#so i need to know the best areas to check the hotels and their prices

[lire-casander]

i'm (very very tentatively) planning a trip to munich. it won't be this year, probably next (or the year after). but i have little to zero knowledge of the area and i'm not sure which area i have to check for hotels.

so today i'm asking my internet friends if any of you knows munich enough to help me: which is the best area to stay that is from walking distance from the main attractions to visit?

[nyankochan]

TWST Headcanons: Housewardens at Disney World

Pairing: boyfriend!housewarden x gn!reader

Content warning: none

A/n: inspired by my recent trip to Disney. For sake of the story, it will be at Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Florida (though I have been to the one in California and Tokyo!)

Riddle Rosehearts

Has never been to Disney before. It’s his first time

Lowkey scared of roller coasters and you tease him about whether or not he’s actually tall enough to ride

Fantasyland is his favorite area. Really liked Its a Small World

Did like the Mad Tea Party at first, but the spinning made him motion sick and he was pretty much done after that

Wants to get autographs from the characters, but worries it seems too childish. You have to basically initiate every character interaction

Definitely gets a sunburn from waiting outside in the long lines

Gets pins as souvenirs for Ace, Deuce, Trey, and Cater

You two get matching keychains which he clips to his school bag as a reminder of your trip together

Leona Kingscholar

Farena was taking Cheka and forced Leona to go along to make it a family trip. He begrudgingly agreed to go along since he was allowed to bring you.

Begrudgingly also wears the “Kingscholar Family Disney Trip” shirt you and his sister-in-law get

You guys stay at one of the park resorts

Leona really has no interest in any of the little rides, though he puts up with it because it excites you.

His favorite area is Frontierland. Big Thunder Mountain is his favorite ride (though he will never tell you that)

Also really liked Jungle Cruise and Pirates of the Caribbean rides.

Hates waiting in lines and buys the fast past for everything

Doesn’t want any souvenirs (thinks they’re dumb) but caves and gets a couple pins and a matching shirt for you guys to wear at the next park you go to

He’s honestly ready to go after a few hours. The walking and heat get on his nerves, but he sticks it out for you (and Cheka)

Azul Ashengrotto

Also his first time to Disney

Complains about the price of the food (it’s freaking expensive so who can blame him)

Also not really a big rollercoaster fan, but doesn’t mind going on some of the rides like Peter Pan’s Flight and Under the Sea-Journey of the Little Mermaid.

Gets motion sick

While on Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, the ride captured an ugly photo of him screaming during the big drop and you refuse to delete it, despite his protests.

Turns collecting and trading pins with the cast members into a literal auction. Manages to get a bunch of rare and exclusive pins

Blushes furiously when taking pictures with any of the Disney princesses

Nearly passes out from exhaustion by the time you guys make it to your hotel. He’s never walked so much in his entire life

Kalim Al-Asim

World’s biggest Disney Kid

You guys probably stay at one of the top resorts right by the park, so you get there right as it opens.

Offered to buy out the entire park but you vehemently opposed.

Loves Adventureland. The flying carpet ride is his favorite

You practically have to keep a tight leash on him or else he’ll run off without you

Very much spends money carelessly in the gift shop. He wants to get a souvenir for EVERYONE he knows and whatever you want he will get without hesitation

Buys several pairs of ears and depending on where you’re at in the park, he rotates them out to be able to wear each one.

Enjoys taking pictures with all the characters. His autograph book is basically filled by the end of the day

Gets you two basically VIP seats to the firework show at the end of the night. You have the perfect view

Vil Scheonheit

Wears matching couple Disney shirts

Is overly prepared: sunblock, check. Water bottles, check. Snacks, check. Umbrella, check. Rain poncho, check. Anything else you could possible need, he has it in his bag

Takes the world’s best photos of Cinderella’s castle. How he managed to do that with so many people is a mystery. (He doesn’t post anything until after you leave to avoid fans)

The rides sometimes take photos of the guests during them. Every photo Vil looks flawless while they manage to catch you screaming or not paying attention. It’s infuriating

Honestly, Vil cares more about taking pictures with the characters than getting on any actual rides, but you do a nice mix of both.

People lowkey mistake him as a prince or someone as part of the cast that they can get an autograph from

Refuses to get on any water rides or rides on water as he’s worried it would ruin his hair and makeup

During the fireworks show, pulls you in close to kiss you in front of the castle. Props to one of the photographers who happens to catch that magical moment on camera

Idia Shroud

Did not want to go at first. Only goes because Ortho really wants to. The three of you wear matching shirts

Hates the crowds. Like, a lot

Obsessed with Tomorrowland. You have to literally drag him to other parts of the park. Otherwise he’d stay there all day

Space Mountain is his favorite ride.

During Monster’s Inc Laugh Floor, he gets picked out in the audience during the skit, the spotlight shining on him. Nearly dies then and there

Buys a bunch of the munchkins surprise boxes and is trying to collect the entire set

Also the type to buy fast passes. Or he hacks into the system to code your cards to have infinite passes. Waiting in line? Never.

Secretly knows all the lyrics to most Disney movies. You catch him singing along during the parade

Though his social battery is damn near dead by the end of the night, he toughed it out because of how happy it made you and Ortho

Malleus Draconia

It’s his first time at Disney too. You get him a first time visitor button from the guest services desk, which he is very giddy about

Lilia and the others tag along, but Lilia makes sure that Sebek isn’t breathing down Malleus’s neck so that he and you can actually enjoy the park

The Haunted Mansion was his favorite ride. He loves the dark ambiance of it. He makes you all ride it at least 3 times.

Mickey ears don’t fit quite right around his horns, but you make it work

Likely believes that the princesses are actual princesses of different neighboring kingdoms and you don’t have the heart to correct him

Also doesn’t really understand that the characters, like Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck are people in costumes

When you can’t see the parade well, he lifts you up with ease.

Is amazed by the fact that there’s ice cream shaped like Mickey Mouse

Gets you a reservation at Cinderella’s Royal Table. The dinner is like a fairy tale, with character appearances and fine dining. You guys have the perfect view from your table to watch the fireworks

[annaphoenix1994]

Acts of Service Headcanons

Masterlist:

How I would assume Simon shows his love for you.

Tags: Domestic Simon/Soft Simon/Implied Smut/Fluff

Simon has always been rough around the edges, but that doesn’t mean he can’t show how he feels for you through acts of service as he has always been bad with expressing his emotions through words.

He gets you flowers for no reason at all.

He brings you lunch when you’re working a long shift at work, even when you’ve already packed your lunch.

He knows you’d prefer take-out sometimes anyway, especially if you’ve been having a stressful day.

When driving, he likes to hold your hand and fidget with your fingers, giving your ring finger more attention than the rest, rubbing the area where a ring would be.

One day, he thought.

Even though he had been looking at rings every chance he got, not liking any of the ones on display as he thought you wouldn’t like it as you weren’t one for extravagant taste. You were simple.

Hell, he could get you a ring from Claire’s and you’d wear it proudly.

When watching a movie or his favorite show. He likes it when your legs are propped up on his lap so he can massage your feet and calves.

While deployed, he would find the time to send you a loving email or paper letter - depending on where he was.

He keeps a photo of you in his wallet as well as in his uniform - one of them being of the two of you in his breast pocket of his uniform, reminding him with every glance that he had everything he ever wanted.

You brought out the best in him.

However, he kept the photo in the barracks if he knew he was about to go on a recon mission, afraid that the enemy would find it and target you.

When in the bedroom, he puts your pleasure before his own.

He lets you take the lead in foreplay, loving every bit of it. But when you tell him with your body language that you want him in control, he doesn’t hold back.

