| Favorite team: | LSU  |
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| Number of Posts: | 190 |
| Registered on: | 12/2/2012 |
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re: Teach me how to barbecue in my backyard
Posted by Woadie on 1/6/25 at 6:58 pm
Weber Kettle plus SnS insert for when you want to smoke something
I love my kettle, it's so versatile. It's like the Toyota of grills. So many accessories to complement it. Would buy another if my current one breaks.
I love my kettle, it's so versatile. It's like the Toyota of grills. So many accessories to complement it. Would buy another if my current one breaks.
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re: Japan Tips?
Posted by Woadie on 3/31/24 at 9:14 am
quote:
They're currently very low on the chips that go into Suica cards. In February, you couldn't buy one anywhere.
I landed in Tokyo on February 22nd and got a Passmo card at Haneda.
As for the Shinkansen, they have an app now. Thinks it's called Smart EX. We bought all our tickets with that and it give you a QR code to scan at the gates.
re: Japan Tips?
Posted by Woadie on 3/29/24 at 1:38 pm
We didn't really have any issues that stick out to me. Many signs for the subway, airport, and other things have english under the Japanese. Also, a fair amount of the Japanese people speak english well enough to get by with the basic things. You can get by with pointing to things alot.
We used google translate and Google lens whenever we had issue communicating. They both worked very well and were useful. Google lens was great for translating the food menus. You just open the app. Hit translate, and it will translate whatever you point your camera at live. It's pretty awesome.
The Japanese people are EXTREMELY nice and helpful. I can not over state that at all. The service you receive there is second to none. If you have the means, I would make it a priority to go. It is possibly my favorite place I have ever been to. My wife and I loved every thing about it. Food, culture, people, scenery are all top notch
We used google translate and Google lens whenever we had issue communicating. They both worked very well and were useful. Google lens was great for translating the food menus. You just open the app. Hit translate, and it will translate whatever you point your camera at live. It's pretty awesome.
The Japanese people are EXTREMELY nice and helpful. I can not over state that at all. The service you receive there is second to none. If you have the means, I would make it a priority to go. It is possibly my favorite place I have ever been to. My wife and I loved every thing about it. Food, culture, people, scenery are all top notch
re: Japan Tips?
Posted by Woadie on 3/29/24 at 6:35 am
What exactly are you looking for? Restaurants, hotel, itinerary, general tips?
When in Tokyo you will use the subways a lot. It's very easy and extremely cheap. Get a passmo or suica card that you can load up with Yen to access the subway. It was the first thing we did at the Haneda airport. You can also use them to buy things at 7-11. When navigating the subway system use Google maps and FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS EXACTLY. Google maps will tell you the exact entrance/exit and platform number. If you go in the wrong entrance you may not be able to access your platform or if you go out the wrong exit, it can add extra time (sometimes a lot) and walking to your trip.
If you happen to go to Shinjuku station, just know before hand you will get lost in there. Add extra time to your trip and just enjoy walking through it. Shinjuku station is the busiest subway station in the world 3 million people use it per day and it has 200 entrance/exits.
I could talk for hours about Japan. It is an amazing country.
When in Tokyo you will use the subways a lot. It's very easy and extremely cheap. Get a passmo or suica card that you can load up with Yen to access the subway. It was the first thing we did at the Haneda airport. You can also use them to buy things at 7-11. When navigating the subway system use Google maps and FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS EXACTLY. Google maps will tell you the exact entrance/exit and platform number. If you go in the wrong entrance you may not be able to access your platform or if you go out the wrong exit, it can add extra time (sometimes a lot) and walking to your trip.
If you happen to go to Shinjuku station, just know before hand you will get lost in there. Add extra time to your trip and just enjoy walking through it. Shinjuku station is the busiest subway station in the world 3 million people use it per day and it has 200 entrance/exits.
I could talk for hours about Japan. It is an amazing country.
re: Beach trip yo Galveston w a toddler ETA: Maybe Biloxi instead??
Posted by Woadie on 3/24/24 at 8:20 pm
Like most people have alluded to, the beaches in Galveston are not nice. But since you asked...
The beaches are sand. The water will look like chocolate milk. IMO, the best beach in the area is Stewart beach. You do have to pay (around $5) to have access, but that means a better crowd.
