On 8/30/2022 at 12:51 AM, DrPhilly said:

We are getting car service a couple days for the full on events.  Otherwise, a DD will have to suffice. The planning is underway. Plenty of cooks in this group. Any particular spots in Pienza that you would recommend hitting?

Pienza has a cliff walk overlooking the tuscan hills.  Along that walk are several bread/meat/wine/cheese stores.  

You could see everything in Pienza and cover all the ground with a bonus glass of wine/cheese in just an hour or so...or you could spend a full day meandering, sightseeing, eating, and drinking.  Depends on the pace you want and the time you have.

So I have locked in my leave from work. My schedule will be looking something like this 

24-27
Vegas
27-1
Philly
1-5
Orlando
5-13
Miami

Fly home on the 13th

I am going to try and get tickets for the Eagles/Steelers game which is on the 30th at the Linc. The Sixers are unfortunately on like a 10 day road trip the entire time I am in Philly. They play the Wizards in Washington on the 31st so I might be able to catch that game if I do a day trip. Otherwise there is also the possibility of a random flight to Atlanta while I am in Miami to see them play the Hawks.

57 minutes ago, Mat said:

So I have locked in my leave from work. My schedule will be looking something like this 

24-27
Vegas
27-1
Philly
1-5
Orlando
5-13
Miami

Fly home on the 13th

I am going to try and get tickets for the Eagles/Steelers game which is on the 30th at the Linc. The Sixers are unfortunately on like a 10 day road trip the entire time I am in Philly. They play the Wizards in Washington on the 31st so I might be able to catch that game if I do a day trip. Otherwise there is also the possibility of a random flight to Atlanta while I am in Miami to see them play the Hawks.

Frontier is kind of a trash airline. They are notorious for being late, sometimes cancelling flights, and half the time if they fly a route, they may only do it 3 days of the week... so if your flight on a Tuesday gets cancelled, they'll try to re-book you on like their Friday flight... which doesn't work for people if there trip is for Tue/Wed/Thur activities. They also charge for pretty much anything you carry onto the plane. "Oh, you have a small backpack that you've stuck your laptop/ipad, headphones, and maybe a change of clothes into? That'll be $35 each way for you to bring that on board".

But, if you can use them like a Taxi/Uber, they can be feasible. Example below: 2hr flight from Miami to Atlanta for $78 American (closest cost translation that I can give is that a brand new PlayStation/XBox game retails for $60, so this is like buying a video game and a meal at 5 Guys). Flights are limited, and if you didn't want to waste money on a hotel for the night, you could spend that same money at an Atlanta strip club which would probably be open until 3-4am and just head to the airport after that! 

 

Not going to lie, I'm a bit surprised its a 2 hour flight.  Maybe they are building in a buffer because ATL is notoriously busy and are often delayed?

1 minute ago, paco said:

Not going to lie, I'm a bit surprised its a 2 hour flight.  Maybe they are building in a buffer because ATL is notoriously busy and are often delayed?

My guess is Frontier flies at whatever speed maximized fuel efficiency

15 minutes ago, Agent23 said:

Frontier is kind of a trash airline. They are notorious for being late, sometimes cancelling flights, and half the time if they fly a route, they may only do it 3 days of the week... so if your flight on a Tuesday gets cancelled, they'll try to re-book you on like their Friday flight... which doesn't work for people if there trip is for Tue/Wed/Thur activities. They also charge for pretty much anything you carry onto the plane. "Oh, you have a small backpack that you've stuck your laptop/ipad, headphones, and maybe a change of clothes into? That'll be $35 each way for you to bring that on board".

But, if you can use them like a Taxi/Uber, they can be feasible. Example below: 2hr flight from Miami to Atlanta for $78 American (closest cost translation that I can give is that a brand new PlayStation/XBox game retails for $60, so this is like buying a video game and a meal at 5 Guys). Flights are limited, and if you didn't want to waste money on a hotel for the night, you could spend that same money at an Atlanta strip club which would probably be open until 3-4am and just head to the airport after that! 

 

I saw that Sprint and Frontier are both complete trash and I'm avoiding them for all my main flights. They had one that was like $28 and then was something stupid like $70 for a bag and $60 for carry on. I'll need to work it out over the next couple of weeks and book everything. 

The other pain in the ass, over the last 2 years I opened up a secondary bank account with another company that has really good interest rates but I only make purchases on my card in person (1k limit per day). I moved the majority of my savings over to that account and have my emergency/spending money in my old bank account that I also get my fortnightly pay added in.

I have done a bunch of contract work and have a back log of invoices that I am owed. They said they were going to get through it in the next 7-14 days. It's also pay day on Thursday. If it can all happen by Friday I can book everything without having to start the money shift between banks which takes a day to clear (or Monday if it's done on the weekend). I've probably got enough in there to do it without having to do the shift, but I like having X amount available in case I need to make a larger purchase and it will dip under when you add in 5-6k in flights and accommodation 

11 minutes ago, paco said:

Not going to lie, I'm a bit surprised its a 2 hour flight.  Maybe they are building in a buffer because ATL is notoriously busy and are often delayed?

