tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8443226865361233582024-03-09T18:46:26.773-08:00FL310Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-18337820484817391142019-03-21T11:15:00.003-07:002019-03-21T11:15:49.286-07:00The Final FL310 Blog Post: A Very Big Thank You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiePWtPgycE32IfJkeg6dzc-9kVIEZVAi2biBlA1vYYEFsJmPSAzR8mizj7Gabsj1YlSMIkgZvGY63_azX6D9GGWZoFKmhRhSxn7EuyJ4NVXgpHwF5Csah8b8AMwKUNHvPSj8EVI0RuPn3/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiePWtPgycE32IfJkeg6dzc-9kVIEZVAi2biBlA1vYYEFsJmPSAzR8mizj7Gabsj1YlSMIkgZvGY63_azX6D9GGWZoFKmhRhSxn7EuyJ4NVXgpHwF5Csah8b8AMwKUNHvPSj8EVI0RuPn3/s1600/download.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
My thoughts and emotions are a bit jumbled and all over the map by this post, but after 5 and half years of writing the FL310 blog, being a stellar Travel Agent, and criss-crossing the globe, it's time for my next evolution. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In mid-February y'all were made aware that I had left AAA and I would keep you apprised of my next move. Well, the day is finally here, and this may well be the 2nd scariest jump I've ever made (maybe THE scariest, if I'm honest with myself). It was time for this Jet Lag Junkie to make his move and keep traversing the globe showing you amazing places both near and far. There was just one little snag...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Jet Lag Junkie name was already being used. *cue deflating sounds* </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Not to be counted out before I even left starting gate, I thought long and hard about what to actually call and market myself as. It took a grand total of 4 days, but I figured, I'm a genius at figuring out and creating amazing and unforgettable travels for my clientele, why shouldn't I do the same for myself? *light bulb* George The Travel Genius was born. I fired up my 8-bit brain and learned the ins and outs of Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and built my own website that would feature my own blog posts, journeys, video clips, and anything else deemed travel-worthy. It's been a very different kind of adventure so far, and with my first official GTTG Trip coming up in less than 10 days from now, I'm excited (and maybe a little nervous) to see how this will pan out.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can check George The Travel Genius out on the following links (and please follow!):</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.georgethetravelgenius.com/">The Official George The Travel Genius Website</a> (I would appreciate it if y'all would sign up!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Georgethetravelgenius/">George The Travel Genius on Facebook</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/gttg_100/">George The Travel Genius on Instagram</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://twitter.com/GTTG100">GTTG on Twitter!</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now that the shameless self-promotion is over with, I just want to say, to all my family, friends, followers, colleagues, and assorted hangers-on, THANK YOU. From the bottom of my olive-oil saturated heart. I appreciate every single one of you.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thank you for 5 and half years of supporting my adventures an giving me your feedback here, I look forward to more on my website and various social media outlets!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yours,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
George The Travel Genius</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWjXy5l27n_Ge1BH-zTlqeLp0GQuLaiiNmbC4WZlH46uC_MHvflRw2E3z2YodbzLsjVs9YBnRLO9ND2iMrBlq8o0fwxtCT44oVfRqQiBL-J5Hh8jblVMLPoYoKMd864qGqFMpFm4E5hCQ/s1600/Original+on+Transparent.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="1600" height="67" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWjXy5l27n_Ge1BH-zTlqeLp0GQuLaiiNmbC4WZlH46uC_MHvflRw2E3z2YodbzLsjVs9YBnRLO9ND2iMrBlq8o0fwxtCT44oVfRqQiBL-J5Hh8jblVMLPoYoKMd864qGqFMpFm4E5hCQ/s320/Original+on+Transparent.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-55475976456261294172019-03-11T09:49:00.000-07:002019-03-11T09:49:16.916-07:00Southwest Airlines Heats Up Hawaii<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUdPEfU2oFQgz5064G6MAH7d3ODyzqrKGAeedyeGiAO-IcfM-5UVvotT9BPXaL_9cH0bqXkkuF3lfr2WSAdnCfzsLeiOUX-J_TBBMzxK5tLYeyFC-pCA9fH0kcYF0S9v8ZaGxUDqpN1eL/s1600/southwest-airlines.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="1123" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUdPEfU2oFQgz5064G6MAH7d3ODyzqrKGAeedyeGiAO-IcfM-5UVvotT9BPXaL_9cH0bqXkkuF3lfr2WSAdnCfzsLeiOUX-J_TBBMzxK5tLYeyFC-pCA9fH0kcYF0S9v8ZaGxUDqpN1eL/s400/southwest-airlines.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Southwest Airlines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It has been a long time coming. Everyone I know has been talking about it for years, at least ever since the merger with AirTran was consummated. Southwest Airlines can now go to Hawaii! That was in 2014, when the last vestiges of that great Southern airline with the stylized "A" on its 717's and 737's was wiped out and replaced with the "Hot Dog On A Stick with a Heart" livery of Southwest.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_CRjbnfxdO4xTYulFWrzCZoTi5f8jN6M3sZT0oRkMW2xr2xjhgQcbgYQ4P5OXDTk9TEdE42hUFRKHZxtHFlO6d1K_jnzWLWz2mRHrwjUUQhWzjiKOhHL7aJQRRkYlfnApbZR7VQBHvCB/s1600/Southwest+Airlines+Hawaii+Mainland+Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ_CRjbnfxdO4xTYulFWrzCZoTi5f8jN6M3sZT0oRkMW2xr2xjhgQcbgYQ4P5OXDTk9TEdE42hUFRKHZxtHFlO6d1K_jnzWLWz2mRHrwjUUQhWzjiKOhHL7aJQRRkYlfnApbZR7VQBHvCB/s400/Southwest+Airlines+Hawaii+Mainland+Map.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Southwest Airlines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It took a little while longer, and originally, Southwest had planned to start Hawaii flights by 2018, only to be delayed to March 18, 2019. Fares were published and posted to southwest.com just a few days previous to this writing, with introductory fares as low as $48 each way from Oakland, CA to Honolulu on certain dates. Within hours a lot of those lower fares were gone. The fast fare sales are nothing new to Southwest, but this new strategy shows the evolution of an airline that originally began as nothing more than a intra-state shuttle within Texas' 3 largest cities of Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio with flights of usually no more than 500 miles, and who's biggest competition wasn't other airlines, but automobiles and buses.<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>What Southwest flights will do for the consumer</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSPhGrdFn2n-2GtXiJO4VdmlrHzLMoQOknYvgiK6MHYNk_GagxrfeLvy7vuGS98QJ29VF5H7BX8EFfhOAwakDhLMukhAH9CJ2XseVfMEqfpZwRuaQcA6bYU6nyKKZhWgramQYQ313DW2K/s1600/https___blogs-images.forbes.com_michaelgoldstein_files_2019_02_Southwest-HawaiiFirstFlight-13-1200x800-1200x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1280" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSPhGrdFn2n-2GtXiJO4VdmlrHzLMoQOknYvgiK6MHYNk_GagxrfeLvy7vuGS98QJ29VF5H7BX8EFfhOAwakDhLMukhAH9CJ2XseVfMEqfpZwRuaQcA6bYU6nyKKZhWgramQYQ313DW2K/s400/https___blogs-images.forbes.com_michaelgoldstein_files_2019_02_Southwest-HawaiiFirstFlight-13-1200x800-1200x800.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Southwest Airlines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's quite a few positives for the consumer with Southwest's entry to Hawaii. First, Southwest has already driven the average cost per ticket down. Normal average roundtrip fares from the West Coast secondary cities like Oakland and San Jose were regularly in the $500-$700 range. Now you can find it for $250-$300 across the board on all the airlines from those cities. Of course, Southwest's 2 Bags Fly Free policy sweeten the pot a bit too, especially for those who stay on the islands longer due to timeshares or condominium stay requirements.<br />
<br />
Another positive is the connecting cities of Oakland, San Diego, San Jose, and Sacramento. If you were to look for a low fare before Southwest's launch of service, you'd normally see the lowest fares are usually found on Alaska Airlines, with a stop in Seattle or Portland. For the majority of the country, that's quite a ways off the beaten path to go for a low fare. Don't get me wrong here, thousands of passengers do go out of their way to connect in those cities on Alaska (and Delta too, with their Seattle hub as well, and trying to keep the lower fares off of the flights out of Salt Lake City and Los Angeles), now with Southwest's entry, at least lower fares can be had from more, uhm...Southerly connecting points.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XV801yQV41NRqJ2Trlcmn0aaCkiAL5jv9rF0XMVkV6Y5DS-8ZRXA392R0QDTzi3bh6TElhPRzwCudO3kkkPFQ4A2rGE4ix3Q20ZcJIU6wLTw85hMWLo3cCpxmf_36oaEjShbCs2DJKQl/s1600/1280px-Daniel_Inouye_Airport_Aloha_Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XV801yQV41NRqJ2Trlcmn0aaCkiAL5jv9rF0XMVkV6Y5DS-8ZRXA392R0QDTzi3bh6TElhPRzwCudO3kkkPFQ4A2rGE4ix3Q20ZcJIU6wLTw85hMWLo3cCpxmf_36oaEjShbCs2DJKQl/s400/1280px-Daniel_Inouye_Airport_Aloha_Sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Just to compare, I did an airfare search from Salt Lake City to Honolulu and looked at all available airlines. Southwest's fare was $524.60 with one stop in Oakland each way, Delta was $684 for a nonstop flight going and a stop in Los Angeles on the way back, American Airlines wanted $590 with a stop in Phoenix each way, United wanted <b>$850!</b> with one stop in Denver going (from SLC..hmm), and one in Los Angeles coming back, and Alaska wanted $616.71 with one stop in Seattle each way. Granted this was just one search, but it looks like even connecting passengers stand to save a bit with Southwest's offerings, but the biggest thing is the checked luggage allowance.<br />
<br />
Now, for those folks flying from points further East, you can get to Hawaii on Southwest, but, due to the limited schedule they have right now, with a late afternoon and an evening arrival into Oakland, you'll have trouble getting back without a forced overnight stay. I've heard from people in Austin, St. Louis, Detroit and Baltimore all moan about the lack of return flights. Roughly half the country is pretty much scheduled out from using Southwest to get back home at the moment. Give Southwest some time to grow Hawaii flights into other cities such as Phoenix or Las Vegas, and you'll start seeing more connecting opportunities arise.<br />
<br />
<b>What Southwest flights will do for the Airline Industry</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigexfew-dVfmv07G0PL_hhO6ZEh1Xxshfs1mTl4la4HL34pgCeCHZw3bCB2SYqUgWZUfF6V-2pYKAFRaaElUweEuM80un-lJKY1aa6tKl9SdYjEmzSYILASPhBr0zn2juG-FfqX4HnL44J/s1600/16708243_369169516797225_8947376859680458970_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigexfew-dVfmv07G0PL_hhO6ZEh1Xxshfs1mTl4la4HL34pgCeCHZw3bCB2SYqUgWZUfF6V-2pYKAFRaaElUweEuM80un-lJKY1aa6tKl9SdYjEmzSYILASPhBr0zn2juG-FfqX4HnL44J/s400/16708243_369169516797225_8947376859680458970_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Having more and more carriers on the same route kills any sort of yield management when it comes to controlling fares and how profitable (or unprofitable) a flight can be. Delta and American Airlines aren't really worried about Southwest's entry in Hawaii, as their mentality is Hawaii is an offered destination for their passengers, but it's not one of the more hotly contested and profitable destinations for them (hence why they have started using smaller and smaller aircraft to service those routes).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUDR6VxGj459jUCMKf3ZxSbKwjHyJY2GZOi5zLHJcWyjN_HDA9RROMa1vHNPf7szskFSAHgz6sVU9_YkTkWx2HAuyXBzCddSuCiL7rN88QN083TiKYdc7yEtpvt-worTkiAmM07IO1kvF/s1600/iHxe9qs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUDR6VxGj459jUCMKf3ZxSbKwjHyJY2GZOi5zLHJcWyjN_HDA9RROMa1vHNPf7szskFSAHgz6sVU9_YkTkWx2HAuyXBzCddSuCiL7rN88QN083TiKYdc7yEtpvt-worTkiAmM07IO1kvF/s400/iHxe9qs.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
United is the 500 lb gorilla on mainland - Hawaii flights. They have the most amount of flights to and from, connecting several cities in the islands to Chicago/O'Hare, Denver, Houston/Bush Intercontinental, Los Angeles, Newark, and Washington/Dulles. They also fly to Tokyo, Guam and throughout Micronesia from Honolulu. United has also been competing with Southwest since the early 1980's when the smaller airline expanded outside of it's Texas home turf. They have tried to best Southwest at their own game by developing separate airline-within-an-airline operations, gutting planes into all-Coach class configurations with no meals, and almost separate staffing (not really due to union limitations), to no avail. Both efforts were quietly discarded in time.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cLa7XNaU4a8zp639pdx_kriPX8tymxZ129AuPdueQ4_P7lWUunX-8ZZjVsImNdv_KKwQJ67A4-RtnQat0uHnex-V3FXJ4sHcA2JVTXTXmV3cdc-ItoeM7OR8BDTmEBjd6bfy-P4NvWqm/s1600/alaska-airlines-san-diego-maui-first-class.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1300" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0cLa7XNaU4a8zp639pdx_kriPX8tymxZ129AuPdueQ4_P7lWUunX-8ZZjVsImNdv_KKwQJ67A4-RtnQat0uHnex-V3FXJ4sHcA2JVTXTXmV3cdc-ItoeM7OR8BDTmEBjd6bfy-P4NvWqm/s400/alaska-airlines-san-diego-maui-first-class.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Alaska Airlines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Alaska Airlines also has a sizable presence in Hawaii. In fact, they are almost right up there with United, flights to multiple islands not just from their hubs in Anchorage, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, but from secondary cities such as San Diego, Oakland, Bellingham, San Jose, and Sacramento. Each of the cities Southwest is starting from. Alaska is currently the fare leader to the islands, but they also have their large mainland system to boost loads from.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYY-Iufdxndw_Yubjk2I90zEa1QW_e_EWWv5Og7ASD9thHgmbSVY8cfghxxYdDM1biufJ0vpdmfbA_WYFORzq2P9vWy0jkcxab8M4vZfoqpKIAe8NoHq9LuBOdIQnGRjHGSyCRx4lMOfBV/s1600/A321-arrival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYY-Iufdxndw_Yubjk2I90zEa1QW_e_EWWv5Og7ASD9thHgmbSVY8cfghxxYdDM1biufJ0vpdmfbA_WYFORzq2P9vWy0jkcxab8M4vZfoqpKIAe8NoHq9LuBOdIQnGRjHGSyCRx4lMOfBV/s400/A321-arrival.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Hawaiian Airlines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The airline with the most to lose in this is Hawaiian Airlines. Honolulu is their main hub, but they serve the other islands as well. For decades, they've only flown to major cities on the mainland West Coast, only going as far east as Phoenix and Las Vegas. Just a few years ago they started Honolulu - New York/JFK flights (more recently Honolulu-Boston, as well) and a year ago they began accepting deliveries of brand new Airbus A321 narrow body jets for service to smaller cities or for additional segments on popular routes. Now we see Pualani (the Hawaiian girl on the aircraft tails) in cities like Long Beach, Oakland, Portland, San Jose from Honolulu and from Maui and other islands to the mainland as well. This in addition to their inter-island flights operated by a workhorse fleet of trust Boeing 717's, and a long-haul network in Asia and to several major cities in the US with the incredible and very comfortable Airbus A330-200.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpON8lX8mclRtzx4jT-naeU0bMgcTGsb9wJcN0CkAlJAFutm5RYz14Jlcb2Uqq67GEGcu0vSVXD-tySj8C2Hka7t9KhhZgfJSQIKdMAJjP9z0l70vjb2DsEh6EJ_zIYZ7oof0a7TZP5A4/s1600/16684219_369169876797189_8166129159371432776_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpON8lX8mclRtzx4jT-naeU0bMgcTGsb9wJcN0CkAlJAFutm5RYz14Jlcb2Uqq67GEGcu0vSVXD-tySj8C2Hka7t9KhhZgfJSQIKdMAJjP9z0l70vjb2DsEh6EJ_zIYZ7oof0a7TZP5A4/s400/16684219_369169876797189_8166129159371432776_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The reason I say they have the most to lose is this. Because of the expenditures for this new fleet of planes, their balance sheet isn't exactly at it's strongest. Any sort of fare war that may erupt of shedding of loads could adversely affect their long-term viability. Hawaiian already went through two rounds of bankruptcy, in 1993 and in 2004. This last time it emerged financially sound, strong, and with a clear vision. Now, I'm not saying Southwest alone will drive Hawaiian into another round of (and possibly final) round of bankruptcy, but with that much competition, Hawaiian would be wise to divest itself and continue growing in the Trans-Pacific region away from the mainland. Thankfully, they are also due to accept delivery of 10 Boeing 787-10 widebodies, which will add to their International route portfolio, no doubt.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrubBkFBd-VjjaA188p4HdpOSiLVzZVd3nc9pIKQUOBxwSzk8rL3hCmI8OgUDdSpOyAbyXZurbe72Hvyjh2GWTM3VjsDwVE0Cm7-Xj1ihNem0xpDPdg2-F9FIovDhimJz0mmB133srjKd/s1600/Hawaiian-Airlines-Honolulu-Sydney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1200" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTrubBkFBd-VjjaA188p4HdpOSiLVzZVd3nc9pIKQUOBxwSzk8rL3hCmI8OgUDdSpOyAbyXZurbe72Hvyjh2GWTM3VjsDwVE0Cm7-Xj1ihNem0xpDPdg2-F9FIovDhimJz0mmB133srjKd/s400/Hawaiian-Airlines-Honolulu-Sydney.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I'm not too terrified of Hawaiian's chances with this new entrant, as long as their management doesn't lose it's head. Hawaiian has withstood new entrants from the mainland for the last 30+ years, and weathered the arrival of Alaska Airlines and Virgin America to the islands as well. They should be able to withstand the arrival of Southwest. Official market share numbers (thanks to Henry Harteveldt at the Atmosphere Research Center for the data) show United with the lion's share, at almost 33%, Hawaiian coming in at a distant 2nd place with almost 20%, American right behind at 19%, Alaska at 15%, and Delta at the tail end with 13%. Where Southwest will end up after service startup, just a shot in the dark here, but my guess would be somewhere between American and Alaska's numbers.<br />
<br />
<b>The Jet Lag Junkie's Opinion:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Southwest Airlines' arrival in Hawaii is a mixed blessing. It's good for consumers (especially those on the West Coast), with relief from paying for luggage and previously exorbitant fares (before Alaska and Virgin America entered the market, fares were routinely in the $700-$900 range). For the airlines, it could be bad, as any sort of disciplined yield management might go out the window. For Hawaiian, United, and Alaska, in my humble opinion, all we'll see is an erosion of their combined market share. But, while Southwest is here, and while the fares are at these low introductory prices, enjoy!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFE5tvp2sUlD9N0wraKMf62qVgqldpuHLnnaWLVI6RkSj77VPIclwzuHfuixby01Fqr7xtD6qh9QweLi5P83HUOCykyw_AiXM3a8UC9nGrLZeF6lFpuJm6nIi2zGD2mhw2H6xsBrYrEv5P/s1600/shutterstock_779636590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFE5tvp2sUlD9N0wraKMf62qVgqldpuHLnnaWLVI6RkSj77VPIclwzuHfuixby01Fqr7xtD6qh9QweLi5P83HUOCykyw_AiXM3a8UC9nGrLZeF6lFpuJm6nIi2zGD2mhw2H6xsBrYrEv5P/s400/shutterstock_779636590.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>**All photos the author's except where credited**</i>Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-83860930672425320832019-03-03T17:19:00.002-08:002019-03-27T12:42:26.450-07:00The Most Convenient Hub in the West: The NEW Salt Lake City International Airport<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Gu_J-h3Pd7ECHLeJ8oGcAxnlu51VSgsUPAcDwnasfXEly3HxD1b8Owcj7zX-uETRE7vRf6CjiWjOU-IfPVpJEb-6e48bTD06wTTJZLy3S-nxf8ObLeI_4l5b7IU-00SA-ozVwhI9fKs1/s1600/IMG_2464.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Gu_J-h3Pd7ECHLeJ8oGcAxnlu51VSgsUPAcDwnasfXEly3HxD1b8Owcj7zX-uETRE7vRf6CjiWjOU-IfPVpJEb-6e48bTD06wTTJZLy3S-nxf8ObLeI_4l5b7IU-00SA-ozVwhI9fKs1/s400/IMG_2464.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>**My first article on the new Salt Lake City International Airport appeared in the April 2015 issue of <i>Airways </i>Magazine. As happens in reality, quite a few things have changed since that original article. Enjoy.**</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhEZ0ViXeqbW1jon2ZBcGi1OdZExrKNAxcEOxNEd-4r8qgwtsyeDmkF_I889eInhG8oHZwvrK_adaT5L4JzWDzTHcUDzXGKPVlvhGwJtFIt4dCWSv7JdWH4YYcS3iorecOK9dSBpTxueh/s1600/29433153_544988022548706_3922682227157641833_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="800" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhEZ0ViXeqbW1jon2ZBcGi1OdZExrKNAxcEOxNEd-4r8qgwtsyeDmkF_I889eInhG8oHZwvrK_adaT5L4JzWDzTHcUDzXGKPVlvhGwJtFIt4dCWSv7JdWH4YYcS3iorecOK9dSBpTxueh/s400/29433153_544988022548706_3922682227157641833_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Author's Postcard collection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Salt Lake City, Utah has always had an important place in U.S. Commercial Aviation history, and has maintained it's importance through to the 21st Century. From a postage stamp size field of 100 acres in 1911 to its current size of 7,700 acres, the Airport has grown with the times and advancements and changes with the aviation industry itself. Now it's time to grow again, the majority of buildings and structures are from the 1960's - 1980's and are not seismically stable, nor big enough to cope with the amount of passengers, both connecting and originating, or able to keep up with the airlines' demand for more flights.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47I1-eEApMYG7nHCXk3q4kbTx7Z8gwGoAVcilxqvHvlYz49-r485FGsTC0n1nYhi2DD91gDdg7Cko-XUEpdMS1nxWKae-Y7w1WHZ5tV-3ensy8wxbesd-_hFtt_9I4HlUmpcuiVSMBL9B/s1600/24993134_501884563525719_7753904344744610326_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47I1-eEApMYG7nHCXk3q4kbTx7Z8gwGoAVcilxqvHvlYz49-r485FGsTC0n1nYhi2DD91gDdg7Cko-XUEpdMS1nxWKae-Y7w1WHZ5tV-3ensy8wxbesd-_hFtt_9I4HlUmpcuiVSMBL9B/s400/24993134_501884563525719_7753904344744610326_n.jpg" width="220" /></a>Originally, Salt Lake City was just a stop along the way for United Air Lines' Transcontinental route from New York to San Francisco, as well as the North terminus for Western Air Express' C.A.M. 8 route from Los Angeles, via Las Vegas. From those small beginnings, SLC grew with United and Western's fortunes, not to mention the region's own growth spurts. World War II saw the field transformed in a training base and replacement depot for the US Army Air Force. The dawn of the Jet Age saw the building of Terminal 1 (back then it was the ONLY terminal) as well as airfield improvements including a Category II Instrument Landing System (ILS). These improvements and Western Airlines new nonstop service to Calgary, Canada enabled the airport to be renamed from the Salt Lake Municipal Airport to the Salt Lake City International Airport.<br />
<br />
Deregulation and the 1980's brought more changes, with Western Airlines retrenching and redrawing its entire system to focus on a main hub at Salt Lake City, with a secondary hub at Los Angeles, thereby requiring more facilities. Luckily the airport had just expanded the main terminal with 2 concourses (A & B, or F and G as they are now known), so a second terminal (Terminal 2) was added, with one concourse originally, followed by a second (Concourse D) 2 years later, all to keep up with Western's ever expanding operations.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVBlVMYo9oHv8JHPNkfNgaWXPn4okn3Yo7OzQG_r6DOrSG4tuMQskqvzvaQPZ5pdclCr_IblTj8h2ElT7tr-SCJKkDZS0JD85zqylyiCf1bQC_LHgfGrTu3rT9x7SIrE7EXbOCdwjM9bV/s1600/18342646_410607569320086_4230429931510703883_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="506" data-original-width="450" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyVBlVMYo9oHv8JHPNkfNgaWXPn4okn3Yo7OzQG_r6DOrSG4tuMQskqvzvaQPZ5pdclCr_IblTj8h2ElT7tr-SCJKkDZS0JD85zqylyiCf1bQC_LHgfGrTu3rT9x7SIrE7EXbOCdwjM9bV/s400/18342646_410607569320086_4230429931510703883_n.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Official Airline Guide (OAG)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
During the 1990's more enhancements came, a new runway added, Delta Air Lines (which merged with Western in late 1986) added more flights and built the Salt Lake hub into a fortress of sorts, and the Airport Board began making renovations and plans for the then-upcoming Winter Olympics, scheduled for 2002. These last 2 decades, Salt Lake City International Airport has been serving 20 million passengers yearly, in a facility built to handle between 10 and 12 million. SLC was bursting at the seams. Delta and the other airlines added flights to more destinations and have pretty much maxed out the current airport. Something had to be done, and soon.<br />
<br />
<br />
In January 2012, in his State of the City address, Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker announced the launch of the Terminal Redevelopment Program for the Salt Lake City International Airport, to be phased in over the next 8-10 years, generate 24,000 jobs, and cost around $1.8 Billion (the latest cost projection shows it to $3.6 Billion). The new airport would have a single terminal, new concourses, new parking facilities, a new, expanded, and centralized light rail station, as well as the requisite support facilities to handle it all. Request for Proposals went out and Holder-Big D Construction was selected as the construction manager at risk in October, 2013. Work began immediately, with groundbreaking in July 2014. Opening of the new terminal was originally slated to open in 2018, but like most major construction projects that have major changes partway through, that has been pushed back to 2020, and they are on track for that.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2kvSFEOXS2GbIqwODeIcMTKUlX6iD4bbZeb0BmGNPT5FNBBYMxPknwvKhYuGnKsPjjtohsAJzK9WMTFhBDPS3GS5LdxJMoeotEO0jMsduk0F8a28IdRgIvjsr0zt1rwHJFKzjzVeCnE7/s1600/Vw02-Arrival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2kvSFEOXS2GbIqwODeIcMTKUlX6iD4bbZeb0BmGNPT5FNBBYMxPknwvKhYuGnKsPjjtohsAJzK9WMTFhBDPS3GS5LdxJMoeotEO0jMsduk0F8a28IdRgIvjsr0zt1rwHJFKzjzVeCnE7/s400/Vw02-Arrival.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit SLC Dept of Airports</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The 700,000 square foot Main Terminal has 3 floors, the bottom floor housing International Baggage Claim, Customs, commercial vehicle drop-off, employee security screening, and the main baggage handling system. Level 2 includes access to the pedestrian bridges to the parking structure, passenger pickup, Domestic Baggage Claim, TSA Security checkpoints for passengers along with access to the gates and concourses, and retail and dining option both pre- and post security. Level 3 is passenger drop-off, Ticketing and Check-In, and Airport Administration office spaces.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPh86q_V8jny5P6_uQHnwPrKArrClj13y1A8lwyIlojuSQYVBsHgy7vxzX1GxFeZVWhKT6vY9CuYESraOMxnKnmS8xT-nAHdImZ7vaMSuhQrn-oJ9XFIHytlx6IzbKA1mvhsOMYzXzMWvk/s1600/North-Concourse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1157" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPh86q_V8jny5P6_uQHnwPrKArrClj13y1A8lwyIlojuSQYVBsHgy7vxzX1GxFeZVWhKT6vY9CuYESraOMxnKnmS8xT-nAHdImZ7vaMSuhQrn-oJ9XFIHytlx6IzbKA1mvhsOMYzXzMWvk/s400/North-Concourse.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit SLC Dept of Airports</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The main difference from what I had originally written in late 2014 and now is the building of the North Concourse, instead of keeping Concourses F, D, & C attached to the new Main Concourse. This layout makes for a much more cleaner airport layout, much like what Atlanta and Denver Airports look like. The new airport will have a total of 75 gates, all jetway equipped, a trade-off of the 88 gates at the current airport, but only 56 are jetway equipped. Delta Airlines will have a greatly expanded SkyClub, with an airside SkyDeck, where Club members will have an outdoor patio view of the ramp. This feature has proven popular at all current SkyClubs that have one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_K5eW82i7e-Q0PgB8mE9_kIxq6_I95pn2SF7hnK_zZpWAA7MooH0jXbbiWA_jMCWnV0f9kaX25TQ_3Bny26Cr_T3sLwBO_RhQk58ppoyOi4apKrgZ05Fl6HgDCv50mTtuFZ9LVE2AYzsS/s1600/IMG_2471.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_K5eW82i7e-Q0PgB8mE9_kIxq6_I95pn2SF7hnK_zZpWAA7MooH0jXbbiWA_jMCWnV0f9kaX25TQ_3Bny26Cr_T3sLwBO_RhQk58ppoyOi4apKrgZ05Fl6HgDCv50mTtuFZ9LVE2AYzsS/s400/IMG_2471.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
Ingress into and egress from the airport is also streamlined. Currently, there is 3 lanes for passenger drop off, and 2 lanes further away from the terminal entrances for passenger pick up. The lanes closest to the entrances are for commercial traffic such as buses, taxis, and private shuttles. A rather inefficient setup for today's traffic levels. The new airport's main roadway will be split into two levels, with Level 1 for picking up (both private and public), and Level 2 for dropping off departing passengers. This will make for a far smoother traffic flow, and seriously decrease traffic jamming up at peak times. Also, the Utah Transit Authority's Airport Light Rail Station will be located at the East End of the new rental car facility.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXV7B9TRyiboEeL7u4Sbsv0XbuCs-vRyKAAa3jFq9ur0CSrsmO1fAwyXev8WWylB5ehSIKLEvrpLg0rAw9emB_z2-XbUHQVmOZWhLwFh1xnTbz2p6729wix7YMVs0mz-epgd_TRKux7Ok/s1600/IMG_2460.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXV7B9TRyiboEeL7u4Sbsv0XbuCs-vRyKAAa3jFq9ur0CSrsmO1fAwyXev8WWylB5ehSIKLEvrpLg0rAw9emB_z2-XbUHQVmOZWhLwFh1xnTbz2p6729wix7YMVs0mz-epgd_TRKux7Ok/s400/IMG_2460.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
The Department of Airports, contractors, and architects have come together to create a project that will have achieved LEED Silver Certification upon completion, with an ultimate goal of Gold Certification, of which only 9 airports in the United States have achieved. All airport vehicles are making the transition to electric power, contributing to the targeted emissions-reduction program already in progress at the airport, and keeping in alignment with the City's own emission reductions goals. The airport expects to have all vehicles electric powered by 2024.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXP50f99ixFjYRw-CF6Ue9BoigavkcibtcjB0OdrAg1gMUjy3HuWxu880YHOXuOEV3QNsJvIitsncgaJ5EXx-UABkN6MbNNsyhU0YnwCvWCSkzOtkPHFa0Bou2D1cbC-f8Aw4D6gxghFf/s1600/Vw02-Arrival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXP50f99ixFjYRw-CF6Ue9BoigavkcibtcjB0OdrAg1gMUjy3HuWxu880YHOXuOEV3QNsJvIitsncgaJ5EXx-UABkN6MbNNsyhU0YnwCvWCSkzOtkPHFa0Bou2D1cbC-f8Aw4D6gxghFf/s400/Vw02-Arrival.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit SLC Dept of Airports</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At the time of this writing, the Main Terminal is scheduled to open in Fall 2020, with the West side of the new South Concourse going online and connecting to the current concourses, and the demolition of the current Terminals, parking structure, and concourses E & G simultaneously. Demolition of concourses C & D are scheduled between 2021 and 2024, along with completion of construction of both new concourses' East sides and opening of the North Concourse as well. By the end of 2024, there will be virtually no aspect left of the old airport, and the new airport will be up and running completely.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIStNoZDIu3it9kwLu0iVex9hVqDx2pzqWcBRrp5qLG0Owhr70pTUCfMKE2mgyFMlzABu2WhpI2DR1OMTBjthqd8Ly6l8M-APveDyAi3yt7yccSFQ5NWkKcg6lmzmQxGXvIWL6EvmiXv7T/s1600/ResizedImage1100337-New-Aerial-Rendering-Overview-10-16-edited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="337" data-original-width="1100" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIStNoZDIu3it9kwLu0iVex9hVqDx2pzqWcBRrp5qLG0Owhr70pTUCfMKE2mgyFMlzABu2WhpI2DR1OMTBjthqd8Ly6l8M-APveDyAi3yt7yccSFQ5NWkKcg6lmzmQxGXvIWL6EvmiXv7T/s400/ResizedImage1100337-New-Aerial-Rendering-Overview-10-16-edited.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit SLC Dept of Airports</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIAeJ-vV1UrkJRgjr5xu16y5iSRxoxiWSyusiigPFxgiMUdPimAWyQD9_qgh3726-YxQu8aJlRK2R0kBKB4DiKEGbh6-ztd0MkAoLdoWFpCEL1otW86OL8uX0jkJUvlBxKsMvGmAnZK4v/s1600/20664980_452861288428047_8776542725238231143_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="720" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIAeJ-vV1UrkJRgjr5xu16y5iSRxoxiWSyusiigPFxgiMUdPimAWyQD9_qgh3726-YxQu8aJlRK2R0kBKB4DiKEGbh6-ztd0MkAoLdoWFpCEL1otW86OL8uX0jkJUvlBxKsMvGmAnZK4v/s400/20664980_452861288428047_8776542725238231143_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Jim Lawrence/airliners.net</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>The Jet Lag Junkie's opinion:</b> I honestly can't wait for the new Salt Lake City International Airport. Yes, I have had so many good memories in and out of the current airport growing up, and as an adult. I grew up within those hallowed halls, watching Boeing 727's, L-1011's and other airliners from airlines like Delta, TWA, America West, and Continental take off for far flung destinations. Granted, this was all before post-9/11 security measures closed off the airside concourses to passengers only, when a kid could pass through security and spend entire days gazing out the windows watching the planes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC20fyhMSMxP3Og3cFHx7irXnkt6YRGS2CEB0KdiZzdxXScjKMLgVwnmBfg6cLK4mewEJ5GY-3jhFXUh69G9reRvvi4CFC6qS89woaqrK4OWq22DDZuxzODnM-Oi2cXkdgwp8vZOnzW1X/s1600/32294320_568923646821810_652037324716113920_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcC20fyhMSMxP3Og3cFHx7irXnkt6YRGS2CEB0KdiZzdxXScjKMLgVwnmBfg6cLK4mewEJ5GY-3jhFXUh69G9reRvvi4CFC6qS89woaqrK4OWq22DDZuxzODnM-Oi2cXkdgwp8vZOnzW1X/s400/32294320_568923646821810_652037324716113920_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Western Airlines advertised their new Salt Lake City Hub as "The Most Convenient Hub In The West". It most definitely was. The concourses were not miles long, and you could connect to another flight or collect your baggage with ease. The new SLC promises the same, and even though Delta has grown the hub by more than double what Western ever had, this layout is still convenient, and easier to navigate through than other hubs in the region. Salt Lake City was, and still will be, a hidden gem of a hub guaranteed to faithfully and admirably serve the region well for generations to come, as it's predecessor did.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtiksvUmOK8dxY5B3j4F3uGV7okeQFZaRGYLVegIUEdB02DAg7zBGePahPs_IA7iZZllP94wTerO9EZpVB3ZKD9hfm8WtZlWLdeLBDwJ0yU6iNLnBdZK8KeYTKIWf12JvNjxdqowhB4l1/s1600/IMG_2481.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtiksvUmOK8dxY5B3j4F3uGV7okeQFZaRGYLVegIUEdB02DAg7zBGePahPs_IA7iZZllP94wTerO9EZpVB3ZKD9hfm8WtZlWLdeLBDwJ0yU6iNLnBdZK8KeYTKIWf12JvNjxdqowhB4l1/s400/IMG_2481.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>**All photos the Author's own except where credited**</i></div>
<br />
