Look what happened now...
Ready, Set, Jet!
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Hey, There is a gym here in the hotel. Where? I'm not sure. This place is like most Vegas casino/hotels you need GPS just find your way back to the room. WTF You think I joking, naw.. But besides the extra work out of being lost in the hotel (how the Hell do those drunk people EVER find their rooms?) & hiking around Neveda; it's still important to keep up with your fitness plan. I included morning walks while in Austin, (remember?) I am taking time to meditate daily here, do floor work & yoga. So feeling zen as I wait for the shuttle back to the mall. ;) Oh I did indulge a bit.. This was so good. New York style cheese cake... And speaking of New York Style---- :0 Because you have to live a little. I didn't eat the WHOLE PIZZA OR THE WHOLE CHEESECAKE..1 piece of each over the course of a week. Lol "All things in moderation, including moderation." As a friend likes to say.. Ok I see my ride -- Got to run, talk soon!
State Capital
*Picture heavy post* Hi, How is it going? I'm going through the pictures & not sure where to file these. Under Austin pictures found on my memory card? Austin, mostly odd stuff? IDK. But here for your viewing pleasure are a few more Austin adventure pictures.. And Under what I wanted for my Birthday...I wanted the BEST Carrot Cake...from Mother's. Which was excellent. More Random Food Pictures... There is more, but this was enough for today.
Catch you later-
I posted this earlier on instgram
So what's up? I'm in Austin, Texas (in case you missed the greeting) lol It was a late night, but I still got up for the morning walk/run/crawl. I will get back in outstanding shape, again, damn it. I will. So after approx 2 miles I returned to the hotel. Most of the walk was through neighborhoods, didn't want to be stalker-like taking photos of houses, lol. So no other pictures. :X Anyway I cleaned up & went for the free breakfast buffet. I Was expecting a crowd of people; but the place was empty. Which was super nice, lol. I wasn't that hungry but did get a cup of coffee and some fruit for later. #win Did I tell you how much I love this hotel? This was such a great Groupon deal! Austin is close enough I can drive up, shop or go out to eat and drive back home. No big deal. But since this deal was for a suite for less than a regular hotel rate I just couldn't pass it up! Oh & free breakfast everyday too. Even if I just have coffee and a cup of yogurt it's that much less I don't have to purchase elsewhere, you know? Savings is savings... They had juice too. But the coffee smelled soo good. :) Next I'm headed to the pool. The rest of the day is reserved for some quality shopping & exploring. There are some great old venues I want to revisit and some new places people have told me I just gotta see. :D
I love Austin. I really do. I have lived here, moved away and moved back again more than any other city I have ever lived in. It's like no where else in Texas & if you love live music it's the only place to be. Rock, Soul, Rap, Country, Gospel, Punk, Indie it's all here. Ok- off to the pool now. Catch you later- OMG! What a week it was... I met with the mgr of the B & B to finalize the menu for the Surprise Party. I did mange to snap some pictures while I was there. But, I only brought my iphone because I was running late. So that said...you were warned. Even with the crappy iphone camera you can see the place is lovely inside and out. I really think she is going to be surprised.
:D So I'm asked all the time how do I get the best deals on travel? Well, I shop around & do research. So here a few of the sites I use. For booking flights in USA 1. My "Go to site" for everything is Hotwire 2. Then Actual airline home page. 3. Then Hotwire again! Because they will let you check up to 6 sites at a go. Also prices can change quickly. Update that screen & watch the fair go up. Have Hotwire email you when prices change (before you book) it's free: just make an account. Also I have tried many other sites. For instance, there is 1 that emails you great deals, but every time I follow link the fare is never correct, that just wastes my time. Hotwire is the best, (I have found.) If you know of a better one email me. Now miles & me.. It's the same thing everyone says, but it is true. If you know you want to fly then sign up for miles. Get everything your already buy adding to your miles. I think 1800flowers (or is it the other one?) Will offer miles for $ spent, as do a lot of other merchants you may already be shopping with. Also watch when airlines offer miles on special. This is when you can transfer or purchase miles for little or no service charge. But also realize if you want to get miles for say 2 tickets to Hawaii from Denver - it's going to take a while; like maybe years to accumulate that many miles. (Especially if you’re buying just Starbucks and flowers. LOL) So as I said get other things adding to your miles, but also don't go crazy, because if you get a new credit card & max it to get miles & have trouble paying it down- then it's not a savings. Savvy? I also think that frequent flier miles can be over rated. If you compare flights & your saving $50 each way or more going with another airlines then, (depending on your situation) which is the better deal? Say 300 miles or $100 more in your pocket, right? If you or loved one is racking up the miles through work or what have you, great use them. But if not don't expect to fly 2 times & pick up a free ticket. So anyway, I use Hotwire, check to see if where I want to go is even possible. (Yes, really) and then find the best