My guess is it goes via some random place you would never expect. I think from Vegas they wanted to send me via Denver

8 minutes ago, Agent23 said:

My guess is Frontier flies at whatever speed maximized fuel efficiency

It's the Spruce Moose 

^in the Miami to Atlanta flight that's listed as 2 hours, its just a straight through flight. But I flew from Orlando to Minneapolis (Delta) yesterday and it was maybe 3 hours total travel (listed a 3.5 hours but our pilot made good time). Similarly, minneapois to atlanta is a 2.5 hour flight by itself and 3.75hr from minneapolis to miami. so the subtraction means miami to atlanta should only be about 1 hour and 15 mins

You can take the Amtrak Acela from Philadelphia to DC.  I think the only stops for that are Wilmington and Baltimore.

 

Alternatively, if you're thinking about a game in Atlanta, look at Southwest Airlines from Fort Lauderdale (a hub) to Atlanta (or can do Miami to Atlanta, but might not be as frequent).  Southwest Airlines is much more reliable than trashy Spirit or Frontier.  Prices can be pretty low, too, and they don't hassle you with paying to select a seat, or pay for bags.  To get from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, the Brightline is a high-speed rail line connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.

On 9/8/2022 at 4:27 AM, Agent23 said:

^in the Miami to Atlanta flight that's listed as 2 hours, its just a straight through flight. But I flew from Orlando to Minneapolis (Delta) yesterday and it was maybe 3 hours total travel (listed a 3.5 hours but our pilot made good time). Similarly, minneapois to atlanta is a 2.5 hour flight by itself and 3.75hr from minneapolis to miami. so the subtraction means miami to atlanta should only be about 1 hour and 15 mins

I just had a look and even the good airlines are between 1.45 and 2 hours. Flying to the USA from Australia vs flying home is also like a 2 hour difference. I think it has something to do with the wind going in one direction vs the other. 

On 9/8/2022 at 12:51 PM, xzmattzx said:

You can take the Amtrak Acela from Philadelphia to DC.  I think the only stops for that are Wilmington and Baltimore.

 

Alternatively, if you're thinking about a game in Atlanta, look at Southwest Airlines from Fort Lauderdale (a hub) to Atlanta (or can do Miami to Atlanta, but might not be as frequent).  Southwest Airlines is much more reliable than trashy Spirit or Frontier.  Prices can be pretty low, too, and they don't hassle you with paying to select a seat, or pay for bags.  To get from Miami to Fort Lauderdale, the Brightline is a high-speed rail line connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.

I took Amtrak last time rather than fly when I did a day trip to DC. The only question would be how easy it is to get back to Philly that night after the game. 

I have been told to try and use Southwest because they have a pretty good bag policy. Some of the flights are a little odd but they are one I am looking at. I have been using Skyscanner to check out pricing 

12 hours ago, Mat said:

I just had a look and even the good airlines are between 1.45 and 2 hours. Flying to the USA from Australia vs flying home is also like a 2 hour difference. I think it has something to do with the wind going in one direction vs the other. 

I took Amtrak last time rather than fly when I did a day trip to DC. The only question would be how easy it is to get back to Philly that night after the game. 

I have been told to try and use Southwest because they have a pretty good bag policy. Some of the flights are a little odd but they are one I am looking at. I have been using Skyscanner to check out pricing 

Southwest lets you check in two bags for free.  I especially like flying with them because then I can bring back beer from a craft brewery at my destination without having to pay extra to check the bag in.  So yes, they are easy to deal with as far as bags go.

 

They also have a different seating policy, but it's fine once you get used to it.  There are no assigned seats at any time, but you check in as early as exactly 24 hours before the flight, and you are given a boarding number based on that moment you check in.  Then you line up to board based on those boarding numbers.  You can pay $15 to move up in line, to get whatever seat you want, as well.  If you get a number in the A or B sections, you generally can get a window or aisle seat somewhere in the plane.  If you are in the C boarding group, you may not get a window or aisle seat.

Heading to Mexico City tomorrow.  Any recommendations ala food/museums/places to go?  We've got a few things planned (eg reservation at Pujols, a food tour and a luchador match) but are mostly winging it. 

22 hours ago, DEagle7 said:

Heading to Mexico City tomorrow.  Any recommendations ala food/museums/places to go?  We've got a few things planned (eg reservation at Pujols, a food tour and a luchador match) but are mostly winging it. 

I've never been there, but the area around Zocalo and the Metropolitan Cathedral is the historic core.  There are Aztec ruins in or near that square.  I think their parliament is also there as well.

 

Some of the stones on a side wall of the outside of the cathedral apparently have the old Aztec gods still carved into them.

Flights are officially booked. I land in Vegas on the 24th of October and leave from Miami on the 13th of November. 

I am looking at going to the Steelers game now. Where am I best off looking to get some decent tickets? I'm assuming the general release has come and gone so I'ver had a look on Stubhub and Tickpick. For a second I thought it was $300 USD for nosebleeds but I realised it's actually AUD which isn't as bad ($195 ish USD)

5 hours ago, Mat said:

Flights are officially booked. I land in Vegas on the 24th of October and leave from Miami on the 13th of November. 

