Wander Words

Dollar Rent-A-Car
( Portland International Airport )
I’ve always been a BUDGET Rent-A-Car man, but this time I wandered outside of my usual to Carrentals.com and was lured over to Dollar for cost and a deal that had Budget quite beat. $67 Lock-n-Low special from Thursday late night through Sunday early evening. Since I’m not a credit card user, their web site said they only took a $250 hold on funds from your debit card vs. Budget’s $300 hold. I’m a budget traveller and that $50 difference is a world of difference for me. I completely disagree with the pirate-tactics of car rental agencies to lock your bank account funds in such a way when using debit cards instead of credit - but unfortunately the industry has us trapped. Dollar at least appears more sympathetic by having a lower hold fee. There was no line or wait at the Portland airport to pick up my car. The agent was very friendly (though tried to get me to add in extras) and hooked me up with a nice subaru (see above picture). The car was very new, clean, with heated seats, electric windows, sunroof, great sound system, and all the perks you’ve come to love in a vehicle. I loved my rental. The check-out process was streamlined. Oddly though when he checked me out, he stated you couldn’t leave the state of Oregon or Washington. It didn’t matter for this trip since I was just staying in Oregon - but in the future could see a problem with that. Unlimited Mileage and affordable prices. No problems with the car. It was a very nice ride. Check in was very efficient, streamlined, and got my receipt quickly. I had a very positive experience with Dollar. Thank you Dollar! Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5. Well counted my blessings too soon: They took the $250 debit card hold and charged it, the day AFTER I returned the vehicle. No charge for the $67 has appeared on my statement as of this writing (2/3/10) but they took my $250 and still have not returned it. After this experience, I’ve become wary of Dollar. Especially since after an hour of phone calls with them yesterday (2/2/10) ending in no resolution. They said it could take 2-5 days before refunding the money they were supposed to get a credit hold on and release the day the car was returned but instead cashed and are holding out on crediting back. As of this point, the company has made a 2 out of 5 rating as of this date (2/3/10). Rating: 2 stars out of 5 ~ Trust not what the representatives state and be very wary of their accounting techniques. In addition, for the Portland Office - they manage their own accounting. The Manager “Reza” was rude and not helpful, argued with me that he indeed submitted the payback, which according to my bank has not been submitted. With staff such as “Reza” - Dollar is bound to be heading downhill.

