Homeland And All Things Maher

[quote="capmaker" post=289945]FYI for all of the globetrotters on the board: [URL][URL]https://www.cntraveler.co...toms-and-immigration-in-under-60-seconds?mbid[/URL][/URL]=nl_070818_Daily&CNDID=19881737&secondary_link=0&spMailingID=13834478&spUserID=MTgyMTQyMjAyNzg1S0&spJobID=1440649510&spReportId=MTQ0MDY0OTUxMAS2[/quote] never hears of this before. Nice find. I’m still too lazy to sign up for global entry pre check stuff. Usually fly out of JFK and I actually don’t find the lines heading out or arriving that bad but also usually try and do overnight flights so we aren’t wasting travel days. What I do always have an issue with is arriving at jfk from overseas and after getting my suitcases having JFK Tsa or whatever they are pulling me over to the machine then scanning everything then basically rummaging through everything. It’s freaking annoying and one time I refused to start opening freaking chocolate bar wrappers and made the guy get his boss. It’s almost like they have me flagged. They did it again the other day and went through all my bags. Would mobile passport eliminate this hassle ?
 
Pousadas and Paradors are the absolute best way to stay on the Iberian peninsula. Had a great time there but never got used to the late dinner hours in Spain, 9 pm is early!:)


Parador San Marcos in Leon is built around the actual monastery where pilgrims to Campostelo Santiago would stay. If it is an option, be sure to reserve in the old part of the Parador. Great restaurants and magnificent Cathedral in walking distance.


We are staying one night at Parador de Fuente Dé, another night at Parador de Corias, and the third night at Parador de Santiago de Compostela. The other nights will be spent at hotels like the Hotel Maria Cristina in San Sebastian.
 
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never heard of this before. Nice find. I’m still too lazy to sign up for global entry pre check stuff. Usually fly out of JFK and I actually don’t find the lines heading out or arriving that bad but also usually try and do overnight flights so we aren’t wasting travel days. What I do always have an issue with is arriving at jfk from overseas and after getting my suitcases having JFK Tsa or whatever they are pulling me over to the machine then scanning everything then basically rummaging through everything. It’s freaking annoying and one time I refused to start opening freaking chocolate bar wrappers and made the guy get his boss. It’s almost like they have me flagged. They did it again the other day and went through all my bags. Would mobile passport eliminate this hassle?

I have Global Entry and my wife and I only used it once when we returned from Rome and we breezed through without any inspection of any kind. We just got fingerprinted at the kiosk and we were on our way in seconds. Best $100 I ever spent.
 
[quote="capmaker" post=289950]never heard of this before. Nice find. I’m still too lazy to sign up for global entry pre check stuff. Usually fly out of JFK and I actually don’t find the lines heading out or arriving that bad but also usually try and do overnight flights so we aren’t wasting travel days. What I do always have an issue with is arriving at jfk from overseas and after getting my suitcases having JFK Tsa or whatever they are pulling me over to the machine then scanning everything then basically rummaging through everything. It’s freaking annoying and one time I refused to start opening freaking chocolate bar wrappers and made the guy get his boss. It’s almost like they have me flagged. They did it again the other day and went through all my bags. Would mobile passport eliminate this hassle?

I have Global Entry and my wife and I only used it once when we returned from Rome and we breezed through without any inspection of any kind. We just got fingerprinted at the kiosk and we were on our way in seconds. Best $100 I ever spent.[/quote]

I can vouch for Global Entry. It makes a huge difference when things get screwy and several planes land at once, with a thousand folks or more attempting to get thru Customs. The longest that I ever have had to wait is 10 minutes.
As for TSA at JFK...they are definitely nastier than at Newark, or Philly, my normal airport.
 
I can vouch for Global Entry. It makes a huge difference when things get screwy and several planes land at once, with a thousand folks or more attempting to get thru Customs. The longest that I ever have had to wait is 10 minutes.
As for TSA at JFK...they are definitely nastier than at Newark, or Philly, my normal airport.

I neglected to mention my wife and her friends also used Global Entry when they returned from a Danube River cruise and it was magic then as well.
 
