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Post by locogato11283 on Jan 20, 2017 22:52:05 GMT -5
150-200 times huh?
I didn't read the rest of the post but I'll just assume it was BS after that.
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Post by Angelo on Jan 20, 2017 22:56:23 GMT -5
150-200 times huh? I didn't read the rest of the post but I'll just assume it was BS after that. Dude, I lived/grew up on the border, had friends there, family there, and you didn't need a passport until like 08'. I was there at least 2 days a week for entire summer break my sophomore year. Regularly would go when growing up to the Mandarin Buffet. Toronto like every other month or so. The falls were a regular thing for dinner/lunch, whatever. I could go from my house, over the border, sitting down having a drink faster than I can drive from where I live to downtown St. Louis. From like 04' to 06' I made money on the siding driving over Canadians as "friends" who wanted to hit up our ERs for treatment when they didn't want to sit on a waiting list in the Falls or Toronto. They'd get treated, head back and never pay the bill.
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Post by agrappleaday on Jan 21, 2017 1:18:46 GMT -5
Lol, awesome!
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Post by Premier on Jan 21, 2017 3:42:30 GMT -5
Forgot about the crazy situation that almost cancelled our Vegas trip. We were supposed to leave from the Fort Lauderdale airport. Same day as the shooting. The airline was on some bullshit telling me to wait until the airport opened back up. Which I knew it was not going to be open that day because of the chaos. ..
I ended up booking another flight from Miami out of pocket and got to Vegas just a couple of hours later. Next day spent an hour on the phone asking for a refund which the airlines never do. They were trying to give me a credit voucher but fuck that. I already paid for another flight. But they eventually gave me every cent back
Only part that sucked was me leaving my ride in Miami and coming back to Fort Lauderdale. That was a 41 dollar and 34 minute Uber drive to go and get my ride. Things worked out though. We were only in Vegas for 2 full days. A one-day delay would had fucked our trip
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Post by Premier on Jan 21, 2017 13:41:26 GMT -5
150-200 times huh? I didn't read the rest of the post but I'll just assume it was BS after that. Dude, I lived/grew up on the border, had friends there, family there, and you didn't need a passport until like 08'. I was there at least 2 days a week for entire summer break my sophomore year. Regularly would go when growing up to the Mandarin Buffet. Toronto like every other month or so. The falls were a regular thing for dinner/lunch, whatever. I could go from my house, over the border, sitting down having a drink faster than I can drive from where I live to downtown St. Louis. From like 04' to 06' I made money on the siding driving over Canadians as "friends" who wanted to hit up our ERs for treatment when they didn't want to sit on a waiting list in the Falls or Toronto. They'd get treated, head back and never pay the bill. Loco will know what I'm saying. I lived in Kansas city Missouri, about a mile from the Kansas state border. So I guess I can claim that I've been to Kansas over 1000 times while living in Missouri for 13 years. No passport needed.
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Post by Premier on Jan 21, 2017 13:55:03 GMT -5
Here's state line road. Missouri on the right. Kansas to the left. All you had to do is move across the street and you would had a different mayor, different governor, different area code, different laws, different tax codes. The road goes on for about 12 miles through residential and commercial areas.
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Post by Angelo on Jan 21, 2017 14:41:05 GMT -5
Dude, I lived/grew up on the border, had friends there, family there, and you didn't need a passport until like 08'. I was there at least 2 days a week for entire summer break my sophomore year. Regularly would go when growing up to the Mandarin Buffet. Toronto like every other month or so. The falls were a regular thing for dinner/lunch, whatever. I could go from my house, over the border, sitting down having a drink faster than I can drive from where I live to downtown St. Louis. From like 04' to 06' I made money on the siding driving over Canadians as "friends" who wanted to hit up our ERs for treatment when they didn't want to sit on a waiting list in the Falls or Toronto. They'd get treated, head back and never pay the bill. Loco will know what I'm saying. I lived in Kansas city Missouri, about a mile from the Kansas state border. So I guess I can claim that I've been to Kansas over 1000 times while living in Missouri for 13 years. No passport needed. yeah I get what you are saying, but because of the ease of going to Canada for me it wound up with me taking vacations up there on a regular basis, especially to Toronto. Including during their first World Series in 92'. Toronto was a ghost town during the game, it was so.... post apocalyptic. But regardless, Aruba was fucking amazing.
