Blogs from United States, North America - page 19

Day one. Oahu sunrise Thanks to our Jet lag we were awake before birds and had booked a Sunrise cruise with Viator, and had booked a taxi with Charlie's Taxi app. The taxi was always on time and reasonable compared to other companies. Our cruise had been cancelled due to lack of customers but we were rebooked on the Sunset cruise the same day. We decided to take a gentle amble along the beach taking in all the sights Honolulu had to offer. The locals were already taking the surf, playing Beach volleyball and jogging! The sun appeared over the Diamond Point crater North of the city. Breakfast was taken at a little restaurant behind the Hilton called Gangnam Style and was showing the video as we took our seats. Don't think we wowed the locals ... read more

Along with the rich history and landmarks of Annapolis, there is no shortage of historic pubs. It is, after all, a University town with the Naval Academy, and St. John's College nearby. I have enjoyed my previous visits here, mostly thanks to Dirty Pat and Mrs. Pat. This trip should be no different. First stop is Galway Bay Irish Restaurant, though I only know the bar. It helps that the spunky, blonde bartender helps (tries to) keep Dirty Pat in line (as best anyone can). But it is a friendly bunch of locals who frequent the place, making us feel quite welcome. It is my favorite, after the oyster bars in town. The building was built in 1897. img=https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/c_fill,h_443,q_75,w_665/v1/clients/annapolis/Galway_768x512_5534013b-02a9-476a-b50f-4df4a26c240b.jpg The next several stops are optional: The Drummer's Lot, tucked away... read more

There is more to Annapolis I would like to share. First, the population is only about 41,000. Second, Annapolis is home to the United States Naval Academy, founded in 1845. It is also the home of St. John's College, founded in 1696 as King William's School (the third oldest institution of higher learning in the US). From the city's website: Walk along the old brick sidewalks much as George Washington or Thomas Jefferson did in the days when Annapolis was the Capital of the United States. And amazingly, if you squint your eyes, you will see a city which looks remarkably similar to what our Founding Fathers saw in their day. Architecturally, Annapolis boasts some of the finest 17th and 18th Century buildings in the country - including the residences of all four Maryland signers of ... read more

For me, I would say the biggest change is using Uber instead of cabs and buses. I still prefer public transportation whenever it is efficient, timely, and convenient. I love using the metros/subways in places like NYC, DC, Chicago, Paris, Athens, Munich, Seattle, SF Bay Area, London. I also value time over money, in most cases. Why spend half a day or more to get somewhere, when an easy one-hour flight will work, for a reasonable price. I still enjoy the train, especially in Japan and Europe. Tour guides are valuable resources when hitting a new city. They seem to know enough inside information to help me get to the "next level" of enjoyment, food, and culture. Apartments and Air BnB allow for more room, washers and dryers, even decent kitchens for some easy meals. But ... read more