Behind the Scenes: TPOL’s Interview with Richard Quest

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Behind the Scenes: TPOL’s Interview with Richard Quest

Quest Interview is part of the Quest Around the Globe Trip Report.

There’s a reason this trip report is called Quest Around the Globe. It all began in Vegas with an unexpected interview with Richard Quest for CNN’s Business Traveller. The point of the interview was to discuss how I traveled around the world flying first for free. Ironically, my flight from Montana, paid for by CNN, was aboard the incomparable Allegiant Air.

Hair & Makeup

Upon arriving, my first stop after the Centurion Lounge was a last-minute run to the barbershop. This proved to be a mistake as the stylist took too much off the top.

TPOL’s TIP: When appearing on international TV, make sure you are groomed ahead of time.

After a good night’s rest at the Westin, I made my way to the Mandalay Bay for the interview. Originally, the interview was supposed to be filmed while walking down Fremont Street but the crowds made that logistically impossible (see Busted? Go to Fremont Street Vegas). At the Mandalay, I expected a makeup artist to prep me to look my best to go on international TV. That did not happen.

TPOL’s TIP: I don’t have one for makeup.

Cast & Crew

The crew consisted of the producer and the cameraman. The cast was Mr. Quest. He is exactly like what you would expect him to be: a happy, outgoing, and easy going guy.

two men standing in a room with a windowtwo men in suits standing on a desktwo men in suits standing in a room two men in suits standing in a room a man in a suit and tie sitting on a piano

Interview Prep 

Before the interview started, we talked about travel in general and took some photos to document the occasion. We sat at the interview table, and Richard gave me an overview of the format. Moments later, the interview began.a camera on a tripod

two men sitting at a table

The Interview 

I didn’t have prepared notes for the interview, but I did have a rough idea about what I was going to speak about. It went on for about a half-hour. Obviously, most of it was cut, but it was casual and a great time.
two men sitting at a table

a man in suit sitting in front of a cameraa man in a suit sitting at a table with a camera

The Highlight 

By far the highlight of the interview was when Richard asked if he was an idiot for hoarding his points. My immediate answer was yes. a man in a suit holding a piece of paper

The Blackberry

Despite not heeding my warnings of their impending doom (see Everyone’s Advice Is Wrong…Except Mine to Blackberry), I still have a Blackberry. Do you know who else did? two men in suits holding a phone and a game controller

An International Celebrity 

The best part of being on Global Business Traveller was being able to watch the clip over and over and over again when I was in Russia. It started with the first airing when I was staying at the Radisson with the Sauna and continued through Cyprus and Jordan.a man taking a picture of a man sitting at a table with a camera

The Blowback

A topic I did not want to get into was manufactured spending and made it a point not to bring it up because, quite frankly, it’s not my area of expertise (see I’m Done with Manufactured Spending & End of MS Means Get Your Life Together). To juice the interview, CNN put in a diagram in the video clip about how to MS. It was nothing that wasn’t already known, but the comments against me were swift and they were harsh, especially on FlyerTalk (see Flyertalk Readers Don’t Get My Humor). As a blogger hardened by a waterfall of angry comments, I am more prepared for the blowback of the angry mob and love responding to them in kind (see Happy Festivus! Airing of Blog). But back then, in real-time, I was actually surprised at the vitriol I received and even tried to explain my innocence to the angry mob. What a waste of time that was.

two men sitting at a table
Grilled over MS.
two men in suits sitting at a table
Intimidated, I had to share the million miles of secrets.

The Follow-Up Article 

I was a bit shocked when CNN wrote a follow-up article on the clip, not because it wasn’t fantastic but because they made up this detail about me: “But as those minimum spends are far higher than the average person’s daily expenses, Bachuwa racks in the points through ‘manufactured spending.’” Damn media.a man in suit sitting in front of a camera

The Rerun

Months after my return, the clip was once again on CNN International. I had friends calling me saying, “Did I just see you on TV?” That was more in line with what I was expecting.

a man in a suit sitting in a chair with a camera

But Where’s the Clip? 

