Search found 537 matches

by caffeperfavore
Fri Sep 01, 2023 5:55 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Two Weeks in Switzerland and Italy - Need Recommendations
Replies: 40
Views: 2556

Re: Two Weeks in Switzerland and Italy - Need Recommendations

I've plotted a DRIVING route for you (much nicer than being on trains), where you start in Geneva and end up at FCO. Along the way, you get to see the Sierre area of Switzerland, Wengen, the Italian side of Matterhorn (Cervinia), Ascona, Bellagio, Montepulciano (also see Montalcino), Norcia, and then... The Swiss and Italian countryside is best seen by car. I respectfully disagree. Having both driven in Switzerland and relied on trains for other trips, I will never drive there again. You can either sit a clean, comfortable, dead reliable train with easy access to bathrooms and a food car while relaxing and enjoying the scenery from your window, or sit in a car with your eyes focused on the road, having to figure out where you are allowed t...
by caffeperfavore
Fri Sep 01, 2023 2:10 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Two Weeks in Switzerland and Italy - Need Recommendations
Replies: 40
Views: 2556

Re: Two Weeks in Switzerland and Italy - Need Recommendations

Take the train everywhere in Switzerland. Some places, like Wengen, are car free villages anyway. Between trains and cable cars, there's hardly anywhere you can't go in the mountains. Swiss public transportation is a pleasure and a car isn't worth the trouble.
by caffeperfavore
Sat Jun 17, 2023 7:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Honeymoon Recs? 3+ weeks in Western Europe
Replies: 27
Views: 2022

Re: Honeymoon Recs? 3+ weeks in Western Europe

There's a little place in France called Paris. It's pretty darned romantic.

Since you're traveling in July, many of the touristy spots will be overrun (Florence, Venice, Provence), so maybe Alsace is a nice alternative, especially if you'll be in Switzerland. Beautiful little gingerbread villages and great wine.

Also scratching my head about Zurich. Lucerne or the Berner Oberland is going to be more enjoyable. If you go to Switzerland, you got to get in the mountains.

Don't try to do too much. Pick a few spots, soak it in, eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves.
by caffeperfavore
Fri Jun 16, 2023 8:38 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Anyone have a good battery operated weed trimmer?
Replies: 42
Views: 2987

Re: Anyone have a good battery operated weed trimmer?

Another vote for EGO. We have a trimmer, mower, leaf blower, and hedge trimmers. All work great. I spool my own line for it, which is fairly quick, easy, and far cheaper than buying pre-spooled line.
by caffeperfavore
Wed Jun 14, 2023 9:09 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Train transportation advice for Switzerland visit this July
Replies: 25
Views: 1918

Re: Train transportation advice for Switzerland visit this July

Given your itinerary, do not rent a car. Enjoy the scenery rather than having to focus on the road, find your way around, or hunt for parking. Especially if you have children with you, the bathrooms on the bigger trains are a godsend. Having both driven in Switzerland and used the trains for trips, I will never rent a car there again. Enjoying the ease and functionality of the world's best train system is one of the joys of being there.
by caffeperfavore
Wed Jun 14, 2023 9:01 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: New small SUVs with the most comfortable seats
Replies: 44
Views: 8080

Re: New small SUVs with the most comfortable seats

jpohio wrote: Wed Jun 14, 2023 6:11 am Volvo had most comfortable seats of any car I have owned. I am tall, XC60 has extender on front seat for more support. Second place for me was my wife’s RX400h.
Another vote for Volvo. Porsche also has very comfortable seats. YMMV of course based on personal preferences and trim levels.
by caffeperfavore
Mon Jun 12, 2023 10:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Train transportation advice for Switzerland visit this July
Replies: 25
Views: 1918

Re: Train transportation advice for Switzerland visit this July

Ztx wrote: Mon Jun 12, 2023 9:49 pm P.S Since you're staying in Wengen , ride the cable car to Mannlichen - take one of the first ones in the morning before they get crowded and ride on the top of the car (it's called Royal Ride)
This reminds me, I really enjoyed the hike from Mannilichen to Kleine Scheidegg. It doesn't take long, maybe an hour and a half. You can also branch off to Grindelwald, which is over three hours. You can take the train back to Wengen from either. Gorgeous views.
by caffeperfavore
Mon Jun 12, 2023 9:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Train transportation advice for Switzerland visit this July
Replies: 25
Views: 1918

Re: Train transportation advice for Switzerland visit this July

The Swiss Pass is worth it. Being able to board nearly any train on a whim is awesome and you're going to want to do side trips, especially from Wengen.

