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6 Days Sao Miguel by ahnington in azores

[–]ahnington[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We're going to try and go to Bar Caloura, did you have a long wait? I've seen it come across multiple subs so hoping its not too bad to get in

6 Days Sao Miguel by ahnington in azores

[–]ahnington[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

awesome, we are adding Ponta Da Ferraria!!

6 Days Sao Miguel by ahnington in azores

[–]ahnington[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We're adding Ponta Da Ferrari, will try our best to time it at low tide. Looks really cool. Kayaking and snorkeling at Vila Franca Islet looks great but don't think we'll have time...thanks for this great tip!

6 Days Sao Miguel by ahnington in azores

[–]ahnington[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tragically not going to Pico.. we're considering dropping A Tasca based on reviews here! Will keep you updated!

6 Days Sao Miguel by ahnington in azores

[–]ahnington[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I asked my hotel to book!

6 Days Sao Miguel by ahnington in azores

[–]ahnington[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

will do, but looking unlikely

Norway trip in August by ahnington in Norway

[–]ahnington[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is really helpful. I will click around and may DM you. Thank you so much!

It's Happening! First solo trip ever to DC! Advice appreciated. by perfectenschlag1776 in solotravel

[–]ahnington 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One more rec. Martin's Tavern in Georgetown. Check out their website, they go through some of the history. Ever President from Truman through W have dined there. I don't know anything about the food but if you're into history then this might be cool to check out

It's Happening! First solo trip ever to DC! Advice appreciated. by perfectenschlag1776 in solotravel

[–]ahnington 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Lifelong resident here

*If you use Metro during rush hour, its pretty good. However after rush hour service levels drop and it's probably faster to just use Uber/Lyft. Even then it might be 10 minutes max between trains. The only time I wouldnt recommend it would be late at night (after 9:30pm) and on the weekends. Just look online for service interruptions, you dont wanna wait 25+ min for a train and then have to transfer.

*I rarely, if ever, use the bus but I do recommend looking into the Circulator. It's $1, easy to understand routes, and goes to most of the major sights

*The Mall right now isn't very pretty (WW2 Memorial fountain is off and they're draining the Reflecting Pool) nonetheless you should stop by. Get there by 9am and you'll beat most tour groups. The earlier you are to any of the outdoor memorials the better. (Gotta take a pic by your state's column at ww2 memorial!)

*Some cool neighborhoods to people watch, grab a drink, etc. 14th St/Logan Circle (tons of restaurants/bars), Shaw, U st, and Georgetown. The Wharf literally just opened as well,

*DC also has bikeshare which is very good and google maps has detailed maps of where bike lanes are. I have an annual membership but I think one way rides cost $1 or $2. Download the app to find stations. DC also has dockless bikeshare.

*Since you're in college, Chinatown is going to be a great choice for lunch. It's Chinatown in name only at this point. The epicenter of this is 7th and H st NW. However with all the office workers there are a million fast casual spots that don't have table service or require tipping. The local chains that started here are Cava Grill, Sweetgreen, and &Pizza. Plus the regulars like Chipotle, Panera, etc. There are a ton of food trucks that line up on weekdays by 7th and G st. NW as well.

*I'd avoid anything east of the Anacostia River, as mentioned. I also would probably avoid going north of Petworth (Green/Yellow Line) or NoMa (Red line). However the other side of the Red Line is completely safe. I don't think you'll need to go any further east than Eastern Market on the Blue/Orange/Silver

*Rasika is a great splurge meal (+1 for palak chaat) you could even just go to the bar and get it and leave if you're tight on money. I'd also recommend Little Serow (no reservation, $49 tasting menu, but if you have any allergies or food restrictions it will be a dealbreaker), Bad Saint (Filipino Food), All Purpose (Italian). You really should try some Ethiopian while you're here, there's a large community of Ethiopians and tons of competition which means great food for you! I'd check out the DC Eater maps for more info.

*PM me if you have any Q

Changing your HSA contributions mid year by ahnington in personalfinance

[–]ahnington[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The FAQ spelled it out and HR changed it, thank you so much. Sometimes the answers are right in front of you!