When sleeping, he’s either the big spoon or on his back while you’re snuggled to his chest.

He never lets you sleep where you’re between him and the door.

There’s no way in Hell.

No matter where you’re at - whether it be at home, a hotel, or a relative, he’s always between you and a point of entry.

In public places, his hand is always on the small of your back, keeping you in front of him as most enemy’s attack from behind.

If you’re at a store and stop to look at an item on the shelf, he stops walking and waits for you to finish, not wanting to put major distance between the pair of you.

He was a bit clingy sometimes, but you understood why. In fact, you embraced it as you haven’t been used to it before.

He wished you could be as clingy as he would, but he knew you always tried to give him his space when he needs it.

On the days that you’re working and he’s off-duty, you text him when you make it to work and when you’re leaving, knowing it gives him reassurance that you’re okay.

Although he checks in every hour or two to check on you and if you’ve eaten your lunch yet.

Speaking of reassurance, you never have to ask for it. He knows when you feel uneasy about something. Whether it being your social anxiety, sensory overload, or frustration from a work day, he was always there to help your mental stability.

When out with your friends, both yours and his, it’s always a group affair. Soap would bring his spouse as well as Price and Gaz. It helped Simon’s social anxiety a lot as he knew his team was there, but it didn’t stop him from keeping himself between you and the point of entry.

[oldschoolvpq]

Hi!! I’m a big tama collector (I’m also lazy so I haven’t gotten around to documenting them online lol) and I’m going to Japan in April, Tokyo/Chiba area. Where can I go to buy tamas? Are there places I could go for old/used ones? Thanks!

You're not lazy for not posting them online! There's more than one way to enjoy a collection :)

Now, to answer your question about Tokyo Tama-shopping...

To get the most recent Tamagotchi (currently the Smart), you'll want to hit a toy specialty or electronics shop, specifically:

Kiddy Land in Harajuku/Omotesando

Hakuhinkan Toy Park in Ginza

Yodobashi Camera (multiple branches: Akihabara, Shinjuku, Yokohama are my personal recommendations)

Bic Camera (multiple branches)

Toys R Us in Sunshine City Ikebukuro, Odaiba, or your local Aeon shopping mall

I want to stress that you only really need to hit one of these shops...they will all have basically the same product selection (stock not permitting). Aside from Toys R Us I'm fairly confident these retailers offer tax-free sales for international visitors, so bring your passport!

But, you say, I want classic Tamas! (Don't we all!) I will say these are trickier to find, as most sales are online via Mercari and Yahoo Auctions. As these are individual sellers I don't recommend trying to time an order to ship to your hotel! So where can you go instead?

Robot Robot+ inside Akihabara Radio Kaikan: P1, P2, Morino, Angel, sometimes Umino, Osutchi/Mesutchi, some Digimon. Premium pricing.

Nakano Broadway: The ultimate treasure hunt. There used to be a shop right across from Mandarake's manga shop on the first floor that had Osutchi /Mesutchi, but I don't know if it survived the pandemic. Individual showcases and a 90s themed branch on one of the higher levels is probably your best shot. Absolutely not guaranteed though!

Hard Off, Hobby Off: Usually in suburbs or more rural areas. Check the toy and video game sections...but the probability of finding a VPet is any kind is extremely low!

Hope that helps! Safe travels and happy hunting!!

[airanddust]

Eight days in Tokyo

After three years we finally made it to Japan. Back in 2020, Robert and I originally planned to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, and then you-know-what came along. Fast-forward to this year, when, while checking my airline miles, I found I had enough to book us (awful, but virtually free) roundtrip economy tickets for an eight-day trip to Tokyo—so we went for it in mid-September.

Note to self: wait until REAL autumn to go to Japan. I’m pretty sure I got heat exhaustion during our trip. The humidity was suffocating and made the real temp feel like 99º F and was severely tiring. 

Where we stayed

We stayed at the Dormy Inn Korakuen in Bunkyo City, right by the Tokyo Dome. It was reasonably priced in a quiet part of town. They sold me on the amenities, which included an onsite onsen—accompanied by a yogurt drink in the morning or ice cream bar at night—along with free ramen in the evenings, a massage chair (which we discovered far too late), and an extensive manga library.

We got a double room, and while I was preparing for it to be incredibly tiny based on what I’d heard about Japan hotel rooms, it wasn’t quite as small as I expected and held all our things with room for us to still move around. 

What we planned

Months ago we started compiling a Google map of all the places we wanted to go, made a reservation at a mini pig cafe, and bought a three-attraction pass using Klook primarily to visit Tokyo DisneySea. (There is apparently no other way for foreign tourists to get Disney tickets unless you have a Japan mailing address.) We later added the Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise and TeamLab Planets, which meant we had four scheduled events and were free to explore the rest of the time. 

What we did

Day 1: travel day

From Narita airport we took the Skyliner to connect to another train to our hotel, which took over an hour and a half, but actually longer than that overall because the ticketing was confusing and we were jet lagged.

Finally we figured out we needed both a Suica card (which you can use on almost every train) and a dedicated Skyliner ticket to get to Tokyo proper. From there we used Google Maps, our most trusted ally, to navigate to Bunkyo City.

The trains in Japan are clean and efficient and most stations play cheery recordings of bird songs. People line up in orderly fashion to board. The thing that most stood out to me, being from Seattle, is that there was not a hint of urine in any of the station elevators or hallways. Every place we went felt safe even at night. The trains seemingly go everywhere in the city and they’re easy to use with Google Maps, which even tells you which car to board for the best transfer. 10/10.

Day 2: Bunkyo City, Toshima City, and Harajuku

We got breakfast at 7-Eleven, which carries all manner of food and drink and even blenders to make your smoothie and a microwave to heat up whatever food you bought. We accidentally ate in without telling the cashier. (Turns out you pay 10 percent tax to dine in vs 8 percent to take out, which we didn’t realize because the sign was in Japanese in the back of the seating area.) In addition to food, konbini stores like 7-Eleven also have fax machines, ATMs, and the ability to replenish your Suica card, which is something we did a lot. 

After our 7-Eleven experience we explored the manic overwhelm that is the 24-hour mega-mart Don Quixote, grabbed some pastries at BOU’LANGE, and walked around Koishikawa Korakuen garden to take pictures. 

We rode the train north to the Sunshine City Mall where we hit the Pokémon Center and Gashapon Ikebukuro, the world’s largest capsule toy store.

We noticed a bunch of teenagers crowding around the mall’s central atrium and found out it was because a K-pop band called CIX was about to perform. We were going to stick around to see how it went until we found out there was an aquarium on the roof (?!?) and went there instead. We saw rare Baikal seals, which are the only mammals that live in Russia’s Lake Baikal, the deepest body of water in the world, along with river otters, penguins, pelicans, sharks, and a bunch of other fish. 

That night we had a reservation at MiPig Cafe Harajuku where we got to hang out with baby pigs for about 40 minutes. (We booked an hour, but their system is such that you spend about half an hour sitting on the floor, then the rest of the time getting up to leave and checking out.)

One little pig fell asleep on me before another one came over to bully him off my lap. The staff explained many of the pigs are siblings, and there are lots of rivalries. Sure enough, we saw the same pigs start fights multiple times while we were there. It was adorable but also left me wondering what happens to the pigs after they grow up…? Maybe I shouldn’t think about that.

Day 3: Yokohama

We took the world’s longest train ride (only slightly exaggerating) to Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, which is kind of like a distributed theme park on an island about an hour and a half outside the city. 

