HOUSE KEEPING: Remember when you click on the pictures in "Where's Johnny Jet," they will open up in another window. Just click the "x"(close) in each picture to get back to the newsletter. This should alleviate complaints about closing Johnny Jet. Thanks again for your support, and remember: If you book trips on the web, please go through JohnnyJet.com. (It will save you money).
TOURISM CARES
I was in New Orleans because of a Tourism Cares event. The nonprofit organization brings the tourism industry together to 'give back'. It's a volunteer program to help preserve, conserve and protect tourism-related sites in America that need care and rejuvenation. In addition, they make grants to restore the world's natural, cultural and historic treasures. It was formed in 1999 by combining the National Tourism Foundation and the Travelers Conservation Foundation. Those in the travel industry can volunteer for their annual projects and travel corporations can become sponsors by donating a minimum of $5,000. The general public can help out buy purchasing $5 wristbands or donating cash. But the real reason for the organization is to show that the tourism industry really does care.
CAFÉ DU MONDE
Our day began at 7:30am when the almost 350 volunteers met at Café Du Monde for free coffee and beignets (French-style doughnuts covered with powdered sugar). The owner was one of the many sponsors of the weekend. Café Du Monde is another New Orleans landmark. It was established in 1862 and it's open 24/7 (closed just December 24 at 6pm to Dec 26 at 6am). What surprised me is that every single person working there was Vietnamese. They say it's been like that for a while but I don't recall – at all. I do know the beignets are good and with each bite, I could just feel my belly grow. Café Du Monde, 800 Decatur Street, New Orleans, Tel: 504-525-4544.
PARADE TO ARMSTRONG PARK
After filling our bellies and gaining our strength for the day ahead, we all gathered for instructions a few feet away at the Washington Artillery Park on Decatur Street, opposite St. Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square. Then, with a police escort, a swing band led us across the French Quarter to Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square. It was the highlight of the trip! Even cooler was when, the next day, I saw a similar parade but much smaller. Turns out it was a wedding procession and as I snapped a few pictures, I heard someone yell, "Johnny Jet!" It was a Southwest Airlines spokesperson. What a small world.
ARMSTRONG PARK AND CONGO SQUARE
This year, Tourism Cares chose the city of New Orleans to help resurrect its famous Louis Armstrong Park because Hurricane Katrina devastated it. The 32-acre park is located in the Treme neighborhood, just across Rampart Street, and is so important because it has a significant social impact on the community. Many of the jazz greats honed their skills here and inside the park is Congo Square, which in the 18th century, was where the slaves would gather on their one day off a week (Sundays) and set up a market, sing, dance and play music. Some say it represents the single most important location of African-American heritage in our country so it's truly hallowed ground. Later, in 1970, it became the site of the first New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
MANUAL LABOR
I have to be honest: I haven't done much manual labor in the past few years but I grew up doing it every week. The almost 350 volunteers were broken into groups of about 20. Unfortunately, our team leader wasn't given the proper instructions so our team made the best of it and we restored a gate on the far side, away from all the others. However, the others made a significant difference and though we didn't complete the job (they really need to expand the work days to at least two), the project did kick start a major restoration project that would have taken the park staff several months to complete. For me, the most gratifying part of it was parading down the street and having the locals dance and wave to us. Some stopped to say, "Thank you. We are so glad you are here." I was too and I hope to be at next year's project (April 16-18, 2009) in Gettysburg, VA.
*If you heard about us somewhere else or have the link to the story please email Johnny Jet media and let us know where!
SOME OF LAST WEEK'S READER AIR-eMAIL
Your trip to Paris reminded me of a trip my wife and oldest daughter took almost 10 years ago. We flew to Paris and took the Eurostar to London for the day. We too we worried while under the English channel but our trip was before 9/11 so didn’t have terrorist activity in mind. Geof O’Connor - San Diego and San Francisco
This is the BEST travel site I’ve ever seen! I loved the pic hyperlinks! It was almost as good (maybe better) than being there! Fabulous! Good job! I’ve got you bookmarked and will return often!
Mary Beth – Austin, TX
Great information- I think would like to visit this place. Rick R. – Australia
My name is Rafael, I am not a world traveler, but I do enjoy reading on your world travel quest. I have been keeping track of your web site for over a year, and I will say that I have been very please. I can't find noting bad to say about your web site ; keep up the good work. I would like to ask you one thing, and I hope it's not too personal, but how do you afford to travel to so many places with out going bankrupt. Every time I plan a Trip; I have to work the night shift just to go around the block. Are you sponsor by someone or just have a lot of mula?
Like I said; I hope I'm not too intrusive. Before I forget; I also have your book (very good). Rafael -
RE: WHY SNEAKERS? Try a pair of Trail Running Shoes.
You can get some that don’t look totally outrageous & they will do wonders with your Orthotics in them. I have Arthritis in a few of my toe joints along with Arch Support issues & these with the orthotics are incredible. I have a pair of Grey Asolo’s that I wear every day & won’t wear anything else unless I want to pay dearly for it later. Gary R - Ware, Massachusetts
FEEDBACK FOR GEORGETTE
As a "Mainer" I wanted to clarify something from your awesome trip here! Glad you did in the summer, much better than in the snow! Portland Headlight is in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, not South Portland. The town of Cape Elizabeth runs Ft. Williams Park where the lighthouse is. Also next time in Bar Harbor try "Cafe this Way". Excellent, eclectic food in a casual setting. Yummy! Thanks - Chris Rothweiler - Falmouth, Maine
I just loved your article about your ski trip to Utah! Lots of great detail and makes me want to return to Utah for some more skiing. I am still a beginning after many years, but love your locations. My last ski trip I also had boots that were too tight and I had marks on my calves for a week after my trip! It is so nice to hear from Johnny’s older sister. I had a chance to talk to him at the LA Travel Show. He is my idol! Jeanne K - Long Beach, CA
FEEDBACK FOR CAROL
Bravo. Well written- it was just like we were there. Great pictures- great story- great places to visit! Steve S - Altoona, PA
*Please note that we reserve the right to post excerpts, perhaps edited, from your message on the Johnny Jet website and newsletter. We will not use your full name without your express permission. If you'd rather not have your message posted on the website or newsletter, just say so and it won't be.
HOUSEKEEPING
This Newsletter is sent by permission only. If you wish to subscribe, unsubscribe or change your subscription at any time, please login
HERE. If you have any questions or suggestions
please send message addressed to Johnny@JohnnyJet.com
• About
Johnny • Publicity
• Newsletter
Archive • My
Mom • Photogallery
• Contact
Us 
