Gotta get out of this place
 

I'll start. I'm heading up to Camden, Maine next month. Should be interesting, but cold. At least I'll get to see two Springs this year.

Re: Gotta get out of this place
 

Are you expecting to be there until June, when Spring arrives?

Have fun; too bad you'll be working (I assume), so you can't take advantage of (much of) what maine has to offer

miami
 

I'll be going on a girlfriends-only trip to South Beach soon. I haven't been in a couple of years. Where should we go to watch the Miami scene and laugh at rEcockulous people? Where should we go to catch some normalcy? Of course, until we get there we won't know which sort of evening activities will appeal to us...

Any other suggestions?

n(after the week I've had I wish that trip was right now!)cs

Re: miami
 

I wasn't allowed to edit my post (probably a start-up glitch), so I will add in this post, for clarification, that NO we will not be there during "spring break" season, thank god.

Actually (I will say this here in the hopes it does not leak back too much on the DC board) I'll be working outside and on the water during the day, while working in my virtual office at night. So, I won't get to see all of what Maine has to offer but at least I'll see one major part of it.

(they tell me lobsters don't bite "too" hard.):cry:

Even if they do, you get to bite back a lot harder . . . :drool:


Mmmmm . . . . lobstah

Gotta get out of this place
 

Two springs, that's optimistic. More like a sping and a mud season. have a cold one at the Brewery for me.

Beautiful Camden, Maine
 

As described in the Washington Post

Hawaii
 

How dead is this board? What, no one takes vacations anymore?

Anyhoo, I'm headed to Oahu later this year and I want general and/or specific recommendations. PM responses are also welcome. Alas there has been no printing of Oahu Revealed yet... So far I know -- will be staying at Mandarin Oriental (near Waikiki), want to see Pearl Harbor stuff, want to experience any Honolulu attractions, including nightlife, if any.

Thoughts? Suggestions?

Gracias.

Beautiful Camden, Maine
 

It was quite a bit like the Post reports. Unfortunately the Post author did not update her research to report that the SeaDog Brewery went bankrupt in March. Ah well, once we came in with the Green boats, Gilbert's turned lively. Plus seeing Eileen Ivers in a jam at the Opera house was pretty cool.

Hawaii
 

No. I live vicariously through others who get to take vacations, so please post your itinerary and some photos when you get back so I can play pretend.

-T(screw the vacation, I really just need a nap right now)L

Couple days here, couple days there
 

As part of a longer trip, my SO and I are spending two nights in each of London and Paris this summer. He's never seen London, I've never seen Paris. As for Paris, the only thing on my must-do list is to sit at sidewalk cafes & people watch. I could live without seeing the Louvre if the tourists are going to be out of control. Any recommendations for not-to-miss and easy-to-get-to sites/experiences in either city?

Beautiful Camden, Maine
 

Sniff, sniff. Must go home tonight, pour a cold one in my Sea Dog pint glass, and drink to the memory of an excellent brew pub. Thank goodness Gritty's is still in Portland. Well, maybe I'll have to check on it personally this weekend.:beer: Black Fly Stout, yum!

Couple days here, couple days there
 

I discovered the Promenade Plantee on my last trip. Its a raised walkway behing Gare de Lyon. Basically a jardin in the air. A very fine place to sit and stroll in the flowers. Entre libre. Make sure you check out the Art deco flying buttresses along the station roof as well.

Couple days here, couple days there
 

When we went to Paris and London for a couple of weeks in 2000, we bought excellent tour books (Rick Steves, who updates each year). He talks about the best things to do in each city and has great tips for getting around easily. (For example, we bought Louvre tickets at a special place so we never waited in line for anything.)

I would definitely recommend doing all the touristy things. Also, try the ferris wheel at the place de la concorde, so you can see all of Paris.

