Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth America

[amaroo]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

Amaroo I really enjoyed your TR especially the photos as I am not a photo taker.
A lovely holiday in North America during an east coast Ice Age did not seem to mess you up too much so well done on taking your tribe on such a big holiday.

Thanks cove we were very lucky on the weather front....a day or two either side on the itinerary and we would have been stuffed!

We were really lucky Winter 2011-2012 was relatively mild. Apart from a couple of hell freeze over days (I remember walking the kids home from school in -17 thinking I was a miserable excuse for a mother,) we had it pretty good. Loving this TR, shame you had to come home!

12 months in Montreal - I'd say you're a pretty mother TraceyK90 The sooner you get home - The sooner you can go again

Presumably also if the steak comes out underdone, they can give it a quick zap at the table to bring it up to scratch? Or the kitchen might call them in to tenderize the beef a bit before they cook it?

Extraordinary! So what happens? Some-one becomes stroppy, they waiter tasers him and everyone carries on eating and chatting while the subject writhes and screams in agony?

I've never had the slightest inclination to visit Miami and you've vindicated that, thanks

Very funny RooFlyer I asked him why he needed it, answer - vagrants are a big problem and this is the quickest solution! Can't imagine returning to a place where this type of behaviour is common practice....I'm assuming he must be licensed to wear such a weapon. Makes you wonder what goes on!

We had a bit of an introduction to LA... walking down to onto the Metro platform at Union Station to head to Hollywood and we were confonted with a full police take-down of a violent passenger (lots of swearing, tasers and handcufs). Thanks goodness that was the only violence we saw...

Certainly not a good thing for young kids to witness. Our two were bug-eyed and couldn't believe people would carry on like this. Big difference between real life and TV

I agree about Miami. I visited there a couple of years ago when my cousin was living there. It was great to see her but the place itself wasn't so great. We transited MIA twice on our recent trip. Both times arriving late and went straight to the Embassy Suites, heading out again in the morning.

Princess Fiona did you sneak in a status run or two

The best thing about the Miami area is Sawgrass Mills

After looking at your link last night SWMBO agrees!

As the lovely mrsdrron says Go to the burbs.It is like a different country.Great shopping,restaurants with waiters that don't wear tasers and many lovely,polite people.We have not gone into Miami proper in over 20 years.

Sounds ideal. I can see why you haven't bothered for the last 20 years!

Unfortunately most of mine are behind the wing.

All ok - as long as they are short ones

Amaroo must thank you again for a wonderful TR, great reading.

Cheers Magpie10 and thanks for hanging in there.....not long to go now.

Hope you gave him a decent tip then!

LOL Yes, he got the appropriate % just as well it wasn't a dud meal.....not sure I'd have the ticker to leave the drron recommendation for poor service/meal!

I loved the Kimball art and building. There was a lovely very early Picasso of a small child. In the tiny internal courtyard, a statue that the guards had christened, 'Woman Sliding into 3rd Base'. Fort Worth is fun.

Here's 'Woman sliding into 3rd base'.

Fort Worth was a real pleasure to visit as was Dallas. We were really surprised and would like to go back again.

 

[ABC1]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

Great trip report.. Feels like I've been away on holiday.

On the first page you spoke about getting into the Flounge at BNE and having only one guest. It is QF policy that children under the age of 18 are not considered guests and can have access with an adult. But that's BNE for you.

 

[amaroo]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

Where did that month go! Last day of the holiday

Longish day as we are catching QF8. Departure time is 22.15 and we then have 16 hours to enjoy the QF hospitality before landing in BNE. Could be worse! we could be going all the way to SYD and then connecting to a DOM flight :shock:

Late start to the day and a beautiful breakfast at Fearing's. We decided to take a ride on the free McKinney Avenue Transit Authority (MATA) trolley MATA - McKinney Avenue Transit Authority - M-Line

We were quite surprised to see the one we got on was an old Melbourne Tram given a new lease of life.









After doing the loop we got off at the RC and got the courtesy car to the JFK memorial and Museum Home | The Sixth Floor Museum

The 6th floor museum was far more interesting than I imagined. They have done a great job detailing the years before and after that fateful day in Dallas.



John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial

I didn't take any photos inside the memorial or in the museum.....poor taste IMO.

 

[petercr]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

If you'd been coming home on Sat (1st) you would have had an extra a night as it appears QF8 went tech that night and was delayed by a day

 

[JessicaTam]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

There are a few Melbourne trams in the States. I was surprised to see one in Seattle a few years ago.

 

[erkpod]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

There are a few Melbourne trams in the States. I was surprised to see one in Seattle a few years ago.

There's also 2 in San Francisco.

 

[amaroo]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

Somehow I've forgotten about one the best meals we had on the trip! Trip reports and red wine - wicked combination

Trulucks's - Seafood, Steak, Crab House. Weird name but exceptional food Truluck's » Seafood Steak & Crab House

This was our last night and we were actually booked at another place - a Japanese restaurant that the concierge recommended. The restaurant was about 6 blocks up McKinney Ave so we decided to walk.....well those 6 blocks were lined with restaurants that were packed with people having a fun time - busy Saturday night. Got to the place the concierge booked. Empty! Walked in and shown to our seats....two chairs were ripped to pieces and the stuffing gone. There was no way we were going to have the final meal of a fantastic holiday in this dump.