Interlaken is a small station and Lauterbrunnen is even smaller. As others said, you'll be fine.

The Swiss Pass also covers some boats. We took a lovely and completely unplanned little cruise on the lake from Thun to Interlaken because it was so easy.

Once in Wengen, know that you'll have to pay extra for the end of the line that goes to Kleine Scheidig (sic?). The big peak trams are also not covered but very much worth it.
by caffeperfavore
Mon Jun 12, 2023 1:46 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: A quick Kyoto visit
Replies: 20
Views: 1604

Re: A quick Kyoto visit

crefwatch wrote: Mon Jun 12, 2023 1:03 pm I'm not sure about the research you may have done so far: Inari is quite remarkable, but it's not in Kyoto. It's easy enough to get to on the train, but it adds up to a half-day excursion, at the absolute shortest.
caffeperfavore wrote: Mon Jun 12, 2023 12:53 pm Fushimi Inari and Kiyamizu-dera are practically one in the same, meaning that they are so close to each other. You'll walk through the orange gates of Fushimi Inari on your way up to Kiyamizu-dera. I
I could have sworn we walked from Fushimi-Inari up to Kiyamizu-dera. After looking at Google maps, it appears I was wrong and Crefwatch is correct. It is a bit of train ride. I now remember taking the train there and it seeming somewhat isolated. Kiyamizu-dera is quite a hike from there. Sorry for the bad information.
by caffeperfavore
Mon Jun 12, 2023 12:53 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: A quick Kyoto visit
Replies: 20
Views: 1604

Re: A quick Kyoto visit

Your itinerary sounds reasonable given the time you have, but be prepared to drop one part of it. I'll echo another poster in saying you probably don't have time for Arashiyama. It's too far from everything else and could eat up the better part of a day, although highly recommended for another trip. Nijo Castle was interesting, but I would pick Higashiyma instead. I enjoyed strolling the grounds there. The Golden Pavillion (Kinkaku-ji) is iconic and also worth a look, but not as close to Gion. Fushimi Inari and Kiyamizu-dera are practically one in the same, meaning that they are so close to each other. You'll walk through the orange gates of Fushimi Inari on your way up to Kiyamizu-dera. I've not been to Sanjūsangen-dō, so I can't say how i...
by caffeperfavore
Fri Jun 09, 2023 9:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Repair or replace coffee machine
Replies: 83
Views: 6129

Re: Repair or replace coffee machine

vfinx wrote: Fri Jun 09, 2023 9:44 am It seems pour over is the Toyota Corolla of bogleheads coffee preparation. I’ve tried it at a number of the fancy coffee shops, but have not enjoyed it as much. It has a cleaner taste and I can see why the purists enjoy it, but I like the “sludgier” feel of an espresso base. I also like that the water used as the filler in Americanos tends to be hotter so the drink starts off hotter.
If you like a sludgier feel, and I get it, then instead of pourover, try Aeropress, French press, or maybe even a Moka pot (technique matters though, as it's easy to make a bitter brew with the Moka pot). The good news is that these are all cheap and capable of making something very enjoyable.
by caffeperfavore
Fri Jun 09, 2023 9:05 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Repair or replace coffee machine
Replies: 83
Views: 6129