We saw a SeaWorld-style show with beluga whales and dolphins and wandered labyrinthine hallways of aquariums. I rode a dinky little roller coaster called Surf Leviathan while Robert went to the Umi Farm, where he caught a sea bream they then cooked and served him. 

A dolphin at the up-close-and-personal FUREAI Lagoon chucked a basketball to me—I was so surprised—and after I threw it back, he chose Robert next and then continued down the line of people standing along the wall. 

We had yakiniku at Satsuki in Bunkyo City that night, up three flights of tiny stairs in a cramped building that was very cozy. 

Day 4: Shibuya + Ginza

We headed over to Shibuya and popped out of the subway right into a festival at Shibuya Crossing, then traversed the famous crossing for ourselves. 

We made our way to Flipper’s for soufflé pancakes (well worth the hourlong wait) before nearly sweating to death walking through Yoyogi Park to Meiji Jingu, a shrine where we accidentally crashed not one but two weddings. At this point it was so hot I didn’t think I could make it to the next train station. The humidity was demoralizing. 

We hit up Ginza next and walked around what felt like a never-ending indoor mall, then got custom-printed drinks at Nissan Crossing. I got the chocolate latte and Robert ordered the lemonade and both were delicious. 

The flagship Muji store had been on our list for a while and we were excited to check out all seven floors (plus hotel and food?!?) but it turned out three floors were closed for renovation, so we didn’t get to witness all of the store’s glory. Probably for the best because we ended up bringing home an extra suitcase of souvenirs anyway. Instead we got in line at Tsuru TonTan Udon Noodle Brasserie for dinner, which took over an hour. The udon was decent but I probably wouldn’t return. 

Day 5: Tokyo DisneySea

We went to Tokyo DisneySea, which we thought would be less crowded on a Monday than a weekend, but it was so busy I can’t imagine how bad it would have been on a weekend. It was also so hot there were announcements about taking breaks and drinking water, which I’ve never heard at a theme park before, even having grown up in Florida. At one point I couldn’t even muster up the energy to move across a sunny walkway—I had to stop and sit for a few minutes before my body would let me go on. 

Many hours were spent in line for Indiana Jones, Journey to the Center of the Earth, and 20,000 Leagues of the Sea, and our feet paid the price. I’m not a huge fan of Disney rides—I appreciate the theming, but the thrill level isn’t there for me—so I don’t think they were worth waits of that length, but I’m still glad I rode them since these rides are Tokyo-specific. I heard someone compare Tokyo DisneySea to Universal and it did feel more like that than a typical Disney park. The seaside theming and landscaping is really on point. 

Day 6: Akihabara + Ueno

On Tuesday we explored Akihabara and Ueno, where I’m pretty sure I got heat exhaustion because I was tired and confused and barely able to finish sentences. After taking a break I was ready to give it another shot. Ueno is stuffed with signs, shops, souvenirs, and shrines, and was probably the biggest sensory overload of the trip for me. 

We stopped at Pastel Caffe for honey toast and a caramelized banana parfait that revitalized me for our self-guided tour of Ueno Park and the Shinobazunoike Benten-do temple, where a lady randomly approached us and proceeded to, uh, bless us?

After being…blessed?…we went to Monster Hunter Cafe, which Robert had been wanting to check out after a renewed interest in their mobile game. The city’s many vending machines already had me hooked on strawberry milk but Monster Hunter’s version took it to another level (or maybe it was the heat exhaustion 😅). 

Ueno boasts a great many souvenir stalls and brightly lit claw game shops, where Robert won an Oshi No Ko stuffed character. He also ran into a guy from the States who asked for a picture together since they were both wearing LA Rams gear. 

Day 7: Ginza + Bunkyo City + TeamLab Planets

On our last full day, we got reservations at the six-seat Michelin-starred ramen shop Chukasoba Ginza Hachigou (h/t Koes!). You line up at nine a.m. to get tickets for a timed entry, then return at the time they assign you. While we waited for our slot we ventured over to Roar Coffeehouse; Ginza’s Pokemon Center; a shopping mall; and Ginza Petit Custa. When we returned to Chukasoba, we were served the chef-recommended "ravioli" ramen we'd ordered earlier. I'm no food expert but the ramen was pretty dang good. 

With souvenirs piling up (cough Pokemon Center cough) we needed a suitcase to take back home, so we went by Ginza Karen (which, to my disappointment, was not staffed entirely by Karens), apparently a well-known luggage store. We settled on a Japanese-made bright yellow roller bag. 

That night I wanted to ride the Thunder Dolphin coaster that was basically across the street from our hotel, but, true to its name, it was closed due to thunderstorms so instead we went up to the neighboring Bunkyo Civic Center observatory (for free!) to take in nearly-360-degree views of the city. 

We shopped for some more souvenirs and Japan-specific skincare products at good ol’ Don Quixote before grabbing the abalone course at Grow in Bunkyo City, which was delicious. I wish we’d had time to finish the entire course but, alas, we had to miss the garlic rice and dessert because otherwise we’d have been late for our TeamLab Planets reservation. 

Speaking of TeamLab Planets, I wasn’t sure what to expect because reviews were mixed, but it was a fun experience. It bills itself as an interactive art museum, and most of the exhibits offer completely unique experiences that will never be recreated. In the koi room you wade through knee-deep water while virtual fish swim around you in real-time projections that are based on your movement and the amount of people in the room. Our favorite was the flowers in space projection, another unique exhibit where it feels like you’re floating through a universe of flowers and butterflies.

Our last stop was Lawson’s for plane snacks and a final serving of strawberry milk, because I’m addicted and convenience stores back home are trash compared to Japan’s.

Day 8: back to the States

Our flight home from Haneda was delayed because…drumroll, please��the captain forgot his ID in his hotel room back in Tokyo. Our completely full plane waited on the tarmac for over an hour as some hapless soul fought traffic to retrieve the captain’s passport before we were allowed to leave. I guess on the bright side, the timing meant we got to see a Pokémon-themed plane as we taxied off, so there’s that.

Tokyo was a feast for the senses and I can’t wait to go back and explore more of Japan (although first I need to learn more than two Japanese words). I already miss the convenience stores, vending machines, trains, and bathrooms—seriously, they’re next level.

Random observations

Generally, walk on the left side of the sidewalk/escalator/etc

DOWNLOAD GOOGLE TRANSLATE! I mean, unless you are fluent in Japanese…

Don’t go in the summer unless you want to get heat stroke

Despite the heat, people mostly wear pants, dresses, and skirts, and everyone dresses much more formally than they do in the States (particularly in Seattle)

Almost no one wears sunglasses—I saw maybe three other people wearing them the whole time, and one of them was a tourist

There’s no tipping in Japan, but there is a two percent tax difference between dining in and taking away

You can apparently only pay cash to reload your Suica card…? Or at least, that was our only option

No one locks up their bikes—it was a shock to see dozens of bikes just sitting around freely, because bike theft apparently isn’t a thing there

There are actual telephone booths around the city

[taxisaddlestone]

Star Cars Addlestone

The hotel is a great option because of its shuttle service and its access to Chertsey Airport. The town of Auddlestone in the Middle Country is home to your transportation business. We have customers all around the country. Keep an eye out for a great deal when you're close to Auddlestone. I feel obliged to brag about our products because they are so user-friendly. taxi near me We are pleased to compare our services to those of our competitors so that you may make an informed and economical choice. Dependable services are our top priority. The Weybridge website may be the last place someone looking for a reliable airport shuttle service should check. If you're lucky, you may occasionally spot one of these around here. For a long time, residents of Weybridge, Auddlestone, and the neighboring regions have had access to the Gatwick-Heathrow shuttle service. Our community will always support us if we implement this plan. The residents can now also use our services. At Heathrow and Gatwick, our one-way rates start at 32 and 50 GBP, respectively. Both of these things are already included in our vacation package. These may appeal to consumers more than more conventional forms of transportation. Do not hesitate to contact Express Taxis at any time of day or night if you have any queries or concerns. We shall remain resolute no matter what challenges we face. Our services will be unmatched, so you can relax.

