Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with solo

Hotel and food recommendations for a solo traveller to NYC

une_heure_pleine — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 19:52:42 -0800

Visiting New York for the first time (from Australia) in a couple of weeks. Will be travelling solo, and am looking for hotel and food recommendations. (I did search, but the answers are a few years old now, or aimed at different budgets)

I'm perfectly happy with my own company most of the time, especially during the day. Even so, I'd like to meet a few people to go for a drink or dinner some nights, as I'll be there for two weeks. In the past when I've travelled solo, I've stayed in dorms. I'm a bit older now (late 20s) and have less tolerance for all-night boozing and general grottiness.

So, any suggestions for either a hostel with private rooms that's friendly but not party-central, or a budget hotel with a sociable common area where I might meet people? Budget is ideally no more than $80 per night but could stretch for the right place. Private bathroom is nice but not necessary.

Alternately, suggestions for other places to go/things to do where I might meet some people to hang out with for a night?

Also, I'm interested in checking out a couple of the better restaurants in town. I'm expecting to have to do this alone unless I randomly meet another foodie. Any ideas for restaurants in $30-for-a-main-course bracket where I'll be treated like a human being despite being there alone? My preference is for high quality, innovative food, rather than just wherever is hot right now.

I wanna shred you up!

sprocket87 — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:14:12 -0800

Looking for recommendations of modern indie rock artists that aren't afraid to shred & solo - on the electric guitar, not a Casiotone. I'm a major music fan with tastes all over the board. For the past couple years I've been super heavy in the indie world. Much of what I've been listening to is quite, shall we say, "eclectic", and very experimental. I've noticed that prominent use of the guitar seems to be languishing in such music. It's present, yes, but subdued, scrubbed through a sea of effects, and diluted either into a wash of supplemental melody or a wall of noise. The Moog solo has replaced the guitar solo - and though that isn't a bad thing per se, I want to get back to my roots, so to speak.

I feel like I'm ready to go through an electric guitar rennaissance. I miss the riffs, energy, and lead of yore. Few 90's alt songs were lacking a decent solo, and I really miss that.

So, what can you recommend? I'm NOT looking for "classic" examples of solo-centric bands (classic rock, 90s alt, metal, etc). I've got plenty to choose from there (though, for examples' sake, Pink Floyd fits the bill nicely - really experimental music that employed guitar solos masterfully, yet weren't a silly shredder hair band either).

I'm looking for recent/up & coming bands that aren't afraid to turn the amps to 11 and bust out some righteous solos, or, at the minimum, that use the guitar in a technically impressive fashion, instead of just a yawn-inducing strum box.

Note: I'm not just looking for loud, power-chord-weilding indie bands (Glasvegas, Pains of Being Pure at Heart, etc). I love this stuff too, but I want to hear some riffs, man!

Examples:

The White Stripes (their older, more guitar-centric stuff - Ball & Biscuit, etc)
Apollo Up! (This is pretty much exactly what I'm talking about)
Some B.R.M.C.
Alberta Cross, a little
Eh... can't think of any others at the moment?

Don't feel that it has to be restrained to a certain genre, per se, but I'm not looking for pure metal (Uneath, Skeletonwitch, etc). Like I said, lots of easy choices there. I'm looking for more eclectic, indie-oriented groups that incorporate heavy guitar lead into their music.

Thanks!

Last minute advice for solo trip to Paris?

cider — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:21:50 -0800

I'm heading off to Paris for four days, and I'm starting to get a bit nervous that I'll forget something important. I've never been to Paris, and I haven't been to Europe for fifteen years. I'll be staying by myself in a hotel in Arondissement 7. I'm wondering if you can help me out with any last-minute tips or things I'm likely to have forgotten. Here are the types of questions that I suddenly find myself asking:

Will I need an adapter of some sort in order to charge my camera or ipod?

Am I required to carry my passport with me, and if so, should I get some sort of money belt? (I believe my hotel room has a safe deposit box -- is it better to leave it there?)

