Fly Away Cafe - Where travel is a way of life

July 3rd, 2008

What Interests You?

I like to mix it up here at Flyaway Cafe, providing you with a variety of tips, ideas, destination suggestions, opinions, trends, and humor. 

This morning I took a look back at what you read most during June, and there were some real surprises.  The top five posts were all found deep in my archives!

Here they are —

1. Green Architecture Before its Time: Frank Lloyd Wright & Taliesin West
2. Photo: Sydney Opera House
3. Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden
4. Photo Op: Boston Skyline
5. Titanic Artifact Exhibition Will Arrive in Atlanta

If you have ideas or suggestions about what you’d like to read about here, please leave them in the comments.

Thanks for making Flyaway Cafe a part of your blog reading habits!

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By Mary Jo Manzanares -- 0 comments

July 2nd, 2008

Back to Basics: A.M. or P.M.

A.M., or "ante meridiem" in Latin, means before noon.

P.M., or "post meridiem" in Latin, means after noon.

One letter difference, but if you aren’t paying attention it could mean missing your flight.

It always amazes me how otherwise bright people can get totally confounded by departure times. 

There was a situation involving a friend who has a 12:30 a.m. departure.  While the rest of the gang was pleasantly imbibing at the airport bar, one friend was missing in action.  Boarding time came, and the gang got onboard the aircraft.  Still one missing friend.  Next thing you know, it was wheels up, and the gang was en route — minus one.

What happened to this responsible executive?  Did he deliberate no-show his pals? 

No, it was nothing like that.  It was those a.m. initials that him all off kilter.  Something he didn’t realize until he checked in for his flight, believing that it would depart a little after noon.

Moral of this true story — check your departure time.  Does it say a.m. or p.m.?  (I think the problem occurs mostly in the 12-1 a.m. time frame, because it’s dark and people think of it as night time rather than as being before noon.)

And if you’ve got to mix things up, better to be 12 hours too early for your flight, than 12 hours too late.

Photo credit: SXC

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By Mary Jo Manzanares -- 4 comments

July 1st, 2008

Oahu Dolphin Cruise: Hoku Nai’a Wild Dolphin Watch

My trip to Hawaii last fall was motivated by a desire for some rest and relaxation, some warm weather, and an overall escape from my gray Seattle life.  I was longing for time spent on a balcony, watching the sunset or sunrise, listening to the waves, and having a slow-paced week ahead of me.

In fact, that type of vacation is one of the reasons people love Hawaii – sun, sand, surf, and stepping on the treadmill of ordinary life.

But at some point, you’re going to want to do something else.  I had a handful of ideas of those “other things” and one of the top of my list was whale watching.  Only problem — I was there on the very early end of the season, and the whales weren’t in town.

It didn’t take but a heartbeat to come up with another idea – if I couldn’t see whale, how about some dolphins?!  I remember watching these graceful and playful creatures as they’d swim alongside a cruise ship.  They’d play in the water, jumping about, almost like they were mocking us.

But I’m also sensitive to not disturbing marine habitat.  They were there first, after all, and I was just interested in viewing, not disrupting them.  Find a tour that appreciated the delicate and important balance between man and nature was important.

The Hoku Nai’a Wild Dolphin Watch Cruise offered by Star of Honolulu seemed to offer a good choice.

The day started off with an early morning pick up (a little after 7 am) at my Waikiki hotel.  "Pick up" meant transportation to west Oahu (our cruise departure location), and was in a comfortable air-conditioned motor coach.  There were a couple of guests from my hotel booked on the cruise, and we picked up a additional guests at stops at other Waikiki hotels.  If you have a car and want to drive, you can meet directly at the harbor, but it was easy and comfortable to just leave the driving and timing to someone else.

The morning ride occurred during morning commute traffic — yes, such a thing exists even in the islands!  The time passed easily as people napped. chatted, or watched an island video played on the motor coach player.   I appreciated that our hosts were available to point out a few sights along the way, answer questions, but did not barrage us with silly puns and inane patter.  Silence is golden at that time of morning.