For those who have not seen TPOL’s claim to fame, the highlight of my blog, and my 5 minutes of fame and infamy, here it is.a man in suit sitting at a table with a camera

Overall

This was the best experience in my life as a blogger. two men in suits smiling

Want More of TPOL and Quest? 

TPOL needs to be on TV more often. Contact your local TV provider and say you want more of TPOL and Quest. But if you want to read more about my experience here are all the links surrounding this momentous achievement:

two men in suits smiling for a selfie
Best friends

WiseFax: Groundbreaking Technology for the Dial-Up Nomad

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WiseFax: Groundbreaking Technology for the Dial-Up Nomad

I needed to complete my Barclays JetBlue Business application by sending a fax verifying my business info (see Barclays JetBlue App: Please FAX Your Business Lease). My fax machine, a Black Monday deal that I bought for $230 in 1986, was out of toner so I dialed into Prodigy. I heard the boom- boom-sheesh sound and surfed the World Wide Web to see if there was a way to send a fax without signing up for monthly service. I discovered WiseFax. For $2, I was able to send two pages to Barclays and complete the application process which began in October. I hope my card comes post-haste by horse and buggy courier.

a statue of a man riding a horse
On the way, I hope the Pony Express stops by Olive & Ivy and brings me a breakfast burrito and double espresso.

Stay at Home? Meanwhile in Shanghai

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Stay at Home? Meanwhile in Shanghai

Meanwhile in Shanghai is part of the COVID Trip Report, a trip that will never end.

It’s snowing outside. I’m locked away in my basement. I haven’t traveled anywhere since January of 2020 (see NYC Twice: A Recap of My 2020 Travels). I am waiting for the vaccine to arrive. I go on Instagram (follow ThePointsOfLife) and see people partying in Miami like there is no pandemic. I dismiss their good times as irresponsible as I turn on the news and see the escalating deaths, the number of hospitalizations, and the reports of variants. Like a follower of the cuckoo Q movement, I have to believe that there is a plan for resolving this crisis and that we are finally “rounding the turn.” And then I went on WeChat and saw videos of people partying at my favorite bar in Shanghai at Revolution Cocktail (see TPOL’s Guide to Libations in Shanghai). There’s bottle service, blaring music, smoke machines, and crowds that would make you think it’s 2019. The presence of the four letter word, m-a-s-k, is nowhere to be found.

I was left with so many questions: Did the virus just up and leave China? Has the QR tracking system been that effective? (see Ready to Party in Shanghai? Bring Your Passport, Mask, and QR Code). Who orders bottles of Macallan at the club? Like a disillusioned Q supporter or a tourist in Spain, I thought to myself, “what the f*ck?”

In 2020, I mused about moving to Taiwan in advance of the second wave. I was naive enough to think that there would be a window in the late summer where such a move would be possible. Now it’s 2021 and the sequel to COVID-19 horror show features a bogeyman that’s even more lethal and even more contagious. And this time around, any m-a-s-k won’t do. Indeed, some cloth masks are now shown to be only 26% effective.

Still in my basement, I wonder if this nightmare will ever end. Since I’ve already gone all-in on the shelter in place plan, calling the pandemic a hoax and jumping on a plane to FunkyTown is not an option. Unlike a Q supporter, I believe in data and science. However, that broad statement does not mean blind trust. There are more questions now than ever before that have yet to be answered. The first being, how can life be normal in China?

a group of people at a bar
Revolution Cocktail 2019 looks the same in 2021.

Disclaimer: TPOL lives in Puerto Rico where he golfs, goes to the playa, and works out on the beach every day. The snow and basement references are for dramatic effect.

