tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75955638445321251152024-02-20T03:12:20.783-08:00Cruising AltitudeVerb/Noun: 1- The height above mean sea level at which a plane travels in straight and level flight.
2- Ramblings on mileage run insanity & road warrior stories, told with a sense of adventure, a sense of style, and whenever possible....a sense of humor. CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-69669217694554293122018-11-21T07:14:00.000-08:002018-11-21T07:14:04.445-08:00Go West, My Friend.... (haven't you been told?)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yeah yeah, I know, cheap title. But it's been a long haul of trip planning (yes, pun very much intended), and I'm thrilled to be nearing the start of my next epic trip around the world. It seems like just yesterday I was blogging about the last one, but that's because real life slows my posting, and so it very nearly was. <br />
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In actuality, it's been quite awhile since I did my first and only real 'round the world' itinerary. It was amazing, exhausting, and all things in between. In any event, when <a href="https://track.flexlinkspro.com/a.ashx?foid=1092652.139519461&foc=1&fot=9999&fos=1" target="_blank">Qatar Airways</a> put on an even better sale this year, I couldn't say no. I mean it, I tried, but it didn't work and now in about a week I'm off to Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Doha again.<br />
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The flights are similar, but different. I've traded in some of the positioning for award tickets, and am connecting to Philly, not Boston, this time around. Sorry Beantown, I'll miss you. <br />
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For the details and such, check out the preview post over on <a href="http://www.altitudeconsulting.net/blog/2018/10/5/westward-bound" target="_blank">Altitude Consulting - Westward Bound.</a><br />
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Even better, I'm ending this week with a good old fashioned family Thanksgiving trip to Seattle. However, there will be no 'day before the holiday' panic travel for us. We're waiting a day to celebrate so we can fly in the Thanksgiving day lull. It's paid off too- all three of us have already cleared our upgrades for the outbound flight with seats to spare!<br />
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I'm ever thankful for family and friends.... and a little extra legroom. <br />
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~CruisingAltitude CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-63869784755946402912018-11-11T16:07:00.002-08:002018-11-11T16:07:44.814-08:00A Texas Toast.... also Doha..... <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First drink at the new Centurion. Also, a pumpkin. </td></tr>
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I'm currently sitting in the new Centurion Lounge in DFW (which I'll review shortly) and finishing up my trip report for my Business Class flight on Qatar from Doha to LAX, which you can <a href="http://www.altitudeconsulting.net/blog/2018/10/28/qatar-airways-business-class-doha-to-lax" target="_blank">READ ON ALTITUDE CONSULTING</a>!<br />
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It's been a lovely short stay with family in Dallas for the weekend, culminating in being a fully unimpressive 17th on the upgrade list for this flight back home. Needless to say, I'll be making myself comfortable in a bulkhead row of this 787-900. However, with my recent flights ranging from 10-17 hours, this doesn't seem to be much of a hardship. <br />
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Can't wait to start reviewing my next big adventure around the world in a few weeks! Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Doha here I come!<br />
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~Cruising Altitude<br />
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CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-29598297389036843782018-09-13T17:32:00.000-07:002018-09-13T17:32:06.057-07:00Yes This Is Real Life Part 12 -- The Bittersweet Flightpath<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Triple Window Envy</td></tr>
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** As with the rest, this is circa 2017 mileage running. More adventures to follow. <br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/06/mileage-run-preview-yes-this-is-real.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life- Preview</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-1-location.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 1- Location, Location, Location</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-2-brits-in.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 2- Brits In Beantown</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-3-shades-on.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 3 - Shades On, Wheels Up</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-4-welcome-to.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 4 - Welcome to Ghost Port</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/10/yes-this-is-real-life-part-5-when-you.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 5 - When You Layover During Ramadan</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/10/yes-this-is-real-life-part-6-birds-in.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 6 - Birds In Doha</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-7-dealing.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 7 - Dealing With Dragons</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-8-place-most_13.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 8 - A Place Most Exceedingly Rare</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-9-i-still.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 9- I Still Can't Believe This Is Real Life</a> <br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-10-royally.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 10- Royally Jordanian</a><br />
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<a href="https://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-11-up-all_31.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 11- Up All Night To Get Miles</a><br />
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And now, the conclusion...<br />
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Well friends, here we are. It's the last beautiful flight of the weekend and, though it's not destined to be my magical '100,000th mile' for the year, it's the last mileage run I'm likely to need since it drops me within 10,000 miles of my goal.<br />
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This Qatar air 777-200LR is the longest range aircraft currently taking to the skies. It's the same configuration they send on the 18 hour flight from Doha to Auckland, NZ, so there's no question it can handle this 'short' 15+ hr hop to Houston.<br />
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Though it's not their newest aircraft, it has become one of my favorite. The layout is 2-2-2 in business class, so technically not the 'all aisle access' selling point that's currently en-vogue, but most seats are on the aisles, and the window ones that aren't can easily step over even the fully reclined seat. Yes, soon these will be Q-Suites, but at this point let's enjoy what we have going for us.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big screen, plenty of storage... room for a pony.</td></tr>
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Why I love this plane so much is that the amount of personal space and leg room is truly obscene for a business class cabin. When the seat is in takeoff/landing position, my feet barely touch the ground. I feel like a kindergartener in a 'big kid chair,' and I could easily fit an emotional support pony between my toes and the seat in front of me.<br />
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As with all mid and long range Qatar Air flights, the meal service is as good as the hard product. It's so good that I've finally gotten to the point on these runs where I actually want the flight crew to watch me taking pictures of the service. My hope now is that one of them divines that I'm trying out a few options because I'm some kind of well respected travel blogger, and not just a crazy person who can't stop ordering food. Though, this argument might hold more weight if I didn't eat it all...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First meal...</td></tr>
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Though, the woman across the aisle ordered 3 servings of the pasta, so whatever. Airplanes are a judgement-free zone, just like it's always <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_140332790" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">5 o'clock</span></span> on airports. I don't know her life, she could have just ran an ultra-marathon in the desert or something. (Yeah, no, but still)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheese and a movie.</td></tr>
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Each business class seat has about three windows to itself, and it's a good thing too. This flight is simply beautiful. Daytime flights over unfamiliar parts of the world are worth every sleepless hour. Every few minutes I get distracted from my writing or watching by something that just needs to be stared at. There's desert, rows upon rows of mountains, and lakes the color of Caribbean coral. I'll say it again, 15 hours of this won't be enough.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I give you.... more of the world. </td></tr>
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This entire trip has been wonderful and strange, with all the uncertainty slowly working out and fading into yet another memorable adventure that I would do again in a heartbeat. It does take a bit of nerve to have plans changed at the last minute, and in countries I'd never been to. However, it's just one more benefit to spending so many hours with one airline alliance. Whether the treatment is overt or not, there's a sense that somehow they'll get you where you need to go. It might not be the original plans, but it literally comes full circle. <br />
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More than half of this trip was also solitary. Surrounded by people (except in the ghost town that was Doha) but still, I was probably left to my own thoughts entirely too much. This flight is no exception. There's no one in the seat next to me, or the two next to that. <br />
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Four nights, three hotels, 8 flights, and 6 airports later, I'm about to take my final rest before touchdown into Houston. Every time I manage to put a trip like this together, I have to remind myself to enjoy the moment, because the honest truth is I won't likely be able to do it again. Life changes, fares disappear, and the stars align differently each year in one way or another. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15 hrs, done and done.</td></tr>
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So, what did I take away from this weekend, aside from a hefty load of miles? On the serious side, a better understanding of middle east geography and politics. Given the way things felt on that first week of the blockade in Qatar, it's amazing it's ongoing, and much seems to be life as usual. <br />
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On the lighter side, Ramadan is a great time for hotel deals, if not for airport amenities. Oh, and that sign blocking the buffet in CMB means it's closed, please wait 5 minutes, you heathen. <br />
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It doesn't need to be said really that I enjoyed pretty well every jetlagged-insane hour of this thing. I arrived back to the US on schedule, and ready (kinda) to get back to real life. Maybe also a little ready to start planning the next one....which I did...<br />
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Next up, I think... the final weekend of the <a href="https://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-scandi-run-preview.html" target="_blank">Scandi Run,</a> plus a little detour back to Doha. You know, the usual. <br />
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Travel well, and may three windows be in your near future.<br />
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~CruisingAlitiudeCThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-62238382264825980132018-08-31T16:47:00.000-07:002018-08-31T16:47:42.628-07:00Yes This Is Real Life Part 11-- Up All Night To Get Miles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/06/mileage-run-preview-yes-this-is-real.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life- Preview</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-1-location.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 1- Location, Location, Location</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-2-brits-in.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 2- Brits In Beantown</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-3-shades-on.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 3 - Shades On, Wheels Up</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-4-welcome-to.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 4 - Welcome to Ghost Port</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/10/yes-this-is-real-life-part-5-when-you.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 5 - When You Layover During Ramadan</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/10/yes-this-is-real-life-part-6-birds-in.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 6 - Birds In Doha</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-7-dealing.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 7 - Dealing With Dragons</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-8-place-most_13.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 8 - A Place Most Exceedingly Rare</a><br /><br /><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-9-i-still.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 9- I Still Can't Believe This Is Real Life</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-10-royally.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 10- Royally Jordanian</a><br />
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(Fair warning- this post was written in real time... and now published much, much later. What follows is my ramblings from my third and final night in Doha after landing safely back from my tight turn in Amman. Consider it the companion piece to Birds In Doha, but one where I'm left to my own devices.)<br />
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Well, friends, it's come to this- I'm currently alone in yet another free Doha hotel room, listening to music on my phone, spinning in a hotel desk chair, making it a decent way through some room service wine at 2am, and texting my mileage buddies about the flags outside my room, and how much I love airplanes...and stuff...<br />
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As a caveat, when I go back over this entry in retrospect for editing purposes I will be tempted to delete much of it entirely, but then I'll hold back because the point of this blog is mileage running- the good, the bad, and the ugly, and the name of this run is literally 'yes, this is real life.'<br />
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4 more hours.... maybe I'll shower. 3 more hours... I guess I could re-organize my carry-on. 2 more hours...what to wear? One more hour....I should write all of this down. (I shouldn't)<br />
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So, how did we get to this moment?? Glad you asked.<br />
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I arrived back at the DOH airport yesterday afternoon after the quickest AMM turnaround in history to try my hand at sorting out QR's stopover accommodation voucher situation. I picked up my voucher on arrival, and was shown to the free shuttle, which turned out to be more or less the hotel van. Not fancy, but fine. The voucher included the transport and room, along with the equivalent of about US $80 for hotel food. This could be used at the hotel lobby restaurant, or yes... room service.<br />
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The hotel they're currently offering is the 'Oryx Rotana' which is a '5-star hotel' close-ish to the airport.<span class="m_-2008322717026541564Apple-converted-space"> </span>I'm putting the quotes there because once again- location, location.<span class="m_-2008322717026541564Apple-converted-space"> </span>Overall, it's a totally fine hotel.<span class="m_-2008322717026541564Apple-converted-space"> </span>On the level of a nicer Westin or Sheraton stateside, with a little extra Qatari bling.<span class="m_-2008322717026541564Apple-converted-space"> In this town, if we're being honest, this a 5-star hotel it doesn't make.</span><br />
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I got here on the early side, checked into my room, and promptly went to sleep.<span class="m_-2008322717026541564Apple-converted-space"> </span>Since it was 'night' for me until it was night here, I set an alarm for <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1815987273" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">10pm.</span></span><span class="m_-2008322717026541564Apple-converted-space"> </span>No pain, no gain.<span class="m_-2008322717026541564Apple-converted-space"> After that, it was time for a quick stop by the pool until it closed at 11 (every hotel seemed to have swimming lessons for the locals going on...wtf, anyway?), then a midnight dinner at the lobby restaurant, for free, of course.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free is my favorite number.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Fast forward to my last sunrise over Qatar, and it's time to go back to the airport.<span class="m_-2008322717026541564Apple-converted-space"> </span>As we ride in the shuttle, I contemplate if it's bad taste to try and yell up to the driver from the 5th row to please 'Stop At The First And Business Class' doors.<span class="m_-2008322717026541564Apple-converted-space"> </span>I decide it is about the time the guy in the second row does it for me.<span class="m_-2008322717026541564Apple-converted-space"> </span>Win.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seen around the DOH airport. What even is life at this point?</td></tr>
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A quick and painless check in later, and I'm back at the Al Majoran business class lounge for breakfast before boarding the final flight of the weekend. 16 hours more on Qatar's lovely planes is all I have left of this adventure. It's not going to be enough.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One more meal in Qatar for the year.</td></tr>
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In true form, it's another half empty widebody plane. No one next to me, so I have an embarrassing amount of space. My cabin bag essentially has it's own seat. We push back on time, roll the desert shore runway, and in a few minutes the last and most beautiful flight of the trip is underway. And that final post is up next.<br />
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~CruisingAltitude<br />
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Up Next: Yes, This Is Real Life Part 12: The Bittersweet FlightpathCThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-84894565047153282462018-07-24T10:01:00.003-07:002018-08-16T07:54:08.761-07:00Yes, This Is Real Life Part 10 - Royally Jordanian <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim55CUv7QB1vTPpl7OVB6Wf3HJmx71DJu756n8SCEPAYGW7A08vl09HicUFcBfbJgHowVo4Ug6XKrZ5fm-rjQDb3Mh44K5KeLJ0nxxf28dAo-81Yy8YcYAEiI99-YOQm1PkNCRwd2Ro0NY/s1600/IMG_6686+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim55CUv7QB1vTPpl7OVB6Wf3HJmx71DJu756n8SCEPAYGW7A08vl09HicUFcBfbJgHowVo4Ug6XKrZ5fm-rjQDb3Mh44K5KeLJ0nxxf28dAo-81Yy8YcYAEiI99-YOQm1PkNCRwd2Ro0NY/s400/IMG_6686+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/06/mileage-run-preview-yes-this-is-real.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life- Preview</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-1-location.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 1- Location, Location, Location</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-2-brits-in.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 2- Brits In Beantown</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-3-shades-on.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 3 - Shades On, Wheels Up</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-4-welcome-to.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 4 - Welcome to Ghost Port</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/10/yes-this-is-real-life-part-5-when-you.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 5 - When You Layover During Ramadan</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/10/yes-this-is-real-life-part-6-birds-in.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 6 - Birds In Doha</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-7-dealing.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 7 - Dealing With Dragons</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-8-place-most_13.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 8 - A Place Most Exceedingly Rare</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-9-i-still.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 9- I Still Can't Believe This Is Real Life</a> <br />
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This is not a post about flying Royal Jordanian. I have, to date, not flown Royal Jordanian. It is, however, a post about transiting their home airport of Amman, Jordan in all of 90 minutes, and I thought it a rather snappy title. <br />
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Even for me, this day of flying pushed the ridiculous. Now that I'd been re-routed, my layover was shorter and I literally flew the same plane in and out of Jordan right back to Doha. It was about a three hour flight each way. I had the same cabin crew, and even the same seat. You've just got to laugh sometimes. My flight attendant sure did. <br />
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So, here's how it went-<br />
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I left the lounge, and boarded on time for AMM. They fly a a330 between these cities, which is still definitely a widebody plane, but not as big as the 777 or the 350. The seats are lie flat, but not nearly as spacious as the 777 seats, or the 350 seats. It's still fantastically comfortable for this length of flight, and would be fine for an overnight as well. The cabin is laid out in a 2-2-2 configuration, so the window seats don't have aisle access. Once again, I had no one next to me. <br />
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Instead of a pre departure beverage, since it was Ramadan and they weren't serving alcohol on any planes flying soley between middle eastern destinations, the cabin crew came around to offer coffee and dates while the rest of the flight boarded. They did serve a meal on the flight, but also offered a boxed meal to go to passengers observing the holy month. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedMNVrqAnAI462QPCyMP7wSP8as-KQPr6dnWANBH_soGjDoDCb78y74oztipPxY4tb-i8CC-M0cwCwy2LHPaHPBXxSM5NA3mSG1XfaBQMpn6lXVngl3MxUc5p9PDWa-2xcyG9XLbuVfWr/s1600/IMG_6679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgedMNVrqAnAI462QPCyMP7wSP8as-KQPr6dnWANBH_soGjDoDCb78y74oztipPxY4tb-i8CC-M0cwCwy2LHPaHPBXxSM5NA3mSG1XfaBQMpn6lXVngl3MxUc5p9PDWa-2xcyG9XLbuVfWr/s400/IMG_6679.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Regional amenity kit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I ordered the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ful_medames" target="_blank">ful medames</a> (quickly becoming my local go-to, the same way I always grab a bowl of congee in Asia) and pita as a snack, and kicked back to watch the IFE and doze a bit. The flight went quickly, and we arrived on time to AMM. Here's where the fun started. <br />
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Now, I've done several transfers between itineraries like this, where you can't check in for your onward flight until you get on the ground at the destination, and so you don't have a boarding pass to clear transfer immigration. The most hair raising example of this was definitely going through Jakarta, an experience I'd prefer not to repeat...but if I'm honest...I probably will at some point. <br />
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I had asked if I could get my AMM-DOH boarding pass on leaving DOH, but since the itinerary was technically a separate one way ticket AMM-DOH-IAH, they couldn't print it. They did, however, print me the read out of the booking details so I had that to hand over in AMM. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zHLByhhNrWoePf7TESaQiZzdmCgED6S_d5YHAkjx69DvNbWb2oKxMUJKeLYoySK-vid9sd1VYONDtWH6QXmBQolFhwxAd3KwChn1_4VX922HHaEg2b3mF4dp2BD6G_apvntqBuJNpBW3/s1600/IMG_6688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8zHLByhhNrWoePf7TESaQiZzdmCgED6S_d5YHAkjx69DvNbWb2oKxMUJKeLYoySK-vid9sd1VYONDtWH6QXmBQolFhwxAd3KwChn1_4VX922HHaEg2b3mF4dp2BD6G_apvntqBuJNpBW3/s400/IMG_6688.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waaaaiiiittting to get my passport back</td></tr>
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The transfer desk/area doesn't have a Qatar agent at it, and so I had to hand over my passport to an airport employee who then left to go down to the ticketing desks to procure my boarding pass. This is simply never a good feeling, but is unfortunately how it's done many places. I had to wait 30+ minutes for him to return, all the while staring out the window at the plane I arrived on, and was scheduled to depart on shortly. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSYXUTaV4B9YhvnFo8iUNRMs1Oiud2AwPeuEQUyj6dEvO0IAwVphGt9UEjBnqqmvDGuQp5e358mIPGlqPDcWKxYx0se_gk9hWxS6_WcTWy736mVp6AoEIZzH1x07298V6IsY3ZOQ2Hn95/s1600/IMG_6687+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSYXUTaV4B9YhvnFo8iUNRMs1Oiud2AwPeuEQUyj6dEvO0IAwVphGt9UEjBnqqmvDGuQp5e358mIPGlqPDcWKxYx0se_gk9hWxS6_WcTWy736mVp6AoEIZzH1x07298V6IsY3ZOQ2Hn95/s400/IMG_6687+%25281%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally made it back upstairs- AMM Airport</td></tr>
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The total transfer time I had available was only 90 minutes, so by the time I cleared security and was sent back to the departures level, I just headed back to the plane and boarded a few minutes later. This was quite entertaining to my flight crew, especially as I was in the exact same seat as before. <br />
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It went something like this:<br />
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FA: Welcome, boarding pa... Oh, it's you again!<br />
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Me: Um, yep. Again.<br />
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FA: Seat?<br />
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Me: 4F, again, apparently. <br />
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FA: (Laughs) You missed us?<br />
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Me: It's a long story...<br />