<br />Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-85583932911562350822019-02-02T16:27:00.002-08:002019-02-22T18:09:36.572-08:00There's A Sucker Born Every Minute (SkyGreece Round 2 or, if you will, Hellenic Imperial Part 3)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2iTHZO11QsodLuOIrANG_gxC8aHePdg3gPrFBFzaKq0s-KxV_J7wUasAVA7HFmL-EiTAv3gigkdoYA26UqHYS1VKPFl_uDpbEfaNdmZQYxjAI4yzepCLW3BiLuiSnuaUxiS1Spy0j5Lm/s1600/american-greek-flag-celestial-images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="700" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2iTHZO11QsodLuOIrANG_gxC8aHePdg3gPrFBFzaKq0s-KxV_J7wUasAVA7HFmL-EiTAv3gigkdoYA26UqHYS1VKPFl_uDpbEfaNdmZQYxjAI4yzepCLW3BiLuiSnuaUxiS1Spy0j5Lm/s400/american-greek-flag-celestial-images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
As the title suggests, and as P.T. Barnum famously said, there's a sucker born every minute. In this case, wealthy Greeks on both sides of the Atlantic have been, or about to be, taken for another goat-rope.<br />
<br />
<br />
On January 31, 2019; the Greek City Times reported of a new airline starting up offering both domestic and long haul international flights, and to "take on Greece's leading carrier, Aegean Airlines". As Frank Sinatra sang, Athens Spirit's got high apple pie in the sky hopes.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4CWUDXrxLMQJaeTuHmKdGtK2LfUanx_r4FSEwfXBQ9Tsjl9Vx2BJFWrKLhuxI53ZOLiPgPueph7POBDkpzCVcn08ELz4NoQ3MrgonaLmSgtQTxyIAKIFLWy0VLqHaEPvD7lbj7iT_snI/s1600/01-aegean-a320-Aegean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="1000" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4CWUDXrxLMQJaeTuHmKdGtK2LfUanx_r4FSEwfXBQ9Tsjl9Vx2BJFWrKLhuxI53ZOLiPgPueph7POBDkpzCVcn08ELz4NoQ3MrgonaLmSgtQTxyIAKIFLWy0VLqHaEPvD7lbj7iT_snI/s400/01-aegean-a320-Aegean.jpg" width="400" /></a>Let's put this "take on Aegean Airlines" comment into perspective. Aegean has (as of June 2018) 49 aircraft, all narrow body Airbus types from the A319 up to the A321. SkyGreece...ehm, Athens Spirit is planning on starting up with 4 Airbus A319's and two wide-body Airbus A340's. It's a startup, so starting off small is a must. However, A340's are yesterday's technology and extremely expensive, also, they've all been pretty much retired from the worldwide airline fleet, except for some smaller operators operating niche flights. Out of Athens, you sure as hell don't need a four-engined gas-guzzling behemoth to fly a simple route to North America. Then again, SkyGreece had the twin-engined Boeing 767, that kept falling apart and only operated a handful of flights before one emergency return to Athens stranded an entire plane load of people and shut the airline down, which I chronicled in detail in a previous FL310 entry (<a href="http://fl310travel.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-perils-of-pride-flying-flag-vs.html">The Perils Of Pride</a>).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sbonbtTIDCakVsQYYJgqpOhl_YHJHs4lfUT-k6AIS41nkgwGajU-DoftUazTpP3BnqlDbFjaxrb7NljDG9NzXdBlUC4lPRDzBMDAaBD7_Y5Vx3kp3d175ld6o9pSbTfsKrEpY8jhmShA/s1600/17272364398_79c2e1cf61.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="299" data-original-width="500" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2sbonbtTIDCakVsQYYJgqpOhl_YHJHs4lfUT-k6AIS41nkgwGajU-DoftUazTpP3BnqlDbFjaxrb7NljDG9NzXdBlUC4lPRDzBMDAaBD7_Y5Vx3kp3d175ld6o9pSbTfsKrEpY8jhmShA/s400/17272364398_79c2e1cf61.jpg" width="400" /></a>Equipment issues aside, let's take a look at the funding. Athens Spirit is funded by investments from wealthy Greeks throughout the diaspora, and Aegean has funding from, well...operating profits (60.4 million Euro in 2017), the open European Stock Market and the Athens Exchange, not to mention 18.2% ownership by the German Flag Carrier, Lufthansa, as well as providing some key operational and network consulting. The deck is completely stacked against Athens Spirit with it's "take on Aegean" mantra. If they continue with it, they will pay dearly for it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPau1opemBNpwZC28Sz2n2twSXijxMcpEzGiqjjiOo2tmQNrzinYz_5pzjWDXGLsNn4OVsfpp74om62_1-dgBlRZUIdaPEQnYfCcQbYLblgQAJPtFjyDUmBH3QOZ-Z7AxqkRIYcEZmNMa/s1600/0033883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="662" data-original-width="1024" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPau1opemBNpwZC28Sz2n2twSXijxMcpEzGiqjjiOo2tmQNrzinYz_5pzjWDXGLsNn4OVsfpp74om62_1-dgBlRZUIdaPEQnYfCcQbYLblgQAJPtFjyDUmBH3QOZ-Z7AxqkRIYcEZmNMa/s400/0033883.jpg" width="400" /></a>The concept of non-stop service to Athens from North America (and other far flung points) is not a new concept. Long time flag carrier Olympic Airways flew long hauls to North America, South Africa, Asia and Australia for years using Boeing 707 and 747's. Iconic US Carrier TWA sent 707's and 747's to Athens from New York, Paris, and Middle East points, at one time even had a crew base there. The problem with Athens, at least, for long haul flights, there's very little premium cabin or cargo demand that could keep the flights making money year-round. Sure, flights do gang-busters and depart over sold during the summer high tourist season, but once the tourists stop, those cavernous 747's flew back and forth virtually empty. You could go bowling down the length of a 747's cabin in winter. Now, I know what you'll say, you'll say, "but George, we see the Business Class cabins full!" Well yeah, but how many of those fares are actually full fare passengers, not somebody who paid the relatively minuscule upgrade fee or, like in most cases, redeemed frequent flier miles? Now you see my point.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64kVjS6RNC2Y6AYaEKArx2tSCqW6MSk87zuo_1wCB_IYos3IYqWsr0rXi_MlpezQLsmjRWWu6MDN79FjL-7y8CQceKmTkwykv3sWQh3puC8yNj1BF1EPRAuooWYWBajJ_ayfQ6AZ5UeR7/s1600/11212309_10153279539924842_382312978_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj64kVjS6RNC2Y6AYaEKArx2tSCqW6MSk87zuo_1wCB_IYos3IYqWsr0rXi_MlpezQLsmjRWWu6MDN79FjL-7y8CQceKmTkwykv3sWQh3puC8yNj1BF1EPRAuooWYWBajJ_ayfQ6AZ5UeR7/s400/11212309_10153279539924842_382312978_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The only way a new carrier could work is if it had connecting feed at both points. Now, Athens Spirit wants to fly domestically with 4 A319's to feed those blow-dryer powered A340's. Good idea, however, Aegean/Olympic, SkyExpress, Ellinair, and Astra all have the Athens market share pretty much carved out for themselves. If this airline had any clue on how to run properly, it would look at partnering up with one or more of these carriers on the Athens end, and another carrier or two on the other end of the routes. Connecting feed will keep a startup carrier alive during those lean months.<br />
<br />
Next, and in my mind, what gets my blood boiling is who is behind this crazy half-baked scheme. The "President" of this scheme is a former SkyGreece founder, and Olympic Airways A340 pilot (probably where he got the hair brained idea to use A340's in this day and age). Just by the simple fact that this guy was mixed up with the former priest and restaurateurs that bilked and stranded HUNDREDS of travelers and refused to give them back their money for services not rendered, should be enough to scare not only passengers and possible employees away, but also investors.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKlc49PnDL-UOcS_qMfLwW9-H4VuTyCf-5iwBkN3k3tVoU97rnXvipPbnpTdyvq2T1gghTNisLwRwcniVl0LHuVFOAErWVMuV4JhJUfwkKOIhYdgdYVSUELKiJm764w0V5v65QxwyGJAP/s1600/SkyGreece_photo-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="900" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKlc49PnDL-UOcS_qMfLwW9-H4VuTyCf-5iwBkN3k3tVoU97rnXvipPbnpTdyvq2T1gghTNisLwRwcniVl0LHuVFOAErWVMuV4JhJUfwkKOIhYdgdYVSUELKiJm764w0V5v65QxwyGJAP/s400/SkyGreece_photo-3.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPhhDRZ_UPrU-v7GoJhAid3fFzS29FKZsxjdPtid51SDaFXHopVdsh5cATw00FdbNcVscLWUl4OAcKKSiIsdMuDq-W6NlY4suJVl1Tof12BuycBQdujBruwmsLuoGTKR3taygKAL5a0ph/s1600/08-20-SkyGreece-673x427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>This past decade has been hell with Greek investors and their need to have a nonstop connection across the Atlantic to our beloved <span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Πατρίδα (homeland). Yes, it's not exactly cheap to fly on the Summer nonstops offered by Delta from New York/JFK, United and Emirates from Newark, American from both Philadelphia and Chicago now, but, at least if something happens, these airlines will not leave you stranded. You're on a flying bus, leave your pride at home or in your carry-on. Get there and back home in one piece, and with peace of mind.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, in conclusion, will Athens Spirit actually take off? Very doubtful. The odds are monumentally stacked against it. But, no matter what, the skies between the US and Greece might heat up later on this year. You do the math and decide.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPhhDRZ_UPrU-v7GoJhAid3fFzS29FKZsxjdPtid51SDaFXHopVdsh5cATw00FdbNcVscLWUl4OAcKKSiIsdMuDq-W6NlY4suJVl1Tof12BuycBQdujBruwmsLuoGTKR3taygKAL5a0ph/s1600/08-20-SkyGreece-673x427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="673" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPhhDRZ_UPrU-v7GoJhAid3fFzS29FKZsxjdPtid51SDaFXHopVdsh5cATw00FdbNcVscLWUl4OAcKKSiIsdMuDq-W6NlY4suJVl1Tof12BuycBQdujBruwmsLuoGTKR3taygKAL5a0ph/s400/08-20-SkyGreece-673x427.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://wordoftravel.com/"><img alt="Find our blog at wordoftravel" src="https://wordoftravel.com/images/blogger-confirm-link-small.png/fl310travel.blogspot.com/cZYoUGME" /></a>Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-42153461638131021722019-01-13T19:42:00.000-08:002019-01-13T20:08:13.312-08:00Changing of the Old Guard<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMBWE13SWF4EL1CduN3ff9rJYtuCdhq9rQOoAW9qwabIQQ76z73PUU_XhyO25rS5UeMPs2lToU03jtwyquzdHoA2K1w4tCcSC8kS5az0Q_1jaAMx9r0Ncc-ttgf679imBzuWnRdncnt7v/s1600/WN25yearscover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1131" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMBWE13SWF4EL1CduN3ff9rJYtuCdhq9rQOoAW9qwabIQQ76z73PUU_XhyO25rS5UeMPs2lToU03jtwyquzdHoA2K1w4tCcSC8kS5az0Q_1jaAMx9r0Ncc-ttgf679imBzuWnRdncnt7v/s400/WN25yearscover.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Southwest Airlines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdJ6nrxGRsaH_pWkKj0_9vlgM6Kbw5LMgPdQL15M5oxZkyKoLBSSxgBOI8Z_NcUb8dF1FUnkuJ0NOUY7b_WwxNDu3yY1Gah9-lyVrMhpks1gvVD-aLgJIAQ6uGGqmTMsfPA4Z-CUzT9Xx/s1600/herb_kelleher_19992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="240" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdJ6nrxGRsaH_pWkKj0_9vlgM6Kbw5LMgPdQL15M5oxZkyKoLBSSxgBOI8Z_NcUb8dF1FUnkuJ0NOUY7b_WwxNDu3yY1Gah9-lyVrMhpks1gvVD-aLgJIAQ6uGGqmTMsfPA4Z-CUzT9Xx/s400/herb_kelleher_19992.jpg" width="255" /></a>By now, most of the world knows that Southwest Airlines' legendary boss, Herb Kelleher, passed away at the tender age of 87. He was one of the last of the maverick airline chieftains of the 1980's to retire from his post, but his tenure, as most of us in the industry (regardless of which airline we worked at) will agree, is one of the most respected and loved. I won't go into his background in detail, or into a lot of Southwest's history, but instead, I just want to shed some light on what kind of figure Herb was to us airline folk, and what the industry used to look like.<br />
<br />
The domestic airline scene in the 1970's was one FAR different than what we are now used to in 2019. Back then (before yours truly was even born, let alone the airline czar he is now), airlines were heavily regulated, and the now defunct Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) ran and ruled on everything from setting fares, to what type of aircraft could be used on what flight at what time of day, to how napkins should be folded on the meal tray! Ridiculous, to say the least. The only way an airline could get away with ANYTHING not controlled by the CAB was to be a strictly intra-state carrier. Only then could an airline fly without restriction say between, San Diego and Oakland, without the CAB needing to tell them when and how to fly, and for how much. In fact, Southwest Airlines was NOT the original low-fare, no-frills airline. Nope, not by a long shot.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsojxjK95h67I0Of-nycgwtH96B5QSOD_v-g45HFUKgi7u04OJWNXRBooJr-s2iV-CqS1y80JOEFdm3S5KhYZsSQ_VAvM75q7_hHZ5j1ZUOIpTV3RH1FwuJHvCVgn4DlvOYZuM9TkVwACq/s1600/00_ENTRE_Herb_on_Plane_Tail_quotecaps_800px.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsojxjK95h67I0Of-nycgwtH96B5QSOD_v-g45HFUKgi7u04OJWNXRBooJr-s2iV-CqS1y80JOEFdm3S5KhYZsSQ_VAvM75q7_hHZ5j1ZUOIpTV3RH1FwuJHvCVgn4DlvOYZuM9TkVwACq/s400/00_ENTRE_Herb_on_Plane_Tail_quotecaps_800px.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit Southwest Airlines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That belongs to a lovely little carrier named Pacific Southwest Airlines, PSA for short. They flew DC-3's, DC-4's, Lockheed Electras, and finally Boeing 727, 737's, and DC-9's up and down the California coastline when the big wigs from Southwest showed up at their doorstop. That's right, Southwest was NOT a pioneer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In 1969, Southwest's principals, Rollin King and Lamar Muse went to San Diego to see how PSA was run, as their idea was basically a Texas-sized version of PSA intra-California operation. King and Muse told PSA's chief, Andy Andrews, they knew basically nothing about running an airline, and Andrews turned around and gave the fledgling company full access to every nook and cranny of PSA's operations, from top to bottom. In fact, the first 737 was leased from PSA, the first reservation system, and all the initial manuals and uniforms also came from the All Smile airline.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVTtLMUAbSxstyxBMA2dsB5lDQ1livS6YPUUQH1oHPGx19uCrxcur1XzpiS2IUZ4sz5M4PdC20Na3hvcZFoSIk-61NARqn4fQQjS72BF830URscl5tZ3b-nGITrGkWzDc9x8Bw8ukkEID/s1600/wn737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="711" data-original-width="1000" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVTtLMUAbSxstyxBMA2dsB5lDQ1livS6YPUUQH1oHPGx19uCrxcur1XzpiS2IUZ4sz5M4PdC20Na3hvcZFoSIk-61NARqn4fQQjS72BF830URscl5tZ3b-nGITrGkWzDc9x8Bw8ukkEID/s400/wn737.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Joe Pries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So no, Southwest didn't pioneer ANYTHING. But, when Herb took over the CEO duties, he was one of the most visible airline leaders in the free world. He was everywhere, TV and print advertising, Capitol Hill in Washington, random cities around the Southwest system, competitor's flights, etc. Under Herb's guidance, Southwest turned into enough of a economic powerhouse, that, in the late 80's and 1990's, they could do no wrong. Cities and their respective airports clamored for Southwest to begin service. Once they came to town, they didn't start with a handful of flights to one or two destinations, oh no, they came in with all guns blazing. They would start 5-6 flights a day to several cities, usually 405 at first, then constantly growing as the loads developed and maintained sustainable levels. This would boost a town's population and was a major driving force for new job creation in the area. This was called the "Southwest Effect". For years, this was how it worked, and Southwest motivated every single economy it touched.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqIWjSBjwUijsHkWVbsBDEByJXRWzyHN_HpqC1ehYFCBRxzS7gbIc6vK4XBKBMkYFFnrBWRa4_fivMxDjWqvOkmA_7jshgDHpn4grfWiC6VercNaVLEjPYYowDSndIG8Q9hYCOvBL93k4/s1600/Morris_Air_Boeing_737-300_Silagi-1-678x381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="678" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPqIWjSBjwUijsHkWVbsBDEByJXRWzyHN_HpqC1ehYFCBRxzS7gbIc6vK4XBKBMkYFFnrBWRa4_fivMxDjWqvOkmA_7jshgDHpn4grfWiC6VercNaVLEjPYYowDSndIG8Q9hYCOvBL93k4/s400/Morris_Air_Boeing_737-300_Silagi-1-678x381.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Morris Travel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Even with the random airline purchases Southwest made (Dallas based MuseAir in 1987, Salt Lake City-based Morris Air in 1994), Herb and Co. made sure that the respective employees from the merged carriers were taken care of and had a place to work at Southwest (even future jetBlue and Azul CEO David Neeleman, who started Morris Air, ended up at Southwest for a very brief spell).<br />
The way Herb made Southwest do business was a complete polar opposite from the rest of the industry, save perhaps Delta Airlines.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNxf3DLXb65bjWpxTM_Pj3N_V3ffllbNgC8MCzsf7wTKjHHRYx1i1XbEoNAR2CyyPf58qFRUW_B8-vH6ZX-gutZBALrVZLjN_mgJglFumAqatSTuufAd9m5M1mk7LQ090dsxYUcsHcS98/s1600/SOUTHWEST_737-300_N647SW_LAX_0299_JP_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1000" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNxf3DLXb65bjWpxTM_Pj3N_V3ffllbNgC8MCzsf7wTKjHHRYx1i1XbEoNAR2CyyPf58qFRUW_B8-vH6ZX-gutZBALrVZLjN_mgJglFumAqatSTuufAd9m5M1mk7LQ090dsxYUcsHcS98/s400/SOUTHWEST_737-300_N647SW_LAX_0299_JP_small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit Joe Pries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Even though I never managed to cross paths with Herb, he was one of the few industry leaders I looked up to and admired. Not because he ran an airline, but they way he ran it, the stories I'd heard about him and what kind of person he was, etc. There were several saying of his that I used to take to heart as a young up and coming airline guy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
This blog is just my simple and heartfelt way of saying,<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Thank you, Herb. You will be missed."</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fAuBDHwzckWUA_HC62sqzsZuUUOSY00IldIAPR8kb7HjeQiYD62Gf5keRa4UvDc4a8A0AhoD7Xt1vqUHRkUn44j3zMHWBgcYJMupcAakmCOH3zscnFNxtS4XDv17H8MYYOnNix8-Gdor/s1600/5c2e993fd4beaf391f75c396-750-375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fAuBDHwzckWUA_HC62sqzsZuUUOSY00IldIAPR8kb7HjeQiYD62Gf5keRa4UvDc4a8A0AhoD7Xt1vqUHRkUn44j3zMHWBgcYJMupcAakmCOH3zscnFNxtS4XDv17H8MYYOnNix8-Gdor/s400/5c2e993fd4beaf391f75c396-750-375.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Southwest Airlines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-54948780051192733152018-10-27T19:28:00.001-07:002018-10-27T19:28:03.105-07:00All-Inclusive for All Ages: Beaches Ocho Rios Resort, Jamaica<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xd5l_9SIRjaf7TxxJR2J1DRXARkNAyqalgoWSpmjvPdpqyNyJ6QvPIzuWmmtOQXce9rKMYGG3DQSiE_rzXWE_HPWeR7LB32Au0bzrUhGpDHQQX7BlxWRVxjETuOL9HfbMfmqWxXYl8Wv/s1600/4199-7-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xd5l_9SIRjaf7TxxJR2J1DRXARkNAyqalgoWSpmjvPdpqyNyJ6QvPIzuWmmtOQXce9rKMYGG3DQSiE_rzXWE_HPWeR7LB32Au0bzrUhGpDHQQX7BlxWRVxjETuOL9HfbMfmqWxXYl8Wv/s400/4199-7-l.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Beaches Ocho Rios</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif;">**Disclosure: This trip was part of a FAM (Familiarization) Trip sponsored by AAA, Pleasant Holidays, and Sandals Resorts. Please note that all photos are the author's own, except where credited. As a travel industry professional, I make a big investment in first hand experiences, and I spend a lot of time to keep up with my accreditation and staying up to date with current and future developments in the airline and travel industries. This means attending conferences, seminars, site inspections, FAM (familiarization) Trips, and even group trips. I have been able to have some of these experiences shown and described in my blog entries at a reduced cost or comped by the hotel, tour operator, cruise line, or other supplier. The feedback supplied is based on my own personal experience. The first hand experience allows me to better serve my clients and match the experiences they are looking for.**</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-EtiHT5-VhxH5TQqcaTMPsgC7uvRtNxUkqxkGNkO2uofYcQaYjRApSFhq0k_ArGd9yNUySPy5nE1LHW7msm8B14dP_UL0zkYhjQmJNUnIDiu_PTpEDsED3tS7U0_9O6Kv147wwLheBVc/s1600/42138944_665467027167471_313114381577617408_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-EtiHT5-VhxH5TQqcaTMPsgC7uvRtNxUkqxkGNkO2uofYcQaYjRApSFhq0k_ArGd9yNUySPy5nE1LHW7msm8B14dP_UL0zkYhjQmJNUnIDiu_PTpEDsED3tS7U0_9O6Kv147wwLheBVc/s400/42138944_665467027167471_313114381577617408_n.jpg" width="220" /></a>There are literally dozens of All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica that say they are family and kid-friendly, but how about one that goes far above and beyond everyone else not just for families and kids, but are also world renown for their Autistic Children's programs? Take a look at the excellent Beaches Ocho Rios, then give me a call and let me book you and your family there.<br />
<br />
Before I go into the property's details and room types and whatnot, let me speak out about their Nannies. They are amazing. From everything we've been told and what I've asked guests and seen first hand, the Beaches Nannies are phenomenal and a must have when you bring your children to play in Jamaica. The Beaches resorts are the ONLY resorts in the Caribbean where Nannies and infant care are included all day, every day, for every level of accommodation, from newborns, toddlers to kids of all ages. All Beaches Nannies are accredited by the International Nanny Association (INA) and they have added training in safety, nutrition, and child development.<br />
<br />
My visit to Beaches was definitely my favorite part of the FAM trip. I had been waiting to see this resort with my own eyes for a long while now. The resort itself boasts 222 rooms and Suites (16 bookable categories to my Travel Agents out there) on 22 acres, a decent 2 hour transfer from either Kingston or Montego Bay, and the suites have Concierge services, however, unlike the Sandals Resorts in Ocho Rios, there is no butler service. The rooms are broken up into the Caribbean Village main building, the Oceanfront French Village, and my personal favorite, the Beachfront Greek Village, right on the beach and perfect for couples.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSvgD87DF0jrw4cca1WLW6cehoDInJwMzKhiiibD0dGYIdqwoAOmTwwGlUNu3QGAxS6gghldctHVldMAqQI_H_xAA9jxySBeBCo647FZiJBq5O1khlTROaulDvipihUXvhdNsCBf0j7WC/s1600/41869145_665466763834164_8154283088365486080_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSvgD87DF0jrw4cca1WLW6cehoDInJwMzKhiiibD0dGYIdqwoAOmTwwGlUNu3QGAxS6gghldctHVldMAqQI_H_xAA9jxySBeBCo647FZiJBq5O1khlTROaulDvipihUXvhdNsCBf0j7WC/s400/41869145_665466763834164_8154283088365486080_n.jpg" width="220" /></a>From the minute I got off the bus I turned into a 5 year old when I was met by Oscar the Grouch from <i>Sesame Street </i>fame. Beaches partnership with Sesame Workshop makes it the ONLY resort where kids (and some adults) can play with their favorite characters every single day of their vacation. There are 11 <i>Sesame Street </i>characters on site every day, including the latest addition to the show, Julia, an autistic 4 year old Muppet who can be seen playing around the resort with her long time pal, Elmo. There are quite a few activities kids do with the Sesame Street characters, such as nature hikes, tea parties, story time, reusing and recycling (with one of my favorites, Oscar the Grouch), to full on character breakfasts and even nighttime tuck-ins (available for an additional charge, of course).<br />
<br />
Of course, there's also things to do for the older kids too. From the Xbox Play Lounge, with dozens of games to choose from on the XBox One and Kinect platforms, to the massive on property water park (11 water slides in all), the TrenchTown arcade with Foosball, air hockey tables and more, to outdoor billiard tables, unlimited scuba diving, tennis clinics, and glass bottom bot tours, there's virtually no end to the fun and activities the older crowd can get into.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9czLbAcWeCavM-Nto3Kf3RRNeD_OQ4cRyAxjy_f9GRwPcTKyLqKdC_FXKwX5rEezhIUVwWHtPuc3L0xJ2K8r6Efy38gSc9F4SqJxtS7p4Senyowvd7wvOuq-HgvgZOQxQfyIeAmUBEDXS/s1600/11-1200x900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1200" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9czLbAcWeCavM-Nto3Kf3RRNeD_OQ4cRyAxjy_f9GRwPcTKyLqKdC_FXKwX5rEezhIUVwWHtPuc3L0xJ2K8r6Efy38gSc9F4SqJxtS7p4Senyowvd7wvOuq-HgvgZOQxQfyIeAmUBEDXS/s400/11-1200x900.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Beaches Ocho Rios</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As with the other Sandals resorts in Ocho Rios, guests at Beaches Ocho Rios also have access to the Sandals Golf & Country Club, along with complimentary transfers and no additional green fees. Not a bad perk if you want some time on the links (unlimited rounds included) while the family lounges about on the beach all day!<br />
<br />
There's no shortage of dining options at Beaches Ocho Rios, either. 7 distinct eateries abound on the property, from fine French and Italian cuisine to Seafood served dockside, to more run of the mill offerings like fresh made crepes, pizza and BBQ, private dining on the beach for a romantic getaway, or for those with special dietary needs, let the resort know (or your Travel Agent) about a month before hand and any needs you have can be met.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9cpAwRqAbTLqUh7DTy-5R7q5pTuZ0O4WU_p2EW-HOHIBttS2KPn245pRrTDmx_60EEYqeO0K9tQsRSTAFafGwaz-aaazEIi9N_i-V_OpdSfQTgUYLWW0YVMYcoZyU1p0ic-3XPg021m3/s1600/41990740_665466913834149_7747335138932948992_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO9cpAwRqAbTLqUh7DTy-5R7q5pTuZ0O4WU_p2EW-HOHIBttS2KPn245pRrTDmx_60EEYqeO0K9tQsRSTAFafGwaz-aaazEIi9N_i-V_OpdSfQTgUYLWW0YVMYcoZyU1p0ic-3XPg021m3/s400/41990740_665466913834149_7747335138932948992_n.jpg" width="400" /></a>The resort itself is amazing, to be sure, but what blows this writer away, as this hits real close to home, is their attention to detail and laser focus on guests with autistic kids. Their programs go so far to include and involve autistic kids it amazes me. Beaches is the first resort to complete and implement the rigorous training set by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), allowing the resort to offer specialized service, engaging activities, and custom dining options so all families can enjoy a memorable Beaches experience. The IBCCES training also extends out to Travel Agents to learn about and have the ability to better sell the resorts, and this particular Travel Agent is in the middle of my own Certification.<br />
<br />
The programs they offer include the Kids Camps, which are certified Autism Centers that ensure the team members have the requisite knowledge, skills, temperament and expertise to cater to all children and offer age-specific programs for infants, toddlers, pre-teens, and teens. Also, there are activities that involve the Sesame Street characters, now including the newest Muppet, Julia.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuEjlFcFFicQxJNIz-jirchQgGg9WjDbVjIcJVFK0EV9Wlye6jHdUmzxSWEOjcvY8Z6GNte9cBSDx6vRkHP5chGzeNpkM6yU3orHdbMIZV_JYYrH9MsINGVU2eEsfW7l8FWtQlT84I5In/s1600/Sesame.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1521" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGuEjlFcFFicQxJNIz-jirchQgGg9WjDbVjIcJVFK0EV9Wlye6jHdUmzxSWEOjcvY8Z6GNte9cBSDx6vRkHP5chGzeNpkM6yU3orHdbMIZV_JYYrH9MsINGVU2eEsfW7l8FWtQlT84I5In/s400/Sesame.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Beaches Ocho Rios</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This Travel Agents Opinion: I do not hesitate to quote and book Beaches, especially for my clients traveling with families, honeymooners, and those traveling with special needs, dietary concerns, or autistic travelers. Everyone deserves an unforgettable vacation, an escape from the everyday grind, if you will. All Beaches Resorts go above and beyond to achieve this, and the Beaches Ocho Rios, from what I've seen, covers all bases. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoeksU3bo4_nmAtTj4Wqz83u-s_84G6NUaqkPBGIHUEcZM9NTodTUo00nATAxLNM3thiui8y3JOC1VsgLC5a8TvXDKRS5lIMDI0Mr7FinsdGSYgNsmvHkvQcHALqG30Hw3q0qGIB7pNog/s1600/42059180_665467547167419_2434415153026957312_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxoeksU3bo4_nmAtTj4Wqz83u-s_84G6NUaqkPBGIHUEcZM9NTodTUo00nATAxLNM3thiui8y3JOC1VsgLC5a8TvXDKRS5lIMDI0Mr7FinsdGSYgNsmvHkvQcHALqG30Hw3q0qGIB7pNog/s400/42059180_665467547167419_2434415153026957312_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>**All photos the Author's except where credited**</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-69716228394151034872018-10-22T17:16:00.000-07:002018-10-22T17:49:43.921-07:00Leisure flying, eh? A Ride on Air Canada Rouge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwamIrxxqAEo1TP2OdkIcLbb2Cm2IklbrGHF5KLuU-115Fs_uVlrG095NbvXqQNJUvZ_9bOODR4RzwMgsMy8xNGPnTMIdnw3SJp9tY0YkhzTVPSx-u9cGMjNtsdikNtQr8d42IoZ4nOzzb/s1600/KINYYZ.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwamIrxxqAEo1TP2OdkIcLbb2Cm2IklbrGHF5KLuU-115Fs_uVlrG095NbvXqQNJUvZ_9bOODR4RzwMgsMy8xNGPnTMIdnw3SJp9tY0YkhzTVPSx-u9cGMjNtsdikNtQr8d42IoZ4nOzzb/s400/KINYYZ.PNG" width="393" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCR7pYfzBCCmai6WpuJbKdbeDBO8BeI4iAyqMVAZUGjxRelKjTlFvotJGAWhMDh66vWi0EsdKOvK5tZ5iEZZxk968A9N27f-NXiCuSzrLOHMMH5zDQrHV3inwtD2-glTMr34KZamgKAeEM/s1600/AirCanadaRouge763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1440" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCR7pYfzBCCmai6WpuJbKdbeDBO8BeI4iAyqMVAZUGjxRelKjTlFvotJGAWhMDh66vWi0EsdKOvK5tZ5iEZZxk968A9N27f-NXiCuSzrLOHMMH5zDQrHV3inwtD2-glTMr34KZamgKAeEM/s400/AirCanadaRouge763.jpg" width="400" /></a>I get a LOT of static from my friends and Travel Agents up North about Air Canada, and especially it's leisure subsidiary, Rouge. Yet, when I send Americans on AC from the West Coast to Europe, even on Rouge to places like Dubrovnik or Athens, I don't hear a single complaint, in fact, I hear the opposite. Myself, up to this point have only traveled on mainline Air Canada (and loved the ride), so this trip on Rouge was a definite first for me, and I especially wanted to try the Boeing 767-300 service, as that plane serves those longer flights I book the majority of travelers on, to Athens, Greece.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Jr-li4GRymj1uWkbHPeGJbfvz9eCIfxx3fkU7Op_NNxsxTkP4PgHtl1y28oFiCz8KbJ0wigHIa6fvHKVajiK4TG4gqRSgJ_O8DxiUTjrv-0QvOMuCO64wNE_LBPfDIREEvuBP6bvuVr_/s1600/p1070473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="458" data-original-width="611" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Jr-li4GRymj1uWkbHPeGJbfvz9eCIfxx3fkU7Op_NNxsxTkP4PgHtl1y28oFiCz8KbJ0wigHIa6fvHKVajiK4TG4gqRSgJ_O8DxiUTjrv-0QvOMuCO64wNE_LBPfDIREEvuBP6bvuVr_/s400/p1070473.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Air Canada (let alone Rouge), does not serve my home airport of Salt Lake City (sort of, every few years they bring seasonal service back from Toronto, albeit on a minuscule Air Canada Express Regional Jet), so the flight I selected had me leaving Kingston, Jamaica (I was on the island for a AAA and Pleasant Holidays sponsored FAM Trip anyways) bound for Toronto, then connecting onto mainline Air Canada for a quick jaunt up to Montreal. I was looking forward to this so much, I couldn't wait to get to Norman Manley Airport after the FAM.<br />
<br />
Soon enough I was on my way from Ocho Rios to Kingston on a very smooth 2 hour bus ride (a FAR cry from the hideous ride on the way in), arriving at the airport with plenty of time to check-in, and get through security and passport control. Don't get me wrong, the Jamaicans were very nice and very well meaning, and a vacation to the island is a dream for hundreds of thousands of people, but speaking for myself, a Jamaican (or most any Caribbean island - save St. Maarten) vacation is just not my idea of a vacation. But enough about me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANLeXyuxh8mtUi9qW72E-O8LmU4L5BK69eHWcRn8UHfE_-MYuV3_4UIsIr9YgB2OF2PXeMlVFmTONIzKjdte9_gEnVG42jUAPLqCJYmjcUZ6RPYE-7eFxQzOP-FXtmAJYsE7Z4NtbfvSw/s1600/nmia-jpeg-nmia_standrew016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="891" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhANLeXyuxh8mtUi9qW72E-O8LmU4L5BK69eHWcRn8UHfE_-MYuV3_4UIsIr9YgB2OF2PXeMlVFmTONIzKjdte9_gEnVG42jUAPLqCJYmjcUZ6RPYE-7eFxQzOP-FXtmAJYsE7Z4NtbfvSw/s400/nmia-jpeg-nmia_standrew016.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Since space is at a premium in the terminal, passengers wait in the main hall until their flight is called for boarding, as there is very little room in the gate areas and jetways. This was fine by me, I had found myself a fantastic place to sit overlooking the Kingston ramp and next to a wall outlet to plug in while waiting for boarding. Before I knew it, the staff were calling for Premium Rouge (all 3 passengers), and Rouge Plus (that's me!) to line up at the gate. I had booked myself in seat 13A, the window seat, in the second row of Rouge Plus. Even with a not even a half way full flight, we pushed back a little late, but made it up in the air.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7r44WtPUWXCntz0FaRGTSK5tnL4j2Q1gVK5Ca3xv3cvcsjpsZVfR80MzOQgX4TUPNzFguSSuYAucyy7Je74t13HQN4KDNwMeYIPqUGxGHzD9lQS1eXaULSjtyTZWGPFsFf7-sMYtgVMo/s1600/Rogue+Y%252B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7r44WtPUWXCntz0FaRGTSK5tnL4j2Q1gVK5Ca3xv3cvcsjpsZVfR80MzOQgX4TUPNzFguSSuYAucyy7Je74t13HQN4KDNwMeYIPqUGxGHzD9lQS1eXaULSjtyTZWGPFsFf7-sMYtgVMo/s400/Rogue+Y%252B.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Today's flight was operated by the 26 year old former Canadian Airlines Boeing 767-300ER registered C-GHLK. She was delivered on October 7, 1992 to Air Europe Italy, then sold to Balair in 1999, who then sold it to Canadian Airlines in November, 2000; just in time for the merger with Air Canada. I can hear the grumbles from my readers at the age of the plane, but, I have to tell you, she was incredibly well maintained, and even though she has an older layout and seats, she performed the flight admirably. I really have no problem selling Air Canada Rouge to my clients (especially those going from the US West Coast to holiday spots in Europe. The space in Rouge Plus is perfect for someone of my size (are you listening, American Airlines?) and I stretched my legs until my seatmate boarded (it was turning out to be one of those kind of trips!)<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0z0qv1u3FLAqcWQe3zfTpYryqauSjEnOUpAA3E1x-B3Z2x-8dG7eLDsPFbYJ7FVls-K9dg-FeI0b3dkKAO7f-cGiLyD9A1DJTdA9fMHommjoB6SuuPJ1EMY2ObnE_9Iz1YFl8XvfEh-Z9/s1600/Rouge-Seating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0z0qv1u3FLAqcWQe3zfTpYryqauSjEnOUpAA3E1x-B3Z2x-8dG7eLDsPFbYJ7FVls-K9dg-FeI0b3dkKAO7f-cGiLyD9A1DJTdA9fMHommjoB6SuuPJ1EMY2ObnE_9Iz1YFl8XvfEh-Z9/s400/Rouge-Seating.jpg" width="400" /></a>The 4 1/2 hour flight to Toronto was absolutely fantastic. Right after takeoff, I let the passenger next to me have my seat (a 6'9" Jamaican basketball player takes up a TON of space after all), and I moved to a completely empty center section of row 14. All 3 seats were mine, so I spread out, and even gave Philbin his own seat. I passed the flight plugged into the inflight power, cranked up my music, and began journaling my trip.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Yet another feather smooth landing on the 767 in Toronto. Deplaning was quick, making it a breeze to get through the kilometers of corridors before hitting Customs and Baggage Re-Check and onwards to my connecting flight on Air Canada mainline to Montreal.<br />
