Scoop Airport/Hotel/Travel Thread

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

I loved NYC.  Enough that I would enjoy a two week vacation there to just explore.   Not enough to move there.
I loved hearing the snippets of all of the different languages.
I stood outside St. Patrick's cathedral in the rain at 8:40 on Sunday morning and just watched the families and listened to their different languages and felt more connected to the universe than ever.
Got to see Hadestown.
Carmine's.  Ellen's Stardust diner. Eating pizza NY style.
Carriage ride through Central park.  The driver was from Istanbul and we left friends.
Our party was roughly 70, half teenagers.  Restaurants did not blink.  20 pizzas?  When?
We were just a couple of blocks from the SNL reunion.   Some of the kids used their extremely limited free time to hang out and look for the stars.
And the payoff was that the kids choir got to sing at Carnegie Hall.
The purgatory was the bus ride there and back.

So happy to hear you had an awesome time!

[MU82]

Glad you enjoyed Manhattan, tower. Like Washington, Chicago, San Francisco and other great U.S. cities, every American should go there for an extended visit at least once in their lives.

I grew up about an hour and a half away, and I had relatives there, so visited often as a kid. When I got a little older, I made many trips to Yankee Stadium - including one memorable experience when my friend's car broke down just down the street from the ballpark; believe me, the Bronx is lovely at midnight.

When my wife traveled to Connecticut to meet my parents for the first time, we went to NYC, did a couple touristy things and went to a play (Children of a Lesser God, IIRC). When my daughter was 4, we had a daddy-daughter trip to the city and went to the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, etc. Years later, I took my son to a Yankees game and to the Statue of Liberty. Lots of great memories for them and me.

Oh, and I had the occasional work assignment in NYC - a great place to be on expense account. Most memorably, I was there about 5 weeks after 9/11. Went down to Ground Zero, where it still reeked of death and sadness.

My wife and I went to Brooklyn to watch the Ellenson-led MU team win the Barclays Center event in 2015. (Met a few Scoopers on that trip.) During the day, we went to the 9/11 Memorial and had the same experience you did - very emotional and somber. Another thing every American should see.

That Brooklyn visit is the only time I've been to New York on a non-work trip in what must be going on 30 years, so I'm long overdue. My wife and I were recently discussing places we want to go in the near future, and NYC is high on our list.

[tower912]

My wife enjoyed it, too.  I pointed out that we could go to the Big East tourney next month.   She had to ice her eyes after rolling them that hard.

[Scoop Snoop]

We got to the 9/11 Memorial and it was exactly as it should be.  The kids sang the anthem, because they could.  I was affected.  It was also late in the morning and I was still caffeine free, so I am not sure of the causality.  I frequently get out of sorts when I haven't had any caffeine by 11.

To me, what stood out immediately was the quietness and peacefulness of the memorial, an oasis in busy, loud, frenetic NYC. The stark simplicity of the memorial is perfect. It very effectively conveys respect and recognition of the victims' lives with their names inscribed on the granite.

[JWags85]

Updates from my trip:
We dropped your name, but were turned away, as they said all you did was bug everyone about the benefits of using the portal, insisting that everyone there should dip into the portal at least once.

Clearly a language issue.  Somethings just don't translate, even for Germans speaking good English.  They got annoyed when I tried drawing diagrams.

And that was just Manhattan. Brooklyn has some great places to explore. Heck, even Queens has some interesting places.
I have a love hate relationship with NYC. Sometimes I go and love it, other times I just hit the wrong areas or people and get frustrated with it.

Couldn't say it better myself.  Ive been over 50 times since I first lived there for a summer in college... partially for work, partially due to marrying a LI native who had been a NYC resident for 6 years when we started dating.  Ive spent huge chunks of time in Midtown East, in Hells Kitchen, on the Upper West Side, was a partial resident of Nolita for 2 years doing long distance with my wife and then a chaotic year living 50% of my time near Lincoln Center culminating in lockdown there from March to June in 2020 before we totally moved to the Midwest.

Sometimes I miss certain aspects, sometimes I'm overwhelmed by a "XYZ absolutely sucks, I couldn't do this full time", but also some of the stuff that used to really annoy me when I spent a ton of time there just makes me chuckle.

I will say, as a non-full time resident, I like the summer in NYC way more than most.  If you avoid the super touristy areas, the influx of non-obnoxious/stereotypical tourists give an added cultural/international flair, everything is in bloom, Bryant Park is awesome people watching, so is the Sheep Meadow.  Outdoor eating on side streets in the early evening is divine.

