Saturday, February 27, 2016

27 Feb 2016 - Another weekend, Another Airport

On my way to The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico this weekend. I started traveling at 8am PST from Orange County, making a stop in Atlanta, and then continuing on to San Juan around 10:30pm Atlantic Time. This will be my 4th (I think) trip to one of my favorite Islands. One of the more interesting parts about this place is that it is a Province of the USA (partying since the 1898 treaty of Paris which ended the Spanish American war) so I don't need my passport to travel there.

I have purchased a new Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8" as my personal movie and book entertainment for long flights. It seems to be luck of the draw anymore if a flight will have in-seat entertainment; moreover, it is even more annoying when airlines want to charge you for it. My solution is this nice tablet PC (a cheaper alternative to Apple Ipad Mini). This is my 3rd one having owned a 7" Tab 2 and a 7" Tab 4. I prefer android as I have more of my media backed up through google instead of itunes.



I am often told by friends and family that they admire my lifestyle of travel. While the destinations are great most of the time, realize that I spend more waking hours stuck in a cramped coach seat than I would like. I think you should take "the test" to see if you can handle my life... : )

Here is a lovely simulation of flying from JFK to SFO:

How far did you get before you stopped watching?

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Bogota, Columbia 2016


  

I've been working this week in the country of Columbia. The reputation from the 80s-90s is no longer true, even though most Americans still believe it. I have not been robbed, kidnapped, or forced into the employment of a drug cartel. Honestly, I have been worrying about traveling here for the last few weeks.

There are 2 rules I still recommend you follow. Don't drink the water (ice) and don't use the unsolicited taxi services. I used a reserved private driver through the Hilton I stayed at.

This city is at an elevation of 2,640 m ( or 8,660 ft). That's about 3000ft higher than Denver. My home is at 57ft. I am really thankful for my marathon training because it is really difficult to breath here.

Outside my hotel, every Sunday they shut down an entire road creating a city-long bike/run trail.


1 US Dollar will get you about 3000 Columbian Pesos. Here is what 118,000 Pesos looks like:


I spent Sunday exploring some famous places in the city.

Cerro de Monserrate

On the Eastern side of the city, part of the Andes mountain range, there is a small church at the top of of one of the peaks. For about 3$ you can ride a cable car to the top.





At the top you can visit the church, grab a meal or do some shopping at the market. The view was incredible!








Museo del Oro (Gold Museum)

Free on Sunday's, you can visit the gold museum.
http://www.banrepcultural.org/gold-museum




A very famous piece, called the Musica Raft, is on display here. The detail on this tiny piece is incredible!



Street Markets and Bolivar Square

The rest of my adventure was spent on a local street market. I found a really neat fruit that was what I would call the love child of an Orange and a Grape (with a pit like a plum). I also had a traditional Columbian lunch (chicken, rice, lentils, cucumber salad, plantain)



Bolivar Square was a wonderful example of Spanish architecture. It reminded me of my visit to Madrid. I really loved the cathedral and the pipe organ music that was being played.



Sunday, February 7, 2016

6 Feb 2016 - a day in the life of a frequent business traveler

Good afternoon from JFK (New York). What are you doing on your day off?


Mine started at 3am PST with a drive to LAX. Once again my PreCheck status got me through security in record time. I can't help but be reminded of the Stereotype scene from Up In the Air.



We spent about 5 hours traveling to NYC. I am traveling to Columbia this weekend for a week of work. During the Winter months of Nov-March I tend to travel on Saturday (Friday for Europe/Asia) in order to minimize the risk of bad weather making me late. In 6 years of travel I have always made it to the job site on time.

I'm currently sitting in a Sky Club, a little perk I enjoy due to airline status and international tickets. I usually come to one of these if I have an hour or more before my next flight. They have free snacks and drinks. Sometimes it can also be a quite place...Sometimes it is crowded with family and kids.




In about 30 minutes I board my next flight and will spend 6 more hours in the air. I looks like Delta gave me a complimenatry upgrade to First Class. Very rare for me on international flights. I expect to land about 10:30pm EST and get to the hotel by 11:30pm. Going to sleep well tonight.