Tagged With "Pineapple Express Train Tour"
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Re: Cheapest airfare to Portugal and Spain
Can't speak too much about SEA-TAC strategies, but I'm sure you'll have to change planes at least once! Try to avoid any that change at London, because of the British Air Passenger Duty on the way home, and the huge hassle of Heathrow. I did a little random searching for next July, using an open-jaw plan: Fly to Lisbon, train to Porto, fly to Barcelona, fly home, and found fares around $1600 on offer. Lisbon is not that competitive a city, so one strategy would be to keep an eye out for...
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Re: Google Relaunches Zagat, minus content and search
I know what I think: I think that the ads should be so distinct (and funny, or pithy, or whatever tone) that no one could ever mistake them for user content. I'd hate to have to explain over and over that no, Gumbo is NOT recommending luggage sellers or tour companies, or--for that matter--kitchen remodeling in Britain. The creep over the line is so evident in the newspaper sales pitches for "rare" coins and various remedies dolled up to look like news articles.
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Re: London's Tower Bridge, inside and out
It's been nearly 20 years since I took the tour...you wrote an excellent article and your photos -- especially the one of the entire bridge -- are wonderful!!!
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Re: Walking through New Orleans...nibbling
Sorry, but we had a train to catch! Next time, come along...
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Re: Walking through New Orleans...nibbling
Sorry...not on the tour (and frankly, not on my mind, either!)
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Re: Foodie Fun on Arthur Avenue
Now THIS is my idea of a great food tour! Wish I'd tagged along, and thanks for the advice on where to go for my favorite type of food.
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Re: Jama Masjid, Delhi (Where Gumbo was #256)
Delhi has a lot to offer in terms of interesting sites. HOWEVER, the air pollution is appalling, particularly in the winter. We will be in Delhi in March - when things should start to get a little better - but we have cut our stay there to a mere 24 hours. We would have liked to re-visit some places like Humayun's Tomb or the Jama Mosque, but in the end decided that we could not face the atrocious smog again. We will now leave on the earliest convenient train south.
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Re: Italian town bans barking
Calling Dr. Pavlov! We need you back to work on some other aspects of dog behavior. Seriously, it should be possible to train dogs not to bark; the question is what other behaviors would be affected?
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Re: Italian town bans barking
You might be able to train dogs to bark less, but the only way you can get them not to bark is to surgically transect the nerves that go to their vocal cords, or to surgically mutilate the cords so they don't work any more. Sounds very compassionate, doesn't it?
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Re: July 22, 2017: Comic statues, Bratislava, Slovakia
When my wife and I revisited Bratislava a couple of years ago, our last visit there had been some 30 years previously. What a difference! Our memories were of a drab, grey place and what we found this time was a pleasant, vibrant city with lots of interesting corners. We are going to Vienna in a couple of weeks' time. There is a good (and very cheap) train link from there to Bratislava and we will probably go back.
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Re: Scenes of Cesky Krumlov
Interesting tour and history lesson . Went down well with my first coffee of the day. Well presented Paul. Really enjoyed it !
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Re: Back to Oaxaca: Hoofing It, El Picacho & Teotitlan
Another interesting item from the OLL newsletter regarding the weaving village of Teotitlan: TOUR: ARCHEOLOGICAL RUINS in TEOTITLAN Presented by Dr. Robert Markens Instituto de Investigaciones Estéticas—sede Oaxaca Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 / 9 AM-4 PM MX$350 (M) MX$400 (NM) Local archeologist Dr. Robert Markens will lead a tour of the archeological ruins located in the ancient village of Teotitlan del Valle, world-famous for its woven textiles. This...
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Re: No more TGV: France says 'Oui' to new name
Why would they want to name it something that sounds like "boredom, difficulty, tedium, obstacle?" I don't get it. Seems strange. Or were they going more for, "Je m'ennui de toi" so I'm going to hop on a fast train! Also reminds me of, "Gimme a ticket for an aeroplane Ain't got time to take a fast train. Lonely days are gone, I'm a-goin' home My baby, just-a wrote me a letter" In any event, still not getting it for the TGV's new name. I know the pronunciations are a bit different but reminds...
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Re: Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka
Sorry about the delay in responding - I have been on an Indian train for what seems like eternity! Yes, George, Sri Lanka is a good-value destination and it is changing fast. So now is a good time to go. As to Udawalawe vs. Yala, we prefer the former. Yala seems to be the one which everyone knows about, but we were a bit disappointed when we went (admittedly a long time ago).