<br />
I still don't know why so many people give Air Canada (and it's subsidiaries) such a hard time, but every segment I've had on Air Canada and Rouge thus far have been simply phenomenal.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-61297598570563928082018-10-15T10:46:00.000-07:002018-10-15T10:46:19.332-07:00At Your Beck and Call: Sandals Royal Plantation All-Butler, All-Suite Resort, Jamaica<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfyUybCVxrYguOdvHhdN6o8RrGnp8DFWRlNYoJ2toKwE1h0xqseFh17Ss8vyaxw3C6x7vjLTQuYvTXiI1Io9J1kAuTJfeAUkBwZ8xFIZD12UOMS73kDi48VcY6eKvgNWh1Abz-5Ruyus8/s1600/3400-2000x1333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfyUybCVxrYguOdvHhdN6o8RrGnp8DFWRlNYoJ2toKwE1h0xqseFh17Ss8vyaxw3C6x7vjLTQuYvTXiI1Io9J1kAuTJfeAUkBwZ8xFIZD12UOMS73kDi48VcY6eKvgNWh1Abz-5Ruyus8/s400/3400-2000x1333.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></i></b>
<b><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">**Disclosure: This trip was part of a FAM (Familiarization) Trip sponsored by AAA, Pleasant Holidays, and Sandals Resorts. Please note that all photos are the author's own, except where credited. As a travel industry professional, I make a big investment in first hand experiences, and I spend a lot of time to keep up with my accreditation and staying up to date with current and future developments in the airline and travel industries. This means attending conferences, seminars, site inspections, FAM (familiarization) Trips, and even group trips. I have been able to have some of these experiences shown and described in my blog entries at a reduced cost or comped by the hotel, tour operator, cruise line, or other supplier. The feedback supplied is based on my own personal experience. The first hand experience allows me to better serve my clients and match the experiences they are looking for.**</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLtXLkd9VyofOs5oIVhD9Uv-ShxT_SAV6DYeJlFRX2zCyp-CyZNAfdsgzmED1MA1E28YUYKyG_bIaKi8o0Je28D32MGGQKFRmt8hyphenhyphen4U_kdLBYarHMj-BxLS5wzvSUBgSxfZliTg-SgHus/s1600/41859816_665355773845263_7198538627465347072_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLtXLkd9VyofOs5oIVhD9Uv-ShxT_SAV6DYeJlFRX2zCyp-CyZNAfdsgzmED1MA1E28YUYKyG_bIaKi8o0Je28D32MGGQKFRmt8hyphenhyphen4U_kdLBYarHMj-BxLS5wzvSUBgSxfZliTg-SgHus/s400/41859816_665355773845263_7198538627465347072_n.jpg" width="400" /></a>Sometimes you just want to get away from everyone and everything, relax, unwind, and be pampered. Sometimes you just want to seek out other golfers' with the same mindset as well, and have no Golf greens fees. Or maybe you're alone and just want to lay in a hammock all day long, then retire to your suite and order room service. Either way, you need to be at the Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaGifb0ZAmz0cFnaluwymOsdk9Aiy21Dx75_Q6xJEyI2C-zJq9HjWaWNYd3nBekdWToyNIkEEK3LN7GyedTM7oYJnwQwZw5M6J9yThHjvN07tgf3qnJuXAP6Bpb3CCi69NZWA5lXlP9gW/s1600/41880505_665361597178014_5170278100461682688_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaGifb0ZAmz0cFnaluwymOsdk9Aiy21Dx75_Q6xJEyI2C-zJq9HjWaWNYd3nBekdWToyNIkEEK3LN7GyedTM7oYJnwQwZw5M6J9yThHjvN07tgf3qnJuXAP6Bpb3CCi69NZWA5lXlP9gW/s400/41880505_665361597178014_5170278100461682688_n.jpg" width="400" /></a>Located an hour and a half away from either Montego Bay or Kingston, the complimentary transfer to and from the resort is a godsend (and if you're in one of the top-tier suites, you have pick up and drop off provided by chauffeur-driven Rolls-Royce or Mercedes Benz). Nestled on 10 acres of lush beachfront property, the Sandals Royal Plantation boasts only 74 suites (in 11 bookable categories for all my Travel Agent fans), and ALL suites have ocean views as well as Butler service and a pillow menu featuring 5 different types of supporting pillows for all guests' needs.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNQGXJfwbta9b6SOqWlJCPvkL5nnmHajwm-FeBftqw5rpToML4lOmD0s5fV469EDKsVMVUq_s653wow7d6-4xV6dGEDmrUd8S0FxdMXsHWkjawPp-B_pMyTOospukyIDmUUQuMIHzJy9G/s1600/41961945_665361933844647_1012788558668234752_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNQGXJfwbta9b6SOqWlJCPvkL5nnmHajwm-FeBftqw5rpToML4lOmD0s5fV469EDKsVMVUq_s653wow7d6-4xV6dGEDmrUd8S0FxdMXsHWkjawPp-B_pMyTOospukyIDmUUQuMIHzJy9G/s400/41961945_665361933844647_1012788558668234752_n.jpg" width="400" /></a>On property there are 5 world-class gourmet dining options and two bars, including the Caribbean's only Champagne & Caviar Bar (for an extra charge), known as the C-Bar. From French cuisine to amazing seafood, fine dining under the stars at The Terrace, or right on the beachfront at the Royal Grill, you're bound to have an unforgettable meal each and every time. For a quick, non-formal bite with a fabulous cocktail, try the Wobbly Peacock Pub and imbibe.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePmwJxmkIPD6zM-72b37HGNEyWxG3wD5aEZl-2QaHLburfg_wDH9Rp-URyyImf5jqwa0h00hwyOiAWOc2TLaAxZudTY-cDnacBmJo3sx-N9VRvXma-eT6IQtpULT-KrfRIBZVrqxGxB7B/s1600/42059424_665356030511904_5070106582512041984_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiePmwJxmkIPD6zM-72b37HGNEyWxG3wD5aEZl-2QaHLburfg_wDH9Rp-URyyImf5jqwa0h00hwyOiAWOc2TLaAxZudTY-cDnacBmJo3sx-N9VRvXma-eT6IQtpULT-KrfRIBZVrqxGxB7B/s400/42059424_665356030511904_5070106582512041984_n.jpg" width="220" /></a>The best part of booking a Suite at the Sandals Royal Plantation is the Butler Elite service. Your very own Butler can provide you with private in-suite check in, unpack your luggage for you and have it neatly stowed (I had this at the Sandals Ochi Beach), provide you with a cell phone to keep in touch with them when needed, take your room service orders, handle any and all laundry and dry cleaning requests with two complimentary pressings (that's better than the Langham Hotels!), drawing flower-petal bubble baths, bring you snacks and/or beverages ANYWHERE on the resort, continuously check and re-stock your in-suite bar with your preferred beverages, arrange for special surprises and private dining and picnics, and arrange for spa services without you lifting a finger.<br />
<br />
There's no real downside to Sandals Royal Plantation, except it is not handicap accessible. There are no ramps anywhere on property, only stairs, so if you have mobility or climbing issues, this is not the resort for you. Other than that, this is definitely the place to get away from it all and completely unwind. Along with all the other perks, you do have full exchange privileges with Sandals Ochi Beach Club, meaning you have full access to all activities and areas, as well as access to the Sandals Hop jitney to take you between resorts. That access alone is worth the stay.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgHbanpnXu2BqJ5miicIrodf86-jrwfviHkh3Qqz68Gp8YZi60oNchqVamAN_4WaiQNEYX3x9YJXqhZyuRuPWuPXeF5gdJo7GCedlWDDAmkmDZ-SUt7XluZx2RL4ycDOZLxOYWL_FEn_l/s1600/Sandals-Royal-Plantation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="466" data-original-width="783" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqgHbanpnXu2BqJ5miicIrodf86-jrwfviHkh3Qqz68Gp8YZi60oNchqVamAN_4WaiQNEYX3x9YJXqhZyuRuPWuPXeF5gdJo7GCedlWDDAmkmDZ-SUt7XluZx2RL4ycDOZLxOYWL_FEn_l/s400/Sandals-Royal-Plantation.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit Sandals Royal Plantation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-2691136845134278092018-10-10T23:13:00.000-07:002018-10-10T23:13:53.817-07:00MAXimum Effort: A red-eye ride on American Airlines' Boeing 737 MAX 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSVAbM_wl_DjnUo1PHFSL6iDSIr8fxrTUbqpFVioslxXaCF-bMD3GLb9njbVsr3A_pb5SwWsPygiCstqrFupfFjtCcE4x6edDRIRv3w-MYyz6N4HOO-MDI8TgwqQ5dOLvMjwc9OgubYnu/s1600/map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqSVAbM_wl_DjnUo1PHFSL6iDSIr8fxrTUbqpFVioslxXaCF-bMD3GLb9njbVsr3A_pb5SwWsPygiCstqrFupfFjtCcE4x6edDRIRv3w-MYyz6N4HOO-MDI8TgwqQ5dOLvMjwc9OgubYnu/s400/map.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So many negative things have been written and posted about the Boeing 737 MAX 8, especially with American Airlines' new layout, I had to get on one before I passed judgment on the type. I was crossing my fingers it wasn't going to be as bad as so many people have said it is, and was booked on it with an open mind (sorta).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17u3swhr9JYlm7Cz-dfX3bphgXU2fthlNRv7My7IUZhBAgUVRURelFn169PDZxn1CF-1O_uVHRptyf-YQJiQ2cG0c4insHw9Ufm71RtWJoGWZyXjhyphenhyphenauVMj6YHSAiHqOUS5DnsMBF7KtC/s1600/AMERICAN_737-800MAX_N324RA_MIA_1117_JP_small1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1400" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17u3swhr9JYlm7Cz-dfX3bphgXU2fthlNRv7My7IUZhBAgUVRURelFn169PDZxn1CF-1O_uVHRptyf-YQJiQ2cG0c4insHw9Ufm71RtWJoGWZyXjhyphenhyphenauVMj6YHSAiHqOUS5DnsMBF7KtC/s400/AMERICAN_737-800MAX_N324RA_MIA_1117_JP_small1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Joe Pries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was originally looking at doing a daytime Los Angeles to Miami flight on American's Boeing 777-200, but, the fare for that took me well over the budget allowed by my work for the airfare by several hundred dollars. *Grumbles*<br />
<br />
So the day finally arrived and I found myself at LAX several hours early, and thank goodness I did get there early, TSA screening at American's Terminal 4 was insanely long and almost ground to a halt due to only 2 machines being in use in a separate, walled off area due to major terminal renovations and construction going on. At least the screeners were in a good mood and I made it through in one piece, without much hassle, turning my formerly 4 hour stretch into a leisurely 2 hour wait. Thank God there's a Dunkin' in this terminal, I needed coffee after the day I had been having thus far.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdv0_HYbkkYv_cD7P84VrPJpigjcBwhkQqKPNu4476n6s7oOjj9w7G3eh4NJ889fMjmgGWiYDRKxcC7mxpOLoUWgBtdfuhcpNDDct2nL-S5D1KNUf1RX0TtV3vnmVTDvyI0HrO2bOu9bc/s1600/41990581_664823163898524_6421835629260177408_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdv0_HYbkkYv_cD7P84VrPJpigjcBwhkQqKPNu4476n6s7oOjj9w7G3eh4NJ889fMjmgGWiYDRKxcC7mxpOLoUWgBtdfuhcpNDDct2nL-S5D1KNUf1RX0TtV3vnmVTDvyI0HrO2bOu9bc/s400/41990581_664823163898524_6421835629260177408_n.jpg" width="400" /></a>Finally, boarding came, and I boarded early, thanks to my Boarding Group, and found my seat, in Main Cabin Extra (MCE), with supposedly a bit more space. My ride for the evening was the brand new MAX 8 registered N310RF. At 6 months old, she still has that new plane smell. At first glance she looked great, until you realize you're a 6'1" behemoth. Normally, I'm comfortable in the window seat, but the instant I sat down (and got Philbin nicely ensconced in the seatback pocket), I banged my head on the sidewall! Ouch...ah well, got myself as nicely situated as I could and hoped to God no one took the middle seat. No such luck, after everyone boarded on came a nonrev (employee traveling free) and parked his derriere right next to me. Normally I'm fine with is, as an airline guy I love chatting up with other airline folk. But the three of us in that row were all pretty fluffy. Now before you get your panties in a bunch, I'm not fat shaming. But I gotta tell you, all 3 of us were in agreement, we felt like a pack of Easter Peeps. With the minuscule seat padding already numbing my rear end and legs, this was not shaping up to be an enjoyable 6 hour ride.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZTJo8P9EREXdFKXjINYmRaPF3vmKP9Otci-vmQCF_KL43z3ITVGfYrRvS1JRQ6n8J2bhCl6OxSpV7YK1neo75KxlcZg090s9cdVE_ylS1QMCkUonXxFTcnm7e4QWSWVz8rdedmYdlTYK/s1600/20171129_061534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWZTJo8P9EREXdFKXjINYmRaPF3vmKP9Otci-vmQCF_KL43z3ITVGfYrRvS1JRQ6n8J2bhCl6OxSpV7YK1neo75KxlcZg090s9cdVE_ylS1QMCkUonXxFTcnm7e4QWSWVz8rdedmYdlTYK/s400/20171129_061534.jpg" width="400" /></a>Pushback and takeoff was great. The MAX 8 is an incredibly quiet plane, even at full takeoff power. A quick shot out over the Pacific as usual, then a turn to the Southeast and on our way to Miami. This being a new plane, I looked for the power outlets, and sure enough the universal outlet is on the seat legs in front, while each seatback has a USB outlet. To my chagrin, it didn't work, so I plugged in underneath...to no avail. Turns out the inflight power was not working on this flight for ANY row, despite several attempts by the crew to start it. Oh well, I'll have to wait until we get to Miami. So much for that new airplane feel!<br />
<br />
Since it was a red-eye flight, the crew dimmed the cabin lights to let the sardines...errm, passengers, sleep. I was wide awake thanks to all the coffee I drank pre-flight, so I sat there reading for a few hours before nodding off myself, waking up as the Captain announced our descent into the Miami area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgNe3dqJ4u2C0rra7mUmpyxt6VC3L3kJLOBvW9eyzsafgiPCqLf8r_Jk50jK_bU0JXW5WOmMN4l4E8d0vidda2U3tBdQDtd6eBR5YCZ03gLKOFum-9kNP3bg1vXyl1ceRiSGHz1tdzkjb/s1600/41991949_664824953898345_3959605456275505152_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgNe3dqJ4u2C0rra7mUmpyxt6VC3L3kJLOBvW9eyzsafgiPCqLf8r_Jk50jK_bU0JXW5WOmMN4l4E8d0vidda2U3tBdQDtd6eBR5YCZ03gLKOFum-9kNP3bg1vXyl1ceRiSGHz1tdzkjb/s400/41991949_664824953898345_3959605456275505152_n.jpg" width="400" /></a>The landing was bumpy, but then again, I've never been in a soft landing in a 737, regardless of series. The taxi to our gate took a minute, since we landed on the other side of the airport, but that was ok. We made it to the gate, and I quickly unfolded myself and hauled out of the plane and into the concourse to let the blood flow back into my extremities. You think I'm kidding, well, I'm here to tell you I'm not. A few feet away was the nonrev that was seated next to me, doing the same thing. I swear, this was like a knock off of the old spoof movie <i>Airplane! </i>That flight was done and in the books for me. Now it was time for me to grab some breakfast, plug in, and wait for my onward flight to Kingston, Jamaica on a 737-800. Yay!<br />
<br />
This Travel Agent's opinion: Stay clear of this plane if you value comfort (or blood flow) at all. That being said, not all travelers can avoid this considering how many will enter the American Airlines fleet from here on out. What I can advise them is to upgrade seats to Main Cabin Extra, or even First Class.<br />
<br />
The AvGeek's opinion: She's great to look at outside, and I'll be happy to spot her if she ever makes it to Salt Lake City, but, as far as riding her, I will avoid her for the time being, until American decides to free up a bit more space, or I'm flying in First. Ah well, At least I managed to snag the safety card!<br />
<br />
<i>*All photos the Author's except where credited*</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-22903239525190968982018-10-08T01:55:00.000-07:002018-10-09T09:44:49.683-07:00Au Revoir, Jamaïque, Bonjour Montréal! The Jetlag Junkie Journals Jamaica (and other exciting locales) Pt. 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrmqG2TwYvPLCc8brAhlgZi3gCbhXvyXau7yx3U5XT4s8_9ETJTaXmbvr5g615kCBcidDcaRFudnPx-R_ofUuhQ2421zvTlR-0DodrkBXfgxOU9tqi7RcX_UW_1x1HQu2V_6g6orOK_K1/s1600/AirCanadaRouge763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1440" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrmqG2TwYvPLCc8brAhlgZi3gCbhXvyXau7yx3U5XT4s8_9ETJTaXmbvr5g615kCBcidDcaRFudnPx-R_ofUuhQ2421zvTlR-0DodrkBXfgxOU9tqi7RcX_UW_1x1HQu2V_6g6orOK_K1/s400/AirCanadaRouge763.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>As this is in journal form, it is a tad rougher around the edges than my normal posts.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Wednesday, September 19, 2018 - Kingston, Norman Manley International Airport, Jamaica; and Toronto, Pearson International Airport, Canada</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvB-ufDsVue4exerB7MJrmswfYHYzGSwqa97aInQ0C0tyKuM9zyUzvJL5CdnRXMDg1XP0OFHnvYXhm8yrAJUyAI6sDHoPWfoLK-ys0ginr8xlcDrDMGc-svQHD0Qk8j9FI-dPh1N9lrx6a/s1600/SouthernTable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="1000" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvB-ufDsVue4exerB7MJrmswfYHYzGSwqa97aInQ0C0tyKuM9zyUzvJL5CdnRXMDg1XP0OFHnvYXhm8yrAJUyAI6sDHoPWfoLK-ys0ginr8xlcDrDMGc-svQHD0Qk8j9FI-dPh1N9lrx6a/s400/SouthernTable.jpg" width="400" /></a>Checking out that morning in the Club Sandals Concierge Lounge was a snap, and after a quick breakfast down in the Southern Table (the Biscuits & Gravy, oh my lord...), and I was on the Shuttle Bus bound for Kingston promptly at Noon. After a very smooth (compared to my arrival, this was a dream ride) 2 hour ride, we arrived at Norman Manley Airport in perfect time. Check-in with Air Canada Rouge was a snap. I had heard stories both good and bad about Rouge, but I had to check them out for myself. Within 20 minutes I was past security, and up in the sterile area waiting for my flight to be called.<br />
<br />
Because of space limitations, you can't wait at your assigned gate for your flight to be called and have to wait in the main terminal until boarding is announced. Fine by me, I had a great view of the ramp. So I found me a spot to sit next to the window with a convenient wall jack to plug into and charge my phone, and whiled away the hour or so until time to leave the island (which I really couldn't wait for).<br />
<br />
Boarding was a relatively painless process in those cramped confines by the jetway, and since I was in Premium Economy, I was in one of the first groups to board. I had booked myself in 13A, the window, the 2nd row of Premium Economy. I have to admit, I was so happy getting on that gorgeous plane, I really couldn't wait to get off Jamaica. Don't get me wrong, I learned a ton about the Sandals and Beaches Resorts and met some incredible people from the Resorts, Pleasant Holidays, and fellow AAA Travel Agents, but, as far as my own personal travel, All Inclusive Resorts nor the Caribbean (except for St. Maarten) are my cup of tea.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8cbBoJ2phUiNIqEGyPrE99lWd86FWNq2bEOzJTxkdHjQ-r3c6l6UnPdchmzPCC6wRjiJUZVn4d_7PwY-BufLMdwX6Bb6jfaxMBpiSCXAF4qTBBYf6h9qrUkO7fKViRL2c6khHlEVNE75/s1600/Rouge-Seating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8cbBoJ2phUiNIqEGyPrE99lWd86FWNq2bEOzJTxkdHjQ-r3c6l6UnPdchmzPCC6wRjiJUZVn4d_7PwY-BufLMdwX6Bb6jfaxMBpiSCXAF4qTBBYf6h9qrUkO7fKViRL2c6khHlEVNE75/s400/Rouge-Seating.jpg" width="400" /></a>The 4 1/2 hour flight to Toronto was fantastic. After takeoff, I switched seats and let the guy next to me have my window seat (a 6'9" Jamaican basketball player takes up a ton of space, after all) while I got situated in the empty row behind. All 3 seats were mine, so I spread out and even gave Philbin his own seat, haha! The Flight Attendants thought that was hilarious and loved Philbin, especially after I told them why I take him with me on my journeys. Back the flight at hand, I was on the 26 year old former Canadian Airlines Boeing 767-300ER registered C-GHLK. I can already hear the grumbles from my readers at the age of the plane, but I have to tell you, she was well maintained, and even though she had an older layout and seats, she performed the flight admirably, and I really have no problem selling Air Canada Rouge (especially from the West Coast of the US to leisure destinations like Athens, Greece or Kingston, Jamaica). The space in Premium Economy is perfect for someone of my size, and I passed the flight plugged into the inflight power, cranked up my music, and began journaling my trip thus far.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw42FUq5FaRukL-5O8-OkVJER67xInhKSwISWn942Dv5D5mPLow1YUaHyRcIxRbR5WnAnQPbvd-5Zgzb7xBRUVT2vRb8jrUo0QcUmXoqfEOkaSkIgjtTx0UKN4kPSXPGDmk4lk6BLKEPad/s1600/Rogue+Y%252B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw42FUq5FaRukL-5O8-OkVJER67xInhKSwISWn942Dv5D5mPLow1YUaHyRcIxRbR5WnAnQPbvd-5Zgzb7xBRUVT2vRb8jrUo0QcUmXoqfEOkaSkIgjtTx0UKN4kPSXPGDmk4lk6BLKEPad/s400/Rogue+Y%252B.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
As with most landings I've experienced in the Boeing 767, this one was feather smooth. Deplaning was quick, making it a breeze to get through the kilometers of corridors (seriously, have you been through Toronto's Pearson Airport trying to get to Customs?) before hitting Customs and Baggage Claim/Recheck. Once through, and another round of security screening, I made my way through with a brand new boarding pass (I think I left the original in Customs...*shrugs*), and parked my tired keister at my departure gate.<br />
<br />
I still don't know why people give Air Canada such a hard time or have issues with them (I wont go into the Travel Agent side of dealing with them), but every segment I've had thus far on them has been simply exceptional, both on Rouge and the mainline Air Canada flights, and let me tell you, this 40 minute jaunt to Montreal on a mainline Airbus A320 was no exception. A quick departure and climb up to 31,000 feet (FL310 *grins*), just enough time for a beverage run through the cabin by the ever attentive and efficient crew, and we were on the descent into Montreal's Dorval/Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport, arriving just after midnight.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12izTHWgUeRwPLzgvVIr_n3X6knahz_WyP_JmAPowHvAoGO8EB_8MV2PnDoimkvm8Y7yaUrhwDU7z4nXERkOHko9WC60OO7J_3C7dM8zT3v8O5bOueaBFal9gXzAQLssGV3fE4v5qLSA8/s1600/AIRCANADA_A320_C-FTJP_MIA_0113_JP_smalll1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1400" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh12izTHWgUeRwPLzgvVIr_n3X6knahz_WyP_JmAPowHvAoGO8EB_8MV2PnDoimkvm8Y7yaUrhwDU7z4nXERkOHko9WC60OO7J_3C7dM8zT3v8O5bOueaBFal9gXzAQLssGV3fE4v5qLSA8/s400/AIRCANADA_A320_C-FTJP_MIA_0113_JP_smalll1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Joe Pries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By the time I deplaned, collected my luggage, it was almost 1AM, and by the time the Hotel Shuttle collected me, got myself check in to my hotel, and into my room, it was well past 2 in the morning. I was so exhausted I didn't even bother unpacking my CPAP machine, I passed out the instant I hit the pillows.<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday, September 20, 2018 - St. Laurent, and Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, Canada</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9NYfdrW5RpngroOIaD12a6S-ROYse_jsmSnhUGdHqf8X1KhBpt07VAN3WhyVyhNZ9fwxA3QVd5zb13jJ27O5hxJAOImaxZ676Oo78cgs6ayLTTu-QRqZGxkLP4rsuhfXxYrcvYgaq2ml/s1600/SheratonYULexterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="351" data-original-width="550" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf9NYfdrW5RpngroOIaD12a6S-ROYse_jsmSnhUGdHqf8X1KhBpt07VAN3WhyVyhNZ9fwxA3QVd5zb13jJ27O5hxJAOImaxZ676Oo78cgs6ayLTTu-QRqZGxkLP4rsuhfXxYrcvYgaq2ml/s400/SheratonYULexterior.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I woke up incredibly late. I used to stay in this hotel (the Sheraton Montreal Airport) quite a bit about a decade ago, when I made frequent trips to Montreal, and let me tell you, it's showing it's age. I used to stay in Sheraton hotels almost exclusively, but in the latter part of the 2000's they stopped being the upstanding hotel brand they used to be, which is understandable as to why their parent company was bought by the Marriott Hotel chain a couple of years back. But I digress, back to the present.<br />
<br />
It took me a good hour or so to drag myself out of bed, and get myself ready for the day. I was still a little tired, so a shower was definitely in order, I still had that island stank on me. Yuck. Once I got myself out the door (and housekeeping eternally pissed at me for shooing them away three times already!) I hightailed it to the airport and caught a cab to the shopping mall in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, where I holed myself up in Jack Astor's for what I had been craving (and one of the reasons I flew to Montreal in the first place), a big plate of a real Quebec delicacy, Poutine. This is such an awesome dish, it's what comfort food up North is. French Fries, cheese curds, and brown gravy, and sometimes with chicken, bacon, or smoked meat thrown in. My plate at Jack Astor's had chicken AND bacon thrown in, and I was in Quebecois heaven while letting my arteries scream.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKzaopzVM31X61asLXveWcwJ9d2y_VXwvC6saQjnqZ7C_hLAjk65Ta_E2hHJb4fjtLzDydok7KzKI0F3rcfSjdh3-kxfXzBc5zn0athe41yPPAv7FQrlbIqqPmf8YiGm1AzPfAloW-sBE/s1600/20180920_150911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzKzaopzVM31X61asLXveWcwJ9d2y_VXwvC6saQjnqZ7C_hLAjk65Ta_E2hHJb4fjtLzDydok7KzKI0F3rcfSjdh3-kxfXzBc5zn0athe41yPPAv7FQrlbIqqPmf8YiGm1AzPfAloW-sBE/s400/20180920_150911.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poutine. Worth traversing the continent for!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the amazing repast and reconnection with Poutine, I hung around the town with several very special friends and family. After a fantastic dinner, evening drive around the D.D.O (as Dollard-des-Ormeaux is known), we ended up at a great Irish pub and spent hours catching up. I didn't make it back to the hotel until after 10PM. This junkie was definitely feeling the jetlag.<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Friday, September 21, 2018 - Montreal, Canada - Newark, NJ - San Francisco, CA - and Home</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYPnGxyhn3ztD-0tXp8KQoFMZmavK89UQX64RjMNsoOIwMPgM0YibPRN572HhDzp7OZbIbnbX1upiS0eOuMFQqMEdRySc-7ghpejz8jMaZhpOMGzN-WIOjXkI9y3vBfIzzMjXxz7PX8Gl/s1600/9-ITS-Automated-Parking-System-at-the-Montreal-Trudeau-Airport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYPnGxyhn3ztD-0tXp8KQoFMZmavK89UQX64RjMNsoOIwMPgM0YibPRN572HhDzp7OZbIbnbX1upiS0eOuMFQqMEdRySc-7ghpejz8jMaZhpOMGzN-WIOjXkI9y3vBfIzzMjXxz7PX8Gl/s400/9-ITS-Automated-Parking-System-at-the-Montreal-Trudeau-Airport.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
As usually happens the night before catching an early morning flight, I only get about 2 to 3 hours of sleep. That being said, I was up and ready by 4:15AM, got my stuff together and hauled myself downstairs and on the first shuttle of the day for the airport. Gave my luggage over to United, pre-cleared Customs and made it to my gate by 5:30, with a bit of time to grab a souvenir or two for Susie, and get some breakfast before boarding.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhaDENp3m72B_cA-gxwuhhZbivFcryekb4RQWwW02jXggsnlfArEB2LTyrxCahf0S1Y2j8MeiNMBcT5yFfyJHxAzP885Rczed4zN6k1XgZIr6rlRKBJBMwIvW7UY2EATppngC7U4S6mUu/s1600/320671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1600" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwhaDENp3m72B_cA-gxwuhhZbivFcryekb4RQWwW02jXggsnlfArEB2LTyrxCahf0S1Y2j8MeiNMBcT5yFfyJHxAzP885Rczed4zN6k1XgZIr6rlRKBJBMwIvW7UY2EATppngC7U4S6mUu/s400/320671.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit maarten-sr @ airliners.net</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was only 21 people aboard this flight to Newark, but United has rolled out a new 6-group boarding process, and it was in use on this flight, slowing things down quite a bit. Once i got my self settled into the tiny Embraer 145, I fell asleep just after pushback, all the way through takeoff, the majority of the flight, and finally woke up during descent into Newark's Liberty Airport, with an AMAZING view of Manhattan and Lady Liberty out my window. As usual with the 145 landings in Newark, we plunked ourselves down and came to a VERY quick stop to make way for departing traffic behind us.<br />
<br />
After unfolding myself from the confines of the Embraer, I caught the shuttle bus from Terminal A, where we had parked, to my old haunt of Terminal C (formerly my beloved Continental's domain). I could see the Boeing 777 I was about to get on just two gates down from the dropoff. My layover was far too short, but as usual when in Newark, I see the weirdest things, like a well suited traveler coasting down the concourse on a longboard. At 8 in the morning. You can't even get me to remember my name at 8 in the morning let along try to balance my large posterior on one of those things. More power to him, and I bet he made his flight. As I said, my layover was far too short, and before I knew it, I was comfortably ensconced in seat 44L of the 22 year old Boeing 777-200 and on my way westward.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4qdrwNKPKVBvKpwiNjXo__Y34R8zXZQmy166_Kxg7vlsqqkRet1Wk0pJ-ygvBk9qTqp2f-wnNPRzejC3RyhZgRaouSWVm0k23IUVmMAohIYFywvzrqfYwTZFmZrwdc3JbVERAF2dZh4t/s1600/42232674_666742660373241_2491203691651006464_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="1080" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF4qdrwNKPKVBvKpwiNjXo__Y34R8zXZQmy166_Kxg7vlsqqkRet1Wk0pJ-ygvBk9qTqp2f-wnNPRzejC3RyhZgRaouSWVm0k23IUVmMAohIYFywvzrqfYwTZFmZrwdc3JbVERAF2dZh4t/s400/42232674_666742660373241_2491203691651006464_o.jpg" width="400" /></a>Luckily, I was awake for the entirety of the flight, and I have to admit, I am quite pleasantly surprised with United Airlines, at least with this flight (not that my flight from Montreal was bad). Managed to film the takeoff and climbout from the very cloudy Newark airspace, before I settled back and just enjoyed the ride. The Boeing 777 is truly a magnificent plane, and I have yet to have a bad flight on one, in all 38 times I've had the pleasure of riding on one. Shortly after rocketing out of New Jersey, the very attentive crew started the first beverage service and sold food as well. I had my own drinks with me, so I bought a few munchables to last me the 6 hour flight and I went back to reading and listening to my music, periodically gazing out the window and watching this amazing country pass by underneath.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1RAH2GSpHTLCtvgO-Z0r8UKFezHVUyA9JI76DoPIL6c5JpogkyhseFuz3fSOBoE9EphOyhmhKXqG4aggT3w24eDuN1-ROZ-9CfBXRj5cTXZOdf6PK5IMFn6hi4IG_M3bZB8B6ie7CSlY/s1600/United-Airlines-Fleet-Widebody-Aircraft-Boeing-777-200-Economy-Class-cabin-long-haul-flight-cabin-interior-and-seats-3-3-3-layout-configuration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1RAH2GSpHTLCtvgO-Z0r8UKFezHVUyA9JI76DoPIL6c5JpogkyhseFuz3fSOBoE9EphOyhmhKXqG4aggT3w24eDuN1-ROZ-9CfBXRj5cTXZOdf6PK5IMFn6hi4IG_M3bZB8B6ie7CSlY/s400/United-Airlines-Fleet-Widebody-Aircraft-Boeing-777-200-Economy-Class-cabin-long-haul-flight-cabin-interior-and-seats-3-3-3-layout-configuration.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
After what seemed like no time at all, we were cruising over familiar territory. First the Rocky Mountains, than I could make out that we were hurtling over Central Utah, with Utah Lake (not to be confused with the larger Great Salt Lake further to the North) and the cities of Provo, Spanish Fork, and Payson passing by, all the while beginning a slow descent into the Bay Area. The approach into San Francisco was beautiful, and unfortunately we didn't have another plane parallel with us on landing (it's on my bucket list), but I did get the landing on film, and as with the Boeing 747, you can't have a bad landing on the 777. We greased the landing, and pulled off the runway with nary a misplaced hair from braking. I was shocked there was no ground hold due to lack of gates, as for the last few months, that's all I had been hearing about from my SFO bound and based friends in the airline industry and clients. I made it a point to be one of the last ones off the plane, and I thanked the crew profusely, turns out a few of them were ex-Continental Airlines folks working their last flight of the day before deadheading back to their base in Houston, Texas.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UGPwsI1RdQVQfZN74s1t5GyKG3mxJH1j7H5uu018PqBsfFfAel1L8wWNZm3ZAujjfTmZaKoqmQ5UXeYjrYD9yHGVlykx3q_BoMYidizjAZMmwF-kP1h8nymooXDZpYBNyNGqw9aUuMiY/s1600/20180921_122950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UGPwsI1RdQVQfZN74s1t5GyKG3mxJH1j7H5uu018PqBsfFfAel1L8wWNZm3ZAujjfTmZaKoqmQ5UXeYjrYD9yHGVlykx3q_BoMYidizjAZMmwF-kP1h8nymooXDZpYBNyNGqw9aUuMiY/s400/20180921_122950.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This layover was quite a bit shorter than the earlier one, and after picking up another souvenir for Susie, I hightailed it to my gate in time for the gate staff to call final boarding! Hurriedly grabbed my boarding pass and ID, presented both at the gate, then again at the end of the jetway, before stepping foot on the SFO tarmac and power walking the path to my waiting SkyWest Embraer 175. I was the very last person aboard and I quickly got in my seat and wiped the sweat as we pushed back. Phew!<br />
<br />
The flight went by fairly fast, and again another fantastic ride, with no one in the seat next to me. Before I knew it, we were landing, and in my haste to deplane, I left my cell phone aboard! I didn't even realize this until well after I made it home. I was going to show my family some of the photos and videos I took, and my phone was no where! So I filed a report with United and hoped they would find it (They did find it, 3 days later, AFTER I had gotten a new phone).<br />
<br />
