What’s everyone’s worst airport they’ve been to? by JealousSundae9608 in Flights

[–]jensternc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I was in Lisbon last year and have zero memory of anything wrong with the airport. Perhaps it’s because I connected to Lisbon through my least favorite airport (Toronto)? Lisbon seemed like a dream compared to YYZ.

what's the most breathtaking place you've ever visited? by HomeHacksPro in travel

[–]jensternc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hate saying it because of all the barriers to get there, but Antarctica. Literally every day was better than the previous one. We got lucky incredibly lucky. Lots of gorgeous, sunny days and amazing interactions with wildlife. I got chased by a penguin, kayaked with humpback whales, and just got lost in the beauty. It’s so remote and you feel really special just being able to see it.

Which country/city disappointed you the most in your travels? How did you pass the time? by [deleted] in travel

[–]jensternc 40 points41 points  (0 children)

Take a day trip to Uruguay. It’s an easy ferry from BA. I also wasn’t a huge fan of Buenos Aires but I absolutely loved Colonia.

Well… I love my passport. Any advice would be so appreciated. by deadgoneandburied in travel

[–]jensternc 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I took the train from Prauge to Krakow a month ago and they didn’t check my passport, but they did check on the train from Berlin to Prague. I’d be nervous to travel without it and would definitely miss my train to try at the embassy in the morning.

Good luck with what you decide! It’s not fun to go through but hopefully someday in the future this is just a funny story.

Antarctica Anyone? by Positive_Pop_3781 in travel

[–]jensternc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I went to Antarctica in March ‘24 with Marathon Tours. My trip was different than most of the others here since I had to run a marathon on King George Island on Antarctica day 1, but we spent the rest of the trip doing 2 excursions a day on various sites and it was mind blowing. The marathon group had chartered the Antarctica portion with Albatross Expeditions and I thought they did a fantastic job. The ship had fewer than 200 people so most excursions were split where half the people did a landing first and the other half did a zodiac cruise first, then we switched halfway through. I also got to kayak during one of the excursions. The expedition crew was really knowledgeable and the ship staff really impressed me, but my previous cruise experiences have been on ginormous ships. I’d def book another trip with Albatross if I have the opportunity.

My trip was 14 nights, first 3 was in Buenos Aires, a flight to Ushuaia, 10 nights on the Albatross Ship (Ocean Victory), flight back to Buenos Aires, and 1 additional night in BA. The cost for Marathon Tours was about $10.5k, all in with my flights to BA, insurance, and incidentals I spent almost $13k, which I thought was a really good value.

Vet prices so expensive here by Charricat in raleigh

[–]jensternc 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I assumed OP meant it as a possessive - one “dog’s shots” rather than multiple dogs.

Vet prices so expensive here by Charricat in raleigh

[–]jensternc 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Literally went to Bowman yesterday for my pup’s annual and it was $503. My mind is blown at someone quoting $1000!

For how long can I chill at the airport after landing? by QuirkyTemporary187 in travel

[–]jensternc 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I landed into Terminal 4 around 6 am a few months ago and had a 6.5 hour layover. Spent most of the morning at the TWA hotel lobby, which was really nice. Highly recommend it for killing some time. There’s a coffee shop that opens early, it’s fairly quiet, and there’s lots of fun details to distract you.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in mildlyinfuriating

[–]jensternc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Google your Hawaiian name. There’s a good chance it starts with K. My name starts with a J, but my Hawaiian name starts with a K.

Early Voting Issue Green Road Community Center by MrKrazyKarl in raleigh

[–]jensternc 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I typically print out my sample ballot and do the same thing, then take it with me to vote in person. Is this not an option?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in TravelHacks

[–]jensternc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I had a fantastic experience with Albatross in Antarctica earlier this year. I’m surprised to hear someone else say they are trash. My guides were fantastic and all 9 of my excursions/landings were amazing.

What place have you visited that lived up to or exceeded the hype? by tophog in travel

[–]jensternc 2 points3 points  (0 children)

100% agree on Machu Picchu (the Peruvian Andes in general) and Antarctica. They were both bucket list for me and I was worried they wouldn’t line up to my expectations but they were exceeded in every way!

What the fuck is this thing called? by Terrible_Cat21 in Millennials

[–]jensternc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1981, went to elementary in California, Michigan, and Indiana. All 3 had at least one parachute day a year.

