Punxsutawney TPOL: Leaving My Basement Trip Report

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Punxsutawney TPOL: Leaving My Basement Trip Report

Leaving My Basement is part of the Punxsutawney TPOL Trip Report where I move past The Lost & Found Year(s): COVID Trip Report.

Why am I ready to travel again? Simple. I am running out of blog content. After years of neglecting my blogging duties (see Hangover = Blogger Malpractice?), I am almost completely caught up with all my past trips. I just finished the Year of the Tiger Trip Report. This leaves me with only two more to do: Tahiti Triumph and Quest Around the Globe. That’s the good news. The bad news is that I have gone nowhere in 2020. (Check out my Trip Directory to see the sharp contrast between this year and every other year.)

In an attempt to get back to normal, I’m going to start planning my next trip, one step at a time. The first question is when do I plan to travel. I have no idea but I’m aiming for summer of 2021. The next question is where do I want to go. The initial answer was anywhere. Then I recalled that I’m in the midst of playing the country count game and need to add to that list. Currently, I am at 113 countries (see Where I’ve Been) and need to make up for lost time. I’m considering places like Oman and Monaco along with Algeria and Corsica. The next step is to figure out how to get there. Do I fly Iberia direct from Puerto Rico? I don’t even know if that route still exists. Do I return on Qatar Qsuites? I can’t recall the sweet spots for booking that route. Will I still have hotel status next year? I forgot my AwardWallet password. I do know that my passport was automatically renewed for Global Entry but I don’t remember where I last put it. Clearly, I am a bit tepid and a bit rusty. Fortunately, I have cataloged my Travel Lessons so when Punxsutawney TPOL musters up the courage to leave his basement, he won’t fall flat on his face (see Surrendering Vacation: When to Cut a Trip Short). Until then, I’ll keep posting about my planning in the hopes that I one day hit 270 [countries].

a man with a white eye patch on his face
Looking forward to new bumps and bruises.

Recap! Year Of The Monkey Trip Report

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Recap! Year Of The Monkey Trip Report

Recap! is part of The Year of the Monkey Trip Report which covers the following places:

Here’s how everything happened.

Cathay First Booked: Dates TBD, Imagination Required

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Cathay First Booked: Date Determined, Persistence Required

This is a 4 cabin flight

The Marginal Return of Booking An Added Segment4

Push It To The Limit! Pre AA Devaluation Booked00

HKG-BKK: AA Bumps Me Down to BusinessChampagne or I complain.

Sanya, China: Struggling To Find Where to Stay

capture

The 28,674 Mile Trip In [Mostly] Premium Is Underway!

Checkout the Great Circle Mapper which has me crisscrossing Asia for no particular reason for a total distance flown of 28,674 miles.

Delta Sky Club MSP: A Bloody Mary Under Constructiona group of jars of food and drinks

Stumptown Coffee NYC: What A WaitInvalid request error occurred.

Amazon Locker: 22nd Century Technology a storefront with a sign on the side of it

Andaz Wall Street: A City Asleepa street sign on a street corner with a street sign and cars on the street

British Airways Lounge JFK: Mashed Potatoes & GravyInvalid request error occurred.

Cathay First JFK-HKG: Part 1 to Vancouver

a glass of champagne next to a bottle of orange juice

Cathay First YVR-HKG: The Next Episode14828256051125.jpg

The Pier Vs. The Wing: Battle of Cathay’s First Class Lounges The Pier

Cathay A350 HKG-BKK: I Miss First Already wp-1483103528640.jpg

Thai Uber Asks For Gas MoneyInvalid request error occurred.

Le Meridien Suvarnabhumi Bangkok: Night Golf!2016-12-22-19-57-20

Louis Tavern Lounge Bangkok: Another Priority Pass Miss2016-12-23-04-12-05

Malaysia Airlines: Business Class Review in SE Asia 2016-12-23-05-10-22

Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge KL: Damn Good Soup2016-12-23-09-25-06

VPN: A Necessary Hotel Amenity in China Invalid request error occurred.

Grand Hyatt Jakarta: It’s Where to Stay14837009867986.jpg

Uber Motorbike Jakarta! What Could’ve Been A Great Story2016-12-23-08-01-02

Tinder: It’s Not Just For Sex

Apart from using this post to defend themselves, Tinder subscribers will find it tough sledding to convince their partner that their Tinder use is purely to learn the local spots for eating, drinking, and partying. But that (in addition to sex) is what Tinder can do.

