The 866 number showed up on my caller ID. I figured it was a lonely telemarketer so I answered. Instead, it was an analyst from Bank of America. Unprepared and under-caffeinated, I found myself on the hot seat answering questions about why I applied for an Alaska Business credit card. Unlike when I have my Chase recon script handy, I had to wing the call. The toughest question is why I wanted the Alaska card. That was a good inquiry because Alaska is not as valuable post the Emirates devaluation or the latest deval which doesn’t allow for JAL Premium Economy Awards.
I actually applied for this card because Bachuwa Law, your friend in consumer protection, needs a separate account to keep the books straight. And I might as well get 30k points while I’m at it.
Besides that question, I was asked my revenue and profit and then I was approved.
If these were the good old days, I’d have more than enough to fly Emirates Shower. Without any compelling awards, I will break the golden rule and hoard these points.
Alaska Business Approved! When Recon Calls You
Simply The Best: TPOL Turns 3 Today!
February 2017:Ā St. Regis Shenzhen: The Best Hotel in Asia And Beyond
Training for The Tropics: I Quit
Hi Globalist! Where Are You Redeeming Your Free Night?
I was suffering from pre booking stress disorder. After receiving my Globalist card in the mail which is now framed over the fireplace, I started looking for aspirational properties to redeem my free night before it expires in a year. It’s never too early to find a place to burn a certificate. Waiting only leads to bad decisions. (see Hilton Stay Certificates) Obviously, the redemption has to be at a high-end, expensive property. I have a fixation for getting the best value and for staying at properties I have not been to. Category 7 Options
- Park Hyatt NYC: I stayed here before and the title of my post was Consistently, Inconsistent. This was not a great hotel and I won’t return. #lemeridien
- Park Hyatt St. Kitts: This hotel is supposed to open this spring. I’m not going to wait on it. For three years, I waited for the Park Hyatt Marrakech and it never opened. Not Open
- Park Hyatt Sydney: My koala went missing here years ago. It’s too painful to return. PTSD
- Grand Hyatt Changsha: No idea where Changsha is. Perhaps it’s on the poll for where TPOL should move next. 不
- Park Hyatt Tokyo: I’ve been to the jazz bar at the top. From what I read, the hotel is dated. Skip
- Park Hyatt Zurich: I have no interest in going to Switzerland, even to up my Country Count list. They weren’t nice to the Jamaicans. #coolrunnings
- Park Hyatt Paris: Booked one night here with my Chase stay certificate for my upcoming Round The Atlantic Tour. I could add another one. #freebreakfast
- Park Hyatt Milan: Booked one night here with my Chase stay certificate for my upcoming Round The Atlantic Tour. #versaceversaceversace
- Other US Options: There’s no point in burning stay certificates in the US. Adventure is abroad. I am puzzled why the Hyatt Place Cincinnati is on the list!
- Vegas: This would be such a waste. Here are the hotels and my reviews of them:
- Bellagio: The most overrated hotel on The Strip.
- Delano: Good for the Mandalay Bay pool party, especially if you are M-Life Diamond.
- Aria: A great place for a Vegas drinking game.
- New York: The hotels are nice but not for a stay certificate. Here is where I have stayed:
- Andaz Wall Street: Wall Street is boring but if you have business down there, this is a good choice.
- Hyatt Herald Square: The best value in all of NYC. Thus, not worth using a certificate.
- Aruba & Mexico: Like the other US locations in Category 6, Aruba & Mexico are not exotic enough to use a certificate.
- China
- Grand Hyatt Hong Kong: I’m sure it’s better than the Hyatt Regency Hong Kong. Still, I’d rather save my certificate and stay at the Chungking Mansions.
- Japan: There are three Category 6 Hyatts in Tokyo. I recommend the Conrad Tokyo but these Hyatt options are available if you aren’t interested in the Park Hyatt.
- Maldives: Of all the Category 6 options, this one is the most appealing. I stayed at the Conrad Maldives as part of my $77,000 Trip Heard Round the World and have no desire to return until I’ve visited the rest of the globe.
World Baseball Classic Guadalajara: Beer Detour
The highlight of my trip to Guadalajara was The World Baseball Classic between Italy and Mexico. After the adventure getting the tickets, I wanted to arrive at the stadium early so I wouldn’t miss the opening ceremony. The original plan was to eat street food near the stadium and then go inside for the festivities. On the way there, I saw a Belgium bar and shouted for the driver to stop. What ensued was a memorable detour of fine beers and papas fritas. The name of the place is El Deposito. My rule for when I’m out of the country is to buy something I like when I see it and do something fun when the opportunity presents itself. That is what traveling is all about.
It’s Not Kuta, But Should I Live in Bali? Vote Today
Voting is underway for where TPOL should move in December. Wherever readers say I should go, I will go. Each week I’ll feature two cities, one ranked the highest according to Nomad List and the one ranked at the bottom of the list.
In the words of Carlton Banks, “Hardy har har.” I find it funny that so many are voting for me to move to Albania. As I said before, “There’s nothing you can do to me that Castro has not done.” I’ll go there with a smile. In case, you want me to come to your wedding, let me suggest other cities.
Coming in at number 2 and 3 for the best places to live (with good Wi-Fi, a pleasant climate, and a budget of less than $1500/month) is Cangu and Ubud which are both in Bali. I’ve been to Bali twice. The first time was for New Years and the other time was to visit Michael Jeries before he moved to Thailand. Each time I stayed in the filthy party paradise of Kuta.
From what I read, Cangu and Ubud are nothing like Kuta, thankfully. Still, I’m not sure I would want to live on an island away from the hustle and bustle of a big city [INSERT ALBANIA TOURISM AD HERE].
Per usual, it’s up to you to decide.
I’m Not Tipping Uber Either!
Guadalajara Nightlife: Tacos & Tequila (Again)
It was a Wednesday in Guadalajara so I had modest expectations for a night out. The hotel recommended going to Chapultepec Road which is a street lined with bars and restaurants. We walked around for a bit and enjoyed the no open container law. There weren’t any places too wild so we picked the bar closest to the street food. After a few drinks and after having my fill of Mexican music, it was time to eat (again).
Like an auctioneer, I rattled off a list of items I wanted. Somehow the bill came to $15 which is a fortune for street food and compared to what we spent thus far. Unlike when I got ripped off in Mexico City by paying $30 for tacos, I’m fairly certain that this did not happen here.
We bought two monster hamburgers, four stacked tacos, and an Arabe taco which was a loaded taco in a full pita. And, if that wasn’t enough, we got a Pepsi and 7-Up in the old school bottles.
Fat and full or full and fat, we went home having devoured everything but the taco Arabe.
Simply The Best: February 2017
The Best Bracket Bet: Loser Flies Coach Long-Long Haul
Today, I released TPOL’s winning bracket for the NCAA tournament. I picked Michigan to win it all because I think they’re on a special run. Ms. TPOL also filled out a bracket. Since betting makes everything more interesting, I came up with a wager that those in the points world will appreciate.
The winner gets to fly on the airline of his choice to India in first while the loser has to take one of the longest flights in the world aboard one of the least desirable airlines in the world, Air India. And she has to do it in coach for 17 grueling hours. For the record, she has Kansas winning it all and other suspect choices along the way.
In the unlikely event that I lose, I’ll make the trek utilizing my Kama Sutra technique for long-haul travel.
Go Blue!