Aside from the phone snafu, this was yet another adventure I had where memories were made, as well as several new friendships, plenty of laughs, and a LOT of job-related learning took place. Stay tuned for my next adventure and posts, and thank you for your continued support and readership, this not-so little Jetlag Junkie is eternally (and humbly) appreciative! As always, I do appreciate the feedback and comments!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-i-Ib_gY9VZ8p9z2t_95-TyDNFLLT4RoN-pbOiBDMtY_9vb-JbeUWnFOtHcagoxawZDrvliT4p8w9YQevrv4mYQMAavMmE08MOzD0hGpPTWqyhZMjRyfEl8cy7ZB7hl2j6l83MUc-EiQB/s1600/5170651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1200" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-i-Ib_gY9VZ8p9z2t_95-TyDNFLLT4RoN-pbOiBDMtY_9vb-JbeUWnFOtHcagoxawZDrvliT4p8w9YQevrv4mYQMAavMmE08MOzD0hGpPTWqyhZMjRyfEl8cy7ZB7hl2j6l83MUc-EiQB/s400/5170651.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Dmitriy D. Kuzin @ airliners.net</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<i>*All photos the author's except where noted*</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-13272308582348605692018-10-03T17:57:00.003-07:002018-10-16T10:52:19.247-07:00See and Be Seen: Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Jamaica<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6X_sgTrVsrb-N674FeOlOK9NnssyarJ0GpCSWMvMTF0KtiXMvrkFOAG0je36stfAW6p_NaldKKwiQJ-6ZpxHsb4iT0HtatWs3j-8nnD6pjw44v09wHCNfAORbQcJYez5qA8G2zD_NVVLW/s1600/42217599_666212430426264_1715180539524153344_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6X_sgTrVsrb-N674FeOlOK9NnssyarJ0GpCSWMvMTF0KtiXMvrkFOAG0je36stfAW6p_NaldKKwiQJ-6ZpxHsb4iT0HtatWs3j-8nnD6pjw44v09wHCNfAORbQcJYez5qA8G2zD_NVVLW/s400/42217599_666212430426264_1715180539524153344_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", trebuchet, sans-serif;">**Disclosure: This trip was part of a FAM (Familiarization) Trip sponsored by AAA, Pleasant Holidays, and Sandals Resorts. Please note that all photos are the author's own, except where credited. As a travel industry professional, I make a big investment in first hand experiences, and I spend a lot of time to keep up with my accreditation and staying up to date with current and future developments in the airline and travel industries. This means attending conferences, seminars, site inspections, FAM (familiarization) Trips, and even group trips. I have been able to have some of these experiences shown and described in my blog entries at a reduced cost or comped by the hotel, tour operator, cruise line, or other supplier. The feedback supplied is based on my own personal experience. The first hand experience allows me to better serve my clients and match the experiences they are looking for.**</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>There are hot spots where the glitterati like to go see and be seen, and then there are HOT spots where EVERYONE must see and be seen. The redesigned, revitalized, and rebranded Sandals Ochi Beach Resort is of the latter. Buzzwords like trendy, upscale, luxurious, or awesome don't begin to describe this resort. You'll just need to come down and see it for yourself.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jA_xgnDpjF0lNFgD8AoFdPcLCivX5N29fHxx_PpUEYKBH3Jv6trMZqbJZsShf2g5TBOjAtynstnB1_WRFcfip3HuKLKLBtQMU4jVat_OSP3XTakMe3_ZBhG1sf5IZDwbXwNcrt3Xtl7-/s1600/42058497_665462820501225_6619639106831908864_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jA_xgnDpjF0lNFgD8AoFdPcLCivX5N29fHxx_PpUEYKBH3Jv6trMZqbJZsShf2g5TBOjAtynstnB1_WRFcfip3HuKLKLBtQMU4jVat_OSP3XTakMe3_ZBhG1sf5IZDwbXwNcrt3Xtl7-/s400/42058497_665462820501225_6619639106831908864_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Getting there is easy, from either Montego Bay or Kingston, it's about equi-distant from either airport at about an hour and a half away. I flew in and out of Kingston on this occasion, and the folks at the Sandals Arrivals desk adjacent to the baggage claim got me on the road in mere minutes. In fact, I spent more time in line at Customs than I did on the road to Ocho Rios. But that is neither here nor there, this blog entry is all about the resort itself.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMt4V45qOTdLIu0kYAfzbrsrHIFsd7-FajX0lJLa9v-DXuuRNxL68uscjN11naExWpDExmqYbBtwuZ7IkuEqTy2BpG6qfqyMse7HuH_G0GDjFmGxcDdzFstZkoUcaSMCbuYrxHwLSd3Ab/s1600/42200815_665462780501229_5421668235718164480_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBMt4V45qOTdLIu0kYAfzbrsrHIFsd7-FajX0lJLa9v-DXuuRNxL68uscjN11naExWpDExmqYbBtwuZ7IkuEqTy2BpG6qfqyMse7HuH_G0GDjFmGxcDdzFstZkoUcaSMCbuYrxHwLSd3Ab/s400/42200815_665462780501229_5421668235718164480_n.jpg" width="220" /></a>Set upon a very hilly span of 100 acres, the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort boasts 519 rooms, suites, and villas in 21 different bookable categories (ask your local <b>reputable</b> travel agent for details and which would be best for your needs), with 17 different dining choices and 11 bars (not to mention the Caribbean's ONLY genuine speakeasy, the Rabbit Hole, on property) to indulge from.<br />
<br />
The resort is actually split in two areas, with the main road to Ocho Rios going through. The South, hilly side houses the Great House where you will find check-in , concierge services, several pools and dining and athletic options, as well as the gift shop for the resort. Here is where you will also find the more upscale Butler Villas (each villas has up to 4 bedrooms in it and their own private swimming pool as well), and the exotic Romeo & Juliet Honeymoon Villa Suites further up the hill in more reclusive privacy. Definitely the place to be, and NOT be seen. A word about the Butlers, they are amazing. They have been trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers, and they anticipate your every need, day or night.<br />
<br />
Check-In is a cinch at Sandals, especially if you have access to the Concierge Check-In Lounge, around the corner from the main desk. Just go on in, have the attentive staff get your check in rolling while you take it easy with a freshly made adult beverage and wait for your Butler or Concierge take you to your room. After a short wait a very quick check-in, I was taken by cart up to my room, or so I thought.<br />
<br />
The room looked great, and the Butler showed me around, until we got to the bathroom and found it flooded! "Ya mon, no problem" I was assured as we hauled out of there and got myself re-situated in another room. Once again, the Butler showed me around and we made sure the room was up to snuff, which it was, and he left to tend to the rest of his appointed rounds while I settled in and waited on my luggage.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHG8MpR6TmYrbNM83F5Qt7F_MEXaSEWk4TPScz7CRm5Do_J7A6YPZYC8akx94LMNPEa5mnvWPH83A8zJyQMLGw1qfQr2zKDQ3ICOy03EAxDQK0sQkvnwE5RwxAe2398pUKE0nNqx_sF0Sp/s1600/41974097_665462287167945_736186368383778816_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHG8MpR6TmYrbNM83F5Qt7F_MEXaSEWk4TPScz7CRm5Do_J7A6YPZYC8akx94LMNPEa5mnvWPH83A8zJyQMLGw1qfQr2zKDQ3ICOy03EAxDQK0sQkvnwE5RwxAe2398pUKE0nNqx_sF0Sp/s400/41974097_665462287167945_736186368383778816_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2eCi9qSAP9vZ01MuNp3cWH8RR77ZH05R8zY-q-vD08ct9RBx2QZ1TYqlJnCkpwMP_uH3Ntf298M4KSyk0xYcqhN809dkTiDQ2DfQ5JE2ijGEBtOY3KxMPE3SLoQzOAkzzVO3B7ri9LbF/s1600/41991585_665462423834598_6525789145086820352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2eCi9qSAP9vZ01MuNp3cWH8RR77ZH05R8zY-q-vD08ct9RBx2QZ1TYqlJnCkpwMP_uH3Ntf298M4KSyk0xYcqhN809dkTiDQ2DfQ5JE2ijGEBtOY3KxMPE3SLoQzOAkzzVO3B7ri9LbF/s400/41991585_665462423834598_6525789145086820352_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The rooms are very nicely appointed and laid out, with entry into the quite spacious living room, with sofa, work desk and access to the patio and private pool beyond. Off to the side of the patio doors is a little nook with a bar featuring a mini fridge stocked with beverages, and a wine rack with several selections from the Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks collection. Into the bedroom and the full size wardrobe, nicely sized closet with safe, and King sized 4 post bed incredibly high off the floor (I banged my knees several times, not sure why, as the bed I have at home is just as high!). The bathroom is also quite nicely laid out with toiletries supplied by the in-house Red Lane Spa in good quantity.<br />
<br />
<br />
Moving on.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUHoU4TVwPGFh-6UwnPWGYQ8YCTBrjI5A6uwGOf_GvJbp2m94xdpD7vtIGg2NCWrHt36uWLqd1W79jvmxulEguGzmrX_ucRUSsjTmZgOVFS0khakp27TUgrxtfzCLBS4resYb_ZtnyXpX/s1600/42058546_665462733834567_965952593140383744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUHoU4TVwPGFh-6UwnPWGYQ8YCTBrjI5A6uwGOf_GvJbp2m94xdpD7vtIGg2NCWrHt36uWLqd1W79jvmxulEguGzmrX_ucRUSsjTmZgOVFS0khakp27TUgrxtfzCLBS4resYb_ZtnyXpX/s400/42058546_665462733834567_965952593140383744_n.jpg" width="400" /></a>In the Great House you've got a few selections for wining and dining, from the low key and well lit Polo Lounge, with all sorts of top shelf liquors and drinks available, to the AMAZING French restaurant Le Gourmand, just downstairs, and the Southern Table for amazing Southern US Comfort Food (the Biscuits and Gravy were phenomenal!) Just off to the side of the Great House you'll find a rather odd looking black door...that would be the entrance to the much hyped (and totally living up to said hype) Rabbit Hole Speakeasy. On the other side of the Great House you have Dino's Pizzeria and the Jerk Shack, with some amazing Jamaican cuisine available (you HAVE to try the Jerk Chicken or Pork, simply to die for!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Take a ride on <b>The Hop </b>jitney from the Great House Village down to the Beachside Village and you have the main Riviera Beachfront Tower, and along with the magnificent beachfront and all the accompanying activities, you also have AMAZING foodie-centric dining options as well.<br />
<br />
From incredible Italian specialties at Valentino's, amazing Mediterranean (i.e. Greek, Italian, and pseudo Turkish) seafood at Neptune's, or a romantic over-the-water dining experience at Kelly's Dockside (try the Surf n Turf, you'll thank me later), the choices are virtually endless. Another favorite of mine that I recommend is Kimonos, one of the few teppanyaki style restaurants in Jamaica.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBw_bd_kXEPBZMzjJThl-K7LyqUYtoyKtog9j4IUWqVlbIN3H_icia0Lz0r0K_1yx2uvBGPeY3M4MXFK9wtO29V5YNZ3lAsD8TRwQwb2crMmwzutqQqTbbzyE6EXy3GypaelWBuIT03Ft/s1600/42059241_665463697167804_3604849180624814080_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBw_bd_kXEPBZMzjJThl-K7LyqUYtoyKtog9j4IUWqVlbIN3H_icia0Lz0r0K_1yx2uvBGPeY3M4MXFK9wtO29V5YNZ3lAsD8TRwQwb2crMmwzutqQqTbbzyE6EXy3GypaelWBuIT03Ft/s400/42059241_665463697167804_3604849180624814080_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Another perk is for the golfers, you have unlimited golf opportunities with no green fees and free transfers from the Ochi Beach Resort to the Sandals Golf and Country Club.<br />
<br />
In closing, I have no problem at all recommending or booking my clients at the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort. As far as All-Inclusive resorts go, it can't be beat, especially if you find yourself booked in one of the Butler Villas or the Romeo & Juliet Suites. The thing that sets this resort apart from others is the staff though. Incredibly attentive and on top of things, you will be taken care of and pampered from touchdown to departure when staying at Sandals Ochi Beach.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyux0MU31pL1XnbKf4y0optgyypaBtoJXVyk534Ywl9t1huWzZ8Dj4VYDg-6tLtwuyAMJverfCz_2GGiz6m5BFoVY98-wjn-LKOzzs609WqKJL3KRV55Cpr_yNP4jIgeJxS06VgVmBK6Y/s1600/20180919_094923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyux0MU31pL1XnbKf4y0optgyypaBtoJXVyk534Ywl9t1huWzZ8Dj4VYDg-6tLtwuyAMJverfCz_2GGiz6m5BFoVY98-wjn-LKOzzs609WqKJL3KRV55Cpr_yNP4jIgeJxS06VgVmBK6Y/s400/20180919_094923.jpg" width="225" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbN2YMkAI8BsWc4xsUnNnnMhwysaunpuI1E3_wU8qLa37K1IBy7fg9mImVxev_sUWEkB7ZP7yWO-QGn-LkbhBMIAfQ1fS48_Zttb8O_sbB0pQqrClposV6u-_epZ09n5gNDUEm_ZLCW9zA/s1600/41874550_665462883834552_5344270966539157504_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbN2YMkAI8BsWc4xsUnNnnMhwysaunpuI1E3_wU8qLa37K1IBy7fg9mImVxev_sUWEkB7ZP7yWO-QGn-LkbhBMIAfQ1fS48_Zttb8O_sbB0pQqrClposV6u-_epZ09n5gNDUEm_ZLCW9zA/s400/41874550_665462883834552_5344270966539157504_n.jpg" width="220" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNQZXCD9bLT683S93yI2Ykw0rrcH4nzCTUa124hgzCpm-vArNprG5uFC1vsiGQ1SQrmDDvZoXTkkAAAM1Vr7G-MqgYGAPl1e-33XP4fzSPeElb35sOgOTSK-0jNEebgxgcu40SaHiKv9M/s1600/41868280_665463077167866_3057326182795051008_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivNQZXCD9bLT683S93yI2Ykw0rrcH4nzCTUa124hgzCpm-vArNprG5uFC1vsiGQ1SQrmDDvZoXTkkAAAM1Vr7G-MqgYGAPl1e-33XP4fzSPeElb35sOgOTSK-0jNEebgxgcu40SaHiKv9M/s400/41868280_665463077167866_3057326182795051008_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfqujL0MV18ONeWIZ8eGlWZIv2th_A6otJstNdA_O47Q9puWvFq9G6IVmeVpp3M-6dKn74JZoKJ2W018liahp2ymABK6e2wePqBlwRjlLgtKGvS3VCi_x7wblAyanzBUpeqI2rLzoavnQ/s1600/42102924_665462903834550_8335509203355435008_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYfqujL0MV18ONeWIZ8eGlWZIv2th_A6otJstNdA_O47Q9puWvFq9G6IVmeVpp3M-6dKn74JZoKJ2W018liahp2ymABK6e2wePqBlwRjlLgtKGvS3VCi_x7wblAyanzBUpeqI2rLzoavnQ/s400/42102924_665462903834550_8335509203355435008_n.jpg" width="220" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvo53_MasDDz7qDXC5w52vW55bVDx3g4BD5oMnQEqlxAi_gR6oNnbdsHAE0dcgR-EoNUJwEgWwgDO0U7W3A2UBmrH4JMG4d57DG37akg9m0s7_97wBCp0UuDDaM9upwSAAwWpmfMHCXgdL/s1600/42088772_665463717167802_4042280385562804224_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvo53_MasDDz7qDXC5w52vW55bVDx3g4BD5oMnQEqlxAi_gR6oNnbdsHAE0dcgR-EoNUJwEgWwgDO0U7W3A2UBmrH4JMG4d57DG37akg9m0s7_97wBCp0UuDDaM9upwSAAwWpmfMHCXgdL/s400/42088772_665463717167802_4042280385562804224_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1NqgFnjAXkj5zvFxy-xqMkE2PguJAZAGn9sLwkjgEapmkXNPYmAzR3TQm-10qCeuoAd-Cxn4qKPXegmSWu6l6XoY5vF0tc68fV_7ZhCdOf6ywCSyG779YtwsmxxLubmhngkPjiau_yy6/s1600/42157379_665463783834462_5895324835508125696_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1NqgFnjAXkj5zvFxy-xqMkE2PguJAZAGn9sLwkjgEapmkXNPYmAzR3TQm-10qCeuoAd-Cxn4qKPXegmSWu6l6XoY5vF0tc68fV_7ZhCdOf6ywCSyG779YtwsmxxLubmhngkPjiau_yy6/s400/42157379_665463783834462_5895324835508125696_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuj_f6genvV3Xnlm3LUgBisHXXqZGt1SAJfwxuZs7SyE2YG0eAHxQl-S7GfHYHqOmDVIOf9RooBLnWH5QjIiqk6Na99iiU2Mrq56ZxbUk9fblknwLOu2dQeX5LnEZFYEMdsEdUhyphenhyphenpFnKq0/s1600/42201305_665463763834464_4218316754130042880_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuj_f6genvV3Xnlm3LUgBisHXXqZGt1SAJfwxuZs7SyE2YG0eAHxQl-S7GfHYHqOmDVIOf9RooBLnWH5QjIiqk6Na99iiU2Mrq56ZxbUk9fblknwLOu2dQeX5LnEZFYEMdsEdUhyphenhyphenpFnKq0/s400/42201305_665463763834464_4218316754130042880_n.jpg" width="220" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTt-3v5nC6nBIHdC9-ExdVMzv4Nq_-sR3QQb5WtL7MEw1_MYdqIZPYOaBwx_faNhKk3ot3o89Bzm08VCrMDJ1DHJEFYL6a71s6oii_7ZSLhY5zd8XkfkpiX3rIKaLek-EGTcJYBejqlb7H/s1600/42182339_665463737167800_5597859738504134656_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTt-3v5nC6nBIHdC9-ExdVMzv4Nq_-sR3QQb5WtL7MEw1_MYdqIZPYOaBwx_faNhKk3ot3o89Bzm08VCrMDJ1DHJEFYL6a71s6oii_7ZSLhY5zd8XkfkpiX3rIKaLek-EGTcJYBejqlb7H/s400/42182339_665463737167800_5597859738504134656_n.jpg" width="220" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC17XmRg7S076PZh9GWWelHPzVzGnsa4K4_5ROJ94aUyebXOOEZfwq7kc4VW2wjXLpqwD1ET0EW1iVzNrUAK06QveWwzwbld3-mCpdJM4yqCUT0a3PP74-IQNj0vJaqjwgDFVnMwVo7MEv/s1600/42044884_665462860501221_7239256347655536640_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC17XmRg7S076PZh9GWWelHPzVzGnsa4K4_5ROJ94aUyebXOOEZfwq7kc4VW2wjXLpqwD1ET0EW1iVzNrUAK06QveWwzwbld3-mCpdJM4yqCUT0a3PP74-IQNj0vJaqjwgDFVnMwVo7MEv/s400/42044884_665462860501221_7239256347655536640_n.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-15788527145099701232018-10-01T10:30:00.001-07:002018-10-01T10:30:37.143-07:00Mi Irie: The Jet Lag Junkie Journals Jamaica (and other exciting locales) Pt. 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E0Rg1Ax7t4T-bgTQOPk0b_1ZTwkFuHYdAQPCOdo8G4TnusGwIlm7DacsExOdOTGrrbqchoSVVzkXDbQ7BC0sfJJYyC3aTdwd3uKTqz3cdAeiqQy7euTfDeVweuoJfzbKuzEMdYzBAKC0/s1600/42059241_665463697167804_3604849180624814080_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4E0Rg1Ax7t4T-bgTQOPk0b_1ZTwkFuHYdAQPCOdo8G4TnusGwIlm7DacsExOdOTGrrbqchoSVVzkXDbQ7BC0sfJJYyC3aTdwd3uKTqz3cdAeiqQy7euTfDeVweuoJfzbKuzEMdYzBAKC0/s400/42059241_665463697167804_3604849180624814080_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>As this is in journal form, it is a tad rougher around the edges than my normal posts.</i><br />
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<b>Sunday, September 16, 2018 - Kingston and Ocho Rios, Jamaica</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
As I alluded to in the last post, Customs clearance and baggage delivery took a bit, but I was finally officially in Jamaica and thanks to the efficient guys at the Sandals transfer desk, I was on my way to Sandals Ochi Beach within minutes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXyvytKijcAuLgYX4_ciNNGgJtl1jx_DKXHyavEBt7oBzw4e-nBzVKHuuR6U2EZJaiuDqM47XSJEd8sn1c0BGSEApA5hFGiheVgHWBE2YtwxaFTlkLo2tFiJB0PGln9Tr7ReX-lkK_leM/s1600/42044884_665462860501221_7239256347655536640_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXyvytKijcAuLgYX4_ciNNGgJtl1jx_DKXHyavEBt7oBzw4e-nBzVKHuuR6U2EZJaiuDqM47XSJEd8sn1c0BGSEApA5hFGiheVgHWBE2YtwxaFTlkLo2tFiJB0PGln9Tr7ReX-lkK_leM/s320/42044884_665462860501221_7239256347655536640_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The ride from Kingston's Norman Manley Airport to Ocho Rios though was bumpy as all get out, and after 2 hours of getting knocked about in the van, I finally arrived at the resort. Stepping out of the van I was greeted by one of the butlers and offered a cold towel. If you've ever been to any Caribbean island and you feel that pre-storm humidity, these cold towels are a godsend. I thanked the butler for the towel as he took my luggage and escorted me inside to the Concierge Level Check-In Lounge, and directed me to a seat until I could get checked in.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was finally my turn to check in, and after turning over my credentials, I was informed my room wasn't ready, but if i wanted to, a butler could show me around the various food options that were open at the time and I could grab some lunch while my room was being prepared for arrival. Fine by me as I was starving by this point. The butler showed me around to several restaurants and explained what they had, and I decided to try the outdoor Jerk Shack, as most everyone I've talked to so far about this resort swore by it, but after a few bites, I just wasn't much of a fan, aside from the fact I can't really handle anything too spicy while I'm on the medications I'm on at the time. Luckily, there was one of the resident felines lounging at the side of my table, so he got a good chunk of the chicken, while I feasted on the fish. Happy kitty.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1yL4XQu8MdOqwUFamGX1gZl99vllpJHePKl690hR-i04RUjnRZO9VEfzT1oqihpY6HYuOycCYG0HRmb3BZoRmIDmzi3zPSg_2YjsPVzj3LGOTbPD7KHjx8TLTD0uHiJieWxBeas1dcBu/s1600/41974097_665462287167945_736186368383778816_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1yL4XQu8MdOqwUFamGX1gZl99vllpJHePKl690hR-i04RUjnRZO9VEfzT1oqihpY6HYuOycCYG0HRmb3BZoRmIDmzi3zPSg_2YjsPVzj3LGOTbPD7KHjx8TLTD0uHiJieWxBeas1dcBu/s400/41974097_665462287167945_736186368383778816_n.jpg" width="400" /></a>Finally, my room was ready, or so I thought. The room looked great, until the Butler showed me around and we entered the bathroom to find it flooded! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Ya, mon, no problem" replied the Butler as we hauled out of there and back to the lounge.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHPqbrzIEdwqNUVlt9xytf4RzgaaK01DPKXC74Cjh-NmvBI_FzzqX6cgYDQcDzlTyzBfY8RBquKZykaY7D9txamh1WMzAP4sSz9yAgKuRzceXJwtxE2SFutzkgcpgpaI8jPGChxelod5Y/s1600/41991587_665462520501255_3831584975241609216_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHPqbrzIEdwqNUVlt9xytf4RzgaaK01DPKXC74Cjh-NmvBI_FzzqX6cgYDQcDzlTyzBfY8RBquKZykaY7D9txamh1WMzAP4sSz9yAgKuRzceXJwtxE2SFutzkgcpgpaI8jPGChxelod5Y/s400/41991587_665462520501255_3831584975241609216_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
Another 25 minutes later, I was given another room, a little bit further up the hill from the original room, but that was fine by me. The Butler showed me around and we made sure the room was up to specs, and he left to the rest of his appointed rounds while I settled in and waited for my luggage.<br />
<br />
<br />
I was assured the luggage was on it's way up within a few minutes twice, but, in actuality, it didn't show up in my room until about 7PM. Not a great way to win a skeptical agent over, but hey, there was 4 days left for that to happen, as I was there to be shown how to market these resorts to prospective Luxury Travel clientele.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAt3fpSWCOjQBK6L1ibAJpjXMcDf34TuQmMS79YixAupYBsrRTacAQ7FbvO5TFfvO-nSqwV1AJ51JuSMaQweMxW8SScip_fsybO7w05EtwPg-ob1EURDaaWzEBNVhxkBvHpa84Bjqwqbb7/s1600/42045333_665462367167937_5556308648629633024_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAt3fpSWCOjQBK6L1ibAJpjXMcDf34TuQmMS79YixAupYBsrRTacAQ7FbvO5TFfvO-nSqwV1AJ51JuSMaQweMxW8SScip_fsybO7w05EtwPg-ob1EURDaaWzEBNVhxkBvHpa84Bjqwqbb7/s400/42045333_665462367167937_5556308648629633024_n.jpg" width="220" /></a><br />
Initial snafus aside, my luggage arrived just in time for me to start unpacking, and freshening up for the remainder of the night. On the agenda was a Welcome Reception where I was acquainted with the 32 other agents, including another one from my own AAA Club, out of the Vacaville, CA office. There were a pair of BDM's (Business Development Managers) from Pleasant Holidays as well (that's who AAA uses to book Sandals and Beaches Resorts through). At the time of writing I have only booked these resorts only a handful of times, compared to other resorts like Riu, Hedonism or Hard Rock.<br />
<br />
The reception was fantastic, and the accompanying dinner at Kimono, the beachside Teppanyaki restaurant, was pretty good as well, and the conversations I got dragged into with the group I was seated with were laced with hilarity and good vibes.<br />
<br />
After dinner a few of us decided to hit up the Rabbit Hole, the only speakeasy on the entire island, and you had to have the password to get in the door or no entry for you! Awesome. Once inside though, there was this killer group belting out some amazing jazz, and the bar was on top of the drink action. I had to have one at least, so I nursed that the rest of the evening there, before retiring for the night.<br />
<br />
Back in my room I wasn't tired at all, despite the late hour and needing to be in class the next morning by 8AM. My stomach started growling so I ordered some snacks from Room Service and got to reading my book (I was reading Robert Service's new book <i>The Last of the Tsars: Nicholas II and the Russian Revolution)</i> while munching away. I gotta say this...the Room Service was fantastic, and while they say it would take 40-60 minutes to get the food, it was there in less than 20 each night I ordered.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRqkxU7TYPJWCIncsZHuIKhjN7ikfT9IDkYI6DmdQh9s43Tlqmtm4f8hzOGuikV25iVph68XMbcHK_cVIToIwuLuhN01nugDDBtZ_RqgJbWuaRxN2OyVXKUSc47x0Ut1Ud5f4tBJkz-Me/s1600/42058546_665462733834567_965952593140383744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRqkxU7TYPJWCIncsZHuIKhjN7ikfT9IDkYI6DmdQh9s43Tlqmtm4f8hzOGuikV25iVph68XMbcHK_cVIToIwuLuhN01nugDDBtZ_RqgJbWuaRxN2OyVXKUSc47x0Ut1Ud5f4tBJkz-Me/s400/42058546_665462733834567_965952593140383744_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Monday, September 17, 2018 - Sandals Ochi Beach Resort</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Sleeping in those beds was OK, but the height might be an issue for my shorter or older crowds, I bashed my knees and legs several times getting on and off the bed. Ouch!<br />
<br />
The morning started off great, even though I woke up late due to my cell phone still thinking it was in a different time zone! Thankfully the conference room our seminar was in was fully catered and caffeinated with that amazingly delicious Blue Mountain Coffee Jamaica is known for. A few cups of that and I was wired well enough to pay attention and power through the entire 4 1/2 hour long training course. If you ask me though, it was so jam packed full of information I need to use to see Sandals and Beaches resorts that it could've served us a bit better had we added another hour or two, but we did have other matters to attend to that day as well.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9ddjOt5yzeOaIdnkfZ3gzilhQ-7rFG2va8G7BhHtQcKFzaE9wY6CMrRbKcgGjDOVnT5ww6VQ_GffMbmrIT6LU4SMu2tZstUd4Mw5aItd8Qxff_LyBqcwhKG6rJ6EIes6R4r15KOujWsX/s1600/DSC_2415-e1436676859651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9ddjOt5yzeOaIdnkfZ3gzilhQ-7rFG2va8G7BhHtQcKFzaE9wY6CMrRbKcgGjDOVnT5ww6VQ_GffMbmrIT6LU4SMu2tZstUd4Mw5aItd8Qxff_LyBqcwhKG6rJ6EIes6R4r15KOujWsX/s400/DSC_2415-e1436676859651.jpg" width="400" /></a>Unfortunately there was only 20 minutes in between the time the training ended and the property tour began, so it was a quick grab n go situation at the pizza stand by the pool, before we were separated and sent off in groups around the property (both the Butler Villa side, and the Beachfront sides were covered), and at one point we were caught in a torrential downpour! I won't go into massive or intricate details on each resort in these journal entries as I'll leave the details for each blog post I do on each individual property (as per my work rules for being on the FAM in the first place), but suffice it to say, we covered just about every part of the resort. By 3PM we had finished the tour and left on our own. I hightailed it back to my room to get back to work with a group I was putting together, and call home and check in on the family before getting ready for the night's shenanigans.<br />
<br />
Dinner was late that night, met up with the group at the front desk by 8:30PM or so to catch the Hop shuttle to the lower portion of the resort for dinner at Kelly's Dockside Grill. A fantastic place, with a great vibe and great food.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbYGnze_Px4qTfabjySyyenuuM1nWG741qGFl8ST0MHRczFgoeY41qcWsg29Gg2x9mFBW6p3oBtJig28oDvOf2j5x30pKObrXmctSBFONpORWrjyVHBLb8CUqVa2Wsq1Xn-Ok65BQOkgT/s1600/sandals-grande-riviera.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbYGnze_Px4qTfabjySyyenuuM1nWG741qGFl8ST0MHRczFgoeY41qcWsg29Gg2x9mFBW6p3oBtJig28oDvOf2j5x30pKObrXmctSBFONpORWrjyVHBLb8CUqVa2Wsq1Xn-Ok65BQOkgT/s400/sandals-grande-riviera.jpg" width="400" /></a>The festivities after dinner that night were unforgettable. First stop was the Polo Lounge in the Main building for a bit of karaoke. What happened there was insanity, pure and simple. First off, I think I was the only one that was stone cold sober in the lounge, and I was also first up to the mic, doing my rendition of Metallica's "Enter Sandman", and riling the gathering crowd up. After a few of my cohorts did their songs, I was back up, doing a hideous cover of KISS' "I Was Made for Lovin' You". The funniest thing happened during this song though...while I was singing, this girl was grooving to the song and coming up to me and grinding against me...all the while my cohorts were hooting and hollering. I thought it was hilarious. Afterwards, we went for another round down the Rabbit Hole, me nursing water the whole time. The adrenaline started wearing off by then and I made my way back to my room, where I was starting to unwind when the phone rang. Turns out it was that girl that was grooving in the Polo Lounge earlier, wanting to know if I made it back to my room alright and if I needed anything or some extra company. I said I was alright and I'm beat so I was going to sleep. Found out earlier that night she and a few of her friends work at the resort too, and I guess in their off time solicit guests who are there on their own. *shrugs* I passed out shortly after anyways.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b>Tuesday, September 18, 2018 - Sandals Royal Plantation Resort, Sandals Golf and Country Club, and Beaches Ocho Rios Resort</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflQT0FvSoNpw8Z-vCC7r9ukaE29OyB-EkffcYhyphenhyphenFMHvqHIfPRgVEkA0DNQFcX2FUFgS17FMClNNlNIIco4C3xqyVBA4Z5Ri2u5F-YkTC8V7sEB89XJwgaiEnh1JS5LVHFmtzVuC5_yLBk/s1600/RoyalPlantation3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflQT0FvSoNpw8Z-vCC7r9ukaE29OyB-EkffcYhyphenhyphenFMHvqHIfPRgVEkA0DNQFcX2FUFgS17FMClNNlNIIco4C3xqyVBA4Z5Ri2u5F-YkTC8V7sEB89XJwgaiEnh1JS5LVHFmtzVuC5_yLBk/s400/RoyalPlantation3.jpg" width="220" /></a><b><br /></b>
Gathering with the usual cast of misfits (love you guys, every last one of you. Except for the creeper, lol!) for breakfast in Le Gourmand, the French Restaurant on property, we retold and went over the last night's shenanigans before hopping out buses to the first property on today's tour, the Royal Plantation Resort, adjacent to the lower beachfront portion of our resort. This resort is a neat and luxurious smaller resort with only 74 suites, all with Butler service, and some of the best beachfront I've seen on the island yet. The suites are nicely apportioned, and this would be the place I send my higher scale clientele with no handicaps, as there are stairs everywhere, so the beach is not accessible at all for those in wheelchairs or other mobility devices.<br />
<br />
Next up was a trip to the Sandals Golf and Country Club, with its well manicured 18 holes and rolling fairways, not to mention great views of the sea (when it's not overcast and threatening to rain!). After a quick run through the Pro Shop, we all piled into golf carts and tooled around the course with a few stops along the way taking us to the highest point on the island (at 780 feet above sea level) and some remarkable trees and vegetation lurking about. Easily the funniest and most comical part of the day...or so I thought.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5oA64g1ylo3oAX8wMZcS81oZAoXpezezB070W4Dc_QvEAIYppM2HjNKBtOsNFyAu-4zyNPAt40Wx-ZX0ZwDkEljLBE6bCinIMfT4u07DLqUEgA3BRYfxDT75UopPHAmFeibRckWvN_fhk/s1600/Golf1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5oA64g1ylo3oAX8wMZcS81oZAoXpezezB070W4Dc_QvEAIYppM2HjNKBtOsNFyAu-4zyNPAt40Wx-ZX0ZwDkEljLBE6bCinIMfT4u07DLqUEgA3BRYfxDT75UopPHAmFeibRckWvN_fhk/s320/Golf1.jpg" width="320" /></a>Last stop, and my favorite of all, was the Beaches Ocho Rios Resort, which is geared more towards families with small children, teens, or kids on the Autism Spectrum.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxAR0rbdQN4TSD02kwHzOdyUl5lcZpfyklkYHZp-TMqBV5d_aElRpNrj4ILr3c4GqRUk5c961bi-4da9uJUNOjV2NCbHh0S5ycz7F6rVIIryDFc_xR8twnyTKfIJbC2KteUpfQvohDboX/s1600/RoyalPlantation7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmxAR0rbdQN4TSD02kwHzOdyUl5lcZpfyklkYHZp-TMqBV5d_aElRpNrj4ILr3c4GqRUk5c961bi-4da9uJUNOjV2NCbHh0S5ycz7F6rVIIryDFc_xR8twnyTKfIJbC2KteUpfQvohDboX/s320/RoyalPlantation7.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
From the instant I got off the bus, I turned into a 5 year old when I was met by none other than Oscar the Grouch of Sesame Street fame. Beaches has a deal with Sesame Workshop to use characters and whatnot for programs throughout the resorts, which I thought was awesome, especially after learning the attention to detail the resort go through for their guests.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBk1xdPSAbU3UOjvsNVB-CJ6z8EPrwg0zIc_HYVSsHqDBGFa3FfiYrXBbhPVeSCKjHfChThTYIZmZ8AzjWVnFwIZy_un9QUUjlwSOpu2c17NfgPsN248f3M7y6QFzEz8hqEmddRIIDDAT/s1600/Beaches5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTBk1xdPSAbU3UOjvsNVB-CJ6z8EPrwg0zIc_HYVSsHqDBGFa3FfiYrXBbhPVeSCKjHfChThTYIZmZ8AzjWVnFwIZy_un9QUUjlwSOpu2c17NfgPsN248f3M7y6QFzEz8hqEmddRIIDDAT/s320/Beaches5.jpg" width="176" /></a>This property is HUGE, and the tour was easily the longest of all, and took a while to get through, but that's alright, that's what we agents were there to see. We were taken through all three parts of the resort, I especially liked the Greek area, with the buildings mimicking those you'd see on the island of Santorini. The rooms we went through were fantastic (not to mention running into more characters from the Street), and great for families large and small. The waterpark was pretty big too, and I wouldn't hesitate for a second sending a family with kids or teens here at all. Afterwards, lunch was held in the cavernous Venetian Restaurant with, of course, a Sesame Street theme, but with some seriously fantastic adult food. We also got a quick introduction to Beaches Autism Programs as well, something I am pursuing my certification in once I get back stateside.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Returning to our resort, I went back to work on the group I was putting together, only to find out they had gone around my back and booked everything on their own, piece by piece, saving them a grand total of $14 per person. Ugh. Oh well, now I can unwind and relax until dinnertime, which was our farewell dinner, again at the swanky Le Gourmand, and let me tell you, hilarity ensued at my table, thanks to several of us imbibing a bit too much, and over analyzing certain songs, or digging up others somewhat famous ex's (I'm STILL laughing about that, by the way). Another final round down the Rabbit Hole, then saying my goodbyes I headed back to my room to get some of my stuff ready to leave tomorrow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtPBRKDGR8jfZqdsDIIF197YpI8RVdTjelXZaumCLlcZJ1C6xibtkgIYpomDErCMsHoXPDewunjLuM8gEBbu0ClNFfk9cZEKNq8JrccU9YwAHYEU9z2ty4CsRLjRvUe7CKdxS1ZHsycyF/s1600/restaurant-le-gourmand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="550" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFtPBRKDGR8jfZqdsDIIF197YpI8RVdTjelXZaumCLlcZJ1C6xibtkgIYpomDErCMsHoXPDewunjLuM8gEBbu0ClNFfk9cZEKNq8JrccU9YwAHYEU9z2ty4CsRLjRvUe7CKdxS1ZHsycyF/s400/restaurant-le-gourmand.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<i>That does it for Part 2, hope you enjoyed it, Part 3 will be published October 8, 2018. Stay tuned!</i><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-91458774166162543572018-09-26T10:05:00.000-07:002018-09-26T10:05:51.568-07:00Ya, Mon! The Jet Lag Junkie Journals Jamaica (and other exciting locales) Pt. 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mhujdDw2SMmXXkilnxwDp5iIBUiNixSpP9fYVqueKnOPYF2VphnIcRAuBl2fEFPTCmP-Z3tFe1bJdyFaTQJEaJyly8fykww62O5CURX9zp2Smu2x31e4G9yTNhG-BBjp_CKaY5tBLN3A/s1600/20180914_101719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5mhujdDw2SMmXXkilnxwDp5iIBUiNixSpP9fYVqueKnOPYF2VphnIcRAuBl2fEFPTCmP-Z3tFe1bJdyFaTQJEaJyly8fykww62O5CURX9zp2Smu2x31e4G9yTNhG-BBjp_CKaY5tBLN3A/s400/20180914_101719.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>As this is in journal form, it is a tad rougher around the edges than my normal posts.</i><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Friday, September 14, 2018 - Salt Lake City, Utah and Los Angeles, California</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
For once I did NOT have an early morning pre-dawn departure out of Salt Lake City. So instead of driving myself to the airport as I usually do, I got a lift from my Mom in her brand new Jeep. After a few quick errands, we made it to the airport in decent time, all the while explaining my trepidations about this trip to her in full detail.<br />
<br />
Check in was a snap as usual with American Airlines, and I managed to see some of my friends there as well. Through Security I went and since I have CLEAR, I breezed right through, without having to take my shoes and belt off. Stopped by the tech store for a new set of headphones before ending up at gate F5 (formerly A5, renamed the F Gates due to the new airport construction and concourse realignment going on), where my ride to LAX was waiting, a 3 Year Old Embraer 175 regional jet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppFmI5A-5xlYViTbfEJot40rxRLUS6vkwBmN873QIQW7PnNfV1ICNRreB7EbVKYcbgdA7So4s-VeqMfMhM3hJFkfv_jqHHyGeFal1UFnIXfOmlY3wAWoh-KalnIHnNB85keovEm9A4Rjv/s1600/20180914_113949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhppFmI5A-5xlYViTbfEJot40rxRLUS6vkwBmN873QIQW7PnNfV1ICNRreB7EbVKYcbgdA7So4s-VeqMfMhM3hJFkfv_jqHHyGeFal1UFnIXfOmlY3wAWoh-KalnIHnNB85keovEm9A4Rjv/s400/20180914_113949.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Having paid extra for the increased space of Main Cabin Extra (American's Premium Economy product, and more often than not a fantastic deal if available at check-in, in this case for a paltry additional $35), I settled into my seat, and before I knew it, we had pushed back and were on our way out to the West runway for departure. Takeoff was quick, and I was surprised at the power the 175 has, and how quiet it is at full takeoff power. Seeing as how I was in the window seat, I passed right out after takeoff and slept most of the way to LAX.<br />
<br />