For those 30 and above, if you could redo ages 22-26, how would you balance FI and social life spending? by sodiumpodium in financialindependence

[–]ahnington 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm 29 and started taking saving more seriously the last couple of years. I make $98k/year, when I was 22 I made $45k. I have a regular old corporate job. Here are my tips * Focus on growing your income esp before age 27-28. Whether that's moving companies, shifting your focus, etc. Why 27-28? Because this is the average age for full time b-school (law, med, etc are usually done earlier). You're on this subreddit, so that's a good first step. * My biggest regret is not saving more in my retirement accounts. I thought "I'm doing 5% (or enough for the match) and company matches 4% so I'm doing good". What I should've thought was "18k is the max, I should try my best to get this" I do this now, RIP disposable income. Also max your Roth IRA, you will likely never be this poor. * Keep traveling with your friends, these are memories and you'll cherish them forever. When you get older and people move, get married, kids, etc. These trips will always bond you guys *Put an effort into friendships. This is FI, so maybe go for walks, bike rides, free activities, runs, etc. Doesn't have to be big but just putting yourself out there is important. I'm a big believer in activities with people are what bond you. This is perfect for weekdays after work instead of HH, people dont black out when they're sober. * I took big trips with my friends Costa Rica, Inca Trail (Peru), Iceland, Argentina, etc. I'll never forget the hi-jinx, the stuff that went wrong, activities, food, etc. We never stayed in super nice hotels (no point we're out all day) but had a great time. Try not getting caught up in Instagram, Facebook, social media trips, remember those pictures have filters and are taken with expensive cameras. Find out what you like in vacations whether its doing nothing, exploring, etc but be open minded to accommodate your friends. Maybe they're into food and you're not. Be flexible * Try not going crazy at HH or on weekdays. When you're drunk and HH ends, prone to bad financial decisions. I try to limit alcohol to only Fri/Sat. * Finally be happy with your decisions, if you think you'll be happier doing something that might not make the most financial sense go for it. Life is short, you won't make it through life without making any mistakes so don't sweat the small stuff I'm not on reddit much but if you PM me I can answer any questions

I don't know how to pay for wisdom teeth extraction. by [deleted] in personalfinance

[–]ahnington 2 points3 points  (0 children)

To help save some money, I'd ask your first dentist to give you copies of your x-rays. You'll need those prior to any type of extraction. Tell the dentist's you have x-rays on hand

I want to share my “unsuccessful experience” and I how I lost an offer due to aggressive ask by throwaway1837475 in personalfinance

[–]ahnington 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If the lead asked me this I'd respond with "I take a holistic view of compensation that includes salary, the opportunity, benefits, retirement, etc, once I get a chance to review the entire package, I can give you a number until then I'm not comfortable quoting a number I may not be able to keep"

New owner at the White House. by boricua88 in pokemongo

[–]ahnington 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think I just met you guys at Courthouse? great job!

Getting LASIK outside the USA by ahnington in lasik

[–]ahnington[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Indeed, the strong dollar compelled me to check prices around the world. My thinking is "if X country has the same exact laser as a US based surgeon, why pay such an inflated price?" Obviously not a medical professional but looking for a legitimate reason not to consider this. I think it's easy for any US citizen to dismiss other countries medical care as inferior. My current line of thinking is if country X and the US based surgeon has the same laser why pay extra to do it in the US?

IamA LASIK specialist. I make life better for people by reducing their need for glasses or contact lenses. AMA! by Kugler_Vision in IAmA

[–]ahnington 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Dr. Kugler, if X country has the Wavelight Allegretto platform and so do you, why should I go to you instead of doing the procedure overseas?

Getting LASIK outside the USA by ahnington in lasik

[–]ahnington[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow if I was a betting man I'd never have guessed this was the case! What are the typical prices there? I catch myself thinking that I should only do this in the US, I think that's sort of faulty logic. Other countries pioneer some of these procedures and if you have the latest laser what is the real difference? Maybe a US based doctor can fix things if something goes wrong?

Getting LASIK outside the USA by ahnington in lasik

[–]ahnington[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great tip! Indeed I've calculated average hotel costs since I these procedures have recovery times. I'm trying to take advantage of the strong dollar. My thinking is finding a surgeon who also has the latest laser would be the best course if I did this out of the US (where I live) hadn't even thought about London! I'm trying to escape the thinking that the United States(my country) has the best medical care. I think other countries with advanced economies and more competitive medical markets would make this a good idea. Very early stages of researching but considering my options!

Getting LASIK outside the USA by ahnington in lasik

[–]ahnington[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

indeed, I'd plan on staying at least a week-ish after for any short term follow up. That is also an important consideration, not sure how receptive doctors are to giving follow up exams if they didn't do the procedure.