The trip to Columbus didn't start well on Monday, but we managed (traveled with KH). We had booked a flight with American Airlines for $280. Although United is my preferred airline (due to miles accumulation), United wanted $1100 for a nonstop flight from IAH to CMH. Our AA itinerary had us connect through DFW, but upon arriving at the airport, our flight kept getting delayed by an hour. Finally, the flight was cancelled. The plane had mechanical failure, and there were no more planes left.
I stood in line to have our itineraries re-issued. Luckily we were only traveling for leisure and weren't in a hurry, per se, to get to Columbus. I tweeted to @AmericanAir, stating, "this blows!" They requested I direct message our confirmation number; within 5 minutes, I received a reply that I was confirmed on another flight to CMH, and that all I had to do was collect our boarding passes from a gate agent. I was quite impressed because this all transpired via twitter.
About 15 minutes later I reached the front of the line. I showed the gate agent the direct message conversation. She pulled the record locator and noticed we were actually flying to Chicago and then on to Columbus. However, the ORD flight was delayed, so she said, "You'll never make your connection in Chicago." She finally found us a US Airways flight (connected through Charlotte), which had about the same arrival time in Columbus, so we were set.
I should note there are two complaints I have about US Airways. The first is that they don't have a mobile app. When checking in, you need a paper boarding pass. I don't know how I am going to be able to handle this when I don't have access to a printer and am busy traveling for work. The second complaint is that their boarding passes don't have the landing time. I had to ask the US Airways gate agent what time the plane landed in Charlotte, just to be sure we were able to make our connection. The landing time isn't posted at the gate where you're taking off either. However, they do have the nicest airplanes I've ever flown.
Our US Airways trip went smoothly without any problems. From IAH to CLT, we were lucky that the flight wasn't full, and we had a row to ourselves. Luckily I have been to Charlotte's airport recently in April for work. It's not a big airport, but definitely nice with its food court and a live piano player! We hung out at Chili's, which was ok. It wasn't my first choice, but we needed outlets because all the outlets in the food court had been deactivated for some unknown, odd reason. I will definitely need to keep this in mind for future trips. From CLT to CMH, we sat in the aisle seats next to each other.
When we landed, we went straight from the airport to Fourth Street Grill, where the American Outlaws were having their night-before-game-day party. The party was ok. It was good seeing people again that I've seen on the road, but I have to admit sometimes it's hard just chit chatting with people. One nice thing about having so many games for Houston Dynamo is that you really get to build meaningful friendships, and it's much harder to do this in the US Soccer world due to so much spacing between games. Remembering people I had just met in June is difficult for me, as I am so bad when it comes to names and faces.
After the party, we went to a pizza place and headed to the hotel. MF had already checked into the hotel earlier (met us at the bar). We called it a night around 2-3AM. The next morning we left around noon and headed to German Village. It's a quaint area of town. We walked the streets, which were real cobblestone! We felt sorry for anyone wearing heels or perhaps would be too drunk to walk. We had lunch at High Beck Tavern and were joined by Rebecca, a KC Cauldron member. I had met her in March when I traveled to Kansas City for the Olympics CONCACAF semi-final and final.
From the tavern, we went to get tailgate supplies and then the American Outlaws tailgate. AO Columbus did an EXCELLENT job of setting up. They had a beer trailer (free beer), huge screen projector for American football, a DJ, and merchandise tents set up. It was good seeing people again, but probably in the future I will not show up to a tailgate 6 hours prior to kickoff when I don't have tailgate chairs, a canopy, etc.
The game itself was incredible. Words cannot truly describe all of the things that happened. The moment of silence for those who lost their lives on 9/11 was impactful. It's hands down the longest moment of silence I've ever experienced at a soccer game. The section itself was jammed packed, and typically we are the only section in the stadium on its feet. Not in Columbus. EVERY section in the sold-out stadium stood for the full 90, and to hear nearly 24,000 people chant "USA!" in unison is something that cannot be put into words.
After the game, we headed to a late night eating place called Tip Top Kitchen. It's surprisingly very difficult to find a place open in Columbus downtown late at night. We were so tired though that we just quickly ate (had skipped dinner) and left. We had to be up at 6AM for our flights, which were pretty uneventful.
Next stop - Kansas City for USMNT!
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Monday, September 10, 2012
Chicago Labor Day Weekend 2012 Part II
Sunday morning one of the Texian Army guys drove from MI where he was staying to Chicago. The plan was for him to provide us transportation in exchange for him crashing with us. He arrived mid-morning. It should be noted at the hotel parking is $37/day. This seems outrageous, but parking is so limited downtown that this rate is on par with the area.