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On arrival back at DOH, I took a few minutes to check out the arrivals lounge, simply because I hadn't been before and I'd gotten in earlier than the prior two days. It's reserved for business and first class arriving passengers, and is located past security. There's a made to order menu, not as extensive as the airside lounges, but plenty of options, as well as drinks, places to relax, and showers. I didn't spend too long, just enough to get a look around. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoEqeq14YvCPqqeKRLvVzmryerOZXcinkg1NqOkCy4_BBvcX-HmiZ3PcwGG-8ich5UYzkQuiYd033NVS_Sbez0jRJC4pYygsVPolCp8W-8z6iiX_cYhOBMhQSkILy0cUrbnFOIHC0JTeE/s1600/IMG_6694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoEqeq14YvCPqqeKRLvVzmryerOZXcinkg1NqOkCy4_BBvcX-HmiZ3PcwGG-8ich5UYzkQuiYd033NVS_Sbez0jRJC4pYygsVPolCp8W-8z6iiX_cYhOBMhQSkILy0cUrbnFOIHC0JTeE/s400/IMG_6694.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrivals lounge seating</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxq6BkdWPLI23p_xoFMDa8wmZX5Om1jtl0R0RfEhQm2uTFt6LLBgm7misF8BaN0XOZTlEOZrYh3-LYoVJGchx50M93U4CNgiuXLRqnRQbCYWXPjGr7PdabJbTVtsL7rFhAmbyhgfI8syOq/s1600/IMG_6697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxq6BkdWPLI23p_xoFMDa8wmZX5Om1jtl0R0RfEhQm2uTFt6LLBgm7misF8BaN0XOZTlEOZrYh3-LYoVJGchx50M93U4CNgiuXLRqnRQbCYWXPjGr7PdabJbTVtsL7rFhAmbyhgfI8syOq/s400/IMG_6697.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Menu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since I also had the 'stopover package' for this night, I'd stopped and been given my hotel and meal voucher, as well as my info for the free shuttle before clearing immigration. As seemed to be the most common set up, I'd been given a night at the <a href="https://www.rotana.com/rotanahotelandresorts/qatar/doha/oryxrotana" target="_blank">Oryx Rotana</a> hotel, which while not the Ritz, is still quite a nice hotel to have for free. It's not in the main part of town, or up by the Pearl, but since it caters to one night stopovers that's no big issue. <br />
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After a short shuttle ride, I was checking in to my third and final hotel of the weekend. How the last night went, is coming up.</div>
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~CruisingAltitude</div>
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-11-up-all.html" target="_blank">Read next: Yes, This Is Real Life Part 11: Up All Night To Get Miles</a></div>
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<br />CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-32723623812287282852018-07-19T16:38:00.001-07:002018-07-24T10:02:14.812-07:00Yes, This Is Real Life Part 9- I Still Can't Believe This Is Real Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bVWmHupULt5kM1pAEwqFDpftyq4q_SWOKGrEtqry5-_kiQKOg9L9CH-hjzf9MV5lDYWOIIm3G07w3qamUhFFfN0JmFMc6Ynn0VLFXwwGDvQGdrZ8NDa4U72ap4muxrEXRAWWtfSpTS_i/s1600/IMG_6601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bVWmHupULt5kM1pAEwqFDpftyq4q_SWOKGrEtqry5-_kiQKOg9L9CH-hjzf9MV5lDYWOIIm3G07w3qamUhFFfN0JmFMc6Ynn0VLFXwwGDvQGdrZ8NDa4U72ap4muxrEXRAWWtfSpTS_i/s400/IMG_6601.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span class="m_1376237773896287805s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This post will include some ramblings about the meaning and strangeness of life, as well as about 1.6 million pictures of fancy things only nitpicking travel geeks care about. You have been warned.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/06/mileage-run-preview-yes-this-is-real.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life- Preview</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-1-location.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 1- Location, Location, Location</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-2-brits-in.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 2- Brits In Beantown</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-3-shades-on.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 3 - Shades On, Wheels Up</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-4-welcome-to.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 4 - Welcome to Ghost Port</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/10/yes-this-is-real-life-part-5-when-you.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 5 - When You Layover During Ramadan</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/10/yes-this-is-real-life-part-6-birds-in.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 6 - Birds In Doha</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-7-dealing.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 7 - Dealing With Dragons</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-8-place-most_13.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 8 - A Place Most Exceedingly Rare</a><br />
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On arrival from my return flight from Colombo, I headed to the Ritz Carlton Doha. For free. Yes, free. As promised, here's where I reveal the added benefits of mileage running through Doha, especially with the blockade, especially in the summer. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wdVkw6YHPXSIE4eeg4czbjIYFVqzLjMIQtqjEpGekK8Vmcx4M9O8r3blBqDlydjh7-GbhUtDKZws0l0kKT8lAGlX4Yl3OgZDsCVJX_HGCV_DPBHh8IljC3sSs6nkgQXBwkU7t70vy2lX/s1600/IMG_6592+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1wdVkw6YHPXSIE4eeg4czbjIYFVqzLjMIQtqjEpGekK8Vmcx4M9O8r3blBqDlydjh7-GbhUtDKZws0l0kKT8lAGlX4Yl3OgZDsCVJX_HGCV_DPBHh8IljC3sSs6nkgQXBwkU7t70vy2lX/s400/IMG_6592+%25281%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span class="m_1376237773896287805s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On this trip I was being way more strict with myself than usual about trying to keep on my home timezone.<span class="m_1376237773896287805Apple-converted-space"> </span>This basically meant staying up all night, and sleeping on the flights during the day.<span class="m_1376237773896287805Apple-converted-space"> </span>This works though because Doha in the summer, with of without Ramadan, is better at night.<span class="m_1376237773896287805Apple-converted-space"> </span>Plus, so far the nights have been short due to early morning onward travel. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRe3EIohgp0wQo6AO14NXxdhzSPgzl7R-Nxn39H2zFpg2B6eiglnVYnpRO1kPcffwXTnutGZFskQUpxIn6N9C6YsO0-djDg6HIM0Fa3rwSvfQ9KmVOrFHA88SQBfe-U1ZqR00jhAnVN3S/s1600/IMG_6584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRe3EIohgp0wQo6AO14NXxdhzSPgzl7R-Nxn39H2zFpg2B6eiglnVYnpRO1kPcffwXTnutGZFskQUpxIn6N9C6YsO0-djDg6HIM0Fa3rwSvfQ9KmVOrFHA88SQBfe-U1ZqR00jhAnVN3S/s400/IMG_6584.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And so what better place to be up all night in....than a nice room at the Ritz?? When planning this trip, I found the then new +Qatar offer to be very easy to use. You just put in your travel info, apply for the visa, and pick your free hotel. Done and done. At the time, the Ritz was included as an option for Business and First class passengers. I did a check again recently though, and it's no longer there. The sadness....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEtSF2pcuIue7A8wS0iDaQOH6DjmZxvwiBRp0MTI5WEneeDkD0CMYgzeOw6i4R2IKmQDyt_kveS9Zhi_BX0R4Vo2pkxaUS-fBCPD84YhsZMJoG7hc70z7GuZ-otm2x7wMWHjC4VGiWR0o/s1600/IMG_6588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEtSF2pcuIue7A8wS0iDaQOH6DjmZxvwiBRp0MTI5WEneeDkD0CMYgzeOw6i4R2IKmQDyt_kveS9Zhi_BX0R4Vo2pkxaUS-fBCPD84YhsZMJoG7hc70z7GuZ-otm2x7wMWHjC4VGiWR0o/s400/IMG_6588.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The hotel, like everything else in the city, was quiet....too quiet... I don't think I ever saw another guest. Granted, I was only there for one short-ish night, but still. Since things like the pool and gym were closed when I arrived late, I headed to my room to relax. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFb_M0iuH2opytVWopxptQ_ZcdspKZn7TfIIgNGumgZS-gGoFBeAS1QedNNaAynzRrUcReYf3UxHuGcuCRN0dzZV4_5TgjhAwR_M7ZfZ0H7Bz2GcGTp-nF_kZqCS5wX41VT4xAgqeWv8K2/s1600/IMG_6548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFb_M0iuH2opytVWopxptQ_ZcdspKZn7TfIIgNGumgZS-gGoFBeAS1QedNNaAynzRrUcReYf3UxHuGcuCRN0dzZV4_5TgjhAwR_M7ZfZ0H7Bz2GcGTp-nF_kZqCS5wX41VT4xAgqeWv8K2/s400/IMG_6548.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUqeTCDaWL6Cl_jEGfCMvfmNMhL8ssCPPtRu0drtffg8popBv3RZ7fGLNtQF1MfPf4BQVctsJF0GXvZmeROJP4Q32BHUjo8hczbGYznfiBqimdPqavhmaUlIcn9ijGfV1uvPf4V6LSImP/s1600/IMG_6549+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUqeTCDaWL6Cl_jEGfCMvfmNMhL8ssCPPtRu0drtffg8popBv3RZ7fGLNtQF1MfPf4BQVctsJF0GXvZmeROJP4Q32BHUjo8hczbGYznfiBqimdPqavhmaUlIcn9ijGfV1uvPf4V6LSImP/s400/IMG_6549+%25281%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmFKFaUr8VecywvKLUNAG80ANu09EtNaTxgWcQ7eCeqsmySuK_Qhpg0A5J62xWfShGwLCm3mg1ZJ__1SCdlAT3W4UudA-PdnGcROixIO2dO-jzFads2j5EsDkMLpZ_EWgpij6stVSvoyM/s1600/IMG_6547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmFKFaUr8VecywvKLUNAG80ANu09EtNaTxgWcQ7eCeqsmySuK_Qhpg0A5J62xWfShGwLCm3mg1ZJ__1SCdlAT3W4UudA-PdnGcROixIO2dO-jzFads2j5EsDkMLpZ_EWgpij6stVSvoyM/s400/IMG_6547.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Even better, my room was on a high floor facing the water, and as you might expect, wonderfully comfortable, from the huge bathroom, to the curved flatscreen TV, to the balcony. The hotel is advertised as being on a 'private island' which technically, I suppose it is. However, we're not talking Gilligan's Island here, more a man-made chunk of land surrounded by other man-made land and a marina. You do have to take a bridge to get there though, so I'll give it to them on a technicality. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This wouldn't fit in my suitcase...sadly. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexqIudhLoDlFZ4JQj26P_3t-UnMpxkxm2iLEpvRM4jS2RCrFnERAgfHtWjLHtzI8f5WUf8C-JSpkvbeKkdDpIMW7YMygA-x4wcU95hJDGELm1a7R3jNYUGBTPCc7hl74Ch64f_7gonNjD/s1600/IMG_6558+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexqIudhLoDlFZ4JQj26P_3t-UnMpxkxm2iLEpvRM4jS2RCrFnERAgfHtWjLHtzI8f5WUf8C-JSpkvbeKkdDpIMW7YMygA-x4wcU95hJDGELm1a7R3jNYUGBTPCc7hl74Ch64f_7gonNjD/s400/IMG_6558+%25281%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Honestly, neither would this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The balcony was the perfect place to watch the sun finally rise for the second time on this trip. There are some things I'll never forget. This was one of them. Since it was well over 100F every day, the early dawn hours were the most comfortable of the day, and before sunrise, the strict Ramadan rules were lifted. By 3:30 am people were out on the water.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhietBdywX24srDNsD4P76epRg2cN0YiPOwz55R_pHLkPCgYJ3FUtTtefSvZM8r93n5fBa74yrOS8YG_AQ5JRfYmtVRLYhtbsZW2RZ3-E-GA0Mq2O6vP8UzTCzo2TGyzBZ-TBhi32b68bdq/s1600/IMG_6562.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhietBdywX24srDNsD4P76epRg2cN0YiPOwz55R_pHLkPCgYJ3FUtTtefSvZM8r93n5fBa74yrOS8YG_AQ5JRfYmtVRLYhtbsZW2RZ3-E-GA0Mq2O6vP8UzTCzo2TGyzBZ-TBhi32b68bdq/s400/IMG_6562.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4am...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZsg08sNXUcXK0v1hY3FP5TRF-44BLyY9tFa0ShiQhjQYAcd06y5KxaCNDFOiqImMWi2nIp2QYzeXhNAgRKI1mmQJacQIUZDb9ZqCeMFHYMxmvQ5kx3E2tW8lN44zkmsAjeNhbHJj1vVQ/s1600/IMG_6564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZsg08sNXUcXK0v1hY3FP5TRF-44BLyY9tFa0ShiQhjQYAcd06y5KxaCNDFOiqImMWi2nIp2QYzeXhNAgRKI1mmQJacQIUZDb9ZqCeMFHYMxmvQ5kx3E2tW8lN44zkmsAjeNhbHJj1vVQ/s400/IMG_6564.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4:30am....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzMwDQFVLmhDP7OijsTwMHMIQ18Km7zMnMpAXZRUUqeOFvs77mm7EOHBE6l8NzumX4MuSAAkHVzDF2O3zM4V4tdSi3P3hDHcH_gPNsJqa5tjKDFi6qrBqZtMEgLrUjGt_n5wlpuVDVly8/s1600/IMG_6573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixzMwDQFVLmhDP7OijsTwMHMIQ18Km7zMnMpAXZRUUqeOFvs77mm7EOHBE6l8NzumX4MuSAAkHVzDF2O3zM4V4tdSi3P3hDHcH_gPNsJqa5tjKDFi6qrBqZtMEgLrUjGt_n5wlpuVDVly8/s400/IMG_6573.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5am....Airport time! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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With the summer sun up, and the desert starting to heat up again, it was time to head back to the airport. This was probably my most anticipated arrival at the airport of all my trips, because on certain intra-Mideast flights Qatar sells its business class as 1st class. This means you're entitled to all the extra perks of a 'real' first class ticket, and in Doha, this means a lot!</div>
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As discussed earlier, my ticket to Cairo had unexpectedly become my ticket to Amman, Jordan. Right, then, whatever. I did want to at least say I'd been to Egypt, but I suppose I hadn't been to Jordan either, so fair play. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIZ0DzohejsNwamdv48Wg-sO3Riii8BaQmBPWZKIusj_Ia4AmM0I2GtXAoPG3q4P2usKLB9BpVDDP5VcpWV6769_4VnjEaiVG6P9pc6G6TdUYkv8hTI0wUErwFV0p9iygBsiTbuj4VCr2/s1600/IMG_6481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIZ0DzohejsNwamdv48Wg-sO3Riii8BaQmBPWZKIusj_Ia4AmM0I2GtXAoPG3q4P2usKLB9BpVDDP5VcpWV6769_4VnjEaiVG6P9pc6G6TdUYkv8hTI0wUErwFV0p9iygBsiTbuj4VCr2/s400/IMG_6481.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What you see when you step inside the doors to first class check in at DOH airport. This level of service is almost intimidating.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I arrived via Uber back at the airport and was escorted to the private first class check in. It's through the same doors as business class, but then you go to the right and are immediately met by an attendant who takes your luggage for you, and actual check in is done in private lounge areas. There are absolutely no lines here. After that, you get a designated first class security screening, and arrive directly to the first class lounge. Niiiiiice. Another life goal complete. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgil7T4-YewZfyKT_YQPh4rN-NkgFMENKqc-5PhpdSZNDqWEy2AQ9PXvNqPczhf-ctUgDqMC7OuV3Hsc2fuJMZcfVI4jwB29pLOk7WzEAMbCE0zmseS2wtYNrllExICwqBf-xrDSaUitJUh/s1600/IMG_6614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgil7T4-YewZfyKT_YQPh4rN-NkgFMENKqc-5PhpdSZNDqWEy2AQ9PXvNqPczhf-ctUgDqMC7OuV3Hsc2fuJMZcfVI4jwB29pLOk7WzEAMbCE0zmseS2wtYNrllExICwqBf-xrDSaUitJUh/s400/IMG_6614.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have a seat, get checked in for your flight today.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcqUvqyhC4zHN9izgfFsL3fdl_8OemSzaSW1tLFcCXSB2cuwIpL6id5ferjGKxEYCJzsPYPwbhiZMnHDMRKJtGptdE1IugO4BMZjU_UfxQu1sGHTX2rt6u9p-ON4myTqRwX3IIn25T-DQ/s1600/IMG_6620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcqUvqyhC4zHN9izgfFsL3fdl_8OemSzaSW1tLFcCXSB2cuwIpL6id5ferjGKxEYCJzsPYPwbhiZMnHDMRKJtGptdE1IugO4BMZjU_UfxQu1sGHTX2rt6u9p-ON4myTqRwX3IIn25T-DQ/s400/IMG_6620.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This way!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was through in a matter of minutes, and into a lounge completely unlike any I'd been in before. It feels like a private museum of some kind, but huge, with insanely high ceilings and wide corridors. Most airport lounges are anticipating....well...passengers. Usually lots and lots of them throughout the day. This place is like a sanctuary, especially on this particular weekend. As I move through, there are definitely people there, but not many, and the architecture spreads people out, so nothing looks full. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HeV57p3rKwOPKlDQxfrUFJb1H1aaOJhT89zhhgJngMvoDZTxpgLhR14qhCjNmG5gH6EKAaxMd8zkGgvAFqmEct9Mh0hIE0C33uNcU-J-VKk8m968LbPtxWQ_O9gmywWsE0C-qrH9bTGb/s1600/IMG_6656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HeV57p3rKwOPKlDQxfrUFJb1H1aaOJhT89zhhgJngMvoDZTxpgLhR14qhCjNmG5gH6EKAaxMd8zkGgvAFqmEct9Mh0hIE0C33uNcU-J-VKk8m968LbPtxWQ_O9gmywWsE0C-qrH9bTGb/s400/IMG_6656.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rpFT1EIOQmZzw1yU7FTqgFQeUjBP8KT1L1NbZWjvgm_F_0bhl364y29R8IDQXYgRQ_wbZ3s_YdjwtgUGwJDrjLLyAZcExCavlX8-7gbarvqYDTZTnOKnCA1JQnWY4VeE64535I9sPtV2/s1600/IMG_6646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2rpFT1EIOQmZzw1yU7FTqgFQeUjBP8KT1L1NbZWjvgm_F_0bhl364y29R8IDQXYgRQ_wbZ3s_YdjwtgUGwJDrjLLyAZcExCavlX8-7gbarvqYDTZTnOKnCA1JQnWY4VeE64535I9sPtV2/s400/IMG_6646.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEQ-Omz0MLvvHOCANe1rNqCHWwCsVBGGqJ-Dkfwmh6DbBcDtnmH9PYsotXvXtKO9nlnAxxaPJL4LgRkGgwvlyYDjz1hoGoHE03H4855qIsj1uNqvIVmJzxMJGaiDiDnyw-dXMkHaWOPhB/s1600/IMG_6623+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFEQ-Omz0MLvvHOCANe1rNqCHWwCsVBGGqJ-Dkfwmh6DbBcDtnmH9PYsotXvXtKO9nlnAxxaPJL4LgRkGgwvlyYDjz1hoGoHE03H4855qIsj1uNqvIVmJzxMJGaiDiDnyw-dXMkHaWOPhB/s400/IMG_6623+%25281%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I honestly am still not over how simply huge the floorplan for this place is. There are entire airports who's terminals aren't this big, and remember that DOH also has a massive business class lounge, an independent Oryx lounge, and two (not great) Oneworld lounges all serving the same airline's passengers. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMbQFlX7-YPQ6of9zx8oRYBoloiTryS3nK6_yTqpWV1HWfOwDOycnyAJAzSwVl_M3YYGU3hbI0XLxk0ciPqUIQM8Jx9bJ2qaqbb7ISRX0fPyluj6lvh3RS0KCWtMAzr9zKNhePw4sEwd6/s1600/IMG_6626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMbQFlX7-YPQ6of9zx8oRYBoloiTryS3nK6_yTqpWV1HWfOwDOycnyAJAzSwVl_M3YYGU3hbI0XLxk0ciPqUIQM8Jx9bJ2qaqbb7ISRX0fPyluj6lvh3RS0KCWtMAzr9zKNhePw4sEwd6/s400/IMG_6626.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Yes, that's a 20 foot water feature right in the middle of the main hallway. What's more, it's nearly silent, with the water slipping quietly from the center....and this place is so quiet, you can hear it. Footsteps echo, chatter is muted, I feel like I'm in airport church.<br />
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Now that I've gone off the deep end over the basics, lets talk about some of the insane amenities. There's a spa, showers, bar, full service restaurant, the works. I wandered around and new things just kept showing up. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-QkpLMdoYoa_R9VQnuv-KoLWxg-Jpgd4GjiOg91Apof-IKbWC8FKwScPRwptwIi4MhGFKD25QAkiplvvxlA8GSpKbl2IThlGoG223249blQwKJijJURAWzkUgvwACAZxLUDi3tElGmbI/s1600/IMG_6649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd-QkpLMdoYoa_R9VQnuv-KoLWxg-Jpgd4GjiOg91Apof-IKbWC8FKwScPRwptwIi4MhGFKD25QAkiplvvxlA8GSpKbl2IThlGoG223249blQwKJijJURAWzkUgvwACAZxLUDi3tElGmbI/s400/IMG_6649.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Private Duty Free</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWjMYSSRJ6HJsMtTt3vl66c5DzThYn3QEBB6mkgSkHr6ZLYzZpOh-B0brL30A9qpJgC1VzId6L8gclUFNFZs3lOAzn4MfERTiXGpUkqPfLI__P2AISqD6DdUagI0yO-V9yg1ULFDI1Ir0/s1600/IMG_6653.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWjMYSSRJ6HJsMtTt3vl66c5DzThYn3QEBB6mkgSkHr6ZLYzZpOh-B0brL30A9qpJgC1VzId6L8gclUFNFZs3lOAzn4MfERTiXGpUkqPfLI__P2AISqD6DdUagI0yO-V9yg1ULFDI1Ir0/s400/IMG_6653.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/05/havana-running-part-8-searching.html" target="_blank">Hey, I remember those from Havana</a>. I'm sure they cost more here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's a dedicated duty free shop in case, you know, you need to buy some Cuban cigars.... or a $10,000 diamond necklace, right there, before your flight, and you can't bare anyone else to be around.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xuRXktk2vRpeGdMuDROv19jLm87hOMk63_lZZSXEMBu-8sSS4q8T6XGfn5BpeJMnfPBxMK9nN2dUOePhVrCDqUetSEk9SYcwb00VQqvIyxRKJd8SWOBE_Mxxp9CEIlK3vN-yO8hynTdQ/s1600/IMG_6667+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xuRXktk2vRpeGdMuDROv19jLm87hOMk63_lZZSXEMBu-8sSS4q8T6XGfn5BpeJMnfPBxMK9nN2dUOePhVrCDqUetSEk9SYcwb00VQqvIyxRKJd8SWOBE_Mxxp9CEIlK3vN-yO8hynTdQ/s400/IMG_6667+%25281%2529.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Family room"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are also several large 'family rooms' with their own couches and TVs....several. None were being used. <br />
<br />
And speaking of family amenities, there's the most expansive kids' zone I've ever seen in an airport, bar none. It's equipped with a full classroom sized play area, and a game room with multiple consoles....and an F1 car mock up & game. Wow. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosVM7uRfPMHD4HMEZIulJGrsChX-vOKIUjuROgeU4nf7kpzwdCHXpHLZQRMrrsJAeG_G8MK8TVMfqtModZ41CnEvy3aHnUf7mFzK4KDthj51ddDKODE5iJ3kyowqTrO-q8YBjDA_dOTnt/s1600/IMG_6661+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjosVM7uRfPMHD4HMEZIulJGrsChX-vOKIUjuROgeU4nf7kpzwdCHXpHLZQRMrrsJAeG_G8MK8TVMfqtModZ41CnEvy3aHnUf7mFzK4KDthj51ddDKODE5iJ3kyowqTrO-q8YBjDA_dOTnt/s400/IMG_6661+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids' space</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6B_6gdZoupQPnJdwLyEZqkO8A19WpsKiB8Iii5v68mZjbvJdEdVYmgnH9u1vSohSU08ZQrdUL7IuV0GcLFlWcVf2gT_3EFlD7ysHwZUAPFN9pBN4ZGvL_h5OMGjr1xd1VaW0sYI-OyF42/s1600/IMG_6662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6B_6gdZoupQPnJdwLyEZqkO8A19WpsKiB8Iii5v68mZjbvJdEdVYmgnH9u1vSohSU08ZQrdUL7IuV0GcLFlWcVf2gT_3EFlD7ysHwZUAPFN9pBN4ZGvL_h5OMGjr1xd1VaW0sYI-OyF42/s400/IMG_6662.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lucky kids...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzeZV-jf8HDvUwYyVas_7SMvimP5EDd0sp4tBJcV5H4HdhXfqkN1-fcHoO0buFLJ5WZZOj_ukRcGkJzFGPpCRNdUUgDlYQXOruBHWBxTMs41oPSAm0uMMKbQU_BqcGvBfRrKIN3-xtlkH/s1600/IMG_6663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzeZV-jf8HDvUwYyVas_7SMvimP5EDd0sp4tBJcV5H4HdhXfqkN1-fcHoO0buFLJ5WZZOj_ukRcGkJzFGPpCRNdUUgDlYQXOruBHWBxTMs41oPSAm0uMMKbQU_BqcGvBfRrKIN3-xtlkH/s400/IMG_6663.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....Seriously, so lucky.</td></tr>
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It was on this wandering that I stumbled upon a buffet and extra dining room that appeared to be just for.... pastries??? You do you, Qatar, but.... damn.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJfAByYMzylLKdo4oB7qJ3OtWsfCB7CqbDRN3EWxxIFnwtXYnPVPdDlQ_Oj4VLyQ9ek_0u9HctkV85-gGaZXz8jU718hMgYthlXcXibWsM7A11G6oBsR-mitTX73sc-vM6aDnHoCtXnQy/s1600/IMG_6642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJfAByYMzylLKdo4oB7qJ3OtWsfCB7CqbDRN3EWxxIFnwtXYnPVPdDlQ_Oj4VLyQ9ek_0u9HctkV85-gGaZXz8jU718hMgYthlXcXibWsM7A11G6oBsR-mitTX73sc-vM6aDnHoCtXnQy/s320/IMG_6642.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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As for the food and drink, there are several areas with buffets, but the smart choice is to get a table in the restaurant area and order from the full menu. Once again, I was the only one, and had about 3 wait staff looking on. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIztp7PLgOakMIqWYjMJr9UHvxd9dmy7J45ZwZF3KMOvUfweGYu7PvYij1UyXFmynizUZO13RGff_SdO7JjBoEVzbMA6yVy9NZvhTjI0p9Ex3Mqk60-GVyE2LVFwjVhewuinRZ3LjkIdV6/s1600/IMG_6631+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIztp7PLgOakMIqWYjMJr9UHvxd9dmy7J45ZwZF3KMOvUfweGYu7PvYij1UyXFmynizUZO13RGff_SdO7JjBoEVzbMA6yVy9NZvhTjI0p9Ex3Mqk60-GVyE2LVFwjVhewuinRZ3LjkIdV6/s400/IMG_6631+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wT0Tf795BxDJZTPHBGJGHpPF3DOLvEOUq42LdECQBXaSGet225NW9e-1Asqu7DYI1yN6eMk3xZn9h_xN8Xj8dDK9pcinU1pQI8fdezqHszdi81cn__8n0nzhTmcfJSwqEaTvefWNRR3K/s1600/IMG_6641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wT0Tf795BxDJZTPHBGJGHpPF3DOLvEOUq42LdECQBXaSGet225NW9e-1Asqu7DYI1yN6eMk3xZn9h_xN8Xj8dDK9pcinU1pQI8fdezqHszdi81cn__8n0nzhTmcfJSwqEaTvefWNRR3K/s400/IMG_6641.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzHIa-kM1XHdbXqz_fys_qyZmtcStX1sYzxWn6YbeVjn7FahWbiRQniMBirFwkzAgSTE7KGyQpGLsItNOugFcHDpRMJHi95O1Kzpj0N0y-9O2bPSbbNBB00WZd5JHHRMADs5KO43doFTH/s1600/IMG_6629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzHIa-kM1XHdbXqz_fys_qyZmtcStX1sYzxWn6YbeVjn7FahWbiRQniMBirFwkzAgSTE7KGyQpGLsItNOugFcHDpRMJHi95O1Kzpj0N0y-9O2bPSbbNBB00WZd5JHHRMADs5KO43doFTH/s400/IMG_6629.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I had some lovely strong tea, eggs benedict, and fruit. Everything was great, as was the view, which one of my many waiters nicely procured for me by pulling back the blinds by my table. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNsSUeiEc68ZiMNn3mKLdt0hiMvTepUHwGtJQoi1h2Ad8Fxz3tLU3vs4SQQ4OdlFYFI1G_DscrApX5napVnyEySEchIyl6u1r2wrbiRv46vsOQ3fgEt6iFF2CcQzd-dnFUvCJN_9y0viU/s1600/IMG_6633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNsSUeiEc68ZiMNn3mKLdt0hiMvTepUHwGtJQoi1h2Ad8Fxz3tLU3vs4SQQ4OdlFYFI1G_DscrApX5napVnyEySEchIyl6u1r2wrbiRv46vsOQ3fgEt6iFF2CcQzd-dnFUvCJN_9y0viU/s400/IMG_6633.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All day. I could stay here all day.</td></tr>
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The one regret was that, due to Ramadan, the bar was closed. Well not closed exactly, just serving tea and soft drinks only. Yes, it was first thing in the morning, so not the typical time to hit the bar, but rumor has it that this lounge regularly serves free flowing Krug champagne. At least as of last year. Sincere regrets, people. This lifestyle is hard.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigeW0BnDme1pXM0OD3tOOPEVBz4jUpuzveoOC0f_IXJsgs3kBGKZC1QPWc_NtgRGOK-OuQR4CQNVFflzMyaDQezs_8_HlHE5i05mtqya6YIse6Z00ZtlNsoFXUP-XNtnvH4_ZcYF0Oq24/s1600/IMG_6645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigeW0BnDme1pXM0OD3tOOPEVBz4jUpuzveoOC0f_IXJsgs3kBGKZC1QPWc_NtgRGOK-OuQR4CQNVFflzMyaDQezs_8_HlHE5i05mtqya6YIse6Z00ZtlNsoFXUP-XNtnvH4_ZcYF0Oq24/s400/IMG_6645.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh the regrets....</td></tr>
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After breakfast, I enjoyed the ambiance a bit longer, and then headed out to catch my next flight. Up next was a quick flight, which should have been two hours, but was made slightly longer by having to avoid Saudi airspace. In business class though, a slightly slower flightpath is no hardship....even if you don't get any more miles for it!</div>
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-10-royally.html" target="_blank">Up next: Royally Jordanian - Sweating out the turnaround.</a> </div>
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Fly well, </div>
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~CruisingAltitude</div>