I would recommend the San Luis hotel if you want a beach view and balcony. It is located on the seawall and has balconys, pool, and a good steak restaurant/bar. Additionally, my favorite hotel is the Tremont in the strand area. No balcony, but a nice rooftop bar.
The beaches are sand. The water will look like chocolate milk. IMO, the best beach in the area is Stewart beach. You do have to pay (around $5) to have access, but that means a better crowd.
I would recommend the San Luis hotel if you want a beach view and balcony. It is located on the seawall and has balconys, pool, and a good steak restaurant/bar. Additionally, my favorite hotel is the Tremont in the strand area. No balcony, but a nice rooftop bar.
re: Rome, Venice, Florence, or Milan
Posted by Woadie on 3/9/24 at 10:57 am
I would rank them in this order:
Rome
Florence
Venice
Milan
I love Venice but 2 nights is plenty and not the place I would choose to go for my first time if I only had 4 days. Rome and Florence have many more things to do and see. You could spend a month in Rome and not see everything. Florence is also great and very walkable. Additionally, you could do day trips to smaller Tuscan cities from your base in Florence. Also, in my opinion, you are very incorrect about Rome being touristy and Venice being chill/calm.
I would pick one out of Rome/Florence based off the main attractions and spend the entire fours days there. You can not go wrong with either.
If it were me and my first time, I would go Rome. It will be off-season and not as crowded as summer. Vatican, Colossuem, best pizza out of the listed cities, Carbonara, cacio e pepe...
Rome
Florence
Venice
Milan
I love Venice but 2 nights is plenty and not the place I would choose to go for my first time if I only had 4 days. Rome and Florence have many more things to do and see. You could spend a month in Rome and not see everything. Florence is also great and very walkable. Additionally, you could do day trips to smaller Tuscan cities from your base in Florence. Also, in my opinion, you are very incorrect about Rome being touristy and Venice being chill/calm.
I would pick one out of Rome/Florence based off the main attractions and spend the entire fours days there. You can not go wrong with either.
If it were me and my first time, I would go Rome. It will be off-season and not as crowded as summer. Vatican, Colossuem, best pizza out of the listed cities, Carbonara, cacio e pepe...
re: Looking to replace home windows
Posted by Woadie on 1/29/24 at 8:01 am
We used Relief Windows out of Baton Rouge. They work the NOLA area.
They will not be the cheapest option but I am 100% satisfied with their work and windows. They actually have installers hired with the company instead of hiring subs like window world.
Double check but I'm pretty sure LAS only does new windows instalation. Not replacement windows.
They will not be the cheapest option but I am 100% satisfied with their work and windows. They actually have installers hired with the company instead of hiring subs like window world.
Double check but I'm pretty sure LAS only does new windows instalation. Not replacement windows.
re: Trip to Asheville, NC in mid-April
Posted by Woadie on 1/13/24 at 7:29 am
Two most popular places to stay are the Grove Park Inn and the Kimpton Arras Downtown. The Grove Park is a Beautiful historic hotel, but is not in the center and would require driving everywhere. The Arras is in the center of Downtown so you have a lot of walking options.
TONS of breweries and they all, normally, have good food. Sierra Nevada is worth the drive. Amazing facility. Curate, 12 Bones, Tupelo Honey, LA Bodega, Salsa's.
I would drive the Blue Ridge Parkway up to atleast Mount Mitchell (Highest point East of the Mississippi). The Biltmore is nice and is a full day if you do the gardens. If you don't stay at the Grove Park, it's worth either eating at a restaurant there or getting a drink. The view and the hotel are something to see.
TONS of breweries and they all, normally, have good food. Sierra Nevada is worth the drive. Amazing facility. Curate, 12 Bones, Tupelo Honey, LA Bodega, Salsa's.
I would drive the Blue Ridge Parkway up to atleast Mount Mitchell (Highest point East of the Mississippi). The Biltmore is nice and is a full day if you do the gardens. If you don't stay at the Grove Park, it's worth either eating at a restaurant there or getting a drink. The view and the hotel are something to see.
re: Paris in September - Restaurant Recs please
Posted by Woadie on 8/12/23 at 8:33 am
Went to Violon d'Ingres in March this year. Might be the best meal of my life. One Michelin star french bistro close to Eiffel tower. Chef is from Normandy area, so the cuisine matches that area.
