January 28, 2012
$14,000 for being on a cruise ship that crashed - would you take it?
If the captain hadn't abandoned ship and refused to oversee the evacuation when asked by the Italian coast guard, $14,000 might seem more reasonable. It's actually a bit more since travel expenses and stuff get reimbursed as well, but the way things happened, I'd bet that passengers willing to wait could see a lot more.
Roberto Corbella, who represented Costa in the negotiations, said the deal offered Friday provides passengers with quick, "generous," and certain restitution that consumer groups estimate could amount to some euro14,000 per passenger including the reimbursements.
The legal question seems iffy, but clearly the captain has few friends now. And whether he goes to jail or not, it's hard to argue he did nothing wrong.
Seems his bosses won't try to defend him in court either. I suppose they might try to argue that the company shouldn't be held responsible for its captain but I don't see how they could get away with that.
So what do you think about the $14,000 + travel expenses being offered? Is it fair? Would you take it?
January 26, 2012
Is Cancun a famous honeymoon spot?
I was talking to a student today and the subject of Cancun came up. When I said I had been there she replied that she was jealous. I'm not a big fan of Cancun so I asked her why. She said because it was such a popular honeymoon spot with American couples.
If she's right, it's funny that a Korean college student would know Cancun's reputation better than me since I'm an American who has been there. I got the feeling that American college kids go there to party although the front desk staff did mistake my sister and I for a honeymooning couple since we had the same last name.
Also, I do remember we went on a snorkeling tour and one young woman had lost her engagement ring. The Mexican snorkeling tour leaders were diving to search for it and coming up empty-handed. She obviously didn't believe them and thought they must have found it and pocketed it. Yet, she never volunteered to help them search for it in the first place.
Anyhow, what do you think of when you think about Cancun?
January 24, 2012
Going to Hawaii - suggestions welcome
The other day I was asking about how you put a monetary value on a vacation. My wife, who has been to Hawaii twice, is certain that it's worth the money. Never having been to Hawaii, I couldn't argue for more than a few days. But I did argue a bit, because I'm cheap.
So we fly into Honolulu and have a hotel lined up for two weeks there. Obviously we'll go to the beach and go to Pearl Harbor. Before I check out the guides and things, can anyone give me some recommendations?
January 19, 2012
I don't understand the problems people have with this ad
This ad was pulled by North Dakota because it became controversial after negative comments on Facebook. The picture seems pretty tame to me. The text: "Drinks, dinner, decisions. Arrive a guest. Leave a legend."
I don't get it. How is it that this ad received enough criticism to propel the story to Yahoo's front page? And why do they have to remove it from Facebook but the "photo will remain in the printed version of the 2012 visitors' guide?"
Related old blog entry: controversial ad for Korean air with woman on her knees and controversial Spirit ads.
January 18, 2012
How does an airline make up for incorrectly warning passengers about an emergency landing?
"This is an emergency. We will shortly be making an emergency landing on water," scared thje crap out of passengers on a British Airways flight from Miami to London. They were warned them to brace for an emergency water landing.
"My wife was crying and passengers were screaming," a passenger from Scotland told The Telegraph. "I thought we were going to die."
British Airways corrected the error a minute later. Seems a recording was set off accidentally. They have apologized to their passengers, but is sorry enough in this case?
January 17, 2012
Book Review - The Call of Sedona: Journey of the Heart
Ilchi Lee is an author, educator and mentor. He founded a system of training called Dahnhak in his native Korea which had expanded to 50 Dahn Centers by the time he began his journey to Sedona, Arizona in the United States. I think it's worth mentioning that I've never heard of Dahnak and I've lived in Korea for 10 years.
While the author was in Los Angeles, he was drawn to Sedona by a photo he saw. When he arrived, he thought it might truly be the place he'd been searching for. The beauty and spirit of the land called to him and the energy of several known vortexes inspired him. I'm not sure what a vortex is exactly, but I guess we're not dealing with mainstream ideas.
He walked and climbed and simply sat meditating. He felt a connection to Native Americans, who archeologists believe have held this land sacred for thousands of years. He explored Sedona's neighboring vortexes, like the Grand Canyon which he feels is appropriately called 'God's masterpiece'.
In 'The Call of Sedona', Ilchi Lee describes of his love of Sedona. He shares the spiritual phenomena he's experienced and the messages he's received, the first of which was for him to 'Deliver the heart of the earth to humanity.' This eventually drove him to create Mago Garden and start the Sedona Mago Retreat among other endeavors. Mago means 'earth spirit' and 'mother earth' in Korean and the goal is to encourage us all to 'live together in peace and harmony'.
'The Call of Sedona' is a well-told story of a journey that is both spiritual and physical. It contains some lovely color pictures and illustrations. This book's cover price is $16.95 U.S.
January 14, 2012
Yoga on vacation - how much should it cost? How should it be marketed?
Today I saw two Yoga / vacation resort ads. One from Groupon I might buy. And one from Four Seasons Maui that made me angry.
