Belleville hotel with waterslide

Hey seoul!
Just a quick if distasteful question, we’re currently on a family vacation in Seoul for the next 4 days, staying in the Myeongdong area. The mrs and I wanted to get a little bit of private time, even if only for a couple hours, since we’re sharing a hotel room with my brother.
Are there any hourly hotels you guys can recommend in the area? Love hotels will do just fine.
Thanks in advance!

My friend (23 F) and I (23 F) have been close friends for about 4 years. Before I moved across the country with my now husband last year she got engaged and asked me to be a bridesmaid. I happily accepted. I talked on the phone today with her and she told me that she had a “bone to pick” with me. She’s upset that I won’t come to her bachelorette party because it’s too expensive, but then I will spend money on a tattoo. Let me explain further… I’ve been going through some crazy health issues that resulted in me not being able to walk for a while. After 6 months of going through hell I finally feel like I’m getting better thanks to physical therapy and medications. I haven’t done anything for myself since I got married last year or since my health issues occurred. I haven’t even gotten myself a new shirt, so I don’t think treating myself every once and a while is unreasonable. Since my friend and I had this conversation I feel like what I’ve done isn’t good enough just because I can’t go to the bachelorette party that’s across the country from me. I’ve spent in total $1700 (that includes flights, pet care, bridesmaid dress, shoes, etc.) that I don’t really have to be able to be there for her on her special day, which I want to say I don’t AT ALL mind to do. I’m actually thrilled to do it so I’m able to be there for her because I cherish our friendship, but she’s making me feel like I’m the asshole for getting a tattoo / treating myself and not going to her bachelorette party. And I’ve done the math and it would cost me another grand (if you include flights, hotel, Uber rides, food, drinks, etc.) to make that happen and I just don’t have that kind of money. So… am I the asshole in this situation?

Dreaming of a picturesque wedding in a stunning location? Consider a destination wedding at a resort in Chikmagalur. Planning a destination wedding can be an exciting and memorable experience, but it requires careful organization and attention to detail. In this ultimate guide, we will provide step-by-step guidance for couples considering a destination wedding at a resort. From selecting the perfect location to managing logistics and creating unforgettable experiences for guests, let’s dive into the essentials of planning your dream destination wedding.

1. Choose the Perfect Destination and Hotel in Chikmagalur: Start by selecting the destination that resonates with both you and your partner. Consider factors such as climate, scenery, accessibility, and local marriage requirements. Research popular wedding destinations and identify resorts that specialize in hosting weddings. Look for resorts that offer wedding packages, have experienced wedding coordinators, and align with your vision for the big day.

So, I have 3 Amex cards at this point - two of which I don’t use and think of closing down (the Basic card was my first Amex ever and I didn’t know what I was doing; the Platinum I got to increase my overall credit limit to improve my credit score). I’m thinking of getting a personal Platinum Amex because I have some expenses coming my way (car insurance on 2 cars, flights, hotels etc.) in the next two months which would help me reach the £6K welcome bonus threshold.
Question is - can I get the welcome bonus because of my Gold card? If not, what would be my best course of action?
My goal is to accumulate as many points and then transfer them to KLM miles and purchase flights there - I fly only with KLM because I have status with them. Is there any better options? In terms of Platinum itself, I don’t have that much use for it because I already have some other premium cards that give me more lounge passes than I need anyways, which is the main benefit of Platinum I’d say, isn’t it. I will also be going to London in 2 weeks just for a day and could potentially use the dining credit. I don’t live in London so the use of the dining credit is otherwise very limited.
Any tips will be much appreciated! ;)

I used to suffer a lot with anxiety but have learned how to handle it better and usually doesn't experience it most days now. However my boyfriend and I are moving across the country and this has caused a bit of anxiety for me.
The past month we've basically been nomads. It's too much detail to go into fully but basically we were staying at my grans, then his aunties, then 2 hotels, then my grandparents & then my parents.
Now today we're finally moving down. His parents have come with a moving van but unfortunately there's only 3 seats so I'm going down on a train. This makes me anxious because I'm scared my boyfriend could get in a car accident or something while we're apart.
I'm also stressed cause I have to change trains 3 times which I hate doing. The whole journey is about 4 1/2 hours.
Finally I just have had a bit of anxiety recently cause I don't like change & the place I'm moving from I experienced a lot of trauma. I'm so happy I'm leaving but I guess the fact that I'm leaving just makes me think about everything that happened.
I just can't wait for it to be over.