Re: Repair or replace coffee machine

Breville is known for having good customer service and they're probably your best bet for fixing it rather than someone local. When the prong to our five your old smart oven (toaster oven) broke off, they had us send it in for repair. To our surprise, they sent us back a brand new machine for no charge. YMMV of course. There's a chance that you can fix the Breville yourself though. There's a large online community of Breville espresso users repair and modify theirs (home-barista.com has a number of threads on repairing Brevilles, look in the forums). Breville espresso machines, especially the dual boiler machine, are pretty capable and I wouldn't call them crap, but, as you've seen, they're not always the most reliable. If you want reliabil...
by caffeperfavore
Thu Jun 08, 2023 2:33 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Coffee bean suggestions?
Replies: 53
Views: 4108

Re: Coffee bean suggestions?

ktdintex wrote: Wed Jun 07, 2023 2:55 pm Char-bucks (aka Starbucks) and other coffee chains have trained the masses to drink dark roasted coffee, which is largely terrible for coffee (fine for espresso)....But again, dark roast works well for espresso.
Espresso nerd here. It's a misconception that dark roast is somehow related to espresso, likely because some grocery store brands started labelling their burnt beans as "espresso roast."

Any type of roast can be used for espresso and many of us prefer lighter roasts. A properly made shot with good beans will not taste charred or bitter. If anything, you need higher quality beans to pull off a good espresso, which can be very finicky, than a regular cup of coffee.
by caffeperfavore
Wed Jun 07, 2023 10:50 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lost Interest in Dream Car? UPDATED
Replies: 147
Views: 18452

Re: Lost Interest in Dream Car?

rockstar wrote: Wed Jun 07, 2023 10:11 am The Miata was always considered a girls sports car.
Not by "car people."
by caffeperfavore
Tue Jun 06, 2023 6:58 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Coffee bean suggestions?
Replies: 53
Views: 4108

Re: Coffee bean suggestions?

alpenglow wrote: Tue Jun 06, 2023 4:52 pm I'm a fan of Black and White Roasters in NC, but be aware that some of their coffee is out there. Way out there.
+1

Black and White is amazing. Their tasting notes are always spot-on too, sometimes hilariously so. If it says it tastes like pixy sticks, they're not kidding.
by caffeperfavore
Tue Jun 06, 2023 9:13 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lost Interest in Dream Car? UPDATED
Replies: 147
Views: 18452

Re: Lost Interest in Dream Car?

Leesbro63 wrote: Tue Jun 06, 2023 8:32 am +1 I, occasionally go to car shows. It scratches my itch for this or that classic car. And because most have stuff wrong, it reminds me why I want to be an observer and not an owner.
Same here. My life's goal as a kid and teenager was to own a Porsche. Now that I can afford one (well, some of them), I couldn't care less. I still enjoy reading about cars and going to an occasional cars and coffee, but I have no desire to own one or any other hot car. If anything, I like having stress free vehicles that I don't care about that much. If it gets a scratch, then shrug, no big deal. I guess I've been through enough hedonic adaption cycles with material things that I know that stuff isn't what makes me happy.
by caffeperfavore
Mon Jun 05, 2023 9:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Advice for controlling spending during "messy" 30's?
Replies: 34
Views: 4455

Re: Advice for controlling spending during "messy" 30's?

I second the suggestion to take a look at Mr Money Mustache. While I don't buy into everything he advocates, it is a great resource for thinking differently about spending and optimizing savings. The community there might have some good ideas for savings that you've haven't considered.

And yes, boost that income where you can.
by caffeperfavore
Wed May 31, 2023 11:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice regarding hybrid bikes — should I upgrade?
Replies: 40
Views: 2673

Re: Advice regarding hybrid bikes — should I upgrade?

Thank you all for the replies! Very helpful! I'm happy with my $400 bike but just wondering what I'm missing that could improve my riding experience compared, say, to a $1000 or $3,000 (!) or $10,000 (!!!) bike. Are the more expensive bikes about function or status? Or perhaps both? I've got a few follow up questions: I don't really see the point in lighter bikes since I am using it for fitness, not competitively, and so I don't mind the extra grams. Or maybe I'm missing something here? As for disc brakes, what is their advantage? I never tried them out. Suspension seat post: the bike paths here are generally very smooth. Would I still benefit from that? I checked and the tires are 700x35c. If I understand correctly, these are supposed to ...
by caffeperfavore
Tue May 30, 2023 3:29 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What do you do on holidays/ time off?
Replies: 87
Views: 7672

Re: What do you do on holidays/ time off?

