Thread on Airline & Travel experiences

[Ksyrup]

It appears it was a heart attack from what I read today. Since the flight originated at LHR it's been in the news here as you might imagine. He was a British man in his 70s.

[Ksyrup]

Almost a full week into our 2-week trip. London was fantastic. People were great, up and down. They all mentioned how much they enjoy Americans. The history is just incredible. We did the sites around town but also went to Canterbury and Dover.

So now we're on a 4-night cruise. Monday is a bank holiday so this is a primarily British cruise - about 70% of the passengers are from the UK and we're definitely in the minority.

Couple things I noticed - just as I thought, the British dress way better than the typical American cruiser. Jeans are few and far between and we feel underdressed. I brought some business casual clothes and my wife brought a couple dresses, but that's the normal dress code for walking around the ship as casual clothes, not reserved just for dinner. Also, seems like everyone eats later so we have run of the buffet or restaurants for early dining (which I prefer).

British comic spent the first 10 minutes telling jokes only the British people understood. And then he stole Brian Regan's "take luck" routine and I wanted to call him out on it but I figured that would make me a typical American prick.

[RainMaker]

Have you been to Dublin yet? I can't stress enough how incredible Howth is if you are up for a little walking.

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

Almost a full week into our 2-week trip. London was fantastic. People were great, up and down. They all mentioned how much they enjoy Americans.

How’s the local food and beer?

Re: enjoy Americans, pretty sure you haven’t talked politics nor guns with them!

[Ksyrup]

Food's been good, actually. I don't really drink much and don't drink beer at all, but probably will force myself to when we get to Dublin. At least a taste of Guinness I guess. I've had 3 different Brits tell me their food isn't good. Did the full English breakfast just to try it. They can keep the black pudding. But the wife and I drink 5-6 cups of tea a day so we've leaned into that. Got lounge access at the IC Park Lane and had tea every afternoon (in addition to breakfast and evening tea service).

I talked politics with a couple tour guides/cabbies. Same story I heard in NZ and Australia - they view Trump as entertaining and don't understand how Biden and Trump can be our candidates. One guy did say he mentioned something about Trump and got 45 minutes of Trump worship from some American.

We head to Dublin Monday night. Monday is a full day - disembark in Southampton, do a tour of Stonehenge, Windsor and Salisbury, get dropped off at LHR, hop an Aer Lingus flight to Dublin. I think we get in around 10pm.

[Ksyrup]

The other distinctly British thing we've observed is that they fork-and-knife everything. Multiple people eating burgers and pizza with utensils, even French fries. In fact, it's pretty impressive watching them fork some fries and use the other hand to scoop ketchup on a knife, spread it on their fries, then eat them.

[Lathum]

Try halumi fries. You can thank me later.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

In fact, it's pretty impressive watching them fork some fries and use the other hand to scoop ketchup on a knife, spread it on their fries, then eat them.

Okay, thaaaaat's taking things a notch (or two) too far.

[Lathum]

Mayo on fries is a big thing over there

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

The other distinctly British thing we've observed is that they fork-and-knife everything. Multiple people eating burgers and pizza with utensils, even French fries. In fact, it's pretty impressive watching them fork some fries and use the other hand to scoop ketchup on a knife, spread it on their fries, then eat them.

You gotta get out of there man. British people ain't right.

[RainMaker]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Mayo on fries is a big thing over there

One annoying thing about Europe is that every "American" style food they make is slathered in as much mayo as you can possibly consume. They seem to think that's all we eat. And I'm a proud mayo hater.

[cartman]

I'm heading to Porto for 10 days at the end of June. Looking forward to the trip. Going for a couple of large city festivals. Sao Joao for Porto, and San Pedro for Povoa de Varzim.

[GrantDawg]

I could get into Mayo on fries. That's always the way I eat Chick-fil-a waffle fries.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

I could get into Mayo on fries. That's always the way I eat Chick-fil-a waffle fries.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

Oddly, that's some that I don't tend to use mayo with. It's more of a staple for me with sitdown fries, like a Loco's or somewhere.

But since I'm enjoying it at the moment, I'll offer a big tip: American Deli yum yum sauce with their fries. It's pretty much perfect.

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Mayo on fries is a big thing over there

Yes it is and it's disgusting. I'm not a mayo fan to begin with, but it's offered as a condiment side by side with ketchup everywhere. Ugh.

[Ksyrup]

Third rate musicians and social media personalities seem to follow us. When we were in Australia and spent the day at Bondi Beach, we found out Travis Barker and Khloe Kardashian were about a block away from us. Today, we're in Amsterdam and the big news is Nicki Minaj was arrested for drug possession at Schiphol Airport.

[flere-imsaho]

Mayo isn't really all that far from garlic aioli and that's tasty with fries.

[AlexB]

Originally Posted by Lathum

Mayo on fries is a big thing over there

No it’s not. Belgium, France, Netherlands, yes, but in the UK no.