Waking up as we passed over Big Bear Lake and into the Los Angeles valley, we floated down the runway and stopped short of crossing the other runway to allow for a departing flight to takeoff before pulling up to American's Commuter terminal. I have to admit, I love coming into LAX on American from SLC, I have a soft spot for the Commuter terminal, too, as it affords me the chance to ride the shuttle to American's main terminal (where baggage claim is), allowing me to drool over the planes going to and fro on the South Runways, as well as seeing all the planes up close and personal parked at the gates from Terminal 7 to Terminal 5.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtX2KVSPdcbzDmUua983lgfwCe2Vfm4KGiZMyqGRq9DLhSNrIBjm0SYy0_rxfP5QvyK5KO4t5cmNca6LC-c-FM1G7dW1uboKoN2tNgUHc7EZD1W6nG1E2LbKClf4m6LexEyeplY7imJq4/s1600/20180914_134042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrtX2KVSPdcbzDmUua983lgfwCe2Vfm4KGiZMyqGRq9DLhSNrIBjm0SYy0_rxfP5QvyK5KO4t5cmNca6LC-c-FM1G7dW1uboKoN2tNgUHc7EZD1W6nG1E2LbKClf4m6LexEyeplY7imJq4/s400/20180914_134042.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Quickly off the plane and down the ramp I went, and found myself in a MASSIVE line waiting for the shuttle to Terminal 5 (thankfully with only ONE piece of luggage this time!). By the time I got to Baggage Claim, my bag was already waiting for me, so I grabbed it and ran out the door to wait for my ride to the Hilton LAX.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9V5Drej-Fwleve0ZsgxR8TETt_PEP1hXmdOTmXYE-hKBEkGoaCg4LR7ahyQyzxbClO5FjFawnM4IX3gGLIgHrw5c7Yw_MPGJG1bvCXeGWeas1DXFTQpC1tZ6Pj_QjWhnGjNOpVjbVGgI/s1600/hilton-lax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="365" data-original-width="550" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ9V5Drej-Fwleve0ZsgxR8TETt_PEP1hXmdOTmXYE-hKBEkGoaCg4LR7ahyQyzxbClO5FjFawnM4IX3gGLIgHrw5c7Yw_MPGJG1bvCXeGWeas1DXFTQpC1tZ6Pj_QjWhnGjNOpVjbVGgI/s400/hilton-lax.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I didn't have to wait long at all, and it was no more than 25 minutes from touchdown to checking in at the hotel, pushing my way upstream through a group of senior passengers trying to get on the bus as we were truing to get off, let alone collect our luggage! Easy, people!<br />
<br />
As a Hilton HHonors member, check in was a snap, they had my keys and bottles of water ready, I even got an upgrade to a corner view room. The way up to the 13th floor was entertaining in it's own right, as the elevators require you to punch in your floor before entering, and you will be assigned an elevator to take you up, with no controls inside the car. It was hilarious watching people run into the elevator you are in all willy nilly, then silently watch them as they freak out at realizing there are no buttons to push for their floor ANYWHERE, then watch the look on their faces as they realize the gaffe they made.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxS5xo7zU02W3nThC2zCe7gyKSPNHJCP-E0nCLseOXQIU0MKhRv7cRhgtbYy4E-hVIl90qwWdFX8YPkwR1gPbJnWnHOod_vv-7sgitqKBdCrGwa25_w7GXFbSZ3TzrwXPWUrzP-V0y_X7/s1600/20180914_141214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxS5xo7zU02W3nThC2zCe7gyKSPNHJCP-E0nCLseOXQIU0MKhRv7cRhgtbYy4E-hVIl90qwWdFX8YPkwR1gPbJnWnHOod_vv-7sgitqKBdCrGwa25_w7GXFbSZ3TzrwXPWUrzP-V0y_X7/s400/20180914_141214.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
My room was 1330, with an unbelievable view of the South Runway complex on one end, and the entire arrival/approach area on the other, with a work desk conveniently placed in between both windows, offering killer views whilst tapping away and keeping up with my clients ( a Travel Agent's work is NEVER done, after all). I was in avgeek heaven that night, as my Instagram feed shows! I could literally spend hours upon hours from that vantage point, and let me tell you, it was hard for me to not get distracted from time to time. Thank God I pushed through, otherwise, I would've had some pretty annoyed clients (and coworkers) back home.<br />
<br />
Because I left a few things pending at work, I grabbed my phone, laptop and briefcase and headed up to the Executive Lounge on the 16th Floor (again with the awesome fool=proof elevators) to plug away and finish up what I could in the waning hours of the last workday of the week, while my travel suppliers were open, and having access to some of my trusted co-workers back in Utah to help me out. I didn't finish up until about 9PM, and thankfully the lounge had some great appetizers and dinner choices that night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaziqo14WPZyZl_Nf4SNeyaPhKaVOZYyjCbLI-ow9rwCtufRdjdnw3n-nMTlfqLoclWn-bbz7n087Ca2Mpz2tTAU1T1Ddum9fXF94e1zffHk_g5S5MLSIoLkjEBZZYeeS57Ata1_YNJk5/s1600/20180915_113456_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaziqo14WPZyZl_Nf4SNeyaPhKaVOZYyjCbLI-ow9rwCtufRdjdnw3n-nMTlfqLoclWn-bbz7n087Ca2Mpz2tTAU1T1Ddum9fXF94e1zffHk_g5S5MLSIoLkjEBZZYeeS57Ata1_YNJk5/s400/20180915_113456_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Saturday, September 15, 2018 - Los Angeles, California</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JIT7cryy0bPQPr4H6JNWtBXOisq3nBTdrqCCqh2YiN3fG1miIIuRhVde8cNQDLzwdyP6pIbfax6B4W6QaXPHo1-N3hK-iYc1-FodJnb-FGnP46Bk11dV0_MdoiZSJuxUTfBHpH9wHJI_/s1600/20180915_155328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JIT7cryy0bPQPr4H6JNWtBXOisq3nBTdrqCCqh2YiN3fG1miIIuRhVde8cNQDLzwdyP6pIbfax6B4W6QaXPHo1-N3hK-iYc1-FodJnb-FGnP46Bk11dV0_MdoiZSJuxUTfBHpH9wHJI_/s400/20180915_155328.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
Waking up to the rumblings of of something large and heavy, I waddled to the window in time to see a ghost white Boeing 747-400F rumble down the runway. Now THAT'S my kind of wake up call!<br />
<br />
It took less than a few minutes to get myself ready and I headed back up to the Executive Lounge to grab some breakfast to no avail, thanks to it being completely packed with Asian tourists from wall to wall, with no seats available and all the food being gobbled up in record pace. So I shelved that idea, and went out of the hotel and next door to Carl's Jr. to clog my arteries.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJCIJaA2_b7yYp63ioGlPdB95Ok883DmLyO5EFPRdeXbWxfLv5aXhvQElGE7vmg9HEM_G2nF4NCzR11Nv5Z8Cx8EwZl4_BJZfnaYIwBBgLZjMG28US83EMwQxO4bxwrJhacPaY0srK5Fo/s1600/20180915_145258_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLJCIJaA2_b7yYp63ioGlPdB95Ok883DmLyO5EFPRdeXbWxfLv5aXhvQElGE7vmg9HEM_G2nF4NCzR11Nv5Z8Cx8EwZl4_BJZfnaYIwBBgLZjMG28US83EMwQxO4bxwrJhacPaY0srK5Fo/s320/20180915_145258_HDR.jpg" width="180" /></a>Due to my status in the HHonors program, I was allowed a late checkout of 1:30PM, which was absolutely perfect for me, as I did have work to continue before I played around later that day. Once downstairs, though, i simply checked out of my room, asked to have access to the lounge until 6PM, and left my luggage with the bell desk until ready to hop to shuttle back to LAX. Made sure to grab my travel bear, Philbin (more on him in another post), and out I went, making my way to the Mecca for us avgeeks, the In N Out Burger joint on the periphery of LAX at the corner of El Segundo Blvd. and Westchester Parkway. Being the avgeek paradise spot that it is, there were quite a few out there today as I (and Philbin, of course) enjoyed my animal style burger and fries, whilst watching the afternoon arrivals from around the world come screaming in from above. I spent a good 3-4 hours just basking in the Southern California Sun, fast food scents, and jet engine sounds. Easily my favorite thing to do in LA, I've brought Susie here, I REALLY want to bring my Dad here, I know he'd enjoy a burger and Coke and watching the planes come in.<br />
<br />
Returning to the hotel (after a NASTY tumble on the sidewalks of El Segundo walking back), I spent the last few hours in the Executive Lounge tending to my bruised and battered arm, as well as having a stiff pre-departure beverage or two to ease the aches and pain. The Lounge was pretty empty even though it was getting on in the afternoon and the hors d'oeuvres were just being rolled out. Knowing I wouldn't be eating on the plane, I filled up a few plates and enjoyed watching the late afternoon departures to Europe and Asia find their way skywards into the Sun.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBH6Piqueb-HEwyONWvohY3VkISmN-lROmCqtiDSwMgn3VoDSt3aajFziQSqclZfB9wbyMIK-ot0Hk2ZqyZkY9EFQf8Av4prjOFXqB1MnjfsuzzpgA7zlm-30BHyLrTip6m4HFq6jPgfBW/s1600/20180915_204433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBH6Piqueb-HEwyONWvohY3VkISmN-lROmCqtiDSwMgn3VoDSt3aajFziQSqclZfB9wbyMIK-ot0Hk2ZqyZkY9EFQf8Av4prjOFXqB1MnjfsuzzpgA7zlm-30BHyLrTip6m4HFq6jPgfBW/s320/20180915_204433.jpg" width="180" /></a>Back at LAX to begin the next phase of the trip, the AAA sponsored FAM (familiarization) at the Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. From LAX it was just a matter of hopping on American Airlines with a stop in Miami, and onto Kingston. Unfortunately, the red-eye flight from LAX to Miami is on American Airlines new Boeing 737 MAX 8. There have been so many bad reviews about the plane that I was wondering if I should just eat the cost and change my ticket to a different flight, but, being the consummate travel professional I am, I had to give the bird a chance.<br />
<br />
Dreading the regular Economy Class seating crunch, I gladly paid to upgrade again to Main Cabin Extra, hoping against all hope not to add to the negativity surrounding the MAX 8. The seating in MCE isn't bad, but the window seats are definitely a bit cramped. The ride would've been great, as there was no one in the middle seat, until the very last minute before the door closed for pushback. A non-rev was boarded and sure enough, they plunked him down next to me, and he was NOT a small person, neither was the guy in the aisle seat. So I did what I do best, and slept the majority of the way to Miami. Halfway through the flight, I got a little antsy, and I couldn't wait to land and start breathing normally again.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday, September 16, 2018 - Miami, Florida and Kingston, Jamaica</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Arrival into Miami was great, and a bit early, so I hurried off the plane, slightly disappointed the MAX 8 left such a negative imprint on me. I am definitely going to second guess my travel options when I see this as the equipment type.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uGrklooAaffcBW-HPwIilv6AJT8arWLafNtHlZxTwoeTApNKJXBGJt2E72i2kSj9Wc0asqrfcR19ynWmPLQrph33Zy6RAZmZ8B9EOohJ1CtKqGuVRrTmEAR-SSnjYhFqEQRVmcrp8auK/s1600/20180916_121703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uGrklooAaffcBW-HPwIilv6AJT8arWLafNtHlZxTwoeTApNKJXBGJt2E72i2kSj9Wc0asqrfcR19ynWmPLQrph33Zy6RAZmZ8B9EOohJ1CtKqGuVRrTmEAR-SSnjYhFqEQRVmcrp8auK/s400/20180916_121703.jpg" width="400" /></a>My layover in Miami was 4 hours long, but went by quickly, thanks to grabbing a bite to eat and taking my meds the instant I got into the concourse. Found a cozy corner by my departure gate, turned on my music and cracked open my latest book to while away the time.<br />
<br />
The flight to Kingston was far more comfortable than the MAX 8, as this was on an older not as cramped Boeing 737-800, and the hour long flight passed by quickly. Before I knew it, we were on our way into Kingston, and I have to admit here, I was shocked at the size of the airport...and how it looked. It took a while to get offloaded, considering I was in the 2nd to last row, and I gradually made my way down the jetway and into Customs, which took about an hour and a half to get through, considering how many people were in line from the 2 flights that just came in aside from mine, and how slow the Jamaican officials were.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDDa8XHMwWW5oM_AI40S7IGGYBDkhedrd8ryMTeyHcwl75f2NcP1_3VUWdqWlSSAozZ7eOAzxasNFKr58Tqq1VWJsyenDBTPEVM-N7MLJ2uJaRGJpNkztcfkYo67bfz6linM8ZxftW7bM/s1600/Norman-Manley-International-696x440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="696" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtDDa8XHMwWW5oM_AI40S7IGGYBDkhedrd8ryMTeyHcwl75f2NcP1_3VUWdqWlSSAozZ7eOAzxasNFKr58Tqq1VWJsyenDBTPEVM-N7MLJ2uJaRGJpNkztcfkYo67bfz6linM8ZxftW7bM/s320/Norman-Manley-International-696x440.jpg" width="320" /></a>Even after that long wait in Customs, I still had to wait for my luggage, then I finally made my way to the Sandals Resorts transfer desk, and before I knew it, in a shocking display of speed by the Sandals agents, I found myself in a private van and on my way to the resort, even though we must've taken the bumpiest road possible, because I shook, rattled, and rolled ALL the way to Ocho Rios. More on that in the next installment, though.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkS7Ix3LOCyr8Ss8-VQVciWBQjnWeuGjG_gQsyxHaCKuf9v3OA7PzQEV066BJ_HkT6s3N5NRomV6Xq16MV_tv8Enh_B0zS1UigCouEXMGFymcAslfaeWTj36WsoHjTmV9uKjIjSKSMKdpI/s1600/map+%25281%2529.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkS7Ix3LOCyr8Ss8-VQVciWBQjnWeuGjG_gQsyxHaCKuf9v3OA7PzQEV066BJ_HkT6s3N5NRomV6Xq16MV_tv8Enh_B0zS1UigCouEXMGFymcAslfaeWTj36WsoHjTmV9uKjIjSKSMKdpI/s400/map+%25281%2529.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<i>Part II of the Jet Lag Junkie Journals Jamaica will be published on Monday, October 1, 2018. Stick around!</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-33896425968100525802018-09-07T11:54:00.001-07:002018-09-25T11:41:41.297-07:00Puddle Jumping: Hopping the Pond to New Adventures<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzvtZqpo6nnM5HeGZx5sy7B04dgsm_wSLvsiQdT3OEqXBQxBp-ET-bQ7GnI_awDH4PqxSIhn5Vuq_tMsMxE7KBluKNdFg2MPLNTjoO7yVhlBaQ4DdtGqQDeY1_Io4XB2i-q_Q9ar8jFEW/s1600/TWA_747-100_JFK_0197B_JP__BWMAIN_small1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1299" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzvtZqpo6nnM5HeGZx5sy7B04dgsm_wSLvsiQdT3OEqXBQxBp-ET-bQ7GnI_awDH4PqxSIhn5Vuq_tMsMxE7KBluKNdFg2MPLNTjoO7yVhlBaQ4DdtGqQDeY1_Io4XB2i-q_Q9ar8jFEW/s400/TWA_747-100_JFK_0197B_JP__BWMAIN_small1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit Joe Pries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Back in the olden, golden days of flying, to get to anywhere remotely off the beaten path in Europe you had to get on a flight from your local airport, to (usually) New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, where depending on the airline, you were hoarded into a cavernous cabin of a Boeing 747 of either International icons of TWA, one of the myriad International carriers that berthed at the International Arrivals Building, or even the much forsaken Pan Am, then off to a European Capitol, where you would connect yet again to exotic locales like Zagreb, Athens, or Naples. In those days, it was simply inconceivable to ask for nonstop access to cities like these from any point in North America.<br />
<br />
Fast forward 30 years or so. With the advent of aircraft such as the Airbus A350, Boeing 787 and longer ranges on the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families, airlines are now taking advantage of routes previously not considered, or routes that used to operate, but were never profitable for any variety of reasons. Let's take a look at 3 of them.<br />
<br />
<b>Route 1: Chicago/O'Hare - Athens, Greece</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXpGwT9gZlA3H2A-lYhiCKM9zzwFpdg6oxfQMj8wtTNhGkoG7cVm60K3bC65MnGzVMTOsKk6N6AWKGSvwqjADykpSycOorzOF4W5OyuA_I8UTlYfiOaImf7vw37WDlY0jtbaKrmpGOImQ/s1600/AMERICAN_787-8_N805AN_LAX_1115_6_JP_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1299" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXpGwT9gZlA3H2A-lYhiCKM9zzwFpdg6oxfQMj8wtTNhGkoG7cVm60K3bC65MnGzVMTOsKk6N6AWKGSvwqjADykpSycOorzOF4W5OyuA_I8UTlYfiOaImf7vw37WDlY0jtbaKrmpGOImQ/s320/AMERICAN_787-8_N805AN_LAX_1115_6_JP_small.jpg" width="320" /></a>This route is near and dear to my heart, for a few reasons, not just because I am a proud Greek. The history of service from North America to Greece goes back to March 31, 1946, when TWA began service from Washington, DC to Athens, with stops in New York, Gander, Shannon, Paris, and Rome. Nonstop service from New York followed in 1966 with Boeing 707's, and Olympic Airways joined the fray with their own 707 (and later Boeing 747) services from Athens to New York, Boston, Toronto, Montreal, and Chicago...which is where this tale starts.<br />
<br />
American Airlines recently announced a boat load of new European services for Summer 2019, and finally, after a LONG time waiting, and an online campaign that sparked an entire group on social media (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ordathnonstop/?fb_dtsg_ag=AdzlK3tvgQpked9aFjxZzuW0focY0DsSd7Vz39M-xb8XTg%3AAdyhG7kAAOn_bIAmikRwCbR1MJxiQqzvumIaJLTjcWjopA">Chicago-Athens Nonstop</a>) and led to a petition signed by over 1,700 people clamoring for such service (spearheaded by yours truly, <a href="https://www.change.org/p/united-airlines-north-american-network-airlines-need-to-start-chicago-athens-nonstop-flights">Chicago-Athens Petition</a>), new service to Athens will commence from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, using the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.<br />
<br />
What makes this route work is not just the size and economics of the plane used, but also the immense connecting opportunities American Airlines has in and out of Chicago, as well as the local O&D (Origin & Destination) travelers, Chicago being 2nd largest Greek community outside the New York City area. With a departure time of 5:10PM and arrival the next morning at 11:30AM, the flight is perfectly time for those folks making connections from smaller communities in the Western US, thereby eliminating making a double connection to get to Athens. On the Greek side, this arrival time makes for quite a few more convenient connections to other Greek destinations.<br />
<br />
The return flight is also well timed for those coming from the islands, with an afternoon departure of 1:30PM, arriving into Chicago by 5:25PM, right in the middle of the evening rush of International departures, and rush hour traffic. With American's powerful hub, dozens of connecting opportunities exist as well, especially to places on the West Coast such as Denver, Salt Lake City, Billings, Reno, Las Vegas, and Seattle.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Route 2: Newark, NJ - Naples, Italy</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOFzVc8_Emf65tCgt1jASXinuhARfYK_d6QZLm1eJWud3elvGnjMEDqxEZISXOQS8Mmhyphenhyphenfsv_QKh6VgeD9SAs2IlWG_t29H1morQnkd7dYb15v0bLFcOD6tH_MV48_hZJwxcfkxznu_Xi/s1600/UNITED_767-300_N652UA_EWR_0515D_JP_small1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1299" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFOFzVc8_Emf65tCgt1jASXinuhARfYK_d6QZLm1eJWud3elvGnjMEDqxEZISXOQS8Mmhyphenhyphenfsv_QKh6VgeD9SAs2IlWG_t29H1morQnkd7dYb15v0bLFcOD6tH_MV48_hZJwxcfkxznu_Xi/s320/UNITED_767-300_N652UA_EWR_0515D_JP_small1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Joe Pries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This flight looks incredibly interesting to me, as up to now, there really hasn't been much for travel from North America to Italy, aside from the typical arrival points of Rome, Milan, and Venice. For a travel agent like me, with as many bookings as I get for Southern Italy and Naples, this flight makes all the sense in the world, even if it is operated by aging Boeing 767 aircraft. United is definitely trying to reclaim the title of New York's #1 Airline that was held by predecessor Continental Airlines for decades before.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The beauty of this flight is the arrival time in Naples of 8:05AM. Now, there's a few options for connections out of Naples, but the majority of folks coming off the United flight will be heading south to the Amalfi Coast, or Sicily. Plenty of time to catch their bus, taxi or private ride down. I predict this flight will see more than its fair share of people on holiday packages like those provided by Perillo Tours or Homeric Tours from the USA, checking out the beauty of Southern Italy.<br />
<br />
I for one, would love to try this flight out, and maybe I will this coming Summer.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Route 3: Philadelphia - Dubrovnik, Croatia</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0t07hpNBsWrn1mr0Mc4OL6ymQk9ZVs8wQwc4nS-ZOy5PwCQxMRx2MApz7i6cPuqe9DoIFSunKAq1ngv6V5O-79D0Ck4NWJo6bkXid6nP4J8rkFnE1bkNFqo1SogPa-G7fpAoj1HRXOT2/s1600/AMERICAN_767-300_N344AN_JFK_0915_JP_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1299" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0t07hpNBsWrn1mr0Mc4OL6ymQk9ZVs8wQwc4nS-ZOy5PwCQxMRx2MApz7i6cPuqe9DoIFSunKAq1ngv6V5O-79D0Ck4NWJo6bkXid6nP4J8rkFnE1bkNFqo1SogPa-G7fpAoj1HRXOT2/s320/AMERICAN_767-300_N344AN_JFK_0915_JP_small.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit Joe Pries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It amazes me how this offering took so long to come to fruition. Back in the 80's and 90's the old JAT Yugoslav Airlines used to fly to New York's JFK from Zagreb with DC-10's off and on. Now with Croatia's tourism exploding higher and higher these last few years, this should've been a no-brainer from the start. As with United's flight to Naples, I fully expect to see American fill their 767 to the brim with packaged tourists making the most out of their unforgettable trips to Croatia.<br />
<br />
You might be pondering why American would start such a flight from Philadelphia, and not from New York or even Chicago. Well, Since it's merger with US Airways, American inherited the massive hub in Philadelphia, full of connections from all over the US. Yes, American has a very large focus city in New York at JFK Airport, however, that they use for the higher yielding business traffic that is covered by corporate contracts to London, the West Coast, and other select destinations. AA tries hard not to send the leisure tourists through their JFK terminal, and instead routes the majority of all seasonal European services through Philadelphia and Charlotte.<br />
<br />
<br />
Well, that is my look at 3 of the new routes coming out for Summer 2019. I'd love to hear any feedback from my followers and fans!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9k2rATGTw70sfB5C5UUbEnOKcL9YDrQE_yYkTuoUucNSln8SaxN5G8vfFchWTI6bxA3slnRKO5gl2xkMIj8bM4CHJWU5GFfgU8YXPSfsHGz26AIgQGUzGePr9VknFo86P6FyrOEVIIbLi/s1600/WORLDPORT_JFK_1290_JP__TAKE1_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1000" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9k2rATGTw70sfB5C5UUbEnOKcL9YDrQE_yYkTuoUucNSln8SaxN5G8vfFchWTI6bxA3slnRKO5gl2xkMIj8bM4CHJWU5GFfgU8YXPSfsHGz26AIgQGUzGePr9VknFo86P6FyrOEVIIbLi/s400/WORLDPORT_JFK_1290_JP__TAKE1_small.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit Joe Pries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-80072488250626221552018-08-12T17:30:00.002-07:002018-08-12T20:24:23.145-07:00Gutter Ballet<span style="font-family: inherit;">Most of you who know me, or read my posts, know that I am a capitalist through and through. My thoughts and opinions on various topics usually side with management or Wall Street. In this case though, I'm departing from the norm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">By now, you have probably heard of the story from Friday, August 10, and the theft of a Horizon Air Bombardier Q400 from a Cargo/Maintenance stand at Seattle/Tacoma Airport by a "disturbed and disgruntled" Horizon Air employee. I won't go into the story of the joyride around the skies of Puget Sound either, that's been covered. Nor will I paint the employee as disturbed, disgruntled, or suicidal. It is still FAR too early to to start guessing. What I will do in this post though, is go through the turmoil the front-line employees face at not only Alaska Air Group (AAG, the parent company of Alaska Airlines and it's regional subsidiary Horizon Air), but at other airlines as well. I'm also going to touch on the subject of suicide. It's more of an epidemic in this country than opioids, the Mexican cartels, or porn (yes, the Governor of Utah says porn is an epidemic).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I stated above, normally I take the side of management in airline employee relations. In this case, especially against AAG (and JetBlue Airways, my friends there tell me the almost exact same horror stories), I am firmly on the side of the employees. Thanks to a management that is hyper-focused on its costs - perhaps at the expense of it's employees well-being - Alaska and Horizon employees work in a stressful environment. AAG has been battling with Delta Air Lines and it's massive new Seattle hub. Alaska Airlines, itself still integrating Virgin America, a merger which some industry watchers feel is a costly, badly-timed, and poorly-executed merger, went to the negotiating table with it's various unions in order to come up with a plan to cut costs further that would allow the merger to go through. Work rule changes were adopted, and the cost-cutting became so micromanaged that AAG's flight attendants were instructed to stop offering the popular Biscoff cookies as a snack. Passengers and Flight Attendants alike came close to a revolt, and the airline capitulated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you listen to AAG's earnings calls or read their SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) filings, the company's Board of Director's and Executive Management will do ANYTHING to keep the stock price from falling. That is simply all they care about, employees and services be damned, as long as Wall Street is happy and the JD Power awards keep coming in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">BUT..the JD Powers awards reflect only what the passengers opinions are, not the airlines' employees.</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br /></i></b>
AAG's employees (whose unions appear to be impotent in helping their members) bear the brunt of the cost-cutting actions. Several colleagues at AAG have come forward and told me of their woes at AAG.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">"We get those shiny JD Powers awards, and instead of bonuses like at Delta, we are given Positive Space passes instead. How will positive space passes feed my kids?" - Alaska Customer Service Agent, Seattle.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The positive space passes might be great for the bright eyed interns who work for nothing and are gaining experience while in school, but it does not cut it for someone trying to feed their family to pay the bills (a stark contrast to Delta Air Lines, who in 2017 awarded it's employees $1.1 Billion in profit-sharing).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Mandatory Overtime is killing us. I come home with my paycheck not showing the correct amount of hours as OT, sometimes none at all. We get worked to the bone by the powers-that-be, and we love our work, but we also need to get paid for it." Horizon Ramp Agent, Boise.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b>
Stations all over the AAG system do it. Some use it to good effect and keep the operation humming nicely, and the employees happy. Others, like at the hubs, not so much.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">"I was sent to training in Seattle. I had told about my health issues to the trainers and they said it wouldn't be a problem in the training rooms. 2 days later I was on a flight home to SLC for a flareup of my Chron's disease. My boss back home was surprised but was under orders to reassign me to a non customer-facing position." Alaska CSA/Ramp Agent - Salt Lake City.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b>
AAG trainers and their superiors are known for churning and turning their training classes, usually with a few dropouts or burnouts. There have been cases of AAG employees reaching out to AAG HR for physical, medical or mental help. All AAG did was give them the Employee Assistance Hotline number and never bothered following up. A few have tried committing suicide, but thank God they survived.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">"I was struck by a debilitating disease and my superiors promised my position would stay the same and once I was better, they would make whatever accommodations necessary to aid in my return to work. Not only did I get my diagnosis, but I found out I was pregnant as well. Once they found out, I was out of their picture." JetBlue Systems Controller, Orlando.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's amazing to think some of these supposedly beloved companies are this harsh on employees. Or is it? I've worked at JetBlue as well, and let me tell you. It doesn't surprise me in the least. These airlines that are under pressure need to wake up and realize their medically challenged folks need to be looked out for.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, I watched the press conference the other day with leaders from AAG, Horizon, and the Port of Seattle. Only briefly did they gloss over the Employee Assistance Program. A single sentence. That's it. Done. Next Question.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">Depression and Suicide are an epidemic in this
country, and no one is willing to have a frank and honest conversation about
it. Thousands of us suffer and fight the demons in silence. I've
fought them since I was about 15 years old. The silence must stop and we
need to speak up. Us airline folk tend to stick together, especially
during the hardest times, but we don't have to fight alone. If anyone
ever needs to talk, I'm always around. You see tons of posts from
blissfully ignorant and pseudo-helpful folks claiming they will listen if you
need to talk and then post the number to the National Suicide Prevention
Hotline, but who better to listen to you than a real friend or cohort who knows
exactly what you're fighting with? I'm not saying the NSPH is a bad
thing, far from, it has helped many people overcome and get help. It
might have done a world of good for Rich, instead he may have only seen one way
out. We don't know. I refuse to paint him into any corner until the
investigations are complete. My condolences to his family and friends,
and to my friends at AAG.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12.0pt;">For airlines like AAG and JetBlue, it's a race to the bottom, quite literally, into the gutter. The dance the employees make to keep up appearances and keep the flights on-time and profitable, and bags onto the carousel within 20 minutes, is at best, a ballet on razor blades. To my dearest friends in the trenches, keep up the fight, and make Brad Tilden, Robin Hayes, and their respective Boards of Directors LISTEN.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWdirJv6KAatPer4L6hcJWnP4goOUPQDLAYP2CH6V2HtGwChyphenhyphen5H5YgMRh5ezhohixDanhoU2dEDJp0ohjieb-D_MVDEKAfj1yI2IRCsTZbHDDyemWxvjngtOirpADvtIMeca_kIUTBqXL/s1600/30670_1180787732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1280" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWdirJv6KAatPer4L6hcJWnP4goOUPQDLAYP2CH6V2HtGwChyphenhyphen5H5YgMRh5ezhohixDanhoU2dEDJp0ohjieb-D_MVDEKAfj1yI2IRCsTZbHDDyemWxvjngtOirpADvtIMeca_kIUTBqXL/s400/30670_1180787732.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-87727554623989771422018-07-27T06:12:00.000-07:002018-07-27T06:12:16.179-07:00April in Athens: A luxurious stay at the Hilton Athens<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrlk9L9VkKsey2Q3Jiy6Ydl8wJnavrs-RcU8aeWxRyYGNkNK2ICuh3EF5320dSdKFTr5ywdM1vZGN7tkEhPMQsePCW1rgvwaNiAaXgUY2wNPtfYx8q5xoHwNZi5cfillFesnCD2hyphenhyphenI8y1/s1600/pegasus_LARGE_t_200_9960129_type13021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="860" data-original-width="1280" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrlk9L9VkKsey2Q3Jiy6Ydl8wJnavrs-RcU8aeWxRyYGNkNK2ICuh3EF5320dSdKFTr5ywdM1vZGN7tkEhPMQsePCW1rgvwaNiAaXgUY2wNPtfYx8q5xoHwNZi5cfillFesnCD2hyphenhyphenI8y1/s400/pegasus_LARGE_t_200_9960129_type13021.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit Athens Hilton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
My apologies to Chairman Sinatra for altering the title of his iconic tune, but I was in Athens, in April, and it was unbelievable. On this trip, I was fortunate to stay in the historic Athens Hilton, and in two different types of rooms.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5JdXqA8wvkXqbFiumgSH-xQ6d_1reankjDg1PA_6jWqMD4kTgJxiU9ICMXPXbp0q0lpBhiIGAtfIOiq22Wm21vfzSKnsEQPez9hoSB011IGJmjcsp0XEU-Otolw3PX-WptbDnJlVmsTO/s1600/filename-oe-1469-1280x768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="550" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5JdXqA8wvkXqbFiumgSH-xQ6d_1reankjDg1PA_6jWqMD4kTgJxiU9ICMXPXbp0q0lpBhiIGAtfIOiq22Wm21vfzSKnsEQPez9hoSB011IGJmjcsp0XEU-Otolw3PX-WptbDnJlVmsTO/s320/filename-oe-1469-1280x768.jpg" width="320" /></a>Having arrived to the hotel after a 5 hour trek from my Mom's village in Central Thessaly, with no less than a plainclothes police escort from the outskirts of Athens all the way to the front door. To say it was epic would be a gross understatement.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tpAZSZAno7fRBn5jp7NLH5OCiBpm4ZgRhXu1NhyIIVvuB4rV83UnsGkQ2crXgaiKL2zZMxVAU9Qwk-TkjKBtcPgfNFEeEUN-_Chd3sWZLaxqaJ3B12SJuao6u5rMMHxBuFhV4PFmpNdc/s1600/hilton-athens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="413" data-original-width="550" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9tpAZSZAno7fRBn5jp7NLH5OCiBpm4ZgRhXu1NhyIIVvuB4rV83UnsGkQ2crXgaiKL2zZMxVAU9Qwk-TkjKBtcPgfNFEeEUN-_Chd3sWZLaxqaJ3B12SJuao6u5rMMHxBuFhV4PFmpNdc/s320/hilton-athens.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
Having my bags taken directly inside by the speedy and sharp bellhop, I said my goodbyes to my cousin and headed inside. Gave the agent at the counter my passport and credit card, and she looked me with a huge smile and told me she couldn't check me in, and I would have to proceed to the elevators and up to the Executive Floor and check-in there. So off I went, hoping my bags would be on their way up behind me as well.<br />
<br />
Depositing me on the Executive Floors with a distinctive ding, the elevator closed behind me as I sauntered over to the desk and presented (again) my credentials. The classically gorgeous concierge checked me in rapidly, explained the hours and activities in the Executive Lounge and directed me to my room, which thankfully was not too far away.<br />
<br />