Walked out and headed back down to a place that looked really good - Trulucks. It was packed and I didn't have high hopes. I explained to the maitre d our predicament, she looked us up (I think the kids worked in our favour) and said "why not, I shouldn't - follow me" We were in

Great last meal.....come here.

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

That plate of crab claws got me :mrgreen: next time we are in Dallas we are eating there !!!!!!

 

[petercr]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

Must be swish if they can paint the crab's nails after they're cooked...

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

Must be swish if they can paint the crab's nails after they're cooked...

And it is very on trend with black nail polish :shock:

 

[amaroo]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

QF 8 J 12 A/B/J/K

Qantas Chauffeur Drive. I would love to shower them with praise however, the total lack of any communication is a major fail IMHO. I totally agree with the zones that limit distances for each location, I completely understand this is not their core business however, I do not understand how you can offer this service without any communication whatsoever. Out the 4 CD we were eligible for we only used two (2 were outside the zone therefore, of course the charges are ridiculous) but the two we did use they couldn't be bothered to call, email, text....nothing!

Yes, they turned up on time....but how did they know the 4 of us wanted 1 SUV instead of the 3 cars we were entitled too? Lucky for me their guess was correct! I very much get the feeling that QF are trying their level best to discourage people from using this service - they'll probably be successful.

Easy check-in and we headed for the lounge. The lounge at DFW is not QF (understandable) it's a shared lounge. Not that impressive - rabbit warren layout with limited F&B offer.






12K



The side bins of 12K



Cabin with a view of the pre-order breakfast sheet



An AFF'er in the making....this is my 12 year old son making fun of his old man

 

[petercr]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

And it is very on trend with black nail polish :shock:

Emo or Goth crabs??

EDIT: Back on-topic (and you can tell I haven't flown at that end of the plane)... what's in the magic compartment in the seat back in front?
Surely it couldn't be storage or else you'd have to get out of your seat to access it...

 

[RooFlyer]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

The Lounge at DFW - not an AA Flagship lounge?

I remember the one I used at DFW (while waiting for an AA flight to Cancun) a couple of years ago was pretty swish - one of the best Nth American lounges I have come across (forget which Terminal it was).

I guess there are other AA lounges there which are the standard AA types.

 

[drron]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

No flagship lounges at DFW.No competition.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

The Lounge at DFW - not an AA Flagship lounge?

I remember the one I used at DFW (while waiting for an AA flight to Cancun) a couple of years ago was pretty swish - one of the best Nth American lounges I have come across (forget which Terminal it was).

I guess there are other AA lounges there which are the standard AA types.

Terminal A Admirals club maybe?
The one with the gym ?
DFW has quite a few AC's
Agree with Amaroo that the QF Lounge there is totally ordinary and small.

 

[OATEK]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

Emo or Goth crabs??

EDIT: Back on-topic (and you can tell I haven't flown at that end of the plane)... what's in the magic compartment in the seat back in front?
Surely it couldn't be storage or else you'd have to get out of your seat to access it...

The lower opening is good for blanket etc before take off. The panel in the seat back only has room for a couple of mags, or an amenities kit. Not all that useful.

 

[serfty]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

The Lounge at DFW - not an AA Flagship lounge?
....

There was one - it was closed and absorbed by the "A" when interational flights moved from A to D a little over 10 years ago.

There are 4 A/C's - one for each of "A", "B", "C" & "D" terminals. The contract facility used by QF is in "D", not fare from the A?C there. I like to hit the QF facility for a few bites before heading to the A/C for a show and a couple more pre-flight bevvies.

 

[TomVexille]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

View attachment 24311

An AFF'er in the making....this is my 12 year old son making fun of his old man

Love it

No flagship lounges at DFW.No competition.

Correct

 

[RooFlyer]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

There was one - it was closed and absorbed by the "A" when interational flights moved from A to D a little over 10 years ago.

There are 4 A/C's - one for each of "A", "B", "C" & "D" terminals. The contract facility used by QF is in "D", not fare from the A?C there. I like to hit the QF facility for a few bites before heading to the A/C for a show and a couple more pre-flight bevvies.

Yes - we've had this discussion before, haven't we

 

[amaroo]

Re: Planes, Trains & Automobiles.......& Helicopter....& Airboat - A month in Nth Ame

There was one - it was closed and absorbed by the "A" when interational flights moved from A to D a little over 10 years ago.

There are 4 A/C's - one for each of "A", "B", "C" & "D" terminals. The contract facility used by QF is in "D", not fare from the A?C there. I like to hit the QF facility for a few bites before heading to the A/C for a show and a couple more pre-flight bevvies.

Yes - we've had this discussion before, haven't we

I burnt all my good will taking the family on a lounge crawl in SIN last year when the QF/EK agreement commenced. My TR for that trip details the drama....long story short - SWMBO said never again!

It's too soon to test the market for another family lounge crawl - it was made clear to me again this trip. Hence I selected the QF lounge (first timer) as I was an inquisitive newbie + the AC lounge in MIA wasn't a very enticing introduction to sample another AC.