Barclays AA Business Aviator App: History Repeats Itself

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Barclays AA Business Aviator App: History Repeats Itself

Some things in the points life are certain. I won’t be approved for a Capital One Card. Amex will keep sending me 160k Business Platinum offers. And Barclays business card apps will be inexplicably tedious. In 2021, I applied for the JetBlue business card. I was finally approved but look at what I went through:

In 2018, I went through a similar process for both the Jetblue Business card and AA Business Aviator: Despite being an on-again/off-again client for years, Barclays still acts like it has no idea who I am. Like my Chase Ink Cash application where I was initially approved for a high credit line (see Recon Call After Recon Call, Finally Chase Ink Cash Approved), additional information was needed to finalize my application. I called in numerous times and was placed on hold only to hang up after an hour of waiting. This week, I finally was able to get through. Like past applications, Barclays is asking for a copy of Bachuwa Law’s business lease to prove my office is where I claim it is. I asked how it was possible that I received the letter requesting this information at my office if that is not the address of my office. The agent had no response. Like before, my only option for sending in the proof was mail or fax. Based on the amount of time I have spent writing these posts, I dare anyone to say that the points life is easy.      

Recon Call After Recon Call, Finally Chase Ink Cash Approved

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Recon Call After Recon Call, Finally Chase Ink Cash Approved

Here’s one for my record books. I applied for the Chase Ink Cash card with a 90k sign-up bonus after spending 6k in 3 months. I have had the Chase Ink Preferred forever and had eviscerated the minimum spend on the Unlimited months before (see Chase Matches Ink Unlimited 90k Offer). I did not think it would be taxing to be approved for a second Ink Cash in my collection. It was. For those that like misery, read on. On January 11th, I applied and was not given an instant decision. I decided to call in. I was told that I was conditionally approved but should transfer a credit balance from my other cards if I wanted a higher limit. I asked to move most of my credit from my Business Hyatt which has been subsequently canceled (see Keep vs. Cancel: Chase Business Hyatt) and some credit from my Preferred. I asked if the card could be sent overnight. The agent said two days is the fastest, but she would process it for me right away. Giddy, I went back about my day. No less than thirty minutes later, I received a message saying that Chase needed more information. In the past, when approved, I see the account on Chase.com. I saw nothing and decided to call to confirm. I was connected to the strangest agent who must have been working from home. He kept asking me questions and then not responding for long periods of time. Finally, he came back and said that I wasn’t approved. I told him that I was just told that the card would be here in two days. He claimed that call never happened. Too annoyed, I decided not to bother to call again that day. A week later I tried again, and I was told that my application was still being processed and that I would receive a decision in the mail. A week later, I called back and was told that I needed to send information that validated who I was. I said, “Like a bank statement from Chase?” They said yes. As asinine as the request was, I sent Chase my Chase bank statement. A week later nothing. I had no interest in calling again and was fine with any decision at this point. On February 16th, I received a generic email from Chase congratulating me on my new card approval. I logged in and saw this: Chase works in mysterious ways.

a screenshot of a credit card
That limit isn’t enough to hit the min spend.

Mo de Movimiento Madrid: Oh de Organic Pizza

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Mo de Movimiento Madrid: Oh de Organic Pizza

Mo de Movimiento is part of The Adios Puerto Rico, Hola España Trip Report. Read TPOL in Madrid: Why A Second Residency?