minicabs

Star Cars is the only place to go when you need a taxi in Addlestone. Customers are more likely to be happy overall when they receive outstanding service. Airport Express Minicabs is one of the most well-known and established taxi services. Their goods stand out for their exceptional quality, durability, and performance. Anyone can now use this company's taxi service in the Auddlestone area. transportation services, such as hiring drivers to come and go from customers. Its consistency, speed, and dependability make it stand out. Our organization also offers greeting and meeting services. These are just a few examples of the many services we offer. We are pleased to provide free accommodations for those that are running late. I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the letter. I sincerely appreciate all of your help. To be honest, I have no idea. When individuals arrive late, everything goes wrong. Despite having beautiful exteriors, many cars have terrible interiors. The drivers' dependability, availability, friendliness, regional knowledge, and capacity to delight clients are all attested to by their consistently good reviews. Since we may adjust your reservation to suit your needs, we are sure we can live up to your expectations. By working together, we were able to reduce the resources required to address your difficulties, saving you time and money. You seem open to taking into account different points of view. The call is yours to make. You can now decide which of the two strategies works best for you. Simply select one of the two options provided. Addlestone Taxi Is it simpler today than it was at the beginning? You have to respond to that question. A growing number of people are using their cell phones to hail cabs. This couldn't have happened at a better moment. Our first-rate airport shuttle service is available to businesses of all sizes. My idea is a fantastic method to express things without coming across as frightening. Walton on Thames is also at risk because of its crowded population. It's easy to hail a minicab with Airport Express Minicabs' online booking and pricing system. It can be utilized on any device and is always available. Please give us a call if you ever require a trustworthy taxi service. Many of the residents are people we know personally. Online appointment scheduling is simple with their help. We are quite proud of the constantly high ratings that our cars get from consumers. If we were more adept at recycling energy, we might be able to greatly improve our energy efficiency. Please feel free to email us if you require any additional help. Give 01932 301 600 a ring to talk to a helpful agent. We would be immensely thankful if you could help us. From drivers to experts, everyone is eager to assist you. Contacting us is a good idea at any time. We accept American Express and all other major credit cards around-the-clock. It can be used with any major credit or debit card. You have access to numerous payment options. You seem to have no trouble sharing and understanding the hardships of others. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require assistance at any time. Once we have more information about your company, we will think about setting up a personalized account. Please know how much I value your assistance in advance. Please use our online contact form if you need help setting up an appointment or if you have any other questions, complaints, or issues. Your unwavering trust in our transportation services is much appreciated. Our excellent fleet is available 24/7 for any of your transportation requirements.

Cabs

However, Addlestone provides much more than just mobility. You can choose from a number of different taxi services. There are numerous taxi services available in Addlestone. Heathrow, Luton, and Gatwick are among the nearby airports that Addlestone taxis frequently service. At the Chesty, Chertsey and Weybridge Business Park stations, you can always rely on a reliable and reasonably priced taxi. Numerous taxi services are available here.

Please get in touch with us as soon as possible to schedule a taxi to take you from Weybridge to Heathrow or Gatwick Airport.

[elsie--young]

Visit San Francisco on a Budget: A Traveler’s Guide to Saving Money in the Bay Area!

San Francisco is a city that has always been on my travel list. Known for its steep hills, iconic Golden Gate Bridge, and unique neighborhoods, the city offers something for everyone. But let's be real—San Francisco can be expensive. As a budget traveler, I was determined to explore this beautiful city without breaking the bank. Here’s how I managed to visit San Francisco on a budget.

Problem: The High Costs of Visiting San Francisco

When I first started planning my trip, I quickly realized that San Francisco is known for its high prices. From the cost of accommodations to meals and attractions, everything seemed expensive. I didn’t want to compromise on experiencing the best of the city, but I also didn’t want to spend a fortune. I needed to find a way to enjoy San Francisco without burning a hole in my pocket.

Agitation: The Fear of Missing Out on Experiences

I knew that if I didn’t plan properly, I could miss out on some of the best experiences San Francisco had to offer. The thought of skipping the cable car rides or not walking across the Golden Gate Bridge because of costs made me anxious. I didn’t want my budget constraints to turn into a missed opportunity. I wanted to explore the city fully and have an authentic experience, all while keeping my expenses in check.

Solution: Affordable Ways to Explore San Francisco

Here’s how I managed to enjoy my trip and visit San Francisco on a budget:

1. Public Transportation and Walking: San Francisco’s public transportation system is extensive and affordable. I bought a Muni Passport for unlimited rides on buses, trams, and the famous cable cars. For $23, I had a one-day passport that let me explore the entire city. I also found that walking was a great way to see the neighborhoods up close, from the colorful streets of the Mission District to the bustling activity at Fisherman’s Wharf.

2. Free Attractions: There are plenty of free things to do in San Francisco. I started my day with a stroll along the Embarcadero, taking in views of the Bay Bridge. Then I walked up the famous Lombard Street, known as the “crookedest street in the world.” Visiting Chinatown was another highlight—it’s one of the oldest and most vibrant Chinatowns in the U.S. I didn’t spend a dime, and yet these were some of the most memorable parts of my trip.

3. Affordable Eats: San Francisco is famous for its food, but dining out can get pricey. I found affordable options by eating at local food trucks and small eateries. The food trucks at Off the Grid events were a particular favorite, where I sampled everything from tacos to dim sum without spending more than $10 per meal. I also discovered that many bakeries in the city offer “happy hour” prices on their pastries in the late afternoon.

4. Budget-Friendly Accommodations: Instead of staying in a hotel, I opted for a hostel in the city center. It was not only affordable but also a great way to meet fellow travelers. Another tip: book your stay well in advance. This can save you a significant amount on accommodation costs. I also considered staying in nearby cities like Oakland or Berkeley, where prices are generally lower.

5. Discount Passes: I bought a CityPASS, which provided entry to popular attractions like the California Academy of Sciences and a bay cruise for $76. This saved me nearly 50% compared to buying tickets separately.

Conclusion: Enjoying San Francisco Without Overspending

By using public transportation, seeking out free attractions, eating smart, and staying in budget-friendly accommodations, I was able to visit San Francisco on a budget. The city’s charm, history, and unique neighborhoods didn’t cost a fortune to explore. With a bit of planning, you too can enjoy all that San Francisco has to offer without breaking the bank. So, if you’re thinking about how to visit San Francisco on a budget, know that it’s entirely possible to have a memorable experience without overspending.

[jimmytaxiservice]

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1. Reliability and Punctuality

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2. Professional Drivers

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3. 24/7 Availability

No matter what time your flight lands or departs, JFK Airport Taxi Service is available around the clock. Our 24/7 service guarantees that you have transportation whenever you need it.

4. Flat Rate Pricing

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5. Comfortable and Clean Vehicles

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6. Convenient Booking Options

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Choosing JFK Airport Taxi Service ensures a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. With our commitment to reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction, you can rest assured that your transportation needs are in good hands. Book your ride today and experience the best in airport taxi service.

