July 6, 2010 - 7/6/2010 ~ Pounds to Rubles ~ Mickey invades the Baltic Sea

[tinkerbell_29]

Carol check in was a nightmare even though we were staying on points they kept trying to charge us for the five night stay. It took getting the lady at the DVC info desk invovled to even be able to get into our villa even though it was after 4. There were no starter supplies in the villa for the dishwasher or washing machine. The villa is beautiful we loved the layout but very dark even with all the lights on. Checkout was just as bad. We loved this hotel and were looking forward to staying there but were very disappointed. While there was nothing worng with the villa there service and treatment of DVC guest was horrible.

Booked our third cruise on points this morning. It was very easy we are now going on the 7 night eastern carribean this summer. Yeah wont have to wait unitl 2010 to get back on the magic.

Lissa

 

[threebritts]

Trying to catch up on the boards after the holidays and glad everyone enjoyed their trips.

Sorry to see some drop out

We had talked about cancelling too over the holidays but we just decided we're going to go for it and keep working OT. Just finished paying off the Panama trip and now stashing for this cruise like crazy! I also made a promise to my friends daughter that we are taking her . She is 10 and lost her dad 2 years ago in a car accident and has been through hell so I couldnt tell her no we're not going.
I too love a verandah and since there are 5 of us we had looked into 2 cabins but came out cheaper to get one cat 4 and im lucky because my friend works for Continental or the cost of airfare might put us over the edge.
Our christmas present to each other was annual passes and when we went and stayed at the parks last week all the "magic" came back and thinking about the cruise made signing up for extra shifts a little easier!

 

[piglet33]

Happy New Year everyone. Now that our trip to WDW during New Year's is over, I should be able to be here more. Now to read all these posts......

 

[jship210]

Hey everyone, thought I'd check back in since it's been quite a while. The holidays have been so busy. I have a birthday to get through in 5 days (my middle daughter turns 9) and then life should settle back down. Well, actually, we'll probably have her party on MLK day so it will still be a couple of weeks.

We took a tour to Rome over the Christmas. It was very nice. The tour was a bit more scheduled than I prefer. I love to have free time to just 'rome' around the cities we visit. Unfortunately, I didn't get that this time. We visited Pompeii, Pisa, Florence, and Sorrento as well as Rome over 5 days. We also got to go the the Papal blessing at the Vatican on Christmas Day and stood outside for part of Midnight Mass. And except for the bus running out of gas at 1 a.m. in a tunnel in Switzerland on the way home, it was a pretty good trip.

We are still looking forward to the cruise, but I have been having feelings that we won't be able to go. For one thing, this year and half that that we've lived in Germany, we have saved almost no money because of traveling. Paying for this cruise will end up putting us in debt right before my oldest is to start college. Secondly, my husband has a job prospect in the DC area. I am not ready to leave Europe yet, nor is he, but if this job comes through we would have to think about it. I don't think we will be able to fly back for the cruise if he does. But man, what could be better than this cruise? It's truly a once in a lifetime trip.

So I hope everyone had a great Christmas, New Year, or any other holiday that is important to you. If you want to see pictures from our trip, you can visit our website.
http://web.mac.com/cmelltt/Site/Merry_Christmas.html

What a great opportunity to live in Germany, the travel is so much easier since you're already in Europe. I lived there (Bitburg in the Eifel Area) when I was in my late teens, parents told me i'd be able to save so much money..... NOT, came back broke but with great travel memories. Looking forward to Berlin now that the wall is down. Wonder if we can still get pieces?

 

[cmaelltt1]

What a great opportunity to live in Germany, the travel is so much easier since you're already in Europe. I lived there (Bitburg in the Eifel Area) when I was in my late teens, parents told me i'd be able to save so much money..... NOT, came back broke but with great travel memories. Looking forward to Berlin now that the wall is down. Wonder if we can still get pieces?

Yes, it is great. We've really taken advantage of being here. My husband has spent a large part of his life, as a child and young adult, living in Germany. However, it's a first for the kids and me. My younger two don't really appreciate it, but my teen is taking it all in. We are planning on spending 4 days or so in Berlin sometime in early spring. We will probably skip the excursion that day. It will save us a little money and we'll get some time on the ship when it's less crowded.

 

[nzdisneymom]

It's back to work for me today - boo hoo! The kids have one more day off before going back to school though, so yay for them. I need to put my "I work to travel" sign over my computer today to motivate me.

