a bit off topic
 

I was pretty bored in downtown Seattle, no offense to anyone who lives there. The Space Needle was a tourist trap and pointless. Out of all the places I visited, I enjoy the Pike Market Place the best ^ (The "Flying Fish" and the original Starbucks).
And be sure to do the Boeing Factory tour. I made an appt for the tour but had to postpone (no refund) since I was stuck in the US/CA border traffic for 2 hours on my way back from Vancouver. And that was at the border with the shorter line (Peace Arch?) :mad:

I was very impressed with YVR. I've never seen so many asian people in a non-asian country til I get to Richmond (right outside of downtown Vancouver) :p
Make sure you visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge (here's their website). YVR definitely is one of the best cities I've been to and can't wait to go back ^

The train is another great option. I'm not sure about getting from the Vancouver station to the airport, but it shouldn't be too hard. Train fare is $28. There is one train and 4 amtrak buses you can take.

For airport-to-airport service check out these guys, 3:25 hours bus ride

Works from both SEA and BLI airports

http://www.quickcoach.com/schedule.htm

looks like $43 one way

my schedule
4/6 YVR-AMS
4/8 AMS-SVO
4/10 SVO-AMS-OTP
4/13 OTP-AMS-YVR

too cool SVO, I tried like a son of a gun to get that stop over but couldn't force it...

Calendar Updated.

Only two weeks til I head out. I am planning to arrive in Budapest then take the train to Brasov. I'll stay there three nights at the Rolling Stone Hostel. Then I'll head back to Bucharest and stay at the Butterfly Villa Hostel. I'll be sure to let people know how it goes. I know many of this crowd is the Hilton/Marriot type, I guess I just represent the other end of the scale.

You and me both.

Let me know your opinion about the Butterfly Villa Hostel. I thought of staying there as they provide a transportation from/to the hostel. (for a fee)

Actually, I'm a hostel pricing, Hilton staying type. :) Too bad no Presidential suites in OTP for $50. :(

Perhaps there will be one posted in here ;)

I have a stay coming up towards the end of the month. Would really appreciate any feedback on the hostels in Bucharest and also the airport to city bus travel experience. When I travel on leisure, it is usually at the "common man" level.

my itinerary
 

12/1 commute SEA-YVR then flying YVR-AMS
12/2 AMS-MAD
12/6 MAD-AMS-OTP
12/8 OTP-AMS-YVR then commute back to SEA
in MAD will be staying at the Room Mate Mario Hotel
in OTP will be staying at the Hotel Sofitel

I'm curious, does anyone know anything about these hotels? Personal experiences?

:-: updated :-:


The first ones out, mcrt and Julest, depart in 12 days. Looking forward to their reports. Let's all wish them Happy Contrails!

Don't forget the train. www.amtrak.com The fare is about $28 each way. Just be careful if you have your heart set on the train because their booking schedule includes bus transports as well.

A

Here is my first itinerary:
11/26 yvr-sea-dtw-ams
11/27 ams-otp-fco-ams
12/3 ams-yvr

Next one is:

5/10 yvr-sea-ams
5/11 ams-otp
5/15 otp-ams-cdg
5/17 cdg-dtw-msp-yvr

Then June's:

6/13 yvr-ams
6/16 ams-svo
6/19 svo-ams-otp
6/21 otp-ams-yvr

July's:

7/8 yvr-ams-otp (arrive July 10th 12:20 AM)
7/15 otp-ams-yvr (arrive July 15th 4:15 PM)

Sixteen tickets total. Hope to meet another FT on one of the flights!

Wildman

Anyone have/heard of any feedback on the Rembrandt Hotel in BUH? It fairs well on tripadvisor, good location, smaller, boutique-type hotel. I'm toying around with trting something new and skipping the Hilton for a two night stay at the Rembrandt.

Any info appreciated.

:)