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Sunday, November 30, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
YQG: 24 Hours in Windsor (Make that 22, Plus 2 in Detroit)
YYZ: The Rest
So anyway, without the pleasure of photographic accompaniment, here's what else I can remember from Toronto.
Monday night: Canoe Restaurant, 54 floors above downtown Toronto. Food was good but contained too many mushrooms (in almost every dish). Company was great. View was great, but a little dark. Thanks to Joe (from Washington - in order to differentiate him from the other two Joes referenced below) for the invite.
Tuesday: Conference.
Tuesday afternoon: Intense negotiations.
Tuesday night: Host event at the Hockey Hall of Fame. Absolutely fantastic. For the men anyway. I got my picture taken in my Jets jersey with the Stanley Cup (although there was some sort of magnetic force that seemed to push the Jets jersey away from the Cup itself). Also won one of the skill competitions... the accuracy rapid fire one (sort of the Ray Bourque event). My time for hitting all 9 targets was 13.1 seconds. Second fastest time was 14.3 seconds, also by me. Third best was 15 seconds by Joe from Toronto. Joe and Doug from Boston also put in very good scores, but other than that... meh. No one else was really a hockey player. So it was nice to win (no prize), but the competition really wasn't that fierce. Thank you to Steve, Eileen, Janine and the gang. And Keith. He probably really made it happen.
Wednesday morning: Conference.
Wednesday afternoon: Shoe shopping assistant. As always.
Wednesday night: Host event at Horizons in the CN Tower. Very cool setting, very cool event with good food, excellent wines, and 5 table hockey games, all overlooking the big city. Thank you to Marco and the gang.
Thursday morning: Tour of Toronto-Pearson given by Morris. Excellent special treatment for us Canadians.
Thursday lunch: Lovely relaxing lunch at a delightful high end establishment just off-airport.
Thursday afternoon: Flight to Windsor.
Monday, November 10, 2008
YOW-YYZ
According to this guy, he makes sure he gets to the airport in Ottawa waay early, allowing enough time to drive to Toronto (where his flying starts) just in case there's no room on the flights for him. He has also flown on other airlines in order to get to Toronto in time.
Also identified a new traveller: the Space-Hogger. He's a hybrid of several other types, including the Carry-On-Jammer and the Seat-Recliner.
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YYZ: Domestic Baggage Claim
I believe today, right now, is the first time I have ever been in the domestic baggage claim area waiting for my luggage in this terminal. I have waited for bags many times in the international baggage hall. But on the outbound segments of those trips, my luggage is always checked through. Same for flights to the US... I have picked up luggage in the in-transit pre-clearance area, not the domestic area. The last time I can recall waiting for domestic luggage in Toronto was a leisure trip here in 2002ish, and that was in the old T2.
Of course most of my trips to YYZ are very short, and don't require more than carry-on. Some are less than a day. This one is for a conference, with another day tacked on at the end (in Windsor). Could probably have made it with just carry-on, but figured I may as well check a bag in case I buy anything here. And now, I get a new Pearson experience too.
For the record, baggage delivery took about 20-25 minutes from the time I got off the plane, not unlike YOW. The difference is that in YOW, it only takes 4 minutes to get from the aircraft to the baggage carousel.
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Thursday, November 6, 2008
Friday, October 31, 2008
YUL: Lost Luggage
Can you see the suitcase on the apron down there? Just fell off an Air Canada luggage cart train driving past the A gates here in Montreal. It actually laid there for quite a while, and was driven past by several AC vehicles before an ADM (the airport authority) van came and fixed it.
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YQB: Running Out Of Ti-
The whole point of coming was to give a presentation. Well, the presentation was given yesterday as scheduled, but a large and important part of the expected audience was not there. They were still in another meeting that went long.
So we were asked to redo the presentation this morning, although I ended up being the only one of our 4-person team who was still here this morning. But meetings being meetings, this morning's meeting never got far enough along to reach our agenda item by the time I had to leave for the airport. So again, ran out of time.
Worse, because there was so much waiting around, I (along with Mr. Vice-Chair) only had a short walk around the city, and even then just close to the hotel. So I didn't get to see much of Quebec City during my first ever visit. My biggest regret is that I didn't get to see the Plains of Abraham, the one thing I actually wanted to see (thanks to Mr. Saunders and the Canadian War Museum for actually making that part of Canadian history interesting).
I shall return.