Get a later reservation if you want it to feel more local. We had one towards the middle of dinner service. First walked in it was all tourist (which made me feel the place was suspect at first) but as they left the tables turned into more French customers.
Get a later reservation if you want it to feel more local. We had one towards the middle of dinner service. First walked in it was all tourist (which made me feel the place was suspect at first) but as they left the tables turned into more French customers.
re: Is it too late to book a trip to Italy for June 26-July 13?
Posted by Woadie on 4/25/23 at 8:20 pm
quote:
Coliseum will disappoint you after being at Tiger Stadium. It's so small it's jarring. The dig of more ancient Rome in between the Coliseum and the Forum? is neat.
Bruh... I don't even know where to begin.
To the OP, the Colosseum is incredible. I highly recommend a tour of it. There are so many interesting facts and pieces of history from how it was built, to the games that were played, gladiators, and political aspects when talking about the Colosseum.
It's a can't miss in my book. I've been to Rome 4 times and visited the Colosseum each time.
Concrete Finishers - Nola/Metairie
Posted by Woadie on 4/13/23 at 6:04 pm
Looking for any recommendations people have for concrete finishers in the New Orleans area. I need to demo, grade/level, and replace with a new one. About 450 sq feet. Got one estimate for $6,500 and looking for more opinions.
I realize this is a popular topic and have searched for old threads but getting someone to return my calls is difficult.
I realize this is a popular topic and have searched for old threads but getting someone to return my calls is difficult.
re: Has Anyone Gone the Sprinter Van/RV Modification Route?
Posted by Woadie on 3/30/23 at 5:51 pm
I personally do not have experience with those two companies but they are two of the biggest ones out there with the most reach. If you are out west there are more local rental companies that I feel will have a better deal and setup.
No doubt your 4runner is way more capable that a sprinter but you would be surprised how capable they are. Put some all terrains on them and you can get to probably 90% of what's out there.
Vans can certainly get expensive but we got ours brand new with the interior done for half of that amount. The bathrooms and the eletrical systems are what drives the cost up. Some people put way too much power in their vans. It's ridiculous.
No doubt your 4runner is way more capable that a sprinter but you would be surprised how capable they are. Put some all terrains on them and you can get to probably 90% of what's out there.
Vans can certainly get expensive but we got ours brand new with the interior done for half of that amount. The bathrooms and the eletrical systems are what drives the cost up. Some people put way too much power in their vans. It's ridiculous.
re: Has Anyone Gone the Sprinter Van/RV Modification Route?
Posted by Woadie on 3/30/23 at 5:01 pm
I currently have a sprinter that the wife and I use for mountain biking. We don't live in it, but we take multiple week to month long trips in it over the year. If you have any specific questions, fire them off and I'll answer.
We love it, but it is not for everyone. Instagram and YouTube romantize van life. That said, we like our van better than an RV for our lifestyle. There are pros and cons to each obviously, so think about how you want to use it and how comfortable you want to be.
An RV is going to be way more comfortable than a van. We have a heated outdoor shower. The water is hot but the Colorado mountain wind is not (even in August). So showering can be a bit of an unpleasant experience. We don't have a toilet (our next upgrade), so we are digging holes. Whenever you want to drive somewhere the van has to he completely stored so things don't go flying around when you drive. EVERYTHING will get dirty. Also, you better really love your wife. Soon to be married couples should live in a van for a week before marriage to see if they are compatible. Just a few examples of inconveniences with the van we have. I will gladly take those over being in an RV park with a bunch of people and the ability to be remote and really be able to get into the wilderness. It just depends on the person and how you want to use it.
Definitely recommend renting one before you pull the trigger. Plenty of companies to chose from. Like I said before, if you have any questions or want me to expand on my experience with a van, let me know.
We love it, but it is not for everyone. Instagram and YouTube romantize van life. That said, we like our van better than an RV for our lifestyle. There are pros and cons to each obviously, so think about how you want to use it and how comfortable you want to be.
