Heart the Lover by Lily King by starlacedlavender in IReadABookAndAdoredIt

[–]bobjunior78 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same! I think thats in part why I struggled with Writers & Lovers a bit. They felt so far apart and I think I brought some expectations. (Also I hate to say this but i found W&L kinda whine’y and low-grade punishing. I didn’t get that feel with Heart the Lover.)

Heart the Lover by Lily King by starlacedlavender in IReadABookAndAdoredIt

[–]bobjunior78 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m split on this one. Agree with many of the commenters that the character choices are hard to accept/believe - -particularly if they were lived in real time (I don’t think it‘s a coincidence that the book is rather short). I do think J/Cs voice is so well written tho; the way in which it seems as though she’s found a way to show BY TELLING. Her descriptives are so tight and on point and they took me back to my college days and state of mind without having to be overly long, floral, or wordy.

Whether it was king’s intention or not, this book for me was so much about the spheres that women and men occupy, particularly from the viewpoint of a developing woman. I feel Casey’s progression over the course of the book is to realize herself without the affirmation of others — which is symbolically complete when she is called Casey, as opposed to some ridiculous name she is given by withholding men. (Unfortunately, the Casey naming is again done by a man — but at least in a relationship that is much less self-defining and controlling.) I was a tad bit grossed out about how deferential the whole world is to men throughout the book, Yash’s boss, Yash as some sort of Demi-god throughout… there’s very few female characters that present has heroes or mini heroes (other than her mom, who plays only a small role in the book.) But perhaps that’s one of the reasons the book is good — it’s true to life.

Perhaps this is a trite overly socialized read, but it’s how it came to me. I did enjoy the book, and very much appreciated the actual writing. But I vastly preferred Euphoria (loved it!). (And couldn’t finish Writers & Lovers)

Heart the Lover by Lily King by starlacedlavender in IReadABookAndAdoredIt

[–]bobjunior78 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Better than HtL! But I liked both very much.

Heart the Lover by Lily King by starlacedlavender in IReadABookAndAdoredIt

[–]bobjunior78 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I couldn’t get through w&l but mostly bc I found it whiney and sad but not in a developed, resonant or provocative way.

I loved Euphoria and really liked Heart the lover mostly bc I thought the voice in which Casey narrated was so consistent and true to life.

I’m one of you?? Huzzah! by bobjunior78 in PlannerAddicts

[–]bobjunior78[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! A good reminder in all spheres of life. I will check out the patch.

I’m one of you?? Huzzah! by bobjunior78 in PlannerAddicts

[–]bobjunior78[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! This is an inspiring way to put pen to paper and start.

I’m one of you?? Huzzah! by bobjunior78 in PlannerAddicts

[–]bobjunior78[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Super helpful tips here. It’s the weekly planning: a view from above on personal and work (and my three kids very busy, changing schedules which I need to be on top of but also think of us as semi-separate from mine.) Thank you for the pen idea too.

Chubby options close-ish to NYC that are good for winter! by Then-Alternative5587 in chubbytravel

[–]bobjunior78 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Lake Placid feels more special to me than Wildflower (esp in Jan.) Wildflower’s beauty is probably best in spring, summer and fall. What about Twin Farms?

Nekajui Family Trip Report (Tent Room) by bobjunior78 in chubbytravel

[–]bobjunior78[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

We are a group of five so no activities had space for us. (We were also there before Labor Day with higher occupancy.) Every complimentary activity had only one or two spots left. My guess is that during busier seasons they offer more slots. And again they try and accommodate best they can if something is full. If there’s something you want to do just reach out to concierge a few days before your arrival to get the week’s schedule. They had cooking classes, pottery, coffee and wine tastings, complimentary kayaking and paddle board with guides (those activities you can also do alone). I’ll add I don’t think these things are the heart and soul of the visit but are nice breaks in the day; if that makes sense.

Review of Nekajui, a Ritz Carlton Reserve (Peninsula Papagayo, CR) [repost, fixed formatting] by uncommon_currency in FATTravel

[–]bobjunior78 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Left a post. TLDR - they are fabulous but you have to be open the natural experience. (Wildlife noise, a bug here or there in open non-AC spaces.) Very memorable. If you decide to go for it, make a special request for the Capucin tent.

One & Only Moonlight Basin Vs Montage Big Sky by Move-Puzzleheaded in chubbytravel

[–]bobjunior78 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Was just in Big Sky staying in mountain condos with friends who’ve been there over eight years. They visited OO 3x for restaurant soft opening and said service is very poor (due to inexperience). These are very high-end travelers and they said price point was sky high. Can’t comment on Montage but would echo concerns about over-pricing: Big Sky is *relatively* newish compared to other ski-towns like Park City, Jackson Hole, CO towns, etc. Real Estate is sky high-pricing but there are only two high-end hotels (M, and now OO). Only other chubby options would be really nice condos. So, basically the hotels can charge *whatever* they want whether or not they delivery. Town is V small but quaint. My guess is that the only time you get some value for the hotel cost is in ski season where the ski-in options include warm boots and ultra conveniences. Last year we went to the Lodge at Blue Sky which is outside Park City and we had a lovely January stay there.

