9th annual Brooklyn Reality Tour. June 13, 2009 Saturday
Feb 13, 2009, 9:38 pm
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: UA Million Miler (lite). NY Metro area.
Posts: 15,080
9th annual Brooklyn Reality Tour. June 13, 2009 Saturday
This is last years thread. edit 23 January 2010.
2009 dhammer53 Brooklyn Reality Tour - Sat. June 13, 2009
Announcing the 9th annual dhammer53 Brooklyn Reality Tour.
The first 8 Brooklyn Tours were sellouts. BRT 4 - 7 I rented an airport type shuttle van. Last year we had a 50 passenger coach bus. We split the cost. The cost will be about $42. per person based on a full van of 25 passengers, and or a busload of 50. Once again, the tour will include a limited edition tee shirt. If anyone has an image they'd like me to consider for the 2009 shirt, feel free to post a link to your photo from a past tour. The winner will receive a free shirt.
Paypal details to be announced at a later date.
Pick up 10:00 Saturday morning in the Grand Central Station neighborhood. Drop-off at 10:00pm.
Besides touring Brooklyn (my home town), we eat, and eat, and eat. Can you say 'real' Brooklyn pizza? Can you say 'delicious' bakery goodies? Just ask any of the folks who have been on this tour. We drive. We tour. We eat.
If you're new to Flyertalk, the tour is a great way to make new friends.
At the end of the BRT tours 2 - 7, we went for dinner. We went to an authentic Italian place in an authentic Italian neighborhood. Lots of jewelry showing.
Figure about $25- $30 a person. This is less than what you would pay in Manhattan; and twice the portion. The show is better than the food. If we do lunch, the cost will be $15 - $20.
Please note, last year I switched lunch and dinner. The sit down was lunch. 2009 plans will depend on how many riders come along.
The lunch/dinner will be open to everyone. If you're not on the Tour, you'll have to take the subway to the restaurant. It's about 40 minutes and $2 one way. Three years ago, we had a few hitch-hikers on the van back to Manhattan.
Start planning now. Springtime in New York is beautiful. Consider yourself invited.
If you've been on the tour before and want to go again, please sign up, and consider yourself waitlisted. If you're from New York, you're waitlisted too. Thinking about bringing a friend or relative? They have no status; so we'll have to wait and see if they clear the DM list. All of the above lists will clear by May 15. Don't wait to decide.
Past tour highlights include:
2001...poor AnnaS having a cold.
2002...Lisamcgu making us stop for White castle hamburgers.
2003...mjm insisting on a Starbucks break. After I stopped laughing at him for thinking that Brooklyn would even have a Starbucks... we found one.
2004...gorging on food at marysunshine's house...and this was a snack!
2005...cawhite knocking on the door of my childhood home; while I ducked for cover. It was a priceless moment. Details towards the last page of the 2005 thread. Also, a Tony Soprano type sitting at the bar added some extra flavor to our experience.
2006...Our van squeezing past a doubleparked car on a side street. You can just imagine the typical Brooklyn swearing. Also, the tour getting its 15 minutes of fame on Cable television News 12 Brooklyn. Check it out http://news12.com/BK/topstories/article?id=175940# use name: dhammer53ft, password: flyertalk (may not work).
2007... When cawhites 'friend' Larry (the guy who always sits at the bar), checked us out!
2008... "I had no intention of stopping at my childhood home. As we approached, I told the driver to slow down, then stop. Seems the front door was wide open. I took this as a sign from above. I stopped the bus.
A couple of years back, cawhite knocked on the door. I ducked for cover. This year I was apprehensive as I approached. When I told the woman that she bought the house from my Mom, she said in typical Brooklyn fashion whats her name? When I responded, she had a big smile for me.
This may have been the moment on BRT 8. Every year, there's always one moment that's noteworthy".
Note:
We rotate seats on the bus. Seat 1A is reserved for a couple of long time attendees (yes, that means you).
We make plenty of stops.
New Yorkers are 'standby' for the tour. Preference goes to out-of-towners.
No talking miles and points when I'm (ahem) lecturing on Brooklyn.
If you want to talk miles and points, visit Chat.
mjm will post and host a website for the tour attendees, and the dinner attendees.
Details to follow (eventually).
It takes a certain type of person to put up with other Flyertalkers for an entire day. If you're looking for an excuse to visit NY (Brooklyn) in June, the dhammer53 Brooklyn Reality Tour is it.
Please post below if you're interested. I've met a few of you along the road this past year and you have 'dibs' if you're interested in joining us for a fun day in Brooklyn.
If you're interested in coming along, I need you to pm me your:
Flyertalk handle and real name.
Hotel you're staying at, when available.
Cell #
The 2007 thread here... http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthrea...light=brooklyn
2008 Trip Report here... http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=839107
The 2006 thread here http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthrea...light=brooklyn
It's good background info for any first timers; or, anyone feeling nostalgic.