[quote="capmaker" post=289940]My wife and I are going to Spain & Portugal in September. We will be in Madrid on our own for 4 days and then we take the AVE to Barcelona to begin a two week tour of the Iberian Peninsula taking the northern route staying in several Spanish paradors before concluding the trip in Porto & Lisbon for two nights each. We are very much looking forward to seeing the Pyrenees and San Sebastian, so if anybody has any dining or any other recommendations, please let me know. Also....we are having trouble booking the AVE train tickets in advance, so if anybody can help, it would be much appreciated.[/quote]

For Barcelona -

Montiel: Nice, classy restaurant with a tasting menu. The price was a bit high, but the service and food were great.
La Pepita: A cool, trendy tapas spot. They don't take reservations, so you just have to swing by and get on the list. They have a sister restaurant 2 doors down with a bar you can grab a drink at while waiting.
Old Fashioned Gin Tonic and Cocktail Bar: Cool, speakeasy type bar.
Pepito: Good dinner spot
Casa Batilo: Such a cool spot. You can probably just walk up without reservations.
La Sagrada Familia: Breathtaking. You 100% need reservations here and if you want to go up top you need to book months in advance.

Those were the spot we tried. I don't think you can find a bad place for food in Barcelona. There are plenty of places down by the water and Las Ramblas. The pickpockets in Las Ramblas are a real issue, so be aware of your surroundings.
 
This was the list I sent Knight for Vienna

We had a very good meal at ef16.
Cafe central is a very typical Viennese cafe. We went for dinner, but you can go for brunch or even just coffee and cake. The venue is beautiful.
Schonbrunn Palace and the adjacent grounds are beautiful.

We went for Christmas. The Christmas markets are so much fun.
 
Barcelona is a wonderful city. Gman has provided solid tips. My only additions...if you are a foodie, check out the huge market on Las Ramblas. La Boqueria has wonderful stalls selling fruit, veggies, fish and cheese. And of course, ham. Jamon is so good here.
There are restaurants within the market to sample some of this great food. Make sure to sample some grilled octopus. Better than any octopus I’ve had here in the States.
There is also a very good bar in the market, El Pinotxo. It gets crowded, but it’s worth it!
Enjoy!
 
One more for Vienna!

There is a fantastic beer garden located in a large park in town. Biergartl Im Stadtpark serves Viennese foods (go with the roast pork) and of course, beer!

Definitely worth a visit!
 
[quote="Porgyman" post=289972]One more for Vienna!

There is a fantastic beer garden located in a large park in town. Biergartl Im Stadtpark serves Viennese foods (go with the roast pork) and of course, beer!

Definitely worth a visit![/quote]

There is supposed to be a good market in the city, I think down south which was supposed to good.

Part of the problem of my trips is we only have 36-48 hours in most of these cities that require 3-5+ days.
 
[quote="gman" post=289973][quote="Porgyman" post=289972]One more for Vienna!

There is a fantastic beer garden located in a large park in town. Biergartl Im Stadtpark serves Viennese foods (go with the roast pork) and of course, beer!

Definitely worth a visit![/quote]

There is supposed to be a good market in the city, I think down south which was supposed to good.

Part of the problem of my trips is we only have 36-48 hours in most of these cities that require 3-5+ days.[/quote]

You are thinking about the Naschmarkt. Huge market, with literally foods from all over the globe. Plenty of restaurants in there as well. I enjoyed it, however my personal preference is the market in Barcelona. It just had more of a local Catalan feel to it.. However, if you crave Indian curry, or Japanese ramen while in Vienna, Naschmarkt is the place to go.
 
Arrived safely in Munich as the 1st stage of the trip. Long flight, but watched 2 movies (The Commuter and Black Panther). Off to Prague by bus (several more hours). Plans for dinner in the works. I will provide an update later.
Thanks for all the help and well wishes.
 