We did decide what to do about our Royal Caribbean cruise we had booked for Christmas 2009... we were going to cancel it, if you recall, but because I didn't want to lose our trip insurance money, I started looking to see if we could find a different date / less money. We lucked up and found that the Freedom has an Eastern Caribbean itinerary (nearly identical to Christmas 2009) in mid-October when the boys have one day off school. And it's the same week that we've been taking them out for a couple of days anyway because I've often had a work thing. This year it's a week later than previous years and it's not my turn to go to the work thing, so the timing is perfect for us to cruise. And the $$$$ we're saving by moving it to October instead of keeping a December holiday cruise is significant - so there goes a big drop into our Baltic fund!

 

[DW2DH&DS]

It's back to work for me today - boo hoo! The kids have one more day off before going back to school though, so yay for them. I need to put my "I work to travel" sign over my computer today to motivate me.

We did decide what to do about our Royal Caribbean cruise we had booked for Christmas 2009... we were going to cancel it, if you recall, but because I didn't want to lose our trip insurance money, I started looking to see if we could find a different date / less money. We lucked up and found that the Freedom has an Eastern Caribbean itinerary (nearly identical to Christmas 2009) in mid-October when the boys have one day off school. And it's the same week that we've been taking them out for a couple of days anyway because I've often had a work thing. This year it's a week later than previous years and it's not my turn to go to the work thing, so the timing is perfect for us to cruise. And the $$$$ we're saving by moving it to October instead of keeping a December holiday cruise is significant - so there goes a big drop into our Baltic fund!

That's awesome.

My kid is home sick today with a 102 fever. he was up all night vomiting. poor thing. He is still febrile so i will keep him home tomorrow, too. he has been crashed out in our bed all day...took advantage of that and cleaned out and organized all my quilting fabric and stored it in my closet. the kid beckons!!! must go

 

[tinkerbell_29]

Ok after a little over two weeks off from work going back was not fun. Fortunately the first day back to school is always a slow start as you have to give the kids time to share what they did over the break and have time to reconnect with each other. I did tell them at the end of the day though that tomorrow would be back to normal as we have lots of learning still to do. June can not get here soon enough.

Lissa

 

[scottishwee35]

That's awesome.

My kid is home sick today with a 102 fever. he was up all night vomiting. poor thing. He is still febrile so i will keep him home tomorrow, too. he has been crashed out in our bed all day...took advantage of that and cleaned out and organized all my quilting fabric and stored it in my closet. the kid beckons!!! must go

Hello

Oh no hope your kid will feeling better soon.

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

hi

for anyone who lives in NEW YORK...

I have been booking the flights and two hotels on 24 November for 5 days with 5 ladies..

I believe that there will be Black Friday:

What are we doing on Black Friday??

Also about thanksgiving we would love to watch parade..

after that where should we go for nice meals...

I would be happy if anyone can help me...

It would be really appreciated...

and 18 months to go to Baltic Cruise - next year woo hoo

Scottishwee35

 

[CarolAnnC]

Carol check in was a nightmare even though we were staying on points they kept trying to charge us for the five night stay. It took getting the lady at the DVC info desk invovled to even be able to get into our villa even though it was after 4. There were no starter supplies in the villa for the dishwasher or washing machine. The villa is beautiful we loved the layout but very dark even with all the lights on. Checkout was just as bad. We loved this hotel and were looking forward to staying there but were very disappointed. While there was nothing worng with the villa there service and treatment of DVC guest was horrible.

Booked our third cruise on points this morning. It was very easy we are now going on the 7 night eastern carribean this summer. Yeah wont have to wait unitl 2010 to get back on the magic.

Lissa

Yikes! I hope they don't try to charge us either - this is the free trip I won at DVC's Doorway to Dreams. That would be annoying, lol.

I wonder if it is darker because of the animals? They can't give us a view yet, so we are waiting till check in to see what we get.

Lucky you on the cruise! Will be nice to be back on board, I am sure.

 

[DW2DH&DS]

hi

for anyone who lives in NEW YORK...

I have been booking the flights and two hotels on 24 November for 5 days with 5 ladies..

I believe that there will be Black Friday:

What are we doing on Black Friday??

Also about thanksgiving we would love to watch parade..

after that where should we go for nice meals...

I would be happy if anyone can help me...

It would be really appreciated...

and 18 months to go to Baltic Cruise - next year woo hoo

Scottishwee35

Hi Deborah,

I don't live in NYC but grew up just outside. As far as restaurants go...Carmine's is a personal favorite of mine. Touristy and busy but very tasty. It is Italian served family style. Just in case you are unfamiliar with the term...one dish serves 2-4 people easily. For 5 ladies...order a salad or 2, an appetizer or 2, and an entree or 2 or 3.

http://cityguide.aol.com/newyork/entertainment/carmines/v-106994923

Also a huge fan of Bobby Flay from foodnetwork...

http://www.mesagrill.com/newyorkcity/

Do not ignore the little whole in the wall places or delis to eat...they are usually the best.

