The 3G Ramblings & General Discussion Thread (V)
06-28-2016, 02:10 PM
#1881
Senior Moderator
06-28-2016, 02:14 PM
#1882
Team Owner
The route to Jasper is via Highway 16 for Edmonton, right? It's a bit more curvy than Highway 2...which is yes, a straight-away. My car which has a lane-departure adjustments probably could in theory take the entire freeway with that on and cruise control. 
But, on the right summer day, you do have a chance to see some ubercars driving that freeway...albeit, usually from Edmonton cuz that idiot city has zero exotic car dealerships that can service Ferraris and Lamborghinis. :rofl
Once you hit Calgary (IMO, the true capital of Alberta), the route into Bamff is awesome. Both National Parks are worth it and depending on the time of year going, more affordable. Of course, if one chooses the Fairmont hotels in either park or the Rimrock, well, get ready to pay outta your @$$. Mind you, I stayed at JPL for about $150 back in November when I was there for a mini-conference. The town is charming but absolutely DEAD. Bamff even in November is at least livelier...I prefer the latter. Even if all the Japanese and Chinese tourists gives the town a...Asian flavour.
But, on the right summer day, you do have a chance to see some ubercars driving that freeway...albeit, usually from Edmonton cuz that idiot city has zero exotic car dealerships that can service Ferraris and Lamborghinis. :rofl
Once you hit Calgary (IMO, the true capital of Alberta), the route into Bamff is awesome. Both National Parks are worth it and depending on the time of year going, more affordable. Of course, if one chooses the Fairmont hotels in either park or the Rimrock, well, get ready to pay outta your @$$. Mind you, I stayed at JPL for about $150 back in November when I was there for a mini-conference. The town is charming but absolutely DEAD. Bamff even in November is at least livelier...I prefer the latter. Even if all the Japanese and Chinese tourists gives the town a...Asian flavour.
To be honest, I rarely see exotic cars on that highway. I've seen an SLS AMG on two serperate occasions and a GT3 RS once. Most people are doing 150 in a Minivan JPL is meh. No idea why someone would pay upwards of $350 for a room there. There is nothing fancy about them and you can go all around the area without staying there anyway. They have a REALLY nice spa there though.
06-28-2016, 02:21 PM
#1883
Senior Moderator
Worth it. IMO, going to Vancouver is pretty much an "eating" trip -- esp. if you love food. There are some marvelous marvelous restaurants there. Japanese izakayas as an example, are just amazing. Even the Chinese food...
If you want gwai-ro food, the stuff in Vancouver is also kick@$$. I'd say it's one of the top "eating" cities in North America. Even better than Torronah or Chicago. San Francisco and NYC probably have the top claims...but, you could argue Vancouver matches SF.
food. There are some marvelous marvelous restaurants there. Japanese izakayas as an example, are just amazing. Even the Chinese food... If you want gwai-ro food, the stuff in Vancouver is also kick@$$. I'd say it's one of the top "eating" cities in North America. Even better than Torronah or Chicago. San Francisco and NYC probably have the top claims...but, you could argue Vancouver matches SF.
sold. definitely will go up there for the gf' and my next foodieventure. Going to Chicago with her in a month so that'll be fun
06-28-2016, 02:23 PM
#1884
Senior Moderator
06-28-2016, 02:26 PM
#1885
Senior Moderator
This pretty much sums it up. And for the record, I've heard there's a Ferrari dealer opening up here in town To be honest, I rarely see exotic cars on that highway. I've seen an SLS AMG on two serperate occasions and a GT3 RS once. Most people are doing 150 in a Minivan
JPL is meh. No idea why someone would pay upwards of $350 for a room there. There is nothing fancy about them and you can go all around the area without staying there anyway. They have a REALLY nice spa there though.
To be honest, I rarely see exotic cars on that highway. I've seen an SLS AMG on two serperate occasions and a GT3 RS once. Most people are doing 150 in a Minivan JPL is meh. No idea why someone would pay upwards of $350 for a room there. There is nothing fancy about them and you can go all around the area without staying there anyway. They have a REALLY nice spa there though.
I never said JPL was great. Just saying it's probably the "4-star" spot in Jasper...the rest are kinda...dumpy. I mean, I guess going to Jasper or Bamff is not about staying in your room...but, I remember the hotels in Jasper are all badly in need of upgrades and/or modernizing. Bamff has way better options...and at worst, staying in Canmore is an option.
On Highway 2, I've seen some Italian ubercars. Albeit, I'm not on it regularly...but, maybe it was just my lucky day.