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CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-30745760030382172592018-07-13T17:32:00.003-07:002018-07-19T16:39:58.169-07:00Yes, This Is Real Life Part 8- A Place Most Exceedingly Rare<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMaNj4oVgpfdMgy7M7gO_JggmQvODT4peFiWXVCID_huo59g_paug9s__pRWOu-9xcR7y8wG_egKW-wfCxoKhRp9XU6H369F_BhsePceMDgSGkkgHuw3rCCFHtmVszDEIzsELq9S6fxD7o/s1600/IMG_6529+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMaNj4oVgpfdMgy7M7gO_JggmQvODT4peFiWXVCID_huo59g_paug9s__pRWOu-9xcR7y8wG_egKW-wfCxoKhRp9XU6H369F_BhsePceMDgSGkkgHuw3rCCFHtmVszDEIzsELq9S6fxD7o/s400/IMG_6529+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Prior adventures:</span><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/06/mileage-run-preview-yes-this-is-real.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life- Preview</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-1-location.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 1- Location, Location, Location</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-2-brits-in.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 2- Brits In Beantown</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-3-shades-on.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 3 - Shades On, Wheels Up</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-4-welcome-to.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 4 - Welcome to Ghost Port</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/10/yes-this-is-real-life-part-5-when-you.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 5 - When You Layover During Ramadan</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/10/yes-this-is-real-life-part-6-birds-in.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 6 - Birds In Doha</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-7-dealing.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 7 - Dealing With Dragons</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have a pet peeve about the current state of IFE on many airlines.<span class="m_1376237773896287805Apple-converted-space"> </span>Actually I have plenty, but this pithy one is relevant to my life currently.<span class="m_1376237773896287805Apple-converted-space"> </span>That is that each time you want to watch a program-<span class="m_1376237773896287805Apple-converted-space"> </span>no matter if it's a 3 hour movie, or a 22 minute TV show, you have to watch an intro with several segments.<span class="m_1376237773896287805Apple-converted-space"> </span>There's usually one about the airline, and then some adds from whatever company they currently have a contract with.<span class="m_1376237773896287805Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Qatar takes this intro business seriously.<span class="m_1376237773896287805Apple-converted-space"> </span>They currently have an add for a condo building/mall, and an add for the airline, </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka0Vie5F-Es" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">as well as a full length add about Qatar itself.</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="m_1376237773896287805Apple-converted-space"> </span>The tag line is 'Qatar- A Place Most Exceedingly Rare,' which, when you watch it 20, 30, 40 times over a weekend makes you question their use of the English language.<span class="m_1376237773896287805Apple-converted-space"> </span>I guess it sounds fancy, but what exactly does it mean?<span class="m_1376237773896287805Apple-converted-space"> </span>Sure, this place by definition is rare-it's small, and until the currently diplomatic crisis, not many people knew where it was, but aside from that....?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They do a good job of giving it gravitas I suppose, but I personally think the prior incarnation of their propaganda video was better, and was </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcVx_ax4q7w" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">possibly the best airline self promotion add I've ever seen</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">.<span class="m_1376237773896287805Apple-converted-space"> </span>I could watch it all day.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8RzBHGRuYHP8SVXlUO0d6EV0t5e5UPq6Yx95plCiwo3Z57eGXRr008ojR0tdLCyCrBgfr7VxHLixAFoG93nwmWPsyfp4cO0psYkA_FAPj7L-gFs-JQnJDIjuPbVl6nhisqc7d5Svn0FU/s1600/IMG_6532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8RzBHGRuYHP8SVXlUO0d6EV0t5e5UPq6Yx95plCiwo3Z57eGXRr008ojR0tdLCyCrBgfr7VxHLixAFoG93nwmWPsyfp4cO0psYkA_FAPj7L-gFs-JQnJDIjuPbVl6nhisqc7d5Svn0FU/s400/IMG_6532.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First course... on just a 4+ hr flight</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUEJpC5e_TVCQRahsXsjLijUDsfbgvEN7f8C52_INelsw96sQj12bUk3I3lvNJSkqRJshRs4ybNosCphKxUQlokJnaQtEB4OA9TRKuGul_urM0TNEjLedrvYhIO8EfdSjndXyu27VwN44/s1600/IMG_6534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUEJpC5e_TVCQRahsXsjLijUDsfbgvEN7f8C52_INelsw96sQj12bUk3I3lvNJSkqRJshRs4ybNosCphKxUQlokJnaQtEB4OA9TRKuGul_urM0TNEjLedrvYhIO8EfdSjndXyu27VwN44/s400/IMG_6534.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second course.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I landed back from Colombo safely around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1815987269" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">midnight</span></span>.<span class="m_1376237773896287805Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was a good flight, just over 5 hours.<span class="m_1376237773896287805Apple-converted-space"> </span>I had the curry dish which, I kid you not, I have been thinking about since the last time I flew CMB-DOH.<span class="m_1376237773896287805Apple-converted-space"> </span>It didn't disappoint.<span class="m_1376237773896287805Apple-converted-space"> </span>After the meal, I fell asleep and woke up to the descent announcement.<span class="m_1376237773896287805Apple-converted-space"> </span>I probably got around 3 hours of sleep, which was plenty to hold me over through the night.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJYwU3v50lf2etqhDk0M4yb3TITktPuR4MGnoI0oL7X4KXt7Z8KcWyPD-75tbJp-pZcefhktBrT_ygi3hmYrFTO674Qn-_OGFeCQaTxhJyx4oV80RWOzQsOI-tmwkK1Wxjbw9jkjZYtLY/s1600/IMG_6535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqJYwU3v50lf2etqhDk0M4yb3TITktPuR4MGnoI0oL7X4KXt7Z8KcWyPD-75tbJp-pZcefhktBrT_ygi3hmYrFTO674Qn-_OGFeCQaTxhJyx4oV80RWOzQsOI-tmwkK1Wxjbw9jkjZYtLY/s400/IMG_6535.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just finishing the flight off right.</td></tr>
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What was notable about this trip was learning the changing visa situation for traveling to Qatar. When I came through a year or so ago, there was just a simple paid visa on arrival that cost about $25. This time, I had a few options, and used a different one by necessity each time.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCcq7QPI606XbH2CrEExhl4NovoQoJ0QoNcOaQnl1Bmm52YXh24sOOPdlgpfqAoF7EKSeBNv6v3EfT8BDFeRCq5DdkImXjKsnDmrbkJUn4iVXcoon3JENYgHCBwYCPn8jo1OudzZ_FrNT/s1600/Qatar+Visa+Waiver.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="1529" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjCcq7QPI606XbH2CrEExhl4NovoQoJ0QoNcOaQnl1Bmm52YXh24sOOPdlgpfqAoF7EKSeBNv6v3EfT8BDFeRCq5DdkImXjKsnDmrbkJUn4iVXcoon3JENYgHCBwYCPn8jo1OudzZ_FrNT/s400/Qatar+Visa+Waiver.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The current visa rules and countries.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">First off, Qatar now has a free multiple entry visa for US (and many other) citizens. This visa just requires proof of onward travel, and 6 months at a minimum left on your passport. However, at the time I went on this trip, this wasn't yet the case, and so I was encouraged to check out some of the workarounds. These workarounds, even though the visa is no longer the issue, are worth knowing about still as they're a great way to get free night's accommodation and sometimes more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">What program you qualify for depends on the length of your stopover, with a few other rules thrown in. You qualify for their first program, the "Stopover package" or "STPC" if you are flying on Qatar in higher economy classes (N and above), business or first, have a layover of between 8 and 24 hours, and ....this is the kicker... there is NO SHORTER connection you could have taken, even if that connection would have had a different fare. Certain close destinations (MCT and KWI) are also excluded. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Why these rules are so strict, is that this package gets you not only a night at a good hotel (5-star in the case of business and above, 3-star for econ), but also a sizable food and beverage voucher that pretty well covers your meals, and free airport transfers. Not a bad deal at all. I did this package on my third and final night of this trip...so I'll be giving the details soon. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The other program to know about, which is likely more useful to most people since it has far fewer restrictions, is the <a href="https://www.qatarairways.com/en/offers/plus-qatar.html" target="_blank">"+Qatar" program</a>. This basically is Qatar's way of trying to get people to spend some time in the city on their way through. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">What Qatar is, at least to the limited outsider, is an oil and money drenched peninsula surrounded by desert and neighbors who currently don't like them very much. What they have going for them, besides all that money that lets them turn this desert into architectural wonders (or eyesores, depending on your taste), is a truly world class airline and airport and they're painfully, painfully, proud of it.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strong tea & Beautiful tails as far as the eye can see...</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">In honesty, they should be. I get that there's unfair advantage with their government throwing cash behind the investment, but everything, from the food, to the service, to the planes themselves is just a cut above most any other airline out there. This is to say nothing of the airport, which is just beautiful start to finish. They're so proud of it, that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXsA7iquEmo" target="_blank">THIS VIDEO</a> exists of the 'official song of Hamad International Airport.' And yes, that fully is the big teddy bear in the background at 00:48. Can you imagine what the symphony of... Newark airport.... would be??? I mean... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is all to say that especially with the long running blockade in effect, Doha's tourism industry is playing to its strengths and using the constant influx of passengers to its advantage. The </span><a href="https://www.qatarairways.com/en/offers/plus-qatar.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">+Qatar stopover program</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> provides free one night's accommodations for passengers on layovers of more than 12 hours. It lacks the food and transport, but is far less restrictive, and lets you pick your own hotel. It also provides a free visa for travelers from countries not included in the new multi-entry program.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">As a side note, the website appears to be asking you to build a multi-city itinerary, but each time I've done it a simple round trip that defaulted to the long layover time was fine. </span><br />
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This can be an amazing deal, especially since the hotels are quite nice. They include some high end and recognizable brand properties that I'd happily stay in even without this deal. A second night can also be added for just $100, meaning you are getting a great hotel for $50 a night.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This deal is technically time limited, and ends December 31, 2018. However, when I used it last year, it was time limited then, but keeps getting extended. If the blockade continues, I expect it will keep on rolling along.</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm crossing my fingers that they push into next year as I have a nice long layover in Doha in January. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On descent into Doha at night.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">What has changed though, and what made being in Doha in that perfect storm of Ramadan, summer, and blockade, was that the list of hotels participating was more expansive and had some options that were simply insane to get for free. Which... is how on my second stop in Doha I was up all night at the Ritz Carlton, by myself.... for abso-frikkin-lutely free. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">And that, my friends, is a topic for the next entry...</span><br />
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Read Up Next- <a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-9-i-still.html" target="_blank">"I still can't believe this is real life"</a> : A free night at the Ritz, and the most insane lounge to date. <br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">~CruisingAltitude</span>CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-60815234237019338082018-07-12T15:31:00.000-07:002018-07-17T16:25:45.899-07:00Yes, This Is Real Life Part 7: Dealing With Dragons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the DOH-CMB flight</td></tr>
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It's the turn-around point! But first, the story so far:<br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/06/mileage-run-preview-yes-this-is-real.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life - Preview</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-1-location.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 1 - Location, Location, Location</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-2-brits-in.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 2 - Brits in Beantown</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-3-shades-on.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 3 - Shades On, Wheels Up</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-4-welcome-to.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 4 - Welcome To Ghostport</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/10/yes-this-is-real-life-part-5-when-you.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 5 - When You Layover During Ramadan...</a><br />
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/10/yes-this-is-real-life-part-6-birds-in.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life Part 6 - Birds In Doha</a><br />
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Welcome to Columbo, for the second time. <a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/04/around-world-in-80-hours-part-7-at.html" target="_blank">Last time I passed through here</a>, I dealt with the trials of getting onward tickets from Sri Lankan for Qatar, and the entirely underwhelming absorptive properties of the towels in the shower at the UL (Sri Lankan airways) lounge. <br />
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This time, I had vague plans of actually leaving the airport. There were a few attractions nearby, and while the CMB airport falls into the 'it's fine' category, it's not an epic lounge destination like HKG. However, as I went on about previously, mileage runs are trips where you react in the moment to what simply sounds the best. In this case, what sounded the best....was a nap. So, we took a nap.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryn8Zv0x2OKzm_g-phGkC_r-J4BlgxuLIwNFlKZleblf4MrKUrLsIecTpAyszEGCe8sp1GSTQY0mVWT-xlhS0QcQSZmkwq9B0fCbZItUdVSQ-wSVOWX3XiFUoNBAWbnFe7_bD0uzF3EcN/s1600/IMG_6509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryn8Zv0x2OKzm_g-phGkC_r-J4BlgxuLIwNFlKZleblf4MrKUrLsIecTpAyszEGCe8sp1GSTQY0mVWT-xlhS0QcQSZmkwq9B0fCbZItUdVSQ-wSVOWX3XiFUoNBAWbnFe7_bD0uzF3EcN/s400/IMG_6509.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CMB Airport</td></tr>
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As it so happens, CMB is a great place for this because there's a small transit hotel right in the airport that doesn't require clearing immigration to get to. This was even better, because another large factor in our staying airside was that they wanted someplace around $40 a person for a visa on arrival. While that's not really all that much in context, it starts to feel obnoxious when there's two of you, and you only really have about 5 hours on the ground to start with. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XF_7pFUBSyaqQT5dB88Z3ZT5xZPrGlaKjsMGF_KeDHCEobNj1Da1hFrkkJw6lS7sFlnQvj8fD_UiFf-b9TePN46g3B2h60-xQSkvxxhGaBZnxuHx5x_o0at6a1nuaO4vAp2SZZxJ8ESJ/s1600/IMG_6505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XF_7pFUBSyaqQT5dB88Z3ZT5xZPrGlaKjsMGF_KeDHCEobNj1Da1hFrkkJw6lS7sFlnQvj8fD_UiFf-b9TePN46g3B2h60-xQSkvxxhGaBZnxuHx5x_o0at6a1nuaO4vAp2SZZxJ8ESJ/s320/IMG_6505.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The transit hotel hallway. Nothing fancy, but perfect for a nap.</td></tr>
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The day rate at the hotel was less than the visa price (bless cheap SE Asia), so we split a room for a shower and a solid couple hours of downtime. To get there, head toward the exit, past the transit desk and shrine in the center of the terminals, and follow signs to the Hotel. The rooms aren't anything fancy, but they're clean (enough) and quiet. The timing couldn't be better for trying to stay away from heavy jetlag, since for 'us' it was still the middle of the night. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRigcovA7vMe3AN7ZQ9ZDNrUm2wVEanqO4Wh1CoB45BldV35V6kyFp6Un6HhEtnWk4zHMZqvm98ctrDri5mMZGytkZ6e6CsMcFlXkbV3TL4c22ilAZsZo9oBO55ta4y4jubCuPyqQXXMm/s1600/IMG_6510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRigcovA7vMe3AN7ZQ9ZDNrUm2wVEanqO4Wh1CoB45BldV35V6kyFp6Un6HhEtnWk4zHMZqvm98ctrDri5mMZGytkZ6e6CsMcFlXkbV3TL4c22ilAZsZo9oBO55ta4y4jubCuPyqQXXMm/s400/IMG_6510.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This way...</td></tr>
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Feeling better, we did of course go for a little lounge time before our outbound flights. Here's where some shenanigans started up again. Now, here's an (exceedingly) rare moment where I'll have to admit I was in the wrong. I know it's impossible to believe, but stick with me. <br />
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The Oneworld rules for lounge access state that a OW Emerald, such as myself, gets 1st class lounge access "when the next onward flight is on a Oneworld owned and operated flight." The same rule applies to guests. They don't have to be on your same Oneworld flight, just a Oneworld flight. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLvkz2XOLv27H739fD60TyklTIL9RNBXeelbZPQkvD84A8J90j3FU8595LB7aJnQARwY-UNwY3kVtp0Im6YASijhisxMBklcunJbjPipSDGgbNzY047pptyqWsSE48eUGyPDB4ZAiOC-q/s1600/IMG_6507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrLvkz2XOLv27H739fD60TyklTIL9RNBXeelbZPQkvD84A8J90j3FU8595LB7aJnQARwY-UNwY3kVtp0Im6YASijhisxMBklcunJbjPipSDGgbNzY047pptyqWsSE48eUGyPDB4ZAiOC-q/s320/IMG_6507.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are actually a couple lounges up by the transit hotel, including the Emirates and a small Sri Lankan. The bigger, better, Sri Lankan lounge is in the main terminal though.</td></tr>
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Unfortunately this time, my travel companion and I were preparing to go separate ways after flying together up to this point. I was headed back to Doha on Qatar, and he was flying back to the US by way of Dubai on an Emirates award ticket. What this resulted in was us each having good lounge access, just to different lounges, and neither of us could rightly guest the other in. This is not to say we didn't try at both places.... but it didn't work out. I was hoping that given that the UL lounge was empty, and he did have his Oneworld card on him, we might slide by. However, the lounge dragons, after some chatter amongst themselves, thought otherwise. <br />
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As I said, I knew I was in the wrong here going in, so there was no point in protesting. We said our goodbyes, and each spent a few minutes in our respective lounges before going to our gates. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bar at the Sri Lankan lounge. I like the "airplane" motif.</td></tr>
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My time at the lounge was, I'll admit, true to form for my jetlagged-delirious self at this point. I was nearly the only one there, and there were few staff of any kind. In a matter of about 30 minutes I managed to spill cylon tea on myself, raid the bar fridge and open my own bottle of champagne, and on account of not reading Tamil well, blow right past the sign that said the buffet was temporarily closed while they changed from lunch to dinner dishes, and help myself to the food, distributing my own serving utensils as I went. Not super proud, but no regrets either. Really, they should have let my buddy in as I clearly needed adult supervision.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EPZCg0HLnaZ5Xxma3kOTr4wLQnDvlL3lQaUCE1eudl-a5hKJ3Q_MS7QHFVCtIn9FxpByyHmHOlE8CcicOo-27FluND8Ln9MWi8ggmIGqSX5DvCSYKOWn3YKDQzuYOa_lHqnpqmeZ3pvW/s1600/IMG_6513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-EPZCg0HLnaZ5Xxma3kOTr4wLQnDvlL3lQaUCE1eudl-a5hKJ3Q_MS7QHFVCtIn9FxpByyHmHOlE8CcicOo-27FluND8Ln9MWi8ggmIGqSX5DvCSYKOWn3YKDQzuYOa_lHqnpqmeZ3pvW/s400/IMG_6513.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah.... I went there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgox0j4ptZPvXjoMIqVeniFCmV1ia6Ao2DPwNIv4p1FJHdAK0Pd64xbV0yXkuS0C7RJvip5qDQltBcdjAf1pqrRMOKtS9pf0SnnoyPuOi6sC61ulSQAgqzlNjjfQD5ANPCo4IowiFYgRpU5/s1600/IMG_6514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgox0j4ptZPvXjoMIqVeniFCmV1ia6Ao2DPwNIv4p1FJHdAK0Pd64xbV0yXkuS0C7RJvip5qDQltBcdjAf1pqrRMOKtS9pf0SnnoyPuOi6sC61ulSQAgqzlNjjfQD5ANPCo4IowiFYgRpU5/s400/IMG_6514.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I ate whatever this was, even though they weren't serving yet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After all of that, I said goodbye to Colombo and got back on my next Qatar flight. As was becoming the theme of this amazing weekend, I was once again nearly alone on my flight. The plane was a 777-200, which Qatar has business class laid out in a 2-2-2 configuration. On this one I had the entire row of 6 seats behind the bulkhead to MYSELF. Basically a whole mini business class cabin. Unreal.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcFya6U2bEt7qZwYtyZWLQbe_2PiAvV9CUleB3hfudXnLX1OTPuf6ko9x6Jd1TrjqULjCAAZdQXrPrewJ2W0lqL-8JPN8gOG9daNaKRE8oM5-0YMRQ0IP578pT5QlQ1C8iWoQsZkqdjkt/s1600/IMG_6518+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcFya6U2bEt7qZwYtyZWLQbe_2PiAvV9CUleB3hfudXnLX1OTPuf6ko9x6Jd1TrjqULjCAAZdQXrPrewJ2W0lqL-8JPN8gOG9daNaKRE8oM5-0YMRQ0IP578pT5QlQ1C8iWoQsZkqdjkt/s320/IMG_6518+%25281%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miiiiiine, all mine...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So I flew out alone, right back to another sleepless night in Doha....<br />
<br />
~CruisingAltitude<br />
<br />
<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-8-place-most_13.html" target="_blank">Up next- A Place Most Exceedingly Rare: My triumphant return to Doha (again), thoughts you didn't ask for about IFE, and a primer on Qatar transit visas.</a><br />
<br />CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-25018851391637906012018-07-11T14:55:00.001-07:002018-07-11T15:02:01.470-07:00Scandi Running Part 3: An American From LA Reviews Danish Bicycles<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoSEvPkXzYptgHgzcAL5Db17yXgk2H7t0Q8NVh8pLN41YhZ8ubYQFbHWFwwHuRgnwEuLDtvEhJD05ygKGCt67VHISTsIUeQGHnwtWLcEQ6Uo5syexqMUfYTSgVeQLJUyRVQfEUTD8hyphenhyphenaS/s1600/IMG_1244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFoSEvPkXzYptgHgzcAL5Db17yXgk2H7t0Q8NVh8pLN41YhZ8ubYQFbHWFwwHuRgnwEuLDtvEhJD05ygKGCt67VHISTsIUeQGHnwtWLcEQ6Uo5syexqMUfYTSgVeQLJUyRVQfEUTD8hyphenhyphenaS/s400/IMG_1244.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rain, shine, or ice... Copenhagen is a biking city.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To see how I got here, also <a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/05/scandi-running-part-2-british-airways.html" target="_blank">check out my review of British Airways World Traveller Plus</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yep. This is happening. At this point, I think the only time I actually ride a bike is when I'm in Denmark, or someplace similar. So clearly, you need my review of this.... because I am a super expert. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve been to Denmark 4 times now, and each time I have to
rent a bike.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be in Copenhagen without
a bike is like being in Los Angeles without a car, or in Boston without
feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not done, or it shouldn’t be
done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You won’t see the city as it
should be, or as much as should be seen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You also won’t understand the struggle of finding bike parking, or
getting caught in bike land rush hour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Or just… learning how to make a left turn. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFSo3i9tes8M7r17l4KqMK3ZUUehBsvJtUpE-eboYvi2PwklWs9YotH6SoRjBI69eu7PXUjORmpPIQI3A0obhd4fRXpAhqmAdPKej9peZL09OX3B51siqotOwJs_C2myYnvBDh6vHy_Gb/s1600/IMG_1776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFSo3i9tes8M7r17l4KqMK3ZUUehBsvJtUpE-eboYvi2PwklWs9YotH6SoRjBI69eu7PXUjORmpPIQI3A0obhd4fRXpAhqmAdPKej9peZL09OX3B51siqotOwJs_C2myYnvBDh6vHy_Gb/s400/IMG_1776.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No bikes, just Orstedsparken in the sunshine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, anyhow… The first time we came to Copenhagen we rented
from a shady place around the corner from our hotel in Centrum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were extenuating circumstances at work,
namely that we needed bikes and didn’t’ want to cough up the US $35 a day per
bike the Radisson wanted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are any
number of more or less reputable independent rental places in Copenhagen, but
what I’m really here to talk about are the two most prevalent bike share
companies in the city.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since our first time there a few new options for people
visiting Copenhagen and needing transportation and flexibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="https://bycyklen.dk/en/" target="_blank">First up- Bycyklen<o:p></o:p></a></u></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Byckylen is Copenhagen’s take on the citybike model that’s
popping up all over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are stations
all over the city, and they’re easy to find.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUrRgzrHCbrEjVOyCFLfVuwuIZrckoS4fpfC_T_bsDbtuemPafnckGW9yvwLfWJ3QOpKB_Y4c-x9s2g7DUOJb_2Gur-0olZJ2EGAC3YwN85-LrpsLAxwGjNeahFONEgXksrQ_cVfwOoBv/s1600/IMG_1787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUrRgzrHCbrEjVOyCFLfVuwuIZrckoS4fpfC_T_bsDbtuemPafnckGW9yvwLfWJ3QOpKB_Y4c-x9s2g7DUOJb_2Gur-0olZJ2EGAC3YwN85-LrpsLAxwGjNeahFONEgXksrQ_cVfwOoBv/s400/IMG_1787.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bycyklen bikes at a docking station.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">You can pay as you go, or buy a block of minutes in advance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I opted to buy a block of 300 minutes for the year, since this let me be flexible and not buy hours at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It turned out to be great, as like I said, Copenhagen is small and you simply don’t need too many minutes to get where you’re going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A full weekend of cycling only used up maybe 60 minutes of use.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Pros:<o:p></o:p></span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-The bikes are quazi-motorized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is honestly a super fun way to roll
around the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you use the
‘countryside’ or ‘hill climb’ settings, the barest of pedaling will shoot you
forward up to 25kph and in short order you’ll realize just how small Copenhagen
is. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t overemphasize how fun this
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-They are also e-bikes, and sport an
android tablet with navigation that can guide you around the city and help you