Let the fun begin.
dhammer53 +1
cawhite * paid
KathyWdrf * paid
UCBeau * paid
MikeMpls +1 paid
SS255 * paid
holmedown +1 * paid
iluv2fly *
sy7 paid
rhino_uk paid
cfischer * paid
work2fly + 1.5 paid
N334AA paid
Dovster +1 paid
Chemist661 +1 paid
Mikew99 +1 paid
braefoot paid
ElmhurstNick paid
jb831 paid
mnmag paid
Watchful +1 paid
Bonk - all set
bobovespa +1 paid
puppysara +1 paid
socrates paid
Getiton * paid
gfowler + 1 paid
harpodamann <<< doesn't respond to PM's
secretsea18 paid
Benny8444 paid
tom911 all set
sbm12 paid
gbryan84 paid
49 passenger bus
43 so far. * = Repeat riders.
6 seats left
plus 3 documentary
plus 2 guide
2009 dhammer53 Brooklyn Reality Tour - Sat. June 13, 2009
Announcing the 9th annual dhammer53 Brooklyn Reality Tour.
The first 8 Brooklyn Tours were sellouts. BRT 4 - 7 I rented an airport type shuttle van. Last year we had a 50 passenger coach bus. We split the cost. The cost will be about $42. per person based on a full van of 25 passengers, and or a busload of 50. Once again, the tour will include a limited edition tee shirt. If anyone has an image they'd like me to consider for the 2009 shirt, feel free to post a link to your photo from a past tour. The winner will receive a free shirt.
Paypal details to be announced at a later date.
Pick up 10:00 Saturday morning in the Grand Central Station neighborhood. Drop-off at 10:00pm.
Besides touring Brooklyn (my home town), we eat, and eat, and eat. Can you say 'real' Brooklyn pizza? Can you say 'delicious' bakery goodies? Just ask any of the folks who have been on this tour. We drive. We tour. We eat.
If you're new to Flyertalk, the tour is a great way to make new friends.
At the end of the BRT tours 2 - 7, we went for dinner. We went to an authentic Italian place in an authentic Italian neighborhood. Lots of jewelry showing.
Figure about $25- $30 a person. This is less than what you would pay in Manhattan; and twice the portion. The show is better than the food. If we do lunch, the cost will be $15 - $20.
Please note, last year I switched lunch and dinner. The sit down was lunch. 2009 plans will depend on how many riders come along.
The lunch/dinner will be open to everyone. If you're not on the Tour, you'll have to take the subway to the restaurant. It's about 40 minutes and $2 one way. Three years ago, we had a few hitch-hikers on the van back to Manhattan.
Start planning now. Springtime in New York is beautiful. Consider yourself invited.
If you've been on the tour before and want to go again, please sign up, and consider yourself waitlisted. If you're from New York, you're waitlisted too. Thinking about bringing a friend or relative? They have no status; so we'll have to wait and see if they clear the DM list. All of the above lists will clear by May 15. Don't wait to decide.
Past tour highlights include:
2001...poor AnnaS having a cold.
2002...Lisamcgu making us stop for White castle hamburgers.
2003...mjm insisting on a Starbucks break. After I stopped laughing at him for thinking that Brooklyn would even have a Starbucks... we found one.
2004...gorging on food at marysunshine's house...and this was a snack!
2005...cawhite knocking on the door of my childhood home; while I ducked for cover. It was a priceless moment. Details towards the last page of the 2005 thread. Also, a Tony Soprano type sitting at the bar added some extra flavor to our experience.
2006...Our van squeezing past a doubleparked car on a side street. You can just imagine the typical Brooklyn swearing. Also, the tour getting its 15 minutes of fame on Cable television News 12 Brooklyn. Check it out http://news12.com/BK/topstories/article?id=175940# use name: dhammer53ft, password: flyertalk (may not work).
2007... When cawhites 'friend' Larry (the guy who always sits at the bar), checked us out!
2008... "I had no intention of stopping at my childhood home. As we approached, I told the driver to slow down, then stop. Seems the front door was wide open. I took this as a sign from above. I stopped the bus.
A couple of years back, cawhite knocked on the door. I ducked for cover. This year I was apprehensive as I approached. When I told the woman that she bought the house from my Mom, she said in typical Brooklyn fashion whats her name? When I responded, she had a big smile for me.
This may have been the moment on BRT 8. Every year, there's always one moment that's noteworthy".
Note:
We rotate seats on the bus. Seat 1A is reserved for a couple of long time attendees (yes, that means you).
We make plenty of stops.
New Yorkers are 'standby' for the tour. Preference goes to out-of-towners.
No talking miles and points when I'm (ahem) lecturing on Brooklyn.
If you want to talk miles and points, visit Chat.
mjm will post and host a website for the tour attendees, and the dinner attendees.
Details to follow (eventually).
It takes a certain type of person to put up with other Flyertalkers for an entire day. If you're looking for an excuse to visit NY (Brooklyn) in June, the dhammer53 Brooklyn Reality Tour is it.
Please post below if you're interested. I've met a few of you along the road this past year and you have 'dibs' if you're interested in joining us for a fun day in Brooklyn.
