Rapid Travel Chai

On my mind: second time on the same mileage run is more relaxing. The other two doing the same thing gave themselves up when the flight attendant came by with immigration forms, each said, “2 please.”

Events:

• Remember the Republika Srpska? Trouble is brewing in the Balkans and it is over a petty dispute.

• UNESCO welcomes restoration of sacred gate of Sidi Yahia in Timbuktu. Finally some good news for the suffering people of Timbuktu.

• Sidelined at the U.N., a frustrated Taiwan presses on. One of the great civil and democratic achievements of the 20th century and we all sit idly by with the status quo.

Ideas:

• Wells Fargo’s scandal looks uglier by the day. I caddied for many of the prior generation of Norwest and Wells Fargo executives including former CEO Dick Kovacevich. Hard and sad to reconcile that formative experience with what  we are seeing today.

• A conservative blogger asks, ‘Imagine if Republicans hadn’t lost their minds?’

• How a Russian fascist is meddling in America’s election.

Travels:

• 36 Hours in Minneapolis. Interesting to see one’s hometown through the eyes of a journalist or traveler.

• Humor: why I quit my job to travel the world.

• The Flight Deal warns against social media free ticket scams.

Hacks:

• Restaurant Hyatt Visa cardholders can register here for a one-time $50 discount on a Hyatt Regency stay in the US through 12/31/16, paid with a Hyatt Visa.

• The Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi has opened and is a Category 5 award, eligible for use of Chase Marriott card anniversary certificates.

• Hilton has opened up in Montenegro, the capital, not the tourist Bay of Kotor. The Hilton Podgorica is a work in progress: “We are pleased to announce that our Executive Lounge & Sky Bar, and the Spa & Pool will open later this year. We are delighted to welcome our guests at the Crna Gora Restaurant, and offer our fully equipped Fitness Room in the meantime.” 50,000 points/night is steep for the Balkans.