leads me to believe that it's most likely Port Moresby is referring to European trading within Macau, Canton, Hong Kong or perhaps Taiwan...so given that we think the bridge is...well, very old I would be leaning toward the Portuguese or the Dutch as one of the nations involved and China...
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Re: Renting an apartment in Europe
Of course, you don't have to cook. But it is nice to make a pot of coffee in the morning and eat nice warm croissants fetched from the bakery down the street, before you venture out into the city. It's also pleasant once in a while when you are tired at day's end to pick up something to heat in the microwave and maybe a bottle of decent wine for only a few euro, and sit with feet up and watch TV. Ahhh....
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Re: Finishing college. Need help planning trip to U.K,
England is only as big as Florida ! I haven't seen a Guide book that sub-divides us! Wales is full of Castles, Mountains and Lakes. Tourists often divide England between the North and South. The North is often cooler and wetter than further South. But your Dollar will go twice as far up here in the North! And we're much friendlier. Have a look at places you'd like to visit. York (the old one) will keep you busy for 2 days. Train or Bus from Liverpool. Or a day or two in Europe from Liverpool...
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Re: Happy Thanksgiving, from all of us at TravelGumbo!
Yes DrF.... Those Ozzies have some strange habits ! First time in Coogee Bay Hotel Sydney I ordered Steak and Chips (Fries) Guy showed me a Tupperware Picnic Box full of raw steak. You choose, then he puts it on a plate for you. You take it outside to the "Barbee" (BBQ). You cook it how you like it. Then come back in for your Chips and salad ! I stopped at a Restaurant in Bondi Beach and the waiter asked me if I would like a bottle of wine with the meal. "Yes please" I said. "Well git ya...
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Re: Capital of Culture Series: Liverpool
In a way, most of the places in the world worth visiting have some history of being "dirty, industrial" places--that's where people cluster and societies are forged. The ancient cities of the Middle East and Greece, and Rome itself were like that! We recently visited the excavated Roman city under central Barcelona, and were surprised to see how much of the area in the center of the ancient city was given over to commercial laundry, large-scale dye works and industrial-scale wine-making. The...
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Re: June 20, 2018: Beer in a Carton
What an odd origin ! Things once embedded seem to take a long time to change, even when it's obvious ! I've always hated drinking straight from a carton anyway. In south India I had a surprise when I heard there was some Indian 'Port' at the store and got a small plastic pouch full of something that bore more resemblance to red wine vinegar.
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Re: A Culinary Adventure in Portugal
Sagres and Superbock Beer are a Portuguese favourite. I always have a supply in the fridge. For drinks after dinner I prefer a Mateus Rose Wine. Strong in alcohol content - sparkling and not dry. Portugal has an all year warm climate as the prevailing winds come up from North Africa and the Sahara Desert.
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Re: Krumlov Castle, Český Krumlov, Czech Republic. Where Gumbo was #68
I first visited Cesky Krumlov in 1995, when it was still being restored and the tower repainted, as it had deteriorated during the communist period. I would also advise anyone visiting the area also to see nearby Rozmberk, which is a pretty village with a quite impressive castle, but with far fewer tourists (First 2 pictures). Prague is rightly considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but there is much more to see in the Czech Republic including Cesky Krumlov and South Bohemia.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, November 7, 2014: Deuce with Truck
This shot (not that you can see from my pic) was taken whilst staying at the most picturesque village of Rudesheim deep in the German wine region, south of Koblenz. A beautiful village to visit if rather 'touristy' these days. Also highly recommended is a Rhine day-cruise (or longer) out of lovely Cologne which will also pass by Rudesheim.
