A Toast, to New Adventures

Posted at 7:30 pm by Patrick under Around the World

When I checked in to the E Concourse Crown Room Club a few minutes ago, my conversation with the desk agent reminded me just how lucky I am to be doing this trip.

Her comment of “I wish I were in your shoes” rings true for this voyage (certainly), but I don’t think she could’ve realized all the other meanings I had loaded in to it.

So here’s to all of you — friends, former colleagues and friends of the brand — and to new beginnings.

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Around the World
Leg 1: Atlanta to Dubai

Posted at 4:04 pm by Patrick under Around the World

I’m getting to the last few hours of prep for my trip, and have finally booked my hotel in Dubai.

I guess it stands to reason that with all that oil money and crazy construction going on in Dubai, that the hotels would be premium (or better) with rates to match. And, as someone who prides myself in finding good travel values, I thought I could keep costs in check.

Wrong answer.

Apparently most middle-of-the-road western hotels (Sheraton, Hilton, et al) are $350 and up. And don’t even think about that “7-star” hotel everyone has heard about — that was $4000 a night!

I’ll be shacking at a Mövenpick hotel — stayed at one in Amsterdam last year, and liked it — for only $250 a night. Cheap by Dubai standards, but a but hefty for your loyal correspondent. but, you need a good night’s sleep for your fist night in country, so sometimes you gotta pony up.

More from the airport!

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