Why would you use that for travel?!

I spend a lot of time in airports and hotels.  I would LIKE to think I have this down to a science, I can pack 2 weeks worth of cold weather clothing into my carry on.  That said, I have to wonder sometimes where people get their packing advice or who thought things were a good idea?

Let's start with the trash bag.

 

REALLY?   What if you were in the very last boarding zone on the plane and this overhead space hadn't been available?  Do you really think the airline would've said "oh, it's a glad bag, we can't check that"?  Because they can, and would have and your underwear would have been scattered all over the baggage claim by the time you go there.

 

Next, my fave - the reusable grocery bag.

 

 

Clearly, there are height limits on what this bag can contain.  It doesn't close, and again - do you just think that they won't try to check this?  For the record, if you have more crap in your grocery bag than in your wee little carry on, upgrade your friggin carry on.  Save yourself the headache and hassle of arguing with a flight attendant on why this wont fit under your seat so it has to be checked along with your HeMan action figure carry case you've managed to cram some clothing in.

 

 

This one's always fun.  The seat saver.  Now, sometimes the airport isn't busy or there is ample seating so no big deal.  This was at LAX, at 10pm, crammed full of passengers.

 

I love how people will leave all their bags across an entire row of seating like this to "save" the seats for themselves while they waltz around the concourse like a Sunday stroll at the park.  See that purse?  What is to keep ANYONE from dipping into it and taking your ID, credit cards, etc?  Nothing.  Not a dang thing.  That open VS bag next to it?  My guess is there's some jewelry or other valuables just inside completely unsecured. You'd be surprised how many small children have approached my bags and played with the zippers - if my bags were open topped like this, who knows what they'd walk away with.  Hopefully nothing the parent would deem harmful, who knows how fast the lawsuit would come.

 

While I'm thinking of theft, give this some thought. Most airlines only compensate up to $250 for lost luggage. Really THINK about what you are traveling with, makeup, medications, contacts/glasses, clothes, shoes, HBA's and those are likely just in your rollerbag not the personal item (purse, backpack, brief case).

 

If you pay attention you are told not to leave your bags unattended.  This annoyance is usually when someone will report unattended baggage, which sometimes leads to a concourse being evacuated for a potential hazard.  Thanks for being selfish AND rude people.

 

 

Now, I'm not saying go get a travelpro today.  Hell, I don't even have a travelpro, though I wouldn't mind one.  I have for the last 3 years used a simple black rollerboard I paid $60 for at Target.  It's now getting beat up enough for replacement but it's been a great bag so I will likely get the same one again.

 

Just THINK before you leave the house. 

Will this close, can it be broken into easily, will it fit under my seat if the overhead is full, how will it get to me if I check it?  If you don't have your own rollerboard to travel with, ask to borrow one from a friend or family member.  Trust me, the peace of mind alone will be worth it.

 

 

Jacksonville

I don't spend as much time as I would like to in Jacksonville.  I find it to be the least offensive part of Florida I get to go to.  I always find amusing things out and about, there's some fun food and decent shopping.  The beaches are a nice bonus as well.

 

Let's start with food.  (anyone shocked by that?)

 

I cannot even GO to Jacksonville anymore without going to Lola's burrito joint.  I crave the Curious George on the regular.  Seriously, what's not to love about a burrito jam packed full of chorizo, plantains, rice, beans and other burrito goodness?!  Come on.  I've had several of the other burritos, this is my favorite.  A close second would be the Dirty Sanchez.

 

The atmosphere and decor here are dark but fun, all of the staff here have been phenominal on all of my visits.  I also love the neighborhood they are located in, there are plenty of little shops to dip into along the streets.

 

 

Now, the fun stuff. 

I LOVE the funny stuff I see in the area which is usually vehicle related.  These were the finds on my most recent trip.

 

 

Yep, that ought to stop them!

 

 

wait. what?

 

Keep your eyes peeled, you never know what you might see!  Just a side note, I learned on this trip to stop looking in other cars at red lights.  I am horrified at how many nose pickers are out there, and I mean like knuckle deep people.  Maybe there was a big social experiment in which I was the test monkey but I swear just about every car for a solid day held a nose picker.



Reflecting on people.

I've met some people on my travels in the last few years.  Over the last couple of days, I've been reflecting on these encounters and thought I'd share some of my favorites and most memorable.

 

 

I shared some wine and tears with an officer of a public company on a flight to Boston after his parents had both died a few days apart.  He may have been one of the most genuine people I'd ever met, sincere in every way.  I learned all about his parents, his wife and kids, their lives, how much he adored them all. 

 

 

I sat next to a man who looked like he might be unstable on a flight to Atlanta from Ft. Lauderdale; I quickly learned he was hearing impaired - self inflicted, he worked directly with The Rolling Stones back in the day and spent a lot of time on their tours.  He had been in Florida to see some old friends and was on his way home to NY where he had some really fun business ideas to pitch.  He made me laugh, his body had been so abused and damaged but his mind was running amok like a 20 year old.  He had told me about his kids and his his mistakes as a spouse and father, the things he wished he could do again but knew he would make the same mistakes again.