I'm assuming that I can get Euros out of a bank machine with my regular (Bank of America) card. (That's what I did in Germany years ago.) Is this true?

Will I generally be safe walking around at night? I'm a woman who will be travelling by herself; are there areas I should avoid?

I hate not having access to internet in case I want to look up directions, print tickets, or other computer-based tasks. I have an iPod touch -- is there likely to be free wi-fi around? Are internet cafes common in Paris?

Is there anything else that I'm forgetting?

Thanks so much!

A good German

Jody Tresidder — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 09:52:19 -0800

I've failed to find a long-ago post (or - dread thought - it COULD have been a comment!) featuring an astounding young German guitar player performing an extraordinary solo of a classical nature - with dazzling finger technique. It starts low key - and builds to an amazing crescendo. My memory insists either his first name - or surname - was Thomas - but spelled slightly oddly. The player was, I think, under 20 & had already recorded an album. He was performing on his own - but in a club or concert setting. (My eyes are blurring after searching pages & pages of posts tagged "guitar"). Obviously - for some demented reason - I forgot to favorite it at the time. Thanks so much if this chimes with anyone!

How do I get one ticket to tomorrow's Yankees' game?

docgonzo — Sat, 23 May 2009 17:03:14 -0800

Best way to get a solo Yankees ticket for tomorrow? I'm in NYC for the weekend and want to go to Sunday's matinee game -- sit in the bleachers, drink beer, etc. What's the best way to get one ticket? (StubHub appears to only sell doubles...) Thanks!

Hang out the shingle or get more experience first?

Happydaz — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:10:50 -0800

I just graduated from law school on Sunday. I want to open my own law firm and practice criminal law after I pass the Oregon bar. But how can I get up to speed fast enough that I don't give my new clients poor legal services? I've been reading several books on starting your own practice. (Foonberg's 4th edition, How to Start your own Solo Practice and Succeed by Gerald Singer, and Solo by Choice.) But these books all focus on the business side of starting a law practice. Getting clients, running an office, whether you have the right personality to solo, etc. What I want to know is can I realistically become competent enough in criminal law that my clients aren't getting screwed while I learn the ropes?

I would really like to hear from anyone who has started their own law firm in any area of law. Did you start right out of law school or did you work for someone else first? What would you change if you could do it again?

How to solo on the sax?

GernBlandston — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:07:09 -0800

My 10 year old has been playing saxophone for a little while now, and she wants to start playing solos. How does one learn to play solos on the sax? What are the first steps?

I will not come back from London in a body bag!

kldickson — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:36:15 -0800

How can I convince my parents that it's not dangerous for 20-year-old women to travel overseas to at least a handful of locations, given common sense? I'm a 20-year-old female student who wants to travel overseas at least once during undergrad. Dad doesn't seem to be concerned. Mom, however, is having none of it unless I have a traveling companion of some sort, which frankly I'm not concerned about, and my particular circumstances don't make finding a travel companion easy (the only person who I would conceivably travel anywhere with is in Romania, and Mom demands I not be alone on even the overseas flight.)

I mean, it can't conceivably be life-threatening to visit London or Paris. Pyongyang without a tour guide, maybe. But London or Paris or Athens? Shit where people my age travel solo YEARLY and come back healthy and happy?

There are other issues Mom has that compound this, but let's focus on Mom's inability to see that it's really okay to travel solo to some places as a 20-year-old. What data can I give her on solo female traveling? She's not so blinkered as to not listen to facts, in most cases.

Hiking safely alone

footnote — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:13:32 -0800

I, a female-type person, have been inspired by this FPP to hit the road again, but is it safe for me, a female-type person, to go alone? I'm thinking about hiking the length of the C&O Canal solo (180 miles - I'd probably do it in 2.5 weeks because I'm slow) and camping along the way. I'm not worried about getting lost or injured, because it's a flat tow path the whole way, but I am worried about getting tragically slain by a psychopath.