What hotels are you looking at? marriott marquis is nice right in Times Square. Black Friday is the Friday after Turkey day where everyone goes shopping. Stores earn loads of money and move into the black. Lots of crazy sales and crazy people. be really careful. Also the parade route will be wall to wall people. I would go and see a show on Broadway as well. Dress up!!!! Here in LA, not everyone dresses up to go to the theater. I think it is wrong. Not really an an event like it is in NYC.

subways are not too difficult. Be mindful of which side of the street you are on. Not all train directions are accessable from both sides of the street.

http://www.brail.org/transit/nycall.html

subway map!!! click ok, then click large and maximize.

NYC also has a HO-HO Bus.

Cab rides from the airport are usually a flat fee plus tolls. from the city to the airport is a different story.

I hope this helps!!!

Beth

 

[Crissup]

after that where should we go for nice meals...

My last trip out there, I ate at a steak house called Ben & Jacks. It's a Peter Lugers knock off and the dry aged steak was phenominal. I'm from Chicago, so I'm accustomed to great dry aged beef, so I'm not usually impressed with steak. This was good beef.

They're located two blocks from Grand Central Station around 44th & 3rd.

 

[Monstro]

Everyone else that we were sailing with including my in-laws are still sailing so far! My father in law has been lurking, hopefully he will come out and post!

If someone would like to take over the website, please let me know! It is very easy - I knew nothing about it - but the freewebs site is very point and click. I was paying $5 per month to not have banners but I have reverted it to the free website for now, so there is a banner at the top.

We just decided that there are so many trips that we would like to take and with the economy the way it is we feel like it isn't a smart decision for us to take this trip at this point. Maybe if DCL decides to to offer a discount we will be back!! Right now we are thinking Italy for 2010, but we aren't making any plans right now.

Sorry to hear that. You'll be missed. Did anyone take over the website? I've got a little informational site going for my own reference and plans... similar to what I did for our 7/7/07 for those of you who were with us and may remember it. i may be able to combine thw two into one...??

Jeff

 

[long_time_cruiser]

hi

for anyone who lives in NEW YORK...

I have been booking the flights and two hotels on 24 November for 5 days with 5 ladies..

I believe that there will be Black Friday:

What are we doing on Black Friday??

Also about thanksgiving we would love to watch parade..

after that where should we go for nice meals...

I would be happy if anyone can help me...

It would be really appreciated...

and 18 months to go to Baltic Cruise - next year woo hoo

Scottishwee35

Hi Scottishwee,

I lived in New York for six years so I might be able to help you. Some good restaurants are:
balthazarny.com
luzzomania.com
spankysnyc.com
2ndavedeli.com
ossobuco.ypguides.net
yummyhouse.com
serendipity3.com (famous for their frozen hot chocolate)
jekyllandhydeclub.com/home.htm (my sister's favorite restaurant)
hummusplace.com

If you are looking for cheaper/fast food, then I would suggest:
fiveguys.com
carlsteaks.com
smacnyc.com
magnoliabakery.com (for dessert, their cupcakes are famous)

I always use this website to find restaurants in NYC so you may find it useful: menupages.com

Hope this helps! Sorry the links are not so great, but I do not have a enough posts to post full links.

 

[DW2DH&DS]

Hi Scottishwee,

I lived in New York for six years so I might be able to help you. Some good restaurants are:
balthazarny.com
luzzomania.com
spankysnyc.com
2ndavedeli.com
ossobuco.ypguides.net
yummyhouse.com
serendipity3.com (famous for their frozen hot chocolate)
jekyllandhydeclub.com/home.htm (my sister's favorite restaurant)
hummusplace.com

If you are looking for cheaper/fast food, then I would suggest:
fiveguys.com
carlsteaks.com
smacnyc.com
magnoliabakery.com (for dessert, their cupcakes are famous)

I always use this website to find restaurants in NYC so you may find it useful: menupages.com

Hope this helps! Sorry the links are not so great, but I do not have a enough posts to post full links.

I have eaten at Jeckyll and Hyde. I went with a large group of DH's coworkers while tagging along on one of his business trips...very fun!!!!!

 

[scottishwee35]

Hi Deborah,

I don't live in NYC but grew up just outside. As far as restaurants go...Carmine's is a personal favorite of mine. Touristy and busy but very tasty. It is Italian served family style. Just in case you are unfamiliar with the term...one dish serves 2-4 people easily. For 5 ladies...order a salad or 2, an appetizer or 2, and an entree or 2 or 3.

http://cityguide.aol.com/newyork/entertainment/carmines/v-106994923

Also a huge fan of Bobby Flay from foodnetwork...

http://www.mesagrill.com/newyorkcity/

Do not ignore the little whole in the wall places or delis to eat...they are usually the best.