 

 

I met a woman who was in the same industry as me, very high ranking in her company who may have been the most positive "girl power" person I'd ever met.  She knew I work in a male dominated industry and had so much advice for me.  I've since met and spend time with her daughter, who runs a great little business in Atlanta.

 

 

I met a "safety guy" from Austin, TX, on a flight to Houston.  His job is very similar to mine, except at the time he was inspecting tunnels and bridges and things.  I learned that just like my job, just because we don't SEE the inspections or preventative measures being taken for public safety - they are there.  Safety guy is one of my closest friends now.

 

I met a military man who was escorting a fallen soldier home to GA on a flight from HI.  I learned what he thought of doing this, the emotion and love that come and go into such a task.  When we landed in Atlanta I hugged him.  I wanted so much to take away the hurt he had from this job and let him know how much some of us honor and appreciate his sacrifice.  Then I was upset at the other passengers who were asked to stay seated so he could get on the tarmac to the body and didn't.  Because you know, they are so much more important than anyone else. 

 

 

I've of course developed friendships with several flight crews.  When I was out on medical leave last spring I had a few pilots and crew members calling me because they hadn't seen me in over a week.  I thought how sweet, but how weird!?  HAHA!

 

 

I've met some crazy people too, most notably a woman at check-in in Orlando; we got in line at the same time so I smiled and nodded to tell her to go ahead.  This woman turned on her heels, asked what I was doing - I said smiling, she said to NEVER do that to her again and stormed away.  I'd say she skipped a dose of meds that day.  I really thought I was being punked on that one.

 

OH!  the biggest jerk ever!!  The guy who was rude to everyone who worked at the airline and other passengers.  I was in business class on a flight home from Boston and was on crutches - this jackwagon was sitting next to me and informed me I had no business being up there just for an injury because he "paid" for his seat.  He felt like a giant ass when he realized I didn't "pay" for my seat because I got the seat with my status.  That I've earned.

 

 

So here I go, into another year of the same ol' stuff but with new faces and new places - I hope I'm not as shocked by people's behavior as I have been recently, but people are super funny like that. 



Orlando - eats.

I've spent a great deal of time in Florida lately, I know it seems like I hate the place, which really - I do, but I DO have some nice points for the area too.

 

We all know I love to eat.  My inner fatty wins a lot of battles.

 

If you are in the Orange County/Orlando area, you know there are a gazillion places to choose from - one shitty chain after another, and trust me, as transient as that area is the service and food SUCK.  Why would they care, you aren't going to be there long and not likely to complain.

 

Here are my top 3 spots in the area.

 

Breakfast HAS to be Keke's.   I cannot say enough great things about Keke's.  Their french toast, fresh OJ and bacon are dream worth.  Clean facility, easy atmosphere and fantastic service.  I am actually kind of bummed out I don't have a Keke's in Atlanta.

 

For lunch or dinner, I've become a regular at The Gnarly Barley.  I have had nearly everything on the menu now and haven't found anything I don't like.  The beer selection is impressive.  The atmosphere is relaxed and a lot of fun, there are stacks of board games for your enjoyment, everyone is laid back, there are usually sports on the tv's and there are several picnic tables outside if you prefer the fresh air (and by fresh, I mean FL swamp stink).  I had driven past this place several times, it looks like nothing - like a mobile home next to the post office, presumably yet another casualty of the economy.  SO wrong!  Still looks like nothing, but go inside, it's like unwrapping a really cool gift on your birthday.

 

My last choice is a little more "chainy" and is in the Florida Mall.  Wasabi Sushi.  I love sushi, and while there are plenty of places to choose from in the area, Wasabi has been a favorite for a while.  I love the conveyor concept, the food is always spot on and they have MOCHI.  I'm a sucker for a good green tea mochi.  If you don't like people watching you eat, this may not be for you.  This is situated in the center of the mall and draws a lot of attention.  There will be a lot of people watching while they try to figure out the concept of how this works and some will even ask you about it and about the food.  I've had nearly everything on this menu and have to say I like most of it, there are some of the vegetarian dishes that I could do without - not bad, just not my cup of tea. 

 

 

Orlando. Why can't people use crosswalks?!

I spend a lot more time than I care to in Orlando.  Enough, in fact, that I have nicknames and "life stories" for the prostitutes I see trolling OBT each day.  Bubble Gum is the girl with the tiny little pink skirt that every two steps she has to stop and roll back down so we aren't all looking at what the good Lord gave her.  That girl is almost always smiling at 5am.  I like to think it's because she either really loves her job or just robbed some asshole who was soliciting her. 

