Swamp Travel Guide
Moderators: Shirley, Sabo, brian, rass, DaveInSeattle
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
Brian you're recommendations will also be appreciated due to the Grand Trunk recommendation last year.
Last edited by Rush2112 on Tue Jun 30, 2015 4:51 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Did you see that ludicrous display last night?
- govmentchedda
- The Dude
- Posts: 13128
- Joined: Mon Mar 11, 2013 4:36 pm
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
I agree. I've spent two different weekends in Minneapolis and loved it both times. I don't have any recommendations for you, other than there's a place with lawn bowling downtown that was fun (some big multilevel Irish(?) bar), and the neighborhoods around the chain of lakes near downtown are really nice, if you like jogging near mansions.BSF21 wrote:Don't know. Minneapolis is awesome. Go over to St Paul and check out Summit BrewingRush2112 wrote:Anyone have any advice about Minneapolis? (I go the most fantastic places.)
Until everything is less insane, I'm mixing weed with wine.
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
bump. nada?cerrano wrote:bump...
so were going to be renting a car in ireland, and i'm seeing a lot of conflicting info regarding the purchase of collision damage waivers from the rental company vs. your credit card co. vs. independent travel insurance companies, etc... also, it appears that ireland has different policies regarding this kind of blarney than most every other country on earth besides jamaica and isreal.
if you've rented a car in ireland, what did you do for the cdw insurance? did you go with the coverage from the car hire company, credit card or other? would you do the same thing again?
Wade Boggs Carpet World Wade Boggs Carpet World Wade Boggs Carpet World Wade Boggs Carpet World Wade Boggs Carpet World
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
I got nothin'.
I've always wanted to go to Mpls, I have a layover there tomorrow but unfortch it's only an hour.
I've always wanted to go to Mpls, I have a layover there tomorrow but unfortch it's only an hour.
Pack a vest for your james in the city of intercourse
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
You should check tripadvisor forums. This is the ish that they're good for.cerrano wrote:bump. nada?cerrano wrote:bump...
so were going to be renting a car in ireland, and i'm seeing a lot of conflicting info regarding the purchase of collision damage waivers from the rental company vs. your credit card co. vs. independent travel insurance companies, etc... also, it appears that ireland has different policies regarding this kind of blarney than most every other country on earth besides jamaica and isreal.
if you've rented a car in ireland, what did you do for the cdw insurance? did you go with the coverage from the car hire company, credit card or other? would you do the same thing again?
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
Barring a stub hub disaster, definitely stuck the landing. Thanks for the advice guys.
I felt aswirl with warm secretions.
- Johnny Carwash
- The Dude
- Posts: 5995
- Joined: Mon Mar 11, 2013 8:57 am
- Location: Land of 10,000 Sununus
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
Heading to Scotland for the first time later this week. Will be staying in Edinburgh but plan to venture out to Glasgow for one day. Any suggestions on what to do in the cities? Also would like to see about doing a outdoor day trip to somewhere that isn't too remote.
Fanniebug wrote: P.S. rass! Dont write me again, dude! You're in ignore list!
- Pruitt
- The Dude
- Posts: 18105
- Joined: Tue Jun 04, 2013 10:02 am
- Location: North Shore of Lake Ontario
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
I was supposed to go to Scotland last summer, but my wife had health issues (thankfully cleared up) and we had to cancel.
Happy to share my notes.
Happy to share my notes.
"beautiful, with an exotic-yet-familiar facial structure and an arresting gaze."
- Johnny Carwash
- The Dude
- Posts: 5995
- Joined: Mon Mar 11, 2013 8:57 am
- Location: Land of 10,000 Sununus
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
That would be great, actually. Thanks!Pruitt wrote:I was supposed to go to Scotland last summer, but my wife had health issues (thankfully cleared up) and we had to cancel.
Happy to share my notes.
Fanniebug wrote: P.S. rass! Dont write me again, dude! You're in ignore list!
- The Sybian
- The Dude
- Posts: 19553
- Joined: Tue Mar 19, 2013 10:36 am
- Location: Working in the Crap Part of Jersey
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
If you find yourself in Mystic, CT, and for fucks sake avoid it at all costs, highly recommend The Pita Spot. Lebanese restaurant, fantastic food, seriously under priced, and the most gorgeous waitress I have ever seen. So awkward being the only only patron in the place when the couple across the dining room left, and it is just me trying not to oggle. It was more difficult since she was wearing a belly dancer coin skirt thing jangling whenever she walked. Unfortunately she had pants under the coin thing and no skin showing, but the food was great.