If you're interested in coming along, I need you to pm me your:
Flyertalk handle and real name.
Hotel you're staying at, when available.
Cell #
The 2007 thread here... http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthrea...light=brooklyn
2008 Trip Report here... http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=839107
The 2006 thread here http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthrea...light=brooklyn
It's good background info for any first timers; or, anyone feeling nostalgic.
Let the fun begin.
dhammer53 +1
cawhite * paid
KathyWdrf * paid
UCBeau * paid
MikeMpls +1 paid
SS255 * paid
holmedown +1 * paid
iluv2fly *
sy7 paid
rhino_uk paid
cfischer * paid
work2fly + 1.5 paid
N334AA paid
Dovster +1 paid
Chemist661 +1 paid
Mikew99 +1 paid
braefoot paid
ElmhurstNick paid
jb831 paid
mnmag paid
Watchful +1 paid
Bonk - all set
bobovespa +1 paid
puppysara +1 paid
socrates paid
Getiton * paid
gfowler + 1 paid
harpodamann <<< doesn't respond to PM's
secretsea18 paid
Benny8444 paid
tom911 all set
sbm12 paid
gbryan84 paid
49 passenger bus
43 so far. * = Repeat riders.
6 seats left
plus 3 documentary
plus 2 guide
Last edited by dhammer53; Jan 22, 2010 at 10:01 pm Reason: update
Feb 13, 2009, 9:40 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2000
Programs: UA Million Miler (lite). NY Metro area.
Posts: 15,080
Second annual post BRT WineDo will take place Sunday evening June 14, in Manhattan.
New thread posted here... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/commu...york-city.html
From last year... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/commu...unday-eve.html
Link for Soup Do 6 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/commu...l#post11255871
New thread posted here... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/commu...york-city.html
From last year... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/commu...unday-eve.html
Link for Soup Do 6 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/commu...l#post11255871
Last edited by dhammer53; Mar 22, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Feb 13, 2009, 10:18 pm
#9
Commander Catcop
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 10,259
Thanks for settling on the date dhammer.
June is a tough month for me to commit to all day events since it is busy season at the Cats MEOW Cat sitting business (many people take vacation this time.)
I'd like to go on the WAITLIST. If I can get my partners to fill in that Saturday then I can get on board.
FYI: There's another BRT tradition whose date I can confirm and who I will show up for (I am the host
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/commu...l#post11255848
SHould be a fun FT weekend in NYC!
FYI: Some decent AAA rates if you are an SPG member and booking June 12-14)
*Westin Jersey CIty (around 172 a night)
*W Hoboken (ditto)
*Sheraton Suites Weehawken (about 140/night and you can take the ferry to NYC and bus to midtown)
If you need info on the areas surrounding these hotels PM Me.
June is a tough month for me to commit to all day events since it is busy season at the Cats MEOW Cat sitting business (many people take vacation this time.)
I'd like to go on the WAITLIST. If I can get my partners to fill in that Saturday then I can get on board.
FYI: There's another BRT tradition whose date I can confirm and who I will show up for (I am the host
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/commu...l#post11255848
SHould be a fun FT weekend in NYC!
FYI: Some decent AAA rates if you are an SPG member and booking June 12-14)
*Westin Jersey CIty (around 172 a night)
*W Hoboken (ditto)
*Sheraton Suites Weehawken (about 140/night and you can take the ferry to NYC and bus to midtown)
If you need info on the areas surrounding these hotels PM Me.
Feb 14, 2009, 12:46 am
#10
Moderator: Hilton Honors forums
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Marietta, Georgia, United States
Posts: 24,997
Several FlyerTalk members told me, both via the Internet and in person, that I will attend the Brooklyn Reality Tour this year.
They must know something that I do not know.
I want to be there but I have to work out the costs...hotel...airfare...stuff like that...
They must know something that I do not know.
I want to be there but I have to work out the costs...hotel...airfare...stuff like that...
Feb 14, 2009, 3:28 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: Fallen Plats, ex-WN CP, DYKWIW; still a Hilton Diamond & Club Cholula™ R.I.P. Super Plats
Posts: 25,415
PM sent for MikeMpls & WifeMpls, will be there in time for Soup DO, too.
Open to hotel recommendations
Open to hotel recommendations
Feb 14, 2009, 8:52 am
#12
Commander Catcop
Join Date: May 1998
Posts: 10,259
Hey Mike... looking forward to finally meeting you and your wife.
Please do me a favor and just post in the Soup Do 6 thread where I'm going to monitor the number of guests. Thanks.
In my post above I mentioned some AAA rates at the Starwood properties across the river in NJ. It's pretty easy to get to NYC. You could also look at the Hyatt JC and see if it's on Priceline.
Please do me a favor and just post in the Soup Do 6 thread where I'm going to monitor the number of guests. Thanks.
In my post above I mentioned some AAA rates at the Starwood properties across the river in NJ. It's pretty easy to get to NYC. You could also look at the Hyatt JC and see if it's on Priceline.
