So, I have been losing motivation lately to get this thing, and by thing, I mean blog, moving. Maybe my first major step of motivation would be to actually post it online. I will do that for sure in the next few weeks, I hope.
Well, this trip to Alberta has been good. Tried a few new things. It was much needed seeing as I am injured and can’t do yoga. I am going crazy! First interesting note is how I was treated by WEST JET as someone travelling with injury. Having them in my head as a brand full of customer service, it was obviously ignored that I had an injured foot. I asked for more leg room and was basically told to not even hope for any. And then a man in line yelled for them to get me a wheel chair, and the gentleman checking me in ignored it. He was really not very pleasant. I hobbled on over to my gate, which was actually fine by me because I needed to stretch my legs, but really, they were not helpful at all.
I rented by car through ALAMO this time around because the price was significantly cheaper – like 200$ cheaper! They are linked with NATIONAL and therefore I know the customer service will be high. I got to the desk, waited quite some time, and was told that because I am a NATIONAL EMERALD member, I can just go out and pick a car as I do when I rent with National. I spoke with another NATIONAL agent outside who looked for my name on the list and knew I rented through Alamo, and he as well said to go ahead and pick a car. He even helped me find one with a sunroof. As I was leaving and signing out the car, I was told I couldn’t because I reserved with ALAMO and therefore had to be assigned a car inside. After explaining that I had spoken to two reps, she went right ahead and did all the paperwork and off I drove. NATIONAL CAR RENTAL is great and makes renting cars an easy and friendly task. When you drop off a car with NATIONAL, they email you your receipt right away. THRIFTY, in 2010, cannot email receipts. HELLO?! Get with it! Especially if you cannot always print receipts out when the car is dropped off. Their systems are ALWAYS DOWN!
Once I arrived in Edmonton and checked into the METTERA, which I always love, it was quite late and I was starving. I headed over to a DOANS Vietnamese restaurant which I had always seen, never tried, and assumed they would be open late. I got there just as they were closing but they let me order for take away. I sat in my room eating a vermicelli bowl with veggies, and a side of kimchi and an order of salad rolls. The salad rolls were basically vermicelli rolls, but still completely delicious. Open until 10pm on a Sunday night – very good to know. It is very hard to find food late at night in Alberta.
The next night I was taken to a new area of Edmonton and to a yummy little restaurant, CULINA. Although I found it a little pricey for what I got, the starters of Truffle popcorn and spicy fried chick peas sure won me over. I had cod for my main, not very flavourful, but a visit for the appetizers will always be welcome. Make a reservation – very busy. Luckily we got some seats at the bar.
With some time to kill on an afternoon, I cruised to some shops along Whyte Ave – always the amazing Gravity Pope shoe and clothing stores make me drool and then I finally had time to stroll over to the Antique Market on Calgary Trail. Definitely some good little finds. Very well organized from stall to stall. Jewellery and small odd pieces in the front, furniture in the back and more furniture and toys upstairs. If you have some time to kill and love looking at vintage jewellery, some records, dishes, random and hilarious footwear – that is the place to go. Maybe save it for the winter when being inside is highly recommended.
I decided to try another new hotel in Calgary. I decided to branch off further away from the city. I like the Best Western on Mcleod, but I wanted to try something new and I go a little crazy staying somewhere where I cannot go out for a walk. I am determined to find a good hotel and a good rate! I have always seen the Blackfoot Inn online and it looked quite nice, and with a great deal on Expedia - I had my reason. Overall, I was not very happy. I phoned for directions and they were wrong. A simple North or South on a main road should be known by any operator answering their phones. At check in I asked about the steam room and whirlpool (of course being an option that helped me decide on this hotel) and I was told they were all ready to go. I phoned down to ask if I should go in advance to turn on the sauna and got this answer: “oh no, just go down and push a button so they know someone is in there and it is ready to go”. I went down. Hot tub out of order with caution tape blocking it off, and the steam room was not ready to go. I turned on the timer, and sat in the stinky sauna waiting for it to work. Eventually I asked the maintenance man to help, he went and fiddled with something and it started. After five minutes of steam, it went on and off every 8 seconds. Not very relaxing.
When I initially got up into my room and noticed there wasn’t a fridge, I called down right away to ask for one. Being someone who travels alot and is cautious with my eating, a fridge is an absolute luxury. For things as simple as almond milk, fruit and veggies, and any takeaway from a restaurant. It makes a hotel go from awful to fantastic! The receptionist (I assume the same that gave bad directions) simply said there were no fridges. I then ran into someone in a suit, assuming he worked there and asked him about a fridge, he said you simply have to ask the front desk. He had one sent up right away.