It sounds like you need a long vacation.
by caffeperfavore
Tue May 30, 2023 1:21 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help my family plan a trip to Japan
Replies: 37
Views: 3972

Re: Help my family plan a trip to Japan

1. There's so much to see, the challenge will be narrowing it down. You could spend a month in and around Tokyo alone. What are you interested in? Kyoto should be in the itinerary. Nara is also worth a visit and the 6 year old will love feeding the deer. If you can find a ryokan that accepts children, then add that as a place to stay, even if it's just one night. 2. I use Google Fi, which works nearly everywhere in the world for reasonable rates. 4. The trains are great and super reliable. If your train happens to arrive early and not on schedule, the conductor will apologize. I wouldn't consider anything else unless you're leaving Honshu (the main island) or going somewhere remote. It's great to learn some Japanese, especially some greetin...
by caffeperfavore
Tue May 30, 2023 10:41 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Case of Wine to Cellar and Drink
Replies: 12
Views: 1672

Re: Case of Wine to Cellar and Drink

(My most recent bottle was 2021) But this is part of my confusion, lets say I enjoy that Rioja, how do I turn that insight into a decision around cellaring wine? My local wine retail shop has not been helpful, likely more interested in selling me whats to hand. Regarding what wine is likely to age well, take a closer look at those Wine Spectator (or Wine Advocate) ratings. It's often the last line of the review for an individual wine. E.g., "Drink now through 2025" (not recommended for aging) or "Best enjoyed from 2030 through 2040" (clearly, one for aging), etc. The further out the years, obviously, the more likely it is to age well. They may not bother listing this with younger, less expensive wines that are meant to ...
by caffeperfavore
Tue May 30, 2023 8:23 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: 2 nights left after Lyon France
Replies: 7
Views: 786

Re: 2 nights left after Lyon France

I loved Annecy, but it's not exactly on the way between Lyon and Paris. The Bourgogne might be a better alternative, especially if you enjoy wine. I wouldn't want to waste too much time in transit from Lyon > Marseille > Paris or Lyon > Geneva > Paris, if I understand correctly.

But then, I would probably spend the extra two days eating my way thought Lyon. We're more into slow travel though.
by caffeperfavore
Thu May 25, 2023 10:35 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Washington DC restaurant (and other) recommendations
Replies: 19
Views: 1499

Re: Washington DC restaurant (and other) recommendations

There's so many good places in those areas alone, that I don't know where to begin, but I always recommend Ethiopian to DC visitors. It's one of those things that DC has in quantity and high quality that most other cities do not have. Dukem and Zenebech are both good options.

In general though, check out the Washingtonian Magazine or Washington Post dining section to fine tune your recommendations based on cuisine and specific areas.
by caffeperfavore
Wed May 24, 2023 12:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: When to sell my Audi Q7
Replies: 22
Views: 3457

Re: When to sell my Audi Q7

snackdog wrote: Wed May 24, 2023 11:51 am Audis are infamous for poor quality but sounds like you got a good one. I would keep it another 60,000 miles and re-evaluate then.
It seems like Audis are getting better. They went through some dark days in the late 90s/early 00s along with the rest of the VAG brands, but maybe that's behind them now. Consumer Reports ranks their reliability at number six out of 24 brands, sandwiched between Honda and Subaru.
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-rel ... 824554938/

Perhaps I'm rationalizing though, as I've been eyeing used off-lease Q7s. Someone should probably talk me out of that.
by caffeperfavore
Wed May 24, 2023 9:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bicycle Recommendations?
Replies: 70
Views: 4448

Re: Bicycle Recommendations?

