Up the Amazon Without a Paddle.

[drron]

Thursday and we drove down to the Los Americas outlets on the Mexican border.Some great bargains.Mrsdrron got 2 pairs crocs for $8.65.I got a Polo jacket for $45.Plus plenty more.The outlets do seem to have less variety in stock than previous years but still some great bargains.However mrsdrron will tell you dont forget the Department stores-their sales can be better than the outlets.And of course if shopping at Macys get their International discount card-an extra 10% off.You can get this at any Macy's store-this time we got it at Carlsbad.Mrsdron also likes Kohls.
After shopping it was back to San Diego for a late lunch at the Fish Market.Right next to the Midway.We shared a prawn appetiser then mrsdrron had a lobster roll and I had a great Cioppino with half a Dungeness crab-

With 2 glasses of SB and a pint of Battery Point pale ale-$89.
And the US navy puts on a free show-

As well there were helicopters overhead and in the distance at the Naval air base a pair of fighters were practising touch and go.
After visiting a few more stores we got back to the hotel at~1930 and enjoyed a Taittinger and raspberry dinner.
Next-off to LA.

 

[drron]

Friday and it was more local shopping.It is a good idea to get one of the larger papers,usually saturday edition,as they virtually always have coupons for extra discount.A lot of the chains have loyalty clubs-just leave your email address and they email you about specials-mrsdrron does this for Saks Off 5th and Lord and Taylors.All can add to the savings.Today I got the savings.Shopped at Rite Aid-it was Seniors discount day so I flashed my QLD Seniors card and got 15% off.
For late lunch(in the states we often only have breakfast and Lunner at ~ 1600) we went to Red Lobster.We have both joined their loyalty club and always have coupons for discounts-this time 1 for $3 off and 1 for $4 off mains.This might not be haute cuisine but you know what you are going to get and the seafood is quite reasonable.We both had the lobster,shrimp and scallops combo after sharing a coconut shrimp appetiser.

Saturday and it was off to Hollywood,but no straight course for us.To paraphrase a Frequent flyer slogan-Why go direct when you can go via some outlets.So we drove over to I-15.A short stop at a Super Target-and here saw first hand how an outbreak of gastro can occur.At the food outlet a young fellow~8-9 was going along the slurpee outlets licking them all-yuck!:shock:
Then stopped at the Lake Elsinore outlets-at least a third of the shops closed and not worth the time.The next stop however was definitely worth it.Carbazon and the Desert Valley outlets.Not far from Palm Springs on I-10.The place was jumping,not a spare spot in the huge parking lot but we got lucky with someone leaving early.This is one of the better outlets for high end merchandise.Mrsdrron picked up a nice pair of Jimmy Choos and I scored several items including very comfortable Cole Haan shoes.

So then it was off to the W as it was getting quite late.Didn't notice signs for any of our favourite restaurants so east on I-10 and north on 101 to the W.Review here-
Hotel Experiences and Reviews
You cant miss it at night-

We arrived a bit after 1800.The 2 fellows in front of us were bumped but promised a room for Saturday night.We were upgraded from a Marvellous room to a Marvellous suite.We had dinner at their restaurant Delphines.Nothing special but OK.Mrsdrron had the salmon and I the Halibut.The place though was really jumping,full of young trendy things though I did notice one other grey haired gentleman.
Next-our time in LA.

 

[drron]

Sunday and a decision to be made.Go to the early conference sessions or please mrsdrron by taking her on a beautiful Californian Sunday for more shopping.Those of you that thought the conference even got a mention go to the dunce corner!:shock:
So North on 101 it was to Camarillo and Oxnard.The Camarillo outlets are also good but not quite the number of upmarket stores as at Desert Hills.Also not nearly as crowded.A little north of these outlets at Oxnard is a Nordstrom rack-these are well known for their shoes so Imelda oops,Mrsdrron loved the place.After that it was again to Red Lobster for lunch.This time I took pictures-

So 2 glasses wine,a beer,crab and lobster stuffed mushrooms,the lobster,shrimp and scallops combo plus I had the all you can eat shrimp-5 dozen of the tasty little critters and the bill came to $68.