Shortly after getting myself situated in this amazing 1 King room with this AMAZING view of Athens and the Acropolis in the distance, there was a knock on my door. It was the bellhop with my luggage. Arranging it just so in the closet, (not to mention showing me how to get into the closet and use it!) he told me if I needed to get and clothing items pressed, they could be done in 3 hours. Awesome. I told him I do have my suits than could use an airing out and freshening up, but i have to dig them out first. He said no problem, take my time and just buzz the Executive Concierge for pick up. Excellent!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPT_RtHDwHg8ujmpuhqK62spR9yDNwBza8gzbPLMfuHQaM_CGMpz442dMMVCpPcKhnZsgYLXk2kkc9qruV81ebyLowCHKwnjGP4T3GHZNDnKreXkw4EEKIFQWtxVYGNFYJmQjeBqQ6p7Ej/s1600/HL_cityview001_3_386x310_FitToBoxSmallDimension_Center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="386" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPT_RtHDwHg8ujmpuhqK62spR9yDNwBza8gzbPLMfuHQaM_CGMpz442dMMVCpPcKhnZsgYLXk2kkc9qruV81ebyLowCHKwnjGP4T3GHZNDnKreXkw4EEKIFQWtxVYGNFYJmQjeBqQ6p7Ej/s400/HL_cityview001_3_386x310_FitToBoxSmallDimension_Center.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit Athens Hilton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The room was nicely spaced out, with the bed tantalizing close to the balcony door, at an angle just right for falling asleep with the Acropolis in the distance as the last thing you see before closing your eyes. The bathroom was completely marble, with a bathtub that was decently deep (enough for my large frame and be comfortable), and a separate, walk-in rainfall shower. Believe me, this room is worth every last silver Euro of the nightly rate.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzr_XIdWDz3c1cMtkbIz7uLMro76Dvh-s35f-bFCwzdjMED3nPfA9UzgKDAriC6i_TGOAAh1HeQA7qQoO7A7xoaTMTvcbqMv8Z2nCenmOu3YZJ4Q_b2dPtAz9Y8G_OBTdpa97pfR9kjvm/s1600/Hilton-Athens-Review-1005resized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="1000" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdzr_XIdWDz3c1cMtkbIz7uLMro76Dvh-s35f-bFCwzdjMED3nPfA9UzgKDAriC6i_TGOAAh1HeQA7qQoO7A7xoaTMTvcbqMv8Z2nCenmOu3YZJ4Q_b2dPtAz9Y8G_OBTdpa97pfR9kjvm/s400/Hilton-Athens-Review-1005resized.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
The Executive Lounge was nice as well. Bright and airy, with a great assortment of refreshments during the off hours, and great breakfast in the morning and <span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">hors d'oeuvres served in the evenings. Oh, and did I mention endless supplies of Orange Fanta? No, not that bland kind you get back in the States, the Greek version, as quite a few people can attest, is a whole different animal, MUCH tastier. I ended up with a stockpile in my room of somewhere between 15 and 20 bottles...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YWtXJHBY9AiVuYR6uICKdXgvb0zJImwIgqYwXIHWgdiaopcdRBf8Cvrgk-CSv-6jzzEIeJ7clOX-AYO_jAsZTPfRagjkjrRMDrVtmKpuXhcddXv8ptMCYeTnk0yI4j51iKJW4li_gUs0/s1600/ATHHITW_Hilton_Athens_room_type_T2RRO_1_386x310_FitToBoxSmallDimension_Center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="386" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YWtXJHBY9AiVuYR6uICKdXgvb0zJImwIgqYwXIHWgdiaopcdRBf8Cvrgk-CSv-6jzzEIeJ7clOX-AYO_jAsZTPfRagjkjrRMDrVtmKpuXhcddXv8ptMCYeTnk0yI4j51iKJW4li_gUs0/s400/ATHHITW_Hilton_Athens_room_type_T2RRO_1_386x310_FitToBoxSmallDimension_Center.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit Athens Hilton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Due to a screwup in booking that was completely this author's fault, I had to scramble at last minute to find another room at the end of my 4 days stay for an additional night. The Executive Floor was completely booked that final night, so I got myself the standard City View 1 King Room. Laid out just as nicely as the Acropolis View lodgings, these rooms are on the other side of the hotel, facing the City, and if you're on the right side, the US Embassy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Sq9wa7OJkP-lEgDrXjaD0UXw5_Areeh6u6EtMQ-5jSwHNiDs5Wyz0ZyUOZLBCoFNtPqkr7sHTlCH17AVKMh1xRiYFy3_Pth2T6_XIVwld4Zu7RYGiW4lBRoVKPJN0-jJ5HyEQAk4V97C/s1600/image114-820x410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="820" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Sq9wa7OJkP-lEgDrXjaD0UXw5_Areeh6u6EtMQ-5jSwHNiDs5Wyz0ZyUOZLBCoFNtPqkr7sHTlCH17AVKMh1xRiYFy3_Pth2T6_XIVwld4Zu7RYGiW4lBRoVKPJN0-jJ5HyEQAk4V97C/s400/image114-820x410.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit Athens Hilton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Up on the top floor is the world renown Galaxy Bar, voted one of the "World's 10 Best Rooftop Bars" by Premier Traveler Magazine, an award most decidedly deserved, with some unbelievable incredible views of the Acropolis, nee ALL of Athens (and a good chunk of Attica in general) to be had, especially from Sunset onwards.<br />
<br />
Just off the Main Lobby downstairs is the Byzantino Restaurant, prices are typically high, considering it is a hotel restaurant after all, but from the 2 breakfasts I had, the food was fantastic, even though it was your standard buffet breakfast fare. They had a few traditionally Greek items, but i would've liked to have seen more. Other than that it was not a bad place to start one's day.<br />
<br />
In closing, the Hilton Athens is your typical high-end Hilton, however, it's history and legacy put it at the top of the heap with the Hilton International hotels. The Acropolis View rooms are worth their slightly higher nightly rates, and you are mere minutes from major attraction, historic sites, ancient ruins, and some AMAZING hole in the wall establishments with the absolute best in Greek dining. Plan your stay here the next time you have a few nights in Athens, you won't regret it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0q8if-xOiYKHB4GjloiDuGdDY7Hry8nSW-lCnBw-QjNFZv9TWM0nPzJEHhnxBUGcp5Gqi-bnbkL4_NtlTyYXknXdY0T4UjoKbHA9ytzuVq0sPtx70phS8WXCwfin_OkBTba1AbvA03VH/s1600/30167409_555333154847526_3976849052305388429_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1080" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr0q8if-xOiYKHB4GjloiDuGdDY7Hry8nSW-lCnBw-QjNFZv9TWM0nPzJEHhnxBUGcp5Gqi-bnbkL4_NtlTyYXknXdY0T4UjoKbHA9ytzuVq0sPtx70phS8WXCwfin_OkBTba1AbvA03VH/s400/30167409_555333154847526_3976849052305388429_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
**<i>All photos authors own except where credited.</i><br />
<br />Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-45337719770916722382018-07-13T22:07:00.000-07:002019-02-28T12:40:30.545-08:005 Years old and growing!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHi4CFxCmT-kMc2cJYr315k18z3bQbJ1WKJQwovEawZcCCgujLordt0g7nIOttpNjkv8U4cSq8rhMazwfq78ybLpGemRLsPMiruiiJHc6LQqle71zcN0ZlOI28e3wXfaXq-F3vpnHRzzy/s1600/16681871_369200880127422_6847495731434577130_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHi4CFxCmT-kMc2cJYr315k18z3bQbJ1WKJQwovEawZcCCgujLordt0g7nIOttpNjkv8U4cSq8rhMazwfq78ybLpGemRLsPMiruiiJHc6LQqle71zcN0ZlOI28e3wXfaXq-F3vpnHRzzy/s400/16681871_369200880127422_6847495731434577130_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this blog taking off like it did, or having the staying power and relevance it does.<br />
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6meUt6cUVXqfF0lelU7tNybmjUKi5XeSPcJ0FZYc1RM7bFFO_nJzAull81C-3HO_3Wss3N7iEXOLBh6C8iz4Wk7B1_zjKJAqP_wCCA1H40VGs3PkBBjrOTgbPEcKvr32V1gSx1F-ZcJJ/s1600/32187078_566986367015538_3703487730257231872_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6meUt6cUVXqfF0lelU7tNybmjUKi5XeSPcJ0FZYc1RM7bFFO_nJzAull81C-3HO_3Wss3N7iEXOLBh6C8iz4Wk7B1_zjKJAqP_wCCA1H40VGs3PkBBjrOTgbPEcKvr32V1gSx1F-ZcJJ/s320/32187078_566986367015538_3703487730257231872_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>When I started this blog back in 2013, it was with the intention of making this a springboard for my opinions in Travel, the Airline Industry, and Luxury. I dropped the Luxury bit real quick and focused on everything travel related. It was a very slow start, the first posts were averaging a total of about 20-50 reads. Pitiful really, but hey, you have to learn to crawl before you can learn to walk. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I shut down my first agency, Vintage Travel, and started working for Egencia (I refuse to say I worked for the third party contractor, I represented Egencia, not them, to the folks on the phone), my posts started gaining traction, but still, maximum reads were in the 250-300 range. At the time I was thrilled, as I thought I was finally on the uptick. More and more entries were made, and by the time I left Egencia to start my second, and final at home travel agency, the Gold Standard Travel Co., I was drawing around 500 reads per post. Having never been at that level, I was thrilled. Then I met author, thespian, and all around great guy Thorman Hulse, and he helped me hone my writing craft. I owe a HUGE amount of gratitude to Thorman, without him, I more than likely would've given the writing game up for dead, especially since i was getting no support from my wife at the time. So Thorman, if you get a chance to read this, thank you, dear sir, from the very bottom of my heart. I owe you and Kathy immensely for the friendship and support.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The jump happened when I was caught up in the self-made implosion of the fly-by-night scam airline SkyGreece. I was working for a shady faux travel agency in Salt Lake City and I had been watching with growing alarm that planefuls of travelers were stranded in Athens, Greece, Budapest, and Toronto, due to the grounding of this airline's sole aircraft. I managed to help get a few travelers back across the Atlantic home, and followed up and got caught up in the unfolding drama of this scam. My following write up of the drama (<a href="https://fl310travel.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-perils-of-pride-flying-flag-vs.html">The Perils of Pride</a>) caused a windfall of reads, and then kept bringing them in, averaging about 1100 to 1200 reads per post. That post, along with a writeup I did on the actual downfall of the first airline I ever worked at, TWA (<a href="https://fl310travel.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-failure-of-twa-setting-record.html">Setting the Record Straight</a>), boosted my daily readership higher.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It wasn't too much longer after that, and after a bitter and bloody divorce, I was invited to become an Agent with the American Automobile Association (AAA). It was no secret I had wanted to be an agent for them since I first became an agent back in 2009. From what I know, I was the 3rd or 4th Agent in Utah hired by AAA to help them open up their Travel operation in their huge new Member Service Center in Clearfield, Utah. Thanks to several trips and multiple postings every quarter, and support from quite a few folks in AAA's Travel Dept, my postings have reached more people and further away than I ever imagined, so a HUGE shout out goes to my incredible employer, and my amazing and fabulous clients. Thank you, one and all, for making this blog reach an average of 25,000 reads per post!! Another huge shout out to one person in my own office, Angela, for pushing me when needed, and pulling the reins in as well, you have shaped me as an agent and I look up to you too and consider you a mentor in every sense of the word, and hopefully that has come through in my posts since being hired in 2016.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well, that was the first 5 years, let's spin the globe and see where the next 5 will take the Jetsetting Globetrotter. Thank you, one and all! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkerGmYAcuJN-9QvsFw-7V5faFoMKeNzXzD9O9pIrXkqEuUOuwsqSLBrfWsSvTsJgYJFkZ_qKoFU6edWqVaTe2n4ba7KdhhB1KDGu3Wrluw2f_zZvzBaIOjqK0CGiqC2_9j_MLtYnsfff3/s1600/1010745_144313705763320_1843268063_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="666" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkerGmYAcuJN-9QvsFw-7V5faFoMKeNzXzD9O9pIrXkqEuUOuwsqSLBrfWsSvTsJgYJFkZ_qKoFU6edWqVaTe2n4ba7KdhhB1KDGu3Wrluw2f_zZvzBaIOjqK0CGiqC2_9j_MLtYnsfff3/s320/1010745_144313705763320_1843268063_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shortly before the beginning of FL310, on top of the Acropolis with my Dad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnXa-n1QM8ET54O_CRg3B-a0MSuTOQ9uswIQ5nsp2heN3jRncduWUccIys3OQfCbdWPNvYFcst0OaQZu0HpXwVjHuc-qgYyVa6yuJpZ2yCsxRY3QSyKvegZ9DCnF_0jiBAJxBy4omfGT-/s1600/21105819_460256977688478_8440804777853315151_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnXa-n1QM8ET54O_CRg3B-a0MSuTOQ9uswIQ5nsp2heN3jRncduWUccIys3OQfCbdWPNvYFcst0OaQZu0HpXwVjHuc-qgYyVa6yuJpZ2yCsxRY3QSyKvegZ9DCnF_0jiBAJxBy4omfGT-/s320/21105819_460256977688478_8440804777853315151_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 years of refinement as a Travel Agent, photo credit AAA.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-69594874840003191452018-07-04T21:04:00.000-07:002018-07-05T10:43:28.360-07:00Flying Blue: Business Class on KLM's Boeing 747-400<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaoyJiKGmBn8SOJMUAi3xJJLFh7bqZFix0b9ey_Zt9b-nBNOyv76OE3sTMxjki1HXGntVuLmX9XtxFeHdgj0Z8yQWutQasgvQM2gJIimD5-4RCflgE5sHr5PhfE_3CYat_RVR9aSUkoEA/s1600/29683476_551179598596215_8838355860208861691_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="960" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaoyJiKGmBn8SOJMUAi3xJJLFh7bqZFix0b9ey_Zt9b-nBNOyv76OE3sTMxjki1HXGntVuLmX9XtxFeHdgj0Z8yQWutQasgvQM2gJIimD5-4RCflgE5sHr5PhfE_3CYat_RVR9aSUkoEA/s400/29683476_551179598596215_8838355860208861691_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
How often can a guy get lucky? I seriously thought my first and only time to get on the fabled Boeing 747-400 was last September with Delta. I was fortunate enough to snag the last seat on the final domestic 747 flight, thinking I had flown on my only flight on the Queen.<br />
<br />
You should've gone to La$ Vega$ and put money on me.<br />
<br />
Originally, this trip to Greece didn't even have me on the 747. At all. My routing was Salt Lake City to Los Angeles, overnight there, then the next morning do Los Angeles - Seattle - Paris - Athens, with the return 3 weeks later doing Athens - Amsterdam - Detroit - Los Angeles, overnighting there again, AFTER a segment on Delta's new long haul flagship, the Airbus A350-900. Well, by the time the end of March had rolled by, my ticket for this trip had been subject to not 1, but 5, that's right, count them, 5 schedule changes. Each change getting worse and worse and my arrival time into Athens going well past midnight. Ugh. So I got on the horn with Delta and told them, I don't want another schedule change, and while I'm at it, get me off as much Delta metal as you can, just for putting me through those changes before. The poor agent was horrified, but we ended up with a decent schedule. Leaving from Los Angeles, I was to go nonstop to Amsterdam then onwards to Athens, all on KLM, and returning the same way. Beautiful. The agent made the final change and confirmed the flights. Turns out, the Los Angeles segments were on the Queen herself, the Boeing 747-400. I was happier than Hugh Hefner in a Strip Club.<br />
<br />
So the time for my trip FINALLY came. Off I went on an overcast morning from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles on the hot rod Canadair Regional Jet 700 (or CR7 to us avgeeks). As I was on American Eagle (American Airlines' regional operation), we arrived at the double wide trailer sized commuter terminal smack in the middle of the sprawling complex LAX is. No biggie. Until you realized how much luggage I had with me...<br />
<br />
Fast forward 24 hours.<br />
<br />
Having been dropped off at the iconic and much-filmed Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) (you can see it in Die Hard 2, Die Hard, Commando, etc. etc.), with my mountain of luggage, I shagged a luggage trolley and made my way to the KLM check-in counter upstairs.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9BkkaSwry9Jya_Jm74gbELiV-Do2QpQbENZspOssdRBhmgD-jCFOe84pMKG4m7F6VpqCIvA_NuKmvLyLdmjEOYQ6KnkGFvkzaLQhGXuEGvkEKq-_kpAz4a-2sage-OuD-BGIAVjEmCT_/s1600/33978011490_6a3e7d35ff_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9BkkaSwry9Jya_Jm74gbELiV-Do2QpQbENZspOssdRBhmgD-jCFOe84pMKG4m7F6VpqCIvA_NuKmvLyLdmjEOYQ6KnkGFvkzaLQhGXuEGvkEKq-_kpAz4a-2sage-OuD-BGIAVjEmCT_/s400/33978011490_6a3e7d35ff_c.jpg" width="400" /></a>"My apologies, Mr. Andritsakis, but it seems we have given your Economy Comfort seat away. We have a few seats at the very back of the plane, or one last seat open in Business Class on the Upper Deck. Which would you prefer?" advised the harried agent after he realized the system goofed. I told him I wouldn't mind the Upper Deck at all. "Very well, sir, also, since you'll be in Business Class, I'll check all your bags for you all the way to Athens, and you also have access to the OneWorld lounge just inside security until departure." Bonus. now I don't have to pay the extra baggage charge for my 3rd suitcase, nor do I have the pay the excess weight charges, either. This trip was starting off just right.<br />
<br />
<br />
Why would KLM have use of the OneWorld Lounge when they are a full-fledged member of SkyTeam you ask? Well, it's simple. The TBIT only has a few lounges, and Korean Air has one, but it's small, noisy, and most of the time cramped. So, KLM, and the other airlines not in OneWorld, sensing they don't want to lose their premium cabin passengers at such an important gateway as LAX, struck up agreements with the airlines that have the lounges, and sure enough, at that time of the day, this lounge was full of KLM, Aeroflot, and other SkyTeam passengers.<br />
<br />
After a great breakfast and preflight mimosa in the club, I headed down to the gate, insomuch as for me to get my inner avgeek satisfied by watching planes until boarding. I got a few good shots with my phone, and before I knew it, it was time to board. The gate staff had us line up behind several boarding group signs, and Lord have mercy on your soul if you tried to board before your group, as I saw while waiting behind the Group 1 sign.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAQuwUEKZuLxvQf1DF-Me9Zt0q3fzNezz2KGIZfGSwwI4NjSUwdhlMoVUJGIiJvrtbY4tk6OiE8F1AEZlCwox2nR3MYI_iY4xDV3M53pOnzqN6-HbcweSmkjCYe_AlkNOIjonbkzRk3Wo/s1600/29683224_551179785262863_2289780935384317085_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAQuwUEKZuLxvQf1DF-Me9Zt0q3fzNezz2KGIZfGSwwI4NjSUwdhlMoVUJGIiJvrtbY4tk6OiE8F1AEZlCwox2nR3MYI_iY4xDV3M53pOnzqN6-HbcweSmkjCYe_AlkNOIjonbkzRk3Wo/s400/29683224_551179785262863_2289780935384317085_n.jpg" width="220" /></a><br />
My ride for the day was KLM's Boeing 747-400 PH-BFL, named the "City of Lima". Delivered to KLM from Boeing on May 12, 1991, this Queen is the 888th 747 off the line. Stepping inside, you really can't tell, though. KLM, as European as it is, keeps their fleet up to snuff. OK, so the Business Class isn't a suite, nor is it single seat with aisle access AND a window, but, that being said, my seat was spacious and amazing to my 6'1", 400 lb frame. I was far more comfortable in this seat than I was in Delta's 747-400 DeltaOne seat several months earlier. No offense to Delta, but GOD those seats, once I was in the lie-flat mode, felt like a narrow coffin. But I digress.<br />
<br />
So on board I went, hang a right after greeting the gorgeous Dutch Flight Attendant, passing the oddly laid out Economy Comfort section (including my long since re-assigned seat 16A), and on up the staircase to the Upper Deck. down the aisle I go and get myself situated in 71K (shoes off, and wearing my KLM issued socks from the quaint amenity kit), the very first window seat on the starboard side.<br />
<br />
Before we knew it, we were getting the pushback out into the alleyway behind the TBIT, and we were on our way. Being early afternoon, there were a few Asian, domestic, and European flights already queueing up for departure on LAX's North runways. One by one they departed, and soon enough it was KLM 602's turn, and we were hurled aloft by the power of those 4 GE engines, over Playa Del Ray Beach and the Pacific Ocean before a leisurely left turn and high angle climb Eastward towards Europe.<br />
<br />
The dinner service promptly began once we had leveled off somewhere between LA and Las Vegas. The lovely Flight Attendant brought my seatmate and I our pre-meal warmed nuts and beverage service, where I decided to try KLM's signature drink, the "Flying Dutchman". This amazing concoction was developed for KLM by legendary Dutch distillery Bols, who blend their amazing blackberry schnapps with gin and a splash of lemon juice and simple sugar. An amazing cocktail to start the journey off right.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HSXfW7FEGku4gVtdmLf0MzeWgrbHMDAunF8gDtk32KpTu5zUU491_iWq6nM21kfgYbuoN40wdgKqsITIt7cehANmkKpKrmM62K35pERaXzNxOwDtIG2o7IyWWBTBMeNKOHWFOIpLoUTb/s1600/29695200_551179925262849_4516528046321335296_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6HSXfW7FEGku4gVtdmLf0MzeWgrbHMDAunF8gDtk32KpTu5zUU491_iWq6nM21kfgYbuoN40wdgKqsITIt7cehANmkKpKrmM62K35pERaXzNxOwDtIG2o7IyWWBTBMeNKOHWFOIpLoUTb/s320/29695200_551179925262849_4516528046321335296_n.jpg" width="176" /></a>The appetizer course came and I chose the cauliflower soup, thinking it was cold. Well, it wasn't and hit the spot with an amazing taste that left me asking for more later on in the flight (my daughter Susie would've emptied the plane of it had she been with me!). The main course was a selection between cheese fragottini with grated Swiss Chard over it, chicken teriyaki with rice, or a beef stew over ratatouille. I picked the fragottini, and was not disappointed. For inflight dining, and a pasta dish no less, it was not over cooked and slightly al dente, which is the way I like it, with plenty of cheese to satisfy the heaviest of turophiles. Out of the several choices I had for dessert, I picked the unlisted pecan pie tart that the flight attendant recommended. Not quite to Deep South standards, but it was delicious nonetheless. Once the dinner service was over, I laid out my seat to the full flat position, polished off one glass of Perrier while I was brought another, popped my earbuds in, turned on the Stephen Coonts audiobook I was listening to, and was lulled asleep by the 4 GE engines droning on yards away and below me, aimed for the bohemian paradise of Amsterdam.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xTAROXyS1wIpPUKwmMaL-5YKvQSE8sZB6iXp2wL6IyS-MrhoHKUKC7vdJVA17QRQhyphenhyphenF1bO45mPpxYqT4qjncAOMBc4ArJ6Mt0X-MTaUf-XbEsWK8-0M9c9t0HLiwZxMAdUEVTsTOq-OG/s1600/29792448_551180011929507_362183161222946811_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="811" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xTAROXyS1wIpPUKwmMaL-5YKvQSE8sZB6iXp2wL6IyS-MrhoHKUKC7vdJVA17QRQhyphenhyphenF1bO45mPpxYqT4qjncAOMBc4ArJ6Mt0X-MTaUf-XbEsWK8-0M9c9t0HLiwZxMAdUEVTsTOq-OG/s320/29792448_551180011929507_362183161222946811_n.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
About 7 and a half hours later I woke up, not groggy, not lagged, but remarkably refreshed, even though I was completely flat. I opened my window shade to look out and sure enough, it was still night over the Atlantic, with a full moon in all its glory higher up in the heavens. I took a look at the map on the screen and we were only 2 hours away from touchdown. No sooner had I turned my head and reached for my Perrier, the flight attendant came by for the breakfast order. They had a choice between a turkey, ham and cheese wrap, apple pie a la mode, or granola-topped yogurt. Since I was on vacation, and I couldn't care less about making my arteries scream, I chose the turkey, ham, and cheese wrap, accompanied by a bowl of fruit, several croissants and a plate of cheese and jam. Oh, and let us not forget the amazing Dilmah Tea (served straight black, of course).<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYV9oe7U_GH_XNoUWiCH9iulOUglVlgtQRK9yIPqgGuIdmNDEuhMGj0b8qQXPHkLjQxIItKx-atASJSD1Qz-63mXekK8nsPzO3quy48-aByVW_o-db_MpKne-9LajCiWXnCok5-pwo44e/s1600/29683360_551180035262838_6859530389996862957_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="960" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYV9oe7U_GH_XNoUWiCH9iulOUglVlgtQRK9yIPqgGuIdmNDEuhMGj0b8qQXPHkLjQxIItKx-atASJSD1Qz-63mXekK8nsPzO3quy48-aByVW_o-db_MpKne-9LajCiWXnCok5-pwo44e/s400/29683360_551180035262838_6859530389996862957_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
With breakfast cleared, I reclined a bit and watched the map and gazed out the window as the sun rose over Western Europe. A few twists and turns put us into the approach pattern for Schipol Airport and sooner than I would've liked we had a featherlight touchdown and quick taxi to the gate.<br />
<br />
Overall, KLM's Business Class is a fantastic way to cross the pond. Thanks to the mistake made by the LAX ground crew, I got to experience it, and in nothing less than the grand dame herself, the iconic Boeing 747. From what I have seen of newer planes, even though they are single seat window and aisle access seats, the new layouts seem almost...what's the word...antiseptic and bland. The 747 and her iconic upper deck allow for the Premium classes to have their own space, without intruding past the other Economy or Economy Plus sections. In the 747, KLM has a small Business Class section forward of the L1 entry, an oddly laid out galley that is parallel to the length of the cabin wall (this must make it MUCH easier for the crews), with Premium Economy in that space between the L1 and L2 entries, the main Business Class upstairs, and standard Economy in the 3 cabin sections from the wings aft. The inflight service is fantastic, living up to the famed hospitality of the Dutch, with a storied and historic carrier that spans the globe. The 747-400's days are sadly numbered, and are being replaced by newer, more efficient Boeing 777's and Airbus A330's and A350's.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkt5RJqwT20odM9Uc07Eunk4-9sRHZJzI2qduE5b3S4vLlOsJ8N59Rqd4m0sI4D19Qp9e3wQ8KTic7jBkprEsmlad_GTwIZZLlvEJ9B4LGNTz0PDNNU5PgE5MIfnlyM6oTAUt-ct34rzI/s1600/klmcom_Boeing-747-400-combi-kl47p-upperdeck-min_tcm600-481286.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1312" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkt5RJqwT20odM9Uc07Eunk4-9sRHZJzI2qduE5b3S4vLlOsJ8N59Rqd4m0sI4D19Qp9e3wQ8KTic7jBkprEsmlad_GTwIZZLlvEJ9B4LGNTz0PDNNU5PgE5MIfnlyM6oTAUt-ct34rzI/s400/klmcom_Boeing-747-400-combi-kl47p-upperdeck-min_tcm600-481286.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of KLM.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFKbZOKWbcQw1upiNkNiYE5vpWB2UVam-NT2_u1V1XFFuKTvtcWSXXlbS1OnAjFciEkh7cxz3WyXe5gfnP1UGBL9-RPHOJeJoGWPFFKPN9MycKCN9JmXktz8YABCE-csyc_hi53cHejuw/s1600/klmcom_Boeing-747-400-full-kl47p-min_tcm600-481284.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="1600" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFKbZOKWbcQw1upiNkNiYE5vpWB2UVam-NT2_u1V1XFFuKTvtcWSXXlbS1OnAjFciEkh7cxz3WyXe5gfnP1UGBL9-RPHOJeJoGWPFFKPN9MycKCN9JmXktz8YABCE-csyc_hi53cHejuw/s640/klmcom_Boeing-747-400-full-kl47p-min_tcm600-481284.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of KLM.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
*<i>*All photos my own except where noted**</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-37745234937116970632018-05-13T20:47:00.000-07:002018-07-12T11:39:59.187-07:00(Ancient) History In The Making: 4 Unforgettable Days in Athens, Greece<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJA8t7rfxUscpk-ZjSPwmHbhQfPiab2rm-0buD8dIi9XH83s7LePxsxyhGkIwAUFwXQHTpIoFUXTuCLQc9Qfs1CA_dJgTu2brL8lX2f07kUhs3htgNPHZvxaQzdHfestmBz0zt8bXStIx/s1600/876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJA8t7rfxUscpk-ZjSPwmHbhQfPiab2rm-0buD8dIi9XH83s7LePxsxyhGkIwAUFwXQHTpIoFUXTuCLQc9Qfs1CA_dJgTu2brL8lX2f07kUhs3htgNPHZvxaQzdHfestmBz0zt8bXStIx/s400/876.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Last year it was announced that the ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) were going to hold their annual Destination Expo for 2018 in Athens, Greece; I was skeptical. I travel to Greece somewhat frequently (ever since I was a kid), and it was one thing as a kid I never noticed much aside from wanting to horse around and play with my cousins, it was another thing to be an adult and hearing what the Greeks said about the Americans under their breath. But, that was then. I registered for the Destination Expo (DE) with an open mind and signed up for several excursions during my stay.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzCECaNj14O84MAnvjL2rBwFHN4HqpvVY43KuyM-Q0VPDW-qNHpSk_0FC5KKmA90HugLxNYzKdU2myTv5vQbhGGZNF00yJc8lc9TzXODefgWecrdv3m6klGbuVrb_cX32PD9wC2qrevIg/s1600/hilton_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="1170" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzCECaNj14O84MAnvjL2rBwFHN4HqpvVY43KuyM-Q0VPDW-qNHpSk_0FC5KKmA90HugLxNYzKdU2myTv5vQbhGGZNF00yJc8lc9TzXODefgWecrdv3m6klGbuVrb_cX32PD9wC2qrevIg/s400/hilton_0.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit Athens Hilton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So April finally made it's way around, and I left the US on April 2nd, and after an overnight in Los Angeles, and another overnight on a gorgeous KLM Boeing 747, I arrived in a very sunny Athens, Greece on the afternoon of April 4, and like always happened in the past, was picked up by my cousins and taken to my mom's village in Central Greece, in the mountains between Trikala and Kalambaka (home to the Monasteries of Meteora). I spent 8 incredible days reconnecting and hanging out with my family. Then it was time to get down to Athens for the DE.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHYS1YRGIgU2GtGSTz82hv0StAtWV6cEUacsJDYKE_HYw_tc99kD9PV7EVrX85-cYgw3nZuCOWyoJiJ2DKO7Rpzn2BNGmZEkEs29uSxCxoQg8CF5GTCirUBAdDmfZzmsZUXHbk5HH9oFH/s1600/30688653_555290208185154_8464388663767546601_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHYS1YRGIgU2GtGSTz82hv0StAtWV6cEUacsJDYKE_HYw_tc99kD9PV7EVrX85-cYgw3nZuCOWyoJiJ2DKO7Rpzn2BNGmZEkEs29uSxCxoQg8CF5GTCirUBAdDmfZzmsZUXHbk5HH9oFH/s320/30688653_555290208185154_8464388663767546601_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Having left Trikala in the morning, and after 5 different tolls (seriously, what is up with the toll roads?), we finally made it to the Hilton Athens by 2PM, and the bellman grabbed my suitcases and inside I went after a semi-tearful goodbye to my cousin. What can I say, I'm a softie with this side of the family. They've always been there for us.<br />
<br />
Check-in was interesting. I went to the front desk, gave my passport over, they looked me up, and told me they couldn't check me in, since I had a reservation on the Executive Floor. So, I was directed to the elevators, and up to the 11th Floor I went to finally check in. They had me in a 1 King Executive Room with an Acropolis View (at the ASTA DE Group Rate) room, and lemme tell ya, the room did NOT disappoint. Seriously, how many people can say they fall asleep overlooking the Acropolis and Parthenon every night? Suffice it to say, that first night was pretty amazing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5WPMFlQlxvKABru80-J99drDt9W9-ineJ0vJ7yeoTwXULShJu6oMbWfwPntg2BF6ycOhuw5AtwRCI25LqnRp7P6l5daAVjrrVe40PV_sYi_V4-a38gZ5B4MxUd4mpmEAP6Fh5iLfLeMB/s1600/30712300_555753804805461_5816042669139208616_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5WPMFlQlxvKABru80-J99drDt9W9-ineJ0vJ7yeoTwXULShJu6oMbWfwPntg2BF6ycOhuw5AtwRCI25LqnRp7P6l5daAVjrrVe40PV_sYi_V4-a38gZ5B4MxUd4mpmEAP6Fh5iLfLeMB/s400/30712300_555753804805461_5816042669139208616_n.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
Day 1 of the DE was Saturday, April 12. After breakfast and registration, where I was handed my credentials, along with DE program and AWESOME lanyard from Aegean Airlines, I was set up for a half-day Flavors of Athens: Fun Food Walking Tour put on by Athens Insiders, an Athens based tour operator that creates bespoke experiences not just in Athens, but around Greece as well.<br />
<br />
<br />
So off we went, onto the motor coach that dropped us off just past Syntagma Square in the literal heart of Athens. Our first stop was this cool little bakery that I had unknowingly visited the day before for some of the best tiropita (cheese pie) in the city. Our tour guide came out with a box of mini tiropites and explained the history of the bakery, why she chose this one, and all about tiropites.<br />
<br />
<br />
After a short walk a few blocks down, our next stop was a kafenion (coffee shop) that specializes in Bougatsa, a custard filled pastry popular in the northern part of Greece and the island of Crete. Along with the flaky pastry, we were given demi-tasse cups of potent Greek Coffee, an offshoot of Turkish Coffee, although in my opinion, slightly more potent. After drinking the majority of the coffee, I flipped my cup over and let the leftover grounds cool for a little bit before I tried my hand at fortune telling by reading the patterns of the grounds in the cup. Not the expert older members of my family are in tasseography, I laughed it off with the rest of the group.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1al0EGb3pDaXP5-3zu9tLns7ghihyNiYxBJ8MofAVXLOXOOrIDRQPWnehtGvX5Fx0Bcer0EwLkCz1jZE4n7zntLZC8BZVDqDDlNWM3-rMmL1UVLrLfVAradU5SuEcYKWCyYDEfu5KMLs/s1600/30706428_555754181472090_80472461224693981_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1al0EGb3pDaXP5-3zu9tLns7ghihyNiYxBJ8MofAVXLOXOOrIDRQPWnehtGvX5Fx0Bcer0EwLkCz1jZE4n7zntLZC8BZVDqDDlNWM3-rMmL1UVLrLfVAradU5SuEcYKWCyYDEfu5KMLs/s320/30706428_555754181472090_80472461224693981_n.jpg" width="176" /></a>Back on the uneven streets of Athens, our lovely guide took us around to several different shops to see their wares. First up was a fruit and nut shop that had some of the freshest fruits I have smelled in a long while. After that we passed by an Olive shop that had buckets of freshly brined olives and gallons of olive oil for sale. We stopped for a second here and the shop owner and guide explained the different types of olives and where they came from, and got to try a few. I was impressed as this little shop was one of the few places outside Sparta that had Spartan olives, a slightly drier more bitter olive (but oh so tasty, I eat them by the handful back home!).<br />
<br />
After that little stop, we made our way to the Varvakios Market where there are huge halls full of purveyors of the freshest meat, seafood, and produce in Greece. Make no mistake, this place is huge. But you better wear shoes, as it gets slippery in places (especially around the seafood stalls!). Freshly slaughtered pigs, lambs, chickens and ducks were hung in stalls, huge King Prawns and Octopus were put on ice...and people, there were tons of people everywhere, just going about their daily business and buying food for their household. I seriously liked the place, and can't wait to go back and hang out in one of the ouzeries for a shot of ouzo and some choice cuts of charcuterie.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKfIwg-x5TEnuU6Ks2tNM3-sylQtnIGZdkStnPmwE1mtaiunNYy5MDPkrPxn65HOKNxpPUjGnSCXv4HcPSXArBZ4eO6PLMtnY4AnYRb9How4YlPE52kFFxIWo1TegsvMJ3rDsHqySVyJG/s1600/30705163_555755098138665_425348968504391103_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKfIwg-x5TEnuU6Ks2tNM3-sylQtnIGZdkStnPmwE1mtaiunNYy5MDPkrPxn65HOKNxpPUjGnSCXv4HcPSXArBZ4eO6PLMtnY4AnYRb9How4YlPE52kFFxIWo1TegsvMJ3rDsHqySVyJG/s320/30705163_555755098138665_425348968504391103_n.jpg" width="176" /></a>Speaking of charcuterie, our next stop was at the oldest meat market in Athens, the Miran Pastourma shop, operating from the same location since it opened in 1922. Our group was welcomed with open arms and led to the back where a table was set up for us with shots of Tsipouro, and trays of various cuts of meat, cheese, olives, and rye husks. To be honest, I think this was one of the best meals ever, and something I'm quite used to as my own family eats like this for lunch more often than not. The next time I come to Athens, I'm bringing my family here first before our trek to the village!<br />
