Paddy in the Big Apple @ #BoDzBeeTzZ!

Get $30 back at ShopRite when you spend $150

It's been while since I mentioned a deal / hack and in fact there haven't been too many good ones of late but there is a great AMEX promotion right now for anyone who has a ShopRite grocery store near them. The deal is as follows:

Get $30 back as a statement credit when you spend $150 or more with a registered Amex card

I used to have 9 Amex Cards so could have cleaned up with this but alas I now only have 4 cards (note your Macys co-branded Amex card will also work with this) so I will register each one and buy Amazon gift cards in store to collect my $120 statement credit (great deal for five minutes work) and don't forget small business Saturday is not too far away!

Tags: ..Get $30 back at ShopRite when you spend $150..

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Vietnam Moped Mania

I will always remember Vietnam for what seemed like a near death experience when trying to cross the street with 200+ mopeds coming at you at full speed. Veterans eventually learn that you just have confidently step out into the oncoming traffic and walk at a slow but consistent pace and the mopeds will somehow weave their way around you. The courage required however, is not for the faint of heart. Cables and wires dangle above every street (see first photo below). Last but not least I will never forget the warmth and friendliness of the people, despite for many, their existence in borderline poverty.

Tags: .Vietnam Moped Mania..

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Trip Home to Dublin

I went back to the ol' sod for a week recently and was fortunate to have great weather (a rare occurrence in Ireland). The missus snapped plenty of photos as we were walking around my local area (Raheny) and we ventured into the city center quite often to meet up with folks for a pint or three! So much has changed since I left 25 years ago, it's like exploring a whole new city. Enjoy the pics below.

Tags: ..Trip Home to Dublin, Ireland..

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World's favorite destination?

This recent article from BBC has plenty of food for thought and some surprises too (especially money spent per head)..My favorite city is Hong Kong due to the combination of a sprawling concrete jungle being moments away from superb hiking trails.

My favorite country is Australia due to its amazing beaches and diversity of landscapes and the fantastic 3 years I experienced while living there .

Of course there are many close seconds...

What's yours?

Tags: .What is the world's favourite holiday destination?..

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United Airlines Flights to Ireland - Deal Alert

Late November / early December tends to be a bargain to fly from NYC to Dublin, Ireland. I remember, when I was a lad - (all of 10 years ago!) the fare was ~$300 but those days are long gone. These days, $600 is a great deal and that just happens to be what's on offer for Thanksgiving (November 28th, 2013). On Wednesday night, I booked a direct flight EWR- DUB for the missus, wee man and I, for $750 per adult (traveling Thanksgiving weekend). On Thursday I just happened to re-check the prices and the fare had dropped to $600 so I was able to cancel the previous reservation using United's less than 24 hour rule and re-book for the cheaper fare. Don't you just love bargains..

Tags: ..United Airlines Flights to Ireland - Deal Alert..

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Travel to Burma aka Myanmar

It was a brief but rewarding visit to this (almost) tourist free land before the recent chain of events. Back then Burma was under the watchful eye of big brother aka the Burmese military machine. Our movements were restricted and recorded in a manner I never thought possible e.g. Surrender passport at border. Register at local police station at each location visited.

These images and the reception we received as strange outsiders will likely be soon lost forever as the country embraces democracy, freedom and mainstream tourism. I'm glad we got to experience the former but also glad the people of Burma will hopefully be better off, free from the shackles of military oppression.

Tags: .Burma aka Myanmar..

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Back to Bangkok, Thailand

Bangkok is a lot more civilized since I first visited the polluted sprawling mess in 2004. It's practically night and day from back then but mostly in a good way (from a tourist perspective). It's a shoppers paradise and a food lovers delight with a deviants heaven thrown in for good measure (not that there's anything wrong with that - within boundaries). Photos below..

Tags: ..Back to Bangkok, Thailand..

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Four Seasons - Chiang Mai, Thailand

We deserved a little treat as bus weary backpacking road warriors so we headed to the Four Seasons resort outside Chiang Mai which did not disappoint. I'll let the photos below do the talking.