On the drive north there was a fabulous selection of cars-Lamborghinis,maseratis,ferraris and a whole gaggle of vintage corvettes.One thing that amuses me is the plethora of religious bumper stickers.One of the favourites is-"What would Jesus do?"Well my guess is that he would not be driving an oversized SUV down the Ventura freeway at 30mph over the speed limit.

Back to the W and as we walked in saw another couple being bumped.
Next-a convention report.

 

[drron]

Ok now for something a little different in a TR.Seriousness of a non travel nature.I attended the American Heart Association Scientific sessions.This is a large conference with ~ 30000 delegates.The convention centres have to be huge to hold them.In the States this is no problem-

Nearby are the main conference hotels-Intercontinental and Marriot-

There is not much up close and personal in the meeting rooms-

That is in the lunch break.But now to my story.Had to drop the car back to Avis which is 2 blocks from the LA Convention Centre.Took 45 minutes on the rolling car park called Highway 101.Now although Avis is only 2 blocks fom the Convention Centre registration was at the far end so it took 30 minutes to get there.An older American Cardiologist was taking the same walk at about my pace so we started chatting.Turned out he is one of Americas most revered Cardiologist whose textbook is still regarded as one of the top Cardiology books.
This is what i love about the USA.If I go to a conference in Australia I am ignored by quite a few as working in rural and regional areas you obviously didn't make the grade for a teaching hospital appointment.This fellow though had the typical US response as I told tales of Mt.Isa and Broken Hill saying-I could never work without backup.You must be very good to be able to do that.

So to the nitty gritty.As I have suggested before Medicine is on the cusp of great changes.As one US cardiologist has stated we are witnessing the creative destruction of medicine.Old dinosaurs like me will be left behind with the technological changes.Fortunately though later in the sessions came reports of how physicians who can relate to their patientsget better results even if not using the absolute best treatment so I will still be able to work and therefore travel for a few more years.
A major study is to begin in 2013 using cardiac stem cells to regenerate heart muscle after a heart attack.The pilot study had very good results.Biologicals are now being tested for things such as high cholesterol.Genetic testing to prefict effects or side effects of drugs is here but too expensive at present.That will change.

Then to the lighter moments.The AHA releases ads they will be showing in the coming months.The teaching of community CPR had a Brisbane element.To use external CPR you are told to do it to the beat of "Staying Alive"with the BeeGees in the background.At the end of one an old fellow proclaims-"Disco saved my life".

Then there are the changes in the industry participation in conferences.The first US conference I attended was in 1981 in San Francisco.No prizes for guessing what the major talking point was then.However I remember being given harbour cruises and excursions as well as free meals.It gradually morphed into the conference boxed lunches were supplied with Industry grants.Now it is zippo.There were some stands with coffee machines,water dispensers some with jelly beans and one with frozen yoghurt.At each was a sign saying if you were licensed in 4 named states or worked for a State agency in another 6 or for any Federal agency you were prohibited from partking of any complimentary food or beverage.
However most stands had attractive young ladies dressed to the nines with their high heels.Just goes to show you that a physician cant be tempted by seduction but can be bought with a glass of water.

On the final day I attended to the very last session.Here is the crowd at the end of the second last session-

So enough of the serious stuff.Back to more of Hollywood next.

 

[zig]

Enjoying your travels through the outlet shops, I wish I could be there. If mrsdrron ever decides to start leading shopping tours let me know and I'll be the first to book in.

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

On the way back to the hotel we stopped at Albertsons to get something for brekkie.Once more we got their loyalty discount even though we dont have a card.Much cheaper than Australia-raspberries $15 a kg,Cloudy Bay SB-$20,nobilo SB-$8.
More shopping next.

Now let me just correct your idea that we are alcoholics - we DID NOT have the wine for breakfast !!! We only bought the raspberries, blueberries and yogurt. Ron was just pricing the wine !!!!!! for comparison to AU.

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

Enjoying your travels through the outlet shops, I wish I could be there. If mrsdrron ever decides to start leading shopping tours let me know and I'll be the first to book in.

Thank you Zig ! I do have a black belt in shopping, esp in the USA ! but then I have been going here for 35 years !! Been to all 50 states and EVERY outlet mall !!