$850 for 5 nights in Costa Rica (through groupon, the normal price is 1700 something), for two. Includes breakfast, dinner, one yoga class. I can't seem to link directly to the thing so find Getaways and then "Samasati Nature Retreat - Limon, Costa Rica, 5-Night Stay for Two in Private Caribbean Bungalow Room. Combine Up to 10 Nights."
vs.
$3800 for one at the Four Seasons Resort Maui and an event called "The Body, Mind, Spirit Equation: a Yoga Retreat" from February 27-March 3, 2012.
This will be led by "sought-after Kathryn Budig, a Los Angeles-based instructor whose clientele includes celebrities." Luckily I know that just because something is associated with celebrities doesn't make it especially valuable. I guess that's extra true of unnamed celebrities. And the press release I got doesn't name names.
Another thing from the press release I have to question is the claim that, "This retreat is perfect for students at all levels of practice." Perfect for everyone? Yeah right. I've done yoga workouts that were too easy and tried others that were too hard. Plus some people go for all that meditative stuff while others just want to get a workout.
Not that it wouldn't be fun...
But what I really hate how she says if you don't put yourself first sometimes you're doing a disservice to the world. I agree with the statement, but not that that putting yourself first requires you to spend $3800/ person. Right before checking my email and finding this press release, I had just done some yoga in my home as two stray dogs I rescued lay next to me on the edge of my mat. I like it better that way - I can save a few stray dogs with $3800 and still put myself first and do some yoga.
Now if you choose, to do the Maui yoga thing, I don't blame you. I like yoga. I think I'd like Maui. But the way these people are trying to sell it bothers me. At the end of the video she says she feels spoiled rotten. That seems a bit more honest to me. I like to spoil myself too but I like to be honest about it.
January 13, 2012
Travel to Ireland in 2012 - Leap Year movie tourism
It's Leap Year and what better time to vacation in Ireland where it is believed that romantic traditions of marriage proposals began. Legend says that St Bridget went to St Patrick on the subject of marriage proposals in the 5th century, since some women were waiting forever for the man to propose marriage. He agreed to allow women that opportunity every 4 years, but it didn't actually become law until the 13th century in Scotland. One interesting and amusing part of their law was if the man refused the proposal, he was forced to pay a small fine, maybe a kiss or a new dress. (I doubt that such a law still exists.) The Leap Year tradition where the woman supposedly gets her man originated in the U.S. in the 1930's with Al Capp's Lil' Abner, known as Sadie Hawkins Day usually in November.
Hollywood released the film Leap Year starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode in 2010. Most of this light, romantic comedy was filmed in Ireland, primarily Dublin, so we chose the small town of Sligo and the 12th largest in the country as a vacation destination. Located in the far northwestern corner of Ireland on the Garavogue River, Sligo is about 135 miles from Dublin and only 40 miles from the border of Northern Ireland. It is certainly best known for the beauty and mysticism in words by Ireland's most famous poet William Butler Yeats. In a land where romantic verses and fascinating folklore appeal to travelers worldwide, we offer a warm "Failte go Sligeach" (Welcome to Sligo).
Things to See & Do:
Sligo Abbey, built in the 13th century, was destroyed by fire in the 1400's and again in the Irish rebellion of the 1600's. Numerous carvings, the cloisters, and the only remaining Irish monastery altar from the 15th century have been well preserved. Stories of ghosts in this Dominican abbey written about by Bram Stoker in his novel Dracula were no doubt inspired by his mother, who came from Sligo.
Hours: 21 Apr-mid-Oct, 10-6pm, daily. Oct-2 Nov, Fri, Sat, Sun, 9:30-4:30pm.
Admission: Adults - $4, $3. Children - $1.25. Guided tours available, handicap accessible, parking, restrooms.
Hazelwood Sculpture Park on Lough Gill at Half Moon Bay is about 2 miles from Sligo. Visitors will find a nature trail of outdoor sculptures by Irish and international artists. Here is a perfect place to relax, picnic, and take pleasure in the enchantment of your surroundings, as Yeats expressed so eloquently, "I went out to the Hazelwood, because a fire was in my head."
Woodville Open Farm will be of interest to families and school groups. Guided tours through the farm buildings, fields, and museum. Adults - $10. Children & Seniors - $8. Appt needed. Open: May-Sep.
Sligo County Museum houses artifacts, Yeats' 1923 Nobel Prize medal, and other memorabilia representing the significance of the Yeats family to Irish history. Open: May-Sep, Tues-Sat, 9:30-12:30pm, & 2-4:45pm. Oct-Apr, 9:30-12:30pm. Free admission.
Visitors can view a permanent exhibition of Yeats' works, the art gallery, and arrange walking tours of Sligo at the Yeats Memorial Building. Hours: 10-5pm, Mon-Fri, year round.
Where to Stay:
The Sligo Park Hotel & Leisure Club, about a mile from town, is a 4 star establishment in a garden setting near Lough Gill and the Isle of Innisfree, with beautiful views of Benbulben Mountain overlooking Drumcliff Churchyard and the grave of William Butler Yeats. You can still read the celebrated poet's own epitaph "Cast a cold eye on life, on death. Horseman, pass by!" There is a lovely Tea House with books and crafts on the Drumcliff site, open daily 9-6pm. Guests will find the hotel is conveniently located, with spacious rooms, restaurant, coffee shop, terrace bar, and a fully equipped fitness suite. Tennis courts, indoor pool, free Internet, shops, and a golf course nearby.