Rustbelt Roadtrip!

lunasol — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:13:27 -0800

Looking for tips for my upcoming Minneapolis - New York roadtrip. Specifically, where should I sleep, and are there cool things along the way I should check out? I'll be by myself and this will be in December. I've done variations on this trip several times, but never by myself and always in a rush. Since i'll be doing this trip alone, I plan on pacing myself: 19 hours over three or maybe even four days. Here's a map of the route I'm likely to take, with this route as an alternative.

Questions:

Where are good places to stay along this route? I'd like to try to stay in some cute towns, as opposed to a strip mall motel or spending 3 hours getting into and out of a city like Chicago. I'm really into old industrial towns, which there should be a lot of along this route. Or a college town could be good. Either way, a hotel/motel in town where I can walk to a nearby restaurant/coffee shop after a day of driving would be perfect, and I'd like to keep it under $100/night.

Any other good places to stop along the way? I'm looking for good places to eat (ie, great examples of local cuisine, exceptional road food, diners, etc) or cool historical spots, or really anything interesting along the way to break up the monotony of the road.

Also, I've read a lot of the other road trip questions, but I'll certainly take any general road trip advice you've got. I've never done such a long trip by myself!

To answer questions that might come up: I have a AAA membership, I plan on tuning up my car before I go, and yes, this trip does need to be made by car.

I'm going to New Zealand- tell me everything!!

drjimmy11 — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 11:01:59 -0800

I'm going to New Zealand- tell me everything!! Please tell me everything and anything that will help me have a cool, exciting, adventure in New Zealand. I'm flying into Auckland 12/26/08, leaving 1/12/09, and have only a vague plan so far.

About me: From Los Angeles, early 30s, have traveled to UK and Europe but that's about it. I'm a writer and plan to incorporate experiences from this trip into a semi-memoir/travel narrative/fiction hybrid kind of thing I want to write. I enjoy outdoorsy stuff, music, film and cultural stuff, and just chilling someplace quiet. I am not a tremendous fan of traveling by myself, but that is what I'm stuck with in this case- anything that would help me meet locals and have someone to talk to besides myself would be greatly appreciated. I am a "pescatarian" so no lamb, but do love good seadfood.

My original goal was to take this boat trip to NZ's sub-antarctic islands. I was put on a waitlist and haven't heard back, so that seems out. My plan now is to rent a car in Auckland and drive south, exploring along the way. I'll then take a boat to Stewart Island and hopefully hike the 3-day Rakiura Track, then drive back north.

So, I have many many questions:
1) What are the cool things I absolutely need to do in the big cities, Auckland and Christchurch?
2) Accommodations: I'm told it may be crowded during the high season- will I be ok just reserving a hotel in Auckland and booking as I go- or will I regret not booking everything in advance? I am not totally adverse to hostels, but would prefer a cheap-to-moderate, clean hotel at this point in my life.
3) New Year's Eve: Anything especially cool I should do?
4) "Farm stays" This concept intrigues me. Are there any in particular that are highly recommended? Are there any that are more vegetarian friendly, ie they wont ask me to hack the head off of anything or watch as they do? (I'm also considering stopping at Stonehaven homestay in Blenheim, since by all reports it seems to be the best thing ever, and I wouldn't mind exploring the wine country a bit.
5) the south island and the Southern Alps. The south island seems to be overflowing with natural beauty- is there any one thing I just can't miss? (love LOTR books but would prefer to forget the movies, so dont really need to see where they were filmed)
6) Stewart island- anything in particular I need to know about hiking and getting in/out? Do I need to reserve accommodations for the night I get there? I have read up on the hut system along the tracks, but will it be so crowded in summer that I should bring a tent in anticipation of them not having room? How badly will I regret it if I don't bring a stove and choose to just eat cold food for 3 days? I do have the (amusingly named to an American) "Tramping in New Zealand," and it does have a list of necesssary equipment. But what one thing will I regret not bringing? And what stuff i should I try to bring over from the US, and what should I buy/rent there?
7) If I go around quoting "Flight of the Conchords," will people find it amusing, or is everyone sick of it by now?