Just got my first pair of Jimmy Choos - made me extremely happy

 

[drron]

Well back to it.Several interesting moments whilst staying in Hollywood.Although there has been a renewal of many of the buildings a lot of the past is still evident.Lots of homeless,people high on something and the professionals plying their wares on the street.
Though as I reported in another thread the shuttle from the convention passed Grauman's Chinese theatre on the way back to the W and on the Monday night a premiere and saw Marion Cotillard.Unfortunately left on Thursday as that night they were having the premiere of Lincoln.

Monday evening and again we dined at Delphine's in the W.Much better experience.Monday is quiet and the Raw bar is half price-though not all was raw.Mrsdrron had 6 oysters and beautiful garlic prawns whilst I had a seafood chowder and a great seafood cerviche.We both then had the beef rib-very tender but a really large serve.With a bottle of kim Crawford SB-$160 all in.

Tuesday night and a special meal at Nobu.Review here-
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....mmended-restaurants/nobu-hollywood-44916.html
We went by taxi.Unfortunately probably a newly arrived fellow with little English and less knowledge of Hollywood geography than me.Fortunately I had looked up google maps so directed him.Unfortunately the name is basically invisible from the street so had a little walk back when I finally saw a street number.

Wednesday and the conference ended early so we went up to the Highland Centre which mrsdrron had read good reviews of.Only 1 stop on the Metro.However it was definitely overrated.For kids as you come out of the Metro station there are a load of characters-Darth Vader,Chewbacca,Elvis,Michael Jackson and for Big Bang fans-the Phlash.Also the most well endowed Wonder Woman I have ever seen.Ended up having dinner at the Hard Rock.Got on well with the Manager who had been to Sydney to oversee the opening of the Sydney restaurant.We both went for the ribs-

With a shared creme brulee and a bottle of Napa Pinot Grigio-$88

Next-off to MIA.

 

[drron]

Thursday and a 0600 wake up call.In taxi by 0710.Fortunately not much traffic and of course we can use the HOV lanes-though in 4 days time they are becoming Toll lanes which may make quite a bit of difference.At check in at 0810.Taxi fare-$70.
Checkin and our heaviest bag weighs in right on 50lb-travel scales are a great investment.Really nice agent.Though we had to say no to her politely asking if we wanted to be moved to the direct flight-not for 90SCs less for mrsdrron.We are given a key for the Flagship lounge.Upstairs to security and 2 reasonable premium lines.There was a lane marked flagship with no one in it-it is for TSA pre approved pax.There were a few classic DYKWIA looks from pax who were told to line up with us plebs.

Held up by a woman who took several minutes to get everything out for the X-ray.TSA agent moved her aside.I got the pat down again after the body scanner-wear a knee brace.This time I got a sensible TSA fellow who just patted down my knee and let me go.
To the flagship lounge and followed in by a loiterer who was soon shown the door out.Reasonable brekkie-fresh raspberries,blueberries and blackberries.Then average sausages,potato and scrambled eggs.As mrsdrron is up getting her breakfast the fellow opposite is practising his pocket billiards.Was an Aussie too.
AA2434. LAX-DFW. ETD-1010. Push back-1006. Take off-1016
ETA-1510 Landed-1446. At gate-1450.

Was a 737 with wifi.We are in 4E,F-2nd row of F.The Captain was at the door of the cocpit and was inviting young kids to take a look.When we are seated a fellow boards with 4 carryons,puts them all above Row3 and disappears down the back.Watch our bags being loaded-all bags are being scanned.
Several things that always make me wonder-pax who have to rifle through their carryons for something they need during the flight-mine are always in an outside pocket or on top of carryon.And again those in row 20+ who have to examine each row number starting from the first row.
The doors were closing but reopened and a woman with 2 young kids boarded-common sense,Amazing.

The 2 flights next.

 

[drron]

The service on this flight is outstanding.Anita and Keith had the perfect mix of chattiness and efficiency.No foot shot as lots of those on 737s.For the meal we both had a nice teriyaki beef pie.Febo worked again as those in the last row had to have the chicken pot pie.I had a nice 2007 Beringer shiraz to go with it.

The young couple in 1E,F are obviously on their first F sector-eating everything and trying virtually all the drink options.They were enjoying it immensely.

