Pat

Retired. Have time for the things I love: travel, my cat, reading, good food, travel, genealogy, walking, and of course travel.

Travel Tips I Must Remember to Follow

Kayak.com, Hipmunk, Momondo, Onthefly and Skyscanner are a few sites to begin my search for airfares. Aggregators work efficiently to provide fares on most airlines, then send me to the individual site for purchase. Consolidator CheapOAir sells directly; not many sites carry China Southern but I found a great price for a Taipei-Kathmandu flight. Google for local airlines flying to my destination’s airports as many aggregators do not cover these foreign airlines. I track fares using Airfare Watchdog and Kayak; check Bing for buying advice, and Seat Guru for seating suggestions. When I see the flight, convenience and price I want – book it. Period. I lost a great direct flight to Taipei by puttzing around waiting for something better.

Before I purchase my airfare, I either clear my cookies or use a second browser to check on the airfare. Airlines have been known to track the traveler and charge accordingly. I don’t want to pay more for a ticket because I search on a Mac.

(more…)

By Pat, ago

Wisconsin Dining and Driving

Freighthouse Restaurant
La Crosse, WI

 

Winter in Wisconsin would not top the list for most travelers, but that is where I find myself in November. Weather varies from evenings of snow flurries and 27degrees or less to sunny days of 46 degrees. I prefer the sunny days. I left home in California temps of 80. Snow is nice to behold but that’s about it.

Playing “name that road kill” (more…)

By Pat, ago

PADOVA AND VICENZA – MEDIEVAL CELEBRATIONS

Clock Tower of Piazza dei Signori

9 June – Padova

For about the price of a glass of wine, I ride the punctual high-speed train with aria condizionata, electrical plug and WiFi to Padova. Entering what has been earthquake country since 20 May with a 6.0 and a 5.8 on the 29th. Centuries-old buildings are beautiful to behold, but shake them with a major quake and see them fold. I hope my hotel has been retrofitted.   (more…)

By Pat, ago

TRIESTE – A CITY TO LOVE

Author James Joyce, past resident of Trieste

8 June – Trieste (aka Trst)

Arrived into the lovely port city of Trieste, just across the neck of the Istria Peninsula. What a difference a few miles make! The architecture is Hapsburg, the port is prosperous, sea breeze is cool, and streets are filled with activity. I walk about enjoying beautiful facades in the piazzas, climb the steep steps to the Castello di San Giusto, and then trudge back to one of many restaurants along the Canal Grande for a pasta dinner. (more…)

By Pat, ago