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Thursday, October 30, 2008
YOW: Aerial View
A nice combination of the right flight path, the right altitude and the right sunlight. Would have looked nicer without the snow, but beggars can't be choosers.
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Wednesday, October 29, 2008
IAD/BWI: Nissan Rogue
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IAD: Idiot On Board
As you can see here, there is a Red Carpet Club in the D concourse. It's adjacent to Gate D8, the sign for which you may be able to see. The reason I noticed it beside D8 this time is because my flight is departing from D8.
So yes, that was a lot of unnecessary walking. My apologies the MWAA and/or United for giving out bad advice to your passengers.
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IAD: Possible Brush with Fame?
If you answered yes to all of these questions, and if you know who Jon Favreau is, maybe this is him. On the left.
(Note to flyers... If flying from D gates, take the shuttle to the C gates, as it is much closer to the RCC. Unless I'm an idiot and there is a RCC in the D gates too.)
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Tuesday, October 28, 2008
DCA: Washington Monument
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Monday, October 27, 2008
YOW: Michael Moore's Younger Brother
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Thursday, October 16, 2008
EWR: En Route Home
Bad news: last week when departing EWR for ARN/KUL, we were number 16 for departure. Tonight, this flight is number 27. Won't be in YOW til 1 AM or so. That's about 32 hours since waking up in KL. Should I have just waited until morning? Meh.
It's been a long day (all Thursday so far) eventually covering thousands of air miles, 4 cities in 4 countries, 3 customs/immigration checks, 4 airport security checks, a taxi ride, 2 train rides, 6 escalator trips, and a self drive home.
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ARN: First Class Passengers, Second Class Treatment
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KUL: A Few Unrelated Observations
Service is important here too. They have lots of staff everywhere. The hotel has people everywhere who are anxious to help. (I endorse the Traders Hotel... it's good. I also commend Stefan who worked this week in the Traders Lounge.) The KL Convention Centre had people all over the place. At any event where finger food was being served by staff there were always more than enough people... Sometimes they'd be bumping into one another, sometimes just standing waiting for someone to want something. The worst/best of all were the event organizers for the conference. In case you couldn't figure out how to get from one part of the convention centre to another, they would post staff every 3 feet or so to tell you that you were heading in the right direction.
I've been in a lot of big cities in a lot of countries. Although KL is a modern city with very ambitious aspirations, it does not exude a feeling of safeness. Maybe I'm biased because I'm aware of a couple of incidents this week where people attending our event were robbed and an alleged shootout near our hotel, but I felt uneasy at times. In a place like New York, tourist areas are crawling with police. In KL I saw far more private security personnel than police.
Overall, I was impressed with KL's infrastructure for a city its size (it's apparently not that big... not as big as I thought anyway). I was impressed with the friendliness and helpfulness of most of the locals, and their language skills -- everyone speaks English. And I like the way that the Petronas Towers seem to be transparent when they are lit up at night.
I'm glad I had the chance to get there and I'd like to visit again sometime, but the heat and humidity might mean I'm not in a big hurry to go back right away.
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Wednesday, October 15, 2008
KUL: Jalan Petaling
Apparently, business really picks up at night. I doubt we'll get back tonight, but we'll see.
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KUL: National Palace
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Tuesday, October 14, 2008
KUL: Correction
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Monday, October 13, 2008
KUL: The Sweatiest City in the World
"OK, so where should we have the gala?"
"How bout the Mandarin Oriental?"
"Nah, that's boring. We need something different."
(Joking): "We could do it outside, ha ha."
"Yes!"
"Huh?"
"I like it! Let's do it."
"But it's Kuala Lumpur..."
"And?"
"Well, it's 32 degrees, 100% humidity, and it rains, every day. Seriously, every day... 365 days a year. Same weather."
"Well, I have a good feeling."
"Feeling? What kind of feeling?"
"I think it'll be cooler that day. Maybe low 20s."
"But it won't be. It'll be 32 and humid. Really humid. People will be very uncomfortable, and sweaty."
"No, I disagree. Let's do it. We're having the event outside and everyone will love it."
"But..."
"Oh! And let's make it smart business attire. Won't it be nice to see all the men in jackets?"
"But..."
"And we'll give the people scarves that night to keep them warm."
"But And so on...
It was hot, it was humid, and for some reason, it was outside. My shirt was drenched by the end of the night, as were the shirts of many others. But it was a nice taste (literally and figuratively) of Malaysia.