The 1x vs. 2x drive train discussion is largely academic. I currently have two bikes with 1x setups and three with 2x setups. I've owned three others with 3x in the past. Yes, the gaps between gears are bigger with a 1x but I have never missed them. Moving forward, I'm sticking with 1x's for their simplicity. Granted, I no longer care about maximizing speed and I'm not riding cross-country, so YMMV. I don't think the average rider will miss out by having a 1x setup and it's going to be easier to use and maintain for someone new to cycling.
by caffeperfavore
Tue May 23, 2023 11:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bicycle Recommendations?
Replies: 70
Views: 4448

Re: Bicycle Recommendations?

bloom2708 wrote: Tue May 23, 2023 10:37 am Yes. All true. One of my favorite bikes was a Lemond Poprad Disc. A cyclo-cross type bike. I put a lot of miles on that. The stock carbon fork wasn't the best, but that bike was/is a classic.
I have been stalking Ebay Poprads on and off for some time now. I really, really don't need another bike, but those are so cool. I have a steel Lemond road bike that I should probably sell, but I can't seem to let it go.
by caffeperfavore
Tue May 23, 2023 10:25 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bicycle Recommendations?
Replies: 70
Views: 4448

Re: Bicycle Recommendations?

You can also try a cyclo-cross style bike. They have drop/curved bars usually but have wider tires and disc or cantilever brakes. More for on and off road riding. Better for gravel and mixed paved trails. Unless you race cyclocross, I would steer you towards a gravel bike instead, which is very similar but has several advantages. First, gravel bikes typically have more comfortable geometry. Cyclocross bikes are usually more racy with a lower handlebar position. Gravel bikes often have better gearing options for getting up steep hills and wider tire clearances, giving you more options of where you ride. Nowadays, there are some cyclocross bikes that blur the lines between them, but in general gravel is going to be superior for most riders, ...
by caffeperfavore
Tue May 23, 2023 8:51 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bicycle Recommendations?
Replies: 70
Views: 4448

Re: Bicycle Recommendations?

I agree with the others that you should find a good bike shop to help guide you, but based on what you've said you might be a good candidate for what they call fitness, city, or hybrid bikes. These are all essentially road bikes (but not racing road bikes) with flat bars. I was recently shopping for one of these to tool around the neighborhood and for casual rides with my daughter. One of the best bang for the buck that I found was a Kona Dew Plus. It has a quality groupset, hydraulic brakes, and a comfortable, more upright sitting position. It has large tires that can soak up the bumps and handle gravel. It seems like a good bike for someone that's not sure if they want to bike or not as you can ride a little of everything with it and it's...
by caffeperfavore
Sun May 21, 2023 7:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Strategies for Permanently Reducing Speeding on Residential Streets
Replies: 139
Views: 14286

Re: Strategies for Permanently Reducing Speeding on Residential Streets

Bogle7 wrote: Fri May 19, 2023 7:56 pm Look to Europe
Specifically, the Netherlands.
by caffeperfavore
Thu May 18, 2023 10:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Help my niece choose a marketable college major
Replies: 173
Views: 14324

Re: Help my niece choose a marketable college major

She doesn't know what she wants to do yet because she needs more information, which she can get by talking to people about their jobs, exploring different classes, and discussing with her counselors. As a poor kid from a small town in flyover country, I only had exposure to only a handful of jobs (teacher, farmer, etc.) when I started college. I had no idea what I wanted to be, and I changed majors three times until I eventually stumbled upon my current field. As an FYI, psychology is much broader than just mental health and counseling. There's cognitive, school, industrial/organizational, personality, sports, rehabilitation, environmental, applied/experimental, and probably a number of others I'm not aware of. These lead to careers in mark...
by caffeperfavore
Fri May 12, 2023 10:45 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Trip to Asheville, NC - where to stay?
Replies: 44
Views: 4639

Re: Trip to Asheville, NC - where to stay?