I am looking at going to the Steelers game now. Where am I best off looking to get some decent tickets? I'm assuming the general release has come and gone so I'ver had a look on Stubhub and Tickpick. For a second I thought it was $300 USD for nosebleeds but I realised it's actually AUD which isn't as bad ($195 ish USD)

About $200 USD is where I’m seeing things for that doing casual browsing since seeing your message. Almost every website has "fees” that apply afterwards that add like an extra 30% to the cost of the ticket. It’s super whack. Maybe you’ll get lucky and someone on here will have an extra they’ll sell you at cost?

12 hours ago, xzmattzx said:

I've never been there, but the area around Zocalo and the Metropolitan Cathedral is the historic core.  There are Aztec ruins in or near that square.  I think their parliament is also there as well.

 

Some of the stones on a side wall of the outside of the cathedral apparently have the old Aztec gods still carved into them.

It's on the short list of places to go!  So far really enjoying the city.  Really interesting place.  The food and booze are great.

6 hours ago, Agent23 said:

About $200 USD is where I’m seeing things for that doing casual browsing since seeing your message. Almost every website has "fees” that apply afterwards that add like an extra 30% to the cost of the ticket. It’s super whack. Maybe you’ll get lucky and someone on here will have an extra they’ll sell you at cost?

I used Tickpick last time since they don't charge fees, but I think they have a smaller selection of seats available 

14 hours ago, Mat said:

Flights are officially booked. I land in Vegas on the 24th of October and leave from Miami on the 13th of November. 

I am looking at going to the Steelers game now. Where am I best off looking to get some decent tickets? I'm assuming the general release has come and gone so I'ver had a look on Stubhub and Tickpick. For a second I thought it was $300 USD for nosebleeds but I realised it's actually AUD which isn't as bad ($195 ish USD)

Prices will come down by the day before and day of the game, if you're willing to sweat it out

On 9/24/2022 at 10:16 AM, DEagle7 said:

Heading to Mexico City tomorrow.  Any recommendations ala food/museums/places to go?  We've got a few things planned (eg reservation at Pujols, a food tour and a luchador match) but are mostly winging it. 

Great vacation. If anyone is ever heading down that way hit me up I'll give you plenty of recs. 

6 hours ago, DEagle7 said:

Great vacation. If anyone is ever heading down that way hit me up I'll give you plenty of recs. 

Found all the top donkey shows did ya?

1 hour ago, mikemack8 said:

Found all the top donkey shows did ya?

Rookie move, the "top" shows are all tourist traps.  You gotta befriend a local and go to one that they recommend. That's how you get the good stuff. 

Wife, daughter, dog and I are headed to Asheville, NC on Thursday afternoon for a long weekend.  We’ll stop at the Sierra Nevada brewery on our drive down (incredible place), probably go to the Grove Park inn for dinner Friday night, sit by their gigantic fireplaces, and sip some whiskey and take in the amazing views. Then we will brewery hop downtown on Saturday.  Weather is gonna be awesome but freezing at night. 

3 hours ago, hputenis said:

Wife, daughter, dog and I are headed to Asheville, NC on Thursday afternoon for a long weekend.  We’ll stop at the Sierra Nevada brewery on our drive down (incredible place), probably go to the Grove Park inn for dinner Friday night, sit by their gigantic fireplaces, and sip some whiskey and take in the amazing views. Then we will brewery hop downtown on Saturday.  Weather is gonna be awesome but freezing at night. 

I think Wicked Weed is in Asheville.

 

The Odditorium is supposed to be a funky little tavern in Asheville.

 

The Biltmore Mansion is in Asheville, and is possible the best mansion in the US.

8 hours ago, xzmattzx said:

I think Wicked Weed is in Asheville. - We will definitely stop here on our brewery hop when we're downtown.  This is a really cool brewery/restaurant with a huge outdoor seating area in the heat of downtown Asheville.  

The Odditorium is supposed to be a funky little tavern in Asheville. - I never heard of this one, but it sounds like my kind of place!  

 

The Biltmore Mansion is in Asheville, and is possible the best mansion in the US. - We will probably skip the Biltmore this time around and wait until December, when they set up all the Christmas trees and lights.  It's pretty cool to see how much work they put into it.  A good quick weekend trip from Charlotte is to go to the Biltmore and do the tour on Friday night, then hit up their vineyards/winery on Saturday.  It's on so much land it could take an entire day to see it all.  

 

I'm off to Arizona for the Eagles game tomorrow!

 

I will also be spending a couple days at the Grand Canyon (it will be my fifth time there), and will stop by Montezuma Castle, as well.

 

Flagstaff is a pretty hip little city now, by the way.  I was first there in 2014 and it was a little run down but had lots of potential.  By the time I was there for the third time in 2020, it was blowing up with construction, and was a great place for college students and young people.

I leave in about 10 hours. Will land in Vegas at around 10am local time (stop off in San Fran to clear customs). I'm so f'ing exhausted and I haven't even left yet