Its not Chicago in the summer, but NYC in the winter isn't the complete hell snowy Chicago is so the contrast isn't as glorious.

[21Jumpstreet]

JWags,

Can I find a high quality meal near Circa?  Ty. 

Had a really good experience at Esther's Kitchen in the Arts District. Cool bar across the street with a killer vinyl selection.

[pbiflyer]

We have a trip to the Puerto Vallarta area of Mexico. Connection could be through Mexico City. We could do a couple day layover there. Worth it for essentially a day and a half of sightseeing?

[MU Fan in Connecticut]

We have a trip to the Puerto Vallarta area of Mexico. Connection could be through Mexico City. We could do a couple day layover there. Worth it for essentially a day and a half of sightseeing?

I have not been to Mexico City in over 15 years.  I used to go for work.  It surprised how nice and interesting and diverse it was.  There are plenty of historical sites like Tenochtitlan that are worth visiting.  Hotels can set up trips for you.  Maybe someone who's been there more recently can address safety and other issue.

[The Lens]

Watching Narcos, etc has mad me really want to spend time in Mexico City.  Looks fantastic.

[Hards Alumni]

I have not been to Mexico City in over 15 years.  I used to go for work.  It surprised how nice and interesting and diverse it was.  There are plenty of historical sites like Tenochtitlan that are worse visiting.  Hotels can set up trips for you.  Maybe someone who's been there more recently can address safety and other issue.

There is actually a decent sized expat community in Mexico City as well.

[JWags85]

There is actually a decent sized expat community in Mexico City as well.

Very sizeable.  I had friends who spent 3 years there.  Loved it.  Said it didn't feel all that different to the US, save for a few things.  But they got a housing allowance nd driver normally associated with less desirable places in Asia or more developing nations.

I have not been to Mexico City in over 15 years.  I used to go for work.  It surprised how nice and interesting and diverse it was.  There are plenty of historical sites like Tenochtitlan that are worse visiting.  Hotels can set up trips for you.  Maybe someone who's been there more recently can address safety and other issue.

Safety isn't a big deal.  CDM doesn't have the major issues that you see in some of the resort or border areas.  There are less nice areas of the city and its never a bad idea to be aware of your surroundings, but if you're mostly city center and more tourist friendly spots, no different than going to NYC or Miami or Chicago.

[Skatastrophy]

I have not been to Mexico City in over 15 years.  I used to go for work.  It surprised how nice and interesting and diverse it was.  There are plenty of historical sites like Tenochtitlan that are worse visiting.  Hotels can set up trips for you.  Maybe someone who's been there more recently can address safety and other issue.

I spent January working remotely from CDMX, a wonderful city. Never felt unsafe there, personally.

This is one group of locations that are near each other for a day trip in Roma Norte, CDMX
* Frida Kahlo's house is a worthwhile trip for sure
* This is a great spot for pastry and coffee - https://maps.app.goo.gl/GEgJYFgX9B23ivUb8
* Any food you find on Alvero is gonna be good. El Califa is a local chain that has very good salsa and al pastor, plus really good gringas https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZBdL2STBTEqrJXDb8
* Bosque de Chapultepec is a great time walking around and exploring the gardens https://maps.app.goo.gl/imcaKGKAUzVSAvwp6

Here's another group of locations for a day trip in Centro Historico, CDMX
* The Zocalo is pretty epic, with the cathedral + museum + palace
* The templo mayor museum is a wonderful dive into the history of mexico that the spanish tried to erase https://maps.app.goo.gl/kB2yqLxwJJW5YDhMA
* The national palace has a bunch of Diego Rivera murals and pretty gardens https://maps.app.goo.gl/gcENdgmbgLr6oimV9
* I spent a full afternoon/evening at Salon Corona ordering one taco at a time (their al pastor is great and the squid ink taco is equally great), awesome walkable street scene https://maps.app.goo.gl/x4UYbWuZVaeJJrsW9

Now, getting in and out in half a day? Idk mexico city can have some bad traffic and public transport isn't for the faint of heart.

[pbiflyer]

I spent January working remotely from CDMX, a wonderful city. Never felt unsafe there, personally.