Couple days here, couple days there
 

A few thoughts...
1) Don't go to Paris in August. For starters, it's uncomfortably hot. Plus, most of the French take vacations in August, so many attractions, restaurants, and cafes are simply closed in August.
2) The Rick Steves' guidebooks are fine, but Rick's not the hippest man on the planet. I read the Let's Go guidebook before planning a rather epic Bar Trip. If you've not traveled with your SO before, reading these can alert you to problems beforehand. Make a list of 10 things you want to do in each city. (If you list 10 museums and he lists 10 pubs, there might be a problem.)
3) If he's not been to Britain before, make sure to visit the British Museum. What's the use of 300 years of British imperialism if you don't get a chance to see the collected spoils.
4) If you can catch a performance of the The Royal Shakespeare Company at the Barbican, it's worth it. The last time I was there, the season had ended, but there are listings on the RSC website.
5) The Tate Modern is a great museum (even for people who don't usually go to museums.) If you're looking to fit more things into each day, I think it is open late Fridays and Saturdays.
6) The Centre Pompidou holds many wonderful modern art pieces. When I visited, they had a fantastic Hitchcock exhibit that mixed film props, sketches from art directors, and pieces of art that influenced him. (I'm sure that exhibition is long gone, but check a local newspaper to see if there's others worth seeing.)
7) If you're really into film, Paris is one of the best cities in the world to see a film. They will have a revival of some kind when you're there. Just look in the film listings for any title with v.o. after it. That means version originale, so it won't be dubbed. If it's too hot to do touristy stuff, head for a theatre, they're in every arrondisement (neighborhood.)
8) Go to the cathedral atop Montmatre for beautiful views of the City. (It's the one in Amelie.)
9. Don't go to the Moulin Rouge. I love how American girls pay serious money to see what is essentially a classed-up strip show just because they saw a movie with Nicole Kidman in it.
10. If you're going to the Louvre, make sure you go on a guided tour. Nothing seems more French than having your art history major tourguide say that the Mona Lisa is nothing special and that if you had any sense, you'd spend more time looking at the French paintings.

Couple days here, couple days there
 

Agree. I went over a decade ago and I still think of it as the most interesting museum I've ever been to.

My only Paris tip (also dated) is to watch out for the gypsies walking in the main tourist areas (Arc de Triomphe, etc.). They are quite adept at the picking of the pockets...

Couple days here, couple days there
 

I had always heard not to go to Paris in the summer, but I went in late July/early August (it was a birthday present) and I loved that the city was relatively empty of tourists and Parisians. We never had a problem finding restaurants and the people were lovely.

Buy as many guidebooks as possible and read them before you go. I had Let's Go, Time Out London guidebook and weekly, Lonely Planet, the mini rough guide, some heavily illustrated book and Rick Steves (who is most useful for his ability to get through lines and traffic quickly).

We shop heavily, but the shopping in Paris for women's clothes is rough. My mother and I each wear an American 2 or 4 and we were too gigantic to wear most Parisian fashion. The men's clothes are cut narrow as well. Prices in Paris were remarkably good on jewelry, clothes, and accessories. Prices in London were remarkably high.

In London, the Tate Modern is a must, as are the Tower of London, the British Museum (truly offensive), and a doubledecker bus tour.

Couple days here couple days there
 

If you're only going to be in either city for 2 days, pick the 3 or 4 things you MUST do and then see if there's time to hang out later. By the time you've figured out how to get anywhere on the trains (which are awesome in both cities) it will be time to leave. Jack is right summer in Paris is oppressively hot, but at least you'll meet a lot of Americans. Eiffel Tower, bateaux mouche (boat tours of the Seine at night - magnificent) Eiffel is open until midnight so do other stuff during the day. Notre Dame - totally cool - don't bother to stand in line for the "climb" in that heat you'll probably wish you hadn't. If you buy a Carte Musee at the Arc d'Triomphe, you can get into any museum without having to stand in line. That way, you can go to the Louvre and see a few things - you don't have to spend the whole day. Arc d'Triomphe for sure and then after that you can walk to the Champs, sit and drink champagne and watch the tourists - too fun.
Totally agree on the British Museum - don't miss that. Tower of London (if only to see the queen's sceptre and crowns!). Take the double decker bus tours - you'll get to at least see many things and you can get on and off whenever. Westminster Abbey - everybody and their brother is buried there but is a beautiful structure and full of the history of Britain.