It’s actually pretty good, but not common over here

[GrantDawg]

Poutine is the best way to have fries.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[Edward64]

Too messy. Ketchup and then mayo

[Ksyrup]

Originally Posted by AlexB

No it’s not. Belgium, France, Netherlands, yes, but in the UK no.

It’s actually pretty good, but not common over here

Odd. Because it's offered as a condiment with fries everywhere we've been and I haven't seen anyone NOT using it with fries (if they use a condiment).

[AlexB]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

Odd. Because it's offered as a condiment with fries everywhere we've been and I haven't seen anyone NOT using it with fries (if they use a condiment).

How weird. Are you in London? Might be tourists I guess?

Mayo is always in the condiments pot, but can’t recall in 50 years seeing anyone using it on fries here

[Ksyrup]

In London and on a cruise that is 70% Britons. Specifically see them eating fries with mayo only.

[Ksyrup]

Although we're in Belgium now and the tour guide specifically said they do not use ketchup with fries, only mayo.

[MIJB#19]

Originally Posted by AlexB

No it’s not. Belgium, France, Netherlands, yes, but in the UK no.

It’s actually pretty good, but not common over here

And even that's comparing apples and oranges, because French "mayo" is sour, while Dutch "mayo" is sweet.

[AlexB]

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

Although we're in Belgium now and the tour guide specifically said they do not use ketchup with fries, only mayo.

In Belgium, definitely, and I would in Belgium too (when in Rome…)

But it’s definitely not the norm in the UK - you must have an abnormal cross section with you!

What do Britons like most on their chips? | YouGov

Hope you’re enjoying the trip?

[AlexB]

Originally Posted by MIJB#19

And even that's comparing apples and oranges, because French "mayo" is sour, while Dutch "mayo" is sweet.

Didn’t realise that!

I haven’t been to France for a while (edit - oops, forgot, I was there last month! ) but have been to Netherlands and Belgium - I didn’t notice too much difference (any if I’m being honest!) in the mayo between the two… are they similar, or is just a lack of tastebuds on my behalf?

[flere-imsaho]

Originally Posted by MIJB#19

And even that's comparing apples and oranges, because French "mayo" is sour, while Dutch "mayo" is sweet.

In addition, they're not eating Freedom Fries in Europe.

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by AlexB

In Belgium, definitely, and I would in Belgium too (when in Rome…)

But it’s definitely not the norm in the UK - you must have an abnormal cross section with you!

What do Britons like most on their chips? | YouGov

Hope you’re enjoying the trip?

Mushy peas is a new one.

[AlexB]

Fries update: I'm in Slovenia ATM, and was given ketchup and mayo with fries. Hadn't thought about it much before today, but realised I prefer mayo to ketchup - the ketchup overpowered the fries, the mayo complemented them.

I still prefer plain salted, but actually I'm a convert

[AlexB]

Originally Posted by GrantDawg

Mushy peas is a new one.

As a thing or a fry-topping?

One of my lasting memories from my late teens/early twenties was at a near-empty nightclub in Cumbria, seeing a slim girl in a little black dress on the dance floor with a tray of chips and curry sauce, not spilling a drop.

Never spoke to her, but I think I'll remember her for the rest of my life!

[GrantDawg]

Originally Posted by AlexB

As a thing or a fry-topping?

One of my lasting memories from my late teens/early twenties was at a near-empty nightclub in Cumbria, seeing a slim girl in a little black dress on the dance floor with a tray of chips and curry sauce, not spilling a drop.

Never spoke to her, but I think I'll remember her for the rest of my life!

Really, both. I've never heard of mushy peas as a condiment, and just reading the description I don't believe I have ever had anything quite like what is described. I might like them, but I have been trying some British staples recently with mixed results. I bought a can of British style Heinz beans and tried beans on toast. No thanks. Those beans are just not very good. I also picked up some HB brown sauce to try on various things, and it is ok. The English woman that was raving about it talked like they put that on almost everything, but I just don't see it.

[AlexB]

I’ll ignore the Heinz beans on toast comment- that will get you banned by immigration!

HP brown sauce is a lot sweeter than it used to be, but was always a bit marmite to people: but still nothing better than a bacon/sausage sandwich with brown sauce!

Mushy peas are amazing* - fish and chips with mushy peas, OMG. If FOFC had a drool emoji…

*Amazing in a wholesome comforting way that is way beyond the actual taste. They are good, but not sure how I can describe them as it’s not just what they are, it’s more the emotions they spark I guess, of family fish and chip Fridays, with grandparents that are no longer with us.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Originally Posted by AlexB

Mushy peas are amazing* - fish and chips with mushy peas, OMG.

I can't really give you the grossed out reaction that feels appropriate for the simple fact that I don't like green peas when they're normal (at all, will not touch, will literally pick out of fried rice one by one, do not pass go, do not collect $200) so it seems rather natural that I wouldn't want them mushy.