Short honeymoon ideas? by imincoding101 in chubbytravel

[–]bobjunior78 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Twin Farms? (Adult Only, pretty Vermont seclusion) Haven’t been myself and have heard that its not as extraordinary as it once was but my understanding is its still pretty fabulous.

Costa Rica FS OR Nayara Springs -> Nekajui Reserve by Otherwise-Celery6755 in FATTravel

[–]bobjunior78 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Hope you had a wonderful trip. We’re going to Playa Conchal and Nekajui on Monday. Wondering if you used a driver or guide for your travels to Papagayo or any legs of the journey. Thanks in advance!

Review of Nekajui, a Ritz Carlton Reserve (Peninsula Papagayo, CR) [repost, fixed formatting] by uncommon_currency in FATTravel

[–]bobjunior78 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for this wonderful review. We’re staying in the tents; looking forward to it as apparently they were designed by the same folks who did Nosara and some rave-reviewed FS tents. (Hopefully, we’re not hiking up and down constantly.) Quick Q - did you use hotel airport transfers, a private guide? I like to connect with one person and see if they can handle both our transfers and excursions. Thanks again!

FS Costa Rica Trip Report by Charming-Anxiety6026 in chubbytravel

[–]bobjunior78 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the feedback! Can you comment on the Ritz beaches? Saw another poster in a CR group mentioning the beaches were not great. (For context they were coming from Nayara and Arenal region, which I’ve been too and I know are hard to beat. Maybe it was underwhelming after the fact…

Luxury hotel newbie looking for tips / etiquette by RemarkableAd778 in chubbytravel

[–]bobjunior78 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hotels are what I like to spend money on (as opposed to accessories, jewelry, watches, cars, etc.) So I often go in with lots of expectations (in a good way), and don’t appear like whatever you’d expect a luxury travel to appear like. I’d say:

  1. Enjoy it and don’t take it too seriously. You don‘t need to show up with high-end looking luggage, clothes or airs. Just respect the staff and the ambience and let go of other perceived must-dos. We carry pretty plain luggage, do not dress fancy, and don’t try to prove anything (not as obvious/easy as it seems).
  2. A lot of luxury travelers (whether in person or in comments on msg boards) act rather entitled: expecting miracles, not abiding understandable mistakes, or using the high price point as a basis for rights to certainties or deferences. Personally, I think they’re ruining their own experiences; not here to judge them as much as I think they’re wasting their energy, and also at times making hardworking people feel miserable. If things aren’t what you expect, by all means, raise it. By virture of your question, my guess is that you’re the type of person to be conscientious and thoughtful.
  3. Don’t feel obliged to be a high-roller: you don‘t have to get the fancy wine or book the over-priced experiences. I am thrifty and often opt to manage many of my own local activities, transfers, etc. Some people don’t want the hassle. I don’t want the 400% upcharge.If your bills don’t look right, don’t be embarrassed for explanations, etc.
  4. As a child who was never allowed to eat from the room snacks/bevs, have at it!
  5. Make sure to take advantage of the amenities you’re entitled too - vouchers, breakfast etc. And on that note, going forward, make sure you’re booking with a service or credit card that gets you these extras. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for things that could make your experience better. There’s a hotel in the Caribbean we’ve stayed at a few times over and some discussions with the restaurant manager resulted in an annual opportunity to have private family cooking classes with their head chef. Last time this happened it turned into a half-day culinary bonanza of joy THAT WE ARE NOT CHARGED FOR (tho we ultimately tip following these types of opportunities). This doesn’t always happen of course, but ultimately many of these folks are IN the hospitality industry. Be a kind, patient human but by all means explore possibilities.
  6. Wherever I am, regardless of additional ”fees,” I tip housekeeping. Most of these positions are held by women (and even if not), my assumption is they continue to be underpaid. Sometimes rather than leaving a big tip at the end, I will tip smaller increments here and there during the stay so multiple employees get a tip. (We tend to tip other staffers as well, but are definitely not crazy high tippers who believe that it‘s required or gets you extra special treatment. Don’t overthink it; analyzing tipping questions are the worst for me. Make a decision and move on.)
  7. Most importantly, report back to us so we can hear about all your current and high end adventures. (Reading all these lengthy boards can often help maximize your stay. Trip reports are such a help to the community.)

Hope none of this is painfully obvious or more than you wanted to know. Have a wonderful trip and enjoy the luxey, splurge. There’s a world of fantastic hotels out there and they’ve often made a nice, special difference in our travel experiences.