Have fun. And for future reference, there's not much "hustle and bustle" in downtown Asheville. It's quite pleasant and laid back. There's also lots of great restaurants for a small city.
by caffeperfavore
Mon May 01, 2023 1:26 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Best travel/walking shoes
Replies: 54
Views: 6558

Re: Best travel/walking shoes

There's nothing wrong with sneakers in Europe and avoiding them is very dated advice. Tons of people in Europe wear sneakers, especially European tourists. Crisp white sneakers were all the rage in France a while back. Another year, bright red sneakers seemed to be all the rage in Spain. The others aren't wearing them because they aren't on vacation and have to go to work. It's more a matter of matching the clothing to the situation and not wearing the really dorky pairs. I wouldn't wear sneakers to a Michelin three star restaurant, but I wouldn't think twice about wearing them for a day of sightseeing. Fashionable sneakers can work darn near everywhere else. As for comfortable shoes, I agree that Hokas, Mephistos, and Solomon are all very ...
by caffeperfavore
Tue Apr 18, 2023 1:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Luxury Vinyl Plank
Replies: 24
Views: 3124

Re: Luxury Vinyl Plank

We considered it but decided not to over concerns about VOCs. We went with a prefinished hardwood and were happy to find it wasn't that much more expensive than LPV and also fairly quick to install (by the installers, not us). Is there a reason you're not considering hardwood? Didn't it have to be glued down (and what about the VoC from the glue)? What concerns me then is removing it down the line. Also, did it not require removal and reinstall of existing baseboard? It was not glued down, which was another advantage VOC-wise. They did not have to replace the baseboard. They installed a thin moisture barrier and laid the hardwood on top. We went from carpet to hardwood if it matters. We don't plan on ever removing it, but I don't think it ...
by caffeperfavore
Tue Apr 18, 2023 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Luxury Vinyl Plank
Replies: 24
Views: 3124

Re: Luxury Vinyl Plank

We considered it but decided not to over concerns about VOCs. We went with a prefinished hardwood and were happy to find it wasn't that much more expensive than LPV and also fairly quick to install (by the installers, not us). Is there a reason you're not considering hardwood?
by caffeperfavore
Mon Mar 27, 2023 10:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI
Replies: 7650
Views: 1724070

Re: What Book Are You Currently Reading? Part VI

Casino Royale , Ian Fleming. Been years since I've read the James Bond series... Speaking of Bond, I'm reading a book by one of the inspirations for the character (although, there's said to be a number) and friend of Fleming's, Patrick Leigh Fermor. I just finished Between the Woods and the Water, the second book of a trilogy that describes his journey as an 18-year-old on foot from Holland to Constantinople in the 1930s. Beautifully written, it's a fascinating glimpse of old Europe, its people, including the diminished nobility still lingering about, and its sights, some lost due to WWII or modernization. It's best to start with the first book, A Time of Gifts. Fermor is a larger than life character known for his military exploits, travel...
by caffeperfavore
Fri Mar 17, 2023 12:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions for visit to japan
Replies: 38
Views: 2914

Re: Suggestions for visit to japan

- If you're ok sleeping on a (somewhat-padded) floor, you may want to try a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in Kyoto. At least one meal is typically included per night. Many of the places allow you to book online and speak/email basic English. I never slept better than the two years I lived in Japan. In my little apartment, I spread the futon out on the tatami (woven grass mat) floor each night. When I traveled, I stayed in ryokans, with the same sleeping arrangement. And the meals at the small-town inns were usually fabulous. Love me a big Japanese breakfast with rice, fish, miso soup and three kinds of seaweed. :D Second this. Staying at a ryokan was one of my favorite experiences in Japan. Absolutely worth the money for a good one. Ea...
by caffeperfavore
Thu Mar 16, 2023 3:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Suggestions for visit to japan
Replies: 38
Views: 2914

Re: Suggestions for visit to japan

Given where you're going, the language will not be much of an issue. Japan is fairly easy to get around and fun to explore.
by caffeperfavore
Mon Mar 13, 2023 2:40 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Visiting Charleston, SC!
Replies: 18
Views: 1830

Re: Visiting Charleston, SC!

NOLA wrote: Mon Mar 13, 2023 1:50 pm A friend of mine recommended Little Jack’s burger. Will probably have to check it out, cause I love a good burger. Is it more of a lunch spot?
That is a tasty burger.