[Edward64]

I’m not a mush green peas fan either but have had them with bangers. Salt fixes a lot of things!

[21C]

Australia is tied to a lot of British ways of doing things historically. I still remember going to the fish and chip shop as a kid (50 years ago) and the only condiment offered was brown vinegar, sprinkled over both the fish and chips if you wanted. All of this was wrapped in butcher's paper and then newspaper in a tube-like arrangement. You would then rip off the end and eat your food on the go.

HP sauce was never big in my area although gravy on chips is still a thing in some parts here.

About 20 years ago, everyone was doing potato wedges with sour cream and sweet chili sauce on the side.

[Edward64]

I hate it when people barge into an elevator before letting others out.

[GrantDawg]

What I will say about Hienz is that they are exactly what they say on the tin. Beans in tomato sauce. They exactly taste like beans in tomato sauce out of a can. It is missing something to me. A spice or maybe something to sweeten it a little.
As for mushy peas, I really want to try them. I, unlike Jon, love green peas. They are my favorite vegetable. The way they are described sounds interesting.
I still have every intention to try to make a Yorkshire pudding. I have even bought some Bisto gravy granules to use with them. I have a very open mind for traditional English food, but leave off the Hienz beans.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[GrantDawg]

And I cooked Yorkshire puddings today. They didn't fluff as well as they should, but I think I got close. I get it. They are tasty.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[PilotMan]

This is exactly the same stuff I talk about all day at work.

[Ksyrup]

Been walking through Dublin for a few hours already. My favorite city on this trip so far. Having lunch in a pub.

We've seen a TK Maxx shop and Eddie Rockets diner. Waiting for a Levoo's jeans shop.

[AlexB]

There’s a pub in Dublin centre that used to be signwritten as ‘Madigan’s Drinking Emporium’… might still be for all I know.

Having seen it, I had to go in, and one inside it was just like every other Dublin pub, but what a classy way to describe the establishment!

[Edward64]

Originally Posted by Edward64

I hate it when people barge into an elevator before letting others out.

Another guy tried to do this today. I just barged to the elevator door and refused to budge until he backed away with a sheepish grin.

Have to push back at rude people

[GrantDawg]

Mushy peas! Quite tasty. Actually, it tastes less like English peas and more like what we call butter beans. Wouldn't eat them on fries, but they are good.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[Ksyrup]

Cliffs of Moher today and it was sunny! We've had the best luck with weather on this trip. Even the rainy days, the rain mostly didn't fall unless we were inside or covered up.

One more day and we head back on Friday.

[Ghost Econ]

My wife was supposed to fly through Dallas yesterday, but her flight was canceled due to weather. Instead she's going through today.

Meanwhile, I sent my phone out for repair last night via FedEx. It has already arrived in Dallas and is out for delivery.

My wife was not amused by this news.

[Edward64]

I've only spent significant of time in 4 of the top 20. I've always wanted to visit Naples (but American pizza is better than Italian pizza!) and know that I'll be visiting Ho Chi Minh City sometime.

Always wanted to try "genuine" Pho and spring rolls in Vietnam. IMO when I was in Beijing, the Chinese food I ate tasted the same as the same Chinese dishes in the US. The difference was quantity on the plate & Beijing had a lot more different types of dishes that we don't see in the US. So I suspect it'll be the same with Vietnam.

These are the world’s 20 best cities for foodies, according to Time Out | CNN

Time Out’s Best Cities for Food 2024
1. Naples, Italy
2. Johannesburg, South Africa
3. Lima, Peru
4. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
5. Beijing, China
6. Bangkok, Thailand
7. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
8. Mumbai, India
9. Dubai, UAE
10. Portland, USA
11. Liverpool, UK
12. Medellín, Colombia
13. Seville, Spain
14. Porto, Portugal
15. Marrakech, Morocco
16. Lyon, France
17. Sydney, Australia
18. Montreal, Canada
19. Osaka, Japan
20. Copenhagen, Denmark

I will say that I'm surprised NYC, Chicago nor SF made the list; Japan so far down; and Denmark doesn't strike me as a culinary capital.

[GrantDawg]

Heading up to my son's graduation, since driving out of Charlotte, we have seen mountains and mountains and mountains and mountains. NC mountains turning into Virginia mountains turning into West Virginia mountains into Maryland mountains turning into Pennsylvania mountains turning into New York state mountains. Another hour and a half, we will be in to Massachusetts mountains.
Mountains are pretty, but they seem pretty much the same after a while.

Sent from my SM-S916U using Tapatalk

[JPhillips]

Where's your son again?

Were you on 84 or 87 today? That would have put you right by my house.

[GrantDawg]

88. He is at Williams.

Edit: We took 81 to 88. I did think about you when we hit New York, but I wasn't sure which town you were in.