Anyway, the more I am in Orlando, the more I wonder - why can't anyone in that God forsaken city use a friggin cross walk?  Let me rant for a second.  You mean to tell me that you can cross the street just 2 car lengths from the designated area and then think you have the right of way AND the right to get pissed when someone runs you over?  Can someone please for the love of Pete help me wrap my brain around this?  I mean, is the cross walk not there for a reason?  Does that suggestion not apply to everyone?  I fail to see how walking between cars in the dark outside of a designated area is a good plan and then wonder how anyone actually has the testicular fortitude to claim a hate crime if they are run over. 

 

It happens enough I have managed to capture a few "examples" of this while at red lights.  This is a personal fave, maybe because I'm still wondering if this one is wearing pants or not.   Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyy???

 

 

I mean, I get that some people like to be rebelious, some just can't follow rules.  But let's really think about this one.  Cars are big and move fast.  People don't and certainly not in central Florida where everyone schleps and drags their feet while trying to hold their pants up IF they are even wearing any.  Do you REALLY want to take your chances on death by traffic? 

 

Really, this one is so simple, even a gator can do it.  This was after a particularly heavy rain washend out a nest near my office.  REALLY.

 

 

 

 

Just a suggestion, especially if you are in the more unsavory parts of town - keep your doors locked and windows up, these frogger types like to squeeze up as close to your vehicle as they can to avoid the moving ones.  You just never know. 

 

 



SoCal.

Back to California I go! 

 

Orange County to start, which was nice to fly through John Wayne instead of LAX. This airport is so quiet!!  One could mistake it for a library...

 

I started my week off in the Fullerton/Anaheim area.  I stayed on Beach Rd close to Knott's Berry Farms.  This is when I realized this is the west coast version of Orlando.  Plenty of tourists, the west coast variety seem to be a bit more emo/darker, than the east coast trailer trash variety.  Same ridiculous traffic, same people who don't know what deoderant or a turn signal is.

 

I was able to have dinner with a dear friend of mine at a Portillo's - a Chicago staple.  My friend and I know each other from Chicago, she used to work for me.  She and her family recently moved to the Orange County area and love it.

 

Portillos

 

Nothing reminds you of great people and great times like the place you'd previously spend a Friday afternoon just unwinding over some delicious food in a fun atmosphere.

 

I was also able to visit a place in Brea called Cabo Grill & Cantina - great salsa!!  The grilled fish tacos could have been a little more grilled though.  Highlight of that meal was the creepy guy asking the bartender why there were cops outside as he hugged his laptop as tightly as he could.  When the cops came in for lunch, the guy ran to the bathroom with his laptop.  I never did see him come back out but I'm going to assume he was watching porn or having a medical episode in there.  I really didn't want to find out.

 

Oh and in Fullerton I went to a place called Heroes - the portions here are INSANE but the food is fantastic - you will eat the leftovers, trust me.

 

From there it was a quick (I mean California quick by the way, 30 miles almost 2 hours at 3pm) drive over to Ontario, CA.  I've never been to this area before, all I can say is STUNNING.  I have an office down in the valley of the mountains that were breath taking.  I would imagine my attitude would be a lot different if I got to look at those mountains every day.  Great people, good weather - couldn't ask for much more.  Oh, except parking at that hotel.  6 spots, really?  Parking at the outlet mall across the street??  Who planned THAT one??  Fail. 

 

My visit in Ontario was short; I have nothing exciting or new about food - oh!  I did see a Chic-fil-A out there, I hadn't expected to, it was next door to the In-n-out burger which we all know I LOVE.

Detroit.

Motor City.

 

I can honestly say, about the only good thing I think has come out of Detroit is... well, Ted Nugent.

 

 

 

  They do have a rather nice airport, kind of amazing given the current financial situation that city is in, but maybe that's because the airport is just outside of Detroit.  Who knows.

 

I have to say, it was eye opening to be there.  The obvious struggles this area is going through is depressing, no one deserves to struggle like that if they are working hard to be positive members of society.

 

I did love some of the old architecture downtown, there's some great historic landmarks, like the old Michigan Central Station in Corktown, Roosevelt Park area.  This building is stunning, and amazingly, still standing. 

 

 

 

Sadly, this is right smack in the middle of Roosevelt Park in Corktown - there are signs posted every where that this is a high crime area, and that's supported by all of the broken glass on the ground.

 

And that, my friends is where you will find Slow's BBQ

 

 

This is where I experienced the Triple Threat.  Pulled pork, bacon and ham on ONE sandwich?!  Really??  Mac-n-cheese to die for and split pea & okra fritters were divine!  They have quite a selection of sauces - pretty much anything to satisfy your every whim.

Triple Threat

 

Other than the architecture and maybe some BBQ, I don't really have anything else to say about Detroit.  It was very distressing to be there.  It's an absolute shame that a city like that can go broke and look like a virtual war zone right here in our own backyard.

 

I do not plan to go back anytime soon, but should I find myself in the area - I do know where I will go to eat!