All that being said, the rooms were quite spacious and the bed comfortable. The bathrooms are a little bit small – I had to squeeze beside the toilet to shut to the door to go to the bathroom. Travelling on my own, shutting the door isn’t necessary, and I actually have a bad habit of not closing the door, however, I could not fit. The door opened right into the toilet.
The outdoor pool is a nice bonus for the hot summer days, but gets shaded quite early, and the cookies and apples on the front desk are always a nice extra. I didn’t try the restaurant or attend the comedy bar.
Overall: front desk and receptionist NEED TO KNOW ALL DETAILS! Directions, amenities in working order – or not, whatever it may be. I checked out a day early and stayed with a friend.
Feeling as if I hadn’t had vegetables in a year, I strolled over the The Gratitude Cafe. I tried this vegetarian restaurant last time I was in town and loved it, so was banking on a delicious healthy meal. The food was ok, nothing too special. My portion was smaller than last time. But looking at the situation of the cook (whom I also think is the owner) and the waitress being at eachothers throat and making the situation for the customers a little awkward, I think the entire day might have been off kilter at this little restaurant. They were very busy and I think having another waitress would have levelled the tension. Not fulfilling this time around, but knowing how good it was last time, I will go back and try again!
When I was there last I had lettuce wraps with hummus, quinoa and guacamole, as well as their spicy chick pea curry with miso salad. It was amazing! My second visit was so distracting; I don’t even remember what I had!
I went for my regular hamburger (bunless because no whole wheat buns available) and fries fill at the Kensington Pub which NEVER lets me down, but this time around, the burger was very dry and again, portions smaller. Maybe Calagry just wasn’t on my side this visit, but consistency is key for us travellers. Their german burger is awesome! I always start with a French onion soup as well. I’m drooling right now.
UPDATE: I went on my last visit to get my regular, they have changed the buns (which didn’t bother me because I don’t get one, but my friend was not impressed. The portions were also much smaller. You used to get your choice of 2 sides, and now it is one. They are making it look fancy now – I want the old pub style back! I will take a picture on my next visit and you can compare the two. I think you will all agree old school pub is better than fancy long plates and little portions.
A new pizzeria, which I believe is a franchise with four locations in Edmonton, called FAMOSO cured my craving and tickled my taste buds. This new pizzeria is very low maintenance and casual. You place your orders at the cash and then from there it is full service. The pizza style comes straight from Naples and the pizza is cooked for 90 seconds in 900 degree fire oven. It is the fast food of delicious pizza. On top of that, being conscious of my gluten intake, knowing that the flour for the pizza crust comes directly from Naples and is highly refined, high quality, low gluten flour is a bonus. A big salad and pizza shared with a friend and we felt great after. Thank you FAMOSO for fulfilling my taste and texture cravings this week.
A FEW LOST, and now found, NOTES.
MONTREAL
I stayed at The Grand Plaza Montreal which I have seen on Expedia a few times and finally decided to give it a try. It is in a great area, which, well, as we all know, location, location, location. If the hotel is in a good location, often we can oversee weaknesses. I noticed they had a pool, which also helps me decide, along with the pictures that looked quite updated and, well, to be honest, fancy.
I was wrong. Although the lobby was quite “fancy” the rooms were cheap. HUGE room that I had with a full kitchen, which is always nice, but the furniture was very cheap. The room had big windows which were nice, an amazingly tacky mosaic light in the washroom, a walk in closet with very cheap fixtures, and old TVs. I feel like I am very picky. But I think that is sort of the point of this. I think I am just very tired of being deceived by good pictures. I think it is a time where customer service and amenities should be fantastic. In Canada our costs of travel and services are quite expensive, so why shouldn’t we expect the best? And on top of that, there is so much competition that if they all settle for less, we as consumers are really losing out. So. That is why I am picky I guess. I have had some incredible experiences with food, hotels, cars, shopping etc, and I am sure we all have. But I think if I can help people stay away from the services that don’t upgrade as the prices continue to go up, and help steer them towards the great services, then I am happy.
So, that was a vent.
The room was a good size but cheap furniture and old TVs. There isn’t wireless internet, which is another issue I have with hotels. ALL HOTELS SHOULD HAVE FREE WIRELESS FOR ALL GUESTS. We should not have to be attached to a small desk, facing an ugly wall anymore. It is unnecessary. I like to sit in bed with my laptop, or on a couch, or maybe even on the toilet. WHY NOT??? It is possible and we should be able to cruise comfortably through our rooms with our laptops.