deal. I then go to airline website & check them. Usually Hotwire is cheaper. It may only be $5 but that $5 I put in my pocket. I have never had a problem from a flight booking on Hotwire & that's saying a lot. Now I've had a hiccup or 2 on hotels, but it's been the hotels fault not Hotwire. Usually all you have to do is say, "lets call them" & the hotel staff will straighten up. But once again follow the procedure - have picture id, make sure person who is listed as reserving room is with you, & have a cc for the hotel to put tax or incidentals on. Hotwire tells you all this when you book, but ppl forget. Also they (Hotwire) purchase/pay for room with their card & it shows their SF address, hotel system becomes confused (for whatever reason) & clerk makes frown face & reports, ”Your card failed.” Meaning hotwire is not paying for your incidentals. You need new (personal card) for this. Easy peasy fixed. (Translate= Room paid in advance via you to Hotwire. New charges your own your own mate!) Most often the hotel has given me wrong bed type or something similar. Nothing big. But if I pay for a twin, I want a twin. Right? So also keep in mind hotwire may NOT be the cheapest site for hotels. (We are talking FLYING right now, sorry I got off track.) But keep in mind when booking FLIGHTS: • If you are booking far in advance buy the insurance. Really. Also know what changes can be made & the cost. Now. Before. You. Need. To Make Them. • Check fares on Wednesday • Refresh screen & jump on the good deals fast. They do change in a matter of minutes. Good luck & happy flying. I'll talk about overseas booking next if anyone is interested? So I actually did a little work (really) and went to see another old friend. We walked around, did a little shopping had a nice dinner and caught up. & I realized just how much I miss him...:( Jackson Square Forgot to really take any photos at 2nd hotel. It was the Sheraton & was nice, expensive & full of people. Jazz Fest + a convention. Lobby was huge, had t-shirts, event tickets, Starbucks, lounge, wine tasting, etc. No pictures because everytime I went to check it out got hit on by random businessmen - so left quickly. WTF?! Do I look like I want to chat? Grr I couldn't even get coffee @ Starbucks for all the crazy men milling about. :X Luckily my guy brought me coffee. :) Walked around the French Market, which seemed to be deserted? Went to the Flea Market too. It is getting to be more and more imported junk. I miss the days when it was local handmade stuff. But I guess they have to bring in what sells. I didn't take any photos there, or buy anything. Tradition is that I eat at at least 1 meal in Margaritaville, why? I dont' have a clue. hahaha Always feel weird taking pictures of the menu..like It's rude. But can never remember what food cost either. I guess I like the place because the colors are so bright & intense. Cause truth be told I am not overly fond of the Caribbean. But I do like Florida (a lot) Oh! and they do make a GREAT MARGARITA! Parts of our dinner, after I remembered to take photos, lol I did actually buy this....for my mother! I found out a couple of years back (when I took her to the Quarter) that she has a "thing" for Jimmy Buffet. She didn't want a t-shirt, so I got her this. She calls them "toothpick holders" we know them as shot glasses, but hey..whatever. LOL I could do a complete post on her "toothpick" holders, she has so many. Also stopped by Peaches records. Didn't know they were still pressing Vinyl?! But clerk told us some of the records were original (as in back in the day?! WTF !) & some newly pressed! Who knew? 2J's ahh memories... Do you see a theme here? LOL I did buy Beignet Mix..I was out at home. You can order off Amazon, but it just feels wrong, lol And another. Lovely end to a lovely day...
Random Bits, Mostly Shopping- Warning Picture Heavy Post So this is a good example of the shops. (Keep scrolling) You NAME it and its there. BUT you do have to know where to look. WTF, right? Prices vary from shop to shop too. Some are open late at night too, it also varies. I was out with Rox on this excursion and we looked at jewelry, household stuff and food. She is about to move, so she was sorta shopping for stuff for her new house. Cute stuff, but I didn't buy anything...Wasn't in the mood. So I have no idea the time, but it's really humid & I'm ready to eat again, lol I really NEED that pillow. What do you think? There are a lot of nice things on Rue Royal. Something for every taste and budget. Went back to the Sheraton and cleaned up for supper. Sunset- Chillin Before I showered & went out again. Ate at the Palace Cafe (see?) but forgot camera and was too busy eating to be bothered with snapping any photos with the iphone even. The food is good and reasonably priced. Do check it out if you are in the area. So it got dark and went back to window shop some more & check out a club or two. More rambling around shopping in the Quarter. This is kinda a crappy picture, but it does lend the right "mood" to how the streets feel at night. Some of the Window Displays were soooo pretty! LOVE these lamps! So pretty :0 You KNOW YOU NEED a hand carved fuseball table! Another Random shot of the Streets. People Milling about & everyone having fun! The Moon was full and really, really pretty! Some of the buildings are still a work in progress.. Since it is one of the Oldest Parts of the US there are strict rules on what one can do to the buildings here. None are torn down and modern ones put up & prices are sky high to rent or purchase. Here's a nicer looking one, don't want to scare you! There are a lot of art galleries too. More interesting Window displays...Like have no idea what these store sold, lol