Where To Eat In Jakarta

If you’re looking for authentic Indonesian food and want more than what is offered in the Grand Hyatt Jakarta lounge or what your tinder date recommends, I highly suggest going to Tugu Kunstkring Paleis.

Priority Pass Jakarta Lounge Review: Yuck

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Malindo Air Review: US Discount Carriers Take Note2016-12-25-09-38-08

Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu: The Best Deal in the Hyatt Portfolio

Because of its remote location, it was surprising to find a Hyatt in Borneo. I was even more surprised at the price. It was only 2500 points and $40 a night as opposed to the standard rate of $175.

Kota Kinabalu: Where to Party

There's more to life than pubs, bars, and clubs. Not every place I visit has to have Shanghai nightlife. After some shenanigans in Jakarta, I was looking forward to doing nothing in KK and expected it to be a secluded, underdeveloped beach town. I was completely wrong.

Kota Kinabalu: Island Hopping With Selfie Sticks

As we approached land, I hoped that this was not the island. While I could see the white sand, the tropical fish, and crystal clear water, I also saw a tiny island overrun by people with an elongated sticks in their hands.

Kota Kinabalu: Oh, The Seafood! 

If you are a lover of seafood, you have come to the right place. KK has all sorts of foods to fulfill your under the sea desires.

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu vs. The Hyatt Regency

What's a vacation without switching hotels every day? Looking to requalify for Hyatt Diamond, I switched to Le Meridien for one night and am glad that I did.

Guns & Butter: Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide

There’s plenty to do in KK. I would recommend devoting 4 full days if you want to see and do most of it.

Uber China App Workaround

In order to use Uber China, you must have a Chinese bank account. Good luck explaining to Uncle Sam that the reason you have a Chinese bank is strictly for a ride share program.

Grand Hyatt Guangzhou: It’s Great to Be Grand

Welcome to the Grand Hyatt Guangzhou, an impressive hotel with great customer service, a beautiful room, and an overwhelming breakfast. But for my stay at the Park Hyatt Guangzhou, I would recommend making this your home when you visit Guangzhou.

Wagyu Pho in Guangzhou: Too Much of a Good Thing?

While visiting the Guangzhou International Financial Center, I stumbled upon Pho Kim Saigon. I rationalized another culturally insensitive meal as something I had to do for the blog.

Guangzhou Towers: Strain Your Neck Walking Tour

It's great to walk around the streets of Guangzhou and marvel at the amazing buildings. Just be sure to bring some Icy Hot for the inevitable neck strain.

Where to Party in Guangzhou!

China today is what I imagine NYC to be like in the 70's and 80's. The clubs are packed and the alcohol never stops flowing.

Ganbei! The Guide to Making Friends in China

The first step to making friends is to realize that you're not in Detroit anymore. The Chinese party different from we do at home.

Park Hyatt Guangzhou: The Sweet Upgrade

Situated in the business district of Guangzhou, the Park Hyatt Guangzhou is one of the best Park Hyatts in the collection.

Premium Lounge Guangzhou: Not Yuck, Not Great

Comparing Priority Pass Lounges to US lounges is a fair way to determine if they pass or fail. Based on this standard, the Guangzhou Premium Lounge gets a passing mark.

New Years 2016! My Last Binge in Bangkok

I needed one more binge in Bangkok before saying goodbye to a city that swallows people whole and never spits them out. After going there half a dozen times, I think it is time to go elsewhere.

Oman Air Lounge Bangkok: Hummus & Hennessy

Recall 2pac’s lyrics where he boasts about riding on his enemies, drinking Hennessy, and eating hummus. That was my experience at the smartly appointed Oman Air Lounge Bangkok.

Hyatt Regency Hong Kong Tsim Sha Tsui: Never Again!

Grab your pitchforks! It’s time to revolt against the Hyatt Hong Kong and its shady ways.
Hong Kong to Shenzhen: An Easy Trip on the Train
Can you tell me how to get, how to get to Shenzhen?
St. Regis Shenzhen: The Best Hotel in Asia And Beyond
The KK100 skyscraper, the second tallest building in Shenzhen and the 14th tallest in the world, is home to the spectacular St. Regis.
Coco Park: A Night Out in Shenzhen
Hong Kong has Lan Kwai Fong. Shenzhen has Coco Park, a bar district with something for everyone.
Grand Hyatt Shenzhen: Food, Food, Food!

There's plenty to love about the Grand Hyatt Shenzhen, namely the food.