And now, since it's almost 1AM and I woke up at 4 AM, it's time for bed. Zzzzz...
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KUL: Keep Left
I haven't noticed this as much in other places like the UK or HK.
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Sunday, October 12, 2008
KUL: KLCC
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KUL: The View from the Skybridge
It's quite a commercial for Petronas, Malaysia's national oil and gas company.
Still hot, still humid. Teresa, you were right about the weather. Even the guy from the High Commission says the weather is always the same, every day of the year. Also, the sun rises and sets at the same time, all year.
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Saturday, October 11, 2008
KUL: Red Hot Chili Pipers
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Friday, October 10, 2008
KUL: A Room with a View
Yeah, well, today's view wins.
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ARN: In-Transit
Everyone has to get off the plane, and transiting passengers have to clear security before re-entering the holdroom. But then it's immediately time to leave the concourse (where there is some duty free shopping and cafes) and into the smaller, service free holdroom area. Where it's also hot. Even though it's quite cool outside in Stockholm.
The interesting thing about it from an airport perspective is that not many people spent much money while in-transit, and some didn't have a chance at all... They just did the off-the-plane-through-security-back-to-the-holding-pen circuit. So if in-transit flights are meant to stimulate retail and duty free purchases, this one is not a good example.
However, I have lots of good things to say about Malaysia Airlines onboard hospitality. The in-flight service is great, the flight attendants are friendly, efficient, and professional. the food has been OK so far... (I'd say it's nothing to write home about, but, well, here we are, right?)
We're back on board now, almost ready to go to KL. That has been my Friday.
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Thursday, October 9, 2008
MH: 747-400
Notwithstanding John's comment, I'll do my best to enjoy the ride. Leg 1, Newark to Stockholm, is about to begin.
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YOW: Not a Great Start
On the bright side... Uh... Er... Where was I going with that one?
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YOW: New Duty Free
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Friday, September 26, 2008
YVR: Preventive Maintenance
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YVR: Special Announcement
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Wednesday, September 24, 2008
YVR: Vancouver Aquarium
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YVR: Brush with the PM
I suppose he's still here. The streets are filled with (a) police, and (b) protesters (as pictured, with his bilingual sign).
There's also a diamond show at the convention centre, which also requires a police presence, plus there are two cruise ships docked, all at Canada Place. It's a bit of a zoo today.
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Tuesday, September 23, 2008
YVR: the Harbour
Canada Place, and the Pan Pacific in the foreground, North Van in the background.
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AC 1185
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YOW: MLL
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YOW: A Short Night
This morning, I was the first person into the office (briefly) as I picked up a few things before my 0625 boarding time.
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Wednesday, September 17, 2008
YOW-YHZ-YUL-YOW
Interestingly (if you're me at least), even though Air Canada sends me a message with a 2D barcode for each flight, the barcodes were never scanned by any gate agents. Each of them entered my seat number manually (which then brings up my name on their screen, which they check against my ID).
Maybe barcode scanning is the next stage of development... Nevertheless, I saved a branch, if not a tree.
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YHZ: Mmmm... Lobster Dip
All that to say, I wish I was staying longer to finish the work that was started today. Most of our group are indeed staying until tomorrow, but alas, I need to be back in Ottawa bright and early tomorrow. That's OK though... Lots of travel coming up.
Have never had a bad experience in Halifax.
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Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Monday, September 1, 2008
YWG: The Best Gelati
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Saturday, August 30, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
YYZ T3: A Rare Visit
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Sunday, August 10, 2008
NYC in Review
It was a great few days in New York, the city that in many ways deserves its reputation as the greatest city in the world.
Anyone who gets bored in New York isn't trying very hard. Aside from the Rangers, Islanders, Devils, Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets (you think there was Brett Favre overkill where you live?), Knicks, Nets, Red Bulls, etc., you've got all kinds of other ways to keep busy and to spend money. We chose Broadway. On our first night we bought half price tickets at TKTS to Monty Python's Spam-a-lot. It was great... John would have loved it. We also saw one of Broadway's biggest hits in Wicked, in a much bigger and more comfortable theater. It was also very well performed. Last night we tried to get cheap tickets to either Boeing Boeing (for the obvious aviation theme) or a number of back up choices. Tickets were available, but the queue was about a block and a half long. We decided it wasn't worth the time for a 3rd show, where, by the time we got to the wicket, may or may not have had tickets for the shows we wanted to see, and even if they had 2 tix, may not have been side by side.