Oh, the parking was valet. My car came very late. I waited and waited and waited. There was an option for self park (double check the prices online) but the garage looked a little creepy. I waited a very long time for my car and at a daily rate of $25.00/24 hours, timing should be efficient.
The pool was old and dark and the windows that let light in were quite dirty, not a leisurely swim. The sauna worked which was nice, but overall I was a little creeped out in the basement on my own.
I decided to stay in MONTREAL for the weekend and had someone come and meet me. Although the hotel was in a great location, I decided to relocate. I booked a room at the INTERCONTINENTAL on the edge of OLD MONTREAL for a much cheaper rate from HOTWIRE. (I only like HOTWIRE when I do not have a car because you can really get pegged with high parking costs at the bigger hotels) The hotel was in a great location, right beside the METRO and a great area to walk around. However, if you have a car, ditch it. Again, very expensive parking. The valet guy let me leave my car in front for a few hours until I could return it, which was very nice. The rooms are updated and very comfortable with a Jacuzzi and a shower. However, here is my pet peeve; internet is $14.95/night. UNECESSARY!!!!!!!!!!!! Trick, go to the STARBUCKS a few doors down. If you buy a Starbucks card and use it to buy your coffee, you get flavour shots, special milk and internet for free. Don’t get me wrong, I support my independent coffee shops, but, sometimes, Starbucks is great!
I went down to use the pool (which closes very early – 7pm – not very useful for us people who work!). So, I couldn’t use it and had to wait until the next morning. I made my way down to the pool very excited for my swim and sauna and steam room. NOPE! Sauna sure, steam room, oh no, only the men get a steam room. Not sure where the fairness is in that. The very intense man at the front desk of the facilities who made me sign in with name, room number and the EXACT time I enter and leave, to the second, told me it was because they have the electrical room on the side of the ladies change room and therefore can’t fit a steam room in. NOT COOL! CHANGE THAT! Or, let the ladies into the men’s. Or make a unisex sauna and steam room. No need for two. Use your space wisely!
When poking around the business centre where you can access free internet on their computers, after discussing some ideas of what I wanted to do, I decided to go to museums. The next morning I went to ask about the Metro and luckily the concierge mentioned the museum pass. The other concierge didn’t tell me about it when I initially asked, and I sure as heck didn’t see any ads for this amazing pass, but I am about to fill you in on a great secret. THE MUSEUM PASS for MONTREAL. $50.00 for one person gets you into all of the museums in Montreal, including the botanical gardens, insectariums, Biodome, Musee des beaux arts, everything, and on top of that, you can ride the metro unlimited. All this for three days. INCREDIBLE. BLEW MY MIND. Why isn’t this advertised? Oh, and best part, you can use this pass to take the bus to the airport. GENIOUS! A note on the Musee des Beaux Arts, go with a few hours open. We went a little late and they closed at 6pm – we literally got chased out and yelled at by the security guards. I was in the washroom and a male security guard actually came in and rushed me out. We had already been rushed through the Miles Davis exhibit like a heard of sheep, and then followed to the washroom. Really?
Oh wow I had some great food on this trip. I am drooling on my plane right now just thinking about it. I will be quick.
CRUDESCENCE: raw and vegan restaurant. AMAZING. Fulfills all flavours, textures, price, everything. It is amazing. And on top of their incredible selection of raw nachos, soups, hamburgers, salads, wraps, deserts etc, there is an amazing wall full of snacks and a fridge of chocolates etc that you can purchase to indulge in later. The lovely man at the front gave us a few homemade macaroons to go. DELICIOUS!!! I go there every single time I am in MONTREAL< sometimes twice. It is on Rachel Street and a hop, skip and jump from the park. It makes for a great walk after work to release some daily stresses.
Another vegetarian restaurant I tried was AUX VIVRES. Very good, well priced, quick and a great vibe. The menu is full of options for no matter what mood you are in. A delicious juice bar and a takeaway area, along with the fun diner vibe, this a great dinner place to hang and read and more than anything, people watch. Great people watching!
ZERO 8 is another fantastic restaurant in the Latin Quarter of Montreal. Right on St Denis, just south of Ontario, this restaurant is free of the main allergens.