And, no, not just a lunch spot, nor is it priced like one. I would go back in a heartbeat.
by caffeperfavore
Thu Mar 09, 2023 9:36 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: dishwasher recomendations
Replies: 110
Views: 8435

Re: dishwasher recomendations

bluebolt wrote: Wed Feb 22, 2023 9:06 am
student wrote: Mon Feb 20, 2023 8:21 am Many people like Bosch. (Everyone that I know who has it likes it.) But personally it is not something I will get. European models usually do not have a grinder but it has filter that you need to empty on a regular basis. So if you get a European model, make sure you are ok with doing it.
I clean the filter on my Bosch about once every 3-4 months. There's hardly anything on it, so I could probably let it go longer. It takes about 2 minutes to remove it, rinse it, and replace it. For me, definitely a non-factor.
Same here with our Bosch 800.
by caffeperfavore
Tue Mar 07, 2023 9:58 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Hotel recommendation (or at least what area) in DC
Replies: 64
Views: 5197

Re: Hotel recommendation (or at least what area) in DC

DC has some great neighborhoods (e.g., Georgetown, DuPont, Cleveland Park, Kalorama) with a unique DC feel. Of these DuPont probably has the best mix of affordability (compared to some of the pics above like Hays Adams), food options, and being close to a metro. In earlier times, I would have added Capitol Hill to this list, but DC has lost some buzz since the pandemic, and friends in the area say if feels a little sketchier than it used to. Georgetown is nice, but you'll need to Uber to the Mall as there's no metro close by. The newly revitalized Waterfront area also has some good hotel and restaurant options with a metro nearby. If not in DC, my next pic would be Old Town Alexandria within walking distance of the King Street Metro. It's l...
by caffeperfavore
Mon Mar 06, 2023 1:24 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do you go for walks?
Replies: 175
Views: 17512

Re: Do you go for walks?

Bogle7 wrote: Sat Mar 04, 2023 3:34 pm Live in the city.
Walk means exiting the front door and going somewhere.
Hike means getting in the car and driving to a suitable environment.
One of the best things we ever did was move to a more walkable neighborhood. While we don't have all the amenities of a city in our suburban area, we do have great sidewalks everywhere, a couple restaurants, some shops, playgrounds, and school all within walking distance. We manage to get lots of functional exercise without even realizing it.
by caffeperfavore
Mon Mar 06, 2023 12:12 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Going to Venice: What To Do or See?
Replies: 66
Views: 5447

Re: Going to Venice: What To Do or See?

Have an overpriced espresso in the outdoor seating area of Cafe Florian in the piazza of St. Mark's and rest while you watch your kids chase the pigeons. Cafe Florian claims to be the oldest cafe in Europe (disputed) and it's worth a peek inside (it's much cheaper if you order from the back inside, but not an option if you're sitting out front).

It was years ago, but I was in Venice in April and it was wonderful. Great weather and not too many tourists. We weren't there with kids, so we mostly enjoyed walking endlessly, exploring the back alleys and neighborhoods, and eating and drinking at the ciccheti bars. Murano is worth a trip if you like glassware at all.
by caffeperfavore
Fri Mar 03, 2023 3:07 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Any bogleheads decide to outsource their lawn care?
Replies: 58
Views: 4528

Re: Any bogleheads decide to outsource their lawn care?

If you don't have the time and/or just don't want to do it, then outsource it. Or, better yet, get rid of the lawn and do something more interesting with it. We're in the slow process of doing that with ours.

But in the meantime, I have the time and it's forced exercise for me, so I do it. I also kind of enjoy focusing on something simple for a while as a nice break from work and other life stuff. Also, I was never happy with the job that my lawn service crews did. I went through several before deciding that I could do it better and how I wanted; although, I still outsource seeding, aeration, fertilizing, and weed treatment with a hippy quasi-organic outfit.
by caffeperfavore
Tue Feb 14, 2023 3:49 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bike computer and/or new Apple Watch?
Replies: 30
Views: 2780

Re: Bike computer and/or new Apple Watch?