We went to Gino's East and had a delicious time. I've aforementioned Gino's is my favorite, so this should be no surprise. By the time we were done with the meal, it was about 2PM, and the Toyota Park lots opened at 3PM. After returning to the hotel to gather belongings, it was about a 20-30 minute drive.
On the way to Toyota Park, we stopped at Joe & Frank's Market (7147 W Archer Ave at Harlem, Chicago, Illinois 60638). Although we were just there to get tailgate supplies (ice, water, beer, chips, etc), next time we have decided to pick up some deli meat, cheeses, and bread for the tailgate. The selection is amazing with sausages hanging from the beams for your choosing. This market caters to the Polish population (staff members were speaking Polish), and there's lots of Polish snacks to try. The guys bought a Polish beer which wasn't bad. I definitely need to try this next time we're headed to Toyota Park.
Aside from the 5 of us Texian Army members, we were joined by a college student from St. Louis and his parents. So, we had a tailgate of 8. Things were pretty lackadaisical. We were supposed to have stadium security meet with us at 4PM, but that never happened. They just showed up whenever it was time to go in. We've never had a problem during a game, which is probably why. We also didn't have that many people.
The game itself is really nothing to write home about, since we lost 2-1. We scored the first goal, but it was then disallowed. To date, I still don't know why the goal was disallowed, since the linesman didn't put up an offside flag. We should have tied (even Chicago fans who thought it was a goal were disappointed), but so goes MLS refereeing.
After the game, we went back to the tailgate, and the St. Louis' guy's car was keyed and tire was cut. It was the first problem we've ever had when at a Chicago Fire game. It was a good thing he had a spare tire and knew how to change a tire, but no one ever deserves to have their car vandalized. Security apologized profusely, but there was nothing they could do. Nearby Chicago fans offered cookies as a peace offering and were available for assistance. So, lessons learned - be careful if you're taking a car to Toyota Park.
From the game, we returned to Miller's Pub because it was conveniently a couple of doors away from the hotel. We called it an early night around midnight since we were tired. The guy crashing with us had to be up at 6AM to drive to his parents' place.
The next day on Labor Day we slept until noon, had lunch at Macy's, and walked around. I stopped at Garrett's Popcorn again to take popcorn home for my dad. One of the gals who was staying an extra night allowed us to put our bags in her room until we needed to leave later in the afternoon, which was nice of her. We then walked to Millenium Park (had to take a picture in the bean) and Michigan Avenue until slightly north of the river, had a gelato, and returned to the hotel. We left for the airport around 3:30PM (flight departed at 6:30PM), since it takes an hour to get to O'Hare via L train (blue line - $2.25 each way). ORD is either #1 or #2 in terms of the nation's busiest airports (always competing with ATL), so it's best to get there two hours prior to departure, although this time we had no problems going through security.
So, that was my trip to Chicago for the Dynamo game. I love Chicago for its eating places and unique city vibe. On to Columbus today for the USMNT world cup qualifier against Jamaica!
We went to Gino's East and had a delicious time. I've aforementioned Gino's is my favorite, so this should be no surprise. By the time we were done with the meal, it was about 2PM, and the Toyota Park lots opened at 3PM. After returning to the hotel to gather belongings, it was about a 20-30 minute drive.
On the way to Toyota Park, we stopped at Joe & Frank's Market (7147 W Archer Ave at Harlem, Chicago, Illinois 60638). Although we were just there to get tailgate supplies (ice, water, beer, chips, etc), next time we have decided to pick up some deli meat, cheeses, and bread for the tailgate. The selection is amazing with sausages hanging from the beams for your choosing. This market caters to the Polish population (staff members were speaking Polish), and there's lots of Polish snacks to try. The guys bought a Polish beer which wasn't bad. I definitely need to try this next time we're headed to Toyota Park.
Aside from the 5 of us Texian Army members, we were joined by a college student from St. Louis and his parents. So, we had a tailgate of 8. Things were pretty lackadaisical. We were supposed to have stadium security meet with us at 4PM, but that never happened. They just showed up whenever it was time to go in. We've never had a problem during a game, which is probably why. We also didn't have that many people.
The game itself is really nothing to write home about, since we lost 2-1. We scored the first goal, but it was then disallowed. To date, I still don't know why the goal was disallowed, since the linesman didn't put up an offside flag. We should have tied (even Chicago fans who thought it was a goal were disappointed), but so goes MLS refereeing.