Ok, thats all for now. The night went on and so did we, hahaha But I'm tired of editing pictures. Later- I was super excited to be back in New Orleans! So I flew into Louisiana from Texas. It's a short flight, actually I usually drive, but I wasn't able to take off as long as I had hoped, so flew in to make the most of my time. BUT- it takes approx. 8 hours to drive..it took me 8 hours from the time I left the house until I reached the Hotel? WTF?? There was a storm that delayed the flight, then we had to fly way around and over the gulf to reach NOLA. There was flooding (nothing unusual there) and a tornado warning. BUT it was over in a few hours after I reached the hotel. Thank Goodness! My friends that are not familiar with where/what I'm talking about I have added a few maps. (If you know, then just keep scrolling, K?) Cause I HATE: when I read about some cool place I want to go in YOUR BLOGS and there is no map and I have to google and do not even know if I'm in the right country. WYF?! So bloggers include a map, for me, Please- Heavy Picture Post- don't say I didn't warn you! I have stayed all over the city & surrounding towns. (Super hard to get a room during Mardi Gras. Book 1 year ahead if you want to be on the Parade route or close by) But my favorite place to stay is the French Quarter. It's one of the oldest areas in the U. S. Pat O'Briens less the rain. So this is one of the hotels I stayed in, (Pictures below.) I had to change because I was trying to book a condo and they could only accommodate 3 days, but then by the time I got the hotel booked for the earlier dates it was booked, so I needed up in yet another hotel for the rest of my stay. #FML But really it all worked out for the best though, I guess. My friends all asked me to stay with them, but I do not want to impose. *shy* Aren't these awesome? These are REAL FLOWERS and there is more on the piano. Nice Bar area. They offered FREE high Speed WIFI and also had this cute business center. Have a drink and check your email! My room was actually big for the Quarter. Remember that if you stay there, you don't go to stay in the room, you go to party, see the sights and listen to great music. I booked all the hotels through HOTWIRE and all was fine, as usual. Each wanted about $100.USD for extras..I gave them cash and they returned the cash when I checked out. There was no other charges added. So I knew going in what my stay was going to cost and how much I could BS away. I can't tell you anything about the cable, TV, etc. I didn't even turn it on... If you follow me on GETGLUE you know I suck at watching TV, but WTF I do have a pretty fun life. Big ass Bed, comfy too- And outside is pretty nice too. This is right after the storm, so keep that in mind. Meeting friends in the bar and then WE ARE OFF! Much talking, laughing and catching up later... :) Ended up really late and we just had Little Caesars Pizza! Hahaha Sinful, but really good! LOL I had been up like 36 + hours by this time and was ready to just sleep. Jazz Fest was about to start and people were pouring in from everywhere. Met quite a few over Breakfast, LOL. It was really nice & FREE at the hotel the next morning. Forgot to take pictures (told you am NOT a foodie) Checked into another Hotel & then me and a buddy went out for... :X Can't remember which I posted so here are both, LOL. There were tons of people at Cafe Du Monde. So this was like our brunch. This is the FULL Menu. Thats all you need though- lol #bestfoodever See random People everywhere in Cafe Du Monde Forgot we went to the Jazz Park 1st. It was by the hotel I checked out of and across the Quarter from Cafe Du Monde. It was redone after Katrina and the city really made a BIG DEAL about it, so I wanted to see it. It was really pretty, but no one was there (it was 10:30 or so a.m.) The mant. people saw us, but locked the gate on us..We did get out (well duh) but had to walk around a bit to find an open exit. (I'm telling you everyday is an adventure..) Roses took a beating from all that heavy rain. :( Maybe we can escape through here? It became overcast again and looked like rain, but then ended up clearing off...WTF like Texas weather?! Wanted to get closer, but everything was really wet...Figured I sink down to my knees in mud...Not cool in High heel boots! Another locked gate, WTF? We ended up going over 2 bridges, but did get out. Too funny!
Anyway, there is soo much more and so many more photos. Jazz Cruise, Shopping, The Quarter at night, etc.. Wil work on posts. Catch you later~ Hotel was a great deal. Its clean, recently redone, beds are comfy & wifi is free. So it meets my requirments. The balcony is kind of odd; overlooking parking lot. But is ok. Can only enter from lobby - so is safe. But there is the typical warning - lock doors, don't leave valuables in cars, etc. No safe in room, but free at front desk, I think. This is a pretty safe part of Austin, or used to be. (?) Just general mischief- All the stuff my French friends are shocked at! People here cannot believe how safe other countries are. That's why you have to turn off the tv & go explore. Go see for yourself how it is..
So much I need to do while in town!People to see, places to revisit, shopping & a couple of bands I wanna catch. I really miss Austin, but don't want to move back. Once again I heard, "OMG! Why are you in hotel? You can stay with me!" So sweet, but I could not impose. *shy*
Don't take many pix while I'm out (focused on food & shopping, lol) Toodles- |
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