I finally got a chance to get out of the hotel and headed to Mystic. The fuck? The Seaport is like half a block, and closed before I got there at 6:30. You couldn't even walk up to the water or sit anywhere with a view. The good news is the hotel has a really nice bar with a wide selection of scotches, and a really good DIPA out of Rhode Island. Grey Sail, IIRC.
I finally got a chance to get out of the hotel and headed to Mystic. The fuck? The Seaport is like half a block, and closed before I got there at 6:30. You couldn't even walk up to the water or sit anywhere with a view. The good news is the hotel has a really nice bar with a wide selection of scotches, and a really good DIPA out of Rhode Island. Grey Sail, IIRC.
An honest to God cult of personality - formed around a failed steak salesman.
-Pruitt
-Pruitt
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
We are headed out to see the SIL in Berkeley the second week of June. It has been a couple of years since I have been that way, and much longer for the wife. This will be her first trip out to CA since her sister moved back there. It is also the girls (9 and 7) first visit. Any kid friendly suggestions for the area? Mrs. Duff and I will be celebrating our aniversary while we are out there too. Any tips for a nice night out that won't break the bank?
We will have a car to get around and the SIL is a block or two from the North Berkeley BART station.
We will have a car to get around and the SIL is a block or two from the North Berkeley BART station.
To quote both Bruce Prichard and Tony Schiavone, "Fuck Duff Meltzer."
- govmentchedda
- The Dude
- Posts: 13128
- Joined: Mon Mar 11, 2013 4:36 pm
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
Go ahead and break the bank at Chez Panisse. Do it at lunch, and your bank will break less.duff wrote:We are headed out to see the SIL in Berkeley the second week of June. It has been a couple of years since I have been that way, and much longer for the wife. This will be her first trip out to CA since her sister moved back there. It is also the girls (9 and 7) first visit. Any kid friendly suggestions for the area? Mrs. Duff and I will be celebrating our aniversary while we are out there too. Any tips for a nice night out that won't break the bank?
We will have a car to get around and the SIL is a block or two from the North Berkeley BART station.
Until everything is less insane, I'm mixing weed with wine.
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
My colleague lives in El Cerrito (just north of Berkeley) and is a big-time foodie. I'll ask him for some recommendations.duff wrote:We are headed out to see the SIL in Berkeley the second week of June. It has been a couple of years since I have been that way, and much longer for the wife. This will be her first trip out to CA since her sister moved back there. It is also the girls (9 and 7) first visit. Any kid friendly suggestions for the area? Mrs. Duff and I will be celebrating our aniversary while we are out there too. Any tips for a nice night out that won't break the bank?
We will have a car to get around and the SIL is a block or two from the North Berkeley BART station.
THERE’S NOWT WRONG WITH GALA LUNCHEONS, LAD!
Re: Swamp Travel Guide - Quebec City
Sooo, in early July, the wife, daughter and I are flying to Quebec City for a few days, meeting up there with some family friends from New Jersey. Not going to Montreal - focusing on QC and that area. I know some things were highlighted upthread, and gawd knows, my wife is already on the case - but I'd appreciate a listing of the best things to check out, for somebody who doesn't know from what.
"What a bunch of pedantic pricks." - sybian
Re: Swamp Travel Guide - Quebec City
It's been like seven years since I was there, I don't even really remember anywhere I ate (so this is an extremely unhelpful post), but you're going to love it. The city is incredible. Be prepared for lots of stairs. That's the best advice I got. I believe it's the largest walled city in the world.sancarlos wrote:Sooo, in early July, the wife, daughter and I are flying to Quebec City for a few days, meeting up there with some family friends from New Jersey. Not going to Montreal - focusing on QC and that area. I know some things were highlighted upthread, and gawd knows, my wife is already on the case - but I'd appreciate a listing of the best things to check out, for somebody who doesn't know from what.
Bandwagon fan of the 2023 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!
- Pruitt
- The Dude
- Posts: 18105
- Joined: Tue Jun 04, 2013 10:02 am
- Location: North Shore of Lake Ontario
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
Wish I could help, but haven't been to Quebec (don't call it "Quebec City" when you are there - and pronounce it "Kay-beck") since the Trudeau years.