This Hola España Trip Report was supposed to be more than Food & Drink posts. I still have another seven weeks here, so maybe it will be. But if not, that’s not so bad either. For my next meal, I wanted to go to Mo De Movimiento, an energic pizza place in my Almagro neighborhood. Like the Michelin restaurant (see Michelin for Lunch in Madrid? Why Not?), I showed up without a reservation. This time, I was turned away. The next day, having learned my lesson, I made a booking and was granted access. Here’s what I found: Organic  The cynic would say that organic is a synonym for trendy. TPOL is no Whole Foods shopper but does appreciate fresh ingredients. However, my understanding of what is on the menu and what they write is lost in translation, even if it is in English. a wood burning oven with wood inside House White  I ordered wine by the glass, a departure from TPOL’s rule of a bottle or nothing rule (reference Hunter’s Inn, Guns & Butter: Lithuania Travel Guide & reference Delayed Flight=More Food, Guns & Butter: Tallinn, Estonia Travel Guide). This strategy makes sense in Madrid where house wine is not skunky trash (see Best Tapas Madrid: No Budget Cuts Here). It was fresh and crisp. Still, contrast my description of ‘house white’ with what is written on the menu:
MO DE MOVIMIENTO
DO UTIEL REQUENA, BODEGAS CHOZAS CARRASCAL, MACABEU Y SAUVIGNON BLANC. Just Mushrooms A problem with organic is that I leave hungry regardless of how good the food is. “Just mushrooms?” is what I asked when the appetizer came. a plate of mushrooms on a counter Contrast my description with what is written on the menu:
MAITAKE MUSHROOM WITH BLACK BUTTER
ECOLOGICAL MAITAKE MUSHROOM WITH BLACK BUTTER, CAPERS, LEMON AND HOMEMADE HAZELNUT PRALINE.
Asparagus Pizza To keep up with the theme, we ordered asparagus pizza. Like the mushroom appetizer, I enjoyed it but wanted more food. Unfortunately, the kitchen was closed. a pizza with green sauce and cheese Contrast my description with what is written on the menu: ARTISAN MOZZARELLA, GREEN ASPARAGUS SAUCE AND ASPARAGUS TIPS, 100% ECOLOGICAL IBERIAN BACON AND GALMESANO CHEESE. Price 
  • 4 glasses of house white: 14 euros
  • 1 plate of mushrooms: 13 euros
  • 1 asparagus pizza: 15.50 euros
Itemizing it like this, I can’t understand how mushrooms and a pizza came out to $45. However, doing it organically:
  • MO DE MOVIMIENTO (4 CHALACES)
  • MAITAKE MUSHROOM WITH BLACK BUTTER
  • PIZZA FOR THE GODS: ARTISAN MOZZARELLA, GREEN ASPARAGUS
The price makes sense. Overall I would go back but not because of organic marketing. a pizza with a green pepper on a plate I would go back because that’s a damn good slice of pizza. TPOL’s Tip: Mo de Movimiento is located at C. de Espronceda, 34, 28003 Madrid

Best Tapas Madrid: No Budget Cuts Here

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Best Tapas Madrid: No Budget Cuts Here

Best Tapas Madrid is part of The Adios Puerto Rico, Hola España Trip Report. Read, Why a Second Residency?, to see why I am here.

