Tools of the Trade

I know lots of experts offer packing tips. You can roll your clothes. You can use packing cubes. You can vacuum pack into compression sacks. You can do whatever you like. I’m not going to tell you how to pack, just what to pack. In this blog, I’m sharing my tools of the trade and what I won’t leave…

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Captain Obvious

Over the years, my brother, Michael, has given me two valuable pieces of advice:  1. He told me to always buy a $10,000 car. This is great advice. Ten thousand dollars will get you a reliable car and a payment you won’t even notice. But, come to think of it, he bought himself a very…

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Russian Tea Room, New York City

On a recent layover, I treated myself to afternoon tea at the opulent Russian Tea Room. This New York institution (and treasure box) is nearly 100 years old. Founded by members of the Russian Imperial Ballet in 1927, the restaurant is old-world glamorous, stunning, and everything that I love.   As soon as you pass through…

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My Favorite Flight Attendant

I’m sure you’ve read the news that airline employees are required to get vaccinated or face losing their jobs. At my airline, the percentage of those vaccinated is very high; only a few hundred are refusing. One of the few is my friend (and favorite flight attendant), who I’ll call Lola to protect her privacy. …

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In My Own Backyard: Empress by Boon

The hottest reservation in town is for Empress by Boon: San Francisco’s new restaurant recently opened by star chef Ho Chee Boon. It literally took me months to get a reservation. My persistence and stalking skills finally paid off, and I snagged a table for 4 last Saturday! (at 5:00pm) But hey, it was on…

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Vaccinated and Horny

That’s the name of Chelsea Handler’s comedy tour which I went to see last night. She, along with her opening act, were super funny. Chelsea did about an hour of her typical irreverent, political, and raunchy material. One of her biggest laughs was a bit about “these poor flight attendants,” which I found particularly enjoyable….

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A Cautionary Tale

This is a cautionary tale. It cautions against breaking the law, underestimating TSA, and attempting to sneak out of town aboard an aircraft.  Recently, I have witnessed three arrests on the airplane. One was a middle-aged woman handcuffed and taken away during the boarding of a flight to Mexico. An unlikely suspect, she looked like…

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Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Jackson Hole is a favorite layover among flight attendants. Nestled between The Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone, the setting is breathtaking. I know that’s a cliche statement, but it really is a re-set. Pick a season, any season. The view is dramatic, cinematic even.  And my pictures don’t do it justice. But here’s what…

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SWOON

Sometimes, a layover surprises you. It can be a smaller city with low personal expectations or a new destination with unbeknownst charm. Like Cincinnati, Cincinnati surprised me.  It started with the hotel. The layover hotel isn’t the usual chain hotel. Don’t get me wrong. I appreciate a comfortable room. And thanks to the union, our…

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