I don't even know when my paruresis started. I used to be able to pee in public with no problems at all and now i can't even pee in my own home if I haven't locked the bathroom's door.
Last summer i was coming back from a trip to London and i didn't eat or drink for 15 hours so that I wouldn't have to pee.
In September i'm supposed to go to a jewelry exhibition in Paris with some friends, and since one of them is absolutely terrified by planes we're supposed to go by train. That means 8 hours of no peeing, and we'd also take the night train back home, so no hotel, no safe bathroom. I can't stand this anymore it's limiting my freedom in ways i could never even expect

What are your experiences with cabify and Didi are they deemed safer than Uber?
I read somewhere that said they can only do drop off and not pick up in the hotel zone?

An entertaining story that I breezed through in two days; my favorite author's prose sings as usual. I do, however, have three major gripes with the plot:

1. Too much infidelity. I get it happens a lot in real life, but it's a bit tiresome when two of your main characters are cheaters and don't get punished for it.
   
2. Speaking of which, I disliked Anton Waker's fate. (Spoilers from here) If someone ruins the lives of others and indirectly plays a hand in over a dozen deaths, I want the asshole to rot in prison, not moodily reflect on his guilt in the novel's final paragraph. Fuck that dude.
   
3. I would've liked to learn more about the ultimate fates of Sophie and the titular singer. The novel feels about 20-30 pages shorter than it should be.
   

Perhaps I love Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul and their universe of "actions have consequences" too much, but this novel is sorely lacking in karma.
With that, I have read all of ESJM's novels and have enjoyed them all to a certain extent or another. My rankings/grades:
6th: The Singer's Gun - See above. Good, but her most flawed work. B-
5th: Last Night In Montreal - Interesting and with an excellent twist at the end. B
4th: The Lola Quartet - Gavin Sasaki is my favorite of ESJM's protagonists, mainly because he's juuuuuuust flawed enough to be interesting without being outright dislikable. The plot here is one of her tightest and satisfying as well. B+
3rd: Sea of Tranquility - Not super original as far as sci-fi novels go, but I enjoyed it nonetheless and found its examination of the future quite interesting. B+
2nd: The Glass Hotel - A fun excursion into the 2000s and the Kingdom of Money. A-
1st: Station Eleven - Her magnum opus, and a work she is unlikely to surpass in quality - but never say never! A

I can barely arrange an appointment...
I miss most appointments I make. I've booked hotels for the wrong dates in the past. I can't leave a place without leaving half my belongings behind me. I'm terrible with money management.
I got one of those wedding organising apps but then let the subscription run out by accident so all my hard work entering in guest names and vendors was lost.
I just wanted you all to know because I'm finding it hilarious. A friend of mine is getting married around the same time and she's a "Type-A" bride. I think I'm frustrating her with my lack of post-it boards and dedicated wedding notebooks.
Who knows what the day will be like. I'm excited to find out.

I'm F 45 and we are now on vacation with my husband and 4 other couples all of whom know each other and are friends. All of us wives are normal women who have normal jobs and are normally respectable people. We were really drunk at the club last night and we found out there was a wet t shirt contest happening there soon while we were drinking. Not in our right state of mind we all decided to makes our husbands horny and do the contest! Well we didn't know the language and signed some form at the beginning and we entered the contest. We all eventually got 100% NUDE and had a blast. After the contest tho we found out from one of the front desk agents who we had gotten to know at our hotel that the form is a permission form for the video of the contest which apparently is taken from a camera in the back of the room to be posted on their website, social media, used for marketing etc. I was so drunk last night that I honestly don't even remember what the spanish name of the club was. I just know we are all way too old to be 100% NUDE on the world wide web. 🫣

There are definitely the cases that it’s for the best to completely disconnect with family than to keep in contact with them, for yourself’s happiness and well-being.
I did so since 20 until now that I’m 34 and I still think it was for the best. But apparently there are difficulties that I wish to acknowledge earlier so that I do something to mitigate it. So I want to share what I found out so far and want other people who are in the same place to add more.

