ON THE ROAD AGAIN: Across Siberia to Southeast Asia, Fiji and the American West
Jun 25, 2017, 12:36 am
#91
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: AUS
Programs: AA Exec Platinum/MM, DL Gold/MM, Hilton Diamond, Accor Platinum, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,959
An amazing report. Thank you. It took me a couple of days to get through the whole thing but it was worth it. I felt like I was riding along. I envy your storytelling skills. I also envy your stamina.
I imagine the planning and preparation must take at least as long as the trip itself. But, of course, for many of us the planning is an integral part of the fun.
A few practical questions...
I imagine the planning and preparation must take at least as long as the trip itself. But, of course, for many of us the planning is an integral part of the fun.
A few practical questions...
- What camera do you use?
- How do you not gain 100 pounds on a trip like this? (Or perhaps you do.) As a park ranger, I don't imagine your job is completely sedentary. How do you adjust to a routine of mostly sitting and eating good food for many days on end?
- Unless I missed something, despite many different airlines, other modes of transport, and connections, you did not miss a single one. And you appeared to have scheduled most of this pretty tightly. Do you ever worry, especially at the start of a trip, that the whole thing will collapse like a house of cards due to one late or cancelled flight?
Jun 25, 2017, 12:37 am
#92
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,614
I remember shortly after signing up for Flyertalk, I discovered your trip reports and stayed up many evenings after work reading them. I would read every word carefully, fully digesting them, to make it feel like I was part of the adventure. Stayed up a little too late on a few occasions which caused me to have unproductive days due to lack of sleep lol! When my colleagues noticed, I'd send them links of your report to show them the reason haha. It really inspired me(a 20 year old with minimal premium travel) to write my first and only trip report and also completely changed my perception on the "getting there" part of the travel experience. After my first RTW, I also started to plan most my leisure travels based on experiencing different airlines and configurations.
I can say after 5 years and over half a million miles of flying later, I still find myself doing the exact same thing; delightfully reading another another Seat 2A trip report and being motivated to plan out my next trip!
Never thought I'd say this but you really outdid yourself with this one... you have no idea how much these reports have changed my life! I really want to thank you for that. The excitement of seeing your handle pop up with a fresh thread on this subforum is so real
.
I can say after 5 years and over half a million miles of flying later, I still find myself doing the exact same thing; delightfully reading another another Seat 2A trip report and being motivated to plan out my next trip!
Never thought I'd say this but you really outdid yourself with this one... you have no idea how much these reports have changed my life! I really want to thank you for that. The excitement of seeing your handle pop up with a fresh thread on this subforum is so real
.
Jun 25, 2017, 3:01 am
#93
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: London, UK
Programs: AA 2MM - PLT, BA GGL, SPG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,221
Another epic report Seat 2A. Thanks for posting.
Did JAL give you any sort of gift? I have only flown long haul F with them twice and each time I was given a gift. The first time I was given a JAL branded handkerchief and the most recent was just before Christmas last year and I scored a happy coat that time.
Did JAL give you any sort of gift? I have only flown long haul F with them twice and each time I was given a gift. The first time I was given a JAL branded handkerchief and the most recent was just before Christmas last year and I scored a happy coat that time.
Jun 25, 2017, 4:14 am
#94
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Brighton England
Programs: AA Plat, various hotels
Posts: 1,220
Totally stunning report.
Interesting that you choose room 11 on the Amtrak, that's the room I chose for my trip on the Zephyr last year.
Thanks to you I have developed rather an obsession for travelling Amtrak.
This year I am doing the Texas Eagle from LA to Chicago followed by the Empire Builder to Portland then the Cascades to Seattle.
I cant imagine how long it takes you to write up your reports, its taken me 5 hours to read it, but it was worth every moment.
Thank you.
Interesting that you choose room 11 on the Amtrak, that's the room I chose for my trip on the Zephyr last year.
Thanks to you I have developed rather an obsession for travelling Amtrak.
This year I am doing the Texas Eagle from LA to Chicago followed by the Empire Builder to Portland then the Cascades to Seattle.
I cant imagine how long it takes you to write up your reports, its taken me 5 hours to read it, but it was worth every moment.
Thank you.
Jun 25, 2017, 10:47 am
#95
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: East Ester, Alaska
Programs: Alaska Million Miler, United Million Miler, Wyndham Rewards Diamond, Choice Hotels Diamond
Posts: 12,145
I imagine the planning and preparation must take at least as long as the trip itself. But, of course, for many of us the planning is an integral part of the fun.
Actually, it took longer as I began the planning back in November. From that point on it took on an enjoyable momentum.
A few practical questions...
Once I'd committed to the schedule I planned, I didn't see much point in worrying unless it were to become evident that a problem was developing. Even then, I'm more likely to immediately switch to repair mode since worrying contributes nothing but stress and anxiety. Thankfully no problems developed except for my purloined wallet.
Actually, it took longer as I began the planning back in November. From that point on it took on an enjoyable momentum.
A few practical questions...
