CT had a good idea, Iran mess sucks, let;'s discuss exotic locales

1,518 Views | 43 Replies | Last: 1 mo ago by concordtom
SBGold
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
10:14a, 3/3/26
SMH has a good post about travels in response to one of my posts.

I won't likely stop posting about politics and my absolute disgust with political figures like Trump, Spkr Johnson, Cash (not Kash), Casgh's gf, Bondi, Heggy, Rubio (grab that water bottle), Comer, Mace, Boebert, Erika, the list goes forever.

But in war there is nothing better than a cease fire, so I am ceasing fire today.

What's the coolest place you have been?

The most exotic?

One (or more) where you can imagine moving to?

One (or more) that you would like to visit (and have not yet)?

Travel tips appreciated as well
Reply Quote
2
oski003
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to SBGold • 11:33a, 3/3/26
SBGold said:
SMH has a good post about travels in response to one of my posts.

I won't likely stop posting about politics and my absolute disgust with political figures like Trump, Spkr Johnson, Cash (not Kash), Casgh's gf, Bondi, Heggy, Rubio (grab that water bottle), Comer, Mace, Boebert, Erika, the list goes forever.

But in war there is nothing better than a cease fire, so I am ceasing fire today.

What's the coolest place you have been?

The most exotic?

One (or more) where you can imagine moving to?

One (or more) that you would like to visit (and have not yet)?

Travel tips appreciated as well


I am a big fan of house boating at Lake Powell and the Disney cruise from Vancouver to Alaska. My favorite Hawaiian island is Kauai.
Reply Quote
3
SBGold
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to oski003 • 12:27p, 3/3/26
I've thought maybe I could live in Vancouver (not sure though because of the rain).

Kauai is special, love Poipu Beach for the turtles and taking a dinner cruise off of NaPali Coast. I wanted to get a condo there but kids think too remote
Reply Quote
2
DiabloWags
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
12:49p, 3/3/26
I could see myself living in Carmel at Clint Eastwood's Tehama property.
I've spent some time down there and it's pretty special.






Clint Eastwood - Tehama

Reply Quote
2
1 edit
socaltownie
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
12:56p, 3/3/26
I will post about my honeymoon (now 24 years ago).

We were traveling around Tuscany. We had a "down" day and decided to take the incline railway up to Montecatini Alto (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g4327477-Montecatini_Alto_Montecatini_Terme_Province_of_Pistoia_Tuscany-Vacations.html)

Really cool Italian hill town. After lunch the railroad was closed for siesta (so Italian!!) so we wondered down a footrail where there were stations of the cross. At each were small little offerings from the festival mass the week before.

One of those memories I am going to carry with me to my grave. My wife did wear non sensible shoes - suggesting that when you marry a hiker you are going to.....hike ;-)

ON the topic question -0

I could totally see myself moving to the 4 Corner region and plan to in retirement.

Haven't skied the Alps and that is so bucket list for next year. I have been dreaming about doing it since watching a Warren Miller film at 8 and the idea of skiing from hut to hut to pig out just sounds so much fun!!

Travel tip - pack your boots but rent skiis. SO much easier.

Take care of your Chicken
Reply Quote
3
1 edit
BearlySane88
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to DiabloWags • 1:06p, 3/3/26
It is pretty amazing. If I'm staying down that way, I'd rather be in Carmel By the Sea though
Reply Quote
3
dajo9
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
1:07p, 3/3/26
Ok, I'll go with the honeymoon

We stayed at the Four Seasons in Punta Mita, Mexico. It was amazing. I wanted authentic Mexican food for my wife, a New Yorker. I asked the concierge and he gave me a list of 3 nearby Mexican restaurants which I could tell were gringo Mexican. I said back to the concierge, "no, I want to go where the locals go - not where you send the Americans". He said "ahh, I see you want the true local flavor" and he sent us to a taco place in Puerto Vallarta where we had the most amazing street tacos and sipped Tecate beer for hours.