Barclays JetBlue App: Please FAX Your Business Lease

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Barclays JetBlue App: Please FAX Your Business Lease

I’m close to a final decision on my JetBlue Business application. It started with JetBlue 100k Business Card App: The Wait Begins. It went on to JetBlue Business Card App: More Info Required. It continued with About That Barclays JetBlue Business Application…. Not long after writing that last post, JetBlue called to verify information regarding my application. I was conditionally approved for 15k credit line, but Barclays wants a copy of my office utility bill or a bank statement showing my office address. In a world of working virtually, these documents do not exist (see About That Citi AA Business Application…). I offered to send them a copy of my office lease. After checking with her manager, the representative said that would be acceptable. Then she proceeded to give me Barclays’ fax number.

Fax, really?

I do not understand why this process is so complicated. It’s not like I haven’t had a JetBlue business card with Barclays before (see JetBlue Business Approved! Yes, Alexander Bachuwa Owns Bachuwa Law).

 

 

About Those Buffalo Bills…

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About Those Buffalo Bills…

Will TPOL finally leave his basement? Let’s see how we got here by reviewing Bills Mafia: TPOL’s NFL Playoff Predictions. While some predictions were wrong, some were right including:

Browns vs. Steelers: Sure I hate everything about Ohio, but who isn’t rooting for the Browns? Baker squeaks out a win and annoying Roethlisberger retires from the NFL and goes on a much-needed diet.

Bills vs. Colts: The perennial loser Philip Rivers goes down in flames again but the Bills fail to cover the -6.5 spread.

This leads us to this weekend.

Buccaneers vs. Packers: I’ll change my original prediction of the Packers going to the Super Bowl because why not cheer for Brady one more time.

Bills vs. Chiefs: Mahomes better play. It would not be satisfying to go to the Super Bowl without beating the Chiefs the right way. Of course, if we win the Super Bowl, I don’t think I will care. Either way, I’ve come too far to change picks at this point.

And now for two questions. Can I get tickets? And will I finally travel? I have no idea how many tickets will go on sale or how much they will cost. I’m ignoring that for now. Assuming I secured tickets, I am willing to put my isolation on hold for this 5th time in a lifetime opportunity to see the Bills win the Super Bowl. Florida is one of the worst places affected by Covid thanks to their imbecile governor, but I’ll do my best to behave myself if I go and if we win.

a group of luggage on the floor
My bags are packed for Tampa.

About That Citi AA Business Application…

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About That Citi AA Business Application…

Some of you may take liberties when applying for a business card. “Oh, I’m going to name my business after my dog, keep it as a sole proprietorship, and use my SS# on my application.” What’s the result? You are approved. I also have named my business after my dog but unlike some who stretch the rules about what is or isn’t a business, I actually have a real business. My reward? More questions and more requests for documents to prove that I’m actually who I say I am. First, it happened with Barclays (see About That Barclays JetBlue Business Application…). Now it is happening with Citi. Citi wants an address that matches the address on my articles of incorporation. My CPA incorporated my D.O.G. and listed his address on there. Consequently, I do not have the documents Citi is looking for, nor should they be required. Many corporations are organized by someone outside of the corporation. Many corporations start change addresses.

It gets more complicated. Citi doesn’t understand why my company is a dog, but my law firm is called Bachuwa Law. First, many corporations use a DBA. Do you know that Verizon goes by Cellco? I’m sure they don’t have a problem getting access to credit. Second, NY doesn’t allow the use of trade names for law practices.

Finally, there’s my Houston mailing address.  There are questions as to why I work in NY but receive mail somewhere else. The answer is simple: the mail forwarding company, US Global Mail, is based on Houston and I am too cheap to pay for a NY mail forwarding address.

On paper or over the phone, I understand that my application sounds sketchy and why KYC rules require banks to ask for documents. But for sole props of made-up businesses for dogs that were also made up, the process is not that complicated. Perhaps I should reapply in my former cat’s name.

I’ll let you know when my dog is not approved.

a pair of tvs on a desk
Not like I can do anything with the points.