<br />
The 4 hour tour went by far too fast, and almost too soon, it was time to head back to the hotel. Climbing aboard the motorcoach and relaxing with more tiropites on the way back to the Hilton was a great way to unwind before the rest of the night's festivities. With the last tiropita packed away I made my way up to my room to freshen up and get ready.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_ZQ6KwUduVCMMAJIcKQ1aU4NgVxM1BVFNyQxxpbrn122JbOZcBwYe9BJDs1KAycJ7b406o0npDYR6D-XoAhPzCNaEBYlKPfRBavzxE0OkSGLMM4H0oCKmAoQk10qJA1jMfaW9z7V326j/s1600/30705852_555758501471658_6431123101679412915_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_ZQ6KwUduVCMMAJIcKQ1aU4NgVxM1BVFNyQxxpbrn122JbOZcBwYe9BJDs1KAycJ7b406o0npDYR6D-XoAhPzCNaEBYlKPfRBavzxE0OkSGLMM4H0oCKmAoQk10qJA1jMfaW9z7V326j/s320/30705852_555758501471658_6431123101679412915_n.jpg" width="176" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Hilton was gracious enough to host a poolside party that night, complete with copious amounts of food (when Greeks cook, they cook to feed entire armies), rivers of wine and ouzo, and a fantastic atmosphere where us Travel Agents partied hard. Well, most of us, anyways, lol. Struck up several good conversations that lasted well into the night. Afterwards, I made my way up to the world renowned Galaxy Bar to check out the view from there and have a drink. Not feeling tired, I hopped a cab and went to the Infinite Fox Heavy Metal Bar in the city and hung out there, soaking in some great hard rock and classic metal until the wee hours of the morning.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvl9nXOeEhs_LafmOk1Nx41wl29uiw1TlV68pSRytaGHTs59CM4y2xsMm3SFprLB3SWcSWuFfnIt9xh8ZGj8_ELV__Um3taVTjP9JoujK6wroPypm-GyNDxS1FejOgxtty0P-Up2JB33d/s1600/30707954_555844038129771_7603413301658694387_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvl9nXOeEhs_LafmOk1Nx41wl29uiw1TlV68pSRytaGHTs59CM4y2xsMm3SFprLB3SWcSWuFfnIt9xh8ZGj8_ELV__Um3taVTjP9JoujK6wroPypm-GyNDxS1FejOgxtty0P-Up2JB33d/s400/30707954_555844038129771_7603413301658694387_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Sunday turned out to be just as amazing as Saturday was. The first event was a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum. This museum is absolutely breathtaking and fascinating. Our guide took us throughout the entire museum, and, since she is an archaeologist as well, explaining the excavation progress of the ruins that are directly underneath the museum. There is a glass floor pedestrians walk on that goes right over the excavation into the museum that is absolutely breathtaking.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTq6A_1QoBnFHClFdwk9J4KcyPVWIUJFDPhN1rzdVFmGOe_j1q2najTozpNQbwFVfpgjKVs893xIKNdH8da4ZGu3LxaRiCKbgqi_3GSdouQ-zaJLoobJan9rmit09WEagXA7eeFjFhglvo/s1600/30706885_556549084725933_316939443602282000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTq6A_1QoBnFHClFdwk9J4KcyPVWIUJFDPhN1rzdVFmGOe_j1q2najTozpNQbwFVfpgjKVs893xIKNdH8da4ZGu3LxaRiCKbgqi_3GSdouQ-zaJLoobJan9rmit09WEagXA7eeFjFhglvo/s400/30706885_556549084725933_316939443602282000_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After the museum, it was a short walk down to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the official kick off for the 2018 ASTA Destination Expo. Speakers included US Ambassador to Greece, Geoffrey Pyatt; Greek Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura, amongst others representing ASTA, FedHATTA, and the City of Athens, with both the US and Hellenic National Anthems being played by the Hellenic Navy Band and Greek Soprano Anastasia Zanni. It was a great way to kickoff such a prestigious event. I even had the pleasure of meeting Minister Kountoura on my way out of the Odeon (I hope someone can find the pic of me and her!).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJYLwDyHITHHcdht3BSwCSP1eAWcJEeq09OFRTtxn8X39UrOclrBASjRkituub2muhZvBj3BcJLDCycgrFb_DsSVVxvf6PXILkR3cR9BUJXwiYTpCQlziESuLltdLqpx7UHfbBvZL9BZU/s1600/30713072_556555831391925_6730929882124236756_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJYLwDyHITHHcdht3BSwCSP1eAWcJEeq09OFRTtxn8X39UrOclrBASjRkituub2muhZvBj3BcJLDCycgrFb_DsSVVxvf6PXILkR3cR9BUJXwiYTpCQlziESuLltdLqpx7UHfbBvZL9BZU/s320/30713072_556555831391925_6730929882124236756_n.jpg" width="176" /></a>We were bussed to Syntagma Square afterwards and sheparded into one of three hotels for lunch. I was hoping for the Grande Bretagne, as I have a fondness for the history of it, but I ended up at the NJV Athens Plaza, which in itself is an amazing property as I was about to find out. We started with drinks and hors d'oeveurs in the Explorer's Bar before lunch in the Parliament Restaurant. And what a lunch it was! Most hotels offer guests some sort of rubber chicken entree, but here we were munching away on an amazingly luxurious lunch that included sole and veal.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4_-2TLtntZXNt7ssBn7I0g8OyJ-56vSTyZEO1q27vmh4xXd6iAXd93OXHgh8Yb-wXy5gp4l4fOhI3IphY6yFbZQ22L2SdJ7YSJo7Fw3MJUotCZYneh-udHLDUIELMtcCWA2noNHBI-rO/s1600/30713469_556672394713602_5156891867734862531_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg4_-2TLtntZXNt7ssBn7I0g8OyJ-56vSTyZEO1q27vmh4xXd6iAXd93OXHgh8Yb-wXy5gp4l4fOhI3IphY6yFbZQ22L2SdJ7YSJo7Fw3MJUotCZYneh-udHLDUIELMtcCWA2noNHBI-rO/s320/30713469_556672394713602_5156891867734862531_n.jpg" width="176" /></a>After that amazing repast it was back to the hotel for the trade show, allowing me the chance to meet with a few suppliers that I didn't have appointments with the next day, making to note to stop by Emirates and Aegean Airlines no matter what.<br />
<br />
Seemingly finished with the trade show, I went up and changed into my suit and tie for the amazing reception held at the Zappeion, smack in the middle of the National Gardens of Athens. Pulling up (along with our police escorts) we were treated to the full red carpet treatment and band playing outside, welcoming us in to 4 different anterooms lined with vendors and purveyors of some of Greece's most amazing wines, beers, coffees (of which I had a few), and other amazing finds. Once all of the buses arrived, we were led into the Peristilio, smack in the center of the Zappeion, with its open air roof, made for an amazing centerpiece for tonight's festivities. Aside from yet another AMAZING display of some of the best food Athens has to offer, there were several great performances that night by bands,<br />
dancing troupes, and again with Anastasia Zanni and her golden voice.<br />
A fabulous night all around.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCRYI4JMGXIHuB7SaNIjLgQas-GeNiiEr5T2fg5i9iL1wHPWNtaZ0FcuEFW0gmfuvFb4NNPV6a75hKLnOlE1Tzv8DAdXUPatVgJQ6K9uNP2mo23PRnHVqr11wz1hHjdIdXBQ4Aa3a9-0s/s1600/30727941_556672978046877_2145864885345392293_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyCRYI4JMGXIHuB7SaNIjLgQas-GeNiiEr5T2fg5i9iL1wHPWNtaZ0FcuEFW0gmfuvFb4NNPV6a75hKLnOlE1Tzv8DAdXUPatVgJQ6K9uNP2mo23PRnHVqr11wz1hHjdIdXBQ4Aa3a9-0s/s400/30727941_556672978046877_2145864885345392293_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Monday rolled around and after breakfast I ended up back at the trade show, stopping at several vendors that I missed the day before. After that were the B2B one on one appointments that were set up with various suppliers beforehand to learn more about products and services as they would apply to our specific clients. Lasting 10 minutes each, I had one from the start at 1:00PM all the way to 4:30PM, however, I did skip a few for a break in between. This is where I met a good majority of some amazing folks who are at the forefront of turning Greece around and you can tell by how fine tuned they were into coming up with bespoke offerings and services. I left the appointments with a handful of suppliers I'm going to heavily use with my particular clients.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeLpGGPkM6b2uPj21K_VLqmJfkMMt9yeK1o6t-RpAyVWrvfQ6eYMSYJEw57NjHHCVVv3aOBfTDzZpWHL9op5NehZCwHthG_2ula2UEoIaqkCiHF5KGWRncK3C1Dm_4SVYEh3LxCckhmp0/s1600/30715301_557355531311955_792288984802670379_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeLpGGPkM6b2uPj21K_VLqmJfkMMt9yeK1o6t-RpAyVWrvfQ6eYMSYJEw57NjHHCVVv3aOBfTDzZpWHL9op5NehZCwHthG_2ula2UEoIaqkCiHF5KGWRncK3C1Dm_4SVYEh3LxCckhmp0/s320/30715301_557355531311955_792288984802670379_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
That evening's festivities were held at the Marina of Alimos, for the opening night of the Yachting Festival. So many cool boats available for private hire, even a pirate ship! Opening remarks by several dignitaries representing Alimos, Athens, Attica, and fedHATTA, to the amazing repast by the same folks that catered the Zappeion dinner (believe it or not, coming from me, the Octopus was amazing!), to the fantastic Captains and yacht owners, it was yet another amazing night that blew my mind away. After a fantastic evening on the yachts several of us agents got the midnight munchies and went to the neighboring Ventrini Roast House for some grub. Ever have a Gyro with Black Angus Tri-Tip? Sweet Jesus, it was a religious experience for my taste buds. And let's not get into the Spanakopita, it was unbelievable. Definitely a carnivore's paradise, one that I will be returning to as often as I can.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FgN7Y_ZsVvkSWPNMNoetcVrgnou0Ks2psD9LDuE2PDtBwrFEp4W1f-OVLPqQH3pl-399yriUWJmrdUmpqDbh6StcYQIGFllzy_lm3irgQphKrXtZ8vpYXds-d7Ya4uLdqiFSSjufAjir/s1600/30724505_557357897978385_7832062855818353835_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-FgN7Y_ZsVvkSWPNMNoetcVrgnou0Ks2psD9LDuE2PDtBwrFEp4W1f-OVLPqQH3pl-399yriUWJmrdUmpqDbh6StcYQIGFllzy_lm3irgQphKrXtZ8vpYXds-d7Ya4uLdqiFSSjufAjir/s320/30724505_557357897978385_7832062855818353835_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The next morning my body decided I needed to sleep in. I missed my excursion to Delphi, but that was ok with me, as I had to get my belongings together and switch rooms (my mistake, I booked the hotel for one day less than I was supposed to, thank you Hilton Hhonors for coming through with a last minute redemption!). Not an Acropolis View room, anymore, it had a great view of the city to the East, which was still pretty epic. Took the day to relax and unwind before the last excursion for my trip, the Athens by Night: Food Tour and Wine tasting, hosted by those wonderful folks at Greeking.me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlJdIgqAgIRpT2095Zzzz-CUzswO13I990vuG9rc7lt8HMKAZ0ZYoTGwjAzFtkdltgaeZ4VrpAn76hUfxBv9T6iYrPnUK6QqdLvHl_5ZDQVt4N72-EIHS8b9DqqdKWdiPHjOP6H8M-Ikm/s1600/31084243_559477527766422_8331563672149024869_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqlJdIgqAgIRpT2095Zzzz-CUzswO13I990vuG9rc7lt8HMKAZ0ZYoTGwjAzFtkdltgaeZ4VrpAn76hUfxBv9T6iYrPnUK6QqdLvHl_5ZDQVt4N72-EIHS8b9DqqdKWdiPHjOP6H8M-Ikm/s320/31084243_559477527766422_8331563672149024869_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
First stop was Ergon, a Greek Deli a block away from Syntagma Square. They had us in a private dining room upstairs where we got to sample more Tsipouro, different cheeses and olives, and miniature rye rusks. A heck of a way to get started. From there it was to a real tourist heavy spot in Plaka which was packed with our group and other tourists. The food was decent, much like what you'd find at some of the stateside Greek Festivals, and the entertainment was great too. After that great dinner, we hiked to the Chocolat Royal, a cozy little bar and restaurant in the Thisio area with an AMAZING view towards the Acropolis. We were giving a selection of 5 wines to taste from different areas of Greece. Some were too dry for my taste, but there was this dessert wine, a honey wine, called Oinomelo. It was so sweet, so tasty, I should've bought a case or 3. The evening came to an end far too soon, and it was back on the bus for my last night at the Athens Hilton.<br />
<br />
My biggest take away from this amazing trip was not just what the suppliers and vendors and everyone else had to offer, but the difference I've noticed in the Greeks than from when I've visited in years past. We the Greeks invented Filoxenia, the art of treating foreigners with a sense of hospitality like they were family, which, on this great planet we inhabit, we are.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHALuPyG9gYL0Qi72VoYq8Rl1xNHqoKzYu1mKGR3DpWOdFwyZ1QCszL4WqWXNE0RNONAH6AdOvVjnWpawIyrs-fsj1FQN-qcOUo5lcC087YVvbtTBH7qWbRIeWlORtS4h2SOwdAaKLAOV/s1600/31162328_559477841099724_7218851529639681753_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnHALuPyG9gYL0Qi72VoYq8Rl1xNHqoKzYu1mKGR3DpWOdFwyZ1QCszL4WqWXNE0RNONAH6AdOvVjnWpawIyrs-fsj1FQN-qcOUo5lcC087YVvbtTBH7qWbRIeWlORtS4h2SOwdAaKLAOV/s400/31162328_559477841099724_7218851529639681753_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIq60BkZOySRmMNSA21umzz04Otu37segk2q0bIK7mT8yQamJaQFcYyfWOuMnzv2wMgyrQ3uxEhaQSDXpTAhMIBSvrrPm2tINvnr2TDlKSbL9yF3qjY5RJUJETFhujDFe23BSKUG54lcG8/s1600/30167409_555333154847526_3976849052305388429_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1080" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIq60BkZOySRmMNSA21umzz04Otu37segk2q0bIK7mT8yQamJaQFcYyfWOuMnzv2wMgyrQ3uxEhaQSDXpTAhMIBSvrrPm2tINvnr2TDlKSbL9yF3qjY5RJUJETFhujDFe23BSKUG54lcG8/s400/30167409_555333154847526_3976849052305388429_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
* <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>All photos the author's except where noted.</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<br /></div>
Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-51953294093746777972017-10-09T00:23:00.001-07:002017-10-25T11:57:02.192-07:00God Save the Queen! Flying on the last domestic Boeing 747 flight (or so we thought)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBu4pwUqTRtgKu0pKpjO5W9N04ZvBZziOKMzN3y5NKT2XaXSnTJ5OAmN_Wf-YufDFa3sXZoV7sRdKcvVYZ7dFVabmdifLk33aFGeThbSpEHq8CjZhZUp2nVyM8BhbT89ZF7juUD12oW-qB/s1600/DELTA_747-400_N666US_LAX_0210B_JP_small1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="973" data-original-width="1400" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBu4pwUqTRtgKu0pKpjO5W9N04ZvBZziOKMzN3y5NKT2XaXSnTJ5OAmN_Wf-YufDFa3sXZoV7sRdKcvVYZ7dFVabmdifLk33aFGeThbSpEHq8CjZhZUp2nVyM8BhbT89ZF7juUD12oW-qB/s400/DELTA_747-400_N666US_LAX_0210B_JP_small1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Joe Pries, used with permission.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
This is one of those times where I'm having a hard time putting my thoughts into words, considering just how special and epic this adventure was. I'm going to start from the very beginning, and just crawl my way from there.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_qUhyphenhyphendq-1fu2ErePPmzXUcwzYny8z0PMeJ_Lcup9S1_AAwkdNijFUl11_Ae2ntzE3hyphenhyphen4u-U4uZV-IbRaAX-5OeiilbQrFShBD8q0lxr_qeVG06JnlcngXgBoYYA5y7ZU9UOeixiC7hB2/s1600/21317698_464572380590271_2954430056128591513_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_qUhyphenhyphendq-1fu2ErePPmzXUcwzYny8z0PMeJ_Lcup9S1_AAwkdNijFUl11_Ae2ntzE3hyphenhyphen4u-U4uZV-IbRaAX-5OeiilbQrFShBD8q0lxr_qeVG06JnlcngXgBoYYA5y7ZU9UOeixiC7hB2/s320/21317698_464572380590271_2954430056128591513_n.jpg" width="180" /></a>This all started in early June when I first heard about the one-off flight on one of the websites I routinely follow as a travel agent. It simply said that Delta is putting the Boeing 747 on it's final trek home to Detroit from Asia via Honolulu and Los Angeles on September 5th. I was floored. I took a look at how much the fare would be to get onto this particular flight, and I was heartbroken. The fare was over $800 one-way just doing Los Angeles-Detroit. Well, that's that, I was thinking.<br />
<br />
A few months later I get the invite from a higher up to come out to the California for an impromptu meeting. He also mentioned that we will also be heading down to Los Angeles for an "event held by Delta Airlines". I thought nothing more of it and it didn't even hit me it was the same date as the retirement.<br />
<br />
So the day before the sendoff I flew to San Francisco for the meeting, then down to Los Angeles, going back to connect through Salt Lake City in the process. Why would I do something like this? Well, it was allowed, and I needed to rack up a few more miles. So I finally made it Los Angeles, and was whisked away to my home away from home, the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena to spend the night.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWE-f8H05uU8__6npPmdMSWJJNy3efqgTBV39kA3vx-ImxTSp0_CEwItVKYHi7qRP9MFrxvmL8Yt03KvwvNuI0OQ33FTuBVSHFZQG8P9kUtMmRhW0XoCInU2woL1R_dIKj8AmWzd9McjU/s1600/21430355_464562113924631_7607316051424757847_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWE-f8H05uU8__6npPmdMSWJJNy3efqgTBV39kA3vx-ImxTSp0_CEwItVKYHi7qRP9MFrxvmL8Yt03KvwvNuI0OQ33FTuBVSHFZQG8P9kUtMmRhW0XoCInU2woL1R_dIKj8AmWzd9McjU/s320/21430355_464562113924631_7607316051424757847_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>After yet another fantastic and flawless stay at the Langham (where I actually had some time to wander around the property for once), not to mention the higher than incredible welcome back chocolates waiting for me in my room when I checked in, I ended up at LAX quite early since I wanted to get some spotting in (it's been a while), so my first stop was the iconic In-N-Out burger joint on Sepluveda Blvd. for lunch while watching the planes coming into land over us. Awesome place, definitely one of my favorite spots in LA, not just for the avgeek in me, but anyone in general should visit this place, but get in line, it'll be packed to the gills when you get here!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAKbRXYbdhBO5xNwoC5MMygEvKA3QpJtN55ymdwqqoJvAVvs3TJ2tV7-Wa4yZLVX-sFVxtnak5027Hpnejl6sdBW1-2VMtbzTX-GvH6NaLA4EYMDqIPAbdLmkSEwsiNXoJYxUXI7PkwO6/s1600/21314691_464563787257797_4135013620827813555_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="940" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAKbRXYbdhBO5xNwoC5MMygEvKA3QpJtN55ymdwqqoJvAVvs3TJ2tV7-Wa4yZLVX-sFVxtnak5027Hpnejl6sdBW1-2VMtbzTX-GvH6NaLA4EYMDqIPAbdLmkSEwsiNXoJYxUXI7PkwO6/s320/21314691_464563787257797_4135013620827813555_n.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
After lunch I made my way to Terminal 2, part of Delta's new home in LAX (giving up the long held Terminal 5 from Western Airlines to be over run by the Ultra- Low Cost Airlines), and checked in about 8 hours early for my flight. I was under the impression I was just a tad too early, but the agent checked me in and took my bag. Phew! Off to Security screening, and the inevitable pat down.<br />
<br />
Delta recently moved from their former long time home of Terminal 5 to both Terminals 2 and 3 (the former iconic TWA terminal seen in countless movies), giving them more space and flexibility, or so they say. They have Sky Clubs on the upper levels of both terminals with great views of the ramp and the North runways (but seriously, whats up with the Cup Noodles?). These clubs have become my favorite go to spots for spotting inside the LAX terminal complex. Free liquor, snacks, and you get to watch planes all day long? What more could you ask for? Needless to say, I hung out in the T3 SkyClub for a few hours spotting until I saw the Queen arrive from Honolulu into the Sunset.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyvlhW4bLT5lqTM4uDtdqyeCserGZ4dmO0SMTheag8OyFSzFOX5E9jlVLogsWa8UxCWOdp1s9WuVfxor9DimA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBNQx97-cK6JALW1G8bKJ8CGOtAsR5DyLM_7k_lgb72e4L6pIPCyAOdehkijDf96ucN7Mxn5DYfnRfhdjUqOUJSCJIqD5b4mO6ScjmlBDwVjEFHrN234_zUegnYH2TbNTOm1qGOh_ZnYF/s1600/21314499_464562110591298_6514461638598039343_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBNQx97-cK6JALW1G8bKJ8CGOtAsR5DyLM_7k_lgb72e4L6pIPCyAOdehkijDf96ucN7Mxn5DYfnRfhdjUqOUJSCJIqD5b4mO6ScjmlBDwVjEFHrN234_zUegnYH2TbNTOm1qGOh_ZnYF/s320/21314499_464562110591298_6514461638598039343_n.jpg" width="176" /></a>Once she touched down and taxied past the SkyClub windows to her gate at T2, I finished what I was doing and made my way to the inter-terminal bus leaving out of Gate 35P, looking at the Delta branded Porsche pull up to the Terminal with no doubt a Diamond Medallion member catching his next flight. The ride over to T2 was neat, with a Delta A330 just having pushed out of its gate and on it's way to Atlanta, and our bus driver scooting us by well under the wing of the big bird. <br />
<br />
I don't know why, but I got confused and almost lost looking for the elevator up to the third floor of Terminal 2. I thought I had seen it on my way to the gate, but I asked a Delta agent in the middle of the concourse and she pointed right at it. Upon first glance, the elevator is almost hidden by the gift shop next to it, and it threw me for a loop. So up I went into the SkyClub, and after check-in there was a big sign stating the retirement of the 747 and the room to the left was blocked off for a private party. A few of the folks at the entrance saw the shirt I was wearing with my big, red, Northwest 747 on it (where Delta inherited their fleet from) and was invited in. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCczsbvc5rZrBjn5eR8dQaKnk4nYe5NTV7bdxzUvch0GtY5bP0qqDsnZZt9hxA1ontYxCrLjzR-5yr_d7n6-YWF1xbcMBmCcGABVr5BKuNIWKUBtVN50oq2mY-J_r8Nc0cZ6i-4yzLE53/s1600/21317456_464562157257960_5316808500661390238_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHCczsbvc5rZrBjn5eR8dQaKnk4nYe5NTV7bdxzUvch0GtY5bP0qqDsnZZt9hxA1ontYxCrLjzR-5yr_d7n6-YWF1xbcMBmCcGABVr5BKuNIWKUBtVN50oq2mY-J_r8Nc0cZ6i-4yzLE53/s320/21317456_464562157257960_5316808500661390238_n.jpg" width="177" /></a>Turns out I had unknowingly crashed the farewell party the Diamond Medallion members were throwing. Since I had my upgrade to Delta One in hand, I was invited with open arms. The high flyers had taken up ALL but one (my seat) of the 48 Delta One seats on the Queen. Everyone in the lounge was in good spirits and I met several incredible people that brighten up my news feeds on a regular basis. The SkyClub was gracious and had food and drink aplenty on hand, and there were cameras all around. I only stuck around for a good 45 minutes before having to find a quieter corner of the SkyClub and get in touch with home. Chatted with the family for a bit, then gathered my stuff and headed down to the gate to meet another friend from online that was also on the flight.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwBK7bGZPFt91ZInvAM40O1VA-VGXYvQ4ezoNiBQLc759ttNiub1JtMsWsM7m-CQ_w_5sUGM79iMMhslFKoI4qxgKpdFomYECmb0yJLLyk7NoXOsFpeBqnQtbA5SbBuaEt0_kvJe9qE0x/s1600/21369325_464562057257970_554562192522635800_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwBK7bGZPFt91ZInvAM40O1VA-VGXYvQ4ezoNiBQLc759ttNiub1JtMsWsM7m-CQ_w_5sUGM79iMMhslFKoI4qxgKpdFomYECmb0yJLLyk7NoXOsFpeBqnQtbA5SbBuaEt0_kvJe9qE0x/s320/21369325_464562057257970_554562192522635800_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>By the time I got down to Gate 25, the waiting area was completely packed. Found my friend and hung out with the crowd around him until boarding, The mood in the gate area was definitely MUCH different than any other flight I've ever boarded. Everyone was in a good mood and happy, even those not flying to celebrate the Queen, just getting from point A to point B. The gate agents came on several times to announce the flight and that boarding will begin earlier than normal due to the circumstances and special occasion. Finally, the gate agent came on and began boarding the flight, with SkyTeam Priority and First Class passengers (yay me!) first. I scanned my boarding pass and down the jetway I went, phone in hand and video rolling.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0txG9sPyuComGN3kJZLhahwUpAZ-JaG407QBhppSBO2MTJrttnBQL6Fm311-ns3aFU0IkTP_dCWwRbrNhg27Z3zf3xBxeB2oqd7pRsb24JOo1iClJnvpbkdBdX8xhbfAzPSvIL6ZDFXv/s1600/21463148_464561997257976_4142358780038601926_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0txG9sPyuComGN3kJZLhahwUpAZ-JaG407QBhppSBO2MTJrttnBQL6Fm311-ns3aFU0IkTP_dCWwRbrNhg27Z3zf3xBxeB2oqd7pRsb24JOo1iClJnvpbkdBdX8xhbfAzPSvIL6ZDFXv/s320/21463148_464561997257976_4142358780038601926_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
At the end of the jetway I was, entering the Queen with my right foot first and my customary hand pat of the fuselage before entry, I hung a left instead of the customary right and following the other Diamond Medallions to our seats (pods if you ask me). I was in 9D, the center seat on the port side aisle, just behind the galley and L1 entry door. These seats were amazing (even if my fat ass STILL needed a seat belt extender on the Big Boeing), and was completely lie flat, perfect for those premium passengers that flew the Queen to far flung Asian and Oriental destinations from Minneapolis, Detroit, New York/JFK, and Atlanta all those years. The seat isn't front to back straight, in fact, it's in a style called "reverse herringbone" where the seat is slanted what..10-15 degrees in, so you it's easier to face your neighbor, and it is incredibly private and there is a LOT of storage space! So I got myself settled in...sort of. The rest of the cabin filled up, and the party got started, and a few of the folks from the forward section came back, yanked me and the others out of our seats and we all marched upstairs for the cockpit visits and customary traveling fool photos. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs37HZvSZl5SvKFxF4chbBbbCGhWe2PvAJIS2oYJCpO-VyUU5TrnBREV81g2LeoOw7AAHLT2wUCtR0uLfno99Ex3ffJTqYkElI9xIm-ImZ6DRzEYBh9hyphenhyphenjmmQ_6eKS8lX-JKf06B7mS2Yt/s1600/21369141_464562150591294_8891451940862712901_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs37HZvSZl5SvKFxF4chbBbbCGhWe2PvAJIS2oYJCpO-VyUU5TrnBREV81g2LeoOw7AAHLT2wUCtR0uLfno99Ex3ffJTqYkElI9xIm-ImZ6DRzEYBh9hyphenhyphenjmmQ_6eKS8lX-JKf06B7mS2Yt/s320/21369141_464562150591294_8891451940862712901_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Upper Deck on Delta's 747-400's were the cherry seats (there's only 14 of them to begin with), and they were the very first ones to be sold. I was fine with that, 9D was perfect for me, I was just grateful to be in Delta One, let alone be on the flight period. There was a massive line for cockpit shots and a few of my new found cohorts were having fun taking shots crowding themselves into the super exclusive upstairs lavatory, the crew rest, and finally into the cockpit. There was a Delta crew member from my home base of Salt Lake City hanging out in the cockpit to snap photos for the folks who wanted a pic of them on the jumpseat.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02zoCVQWW5qB2wW2YOLYnqEkLHH96GLMpnxueRzeTyb_6DSRTFvsqd7WrHyrGNRpaHt9UoRbIXxUNbHGdmp97RmI1AoB392Gtq7hZPEqU0KyhJGGpdB-RjgQ1feH4m4taw_kiyGei0-av/s1600/21314550_464564013924441_8359264674851545947_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj02zoCVQWW5qB2wW2YOLYnqEkLHH96GLMpnxueRzeTyb_6DSRTFvsqd7WrHyrGNRpaHt9UoRbIXxUNbHGdmp97RmI1AoB392Gtq7hZPEqU0KyhJGGpdB-RjgQ1feH4m4taw_kiyGei0-av/s320/21314550_464564013924441_8359264674851545947_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Back downstairs I go, and finally got myself settled in. The Flight Attendants came by and took our orders for the pre-departure beverages and passed out special earbuds with the Queen on the cover as a memento for this very special flight. With so much storage space, I stowed my laptop above me, but kept my headphones, book, and other personal articles from my pockets in the storage cubby on the center console. The In-Flight Entertainment System was a much larger screen than the ones I am used to in Coach, and with the touch of a button, the screen popped out and I was set to peg the in-flight map for the duration of the journey. Freaking amazing setup, if you ask me, aside from the narrow confines. We pushed back right on time, and on both sides of the plane you could see the glow of hundreds of wands from the ramp agents below lining up to pay their respects to a plane they have worked with, flown on, and load and unload thousands of times over the decades. It was incredibly touching and more than a few of us shed buckets of tears at this simple, final gesture. The taxi out to the departure runway didn't take long at all, and the Queen lifted off with grace and ease, and was so smooth you wouldn't notice we were taking off if you didn't look around to see the cabin tilt up or the ground outside drop from view as were hurtled over the beach and out over the Pacific.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-fUZfiWCcOdjm2EIOMFlPXlVxMR7i_dKXU5bn8DqQg3t2gELWP7bT0QZMsqS5g5PlUfnACTsLf0UgZ-Xn7dupfclFy8BynT_e7mRVxYivP8mNIMYDvPsbrpoqu-_OCBvOgxLjnar3rge/s1600/21317619_464564057257770_2931712839505799387_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-fUZfiWCcOdjm2EIOMFlPXlVxMR7i_dKXU5bn8DqQg3t2gELWP7bT0QZMsqS5g5PlUfnACTsLf0UgZ-Xn7dupfclFy8BynT_e7mRVxYivP8mNIMYDvPsbrpoqu-_OCBvOgxLjnar3rge/s320/21317619_464564057257770_2931712839505799387_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The 747 was originally envisioned as an "Ocean Liner in the Sky", and boy let me tell you, it feels like it. As far back as I can remember, all of my 747 flights have felt this way. It feels nothing like a flight in say, a 767 or 737. I laid the seat all the way down to catch a few winks before our all too quick arrival into Detroit. I like to sleep on my side, and I had no problem turning over and getting comfortable, if a tad claustrophobic due to the distance between my nose and the sidewall. Yeesh...no wonder the amenity kits have eyeshades in them. I slipped one on, turned on my music from my phone (which was plugged in to the in-flight power), and dozed off until we were well into our descent.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWV3nVryu53i_5diWbvdN3SNSetnEU7fUSEsK13rZdUmck7mvkh95kEn6P-xCesrRrgTON0AAwDHnOcJvSt-6zTYOKubhGKjPZvsvni6flJMvIUpkin-frXSHi7XKvKglwaiS-YHvODl6d/s1600/19554701_464563967257779_3695048132647631540_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWV3nVryu53i_5diWbvdN3SNSetnEU7fUSEsK13rZdUmck7mvkh95kEn6P-xCesrRrgTON0AAwDHnOcJvSt-6zTYOKubhGKjPZvsvni6flJMvIUpkin-frXSHi7XKvKglwaiS-YHvODl6d/s320/19554701_464563967257779_3695048132647631540_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Touchdown in Detroit was feather-light and it was still pretty dark out while we taxied around and to our gate. Once the plane was parked at gate 54A, and the seat belt sign went off, I took my time gathering my belongings and getting off the plane. After deplaning and giving the old girl a quick kiss before making my way up the jetway, I stopped just before the jetway door and, along with quite a few others, took a few photos of the Queen at her gate for what we thought was the final time hauling revenue passengers. Once out into the gate area us Medallion members that were part of the group partying in LA was lassoed into an empty part of the gate area for another group photo op with the Queen right behind us. We were also invited up to the SkyClub, but my connecting flight was leaving in about an hour and I didn't want to risk missing my onward flight to LaGuardia Airport in New York City, and I said my good-byes and made my way to the departure gate at the other end of the concourse.<br />
<br />
Before arriving at my gate I took a peek out the windows as the sun was coming up, and out at the remote parking stands away from the concourse was another Queen taking a well deserved rest...right next to her replacement, the new flagship of the fleet, the Airbus A350. At the time of my adventure, there were two on property in Detroit, as that will be their first base, doing route proving and getting flight and ground crews familiar with the plane before entering revenue service. She's a gorgeous looking bird, and I for one, can't wait to take a ride on her to some far flung Asian destination.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLq1N5KvlAwyWpKMX3suPfjjV6HSRmBGaUZm97tOxNFsScunnbTaPY867D3wbdQB7700O-E7IgMzkuc4Mwg5RxOdgGxp13wNPOBwxBkihS-ZekGntYzF8ZeOGspJuxl2nOSL_7sLSQr6e6/s1600/21371232_464563923924450_2949421676489235724_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLq1N5KvlAwyWpKMX3suPfjjV6HSRmBGaUZm97tOxNFsScunnbTaPY867D3wbdQB7700O-E7IgMzkuc4Mwg5RxOdgGxp13wNPOBwxBkihS-ZekGntYzF8ZeOGspJuxl2nOSL_7sLSQr6e6/s320/21371232_464563923924450_2949421676489235724_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My flight to LaGuardia went by in a flash, considering I passed out just as we were pushing back from the gate, and woke up during touchdown. My seatmates told me I was out the entire flight and snoring like a freight train. I needed that nap in a major way, I had to get freshened up before catching my private car transfer to Newark Airport to meet up with an old friend before flying home on another airline.<br />
<br />
<br />
It turns out this wasn't the 747's swan song for Delta, as just a week later, they were pressed into service hauling people and supplies in and out of the damaged areas in Florida that were hit by Hurricane Irma. Now THAT's a fitting sendoff for a Queen.<br />
<br />
In hindsight, this was such an amazing adventure, and I'm grateful I was given the opportunity to be along for the ride. I met quite a few new people I'm glad to call friends on both ends of the country and from points in between. I spent some quality time at my beloved Langham Huntington Pasadena Hotel (a HUGE thank you to the amazing staff, and to Jennifer, my go-to gal for anything and everything Langham related). A heartfelt thank you to my higher ups that sent me on this whirlwind adventure, and to the one and only Queen, the Boeing 747-400. I might not have covered as many miles on her as others have (my only trips on 747's were on the original 747-100 and 747SP with TWA back in the 1980's and 1990's going to visit family in Greece), but my appreciation for her place in airline and aviation history is well placed and I was glad to be there for the farewell. Last but not least, an huge thank you to Delta, for setting this flight up the way they did, and for the Diamond Medallion (DDMF) folks for throwing the party to end all fleet retirement parties, thank you, from the very bottom of my tiny little heart.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3Bm8miA6FDUsHY8W1-VH09GE8ra1awXSwdoqZfTpSjNiRmaN_N7YvD6eBNPMpoWmEcq7b0pZ8EInXozgg2pNrKa9oDkaIR5gdD5daAgqU0mGAmZioebTEOo7jeqIONxvKEp2cgzdLJUx/s1600/21430619_464563727257803_3435309449810627027_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3Bm8miA6FDUsHY8W1-VH09GE8ra1awXSwdoqZfTpSjNiRmaN_N7YvD6eBNPMpoWmEcq7b0pZ8EInXozgg2pNrKa9oDkaIR5gdD5daAgqU0mGAmZioebTEOo7jeqIONxvKEp2cgzdLJUx/s640/21430619_464563727257803_3435309449810627027_n.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-90565230234669153842017-06-11T17:00:00.001-07:002017-10-29T12:36:14.486-07:00Highways and Byways: Traversing Utah's backroads and scenery Pt. 1 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW22xwCRAkJ0YV72G0EhisAhcKhueB25PsPPNpTBOybrfV0HH8OfenqsqmXL72Sm1J43ShYTgQua9woFg2YZkPEQjEcknNG5KWxyXrqJuxyW-okyyfEQ9efEJJNy-gqDAyTLz21il3CWJ8/s1600/479107707_41ab4bccd1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW22xwCRAkJ0YV72G0EhisAhcKhueB25PsPPNpTBOybrfV0HH8OfenqsqmXL72Sm1J43ShYTgQua9woFg2YZkPEQjEcknNG5KWxyXrqJuxyW-okyyfEQ9efEJJNy-gqDAyTLz21il3CWJ8/s400/479107707_41ab4bccd1_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm going to come right out and admit it. Utah is a topic I'm better off NOT talking about. I've lived here for the majority of my life, but I've never had ANY interest in ANYTHING about this state. That being said, I put it upon myself to get past that stigma and find something to write about, as even I have to admit, the scenery here is breathtakingly gorgeous, unknowingly inspired by one of my favorite classic disaster movies of the 1970's. Any who, I digress, moving on to the blog itself.<br />