No Worries: Shenzhen to Hong Kong Via Transfer VanDirect to HKG

Cathay Dragon Coach: Hong Kong to Sanyacathay dragon hong kong sanya flight review

Four Points Sanya: Come for the View, Then Leave2017-01-06 12.29.11

Burgers & Seafood: Sanya Dining Guide2017-01-07 22.56.11

Sanya! Where to Party GuideCapture

Sheraton Sanya Resort: Be Quiet! It’s Relaxation TimeInvalid request error occurred.

Bottoms Up! Crowne Plaza Sanya City CenterInvalid request error occurred.

Marriott Sanya: A Perfect CompromiseInvalid request error occurred.

Priority Pass Sanya: Like Flint’s Empress of ChinaInvalid request error occurred.

Cathay Dragon: Sanya to Hong KongInvalid request error occurred.

Champagne, Cigars, Caviar? The Most Clever Lounge PerkCathay Business HKG-EWR: Not First, But It’s a Solid Seconda man holding a magnifying glass and smoking a cigar

a person's feet in a chair with a television and a screen
a bar with shelves of liquor

Aloft Brooklyn: Nice When the Price Is Right

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Aloft Brooklyn: Nice When the Price Is Right

Aloft Brooklyn Hotel Review is part of The Year of the Monkey Trip Report which covers the following places:

I once wrote Why Is New York So Expensive?. In that post, I referenced that the Aloft Brooklyn was going for $269 before tax. If you think that is a rip-off for an Aloft, your head may explode when the price shoots up to $800 per night. Alofts are Alofts and they should not cost more than $100. Like Hyatt Place, there’s no real reason to write a review of the American properties since they are basically all the same (contrast with Aloft Bangkok). I only do so for completeness and to point out that Alofts are ideally located. All of this is true for Aloft Brooklyn.

Location

Right next to Sheraton Brooklyn is the Aloft Brooklyn. Pick whichever hotel is cheaper.

Pool Table

Always be prepared to gamble on a game of pool. “Break out Lucille.” a pool table in a room

Gym

I actually used the gym believing that one round on the treadmill would make up for weeks of overindulgence. It did not. a gym with exercise equipment

Bar 

The best Aloft bar in NY is at the Aloft Downtown. This one looked like any other Aloft bar.

a bar with shelves of liquor

Patio

Check the season.

a snow covered patio area with chairs and plants

Breakfast

If you’re looking for a real breakfast, Aloft is not the place to be. a group of donuts on a tray a display case with bagels on it a bagel and donut on a table

Room

The room may be typical but it feels like home.

a man taking a selfie in a mirror
How many photos do I have with my travel jacket in an Aloft?

a room with a tv and a desk a bed with pillows and a picture of a bridge

Overall

If the price is right, the Aloft Brooklyn is a good choice.

 

Simply The Best: October 2020

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Simply The Best: October 2020

October was nuts. Big Ten season started. And then it ended. And now it’s November. We all know what that means: Michigan will lose to Ohio State (Sorry Harbaugh, College Football Should Be Cancelled). But let’s not forget about the best posts of the month.

  1. TPOL Endorses Biden

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    In April, I wrote Do I Stay Or Do I Go? Thoughts on the Second Covid Wave. Given the travel restrictions, I have no choice but to stay. It’s Donald Trump that has to go.
  2. Champagne, Cigars, Caviar? The Most Clever Lounge Perk

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    Smoking a premium cigar with a proper cognac in an airport lounge? Come on, this isn’t real.
  3. TPOL’s Vacation Post Policy

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    I’m not sure who invented the rule that successful bloggers have to post daily
  4. Testing Positive: TPOL’s Back

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    I don’t know when my last blog post was. Was it two weeks ago? Was it longer? I write blog posts so frequently that I don’t remember. What I do know about is Antifa.
  5. Cathay Business HKG-EWR: Not First, But It’s a Solid Second

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    Nobody wants to go to New Jersey. If you do have to go, flying Cathay is not a bad way to get there.
  6. Let’s Zoom Naked

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    In this COVID nightmare, many of us who work from home can’t be bothered to put on pants.
  7. Marriott Sanya: A Perfect Compromise

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    I would stay at the Marriott because of its location and because of the pool.

Cathay Business HKG-EWR: Not First, But It’s a Solid Second

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Cathay Business HKG-EWR: Not First, But It’s a Solid Second

Cathay Business Hong Kong EWR is part of The Year of the Monkey Trip Report which covers the following places:

Cathay, Cathay, Cathay. I love you but I do not like your business class flights and I’ve complained about it.