To this day when I get on a Mexican food kick here in New Jersey, my wife says to me, "ahh, I see you want the true local flavor".
Censorship has always been a tool of the fascist
Reply Quote
4
DiabloWags
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to dajo9 • 1:09p, 3/3/26
On my bucket list.

Punta Mita Luxury 5-Star Resort in Mexico | Four Seasons
Reply Quote
1
socaltownie
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to dajo9 • 2:40p, 3/3/26
dajo9 said:
Ok, I'll go with the honeymoon

We stayed at the Four Seasons in Punta Mita, Mexico. It was amazing. I wanted authentic Mexican food for my wife, a New Yorker. I asked the concierge and he gave me a list of 3 nearby Mexican restaurants which I could tell were gringo Mexican. I said back to the concierge, "no, I want to go where the locals go - not where you send the Americans". He said "ahh, I see you want the true local flavor" and he sent us to a taco place in Puerto Vallarta where we had the most amazing street tacos and sipped Tecate beer for hours.

To this day when I get on a Mexican food kick here in New Jersey, my wife says to me, "ahh, I see you want the true local flavor".

One of the best times (and worst hangovers) from visiting here with a mexican friend from Grad School

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g2372173-d8834248-Reviews-Cantaritos_El_Guero-Amatitan.html
Take care of your Chicken
Reply Quote
2
SBGold
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to DiabloWags • 3:13p, 3/3/26
Carmel is next level. I stayed at Carmel Valley Inn for a retreat and it was unbelievable
Reply Quote
2
SBGold
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to socaltownie • 3:15p, 3/3/26
What is the 4 Corner region?

I'd like to do Italy, I think I am bit I intimidated by Italians thought d maybe the language barrier
Reply Quote
SBGold
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to dajo9 • 3:40p, 3/3/26
In Piedmont a couple weeks ago when they kids had ski week I knew multiple families that went to Punta Mita for a week. Also has anyone been to La Paz in Baja?
Reply Quote
DiabloWags
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to SBGold • 4:33p, 3/3/26
SBGold said:
What is the 4 Corner region?

I'd like to do Italy, I think I am bit I intimidated by Italians thought d maybe the language barrier

Four Corners is known where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah meet.

Reply Quote
3
DiabloWags
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to SBGold • 4:36p, 3/3/26
SBGold said:
Carmel is next level. I stayed at Carmel Valley Inn for a retreat and it was unbelievable


Yup.
Sitting up on the veranda of the Club House with a beer is truly blissful.
Clint's home is just off to the right of the first photo.







Reply Quote
3
1 edit
socaltownie
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to DiabloWags • 4:48p, 3/3/26
DiabloWags said:
SBGold said:
What is the 4 Corner region?

I'd like to do Italy, I think I am bit I intimidated by Italians thought d maybe the language barrier

Four Corners is known where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah meet.


This. If you like rocky deserts (I do) and skiing (check) and Fishing (yup) it is near heaven. Dry heat. Seriously - Happy to write you an iternery.

And if there are ANY opera nerds still my beating heart - Santa Fe Opera is doing the Magic Flute and I am already DEEP into vacation planning!!!!
Take care of your Chicken
Reply Quote
3
wifeisafurd
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to SBGold • 4:59p, 3/3/26
SBGold said:
SMH has a good post about travels in response to one of my posts.

I won't likely stop posting about politics and my absolute disgust with political figures like Trump, Spkr Johnson, Cash (not Kash), Casgh's gf, Bondi, Heggy, Rubio (grab that water bottle), Comer, Mace, Boebert, Erika, the list goes forever.

But in war there is nothing better than a cease fire, so I am ceasing fire today.

What's the coolest place you have been?

The most exotic?

One (or more) where you can imagine moving to?

One (or more) that you would like to visit (and have not yet)?

Travel tips appreciated as well

My vote is for New Zealand. Both islands have a lot to offer.
Reply Quote
3
concordtom
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to DiabloWags • 5:10p, 3/3/26
DiabloWags said:
On my bucket list.