find pick up and drop off locations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The cons:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-They’re heavy, due to the motor and whatnot, so I can
imagine trying to take one on and off trains and such could be a pain. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">-You have to pay for ‘parking’- the bike’s minutes are
ticking down even if you’re not riding when it’s not in a docking station.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This results in planning a bit around going
docking station to docking station so you don’t run your minutes down too
fast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This wasn’t a big deal since there
were so many stations, but if you’re thinking of taking one a bit out of the
metro area, you will burn through your subscription.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now….I was all good with using Bcyklen for all three of my
planned weekends here, and the 300 minutes was going to be plenty to get me
through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when I got to town
none of the bikes were working!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
checked in with the company and they, go figure, were hacked the exact night
before I arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their entire network
was down, and no bikes could be removed from any docking station. Massive fail. From what Twitter tells me, they were up and running again the day after I left. Of course. </span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
But, like I said, in Copenhagen you need a bike so I had to go to plan b, which brings me to...<br />
<br />
<u><a href="https://www.donkey.bike/" target="_blank">Donkey Republic</a></u><br />
<br />
Now, I remember seeing these pop up on Google Maps last year when I was in Denmark with family and not really getting that this was a bike share, rather than a chain of rental shops. What it is is a service more akin to the LimeBikes now scattered around the US. The major difference is that, as Scandinavia tends to be, it's more organized. The bikes can only be picked up and returned to designated spots, which have bike racks, so they don't clutter up the city. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcfflGw09Jqy8Gze-IEgv63h93hA1tS2jzycOEeIZbxpCHv4XFVU1pFEZvLc1RVgYfeJq_bfb1wNVd25sjVHLuvsn702EqOQd8kaPYNLfziDWnjbcuLupRu6wNqrs8QVt5vs0gB906Cap/s1600/IMG_1781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcfflGw09Jqy8Gze-IEgv63h93hA1tS2jzycOEeIZbxpCHv4XFVU1pFEZvLc1RVgYfeJq_bfb1wNVd25sjVHLuvsn702EqOQd8kaPYNLfziDWnjbcuLupRu6wNqrs8QVt5vs0gB906Cap/s400/IMG_1781.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bright orange and simple Donkey Republic bike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
How it works is you download the app, set up and account, and then can reserve, check out and return the bright orange bikes throughout the city. <br />
<br />
Pros:<br />
<br />
-You rent by the day, not the hour or minute, so there's not that rush to return the bike to a docking station.<br />
<br />
-Simple app and simple operation.<br />
<br />
-Reasonably priced daily rate.<br />
<br />
Cons:<br />
<br />
-They actually could be hard to find. You do need to reserve one before you set out to the pick up location, or someone else may get to it first. Once you reserve it, that bike has a number on it and will only unlock with your code on the app once you get into Bluetooth range. <br />
<br />
-No fun motorized zipping around the city like with Bycyklen. The bikes didn't really seem to have gears much either, so you actually have to pedal.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQ92I-QSGlPvOu7532AntZxwOVqBqyvczQbyEhA2nqkaP2czxoEDIYGAPzExG_xfUUnoi-7w8HHX4yNVS23AEx0HQx9ErSHez9owxIv5JYHvkqve9uV7b4xvfZSH5skth9Uvcmlk5Mkr3/s1600/IMG_1782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnQ92I-QSGlPvOu7532AntZxwOVqBqyvczQbyEhA2nqkaP2czxoEDIYGAPzExG_xfUUnoi-7w8HHX4yNVS23AEx0HQx9ErSHez9owxIv5JYHvkqve9uV7b4xvfZSH5skth9Uvcmlk5Mkr3/s400/IMG_1782.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bikes are numbered, so you know which one you reserved.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Either way, it's a good idea to look into these services before you go if you're planning on using them. Make sure there are docking stations/pick up points near where you're staying and the attractions you want to check out. All in all, it's great that Copenhagen has let these companies set up shop in the city, since they can be a great and less pricey option for people staying there for a limited time. I'm looking forward to one more weekend doing just that in October when I wrap up my three weekends of Scandi Running!</span><br />
<br />
~CruisingAltitude </div>
CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-55199597820316211342018-05-07T06:44:00.000-07:002018-05-07T06:44:01.762-07:00One Million Miles To Vegas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9otG48dFCb-F0adGqB2gDLpHPhoLSXcG_Zcf4mwXgj8AAJpA0FEOjaW85rAHLBOKhGS60QgJMot2KMEiZbwKaJbMhUQz_mhRYOHUA8K1mv1RmmoIgWvcyfB9tlEj2cWrJQRP8Hi_wCf7/s1600/IMG_6816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9otG48dFCb-F0adGqB2gDLpHPhoLSXcG_Zcf4mwXgj8AAJpA0FEOjaW85rAHLBOKhGS60QgJMot2KMEiZbwKaJbMhUQz_mhRYOHUA8K1mv1RmmoIgWvcyfB9tlEj2cWrJQRP8Hi_wCf7/s320/IMG_6816.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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</div>
**Deep Breath**<br />
<br />
I don't think I quite had realized until recently, though I well should have, that this weekend's mileage run would conclude with my crossing my Million Mile threshold. Today as I fly over the Nevada desert on the way back from London, someplace over Las Vegas, I will have completed a million- yes a million - miles on American airlines and its partners. <br />
<br />
It's been over a decade of many, many, journeys in the making. This million has touched on every continent Oneworld flies to, and over 20 countries and counting. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBCoTtgmbgn3IHTVWXxQIqvC8cyo_jQRdTPG4YeSPr2gEk3jdfyM5lOugVc8XExdWmWRvrT2RrH_utq1diYBrh9K2yZicrU6qK6-_-PS_sPCDERmo1_jx0lQ6vnzlBrxZrgmIkrrwERwW/s1600/IMG_6349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicBCoTtgmbgn3IHTVWXxQIqvC8cyo_jQRdTPG4YeSPr2gEk3jdfyM5lOugVc8XExdWmWRvrT2RrH_utq1diYBrh9K2yZicrU6qK6-_-PS_sPCDERmo1_jx0lQ6vnzlBrxZrgmIkrrwERwW/s320/IMG_6349.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
As a practical matter, crossing your millionth mile in the AAdvantage program comes with some modest and lasting benefits along with the bragging rights. For starters, they toss an extra 35,000 miles into your account. It's not a million, but with miles ever harder to earn on low fares, I'll take it. It also comes with Gold Elite status for life. Sure, Gold benefits are minor, but it's the thought that counts I suppose. "Elite for life" sounds nice, doesn't it? <br />
<br />
Practicalities aside, milestones are times to look back and see what you've learned and also wonder where to go from here. I am not being cliché when I say that these million miles have been life changing. I appreciate both the expansive experience of the world, and its smallness and vulnerability. Our entire planet, our entire home can be circumnavigated on a 777-300 in a long weekend, and that includes time to get out of the airport and have some Dim Sum. <br />
<br />
I feel like it calls for some kind of celebration, I'm not entirely sure what's appropriate. Once again, alone in a crowd and on the way from somewhere to somewhere else entirely. Maybe this is exactly appropriate after all. <br />
<br />
As I wing over Vegas, few 'thank yous' are probably in order. As much as I've dedicated words and pages to complaining about the changing AAdvantage program, I'll be the first to also acknowledge that it's this program that has shown me the world, <a href="http://babyflyerblog.com/" target="_blank">and let me share it with my family</a>. Speaking of family, I'm eternally grateful for Mrs. CruisingAltitude for indulging this bizarre compulsion with only the slightest amount of side-eye when I explain my plan to start a mileage run in Sri Lanka, as if that's a perfectly normal human thing to do. <br />
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I also am eternally in debt to the crazy friends I've met along the way who are also plagued by this curious affliction. These are the friends who when I ask who's up for flying to Sri Lanka just to fly home again, are always up for it. Flying around the world for the hell of it is fun, but doing it with a bunch of other crazy flyers is amazing. They're the ones I've flown with to Africa to pet lions, toasted life with at the world's tallest bar, and stood with watching the sun come up over the Persian Gulf from hotel balconies, all just for the sake of the journey. <br />
<br />
As for where to go from here? Anywhere, I suppose. The next level is two million. Maybe next decade..... but who really knows. <br />
<br />
As always, fly safe, travel well, and live for the journey. <br />
<br />
~CruisingAltitude<br />
<br />CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-79211173543339434192018-05-06T02:37:00.001-07:002018-05-06T02:43:51.766-07:00Scandi Running Part 2 - British Airways World Traveller Plus Review<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The background:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.dk/2018/02/the-scandi-run-preview.html" target="_blank">Preview: The Scandi Run</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.dk/2018/03/scandi-running-part-1-so-this-is-how-it.html" target="_blank">Part 1: So this is how it all begins</a></span><br />
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Disclaimer- Writing this in a notes file and moving it over is apparently beyond Blogger's limited capability, so any strange formatting I apologize for in advance)</span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"></span> </div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What do I think about British Airways Premium Economy (branded as World Traveller Plus)?</span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span> </div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So far- 6/10</span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span> </div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This rating is based on a comparison to other PE offerings... not anything better. <span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<br />
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let's begin at the beginning, why don't we?<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>I'm currently on the second half of the first itinerary of the </span><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.dk/2018/03/scandi-running-part-1-so-this-is-how-it.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Scandi Run</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> season, which is the third flight and the second ticketing and also the second weekend of fun.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>Decode that.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>I dare you.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The real point is, this is my first flight on British Airways' a380 World Traveller Plus, and it's going fine.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>I have a nice bulkhead seat in the front row of the cabin, which is on the upper deck behind Club World.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>The only seat in the cabin I'm coveting is the one next to me- 61A, which is the same but is along the window so has control of two impressively large storage compartments by the window.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>For what it's worth, my charming seatmate is sharing well, but that's to be expected as he boarded wearing a Hawaiian shirt (as he's British I can only assume it's authentic) and a fanny pack, so no huge shock.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>(He will later turn out to be a lovely and well traveled ophthalmologist and we will forgive him the fanny pack).</span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Point of order- avoid the last row in the cabin as I can't imagine dealing with the bathroom door constantly opening and closing.</span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Further point of order from several hours into the flight- row 60 and row 61 bulkhead are the place to be.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>The recline, while nice, is extensive and if you're not careful you'll have the person in front of you in your lap.</span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Premium economy, I will say is better than regular economy.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>The seat is closer to domestic first/business plus a little more recline and a footrest, which I have currently augmented with my Briggs & Riley cabin bag to create a bit more support. <span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I boarded with group 1 due to status, so I had plenty of time to settle in.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>Bin space, even later on, was fine.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>The cabin is laid out in a 2-3-2 configuration, so unless you're planning on cuddling with your travel companion, the center seats are to be avoided.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>The bulkhead seats do seem to have the best legroom, and if the fact that the, admittedly hilarious tipsy, women behind me rattling my seat whenever they get up is any indication, the best pitch. The seat also comes with a small amenity kit and a likewise small pillow.</span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now to the nitty gritty- we pushed back on time, and the plane handles the bumps well.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>The service started with hot towels and menus, followed by a first pass with the drink cart and a bag of pretzels. <span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Point of order here that's bugging on me- here's how it went:</span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Lovely and funny) FA: Something to drink?</span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: Gin and tonic please.</span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">FA: would you like wine with your dinner?</span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: Yes, please.</span></span></div>
<div class="m_-4413943759494268053p2">
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">FA: Red or white?</span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: White please.</span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1">FA: Pinot or Sav blanc?</span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: Sav blanc.</span></span></div>
<div class="m_-4413943759494268053p2">
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(FA hands over he G&T, followed immediately by a bottle or wine and a glass)</span></span></div>
<div class="m_-4413943759494268053p2">
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Me: o_0<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Please note the dinner service is a fair bit off.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>So I'm left with a tray table packed with wine, water, tonic, two bottles of gin (don't judge), and pretzels to boot.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>Not classy.</span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">On to dinner, and they serve front to back so I order the beef.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>It's fine.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>Along the lines of AA domestic 1st, witch doesn't say much, but I had the beef cheeks and pork chop at the Qantas lounge, so I'm all good.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There's really no follow up service.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>After giving my seatmate with the now abandoned fanny pack my 411 on where to go in the world, I'm forced to wade back through main cabin proper to ask for another G&T before ny-ny. (It's at this time that my seatmate-now-buddy feels the need to tell me he's not a tea totaler despite the lack of wine with dinner, and I don't exactly know how to take that... so I decide to take it well.).</span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span> </div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I also get to enjoy a lovely discussion about tax credits for electric cars, and the feasibility of said electric car exchangeable batteries and the physics thereof, including the guy across the aisle.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>Please note this isn't a sarcastic comment, I quite enjoyed the diversion.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<br />
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Before landing they served a breakfast.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>It wasn't good, but I ate it. I needed to fortify myself before being dumped headlong into the LHR chaos at what was about <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_100242014" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">1am</span></span> my time. <span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">BA is a study in how the mighty have fallen.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>In the past, it was a truly good airline with better products and service, but budget cuts have<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> lowered their standard to the point that most competitors hard and soft product is much better. AA, CX, QF, etc all have slightly-to-much better Premium Economy on similar routes, and BA's Club World (Business class) seat likewise pales in comparison. </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="m_-4413943759494268053p2">
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"><span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the end we pulled up to the gate 15 minutes early, and I was happy to be on my way.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>All in all, it was fine, especially since I was flying on a cheap fare.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> </span>The bulkhead seat is decently comfortable, but I wouldn't want to be really anywhere else in the cabin.<span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"> In any case, I'm getting to Denmark safely and on time, so I could have much bigger things to worry about. </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"><span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="m_-4413943759494268053p2">
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"><span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Travel well, </span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"><span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div class="m_-4413943759494268053p2">
<span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"><span class="m_-4413943759494268053s1"><span class="m_-4413943759494268053Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~CruisingAltitude</span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></span>CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-35019343408665442192018-03-09T16:39:00.000-08:002018-03-09T16:39:57.732-08:00Scandi Running Part 1- So This Is How It All Begins <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3CWn6nfo5H80DLzV4547M2n1ua3rHMfCIemJl_BClzjwVuDOX9fyXPW-_3r7SNCO7HB7jJSY7pDdp-fSRPYUNkl1gIJd-vFv8xhRFOkTRsbGj1MTIVKRZQNIzxunGWwqWTTCyAdmTOtU/s1600/IMG_1154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3CWn6nfo5H80DLzV4547M2n1ua3rHMfCIemJl_BClzjwVuDOX9fyXPW-_3r7SNCO7HB7jJSY7pDdp-fSRPYUNkl1gIJd-vFv8xhRFOkTRsbGj1MTIVKRZQNIzxunGWwqWTTCyAdmTOtU/s400/IMG_1154.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Da Plane...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-scandi-run-preview.html" target="_blank">Get the background: The Scandi Run- Preview</a><br />
<br />
I'm a big proponent of 'firsts.' I love first tries, first place, first class. That makes this weekend fit right in. It's the first of at least three mileage runs that follow more or less the same pattern. It's good then, that right after firsts with me, comes familiarity. I'm aiming to have this thing down to a science by October. A kind of science that, sure, will be thrown way out of whack by weather, crew delays, and loose bolts, but there's a science to all that as well when you think about it. <br />
<br />
It's a first for the Scandi run, and also a first inasmuch as it's going to be cold. The potential level of cold really didn't hit home until today when I saw a picture of the ice burgs currently floating past Nyhavn canal. Until this point, I'd been way to confident in my ability to suck it up for a couple days. I've lived in Boston before, I survived, it's in the 30's, come on...<br />
<br />
After that, I threw in an extra (couple of) coats, stopped at REI to buy better, more waterproof, and less 'I don't remember what snow looks like' gloves (REI in Los Angeles is the most pathetic place to buy winter gloves, FIY.), and pretty well gave up on my romantic and responsible goal of running a 5k through Norreboro the morning after I arrived. <br />
<br />
Granted, the 30 degree weather may be considered by the Danes to be a 'heat wave' this time of year, but I'm a cold pansy at this point, and I'm pretty much going to have to come to terms with it. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ihZTrfbJLKuifZnCWEZ9vMw2Ly0-5JwQUKz6x5P_C0L5GdjLyqNYOdWCNpimrVQqfnFmwH-DmsuymVx4q_Y49vfX4iOwxvlfpAbDVnYypNsQje4CTQNnlqqKhkjfUvCazSKnjQZDkZec/s1600/IMG_1143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ihZTrfbJLKuifZnCWEZ9vMw2Ly0-5JwQUKz6x5P_C0L5GdjLyqNYOdWCNpimrVQqfnFmwH-DmsuymVx4q_Y49vfX4iOwxvlfpAbDVnYypNsQje4CTQNnlqqKhkjfUvCazSKnjQZDkZec/s400/IMG_1143.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love to be invited...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm currently sitting at the bar (as one does) at the Qantas First Lounge in LAX awaiting my flight to London. It's delightful as per always, and not yet overcrowded as I'm several hours before the late night flights to Sydney, Melbourne, and such. So far, all's well. As I've realized it's a published EXP benefit, I tried out the LAX Flagship Check in for the first time, and it was all kinds of line cutting fun. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkmxhY4vOZGeAylTJjRF95jEzVLiYaRG8oIhF1yFc5GeSvqDyBNMxFNIMejwwWQMsdIboG6TrP8SqrQF7Tw03E0dYOkU7u_rCRtaJ8OEfGZc4__nlpHyp2PG85rO_Vqd2iDvO1Kj0qVHA/s1600/IMG_1155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFkmxhY4vOZGeAylTJjRF95jEzVLiYaRG8oIhF1yFc5GeSvqDyBNMxFNIMejwwWQMsdIboG6TrP8SqrQF7Tw03E0dYOkU7u_rCRtaJ8OEfGZc4__nlpHyp2PG85rO_Vqd2iDvO1Kj0qVHA/s400/IMG_1155.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This season, the Qantas lounge is doing lovely things with radicchio...Is a sentence I never thought I'd type...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Compared to CLEAR, it's basically a nicer version with a dedicated ticketing counter, and a concierge who rolls your luggage for you to the front of the pre-check screening. It definitely saved me a few minutes, but it was more about the experience. With elite benefits being axed left and right, it's still a nice gesture. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWI3F0lV_ZgKiB8CRTDpUHte7skZtgmDsKnDSN6213EcAT6pGk0UgLAGK06_F6Quf3U4YYRPGLbe3oOY8sY6huONdYgd7Z6x-WncPEhsRA60aK8nuo9mpBGN1WRAkm4n80rL8X0S38w5R-/s1600/IMG_1156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWI3F0lV_ZgKiB8CRTDpUHte7skZtgmDsKnDSN6213EcAT6pGk0UgLAGK06_F6Quf3U4YYRPGLbe3oOY8sY6huONdYgd7Z6x-WncPEhsRA60aK8nuo9mpBGN1WRAkm4n80rL8X0S38w5R-/s400/IMG_1156.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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With my several hours before boarding, I have to actively hold back and pace myself as I work through the menu. I'd prefer not to admit that I also had a stop at the Flagship Lounge in T4 on the way here for a bowl of pho, but I will admit it, because mileage run, and that stuff was tasty. Pro-tip- if you like it spicy, there's siracha on the bar by the bloody mary fixings. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PK3hCbUx9pMB0J1cHNjOgEUSZ6JX_CAF6dEuG6y_BfXNFMU9kkF-OKivFjOB5y7v4YZMqLbovT2HAU_YF3eQSVakzi-X3XzdvIARjhuwRLtKFbTR1iEp1511oa6eDhcckWjEyBqkBzuP/s1600/IMG_1144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_PK3hCbUx9pMB0J1cHNjOgEUSZ6JX_CAF6dEuG6y_BfXNFMU9kkF-OKivFjOB5y7v4YZMqLbovT2HAU_YF3eQSVakzi-X3XzdvIARjhuwRLtKFbTR1iEp1511oa6eDhcckWjEyBqkBzuP/s400/IMG_1144.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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T-2 hours, and my incoming flight is about to land, the weather in the vicinity of London and Copenhagen airport looks passable, and so far I've only forgotten my power cube (remote power bank), so things are looking good to go. Plus, I've got a lovely bartender serving me something called the 'Garden Party' which has mint leaves in it. Granted, I've already expended my first flyer acquaintance, possibly by unnervingly confusing him by trying to explain what, exactly, I was actually seeking to accomplish by flying to Denmark 3 times for now reason, but that's not really a huge concern. And really, he's here to 'talk about bonds,' so what does he know. Besides, it happens more often, or possibly exactly as often, as you might think. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnN6M7TJDu7hofmG1-e9t0gwEutvnGcvlUzUAnHzYCtuPzvqHZEml24BvFdZfWZIDVCWEmfDfO8i9nPbZNWw6kC5ubWFu72hs9cfaJeG_iYnVNXazj6igWvJW-NZzQqqjbzMUqGuAOMjgg/s1600/IMG_1149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnN6M7TJDu7hofmG1-e9t0gwEutvnGcvlUzUAnHzYCtuPzvqHZEml24BvFdZfWZIDVCWEmfDfO8i9nPbZNWw6kC5ubWFu72hs9cfaJeG_iYnVNXazj6igWvJW-NZzQqqjbzMUqGuAOMjgg/s400/IMG_1149.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BA 747 "Queen of the Skies," in repose in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Come on, let's go....<br />
<br />
~CruisingAltitudeCThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-65873638908119660462018-02-21T13:31:00.001-08:002018-02-26T10:03:52.228-08:00The Scandi Run: Preview<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNvYrcOqnCIIFa0LBFLdhhOghg_2trCeFtQj7wAXL4FOTDJ4Tcxeft39vssw6X2Y2IZ6ZIzCz03rTEj8bippQ_SB0lvJrIsvtY0fXOxTDe80h0I6BM_NzFdLfX3HFVtPL4-4EAdfwtoyL/s1600/AirbnbCPH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNvYrcOqnCIIFa0LBFLdhhOghg_2trCeFtQj7wAXL4FOTDJ4Tcxeft39vssw6X2Y2IZ6ZIzCz03rTEj8bippQ_SB0lvJrIsvtY0fXOxTDe80h0I6BM_NzFdLfX3HFVtPL4-4EAdfwtoyL/s400/AirbnbCPH.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from my accommodations. Adorable, yes?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I never mileage run to Europe. Not kidding. I have been to Asia, South America, Africa, you name it.... but never Europe. There's a few reasons for this historically, most having to do with it simply not being far away enough to make sense, and Oneworld not having the most hub cities there. </div>
<br />
This is not to say I don't jump at the chance to go, it just tends to be a destination I get to by using my miles, not on account of earning them, and I try to stay awhile. <br />
<br />
But, as they say, we live in interesting times. As I tried to lay out some time ago, when AA switched the system up and effectively ruined mileage running for long distances on low fares, it was a choice of giving up or getting creative. Guess which one I (and my friends I've met along the way) went with??<br />