- What camera do you use? Canon SX-160
- How do you not gain 100 pounds on a trip like this? It seemed that on this trip in particular airlines took glee in parking my flights on the farthest or nearly farthest gate from the terminal or my connecting flight. I'm serious here. It was rather amazing and I remember thinking that was my trade-off for all the time spent butt-in-seat.
- How do you adjust to a routine of mostly sitting and eating good food for many days on end? It really didn't feel like an adjustment. I also take aisle seats most of the time which allows me to get up and take a lap or two around the airplane on longer flights.
- Unless I missed something, despite many different airlines, other modes of transport, and connections, you did not miss a single one. And you appeared to have scheduled most of this pretty tightly. Do you ever worry, especially at the start of a trip, that the whole thing will collapse like a house of cards due to one late or cancelled flight?
Once I'd committed to the schedule I planned, I didn't see much point in worrying unless it were to become evident that a problem was developing. Even then, I'm more likely to immediately switch to repair mode since worrying contributes nothing but stress and anxiety. Thankfully no problems developed except for my purloined wallet.
Originally Posted by SKYEG
I remember shortly after signing up for Flyertalk, I discovered your trip reports and stayed up many evenings after work reading them. I would read every word carefully, fully digesting them, to make it feel like I was part of the adventure. Stayed up a little too late on a few occasions which caused me to have unproductive days due to lack of sleep lol! When my colleagues noticed, I'd send them links of your report to show them the reason haha. It really inspired me (a 20 year old with minimal premium travel) to write my first and only trip report and also completely changed my perception on the "getting there" part of the travel experience. After my first RTW, I also started to plan most my leisure travels based on experiencing different airlines and configurations.
I can say after 5 years and over half a million miles of flying later, I still find myself doing the exact same thing; delightfully reading another another Seat 2A trip report and being motivated to plan out my next trip!
Never thought I'd say this but you really outdid yourself with this one... you have no idea how much these reports have changed my life! I really want to thank you for that. The excitement of seeing your handle pop up with a fresh thread on this subforum is so real.
Thank you for your kind words, SKYEG. I can think of no higher compliment than to hear that my trip reports have proven inspirational to readers such as yourself and I do hope that if this trip moves you to create an exciting itinerary around all or part of the world, you'll send me a PM link to your trip report (if you write one). Regardless, I wish you all the best in your future travels. ^
I can say after 5 years and over half a million miles of flying later, I still find myself doing the exact same thing; delightfully reading another another Seat 2A trip report and being motivated to plan out my next trip!
Never thought I'd say this but you really outdid yourself with this one... you have no idea how much these reports have changed my life! I really want to thank you for that. The excitement of seeing your handle pop up with a fresh thread on this subforum is so real.
Thank you for your kind words, SKYEG. I can think of no higher compliment than to hear that my trip reports have proven inspirational to readers such as yourself and I do hope that if this trip moves you to create an exciting itinerary around all or part of the world, you'll send me a PM link to your trip report (if you write one). Regardless, I wish you all the best in your future travels. ^
Originally Posted by Moomba
Another epic report Seat 2A. Thanks for posting. Did JAL give you any sort of gift? I have only flown long haul F with them twice and each time I was given a gift. The first time I was given a JAL branded handkerchief and the most recent was just before Christmas last year and I scored a happy coat that time.
Thank you, Mr. Moderator. I remember when gifts were de rigueur for international First Class passengers but aside from KLM's delft houses, the practice has largely ended these days. JAL offered no special gifts, though I suppose for some their pajamas (or as my FA put it "Elastic Wear") might be considered might be considered a gift.
Thank you, Mr. Moderator. I remember when gifts were de rigueur for international First Class passengers but aside from KLM's delft houses, the practice has largely ended these days. JAL offered no special gifts, though I suppose for some their pajamas (or as my FA put it "Elastic Wear") might be considered might be considered a gift.
Originally Posted by Gatwick Alan
Totally stunning report. Thanks to you I have developed rather an obsession for travelling Amtrak. This year I am doing the Texas Eagle from LA to Chicago followed by the Empire Builder to Portland then the Cascades to Seattle.
Thank you, Alan! It's good to hear that you're enjoying you travels on Amtrak. While my intent is to report upon more so than promote Amtrak, I reckon it's worth a lot more than my yearly donations to NARP if people read my reports and then decide to try out Amtrak. So - thank you for riding the train! Maybe I'll join you in the lounge car one of these rides!
Thank you, Alan! It's good to hear that you're enjoying you travels on Amtrak. While my intent is to report upon more so than promote Amtrak, I reckon it's worth a lot more than my yearly donations to NARP if people read my reports and then decide to try out Amtrak. So - thank you for riding the train! Maybe I'll join you in the lounge car one of these rides!
Jun 25, 2017, 12:12 pm
#96
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP, AS MVPG
Posts: 226
This report was ambitious, even for you! Thanks for the time you put into writing this - as someone who has read all of your reports over the years, it's great to see these journeys become more interesting and far-reaching.
We're looking forward to the Qantas review, stay well!
We're looking forward to the Qantas review, stay well!
