Spent an impromptu weekend In NYC. Some good use of certs I had for this trip.
- Booked an Acela Amtrak since it was a last minute trip and the price was the same as the Regional train (the low bucket fares were gone).
- I hit Amtrak Select status last year, so I have several 12-hour upgrade coupons. Upgraded to Acela First Class! Never done that before because it's absurdly expensive, but it was something of an experience just once. Big wide seats and 1x2 rows. One free meal. Free drinks and alcohol. Not worth the money, but for a free upgrade from standard Acela? That was cool.
- Used our final IHG unrestricted free nights at the Intercontinental Barclay. We've been here before and it's a great hotel. Nice quieter part of Midtown not far from Grand Central. I already miss those IHG certs!
- Friday night, saw Freestyle Love Supreme on Broadway once again. Second time seeing it. It's a freestyle rap/improv show directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda. He's occasionally in it too as the cast rotates for each show, but alas no such luck in ours. The show closes in a week, so if you happen to be in NYC make it a priority to see this one. It's outstanding.
- Saturday we visited the Times Square TKTS booth and got 40% off The Play That Goes Wrong. Hadn't seen this one before and it was pretty funny, although the gag wore a little thin by the end. But a very enjoyable show at a good value.
- On our way back home now. Used two more 12-hour upgrade coupons to get on Business Class on the Northeast Regional. Definitely not as fancy as Acela First Class but you get priority boarding, wider seats, and free non-alcoholic beverages.
Back to reality now!