An RV is going to be way more comfortable than a van. We have a heated outdoor shower. The water is hot but the Colorado mountain wind is not (even in August). So showering can be a bit of an unpleasant experience. We don't have a toilet (our next upgrade), so we are digging holes. Whenever you want to drive somewhere the van has to he completely stored so things don't go flying around when you drive. EVERYTHING will get dirty. Also, you better really love your wife. Soon to be married couples should live in a van for a week before marriage to see if they are compatible. Just a few examples of inconveniences with the van we have. I will gladly take those over being in an RV park with a bunch of people and the ability to be remote and really be able to get into the wilderness. It just depends on the person and how you want to use it.
Definitely recommend renting one before you pull the trigger. Plenty of companies to chose from. Like I said before, if you have any questions or want me to expand on my experience with a van, let me know.
re: Passports
Posted by Woadie on 2/24/23 at 8:32 am
Applied for renewal in late November and just got them back two weeks ago. So about 9 weeks give or take.
FYI, the online status didn't mean squat. I had them in hand and the online portal said they were still being processed.
FYI, the online status didn't mean squat. I had them in hand and the online portal said they were still being processed.
re: Sedona Arizona
Posted by Woadie on 1/7/23 at 10:20 am
Might be too late but try to get a reservation at Elote Cafe. By far the best restaurant in Sedona.
If they are booked, I've lucked out everytime with their waitlist. Get the smoked brisket enchiladas. Margaritas are amazing as well.
If they are booked, I've lucked out everytime with their waitlist. Get the smoked brisket enchiladas. Margaritas are amazing as well.
re: Mountain bike question
Posted by Woadie on 12/11/22 at 8:55 am
If you give me a budget, I can suggest a few bikes in your price range. Also, what area are you in so I know the type of terrain. I'm assuming you are not doing big, long, technical descents? Mostly just mellow hills or flat dirt paths?
There are tons of different sub-category mountain bikes depending on your terrain and types of trails you plan to ride.
There are tons of different sub-category mountain bikes depending on your terrain and types of trails you plan to ride.
re: Mountain bike question
Posted by Woadie on 12/11/22 at 7:52 am
I would opt for a new bike. The technology and comfort of modern mountain bikes has greatly changed in the past 26 years. Additionally, part standards have changed as well which will make finding replacement parts difficult depending on what you need.
What type of riding are you planning on doing? Also, what area?
Now if you want to just ride on a flat dirt path once in a while or the bike just needs a good cleaning and new chain, then keep the old one.
What type of riding are you planning on doing? Also, what area?
Now if you want to just ride on a flat dirt path once in a while or the bike just needs a good cleaning and new chain, then keep the old one.
re: Pen and Paper Strength App
Posted by Woadie on 11/21/22 at 11:36 am
Anyone done Strongville?
Just started today and looking ahead, there are a few days (W1D4, W2D1, W3D4, etc) where the top of the staircase is blank. Does that mean anything? Possibly AMRAP with the prescribed percentage?
Just started today and looking ahead, there are a few days (W1D4, W2D1, W3D4, etc) where the top of the staircase is blank. Does that mean anything? Possibly AMRAP with the prescribed percentage?
re: TV mounted under gazebo
Posted by Woadie on 10/13/22 at 2:36 pm
Looks very nice.Did you built that patio cover yourself or hired someone?
Patio Cover Kits
Posted by Woadie on 9/11/22 at 7:59 pm
Searching for options/ideas for freestanding COVERED patio kits around 16'x20'.
Roof is a must have (live in south LA) and will be looking to add fans and lights at some point. Please share your experiences and thoughts with your patio kit. Mostly I am concerned with quality and price. Also, wood vs aluminum? Not sure if I have a preference.
I found Alumashade. Looks good and you can add options for lights, fans, etc. Price is around 15K for the size we want. Anyone ever ordered through them before?
Thanks in advance.
Roof is a must have (live in south LA) and will be looking to add fans and lights at some point. Please share your experiences and thoughts with your patio kit. Mostly I am concerned with quality and price. Also, wood vs aluminum? Not sure if I have a preference.
I found Alumashade. Looks good and you can add options for lights, fans, etc. Price is around 15K for the size we want. Anyone ever ordered through them before?
Thanks in advance.
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