US Airways
www.usairways.com * 1-800-428-4322 * Flying Denver to Phoenix to Portland
US Airways started as a mail carrier called “All American Airways” in 1939. US Airways is the fifth largest airline in the United States. As a premiere member of the Star Alliance, it has access to a fleet of 353 mainline jet aircrafts and 319 regional jets; serving over 200 destinations in North America, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Hawaii, Europe and the Middle East. US Airways employs 33,765 people worldwide and operates 3,130 daily flights (2008 stats). In 2005 when US Airways and America West merged, the Airline majorly changed and formed the vast enterprise it is now. I’ve come to know this year of US Airways to be a friendly, fast, efficient, and affordable airlines that I seem to be using a lot towards the end of 2009 and beginning of 2010. One of their major hubs is the Phoenix International Airport. For the flight from Denver, it seems the last few times I’ve flown this airline, there is always a transfer from Colorado to the Phoenix Airport. (In December I flew from Denver to Phoenix to Orlando - This time from Denver to Phoenix to Portland). As I write this review, I’m aboard one of their planes from Phoenix to Denver, after hopping the initial flight from Portland to Phoenix. A week and a half ago I decided to attend the Faerieworlds Winter Celebration in Eugene, Oregon and cruised Kayak.com to find the most cost-effective flight available. The first page of displays were all “US Airways”. A flight leaving Thursday the 28th of January 2010 from Denver at 6 pm to Phoenix, with less than a hour layover, and onwards to Portland, Oregon. I was able to pay for the ticket online (routed to Cheaptickets from Kayak), get travel insurance for $15, pre-check in and print my tickets at home before heading to the airport. The only thing that bothered me from US Airways in the process was the fact they appeared to have raised their rates for checked luggage which I’m strongly opposed of any airline charging extra for checked luggage. This put a dampener on my trip as I couldn’t afford checked luggage and would have to pack on carryons. This meant I could not bring my bodypaints, my faerie wings, or my costumery. I’d have to pick up some paints once I got there and my unique costume would have to be sans wings. :: Sigh :: They allow one carryon and a personal item like a laptop bag or purse. (45 linear inches with max. weight of 40 lbs) I got to the Denver Airport in an hour and a half drive from Colorado Springs, went through security which seemed pretty packed, and on to the US Airways gate. I found a place to plug in my laptop with no issues, and was aboard the plane in no time. They got off on time and arrived in Phoenix a little early. The transfer to the Phoenix flight to Portland was on time and arrived in Portland early. Since I last minute booked the flight, I only had middle seats available to me, but that was ok as it wasn’t too tight a ride. The US Airways planes appear more spacious than the recent experiences/flights I had with United and Frontier. Of course very little food selections offered on the plane, not that I’d pay those outrageously high prices for chips or snacks. Free complimentary beverages as is the standard for US flights regardless of the airlines you go on. I’m not drinking sodas these days so I can’t state whether they give you the can or not (which when I was a soda drinker that was an important thing) - but the juices and water is poured in a cup, so I assume so. The stewardesses were friendly and hospitable. I quite enjoyed the flights. On the return trip during January 31st … much more comfortable and positive experience home - streamlined loading and unloading, no delays, early arrivals, and friendly / hospitable staff. This time I had window seats both flights home, with leg room to stretch since the middle seats were unoccupied. US Airways puts out a nice little magazine called the same as their name, with nice glossy color photo pages and good articles. They recently implemented a rule that you cannot store laptops in the seat-back pockets. I checked my bag in for the flight home, it cost me $20 online baggage checkin (I think $25 if I didn’t do it online). Baggage drop-off at the Portland airport was quick with no waiting, and streamlined. My travels this time around with US Airways has been a positive and enjoyable experience. Thank you US Airways! Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5. Flown 1/28/2010 & 1/31/2010.

US Airways
www.usairways.com * 1-800-428-4322 * Flying Denver to Phoenix to Portland
US Airways started as a mail carrier called “All American Airways” in 1939. In 2005 when US Airways and America West merged, the Airline majorly changed and formed the vast enterprise it is now. I’ve come to know this year of US Airways to be a friendly, fast, efficient, and affordable airlines that I seem to be using a lot towards the end of 2009 and beginning of 2010. One of their major hubs is the Phoenix International Airport. For the flight from Denver, it seems the last few times I’ve flown this airline, there is always a transfer from Colorado to the Phoenix Airport. (In December I flew from Denver to Phoenix to Orlando - This time from Denver to Phoenix to Portland). As I write this review, I’m aboard one of their planes from Phoenix to Denver, after hopping the initial flight from Portland to Phoenix. A week and a half ago I decided to attend the Faerieworlds Winter Celebration in Eugene, Oregon and cruised Kayak.com to find the most cost-effective flight available. The first page of displays were all “US Airways”. A flight leaving Thursday the 28th of January 2010 from Denver at 6 pm to Phoenix, with less than a hour layover, and onwards to Portland, Oregon. I was able to pay for the ticket online (routed to Cheaptickets from Kayak), get travel insurance for $15, pre-check in and print my tickets at home before heading to the airport. The only thing that bothered me from US Airways in the process was the fact they appeared to have raised their rates for checked luggage which I’m strongly opposed of any airline charging extra for checked luggage. This put a dampener on my trip as I couldn’t afford checked luggage and would have to pack on carryons. This meant I could not bring my bodypaints, my faerie wings, or my costumery. I’d have to pick up some paints once I got there and my unique costume would have to be sans wings. :: Sigh :: They allow one carryon and a personal item like a laptop bag or purse. (45 linear inches with max. weight of 40 lbs) I got to the Denver Airport in an hour and a half drive from Colorado Springs, went through security which seemed pretty packed, and on to the US Airways gate. I found a place to plug in my laptop with no issues, and was aboard the plane in no time. They got off on time and arrived in Phoenix a little early. The transfer to the Phoenix flight to Portland was on time and arrived in Portland early. Since I last minute booked the flight, I only had middle seats available to me, but that was ok as it wasn’t too tight a ride. The US Airways planes appear more spacious than the recent experiences/flights I had with United and Frontier. Of course very little food selections offered on the plane, not that I’d pay those outrageously high prices for chips or snacks. Free complimentary beverages as is the standard for US flights regardless of the airlines you go on. I’m not drinking sodas these days so I can’t state whether they give you the can or not (which when I was a soda drinker that was an important thing) - but the juices and water is poured in a cup, so I assume so. The stewardesses were friendly and hospitable. I quite enjoyed the flights. On the return trip during January 31st … much more comfortable and positive experience home - streamlined loading and unloading, no delays, early arrivals, and friendly / hospitable staff. This time I had window seats both flights home, with leg room to stretch since the middle seats were unoccupied. US Airways puts out a nice little magazine called the same as their name, with nice glossy color photo pages and good articles. They recently implemented a rule that you cannot store laptops in the seat-back pockets. I checked my bag in for the flight home, it cost me $20 online baggage checkin (I think $25 if I didn’t do it online). Baggage drop-off at the Portland airport was quick with no waiting, and streamlined. My travels this time around with US Airways has been a positive and enjoyable experience. Thank you US Airways! Rating: 4 stars out of 5.

