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  1. jamesdeluxe

    ski-air travel stories

    British Airways, Air Canada, and Qantas all seem to have unhappy customers in the back of their planes; however all three are in the Top 20 airlines. Maybe Skieric is right: U.S. economy-class flyers don't seem to openly complain as much as the British Commonwealth countries. Perhaps we've...
  2. jamesdeluxe

    ski-air travel stories

    No question and the government subsidy piece on foreign carriers is probably significant. We've discussed at length how "Top 25 Ski Areas" lists are at best conversation starters and not to be taken seriously. I suspect that the airlines list is more accurate than the skiing variant but probably...
  3. jamesdeluxe

    ski-air travel stories

    They just announced World Airlines Awards' Top 20 ranking. To no surprise, there are no carriers from the U.S. Qatar Airways Singapore Airlines Cathay Pacific Emirates ANA All Nippon Airways Turkish Airlines Korean Air Air France Japan Airlines Hainan Airlines Swiss Int’l Air Lines EVA Air...
  4. jamesdeluxe

    Pila, Italy: April 5, 2025

    Trying to understand the thinking behind: "You know; we should build a restaurant right there along that ridge! It'll be an expensive PITA to build and maintain, and we'll only use it during ski season!" "Why yes, that's an excellent idea!" -- and then successfully convincing dozens of...
  5. jamesdeluxe

    American Election 2024

    That's a solid no.
  6. jamesdeluxe

    With $100k annual travel budget...

    That bridge/aqueduct is crazy -- built in 40-60 AD with no mortar! Lots of background in the Wikipedia entry including photos of key features. To think that I've always been impressed by a comparatively tiny aqueduct in my hometown that was built in 1838. The Pont du Gard was constructed approx...
  7. jamesdeluxe

    With $100k annual travel budget...

    Here's what the internet says about France: Climates Mainland France falls primarily within the temperate zone, but its diverse topography and coastal influences create several distinct climate zones. These include: Oceanic: Characterized by moderate temperature variations and ample rainfall...
  8. jamesdeluxe

    Pila, Italy: April 5, 2025

    I'm likewise sold. Excellent report and that new summit lodge is bonkers. It must've cost a fortune to design and build.
  9. jamesdeluxe

    Oz/NZ 2025

    That's nothing to sniff at!
  10. jamesdeluxe

    If a westerner moved to New England....

    Fair enough. We've been stuck in our situation for so long, I forget what it's like to travel as a couple; however, we're looking at a likely market correction in the coming months! Fingers crossed. I've mentioned before learning about half-board lodging in 2005 through a guy on Epicski who...
  11. jamesdeluxe

    With $100k annual travel budget...

    Glad that you enjoyed the Shawangunks photos. The northeast U.S. and Quebec get a bum rap due to the more low-key beauty than out west but there are a lot of scenic places if you poke around. You know which country is incredibly diverse for its size? France. Think about the varied topography...
  12. jamesdeluxe

    With $100k annual travel budget...

    That's a great report. I wasn't aware of that canal and how you can ride and camp along it, then return via Amtrak: very cool. I didn't see your reply to someone's question: why didn't you do it in reverse -- take the train uphill to Cumberland and ride to DC on the downhill? How about the iron...
  13. jamesdeluxe

    Monterosa Ski (Gressoney / Alagna, Italy): April 4, 2025

    I've been using booking.com exclusively both for Europe and the U.S. since the early 2010s and agree that it has a better selection of lodging over there. I was hoping to get beyond their Genius 3 level but that's as high as they go!
  14. jamesdeluxe

    If a westerner moved to New England....

    Come on, the length is not the only real difference in our visits. While you're not above occasionally overnighting in a barebones joint like the one in Briançon at the beginning of our Serre Chevalier visit, you also enjoy a fair number of high-end boutique hotels and really nice restaurants...
  15. jamesdeluxe

    With $100k annual travel budget...

    I concur on the quality of riding along the NJ/NY state line and other locations throughout southern NY, e.g. Port Jervis, Stewart, etc. They don't have the scenic visuals of out west; however, tree canopies are great during the heat of summer and of course foliage season. What may be a big...
  16. jamesdeluxe

    Monterosa Ski (Gressoney / Alagna, Italy): April 4, 2025

    I know about Germans and Swiss historically disliking credit cards, especially on-mountain; however, it never occurred to me to go to the hotel's individual website (unless redirected from a search engine) or actually call them on the phone. Moving forward, I'll try that.
  17. jamesdeluxe

    With $100k annual travel budget...

    I never thought of Sbooker as the trolling type but evidence to the contrary -- saying something like that to a roomful of Americans. :troll:
  18. jamesdeluxe

    If a westerner moved to New England....

    We've seen over the years that Tony's professional skills -- analyzing complex data, identifying patterns, and drawing conclusions -- weren't just a way to earn a living; they embody his personality and carry over to his passions, especially skiing. There's nothing that'll make his head explode...
  19. jamesdeluxe

    Mineral King, CA, June 5, 2025

    That looks crazy but the explanation makes sense. Did you take a closer look to see how they made sure that there were no openings in the tarp under the car and in the wheel wells? Duct tape and bungee cords?
  20. jamesdeluxe

    If a westerner moved to New England....

    That's exactly what I was going to suggest but would've said "he's carrying out a very unique ski project."
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