"beautiful, with an exotic-yet-familiar facial structure and an arresting gaze."
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
I'm going to The Yacht Week Greece next week.
How fucking convenient with all of the bullshit going on, right?
I was told by their most recent email to bring about 600 Euro. And I read via the State Department that I should also bring money because of the atm situation. So I'll be doing that. But I'm being given two different stories about using my card at local places. Obviously my banks are international in Europe, so I should be ok. But will I be?
How fucking convenient with all of the bullshit going on, right?
I was told by their most recent email to bring about 600 Euro. And I read via the State Department that I should also bring money because of the atm situation. So I'll be doing that. But I'm being given two different stories about using my card at local places. Obviously my banks are international in Europe, so I should be ok. But will I be?
mister d wrote:Couldn't have pegged me better.
EnochRoot wrote:I mean, whatever. Johnnie's all hot cuz I ride him.
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
Should be OK using your credit card at like a restaurant or store or stuff like that. But yeah don't plan on being able to use your debit card at an ATM or anything like that.Johnnie wrote:I'm going to The Yacht Week Greece next week.
How fucking convenient with all of the bullshit going on, right?
I was told by their most recent email to bring about 600 Euro. And I read via the State Department that I should also bring money because of the atm situation. So I'll be doing that. But I'm being given two different stories about using my card at local places. Obviously my banks are international in Europe, so I should be ok. But will I be?
Bandwagon fan of the 2023 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
(Of course if they actually pull out of the Eurozone on Sunday who the fuck knows.)
Bandwagon fan of the 2023 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
Yea, that's the other worry. What currency would they use all of a sudden? However, I've been to places not in the euro zone and they'll take euros - albeit with an atrocious exchange rate.
mister d wrote:Couldn't have pegged me better.
EnochRoot wrote:I mean, whatever. Johnnie's all hot cuz I ride him.
- degenerasian
- The Dude
- Posts: 12585
- Joined: Tue Mar 12, 2013 12:22 pm
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
My boss is landing in Greece on Monday. What country she'll see nobody knows.
Kung Fu movies are like porn. There's 1 on 1, then 2 on 1, then a group scene..
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
Honestly I think even worst case you should be fine. They can't pull out of the euro that quickly. It would have to be some kind of organized change. As long as you bring plenty of Euros with you, I wouldn't worry.Johnnie wrote:Yea, that's the other worry. What currency would they use all of a sudden? However, I've been to places not in the euro zone and they'll take euros - albeit with an atrocious exchange rate.
Bandwagon fan of the 2023 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!
- That French Guy
- Maude Lebowski
- Posts: 187
- Joined: Thu Mar 14, 2013 2:36 pm
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
Even if they decide to go back to the drachma, it will take weeks, more probably months to actually pull it off. They’ll have to print enough money for the whole country, have a transition period of both money being legit and set a date far ahead in the future, so people and business can handle every step necessary. Add all the legal hassles enforced by the EU by-laws (it’s not like you can quit over night, it s a negociation process which can theoritically take up to 2 years), plus the possibility of the whole referendum being a bluff to strongarm the IMF/EU (I’ve just read an article stating that Greece would be ready to cancel Sunday’s vote if they get more time to restructure their debt) and i’d say it’s pretty safe there will still be euros when you show up.Johnnie wrote:Yea, that's the other worry. What currency would they use all of a sudden? However, I've been to places not in the euro zone and they'll take euros - albeit with an atrocious exchange rate.
Not in the ATM though, so be sure to bring enough cash.
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
Did you see that ludicrous display last night?
- Pruitt
- The Dude
- Posts: 18105
- Joined: Tue Jun 04, 2013 10:02 am
- Location: North Shore of Lake Ontario
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
On Saturday, my wife, daughter and I are heading out for a two week vacation.
Quebec City, than through New Brunswick (quickly!) and onto Nova Scotia. Four days in the south, two days in Halifax and then 4 days in Cape Breton (and two days of golfing at the stunning Cabot Links).
Anyone been to New Scotland - any sights or restaurant recommendations would be apreciated.
Quebec City, than through New Brunswick (quickly!) and onto Nova Scotia. Four days in the south, two days in Halifax and then 4 days in Cape Breton (and two days of golfing at the stunning Cabot Links).
Anyone been to New Scotland - any sights or restaurant recommendations would be apreciated.
"beautiful, with an exotic-yet-familiar facial structure and an arresting gaze."
