Using Proxy Switching Web Apps to Save on Travel

Update 5/14/2016:

I just used the same trick to save over $200 on two New Zealand inter-island plane tickets.

NZ Air with normal USA internet connection: $336

NZ Air with web app set to NZ local internet: $123

Labor Day Weekend in Chicago

September 4th:

Hans and I had a very early direct flight from Baltimore to Chicago.  We arrived at our hotel in the Theater District by around 10:30 am and thankfully the staff allowed us to check in early.  After a little rest and map studying Hans and I walked south on Clark Street until I arrived at the Chicago outpost of my job.  Hans took off to wander the lakefront area and I met up with some folks for lunch.  We ate at Saucy Porka, a fusion restaurant, where I had their carnitas and kimchi sandwich.  I nabbed some chorizo egg rolls for takeout. 

Volunteering at Arlington National Cemetery

This year I'm not volunteering at the White House.  Instead I decided to help with the annual wreath laying at Arlington National Cemetery.  Hans and I arrived by metro with over 5,500 other volunteers.