06-28-2016, 02:30 PM
#1886
Team Owner
You're right, most places to stay in jasper are little more than dumps. The majority are super old and haven't been updated in decades. Banff definitely has a mixture of both new and old.
If we want to go hiking, site seeing, skiing, whatever, we go to jasper.
you can do all of that in Banff, but it's also more of a party town. Be careful, thoiboi. Banff is known as the AIDS Capital of Canada for a reason. People just go there for a good time. True story.
If we want to go hiking, site seeing, skiing, whatever, we go to jasper.
you can do all of that in Banff, but it's also more of a party town. Be careful, thoiboi. Banff is known as the AIDS Capital of Canada for a reason. People just go there for a good time. True story.
06-28-2016, 02:31 PM
#1887
Senior Moderator
YES I DO! I had a co-worker send me a full spreadsheet that had over a hundred restaurants, but that's not very helpful.. We'll be there for a few days so i'd love your input as to what to eat!!!
06-28-2016, 02:33 PM
#1888
Team Owner
Eat the homeless people on the streets. There's too many of them and they make the place look grungy. Think of it as helping the community out.
06-28-2016, 02:33 PM
#1889
Senior Moderator
You're right, most places to stay in jasper are little more than dumps. The majority are super old and haven't been updated in decades. Banff definitely has a mixture of both new and old.
If we want to go hiking, site seeing, skiing, whatever, we go to jasper.
you can do all of that in Banff, but it's also more of a party town. Be careful, thoiboi. Banff is known as the AIDS Capital of Canada for a reason. People just go there for a good time. True story.
If we want to go hiking, site seeing, skiing, whatever, we go to jasper.
you can do all of that in Banff, but it's also more of a party town. Be careful, thoiboi. Banff is known as the AIDS Capital of Canada for a reason. People just go there for a good time. True story.
Only reason i mentioned Banff was because a friend of mine recently just went and said it was gorgeous hike and had some beautiful scenery.. Jasper sounds more like my speed if that's the case then.. Thanks for the tip
06-28-2016, 02:36 PM
#1890
Team Owner
No, to be honest, if you're just flying in and only spending a day or two, I too would suggest Banff over jasper. Like I said, you can still do cool stuff, see beautiful shit and blah blah when in Banff. There's a reason why so many tourists hit that place up.
06-28-2016, 02:38 PM
#1891
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My entire experience with Chicago and dining involves a hot dog cart in O'Hare Terminal 1.
I don't miss making the sprint from one side of that airport to the other.
I don't miss making the sprint from one side of that airport to the other.
06-28-2016, 02:49 PM
#1892
Senior Moderator
Where are you staying...? If you're on the Mile, that place has access to some FINE restaurants. Whenever I go back to Chicago, I always try to go to Joe's. I love the stone crabs and their pies are to die for. The restaurant can be pricey and so, go for lunch. I do not have access to any Morton's Steakhouses where I'm at and so, I also make it a priority to eat there...but, I'm sure you can easily go to a Morton's where you live, right?
Spiaggia is great stuff...they also offer a lunch option but dinner is where it's at. Bandera is cool if you like live jazz to go with some decent eats. Shanghai Terrace is pretty good
eating...mind you, it's considered "high-end" and so, again, be warned. Nearby to the Mile is also a place called The Slurping Turtle. It's not true Japanese but, you know what? I didn't mind it. Decent service and not a bad bowl of noodles. Lemme know if you need more. For deep dish pizza, if you've never tried it, it's worthwhile to have a go...Chicago has the "big 3" of Gino's East, Pizzeria Uno, and Giordano's. They are all different but you can't go wrong with either.
06-28-2016, 02:50 PM
#1893
Senior Moderator
Fly to Calgary...rent a car...drive to Bamff...but, I would suggest at least 4-5 days. Once you are there, you won't want to leave. Visit Lake Louise too. There are few places on the planet as beautiful as Alberta's 2 jewel parks.
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TacoBello (06-28-2016)
06-28-2016, 02:53 PM
#1894
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Pizzeria Uno can't be the same as this, right? Uno Pizzeria & Grill: Uno Chicago Grill - Deep Dish Pizza
06-28-2016, 02:54 PM
#1895
Senior Moderator
Pizzeria Uno can't be the same as this, right? Uno Pizzeria & Grill: Uno Chicago Grill - Deep Dish Pizza
06-28-2016, 02:56 PM
#1896
Senior Moderator
Have you been to Chicago before?