1. Fish and seafood
2. Peanuts
3. Nuts
4. Sesame seeds
5. Milk
6. Soya
7. Eggs
8. Wheat or any grain containing gluten (barley, oat, rye and triticale)
9. Sulfites (food supplement)
Gluten isn’t yet considered a main allergen, but they are gluten free as well!
The food is so tasty and very well priced. The service is very friendly, often you will find yourself approached by the owner and discussing your meal. A place like this should be packed every night and I don’t understand why they aren’t. I think it is the ultra modern decor, not sure it suits the principle of the food, I don’t know why, and I just don’t. But, wow, I go every visit.
The chicken drumsticks are my absolute favourite! It is all worth tasting!
Here is my dilemma. I am finding so many good restaurants in Montreal that I am running out of meals to try new restaurants.
BARROCCO in Old MONTREAL is extremely delicious, very French, amazing atmosphere with exposed brick and very dim lighting. It is EXACTLY what I wanted and was very delicious. When you feel like curling up in a dark restaurant with some delicious food to stay warm and feel quite romantic, this is the place. Fantastic for a date, and also on your own. Birthday parties would be fun. Heck. All occasions, this is the place. I am a total sucker for French onion soup – it was so delicious!
Having never actually had poutine in Montreal and being very curious about the poutine chain, FRITES ALORS, I decided it was my time. WOW. Yummy. And cheap! Fries covered with mushrooms and cheese and spice. YES PLEASE!!
CAFE CHERRIER, on the corner of Cherrier and St Denis was a delicious idea for brunch. Bacon, eggs, fluffy whole grain toast, coffee, fresh juice, French onion soup, everything. It was delicious and the waitress, who at first was a little cold, was so friendly. We sat for two hours for brunch and left completely fulfilled. The crowd was mixed with young couples, parents and children, and the best part; ladies who I think have been meeting for brunch here for 70 years. Such amazing characters. It makes for great people watching and mingling in the ladiesroom. If it was warmer, the massive patio that wraps all the way around the corner would have been ideal.
Not being sure of some little local French restaurants for dinner, I asked a friend for her suggestion. Thank God I did! I was sent to LE PRUNELLE on Deluth. After realizing it was a BYOB and running to the convenience store for a cheap bottle of wine – which also makes the bill MUCH cheaper, we indulged in black cod and salmon entrees. The food was delicious, the crowd is amazing. The restaurant is surrounded in garage doors which open up in the summer. It was quite a windy night and I had my back to the wall, ie garage door, and there was a lot of cold wind blowing on my back, so take a sweater if it’s windy. The waitresses were so lovely and for desert, we moved u p to the bar, ordered the crème brulee to relax our sweet tooth. After realising it was runny, the chef came right out and asked us if it was ok. He was very honest about an issue with the desserts and replaced it immediately with a better one. I must say, nothing makes me want to go back more than an establishment that is open and honest with their customer service and satisfaction. I look forward to my next visit. I tried to go last time I was in town, but the line up out the door made me smirk with jealously and rushed me to the Portuguese restaurant across the street.
The TASCA had an add on the outside for lobster. I love lobster and hadn’t had it in ages. We started with smoked chorizo which I was must say had no flavour. When the lobster came out I was happier, but my company’s meal of traditional Portuguese chicken and rice was very bland and dry, and the service was not very friendly. My bizarre feeling, and I have no idea why I had it, was that they were upset that we weren’t ordering alcohol and were not happy that the bill wouldn’t be very much. Weird. I know. But that’s what I felt. I will not go back.
A little cafe in Old Montreal which is always full of beautiful people and I admit I have never had a full meal there, but I have often bought coffee and pastries on a walk by, and although they are good, I find OLIVE AND GOURMANDO to be very expensive. And unfortunately, once I tested the completely gluten free diet, I asked about their corn bread, and well, there is flour in it.
This trip was full of fun and delicious food, and to end it, unfortunately was an AWFUL food experience. We didn’t have much time so ran to the closest restaurant that served muscles, I had a craving. When we got in to THE GRILL BISTRO we were immediately worried by the site of a bizarre Americanized meat, potatoes and vegetables meal. The veggies looked frozen but we didn’t have time to worry. I ordered mussles and the guaranteed home cut fries – my mussles were literally cold and the fries were from frozen. I have seen them before! When I mentioned my muscles were cold, all the waiter said was “well they were just cooked” and he touched them! And I then had to suggest to maybe bring me some more HOT broth – he was not very happy. When I wanted a glass of wine, he brought me one without asking what kind and told me it was his choice. It was just the wine I don’t like with food – FUZION – apparently actually not to be served with food. When I asked to see the wine list, they didn’t have one French wine available. My friend got steak which came with frozen veggies as we had witnessed. It was a horrible last meal – luckily I go back to Montreal a lot and can make up for that meal! Typical example of tourism taking over a very beautiful tucked away, garden surrounded, exposed brick restaurant. Sad.
