RIMOWA suitcases??
Oct 20th, 2023, 09:27 AM
#21
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Hi rcg: I'm curious... did you declare the meat/cheese products on a form? Did they have food and cash sniffing dogs? How do they find it other than the "tell" of the leaking smelly liquid? I once got lectured over not declaring a chocolate bar as food, but it wasn't confiscated. Thankfully, I'm now beyond the age where I get scrutinized for, ahem, other things.
Oct 20th, 2023, 11:27 AM
#22
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RAINYCITY..Love the idea of those carousels with the stinky balut and goodness knows what else!
I used to sneak in meat all the time. Cheeses are generally fine to bring in and I bring them back from Spain and Italy all the time with no problem. But a few years ago I had taken a lamb sandwich on m'sam (spelling--the Moroccan bread) from Andalusia. I thought I would eat it on the plane in stead of the junky food onboard. But I forgot. So when we landed at JFK my partner told me to "look at that adorable beagle..he has a vest!!' "Must be a service pup!!" But that cute service pup seemed to take an extraordinary interest in my backpack where the sandwich was tucked away. So you can imagine....I never did go home with that sandwich even though, this time, it was an honest mistake. And since then I've been hesitant to sneak in the Jamon Iberico and all the salumi from Italy! I even had to thrown away that donkey salami from Ragusa that we had no chance to eat!!! And folks, don't laugh, donkey is a treat in parts of southern Italy..the meat is sweet and so tasty, and more expensive than most other meats.....Salami di Asino is the name of the salami from donkey..look for it and enjoy its there!!
What makes my bags heavy are the bottles of olive oil, newly pressed, and the cans of conservas from Spain, like ventresca, or tuna belly. And all those packages of unusual pastas, like the ones I just bought which are infused with pepperoni di Senise!@!! And oh, the bottles of colatura from Cetara....I made a garlic and anchovy pasta with the colatura the other night and it was really special....so easy:
https://www.seriouseats.com/spaghett...-with-colatura
One thing I learned on this last trip to the South, was NEVER to use breadcrumbs in a dish with tomatoes because the tomato liquid will make soggy the breadcrumbs. I've been doing that so many years and YES, the breadcrumbs always get soggy. Have to add that tip to my recent Italy thread..
I used to sneak in meat all the time. Cheeses are generally fine to bring in and I bring them back from Spain and Italy all the time with no problem. But a few years ago I had taken a lamb sandwich on m'sam (spelling--the Moroccan bread) from Andalusia. I thought I would eat it on the plane in stead of the junky food onboard. But I forgot. So when we landed at JFK my partner told me to "look at that adorable beagle..he has a vest!!' "Must be a service pup!!" But that cute service pup seemed to take an extraordinary interest in my backpack where the sandwich was tucked away. So you can imagine....I never did go home with that sandwich even though, this time, it was an honest mistake. And since then I've been hesitant to sneak in the Jamon Iberico and all the salumi from Italy! I even had to thrown away that donkey salami from Ragusa that we had no chance to eat!!! And folks, don't laugh, donkey is a treat in parts of southern Italy..the meat is sweet and so tasty, and more expensive than most other meats.....Salami di Asino is the name of the salami from donkey..look for it and enjoy its there!!
What makes my bags heavy are the bottles of olive oil, newly pressed, and the cans of conservas from Spain, like ventresca, or tuna belly. And all those packages of unusual pastas, like the ones I just bought which are infused with pepperoni di Senise!@!! And oh, the bottles of colatura from Cetara....I made a garlic and anchovy pasta with the colatura the other night and it was really special....so easy:
https://www.seriouseats.com/spaghett...-with-colatura
One thing I learned on this last trip to the South, was NEVER to use breadcrumbs in a dish with tomatoes because the tomato liquid will make soggy the breadcrumbs. I've been doing that so many years and YES, the breadcrumbs always get soggy. Have to add that tip to my recent Italy thread..
Dec 13th, 2023, 12:09 PM
#23
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After several years of various suitcases, I've generally found anything with the following to be 'the one to get':
American Tourister has a similar bag in their Tribus line, but I think they have also changed the name or series and I don't know what the new one is.
Shortly after we bought our first S'Cure for my wife (she travels internationally for work very regularly), we noticed that's what the long-haul flight crews were also using. It's become a very popular bag and it really solid.