Where are you staying...? If you're on the Mile, that place has access to some FINE restaurants. Whenever I go back to Chicago, I always try to go to Joe's. I love the stone crabs and their pies are to die for. The restaurant can be pricey and so, go for lunch. I do not have access to any Morton's Steakhouses where I'm at and so, I also make it a priority to eat there...but, I'm sure you can easily go to a Morton's where you live, right?
Spiaggia is great stuff...they also offer a lunch option but dinner is where it's at. Bandera is cool if you like live jazz to go with some decent eats. Shanghai Terrace is pretty good eating...mind you, it's considered "high-end" and so, again, be warned.
Nearby to the Mile is also a place called The Slurping Turtle. It's not true Japanese but, you know what? I didn't mind it. Decent service and not a bad bowl of noodles. Lemme know if you need more. For deep dish pizza, if you've never tried it, it's worthwhile to have a go...Chicago has the "big 3" of Gino's East, Pizzeria Uno, and Giordano's. They are all different but you can't go wrong with either.
Where are you staying...? If you're on the Mile, that place has access to some FINE restaurants. Whenever I go back to Chicago, I always try to go to Joe's. I love the stone crabs and their pies are to die for. The restaurant can be pricey and so, go for lunch. I do not have access to any Morton's Steakhouses where I'm at and so, I also make it a priority to eat there...but, I'm sure you can easily go to a Morton's where you live, right?
Spiaggia is great stuff...they also offer a lunch option but dinner is where it's at. Bandera is cool if you like live jazz to go with some decent eats. Shanghai Terrace is pretty good
eating...mind you, it's considered "high-end" and so, again, be warned.Nearby to the Mile is also a place called The Slurping Turtle. It's not true Japanese but, you know what? I didn't mind it. Decent service and not a bad bowl of noodles. Lemme know if you need more. For deep dish pizza, if you've never tried it, it's worthwhile to have a go...Chicago has the "big 3" of Gino's East, Pizzeria Uno, and Giordano's. They are all different but you can't go wrong with either.
. Ehh Morton's are a dime a dozen around here so i'll pass on that. There's actually one across the street from my hotel here in ATL so i go quite often May have to hit up Bandera, love me some good jazz! I'm hesitant on high end
food.. Everyone talks about Purple Pig... not sure if it's all hype
I'll do one or two fine dining, but would love hole in the walls too, thanks a bunch H!
06-28-2016, 02:59 PM
#1897
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06-28-2016, 02:59 PM
#1898
My boss is on a business trip to Vancouver...until Thursday when his wife is meeting him and he's staying another 10 days. 
Cousins and their folks are visiting Toronto this week...now flying to Moncton, New Brunswick.
Cousins and their folks are visiting Toronto this week...now flying to Moncton, New Brunswick.
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TacoBello (06-28-2016)
06-28-2016, 02:59 PM
#1899
Senior Moderator
06-28-2016, 03:06 PM
#1901
Senior Moderator
Haven't decided where I'm staying yet. the GF is to figure out the spots to hit up and i'll pick a hotel after that determination. I'll happily take suggestions on where to stay too . Ehh Morton's are a dime a dozen around here so i'll pass on that. There's actually one across the street from my hotel here in ATL so i go quite often
May have to hit up Bandera, love me some good jazz! I'm hesitant on high end food..
Everyone talks about Purple Pig... not sure if it's all hype I'll do one or two fine dining, but would love hole in the walls too, thanks a bunch H!
. Ehh Morton's are a dime a dozen around here so i'll pass on that. There's actually one across the street from my hotel here in ATL so i go quite often May have to hit up Bandera, love me some good jazz! I'm hesitant on high end
food..Everyone talks about Purple Pig... not sure if it's all hype
I'll do one or two fine dining, but would love hole in the walls too, thanks a bunch H!If this is your first time taking your woman, the Mile is fine. We stayed at the Westin right on the Mile and it was quite convenient to go anywhere...you're close to the water and if you need to go to other parts of downtown, a quick cab ride. But, some of the finest architecture is right where you're at. If you're okay with striding into the Lamborghini dealership across from the Westin, you just may meet some neat celebs. I recently shook hands with Dominique Wilkins...
It was kinda cool. Of course, drooling at the Aventador on the floor was something else too.
There are some holes in the wall but if you're on the Mile, unlikely to get those...and those are in more "happening" parts of town...and well, I know my wife was not keen to see the wilder side of Chicago.
06-28-2016, 03:07 PM
#1902
Drifting
Well I just logged 450 miles and listened to 6 hours of books on tape for a pointless trip....cant wait to do it again tomorrow.
06-28-2016, 03:07 PM
#1903
Senior Moderator
06-28-2016, 03:10 PM
#1905
Senior Moderator
Purple Pig is worth trying!
