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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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

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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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Olvera Street

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!

As you wander the market, you’ll find many shops carrying the typical wares that you’d find in a market in Mexico (check the merchant directory).  You’ll also find numerous restaurants and outdoor cafe serving traditional, and authentic, Mexican food, and on weekends the plaza is full of entertaining musicians and dancers.

It’s a great place to be for many of the important annual fiestas, including the Blessing of the Animals, Mardi Gras, Cinco de Mayo, and Dia De Los Muertos

When planning a visit, I’d recommend allowing a couple hours.  There are lots of great photos opportunities, and you’ll want to spend some time wandering through the various stalls and shops, soaking up the sun and the culture.

Be sure to allow time for a bite to eat.  You’ll be tempted by all the delicious aromas wafting the through the plaza, and you’ll regret it if you don’t have time to succumb to that temptation.  Hint:  try the mole!

Olvera Street is open daily from 10 am – 7 pm (some stores keep different hours), and is free to wander through. 

Photo credits:  Courtesy of the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

Since I had about an hour to spare before meeting a friend to see the performance, and because I was looking for a quiet place to have a drink – away from the craziness, noise, and frenetic energy of the casino – and so I chose L’ Atelier du Joel Robuchon.

Walking to the door, I advised the maitre d’ that I wanted a quiet place to sit and enjoy a glass of wine.  He escorted me through the main dining area, which consists of a large open kitchen in the center of the room surrounded by a counter where diners are seated, to a small bar at the back of the restaurant.  It was a perfect location, away from the frenetic energy of the food preparation and the noise of gregarious diners.  And I appreciated that I wasn’t stuck in some corner where I’d be ignored, as so often can happen with a woman dining (or drinking).

With the help of the wine steward I selected a nice glass of red wine, full-bodied enough to stand on its own and not needing a food pairing to bring out its best flavor.  The wine steward was helpful, inquiring about my taste preferences, and made two suggestions, allowing me to choose. 

When served, the wine was opened in front of me, a nice touch that guaranteed me that the wine was fresh.  It was delicious, and I could settle back and enjoy some relaxation time before meeting up with friends.  The service was excellent, with my waiter checking back to see if I needed anything more without hovering or making me feel uncomfortable for just want to enjoy a good glass of red.  Bread and crackers were offered, although I declined.

I did have a chance to browse through the dinner menu, and it contained some delicious sounding items, including small tasting-sized portions and a complete multi-course tasting menu.  I spent a little extra time looking at the dessert menu (my favorite course), and was nearly tempted by La Framboise (fresh raspberry surprise inside white chocolate sphere, yuzu ice cream).

This is not a restaurant for the budget conscious.  A glass of good wine is going to run you around $25, and from a quick look at the menu, I’d guess that a nice meal and a cocktail is going to run you around $100+ per person.  Wine will increase that tab substantially.  Of course, since Joel Robuchon was named “Chef of the Century” that price may be a fair one.  People who’ve eaten there rave about it!

The stop off was exactly what I wanted, a half hour of quiet time, away from the crowds of people, before continuing on with an evening full of plans.

Would I go back?  Absolutely!  And I’m looking to try the tasting menu next time.

L’ Atelier is open for dinner only, Sunday – Thursday 5:30 – 10:30 pm; Friday & Saturday 5 –11:30 pm.

Photo credit: Personal collection

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

What I always loved about Guadalajara, was that it was a “real” city, as opposed to the beach cities.  Although tourism plays an important of the economic fabric of the Guadalajara, the city is also home to several universities, and, along with Mexico City, is a center for international commerce.

I’m sure that a lot of things have changed since I’ve been there, but I remember having a lot of fun shopping at Tlaquepaque, Tonola, Trocadero, and the Mercado Libertad.  And watching the glass blowers, artisans, buying delicious freshly roasted coffee beans, and savoring freshly made tortillas with a cold margarita.

Some of those landmark sites will still be there, of course.  But I know those of those little cafe, bars, and little shops that I loved are probably gone or have changed hands.  I’m going to try to find some of those old favorites, but am hoping that you can help me find some new ones.

Do you have some favorite places in Guadalajara?  A great place for a simple bite to eat and a cold beverage?  Some place that has a nice selection of local art?  The best place to find some nice gift ideas?

Please take a minute to either leave your suggestions in the comments, or email me directly.  I’m hoping you can make my time in Guadalajara the very best that it can be!

Photo credit: flickr

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

How will the rising cost of air travel impact your summer travel plans?

Cruise over to the side bar and check off the answer that most closely explains your plans for summer travel.

I’ll be leaving voting open for just a few more days.

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

I get lots of questions and emails from young men and women (teens) who “want to be a Flight Attendant when they grow up.”  The common thread in the questions is asking what can be done NOW to prepare for the job LATER.

Q.  What can I do now to make sure that I will be hired as a Flight Attendant when I get older?

A.  First of all, it’s important to recognize when LATER might actually be.

Most U.S. carriers have a minimum age requirement of 21.  Some of the smaller regional carriers (also known as commuter airlines) may have a minimum of 18, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

To keep you going till then, here are some suggestions.

