Phoenix
Ended the year with a trip to Phoenix. Went over for an overnight stay. I originally thought to do a fly in fly out in a day but it ended up being the same cost as an overnight trip with hotel. Flew on United even though US Airways had more flight options. I used credit card miles to finance the ticket so the option was United. The flight also secured me into 1K status on United. It'll be interesting if this status will be a different experience than being a premier executive level next year.
Grabbed a Chrysler 200 from National at the rental car facility. I was hoping that the Mercedes legacy would have impacted their engine design in this car. Alas, the influence has left the company and the car had no oomph. It wines more than a Mazda Miata. On the plus side, the interior is really nice.
Checked into the Aloft Phoenix Airport hotel. This particular brand is designed for the cost minded luxury set - a less expensive version of the W hotels. Comfortable with modern design, internet and bottled water in room is complimentary.
Since my flight was delayed due to mechanical issues, grabbed takeout from Chipotle and called it a night.
The next morning, went out to Matt's Big Breakfast. It is a tiny place and opted to wake up really early to grab breakfast. Lines start forming around 8 am and on and can last up to an hour. For my sunrise breakfast, I ordered the griddle cakes. Still as tasty as before.
For lunch, went to Dick's Hideaway with an acquaintance. With my big breakfast still sitting in my stomach, I ordered the handheld breakfast burrito. I ordered chorizo but I think I should have gotten it with the pork loin.
Later, I dropped by the Old Navy store to wipe out some Groupons I had in hand and accomplish some Xmas shopping. I had thought that Arizona had a lower sales tax than California but it isn't. At 9.33%, I am going to stick with shopping elsewhere.
Before getting to the airport, dropped by Coldstone Creamery to try their hot desserts. The funnel cake dessert they had was ok, I think they made the funnel cake denser so that the ice cream didn't make it mushy. Unfortunately, I was looking for the crisp fried dough I know funnel cakes to be.
Grabbed a Chrysler 200 from National at the rental car facility. I was hoping that the Mercedes legacy would have impacted their engine design in this car. Alas, the influence has left the company and the car had no oomph. It wines more than a Mazda Miata. On the plus side, the interior is really nice.
Checked into the Aloft Phoenix Airport hotel. This particular brand is designed for the cost minded luxury set - a less expensive version of the W hotels. Comfortable with modern design, internet and bottled water in room is complimentary.
Since my flight was delayed due to mechanical issues, grabbed takeout from Chipotle and called it a night.
The next morning, went out to Matt's Big Breakfast. It is a tiny place and opted to wake up really early to grab breakfast. Lines start forming around 8 am and on and can last up to an hour. For my sunrise breakfast, I ordered the griddle cakes. Still as tasty as before.
For lunch, went to Dick's Hideaway with an acquaintance. With my big breakfast still sitting in my stomach, I ordered the handheld breakfast burrito. I ordered chorizo but I think I should have gotten it with the pork loin.
Later, I dropped by the Old Navy store to wipe out some Groupons I had in hand and accomplish some Xmas shopping. I had thought that Arizona had a lower sales tax than California but it isn't. At 9.33%, I am going to stick with shopping elsewhere.
Before getting to the airport, dropped by Coldstone Creamery to try their hot desserts. The funnel cake dessert they had was ok, I think they made the funnel cake denser so that the ice cream didn't make it mushy. Unfortunately, I was looking for the crisp fried dough I know funnel cakes to be.
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