If this is your first time taking your woman, the Mile is fine. We stayed at the Westin right on the Mile and it was quite convenient to go anywhere...you're close to the water and if you need to go to other parts of downtown, a quick cab ride. But, some of the finest architecture is right where you're at. If you're okay with striding into the Lamborghini dealership across from the Westin, you just may meet some neat celebs. I recently shook hands with Dominique Wilkins...
It was kinda cool. Of course, drooling at the Aventador on the floor was something else too.
There are some holes in the wall but if you're on the Mile, unlikely to get those...and those are in more "happening" parts of town...and well, I know my wife was not keen to see the wilder side of Chicago.
If this is your first time taking your woman, the Mile is fine. We stayed at the Westin right on the Mile and it was quite convenient to go anywhere...you're close to the water and if you need to go to other parts of downtown, a quick cab ride. But, some of the finest architecture is right where you're at. If you're okay with striding into the Lamborghini dealership across from the Westin, you just may meet some neat celebs. I recently shook hands with Dominique Wilkins...
It was kinda cool. Of course, drooling at the Aventador on the floor was something else too.
There are some holes in the wall but if you're on the Mile, unlikely to get those...and those are in more "happening" parts of town...and well, I know my wife was not keen to see the wilder side of Chicago.
Okay, sounds like the Mile is more our speed.. Uber elsewhere
We're not a 'wild side' couple either so sounds like just our speed.
06-28-2016, 03:11 PM
#1906
Drifting
Yeah wifey said "oohh I like the QX 80 I saw. Can we go look at one".....I laughed.....
06-28-2016, 03:12 PM
#1907
Senior Moderator
Again, not sure on the $$$ value of a 2010/11 used FX50...but, even the FX37 isn't terrible esp. if you want to save a pile on gas.
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rockstar143 (06-28-2016)
06-28-2016, 03:13 PM
#1908
Senior Moderator
06-28-2016, 03:14 PM
#1909
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06-28-2016, 03:15 PM
#1910
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06-28-2016, 03:16 PM
#1911
it depends...the ONLY repair thus far was a computer glitch for the rear axle...and a front wheel bearing that cost(ed) $100 in part...but covered under warranty still.
We'll see...she doesn't want the FX...I meant for me.
I would love to get her in an MDX but she's used to the top o the line stuff now...so NX from Lexus but everything is SO expensive.
We'll see...she doesn't want the FX...I meant for me.
I would love to get her in an MDX but she's used to the top o the line stuff now...so NX from Lexus but everything is SO expensive.
06-28-2016, 03:18 PM
#1912
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it depends...the ONLY repair thus far was a computer glitch for the rear axle...and a front wheel bearing that cost(ed) $100 in part...but covered under warranty still.
We'll see...she doesn't want the FX...I meant for me.
I would love to get her in an MDX but she's used to the top o the line stuff now...so NX from Lexus but everything is SO expensive.
We'll see...she doesn't want the FX...I meant for me.
I would love to get her in an MDX but she's used to the top o the line stuff now...so NX from Lexus but everything is SO expensive.
06-28-2016, 03:18 PM
#1913
Senior Moderator
06-28-2016, 03:22 PM
#1914
Senior Moderator
I usually don't pay too much attention to maintenance fees once I buy a car...it's kinda part of the "baggage".
06-28-2016, 03:22 PM
#1915
Drifting
After this week I should have half my 105k service saved up!!
06-28-2016, 03:23 PM
#1916
Senior Moderator
it depends...the ONLY repair thus far was a computer glitch for the rear axle...and a front wheel bearing that cost(ed) $100 in part...but covered under warranty still.
We'll see...she doesn't want the FX...I meant for me.
I would love to get her in an MDX but she's used to the top o the line stuff now...so NX from Lexus but everything is SO expensive.
We'll see...she doesn't want the FX...I meant for me.
I would love to get her in an MDX but she's used to the top o the line stuff now...so NX from Lexus but everything is SO expensive.
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rockstar143 (06-28-2016)
06-28-2016, 03:25 PM
#1917
Senior Moderator
Should get her an Escalade then 
06-28-2016, 03:26 PM
#1918
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I stayed in OKC once. It was "interesting". And it was an overnighter on my way to Enid. Which made OKC seem like a diverse cultural mecca.
06-28-2016, 03:31 PM
#1919
Drifting
Drive was uneventful bar one tiny shrapnel of tire some kicked my way. When I got back in town I saw temp reading of 101 on a billboard so yuck for that!!
06-28-2016, 03:35 PM
#1920
Senior Moderator
