Phillips Loop Blog 2018 Year in Review – Third Quarter

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As I continue to look back on the year, I find myself in the third quarter.  Most of my travel during this period was throughout Texas and Central America.  I hope that you all enjoy this installment as I much as I enjoyed traveling to those places.

I began the third quarter by traveling to one of favorite places in the world, the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.  The hotel that I chose to visit, The Worthington Renaissance, was a really nice hotel in downtown Fort Worth. From what I read online, I was excited to visit the property.  My visit turned out to be less than exciting, but I will return to compare my experiences. I did find some things to do around the city.

The Worthington Renaissance Hotel
The Worthington Renaissance Hotel

The Worthington Renaissance Hotel

Out and About in Fort Worth
Sundance Square Fountains
Out and About in Fort Worth
Pacuigo Fort Worth
Out and About in Fort Worth
Fort Worth Courthouse

As I continued through the month of July, I found myself in Galveston, Texas.  Having lived in Texas for more than six years, this was my first time to the city. There were some things that I really enjoyed during my visit.  The highlight of the trip was a visit to Sunflower Bakery.

Courtyard Marriott Galveston
Courtyard Marriott Galveston
Courtyard Marriott Galveston
Courtyard Marriott Galveston King Bed

Sunflower Bakery

Sunflower Bakery
Sunflower Bakery Sausage and Grits

After the trip to Galveston, I was able to fly Air China for the first time.  As of March 2018, Air China launched a fifth freedom route from Houston to Panama.  The experience on Air China was another highlight of my year.  The trip allowed me to experience the Panama Canal for the first time.  I was also “fortunate” to visit one of the smallest lounges ever.

Air China 777-300 First Class
Air China 777-300
Air China 777-300 First Class
Air China 777-300 First Class Suite
Air China 777-300 First Class
Air China 777-300 First Class Cocktail
Tocumen Royal Saloon
Tocumen Royal Saloon Entrance

Tocumen Royal Saloon

I returned to the states to find myself in Dallas for a short weekend.  I visited the Marriott Suites at the Medical Center, a property I visited before. One of the highlights of the visit to Dallas was Ichiro Ramen Shop.  The food reminded me of what I could find in Okinawa.

Marriott Suites Dallas
Marriott Suites Dallas Lobby Seating
Marriott Suites Dallas
Marriott Suites Dallas King Bed
Marriott Suites Dallas
Marriott Suites Dallas Lounge Seating

Ichiro Ramen Shop

Ichiro Ramen Shop
Tan Tan Ramen at Ichiro Ramen Shop

To wrap up the quarter, I took a visit to Tampa.  The main purpose of the trip was to fly on United Airlines’ 737 MAX aircraft.  It was quite the adventure, but I took it all in stride.  The Tampa Marriott Westshore was a decent property located just minutes from the airport.

KLM Royal Crown LoungeKLM Royal Crown LoungeTampa Marriott Westshore

Tampa Marriott Westshore
Corner King Suite at Tampa Marriott Westshore

Tampa Marriott Westshore

Final Word
The third quarter allowed me to visit Panama and Galveston for the first time.  I am thankful that I was able to experience these places.  Stay tuned for the 2018 wrap up which will be posted in the coming days.

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