This is one group of locations that are near each other for a day trip in Roma Norte, CDMX
* Frida Kahlo's house is a worthwhile trip for sure
* This is a great spot for pastry and coffee - https://maps.app.goo.gl/GEgJYFgX9B23ivUb8
* Any food you find on Alvero is gonna be good. El Califa is a local chain that has very good salsa and al pastor, plus really good gringas https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZBdL2STBTEqrJXDb8
* Bosque de Chapultepec is a great time walking around and exploring the gardens https://maps.app.goo.gl/imcaKGKAUzVSAvwp6

Here's another group of locations for a day trip in Centro Historico, CDMX
* The Zocalo is pretty epic, with the cathedral + museum + palace
* The templo mayor museum is a wonderful dive into the history of mexico that the spanish tried to erase https://maps.app.goo.gl/kB2yqLxwJJW5YDhMA
* The national palace has a bunch of Diego Rivera murals and pretty gardens https://maps.app.goo.gl/gcENdgmbgLr6oimV9
* I spent a full afternoon/evening at Salon Corona ordering one taco at a time (their al pastor is great and the squid ink taco is equally great), awesome walkable street scene https://maps.app.goo.gl/x4UYbWuZVaeJJrsW9

Now, getting in and out in half a day? Idk mexico city can have some bad traffic and public transport isn't for the faint of heart.

Wow, thanks, some great info. Love the idea of spending the day eating tacos and drinking.
Also a great idea for working remotely. I had been looking at eastern Europe, but dreading the need to work at US east coast times. Mexico City never entered my mind. But I like the thought.

[MU82]

Going to Honolulu soon. Staying near Waikiki Beach. We won't rent a car for the week but might get one for a day or two so we can go up to the North Shore or other points away from the city.

Mostly a chill-out week to get some sun and beach time, but we also have a few activities planned. Been to Pearl Harbor and Diamondhead multiple times already, so probably passing on them this time.

In addition to things to do that might not be on the typical tourist's radar, I'm always interested in suggestions for good, reasonably priced casual restaurants, bars, breweries, etc. And yes, I know that Hawaii is expensive as hell, so "reasonably priced" is relative.

Thanks in advance.

[BM1090]

I was in CDMX last March. I'm sure there are unsafe areas. But in Roma Nte, La Condensa, Coyocan and Centro Historico I never felt unsafe in a week there. It's near the top of my list for places to move.

[ATL MU Warrior]

Going to Honolulu soon. Staying near Waikiki Beach. We won't rent a car for the week but might get one for a day or two so we can go up to the North Shore or other points away from the city.

Mostly a chill-out week to get some sun and beach time, but we also have a few activities planned. Been to Pearl Harbor and Diamondhead multiple times already, so probably passing on them this time.

In addition to things to do that might not be on the typical tourist's radar, I'm always interested in suggestions for good, reasonably priced casual restaurants, bars, breweries, etc. And yes, I know that Hawaii is expensive as hell, so "reasonably priced" is relative.

Thanks in advance.

Sorry, don't have any recommendations for you, but going to piggy-back on your post since I am taking the family there in July of this year.  Will split time between Oahu (Waikiki and North Shore/Turtle Bay Area) and Maui.  My wife and I have been to Oahu for our first  anniversary many years ago and stayed in Ko-Olina (southwest corner of island) but are bringing the kiddos this time at request of my oldest who requested Hawaii as the destination he most wanted to see. So far in my planning, nothing is remotely close to reasonably priced so I think we are both SOL there. 

[The Lens]

Maui --- Monkeypod in Kaanapali is great.  Off the beaten path and a little more local, we loved Miso Phat sushi, between Kaanapali & Kapalua.  Speaking of local, Kihei Caffe down near Wailea is a great affordable breakfast spot.

I think Mama's Fish House is worth it.  And I think Road to Hana is not.

You must bike down Haleakala at sunrise. It's life changing.

[pbiflyer]

Going to Honolulu soon. Staying near Waikiki Beach. We won't rent a car for the week but might get one for a day or two so we can go up to the North Shore or other points away from the city.

Mostly a chill-out week to get some sun and beach time, but we also have a few activities planned. Been to Pearl Harbor and Diamondhead multiple times already, so probably passing on them this time.

In addition to things to do that might not be on the typical tourist's radar, I'm always interested in suggestions for good, reasonably priced casual restaurants, bars, breweries, etc. And yes, I know that Hawaii is expensive as hell, so "reasonably priced" is relative.

Thanks in advance.