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(I'm now going to go on about how this actually works, rather than random facts about airports, and hijinks I stumbled into in random cities. If you're not interested in this, I suggest jumping down about 3 paragraphs where I'll get back to my thoughts on 36 hours freezing to death in Denmark in March)<br />
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The new strategy to still earn plenty of miles is to stalk the deals for cheap fares in premium cabins of other Oneworld airlines. This usually means business class on Qatar, or premium economy on British Airways, and occasionally Cathay Pacific. The further bit of intrigue, is that these deals almost never originate in the US. So to take advantage, one has to first get to the city of departure. What this further means (if you're still reading this at all) is that it's in your best interest to buy more than one of the deals when you find them at a time so you only have to get one 'positioning flight' per year, or per deal. <br />
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Let's put the plan into context, shall we? This year, there have been some premium economy deals on BA out of most all of the Scandinavian countries to the US, and specifically, to LAX which is clearly convenient for me in particular. To further sweeten the deal, there have on occasion been some crazy cheap economy deals on AA from LAX to various European cities, including....Scandinavia. You see where I'm going with this? <br />
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The deal has been good from Stockholm, Copenhagen, Oslo, and on occasion Helsinki, which all adds up to it getting coined (yes, by me) the 'Scandi run' since the destinations are interchangeable, more or less, for the same prices and miles earned. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCYXK_TUC1Bo66PzBU67hShBjxvcZhq6z7YCnNK76kO-xyBWoDmg2G2N_9OMuIyCKLSgkEbnbuIoTRzh5Y_I7MdL3XTsmPufZQmL26nJ7MdTHvO3vTemDFYmdMT4ZoBs7Bw0pnMtiYPsi/s1600/IMG_8284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCYXK_TUC1Bo66PzBU67hShBjxvcZhq6z7YCnNK76kO-xyBWoDmg2G2N_9OMuIyCKLSgkEbnbuIoTRzh5Y_I7MdL3XTsmPufZQmL26nJ7MdTHvO3vTemDFYmdMT4ZoBs7Bw0pnMtiYPsi/s400/IMG_8284.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">100% Denmark- bikes, bricks & spires. Nothing's overly tall in Copenhagen, so it's nicknamed the city of spires as they're the defining feature of the skyline, if you can even really call it that. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What it all adds up to for me this year, is flying out to Copenhagen on AA in March, and then 'returning' on that ticket in October, and flying back and forth on BA premium economy tickets on scattered weekends in between all year. 3 weekends, to be exact, though I'm thinking of adding one more at the end, and then flying back on an award ticket. We'll see. </div>
<br />
So.... this all results in my getting to say I GET TO GO TO DENMARK 3 TIMES. Sure, each time is only for about 2 nights, and I have to brave 12+ hours of slightly more comfortable economy to get there, but after 16+ hours in coach to Hong Kong a few weeks ago, I'm feeling pretty bulletproof. I'm honestly more worried about how in the heck to pack light on a mileage run for actual winter conditions. I'm quickly realizing that all my other runs were to hot, and many times insanely hot, climates. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3YcU56J92Kq6MYNwScLky9LEDcoPbvNULKLp26BR5rX4_bR1-o_43ZuK_M9owSo0tOlfyuVZsCzNJnlV7iG5NqvL2ksdlPIVDEAuOqMLPc8puvGtP70q2I7mIm6Lyn-wve-7mP84zlkP/s1600/IMG_8130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-3YcU56J92Kq6MYNwScLky9LEDcoPbvNULKLp26BR5rX4_bR1-o_43ZuK_M9owSo0tOlfyuVZsCzNJnlV7iG5NqvL2ksdlPIVDEAuOqMLPc8puvGtP70q2I7mIm6Lyn-wve-7mP84zlkP/s400/IMG_8130.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A particularly famous spire- Christianborg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My outbound flight is on AA (the first half of the 'positioning flight') and so I'm playing the upgrade game to Heathrow. After a stopover for some food and a shower at the excellent lounges there, I'll make the quick hop to CPH and take the metro into town. <br />
<br />
Copenhagen is extremely easy to get around on public transportation, just about anywhere you want to go. I had initially thought of staying by the airport in the <a href="https://track.flexlinkspro.com/a.ashx?foid=1092652.2113122&foc=1&fot=9999&fos=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marriott.com%2Fhotels%2Ftravel%2Fcphac-ac-hotel-bella-sky-copenhagen%2F" target="_blank">AC Sky Bella hotel</a> in Orestad, which is a newer, planned area of Copenhagen by the Kastrup airport, but after realizing it is really only a 15 minute train into town, and I could <a href="http://www.airbnb.com/c/ctauscher1" target="_blank">save 50% by booking an Airbnb</a> in the center of the city, my choice was easy. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuHe6gXpdfUkL4Kcq0rrVbCMcnG_DjAOpP1gNAQbyY65UKblclmyxqdeIiFXrnjZdP3cY8J7RkzE2nvZIWh37IO4L4C6ywm6GodCGRYDZext_xwynbzF_Ms1nQH51jf3OlF5Lt6rRNiob/s1600/IMG_8096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuHe6gXpdfUkL4Kcq0rrVbCMcnG_DjAOpP1gNAQbyY65UKblclmyxqdeIiFXrnjZdP3cY8J7RkzE2nvZIWh37IO4L4C6ywm6GodCGRYDZext_xwynbzF_Ms1nQH51jf3OlF5Lt6rRNiob/s400/IMG_8096.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christianshavn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm now staying in Christenshavn, which is a truly adorable part of the city on a series of canals, in a flat with my hosts Magnus and Mikkel. Awesome. It's central to many attractions, full of cafes and bars, and you can walk/bike just about anywhere in a few minutes. <br />
<br />
This, however, also brings up the fact that on arrival I'll likely have to answer the age-old question of why I'm in Denmark in the first place, and further, why I'm only there for about 36 hours before turning around and going right back where I came from. It may surprise you, but many people find this just a tiny bit strange. Hotels don't ask, but I get the feeling that my host(s) just might. <br />
<br />
I've thought from time to time about coming up with a reusable story to explain myself, other than having to dig into the whole logic (or illogic) of mileage running. But what to say? Most business travelers don't come into town just for a Sunday, of all things. They also don't stay up late/get up early to stay on their home timezone, and they definitely don't wander in looking very much like they've just spent 15 hours in economy and somehow still are enjoying their lives. <br />
<br />
In any event, it's a work in progress. I'll let you know.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluAUtPwOrJ5b0zbMvPlLJRiTqewr4-Q28IwDAzkINylfW4jGi8ZTRRg-PMAHWa2dsb-g6-O46bRG0xRrF2U4eWH1jHGrDa3Jj1KD1BOUNaEuWDe9v0lfm6CBQZKHPLZP9y0YOFsUuZOvl/s1600/courtyardCPH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjluAUtPwOrJ5b0zbMvPlLJRiTqewr4-Q28IwDAzkINylfW4jGi8ZTRRg-PMAHWa2dsb-g6-O46bRG0xRrF2U4eWH1jHGrDa3Jj1KD1BOUNaEuWDe9v0lfm6CBQZKHPLZP9y0YOFsUuZOvl/s400/courtyardCPH.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I expect there may be snow on all of this when I get there.</td></tr>
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For more details of things to do in Copenhagen, we're currently writing up our adventures from the Summer over at <a href="http://babyflyerblog.com/" target="_blank">Baby Flyer Blog</a>. On these shorter, colder, trips, I'll probably try to get to some favorite places like <a href="http://hoenenogaegget.dk/" target="_blank">Honen & Aegget</a> and <a href="http://www.denvandrette.dk/" target="_blank">Den Vandrette</a> in Nyhavn for tradition's sake, but other than that I'm looking forward to playing my one real day in town by ear. I have no delusions of elaborate castle tours, or getting a table at Noma. That's not what mileage runs are all about. Get there, see a thing or two, chat with some locals, and get safely back home again.<br />
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My flight out on Monday is plenty early (7am!) which with the time change is about.... 11 at night back home? You can't think too hard about these things, just get to the plane. The return flight from London this time around is on BA's, and the world's, largest passenger jet, the a380. They're smooth and modern, and I was able to preselect a good seat without paying extra on account of the Oneworld Emerald status I'm flying so far to keep up. I do have the potential option to try for an upgrade by using some Amex points, but I think this time around I'll let it go and see. It's only 12 hours, anyway. Easy.<br />
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So, that's the Scandi run in a nutshell. I hope it goes as I think it will in my head, seeing as how I'm doing it at least three times this year. Wish me luck. <br />
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~CruisingAltitude CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-46105339986189820292018-02-19T17:09:00.001-08:002018-02-21T14:24:49.263-08:00See One Thing: HKG-The Dragon's Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I made it back alive! <br />
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It was another memorable trip to and from Hong Kong over a weekend. First off, no, I didn't clear my upgrade for the long...long....outbound flight. For a brief second on Friday it was looking possible, but then a group of four booked into business class on a prior flight misconnected and had to be re-booked in the last few available seats. Disappointing, sure, but honestly it went fine. I had a main cabin extra seat with unlimited leg room, watched some movies, and slept about half the way there. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feet up, painful comedy on tap.</td></tr>
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I'd seen this coming, so I geared up for the flight. I had my <a href="http://amzn.to/2sxAjyq" target="_blank">Briggs & Riley cabin bag</a> with me, so aside from takeoff and landing, I had it in front of me to use as a footrest, which worked great. I also panicked a few days out, and ordered a <a href="http://amzn.to/2Hk6wfI" target="_blank">Turtl travel scarf</a>, which is basically a neck wrap with a plastic insert that supports your neck. It honestly worked pretty well, and after a few more flights, I'll probably do a real review. I didn't have the usual sore neck when I woke up this time around like I usually would dozing in economy. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 hours down, 8 to go....</td></tr>
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This was my 6th time through Hong Kong, and the more I go, the more I appreciate the city. It's one of the densest places on earth, and yet because of the surrounding waterways and parkland covered by steep green hills, doesn't feel overwhelming. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hong Kong Island from the Sheraton. No complaints.</td></tr>
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As usual, I took the airport express into town when I arrived, checked in at the Kowloon Sheraton. I'd paid some points to upgrade to the Towers part of the Sheraton, which is a kind of hotel within the hotel on the high floors. It has a separate check-in, lounge, and elevators, as well as some other fringe benefits. <br />
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Video from the Towers elevator- Hong Kong skyline & Nathan Road</div>
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Since the timing worked out, I enjoyed hanging out with some other flyers from the US there for the fare deals as well. After the Sheraton happy hour, we moved over to Ozone, which is the 'tallest bar in the world' on top of the Ritz Carlton tower. Always good for one drink, but not much more as you're there for the view, not the prices. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">100+ floors up for a round of cocktails with new friends at Ozone</td></tr>
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The next day, after the Towers Breakfast buffet at the hotel, I headed out to try something new. Instead of my regular walk around The Peak, I got more adventurous and went for the Dragon's Back trail hike at <a href="http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_cou/cou_vis_cou_so/cou_vis_cou_so.html" target="_blank">Shek-O Country Park</a>. <br />
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This park is significantly further away from Kowloon than the peak, but you can still get there via the MTR in less than an hour if the bus connection is fast. It took me a bit longer on the way out, for reasons I'll shortly explain. <br />
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The trail itself starts from a trailhead with signage on Shek-O road. From there, it's a steep-ish hike up the path, including rocky areas and carved stone steps. There are several places to stop and take in the view as you climb. Part way up the initial climb, the trail branches and there's a shelter and benches. To do the basic dragon's back, continue straight at this point. As I went I noticed that the path is periodically marked with blue paint on the rocks. <br />
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Eventually, the trail reaches the ridgeline of Shek-O, and proceeds through several rolling hills towards the peak, the "Dragon's Back" if you will. At this point, panoramic views of the entire back side of Hong Kong island are constant, with the blue water all around. Below, you can see the Shek-O golf course and Shek-O beach, and eventually Big Wave Bay. <br />
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It's about 30 minutes, if you're moving along, to Shek-O peak. There's a significant incline, and uneven terrain, so 30 minutes is enough to get some exercise in. From there, you can continue on to either the trail down to Big Wave Bay, or go to the next trail intersection, and take a circle path that will eventually bring you back to the original trail, where you can get back to the road. <br />
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There were plenty of people also doing the hike, but it was by no means crowded, especially since it was mid day on a Monday, and the weather was unseasonably cold and windy, even for winter in Hong Kong.<br />
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The view from Shek-O peak-</div>
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I seriously considered going on since it really was beautiful, but I knew at some point the jetlag was going to hit me hard, and it was threatening to rain. I started back down the way I came, and stopped for a bit longer at a clearing to relax and take in the view by myself for a few. <br />
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So, how to get there...<br />
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From Kowloon, take either the MTR to Admiralty, or if you're in the market for a little more walking and a trip on the water, take the Star Ferry and then walk to Central or Admiralty. From there, take the blue 'Island Line' MTR toward Chai Wan. Get off at the Kei Wan, and take the number 9 bus to the trailhead. It's the most popular stop on the bus, so likely you can just follow along with everyone <br />
else. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You have to take the Star Ferry at least once per visit. That's the rule.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MTR to Chai Wan</td></tr>
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I, however, misread the directions, and took the MTR all the way to Chai Wan. Realizing what I'd done, I just went outside and got a cab to the trailhead. It was faster, but probably cost an extra US $6 or so. On the way back, I took the bus to the MTR as planned, transferred at Admiralty, and took the red line back to Tim Sha Tsui outside the Sheraton. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_3wrV8Ry5b0RePfaby_HGT1jNmYPEpaUzb8OoCL8OZjd6FiblZA1KCEA5mb5LJH5EhtPAxDOXU4ngA_gRzNoRSplxyXVBm3KOC-mkEOGCANHK3aJI_Oc2tLq5bWpdSRgIQG7VdOR6gcQ/s1600/IMG_0804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_3wrV8Ry5b0RePfaby_HGT1jNmYPEpaUzb8OoCL8OZjd6FiblZA1KCEA5mb5LJH5EhtPAxDOXU4ngA_gRzNoRSplxyXVBm3KOC-mkEOGCANHK3aJI_Oc2tLq5bWpdSRgIQG7VdOR6gcQ/s400/IMG_0804.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Dragon's Back trailhead on Shek-O road.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was definitely getting to be time for a nap, but by this point my adventuring made me hungry, so I wandered around Kowloon to see what looked good. This part of Hong Kong is bustling, and the streets are lined with all kinds of stores and restaurants. There's so many options, it's hard to pick. I was making my way past Kowloon park when I saw a sign that looked familiar from my googling prior to the trip- for "Haiphong Road Temporary Market."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCY4fRXy_VrZpEZRV1xVyjhHCSaOh2-oONkDqtE5mAk2HBFrBK5rPcUf5BwfKxO2xKRYZ-aO1F7Pc59Hcw2pBt9JHEe-QJZ_0dQqHpcKnk2z5nUsMPiDRyeApZg5OnNabzxVIPLSbsD2y_/s1600/IMG_0844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCY4fRXy_VrZpEZRV1xVyjhHCSaOh2-oONkDqtE5mAk2HBFrBK5rPcUf5BwfKxO2xKRYZ-aO1F7Pc59Hcw2pBt9JHEe-QJZ_0dQqHpcKnk2z5nUsMPiDRyeApZg5OnNabzxVIPLSbsD2y_/s400/IMG_0844.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In and around Kowloon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I vaguely remembered something about the best....beef something... in Hong Kong for like $4, so I ducked inside. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCBvUkUOr3CpmpogkQBCHWvf7gM1D6vdcmCcd7ip99BsstomXe_h8LU96k4g2f9Fbmzk1OHzOFj13viSXzTr3ejqTVkxwgjeoUxRUwx_KHlIMHJ_lulZamDzDuG-c49o3HbJQPiq5Oj_Z/s1600/IMG_0845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgCBvUkUOr3CpmpogkQBCHWvf7gM1D6vdcmCcd7ip99BsstomXe_h8LU96k4g2f9Fbmzk1OHzOFj13viSXzTr3ejqTVkxwgjeoUxRUwx_KHlIMHJ_lulZamDzDuG-c49o3HbJQPiq5Oj_Z/s400/IMG_0845.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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The temporary market isn't so much temporary, as having been there for a long time, and isn't about to go away. It's a mix of stalls selling all manner of vegetables, meats, and just about anything else, and on the lower level, a haphazardly laid out food court area serving mostly locals around crowded plastic tables and chairs. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes8hgXljc97H83dSvi5C7CTiz3kQzE9dYWnRsWPyDwQDptvN-eT7KQ1Oe8AL_UyVtlP-HO0fLl1l3KLsM2JDbb7raftFJbPMdLF2Al4hgQ7v548ROcr-KyyvIpJfpUlZwc7INwz-8Wg7d/s1600/IMG_0847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjes8hgXljc97H83dSvi5C7CTiz3kQzE9dYWnRsWPyDwQDptvN-eT7KQ1Oe8AL_UyVtlP-HO0fLl1l3KLsM2JDbb7raftFJbPMdLF2Al4hgQ7v548ROcr-KyyvIpJfpUlZwc7INwz-8Wg7d/s400/IMG_0847.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The food court at the 'temporary market.'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is not a place for the faint-hearted, as it requires passing by food hawker stalls actively butchering pork and chicken (not so much actual live animals...just recently live animals) to get to the food court on the lower level. Once there, I was immediately accosted by an overly friendly vendor who would eventually convince me to get his special beef noodle dish, and then sit with me while I ate. He practiced his English, I had some delicious noodles and learned a riddle about whether to choose to face down a murderer, a fire, or a hungry lion. Spoiler alert- go for the lion...for some reason...he was still working on that English, and my Cantonese is limited to one word, and I'm not sure I'm even saying that right. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTRN4TBsq0u_i9T-T91GAtxoCX_-DPQ2pS6duRZIpKwC5zIKQvNyNU4ykAVjOrfCRW2TvxzJDG_yQoTa70P8vl7Tizhikwj-3kBaWbjdx3nsfofblNTQ3UUJSD0uZ2V5-8tF8rCnrkq-w/s1600/IMG_0849.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidTRN4TBsq0u_i9T-T91GAtxoCX_-DPQ2pS6duRZIpKwC5zIKQvNyNU4ykAVjOrfCRW2TvxzJDG_yQoTa70P8vl7Tizhikwj-3kBaWbjdx3nsfofblNTQ3UUJSD0uZ2V5-8tF8rCnrkq-w/s320/IMG_0849.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I got back to the hotel in time for a quick cup of tea at the lounge, and then took my customary daytime nap to try and somewhat stay on schedule before my body would 'wake up' for the night. All in all it was a full and satisfying day in the city. I'd fully recommend the Dragon's Back hike, and will be keeping it in mind to do again. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZCfmrT1P6zaj0TLqh9QaiSxkM0g1i67FjOmxbcsWk2g6Adms6yMr5nAKchOr1LnZ7sXkJP4rzf0YIvVTSuhyphenhyphenVOFCMSt2grY1Y_8vKdMQhZ-gTsn69AP1ZfjmfjwRwcFyy_P1IHED-oKQ/s1600/IMG_0861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZCfmrT1P6zaj0TLqh9QaiSxkM0g1i67FjOmxbcsWk2g6Adms6yMr5nAKchOr1LnZ7sXkJP4rzf0YIvVTSuhyphenhyphenVOFCMSt2grY1Y_8vKdMQhZ-gTsn69AP1ZfjmfjwRwcFyy_P1IHED-oKQ/s320/IMG_0861.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From noodles at the temporary market, to high tea at the Towers Lounge. Living the mileage dream.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Up next in a few weeks... <a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-scandi-run-preview.html" target="_blank">the 'Scandi run' begins</a>. Copenhagen, here I come (at least 3 times)!<br />
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Travel safely & enjoy the journey,<br />
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~CruisingAltitude<br />
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Bonus feature- a very jetlagged vlog clip from the top of Shek-O:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rXgdbJYpa_U/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rXgdbJYpa_U?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-34322493933159582632018-01-29T03:24:00.002-08:002018-01-29T03:25:27.535-08:00The Flagship We've All Been Waiting For<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF41OGntLGzuYgJhG-ax3s4MGC99E64Ti_Om2lO94d8_tm9VfPjVFoHQq6cJ6XypqjkHwI3D1SJPaKSNycag0DLXNtrF2pz6K0MDNXkFSfaqF_xxYIXadYiufrL_CM8WvFfUfnnyCl-3n/s1600/IMG_0741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF41OGntLGzuYgJhG-ax3s4MGC99E64Ti_Om2lO94d8_tm9VfPjVFoHQq6cJ6XypqjkHwI3D1SJPaKSNycag0DLXNtrF2pz6K0MDNXkFSfaqF_xxYIXadYiufrL_CM8WvFfUfnnyCl-3n/s400/IMG_0741.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You see this view?? This used to be my view each and every stop through LAX. Now, NOT SO MUCH!</td></tr>
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You know what? I'm mad. Do you want to know why I'm mad? I know you don't really, but this is my blog and so I'm going to tell you anyway. Prepare to be humble bragged within an inch of your life!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBr7DrJOL6DfbpoQbxD2NaF3ywMDH74h6giAYbjYGI_BQY2YDEQxqdBUvzLqhsXo0vWdMKFq5N2xPXlDnJ_3aG7yW0Ug3p_nh5CVYGUABmJToHdinHVf7Pf6-rtW9eapV-1Q6rsQqXSkl/s1600/IMG_0748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBr7DrJOL6DfbpoQbxD2NaF3ywMDH74h6giAYbjYGI_BQY2YDEQxqdBUvzLqhsXo0vWdMKFq5N2xPXlDnJ_3aG7yW0Ug3p_nh5CVYGUABmJToHdinHVf7Pf6-rtW9eapV-1Q6rsQqXSkl/s400/IMG_0748.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, you're seeing this. There's bacon.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjR7frgSPCq2_exhKJP47r1GRKfVJo_b4SmjtnQjCotIZvJW5MG0JglwYMI_NhsjlkcmRxS6zva1IaJKTP9rnM_5YIEy2fdNYxx3S3fZIAbFazHUM1BbkYX5knGZaSoMv5txVfEy_dCr7H/s1600/IMG_0752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjR7frgSPCq2_exhKJP47r1GRKfVJo_b4SmjtnQjCotIZvJW5MG0JglwYMI_NhsjlkcmRxS6zva1IaJKTP9rnM_5YIEy2fdNYxx3S3fZIAbFazHUM1BbkYX5knGZaSoMv5txVfEy_dCr7H/s400/IMG_0752.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The new Flagship Lounge at LAX's Terminal 4 is too nice. Yes, dammit, you heard me. There is good food, and not just in the exclusive 'flagship dining' area, but on offer to everyone else as well. There's an impressive self serve bar with Grey Goose, Hangar 1, Black Label, Woodford, Bombay, and all manner of fun options, as well as a bloody mary station, and non-alcoholic beverages including cold brew and an espresso maker. Plus this week- custom, made to order Pho. In case anyone was wondering- they had me at NOODLES. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYI2PnGY0piGuQmvriQl5R0Vm2HWa6wz8yv7PTat1VMiEYeh6xj4WgbULRM0YYI4ETy1BLEWBLOb3oX5EqFpZoFqrdgsu17r1z1IOqOToYOQFRFJ8RL8Jg07ATQhslhrszaCw4aXzBQioF/s1600/IMG_0743.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYI2PnGY0piGuQmvriQl5R0Vm2HWa6wz8yv7PTat1VMiEYeh6xj4WgbULRM0YYI4ETy1BLEWBLOb3oX5EqFpZoFqrdgsu17r1z1IOqOToYOQFRFJ8RL8Jg07ATQhslhrszaCw4aXzBQioF/s400/IMG_0743.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Décor like JFK, food much better.</td></tr>
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It's quite a bit better than the location at JFK, and that's saying something because JFK isn't at all shabby.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjZliZ2FsCn2K-SpCkxGlypXZkJcBOSvDusFInVr7GAbpq2ShFPts-OkKP83WX_x89rROPQWPNjdXstV21vJYME-XpQzvJl3SYRBjK96iXG5WSMMZW2RdbfWXNO_coy7cnhVqSzchM2ij/s1600/IMG_0744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjZliZ2FsCn2K-SpCkxGlypXZkJcBOSvDusFInVr7GAbpq2ShFPts-OkKP83WX_x89rROPQWPNjdXstV21vJYME-XpQzvJl3SYRBjK96iXG5WSMMZW2RdbfWXNO_coy7cnhVqSzchM2ij/s400/IMG_0744.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frikkin' pho station. For serious.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCd0UyedhrD_NFf8IG-I-QmDtTs57zAug2fIvL_kqeMrnRzGx73Oyvz25v3T221Q19CxS9mFbLgylYh2tHGKQuPik-welg6L4uqUKada9W6IlW1h3Ggoaz4QUmipX42Uwqyo5t96Lxk8N/s1600/IMG_0745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCd0UyedhrD_NFf8IG-I-QmDtTs57zAug2fIvL_kqeMrnRzGx73Oyvz25v3T221Q19CxS9mFbLgylYh2tHGKQuPik-welg6L4uqUKada9W6IlW1h3Ggoaz4QUmipX42Uwqyo5t96Lxk8N/s400/IMG_0745.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Food....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacLVp5BoNIVGbyS0WaXps1_EPxXbyMIS_ws0XTjcMxqkXzjrdBVk1mX9sK9jWejPltZcWgwff0J5-eoIxJ5Wg6LHrbzwzxyJqrSyErx0gNwdL3I_kaQsIfB-44o5hon-mKGySkShYezXF/s1600/IMG_0746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacLVp5BoNIVGbyS0WaXps1_EPxXbyMIS_ws0XTjcMxqkXzjrdBVk1mX9sK9jWejPltZcWgwff0J5-eoIxJ5Wg6LHrbzwzxyJqrSyErx0gNwdL3I_kaQsIfB-44o5hon-mKGySkShYezXF/s400/IMG_0746.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....And more food.</td></tr>
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And here's why that makes me mad. I'm mad because I've been carefully cultivating my disgruntlement with the new renovations to the terminal 4 Admiral's club for months. MONTHS, I tell you. Despite opening a new location in terminal 5, the loss of square footage in terminal 4 has been severely detrimental to the customer experience, and that's putting it lightly. It's overcrowded, overrun, and not relaxing at all. </div>
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You could go down to terminal 5, sure, but that's a decent hike, and even that has been crowded of late. Instead, I've been taking the new connector over to TBIT and hitting up the KAL lounge on my priority pass. This is no hardship, as I'm addicted to the (free) $1.99 spicy noodles there. However, access there isn't open until 12pm, and Mrs. CruisingAltitude isn't a fan of the food offerings. <br />