Couple days here couple days there
 

Paris:
I second the bateaux mouche (bring lots of wine). Also check out the catacombs. It will be nice and cool down there. The walk is about an hour and takes you off the usual tourist path (at least we didn't see many). My favorite museum was the Musee D'Orsay. Small, but interesting.

London:
Try to get to the Tower when it first opens. It's a great place to explore before the tourists invade it. Westminster is beautiful, but don't leave St. Paul's off the list. My list of things to do (if I ever get back there) includes Hampstead Heath, Greenwich (I've stood on the equator, why not the Prime Meridian), Thames boat ride to Windsor, and the Jack the Ripper walking tour.

Try Motorcycling
 

In getting away, it's not where you go, it's how you get there.

The best, more relaxing and -- paradoxically -- most exciting way to travel is on a motorcycle. Today's bikes, especially touring motorcycles, provide comfort and luggage-space. And nothing can compete with smelling flowers in the meadow you pass, feeling centrifical force keeping you up while leaning through a curve, and losing all the worries you got practicing law in an eyeblink.

Try Motorcycling
 

Seems like a tough trip to Hawaii though.

Try Motorcycling
 

Yeah, but that's only if you don't mind smelling like rats ass once you get there.

Try Motorcycling
 

And it doesn't work so well for two--kind of limits the conversation.

Although a happy compromise is a convertible. they also are more comfortable in the rain.

Try Motorcycling
 

Yeah, but then there's the arguments over where to turn, where to stop, who's in charge of the map, who's driving, what side of the road am I supposed to be on......
too much stress.

Try Motorcycling
 

Hey, I know you guys are jokin' but, fortunately, there's no truth to your remarks.

It is possible to ride in Hawaii or anywhere else. No, you don't put waterwings on the tires; you just ship your bike there or rent one. Rental places are ubiquitous.

And you *can* talk to your passenger on a bike; my wife and I chat all the time on our trips. And we don't even have an intercom system (helmet-to-helmet) which would make it easier.

Third, you don't smell from riding a motorcycle. The bikers who smell bad started out that way...

Lastly, I *love* to ride in the rain. The harder the better. With a good rainsuit, you stay perfectly dry and there's better traction than you'd expect. The stunned looks from ordinary folks in cages (that's what we call cars) are priceless.

Austria and Dolomites
 

I'm planning a vacation to southern Germany, western Austria (Salzburg/Innsbruck), and northern Italy. Not during ski season, though. Any thoughts on what to see and how much time to spend there, especially in places like the Dolomites?


(note: I'm a regular poster using a sock, since these vacation plans have been discussed publicly)

dead board relief
 

Am heading to Oahu later this year. Anyone with tips/suggestions/must sees, please post or PM me. Thx in advance! Alas no Oahu Revealed book published yet...

Anybody home?
 

Going to Munich soon --- we'll be staying with a couple that just moved to the city. I've never been -- I've only been to the gloomy North of Germany during the winter. Anyway, feel free to post or PM with any recommendations.

We will be overlapping with Oktoberfest but don't have any reservations.

Vielen Dank.

Anybody home?
 

I went recently, although spent too little time in Munich.

A few thoughts: spend a day or so walking around the old town-Marienplatz, etc..
You might go to the Augustiner beer hall--less touristy than the hofbrauhaus.
Englischer garden is very nice.
Nympenburg schloss is worth a trip.
if you like cars, the BMW factory tour is great, but you need to reserve in advance. English tours Mon./Fri.

If you have access to a car (or don't object to renting one) you could take day trips to Konigsee (w/ boat tour--look for berchtesgaden) and even Salzburg (or combine the two and spend the night in Salzburg).

Have fun!

Anybody home?
 

Didn't go on the factory tour, but the BMW museum sux. There's probably a world of difference, but it's worth noting that the museum should be avoided.

