Travel Guide - ThePointsOfLife

Hyatt Place Madison, Wisconsin: Clutch for College Football

thepointsoflife

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December 3, 2021

Hyatt Place Madison Hotel Review is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement and outflank COVID, at least for now.

I searched for months for a place to stay for the Michigan v. Wisconsin game in Madison (see Formerly Camp Randall Stadium Review). Everything was sold out. Finally, a room opened at the Hyatt Place for 12k points. Considering the rate was $500/night, I booked it without hesitation.

Location

The hotel is in downtown Madison within walking distance to the campus, bars, and, most importantly, the football stadium (see Guns & Butter: Madison Travel Guide). Across the street is a solid Indian restaurant, Maharani.

Late Check-Out

Only stays away from Globalist, I asked if I could have 4PM checkout. The hotel said yes. Since the game started at 11AM, it was enough time to go to the game and return for what I hoped would be a victory shower.

Pool

Not sure who wants to go for a dip, but a pool is available.

Room

The room was the standard Hyatt Place, perfect for a sports trip. However, this time I asked for two beds because 1) my friend was staying with me 2) because you’re sick of seeing the same photos of Hyatt Place rooms.

Room Art

The art was also different from other Hyatt Places.

a framed picture of a city — Behold, Madison!

Bathroom

The bathroom was not.

Breakfast

Roughed up from the night before (see Old School Partying in Madison), I tried to have breakfast. The eggs were bland and the sausage was no good. Glad it was free, but I would’ve paid for something better.

Overall

Many fans from both sides paid $500 a night. I would not. Once again, points made sports possible (see Final 4 Free).

Post Lockdown Dream Fulfilled? Deep Dish Pizza in Chicago

thepointsoflife

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December 2, 2021

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Deep Dish Chicago is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement and outflank COVID, at least for now.

On March 11th, 2020, I was watching an NBA game at Revolution Pizza in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. That day they announced that the season would be suspended. Who knew that life would turn upside down and I would not have a real trip until 17 months later.

During the days of lock-down, I contemplated which American city I would go to first as a launching point for a serious international trip and what I would eat when I got there. Since Michigan was playfking Wisconsin in Madison (see Formerly Camp Randall Stadium Review), Chicago was the winner. That, of course, meant stopping at my favorite Chicago pizza shop, Lou Malnati’s (see The World’s Best Pizza: Chicago Deep Dish Edition). Since life as I knew it came to a crashing halt while eating pizza, what better way to put it back in gear than by doing the same?

Perhaps I had romanticized my first deep dish experience, but the “Holy bleep! This is the best pizza in the world,” reaction did not happen. The top-end wine was fantastic, but the pizza was not as great as I remembered it to be.

Maybe I was isolated for too long and set my standards too high for what I expected from a pizza. Maybe, post-COVID, it will take time for the world (and Lous) to get that swagger back. I hope it’s the latter because a world without yummy pizza is not a world I want to live in.

TPOL’s Tip: Order a medium pizza. Even if the small is more than enough for two, I contend that a medium is required for the synthesis of the deep dish crust, mounds of cheese, and pepperoni to come together perfectly.

a bowl of salad with a spoon — At least the salad was good.

Simply The Best: November 2021

thepointsoflife

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December 1, 2021

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November was the best, the leaders and best! Here are the posts:

Finally, A Happy Thanksgiving: Hail to the Victors!
Duck Ohio State! Go Blue!
Guns & Butter: Miami Travel Guide
Welcome to Miami, the most overrated city in the world.
Bogota, a Party City? Who Knew?
While the city center of Bogota is not aesthetically pleasing, it should not be discounted as a party destination.
Bills Mafia v Fins: Hard Rock Stadium Review
I used to be content just for the opportunity to go to the game. Upper bowl was my life. Like travel, I have had the good fortune to sit in better seats.
Keep America Great: Blue Monster at Trump National Doral
My total score was 123. I am having the results audited because it is quite suspicious that I could have played so badly. Early in the round, I was up big. Then all of a sudden everything went against me.
Room Service: I’m Here with Your Covid Test
For the nice price of $35, the JW Marriott booked an appointment for the testing man to come to my room.
IQKhameleon: Technicolor Dreamcoat Actually Arrived
The Urban Turban is finally here!

Guns & Butter: Miami Travel Guide

thepointsoflife

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November 30, 2021

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TPOL’s Guns & Butter Travel Guide is the best way to see as much as you can in as little time as possible. Here’s how it works – A trip is composed of two factors: Labor And Lazy. The opportunity cost (what is given up) for relaxing and being Lazy is gained by being adventurous in the form of Labor and vice versa. The guide includes inefficient activities i.e., tourist traps that should be avoided and aspirational activities that are worth doing but may be impossible to see given the constraints of time and resources.

Welcome to Miami, the most overrated city in the world (see The Worst Cities in the World). Somehow, I keep coming back, forcing me to write a Guns & Butter Travel Guide.

Let’s get to it so I don’t have to spend another moment here, even if it is virtual.