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This is all to say that now I'm left in a frustrating, angry-ifying quandary- the new lounge is legitimately wonderful, not quite beating out the <a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.hk/2016/11/lounge-destinations-qantas-1st-lounge.html" target="_blank">Qantas lounge</a>, but definitely trying to. However, I'm only allowed in a few times a year, when I'm flying internationally since I'm perpetually buying double-deep-discount tickets to everywhere. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRB7BtzC4mgyV1AwD2_qBa_kREyhdyyQJH8EcVyPdvOwAD3GrQsQX4cMX1B2tKX1LWfe_ezUmSFj-D3MOmWJMBq81aSPPYr_RqLK44dWciivz82v_QWpFA6qumdhy1wR1VCEGcNkcBAV7-/s1600/IMG_0749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRB7BtzC4mgyV1AwD2_qBa_kREyhdyyQJH8EcVyPdvOwAD3GrQsQX4cMX1B2tKX1LWfe_ezUmSFj-D3MOmWJMBq81aSPPYr_RqLK44dWciivz82v_QWpFA6qumdhy1wR1VCEGcNkcBAV7-/s320/IMG_0749.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Livid, I am. So.... I angry-scarfed down my custom made pho, maliciously drank (a couple) glasses of Bollinger champagne, and finally belligerently swiped a few bottled beverages from the self serve fridge, and eventually wandered out to face up to the Qantas lounge dragons at TBIT. <br />
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My diamond shoes are definitely a little tight, and I fully admit this is all ridiculous, but so is flying to Hong Kong for 48 hours, so what do you want from me? <br />
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More on all of that soon....<br />
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~CruisingAltitudeCThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-25878623070166709152018-01-26T16:07:00.000-08:002018-01-26T16:07:55.257-08:00Then Go East....Far East....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3I2TheL6zJ2iqKYFZg1POq5dYafeTwMuT8vRPKKsm3OQXaNAnu4dKPU9_IWZOCyY6TPKGM4eLLK7G3Sd46spTjSS53eGAGSgyDpZMF0E3LlLcvAZwnwuHWSiqShYAKA1EpoDdKn_I89P/s1600/IMG_5231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3I2TheL6zJ2iqKYFZg1POq5dYafeTwMuT8vRPKKsm3OQXaNAnu4dKPU9_IWZOCyY6TPKGM4eLLK7G3Sd46spTjSS53eGAGSgyDpZMF0E3LlLcvAZwnwuHWSiqShYAKA1EpoDdKn_I89P/s400/IMG_5231.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Welcome to 2018, we're glad you're here! Before we get in the air, we'd like to go over some important features of 2017.**<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixranLvUG8MhYrTzoXPsCVICUj9bk7dQk9N4SYB_gUNoKvny640vFEFqjf-RVdV-z6aus3eJgvbHq3urcrSVbDjvp0h0_2le2BxYNNApqzY0r23F2heqjn2TcI-GfSgvPtUhSgnHLevRkM/s1600/2017+Flights.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixranLvUG8MhYrTzoXPsCVICUj9bk7dQk9N4SYB_gUNoKvny640vFEFqjf-RVdV-z6aus3eJgvbHq3urcrSVbDjvp0h0_2le2BxYNNApqzY0r23F2heqjn2TcI-GfSgvPtUhSgnHLevRkM/s400/2017+Flights.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was a year full of new adventures, and not just a few miles flown. As per usual, I went considerably out of my way to get my American/Oneworld status done, racking up those 100,000 miles. It was a year for circling the world (quite literally), exploring foreign countries that are not so far off, plenty that actually are, and sharing travel experiences with family. </div>
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If you're interested, you can check out some of the adventures here:</div>
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/06/havana-running-part-12-can-you-sea-me.html" target="_blank">Havana Running (Cuba, of course)</a></div>
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/01/mileage-runing-2017-season-opener.html" target="_blank">Around the World in 80 Hours (Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo, Doha)</a></div>
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<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/06/mileage-run-preview-yes-this-is-real.html" target="_blank">Yes, This Is Real Life (Doha, Amman, Colombo)</a></div>
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Whenever I'm questioning my plans, or debating which itineraries I might actually sort out, I put in the 'pro' column if I'll get to add a country to my 'visited' map I keep in my head. Since I'm usually at the mercy of the major Oneworld deals and routes, I tend to wind up in the same places repeatedly- Hong Kong, Doha, Tokyo, etc. So it can be exciting when there's someplace brand new. </div>
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This year I added Cuba, Jordan (airport, it was quick), Finland, Estonia <a href="https://babyflyerblog.com/2017/07/25/trip-preview-summer-in-scandinavia/" target="_blank">(check these out on Baby Flyer Blog),</a> and Sri Lanka. Not bad at all. </div>
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Sometimes, however, it's nice to play the hits. That's why when I saw an impressive deal back to one of my favorites, and on the last weekend before last year's upgrades expired, I jumped on it. 36 hours in Hong Kong, here I come. I'm even really taking this one 'old school,' and back-tracking to Dallas to catch the longest flight in American's network direct to HKG. </div>
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I'm currently sitting in the lovely Qantas 1st class lounge in LAX before my flight, enjoying some Hamachi crudo and minute steak. Life could be worse. As an aside, I stopped by the NEW LAX Flagship Lounge as well. Review of this soon!</div>
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As per usual, I'm playing the upgrade waitlist game for the outbound, but for a nice treat I was able to book the return via Tokyo Narita right into business class on my SWU upgrade! So no matter what, I'll arrive back home in good shape. </div>
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So, what's a girl to do with two nights and a day in this fine city? A few options come to mind...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudWNZ3yep9N-HmePmU0qObb89hAlqdx9QpTrzfAQaNR0D-yc6BJ-xv2bAVZhPu6XxDpMAcRlj9-1SKaIH-Q22042Qemn2EFaeQzDrO39vXgBFx5zgSmDmD2vay0zH42uOY09IfRw2PGGI/s1600/HKG+Breakfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudWNZ3yep9N-HmePmU0qObb89hAlqdx9QpTrzfAQaNR0D-yc6BJ-xv2bAVZhPu6XxDpMAcRlj9-1SKaIH-Q22042Qemn2EFaeQzDrO39vXgBFx5zgSmDmD2vay0zH42uOY09IfRw2PGGI/s400/HKG+Breakfast.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm staying (again) at the Sheraton Kowloon, which has a top floor restaurant bar and lounge with a great view. For what it's worth, people are always looking down on the Sheraton because in a strict sense it's outclassed by some of the other major chain offerings in Hong Kong- the Ritz, the JW Marriott, Conrad, and so on. However, it keeps being my go-to for a few night's stay for a few reasons. First- it's right on the Metro at Tim Sha Tsui, and has a shuttle from the Airport Express station at Kowloon. Second- Even though it's sold as two hotels (the towers and regular rooms) you can usually use points to cheaply upgrade into a Towers room that comes with a high floor lounge with a very nice evening reception. Third- There is a rooftop pool and spas that are great even in the rain. Lastly- it's generally CHEAPER than the competition. That alone puts it right up there. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My suite at the Sheraton last time around.</td></tr>
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This is all to say that setting up shop in Kowloon gives me some easy options before even going outside. However, I fully intend to go outside. I usually try to get out and take a hike or jog thought one of the parks each time I'm here. In the past, I've done a morning jog around The Peak. This time I may branch out....who knows. </div>
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And then there's the food...oh, the food.... This time, I'm in the market for some dim sum (of course), and want to find some traditional congee as well. I think I've located a place that's near the hotel, and open until 2am. This seems like a strange criteria, but here's the thing- flying to Hong Kong from the US essentially makes you nocturnal on arrival. Your internal clock 'wakes up' around midnight, and if you're not looking to adjust, places open until 2 am are key. Plus, Hong Kong is one of those "never sleeps" places. </div>
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So.... the bars are open until 2 or 3, congee until 2, and I think I found a dim sum place that opens for the day at 4. Done and done. A bit of day sleeping, some time in the pool, and it'll be time to head on out. </div>
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Thank various deities for international Uber. </div>
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As it turns out, I'm also not the only frequent flyer to think that this weekend is a great time to be in Hong Kong, so I'm looking forward to some meetups with other travelers and acquaintances. All in all, it promises to be a good time....once I survive the 17 hour flight, of course. Fingers crossed for the upgrade!!</div>
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Travel well, </div>
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~CruisingAltitude. </div>
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**Kudos to you if you get this reference. </div>
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CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-56157691029599953232017-11-26T15:56:00.000-08:002017-11-26T15:56:08.439-08:00Adventures in Canyonlands Part 2: The Dinos Don't Have a B Plan...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI__VJ7o4UlZl0p8699dhqHir5LODgxQ-tlW4XmRfgoMBGh8FMPIMFXr43cdaw172pyw-hp7PA7BUxfUyCq8JIiyaW_BfW9vS2n5Fod_ARH4_wbnrk48vx0Mwja8f0uj6xJcb0FkTsV0WR/s1600/IMG_8652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI__VJ7o4UlZl0p8699dhqHir5LODgxQ-tlW4XmRfgoMBGh8FMPIMFXr43cdaw172pyw-hp7PA7BUxfUyCq8JIiyaW_BfW9vS2n5Fod_ARH4_wbnrk48vx0Mwja8f0uj6xJcb0FkTsV0WR/s400/IMG_8652.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life's a winding road</td></tr>
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......But I do. <br />
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By the last evening of this fateful trip I found myself sliding into a chair at the bar of the airport hotel next to the airport hotel I was staying at 3 minutes before closing and ordering a pepperoni pizza, after a 4 hour drive over the mountains, in the dark, with two complete strangers. <br />
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How was your day?<br />
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Maybe I should.... go back.....to 48 hours earlier when I was flying down the road at midnight looking for the Green River Holiday Inn Express. And I do mean flying- this part of I 70 has a speed limit of 80, and by midnight even the truckers have pulled over for the night. I did the 30 miles in no time. <br />
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The hotel itself was nothing special, but I wasn't expecting all that much, so it was fine. I slept a few hours, and then got up in time to battle my way to a continental breakfast through what I can only imagine was no less than 3 busloads of Chinese tourists trying to figure out exactly what 'biscuits and gravy' are, and how one might go about eating them. I got a waffle, some tang colored orange juice, and retreated to my room. <br />
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The actual reason for my being there was to take depositions of some locals, and we needed an internet connection. As it turns out, one of the only places for rent with such services is the local "River Museum" next to the Holiday Inn Express....which is how I ended up dressed in a suit, taking a deposition, all the while being stared at by an angry looking stegosaurus skeleton in the basement of a natural history museum. Can't make this up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rawr!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gcoTDMQI4V2bsOy_z5fDAgB5xLn6EqUw_e1NQ20GyqHusypwpXnH2Yss26jpIDkC-j-mhyphenhyphengQnnOyBqIgXqBZb-uixFTeHP2sMN0pnuIgXcDdhNmi466XA8CaYGngMLYRrOqIiq11a89j/s1600/IMG_8638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_gcoTDMQI4V2bsOy_z5fDAgB5xLn6EqUw_e1NQ20GyqHusypwpXnH2Yss26jpIDkC-j-mhyphenhyphengQnnOyBqIgXqBZb-uixFTeHP2sMN0pnuIgXcDdhNmi466XA8CaYGngMLYRrOqIiq11a89j/s400/IMG_8638.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CANNOT make this up.</td></tr>
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We ended up wrapping up the work in a day, but I'd booked the next night in town in case we hadn't, and so my flight was in the afternoon the next day. This left some time to see a thing or two after hours. Like I said, Green River doesn't have much in the way of attractions in town, but is situated in the middle of some breathtaking landscape and national parks. <br />
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I headed down I 70, thinking I'd take some pictures here and there, and maybe make my way to Goblin Valley, which Siri let me know was about 45 minutes away. Helpful as always. Well, I guess I distract easily, because I missed my first turn off, and wandered down the freeway too far. When I was going to turn around and go back, I saw what looked like an alternate highway on the map which would let me avoid backtracking. Excellent (she thought). <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8SMTVluf9rkk3vSrpfUpUbQfPq3VqNxqIFi8IqHtw7_lxBJd6k69jM4Fhd6sGx7b2DXGfs7wdRWKBU3nBx1fJ2xKXhhKVTmXxnsifzLw0XKFQ5k_GzHFp96DB3JxdS6v-JzjdQo-qnVB/s1600/IMG_8655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8SMTVluf9rkk3vSrpfUpUbQfPq3VqNxqIFi8IqHtw7_lxBJd6k69jM4Fhd6sGx7b2DXGfs7wdRWKBU3nBx1fJ2xKXhhKVTmXxnsifzLw0XKFQ5k_GzHFp96DB3JxdS6v-JzjdQo-qnVB/s400/IMG_8655.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what I refer to as the 'before picture,' as in, 'this is before she ignored Siri's advice.</td></tr>
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For some reason though, Siri was saying it would take three times as long as the other route, despite being about the same distance. Silly Siri, she clearly doesn't know what she's talking about (she said to herself, as if she knows anything, and took the next exit onto a byway.)<br />
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Well, the byway got less and less paved, and veered more and more into open country. Still I went bravely ahead because - adventure. Less paved became unpaved, and then smooth dirt became rocky, and rocky started dipping in and out of dry and not so dry creek beds and the like. Siri may have been on to something. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIvduZPcpP6_AE9qD0O-H-dMjkIicaQiT85OQyYMEbOyUYOF5uvarblzGqIuM_xf59KR-Bug1AqwlwyYpXYgcVX_mh-34exn6Odq8RPHlUZcYPurAFd46jndn1yy3Vqa5BZaerlJij0xX/s1600/IMG_8662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIvduZPcpP6_AE9qD0O-H-dMjkIicaQiT85OQyYMEbOyUYOF5uvarblzGqIuM_xf59KR-Bug1AqwlwyYpXYgcVX_mh-34exn6Odq8RPHlUZcYPurAFd46jndn1yy3Vqa5BZaerlJij0xX/s400/IMG_8662.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Dodge Chargers were harmed in the making of this blog post. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Nevertheless, I kept going, mainly because the further I went, the more beautiful it got. Spending 99% of my time currently in Los Angeles and in other major cities, it's very rare to get the chance to be the only one in sight. I did occasionally see another car, which was just enough to make me feel like if I got a flat or whatnot I might not die alone out here. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUJxwNvHyD3IEEyJkQVLN16W4Cvduf_iEcx38VlO9PXNQpQ-w3I3PkwEnFn0o_R00cFAm9PxrjVv8sS4wbOpnZlIBKFMhYYxO9m9TjLywzKrKRpuk1ATsna7IoAlmcesyo89CKLG5H7Bp/s1600/IMG_8665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmUJxwNvHyD3IEEyJkQVLN16W4Cvduf_iEcx38VlO9PXNQpQ-w3I3PkwEnFn0o_R00cFAm9PxrjVv8sS4wbOpnZlIBKFMhYYxO9m9TjLywzKrKRpuk1ATsna7IoAlmcesyo89CKLG5H7Bp/s400/IMG_8665.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Eventually I just needed to 'hear' the nothing, so I stopped the car and got out for awhile. It was just me and a heard of cows in the distance wading through a pond, with canyons and sagebrush all around. Definitely not something that happens on every business trip. <br />
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Breathe. Listen. Repeat. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the 'after' picture, as in, 'this is after she realized she had taken both the wrong, and perfectly right, turn off of 70.'</td></tr>
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I never did make it to Goblin Valley, or any other real 'landmark' that day, and it was more than fine with me. The last thing I needed was to fight crowds to enjoy nature, when for once it was abundant everywhere else. Plus, Siri was right, and it did take a lot longer to take the detour. I headed back to town and checked into my second hotel of the week. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQEmam6mkmOJQ_dxjkn9S-WVZZpk8MpXfFmmhZSMhTnbZykQtiCZqXfTd1g_T_5gGp6-1tq0UJq8MXW3P7oMqkYPtZwy3ycD2Z0TB73DBwIJujCcgmuGLOiq_wAtS6TtnBFgPUBiYAdEA/s1600/IMG_8745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQEmam6mkmOJQ_dxjkn9S-WVZZpk8MpXfFmmhZSMhTnbZykQtiCZqXfTd1g_T_5gGp6-1tq0UJq8MXW3P7oMqkYPtZwy3ycD2Z0TB73DBwIJujCcgmuGLOiq_wAtS6TtnBFgPUBiYAdEA/s400/IMG_8745.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I stayed at the <a href="http://www.skyfallguestrooms.com/" target="_blank">Skyfall Guestrooms</a>, which turned out to be an unexpectedly pleasant experience. This independent motel consists of 4 rooms under the 'Tamarisk' restaurant, which fronts on the river. Each room has modern, unique, décor and comes with plenty of little extras. There's a free mini bar with soda and snacks, as well as apple TV that lets you sign into your Netflix and Hulu, as well as regular channels. The big picture windows let you relax and watch the sunset over the river. No complaints at all. Plus, it comes with free breakfast upstairs, which includes the full menu. The experience here put the Holiday Inn to shame, for a lower price. It's a good stay if you can get it. <br />
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The only issue with the stay was the strict check in and check out times. I had to wait awhile to get moved in, and I had to leave promptly at noon the following day. I stayed as late as I could working using the free wifi, and then headed out for a few hours before my <a href="https://www.boutiqueair.com/" target="_blank">Boutique Air</a> flight back up to Salt Lake. I wanted to go to the CNY airport a little early to try to chat with some locals anyway, so it wasn't a hardship.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6U1LDf5dOhYsOAlgXZpxF9Oxrs9UrQKw1ZIy9lLKtQrscRXhMScC4_yUaZkcEndOxTj5Y-_zKdeFWdlUiaXOaFgz1xfXgOK-1O-cNYn7NjGwBuxTVMfIp8tSeV73ZSlO-7QSmEsgdK7Ey/s1600/IMG_8778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6U1LDf5dOhYsOAlgXZpxF9Oxrs9UrQKw1ZIy9lLKtQrscRXhMScC4_yUaZkcEndOxTj5Y-_zKdeFWdlUiaXOaFgz1xfXgOK-1O-cNYn7NjGwBuxTVMfIp8tSeV73ZSlO-7QSmEsgdK7Ey/s400/IMG_8778.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicate Arch from a distance.</td></tr>
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I had a couple hours before even that made sense, so I stopped by Arches National Park. It did have far more people than my mistaken detour the day before, but was still beautiful and made for some great photo ops. Between the timing and the heat, I didn't have time to do any of the serious hikes, but did the drive and hit some of the high points. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The travel day's shirt. Bought in Copenhagen, worn everywhere. </td></tr>
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On my drive back, I pulled over to grab a sandwich at a place that, once again, had a decidedly dino theme and checked my flight. Well, not exactly my flight, but where my plane was. All morning I'd been stalking it on FlightAware and all was well and on time. Then, over my chicken ceasar wrap, I saw the dreaded flight status change to 'delayed.' Go figure. I had a bit over an hour to change to my AA flight in Salt Lake, which was plenty, but I couldn't handle more than about a 30 minute delay, and FlightAware was calling it 2 hours! Nooooooooo.......<br />
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Of course, , seeing as how I was in the middle of nowhere surrounded by plaster casted raptors and cleverly named lunch entrees, my call to <a href="https://www.boutiqueair.com/" target="_blank">Boutique Air</a> kept dropping, so I jumped back in the car and hauled to the airport 20 minutes away. The lone employee at the counter didn't even know about the delay when I told him. He had to call Denver, and found out it was a minor mechanical that they were working on. I was skeptical. <br />
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However, a few minutes later, lo and behold, the plane was on the runway with a new tail light (yes...seriously, tail light) and would be headed to Moab only a few minutes late. Travelers, rejoice! I settled in to do a little work, and then went out front at arrival time to watch my plane land and taxi in. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_cI4pWlrzXU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_cI4pWlrzXU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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I hung out with my fellow flyers waiting to board, and watching the ramp workers re-fuel and check the plane. My next clue that things were going South was when the mechanic re-fueling shut off the hose, and dropped it on the tarmac. No...don't you....come on!<br />
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The flight crew were hanging around, looking concerned, and talking to the airport staff. Also not good. Finally I knew it was all over when a mechanic went into the plane for a bit, talked to the pilot, and then walked away from the aircraft yelling to a friend, "That thing's broke!"<br />
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Out here in Canyonlands, they don't exactly mince words. <br />
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As finally explained by the lone Boutique Air employee, they had a failure of a critical avionics component, and the plane wouldn't be flying until a part got there from Denver. At this point I had missed my connection, and AA moved me to the morning flight, but I still needed to get to Salt Lake. As stated earlier, it's a 4 hour drive. Not ideal, but doable. <br />
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Now, there's a few times in life where you just get down to basic human ingenuity and get over yourself. This was one of those times. I looked around at the other passengers who I knew were all out of luck and just asked who still needed to be in Salt Lake tonight. I'd already checked with my friend at Enterprise and she could give me the car for the drive, but there was a $150 'drop fee' to return it in Salt Lake. So this meant a $200 bill to drive. <br />
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Of the now stranded strangers, one man who flew Boutique enough to know this happens but still needed to catch a flight the next day to Brisbane said he was in right off. Another passenger- an older woman who didn't have a connecting flight, but tearfully said she had a doctor's appointment she couldn't miss in Salt Lake, clearly also needed a little help. So, now that $200 wasn't looking so bad. I went ahead and got the car back, and in the process the Enterprise staff said that 'somehow' the computer 'wouldn't let her' add the drop fee, and so therefore, we wouldn't be charged. Awesome! <br />
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So, my new compatriots and I piled back into the same trusty Dodge Charger with whom I'd been through so much over the prior 48 hours, and headed out of CNY and off into the sunset bound for Salt Lake the old fashioned way. We stopped for gas before going over the mountains, each grabbed a soda and a bag of chips, and I booked the Courtyard by Marriott on the fly in all of about 40 seconds, and we were off again. <br />
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And all of this just about brings this full circle. It was at 9:58 when I finally dragged into the restaurant of the Hilton Garden Inn at SLC, which was my only option since the Courtyard doesn't have a restaurant at all. It took about 4 hours, including dropping off the (no longer crying) crying woman, and returning the rental car to the Airport. Not bad, if I do say so myself. <br />
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I was exhausted, but at least I had a flight home and a place to sleep. I logged onto <a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=208402&u=1413609&m=25056&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">Expert Flyer</a> once the dust settled on the day to check out the seat map and possible upgrade on my new flight back to LAX. One seat left, which a few short hours of sleep later I managed to snag! I boarded bright and early to find the same cabin crew I'd had on the way out. The Flight Attendant remembered me from my unicorn flight, and asked me how my trip had been. I just laughed. She got the picture. <br />
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And the moral of the story is- all's well that starts with adventure, and ends with a seat up front. <br />
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Fly Safely, <br />
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~CruisingAltitude<br />
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CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-50264580946951149182017-11-20T16:59:00.003-08:002017-12-07T14:49:21.859-08:00American's New 777-200 Premuim Economy Class Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjyM70K8KrBgpIdHJN2pFKIj93scDu7QuFb4lMPN-HytIdesskvdSuWc3_OcGcr2ULPRqQcXvUbNGoKCjjvhBBifvI-eOS-UBCgCEFoO8sO-wd9EzQQ3uEtkA85oEPr02eYCf7X22B2cT/s1600/IMG_6322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjyM70K8KrBgpIdHJN2pFKIj93scDu7QuFb4lMPN-HytIdesskvdSuWc3_OcGcr2ULPRqQcXvUbNGoKCjjvhBBifvI-eOS-UBCgCEFoO8sO-wd9EzQQ3uEtkA85oEPr02eYCf7X22B2cT/s400/IMG_6322.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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I don't think I've ever been this okay with missing an upgrade to First before. Given that I'd rolled out of bed at 3:30 in the morning on a Monday in Dallas to head to the airport, return our rental car to National, take the shuttle to Terminal E to use my <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?gid=319864&mid=6372&awinaffid=454541&linkid=2020541&clickref=">CLEAR</a>" target="_blank">CLEAR membership</a> even though I was flying out of Terminal D, and make a fast stop at the Admiral's Club to shower before boarding, being 'okay' was even more impressive.<br />
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At the airport, I learned I wasn't going to clear the upgrade. Not only that, I was #17 on the list. This, after having been 1 or 2 all year long, and clearing around 90% of the time! I had a chat with the AAgents at the Club, and they weren't surprised at all. There were at least 25- yes 25 (!!) Executive Platinums on the upgrade list, which by boarding had almost 60 people total. Well then. Monday morning DFW-LAX lives up to its reputation once again. On top of that, being 17th or 1st didn't even matter. Nobody cleared. <br />