We were off quickly at Gate D27 and our MIA flight was listed at D19.So we soon in the D AC.We really didn't want any food as we knew we would be fed on the next leg.We did though use our coupons for their premium SB.I emailed AA about the excellent service.I had a personalised reply within 30 minutes even though I had ticked no reply needed.
As we were drinking our wine they announced a gate change to C30.Only 40 minutes to boarding when we arrived by the Air Train.Checked the gate and then had a walk around the terminal.Now 10 minutes to boarding and I noted they had changed the flight number-was still a service to MIA but was now the replacement for an earlier flight that had gone tech.Told new gate D29.As we were going up to the Airtrain we heard an announcement re the gate change.Get to D29 and no plane.One pulls in a couple of minutes later.No one comes off but the crew go straight on.It is now a &%& instead of the scheduled MD80.

AA1042 DFW-MIA. ETD-1740. Push back-1804. Take off-1816.
ETA-2125. Land-2130. At gate-2139
Seats 2A,B-757s have a row 1.We boarded 1 and 3.Just as well as the overheads fill quickly.Lady is in 1B.A couple arrive and say they are 1A,B.The woman says impossible and gets out all her papers rifling through them.The FA asks for her BP but she still goes on going through her papers.When finally the BP is produced the FA says you are in 21B!Of course she left her carryons above Row1.It is a full flight and several bags get gate checked.

The flight next.

 

[drron]

Taking off from DFW at night is amazing.You see the lights of the incoming planes-4 at a time.Your plane goes onto the runway and hits the accelerator immediately as the next incoming is not too far behind.Then all the lights of Dallas.The foot shot-

As soon as we take off 1B reclines and remains that way.1A goes to the loo immediately the FAs are out of their jump seats,before the seat belt light is off.Drinks are served promptly.The service is good but not quite the standard of the previous flight.
The meal is parmesan penne for mrsdrron and I have the chipotle chicken which is excellent-

By it's size it had to be a Texan chicken.Meals came with a reasonable salad and Dulce de Leche cheesecake.I still consider these AA meals better than QF domestic J.
I then went to sleep and woke to see the lights of Miami-

We had made up a fair bit of time but that is when it went pear shaped-that next.

 

[drron]

So after deplaning it was a walk to the train.once again furthest gate from the station.Signs are up-baggage to come out on carousel 22.After about 10 minutes bags come out tagged DFW-MIA but it was the previous flight which left 45 minutes before us.Then after 25 minutes more bags but these are off a later flight from DC.Another 10 minutes and it is announced our bags will be on carousel 23.Fortunately ours are out first.Have to elbow my way past the very large lady who pushed in front of me and would not respond to a polite request to let me through.One bag is missing it's TSA lock.

Then it is a very long walk to the train that takes you to the rental car terminal.Although newly renovated parts of the moving footway are not working.Finally get to the Avis centre.Our name is not up on the board.Line up in the preferred line and wait about 15 minutes to get to an agent who tells us to go down 2 floors and the preferred booth will fix the problem-ask if she can do it as we are here.No,go to the preferred booth.So lug our luggage to the preferred booth.There is a longer line there.When finally get to talk to an agent we are told no more full size cars.MrsD explodes so we are given an upgrade to a Mazda CX9.Boy are they fuel guzzlers.

We finally make it to the Embassy Suites just before midnight.Review here-
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ces-and-reviews/embassy-suites-mia-44917.html
When we drive in there are 5 police car with about 12 officers.Ask at the desk why and were told an argument with a taxi driver about the fare.Didn't ring true and at breakfast next morning come down in the lift with another couple who asked if we heard the noise-apparently a fellow on drugs went beserk.That sounded a more plausible explanation for the police presence.
Before breakfast rang AA and used my last 2 EVIPs to upgrade our DFW-NRT flight to F.So easy.This was one occasion when the BNE number let me down-they said it couldn't be done as a QF issued ticket.
So next will be our day in Miami but may be delayed a fair time as we are about to board our ship and the internet is way too dear for a very patchy product.