[dreamsinfiction]

April 2024 recap (aka the month my social battery was truly spent)

Lol am already two months behind my recaps haha. It's okay, as long as it gets done, it's okay~

Highlights of April:

a. Got a better-than-expected PB 🥹 - Alhamdulillah! Honestly thought I was gonna get an average or get thrown under the bus with a lower than average PB since I already posted out of my previous dept. But yes, thankfully my efforts over the past year was (rightfully) recognised (because I was thrown a lot of shit in my last couple of months there hahaha)

b. Dad's birthday and impromptu Raya shopping - Brought the family to The White Label (before they closed the North Bridge Road outlet and reopened back at a Bugis hotel) for my dad's birthday and it was really nice seeing everyone enjoy a good meal out since it's so rare. TWL's food is really the best and the food didn't disappoint. The night also turned out to be an impromptu Raya shopping for the parents cos I convinced them to get matching baju with me and my sister. Getting older, it does make me feel warm inside when I was able to buy them the clothes that they want without worrying about the prices. Alhamdulillah for the little things truly.

The food was next level amazing gah.

c. Signed up for volunteering - This year I wanted to do more for the community and thought Ramadan was a good place to start. I did sign up with a volunteering organisation but I think it was oversubscribed and I didn't end up getting picked 😔. Need to be more intentional next year; maybe signing up with a smaller organisation will help my chances. If anyone knows of any lobang to volunteer for a meaningful cause, please let me know!

d. Raya! - This Raya was more meaningful for my family because my dad semi-reconciled with his siblings. It'll be too long to get into the reasons why they were fighting here but I'm just happy to see everyone trying to make nice as they get older. I guess it also helped that they have a common foe (maybe too strong a word but I can't wordsmith it right now) in my grandma and her very stubborn/toxic ways. They banded together and tried to manage her situation right. I really enjoyed visiting everyone and seeing how they're growing up (even though it's at the costs of my limited social battery hahaha)

Featuring a vary manja cat at Nek Muda's house heh.

e. Meeting up with Aunty Eny - Aunty Eny was here for Raya! And also for some medical check ups for Uncle Jim in the area. Even though we've not met up in a while (think the last time was early 2023) it still felt so easy and peaceful to chat and catch up. She also recently opened up a cafe back home in Glasgow so now my mom, sister and me are itching to go back and visit heh (summer 2025?😛)

f. IU in Singapore - OMG fangirl dream came trueeeee. I actually went to the concert alone (not a big deal for me, in fact I loved it more cos I could truly appreciate her music and bop along) in my baju kurung cos I came straight after visiting my cousin for Raya hahahaha. Also my seat was amazing like it was very near to the stage and I barely need to zoom for my videos. IU is amazing live - she's the same age as me but I don't know how she has the stamina to sing and perform for 3 hours straight with 2 encores?? K-pop concerts are putting Western concerts to shame hahaha. During the second encore, she straight up just asked the audience what song we wanted her to perform and she just sang it (to the horror of her live band quickly flipping thru their scores lol). Love it. Ngl, I did tear listening to her ballads which are my fave (Love Wins All, Through the Night)

g. Work stuff - Volunteered to do some extra CCAs! One was organising the monthly divisional meeting for the next quarter (Apr-Jun) + the quarterly HLS/teambonding activity. Doing it with Farah and I think our combination is the best - she comes with the wacky ideas and extroverted self while I help to rationalise everything/tone it down when needed and do the backstage stuff haha. I also volunteered to help out with the Volunteer Festival happening in July! Thought it would be good to have some brownie points on my appraisal this year and it seemed quite straightforward in terms of stakeholder management, ground ops, plus the location I volunteered for will be at Lot One hehe.

Phew my April was super packed; how did I even go through all that and come out in one piece lol. Till the next recap! Which should be quite soon since I'm so far behind in writing them down hahaha.

[applepisimmer]

A few more tips from the East coast

-FILL UP YOUR GAS TANK!!!!! It can be difficult to get gas after a storm because of increased demand and gas stations losing power or flooding. This can cause a spike in prices too, and I know y'all already pay too much for that...

-If you live next to the water or in a low-lying area, move your important belongings to the second floor. Consider staying in a hotel or with a friend on higher land. Take important documents with you or make sure they're protected from water damage.

-Avoid walking or swimming in flood waters. If you must, wear boots and jeans or some other durable items and wash yourself with clean water afterwards. Flood waters can contain chemicals, sharp objects, and other dangers you CAN'T SEE.

-Bottled water, bottled water, bottled water. Stock up on it.

-Break out the board games, books, magazines, etc! Even if you still have power, it's best to leave your devices to charge and occupy yourself with something else.

-CHECK YOUR FLASHLIGHTS BEFOREHAND! You don't want to reach for a flashlight and find out the batteries are dead... Nor do you want to waste your phone battery.

-If you have portable phone/device chargers, charge them.

-Surge protectors are smart, but make sure it's okay to use them with the device. Air purifiers, portable ac units, and other large devices may not be okay to use with a surge protector. If you're not a masochist, plug your computer into a surge protector.

-Stay inside. It's tempting to go out when the storm looks calmer, but conditions can change quickly!

-If you must leave your home, take important documents with you!! Make sure you know where they are beforehand so you can grab them quickly.

IF YOU LOSE POWER

-If your powerlines are above ground, it's very likely you'll lose power.

-If you need something from the fridge or freezer, grab it quickly.

-If you have bags of ice and coolers, you can move refrigerated items to a cooler after a few hours (before the ice melts). It's probably best to throw out dairy and meat though.

-Report it to your power company if possible, then sit and wait. Now is a great time to read that book you've been meaning to get to.

AFTER THE STORM

-If you don't have experience using a generator or you aren't certain it's safe to use one with your home, just don't. And no, watching a youtube video does not count as experience. After every big storm, there's always a few idiots that get seriously injured or killed because they didn't know what they were doing. Someone usually blows up their whole damn house too. Don't be like them. Emergency services are busy enough without you blowing yourself up...

-Speaking of emergency services... don't bother them unless it's ACTUALLY AN EMERGENCY. Especially right after the storm. This is not the time to call them with noise complaints...

-Heat after hurricanes and tropical storms can be just as dangerous as the storm, especially if you don't have power. Open your windows to encourage air flow. Drink lots of water. Put a wet cloth on your head/back of your neck/back. Use a battery powered fan. Close your blinds during the day to keep the sun out. Open your windows during the cooler hours of the night and morning. Take more breaks during physical activity. Use paper fans.

-If you can't fit all of your cars in your garage, consider leaving the extras in a parking garage on the second or third floor. Small flying debris could still damage them, but they'll be safer from falling trees, flooding, flying trashcans, etc. Yes... trashcans can fly....

-If you have elderly neighbors or elderly family in the area, check on them as soon as it's safe to do so. If your elderly family member is willing (especially if lives alone, is physically impaired, has dementia), have them stay at your place during the storm.

California doesn't get many hurricanes, which means the infrastructure isn't built with them in mind and the city officials and companies aren't as equipped to deal with them. Be patient.

HEY CALIFORNIA PEOPLE!

HURRICANE ADVICE FROM A FLORIDIAN!

Make sure you've got shelf-stable food and water for everyone in the house, including pets. The rule of thumb is a gallon per person per day. Freeze water bottles if you want cold water.

Make sure you have enough meds!

Make sure you have batteries, candles, flashlights, and a manual can opener. 

Make sure your electronics, including backup batteries, are charged. Unplug things you don't want fried in case of a power surge. 

Don't tape your windows, it doesn't help and you'll just be stuck scrubbing goo off of them later.

Put a mug of frozen water in it in your freezer with a quarter on top of it. If your freezer defrosts, the ice will melt and the quarter will sink and tell you you need to throw things out.

Get everything that's not nailed to a foundation out of your yard. That dead branch hanging on by a thread? Time to get it down (it was probably time to do that three days ago, but now’s better than never).