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Re: Following the European Beer Trail: Oktoberfest to Sorrento
My curiosity is also piqued about this Italian beer. Not sure if I tried beer in Italy. Wine seems to be flowing out of ever crack in every building, but I'll need to give it a try next time I'm there. Hi praise from a Canadian, I might add.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 11, 2015: Fruit of the Vine
Hi Paul. Just curious. Would an outdoor wine tasting be permissible in the US? I always find events like this to be so civilised. Folks just mixing and tasting locally produced food and wine. No one over indulging and a beautiful way to enjoy a summers day making new friends.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 11, 2015: Fruit of the Vine
We have a lot of different state and local laws, so, as they say, Your Mileage May Vary. Since New York is a significant wine-producer, it may be a bit easier here, and in summer there are several wine producers sampling at our local Greenmarket
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 11, 2015: Fruit of the Vine
I never knew that New York was a wine producer. I'll add that to my shopping list in August. Blossom Hill of California is a big seller here in the UK. Thank You !!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 11, 2015: Fruit of the Vine
The Finger Lakes area in the center of the state has long been a big white-wine producer; Taylor is originally from there. There's been a growing industry on Long Island in recent years, where sandy soil in some areas has been good to the grapes. On the whole, NY wines range from extraordinary to oversweet. And, of course, it's home to one of my guilty favorites: Manishewitz Concord Grape wine, kosher for Passover!
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Feb 11, 2015: Fruit of the Vine
Must look into this. I prefer sweet wines. Hate dry wines. Which I know is very unfashionable. But I do love asking guests to try my Italian "Martini. Asti Spumante. Sparkling Wine". I do enjoy converting people with an attitude to sweet wines !
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Aug 5th 2014: Incense Coils, Hong Kong
I find this a captivating image, Islandman. I can easily see myself staring at these coils from a thousand angles, trying to get the right angle on them, as I imagine you did!
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Re: New trend: airport lounges for non-members
Twice I've used a commercial lounge at the Hong Kong Airport. After the long transpacific flight, nothing is nicer than a shower and a quiet place to stretch out before going on. I'm surprised it's taken so long for the concept to catch on in the US.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, June 7, 2014: Parking Lot, Mui Wo, Lantau Island
The wave of the future: commuter bicycle lots. We featured another one last September as Picture of the Day, showing where Copenhagen commuters leave their wheels to enter the mass transit system at Osterport .
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, June 29, 2014: Berlin's Fernsehturm
Very nice. My only time visiting Berlin was for the Christmas Markets and I was too focused on mulled wine! I need to go back during the year and actually explore these monuments.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, June 29, 2014: Berlin's Fernsehturm
Originally Posted by MAD Travel Diaries: Very nice. My only time visiting Berlin was for the Christmas Markets and I was too focused on mulled wine! I need to go back during the year and actually explore these monuments. I also know the impact of mulled wine on a cool day
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, June 29, 2014: Berlin's Fernsehturm
I guess I'll need to explore the mulled wine when I get back...we were focused on beer and currywurst!
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Re: Gallery: Bicycles, Lucca, Italy
I hadn't thought about that but, you're right, even as narrow a view as the width of a bicycle conveys a good sense of place. And my preference for towns and villages, rather than cities. I have picture of a ferry bicycle parking lot on Lantau Island, Hong Kong and, even though it's a rural place, it appears that every person on the island must be represented by a bike in the lot, there are so many. But, though crowded, I remember it as park-like compared to yours above and still gives an...
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Re: Six Reasons Why Lisbon Made Me Nostalgic for San Francisco
When I'm in San Francisco I love the Micro Breweries. The sampler tray is a must have in each bar. But when you're in Lisbon just try the Sagres Lager. Often named as the Best Beer in Europe you'll be pleasantly surprised ! Nothing like a "Lite" Beer, it has a wonderful taste and sparkle. Or try a sparkling Mateus Rose if wine is your preference.
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Re: Six Reasons Why Lisbon Made Me Nostalgic for San Francisco
@GarryRF - I'm more of a wine person but did enjoy a Sagres or two in Portugal. You can't beat the price. Love the microbreweries in San Francisco and agree that the tasting trays are definitely the way to go!
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Re: United Economy to Offer 3 Course Meals, Free Beer & Wine on Some Flights
Alaska has been offering free microbrewery beer and local wine on its Horizon flights for years. So Kudos to United for expanding their economy services. We need to acknowledge their service improvements when they occur
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Re: Points to consider before visiting Tbilisi
Good points to know before travelling. The Wine sounds good.. need to check this out further. Thanks G
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Re: Possible second Viking site found in Newfoundland
History tells us that the first English settlers in North America would not have survived the first winter without food from the indigenous tribes. The winters in England and Europe are warmer than what was waiting for them in Newfoundland. There is a weather history from about the year 1150. If you look at records kept by French wine makers it notes the date the first shoots appear. The date when the grapes are set, then harvested and the quality and size of the fruit. All good indicators...