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This is all just set up to say that I was fine, especially once I gave <a href="http://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=208406&u=1413609&m=25056&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">Expert Flyer</a> (a beyond useful tool that I'll give more info on soon) a last check before I turned in the night before and saw the seat map had changed at the last minute since AA saw fit to put a newly outfitted long haul 777-200 on the route, complete with their new Premium Economy cabin! Since I'd been booked into one of the first rows of the old Main Cabin Extra and was an Executive Platinum, I was automatically kept in the new seats! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRlgRQQ78a2II9Yuh4QY9WTy8wSb4pt2ov3VMg3TW90PbL9PNPCYwZsO68Lbin9ag12Og62JGxuPslcVH5LXLfZq6DMOeuYZhOyAMRFUg9cshpBFvPzI7gCebv_fwgWFxT0QgP7G5GcC1/s1600/IMG_8982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRlgRQQ78a2II9Yuh4QY9WTy8wSb4pt2ov3VMg3TW90PbL9PNPCYwZsO68Lbin9ag12Og62JGxuPslcVH5LXLfZq6DMOeuYZhOyAMRFUg9cshpBFvPzI7gCebv_fwgWFxT0QgP7G5GcC1/s400/IMG_8982.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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Instead of just having a little more leg room, like Main Cabin Extra, Premium Economy is an entirely different class of service. Economy on this plane is laid out in a 3-4-3 configuration, while Premium Economy is 2-4-2. Removing those two seats means that the seat size in PE is closer to what you'd expect in domestic first class on a 737 or 321. There's a larger arm rest/console between seats, increased leg room and recline, and foot-rests, as well as nice big screens for the IFE. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7HI1C21xTZ5oJMnYB4jV2QM7bChLolE-i9x51iHxyOJybAj4nzVdZ-T52PaV5Ltd_FhVeJsj5v09l0-YSpi-qaiDMkArvHeo8P0cIWfoHV4Jo7feuN8ehGNizDeP3z9-tu_IxActlpoG/s1600/IMG_8986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj7HI1C21xTZ5oJMnYB4jV2QM7bChLolE-i9x51iHxyOJybAj4nzVdZ-T52PaV5Ltd_FhVeJsj5v09l0-YSpi-qaiDMkArvHeo8P0cIWfoHV4Jo7feuN8ehGNizDeP3z9-tu_IxActlpoG/s400/IMG_8986.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seat 13J, Premium Economy</td></tr>
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I was seated in 13J, which is the aisle seat of the front row. This makes it a bulkhead seat, so the legroom is more than you could ever need. The footrest comes out from under the seat, and folds at the end. I'll say it's a little short- and I'm 5'4" so when you use it your legs don't really stretch out, but it does let you put your feet up. In this row, the IFE folds out from the center console, which makes the seats slightly narrower (though it didn't bother me), and means you can't watch the IFE during taxi/takeoff/landing. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6sjrkoJHacaj4tM05-Xk3fp-BNhBfLZ8sbhdWLznFeQI9FDBcEqaDKi47aZssl-3DavtcuNM4jiSOBheztkxNwDNkAgcvAIJTgpaGBhBUZ26DMqxWmt17-6fNhdo6_8ZzA2pZnrO8Ysg/s1600/IMG_8983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix6sjrkoJHacaj4tM05-Xk3fp-BNhBfLZ8sbhdWLznFeQI9FDBcEqaDKi47aZssl-3DavtcuNM4jiSOBheztkxNwDNkAgcvAIJTgpaGBhBUZ26DMqxWmt17-6fNhdo6_8ZzA2pZnrO8Ysg/s400/IMG_8983.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice sized IFE screen</td></tr>
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The IFE screen was great! It has way better resolution than the screens on the 777-300, even in business class, and the touch feature was responsive and easy to use. As a side note, you can see the attachments in the bulkhead where bassinets would go if this was an international flight. Something to either aim for (if you have a baby with you) or avoid if you're worried about the disruption. <a href="https://babyflyerblog.com/2016/11/03/bassinet-rows/" target="_blank">More on bassinets over at Baby Flyer Blog. </a><br />
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If this flight was international, there would be enhanced menu and drink options, as well as headsets. However, they didn't feel the need to pull out the stops for the 3 hour hop to LAX. Overall, it's a solid product, especially since I didn't have to pay extra for it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jGU0DPq7GoL-mFtmhi5a0ejHBBasN7ViCxm76rIvQokMShoKX66C_t_ULxcR-Fy903tZEw-KlQA-YEt5nl7PrPEcrx-kumJdcZe-Xh2Qf83lOUVb4BMTyt4aTkCbePMpujOfZyahzM4S/s1600/AAPE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="1140" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jGU0DPq7GoL-mFtmhi5a0ejHBBasN7ViCxm76rIvQokMShoKX66C_t_ULxcR-Fy903tZEw-KlQA-YEt5nl7PrPEcrx-kumJdcZe-Xh2Qf83lOUVb4BMTyt4aTkCbePMpujOfZyahzM4S/s400/AAPE.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AA Premium Econ Cabin example- Photo Credit Forbes.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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It will be interesting to see what AA does with this product going forward, and if it will eventually serve as a degradation of elite benefits, which would definitely be the case if AA decides to make main cabin upgrades go to PE instead of Business class. Luckily this hasn't happened yet, but I wouldn't put it past them, especially under the current management. <br />
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For now though, it's a nice surprise to get to use when you stumble upon the right plane at the right time. <br />
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~CruisingAltitudeCThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-16783408592665866922017-11-17T11:21:00.002-08:002017-12-07T14:46:57.523-08:00Adventures in Canyonlands Part 1: Clear, Delays, and Unicorns, oh my!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0AZQAv7PTTA7xLF2JD53hSJ0D9kP_JXgDj6jjRLI7Wy477m5Laz-YAdLGsbY1syWTHqZnNtDOkgLepBrTDBU0VWmdfo8yoCyFvlJIZO4zIBxE1rWEs98A1TwGNWIDBfqB3hkfpIZ_J4s/s1600/IMG_8796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0AZQAv7PTTA7xLF2JD53hSJ0D9kP_JXgDj6jjRLI7Wy477m5Laz-YAdLGsbY1syWTHqZnNtDOkgLepBrTDBU0VWmdfo8yoCyFvlJIZO4zIBxE1rWEs98A1TwGNWIDBfqB3hkfpIZ_J4s/s400/IMG_8796.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canyonlands Field Airport- CNY- Adorable.</td></tr>
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Greetings friends, are you ready to take a little journey with me? Now, I usually don't make multi-part trip reports out of domestic travel, but this one just made it necessary. It has everything: Line jumping, delays, cancellations, upgrades, a tiny flight on a tiny plane, and even some free range rental car antics, which is that thing of when you think you're taking a short cut off the I-70, but end up sitting on the hood of your rented Dodge Charger watching cows wade through a pond. <br />
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You see why this gets more than one entry now?<br />
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So here's the set-up- I had need to be in Green River, Utah for work. Now, Green River is about an hour north of Moab, and that puts it 25 mins or so away from the Moab (CNY) airport. It's also about 4 hours South of Salt Lake, give or take. So, a bit of a drive. However, I came to learn that there's an airline that operates a couple flights a day from Salt Lake and Moab. It's an independent airline called <a href="https://www.boutiqueair.com/" target="_blank">Boutique Air</a> that flies 8 seat PC-12s in the 'executive' configuration. I was intrigued. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSugdpmZ_uLwAGJ7mhxBy2GzTyRkQy2r7nNYGZSiEjIAZqiUq05y0rGslLcOyRo5VAxNaJkIdZhjt84UKSIadWSMitkyehIwtn6v6vJbB9Z7fGiisYGiJZ8pihn_pjXMudNVrgk4eDNij/s1600/IMG_8604.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSugdpmZ_uLwAGJ7mhxBy2GzTyRkQy2r7nNYGZSiEjIAZqiUq05y0rGslLcOyRo5VAxNaJkIdZhjt84UKSIadWSMitkyehIwtn6v6vJbB9Z7fGiisYGiJZ8pihn_pjXMudNVrgk4eDNij/s400/IMG_8604.PNG" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The screengrab I kept proudly showing people about my cute little plane I had booked</td></tr>
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However interesting, I couldn't justify it unless it actually made more sense, work-wise. As it turned out, the ticket prices were extremely reasonable, as was the car rental at Moab. So, the real question was just whether I wanted to spend up to 8 hours driving to and from Green River. Spoiler alert- I didn't. <br />
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So I booked my ticket with AA to Salt Lake, and then another round trip from Salt Lake to Moab with Boutique Air. I figured this was either the best idea I ever had, or the worst. As we'll see, it's a little of both. <br />
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For accommodations, I booked the first night at the Holiday Inn Express in town, and the second night I branched out and tried an indepedant place called the "Skyfall Guestrooms." Skyfall wasn't available for the first night, but it was worth it to make the move to save a little, it was literally across the street. As a general FYI, everything in Green River could be said to be "just across the street" as it isn't much of a town overall. <br />
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Plans in hand, I set out for the airport bright and early on Monday. My flight wasn't until 11am, but this is LA, and you have a choice between going painfully early, or just spending the morning on the 405. <br />
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Since the lounge in Terminal 4 is down for updates, I checked in at Terminal 5. Wow. Just wow. It was an absolute zoo. I'm not exaggerating here- the line for security wrapped down the stairs, across to the other side of the ticketing hall, and down the wall as far as the eye could see. <br />
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This is the morning I learned the meaning of<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?gid=319864&mid=6372&awinaffid=454541&linkid=2020541&clickref=">CLEAR</a>" target="_blank"> CLEAR</a>. <a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/09/after-another-beautiful-and-peaceful.html" target="_blank">I've posted about this service before</a>, and while it's been 'nice' to have, this was the first time it saved me some serious wait time. Initially, I didn't know how to even find the CLEAR line, because they wouldn't let me up the stairs to where the kiosks are. When I asked, I got told "get line and they'll find you." <br />
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Um....<br />
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.....What, now? <br />
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At this point I was debating walking over to Terminal 4's security to try my luck there when I indeed was 'found' by a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?gid=319864&mid=6372&awinaffid=454541&linkid=2020541&clickref=">CLEAR</a>" target="_blank">CLEAR</a> attendant. Well not so much found, as I saw him and started a frantic arm flailing and yelping 'clear? clear?' mantra. In no time flat, I was rescued, and taken right to the front of the pre-check line. I was through the chaos and into the Club and ordering my custom salmon on toast in 10 minutes or less. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4gOq7n4XpqiftQiDRIdYGsw5DIogEgpDbVdIf94y6PVRf_yyvZk30ZxO6fEstT-dRGxmaxuTLRNU3j0m4xE-wRWnhtH3W-1ALPuFQ3cMqv2dkCsqxq8PrGM3ENpIeHcaWEM1ByKqPjdQ/s1600/IMG_8622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4gOq7n4XpqiftQiDRIdYGsw5DIogEgpDbVdIf94y6PVRf_yyvZk30ZxO6fEstT-dRGxmaxuTLRNU3j0m4xE-wRWnhtH3W-1ALPuFQ3cMqv2dkCsqxq8PrGM3ENpIeHcaWEM1ByKqPjdQ/s400/IMG_8622.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone even left a premium drink 'chit' for me. VERY THOUGHTFUL.</td></tr>
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*breathe*<br />
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After that, I headed on the bus over to the Gate 52 'Eagle's Next' to catch my flight. The wonder did not end- I boarded to find I was the only, yes only, elite on the flight. For the next 2 hours I had 6 first class seats to myself, and when I took a walk to the back to use the restroom, found that all the exit row seats were also empty. Unicorn. Absolute unicorn.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGOACuwTrKDila93ZFwC4FOyemBq5DxLf0NDo6DE7kgXKeDP04t50s-BUv1vVAapn_O-C-C-NXhD01c2jywSMAjVrqDcNfzLmQ42Q1GMXT-dFzJDK88_5AsEBdxmOOwEnZPIEleN6LV1r/s1600/IMG_8624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaGOACuwTrKDila93ZFwC4FOyemBq5DxLf0NDo6DE7kgXKeDP04t50s-BUv1vVAapn_O-C-C-NXhD01c2jywSMAjVrqDcNfzLmQ42Q1GMXT-dFzJDK88_5AsEBdxmOOwEnZPIEleN6LV1r/s400/IMG_8624.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my face when I know something's too good to be true...and then it isn't and I have 6 seats and a flight attendant to myself. </td></tr>
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We touched down on time into Salt Lake, and since there's no lounge there (aside from the Delta SkyClub) I set up shop at a restaurant on the 2nd floor with a great view of the runways and hills behind. I had a few hours, so I got lunch and did some work. <br />
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Part way through the wait, as I was getting organized to call for the shuttle over to Boutique Air, which they recommend you do about an hour to 30 minutes before your flight time, I got an email from Boutique saying my flight was delayed 50 minutes. Okay, no big deal, except that the car rental at CNY was going to close on me. Called them, they amazingly said they'd be waiting since I wasn't the only one. Called Boutique to check on the reason for the delay- 'rolling delay from earlier issues in Denver.' Okay, fair enough.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdyPCxrj312RLULO4CwLxsTC4I-7VSZlOlw3P9RLYb50IcZw3HFa-o7sIsQ_D6p2OmzA8Zd5xAoYnEL4kTNgucdB5ezxP5gnKPJ8RsaU4q3GVX_JyDEiV2zze0dtTktiIZ0X-8sEK6kzv/s1600/IMG_8631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBdyPCxrj312RLULO4CwLxsTC4I-7VSZlOlw3P9RLYb50IcZw3HFa-o7sIsQ_D6p2OmzA8Zd5xAoYnEL4kTNgucdB5ezxP5gnKPJ8RsaU4q3GVX_JyDEiV2zze0dtTktiIZ0X-8sEK6kzv/s400/IMG_8631.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was here for a long time. They let me run my computer cord through into the pool room to plug in after awhile.</td></tr>
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Let me just fast forward at this point- I didn't actually board the flight until about 10pm. It was a 6pm departure as scheduled. More delays, more phone calls, more hours at the SLC restaurant. This is the issue with 'flying private'- they have exactly one plane available for that flight, and if it's not there, you're not going yet. Luckily the people were very friendly, and their lounge over at the general aviation side of the airport has very comfortable chairs.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NmRLi234LpM5YKX7V1WgaQwqLOt3RWfXx7-gX1QJkfOEfK1uaf58EzSWwee2KyTWfWkNtHPvsC3_xbeJBspoJotHU83fpVZJ7t4_sYHn1yAePhC5-XyTl5iH-hMc-XruKUKyZ-S5sKNi/s1600/IMG_8633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8NmRLi234LpM5YKX7V1WgaQwqLOt3RWfXx7-gX1QJkfOEfK1uaf58EzSWwee2KyTWfWkNtHPvsC3_xbeJBspoJotHU83fpVZJ7t4_sYHn1yAePhC5-XyTl5iH-hMc-XruKUKyZ-S5sKNi/s400/IMG_8633.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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About the flight- unfortunately I couldn't get any good pictures because it was, well, dark by this point. Here are some things to know- They don't assign seats, so when you board you just pick one. The 4 in the front are set up in an "executive" configuration, so row 1 faces row 2. Rows 3 and 4 face forward behind. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfMnAYci_I9lCGLgfVwSu1GFOVbL1r8T9lexfjCkS4sdRqD7ApRvz0CXvq7irX0MK4bOlECd_EsGoJNgdCDp98j_vNZ40_UtvcA_DIPtc-Iej8iKFe6a4r2o-MCFBgWF9oGtcSygQcdzM/s1600/IMG_8632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfMnAYci_I9lCGLgfVwSu1GFOVbL1r8T9lexfjCkS4sdRqD7ApRvz0CXvq7irX0MK4bOlECd_EsGoJNgdCDp98j_vNZ40_UtvcA_DIPtc-Iej8iKFe6a4r2o-MCFBgWF9oGtcSygQcdzM/s400/IMG_8632.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boarding pass- note the lack of a seat assignment, but they do participate in precheck (though at SLC they're not within a TSA area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
They check your luggage for free, and there's really only room in the passenger area for one small item you're comfortable with on your lap. They'll weigh your luggage, and ask your weight before boarding for weight and balance purposes. <br />
<br />
This plane carries 10 people, including crew. It is small- you have to lean over to walk to your seat, but the seats themselves are bigger than standard airline seats. <br />
<br />
They do have a bathroom, but it was inoperable on my flight. Go before you board. <br />
<br />
That all said, once I actually got onboard, we had a short taxi and then a very smooth flight for a small aircraft. It was a full moon, and so even though it was dark, it was still a beautiful flight. These planes fly lower than you're used to flying commercial, so you can see more detail. There's no separation between the cabin and cockpit, so you can also watch the pilots and the flight controls to see the altitude and such, which is fun if you're an avgeek. <br />
<br />
We landed a short 45 minutes later, and waited a few minutes to have our luggage returned. Here's the long awaited end to the car rental saga- after waiting after hours for far too long, the Enterprise staff amazingly just left everyone's keys in the unlocked rental cars in the parking lot and went home for the night. Unorthodox, but awesome. I signed the papers, put them in a drop box, and headed out into the-completely dark, and completely quiet- night, bound for Green River. <br />
<br />
Adventure, thy name is Canyonlands. <br />
<br />
Up next- Off-roading by mistake in a Dodge Charger, more adventures with Boutique Air, road trips with perfect strangers, and dinosaurs in a deposition. Yes, dinosaurs. <br />
<br />
~CruisingAlitude CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-31692838169683590892017-10-09T12:28:00.000-07:002018-07-13T07:27:57.403-07:00Yes, This Is Real Life Part 6: Birds in Doha<div class="m_6189785199589094193p1">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOM0R6_TtJCfaoAOTdCT7xrrKe_QQ-hH-4hT942WVmx6qSXOJaxYTLBQSJT6gYwu25BZ5_LbFGr3PfV9mhWBHi5d5Z4AoWU17Syssxrjv5rtDyPqwWFehpL8T_IAjVx7XA4-pmIK5Qvv-/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1534" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOM0R6_TtJCfaoAOTdCT7xrrKe_QQ-hH-4hT942WVmx6qSXOJaxYTLBQSJT6gYwu25BZ5_LbFGr3PfV9mhWBHi5d5Z4AoWU17Syssxrjv5rtDyPqwWFehpL8T_IAjVx7XA4-pmIK5Qvv-/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="m_6189785199589094193p1">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"><span style="background-color: white; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/06/mileage-run-preview-yes-this-is-real.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Preview: Yes, This Is Real Life</span></a><br /><span style="color: black;">
<br />
</span><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-1-location.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Part 1: Location, Location, Location</span></a><span style="color: black;"> <br />
<br />
</span><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-3-shades-on.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Part 2: Brits In Beantown</span></a><br /><span style="color: black;">
<br />
</span><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-3-shades-on.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Part 3: Shades On, Wheels Up</span></a><br /><span style="color: black;">
<br />
</span><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-4-welcome-to.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Part 4: Welcome to Ghostport</span></a></span></span><span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/10/yes-this-is-real-life-part-5-when-you.html" target="_blank">Part 5: When You Layover During Ramadan</a></span><br />
<div class="m_6189785199589094193p1">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"></span> </div>
<div class="m_6189785199589094193p1">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1">In each of these adventures, there comes a point when I wax poetic about the experience of travel.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>So, buckle up, because here it comes....in a minute, once I deal with some logistical preliminaries. <span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_6189785199589094193p2">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_6189785199589094193p1">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1">As discussed in the last post, we spent the first nighttime layover in Doha at the Grand Hyatt.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>It's a beautifully sited property at the entrance to The Pearl.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Pearl, for those who 1, haven't been to Doha, and 2, care, is a man-made land form (I guess is what you'd call it) that spirals out into the gulf.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>It is still under construction, if the huge cranes are anything to go by, but is home to a ring of high rise commercial and residential buildings, followed by even more outlying 'islands' that, as far as I can surmise, look to be exclusive residences.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>It's best viewed from the air, but the 'gateway' is fairly impressive from the ground.</span></div>
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBn1-w5lEKN5ozq_QYsOUDJ5IvfBD0xx1Sgf8G5de5hOvRUaNxhw2x5cBvRZvU0BXtWuRrpPeVUksOirD0iWrvsiQa_N1GkK7TnHznu3ezg1ZhnCXYdNa8SubdmNZxxxS5NowiO0x_wpB/s1600/IMG_6452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBBn1-w5lEKN5ozq_QYsOUDJ5IvfBD0xx1Sgf8G5de5hOvRUaNxhw2x5cBvRZvU0BXtWuRrpPeVUksOirD0iWrvsiQa_N1GkK7TnHznu3ezg1ZhnCXYdNa8SubdmNZxxxS5NowiO0x_wpB/s400/IMG_6452.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="m_6189785199589094193p1">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"><span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>Thanks to hotel status, we landed a suite with a great view for the night. <span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="m_6189785199589094193p2">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1">Now, let me just back up and say that I had my reservations about trying to check into a hotel in Doha with a person of the opposite sex who I'm not married to.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>It might be silly, but the blaring notice that a marriage certificate is required for Qataris gave me pause.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>I'm on a mileage run, and ain't nobody got time to spend with the morality police between flights.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_6189785199589094193p2">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1">As it worked out, there were no questions, and hardly any side-eye.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>I was pleasantly surprised after my last major foray into this town, wherein I learned that at night most people don't walk the streets, especially single western female types.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>I didn't feel unsafe really, just out of place. <span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVcM_lBCUzx2F4BDTHkJDtnwzNEXW3vEY2fH1hbTcCvSK9vZE3Dd1D76X5bHEwsIVO9RDW-7s0IH5vO78kzhpY5fdTwRGbj4uhBTOMXiCc85L1KlToEFJRucETpOYHKScB2dJb9uPGSDa/s1600/IMG_6475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVcM_lBCUzx2F4BDTHkJDtnwzNEXW3vEY2fH1hbTcCvSK9vZE3Dd1D76X5bHEwsIVO9RDW-7s0IH5vO78kzhpY5fdTwRGbj4uhBTOMXiCc85L1KlToEFJRucETpOYHKScB2dJb9uPGSDa/s400/IMG_6475.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="m_6189785199589094193p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="m_6189785199589094193p1">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1">After we over indulged at Iftar, and spent a few minutes relaxing at the man-made 'beach' out front, we retired to the room, and realized it was about <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_553156864" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">noon</span></span></span> at home and there probably wasn't any sense in trying to adjust to the local time. <span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>So, what're a couple of mileage runners to do?</span></div>
<div class="m_6189785199589094193p2">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1">Step 1- Open the bottle of wine the manager left for us to thank us for our brand loyalty.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_6189785199589094193p2">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1">Step 2- Drink it & converse all night about the thrill of flying around the world.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_6189785199589094193p2">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1">And on this point I need to expand (you were warned) because there's something existentially beautiful about mileage running.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>When you're planning the average, or even above average trip, there is generally an accepted purpose that you try to fulfill- Wine tasting in Napa, or skiing the alps.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>You start there, and build the necessary plans around it.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>You have a goal, you meet it, you are victorious. <span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_6189785199589094193p2">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1">However, a mileage run is a trip in reverse.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>The plans come first.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>And I don't mean the plans to go on a snorkel cruise, and then a romantic sunset dinner.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>I mean the airline tickets, the layovers, and the one nights hotels- what is usually the most pedantic part of the plans.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>The outcome of this is that you aren't beholden to preconceptions, or to anything at all.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>If you go and come back, mission accomplished.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>Everything else is gravy.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_6189785199589094193p2">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1">Which means that, when you and your friend just spend the entire night's layover watching rugby, talking about nothing, drinking wine covertly, and then watching the sun come up over Doha, it's perfect. There's no sense that you were supposed to do a single thing differently.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_6189785199589094193p2">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1">So when at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_553156865" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">4am,</span></span></span> you start to hear bird calls as you stand looking out from the darkened balcony of your hotel, and your friend says he didn't think there were birds in Doha.....you just laugh and have another drink.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>Because sunrise will come all too soon over this expensively camouflaged desert.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_6189785199589094193p2">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1">Because yes, there are birds in Doha, as there are the world over.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>And yes, they wake up at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_553156866" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ"><span style="color: #222222;">4 am</span></span></span>, as they do the world over.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span>And it's beautiful to realize this, when for once your only purpose in life is to know that there are still a few universal truths....and then to you yourself to fly on to your next stop along the way.<span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="m_6189785199589094193p1">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"><span class="m_6189785199589094193Apple-converted-space"></span></span> </div>