Jun 26, 2017, 10:01 am
#97
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: A3*G, Marriott Gold, Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium
Posts: 851
You are a truly fortunate man, gpb! To have a willing and excited partner in your travels is as good as it gets. Even though I do these convoluted journeys on my own, (mostly because they are so long and convoluted - not to mention a tad eccentric) I feel like I am never really alone given all the interesting people I meet along the way. That said, I think it'd be all the more enjoyable to have an equally enthusiastic Seat 2B along for the journey, especially if she were willing to put up with my impulsive nature - to say nothing of interjecting her own now and then!
I know what you mean about never feeling alone, I met so many interesting people while travelling on random planes, trains and ferries before I met my plus 1. I do however agree that having a travelling companion does make trips more pleasant overall. As before, thanks for the wonderful TR and I look forward to your next adventure! 
Jun 26, 2017, 2:53 pm
#98
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: The Baltic Sea
Programs: AY, BT, DY and SK. Scandic, Radisson, Marriott and HHonors. ClubONE
Posts: 5,890
Thank you so much Seat 2A, for this epic and mammoth trip report of which I have so far been able to only read the first page. (And I have been reading this for three separate days already!) I started with the beginning of the Siberian rail report, then went back to the start. When I got to the San Diego Airspace lounge, I couldn't help but make myself a tuna cucumber sandwich and pour myself a Gin and Tonic to go with it. That complimentary British Airways lounge menu looked so good!
Through your travels to Moscow, I got a lot of deja-vu feelings; the Nr.1 lounges (the one at Heathrow is even better), the different Fokkers (my experiences are from Austrian/Tyrolean and the long gone Linjeflyg) and the Norwegian and Air Baltic airlines.
And then the Moscow to China trans-Siberian express. I've never taken that train, but my sister did it during the Soviet times. She even was able to do it with a ticket bought from socialist Hungary using local money changed from hard currency, i.e. the ticket was practically free. Oh well, a one-way air ticket back was not cheap in those days!
The Chinese train indeed seems to have its own ambiance. I can't help to think, though, that if you are to spend a week aboard, wouldn't a modern Russian train with a softer bed be preferable? OTOH, it seems that in a few years time you will give us a comparison!
Through your travels to Moscow, I got a lot of deja-vu feelings; the Nr.1 lounges (the one at Heathrow is even better), the different Fokkers (my experiences are from Austrian/Tyrolean and the long gone Linjeflyg) and the Norwegian and Air Baltic airlines.
And then the Moscow to China trans-Siberian express. I've never taken that train, but my sister did it during the Soviet times. She even was able to do it with a ticket bought from socialist Hungary using local money changed from hard currency, i.e. the ticket was practically free. Oh well, a one-way air ticket back was not cheap in those days!
The Chinese train indeed seems to have its own ambiance. I can't help to think, though, that if you are to spend a week aboard, wouldn't a modern Russian train with a softer bed be preferable? OTOH, it seems that in a few years time you will give us a comparison!
Jun 26, 2017, 4:20 pm
#99
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: San Antonio, Texas, USA
Programs: AA, Delta, Singapore Airlines
Posts: 701
I just spent 3 days looking over and reading the entirety of the trip report and absolutely fell in love with it! The Trans-Siberian to Beijing, the images of Moscow (despite the short stay there) the changes of the dining car through Mongolia and China...absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much for an incredible report that showed me a part of my country I have never seen. Makes me want to see it for myself that much more, as well as the other things there are to see on a similar journey.
Jun 27, 2017, 1:23 pm
#101
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Winchester VA
Programs: UA 1K; AA Gold; Hilton Diamond; Marriott Gold
Posts: 198
Another classic!
You mention your one year of travel due to United's 50 State Marathon which resulted in >500k miles flown.
Is there an accounting online of what that year of travel resulted in? Your city pairs for that year must be quite a list!
Thanks again for taking time for us to relive your spectacular travels. I read every word!
You mention your one year of travel due to United's 50 State Marathon which resulted in >500k miles flown.
Is there an accounting online of what that year of travel resulted in? Your city pairs for that year must be quite a list!
Thanks again for taking time for us to relive your spectacular travels. I read every word!
Jul 1, 2017, 2:04 pm
#104
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Manila
Programs: Qatar Gold
Posts: 205
3 days of short office intervals reading another memorable Seat 2A report. This one really was fantastic.
The use of your old developed photographs really adds to the report. I think this compare and contrast approach could make for some great reports on places / flights in the future.
The use of your old developed photographs really adds to the report. I think this compare and contrast approach could make for some great reports on places / flights in the future.
Jul 1, 2017, 2:27 pm
#105
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: The Baltic Sea
Programs: AY, BT, DY and SK. Scandic, Radisson, Marriott and HHonors. ClubONE
Posts: 5,890
Just finished the report. What did it take me? Five days? Yes it was another crazy trip, but the report was just like a good novel: you can't but finish it and it keeps you in suspense until the end. Quite an irony, you travel around the world and just when you get back to your home country somebody steals your wallet! Hope you've been refunded for the balance on your debit card by now!