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Re: Apr. 7, 2016: Budget Vacation in France
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: Visiting Erupting Mount Etna
My wife and I stayed a couple weeks at the seaside town of Naxos that was between Mount Etna and the sea. Our room faced the sea and in the middle of one night we heard some big booming noises and thinking and eruption was occurring I dashed into the hallway. Seeing flashing lights from the back side windows, I hustled to the big rear windows only to see fireworks being set off from the slopes of the volcano. Whew ! Had a great time there with a visit to Taormina and the fantastic wine and...
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, September 13, 2015: South of Naples
Did you discover any wines that you'd like to share ? I love trying a wine that's unknown to me. Like Gancia Asti came as a pleasant surprise.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, September 13, 2015: South of Naples
Originally Posted by GarryRF: Did you discover any wines that you'd like to share ? I love trying a wine that's unknown to me. Like Gancia Asti came as a pleasant surprise. I love the Asti wines, and really enjoyed the Chianti wines, but I've forgotten the names of any specific wines I enjoyed in Italy I'm afraid. I do recommend the South African Durbanville Hills Chardonnay
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Re: easyJet's founder launches cut-rate food store
I really do like this idea because a lot of people are too proud to go to food banks if they are in need and at least they can get a few things there. Also , if it spreads its a good way for travelers to pick up a few snacks for the road. Here are the items for sale listed on the site : Tea Ground Coffee Chicken Curry Sugar Orangeade Pasta Mushroom Sauce Digestives Chick Peas Sardines and Sauce Cream Crackers Pasta Sauce Flour Tomato Ketchup Variety Pack Cereal Potatoes Jaffa Cakes Fruit...
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Re: Hong Kong Airlines gets its first North America route
With a catchment area covering Auckland, Gold Coast, Shanghai, Sanya, Bangkok, Bali, Tokyo, Sapporo, Beijing and Okinawa. Hong Kong Airlines has a lot to offer travellers to the American continent.
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Re: Hong Kong Airlines gets its first North America route
Including the unique opportunity to arrive in Vancouver “before” leaving Hong Kong!
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Re: French town reaffirms tourism ban: No space travelers allowed
Another example of what wine - in excess - does to your brain.
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Re: Walking Tours in Andalusia
Hi Pheymont I wouldn't worry about the wine and tapas portion. Things are really inexpensive her, and the tapas has been universally good. It's easy to get three or four tapas to share and a couple of glasses of wine for 15 Euro. As for the tours, we didn't take any, but I think for one day in Cordoba it would be a good idea because I think that day may feel really busy. For Sevilla, I have a mixed opinion, I really love to wonder around, get lost and then navigate my way out...but thats...
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Re: Walking Tours in Andalusia
Thanks so much! We're also the wanderers, but in a new city we sometimes find a walking tour is useful either for orientation upfront, or to clear up questions about things we've noticed. The wine and tapas tour is semi on the radar more for the opportunity to meet new people than to have a drink and a snack. Picking those things carefully, we've been able to have time with other travelers from other countries (not always English-speaking). I'm looking forward to our trip...your pictures are...
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Re: Where in the World is Gumbo ? #4.0 12/4/13
Wasn't that ship sold to be a hotel in Hong Kong? the scene looks kinda right for that. One of the Queens, I think.
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Re: California road trip ideas
Mrs. Briggs - There are roads aplenty in California. Where you go depends on your family's interests. Pick a theme and the route will take care of itself. Would you say that your family more enjoys scenic routes or taking advantage of what cities have to offer ? Mountains or ocean ? Would you like to see gardens or maybe historical homes ? Maybe your crowd would go for a trip that strings together movie filming locations or old west towns ? What are your hobbies ? - shopping for antiques ?