Breakfast King
* 1100 S. Santa Fe Dr./300 W. Mississippi Ave * Denver, Colorado 80223 * (303) 733-0795 * 24 Hours *
The Breakfast King looks like a typical old-fashioned chain diner, but its a unique infamous greasy spoon of Denver sub-culture. All American roadside diner, with classic 70’s style decor, bright orange booths, and a large menu of selections. The Westword calls it a “culinary time capsule” that still serves Coney Island hot dogs, chiliettes, and other classic foods. I second their observations. Located right next to I-25 its definitely a great stop off for weary travellers and a great place for breakfast after a night of clubbing. The service is fast, friendly, and the classical diner atmosphere you’d expect from the diner age. I had the Pancake sandwich with scrambled eggs inside … delicious. Visited 1/17/2010. Rating: 4 stars out of 5.

The Church, Sundays Goth Night (Denver, Colorado)
http://www.coclubs.com/church/churchMain.html * 1160 Lincoln, Denver, CO 80203 * 303-832-2383 * churchmanager@coclubs.com *

Located in a artsy art-deco cathedral, this multi-roomed/ multi-bar club has an ambience worth dying for. With a delicious sushi bar in one of the back rooms, this bar has it all. I originally visited the venue during the Colorado Dark Arts Festival and had an incredible time at their establishment. From 2007-2009 on Sunday nights they had a Goth night in the basement and hiphop or techno up above. Both rooms downstairs were goth/industrial/ebm. At that time the place was often crowded, with yet enough room to still find a space to dance. As of 2009-2010, the Goth night has been moved up into the cathedral room with all three bars open, and the Sushi bar flowing with great sushi and Japanese treats. The music is great and there is plenty of room for dancing on the dance floor without rubbing elbows. Extroadinarily improved ambiance for the night. They did away with the hip hop / techno night above and now is only a Sunday Goth club. Much better improvement and major Kudos to the management. Great staff and incredible DJ’s. It’s a good Sunday night escape. Rating: 5 stars out of 5. [ 2007-2008 -- Rating: 4.25 stars out of 5]. Visited 1/7/2007; 7/20/2008; several dates in 2008 and 2009. 1/17/2010.

getting drinks at V Bar

Bar V (or V Bar)
* 19 E Kiowa St * Colorado Springs, CO 80903 * (719) 471-8622
A great low-key bar in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, off one of the side streets, low light, and tucked in as a cool, dark, art-deco hide-a-way located near 15c and Rubbish Gallery. The bartenders are extremely friendly and talented at making drinks, the atmosphere warm and accepting, and everyone friendly. Music during happy hours on fridays until the late night crowd arrives is a fantastic mix of alternative 80’s that brings any 80’s child down memory lane. Saturdays provide hiphop, techno, and sometimes electronic. I’ve come to enjoy this place as an absinthe bar for they now carry three to four different brands and have the proper water dripping absinthe tap. This is by far my favorite local hangout. On the weekends they have live dj’s with house or hiphop, but rest of the week is alternative selections from the bartenders, such as Ivaldo, with which combination rocks. The martinis as well, especially the Chocolate V, are quite tasty and superbly made. As well, this place has a selection of at least 4 top shelf absinthe to choose from and adds a wonderful ambience to the absinthe experience. This bar could pull off labelling itself a much-needed absinthe bar if they wanted to take that angle. Rating: 5 stars out of 5.