Punta Mita Luxury 5-Star Resort in Mexico | Four Seasons

We were in nearby San Francisco and a family member was salivating about golfing there so he drove and tried asking here, asking there, etc, to get in without reservations.
He eventually got in on the course and played by himself - said it was a dream come true.

He returned to DC and a week later was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Rare form, they predicted 6 months the. He made 5 years.

He was my friend.

Enjoy it!
Reply Quote
1
1 edit
concordtom
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:41p, 3/3/26
I definitely don't want to turn this lovely thread into political, but I see this article says people in 14 countries must leave for safety.

So since this might destroy some bucket lists, maybe those who've been to some of these places want to comment on what would be missed.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/americans-trying-evacuate-middle-east-002824070.html

Quote:

Americans were told late Monday to "depart now" from Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. They were urged to leave "using available commercial transportation, due to serious safety risks."

The State Department said Tuesday that more than 9,000 Americans have returned to the U.S. from the Middle East over the past several days, including more than 300 from Israel. More than a million Americans are believed to be in the region, a source told CBS News.
Reply Quote
1 edit
concordtom
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
8:47p, 3/3/26
In 92 I was in Turkey with my future wife. We flew back to Western Europe after our trip was over rather than train because of the war in Yugoslavia. We also heard sketchy things about Romania.

I couldn't let my darling princess be a target.
Reply Quote
1
cal83dls79
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
4:54a, 3/4/26
In Istanbul now. Headed to Cairo. Did Turkey years ago. Flew to Antalya from ISTand drove up the coast to Fetiyeh thru Kas, Kalkan etc. Incredible and accessible Roman and Greek ruins and beaches and food.
Priest of the Patty Hearst Shrine
Reply Quote
concordtom
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to cal83dls79 • 5:09a, 3/4/26
cal83dls79 said:
In Istanbul now. Headed to Cairo. Did Turkey years ago. Flew to Antalya from ISTand drove up the coast to Fetiyeh thru Kas, Kalkan etc. Incredible and accessible Roman and Greek ruins and beaches and food.


We worked for 3 weeks on Rhodes to save up money to keep traveling. We sailed across to Marmaris with a Finnish couple.

What the hell are you doing over there now??? You see my post above where it says to Depart Now from "Egypt", not Go To.
Reply Quote
2
1 edit
socaltownie
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to cal83dls79 • 7:43a, 3/4/26
cal83dls79 said:
In Istanbul now. Headed to Cairo. Did Turkey years ago. Flew to Antalya from ISTand drove up the coast to Fetiyeh thru Kas, Kalkan etc. Incredible and accessible Roman and Greek ruins and beaches and food.

stay safe!!!! To each his own but I know if I was in the Middle East it would be in an airport waiting to try to get the first flight ANYWHERE.
Take care of your Chicken
Reply Quote
1
DiabloWags
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to concordtom • 7:53a, 3/4/26
concordtom said:
cal83dls79 said:
In Istanbul now. Headed to Cairo. Did Turkey years ago. Flew to Antalya from ISTand drove up the coast to Fetiyeh thru Kas, Kalkan etc. Incredible and accessible Roman and Greek ruins and beaches and food.


What the hell are you doing over there now??? You see my post above where it says to Depart Now from "Egypt", not Go To.


Bingo.

An American tourist in the Middle East right now is just asking for trouble.
Watch out for unattended knapsacks in the lobby of a Hotel.


Reply Quote
2 edits
SBGold
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to cal83dls79 • 9:17a, 3/4/26
Oh man, I'm pretty sure the State Dept directive now is to leave the Middle East. Egypt is not safe now.
Reply Quote
1
SBGold
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to socaltownie • 9:19a, 3/4/26
Sante Fe is amazing, too bad too many others know how great it is. Food is incredible.

One of the best bakeries I've been to in the U.S. is Clafoutis in Santa Fe.