 

[drron]

Time for one more post.After breakfast we headed out to Sawgrass Mills.This is now probably the best of the outlets.It has expanded a lot since our first visit and now has all the top end brands plus most of the department store outlets-Nordstrom Rack,Saks Off fifth,Bloomies,Nieman Marcus,Burlington,Marshalls,TJ Maxx.We spent several hours there and did well over our 10000 steps for the day.
A good moment in the Gap Outlet.Showed my RACQ card and the woman says I am not going to give you the AAA discount.Why not?Because I am going to give you 30% off instead.OK then.

Once again a late lunch at PF Changs which again earns AA miles-if you have an Aadvantage account sign up for Aadvantage dining,register your CC and away you go.I do not look for restaurants that will earn but if I use my registered CC and the restaurant is a particpant the miles magically appear in your account.
This time we had the dry ribs as an appetiser,the vietnamese crab salad and a very good pad thai.

Mrsdrron had 2 bottles of SB and I had one of these-

Couldn't resist the name!Then it was back to the rolling car park to get back to the ES.

Saturday and it is off to Barbados.Wake a little late for mrsdrron's liking so a rush to get ready.Car delivered back to Avis and they redeem themselves a little by driving us to the terminal in the car we had just brought back-saved on much moving of luggage.Check in was easy and although 2 bags are over the 50lb level no comment is made.Soon at security.
Fortunately a very short priority queue.A very brusque TSA lady was obviously enjoying her power.Everyone gets a comment.To me it was-"Sir,stand exactly on the line to enter the scanner!"Once again a pat down due to knee brace but back to TSA overkill and I get a whole body pardown.
Just that morning I had read an article on line about a TSA agent who had forced a 16 year old to take her Insulin pump through the scanner-they can upset the calibration of the pump.The young lady had a hypo but fortunately recognised the problem early.It is in the TSA guidelines that having an insulin pump you should have a pat down rather than going through the scanner.
Off to the AC.As usual minimal food but nice mini blueberry muffinsNaturally travelling with mrsdrron we are at the gate early.However it usually is good for people watching and there seemed to be a high number of "interesting"people on our flight.
Also interesting at the gate.Scan your BP and you are confronted by metal doors which open as you approach and onto the air bridge you go.
Next-flight to BGI.

 

[turtlemichael]

Drron, from what you said over on CC you have a pretty good cruise TA . Are they also good on price? Do you mind sharing the contact details if you recommend them? Many thanks and enjoy the cruise. ps your AFF mailbox is full

 

[drron]

AA1089. MIA-BGI. ETD-1020. Push back-1018. Take off-1032.
ETA-1455. Landed-1446. At gate-1450.
Seats 3A,B.This is an International configuration 757 and the premium cabin does start at Row 1.I dont mind it-

We board by middle door so need to turn left to get to J cabin.I foolishly thought that would put a stop to Y pax using the J bins.2 turn left,deposit their bags in the J bins and then head back to Y.A third trys but is intercepted by the FA.She is carrying a bag,her wedding dress,a container of food and drinking her Starbucks.Where do you expect me to put this then she loudly asks the FA.The Fa did store her wedding dress but told her to find somewhere in the main cabin for her bag.The J bins had to be reorganised so the last J pax could fit her bags in.
AA have a very pleasant preflight video-scenes of Norway,Turkey and US National Parks.Interrupted by 2E having to go to the loo twice before boarding was complete.

Now an aside.In the Hollywood Hard Rock Cafe they were promoting Belo Horizonte.The flight under ours on the departure boards in MIA was to Belo Horizonte.Damn you Tony Hancock,how far will you go to try and get me to rescue your socks?

When the seat belt sign went out it was time for the drinks service.As it was 1700 somewhere we had white wine-nize big glasses.Then lunch was served at 1100 MIA time.Buffalo chicken or fish tacos.Mrsdrron wasnt interested in either so we ordered 1 of each.Fortunately the tacos came with a decent salad with ranch dressing for her.I had chicken sans lettuce and fish sans tacos-

FEBO worked again and those in Row1 had to accept tacos.Service is again excellent.On our side we had views of the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos before running into a weather front-

I then slept to being awoken by mrsdrron stepping over me-she was told to stop.A pilot came out of loo so she got up and again told to stop.A second pilot came from the Galley and went to the loo.When he went back to the coughpit the FA came out.It appeared that for a couple of minutes she was there by herself.