1. Stay in school, get good grades, and go to college.  This is a highly competitive job field, and the airlines can be picky.  Show that you have outstanding credentials by doing a good job at everything you do.  Most applicants have college degrees, and nearly all have some level of college education.
2. Get a job, even if it’s part-time, and develop a good employment record.  Airlines need to hire reliable, conscientious employees.  Show that you are committed to your job, whatever that job may be, by developing a solid work ethic of showing up for work, on time, and being a diligent employee.
3. Learn a language, or maybe even two.  I’m not talking about a couple years of high school French.  I’m talking about mastering a language so that you can read, write, and think in something other than English.  Airlines may not require it, but it gives you a leg up.  And all things being equal, you want as much as you can on your side of the equation.
4. Take care of your health.  The job of a Flight Attendant is a physical one.  You need to be able to lift, carry, be on your feet for hours, and live on a irregular schedule.  Start young to develop good health habits that will allow you to perform the duties of the job when you are older.
5. Practice good grooming habits.  While the glamour days of the industry are long gone, this is still a front-line customer service job.  Taking pride in how you look indicates that you will be a good representative of an airline.  All shapes, sizes, and ages are being hired for the job, but basic good grooming skills are required.
6. Travel when you can.  Many people who are hired for the job have never been away from home, so this is definitely not a deal breaker.  However, exposure to what travel is all about (and what’s it’s not) gives you a realistic view of what’s it’s like to live on the road.
7. Be curious.  Curious people have an innate interest in the world around them.  They embrace new experiences, are not afraid of unfamiliar locations and cultures.  It just makes you a more interesting person, and that makes you a more attractive applicant.
8. Hope timing is on your side.  The airline industry goes through its own special cycles of ups and downs.  When you’re finally old enough to start applying, you hope it’s during a growth time in the industry, rather than a time of cutbacks and layoffs.  Is there a best time to get hired?  Generally speaking, it’s always preferable to be hired a the beginning of an upswing.  But if you want to get into the industry, the best time to start is the day you get hired!

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe

• Filipina Soul – A yummy sounding recipe for Putong Puti (Rice Muffins).
• Flyaway Cafe – Picks her 7 Family Vacation Destinations that are FUN & Educational.
• Geeky Traveller – Answers the questions Is the New iPhone 3G useful for travelers?
• Let’s Visit Asia – Unfortunately, Thai Airways Adjusts Fuel Surcharge (hint:  it’s going up).
• Sirened – An argument for decriminalization of drugs with Prescription Drugs Kill More People than Illegal Drugs.
• Southern Byways – Suggests Museum Exhibitions to See This Summer.
• Starked DC – Give us his Electoral College Forecast: 6/17 Update.
• Starked SF – Explores Reality Television: America’s Obsession with Losing and Failure.
• The Boston Traveler – Another yummy regional recipe, How to Make Boston Cream Pie from Scratch.
• The Chicago Traveler – A restaurant review, Green Zebra Offers Upscale Vegetarian.
• The DC Traveler – Something to think about, Place to Reflect and Remember.
• The Denver Traveler – A beautiful look at Colorado’s Capitol Building.
• The Disney Traveler – Spells out the 2008 Walt Disney World Park Ticket Prices in Simple Terms.
• The Hawaii Traveler – An eating guide,  Aloha, and Thanks For All the Fish.
• The Kuala Lumpur Traveler – Saving money is always important, Pak Lah latest cost cutting measures proved that the government can save.
• The Las Vegas Adventurer – Good news on a popular story, The Mirage Welcomes Tiger Cubs to the Secret Garden.
• The London Traveler – Shopping anyone –  Harrods or Harvey Nicks?
• The New York City Traveler – Outdoor urban haunts, 5 Favorite Rooftop Bars in New York City (and 1 in New Jersey).
• The Paris Traveler – Explain a culinary treat, Let’s Go To Italy (Or My Kitchen) and Eat Some Nutella.
• The San Diego Traveler – BIG golf news, Tiger Takes It In Sudden Death Overtime.
• The Seattle Traveler – Fact and fiction, The Legend & Money of D.B. Cooper.
• The South Florida Traveler – Keep cool, Cool Off at the Venetian Pool.
• The Switzerland Traveler – Simply beautiful, Even More Photos of Chateau Chillon.
• The Sydney Traveler – It’s about the animals, A Day at the Zoo.
• The Tokyo Traveler – The song and the game, Pachinko – Get your Gambling Fix in Tokyo!
• The Vancouver Traveler – It’s all about the music, 23rd Vancouver International Jazz Festival.
• Traveling the Green Way – Sustainable eating, On the Road: Finding Eco-Friendly Restaurants.

Did you miss some of the great posts?  You can make sure that you don’t miss out on a single thing, by subscribing to the entire channel feed.

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Post from: Fly Away Cafe