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Re: In Egypt: Up the Nile
Back in 1989, when TWA still existed, took their 14 day tour. I believe there were 35 of us. We started in Cairo - 4 days staying at Mena House opposite the pyramids A huge WOW! During our stay there we traveled to Sakkaha and Memphis. Boarded a bus that took us to Alexandria - 2 days staying at Montazah Sheraton. From there we took a train to Aswan (dirty dishes - everyone sick). In Aswan, we stayed on Elephantine Island's Loews Aswan Oberoi. Went to Temples of Philae and flew to Abu...
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Re: Gallery: Jewel Cave National Monument, South Dakota
Wow! Some amazing shapes and colors. How long was the tour? Was it cold down there?
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Re: Gallery: Jewel Cave National Monument, South Dakota
If memory serves me correctly, the tour was about 90 minutes. Yes, it was quite cool down there but since I had made the trip in late August, it was quite refreshing to be there. At one point, the guide turned out the lights so the guests could see what true darkness really looks like. I have been in the dark before but not like this, it even seemed to mess with your equilibrium and I felt like I wasn't going to stay upright. Yes DrF, that is a "bacon strip" formation. Water running down a...
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Re: Kettering, Northamptonshire: Where Gumbo Was (#38)
When I was researching the history of the land my house is built on I opened up so much information. During WW1 the land was used for a temporary Army Camp. Many new soldiers were from Wales - 20 miles away - who spoke no English ! But on the 8th June 1917 Capt. (later General) Patton arrived in the Port of Liverpool England on his way to France. He took a train to Litherland Railway Station and stayed here in my garden until he left to catch a Train from Liverpool to London. I often find...
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Re: Wat Pho, Bangkok Thailand. Where Gumbo Was #40
Lovely photos and blog Karl. Refreshed my delightful memories of our visit there. One other word of advice for the end of your tour is to visit the Massage School which is in the temple complex and have a relaxing and rejuvenating massage - feet or more depending on time available.
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Re: From Corfe Castle to Kingston Lacy - Part 2
Great home and great photo tour, Mac. thanks. And I'll keep the Mrs. away from that stable....
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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 2) The King's chariots
Once again DrFumblefinger you have put together another amazing blog with wonderful pictures. Thank you for this. I hadn't heard anything about the family wanting to sell the two jets...that would be a pity, for their presence added a nice piece of history, demonstrating where and how Elvis spent much of his time traveling from city to city on his many tour dates throughout the seventies. The news of Elvis's planes being sold makes me even more grateful that I had the opportunity to visit...
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#59)
It kind of reminds me a train station....Maybe one of the Paris stations.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo (#59)
I knew I'd seen this so went through all my photos. at first I also thought train station in Europe but your most recent clues helped. It's the Harold Washington Library in Chicago?
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Re: Coastal California: The Pigeon Point Hostel
Any travel tale that starts with a road trip following giraffes (nice pic, BTW), includes a lighthouse, the surf, goat cheese and cute granddaughters, is top rate in my book! Can't wait for the lighthouse tour!
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Re: Heads Up for Travelers: Iceland's Volcanoes May Disrupt Travel Again
There can be an up side to travel during an eruption. My plans proceeded during the 2010 eruption and the first result was a southern route to Rome and a spectacular view of the Pyrenees, flying parallel to them. I learned how big those mountains are, had had no idea. After arrival in Rome I immediately booked sleeper compartment tickets from Budapest to London (already had Rome-Budapest), to replace the flight I'd booked. As it transpired, the flight ban was over by the time I got on the...
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Re: Catching the Tour de France 2014
What fun! Glad your iPhone was working (hanging on to you was the least your hubbie could do) and am actually surprised at how fast its shutter speed is. These guys are really moving and most cameras would have caught them with a blur except in the sports setting (very fast shutter speeds). I think all big events like this are best enjoyed with new friends over a glass of one's favorite beverage! Thanks for sharing this moment. Most of us will never see the tour first hand, but now we know...
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Re: Catching the Tour de France 2014
I've missed it by days a few years ,but it sure looks like fun! Hopefully one day I'll catch it. Thanks for letting us enjoy the Tour from a distance!
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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: Iquitos Jungle Tour
Thanks, what an incredible tour. Even has a Gumbo favorite,a Gustave Eiffel building! https://www.travelgumbo.com/blo...with-the-tour-eiffel
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, February 22, 2015: Machu Picchu
Beautiful photos, Grand Escapes! I'm especially fond of the one of the llama roaming the streets of Machu Picchu. They are the official "lawn mowers" of the park. Machu Picchu after the tourist train leaves and before it arrives is a totally different experience than during the peak of the day. If there's one travel spot you'll want to spend a night or two so that you can enjoy some tranquility before it gets overwhelmed with people, then I'd say this is the one.
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Re: Gallery: The Worst Train in the World Redux
This is the true Orient Express.. Thanks for the great pictures, and the chance to "be" somewhere truly special.