1. Lack of practical help in rainy days

Life has highs and lows. Having NO shelter to go back in emergency decreases general sense of security. Even just a place to stay for few months instead of hotel while you’re looking for next job or waiting for your new Visa makes difference.

1. Difficulty in explaining to others

While society is slowly realising disconnection is logical decision for some case, people celebrate keeping good relationship with family and show concern if someone does not. Asking “will you visit your parents?” “What does your brother do?” is not rude behaviour. Answering these questions in honest way requires you to be vulnerable.

1. Unsolved problem remains unsolved

I assume that disconnection with family is usually not something clearly discussed and concluded together, but it’s a result of one side (usually kids side) cut off or faded out. This means by disconnecting with family, we cut off possibility to discuss the problem together or possibilities for the family member who is a root cause to apologise.

I met this friend a few months ago; she was visiting from Germany to London for the first time for only 3 days. We met in a pub, and she approached me. Then she said it's so noisy here and would you like to walk outside. We walked outside for a few hours, talking about our lives. Then we discovered we had both been suffering from depression. We also shared our personality types. She is an ISFJ (28), and I am an INFP (24). We made a plan for the next day to travel around the city. After that, I walked her to the hotel. The next day, I was with her all day. Took her to a few interesting places in London. Even to shopping. She was looking for a dress, but it wasn't available at the store. But one of the store staff said it's available in different branche of store. So we went there and looked for it for about half an hour but couldn't find it in the displays. So she gave up and wanted to leave. Then I requested a manager of the store and he find it from their store room. Then my friend said I'm really impressed and said you don't really give up. In the evening, she left because she had made another plan with another guy to watch a musical. But before leaving, I express something that I never did: that I'm in love with her. But she said she only saw me as a friend. Is it wrong to fall in love with someone quickly? But she promised me that she'll never ghost me and she left for the musical. She left the UK the next day. Later, I asked her how her visit to London was. She said that it was amazing, and thank you for showing me around, but the musical was the best. That really killed me. I know she lives in different country and older than me. So she has so many reasons to ditch me. But I think she never told me the true reason why she ditched me. She also said we have different personality types. She said you're an N type, and I'm an S type. She also said that I'm very practical and you're a dreamer. So we can't be together. I think that's not even a true reason. Because I asked her, "What do you know about INFP?" She replied that I know nothing, and all the things I learned about INFP from memes. So I sarcastically said that it was very practical, by the way. Most of the things she says are very contradictory, like this. She used to ignore all the valid questions, and she used to say, I don't want to talk about this anymore. Once she said, "If you want to talk about something or need to vent, don't hesitate to text. One day I was very depressed, so I texted her, and she was like, I have my own problems too. After a month, we had an argument, and she finally said we have very different personalities and don't want to keep our friendship. She broke her promise and blocked me. I wasn't very sad about it at that moment, nor did I want to talk with her again. But so many things remind me of her, and it triggers my depression, which is hard to cope with. She gifted me a diary, which I threw in the trash to avoid depression. But the places I took her, I couldn't avoid. Like M&S stores and restaurants. Also, one of the historical places I took her was my work place, and every time I go there, it reminds me of her. I stopped going to work there but I still have to go to work there occasionally. I don't know how I'm going to cope with these situations. I don't have any relationship experiences and never been in one. I never had enough courage to express my love to someone. But this time I wanted to do it, even if it was too quick or she was going to say no. This time, my depression hit me very hard. My doctor stopped prescribing me any antidepressants because I overdosed twice. I don't have any good friends to share these with, and I'm sick of these shallow friendships. I live alone. I badly need a true relationship. But I don't know what to do. I'm just looking for some advice and support.