The script is the same: “Dos copas de Rioja.” “Vale.” “Dos copas de Ribera del Duero.” “Vale.” Do I care that I am not served the finest Reserva from Duero (see Guns & Butter: Ribera Del Duero, Madrid Travel Guide (Vino Edition))? At $3 a glass, I absolutely do not. What I cannot believe is the amount and variety of tapas that are included in this price. If this were the US and providing tapas gratis was a tradition, it would have been eviscerated at the same time airlines started charging bag fees. Then again, if this were the US, wine by the glass would be something gross and overpriced, even during happy hour. Barefoot Chardonnay anyone? Luckily for me, I am not in the US for the next six weeks. This allows me the opportunity to share with you the best places for tapas in Madrid. Disclaimer: I live in the upscale neighborhood of Chamberí. I can’t be bothered to leave this sanctuary too often. Reviews may be limited to this idyllic area. Disclaimer: Not all tapas are free but when paying, the portions are more than adequate. Disclaimer: I will republish this post as more tapas are consumed. Leaders & Best At the top of the list is La Pochola. It’s down the street from my flat, the wine is good, the atmosphere is energized, and the tapas are generously provided. a window of a restaurant a glass of wine and a plate of fooda plate of food and a glass of winea plate of food and a glass of beerfood on a plate a plate of scrambled eggs and toasta group of people posing for a photo TPOL’s Tip: The location is Calle de José Abascal, 49D, 28003 Madrid Also near my home is El Secreto De Ponzano. Here, I started with vino blanco and then went back to vino tinto. Along with consuming the complimentary tapas, I also ordered two mini burgers. a door to a building a glass of wine with a hand making a peace sign a plate of food on a tablea two hamburgers on a plate
a receipt on a metal plate
¡Ay Dios mio! El precio.
TPOl’s TIP: El Secreto De Ponzano is located at C. de Ponzano, 48, 28003 Madrid Disappointment  Sometimes, the taste of the wine will commensurate with the price. Nice jamon at Bienmesabe, but I won’t be returning. a glass of red wine on a table Tourist  When I was here in 2017, I went to El Tigre (see Tourist Tapas in Madrid) and was scorched for going to a place that only tourists go. Years later, I would still recommend going to witness the hustle and bustle, should you be in the neighborhood. a group of plates of food on a shelf TPOL’s Tip: El Tigre is located C. de las Infantas, 23, 28004 Madrid Learn Spanish For as much Spanish as I know, there is more that I do not. This is especially true for food. At Don Oscar (Atascal), I wanted to order meat and cheese. They were out. Under pressure, I ended up with this. As Chris Tucker would say, “How you going to sell a big box of grease?” In fairness to myself, this was the first tapas bar I went to since moving here.
a wet sidewalk with buildings and people walking on it
a glass of wine and a bowl of chips on a table
The chips were free.
a plate of food on a table TPOL’s Tip: Google translate before ordering. TPOL’s Tip: Don Oscar (Atascal) is located at Calle de José Abascal, 24, 28003 Madrid. Tapas or Dinner?  Patatas bravas which means spicy potato is a popular tapa. It’s also a sure-fire way of voiding all gym progress (see Olé! Where to Workout in Madrid) and becoming a potato yourself. At Cerveceria Lola, I not only ordered patatas bravas, but I also ordered una hamburguesa can huevo frito. From a health standpoint, there is nothing healthier than this for a late-night snack. From an economic standpoint, how can you beat 2 beers and 2 plates for $20? a building with a sign on the front entrance a glass of beer next to a box of napkins a plate of food with sauce on it a burger with a fried egg and fries on a plate a burger with a egg and fries on a plate TPOL’s Tip: Cervceria Lola is located at C. de Ponzano, 50, 28003 Madrid, across the street from El Secreto De Ponzano. Upscale  The upscale neighborhood of Madrid is Salamanca. I stopped there for tapas and vino at Restaurante Tierra del Queiles. There, I had the best Rioja on the way to Ten Con Ten for dinner (see Ten Con Ten Madrid vs. City Hall Scottsdale). a glass wall with a bar and a bar with a bar and a counter a bottle of wine on a table two glasses of wine on a table TPOL’s Tip: The location is C. de Hermosilla, 7, 28001 Madrid. Michelin Of course, if you are tired of tapas, there are plenty of Michelin restaurants available (see Michelin for Lunch in Madrid? Why Not?). a sign on a building    

TPOL’s Tip: Arrive Early to Avoid Sushi Terrorists

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TPOL’s Tip: Arrive Early to Avoid Sushi Terrorists

Sushi Terrorism is part of The Adios Puerto Rico, Hola España Trip Report. Read TPOL in Madrid: Why A Second Residency?