Nostalgia

Miami only has a special place in my heart because it is where I wrote one of my first blog posts (see Swamp Water) more than seven years ago (see Simply The Best: TPOL Triple Bogeys, Turns 7). Speaking of nostalgia, remember when there was an Aloft on South Beach (see Aloft South Beach Review: Now A DoubleTree Review)?

The Swamp Water post asked: When do you become too old to partake in juvenile revelry? Better yet, when are you too old to go on spring break? It’s 2021 and I will respond with the answer: never.

Classic art deco dude — Old school Aloft

Recreation

Paddleboard

One activity Miamians do is paddleboard. I’m not an expert, but I don’t see the point of this sport (see Paddle Bored).

IMGA0365 — I’ve paddleboarded from Mauritius to the Maldives and have concluded I need a new vacation hobby. At least the experience made for some good pictures.

Run

Another Miamian pastime is running (see Who Runs Miami Beach?).

Invalid request error occurred. — On Miami Beach, the sand gave too much making each step a struggle. It is also on an incline which is uncomfortable.

Pool Party

It’s not Vegas, but Miami is adequate for pool parties (see Where to Pool Party in Miami).

Golf

Golf is the best recreational experience in Miami. I’ve played at everyone’s favorite president’s course twice (see Making America Great Again: Golden Palm At Trump National Doral & Keep America Great: Blue Monster at Trump National Doral).

Eat

For the Cool Kids

If you’re looking to party in the scene and have great food, STK is your place (see STK Miami: Noisy Delicious).

TPOL’s Tip: STK’s address is 2305 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

For the Sandwich Lovers

I recommend La Sandwicherie Miami Beach for a filling, economical, delicious meal.

TPOL’s Tip: The address is 229 14th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Dishonorable Mention

Coyo Taco Wynwood has good tacos but it’s overpriced. $37 for one person?

Honorable Mention

Perricone’s Brickell was fantastic. I neglected my blogging responsibilities and did not take photos of the veal marsala.

TPOL’s Tip: The address is 1700 SW 3rd Ave, Miami, FL 33129.

Stay

Don’t get Mario started on my opinion of Miami. He is probably still upset with this classic post: Hyatt Regency Miami: You’re Not Staying Here Anyway. To date, I have not found a points hotel that can replace the Aloft South Beach (see Aloft Brickell: In Miami’s Other City & Confidante Miami Beach: Physically Hurting from No Status).

TPOL’s Tip: If you have a layover, make sure you know which Hyatt Place MIA you booked (see Hyatt Place Miami Airport: Careful, There’s East & West!).

Overall

Miami sucks. I almost stopped traveling after the last time I went (see Air TPOL Retiring From Travel). Why did I go back?

two men taking a selfie in a stadium — To see my Buffalo Bills!

Finally, A Happy Thanksgiving: Hail to the Victors!

thepointsoflife

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November 29, 2021

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I once wrote: Happy Thanksgiving! When We Beat Ohio State. Given our track record for the last 20 years, I didn’t think that day would ever come. We beat them in 2003 when I was a student. We were robbed in 2006 by bullshit personal foul penalties. We beat them in 2011 when Luke Fickell had to fill in for a fired Jim Tressel. We almost had them in 2013 when Hoke went for two. We were robbed again in 2016 by inches (see Buckeyes Wolverines: Fourth & Short Trip Report Recap).

But that era of losing is over. This weekend we won. And we won big. As a fan of all sports in the underachieving state of Michigan, I don’t know what winning all the time feels like. I doubt it’s as thrilling when it happens every year (see Nick Saban’s rant about ‘self-absorbed’ ’Bama fans may be the best thing you’ll see this year). We might lose the next ten but in the words of Bob Seger, “We’ve got tonight. Who needs tomorrow?”

Duck Ohio State!

Go Blue!

TPOL’s Tip: Urban Turban, pictured above, soon to be available. Follow IQKhameleon on IG for the latest updates.

TPOL’s Thankful for Not Blogging Today

The Deal Ticker

thepointsoflife

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November 25, 2021

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Out of the office until Monday. Will Michigan win on Saturday?

Bills Mafia v Fins: Hard Rock Stadium Review

thepointsoflife

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November 24, 2021

2

Hard Rock Stadium Review is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement. It’s finally happening despite inconsistent policies, interruptions, and human stupidity as explained in these posts:

It’s been a while since I have been to a football game. I thought I was going to go to the Super Bowl last year (see Bills Mafia: TPOL’s NFL Playoff Predictions), but the Bills did not get the job done (see About Those Buffalo Bills…). When I saw that they were visiting Miami the second week of the season, I jumped on the opportunity.

Location

Hard Rock Stadium is like the University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona. It is located in the middle of nowhere.

a group of cars parked in a field — So was our parking spot.

Club Level

It’s good to have friends with season tickets. While club level does not offer free drinks and food, it does have easier access to restrooms and plenty of vendors for overpriced food and drink.

Shula Burger

One Shula burger is $11. One Bud Light is $12. Neither was good.

Bottle of Wine?