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Re: Government St., Mobile: A Great Historic Street (Pt. 1)
Thanks for the nice comments. Wait until you see the public buildings on Government St in Part 2 ,equally as impressive! The houses above are mainly private homes. A few homes on the street have offices in them. Some of the homes might make it on the historical homes tour once a year, but you'd have to check in advance . http://www.historicmobiletour.com/#!homes/c1hpk The Mobile area does have open to the public the Bellingraph Gardens and Home which is highly regarded and another place on...
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Re: More WiFi in NYC Subway...soon...maybe.
Transit Wireless is a company formed for this project; it's owned by the phone and data carriers, which have paid part of the costs. The other revenue stream is the potential for advertising, and also sponsorships ("WiFi at this station is sponsored by...") Everything here seems to be a big to-do; we've been on lots of European systems that have had full service, including tunnels, for quite a while. We're also way behind on "train will arrive" signs, because the NYCTA way is to design from...
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Re: Charleston's Grand Mansions: Aiken-Rhett House
I've enjoyed your guided tour through Charleston's elegant historic homes. This piece is an excellent way to end the year with a bit of style and class! Happy 2015, PM!
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Re: Tupelo, Mississippi. Birthplace of the King of Rock 'n Roll
Thanks for extensive and excellent tour of Tupelo, Dr F. I'm a big fan too and this is still on my wish list
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, Dec 4th, 2014: A Ride to Paradise
A favorite with my kids when they were young (and with me!) Nearby, there is the Pennsylvania state railroad museum and the National Toy Train Museum, as well as all the attractions of Lancaster County "Amish Country." Thanks!
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Re: New Eurostar Service, London - Provence
And if you fly to Marseille and take the train to London, you avoid Heathrow and the British APD!
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Re: New Eurostar Service, London - Provence
Sorry Paul but you've lost me ! If you fly to Marseilles and take the 760 mile train journey to London you'll avoid the APD. True. But that will cost you more than the APD and you'll waste a day. You dont see much from the window on a train doing 186 MPH. Be aware that the nation with the most heavily taxed European passengers is France, where over 60% of airport and passenger charges are in the form of state taxes to be paid by the passenger.
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Re: Cruising down the Nile (part 2)
Hi Karl - sorry for a delayed reply. We booked onto a Thompson Holidays trip out of London and were very satisfied with the whole experience, including value for money. We chose the "all inclusive" option and were very pleased with the quality of their wines etc. The boat was very clean and well maintained, all the crew cheery and pleasant, the food good and plentiful (buffets). There were a good number of "included" trips to temples whilst other trips were extras (Abu Simbel and Cairo for...
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Re: Gallery: A visit to Cuba
Thanks IslandMan, There are many resorts in the Varadero peninsular. The Christmas/New Year season is kind of full. But other than that, still unspoiled to me. The tour guy told us that currently 80% tourists are Canadians. I can imagine if sanctions are lifted, there will be lots of tourists from USA, they are much closer in terms of distance.
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Re: Gumbo's Pic of the Day, March 27, 2014: Bacardi Distillery, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Another walk down memory lane! I lived in Puerto Rico for 5 years and remember it fondly. Occasionally I'd drive past Ron Bacardi but I regret I never stopped to take the tour. Not unusual, I'm sure, when we have the feeling there's always time later. An interesting name out that direction which will likely ring bells for New Yorkers, not far beyond the Bacardi Distillery, if driving from San Juan, is Levittown, a place name I always found incongruous there. Part of the post-WWII affordable...
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Re: World's 10 Best Airports? Maybe...
These are all important international hubs, but I'm inclined to agree with TravelRob. Most of these airports are massive and far from user friendly. Maybe they have a large assortment of restaurants from which to choose, etc. But I like short lines, a quick security screen and a reasonable walk to the gate not requiring a bus or train to get there.
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Re: World's 10 Best Airports? Maybe...
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: Photography at the Edges, New York & San Francisco
Maybe "monochrome" is a better word for what we think of as black & white photography. An extreme example would be cyanotypes, in shades of blue. Many thanks, PHeymont, for your descriptions of the Met shows, and for reminding me that everything old is new again. The addition of Man Ray's fantastic picture above is perfect. Joyeux Anniversaire, Tour Eiffel.
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#39)
The photo looks too idealized -- almost not real. Is it perhaps something from the land of Thomas Kinkade? Or a model train set?
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Re: Where in the World is TravelGumbo? (#39)
Ah ha! Either an interesting camera technique or it is indeed a wonderfully detailed model train set, I suspect the latter. Oh, but where?? There are many big boys out there in the world who would love to have a Union Pacific loco running around in the loft. I have seen reports of some fantastic layouts in Germany but it could be anywhere methinks.... I tried to take a photo of just such a loco coming towards me in Canada and stood by the track in readiness. Thinking to be friendly, I was...