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Meander Ingwa

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Everything posted by Meander Ingwa

  1. the Mediterranean Inn by seattle center is popular . Four Points Sheiton at the Seattle Center is also better priced on todays prices compared. The Paramount and Hotel Max are also good choices and lower than the first two (todays rates) If you are part of a loyalty program you may get better rates
  2. with hard weather on the east coast, unfortunate short staffing by the federal authorities and high booking numbers it will be a challenging long week. I agree that Viking is the first stop for getting you to your destination. I find Google Flights to be a handy tool for knowing what possible flights meet your needs. Unfortunately last minute changes may mean that your time schedule gets very stretched out. There are not a lot of options when it comes to flying non-stop west to east and you lose so much time with the zone changes , naturally. With the issues that impacted travel this last week I certainly hope there is no issue for you, or at best Viking is well prepared to deal with the situation. There is nothing that you can do about the weather. I am not sure if there is value with talking to Viking and moving your depart one day to saturday to build in a safety day buffer. This is a key time to have baggage trackers in your suitcase ( tile or air tags)
  3. consider your route in your mind. Are you a sunrise or sunset person. I am an early bird and seeing the sun rise with a cup of coffee , in my room, sounds appealing.. Some might say the same about a nightcap. I think for sight viewing I would prefer to be in the public areas where I have larger windows, more comfort and wider vista. I think if your itinerary places you in warmer climates then the use of the balcony at certain times of day may drive that. When might you wish to use it, is it full sun? To me that would be unpleasant, others would love it.
  4. I seem to have spare charging cables in all of my suitcases. Every time you buy a device you get yet another cable, so some just live in my luggage. hygiene and toiletry consumables can be purchased in any port, indeed I would not pack them at all but buy in the embarkation port. Buys a little more in the luggage space. Unless you are super specific about a product you use it is easier to buy a full size product at your start point rather than pack them. Portable device charger for sure, particularly in cold regions where batteries drain faster. Extra image card for the camera. Extra batteries for the camera if they are rechargable and swapable.I find no end of use for zip lock bags and a small sandwich size box for day trips. They can really help organize the luggage and serve endlessly on port trips. Packing for home these boxes can be useful for transporting a fragile souvenir.
  5. Speaking generalities. Light are not constant, they are a gift from the sun and atmosphere. So simply random. Cloud cover will of course ruin the event. Clouds and fog more likely on marine locals. I have heard reports that some NL chases actually go all the way into Finland looking for open sky. Some people say the saw from boat. it is an adventure. It is lucky chance plus opportunity. I will likely join a chase
  6. Using a map app is a vital tool for any traveler. So many thing you can discover from route finding to restaurants and hotels, with reviews and links. Your possible route in Stockholm even includes times for busses. Discover how to use it by exploring your neighborhood. You can download and save maps so you don't even need Internet data access. After thinking it over, I think you can maximize your limited time my using taxi or ride hailing services. You may meet someone along your trip to share rides with
  7. I am a sweater junky. My rule, for a while, was that I had to get rid of one if I got a new one.
  8. I agree, if you are free to be a last minute traveler, which can mean 3 months out, you can find bargains. Cruise Plum can sort for single supplement deals on the large commercial lines. I am keeping my eye on trans Pacific and long repositioning cruises that I can grab last minute instead of planning 1 year ahead like I currently have done. In organized packages , like most cruises, it is hard to avoid single supplements. Sadly for the main line ships "singles" equal inside windowless cabins. There are lines who do have some reserved single rooms. Sadly, they are a little more spendy, but they see you. Tauck and Hebridian are ones that come to mind. I currently have a trip with Hebridian in the paper plan stage.
  9. I clicked thru randomly and see wagamamas does not list prices. Nandos does ( yummm Nandos) . I think their web site is making a corporate choice and no, it is not typical for the UK
  10. Cotswold is correct. Most airlines have shuffled around to make those who code share closer to each other. United is T2.