Malasadas from Leonard's.
Plate lunches anywhere they are served, preferably from a food truck.
While not cheap, Dukes has great seafood.
Breakfast at Hau Tree Lanai.
Do the catamaran ride. Tell them you've been before for a discount. Views are spectacular. I like the red and yellow one.
Eggs and Things used to be good and cheap, but don't know since they moved.
Downtown a cheap good place to eat is Auntie Pastos. Been there forever.

[drewm88]

Maui:

Mama's Fish House was the best fish I've ever eaten in my life. Be sure to book your reservation early.

Second the rec of Star Noodle.

People raved to us about Monkeypod. It was good, I'd go back, but seemed like I was missing something--it was just a solid restaurant.

Paia Fish Market is great for a casual meal.

We did about 2/3 of the Road to Hana and turned around. Seemed sufficient to me. Best advice is go early early--can't imagine if we were stuck in a parade that whole drive.

Found my Maui comments from a few years back.

We stayed in Kihei and got good value across the street from the beach.

We had a toddler at the time and just embraced the jetlag and did everything earlier. Beat crowds to breakfast, to the beach, to the Road to Hana. Nights ended early, but toddler, so it's not like we missed out on wild nights.

[MuggsyB]

Going to Honolulu soon. Staying near Waikiki Beach. We won't rent a car for the week but might get one for a day or two so we can go up to the North Shore or other points away from the city.

Mostly a chill-out week to get some sun and beach time, but we also have a few activities planned. Been to Pearl Harbor and Diamondhead multiple times already, so probably passing on them this time.

In addition to things to do that might not be on the typical tourist's radar, I'm always interested in suggestions for good, reasonably priced casual restaurants, bars, breweries, etc. And yes, I know that Hawaii is expensive as hell, so "reasonably priced" is relative.

Thanks in advance.

I'm not a fan of Oahu vs the other islands.  It's worth going up to the North Shore and Haliewa.  The drive from Waikiki to Waimanalo is very attractive and there's a great beach in Waimanalo.  If you go to the North Shore get some Kahuku shrimp from a food truck.  As far as other food there are a number of excellent Ramen joints. 

If you can find beer from Big Island Brewhaus that's what you want.

[MuggsyB]

Had a really good experience at Esther's Kitchen in the Arts District. Cool bar across the street with a killer vinyl selection.

Ty Jump!  That looks very promising. 

[pbiflyer]

I'm not a fan of Oahu vs the other islands.  It's worth going up to the North Shore and Haliewa.  The drive from Waikiki to Waimanalo is very attractive and there's a great beach in Waimanalo.  If you go to the North Shore get some Kahuku shrimp from a food truck.  As far as other food there are a number of excellent Ramen joints. 

If you can find beer from Big Island Brewhaus that's what you want.

For someone that's not a fan, you have excellent recommendations. Waimanalo is one of my favorite beaches in the world. That drive is amazing.
Also if they get up to Waimea Bay, a short drive away is Shark's Cove. Excellent snorkeling and swimming in summer. Great wave watching in winter.

[pbiflyer]

We have a trip to the Puerto Vallarta area of Mexico. Connection could be through Mexico City. We could do a couple day layover there. Worth it for essentially a day and a half of sightseeing?

Just to follow up on this, we are doing 5 days at a resort north of PV, but thinking of adding a couple nights in PV itself. Since we'll be coming off a week at a beach resort we don't really need relaxing or beach time. Is Puerto Vallarta itself worth a visit? Food, drinks, strolling?
looking at either old town(romantic zone or deciembre 5 area)
Thoughts?

[MuggsyB]

For someone that's not a fan, you have excellent recommendations. Waimanalo is one of my favorite beaches in the world. That drive is amazing.
Also if they get up to Waimea Bay, a short drive away is Shark's Cove. Excellent snorkeling and swimming in summer. Great wave watching in winter.

Excellent call on Waimea Bay.  I probably should have stated I'm not a fan of Waikiki as opposed to Oahu.  The drive from Kahuku down to the Polynesian Center is also quite nice.  I'm very partial to the Big Island and Kauai pbi.   

[MU82]

Thanks for the Oahu recommendations so far.

Our favorite island is Kauai by far, and we've gone a half-dozen times. Also like Maui and the Big Island, of course. We had only done Oahu once, and we got a great deal on a relatively easy flight from Seattle, so we figured we'd give it another look. We only have a week, so we didn't want to island hop.

We'll go back to Kauai next time, but we're still really looking forward to this Oahu trip.