After the game, we went back to the tailgate, and the St. Louis' guy's car was keyed and tire was cut. It was the first problem we've ever had when at a Chicago Fire game. It was a good thing he had a spare tire and knew how to change a tire, but no one ever deserves to have their car vandalized. Security apologized profusely, but there was nothing they could do. Nearby Chicago fans offered cookies as a peace offering and were available for assistance. So, lessons learned - be careful if you're taking a car to Toyota Park.
From the game, we returned to Miller's Pub because it was conveniently a couple of doors away from the hotel. We called it an early night around midnight since we were tired. The guy crashing with us had to be up at 6AM to drive to his parents' place.
The next day on Labor Day we slept until noon, had lunch at Macy's, and walked around. I stopped at Garrett's Popcorn again to take popcorn home for my dad. One of the gals who was staying an extra night allowed us to put our bags in her room until we needed to leave later in the afternoon, which was nice of her. We then walked to Millenium Park (had to take a picture in the bean) and Michigan Avenue until slightly north of the river, had a gelato, and returned to the hotel. We left for the airport around 3:30PM (flight departed at 6:30PM), since it takes an hour to get to O'Hare via L train (blue line - $2.25 each way). ORD is either #1 or #2 in terms of the nation's busiest airports (always competing with ATL), so it's best to get there two hours prior to departure, although this time we had no problems going through security.
So, that was my trip to Chicago for the Dynamo game. I love Chicago for its eating places and unique city vibe. On to Columbus today for the USMNT world cup qualifier against Jamaica!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Chicago Labor Day Weekend 2012 Part I
It's been a while since I've written on here mainly because I didn't take any footy-related trips last month. I am now a monitor for a contract research organization - someone who visits sites to routinely audit and ensure clinical research trial compliance, adherence to federal regulations, and conformance with international guidelines. My territory for my assigned clinical trial is the east coast, TN, and Houston (of course), so I am traveling 3-5 days/week. This may seem like a lot, but the perks are free mileage credit, hotel rewards, and car rental points.
Unfortunately since I just started, I didn't have enough hotel points for my Chicago stay last weekend for the Dynamo game. I departed last Saturday morning thanks to rewards miles; I also didn't want to use vacation time. One thing to factor is that although it would've been fun to fly into Chicago Friday, you do have to add a night of hotel and perhaps a higher flight cost (since flying on Fridays is more expensive than Saturdays). I went with four other Texian Army members, although one flew into MI to visit friends.
I chose the Palmer House Hilton because I stayed there last year for the Dynamo game, and it's a great location. Thanks to the entertainment book you can buy from your local school, the room rate was 50% off - $143/night during a major holiday weekend. I should note the hotel was completely sold out Saturday night (don't know about Sunday). The hotel is located on Monroe Street, which dead ends into Millennium Park - 1.5 blocks away. The hotel is also within a block of the blue and orange lines for the L train, which is perfect for the airport (blue line ends at the airport - $2.25 each way) and games at Toyota Park (orange line ends at Midway, then take the Toyota Park bus). Although the rooms themselves are nothing spectacular (we're just there to sleep anyway), the lobby is absolutely gorgeous due to its HIGH ceiling and painted frescos. If you plan on ever going to a game at Soldier Field, this is also a great location. I do admit it's a bit on the south side if you want to do any shopping (high end stores are north of the river), but you can always cab it for $10 to the northern end of Michigan Mile.
Speaking of cabs, since my last entry, I've discovered an android app called Taxi Magic, which works wonderfully. You book your cab, receive a text upon dispatch with the name of the driver, and there's even an option to flag your cab (flashes the taxi number). You can also map your taxi as it is en route, and there are updates every 20 seconds. The app works in most major cities.
Saturday upon arrival our room wasn't ready because we were so early (arrived around noon). We left our luggage with the bell hop and proceeded to find a meal. The concierge recommended Exchequer, which happened to be full of U. of Iowa Hawkeyes who were headed to a game against N. Illinois for American football. The beer selection was pitiful, so we moved to find the USWNT game (played a friendly against Costa Rica in Rochester for the Olympic celebration tour). We stopped at Miller's Pub, who said they weren't going to show the soccer game due to college football. We ended up at Tilted Kilt and had a great time.
After the game, we headed to the hotel to check in, chilled, and while waiting for others, walked to Garrett's Popcorn. I know it's just popcorn, but words can't describe the phenomenal taste. After getting popcorn, we headed to the hotel to meet others, and then walked to Lou Malnati's for dinner, since one of the gals said she wouldn't mind having deep dish pizza twice in a row for meals. We agreed we should try different pizza places, and since we scheduled Gino's East the next day for lunch, I suggested Lou Malnati's based on a co-worker's recommendation (former Chicagoan). It was okay, but I probably won't return because Gino's East is still my favorite Chicago style deep dish pizza.