There is also a great chocolate place there, starts with a K but can't remember the name at the moment.
Reply Quote
2
cal83dls79
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to SBGold • 9:34a, 3/4/26
SBGold said:
Oh man, I'm pretty sure the State Dept directive now is to leave the Middle East. Egypt is not safe now.
I left my Make America Great Again hat at home. I fit in pretty well here with red hair and freckles so I should be good.
Priest of the Patty Hearst Shrine
Reply Quote
1
SBGold
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to cal83dls79 • 9:45a, 3/4/26
Be careful, crowds can be attacked indiscriminately
Reply Quote
1
Anarchistbear
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to cal83dls79 • 9:50a, 3/4/26
cal83dls79 said:
In Istanbul now. Headed to Cairo. Did Turkey years ago. Flew to Antalya from ISTand drove up the coast to Fetiyeh thru Kas, Kalkan etc. Incredible and accessible Roman and Greek ruins and beaches and food.


Istanbul is fantastic- one of the great cities. Go to Cappadocia- magical place
Reply Quote
2
smh
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to SBGold • 10:06a, 3/4/26
SBGold said:
Be careful, crowds can be attacked indiscriminately

from both sides # duck duck go
sighned, not dead yet # funk trunk; i.c.e. too
Reply Quote
1
DiabloWags
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to cal83dls79 • 11:09a, 3/4/26
cal83dls79 said:
SBGold said:
Oh man, I'm pretty sure the State Dept directive now is to leave the Middle East. Egypt is not safe now.

I left my Make America Great Again hat at home. I fit in pretty well here with red hair and freckles so I should be good.


Yeah, you're good.
Reply Quote
1
cal83dls79
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to DiabloWags • 11:46a, 3/4/26
DiabloWags said:
cal83dls79 said:
SBGold said:
Oh man, I'm pretty sure the State Dept directive now is to leave the Middle East. Egypt is not safe now.

I left my Make America Great Again hat at home. I fit in pretty well here with red hair and freckles so I should be good.


Yeah, you're good.
oddly enough the concierge dude that walked us through security and stuff had red hair and looked like Opie. Born and raised in Egypt….i told him "it was obvious" he chuckled and said it made him somewhat of a unicorn. Gingers rule!
Priest of the Patty Hearst Shrine
Reply Quote
3
wifeisafurd
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to concordtom • 11:49a, 3/4/26
concordtom said:
cal83dls79 said:
In Istanbul now. Headed to Cairo. Did Turkey years ago. Flew to Antalya from ISTand drove up the coast to Fetiyeh thru Kas, Kalkan etc. Incredible and accessible Roman and Greek ruins and beaches and food.


We worked for 3 weeks on Rhodes to save up money to keep traveling. We sailed across to Marmaris with a Finnish couple.

What the hell are you doing over there now??? You see my post above where it says to Depart Now from "Egypt", not Go To.

Sicisly is wonderful place to visit.
Reply Quote
2
socaltownie
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to SBGold • 12:15p, 3/4/26
SBGold said:
Sante Fe is amazing, too bad too many others know how great it is. Food is incredible.

One of the best bakeries I've been to in the U.S. is Clafoutis in Santa Fe.

There is also a great chocolate place there, starts with a K but can't remember the name at the moment.


Will reach out as closer. Must do this summer for me
Take care of your Chicken
Reply Quote
2
DiabloWags
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
12:19p, 3/4/26
In a previous life, I lived on The Strand in Manhattan Beach when I was working downtown for TSA Capital Management as their head futures trader.

But I never headed further south towards Encinitas, Cardiff by the Sea and Del Mar.
Trading all day and half the night, I never had the time.

Definitely want to get on Highway 1 one of these days heading South and see where it takes me.







Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Encinitas, California - Wikipedia
Reply Quote
1
5 edits
concordtom
User Profile
Private Message
Ignore User Stop Ignoring
How long do you want to ignore this user?
24 hours One week Permanently Cancel
In reply to DiabloWags • 12:30p, 3/4/26
Well, you've got the car. What are you waiting for?
Wife can tell you all the spots!!!

What kind of futures? Hogs? Orange juice?




Reply Quote
1
3 edits
Page 1 of 2 ▼
 
×
subscribe Verify your student status
See Subscription Benefits
Trial only available to users who have never subscribed or participated in a previous trial.