Soon our first view of Bridgetown-

Still no air bridges at BGI so we were bussed-such a short distance it would have been easier to walk.Naturally a bun rush off bus so we found ourselves well down the Immigration line.Could have been worse-a BA 777 arrived about 5 minutes after us.
Finally through Immigration and Customs and took us a little time to find the car rental offices-to left as you exit.Soon have my Barbadian drivers permit and in our Stoutes Corolla heading to the Hilton.
That next.

 

[drron]

I will post a review of the Hilton Barbados later.But first as a taste of things to come were there directions to the hotel.No problems getting to the ABC highway but then they tell you to turn left at the 4th roundabout(the Errol Barrow roundabout).Well it is actually the third roundabout and has been renamed the Garfield Sobers roundabout so we ended up having a real roundabout getting to the Hilton.
So a few pics of the grounds and surrounds of the Hilton Barbados-

The pools and now the beaches.First the small beach protected from the waves and then the larger one-

On one side a fort,the other a lighthouse-

To the side a large cemetery-

And in the distance the barracks and racecourse.You can even see the trackwork-

Much more of Barbados to come.

 

[drron]

So a few more pics of the fort on the Hilton property-

Great view-

So you can see how well placed the fort was-0great coverage of the entrance to the harbour.It is said that Barbados has the most cannon of any country in the world now.I can believe it.Good British ones at that-

Of course cannon are not the only thing that Barbados has and the British military relied upon-

Yes that great neccessity in life,rum.
Review of Hilton now done here-
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....reviews/hilton-barbados-45212.html#post717117
And even more of Barbados to come.

 

[drron]

Now to some Barbadian meals.On our first night we ate at the Hilton's upmarket restaurant-The Grille.There is a large BBQ hot plate but looks like it hadn't been used in quite some time.There is a dress code but enforced as well as in QPs.I was the only male dressed according to the code wearing casual slacks.Shorts,T shirts and footwear optional was the norm.
Service was hit and miss.Served and Amusee bouche-blackened shrimp-

OK.For starters mrsdrron had the pork belly,overcooked,and I had the "beef flags".I hope the animal had a happy life-he sure did have a long one-

For mains mrsdrron had the appetiser lobster coughtail.I had the fillet mignon with shrimp and scallops.The seafood was overcooked and dry.The fillet I ordered medium to rare and it came well done-

For dessert mrsdrron had a lime and coconut rice pudding.Unfortunately both advertised flavors were missing.I had an apple and pecan pouch.Basically a misshapen streudel.Very occasional very small bits of pecan.Burnt on the outside but inside the pastry not cooked-

With the cheapest wine available,a Chilean SB,this came to $US165.
Dont bother.

Better was dinner at Brown Sugar just down from the Hilton-an easy walk.Mrsdrron had coconut and beer battered prawns plus lobster-

I had the jerk pork and a mixed seafood plate.A large amount and only just overcooked-

The food was OK but definitely better than the Hilton.With a bottle of Marlborough SB the bill was $US150.

Hints for barbados.No need to tip as everywhere adds 10% service fee.Service definitely not worth any more.
Just use US dollars-accepted everywhere though often change given in Barbadian dollars-2 of these equals $US1.At airport the money exchange was charging 5% commission.
However bring lots.Barbados is expensive.
Next motoring around the Island.

 

[parsonstrish]

Hi, Ron, enjoy your tr's immensely. I feel like I'm back on my recent holiday. As an aside, I always enjoy the runway views at night from the grandhyatt. Look forward to the rest of the tr.

 

[drron]

Sunday and it is off driving across the Island.Object was to see some of the Island's gardens and the Atlantic coast.Once you get off the major highway the roads are quite narrow and not well maintained even though they are called highways.Twice we got stuck behind busses that had broken down.Our first visit was to the Orchid Garden.Not peak blooming time but still an enjoyable walk with some typical Barbadian views over the canefields.

Also some wildlife-

We then went by some hairy back roads to Flower forest-the site of an old plantation house that burnt down a few years ago.This was more about the trees etc rather than flowers.Still very pleasant.

More of this plus the scenic Atlantic coast next.