Park away from powerlines and trees if you can. Rain makes the ground soft and then trees fall over.

Have an evacuation plan to a shelter. Evacuate if they’re telling you to.

If you start to flood, don't go in your attic. You'll get trapped if the water rises too high and you can't hack through your roof. This happened to a lot of people in Texas and Louisiana. Get ON the roof.

Be safe, be well <3 

[vietnamexcursions-blog]

Halong city, Hon Gai and Bai Chay, useful informatioin for visitors

Cruise Halong bay. A bridge divides Halong city into 2 areas in terms of price and culture. Visitors should note and avoid booking in the wrong area and have to call a taxi up to 10km away. I will summarize so everyone knows how to choose the hotel that suits your needs.

Halong city is composed of 2 main areas:

Bai Chay: tourist area Accommodation: Concentrating many high-end 5-star hotels such as Sun Feira, Muong Thanh, Hotel Soleil Halong by Wyndham, Oakwood Ha Long, A La Carte Halong Bay Hotel & Residence, The Watson Premium Halong Hotel, Citadines Marina Halong, Sea Stars, Yacht… considered the top of the best hotels in Ha Long. Places to visit:

Sunworld (Dragon Park, Water Park, Queen Cable Car - 3 separate areas)

Halong international cruise port

Sun Group's 3km long beach right behind Sunworld amusement park

The old town front of Sunworld, also known as the old town night market

Water music area, Sun square - water music only opens in the evenings, usually on weekends at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. for 15 minutes each performance.

Sun Square dining area with more than 100 stalls full of regional specialties and games with prizes at very good and reasonable prices. Entrance free.

Bim Group's Marina Beach right at A La Carte is about 5-6km from Sunworld

Many places to take photos: Sun Square, Western Quarter, Mediterranean Quarter, Ceramic Wall…

Hon Gai: residential area, across the bridge Accommodation: FLC Golf & Resort, hotel with beautiful sea view is Sapphire Ha Long. Below is a row of expensive shop-houses. Prime location (6km from Sunworld), Paddington, Ramada… Places to visit:

Quang Ninh Museum, ticket price is only 20-50k, suitable for all ages

Check in to the Dolphin Palace, a wall to take photos

Check in the Gold-plated clock column

Check in to Bai Tho mountain for panorama view of the city

Check in Bai Chay Bridge (Halong's nocturnal chameleon)

Check in to the artificial beach at Cot 8, the new beach is very long and wide.

Walk along the beachfront where there are many luxury villas as well as many pubs and seafood restaurants at reasonable prices.

In addition, further to Tuan Chau island:

Thuc Canh Park with King Kong, Flying Lizards…

Tuan Chau Harbor: Place to visit the Bay and cruise overnight.

Tuan Chau Park: special dolphin performance

Source: https://cruise-halong-bay.com/blog/bai-chay-and-hon-gai-areas-of-halong-city.asp

[sandwich-inn-and-suites]

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

As a seasoned traveler, I know how important it is to find a hotel that meets your expectations and makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. A hotel can make or break your trip, so you want to choose wisely and avoid any regrets. But how do you find the perfect hotel for you? How do you compare the countless options and deals out there? How do you avoid falling for fake or outdated reviews? In this article, I will share with you some of my best tips on how to pick a good hotel that will make you feel at home away from home.

COMPARE DIFFERENT PLATFORMS

When you are planning a trip, you want to pick the best hotel for your budget and preferences. But how do you compare different platforms that offer hotel booking services? Here are some factors to consider:

USER REVIEWS

Some platforms have more user reviews than others, which can help you get a better sense of the quality and experience of the hotels. Look for platforms that have verified reviews and ratings from real travelers.

Price comparison: Some platforms allow you to compare prices from different sources, such as the hotel's own website, online travel agencies, or other platforms. This can help you find the best deal and save money on your booking.

Rewards and loyalty programs: Some platforms offer rewards and loyalty programs that can give you benefits such as discounts, free nights, or upgrades. If you travel frequently, you may want to choose a platform that rewards your loyalty and offers perks that suit your needs.

Filters and search options: Some platforms have more filters and search options than others, which can help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect hotel for you. For example, you may want to filter by location, amenities, star rating, or theme.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Some platforms have better customer service than others, which can make a difference if you encounter any issues or need to change or cancel your booking. Look for platforms that have 24/7 support, flexible policies, and helpful agents.

CONSIDER THE AMENITIES AND SERVICES

If you're looking for a hotel, you might want to check out what kind of perks and extras different platforms can hook you up with. Depending on how you like to travel and what you need, here are some things to look for:

Free breakfast: Who doesn't love a free meal? Some platforms will throw in a free breakfast with your hotel booking, which means you can start your day right and save some cash. Plus, you can try different foods and flavors, depending on where you're staying and what they serve.

Free Wi-Fi: Some platforms will give you free Wi-Fi access in your hotel room, which is awesome if you need to stay online and get things done. Or, you know, binge-watch your favorite shows, scroll through social media, or catch up on the news.

Free parking: Some platforms have got you covered with free parking spots for your hotel stay, which is super handy if you're driving or renting a car. You won't have to worry about paying extra or finding a place to park in busy areas.

Another thing to consider when comparing different platforms for choosing a hotel is the quality and quantity of reviews that they have. Reviews can give you a lot of insight into what to look for when booking a hotel, such as the cleanliness, comfort, service, location, and value. However, not all reviews are created equal. You should read reviews carefully and look for:

Recent reviews: Reviews that are older than a year may not reflect the current state of the hotel. Look for reviews that are recent and relevant to your travel dates.

Detailed reviews: Reviews that are vague or generic may not be very helpful. Look for reviews that provide specific details and examples of their experience.

Balanced reviews: Reviews that are too positive or too negative may be biased or exaggerated. Look for reviews that mention both the pros and cons of the hotel.

Verified reviews: Reviews that are verified by the platform or by other sources may be more trustworthy than reviews that are not. Look for reviews that have a verification badge or a confirmation number.

LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a hotel for your trip is the location and transportation. You want to make sure that the hotel is conveniently located near the places you want to visit, and that it has easy access to public transportation or other means of travel. Here are some tips on how to check the location and transportation of the hotel before you book it.

Use online maps and reviews to get a sense of the hotel's surroundings. You can see what attractions, restaurants, shops, and other amenities are nearby, and how far they are from the hotel. You can also read reviews from other travelers who have stayed at the hotel and see what they say about the location and transportation options.

Contact the hotel directly and ask about their shuttle service, parking, and taxi availability. Some hotels offer free or discounted shuttle service to and from the airport, train station, or other popular destinations. Others may have parking facilities for guests who drive or rent a car.

Compare the hotel's location and transportation with your travel itinerary and budget. Depending on your travel plans, you may want to choose a hotel that is close to the main attractions you want to see, or one that is more secluded and quiet. You may also want to consider how much you are willing to spend on transportation, and whether you prefer public transit, private car, or walking. You can use online tools or apps to calculate the travel time and cost between different locations.

"SANDWICH INN AND SUITES: YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME - UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES AWAIT!"

In your quest to find the perfect hotel that feels like your home away from home, look no further than Sandwich Inn and Suites. With our unparalleled commitment to guest satisfaction, we are dedicated to making your stay with us an unforgettable experience.

Comparing different platforms? Our glowing user reviews and verified ratings showcase the exceptional quality and service we provide. You'll be delighted to discover that our amenities and services go above and beyond, offering complimentary breakfast to start your day right and free Wi-Fi to keep you connected.