Whew. That is a lot. Sorry.

Where to go on my own?

sbutler — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:36:42 -0800

Help me plan a solo vacation! I had been planning a vacation with friends at the end of October, but they're now considering a destination I'm not so hot on. I still want to travel, so what would be a good alternate trip? So much more inside. Original Plan: visit a friend in Boulder over Halloween. Do the things that normal late 20 somethings do: eat, drink, and be merry.

New Plan: visit a friend in Houston.

The Problem: I have some real geeks as friends. Chances are, more than one evening will be dedicated to Smash Brothers and Magic the Gathering. Fine, whatever, but no thanks. Thing is, I know Boulder well enough that I can go off and do my own thing; many interesting places are within walking distance. If we go to Houston, I'll be trapped in a boring suburb (their own admission) and I fear more nights than not will be me watching a movie while they play Morrowind. I can do that just as well at home.

Backup Plan: I thinking about a road trip. Somewhere within a 16 hour drive of central Illinois. Let's say less than $800.

Likes and Dislikes: taking photos. Being outside and taking photos. Visiting museums/historical sites, and taking photos. I think you get the idea. I just bought a wide angle lens and I've been making excuses to use it. Send me somewhere I can take my camera along!

I also like hot showers and warm beds. So while day hikes are invigorating, multi-day hikes are annoying.

So, where should I go?

To head off the inevitable: yes, my friends are aware of my problems with the new plan. But they're excited about Houston and I'm not going to raise a huge stink. I'd rather just bow out and do my own thing.

Guitar solos 101

punkfloyd — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 07:33:13 -0800

I have been teaching myself guitar over the past few years and I still don't understand how to structure and play a guitar solo. Let's say I am playing a simple blues progression (I-IV-V) ...I have taught myself the blues scale... but when do I play what note? And do I need to move the scale up/down the neck in time with the progression. I want to be able to noodle an original solo... not just copy something already recorded.

Cool project ideas for HD?

angry.polymath — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:28:23 -0800

Help me do something cool with a borrowed pro HD video camera. Many constraints, detailed inside. So, I've got about 36 hours with a borrowed HD camera (a stock JVC GY-HD110U, in case you're wondering), and I have *zero* ideas for any fun projects I can do with it.

Normally I have no shortage of ideas for stuff like this. The problem I have is that it has to be a solo project - all of my local friends have "day jobs" and families and kids and yada yada, and can't come out to "play movies" with me. And Mrs. Polymath is out of town for the rest of the week.

So all I have to work with is me, the camera, a tripod, my dog, and my cat. And whatever is in my house (two home offices, a rec room, the usual living/eating rooms, a bunch of Macs, etc). I'm trying to find a humorous premise for a 3-5 minute short that I can shoot by myself, without looking like a lonely loser.

Can anyone get my creativity gland secreting on this..? Many thanks.

Meditative and healthy vacation ideas?

NikitaNikita — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 19:10:42 -0800

Looking for personal retreat/solo vacation ideas, combining meditation, fitness, and relaxation. Could also use some tips on how to plan such a vacay. Any ideas? In a similar vein as this fellow, I'd like suggestions for a personal retreat/solo vacation which combines opportunities for exercise, contemplation, and meditation. I've been feeling severely burnt out for various reasons, and would like to find a place to take a personal retreat. Fitness-wise, I enjoy yoga and hiking (but I am a little out of shape), beaches or mountains, would like access to healthy eating options, and would also consider more organized programs.. like, things of a boot-camp-y nature, or sessions on self-esteem, -awareness, etc. I also enjoy writing -- i can do that on my own, but iof there's something writer's retreat oriented you have input on, that'd be great too. I'm a 29 yo female likely leaving out of the southeast USA, and since I'm sort of limited on funds, cheap and/or spartan living would be fine by me. I guess about a week would be a nice long enough stretch of time.

I'm trying to figure out how to build such a trip, on my own, perhaps combining a drive with a visit to an ashram? or something of that sort. So, anecdotes on how one might have gone about planning this are welcome too, since taking/planning vacations is not my forte.