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Post by Premier on Jan 21, 2017 17:05:21 GMT -5
Angelo, how old are you?
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Post by Angelo on Jan 21, 2017 17:16:43 GMT -5
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Post by locogato11283 on Jan 22, 2017 7:31:38 GMT -5
Haha. I live right on the border of MO/KS also. I've been to KS many times in my life, but nowhere hear 150-200 times.
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Post by kristhegreasedpig on Feb 16, 2017 13:58:57 GMT -5
I'm headed to Playa del Carmen on the 26th of this month for a massage conference. I've only ever been to Mexico once, for my honeymoon, ten years ago, on which I did not get drunk (the ex didn't drink and I was a month removed from a bone transplant from my hip to fibula, so on crutches and smooth marble sidewalks) I plan on rectifying that!!
My conference is Mon-Wed at the Blue Bay Grand Esmeralda, I get in Sunday and leave the next Sunday. Decent place?
As I don't travel I could use any hints/tips! I'm a biologist and anthropologist by training (in another life), so I like the natural/cultural aspects of travel, don't give a rats ass about tourist gifts etc, more into the raw materials that they are made of!!
I'm planning on hitting up the Hidden Worlds Cenote Park, I loved it last time, and hope it hasn't been too conmercialized- it was a little hole a mile into the rainforest, but awesome food, zip lines into cenotes, and the best is the bike you ride through the rainforest- on cables so you can be 30' up in the canopy at times, moving your speed! Wondering if anybody here has checked it out in person lately?
Last time we hit up a 1/2 day each Xel-ha/Tulum and a full day snorkelling with whale sharks. I'd do the Sharks again if able, they are so huge and beautiful! I'll possibly follow the lead of other association members if something fun comes up but always looking for little hidden gems to check out! Or perhaps hit another temple tour.
Last time I was there I was suggested to bring little trinkets as gifts for cleaning staff instead of money. They actually went over really well- makeup/Canada lanyards/pen/pencil sets etc. However I've had it suggested that such isn't appreciated anymore, and even though it's all inclusive the staff still expects cash tips- which were expressly told not to give before. Can anybody clarify for me/ resort tips?
Are pesos just as good as American- our exchange rate to peso is great compared to our American exchange rate (Canada)- when to use pesos vs American, haggling tips etc?
As a Canadian, Spanish is not spoken here in any appreciable amount, but got along well last time, so I'm not too worried, but thought I'd throw that in.
I'm really not a sit on the beach and tan kind of guy (should I pre tan next week- too late?), but do like to watch the pretty ladies walk by, and who knows, I did pay for a solo room.......
Thanks, pretty rare chance for me to go anywhere, so getting excited, and I honestly don't have travellers in my personal life, so reaching out to clients and my extended contact base! Thanks.
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Post by Premier on Feb 16, 2017 15:27:18 GMT -5
Use pesos for sure. People get fucked when using dollars, the exchange rate is not quite right, or there is not enough "change" in dollars.
Use cash for your housekeepers. They can't eat trinkets.
Did you visited Tulum on your last trip?
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Post by kristhegreasedpig on Feb 16, 2017 19:09:22 GMT -5
Did the 1/2 day in Tulum. Almost got left behind by the tour bus- cripple on crutches and all.