If something breaks on a bag meeting the above design requirements, nothing short of a Pelican case would have saved it. Pelican does make cases for travel, but they are as heavy as they are indestructible, so you have to consider that.
- 4 wheels that swivel
- Telescopic handle
- Piano hinge all the way down the side that opens
- No zippers
- Hardside shells that 'fit' together on the seams
- Rubber gasket at the seams
- Clamp style closing hardware on the 3-sides without the piano hinge
American Tourister has a similar bag in their Tribus line, but I think they have also changed the name or series and I don't know what the new one is.
Shortly after we bought our first S'Cure for my wife (she travels internationally for work very regularly), we noticed that's what the long-haul flight crews were also using. It's become a very popular bag and it really solid.
If something breaks on a bag meeting the above design requirements, nothing short of a Pelican case would have saved it. Pelican does make cases for travel, but they are as heavy as they are indestructible, so you have to consider that.
Jan 29th, 2024, 07:58 AM
#24
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They're basically solid aluminium - if you have something really valuable with you when you travel, surely I would want it in one of those suitcases. It's a German company - most of their original products are made in Germany and the Czech Republic, some of their newer products marketed in the USA are made in Canada.
Jan 29th, 2024, 10:38 AM
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The thing about these (besides the price) that doesn't work for me is that there are only hinges and not a continuous hinge. The problem with individual hinges like this is that when they're under stress, they tend to break off--and when they do, the case is generally done.
Jan 30th, 2024, 10:32 AM
#26
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But the Rimowa people must do free repairs if a part breaks. Or do they charge for repairs?
I never bought one because I thought it would not expand when I cram in things that I've bought overseas....I have an EagleCreek soft-sided wheeled carry on that allows expansion.
I love the style of the Rimowa....
I never bought one because I thought it would not expand when I cram in things that I've bought overseas....I have an EagleCreek soft-sided wheeled carry on that allows expansion.
I love the style of the Rimowa....
Jan 30th, 2024, 01:33 PM
#27
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There's always limits on repairs so I look for bulletproof designs and manufacturing instead.
Generally hard side suitcases won't expand, but I do have one large samsonite that does. It's unfortunately oversized now on everyone except BA (and maybe even them now), so I instead use it as wheeled storage.
I love Eagle Creek. I had no idea they were as good as they were, but here we are in 2024 and my college backpack that I bought back in 1995 is still going strong after literally hundreds of flights (carry on), car rides, and trips. Very durable stuff.
Generally hard side suitcases won't expand, but I do have one large samsonite that does. It's unfortunately oversized now on everyone except BA (and maybe even them now), so I instead use it as wheeled storage.
I love Eagle Creek. I had no idea they were as good as they were, but here we are in 2024 and my college backpack that I bought back in 1995 is still going strong after literally hundreds of flights (carry on), car rides, and trips. Very durable stuff.
Jan 30th, 2024, 02:36 PM
#28
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I love the Eagle Creek also! I think I read about it in an article that reviewed various options and that chose Eagle Creek as one of the best. We each have one of the carry ons.
That's great about their backpack! I have a black Kipling backpack that I bought when I went back to school, and that was 30 years ago!!!!!!!!! And not only that, a couple of years ago the drawstring that closes the backpack broke. AND, the little furry monkey that came with it had gotten lost at the airport in Madrid, years ago. So Ii contacted them, expecting them to say that my pack was too old for them to help. Sure enough, Kipling not only sent me a new drawstring and the plastic gizmo that you draw it through, but also a new young monkey !! They even phoned to tell me that they were sending the items, and how to restring the cord. That's what I call great customer service!
That's great about their backpack! I have a black Kipling backpack that I bought when I went back to school, and that was 30 years ago!!!!!!!!! And not only that, a couple of years ago the drawstring that closes the backpack broke. AND, the little furry monkey that came with it had gotten lost at the airport in Madrid, years ago. So Ii contacted them, expecting them to say that my pack was too old for them to help. Sure enough, Kipling not only sent me a new drawstring and the plastic gizmo that you draw it through, but also a new young monkey !! They even phoned to tell me that they were sending the items, and how to restring the cord. That's what I call great customer service!