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[quote="Porgyman" post=289904]Ah Vienna! I used to travel there 4-6 times per year for work. I really love that City. 3 recommendations.
1) One evening, get a bottle of wine and a picnic dinner. The Opera is shown on wide screens on the lawn next to the Opera House. Hundreds of people will be doing the same thing. It is a great time.
2) Try authentic Wiener schnitzel. The best in the city is at Plachutta. Located at 38 Wollzeile. Also great for Tafelspitz (boiled beef). It’s served from a gigantic pot at your table, and is awesome.
3) For a fun day, take a cruise down the Danube to Bratislava. Great walking town with cobblestone streets and great restaurants.
Bonus tip: Vienna has great coffeehouses. Combined with a Sacher torte...and you are talking! Try the original tortes at the Hotel Sacher.
Please let me know if you need any more tips.[/quote] How long is the boat ride to Bratislava ? If we are able to work out Oktoberfest was thinking about Munich up to Berlin down to Prague then Vienna ( then originally was thinking the hour train to Bratislava basically because it's probably the only time we'd ever hit Slovakia unless on a tour I guess ) then lastly to Innsbruck and fly back home form Munich

Is Bratislava worth an overnight for a day or 2 or better off just a day trip and spend extra nights in Vienna ?
 
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[quote="mjmaherjr" post=289997][quote="Porgyman" post=289904]Ah Vienna! I used to travel there 4-6 times per year for work. I really love that City. 3 recommendations.
1) One evening, get a bottle of wine and a picnic dinner. The Opera is shown on wide screens on the lawn next to the Opera House. Hundreds of people will be doing the same thing. It is a great time.
2) Try authentic Wiener schnitzel. The best in the city is at Plachutta. Located at 38 Wollzeile. Also great for Tafelspitz (boiled beef). It’s served from a gigantic pot at your table, and is awesome.
3) For a fun day, take a cruise down the Danube to Bratislava. Great walking town with cobblestone streets and great restaurants.
Bonus tip: Vienna has great coffeehouses. Combined with a Sacher torte...and you are talking! Try the original tortes at the Hotel Sacher.
Please let me know if you need any more tips.[/quote] How long is the boat ride to Bratislava ? If we are able to work out Oktoberfest was thinking about Munich up to Berlin down to Prague then Vienna ( then originally was thinking the hour train to Bratislava basically because it's probably the only time we'd ever hit Slovakia unless on a tour I guess ) then lastly to Innsbruck and fly back home form Munich

Is Bratislava worth an overnight for a day or 2 or better off just a day trip and spend extra nights in Vienna ?[/quote]

The boat ride is about 75 minutes via ferry. I think that a day trip is sufficient. If you take a morning ferry, you can walk around, grab a nice lunch, do some more sightseeing, then catch a boat back to Vienna. You will be back in time to hit the beer garden I mentioned in a previous note!
One note about Bratislava. If you go, try to avoid Friday and Saturday nights. The place is a very popular destination for Brits having bachelor parties. Flights are cheap....as is the entertainment!
 
[quote="Porgyman" post=290012][quote="mjmaherjr" post=289997][quote="Porgyman" post=289904]Ah Vienna! I used to travel there 4-6 times per year for work. I really love that City. 3 recommendations.
1) One evening, get a bottle of wine and a picnic dinner. The Opera is shown on wide screens on the lawn next to the Opera House. Hundreds of people will be doing the same thing. It is a great time.
2) Try authentic Wiener schnitzel. The best in the city is at Plachutta. Located at 38 Wollzeile. Also great for Tafelspitz (boiled beef). It’s served from a gigantic pot at your table, and is awesome.
3) For a fun day, take a cruise down the Danube to Bratislava. Great walking town with cobblestone streets and great restaurants.
Bonus tip: Vienna has great coffeehouses. Combined with a Sacher torte...and you are talking! Try the original tortes at the Hotel Sacher.
Please let me know if you need any more tips.[/quote] How long is the boat ride to Bratislava ? If we are able to work out Oktoberfest was thinking about Munich up to Berlin down to Prague then Vienna ( then originally was thinking the hour train to Bratislava basically because it's probably the only time we'd ever hit Slovakia unless on a tour I guess ) then lastly to Innsbruck and fly back home form Munich

Is Bratislava worth an overnight for a day or 2 or better off just a day trip and spend extra nights in Vienna ?[/quote]

The boat ride is about 75 minutes via ferry. I think that a day trip is sufficient. If you take a morning ferry, you can walk around, grab a nice lunch, do some more sightseeing, then catch a boat back to Vienna. You will be back in time to hit the beer garden I mentioned in a previous note!
One note about Bratislava. If you go, try to avoid Friday and Saturday nights. The place is a very popular destination for Brits having bachelor parties. Flights are cheap....as is the entertainment![/quote] NOW THIS IS WHY I COME TO THIS SITE !!!!!!!!!!
 