About That Barclays JetBlue Business Application…

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About That Barclays JetBlue Business Application…

Has the journey for my JetBlue Business application come to an end? I applied months ago and was asked to give more information. I provided the information (see JetBlue Business Card App: More Info Required). I have heard nothing back and the online application checker still doesn’t work. Typically, banks require that applications be completed within 90 days unless it’s the world’s worst bank, Banco Popular (see Confirmed: Banco Popular Is The Worst Bank). I guess I’ll have to do something I hate more than anything: call in myself and talk to an agent.

For 100k points it may be worth it.

inside an airplane with a man standing in the back
Remember when JetBlue pushed applications during red-eye flights?

TPOL The Polyglot: A Better Way to Learn Multiple Languages

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TPOL The Polyglot: A Better Way to Learn Multiple Languages

Disclaimer: If you use my affiliate link, I get paid. 

你好, مرحبا, Здравствуйте, hola, or simply hello.

In 2016, I wrote about my efforts to learn Mandarin, Arabic, Russian, Spanish, and English (see TPOL The Polyglot: How To Learn Multiple Languages). 5 years later I can still say, 你好, مرحبا, Здравствуйте, hola, or simply hello. Though I am far from fluent, I haven’t given up. Instead, I believe I have finally found the best platforms to improve my proficiency. Here they are:

Mandarin 

HSK Level IV was my goal in 2017. That did not happen. However, since last December I have been using Yoyo Chinese which is the best and most comprehensive software for learning Mandarin (see Yoyo Chinese: Finally a Way to Improve My Mandarin).

Spanish 

The best way to learn Spanish is through Baselang. Tutors are available virtually anytime and lessons can be scheduled minutes before. There are dozens of different tutors which helps with listening comprehension. There’s also a regimented curriculum with different levels along with exams that will make sure that you stay on track.

Arabic

Arabic has been impossible to learn until now. I switched to italki and found a tutor who is teaching me how to read and speak the Levantine dialect. I contrast this to the futile and pointless attempts of learning modern standard Arabic, something that no one in the Middle East actually speaks.

Russian 

I also use italki for Russian and am slowly and unsurely making progress.

Overall 

I continue to study each language for two hours a week. One hour is with a tutor and one hour is self-study. It is a glacial process but I continue to push forward.

a man leaning against a wall next to a body of water
TPOL the Polyglot

Radisson Sonya St. Petersburg: KGB? A Sauna In My Room? TPOL on TV?

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Radisson Sonya St. Petersburg: KGB? A Sauna In My Room? TPOL on TV?

Radisson St Petersburg Hotel Review is part of the Quest Around the Globe Trip Report.

I’ve stayed in some interesting hotels in my life (see Hotel Reviews). This one was by far the strangest.

1. KGB 

The taxi driver dropped me off at the hotel and before I got out, he asked me if I was familiar with the KGB. I didn’t know where he was going with that question nor did I want to broach that subject. He said, “The building across from your hotel is KGB. Keep your window shades down.” I thanked him for the ride, got out, and took a photo of the hotel at night. a building with lights on a building with a sign on it a building with a sign on it

a man taking a selfie in a city
Who could it be? KGB?

2. A Hotel for Writers

A peculiar theme throughout the hotel was the tribute to authors. Each room had a quote from a famous literary work.

a sign on a wall a sign on a walla sign on a wall a glass sign with a number on it

Even the bathroom curtains were book covers.

a row of books in a window a display of books in a window

3. Stairs to the Bunker 

KGB or no KGB, I felt safe in this underground bunker. a staircase with a handrail and a door

4. A Sauna in My Room

The third and by far the oddest feature was the sauna amenity in my bedroom. This was a first for me. a bathroom with a wooden saunaa wooden bench with towels and bottles on it

a wooden bench with towels and bottles of liquid

5. The Art 

Judging by the design of the hallway, the welcome letter, or the art in the room, this hotel is either a place for the creative types or an insane asylum for them.