At Sandwich Inn and Suites, convenience is our priority. Enjoy the ease of free parking and shuttle service to nearby attractions, ensuring you maximize your time exploring the wonders of our location. And for those moments of relaxation, indulge in our spa and wellness facilities, a perfect retreat after a day of adventure.

Don't just take our word for it - our delighted guests have left detailed, balanced, and recent reviews that attest to the unparalleled comfort and hospitality we offer.

So, as you plan your next trip, trust Sandwich Inn and Suites to be your ultimate hotel destination. We eagerly await the opportunity to welcome you and provide you with the warm embrace of a true home away from home.

P: 508-888-0409  F: 508-848-0928

frontdesk@sandwichinnandsuites.com

Hotel Manager

owner@sandwichinnandsuites.com

[lindsaystravelblogs3]

Days 64-66 – Thursday-Saturday, 27-29 July Leaving Greece, on to Turkey.

Thursday

Another day, hiding inside out of the sun.  It was not quite as bad today, with temperatures in the mid- to high-thirties and promising only thirty tomorrow – we live in hope.

We went out in the afternoon, mainly to buy more water at the supermarket but we also wanted to have a walk through the Plaka.  A couple of our guides mentioned it as containing mainly upmarket and expensive stores, but it didn’t seem like that at all to me.  There were certainly a few name-brand stores that probably were expensive, but we never checked the prices.  But there were also plenty of smaller stores, selling all sorts of touristy things as well – cheaper clothing, souvenirs, fake jewellery, and so on.  We walked right to the end of the main street, to Hadrian’s Library, and along to a restaurant area at one end of the Flea Market, and back home via the street that passes our hotel. 

Both lunch and dinner were compiled from leftovers and other purchased food in our fridge, but we will probably have to eat at least one meal out tomorrow.

Friday

We went ‘shopping’ after breakfast today.  We needed one supermarket item and a just few things from the pharmacy – anti-inflammatories, Hydralite, Panadol, etc.  Nothing too complicated and we were home again in less than an hour.

I sorted and edited photos during the day as well as keeping an eye on the cricket scores.  We also had to pack ready to leave first thing in the morning.  We checked out of the hotel late in the afternoon, but retained the key so we could spend the night there.

We ate at the Korean restaurant just across the alley from our hotel – another excellent meal – but I left my hat there, on the floor against the wall beside the chair.  We realised it a few minutes later, but decided to try to recover it when we got back from our planned trip to watch the sunset.

We walked up to Syntagma Square to find a taxi to take us up to Lycabettus Hill – the highest point around Athens.  The first cab we approached said it would cost us twenty euros, which we thought a bit rich, so we tried the next guy who said it would be fifteen euros.  We agreed, still thinking it pretty expensive – and for comparison, it cost us six euros on the meter to come back down.  They really know how to rip the tourists off.

We were delivered to the bottom of the funicular that runs up the side of the Lycabettus mountain.  There were scores of people waiting to catch the funicular, with a long queue for tickets, and an even longer one waiting for the ride up.  We eventually arrived at the top with only another forty or fifty steps to climb to the viewing area.  It was packed with many hundreds of tourists (like us), all hogging the best spots to take photos as the sun went down.  We took a few photos and retired to a restaurant ready to buy a drink, but nobody came to take our order, so we just sat and took advantage of a short rest.  I went back up to take a few photos over people’s heads as the sun set and then we scurried down to catch the funicular down to where we waited for a cab, most of which were already booked.  We started getting into one as some other people got in from the other side, so we missed that one, but eventually found an empty one and returned to Syntagma Square in time for me to run down to the restaurant to reclaim my hat.  As soon as I walked in, the chef came running out, full of smiles, to present me very regally with my hat. We had a bit of a laugh together and then we went back across the road to our hotel and bed.

Saturday

I leapt out of bed with a cramp just as the alarm went off, so I was up and getting dressed within a minute.  We packed the last-minute things and took our bags down to Reception and had a quick breakfast – and by then, our cab was waiting at the door.  He was a great driver with very good English and he gave us quite a travel talk as we drove through the suburbs.  He also told us a lot about himself and his family ambitions and difficulties – a really pleasant guy and we enjoyed the almost an hour in the cab.

There were long queues in the airport – for check-in, Passport Control and Security but all went surprisingly quickly and we were seated (in the second back seat) before the official boarding time.  Alas, the flight was delayed for fifty minutes due to traffic issues, but at least it gave us time to do some reading.  I hadn’t read any of my e-books until a couple of days ago, but finished one yesterday and started a new one on the plane – and finished it (and started a third) two days later.

The Athens airport is a new one and is huge, so we had to walk a couple of kilometres before we reached the boarding gate – and the Turkish airport is a new one since we were here five years ago too.  It is also huge and we walked almost two kilometres there too.  I reckon the plane taxied for more than ten kilometres after landing and we then waited at least twenty minutes for an air-bridge.  Then it was more Passport Control, baggage collection and Security (most people didn’t go through Security, but we were ‘selected’) – at least it was a fairly and easy quick process.

We eventually cleared the airport and found the exit where we were to meet our driver.  That was also a process.  The driver’s company had a person at the exit who found us and told us to take a seat while he went out to get our driver.  He disappeared and after some time, another guy turned up and helped us convey our bags to a car in the parking lot a few hundred metres away - where our actual driver put our bags in the back and drove us to our hotel.  It took almost two hours because the weekend traffic in the city was horrendous – one or two cars got through each set of lights when we were lucky. Much of the time, the intersections were clogged and nobody moved at all.

We booked in at the And Hotel, one floor below the room we were in last time we were here.  It felt quite nostalgic.  We hadn’t had any lunch and it was about 4pm, so we strolled across to one of the places we ate at last time.  We ordered just enough to tide us over to dinnertime, but the serving was a lot more than we expected so we really weren’t so hungry when it was time to eat again.

We ate in the hotel restaurant and again, our meal was more than we could eat.  The restaurant is on the top floor with superb views across the city so I will post a few pics taken from there in due course.  I counted at least thirteen mosques visible from the restaurant – and I counted more than seventy on the way in from the airport.

[vickikowalewski]

Day 20 - June 11, 2023: Zermatt to Interlaken

I woke up early in the morning to an absolutely gorgeous day in Zermatt. Not a cloud in the sky. I wanted to do one last load of laundry for the trip and I wanted to get the clothes in at 7am when the washers opened before anyone else. The entire hostel is sharing one washer and dryer so it’s nearly impossible to get the machine, especially with so many families staying.

I threw my clothes in the washer and went down the the scenic viewpoint to catch some completely clear views of the Matterhorn. Not a cloud in the sky to obstruct it. Only problem was the sun wasn’t high enough in the sky to light up the valley yet for a good photo. It was still beautiful though.

I made an executive decision that I needed to do Matterhorn Glacier Paradise before I left. I considered trying to squeeze in a trip to Randa for the suspension bridge but I figured it would be too much. I ended up being completely right. I had breakfast, finished my laundry, packed up, and checked out. Luggage storage was limited but the lady at the front desk let me store my luggage in a locker in the ski room, which was just fine. Everything is unlocked for the most part in Switzerland so that’s very helpful with limited reception. It’s a very safe place and you need money to stay in Zermatt so people generally don’t care to steal anyways. I still lock up my items to be safe though.

By the time I made it out of the hostel at 10am, the light clouds were coming so I had to hurry. You never know when the weather will change. There was construction going on at the ticket booth area so it was a bit confusing trying to get a ticket. There’s also a lot of stops, such as in Furi. I eventually figured it out with the ticket office and off I went! There’s 3 stops and switches on the way up. The first is in Furi for general hiking, the second is moving towards the top of the mountain, the third is at the top of Glacier Paradise. The views were spectacular! I even had a rare sighting of mountain goats on the mountain. I tried to get a video but I don’t think they can be seen. One of the best gondola rides I’ve ever done. It was unbelievable.