Continuing my tour of Almagro, my neighborhood in Madrid, I went to Kintaro to catch the sushi express. Destination: fat and full. Not fully acclimated to the late-night dining of Spain, I was the first to arrive at 8:30 PM. I took a seat and watched as the edamame and other starters whizzed by. A half-hour later, two more guests arrived and two more after that. The volume of food far outnumbered the number of patrons.
As time passed, the diversity of sushi increased. Initially, it was only Philadelphia rolls and salmon sushi. The rolls increased in complexity and flavor each time I looked up. In addition to Japanese food, there were also Chinese treats including spring rolls, fried rice, dumplings, and noodles. After eating plate after plate, I finally began to feel the effects of not taking a break from the carousel. However, I could not stop so long as there was something new offered. Reaching out for another treat, I realized I already had this roll. I went to put it back but thought it would be unsanitary to do so. Not one to waste food, I forced myself to eat. The tour was capped off with dessert. All of it, along with a beer, cost $22. a long line of plates and cups on a conveyor belt The experience itself was blog-worthy, but the reason I had to write about it is because I read this article later that night: Sushi terrorism’ prank videos in Japan are hurting its famous conveyor belt restaurants. Per the article, videos of people licking shared soy sauce bottles and messing with plates of food on conveyor belts are prompting critics to question their prospects in a Covid-conscious world. Last week this video went viral: https://twitter.com/takigare3/status/1619658064898166784?cxt=HHwWgMDQ_bebl_osAAAA Who is this child’s parents? Why are people this disgusting? One of the restaurants in Japan says it will use AI technology to combat #sushitero: “We want to deploy our AI-operated cameras to monitor if customers put the sushi they picked up with their hands back on the plates.” What has the world come to? Until that technology is rolled out, I suggest arriving early to avoid #sushiterrorism.a neon cat and a couple of signs on a walla neon cat on a blue background TPOL’s TIP: Kintaro is located at Calle de Fernández de la Hoz, 70, 28003 Madrid

Michelin for Lunch in Madrid? Why Not?

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Michelin for Lunch in Madrid? Why Not?

Michelin Lunch Madrid is part of The Adios Puerto Rico, Hola España Trip Report.

A friend of mine happened to be in Madrid at the same time I am here for my residency (see TPOL Now Living in Madrid!). As a tourist, he went to a cooking class, something that I will not do as a ‘local’ (see TPOL in Madrid: Why A Second Residency?). There, the instructor told him that her favorite restaurant in Madrid is La Montería. I tried to make a reservation via the website for the day off but could not. When we arrived at 4 PM, the place was packed with people eating and drinking copious amounts of wine. How was this happening on a Wednesday afternoon? I thought there was no way that we would be seated. Indeed, the hostess was shocked when we said we did not have a reservation. Nevertheless, they put two tables together and were graciously accommodating. TPOL’s TIP: Reservations for most restaurants in Madrid are recommended. When I sat down, I looked at the wall and was surprised when I saw the Michelin awards. I have only been to one Michelin-starred restaurant. It was in Copenhagen and it was a special experience (see Punk Royale Copenhagen: Michelin Restaurant on Acid). Going to another for lunch was a bit over the top. Wine  If you’re going to do Michelin, you must have great wine. With the help of the waitress, I selected this hearty bottle from Rioja. a bottle of wine on a table Food Everything was ordered to share. Everything was fantastic.
a plate of food on a table
jamon Iberico con tomate
a basket of fried shrimp
shrimp tempura
a plate of fried food
Tempura asparagus
a plate of food on a white surface
Tuna tartare
a plate of food with spoons
Rabbit with rice
Overall The budget could not handle a Michelin lunch every day, nor would I want to indulge on such fancy food every day. Still, I am left wondering if Michelin meals are the norm for the upper class of Madrid. TPOL’s Tip: La Montería is located at C. de Lope de Rueda, 35, 28009 Madrid.

Iberia Business SJU-MAD: And Another One

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Iberia Business SJU-MAD: And Another One

Iberia Business Class San Juan to Madrid is part of The Adios Puerto Rico, Hola España Trip Report.