What hotels are you looking at? marriott marquis is nice right in Times Square. Black Friday is the Friday after Turkey day where everyone goes shopping. Stores earn loads of money and move into the black. Lots of crazy sales and crazy people. be really careful. Also the parade route will be wall to wall people. I would go and see a show on Broadway as well. Dress up!!!! Here in LA, not everyone dresses up to go to the theater. I think it is wrong. Not really an an event like it is in NYC.

subways are not too difficult. Be mindful of which side of the street you are on. Not all train directions are accessable from both sides of the street.

http://www.brail.org/transit/nycall.html

subway map!!! click ok, then click large and maximize.

NYC also has a HO-HO Bus.

Cab rides from the airport are usually a flat fee plus tolls. from the city to the airport is a different story.

I hope this helps!!!

Beth

Beth

I would like to saying many thanks for your nice help.. and it is really appreciate...

This is my second times to visit New York as I went to New York for my 40th with my husband in February... It was very cold and we didnt had the luck to find good restaurant as all full booking...on weekend... it was really terrible.. It was 7 months before 9/11 as we were top on Trade World

This time 6 of us ladies (4 never been there before)...

Finally, I booked Grand Hyatt New York last Sunday and booked another hotel for 2 nights at Hyatt Recency New Jersey in the Hudson...

We want to stay in New York for 3 nights then move to New Jersey to see the view....

As I knew that restaurant was harder to find so I want to book good restaurant for thanksgiving day....

5 Ladies are exciting....

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

Hi Deborah,

I don't live in NYC but grew up just outside. As far as restaurants go...Carmine's is a personal favorite of mine. Touristy and busy but very tasty. It is Italian served family style. Just in case you are unfamiliar with the term...one dish serves 2-4 people easily. For 5 ladies...order a salad or 2, an appetizer or 2, and an entree or 2 or 3.

http://cityguide.aol.com/newyork/entertainment/carmines/v-106994923

Also a huge fan of Bobby Flay from foodnetwork...

http://www.mesagrill.com/newyorkcity/

Do not ignore the little whole in the wall places or delis to eat...they are usually the best.

What hotels are you looking at? marriott marquis is nice right in Times Square. Black Friday is the Friday after Turkey day where everyone goes shopping. Stores earn loads of money and move into the black. Lots of crazy sales and crazy people. be really careful. Also the parade route will be wall to wall people. I would go and see a show on Broadway as well. Dress up!!!! Here in LA, not everyone dresses up to go to the theater. I think it is wrong. Not really an an event like it is in NYC.

subways are not too difficult. Be mindful of which side of the street you are on. Not all train directions are accessable from both sides of the street.

http://www.brail.org/transit/nycall.html

subway map!!! click ok, then click large and maximize.

NYC also has a HO-HO Bus.

Cab rides from the airport are usually a flat fee plus tolls. from the city to the airport is a different story.

I hope this helps!!!

Beth

Beth

sorry double posting

what to do on black Friday? as we are moving to another hotel for 4 pm?

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

My last trip out there, I ate at a steak house called Ben & Jacks. It's a Peter Lugers knock off and the dry aged steak was phenominal. I'm from Chicago, so I'm accustomed to great dry aged beef, so I'm not usually impressed with steak. This was good beef.

They're located two blocks from Grand Central Station around 44th & 3rd.

Hi

I booked Grand Hyatt hotel which is not far from Grand Central Station. will have a look at internet.

Scottishwee35

 

[scottishwee35]

Hi Scottishwee,

I lived in New York for six years so I might be able to help you. Some good restaurants are:
balthazarny.com
luzzomania.com
spankysnyc.com
2ndavedeli.com
ossobuco.ypguides.net
yummyhouse.com
serendipity3.com (famous for their frozen hot chocolate)
jekyllandhydeclub.com/home.htm (my sister's favorite restaurant)
hummusplace.com

If you are looking for cheaper/fast food, then I would suggest:
fiveguys.com
carlsteaks.com
smacnyc.com
magnoliabakery.com (for dessert, their cupcakes are famous)

I always use this website to find restaurants in NYC so you may find it useful: menupages.com

Hope this helps! Sorry the links are not so great, but I do not have a enough posts to post full links.

Hi

wow, that is a lot

I will look at it and pass it to my friend too..

will look up at menupages.com too.

Many thanks for your help

Scottishwee35