Last edited by ekscrunchy; Jan 30th, 2024 at 02:42 PM.
Jan 30th, 2024, 03:15 PM
#29
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That's some super customer service from Kipling! I'm going to check out their stuff now. 
It's hard to find companies that make products and stand behind them like this today. In fact, it's scary rare...
It's hard to find companies that make products and stand behind them like this today. In fact, it's scary rare...
Jan 31st, 2024, 08:36 AM
#30
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I did end up buying a Rimowa carry on size suitcase, took it to London, Florence and Rome in November. I absolutely love it, the wheels are better than anything I've had or tried, so smooth. It holds quite a bit but obviously since it is hard sided you cannot stuff it like a soft sided and it has no outside pockets. That doesn't bother me as I usually have a tote bag or large handbag as well.
Feb 1st, 2024, 07:40 AM
#31
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Thanks for the update! Which style did you buy--as I remember they have more than one category, with one being quite a bit more expensive than the other(s).
Didi you buy the silver?
I am going to plan a visit to the Rimowa store in Manhattan. Do you think that the prices are substantially lower in Europe than in the US, lower enough to make a point of buying in Europe (Spain or Italy but not Germany)? I did visit the store in Rome, but this was before I had the time to do any reading to acquaint me with the various lines. And with the high prices, I wanted to educate myself before buying. I may have said this before, but I ended up buying a hard-sided bag from Carpisa, on the Corso. It broke even before I got to the airport!!
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...ome_Lazio.html
Didi you buy the silver?
I am going to plan a visit to the Rimowa store in Manhattan. Do you think that the prices are substantially lower in Europe than in the US, lower enough to make a point of buying in Europe (Spain or Italy but not Germany)? I did visit the store in Rome, but this was before I had the time to do any reading to acquaint me with the various lines. And with the high prices, I wanted to educate myself before buying. I may have said this before, but I ended up buying a hard-sided bag from Carpisa, on the Corso. It broke even before I got to the airport!!
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...ome_Lazio.html
Feb 1st, 2024, 08:08 AM
#32
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that's some serious Crapisa...
Feb 2nd, 2024, 09:11 AM
#33
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ekscrunchy, I bought the Classic Cabin S in silver in the international size. I like the more flat square top to this one so it is easy to put a tote bag on top as you are walking through the airport. I bought it here in Vancouver (I'm Canadian) and yes I think it is pricier here than Europe. You can Google to price compare, I just saw a 9 month old Reddit post from a Canadian who bought one in Rome for 1120 euro and then got 12% VAT back so definitely cheaper than what I paid.
And that is too bad about the lousy bag from Carpisa!
And that is too bad about the lousy bag from Carpisa!
Feb 2nd, 2024, 09:49 AM
#34
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Thanks to you both..Samir=pretty clever!! Crapisa, indeed!!
I will be in Madrid next month so will take a look if I am near the store, or else look back in NYC...great info, as usual, RainyCityGirl!
I will be in Madrid next month so will take a look if I am near the store, or else look back in NYC...great info, as usual, RainyCityGirl!
Sep 24th, 2024, 01:58 AM
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Just to update..I am now in Munich and went to Rimowa yesterday. I think I am going to buy the cabin-size bag in their "limited edition" green color. There were a LOT of fans in that store..one guy said he had six Rimowa bags at home and he was trying to decide on the Cabin or the Cabin plus. I would like the Cabin Plus but its seems as if it will not fit in the overhead compartments on all airlines.......
There are lines in front of all the designer-type stores, as they let in only a certain amount of people at one time.
Prices in the upscale stores seem abut the same as they are in the US..the savings is in the 12% VAT refund. For example, the price on a Loewe handbag is the exact price as I paid in Madrid.....so no longer any savings buying in the home country.......
There are lines in front of all the designer-type stores, as they let in only a certain amount of people at one time.
Prices in the upscale stores seem abut the same as they are in the US..the savings is in the 12% VAT refund. For example, the price on a Loewe handbag is the exact price as I paid in Madrid.....so no longer any savings buying in the home country.......