The trinket aspect was so the employees wouldn't get accused of theft of money for the room, which was why things like makeup and children's toys were recommended, and loved too. But don't want to be seen as cheap either. Good to know it's not as accepted now. Our booze delivery guy would show me that he was wearing his Canada lanyard every day with a big smile! Was cute
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Post by Tapout on Mar 7, 2017 13:14:47 GMT -5
Taking the kids to Disney World in two weeks. Staying at the Port Orleans resort. Unlimited hopper pass. What are some must do things? I haven't been since I was a kid.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2017 17:07:11 GMT -5
Taking the kids to Disney World in two weeks. Staying at the Port Orleans resort. Unlimited hopper pass. What are some must do things? I haven't been since I was a kid. Don't let the kids swim in the pond
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Post by TitoOrtizIsAPunk on Mar 7, 2017 17:18:04 GMT -5
Taking the kids to Disney World in two weeks. Staying at the Port Orleans resort. Unlimited hopper pass. What are some must do things? I haven't been since I was a kid. I hear the pond is a great place for a swim!
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Post by Tapout on Mar 7, 2017 17:54:47 GMT -5
That was a ONE TIME SITUATION you guys!
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Post by Premier on Mar 8, 2017 10:19:28 GMT -5
Being a "recent" Floridian, I've gone to all the parks in Orlando in the last two years or so.
Magic Kingdom is the big one. The one with the Castle and the first one you should get out of the way. Try to time your visit so you can see the daily firework show around 10PM. I know it might be late for the kids, but its worth it. A full parade and a 4th of July caliber show every night. Make sure you take the kids to the teacup ride and the dumbo one. Those are the classics.
Epcot is fucking huge. Pretty cool to see the regions of the world, but get ready to walk and walk and fucking walk. Epcot is definitely showing its age.
Disney Hollywood Studios is cool. Not sure the kids will get much out of it. Lots of movie type performances/shows. This one with cars that they show you about how they do car chases in movies is great. There's another one with a bunch of explosives. Also some roller coasters. Out of all the Disney park, this is the most grownup one. This should be your treat after the kids get their fix from all the other parks.
Animal Kingdom is just a pretty cool zoo. The kids will enjoy that; especially the safari type ride.
Check out Downtown Disney. Its just an entertainment complex with a shitload of restaurants and stores. Pretty cool place to have dinner and take an evening stroll. Its not a "park" so there is not entrance fee and parking is free. Expect some crowds.
If you are going to make it to Universal Studios, remember that there are two parks. Universal studios with a lot of "Movie type" shows and 3D theaters and there is "Island of adventures" which has some of the greatest roller coasters I've ever been on. They do have a kids section, but IMO the big roller coasters is the main attraction here. The New Transformers one is cool. The Harry Potter one is the most advanced ride I've ever been in. A mixture screens, 3d, twist coaster and special effects. This is the future of rides.
There is also an entertainment area at Universal between the two parks. Not as big as downtown Disney., but still decent.
Don't forget about Seaworld. That place is not going to be open for much longer with all the bad press about the killer whales., So see it while you can.
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Post by Tapout on Mar 8, 2017 12:30:55 GMT -5
I don't think we will be going to Universal. Arent tickets like $100?? Not worth it for me. Not much of a rollercoaster rider. Downtown Disney is pretty cool from what I heard. Heard there is a huge arcade there that I am planning on taking the boy to.
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Post by ocmmafan on Mar 8, 2017 12:38:30 GMT -5
I have done the florida amusement park swing with the kids twice for one week each time and still felt like we missed a bunch of them. There is so many! Tampa is probably 90 minutes away but Busch Gardens there is awesome and the best park we went to (besides the Disney Parks). Busch Gardens has great roller coasters and very cool wildlife you can see close up, take gondolas over and take roller coasters over. The cheetah roller coaster (the long one) is one of the best roller coasters I have ever been on and the longest ride.
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Post by Tapout on Mar 8, 2017 12:43:51 GMT -5
I have done the florida amusement park swing with the kids twice for one week each time and still felt like we missed a bunch of them. There is so many! Tampa is probably 90 minutes away but Busch Gardens there is awesome and the best park we went to (besides the Disney Parks). Busch Gardens has great roller coasters and very cool wildlife you can see close up, take gondolas over and take roller coasters over. The cheetah roller coaster (the long one) is one of the best roller coasters I have ever been on and the longest ride. Headed to Tampa for the Yanks/Sox spring training game. First time to spring training.
