Greetings from rainy Southern California. We’ve had a relatively wet winter so far and next week does not look any better. But after years of drought, I’m happy to see rain in the forecast. Speaking of drought, I am so thankful that my blogging drought is over. It is too early to tell how this blog will grow or whether it will grow, but taking on a “second job” in writing multiple times each day has been invigorating.
I’m averaging three blog posts per day this month, which means I’ve written more this month than the previous 11 combined, but my goal is to double that output. Like any muscle, my “writing muscle” needs more training in order to do this. I’m not organized enough in my other ventures and simply not fast enough to churn out content at that rate, let alone quality content. But over time, I hope that will change. Waking up in the writing mindset each day is something that requires a lot of practice.
Sometimes I fear that if I do too much, I will suffer a heath setback like United CEO Oscar Munoz. I’ve had a headache for five days that I cannot get rid of. Naturally I will see my doctor, but I believe it is simply stress-related. In an attempt to relieve stress, my wife and I are spending the weekend at beautiful resort and I will be spending extended periods of time relaxing in the spa…I find the sauna and steam room wonderfully cathartic. Hopefully some sleeping too if Augustine permits it…
As you enter the new year, remember that taking care of your body is quintessential to taking care of your other duties and obligations. That’s food for thought I really need to eat myself…
Here’s my weekly review:
TOP STORY: Video: Citibank VP Thrown Off Delta Flight, Attacks Cheering Passengers
Why are the Daily Mail stories always the most popular posts of the week? Read about how a couple became agitated over the use of a lavatory on a Delta flight to Los Angeles. Upon diverting, police entered the aircraft and had to drag off the woman. Meanwhile, the man began throwing punches at another passenger who snickered at him.
Photos: My 10 Best Flights in 2016
12 best flights really…I could not narrow the list down any further so I created two “ties”. Even though I’ve primarily traveled in business class this year, traveling in first class on Etihad, JAL, ANA, Qatar, and Malaysia has again shown me that I will always spend the extra miles for first class when available.
A Trick for Finding Hidden Award Seats
Using married segment fare logic and “direct” flights to your advantage is the key to unlocking hidden award space.
My Garuda First Class Award is Ticketed!
A generous reader saved me a trip to Singapore or Amsterdam by ticketing my held Garuda reservation, a fitting end to an utterly bizarre 90%-off fare sale by Garuda.
PERSONAL
Twas the Night Before Christmas: 2016 Edition
Reflecting on Priorities This Christmas
2016: A Year of Change
REPORTS & REVIEWS
Detour: My Other Africa Trip Report
Review: Lufthansa Welcome Lounge Frankfurt
Review: Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Frankfurt
My First International Business Class Meal: SFO-LHR on UA930
Photos: My 10 Best Flights in 2016
Frankfurt to Istanbul in Turkish Airlines A330 Business Class
NEWS & COMMENTARY
A Primer On Married Segments
A Trick for Finding Hidden Award Seats
How to Say “Merry Christmas” in 26 Languages
This Makes Me Want to Fly Alitalia
My Garuda First Class Award is Ticketed!
Lufthansa vs. Turkish Within Europe
It’s That Time of Year Again…
The End of Free Parking in Las Vegas
Video: Citibank VP Thrown Off Delta Flight, Attacks Cheering Passengers
United Denies Rumor It Will Cut Hot Food from Lounges
Tokyo Airport Now Offers Cell Phone Toilet Paper
I guess I understand why “Tomorrow Never Flies” didn’t make it into your logo.
LOL! Your comment made my evening!