This is all very scattered and you will have to excuse me but I am going through my array of notes.
I was in FRANCE in January. LUCKY ME! It was sort of last minute and very exciting for me. I have always wanted to go there. I spent a few days walking around Paris trying to see absolutely everything I could. I need to go back and do much more. Taste much more. Plans to head to the Alps cut the trip in Paris very short, along with my jet lag, but the Alps were a fantastic reason to get out of Paris. I did the typical Louvres, Eifel tower, Arch du Triomphe (climb to the top – my favorite place. I still close my eyes and see the view, but my real love for it was watching all the cars, bikes, buses, everything, rushing around the massive roundabout. I could have watched them for hours. The stairs are a great way to work up a good appetite to indulge in crepes stuffed with chocolate and banana and lots of bread and French onion soup).
Off to the ALPS to LA BELLE PLAGNE. The drive was beautiful; I slept most of the way. I won’t lie, I was a little curious about how and if the Alps would even compare to The Canadian Rockies – Lake Louise being my stomping ground whenever I can. I was watching as we approached, quite curious. A little worried that it wouldn’t even compete, but still quite excited to be there. We climbed and climbed and climbed and climbed and all of a sudden, over the other side, HEAVEN!! I could not believe it. My mind had been blown. My fantasies of going to the Alps and being blown away were being lived. I couldn’t stop looking and looking and gasping. Keep in mind, this is at night, so dark, and not really getting in the full glimpse.
Our apartment we rented was TINY but when you are right on the hill, does it matter? Well, sort of when there are 5 of you, but now we know for next time. Sleeps 5 means anywhere they can fit mattresses. Tight quarters. But hey, it was great. And with a full kitchen and a grocery store one minute away. No complaints. Vin Chaud (hot wine) quickly became my favourite and testing the RACLETTE and PIRADE even made me, a not so hot on cheese girl, LOVE CHEESE. It is amazing. All the melting and crackling and flavours and textures. I need to be back.
The French are well, French, and service in the stores was far from polite. But really, who cares? I can handle it. I just laugh at it and get on with my day.
We spent a day at “Les Arcs” which wasn’t really worth the time but it was nice to see more terrain and the massive gondola that I was a little scared to get on. Holds 200 people...pardon? I went paragliding – with my snowboard on – above the national park and landed in the backyard of some little house in a little village. Quite amazing. I actually can’t really put it into words. The weather was sunny the entire week, except the afternoon of the Wednesday when we decided to go to the awesome spa and spend some time in the steam room. I think it was 20 euros each, maybe more, but well worth it! Steam, sauna, a sun room that looks over the mountain – and it happened to be dumping with snow, and lots of tea. I will go back every year if I can.
Back to MONTREAL.
I frequent the DELTA chain of hotels. The rewards program is quite good (delta privilege) and normally you can count on nice rooms and service. They can be quite pricey but if you are on their email list you get in on some of some great last minute deals. In the winter I like to stay at the Delta Montreal. They have valet parking (quite expensive but in the winter underground parking in necessary) and it is a quick walk to the underground shopping malls of Montreal, as well as the metro. I have had a few issues with this location as far as fridges (they now charge for fridges, which they haven’t always done, and really, what’s a complimentary fridge to a returning customer?) and being on floors with a lot of kids, but overall it is decent. They have a pool and a sauna. Make sure you go down, turn the sauna on, take a leisurely swim and then go into the sauna. It takes a while to heat up. DONT PUT YOUR HEAD UNDER WATER in the pool. My eyes were red and burning for 3 days. Literally foggy and tearing none stop.
OTTAWA
In Ottawa I stay at The BEST WESTERN VICTORIA PARK SUITES. The staff are amazing, if you are a CAA member you get free parking, it is close to Elgin street which is great walking and the rooms are great, there are saunas upstairs and the product you get in the washroom is amazing. They give the Bath and Body Works coconut and lime line. YUMMY! As far as restaurants go in Ottawa, I have never been blown away. I tried Big Daddy’s once because I was craving seafood, very flavourful but expect to be dehydrated for an entire week. I did eat at PERFECTION SATISFACTION, a vegetarian restaurant, where you basically pimp out sweet potatoes. It is awesome. Very low maintenance, go in, get your food, eat and leave.