In fact, if there's something you know of that can be quickly planned and embarked upon... say, in a week or so? that'd be extra cool, for the spontaneity factor. (see, told you planning is not my forte.)

Thanks! (and if more info will help, lemme know...)

Advice for traveling alone in Morocco?

farishta — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 15:46:27 -0800

Advice about traveling alone in Morocco and Madrid, or about solo travel more generally? In about a week I'll fly to Marrakech, where I have four nights booked at a Riad. I have another flight booked ten days later from Tangier to Madrid, where I'll spend another five days before returning to England. Other than that I have no concrete plans. I'll most likely train from Marrakech to Tangier, perhaps through Casablanca, but I am more than welcome to any suggestions about how to spend ten days in Morocco along this route. Should I take the Marrakech/Tangier train overnight? Are there any must-visit spots nearby? Should I go to a bullfight in Madrid, and if so, how and where? I've read the standard resources (guide books, wikitravel, previous AskMes), and my only vague worry concerns the fact that I will be traveling solo.

Does anyone have any general (or Morocco/Madrid-specific) advice about traveling alone? What and how much reading material should I bring? Are there any good tricks for staying sane for two weeks of solo travel? Any particular dangers for a 23 year old male to avoid? I'll likely be staying at hostels, where I'll meet people for short excursions, but I'm more concerned about having no one at hand to constantly bounce ideas off of, ask questions, consult, etc.

Thanks in advance!

Hiking trails in Phoenix/Scottsdale?

greenchile — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:14:31 -0800

My wife will be in Phoenix/Scottsdale for a few days for work. She'd like to do some hiking. Are there any hiking trails (easy to moderate, 1-3 miles) that are picturesque, peaceful and safe for a woman hiking alone?

A dentist with no dental hygienist .

who squared — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 09:30:52 -0800

Is it acceptable practice for a dentist not to have an assistant? A co-worker recently mentioned that his dentist doesn't have an assistant, just a secretary. Is this common? Is it a warning sign of a bad dentist? AFAIK, nobody has been recently fired and the dentist has been in his solo practice for at least 2 years.

Do I have to buy a phone to get a SIM card?

cmonkey — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 17:27:46 -0800

Will AT&T Wireless sell me a SIM card without a phone if I walk into their store? I recently bought an unlocked quad band GSM phone for use while travelling, but I'd like to transfer my service from another provider and use it as my primary phone in the US with one of AT&T's monthly GoPhone plans as well. I'd rather not have to buy another phone to get the SIM card, which appears to be the only option with their website, so what are my chances of them selling one to me in person?

Halloween filter: How do I make a cost-effective Han Solo replica gun?

the ghost of Ken Lay — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 09:17:20 -0800

Halloween filter: How do I make a cost-effective Han Solo replica gun? I bought this with the plan of modifying it so it looks more like han's blaster from the first star wars movie. My plan is to find a used/broken scope from somewhere and mount it on the top. I also am going to the Home Depot to buy some kind of pipe to put on the nozzle so it looks more like the real one. The few howtos I found on the internet assume a lot of experience doing this kind of thing.

My concern is that I've never done this kind of thing before. I'm mechanically inclined and am comfortable with small home repairs, hot glue guns, and spray paint. I probably have access to a drill but am not sure what kind of bits I have.

Could someone more experience than me help me answer these questions or provide some general commentary?

1. What should I look out for at home depot? Should I just buy a small pvc pipe and some kind of funnel, glue them together, spray paint them, and glue them to the gun's nozzle? Is there a better way to do this?

2. What kind of scope can I mount on here? Is there a toy scope I can get cheaply that I can just glue on there? I imagine a real rifle scope would be too big and probably too heavy.

3. How can I paint this properly? What kind of spray paint would I need?

4. Is there a good way to fake the wood grain or other details without spending too much money? I've never really cut wood and dont have the equipment for it.

5. Any other advice?

Or if my approach is all wrong, please let me know what I should be doing. Thanks!