Concur on the Englischer garden.

Take the DB (train) to Salzburg; don't drive. Salzburg's small enough that once you're at the train station, everything's in walking distance from there.

If you do have a car, go to Wurzburg (Marienburg fortress and exceptional Prince-Bishops' Residenz) and Rothenburg (well-preserved medieval city). There are a number of worthwhile baroque and Roccoco cathedrals along the way, and Bavarian Catholicism's love of withered, fucked-up relics of saints is second to none.

dead board relief
 

1. Climb up Diamond Head. Bring a camera. The view is priceless.

2. Stay at or do brunch/breakfast at the Sheraton Royal Hawaiian. Also, have a couple of Blue Hawaiians there.

3. Lay on the beach.

4. Visit Pearl Harbor.

Anybody home?
 

Look out! CNN is reporting a massive beer shortage this year.

http://www.kieranhealy.org/files/oddments/cnn-cap2.png

Either that, or CNN needs a new copy editor.

dead board relief
 

Also rent a car and drive around the island one day. Hanauma Bay is good for snorkeling, but is kind of touristy and you have to get there early. It's always crowed. The better (by far more beautiful and substantially less crowded) beaches are away from Waikiki. Shark's Cove has the best snorkeling on the island and my favorite beach is Waimea. In Honolulu, a stoll around Chinatown is interesting. Definitely do the Arizona memorial, but get there before 9 or so or you might not get in at all.

Rockin' in Rio...
 

Anybody got any suggestions on where to stay and what to do in Rio de Janiero? Planning a joint trip with Buenos Aires for the spring (avoiding Carnival, thank you very much), and would love any ideas.

Kauai or Maui?
 

Never been to either one and I am trying to decide on a vacation spot. I suppose I am looking for a place that we can do some resort/relaxation but also some hiking, snorkeling and enjoy the scenery. Hotel recommendations are appreciated too.

If you had 8-9 days would you spend it on one island or try to do both? I am currently leaning towards spending the entire time on Kauai, but that's based solely on the travel guides I've read. What do y'all think?

Kauai or Maui?
 

You could do both in that amount of time. Maui seemed more versatile. You could do all the things you want on Maui quite nicely. For relaxation, Maui would likely be better. Kauai seems better suited to a person who wants to be very active--hiking and kayaking in particular (I think the snorkelling is better on Maui, but I'm no expert).

Maui is more touristy, however, and more built up. IF that's not your dish, then Kauai might be better.

One thing you could do is go to Maui for a week, and then do a two day excursion (or 1 1/2) to Kauai--take the helicopter trip and a drive, and don't bother with the resort-type stuff.

[ETA:] Not to be outdone by NCS, PM me for additional details as well, if you care to. Although NCS may tell you my advice sucked.;)

Kauai or Maui?
 

I've been to Maui (last year) but not Kauai. I stayed on the west side of the island near Kapalua (just north of Lahaina). The south side is the other resort area. I was in Maui for 6 days and I could have used more time. There are a lot of day trips and we did a lot of hiking. My favorite part was either hiking in the crater or exploring lava fileds. If I went back, I would probably not bother with the road to Hana, but many people enjoy that, especially if you go during the winter, which is supposed to be the wet season (the road to Hana is pretty waterfall intensive, so water is important).

Feel free to PM me if you decide to go to Maui and I can tell you more. I've heard great things about Kauai, and if you decide to go, take notes because I'll likely be going in the next couple of years (we are doing one island per year)!

Is this your honeymoon destination?

got vacations
 

So now that I am moderating here, I'm sure the posts will be just flying in. And people other than Penske's socks are also welcome to post. The more the merrier, and etc.

People do still take vacations, don't they? If your slavedriver boss does not allow vacations, feel free to discuss the hypothetical vacation that you might take once you quit that hellhole.

Carry on.

got vacations
 

Where's a good (but not way expensive) beach place for Nov/Dec? Ocean w/waves required. I like the sound.