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Blondie’s Sports Bar and Grill
* 24 N. Tejon, Colorado Springs, Colorado *
I’ve been to Blondie’s a few times. Originally set out with an alternative zing, but has since degraded to a standard yuppie bar with your normal mainstream folk. It started out as a sports bar with blonde waitresses, plasma TVs, pool tables and live music three or four nights a week. My timing must be off as I’ve never seen live entertainment at the club and the place, while double-story, is too tight and small with the crowds it gets in. Mobility in the place can be difficult at times without banging elbows. Especially the dance floor which is placed in the middle of the walkway between the downstairs bar and the bathrooms which makes dancing difficult and obnoxious when you constantly have a stream of folks walking through it. Upstairs is a nice patio with a fire pit, and is probably the only saving grace of the joint as everyone likes a fire on a cold Colorado night to socialize around. But more and more, mainly the clientele, I’ve lost interest in this place. It does connect with Rum Bay. You can easily walk between the bars as you like through the Red martini bar and on into Rum Bay. The music is ok, and has declined in flavor. Stage dancers are a feature of the lower level dance floor. Rating: 3 stars out of 5. Visited 01/15/2010.

the Ritz Grill
* http://ritzgrill.com/ * 15 S Tejon St * Colorado Springs, CO 80903 * (719) 635-8484 *
The Ritz grill is a popular ‘older crowd’ bar and dance place in downtown Colorado Springs. Often frequented by 80’s cover bands and other live acts, the Ritz is a full scale restaurant and bar. They often throw themed parties like “Fat Tuesday”, “Halloween”, and “Xmas parties”. This visit on 11/15/2010 was a fundraiser for the Haiti Earthquake survivors. The food is very food. Though this visit I only came a drinkin’ vodka n’ club soda. Good service, friendly staff, fun times. Rating: 3.75 stars out of 5.

King Chef’s Diner
* 131 E. Bijou St., Colorado Springs, Colorado * 719.636.5010 * http://www.kingschefdiner.com/
My first experience at the King Chef’s was pretty good and tasty. While I only got the “enormous” pancake scramble sandwich, I found the place to be reasonably priced, with large portions, friendly staff, and good service. Its nice to have a diner right in the heart of Colorado Springs. I’m guessing its a new addition to the downtown scene, a bar/club stumble from the Springs’ main clubs, and having late night hours. They were brilliant in choosing this location. They are known for their green chili dishes. Apparently there is a smaller diner outlet (13 seat original purple castle) on Costilla in downtown that is also a popular place (but with little seating) that I’ve somehow missed over the last four years partying downtown. This larger Bijou Street location has plenty of seating any day of the week and are now open late on fridays and saturday nights. Apparently they are known for their burgers, burritos, melts, and chili dishes. Rating: 4 stars out of 5.

The Hatchcover
252 East Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard * Colorado Springs, CO 80906-3720 * (719) 576-5223 * http://www.hatchcover.biz/
A double-story remote restaurant off of Cheyenne Mountain Boulevard - one of the last places you’d expect to find a seafood based restaurant and bar. Its more of a fried grill bar or tavern. Its a pretty well known neighbourhood hangout on the southside of Colorado Springs and is often called “The Hatch” by its patrons. Friendly staff and good service. I’ve been to the ‘hatch’ a few times. Always seems to be a popular spot for co-workers going away parties, birthday parties, and events. This visit I enjoyed the Crab cakes - which were pretty good for a landlocked area and at a decent price. Two Maryland crab medallion cakes werved with a side of chipotle aioli for $7.99. Just drank Grey Goose vodka and club soda so can’t comment on the beers. Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5.