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<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_6189785199589094193p1">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1">And that, is what's up next...</span></div>
<div class="m_6189785199589094193p1">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"></span> </div>
<div class="m_6189785199589094193p1">
<span class="m_6189785199589094193s1"><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2018/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-7-dealing.html" target="_blank">Part 6- A Stop in Sri Lanka: Dealing with Dragons or, Ceylon With a Side of Naptime</a></span><br />
</div>
CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-12279422229144614352017-10-05T20:23:00.000-07:002018-08-17T07:57:56.705-07:00Yes, This Is Real Life Part 5: When You Layover During Ramadan.... <div class="m_7258886737302928960p1">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzCVeKeG9ZMENTDrqA7ZubqTWvPY3t6apgKJ-008MGxZavErqECKEkQzfZ2jCqfQI6JO1R8N6pq8A2JSWa_gZPJl3QUwZGsOuN0HXjnhgA5syChz72Y-HeCS29gs_FtDT9CpYXbWwBv15/s1600/IMG_6479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzCVeKeG9ZMENTDrqA7ZubqTWvPY3t6apgKJ-008MGxZavErqECKEkQzfZ2jCqfQI6JO1R8N6pq8A2JSWa_gZPJl3QUwZGsOuN0HXjnhgA5syChz72Y-HeCS29gs_FtDT9CpYXbWwBv15/s400/IMG_6479.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main lobby of the Grand Hyatt. We've arrived. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The story so far:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/06/mileage-run-preview-yes-this-is-real.html" target="_blank">Preview: Yes, This Is Real Life</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/07/yes-this-is-real-life-part-1-location.html" target="_blank">Part 1: Location, Location, Location</a> <br />
<br />
<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-3-shades-on.html" target="_blank">Part 2: Brits In Beantown</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-3-shades-on.html" target="_blank">Part 3: Shades On, Wheels Up</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/08/yes-this-is-real-life-part-4-welcome-to.html" target="_blank">Part 4: Welcome to Ghostport</a></span><br />
<span class="m_7258886737302928960s1"></span><br />
<span class="m_7258886737302928960s1">By
way of disclaimer, I fully admit to knowing little to nothing about the
tradition of Ramadan outside of some rudimentary comparative religion
classes in college, and a couple of weeks of googling what it would be
like to be
a foreign traveler here during the holy month.<span class="m_7258886737302928960Apple-converted-space">
</span>Any of my thoughts/observations are purely based on my outside
perspective as a mileage runner spending a weekend bouncing around
Middle East airports, and may be completely incorrect.<span class="m_7258886737302928960Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="m_7258886737302928960p2">
<span class="m_7258886737302928960s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="m_7258886737302928960p1">
<span class="m_7258886737302928960s1">On
arrival in Doha, the flight crew made an announcement about the
holiday, informing passengers against eating, drinking, or smoking in
public spaces during the daylight hours.<span class="m_7258886737302928960Apple-converted-space">
</span>The airport lounges also were not serving any alcohol at any time, though they did have their regular food service running during the daytime. We didn't stop at the proper arrivals lounge though, since we had the Grand Hyatt waiting. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="m_7258886737302928960p2">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduDKsHQAU9vYi-SghXZE_Du68g7Qe_654hMp6IkqDbxJQ0fnsRnm5Tj3VnJMNq4sN8uotM94WkrJEkAL6M4Z6TuR2OqJdGosMH5eetbhgt_bEngT34KaJokqz_TXDMs1RrodCL-xSn-z8/s1600/IMG_6460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduDKsHQAU9vYi-SghXZE_Du68g7Qe_654hMp6IkqDbxJQ0fnsRnm5Tj3VnJMNq4sN8uotM94WkrJEkAL6M4Z6TuR2OqJdGosMH5eetbhgt_bEngT34KaJokqz_TXDMs1RrodCL-xSn-z8/s400/IMG_6460.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When in Doha- Ramadan tent.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="m_7258886737302928960s1">Getting
into town, the combination of the oppressive summer heat, political
travel restrictions, and daytime fasting have made this city feel
abandoned.<span class="m_7258886737302928960Apple-converted-space">
</span>We checked at the Hyatt in before sundown, and the hotel was quiet.<span class="m_7258886737302928960Apple-converted-space">
</span>What's more, almost all of the restaurants were closed.<span class="m_7258886737302928960Apple-converted-space">
</span>They had one 'international' restaurant open called 'Santa Monica' which, to a Mileage Runner from LAX, just seems wrong.<span class="m_7258886737302928960Apple-converted-space">
</span>However, there was another option....</span></div>
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<span class="m_7258886737302928960s1"></span><br />
<br />
<span class="m_7258886737302928960s1">Having
realized about a month ago that we'd be doing our Doha layovers during
Ramadan, we decided to make the best of it and take advantage of the
lavish evening meals that the bigger hotels here in Doha hold nightly.<span class="m_7258886737302928960Apple-converted-space">
</span>They put out huge banquet spreads- multiple salad bars, hot bars, carving stations, and especially over the top dessert bars.<span class="m_7258886737302928960Apple-converted-space">
</span>Think 8 flavors of ice cream, pies 3ft across, and chocolate fountains.<span class="m_7258886737302928960Apple-converted-space">
</span>They generally have two sittings- around <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2021851477" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">8pm</span></span>, and a later time around 10 that goes until 1 or <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_2021851478" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">2 am</span></span>.<span class="m_7258886737302928960Apple-converted-space">
They set up special dining areas in a tent outside, complete with uplighting and music. </span>Needless to say, we each had several plates<span class="m_7258886737302928960Apple-converted-space"> and made the most of the experience. </span></span><br />
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<br />
Needless to say, I was glad that the Hyatt also had an impressive gym and pools, both indoor and outside. However, they were doing some promotional photo shoots of some kind outside, and so we were relegated indoors to swim. <br />
<br />
Back up to the gym for a moment though. I actually went on arrival and actually managed to make myself get a good workout. (You may applaud here) This being Qatar, they have a separate gym and spa area reserved for women only. Now, this isn't the norm in the west, but I will note that the other part of the gym was co-ed, so women weren't excluded. I expected the ladies part to be small, or lacking in equipment, but OH MAN was I wrong. It was full service, and as the rest of Doha was, empty. There was even an expansive water spa with steam and sauna. I could get used to this. <br />
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After that, I felt pretty justified in enjoying my Iftar feast. It was also fun to be out late (read all night) and to watch the city come alive (or as alive as it was going to get under the circumstances). By the time we left the tent, the lobby area was full of people relaxing after the meal, and the hookah smoke was thick in the air. We didn't' go that far down our 'when in Doha' path, have to leave something for the future. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/10/yes-this-is-real-life-part-6-birds-in.html" target="_blank">Up next- We stay up to see the sunrise, and the true meaning of mileage running is understood as we ask the existential question: Are there birds in Doha?</a><br />
<br />
(With a hook like that, how can you not keep reading??)<br />
<br />
~CruisingAltitude </div>
CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-82045465121888312572017-09-29T08:00:00.003-07:002017-09-29T08:00:45.246-07:00Fare Deal- Los Angeles to Hong Kong for $430 !<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4uovV3S7Go5D4PXJCnIsQPcUvkVE6_l_uO09ZZdhFJ61CCkaBFup3KqCfLWGltH-2xqcNJu4Opsy65mcvyD0GrA8hfHeLVTPPUsQfDZvpx5p4If_F7BSGJ3piywHG2bznYMyBiKZh-kO/s1600/IMG_2676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ4uovV3S7Go5D4PXJCnIsQPcUvkVE6_l_uO09ZZdhFJ61CCkaBFup3KqCfLWGltH-2xqcNJu4Opsy65mcvyD0GrA8hfHeLVTPPUsQfDZvpx5p4If_F7BSGJ3piywHG2bznYMyBiKZh-kO/s400/IMG_2676.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come on, let's go.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here's another one that's worth checking out if you need a bunch of qualifying miles, though it won't get you many qualifying dollars. Also, if you might happen to actually want to go to Hong Kong, that's a bonus. I highly recommend it, even if just for a short time. It's an accessible city that you can see a fair amount of quickly. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdG9QMd7ZEmzP2EzbSUVnulseVt-1WcPgtQY7eYYAJi_Vy7hq6g4f6yQr7fLSzFd96Q_HvPqInlz7oTeAAIoaenp2YMC5WxjFcoRK2aTbQQIWNxyPDLnavip-28NExha7Xo0nfvit5zBga/s1600/IMG_5066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdG9QMd7ZEmzP2EzbSUVnulseVt-1WcPgtQY7eYYAJi_Vy7hq6g4f6yQr7fLSzFd96Q_HvPqInlz7oTeAAIoaenp2YMC5WxjFcoRK2aTbQQIWNxyPDLnavip-28NExha7Xo0nfvit5zBga/s400/IMG_5066.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go for the miles, stay for the lounge...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The flights vary, but are either direct from LAX to HKG, or some routings will take you through Tokyo for a few hours. If you're a Oneworld elite, this is no big hardship since the lounges at NRT are some of the best, probably closely following the embarrassingly good lounges at HKG. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWV0oZRfGRKk9EzNSV0qozJfGE-9IweHouKExrNc66sdTDNi62QMooRhBmTmEMOByhUyS44eFLOSr664SKfjpLA5ydm_DTGna3gHth2MZORHffyF4Ki0mt5PaI-kOkCMVrAzgycgvfcwd/s1600/HKG+Deal.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1044" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWV0oZRfGRKk9EzNSV0qozJfGE-9IweHouKExrNc66sdTDNi62QMooRhBmTmEMOByhUyS44eFLOSr664SKfjpLA5ydm_DTGna3gHth2MZORHffyF4Ki0mt5PaI-kOkCMVrAzgycgvfcwd/s400/HKG+Deal.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not bad. Not bad at all.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There are some decent prices for the rest of this year, but the real 'deals' are mostly early 2017, with prices well under $500! You can earn around 12,000 or more qualifying miles on this trip, plus it's a fun destination. The long haul flights are on American planes, so systemwides and miles and co-pay upgrades are possible for the trans pacific segments. Connections to and from Tokyo are on Cathay or JAL. <br />
<br />
It probably won't last long, so get it on hold while you can if you're interested! <br />
<br />
Fly well, <br />
<br />
~CruisingAltitudeCThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-1229542426186609672017-09-25T18:18:00.000-07:002017-12-07T14:48:53.753-08:00All CLEAR!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwd0jKSqTv0TtlJ4ywxLinzL3MGquBgnygCKOH0MBMlQ6qHKsgQwzcqtdi3CYMmQdT14KoPgLRsqAMH2z2-W5CrrGeKVboBR1XdaPaqAWQOs69lINuLB5cJ5dXy9y3NktluV5YPCBaskW/s1600/IMG_8563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwd0jKSqTv0TtlJ4ywxLinzL3MGquBgnygCKOH0MBMlQ6qHKsgQwzcqtdi3CYMmQdT14KoPgLRsqAMH2z2-W5CrrGeKVboBR1XdaPaqAWQOs69lINuLB5cJ5dXy9y3NktluV5YPCBaskW/s400/IMG_8563.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Flyer enjoys her upgrade on the flight up. AA has put some updated 737s on the LAX-SEA route with IFE.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After another beautiful and peaceful weekend visiting our family on Whidbey Island enjoying the big trees, tidal flats, and starry nights, I once again find myself in the SEA <a href="https://www.thecenturionlounge.com/" target="_blank">Centurion Lounge</a>. It's not a bad place to be. The staff is friendly, food is more than adequate for a domestic lounge, and the drinks are top shelf (plus the services of a bartender who makes a killer margarita, along with just about everything else). I'll even give them a pass on having 'sexual healing' on the lounge playlist.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhe043A3iHlWLJIjjW8R-AhHmnse-nVpQpPem_ANPgtMNlRR2L6KBUE5zeyciQU2cCrGbGDj1rmByclZdFgoYS-FM1YSgVXCQ3B67YHZuZNOmnvx68r-wgD8pcYMhmB3NsnT07K7tqTYmF/s1600/IMG_8600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhe043A3iHlWLJIjjW8R-AhHmnse-nVpQpPem_ANPgtMNlRR2L6KBUE5zeyciQU2cCrGbGDj1rmByclZdFgoYS-FM1YSgVXCQ3B67YHZuZNOmnvx68r-wgD8pcYMhmB3NsnT07K7tqTYmF/s400/IMG_8600.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out the sand and shells.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I've also cleared my upgrades both up and back this weekend, and made it to the airport in decent time despite having some serious traffic on the 405 while taking the <a href="http://www.seatacshuttle.com/" target="_blank">Whidbey-Sea Tac shuttle</a> service. On the upside, it gave me time to finish my excellent <a href="http://soundkombucha.com/" target="_blank">Puget Sound Kombucha</a> I grabbed on the ferry. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdf4C6MiBnKKRIklXM17G0yRsY_jEDPD1i4M0NiyFwCYa9NjefJKBq-fpAkg7TkSkEHIwTXPA5P0dWkSy-sMJcjK6iUXvm6-TFj0Kr2S911queA1ZRAyGfI2H7JyGrJ-7O8Pgyt4HDTPDx/s1600/IMG_8602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdf4C6MiBnKKRIklXM17G0yRsY_jEDPD1i4M0NiyFwCYa9NjefJKBq-fpAkg7TkSkEHIwTXPA5P0dWkSy-sMJcjK6iUXvm6-TFj0Kr2S911queA1ZRAyGfI2H7JyGrJ-7O8Pgyt4HDTPDx/s400/IMG_8602.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the Earl Grey!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
However, I've reviewed this place several times, so today I'm up to something different. I think I've come far enough along to review the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?gid=319864&mid=6372&awinaffid=454541&linkid=2020541&clickref=">CLEAR</a>" target="_blank">"CEAR" program</a> showing up at more and more TSA checkpoints. Note that this is an honest review, I've paid for my family's memberships the old fashioned way. <br />
<br />
The basic idea with Clear is that you go through some additional screening, both online, and in person to verify your identity and do some biometrics. Then, you get two main benefits when you show up to a Clear airport- you don't have to pull out your ID at the screening checkpoint, and you get to cut the pre-check line. So really, you cut the line that's cutting the line already. Once you get to the actual screening, it's the same as precheck. <br />
<br />
How it works is that instead of going to pre-check, you walk up to the designated Clear lane, give your boarding pass to the staff member there, and put your fingers on the kiosk to read your fingerprints, or look into the scanner to have your irises scanned. Then the staff member verifies it, stamps your boarding pass, and leads you to the front of the line. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZIBCTy55A_h6VBZmnqWb4BPy9DVGgIVVHuFm42XqHyGEPQJjwZwV6Zo_IBZYHl2ngGeMBCQtD4rzPCgluTCrdTvz6uyf6H4vhd-pSq2Qitp2bUvJlE0vqrn4tD5WduAvG1mtq4cw0exE/s1600/IMG_8603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZIBCTy55A_h6VBZmnqWb4BPy9DVGgIVVHuFm42XqHyGEPQJjwZwV6Zo_IBZYHl2ngGeMBCQtD4rzPCgluTCrdTvz6uyf6H4vhd-pSq2Qitp2bUvJlE0vqrn4tD5WduAvG1mtq4cw0exE/s400/IMG_8603.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I grabbed it too early- the rest of the stamp is on my hand. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had some early hiccups with the service, mainly at Houston when I was going through there a fair amount for work earlier this year. Right off, my ID didn't match up correctly with my AA account and therefore my tickets, so it had to be manually done, and then I got a chance to get it corrected and it's worked well since. Second, it may just be a Houston thing, but the Clear lane didn't match up with the precheck lane, so you could in essence only use one or the other. So you could use Clear, but then have regular screening (shoes off, laptop out) or vice versa. A bit of a fail, but localized to IAH A gates as far as I can tell. <br />
<br />
So, that's my critique, and now for the neutral part of the review. In general, to decide if it's worth it to you (the cost is $99 with a Delta FFN, $179 without, family is an additional $50, and minors flying with you under 18 are free) you first need to note if your most common airports have Clear at all. Now that LAX has it, as does SEA and DFW, some of our most traveled places, it weighs in favor of keeping it up. Also, there's the simple fact of if you generally feel like precheck at your airports and times is a wait. Honestly, LAX T4 really isn't most of the time, but other places, like today at SEA were a significant delay, so I definitely saved some time. <br />
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Now for the positives. Because I like to think of myself as a people person, I'll start with the staff. Every single one I've met have been fantastic, cheerful, and patient. I don't want to paint a broad brush about TSA, some honestly are great, but having at least part of your experience with screening being consistently pleasant is a plus. I hope they're being paid and treated as well as they seem like they are. <br />
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Next- on average, it does save you time. It's either as fast, or significantly faster than pre-check depending on the lines. I also find just the act of not having to take your ID out twice a good thing, since it's been more than one occasion where I've forgotten to put it right back, and it's taken several days and going through my travel stuff to find my drivers license again. <br />
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Another plus is that they make using the service as a family fantastic. The fact that all minors flying with you are free and you don't have to do anything to sign them up is wonderful. This is a stark contrast (for obvious reasons) with Global Entry where we've been stuck in the regular lines to get our kiddo through even though me and Mrs. CurisingAltitude are long time GE members. Also, being able to tack a spouse onto a membership for $50 makes it less daunting to get everyone onboard. <br />
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Lastly, the bit of the review that's either a benefit or a drawback, depending on how you feel about it- Clear has it's own lane by pre-check, and as you're escorted through by the Clear staff member there's an air of "VIP" to it. Like I said, you either love this, or feel a little silly. Either's fine, just a sidenote, really. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheT6NuS89ZU58TRjBueSDTPDw70O2exSYbLI6CG-vba23Tba5X0D4hl2HXBhrNa6Esyr82k0iH73FhDuZuWico119MxWVMInkhVJe1l7t-aKq9EixOX1UnDf4vrPik6-s6lhWmhqldHJOg/s1600/IMG_8555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheT6NuS89ZU58TRjBueSDTPDw70O2exSYbLI6CG-vba23Tba5X0D4hl2HXBhrNa6Esyr82k0iH73FhDuZuWico119MxWVMInkhVJe1l7t-aKq9EixOX1UnDf4vrPik6-s6lhWmhqldHJOg/s400/IMG_8555.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Score!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Overall, my personal feeling is that it's worth it for our family at the moment. We're flying to places where we use it, and our Baby Flyer gets through with us for free. The less fiddling around with IDs and bags with a 20 month old in tow, the better. Plus, because we signed Mrs CruisingAltitude up at LAX, they were giving out free power sticks for new members, and gave me one too! It's the little things. <br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.awin1.com/awclick.php?gid=319864&mid=6372&awinaffid=454541&linkid=2020541&clickref=">CLEAR</a>" target="_blank">Clear</a> may be right for you, or it may not. I hope my thoughts help you make the decision. <br />
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Fly well, <br />
<br />
~CruisingAltitudeCThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-57048453602610856212017-09-07T15:29:00.000-07:002017-09-08T06:51:48.296-07:00A Basic Burn.....<br />
<a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/09/buyer-beware-aa-rolls-out-basic-economy.html" target="_blank">After my recent post</a> about the unfortunate introduction of Basic Economy fares by American, let's just say I was more than a little amused to scroll through Facebook today and come across this little gem of an add by Southwest: <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG61cQ4nc6IslXBsG_wiEQ_nbowHmHJnSx2oowxR_21SQJsWlaRjXjSAP2yeO7HH4xDFkNLwmNt095aQBjyj9LtCTAo-CxvhCxwYKIMZBzRfRUJu0RTZlCuso4Ax1NA_5dItiToLgSnOcU/s1600/SWClip.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="736" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG61cQ4nc6IslXBsG_wiEQ_nbowHmHJnSx2oowxR_21SQJsWlaRjXjSAP2yeO7HH4xDFkNLwmNt095aQBjyj9LtCTAo-CxvhCxwYKIMZBzRfRUJu0RTZlCuso4Ax1NA_5dItiToLgSnOcU/s400/SWClip.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Well played, my friends, well played. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This is a company that knows when it's about to get an influx of customers fleeing the competition. That's not base speculation either, as United covertly stated when it<a href="http://onemileatatime.boardingarea.com/2017/09/06/united-basic-economy-failure/" target="_blank"> rolled back Basic fares</a> just this week. <br />
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In all honesty, if you don't fly enough (or far enough) to need the perks of a big international network, at this point you're much better off flying Southwest, JetBlue, or Alaska domestically. The prices are fair, and in many cases, the service is much better. <br />
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Plus, they have a sense of humor. <br />
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~CruisingAltitude CThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7595563844532125115.post-32305085202089988012017-09-05T13:01:00.003-07:002017-09-05T13:08:12.129-07:00Buyer Beware: AA Rolls Out Basic Economy <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMqTCLcA1fQjiEHnOZGzSaRU-TnByp_Wg8G3WNsa2eAL0M5iqH4QwmiAI3-h0igyzFbGIwrFOxnqnNpuVx6XWRSUcqfiYaYLUabfDUzDuewLGx7pcw_yJ6jUMT2hNrWV-AqfHm-pXGsoL/s1600/DCA737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1600" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzMqTCLcA1fQjiEHnOZGzSaRU-TnByp_Wg8G3WNsa2eAL0M5iqH4QwmiAI3-h0igyzFbGIwrFOxnqnNpuVx6XWRSUcqfiYaYLUabfDUzDuewLGx7pcw_yJ6jUMT2hNrWV-AqfHm-pXGsoL/s400/DCA737.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't look at me like that, I'm still mad at you. You know what you did. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Basic Economy: The product no one needs, absolutely didn't ask for, and definitely don't want. So...thanks for that. <br />
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Overnight, AA has rolled out their new basic economy pricing across their domestic flights, and it's bad my friends. The pricing starts for flights later this month and continues on indefinitely. It's a plan that all of the major airlines have gone with, and AA was just the last to conform. We knew it was coming, and had already started in some markets earlier this year. <br />
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In theory, the idea is to let the major US 3- American, Delta, and United, price match the ultra low cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier by offering a ticket that removes all possible benefits and guarantees you'll hate flying just as much as if you were on Spirit. Nice, right? <br />
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They justify it by saying it 'gives the customer the choice' to pick the benefits they want. However, benefits like a seat assignment, or a carry on bag, are a bit necessary to the vast majority of travelers and so it's really just a way to nickel and dime people who don't understand, or don't care about the fine print. In most cases you'll end up spending as much or more on the ticket once you have to add on everything that's necessary. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAJHq2aeScguCBO1KYDIOTXO6leScqXrNOug6hkNoARghyx7okRwvKfkeSHCLdNGSovRHgQt5gaDDVjbIb5vkvn4ISP0LbLOG4wIcUEt99stgF7fhhix4GnSSUoZGxhChtU6FF6xKgbBp/s1600/BE+Rules.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1132" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaAJHq2aeScguCBO1KYDIOTXO6leScqXrNOug6hkNoARghyx7okRwvKfkeSHCLdNGSovRHgQt5gaDDVjbIb5vkvn4ISP0LbLOG4wIcUEt99stgF7fhhix4GnSSUoZGxhChtU6FF6xKgbBp/s400/BE+Rules.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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What's worse though, is the hypocrisy of how AA changed the pricing structure overnight. Instead of actually creating some new lower fares and making those Basic Economy (which was how they advertised the upcoming change), they simply took the existing pricing and made the cheap tickets Basic, and started charging about $40 more round trip for the exact same main cabin ticket that had been there the day before. Classy. <br />
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So, I hope anyone who had their eye on <a href="http://cruisingaltitude42.blogspot.com/2017/08/fare-sale-alert-los-angeles-to-dallas.html" target="_blank">those cheap LAX-DFW fares I posted about</a> last week managed to click purchase before today, because guess what? Those $79 tickets are now booking into Basic Economy, and won't come with a seat assignment, a carry on bag, any flexibility, and will earn half of the qualifying miles and segments they would have 24 hours ago. Oh, and they also aren't eligible for elite upgrades anymore either. <br />
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Being elite does get you out of some of these restrictions, if you happen to find yourself in Basic. You will still have your baggage privileges and priority boarding, but being off the upgrade list and earning fewer qualifying miles will hurt. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqbq0nBfkxs6zjdi92uJPzXdxg3r8xyaKRjC9G6EO0AMG_4lTMXsN5wgne0jQz-ETzxnOeCCgIxOwgZE3maIpTbEnaWcA9q1kci8ohH87mIMO7n861yEzgm1JX6IalWfAC_1UYklpG15B/s1600/BE+Rules+2.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="1373" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqbq0nBfkxs6zjdi92uJPzXdxg3r8xyaKRjC9G6EO0AMG_4lTMXsN5wgne0jQz-ETzxnOeCCgIxOwgZE3maIpTbEnaWcA9q1kci8ohH87mIMO7n861yEzgm1JX6IalWfAC_1UYklpG15B/s400/BE+Rules+2.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
As I said, AA isn't alone in this move, the others having done this already. They're now set to make extra off of the up-pricing of the main cabin tickets they were already selling, as well as raking in millions in baggage and seat assignment fees from people booking into Basic. There really is no upside for the consumer, but that's pretty well the point. <br />
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In the end we have the big carriers' bottom lines to thank for this, but more importantly the likes of Spirit and Ryanair for showing them how to make air travel just a little less pleasant. <br />
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From here on out, book wisely. <br />
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~CruisingAltitudeCThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16282975350427950776noreply@blogger.com0