Wannaretireearly wrote: Tue Feb 14, 2023 3:22 pm Thanks. 100% agree too many choices!
I think I’ve got it down to one of the Garmins vs. Fitbit sense 2 (ecg) vs. I watch 8 (ecg). I’m trending away from I watch cos of poor battery life!
Ah yes, that's another thing that tipped the scales to the Garmin for me, battery life. I charge mine once every two weeks, if that. The solar models can go even longer.
by caffeperfavore
Tue Feb 14, 2023 9:20 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bike computer and/or new Apple Watch?
Replies: 30
Views: 2780

Re: Bike computer and/or new Apple Watch?

Thanks! I’m looking at a Garmin watch that looks great: Garmin instinct 2 solar. Seems to even have a cycling mode. Need to do a bit more investigating… I considered the Instinct 2 and ended up going with the Forerunner 255. The Forerunners are designed for running, but they have cycling modes for road and mountain biking. I chose it because it had all the features I wanted in the Instinct, but was a little less bulky, and had a color screen. The Instinct is designed for hiking and more rugged. If you don't care about some features, like having an altimeter or barometer, then the 55 is probably a good, inexpensive choice. At the other end of the spectrum, the 755, 955, Epix, and Fenix watches have yet more features for more money. Garmin h...
by caffeperfavore
Mon Feb 13, 2023 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bike computer and/or new Apple Watch?
Replies: 30
Views: 2780

Re: Bike computer and/or new Apple Watch?

Thanks folks. I should mention I’ve used the free version of Strava and ride with gps. I’m still struggling with what decisions to make. If any… I use my phone in a harness on my handlebar, so can see all the Strava stats live. What exactly do you need it for? Maps? Heart rate? Are you training for something? Or, just riding for fun? Knowing the answers to that will help us steer you in the right direction. If you're already tracking things on Strava (the paid version is probably worth it) and or need maps, then your phone is probably fine. If you want heartbeat, then you can pair your Strava with a Garmin watch or a chest strap (or just use GarminConnect). If you're serious about training, then you probably need a power meter and one of t...
by caffeperfavore
Fri Feb 10, 2023 3:48 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Tour de France
Replies: 21
Views: 2630

Re: Tour de France

I watched a stage a few years ago. We signed up for a VIP pass for the start, which gave us access to the Tour village and the team buses. We were able to see the riders up close as they left the team buses and rode up to the starting line. It also gave us access to some free food, drink, and swag and we got some nice pictures out of it. Some people chatted with the team mechanics. One of them even let a kid sit on a rider's bike. It was cool and I don't regret it, but I'm not sure it was worth the cost. If we do it again, I will just get their early enough to get a good spot near the start where we could see all the riders and in time for the publicity caravan and all the fun freebies, like hats, shirts, etc. they give away. We were in a s...
by caffeperfavore
Thu Feb 09, 2023 8:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Compact-ish Luxury SUV Recommendation?
Replies: 96
Views: 9018

Re: Compact-ish Luxury SUV Recommendation?

Toyota Venza. 44 or so mpg, AWD, Lexus quality interior wirh Toyota cost maintenance. A tad longer than a Rav4, not as “tall” and MICH quieter than the Rav4 due to lots of extra sound proofing. It’s a Lexus wearing a Toyota badge. This (in addition to the CX-5) is one I've recommended often, it will get better fuel economy because of the hybrid powertrain, but despite being a fair bit larger, most interior dimensions are smaller than the CX-5, which will also drive better. You're right that it's a Lexus wearing a Toyota badge - this vehicle is sold as the Harrier in Japan, earlier generations of which were sold here as the Lexus RX. I had a friend lookup the Vezna on Consumer Reports and it didn't rate well. I think a 50? Maybe he was look...
by caffeperfavore
Mon Feb 06, 2023 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Car Safety - Small Car vs SUV
Replies: 97
Views: 7324

Re: Car Safety - Small Car vs SUV

Deleted - duplicate