Breakfast in Munich

Greetings from Munich!

Vacation has commenced...I'll be updating things as I can again this Thanksgiving trip, but so far all is well. The flight to Munich arrived 42 minutes early which gives me time to relax and get some German breakfast in the Lufthansa Star Alliance Lounge. Probably won't take a shower this morning...seems busy.

My connecting flight departs in about two hours...


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Skywest to end flying EMB-120 Brasilias!

I almost jumped out of my chair when I read this - sounds like no more turboprops in San Diego!

From AIN online:

St. George, Utah-based SkyWest Airlines will finally retire its fleet of Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia turboprops by the summer under a so-called transition plan that will see it become an all-jet carrier for the first time in its history. SkyWest said the plan to remove its last 44 Brasilias stems, in part, from increased costs associated with new FAR117 flight and duty-time rules, which require first officers to carry an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate. It flies the airplanes in a West Coast network as a United Express carrier. SkyWest hasn’t yet revealed plans for discontinuing and reducing service to communities now connected to United hubs by the Brasilias.

Those commuter flights from San Diego to LAX just got a whole lot more comfortable...

Hyatt Free Night and 10,000 points in Hawaii

This deal seems extremely targeted, but I want to pass it along anyway in case you have a stay coming up in Hawaii and received the email I did. 

Here are the terms and conditions:

Each property offer includes buffet breakfast for 2 people each morning at participating resort restaurants.
Offer of one free night per qualifying stay valid through March 31, 2015 at Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort, Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa and Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa. Reservations are subject to availability and must be made in advance by paying the Sunshine on Sale rate and requesting offer code 10KHGP. Hyatt Gold Passport members must choose points for their stay. Only one 10,000 bonus point award may be earned per member, per stay. This promotion is subject to the terms and conditions of the Hyatt Gold Passport program. Please allow 6-8 weeks after travel is completed for Hyatt Gold Passport bonus points to be credited to your account. Limit one free night per night per stay as long as the minimum stay requirement is satisfied. Minimum stay required to for offer and to earn free night varies by property. Minimum 6 night length of stay at Andaz Maui at Wailea, minimum 5 night stay at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, minimum 5 night stay at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa and minimum 4 night stay at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa. Free night must be used on same stay it is earned. All properties offer includes buffet breakfast for 2 people each morning at participating resort restaurants. Offer is not valid for groups or conventions and may not be combined with other promotional offers. Prices are based on double occupancy, standard guestroom accommodations unless otherwise noted. Additional charges may apply for additional guests or for room-type upgrades. Free night is reflected at time of booking. Free night is not combinable with Family Plan rooms. Offer does not include tax or service charges. A portion of the rate for this offer may reflect taxes, service charges, gratuities, and third-party charges for certain included items, and those costs are not eligible for Hyatt Gold Passport® points. A limited number of rooms are allocated to this promotion. Promotional blackout periods may apply due to seasonal periods or special events, and normal arrival/departure restrictions apply. Blackout dates: 12/24-1/2/15.

Thoughts on my first Uber drives

I knew that driving for Uber would be an adventure, and so far I have not been disappointed.  I've had my share of characters so far but all have been very kind.  In many ways I'm realizing that beyond the obvious pluses to driving, I'm learning more about the city and many of the major hotspots that people frequent.  I'm also figuring out how to get myself home from those places as well.  :)

I've managed to do seven trips so far (including several to the airport and a few to clubs).  My most interesting drive was being called to a condo to drive two people out to get cigarettes and then go home (too much drink to drive themselves, and no, there is no smoking allowed in the car).  They were very nice and I also scored a small tip from them that was unexpected...a scratch off lottery ticket. Ha!

Looking forward to seeing how well this goes in the next week or so.  Other things I've learned:

1. Demand is not even - the College area where I live is on a 'top' list for demand, but I'm often waiting for chunks at a time to get a call (especially in the early evening)

2. Night driving is an adventure - never quite sure what's going to happen

3. Time is money - maximizing availability is the best way to get riders.  No waiting!

Has anyone else given Uber driving a try?

If you're interested in trying it out as a rider, please feel free to sign up using my referral link (we both get credit!).  I also have a driver referral link I can email you if you're feeling adventurous!

Don't know where to stay when traveling? Try Airbnb!

During my 2013 trip to Zurich in late fall, I had the opportunity to try out several new restaurants and the Airbnb service for the first time.  I usually make it a point to stay at the Park Hyatt whenever I can, but not enough points made me consider other alternatives.  The place where I stayed was excellent and gave me some new local flavor for the city, so I definitely recommend it if you need another stay option!

Here are a few pics of the apartment I stayed at:

If you're interested in this location, you can find it listed here.  Giorgia was very pleasant and helpful to arrange the stay, and I had no issues whatsoever. I also enjoying having a Coop right around the corner so I could get my own groceries and make food instead of eating out the whole trip. 

I was glad I made this choice - don't be afraid to try something new!