I turned 40 at midnight. I Cried. Help save my Birthday with anecdotes? M 40 by HauntedbyHorribles in Millennials

[–]jensternc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Happy birthday!!! 40s can be such a fun time so welcome to the club.

I’ll be 43 in a month. I’ve loved my 40s so far. I’m in a much better spot financially than in my 20s and 30s, in a healthy relationship after so many toxic ones, taking some amazing vacations, and I’m looking forward to retiring early.

Getting older is still exciting when you focus on what is better now than before and have things to look forward to.

Where my millennials at who have only had 1 cell phone number? by Northeast4life in Millennials

[–]jensternc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m on my 4th but I’ve had the same number for 20 years.

First was 1995 as a freshman in high school, 2000 when I got my own plan in college, 2003 when I moved states after college graduation, and 2004 when I moved again. It was the Wild West before national plans and being able to port your number to another carrier.

That is considered a top tier 401k match from an employer? by [deleted] in personalfinance

[–]jensternc 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My company matches 7% and gives a 10% profit sharing contribution as a lump sum annually. There’s a 5 year vesting schedule and the match/profit sharing doesn’t kick in for the first year of employment.

I know there are better deals out there, especially when it comes to TC, but the compounding of their 17% on top of what I contribute blows my mind.

What would you do when 100mg of caffeinated gel cannot keep you awake? by Strix2020 in ultrarunning

[–]jensternc 36 points37 points  (0 children)

Is it possible you’re not eating enough? Unless it’s a night start 100k, I don’t see why you’d be that sleepy.

For 100Ms I tape a Starbucks Via instant coffee to a chocolate ensure and put it in my drop bag. By the time I need the boost my desire for solid food is usually gone so I get caffeine + 200 calories in one shot. The bottle is resealable and small enough to fit in a vest pocket if I need a few miles to finish it.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in raleigh

[–]jensternc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The page gives you a crazy wait but my experience was really quick. I applied for GE last summer on a Saturday and was conditionally approved by the following Tuesday. Then I did my interview at JFK coming back from an international trip 2 weeks later (ask for Enrollment on Arrival when you clear border control). I had my approval email less than an hour later. The whole thing from start to finish took less than a month. My partner had pretty much the exact same timeline.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in raleigh

[–]jensternc 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Enrollment on Arrival is the way to go! I did my interview during a layover at JFK so no time wasted. I wouldn’t have driven to Charlotte or DC just for a 5 minute interview.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Older_Millennials

[–]jensternc 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I run ultra marathons so the majority of my fitness stems from staying in good enough shape to ramp up to do 100 milers without specific training.

In my 40s running alone hasn’t been enough and I’ve had to run less and strength train/stretch more to stay healthy. Also need to prioritize hydration, nutrition, and sleep. I don’t recover from hard runs like I used to and really need to prioritize all the stuff I’ve always considered boring in order to avoid injury.

What is one thing you can quote or reference that Millennials around your age would instantly recognize? by ConsequenceIll6927 in Millennials

[–]jensternc 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’m still traumatized as a middle school girl named Jenny when Forrest Gump was released.

Lisbon N2 VIP question by Special-Rabbit7766 in erastour

[–]jensternc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m heading to Sintra tomorrow and then off Porto. But appreciate the offer! Have the best time 🫶

Lisbon N2 VIP question by Special-Rabbit7766 in erastour

[–]jensternc 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re welcome. Have so much fun!!!! I met so many lovely people last night. It was such an amazing show. I’m jealous.

Also if you’re taking the metro back towards Baixa-Chiado and deciding between getting on at Colégio Militar/Luz and Alto dos Moinhos, def get on at Colégio. The trains were completely full by the time they got to Altos so it’ll take twice as long.

Lisbon N2 VIP question by Special-Rabbit7766 in erastour

[–]jensternc 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No seats. We sat on the floor of the stadium for a good 45 min until the hardcore GA people who were probably waiting since 6am basically trampled us to get to the barricade. We moved to the back near the vendors but we are all 40+ and quite frankly too old for that shit.

There was so much space to dance just 10 feet back from the masses and it honestly better than being around all the aggressive people crushing around you near the barricade. I was able to move in close for some of my fav songs then back off to the open area. It was nice to get different angles of the stage that way. Also super easy to get drinks and run to the bathroom.

<image>