So I was watching "Forbes Luxe 11" after several whiskey's(scotch), & was thinking of luxuries. Over the past few years I've paid for & enjoyed many luxuries, which as spoiled as it may be, are not that worthy.
Hotels: I've stayed in 1 star to 6 star hotels(a china thing). In my opinion the different between a 4 star & upwards purely has to do with service. In my current capacity, the need for extra service is rarely needed, & thus I rarely opt for above 4 star. Whilst traveling in distant lands & remote destinations I've stayed in 1 star or less, not only because it was the only option; but mostly due to location. I have not need to pick hotels based on their view, or other qualities; it's mostly comes to location &/or location to other destinations. While traveling internationally, what may seem unattainable financially(in the US), is minor in cost remotely.(My preferred 4 star in HK was $150/night, though I do love the 5 star) Movies: The best place to watch movies is at the 'arty' theaters. (always want to spell it theatre) Though the independent/arty theaters offer more thoughtful movies, their best benefit, is that people are there to watch....thus they're quiet through the whole movie, even credits. Oh, and they offer Toblerlone, though I prefer the GORP. Unless it's a big theatrical/surround sound event, thereupon the best stadium seats rule. Airlines: After 3 round trips to Hong Kong, on Continental, I received Silver Status. So what does this tell us? It's quite easy to gain status/miles while traveling to distant lands. I quickly switched to American Express, which gave me 2x points for my flights costs. Over my 3+ years commuting from the East Coast of the US to Hong Kong, I regularly flew Business or First Class on the long leg purely on upgradable miles. I only ever flew Business at cost (due to a managers insistence I fly to HK during the Olympics). My employer paid for my economy ticket & within a few days of mileage/point transfer I was flying better. (Singapore Airlines service is like no other, though I prefer the bar & seats on Virgin Upper Class). [Yes, I understand "Up in the Air" & spend time on FlyerTalk.com] Due to unknown reasons, my employer would not let me get/share an apartment, thus I was home for 2+ weeks before flying out to Asia. Cars: My father was an avid follower of European cars offered in the US. He had 3 Sterlings (Rover Sterling), a Scorpio, a MB 450, an Audi A8 (which replaced the MB 560 as the car to have). Thus, my obsession & turnover of cars is somewhat explainable. My favorite car ever was the '89 Mitsubishi Montero LS. [It had a spring loaded seat, thin sides(easy to get past trees), great suspension(for wild trips on NH logging roads), great engine & transmission, which quickly downshifted] I've had a few cars in between, but the last 3 are the most memorable...purely, I saw them as toys. The '04 VW Touareg V10TDI - twin turbo diesel 310HP, 553ft/lb; should say enough(though I should've bought the VW Phaeton W12), it was a beast; but sadly the VW staff in the US were not well trained & the transmission issues killed it quickly. 2006 Audi S4 Avant another beast, great car to have when not driving much & gas is cheap. 4.2 V8 in a small wagon, my first red car, I tweaked & tuned this car to about 390HP or so, though it couldn't chirp all tires like the Touareg. I'm currently motoring around in '09 MINI Clubman John Cooper Works which oddly is my first manual transmission car, I've rented & driven across country with manuals, but never wanted to own one before. Having now driven on the 4th of July up the NY Thruway & into NYC it's really not that bad, now LA could be a different story. I gave up my Audi S4 at 60k miles purely based on fuel costs, I was spending close to $200/week on fuel - at 13/20mpg; as I was driving 40+ miles/day to work. As much as my mind says buy a sports car, my conscious says utility; so unless I get a 2nd car, I'll always look at vehicles on their luggage space let alone performance. The MINI is the 1st car I've bought new, everything else was used/testers'.Clubs: Whether they be sporting clubs, social clubs et al., I highly suggest everyone joining one. Not only for the camaraderie, but the offer the escape from the daily annoyance you endure. Plus there's freedom in signing a tab (regardless, that you have to pay it at the end of the month)
Personal Trainer Gym: For many years I attended a local gym, where I went for 1-2 hrs lifted weights, did sit ups & other stuff; & didn't see a difference. With recommendation from a good friend, I tried a local gym where the trainers watched & changed weights daily based on "you." I now go to a gym for 30min or less, every other day & the difference is unimaginable; weight/size differences within weeks...& the cost is less.
Food: I can't to in depth into, as I'm a Foodie(though I hate the word). I've been lucky enough to have eaten at some of the best restaurants in the World. There are some restaurants, where you should go for a meal; which doesn't say you should go again. Some of the best meals I've had are in the nooks & crannies where most would not dare. Food in my mind is texture, smell, & taste; the presentation is nice, but really has no little bearing on the end result....e.g., I love Jelly Fish Salad, flavor is in the sauce; texture exotic, smell eh.
Luxury is when you're concerns are lifted. I'm a rather self sufficient person, if plans go awry, I can find others. Luxury is ability to find happiness from the situation, not from the situation providing happiness to you. Depending on the situation/location, throwing a wrench into the plan may improve it in the long run.
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