  11. I think the menu for the 5 Point tells you what you need to know. It is a Seattle Icon. Down to earth with no pretension to healthfulness. Anything fried made with lard or butter, yes please, they will taste awesome. If I could only eat one meal out, a good breakfast always makes me happy. Tilikum Place ( across the street to west) is also good, but a bit more upscale. The menu rotates and seating is limited Brunch on the weekend only no weekday Bfast They do have Dutch Babies which always makes me happy
  12. Asda and Tesco and Lidl for quick groceries, have not been impressed with the quality at Co-op though it is a fast option as well. These are usually my go to for tidbits that can go in to making a tasty picnic or noshing type meal with a glass of wine or beer. there are tons of informal eating places across the street in the mall area. Overall I usually use Google Maps to find places to eat. You can sort by cuisine and view reviews, web sites and menus . if you have any affection for trains, Isle of Wight uses old London Underground rolling stock for their local train. To me that is worth the journey itself. I would not miss a ramble around Salisbury. Brighton is so well known for its beachfront I would consider that a day away as well. They are also known for their Starling murmurations at the pier, though Summer it is less likely to see the massive flocks that create these. Agree with John Bull about the rail card, this is a situation where it may be of actual savings most of us cannot take advantage.
  13. I used Reykjavik Excursions for my needs. Flybus is the company that takes you to and from the airport. They with shuttle you to the central terminal and with your bags, whisk you to the international airport As a general rule you can get a lot of info about getting to and from airports on that airports web site. I found , overall , that the logistics of moving folks around was an A+++ experience in Iceland. Whenever I visit somewhere new, the airport web site is one of my first look-up references and for what to do... Did you know there is a Penis Museum? anyone interested in nature and biology might find that a quirky visit Also my favorite shop, the Icelandic Handknit association for wonderful handknit items at, what I thought, excellent prices
  14. Southbound Saturday and Sunday traffic to the airport is light. It is s favorable aspect of the weekends
  15. GYM haaa haaa haaa lol lol lol lol I am gym blind 🤪
  16. It is a 2 wheel roller with retractable handle. This was from the era before 4 wheels were common in their current line it is closest to the Expanse 2 wheel international model, It has no back pack conversion ability, and only a grip handle on the top and side. I have become pretty adept and pushing this nimble case in front of me while I pull my gear case ( about 35 to 40 pounds, behind me. I have never had occasion to use it along with my wheely beast
  17. For a developed area port walk, or a trip via bus to sites, a conventional bottle. It can be refilled if need be from a public water fountain or purchased bottle water. If it is a long trek, such as a hike in to see a water falls, Like I have done in central or south america, I will use my camelback. I am also likely carrying some of the other 10 essentials such as bug products, a small first aid kit rain poncho etc. My camelback is 2L If it is extraordinarily hot I might use it, then again wearing a backpack in such an environment in heat is not a positive. I think it is more about how available is water for refills since 1 L on a hot dry day does not go far
  18. wedged in between your trips ashore. Daly lectures on destination ; topics of interest about a wide range of subjects that makes your time on shore better. Free spa with sauna, cold plunge pool or snow room and hot pool, heated relaxing benches. Art with recorded tour including a lot of Norwegian history and culture. Live music soloists and combos in many areas. Library with games areas for interactive and solo games like chess cards, backgammon , jigsaw puzzles etc. Afternoon tea with cakes and sandwiches. Outdoor pool deck and a walking track. Game deck with putting green etc. Evening dancing in the lounge. Small passenger numbers which may make social interaction easier and ample areas for quiet time. Individual balcony for private escape. Only you know if quieter, less in your face environment is right for you
  19. I like my soft REI Wheely Beast for big journeys and my Eagle Creek for carry on. Most of the travel I do now is for sport competition and because I have to check my equipment I check my Eagle Creek as well. Both are amazing and sturdy and can hold a lot. The EC is at least 20 years old, the Wheely Beast about 15
  20. They use a comb and fire and just whip off the ends. Have never seen in person, only on film. Must smell a treat! But I would probably do it simply to say , I did it. I am a woman and have short care, I dont really fuss about these details. Hair grows back.
  21. I can echo what @martincath has said. Seattle has always had a core Asian population. With a huge rise of the tech and biotech industry it has become even more diverse. Seattle is a liberal city and I feel is welcome and open city . Because it has seen such a spike in prosperity, cost of living is high and that impacted many people, resulting in a rise in marginalized citizens. I live outside of Seattle and in my neighborhood I can quickly shop at Chinese , Vietnamese, Korean and Indian grocery stores. I dont have the stats as Martin does but all the same sentiments apply.
  22. Guild of Tour Guides I follow some Blue Badge guides on social media. Amazing folks https://britainsbestguides.org/
  23. @sandiego1 did you ever see any of those barbers that use fire to trim hair? THAT would be an adventure.
  24. are you asking about the dress code or the menu? The Restaurant, Chefs Table and Manfredis are under dress code, the other Wc and the smaller pool grill and Mamsens informal as you gathered. Enjoy your adventure
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