In Ottawa I stay at The BEST WESTERN VICTORIA PARK SUITES. The staff are amazing, if you are a CAA member you get free parking, it is close to Elgin street which is great walking and the rooms are great, there are saunas upstairs and the product you get in the washroom is amazing. They give the Bath and Body Works coconut and lime line. YUMMY! As far as restaurants go in Ottawa, I have never been blown away. I tried Big Daddy’s once because I was craving seafood, very flavourful but expect to be dehydrated for an entire week. I did eat at PERFECTION SATISFACTION, a vegetarian restaurant, where you basically pimp out sweet potatoes. It is awesome. Very low maintenance, go in, get your food, eat and leave.
QUEBEC CITY is a nice few days for me. I stay at Hotel PUR which has very updated, modern and comfortable rooms with AVEDA products in the washroom. A big pool (which people on the street CAN see in so don’t do anything silly, like I did) as well as workout facilities and a sauna. The 24hr espresso/cappuccino machine downstairs is a great bonus and it is in a great location with grocery stores, a cafe, some restaurants, shops, and libraries etc all close by. One restaurant worthy of a HUGE MENTION is BOSSO. It is a few doors down from PUR and I love it. I go more than once on my visit and am ALWAYS happy. Sunday nights they have mussels on special with fries and bread and very well priced. HUGE AMOUNT OF MUSSLES I must say! The service is fantastic, once even completely catering to my craving for a certain salad. They made up just what I wanted and found the best way to give me the best price.
They gave me just what I wanted. A salad with grilled veggies and smoked salmon. It was great! And, then, a fantastic little iced pineapple desert to top it off...for free!
I forgot to mention, I hope to provide some hints for easy travelling on the way.
ALWAYS PACK A TRAVEL COFFEE MUG – and I like to pack my own little instant coffee and tea, just in case.
ALWAYS PACK A BIG WATER BOTTLE TO BE ABLE TO REFILL
Glasses and mugs in hotel rooms are sometimes very small. This way you can have a big tea, coffee, bottle of water by your bed – whatever would make you comfortable as if you were at home!
I also BRING MY OWN YOGA MAT with me everywhere I go now as well. Saves money and is nice to know that only I have been on it – and that way, if need be, you can do a quick work out in your hotel room. Rather than lying on their floor, or towels. Makes a major difference! As far as workouts go, don’t forget about stairs!!!! If I find myself somewhere that makes it hard for me to work out, I take the stairs for a few floors every time I go up or down, or I just go and do one full swoop up the stairs, and then down. It makes a huge difference! Especially when stuck in the hotels on a cold and dark day. Get your endorphins going!
A little trick when flying PORTER, and that being said, any airline that offers snacks – that being said, Porter is the only one that actually offers FOOD on such short flights. Ask for the veggie option. You always get something a little more flavourful – like hummus and pita. YUMMY! And of course the lounge stuffed with espresso, cappuccinos, bottles of water, Coca Cola, cookies, almonds etc is always a treat.
I still do not rent from THRIFTY if I don’t have to. They cannot email receipts immediately and if you return the car and don’t have time to stand in line and deal with an agent, you do not get a receipt. How is that possible? They have to scan and email receipts, after you have to call and talk to an associate. NATIONAL emails you one right away after the efficient drop off of a car where they come right over with their machine, scan the car, print it off and off you go –with an emailed receipt just in case. However, THRIFTY does have a good rewards program of free rental days. I am almost out of free days so I will need to bank some more. I will just make sure they are on trips where I don’t need to deal too much with customer service reps. Weird, right?
So, here again, I feel like I complain so much. I guess I just find that for those who travel all the time and are out of their comfort zones, it is easy to be thrown off kilter and lose your routine of your productive travels. Nothing is worse than being in an uncomfortable, noisy, smelly, boring, old hotel. If we knew it was like that, we wouldn’t have booked into it! These little issues can easily be brushed off on a day to day basis in your own environment, but when on the road, comfort is key, and more than anything, great customer service is necessary to make you feel at home – away from home.
SO excited to catch up!
I wonder when I will get my first reader??
Happy holidays! (Like I said, I am delayed in my posts)
Chick P
oh. PS. Check out this record. Such a good driving album. Midlake, Trials of Van Occupanther!!!
ENJOY!