Rates: $90-$110 sgl & dbl.
Riverside Hotel offers standard and executive guestrooms, some with balconies, a lounge, restaurant, & leisure center. Friendly staff and good value for the money.
Rates: $80 - suite, $76 - dbl room.
The 18th century Coopershill Country House Hotel, the Irish manor owned by the O'Hara's and still occupied by a 7th generation family member, is a private 500-acre estate that offers wonderful, luxurious accommodations. With no TV or radio, this is ideal for a romantic weekend or quiet getaway. Relax in an elegant guestroom of antique décor, catch up on your reading, and enjoy tea or coffee in the comfort of your surroundings. The hospitality is superb, and the food is among the best in Ireland, with fresh locally produced fruits and vegetables and their specialty farm-raised venison. Spend hours walking this beautiful estate of lush lawns where peacocks stroll, and explore farmland and forest trails.
Rates: 5 nights for 2 guests - $1,100 total (breakfast included)
Open: 1 Apr-31 Oct for overnight guests. Weddings and other special events can be arranged throughout the year.
Castle Dargan Golf & Wellness Resort, about 8 minutes from town, is popular for the variety of packages available. Travelers can choose from 1, 2, and 3-night specials on golf and pampering, Valentine's Day, holidays, mid-week, and other offers. Packages include breakfast, and most have one evening meal and wine. Many visitors drive to the resort from Dublin to play golf on weekends. Green fees, cart, clubs - $25-$38. Enjoy gourmet dining at the Hall Door, refreshments and live music at the Middleton Bar, full afternoon tea for $25 p/p in the Coach House Lounge, or Sunday lunch, 12:30 - 4:00pm. Reservations required.
Room rates: $44-$64. Packages: $75-$165.
Restaurants & Pubs:
Shenanigan's Bar & Restaurant on Bridge Street is known for excellent food and drinks, with a DJ and laser-lit dance floor. Upstairs restaurant and Club Cojones for late night drinking and dancing. Special events can be arranged in the more private Cotton Club at Shenanigans. Whether in a group, as a couple, or single, this is one of the most famous places to visit in Sligo. Irish cuisine, avg prices for 2 - $19 for meal & drink, $32 for a 4-crse meal & drink.
Harp Tavern on Lower Quay Street offers a cozy place to socialize and listen to local musicians, Sunday afternoon jazz, and watch televised sports events at no charge. Open year round (except Christmas Day & Good Friday): 11:30am-closing.
Other recommendations: J McLaughlin's, a traditional Irish pub, with live music nightly and sing alongs. Enjoy the camaraderie and a pint of Guinness for $5 at Shoot the Crows. Great food, atmosphere, and service at Hargadons (open 12-3:30 & 4-9pm, Mon-Sat). Travelers gave positive reviews for Limoncello's Italian cuisine, and Fiddlers Creek for sports gatherings, music, and menu variety (open 7 days, Noon-3:30 Lunch, 5pm till late).
Getting there: Inter-city rail from Dublin Connolly Station to Sligo every 3 hours, $40 one-way, $56 rd trip. Bus from Dublin, $24 one-way, $35 rd trip. About 2½-hours' drive from Dublin.
Sharon L Slayton
January 11, 2012
How do you estimate the value of your next vacation?
My wife and I have been going back and forth the past few days on whether or not we should go to Hawaii in February. We both want to, of course, but we're not sure if it's worth the money. And we're not sure how to decide.
We figure we're looking at at least $4,000 if we do things as cheaply as we're able. That includes getting a friend to pet sit for us - otherwise add another $900 for the pet hotel. Obviously we prefer to save the money but our friend has a job and dogs can use extra attention because one of them is pretty old and has to eat three times a day at the same time every day. Even with a friend pet sitting, we figure about 5k if we don't count pennies, and while I am somewhat cheap, I don't like being super cheap on vacation because it stresses me out.
And while we'd like to see Hawaii, we'd also like to save more money to move to Hawaii or somewhere else while I do a PhD. It would be nice to save up some money before becoming a poor student again.
Plus, we could be happy staying in our apartment with our dogs, possibly visiting a few places in Seoul or elsewhere in Korea - a staycation or a close-to-home vacation. Probably staying in Korea with the dogs would not make us as happy as being on a beach in Hawaii though. And we could seize the moment, live for today, follow our bliss, etc.
Anyone else have / had a similar dilemma? How did you decide to vacation or not?
United Airlines ticket counter in Denver makes fun of Steelers fans
A United Airlines ticket counter in Denver makes fun of Steelers fans after Denver Broncos beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in a playoff game.
The sign reads "How about that Tebow?"
For any non-football fans, Tim Tebow is the somewhat controversial Denver Broncos quarterback. Many people love him but he certainly has enough detractors saying he has no talent. But the did help the Broncos beat the Steelers.