On the road again....

purplefiber — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 12:05:45 -0800

What should I do/pack to prepare for my first solo roadtrip? I'll be leaving tomorrow to drive from San Francisco to Victoria, BC. I'm excited- it'll be my first time doing the drive solo. I'm planning to spend two nights on the road, one in Arcata, CA, and one in Portland, OR.

I've had all my fluids checked, will get my tires checked. I'm making some mix CDs and looking for some good podcasts to download. I'll go and buy lots of snacks for the road.

Anyone have any other suggestions of things to pack, things to watch out for, places to stop at, or any other advice to make my trip as fun, easy, and adventuresome as possible?

Thanks!

I wanna shred.

jbickers — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 06:06:16 -0800

What's the best resource for a rhythm guitar player to learn how to shred, in as little time as possible? I've been playing guitar perfectly adequately for more than 20 years now, but it's been mostly in a rhythm/strumming capacity. Lately, it has become clear to me that I want to learn how to solo, how to shred, how to improvise all over the place.

What I'd really love is to take a pill, go to bed and wake up able to play like Eric Johnson. Failing that, are there any excellent resources/lessons/etc. to teach scales/soloing to someone who already knows the instrument, knows the basics of music theory (although not as well as I should) - and in as little time as possible? (Not looking for overnight results, but would like to be able to start having some fun with it as soon as I can.)

Alone time in the wilderness

special-k — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 11:41:14 -0800

I would like to go on a solo backpacking trip for the first time and I need some advice. I’ve backpacked on and off since I was 14 but always in a group of some sort (I didn't have to plan much). I haven’t been on many trips lately since it’s really hard to coordinate a bunch of people with difficult schedules. So, I’ve decided to do a trip in Big Sur next month (I’m thinking Ventana Wilderness; I'm open to other suggestions if you have any) by myself.

Obviously I want to be well prepared before I do something like this. Last thing I need is being totally unprepared for a bad situation. And, I don’t want my family and friends to say “I told you so”.

I've seen this thread but I am not concerned about snakes. I'm looking for more general advice (like say how to deal with a broken arm, you'd should definitely bring x or y etc.)

I want to entertain you!

comatose — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 18:54:04 -0800

Guitar playing (and guitar listening for those who dont play) What are some good songs to entertain on the guitar that do not require singing that are comperable to 'Little Martha' by the Allman Brothers? Guitar players know the drill. “Joe knows how to play guitar! Play something for us Joe!” So the Joe reluctantly starts playing the chorus to a song and everyone is like “Yea! That’s (insert song) by (insert artist)!” Then Joe stops because it isn’t entertaining to play that song unless there are vocals or a band playing with you. Everyone quickly gets bored and Joe puts down the guitar feeling rejected despite the fact that he is actually a decent guitar player.

I enjoy playing the guitar and have played in bands for a number of years but when someone asks me to play a song for them 1 on 1, I only know songs that require singing to be entertaining. However, I do know 'Little Martha' as performed by Duane Allman quite well and whenever I play that for people they absolutely love it. This is because it stands alone as a beautiful song that requires no accompanying instruments or vocals. It's not a relatively hard song to play and people love the simplicity of the melody.

I'm not looking for 'Eruption' type guitar stuff nor classical music. Im looking for songs that people would enjoy listening to a lone guitar playing. It doesnt matter if it is acoustic or electric guitar.

And you obviously dont need to play guitar to answer this post!

Recent pieces for solo brass instruments?

allterrainbrain — Thu, 30 Nov 2006 13:50:50 -0800

[New-Classical-Music Filter] What are your favorite pieces from the last few decades (or have you written anything) for solo trumpet, trombone, bass tbn, or tuba? Seeking scores and/or recordings to study (online availability would be a huge plus). Small-chamber works, other than brass quintet, would be great too. Asking because I haven't written for brass insts. except in orchestra/large-ensemble contexts, and I want to explore solo/chamber writing for them. Yes, I'll also get what I can from newmusicjukebox. Thanks!