I just got back from Ireland and Paris. In Ireland 2 nights in Dublin at the top rated Merrion Hotel, then a 3 days tour of Southern Ireland including Galway, Kerry, Killarney, Cliffs or Moher (Maher), Ring of Kerry.

Then went on to Paris. Was contemplating a tour, so texted Maher, who instead gave us a great restaurant to visit.

Maher's definitely the best. It was one of the highlights of our Paris trip.
 
[quote="Beast of the East" post=290040]I just got back from Ireland and Paris. In Ireland 2 nights in Dublin at the top rated Merrion Hotel, then a 3 days tour of Southern Ireland including Galway, Kerry, Killarney, Cliffs or Moher (Maher), Ring of Kerry.

Then went on to Paris. Was contemplating a tour, so texted Maher, who instead gave us a great restaurant to visit.

Maher's definitely the best. It was one of the highlights of our Paris trip.[/quote] ahh thanks you are too kind ! Glad you had an awesome trip !!!
 
[quote="Beast of the East" post=290040]I just got back from Ireland and Paris. In Ireland 2 nights in Dublin at the top rated Merrion Hotel, then a 3 days tour of Southern Ireland including Galway, Kerry, Killarney, Cliffs or Moher (Maher), Ring of Kerry.

Then went on to Paris. Was contemplating a tour, so texted Maher, who instead gave us a great restaurant to visit.

Maher's definitely the best. It was one of the highlights of our Paris trip.[/quote]

Sounds like you were on a recruiting trip, Beast.
Did you comply with NCAA rules?!?
 
[quote="mjmaherjr" post=290045][quote="Beast of the East" post=290040]I just got back from Ireland and Paris. In Ireland 2 nights in Dublin at the top rated Merrion Hotel, then a 3 days tour of Southern Ireland including Galway, Kerry, Killarney, Cliffs or Moher (Maher), Ring of Kerry.

Then went on to Paris. Was contemplating a tour, so texted Maher, who instead gave us a great restaurant to visit.

Maher's definitely the best. It was one of the highlights of our Paris trip.[/quote] ahh thanks you are too kind ! Glad you had an awesome trip !!![/quote]

What restaurant?
 
[quote="gman" post=290049][quote="mjmaherjr" post=290045][quote="Beast of the East" post=290040]I just got back from Ireland and Paris. In Ireland 2 nights in Dublin at the top rated Merrion Hotel, then a 3 days tour of Southern Ireland including Galway, Kerry, Killarney, Cliffs or Moher (Maher), Ring of Kerry.

Then went on to Paris. Was contemplating a tour, so texted Maher, who instead gave us a great restaurant to visit.

Maher's definitely the best. It was one of the highlights of our Paris trip.[/quote] ahh thanks you are too kind ! Glad you had an awesome trip !!![/quote]

What restaurant?[/quote] Robert et Louise. I can’t take all the credit. Years ago a week or 2 before we were going to Paris Nathalie was getting off set or studio or something like that in Manhattan. Tony Bourdain happened to be there. They were walking out at same time and she asked him about restaurants and Paris. He realized she wasn’t just asking for autograph and that she speaks fluent French and used to be a manager at windows on the world and all the sudden he couldn’t have been nicer to her. He spent a legit half hour or more talking Paris and food with her and gave her his favorite places and how to get in to them. Frenchie restaurant and Robert et Louise were the 2 that we went too [attachment=266]E3CA98C5-376D-405B-9823-5320436E3236.jpeg[/attachment]
 
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