Many thanks to KK, my ex classmate who recently returned from ORD for a conference. He was kind enough to get some pictures for me on his NH 7 flight (SFO-NRT).
Not extensive (as this was a last minute request) – just some food pictures:
Many thanks to KK, my ex classmate who recently returned from ORD for a conference. He was kind enough to get some pictures for me on his NH 7 flight (SFO-NRT).
Not extensive (as this was a last minute request) – just some food pictures:
If you have at least 3 days in Austin and would like to explore this Texan city, look no further than the ATX pass.
At $95 per person, this pass came with a host of activities suitable for all ages. Although there are many activities included, chances are you will not be able to do everything hence it is good to sit down and plan your itineraries (depending on the time and location of the activity).
The ATX pass is valid for 3 days hence it will be worthwhile if you have at least 4 days to spend in Austin.
After getting my HHonours Diamond status matching for 90 days, I decided to give my stays in Houston and Panama City in the Hilton chain a try.
With the diamond status, I can get Lounge access and breakfast for 2 regardless of the room category booked. Logic dictates that I book the cheapest room!
After a 25.5 hours flight into Houston and another 3.5 hours wait in the airport – it is time for the final leg of my journey into Austin. I was initially thinking of taking a Megabus/Greyhound from Houston into Austin (cheapest) but I figured that I won’t have the stamina to do that (and I am glad that I did not do it). We flew into Austin instead on United Airlines. So far, I have only tried Domestic Delta Airlines (JFK-BOS and JFK-YUL). So how did United fare?
My recently concluded TTOTY was a good break – and now its time to pen my thoughts.
Not long after lifting of electronics ban imposed on some airlines, USA is now introducing enhanced security screening for transborder flights from Canada. Although I have only taken 2 transborder flights so far (AC791 from YYZ to LAX and AC578 from YYC to LAX), I was given the special SSSS treatment on my second flight.
After the highlight which was Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, it was time to leave Canada. Our next stop was Tokyo but unfortunately the flight out of LAX is pretty early at 10am. Hence, a night’s stay in LAX cannot be avoided. One thing I dislike about airports in USA is that there are no hotels connected to the airport. This make transit in USA rather tedious as one has to take another transport from the airport to the hotel.
Looking forward to my upcoming long trip (after my last one in 2015). Will be doing the following reviews:
Date : 22 to 26 November 2015 (4 nights)
Price : SGD $900 (including tax)
Type of room : King room
Inclusive : none
I booked this room utilizing Citibank Prestige’s 4th night free. I chose this hotel mainly for the convenience, Amtrak Thruway Bus (continuation from my Amtrak Coast Starlight trip) stops right in front of the hotel. I definitely do not want to lug my luggage around San Francisco at 10:30 pm. I had wanted to book the Club room but as I will be spending most of my time away, I decided to just go for the King Room without any additional options (including breakfast).
The hotel is located conveniently at the junction of Market Street, California Street and Drumm Street and just next to Embarcadero. The BART, Electric Street car, MUNI Metro and cable car is just at the doorstep of the hotel! This makes traveling around the city extremely convenient. The San Francisco Ferry building is just a stone throw away. Using the above transport options, one can go to Fisherman’s Wharf, Pier 39, Chinatown, Union Square and other places easily. There are eateries nearby with Walgreens and 7-Eleven nearby too.
All good things must come to an end. After 5 cities (comprising 4 flights, 1 train ride and 3 bus rides), it was time to go home. What better way to come home than on Singapore Airlines. Singapore Airlines operates 2 daily flights to and from San Francisco i.e. SQ2/1 (SIN-HKG-SFO) and SQ16/15 (SIN-ICN-SFO). My initial intention was to travel on SQ1 with a short stopover in Hong Kong for one last round of good food before returning home. However, I was not able to get 2 First Class tickets on SQ1. Therefore, I had to settle with SQ15.