We were all awake and ready to board by the time we reached Wai’anae Boat Harbor in west Oahu. 

The Hoku Nai’a is a new two-deck catamaran (in photo above), and was custom built to allow for viewing marine life without disturbing them.  On the day of my cruise, there were only about 25-30 passengers (it was off-season), but the boat will hold 149 passengers.  I’d expect it to be much busier during peak season.

As we all wandered around checking out the boat, and locating a spot to sit for departure, we were briefed in some safety information, told a little bit about where we would be going and what to expect, and served some beverages.  Once our crew had everything in order, we were on our way.

But did we see dolphins?  Keep reading. . . .

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By Mary Jo Manzanares -- 1 comment

June 30th, 2008

Matchbook Monday: Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

Today’s Matchbook is from Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, with locations in Chicago (60 East Grand, the corner of Grand & Rush Streets) and Las Vegas (3500 Las Vegas Boulevard South, The Forum Shops at Caesars).

The restaurant is an extension of Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach, expanding the menu to include items that can keep it operating year round, even when stone crabs aren’t in season.  Joe’s takes the concept a whole lot further with an extensive selection of seafood flow in daily and signature steaks, combining it with the classics from Miami.

Both locations are open for lunch and dinner, with times varying at each location.  Continuous service is offered for a late lunch/early dinner option, and late dining is offered in the lounge for an additional half hour after the main dining room closes.

Check out the menu and see what appeals.  I haven’t tried the stone crab yet (my timing is always off), but I can recommend the mussels, the vegetable chop salad, and Joe’s Steakhouse Salad, the latter a great lunch choice.  For dessert try the Peanut Butter Pie with Hot Fudge – it’s delicious!

Do you have a matchbook from one of YOUR favorite places?  Or from a little out of the way place that you discovered?  Take a photo of the matchbook and email it to me, along when any comment that you have, and I’ll be happy to feature it on an upcoming Matchbook Monday.

Photo credit: personal collection

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By Mary Jo Manzanares -- 0 comments

June 29th, 2008

Looking Ahead to Mexico!

I’ve been sick this month, and have spent the entire time on bed rest, recuperating from a bout of pneumonia.  It hasn’t been any fun being grounded, and I’ve missed out on a great month of flying (wonderful layovers), as well as all the fun things here at home in Seattle.

One of the things that has made this month bearable (well, in addition to my wonderful friends who have checked in on me) has been going through some travel photos from previous trips. . .

. . . like this one from a stay in Mexico earlier this year.

I’ll be heading back to Mexico next month.  This time away from the beach, and into more central Mexico, to Guadalajara. 

Since it’s been close to 15 years since I was last there, I’m sure there have been lots of changes.  It will be almost like visiting the city for the first time. I have lots of ideas about thing to see and do, but if any readers know any must-see places, fun restaurants, bars, or cafes, or any other recommendations, I’d love to hear about them!

Photo credit: personal collection

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By Mary Jo Manzanares -- 2 comments

June 28th, 2008

A Little French Gothic in Newark, New Jersey

The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark, is an impressive French gothic cathedral with intricate sculptures, bronze doors, and over 200 stained glass windows.  It’s about the size of London’s Westminster Abbey – only in Newark, New Jersey.

Following nearly 95 of planning, building, planning some more, and changing plans, the cathedral was finished in 1954.  The Cathedral was elevated to the status of a Basilica by Pope John Paul II when he visited in 1995.

Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart is located at 89 Ridge Street, in Newark, New Jersey.  In addition to the Mass schedule, the cathedral is open to the public Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 7 pm, and Sunday 1-3 pm.  Concerts and other musical performances are offered throughout the year.

Sacred Heart is the fifth largest cathedral in the United States, and holds the largest pipe organ ever built.  To fully appreciate the power and magnificence of a pipe organ, you really must hear it in person.  But until you can, here’s a wonderful taste of what’s to come.