a stack of books on a shelf

a stack of books on a wall

a hallway with a carpeted floor a white envelope with blue writing on it a room with a table and chairsa colorful floral pattern on a carpeta lamp next to a couch a lamp shade with a picture of a girl a lamp shade with a picture of a girla lamp with a circular shade

6. TPOL on TV

If things weren’t crazy enough, imagine my surprise when I saw myself on TV (see Behind the Scenes: TPOL’s Interview with Richard Quest). Perhaps one day one of the quotes from my book will be outside of a door (purchase Everyone’s Advice Is Wrong . . . Including Mine). Wouldn’t that be fitting?

a man standing in front of a television

Besides that, everything was normal.

Amenities 

a desk with a lamp and a microwave a group of bottles on a table a coffee maker next to a coffee pot a coffee mug and tea bag on a plate

a refrigerator with drinks and snacks
I was expecting absinthe in the mini bar.

Bedroom 

a tv on the wall a bed with two lamps on ita bed with two pillows

a white bathrobe wrapped in a black label

Bathroom 

Apart from the sauna, the bathroom was ordinary.

a bathroom with a black sink and bathtub a black sink with white towels on top

a pair of glasses on a table a white towel with a bag of soap a group of white bottles on a white box a shower with a shower head a shower with water running down the ceiling

Living Room 

a mirror with a gold frame and curtainsa couch with a lamp in a room

Perhaps the living room was a bit strange.

Breakfast 

The mental patients escaped their straight jackets and gathered for a normal breakfast.

a group of people sitting at tables in a room with glass walls a building with many banners from the ceiling a building with a skylighta group of people eating at a restauranta group of bottles of juice and other beverages a basket of bread in a bakery a block of butter on a cutting board a group of pastries on a tray a buckets of pickles and olivesa jar of sour cream and a spoon a group of fish with scissors on a paper a cheese and scissors on a tray a plate of food with a bowl of sauce a plate of omelette with mushrooms and tomatoes

The Hotel Itself 

I really wondered what other guests thought of the hotel and its one of a kind ambiance. Were they all in on this ruse?

a group of people sitting in a lobbya room with a bar and people sitting at tables a shelf full of colorful nesting dolls a shelf with books and papers a shelf with objects on it

Nothing to See Here 

After a weird night, it was time to go explore St. Petersburg. From the outside, the hotel looks completely normal. One would never know what was happening within this hotel, except, perhaps, the KGB headquartered across the street.

a group of buildings with a person walking on the street

a small coffee stand on a sidewalk a small coffee kiosk on a sidewalk

Overall

St. Petersburg has plenty to see and do (see Guns & Butter: St. Petersburg Travel Guide). I did not think that the hotel would be one of the best attractions.

Radisson St Petersburg Hotel Review is part of the Quest Around the Globe Trip Report.

2022: The Year of Status

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2022: The Year of Status

As of today, I don’t have any plans for travel in 2021 unless the Bills go to the Super Bowl (see Bills Mafia: TPOL’s NFL Playoff Predictions). That doesn’t mean that I will be losing or not qualifying for hotel status this year. First, Hyatt announced its Globalist promotion (see Becoming Hyatt Globalist Again: TPOL’s Masterpiece Strategy). Now, Marriott is making it possible for me to requalify for Titanium Elite by doing next to nothing. As Lucky wrote, “As a Bonvoy Titanium member with two co-branded credit cards I’ll already be at 68 elite nights for 2021, meaning I’ll only need seven more elite nights to requalify for Titanium status.” Unless I’m vaccinated, I won’t be back on the road in time to take advantage of the double elite nights promotion. That should not be an issue because before the year is done, I will have 4 stay certificates, leaving me to pay for 3 nights for requalification.

I originally thought that international travel would be possible in November of last year. Then I moved my prediction to spring of this year. Now I’m thinking it won’t be until October. But once it happens, I will have the status needed to enjoy it fully.

a large building with a statue of a lion
Marriott in Macedonia
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