So we spent the money on food instead. Another theme of the week. The restaurants in New York (particularly Maze, La Masseria, and Blue Smoke) were excellent in every way... quality of food, ambiance and service. They make many other restaurants in many other cities look very very ordinary. Can't say enough about Maze. One of the best restaurants we've been to. The experience at the main Gordon Ramsay restaurant there must be even better (but formaller and expensiver). The best deal on a meal was at Oriental Pearl in Chinatown. We had dim sum there. We left full and only paid $17.
Other highlights for us included the American Museum of Natural History (never got to the Met or MoMA... next time), the views from the Staten Island Ferry (with OnBoard Tours... highly recommended), Late Night with David Letterman (and Penelope Cruz and Randy Newman), Top of the Rock, McGee's Pub, and of course Starbucks every day (usually twice thanks to their diabolical scheme offering a cold drink for $2 after 2pm if you bought a coffee earlier in the day). Starbucks was the only chain we allowed ourselves to go to. Sorry Applebees.
The only lowlights... New York is crowded (especially the tourists like us), it's loud (constant noise everywhere... inside and outside... couldn't even hear the thunder during a storm), and it was hot and muggy, worst of all in some of the subway stations where at times it was actually hard to breathe. We never felt unsafe though, despite some interesting characters (like the Mayor of Strawberry Fields; the guy on 8th Ave who strung together random words that almost sounded like sentences; the lady talking to herself near the U.N.; and our favourites, the hooker who got kicked out of a cab and called the driver a racist... serendipity for us... it was raining, it was the post-theater rush, one of us was in heels, cabs were scarce, and he kicked her out right beside us... we yoinked that cab faster than a chihuahua and a Milk Bone).
Celebrity sightings: Drew Lachey (on stage in Spam-a-lot); Jean-Baptiste (Gordon Ramsay's Maitre D'); the Late Show people (those already mentioned plus Biff, Paul et al); Don Cheadle (his doppelganger at least... he was handing out leaflets in a subway station); Lenny Kravitz (ok, again, a guy who looked like him); and the gay guy from My Name Is Earl (probably not him, but kinda looked like him). Actually a little disappointing on the celebrity front... We know we were in the vicinity of Katie Holmes (and Suri), Jay-Z, Mayor Bloomberg, and Lance Armstrong. Oh, and of course Brett Favre. Enough with him already (believe it or not: they even threw a line into Spam-a-lot about him).
And LaGuardia... Not the greatest airport. It certainly has the benefit of location, and as we learned today, some kind and understanding TSA agents, but the place always seems to look tired to me, sort of in a Heathrowian way (like, "I know my appearance isn't great, but I'm so busy with people constantly coming and going, and the changing rules, I just can't keep myself looking good anymore").
Finally, to end on a positive note, the InterContinental Barclay Hotel was fantastic. They knew it was our anniversary and they treated us like gold, including an upgrade to a luxury suite plus a bottle of champagne with strawberries. The hotel's staff were great all around, from check in to bell staff to door men to housekeeping. It's well located (48th at Lexington), but not quite perfect. A few blocks to the subway and not much exciting to do in the immediate vicinity, but maybe that's a good thing. Trains were easy to catch to get to downtown, uptown and even Times Square. Rockefeller Plaza and 5th Ave were easy walks. When I get around to it, I'll upload some very positive reviews on TripAdvisor for the Barclay and some of the attractions.
Right now, it's waiting between flights in Montreal's domestic Maple Leaf Lounge. Kudos to ADM for the easy transborder-to-domestic transfer these days. Even though we were literally at the furthest transborder gate, the experience was still simple, smooth and quick. We had almost zero wait at customs or at domestic security.
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Saturday, August 9, 2008
McGee's Pub
It's going to be legend-- wait for it-- dary.
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Friday, August 8, 2008
Behind the Scenes at Maze
The food was amazing. It is served in small portions, tapas style. So we got to try a lot of different things, including yellowfin tuna, cod, scallops, and Peking Duck. Plus a peanut butter and jam sandwich for dessert.
Taking nothing away from La Masseria, Maze was the best we've seen in NYC. The choice of restaurants in this city is unbelievable.
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Busy Place
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Thursday, August 7, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Times Square at Night
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Magnolia Bakery
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LGA: Air Trump
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Monday, July 28, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Orchestras in the Park
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