Photo credit: flickr

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By Mary Jo Manzanares -- 0 comments

June 27th, 2008

Flight Attendant Friday: The Next Vacation Spot

This is a frequently asked question.

Q.  Where are you going on vacation this year?

A.  I’ve already managed a couple vacations so far this year — a long weekend in Las Vegas and two and a half weeks in Italy, to name just two.

I tend to stay around Seattle during the summer time, because it’s so darn nice here during this time of year.  I do have a couple long weekend kind of trips planned, one to San Francisco in July and one to Las Vegas in September.

I will probably do a girls getaway weekend in October, probably somewhere warm and relaxing.

My next major vacation time will be around Thanksgiving, and I’m still considering options.  I haven’t ruled out “crossing the pond” and London is on my short list.

That’s where I’m going – how about you?

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By Mary Jo Manzanares -- 1 comment

June 26th, 2008

Samantha Brown: Passport to Great Weekends

Tonight is the season premiere of everyone’s favorite gal around town, Samantha Brown. This season will focus on the shorter vacation, that quick getaway weekend that is both easier to schedule and kinder on the budget.

Where are the great places for that weekend getaway?  Of course, it all depends on where you live, but since the season will have ideas from all around the world you’ll probably find something close to YOUR home.

Two episodes air tonight, the first at 10 pm, the second at 10:30 pm (times are both ET/PT), featuring two wonderful cities – Las Vegas and Austin, Texas.

In Las Vegas, Samantha hangs out downtown with the locals, and then enjoys a little time at the glamorous Wynn.  Las Vegas is known for it’s over the top experiences, and the Wynn doesn’t disappoint!

And in Austin, Samantha checks out the music and nightlife that Austin is famous for, as well as slowing life down to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

These are two pretty great spots for a weekend getaway, and it looks like it’s going to be a great season!

Video courtesy of The Travel Channel

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By Mary Jo Manzanares -- 0 comments

June 25th, 2008

Back to Basics: Carry On Your Electronic Gear & Recharging Equipment

Last fall I wrote about 10 things you should always carry onboard.  It’s still good advice, although a recent travel story from a friend made me re-read my post. 

I had missed the obvious – carry on your electronic gear!  Your iPod (or other music player), laptop, cell phone, Kindle, any of those thing – they all go in your carry on.  Your headset, too! 

The obvious reason is that you are bringing them to use on the flight –- which is probably why I didn’t think to mention them before.  But even if you aren’t going to use the items until you get to your destination, they are too fragile and expensive to be packed away.

While you’re at it, make sure you put on your re-charging equipment, ac adapters, and things like that in your carry on as well.  I know this can take up a lot of room, but after using your equipment on a long flight, you’ll want to re-charge everything.  If your bags go missing, at least you’ll have access to tools that can help you solve the problem.

Photo credit: SXC

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By Mary Jo Manzanares -- 3 comments

June 24th, 2008

Shopping & Culture on LA’s Olvera Street

Olvera Street (845 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles), also known as El Pueblo Historic Monument, is the birthplace of the City of Los Angeles.  The block-long street, one of the oldest in the city, features historic buildings lining a traditional Mexican style plaza, and is home to one of the most colorful marketplaces that you’ll ever see.

The street was originally a short lane, called Wine Street.  The lane was eventually extended, and the name changed to honor Agustin Olvera, the first county judge of Los Angeles.  Although it became a dirty, unused alley for a period of time, the area was eventually re-habbed, closed off to vehicles, trees were planted, and a large wooden cross was put up at the south end of the street. 

Olvera Street officially opened on Easter Sunday, 1930, and provided a place for Mexican American vendors to sell their goods, as well as to way to preserved their customs and culture.  The first restaurant in the city to sell authentic Mexican food opened here in 1930.  That restaurant, La Golondrina, is still there today.

In 1953 Olvera Street was designated as a California State Historic Landmark, and today it has become a center of Mexican commerce, culture and tourism.  It attracts over two million visitors a year.

Continue reading to find out what Olvera Street is like today!

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