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
Been to Halifax a few times for business. Honestly wish I remembered much, but I always seemed to have too much of a good time there. Definitely check out Citadel Hill there. The whole downtown area is lovely. Lots to do and great restaurants and shoppes.
Bandwagon fan of the 2023 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
Never been to the maritimes, but my wife and I are seriously considering moving there in one of those "sell everything and take up a completely new life" moves. Specifically Nova Scotia, somewhere rural between moncton and Halifax. I'd be interested to hear what you thought of the area when you're back - specifically what regions seemed touristy or were part of cottage country.Pruitt wrote:On Saturday, my wife, daughter and I are heading out for a two week vacation.
Quebec City, than through New Brunswick (quickly!) and onto Nova Scotia. Four days in the south, two days in Halifax and then 4 days in Cape Breton (and two days of golfing at the stunning Cabot Links).
Anyone been to New Scotland - any sights or restaurant recommendations would be apreciated.
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
I have never been to the maritimes either, so I have nothing to add.,there. But this seems like an appropriate time/place to note that in July, we went to Quebec City and the small towns up the St. Lawrence, and we had a great time.
And, now I own a Quebec Remparts shirt.
And, now I own a Quebec Remparts shirt.
"What a bunch of pedantic pricks." - sybian
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
Just got back from a week in Boca Raton. That place has to be top five for most attractive, yet completely-bitchy looking women. Just dripping with wealthy privilege.
Totally Kafkaesque
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
Well, Boca Raton does mean "Rat Mouth", right? You should have gone to Boca Buena.Shirley wrote:Just got back from a week in Boca Raton. That place has to be top five for most attractive, yet completely-bitchy looking women. Just dripping with wealthy privilege.
"What a bunch of pedantic pricks." - sybian
- A_B
- The Dude
- Posts: 23991
- Joined: Mon Mar 11, 2013 7:36 am
- Location: Getting them boards like a wolf in the chicken pen.
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
sancarlos wrote:I have never been to the maritimes either, so I have nothing to add.,there. But this seems like an appropriate time/place to note that in July, we went to Quebec City and the small towns up the St. Lawrence, and we had a great time.
And, now I own a Quebec Remparts shirt.
Gives you something to watch o'er, at least.
My gall is sufficiently mitigated. Thank you for your concern.
- Pruitt
- The Dude
- Posts: 18105
- Joined: Tue Jun 04, 2013 10:02 am
- Location: North Shore of Lake Ontario
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
I'm going to scoop up one of those, if they still look as cool as when Guy Lafleur wore thm.sancarlos wrote:I have never been to the maritimes either, so I have nothing to add.,there. But this seems like an appropriate time/place to note that in July, we went to Quebec City and the small towns up the St. Lawrence, and we had a great time.
And, now I own a Quebec Remparts shirt.
I will file a full report...Never been to the maritimes, but my wife and I are seriously considering moving there in one of those "sell everything and take up a completely new life" moves. Specifically Nova Scotia, somewhere rural between moncton and Halifax. I'd be interested to hear what you thought of the area when you're back - specifically what regions seemed touristy or were part of cottage country.
Buddy of mine (rich buddy - old time Toronto WASP money... good guy though) told me that he and his wife bought a cottage in St. Andrews By The Sea in New Brunswick. He paid $220,000 for a 7 bedroom castle on the water. Needed $100,000 in renovations, but it's good to go. He may be renting it out for parts of the summer, so next year, we may set up there. Point is... real estate in the Maritimes seems ridiculously cheap.
"beautiful, with an exotic-yet-familiar facial structure and an arresting gaze."
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
Yeah, even coming from Manitoba we would have no mortgage or debt and some money in the bank, based on what we would sell our house for here and what we would be looking to buy there.Pruitt wrote: I will file a full report...
Buddy of mine (rich buddy - old time Toronto WASP money... good guy though) told me that he and his wife bought a cottage in St. Andrews By The Sea in New Brunswick. He paid $220,000 for a 7 bedroom castle on the water. Needed $100,000 in renovations, but it's good to go. He may be renting it out for parts of the summer, so next year, we may set up there. Point is... real estate in the Maritimes seems ridiculously cheap.
I really wonder why more people who own homes in Vancouver or Toronto don't just retire early, sell their million-dollar bungalows and live like kings in the maritimes.