I’ve flown Iberia to Madrid in business many times: And of course, the most memorable time was when I was almost kicked off the flight: Iberia Business ORD-MAD: Mask Jokes Literally Don’t Fly. This time was different. This time I was relocating to Madrid for the inauguration of my bi-annual residency in a foreign country (see TPOL in Madrid: Why A Second Residency?). To start, I checked in a bag, something that I only do when I return from Shanghai with a suitcase full of new clothes (see Fabric Market Shanghai Prices: How to Bargain (2019 Edition)). Whether I brought too much or too little is a topic for another post. a screen shot of a sign Masks On February 8th, 2023, Spain finally removed the mask mandate for public transport including planes. Of course, my flight was on February 7th, 2023. Having learned my lesson from last time, I kept my stupid mask on until the wine was served. Seats  I may have learned my lesson about the masks but I forgot to read my post, Iberia Business SJU-MAD: Beware of the Bright Lights. Had I done so, I would’ve asked for seats away from the noisy, busy, bright front row. a group of screens on a plane
a two black rectangular computers with red and yellow text
Always nice to have seats side by side.
Amenities Kit  I stopped collecting amenity kits years ago. I did keep the eye shades and the socks. a set of travel items on a bed Welcome Drink As usual on Iberia, there was no welcome champagne, just OJ. a glass of orange juice on a table in an airplane Wine  Last time I was in Madrid, it was exclusively for wine tasting (see Guns & Butter: Ribera Del Duero, Madrid Travel Guide (Vino Edition)), making me an expert in tempranillo. The choices on the flight and in Spain for vino tinto is Rioja or Ribera del Duero. I started with the Rioja Reserva and eventually settled down with the Ribera Crianza. Both were good choices. Shrimp & Fish  I really enjoyed the arugula salad and shrimp. The fish wasn’t dodgy but the movie Airplane always comes to mind when I order it on a plane. a plate of salad and a glass of winea plate of food with vegetables Dessert I was surprised at the level of detail given to the ice cream sundae. It was much better than the cheese spread. a bowl of ice cream and strawberries a plate of cheese and nuts Sleep  The plane was a bit hot, but I slept fine. I woke up with one more hour to go. a person's feet in a tv Breakfast  There was no hot breakfast but I did have a solid muffin. a muffin on a plate next to a glass of orange juice Overall  For 34k points each way (see Iberia Residency Booked: Adios Puerto Rico, Hola España), a direct flight from my permanent home to my second residence can’t be beaten.  

TPOL in Madrid: Why A Second Residency?