<br />
Utah is home to some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in the United States. Now that I think back on several road trips myself and other coworkers have taken, they really aren't that bad, despite road-tripping not being my preferred way to vacation. For years, the thought of being stuck in a car for hours on end with others just NEVER appealed to me (yet I have no problem being on a plane with others for hours on end).<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIxqlyGxtqPvEH2vKyZfjaB8aDNhgXPHqaK44AsWJV6dWiAuqi5gVmKdVk-TPSJelHQ47OwSJDY7KVbllhA4rIkQkhdPYMKHXOXCjoj7E_uwqKmJv_koBHQmN6hynbj5F_VzyKAQ3jgYT/s1600/534253743_1414dc7650_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1024" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivIxqlyGxtqPvEH2vKyZfjaB8aDNhgXPHqaK44AsWJV6dWiAuqi5gVmKdVk-TPSJelHQ47OwSJDY7KVbllhA4rIkQkhdPYMKHXOXCjoj7E_uwqKmJv_koBHQmN6hynbj5F_VzyKAQ3jgYT/s400/534253743_1414dc7650_b.jpg" width="400" /></a>The first drive I have to write about that's blown me away for years now, is the drive from Logan up through the winding Cache National Forest to Garden City, Utah; on the shores of Bear Lake. Just hang a right on 4th North and follow Highway 89 past Utah State University and on into the forest. The winding road makes for some amazing scenery in the daytime, especially at high noon on a late Spring day, when EVERYTHING is visible. After about 33 miles of uphill, winding country highway, you get to the Bear Lake Overlook and Visitors Center, and I promise, the view is simply to die for. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The descent from the overlook is beyond belief and shows the majority of Bear Lake, also known as the "Caribbean of the Rockies" due to how clear the water is. Welcome to Garden City, Utah. This quaint little village boasts some the West's best raspberry harvests, and some of the absolute best over-the-top Milk Shakes around. There are several places in town and around the lake to try, but in my opinion, the every best is La Beau's, on the southwest corner of Highway 89 and 75 North. Many local notables even credit with La Beau's as having made the original raspberry shake. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj069uyJv1L-nfi3VZSScknRQtdsFOQyejB9e_6H-CV1k1w6IKossdNZ_loRN8zKggwSahRNU0HNPGHtEbnnVnejUz1_f1ZFXl3q3n8TZV1ZapKhYyrBHq6FOzwi23cbVKq8r6A5O45OSMv/s1600/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="968" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj069uyJv1L-nfi3VZSScknRQtdsFOQyejB9e_6H-CV1k1w6IKossdNZ_loRN8zKggwSahRNU0HNPGHtEbnnVnejUz1_f1ZFXl3q3n8TZV1ZapKhYyrBHq6FOzwi23cbVKq8r6A5O45OSMv/s400/dt.common.streams.StreamServer.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Head on up Highway 89 a few miles, there's the KOA campground on the East side for those outdoorsy types that haul their trailers and toys up here every summer. The state also has it's own campgrounds on several parts of the shoreline as well. Further North you have several timeshare resorts that have popped up, and more in various phases of construction, much to a lot of citizens dismay. All of these are right across from the entrance to the Bear Lake Marina, with it's sheltered harbor, providing slips for 305 boats, not to mention the 80 foot-wide, 5 lane launching ramp, and beach side campgrounds.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8HyCjShCMxrOanJvXsVQ2-d7R1Ci0gQbbgwy2wSRBomRmFcRJt0sjedwA14STdBbiwvoaTtQ-N8ofpK4CM0Xp_QPBrEDlNmwq89bBfCkbGIWZRxBajkjZemqhfHxRu8Y5oDpFAt3XkVp/s1600/20140529_bear_lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8HyCjShCMxrOanJvXsVQ2-d7R1Ci0gQbbgwy2wSRBomRmFcRJt0sjedwA14STdBbiwvoaTtQ-N8ofpK4CM0Xp_QPBrEDlNmwq89bBfCkbGIWZRxBajkjZemqhfHxRu8Y5oDpFAt3XkVp/s400/20140529_bear_lake.jpg" width="400" /></a>Continuing on Highway 89 North a few miles is Camp Hunt, the Boy Scouts of America's summer encampment. I've spent a few summers here, and sometimes I miss it. Then again, my idea of camping out now involves room service and valet parking. That's it for this drive northbound before you hit the border of Utah and Idaho, and the sleepy little village of Fish Haven lie. <br />
<br />
Heading down the South side of the lake, you cover the rest of Garden City, and turning East along the shoreline you'll come across several rentals and resorts with shore side access. Now, I do recommend driving the entirety of the loop around the lake, it's a gorgeous drive, especially in sunrise or twilight hours. But be mindful of the wildlife. They are everywhere, it is their home after all. You'll see everything from raccoons, to deer and elk, and everything in between. It is one of the more spectacular areas of the state, if I do say so myself.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7k5eN9FEk96cIugjwKbSQ31konmpfEytiuFYillHLE7S4RFKsm_UiwjLXjqg2KNbRO7MYkhO-usREWJfCATwbo9L2TK3_veWh-TIEqsfAVOS7tsE02sylBFCAI-LHDy0r7CB4qgsqcw_/s1600/winter-map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="697" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7k5eN9FEk96cIugjwKbSQ31konmpfEytiuFYillHLE7S4RFKsm_UiwjLXjqg2KNbRO7MYkhO-usREWJfCATwbo9L2TK3_veWh-TIEqsfAVOS7tsE02sylBFCAI-LHDy0r7CB4qgsqcw_/s400/winter-map.gif" width="305" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-26547063358011137862017-05-21T17:17:00.002-07:002017-05-21T17:17:35.637-07:00Hollywood Hospitality revisited: The Langham Huntington Pasadena<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EPCWnpAkdRTm6c2ovMMdzvoZxbVwk_346ewsqrmj3mOvkc1wIyGR0Tlz4krZCCpcK5I_6M2xgAnV79BJ30ArorDTj_6kZxSiLwS-ixRJMhHSf_hjwH-BLi3wkI8ohlojtZ1MXrQNqMTj/s1600/Feature_Room-service_Langham-Pasadena_1500x1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EPCWnpAkdRTm6c2ovMMdzvoZxbVwk_346ewsqrmj3mOvkc1wIyGR0Tlz4krZCCpcK5I_6M2xgAnV79BJ30ArorDTj_6kZxSiLwS-ixRJMhHSf_hjwH-BLi3wkI8ohlojtZ1MXrQNqMTj/s400/Feature_Room-service_Langham-Pasadena_1500x1000.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Have you ever checked into a hotel and felt like you were entering your own home? I felt that way from the instant we stepped out of our ride from the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank. The Valet AND bellman were expecting us and greeted us by NAME, and guided us to the front desk while the luggage was carted away. How'd they know? Ohh...they had our luggage out and read the tags before the passenger door even opened. Fabulous!<br />
<br />
The Langham Huntington Pasadena was built as the Hotel Wentworth in 1907, but construction setbacks, the Great San Francisco Earthquake, and torrential weather delayed the opening, and the venture shut down after its first season. Enter railroad tycoon Henry Huntington. Huntington purchased the property in 1911, and after renovations and extensions, plus the addition of the now-iconic central tower, opened for business.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVQrQbwCJEPkllnODbFHXhW8TEgpOlyAE1E9QsxDPvwaPRhhXLnoJtuFI5SkGFqVu4Mka-7qi6gKovMDyboMnpKH13WtmwfP-sxe9y0jI8iV5JNUreCuSg0ULY7UPdQEUC1Ju0rsM9xep/s1600/07+HuntingtonHotelPostcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuVQrQbwCJEPkllnODbFHXhW8TEgpOlyAE1E9QsxDPvwaPRhhXLnoJtuFI5SkGFqVu4Mka-7qi6gKovMDyboMnpKH13WtmwfP-sxe9y0jI8iV5JNUreCuSg0ULY7UPdQEUC1Ju0rsM9xep/s320/07+HuntingtonHotelPostcard.jpg" width="320" /></a>Having been sold to the Sheraton Hotel Corporation in 1954, it remained flagged as a Sheraton for years until being closed in 1988 for major renovations and repairs. The lanai and cottages that were a part of the property remained open while construction began and was reflagged as the Ritz-Carlton Huntington until it was sold in 2007 to the Langham Hotels for $170 Million.<br />
<br />
Enough history, onto the property herself!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYspBR7SvI2UDGgQbOxCbWDuH3JrpGkjPMQh4DkSNsE4wsX6gUlPVdwbQUd_nc8Ok3hnnyjea6HIc2RX9bk2tl5PYeFA0VQuvgG6VJxJzGKyM1KZFn_PEJQcLUvC777fzI5GUO105kAAhs/s1600/14907030_330733607307483_8414857972091503270_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYspBR7SvI2UDGgQbOxCbWDuH3JrpGkjPMQh4DkSNsE4wsX6gUlPVdwbQUd_nc8Ok3hnnyjea6HIc2RX9bk2tl5PYeFA0VQuvgG6VJxJzGKyM1KZFn_PEJQcLUvC777fzI5GUO105kAAhs/s320/14907030_330733607307483_8414857972091503270_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>We had arrived there on a Sunday, thinking it'll be a slower than normal day. Boy were we wrong. As stated above, the bellhops helped us out of our ride and hauled our luggage inside. Check-in was a breeze, and I was again greeted by name as I stepped up to the counter. Having stayed at Langhams before, especially this one in particular, I have become accustomed to this. If you are fortunate enough to have Colleen take care of you, you will have nothing to worry about, she is one of the finest people the Langham employs, always going above and beyond for the guests, Once I got my keys, up to the room we went, that first stay was in a Club King room on the 8th floor, with access to the renown Langham Club.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDLSQSzZ6T1-aoPWZQUjP2AplK2Ykggt2brT_og5e2eu4TyFGA-VWFaxrTAHCGpca9_OpqW9SV1vsMh1fl0xPz_Lyr9pMPDZ-zuaU2riOpYNR4QsQp2I0SS3RNcsbj2Dsj3Uo72UMD2lV/s1600/15193581_330733710640806_2775961379198015527_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDLSQSzZ6T1-aoPWZQUjP2AplK2Ykggt2brT_og5e2eu4TyFGA-VWFaxrTAHCGpca9_OpqW9SV1vsMh1fl0xPz_Lyr9pMPDZ-zuaU2riOpYNR4QsQp2I0SS3RNcsbj2Dsj3Uo72UMD2lV/s320/15193581_330733710640806_2775961379198015527_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Once in our room, we started unpacking and checking out our digs. It was a very nice room, classically furnished with an amazing bathroom, needless to say there was space to stretch out. Susie's favorite part was the free wi-fi that comes with the room. While we were unpacking there was a knock on the door. One of the concierges came up and brought a plate of fresh fruit and a huge bottle of Evian...along with a tray of K-cups of tea for our in-room Keurig machine, bottles of honey and fresh lemon wedges. "We heard you coughing at check-in and just wanted to help you out in getting better". I was amazed. I went though that entire tray in 8 hours.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtPMO8JoQxGe8LjuAT3GemBA2nq_t3cgNJWjoV7CNb3znVZ5OJ8l-b7xsckVbpYm0hqo_Ekh_tdU40zYfxf3WMv9Ubz-Bj20YJsXc7HCcVpJPn_6EC4dCyCpILT-WUMkERpKBzlWKmX9B/s1600/16602808_369167103464133_5682128508586225627_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLtPMO8JoQxGe8LjuAT3GemBA2nq_t3cgNJWjoV7CNb3znVZ5OJ8l-b7xsckVbpYm0hqo_Ekh_tdU40zYfxf3WMv9Ubz-Bj20YJsXc7HCcVpJPn_6EC4dCyCpILT-WUMkERpKBzlWKmX9B/s320/16602808_369167103464133_5682128508586225627_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSsQKqrI63YEsJP-MdB2hfd_GJ5jh-VWqd2oUDE1GEUr-HuTOQ0Da4oI2-J7aXulkZh2Q8Q0fTnhkOWKH1vVf_NQ7hv_7y71bqR8NOqkuLV4EwFtrJV44NTaDdOfUBla_ElnZ5Eu854Gf/s1600/15181570_330733630640814_6592772679650293802_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidSsQKqrI63YEsJP-MdB2hfd_GJ5jh-VWqd2oUDE1GEUr-HuTOQ0Da4oI2-J7aXulkZh2Q8Q0fTnhkOWKH1vVf_NQ7hv_7y71bqR8NOqkuLV4EwFtrJV44NTaDdOfUBla_ElnZ5Eu854Gf/s320/15181570_330733630640814_6592772679650293802_n.jpg" width="176" /></a>We had arrived at the hotel a bit early, so me and Susie decided to check out the pool. Because there was an event sponsored by Netflix there that first visit, there were plenty of celebrities to be seen getting sun by the pool and hot tub areas. The pool is heated year round, and from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the poolside bar is open for business. We stayed and relaxed with the stars for about an hour. It was amazing, never in a hundred years did I ever think I'd be sipping bubbly in a hot tub with John Stamos and Andrea Barber.<br />
<br />
Back in the room, I sat down and took stock. It was very nicely appointed and a good size (550 Square feet for the Club King Room, other stays ranged from the 415 Square foot Deluxe Patio Room on the first floor, to the slightly larger 450 square foot Deluxe Premier Room on the 6th floor during my last two trips), with killer views of the gorgeous courtyard on one side, or the pool and tennis areas on another side, to the horseshoe gardens facing the west. As usual when I travel with Susie, a rollaway is already placed in the room and turned down for the night, which she loves (and strangely enough, thinks they are more comfortable than the regular beds). The bathrooms are completely covered in Italian marble and stock with Chuan Spa amenities (which are some of the greatest bath products I've ever used). This hotel really goes out of the way to make their guests not feel like they are staying in closet sized accommodations.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVmufijMYIj84fpbTVd6rWkbGoTSFu_epHM0elr-pEtPsSWaamDA6paRCqgO-1zEjDg8z4Ss6MoADcHSQIQUZ8SCoB76msOkBdf8Q9-SxpKQALjPqGx0KxH4oiQxR7Y9wxUgY4ScCbhRP/s1600/16683985_369169940130516_7572151334412503571_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVmufijMYIj84fpbTVd6rWkbGoTSFu_epHM0elr-pEtPsSWaamDA6paRCqgO-1zEjDg8z4Ss6MoADcHSQIQUZ8SCoB76msOkBdf8Q9-SxpKQALjPqGx0KxH4oiQxR7Y9wxUgY4ScCbhRP/s400/16683985_369169940130516_7572151334412503571_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtDq28CuV2w-RzrTIRwF4KQF69YCRJDWiVoUxkCOIfpGU8BE69KNUghLsgOPCTblBci0mugDQfBbNrSmwwobpTar65VQuese_xPEWqR4YLo0Me0xXl1hRIoYwr773xIeZ1lUmmrIVqx8v/s1600/16711716_369170550130455_194160232810918904_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtDq28CuV2w-RzrTIRwF4KQF69YCRJDWiVoUxkCOIfpGU8BE69KNUghLsgOPCTblBci0mugDQfBbNrSmwwobpTar65VQuese_xPEWqR4YLo0Me0xXl1hRIoYwr773xIeZ1lUmmrIVqx8v/s320/16711716_369170550130455_194160232810918904_n.jpg" width="176" /></a>Twice I've had the luxury of using the Langham Club. That first trip we had walked in right as the Club Concierge was setting up for the Club's dinner presentation, so we got in right in time for the last of that day's afternoon tea service. I love this tradition, and Susie and I have made it a twice every winter ritual (the first was at the Langham Huntington, the most recent was at the iconic Langham London, the first day they rolled out the Holiday Tea Service for 2016-2017). The Club is actually in a quiet little nook of the 8th floor, with plush seating arrangements and plenty of options to quench one's thirst, or grab a quick stomach settler before dinner downstairs in the Royce Steakhouse. Some of the perks include computer work stations, complimentary pressing of 3 garments, and the above average higher than all else concierge services the Langham properties are known worldwide for.<br />
<br />
During my most recent stay, Cherilyn, the Service Stylist, took myself and a co-worker on a tour of the hotel, telling us more about the history of the property, and showing us all OVER the resort. From the acclaimed Chuan Spa (#1 Spa in Los Angeles, according to LA Magazine), to the award winning and incredibly mouth-watering menu at the Royce, to the outdoor and laid back vibes of the Terrace Cafe, or to the mellow and dark Tap Room, there's something for every sort of guest that stays within these hallowed walls. My coworker was so blown away with the property, she has begun selling it at a MUCH faster pace than I have, even though it IS my go to resort for anything North of LAX or in the Burbank/Pasadena area.<br />
<br />
So as far as this Travel Agent is concerned, the Langham Huntington Pasadena is THE resort hotel to stay at in the North Los Angeles/Burbank/Pasadena area. The attention to detail and care received are worth FAR more than the great nightly rates and package deals available.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpc8uHUItyL_c_brCdR2_OqUEgDLS0SOEdNm5epKIPCPGujlCDUqcqImaqm_IsuY0xjWSqABHps5OeHELFQxTCljI-bDVH3XRXzj8GDEcQSbgCZQh4zQW-4mbuAyza2UWO9c5bX6sLQXm-/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpc8uHUItyL_c_brCdR2_OqUEgDLS0SOEdNm5epKIPCPGujlCDUqcqImaqm_IsuY0xjWSqABHps5OeHELFQxTCljI-bDVH3XRXzj8GDEcQSbgCZQh4zQW-4mbuAyza2UWO9c5bX6sLQXm-/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-74823545318043585492017-05-17T15:07:00.005-07:002017-05-18T09:00:39.790-07:00Mind-blowing Mountain Hideaway: Spending a pet-friendly weekend at the Waldorf Astoria Park City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1SWS3hrgDZ260YJqOLCag44xYkLyUkXNfj9FEl0CgEVKmtLmjfXiqkNOlB7rW_8MJqIE1vMDgVgAuedlofICl8MYwIuggcHvycoIAXgMlO43vOhBIE56j7gYCAQ_vtuZB1Qp4xi-UuJg/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM1SWS3hrgDZ260YJqOLCag44xYkLyUkXNfj9FEl0CgEVKmtLmjfXiqkNOlB7rW_8MJqIE1vMDgVgAuedlofICl8MYwIuggcHvycoIAXgMlO43vOhBIE56j7gYCAQ_vtuZB1Qp4xi-UuJg/s400/maxresdefault.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I very rarely take a vacation INSIDE the State of Utah, where I live. Usually, I'm on the first flight of the morning out of Salt Lake City to anywhere. This was however, Mother's Day weekend, and I had just returned from the Los Angeles basin just two days prior. Plus, I didn't want to subject my family to TSA screening this weekend. So, as a shocker, I took Mom and the rest of us to the Waldorf Astoria in Park City for Mother's Day weekend.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJdYnxLaxJ19zwNlcxikJckDzkG2M8U1kEIajgeae2eGG5g3oE8AYz3jgGvbtp-mvnqrBQ2CISRPKflQMmu6P71jfg2symCasTsevqVjTQBrsXTjsLQu8kHDoapRTnLZ4cMUTGE3ZQwVK/s1600/bar-fireplace-living-lobby.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJdYnxLaxJ19zwNlcxikJckDzkG2M8U1kEIajgeae2eGG5g3oE8AYz3jgGvbtp-mvnqrBQ2CISRPKflQMmu6P71jfg2symCasTsevqVjTQBrsXTjsLQu8kHDoapRTnLZ4cMUTGE3ZQwVK/s320/bar-fireplace-living-lobby.jpeg" width="320" /></a>The resort itself is nestled at the foot of the Canyons Ski Resort Area, just a few miles North of Park City itself. Park City is a year-round destination, with world class skiing/snowboarding in winter (it held the most mountain-based events during the 2002 Winter Olympics), and amazing camping, hiking, and outdoors activities during the Summer. The shoulder seasons of Spring and Fall offer slightly chillier temperatures, but with the changing colors during Fall, this area is an amazing display of Nature at her best.<br />
<br />
So we arrived there on a bright and sunny Saturday afternoon, just before the 4:00PM check-in time (the drive from our home took just under an hour), but that was no problem. The valet quickly and efficiently offloaded us and sent us on our way in while he parked the Volvo. The front desk is not your standard front desk setup. It is quite simply, two executive office desks set off to one side of the grand and picturesque main lobby. My Dad looked around asking "What are we doing here?". I had to suppress a smile as I got us checked in and on our way, with expert and extremely courteous and friendly assistance from the front desk agent.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_EhJSDfKa02uonmeWQHuz4IAJ0HO0b0ca0z_bZXQ00ykbjEMW7W6m5sWnxiVq6-rX3MRba5cWpgu4W21IJIBfW29IudRcFSzOY3PwP323DMi5u-zbdb65r4tQSZeElLqomb-FelHSNiV/s1600/Waldorf_Astoria_Park_City_K1RRB4_large_2_750x272_FitToBoxSmallDimension_Center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_EhJSDfKa02uonmeWQHuz4IAJ0HO0b0ca0z_bZXQ00ykbjEMW7W6m5sWnxiVq6-rX3MRba5cWpgu4W21IJIBfW29IudRcFSzOY3PwP323DMi5u-zbdb65r4tQSZeElLqomb-FelHSNiV/s400/Waldorf_Astoria_Park_City_K1RRB4_large_2_750x272_FitToBoxSmallDimension_Center.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHPI6nO9aEPES-QNGbceQvGut9P163gpK4WkIXVsJYFTwu_dNVkYRxeYwxqkRLvRr_MYlxAusZiWZaw0w7-2N7Prv51lHllGTfYX2ziNq0mf7k6ouD3wVAsrxMi63sWEFch4xfQv7OLqR/s1600/18447647_413055319075311_7575386181750954876_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHPI6nO9aEPES-QNGbceQvGut9P163gpK4WkIXVsJYFTwu_dNVkYRxeYwxqkRLvRr_MYlxAusZiWZaw0w7-2N7Prv51lHllGTfYX2ziNq0mf7k6ouD3wVAsrxMi63sWEFch4xfQv7OLqR/s320/18447647_413055319075311_7575386181750954876_n.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
Up to the 7th floor we went, and into a spacious 1-Bedroom Bi-Level Suite. Clocking in around 740 square feet, this suite is perfect for a family of 4. Upstairs is completely private with a master bedroom/master bathroom setup (and what a bathroom it is!). On the main floor you have the half bathroom downstairs, incredibly spacious living room (even with the sofabed pulled out and made), high vaulted ceiling, incredibly set out kitchen stocked with Viking appliances, dining area, gas fireplace, and a full size washer/dryer combo in the entry. There was even a pair of dog bowls laid out for Buddy, filled with fresh water and food, with treats for him on the counter as well. Oh, and you can't forget the balcony with the AMAZING views of either the mountains around you, or if you are on the other side, the resort spread out and valley view below.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dgD9KKEA3zAeYS3vmxCeRXnqEczTsOI48CnJi0jhyphenhyphenszLRWPG90zjqP2a6n6Wz4GtCRsaDr17nkqmi3Ay79jc9CpQ6EKyOCmP3U59AdjiOjjyuUgwSWnZy4dRz9UeYbGqv_nFgB4UP-zU/s1600/2459420_53_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5dgD9KKEA3zAeYS3vmxCeRXnqEczTsOI48CnJi0jhyphenhyphenszLRWPG90zjqP2a6n6Wz4GtCRsaDr17nkqmi3Ay79jc9CpQ6EKyOCmP3U59AdjiOjjyuUgwSWnZy4dRz9UeYbGqv_nFgB4UP-zU/s320/2459420_53_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Once we got our luggage delivered and settled in, we let the housekeeping staff do their thing with the nightly turndown service while we headed into Park City for dinner. Upon our return (after gawking at the vintage Ferrari's that had pulled up to the Valet and taking Buddy, our Cocker Spaniel, for his evening constitutional) the room was dressed down for the evening and we unwound on the balcony (some of us later than others) and in the living room.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAVUwgOXjh0TvKFUbp34sbo-C_AgZbTR2n5MVN6yzRkuV884OZYqwF2GZ4LFtc_81o0KUfE8wXU0oBQK85CygOdIjUDl3sfweN5cziDsyC23fRVq09e7P7HEK9URkjKmMEe2ov6hNagAN/s1600/18425019_413107972403379_4025345584191147722_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAVUwgOXjh0TvKFUbp34sbo-C_AgZbTR2n5MVN6yzRkuV884OZYqwF2GZ4LFtc_81o0KUfE8wXU0oBQK85CygOdIjUDl3sfweN5cziDsyC23fRVq09e7P7HEK9URkjKmMEe2ov6hNagAN/s320/18425019_413107972403379_4025345584191147722_n.jpg" width="176" /></a><br />
<br />
After my folks went upstairs, Susie and I took Buddy for another adventure, exploring the hotel and what it has to offer. Off to one side of the Grand Lobby you have the Palette Gift Shop for last minute wearables, a few select Waldorf branded items, and often forgotten sundries. Crossing to the other side of the expansive lobby and its massive fireplace, you have the Powder Restaurant. We didn't get a chance to eat here during our stay, but I will go up and try it out here soon with some buddies on a day trip up the mountain. Heading out the doors to the balcony that wraps around the double sided fireplace you get a breathtaking view of the resort and the valley behind, NOT a bad view to wake up to. Going down the stairs you are greeted by the warm flames from the firepit (wheres s'mores are constructed, toasted, and devoured nightly from 7:30PM to 9:30PM). The heated pool and whirlpool are on the other side of the gate, and there was quite a crowd there that evening, despite the chill in the air. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqj9SJZTwo-upZD7_qD4mIG1OQ3V5-jjwnR87ZofiYIRxvfY9c5t1oUSjpn32U9ut5McwXu4bzlxxcfwEuOyK0EWi9Ykzj2IckiXtorIpjLhM0IDRgt05_n4PmyPkxORMBo70D55xZY4Pf/s1600/18424164_413107939070049_2230770415942926028_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqj9SJZTwo-upZD7_qD4mIG1OQ3V5-jjwnR87ZofiYIRxvfY9c5t1oUSjpn32U9ut5McwXu4bzlxxcfwEuOyK0EWi9Ykzj2IckiXtorIpjLhM0IDRgt05_n4PmyPkxORMBo70D55xZY4Pf/s320/18424164_413107939070049_2230770415942926028_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
There is also a range of spa options and fitness studios and the well equipped gym to keep your mind and body in shape during a stay there, as well. There are weekly classes at the resort featuring yoga, kickboxing (yay!), Pilates, and other circuits and trainings.<br />
<br />
Checkout the next morning was a snap and we were on our way in 5 minutes, with fresh cut roses for my Mom, and bottles of water for the ride home, and another treat for Buddy.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHqDUy4-MUJLKS2w1UKtwvD7K5V98UnkI8Amsw1sZDv5oYB3mawteiBZezaWDGSH1l-5LMTuqmvxHk8AyDrn61h3Y2xrtfmeeygzRJUR7VclRFT_7r22KrnZ3M6oEDShFKZmakrhA393b/s1600/18424099_413055039075339_5634053982307262981_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCHqDUy4-MUJLKS2w1UKtwvD7K5V98UnkI8Amsw1sZDv5oYB3mawteiBZezaWDGSH1l-5LMTuqmvxHk8AyDrn61h3Y2xrtfmeeygzRJUR7VclRFT_7r22KrnZ3M6oEDShFKZmakrhA393b/s320/18424099_413055039075339_5634053982307262981_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I book the Waldorf Astoria resorts quite a bit, especially this one, and now that I've stayed here, I can honestly say I will do a MUCH better job at selling it, as I do recommend this one, as I did the original Waldorf Astoria in New York City. The price is not bad for the service and room you get, and the staff there are absolutely amazing, and really go out of their way to make you feel like you are home.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoEN10YphAIikyai1B_jKLJgUuogm6RH4BlpfmbJ54j3xo_UJhPEs7Dn-IVEDDp5OYgmbh5Ix7rye_ay10EcXwt5fkllFWqHiPqQVz3-NxA9AD5Lauybw8Se_2pEW-a4l81TZLYwZ8tE-/s1600/18446822_413054989075344_4128795317302107102_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoEN10YphAIikyai1B_jKLJgUuogm6RH4BlpfmbJ54j3xo_UJhPEs7Dn-IVEDDp5OYgmbh5Ix7rye_ay10EcXwt5fkllFWqHiPqQVz3-NxA9AD5Lauybw8Se_2pEW-a4l81TZLYwZ8tE-/s400/18446822_413054989075344_4128795317302107102_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Photos by the author or by the Waldorf Astoria Park City Resort.</i></div>
<br />
<br />Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-57677473727551255182017-04-30T13:24:00.002-07:002017-04-30T14:52:29.631-07:00Fighting the good fight, warding off jet lagAnyone whose flown from coast to coast or across the oceans, or for that matter, ANY red eye or long distance flight knows ALL about jet lag. It might only be 9AM where ever you land, but back home, according to your body, it's the middle of the night. You're walking through customs feeling like you're underwater. I've gone through it quite a but myself, but I have my own ways of fighting it.<br />
<br />
<b>1. Do NOT fall asleep for long periods.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
If you really have to, take a quick cat nap to clear the cobwebs. At the same token, listen to your body, if it's telling you to sleep, do it. Set an alarm if you have to, but I promise, you'll never get to sleep at night and reset your body clock if you sack out for 8 hours right from the get go. If you cant do catnaps, you might as well just power through the day, get out and get some fresh air and sunlight. <br />
Another thing that might help you out. Pick a time zone. I've found in my transcontinental travel from one coast to another that it is better to either pick keeping your body on either your home time zone or the one you'll be visiting. More often than not, I find myself adjusting to the time zone I'm in, unless I'm in transit.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Stay Healthy</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
As a rule, flying tends to leave one seriously dehydrated. One thing I've started doing is bringing a bottle of water with me onboard. No, you can't take it through security, BUT, you can buy one at the shops or restaurants by the gates. On longer flights this becomes crucial. I've narrowed my own drinking onboard to just water and Ginger Ale. No alcohol for me, though. Not only because of my own internal battles, but drinking inflight tends to dry you out faster. <br />
<br />
Once on the ground, try to find some time to work out. Most every hotel has a fitness center or a pool, so keeping up with your at home exercise regimen shouldn't be too difficult. In my own experience, I use the hotel pool and swim. It's not my full workout, but hey, its something, and usually it does the trick to keep me from becoming a zombie during my travels.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Vitamins and Supplements</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I'm a tad iffy on this one. The only thing I really use is those Airborne tablets that dissolve in water. A glass in the morning and at night for 2 days straight works, especially after a long haul from the US to the Middle East or the Eastern Mediterranean. I know others use a plethora of other tablets or pills, but unless its prescribed, I tend to stay away. Airborne though has a bunch of vitamins and minerals that replenish your immune system, thus making you feel better, but also keeping you from catching a cold or other inflight ailment (the recycled air on most older planes is truly horrendous).<br />
<br />
I also stay away from sleeping pills, especially Ambien. I'll tell you why. When I first started out in my airline career some 20 years ago, every day off I had I was flying to someplace new. Just hop on the first plane with an open seat and fly around the route map for 2 days. Back then it was easier, with larger planes like the L-1011 and 767's (or in my case 747's <b>domestically</b>), airline employees knew which flights were almost empty, thus becoming non-rev specials (as we called them because the majority of passengers were airline employees, therefor, non-revenue generating passengers). It was not a challenge for me to do a Salt Lake City to St. Louis to New York/JFK to Barcelona (or any other European destination we served) flight on my 1st Day off, then fly back the same routing the next and still be home before midnight to be up and at the airport for work by 5AM the next morning.<br />
<br />
In those days, I'd pop an Ambien and try to get 4-5 hours sleep. It didn't take long for me to realize I was a zombie for more than half my early morning shift. So I tried almost every other sleeping aid out there, and nothing worked. My doctor finally told me to stop using those drugs and try a natural remedy, such as a capsule of Melatonin and a cup of Chamomile Tea and call it a night. He was right. Melatonin worked great for me, until I was required to start sleeping with a CPAP machine to help with my Sleep Apnea. The light noise from the machine worked fine and to this day still puts me to sleep within minutes.<br />
<br />
That's about it on my end, all of the above tend to get me recharged and on the ground in whatever time zone I'm in within a short time frame. Also, I know there are about a thousand other remedies out there, so let me know your favorites! Everyone is different, and it truly is interesting to see what works for others.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kSOKexSuc_7s_sIjB79LgGIxoC3u3mD70Ec96ceJAJDEDnVZgCaUnwG-vMwp62SuImao_v_XJAUdBhj5IOnCfk0J3bJEGWhgGN_b6kwckThj6wveWI4psePgiIfhhu78Q0jKN73YonOG/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kSOKexSuc_7s_sIjB79LgGIxoC3u3mD70Ec96ceJAJDEDnVZgCaUnwG-vMwp62SuImao_v_XJAUdBhj5IOnCfk0J3bJEGWhgGN_b6kwckThj6wveWI4psePgiIfhhu78Q0jKN73YonOG/s400/download.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-844322686536123358.post-76575119563515488192017-04-16T12:12:00.000-07:002017-04-16T12:13:18.273-07:00Welcome to the Friendly Skies...or are they?<span style="font-family: inherit;">It takes a lot for me to post about any sort of "social justice" uprisings. Most millennials (I unfortunately fall in this age range), hipsters, and uneducated persons have recently taken up in arms over the supposed bad treatment of a passenger on board a United Express flight, resulting in his being dragged off the plane and any passengers with a phone to catch the proceedings from damn near every angle.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sickening.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So every uneducated passenger on Earth thinks just because you buy a ticket means you are <b>ENTITLED</b> to that seat. In all but a few instances you are, but in this case, the passenger was not. Once past the jetway doors, passengers fall under the responsibility of the flight crew as per US Aviation and Maritime law statutes. There is little doubt that United could have avoided the entire situation by recognizing the overbooking prior to beginning the boarding process, but the fact is that the passenger's decision to act like a petulant child made it necessary to remove him. Those of you who act like he is some sort of social justice hero are little better than the passenger himself and, as usual, fail to see the bigger picture. When you are on board an aircraft your life, and the lives of everyone else fall under the flights crew's care and responsibility. They have a required duty to comply with and enforce the laws that govern aviation operations (especially under FAR part 121), and passengers have a legal obligation to <b>NOT</b> interfere with the crews performance of said duties. This passenger took it upon himself to unilaterally dictate to United, the flight crew, and basically, the Federal government that his authority over the flight was superior to their own. At that point, the Captain made the right decision in calling for security to forcibly remove him.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
I know a lot of my readers might think I'm biased towards protecting the airline because of my airline background. I assure you, I'm not. I have my own issues with United, which have no place being aired out in this post. What I take offense to, is the people who have zero knowledge of what passengers are entitled to and what laws govern being on a commercial airliner once on board. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These millennials who were quick to get to social media and "boycott United" can sit down now. The last few days I've booked nothing but United from all corners of the globe. How's that boycott working for ya? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One more thing, a lot of "social justice warriors" compare this passenger to Rosa Parks. I'm sorry, but that offends me to my core. Rosa Parks stood up for a law that was fundamentally wrong on so many levels. This passenger decided to make a spectacle of himself in hopes of a big payday at the end. I'm glad he got his teeth knocked in. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Thanks for flying the friendly skies, see ya aboard soon.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUmIgYCxVxx0LUX6kqLl8vA8z7Ed351zkNThr9X53PhVDLSjSaBlMDoB4v7C-2ukATJUmfHVNMw67OK6ax2zPawTEWe_fOQg3d2FRYmCzNFAk3EZx6TqkHHuj_CjUE_yPQditlEB1Z6mm/s1600/yourfile+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUmIgYCxVxx0LUX6kqLl8vA8z7Ed351zkNThr9X53PhVDLSjSaBlMDoB4v7C-2ukATJUmfHVNMw67OK6ax2zPawTEWe_fOQg3d2FRYmCzNFAk3EZx6TqkHHuj_CjUE_yPQditlEB1Z6mm/s400/yourfile+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02855047373432979042noreply@blogger.com1