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
Same reason people don't sell their million dollar houses in San Francisco or Orange County and move to Topeka to retire.travzilla wrote:Yeah, even coming from Manitoba we would have no mortgage or debt and some money in the bank, based on what we would sell our house for here and what we would be looking to buy there.Pruitt wrote: I will file a full report...
Buddy of mine (rich buddy - old time Toronto WASP money... good guy though) told me that he and his wife bought a cottage in St. Andrews By The Sea in New Brunswick. He paid $220,000 for a 7 bedroom castle on the water. Needed $100,000 in renovations, but it's good to go. He may be renting it out for parts of the summer, so next year, we may set up there. Point is... real estate in the Maritimes seems ridiculously cheap.
I really wonder why more people who own homes in Vancouver or Toronto don't just retire early, sell their million-dollar bungalows and live like kings in the maritimes.
Bandwagon fan of the 2023 STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS!
- Pruitt
- The Dude
- Posts: 18105
- Joined: Tue Jun 04, 2013 10:02 am
- Location: North Shore of Lake Ontario
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
That's it exactly.brian wrote:Same reason people don't sell their million dollar houses in San Francisco or Orange County and move to Topeka to retire.travzilla wrote:Yeah, even coming from Manitoba we would have no mortgage or debt and some money in the bank, based on what we would sell our house for here and what we would be looking to buy there.Pruitt wrote: I will file a full report...
Buddy of mine (rich buddy - old time Toronto WASP money... good guy though) told me that he and his wife bought a cottage in St. Andrews By The Sea in New Brunswick. He paid $220,000 for a 7 bedroom castle on the water. Needed $100,000 in renovations, but it's good to go. He may be renting it out for parts of the summer, so next year, we may set up there. Point is... real estate in the Maritimes seems ridiculously cheap.
I really wonder why more people who own homes in Vancouver or Toronto don't just retire early, sell their million-dollar bungalows and live like kings in the maritimes.
Who knows, in a decade or so, my wife and I may look into it. Our current dream is to sell our ridiculously overvalued home and move to Seville.
"beautiful, with an exotic-yet-familiar facial structure and an arresting gaze."
- Steve of phpBB
- The Dude
- Posts: 8962
- Joined: Mon Mar 11, 2013 10:44 am
- Location: Feeling gravity's pull
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
We are considering a Europe trip this summer, and are looking at including 3-4 days in Berlin.
Has anyone been there recently?
I love visiting European cities for the old-city feel. But I'm wondering if I would get that feeling in Berlin.
Has anyone been there recently?
I love visiting European cities for the old-city feel. But I'm wondering if I would get that feeling in Berlin.
And his one problem is he didn’t go to Russia that night because he had extracurricular activities, and they froze to death.
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
Guessing 1998 is not "recently", huhSteve of phpBB wrote:We are considering a Europe trip this summer, and are looking at including 3-4 days in Berlin.
Has anyone been there recently?
I love visiting European cities for the old-city feel. But I'm wondering if I would get that feeling in Berlin.
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
Never been to Germany, but from what I understand, a lot of German cities look modern. It's a side effect of World War II.Steve of phpBB wrote:We are considering a Europe trip this summer, and are looking at including 3-4 days in Berlin.
Has anyone been there recently?
I love visiting European cities for the old-city feel. But I'm wondering if I would get that feeling in Berlin.
Prague definitely has an old-city feel.
THERE’S NOWT WRONG WITH GALA LUNCHEONS, LAD!
- govmentchedda
- The Dude
- Posts: 13128
- Joined: Mon Mar 11, 2013 4:36 pm
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
Yeah, it was 1999 for me. Berlin was all cranes back then. I imagine it is much less old world than Munich. Berlin felt much more like mid-century Bauhaus.wlu_lax6 wrote:Guessing 1998 is not "recently", huhSteve of phpBB wrote:We are considering a Europe trip this summer, and are looking at including 3-4 days in Berlin.
Has anyone been there recently?
I love visiting European cities for the old-city feel. But I'm wondering if I would get that feeling in Berlin.
Until everything is less insane, I'm mixing weed with wine.
- Steve of phpBB
- The Dude
- Posts: 8962
- Joined: Mon Mar 11, 2013 10:44 am
- Location: Feeling gravity's pull
Re: Swamp Travel Guide
1998 and 1999 count as recently to this old man. How was it? Were there any neighborhoods left that felt like they were two hundred years old?
And his one problem is he didn’t go to Russia that night because he had extracurricular activities, and they froze to death.