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TPOL in Madrid: Why A Second Residency?
Why a Second Residency is part of The Adios Puerto Rico, Hola España Trip Report.
My domicile is Puerto Rico. Specifically, I live in the magical bubble of Rio Mar. My days consist of constant outdoor activities. You can find me on the beach, in the pool, on the golf course, or on the tennis court. The rest of the time I am in the casita enjoying the view.a golf course with a body of water and buildings So why did I decide to leave La Isla Encanta for two months? The answer is simple. I needed a break from the exhaustion of retirement. Living near the equator, I face a daily battle of trying to do everything before the sun goes down more or less around 6 PM throughout the year. Sleeping in is not an option. There’s no worse feeling than letting the day slip away on account of a few more ZZZ’s. I never imagined that I would be in bed sober by 9 PM on Friday, but that became the norm as a sunrise workout on the beach Saturday morning brought more pleasure than a binge with my old friend, Don Q. a bottle of alcohol on a white towel Though I am as active and as healthy as ever (see VIDEO: Battle Ropes in Puerto Rico!), I am not ready for such a regimented routine. Before Covid, the life plan was to spend most of my time in Puerto Rico, part of my time racking up more countries on travel sprints (see Where I’ve Been), and part of my time living in places voted for by readers (see Vote Where TPOL Moves in December (For Real This Time)). During Covid, I embraced that I only have one life and needed to do what I want, when I wanted to do it (see The Lost & Found Year(s): COVID Trip Report). Accordingly, I modified my life plan. I would still spend most of my time in PR, and I would still spend part of my time gallivanting around the world, but the expat assignments would not be left up to my spiteful readers (see Canceled! TPOL’s Move to Albania). I would decide where I would reside (Vote for Where TPOL Will Move Next And…). I came up with the following: Every year I would live in one of my two favorite cities, Shanghai or Cape Town. Every year, I would also live in a first-world major city. The first residency assignment was supposed to be Dubai during the World Cup, but that fizzled because the shuttle that would take me to and from Qatar was a figment of my imagination. The second residency was supposed to be Melbourne after a stopover in Fiji (see 55K Alaskan to Fiji And My New Melbourne Residence), but given the lack of flight availability on the return, it has been converted to the prototypical helter-skelter TPOL trip, return flight and routing to be determined. This brings me to Madrid. Por que Madrid? The answer should be obvious: a points flight to Madrid and back to San Juan was available. Definite dates are necessary when booking a long-term stay (Say No to Airbnb, Show Up Start Living at The Blue Ground). It’s hard to beat a confirmed round-trip business class flight (see Iberia Residency Booked: Adios Puerto Rico, Hola España). As I learned before, it’s impossible to beat said flight when it is direct from San Juan (see Iberia MAD-SJU Business: Great to Fly Direct). Now that I knew where I was going, the question everyone asked is what am I going to do there? Everyone had suggestions. You should go to the church that’s carved into a mountain. You should go to Toledo. You need to play golf. What do I plan on doing? Nothing. The purpose of a residency is to do what I would do if I were an actual resident. That means not being a tourist. That means not being adventurous. Should I go to church? I wouldn’t show up to church for my own funeral. Visit Toledo? Have you been to the 419? Gracias, no gracias.  Golf? That’s a no. I have spent enough time at the range. At some point, my hobbies in Puerto Rico turned into obligations. Now, I need a break from them. I don’t apologize for this smug statement. It wasn’t long ago that yours truly was living in exile in Mongolia (see Aug 1, 2014: The Mistake ). Back then, I thought that suffering was a natural part of life. I attribute my feeling of perpetual guilt in moments of pleasure to my Catholic Arab upbringing which I have endeavored to renounce. Maybe that’s the real reason why I’m not going to visit that church in Madrid. Perhaps that is why I can finally do nothing and not apologize for doing so.
a two black rectangular computers with red and yellow text
Hola Madrid. Voy a disfrutar su ciudad by doing nothing.

TPOL Now Living in Madrid!

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TPOL Now Living in Madrid!

I’ve made it to Madrid. This will be my home until the end of March. Unlike my typical trips where I wait years to write the Trip Report (see Writing Trip Reports: How Old Is Too Old?), I plan on blogging in real-time. The content won’t be Flight Reviews apart from my direct flight to and from San Juan (see Iberia Residency Booked: Adios Puerto Rico, Hola España). The content won’t be Hotel Reviews as I’m living in a two-bedroom apartment in the posh neighborhood of Chamberí. It won’t necessarily be Food & Drink Reviews either as I can’t binge on Protos and jamón Ibérico for two months (see Guns & Butter: Ribera Del Duero, Madrid Travel Guide (Vino Edition)). Indeed, I have no idea what it will be. The point of living here is to pretend that I’m actually from here and to actually do what the locals do (see Why A Second Residency?). Let’s see how it goes.

a glass of wine and a bowl of chips on a table
One of many drinks to be consumed.
 

TPOL Is Moving Offices

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TPOL Is Moving Offices

Good morning, You’ve reached TPOL. I am unavailable because I am moving to Madrid (for 2 months) starting today (see Iberia Residency Booked: Adios Puerto Rico, Hola España). Unlike my normal travels, I should resume normal operations promptly as this is a work experiment, not a travel tour. Best, TPOL

a golf ball in the hole
Right when my golf game is improving, I’m leaving.

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