The lowest possible rates are when you join their free players club and book through their website, taking advantage of whatever offers they have going. Hands down.
Expedia, Hotels, Booking, Travelocity, Kayak, Orbitz, Priceline, and Vegas.com all had identical rates. They were all 27-29% higher than member promotional rates booked direct with MGM. Waste of time.
The current promo reads 15% off, but the prices were closer to 19-25% off depending on the resort. Don't trust the promo language.
Timing changes the price, but not by much. Mandalay Bay was $459 total for June 17 & 18 including resort fees and taxes. A few hours later it was $447. Not worth losing sleep over.
There's a glitch in their system where you can pre-pay parking. It's showing the weekday rate ($18) and not the weekend rate ($23). Save a little and pre-pay if you're going on a weekend.
Resort fees are taxed (13.38%). Parking is not.
Some nights have no prices, but that just means you can't book a single night. Often Friday will show no price/availability. But if you select Friday and Saturday it will let you reserve both nights.
The food and beverage bundle is worth it but only if there are no member discounts. A $50 F&B credit is usually about $20 and it goes up and down based on the credit amount. If there are member discounts, you will save more with that overall.
If you want to book a weekend (Friday & Saturday) now, the worst weekend is July 28 by far. The best is July 21. After that the best is June 16 and June 30. Click Here to see a pricing guide.

Back in the day, I swore off booking flights in portals.
But the promise of points sucked me in. I did what I never expected to do - I booked a hotel through the portal for the points.
It was for a joint in the Maldives. The hotel has no record of my reservation. I booked directly through their website to make sure we have a place to stay, and I charged back the Amex Travel charge. I obviously have tons of documentation on this, which has been submitted.
Anyone have experience with charging back Amex Travel for third-world hotels?

Destination Covered New Delhi – Agra – Jaipur – Goa

TOUR ITINERARY DETAILS

Day 01: Arrive New Delhi

On arrival Incredible Tour To India representative shall meet you at the airport to welcome you and transfer you to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Delhi

Enjoy full day city tour covering Laxmi Narayan Temple – The Place of Gods, India Gate – The memorial of martyrs, Parliament House – The Government Headquarters, Jama Masjid – The largest mosque in Asia, Red Fort – The red stone magic, Gandhi memorial – The memoir of father of the nation beside these some other places to visit are – Qutub Minar Complex and Humayun’s Tomb. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Delhi to Agra

Today we shall drive you to Agra. Agra is 205 kilometers away from Delhi and take 5 hours drive to reach. Arrive in Agra and check in into hotel. Later, we shall take you for a city tour covering -Taj Mahal – a poem written in white marble, the most extravagant monument ever built for love, Red Fort – a visit to the fort in ‘Agra’ is a must since so many of the events which lead to the construction of the Taj took place here, Itmad-ud-Daula’s Tomb – The tomb is of particular interest since many of its design elephants overshadow the Taj. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: Agra to Jaipur

Early morning, drive to Jaipur. The city is 235 kilometers away from Agra and take 5 hours drive to reach. En route visit Fatehpur Sikri (Old Deserted town of Mughal Dynasty) and its monuments which include Jama Masjid, The Buland Darwaza, Palace of Jodha Bai, Birbal Bhawan & Panch Mahal. Arrive in Jaipur and check into the hotel. Later relax in the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Jaipur

Today morning we shall take you for a tour to Amer Fort. Take joy ride on Elephant (presently Elephant Ride closed at Amber Fort for the time being). Afternoon enjoy city tour covering City Palace – occupies a large area divided into a series of courtyards, gardens & buildings and a perfect blend of Rajasthani & Mughal architecture, Royal Observatory – An observatory with some rare qualities to its credit, Nawab Sahab Ki Haveli, and the Bazaar etc. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06: Jaipur to Goa

In the morning, you’ll be transferred to airport to board connecting flight for Goa. On arrival in Goa met our representative and get transferred to your Hotel. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 07: Goa

In the morning, enjoy half day sightseeing tour of Old Goa. Evening is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08: Goa

Full day relax by the poolside/Beach. Overnight stay.

Day 09: Goa Departure

Morning is at leisure. In the evening, you’ll be transferred to the airport to board connecting flight for your onward destination.