From Lou Malnati's we started walking back to the hotel, but halfway there, I flagged a cab to take us to Water Tower Place. Whenever I'm in a different city, I love going to the Adidas store because each store is unique in what they carry, and what is carried in store may not be online and vice versa. Chicago is the only city I know of that has two Adidas stores within walking distance; the performance store is four blocks away from the originals store. Unfortunately it was too late at night to visit the latter, which closes at 8PM. Nonetheless it was fun shopping in Water Tower Place.
We decided to chill in the hotel room Saturday night because I was getting over a cold, and my roommate didn't want to spend a lot of money. I needed hard cider for the tailgate, which meant the usual CVS Pharmacy down the street wasn't going to work for me. I Yelped a place called Warehouse Liquors within walking distance of the hotel, and it was an awesome place. I highly recommend it in the future. So, that was Saturday, on to Sunday!
Unfortunately since I just started, I didn't have enough hotel points for my Chicago stay last weekend for the Dynamo game. I departed last Saturday morning thanks to rewards miles; I also didn't want to use vacation time. One thing to factor is that although it would've been fun to fly into Chicago Friday, you do have to add a night of hotel and perhaps a higher flight cost (since flying on Fridays is more expensive than Saturdays). I went with four other Texian Army members, although one flew into MI to visit friends.
I chose the Palmer House Hilton because I stayed there last year for the Dynamo game, and it's a great location. Thanks to the entertainment book you can buy from your local school, the room rate was 50% off - $143/night during a major holiday weekend. I should note the hotel was completely sold out Saturday night (don't know about Sunday). The hotel is located on Monroe Street, which dead ends into Millennium Park - 1.5 blocks away. The hotel is also within a block of the blue and orange lines for the L train, which is perfect for the airport (blue line ends at the airport - $2.25 each way) and games at Toyota Park (orange line ends at Midway, then take the Toyota Park bus). Although the rooms themselves are nothing spectacular (we're just there to sleep anyway), the lobby is absolutely gorgeous due to its HIGH ceiling and painted frescos. If you plan on ever going to a game at Soldier Field, this is also a great location. I do admit it's a bit on the south side if you want to do any shopping (high end stores are north of the river), but you can always cab it for $10 to the northern end of Michigan Mile.
Speaking of cabs, since my last entry, I've discovered an android app called Taxi Magic, which works wonderfully. You book your cab, receive a text upon dispatch with the name of the driver, and there's even an option to flag your cab (flashes the taxi number). You can also map your taxi as it is en route, and there are updates every 20 seconds. The app works in most major cities.
Saturday upon arrival our room wasn't ready because we were so early (arrived around noon). We left our luggage with the bell hop and proceeded to find a meal. The concierge recommended Exchequer, which happened to be full of U. of Iowa Hawkeyes who were headed to a game against N. Illinois for American football. The beer selection was pitiful, so we moved to find the USWNT game (played a friendly against Costa Rica in Rochester for the Olympic celebration tour). We stopped at Miller's Pub, who said they weren't going to show the soccer game due to college football. We ended up at Tilted Kilt and had a great time.
After the game, we headed to the hotel to check in, chilled, and while waiting for others, walked to Garrett's Popcorn. I know it's just popcorn, but words can't describe the phenomenal taste. After getting popcorn, we headed to the hotel to meet others, and then walked to Lou Malnati's for dinner, since one of the gals said she wouldn't mind having deep dish pizza twice in a row for meals. We agreed we should try different pizza places, and since we scheduled Gino's East the next day for lunch, I suggested Lou Malnati's based on a co-worker's recommendation (former Chicagoan). It was okay, but I probably won't return because Gino's East is still my favorite Chicago style deep dish pizza.
From Lou Malnati's we started walking back to the hotel, but halfway there, I flagged a cab to take us to Water Tower Place. Whenever I'm in a different city, I love going to the Adidas store because each store is unique in what they carry, and what is carried in store may not be online and vice versa. Chicago is the only city I know of that has two Adidas stores within walking distance; the performance store is four blocks away from the originals store. Unfortunately it was too late at night to visit the latter, which closes at 8PM. Nonetheless it was fun shopping in Water Tower Place.
We decided to chill in the hotel room Saturday night because I was getting over a cold, and my roommate didn't want to spend a lot of money. I needed hard cider for the tailgate, which meant the usual CVS Pharmacy down the street wasn't going to work for me. I Yelped a place called Warehouse Liquors within walking distance of the hotel, and it was an awesome place. I highly recommend it in the future. So, that was Saturday, on to Sunday!
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