I wanted to give long-haul back to the US a chance, but there would be no way that I would skip the opportunity of flying first when that option was available. Luckily, Cathay’s flight from Hong Kong to EWR does not have a first-class cabin. While I was envious of passengers flying first somewhere close by on a different plane, I took solace in knowing that there was no one on this plane that had it better than I.

Champagne 

Since it’s business class, there is no Krug. a menu of wine and wine

Krug or not, I never tire of taking these iconic photos:
two glasses of juice and a glass of orange juice on a table in a plane a tv on a table in an airplane a person's feet in a chair with a television and a screen

Food 

The food was better than my other Cathay business experiences.
a plate of food and a glass of water on a table a plate of food and glasses of water a plate of fruit and crackers on a table a cup of coffee and a strawberry

a container of ice cream
I won’t complain about ice cream.
a burger and fries on a plate
Or about burgers!

Seat 

Since it’s business class, the seats did lie flat. I have no complaints about that.an airplane with seats and a television a row of chairs in a plane a seat with a seat belt and a pillow on the side of the seat a screen on the side of an airplane

IFE

Ballers is also available in business.
a man smiling with his eyes closed

Service

Business or first, Cathay still delivers.

a group of small bottles and small packages on a table
And that delivery includes my favorite chapstick, Jurlique.

Overall

a phone with a screen and buttons
Cathay Business Hong Kong to EWR

Nobody wants to go to New Jersey (see Newark, New Jersey: The Discarded Mistress). If you do have to go, flying Cathay is not a bad way to get there.

Cathay Business Hong Kong EWR is part of The Year of the Monkey Trip Report.

Champagne, Cigars, Caviar? The Most Clever Lounge Perk

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Champagne, Cigars, Caviar? The Most Clever Lounge Perk

Best Lounge Perk is part of The Year of the Monkey Trip Report which covers the following places:

I’ve been to some great lounges in my day (see all Lounge Reviews). Emirates First Class Lounge Dubai has great food, an abundance of drinks, and plenty of place to sleep but that’s to be expected. The same can be said of Singapore Airlines’ Private Room. Instead of writing about fine dining, I would like to point out lounges that have creative offerings. I will start in reverse order.

10. Amex Centurion Lounge LGA: Welcome Back to NYC

Drinks
Centurion LGA was the first lounge to have premium cocktails. And they tasted good.

9. Brussels Airlines THE LOFT Lounge: Buffet of Beers

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All my favorite beers under one lounge roof? And for breakfast?

8. Virgin Atlantic Lounge London Heathrow: We Be Clubbin!

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So many features in this lounge including waiters who came by (far too frequently) and a rooftop lounge.

7. Turkish Airlines Business Class: Where Costco Meets Chuck E. Cheese (The old one is better than the new one).

Care for a game of pool?
The old Turkish lounge was ahead of its time, offering an assortment of food and games to keep everyone entertained.

6. Delta Sky Club JFK: Hot Dog Eating Contest 

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This clever offering made for a clever post.

5. Delta Sky Club SFO: The Best Pho Real

PHO PHO PHO
2 good posts about Delta? When they offer TPOL’s favorite food in a lounge, I have to give them their props.

4. Etihad Arrivals Lounge: Time for a Proper Shave

2015-11-16 18.01.27
No one should show up scruffy in Abu Dhabi.

3. Fore! The PGA MSP Airport, Simply Awesome

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Priority Pass makes the list by offering a golf simulator with TPOL’s clubs.

2. ​Cathay Pacific’s Champagne Bar And Lounge

a table with wine glasses and bottles
As much champagne as I want? How can it get better?
  1. The Cigar Bar at the Etihad First Class Lounge 
a man holding a magnifying glass and smoking a cigar
Smoking a premium cigar with a proper cognac in an airport lounge? Come on, this isn’t real.

Cathay Dragon: Sanya to Hong Kong

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Cathay Dragon: Sanya to Hong Kong

Cathay Dragon Review is part of The Year of the Monkey Trip Report which covers the following places:

It’s time to go home. That means flying from Sanya to Hong Kong first. It’s a quick flight but worth documenting when I look at how far I went on this trip and how it was all coming to an end.

a white airplane with red writing on it a white airplane on the tarmac a seat in an airplane a glass of water on a napkin with a ticket on a plane

Priority Pass Sanya: Like Flint’s Empress of China

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Priority Pass Sanya: Like Flint’s Empress of China

Priority Pass Sanya Lounge Review is part of The Year of the Monkey Trip Report which covers the following places:

I once wrote Where can you find the best Chinese food in the world? Flint, motherf$@king, Michigan. Sadly, that restaurant is now closed. If you’re looking to remember the glory days of Empress, head to the Priority Pass Sanya. I have never seen a lounge with furniture like this. I felt like an emperor. a large chandelier in a room a room with a couch and a table a room with a couch and a table a chair and a coffee table in a rooma group of chairs in a room a room with a tall wooden cabinet

Overall 

I’ve been to many Priority Pass Lounges. This one stands out because of the over-the-top furniture. And that’s all I have to say about that.