Glacier Paradise was truly incredible. I honestly thought it was more impressive than the top of the Gornergrat. You’re basically at the top of a glacier that you can walk around and can even ski or snowboard. I also watched an excursion of people climbing Breithorn. There’s also an ice palace dug into the glacier with ice sculptures and a slide. It was really incredible.

I eventually made it back down to my hostel after stopping at the top for lunch. The altitude was over 12,000 feet and I was feeling it. I’ve learned from this trip that some food and hydration typically help. Soup with bread and alcohol-free beer worked tremendously well. I’m becoming a big fan of the alcohol-free beer when I’m dehydrated or dealing with altitude sickness. It works much better than mineral or vitamin water in my opinion. I caught a train around 2pm and slowly made my way to Interlaken.

Interlaken is another confusing place, there’s two stations for the city and I had to get off at West, not the main station of Ost. I’m staying in a private room at the hostel and the hostel a bit off the beaten path. I’ve heard it’s extremely difficult to find affordable housing in Interlaken because there’s so few hotels and Airbnb places to stay so the prices are generally outrageous and very limited. I really felt like I lucked out. I have a single bed, a sink in my room, and even an air conditioner. However, Europe, especially Switzerland, has cracked down on air conditioners and you can’t control the temperature setting. It’s stays around 73 degrees at all times.

I had dinner and walked around the town a bit. I went to an Italian restaurant that was unbelievably beautiful inside. The weather was nice though so I chose to sit outside instead. Google Sapori and you’ll be amazed by the inside of the place. Stunning. The town is overall quite nice but I was expecting both lakes to be closer in sight for some reason. I eventually got back and couldn’t get my blog to work so I chose to go to bed instead.

[myblendinn]

Benefits of a Housekeeping Service

Having a clean home is not only visually appealing but also provides a healthier living environment for you and your family. Unfortunately we live in busy, sometimes very hectic times and many of us are hard pressed to find enough hours in the day to sleep, much less get any cleaning done. For those whose lifestyles may not allow much time for chores there are professional housekeeping companies that will be happy to take the burden of cleaning off of your shoulders. hotel front desk system malaysia

A lot of you may be thinking, "Hey, economically, these are tough times. I can't afford to hire someone to clean my house." It's true, housekeepers are not free. But they are also more affordable than you might think. Most housekeeping companies offer very specific services that fit your exact cleaning needs. You pay for only what you need. So rather than pay for a package that includes services that are not applicable to you, your money goes to only what you want done.

And even though housekeeping may cost some money, you can't put a price on your health. It's common knowledge that the messier your home is, the more apt you are to have germs and bacteria. Having the services of a housekeeper will ensure that your home is as germ free as possible. The technicians are trained to properly clean any household area or surface. Whether you need basic vacuuming, window washing, deodorization, or disinfecting, these are the people who know how to do it most effectively. hotel front desk system kl

Many housekeeping services will provide you with a free estimate over the phone. Your best bet is to have someone come to your house for an on-site assessment. This way they can get a feel for your living area and you can get a feel for them. It's important to hire a company that you are comfortable with. Ask for certifications and make sure you know their policy on hiring employees. You don't want unsavory characters coming into your home.

Think about it. Wouldn't it be nice to know that you have someone reliable, taking care of your house cleaning needs? What would you pay for that kind of reassurance, for that piece of mind? Don't you just love the idea of coming home to a clean house? All you have to do is contact a local housekeeping company. They will be happy to provide you with a clean, healthy home.

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Tips For Choosing The Best Hotels For Your Travelling

It is essential to research the hotel you want to stay at when you travel to a new city or country. Based on your budget and the features people are looking for in hotels There are a variety of options to choose from. A quality hotel can make your trip more fun, but a bad one can make it a nightmare.

Many people looking for a hotel know "what are the criteria of a good hotel?" In this post we'll explain how you can pick a hotel using some easy and simple guidelines. While selecting the right hotel is crucial, the most essential among all is to ensure that you are safe from data online when using public Wi-Fi.

10 suggestions to help you pick the most suitable hotel

Check Hotel Reviews:

What can I do to choose the ideal hotel for my travels? Reading reviews from other guests is an excellent way to get a feel for the hotel. TripAdvisor is a fantastic source since it lets users to see other reviews about their stay at a hotel.

Think about Your Needs:

What kind of person do you consider yourself? Are you in search of an extravagant hotel or something that is more budget-friendly? Are you looking for special facilities like a fitness center or pool? You can narrow your options by determining what you're looking for.

It's more crucial than ever before for all hotels to provide free WiFi to guests. Not only it is practical to guests, it's also a necessity in many cases.

A lot of business travelers rely on Wi-Fi to conduct their personal and professional lives even when they are away from home. With the rise of mobile phones and other devices users use Wi-Fi in hotels for their social media and online connections.

Public Wi-Fi can be dangerous as hackers are able to easily access it. For this reason, you should try it out and use a safe VPN for Apple iPhone and Android. A VPN is also known as a Virtual Private Network, is an encrypted private network that and redirects Internet traffic through public servers. A VPN can be used to access restricted websites as well as secure your browsing from the scrutiny of WiFi networks that are accessible to everyone.

VeePN VPN is highly recommended for travelers due to its advanced security features. VeePN is also easy to use and provides the opportunity for a trial period at no cost as well.

Location:

When selecting a hotel, location is a key factor to consider. When you are booking the hotel, make sure it is in a convenient area.

Amenities:

When choosing a hotel amenities are an important consideration. Be sure to check if the hotel offers an exercise center or spa for those with special needs.

Budget:

Hotels can range widely in cost, which is why it is important to set an idea of budget prior to starting your search. Knowing what they're willing to spend will enable them to narrow their options and find a place that fits within their budget. Four people can expect to spend about $100 for a night's accommodation in Scottsdale Arizona. If you reserve your hotel in advance, maybe you can catch off season discounts and book at less.

Parking:

When you're looking for a hotel make sure to check out the parking conditions ahead of time. Check if there's the possibility of paying for parking, and if so, how much. Request information about the location and size of the parking space.

It is important to make sure that it is big enough to hold their vehicle and that it is located close to the hotel , so they don't have to carry their luggage a long distance.

Customer Services

It is crucial to evaluate the level of customer service when you are choosing a hotel. A good hotel will have polite and knowledgeable staff who are willing to go beyond the call of duty to make your stay comfortable.

Compare prices:

If you're looking for the most suitable hotel for your trip be sure to compare prices. A lot of resorts offer discounts when you book your stay prior to departure, making it important to shop around.

Keep in mind that not all choices are created equal. Make sure to read reviews and compare amenities before making your final decision.

Optional Meals:

If you are planning to spend many hours at the hotel, having access to good food can be the key to success. There will be several resorts that have their own restaurants, which could be more expensive however they provide excellent food.

Some hotels provide meals plans that permit you to make a prepayment for certain meals. If you intend to eat a majority of your meals at the hotel, this can be an excellent way of saving money. Make sure you research available dining options prior to you make your reservation for your hotel.

Room Size:

One of the most important aspects to take into consideration is the room's size. It is important to ensure that you have enough space for your possessions, and that you feel at ease in the room.

These tips will help ensure that you find the ideal hotel for your visit. Be aware of the the location, read reviews and compare rates. Take into consideration your budget and needs to determine the best place to stay. To safeguard yourself ensure that you are using the VPN. With a little research, you can have pleasant and relaxing time on your next trip.