I noticed a wine bar in the club level. I also saw that a bottle of sauvignon blanc went for $40. It came in an ingenious bottle. The next challenge was to keep it cold. I cleverly filled up a bucket of popcorn with ice.Seats

I used to be content just for the opportunity to go to the game. Upper bowl was my life. Like travel, I have had the good fortune to sit in better seats.

Game

The Bills were awful. The Dolphins were worse.

a football stadium with people in the stands — The place was empty.

Both Teams Played Hard

In the end, the Bills won 35-0. But the highlight was talking to other members of Bills Mafia who made the trip from all over the country.

Overall

Hard Rock Stadium, like the turnout, was not impressive. I would gladly return December 31st, but I am going to predict that I will have no reason to go.

IQKhameleon: Technicolor Dreamcoat Actually Arrived

thepointsoflife

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November 23, 2021

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IQKhameleon: Technicolor Dreamcoat Actually Arrived

The revolution in sportswear was supposed to come two weeks ago. Somehow my order was routed from Medellin to Miami to Cincinnati, before arriving in Puerto Rico. Now, it’s finally here. Let the marketing begin!

Be an early adapter and follow IQKh on IG.

STK Miami: Noisy Delicious

thepointsoflife

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November 22, 2021

5

STK Miami Restaurant Review is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement. It’s finally happening despite inconsistent policies, interruptions, and human stupidity as explained in these posts:

Do you like steak? And do you like bass? Whether it’s Las Vegas (see “If you do go to a restaurant where the wine is out of your budget, drink beer!”) or Miami, STK may be the place for you.

Oysters

A good way to start dinner is with oysters.

Sliders

The wagyu sliders are always on point.

Sides

This time I ordered the tater tots. That was the pick of the night.

Main

The NY strip was cooked perfectly.

Dessert

After a big meal, the go-to digestif is a double espresso and Gran Marnier.

Overall

This isn’t a place for those looking for quiet dinner. It is a nightclub doubling as a restaurant that offers great food and an upbeat atmosphere.

Keep America Great: Blue Monster at Trump National Doral

thepointsoflife

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November 19, 2021

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Keep America Great: Blue Monster at Trump National Doral is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report, where TPOL leaves the basement. It’s finally happening despite inconsistent policies, interruptions, and human stupidity as explained in these posts:

Do you recall when TPOL wrote Making America Great Again: Golden Palm At Trump National Doral? Who knew then that Trump would win the election and civil society would be pushed to the brink of collapse. Who knew that I would support Trump again by playing at Trump National?

Pretending like the last four years did not happen, friends booked a round of golf at the Trump National’s Blue Monster. If I had stronger convictions, I would have refused to play here. Alas, the best I could do to show my contempt for Donald was not replace divots and smuggle my own Tito’s on the course.

a fountain in a grassy area — Welcome to Trump National

Cost

It costs $172 to play a round. Thank you for the stimulus checks with your signature.

Gear

Where were the MAGA hats?

Rentals

If you are going to play one of the most challenging courses, I advise bringing your own clubs. The ones available for rent are old TaylorMades (see Finally Using the Amex Airline Credit As Intended).

Carts

I’m the proud owner of a Club Car Onward. Trump is an EZGO guy.

Stop the Steal

The first hole is a par 5. While my drive landed in the fairway, my errant hybrid ended up in the rough. Though I knew the general vicinity, I could not locate the ball. This was a persistent problem throughout the day. Even short shanks were swallowed up by the thick grass.

a large green field with trees and blue sky — First hole

TPOL’s Tip: If you do find your ball, punch it out. Trying a full swing will result in the ball further lost in the deep rough.

Bunkers

If I was not in the rough, I was in the bunker.

a sand trap on a golf course — “It’s a lot of sand. They’ve got a lot of sand over there. So there’s a lot of sand that they can play with.” Donald J Trump

Respect the Flag

Trump is very strict when it comes to approaching the green with the cart. Any patriots going too close to the flag will be stopped dead in their tracks, forcing a slow shameful, retreat.

Plane Spotting

The course is located next to MIA, giving me plenty of opportunities to plane spot and giving passengers plenty of opportunities to see my beautiful swing.

Par 3s

On the 9th hole, I landed just shy of the green. On the 15th, I landed right on the green.

a golf course with a lake and houses — 9th

18th

Per Trump, “The famed 18th hole is recognized as one of the toughest on the PGA TOUR, perhaps because it is the site of numerous collapses and heroic shots.”

Incidentally, my best shot of the day was on the 18th. I was 178 yards out and needed to carry it over the water. I took out the hybrid and hit the shot of my life. It landed on the green, leaving me with a ten-foot putt.

a golf course with a large green field and palm trees — Over the water, onto the green.

I sunk the putt for bogey (the first drive went into the water).

Rigged!

My total score was 123. I am having the results audited because it is quite suspicious that I could have played so badly. Early in the round, I was up big. Then all of a sudden everything went against me. I am not prepared to concede and state that I still suck at golf.

a group of magazines on a wall — But not as much as these people.

Trump 2024?

The Blue Monster is a course for skilled golfers. While I had my moments and while I learned more about course management, I will not be returning anytime soon.