Sep 28th, 2024, 08:54 AM
#37
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So did you buy the bag ekscrunchy? I just returned home yesterday from the south of France, with my beloved Rimowa Cabin bag, still love it and I had it crammed full on the return but could still lift it into the bin. (yay for my personal trainer)
I know you love food so off topic but my six pounds of French butter arrived home safe and sound as well. My husband was laughing at me as I unpacked but saw the value as soon as he tried some.
Please report back on which bag you purchased!
I know you love food so off topic but my six pounds of French butter arrived home safe and sound as well. My husband was laughing at me as I unpacked but saw the value as soon as he tried some.
Please report back on which bag you purchased!
Sep 29th, 2024, 05:20 AM
#38
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YES!!!!! I bought the "limited color" green cabin bag and I LOVE it!!!!!!!!!!!!
It glides!!!!!!!
I put more info about the bag (easy to get the VAT refund at Munich airport) on my current thread about five nights in Munich..thank you, thank you for helping me to decide to buy that bag!!!
We need to discuss further, as I may now be a convert!
Will take a photo later and post it, but you already know what it looks like.....and I got the LAST green one in the Munich store!
Six pounds of butter!! Very impressive!! I probably brought about 6 kilo of cheese from Sicily. But the JFK beagle sniffed out the passion fruit and the peach I had forgotten about and brought into US.... I never thought about bringing butter...does it not melt all that way, in the cabin?????? That butter was fabulous in Munich but I think most if not all came from France.
It glides!!!!!!!
I put more info about the bag (easy to get the VAT refund at Munich airport) on my current thread about five nights in Munich..thank you, thank you for helping me to decide to buy that bag!!!
We need to discuss further, as I may now be a convert!
Will take a photo later and post it, but you already know what it looks like.....and I got the LAST green one in the Munich store!
Six pounds of butter!! Very impressive!! I probably brought about 6 kilo of cheese from Sicily. But the JFK beagle sniffed out the passion fruit and the peach I had forgotten about and brought into US.... I never thought about bringing butter...does it not melt all that way, in the cabin?????? That butter was fabulous in Munich but I think most if not all came from France.
Last edited by ekscrunchy; Sep 29th, 2024 at 05:22 AM.
Sep 29th, 2024, 12:05 PM
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So glad you bought the bag, the way it glides is just next level. I have bought a few of their stickers to decorate mine with. (really getting into the whole Rimowa thing lol) I look forward to a photo of your green bag.
I just read your whole trip report about Munich-sounds great and now I want to go there and also stay in that hotel! Did you do a report on Catania as well?
Sorry the airport beagle got your fruit! You can google "bring butter back from France" for all kinds of ideas. Apparently in Paris if you go to the Grand Epicerie at the Bon Marche' they will vacuum seal your butter for 1 euro and they have 2 aisles full of different butter-the mind boggles.
I was in Nice and the Carrefours didn't offer vacuum sealing and there was no freezer in our apartment. The advice is to vacuum seal (or put in Zip loc bags and then freeze). I brought zip loc bags from home so I bought ice at the store and put the butter on ice all day and night, then in the morning before our flight I wrapped each one in paper towel, put them in the zip loc bags and put in the outside pocket of my checked bag. It is cold in the hold where the bags are so I wasn't too worried. It all arrived perfectly fine, one or two of the blocks were slightly soft but nothing terrible.
I promised my brother butter from France so I am reluctantly parting with a couple of them lol.
I just read your whole trip report about Munich-sounds great and now I want to go there and also stay in that hotel! Did you do a report on Catania as well?
Sorry the airport beagle got your fruit! You can google "bring butter back from France" for all kinds of ideas. Apparently in Paris if you go to the Grand Epicerie at the Bon Marche' they will vacuum seal your butter for 1 euro and they have 2 aisles full of different butter-the mind boggles.
I was in Nice and the Carrefours didn't offer vacuum sealing and there was no freezer in our apartment. The advice is to vacuum seal (or put in Zip loc bags and then freeze). I brought zip loc bags from home so I bought ice at the store and put the butter on ice all day and night, then in the morning before our flight I wrapped each one in paper towel, put them in the zip loc bags and put in the outside pocket of my checked bag. It is cold in the hold where the bags are so I wasn't too worried. It all arrived perfectly fine, one or two of the blocks were slightly soft but nothing terrible.
I promised my brother butter from France so I am reluctantly parting with a couple of them lol.