 

 

Marriott Sanya: A Perfect Compromise

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Marriott Sanya: A Perfect Compromise

Marriott Sanya Hotel Review is part of The Year of the Monkey Trip Report which covers the following places:

Initially, I couldn’t find a place to stay in Sanya (see Sanya, China: Struggling To Find Where to Stay). I ended up staying everywhere including:

The best of all of them was the Marriott Sanya.

Hotel Itself

This is a lavish property.

a building with a pool and palm trees

a ceiling with a fan and a wall

a large room with a glass fountain and a large glass ceiling

a group of birds in a fountain

Beach Compromise

There was not a beautiful beach like the Sheraton, but there was a view of the water. If you’re coming for the surf, this will have to do.

a large building next to a body of water

a beach with a body of water and buildings

a large body of water with a building and palm trees

a palm tree with pink flowers and a body of water in the background

Pool

There was a huge pool that I had all to myself. I was able to share it with many of my inflatable friends.

a pool with palm trees and a city in the background

a pool with palm trees and buildings in the background

a pool with a view of the ocean and buildings in the background

a pool with a view of the ocean and mountains in the background

in a pool with inflatable toys in front of a hotel

a group of lounge chairs under a canopy

a pool with a fence

Suite

Status usually goes a far way in Asia.

a room with a television and a table

a room with a bed and a table and chairs

a bed in a hotel room

a room with a couch and a table

a hotel room with a bed and bathtub

a bathroom with a tub and shower

a large white tub in a bathroom

a white tub in a bathroom

a bathroom sink with towels and a mirror

a group of glasses on a tray

a group of small bottles

a shower with a hose and a shower head

a round chair with pillows on a balcony

a view of a beach and a city from a high point

a body of water with buildings and boats

Lounge

Status leads to lounge access. In Asia, that access usually means good food and drinks.

a balcony with a large building and a body of water

a glass of beer and a cup of coffee on a table

a room with a large window and a large chandelier

a buffet with food on the counter

a group of small desserts in spoons

a table with different food on it

a bar with bottles of alcohol and glasses on the counter

a plate of fried spring rolls

a trays of food on a counter

a trays of food with a spoon and fork

a plate of food with tongs

a group of dim sum baskets

a tray of croissants and rolls

a display of bread and muffins

Breakfast

Status also includes breakfast.

a group of bowls of food

a plate of eggs and eggs on a table

a plate of food with a fried egg and sausage

Overall

I would stay at the Marriott because of its location and because of the pool. I would stay somewhere else for a beach as I did during this trip.

TPOL Endorses Biden

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TPOL Endorses Biden

Endorsement is part of The Lost & Found Year(s): COVID Trip Report.

Four years ago I voted for Trump because of corporate tax reform and to get rid of the illegal ACA mandate. Since that time, I moved to Puerto Rico which solved my tax problem and now I pay for private health care at a reasonable rate. As this is first and foremost a travel blog, I will focus on two reasons why I can’t vote for that fool again.

  1. I want to travel. I’ve never seen anyone handle something so poorly and lie about it so brazenly. I wrote about how bad this pandemic could be way back in February (see Travel Or Stay Inside? TPOL’s Thoughts on Coronavirus) and caught hell for it. The good news is that the COVID deniers no longer comment, though I’m sure they still read the blog (see Social Distance Yourself from Misinformation). The bad news is that being right means a life of living in my basement (see Back on Lockdown in Puerto Rico) for fear of the unknown (see Thanks Donald! My COVID Test in Puerto Rico). While golf is fun and I like the island life, I miss the filth and grime of big cities. A year ago I was returning from Shanghai. Now, I can only fantasize about going back (see Recap! TPOL in Shanghai). This is no way to live.
  2. I want to be respected in the world. The President calls countries shithole nations, but it is America that is a joke. I was fine being called The Ugly American. Now, everyone feels sorry for us. This is no way to live.

In April, I wrote Do I Stay Or Do I Go? Thoughts on the Second Covid Wave. Given the travel restrictions, I have no choice but to stay. It’s Donald Trump that has to go.

two bottles of beer on a towel on the beach
I’ll trade beach for busy.
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