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Post by ocmmafan on Mar 8, 2017 12:53:36 GMT -5
I have done the florida amusement park swing with the kids twice for one week each time and still felt like we missed a bunch of them. There is so many! Tampa is probably 90 minutes away but Busch Gardens there is awesome and the best park we went to (besides the Disney Parks). Busch Gardens has great roller coasters and very cool wildlife you can see close up, take gondolas over and take roller coasters over. The cheetah roller coaster (the long one) is one of the best roller coasters I have ever been on and the longest ride. Headed to Tampa for the Yanks/Sox spring training game. First time to spring training. Nice! I love spring training. I have done it in Florida and Arizona and its fantastic for kids that like baseball as you can get autographs and interact with players very easily. I chatted with Dave Stewart a few years back and he bullshitted with our group for about an hour.
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Post by jamesod on Mar 8, 2017 12:56:32 GMT -5
I'm heading down to Tampa area (Lakeland) this weekend for a couple of Tigers games. I think this will be my third spring training in the last four years. Lots of fun, very relaxed atmosphere.
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Post by Premier on Mar 8, 2017 13:07:24 GMT -5
Never been to spring training in Tampa, but I've been to plenty of regular season Yanks Vs Rays games . Its funny, you can see more people with Yankees gear on than Rays gear walking around.
The company I work for just bought the naming rights for the Mets spring training facility here in Palm beach county. They were giving away free tickets the other day, but fuck the Mets.
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Post by Premier on Mar 8, 2017 13:08:56 GMT -5
I have done the florida amusement park swing with the kids twice for one week each time and still felt like we missed a bunch of them. There is so many! Tampa is probably 90 minutes away but Busch Gardens there is awesome and the best park we went to (besides the Disney Parks). Busch Gardens has great roller coasters and very cool wildlife you can see close up, take gondolas over and take roller coasters over. The cheetah roller coaster (the long one) is one of the best roller coasters I have ever been on and the longest ride. I am a rollercoaster freak. I've been saving Busch Gardens for last because I know its going to be my favorite. Now that we have done all Disney and Universal parks, that one is next.
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Post by matt on Mar 8, 2017 13:11:52 GMT -5
I mostly do Roadtrips because of my work schedule. Here's a few from my last trip through big sur on highway 1. Carmel is expensive but I plan on retiring there as long as California is still good in 25 years.
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Post by Premier on Mar 8, 2017 13:16:56 GMT -5
I don't think we will be going to Universal. Arent tickets like $100?? Not worth it for me. Not much of a rollercoaster rider. Downtown Disney is pretty cool from what I heard. Heard there is a huge arcade there that I am planning on taking the boy to. 110 for one park, 165 for both. But yes, not worth it if you are not a rollercoaster guy; especially the Island of Adventures side. If you end up wanting a break from Disney, check out CityWalk at Universal studios. Its that entertainment complex I mentioned earlier. No cover since its between the two parks. Plus you can take this famous picture with your family:
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Post by locogato11283 on Mar 8, 2017 14:55:46 GMT -5
Fuck, I miss Clearwater.
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Post by Premier on Mar 8, 2017 14:58:23 GMT -5
Clearwater is beautiful. Can't beat that white sand.
My buddy move to Clearwater this past December. He owns a boat. I have been waiting for it to get a little warmer to go and spend a weekend up there.
Shit, looks like its in the 80's there already. Good enough for me.
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Post by locogato11283 on Mar 8, 2017 19:35:07 GMT -5
Clearwater is beautiful. Can't beat that white sand. My buddy move to Clearwater this past December. He owns a boat. I have been waiting for it to get a little warmer to go and spend a weekend up there. Shit, looks like its in the 80's there already. Good enough for me. Uh yea, weather there year round is still better than MO. We used to go down in December/January and stay for a week and then go on a cruise. Once me and my brother had kids it made it harder to get down there. So, my grandparents sold the house in Clearwater and bought a condo at Lake of the Ozarks.. It's way easier and cheaper to get down there versus Florida.
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