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).
LOS ANGELES TO ATLANTA
The following day I was networking at the media marketplace with tourism boards, CVBs and PR companies from all over the U.S. when I received one of those phone calls everyone dreads. My dad's wife Nancy said she had some bad news. My heart stopped as I thought the worst. She said that my dad's simple heart procedure had detected 95% blockage of his arteries. He would need emergency bypass surgery the next morning. I felt like someone hit me with a pipe. I lost my mom (who was my best friend) in 2000, and I was not ready to lose the second closest person to me. I had no idea that bypass surgery is now common, and the success rate is 98%. Even if I had known that, I wanted to be by my dad's side. I drove home, hopped on the internet and priced out tickets to Erie, Pennsylvania. (I grew up in Connecticut, but he moved to Erie when he remarried a few years ago.) Prices were steep for a last-minute ticket. At times like these I'm thankful for having miles and points in my accounts. Fortunately, I fly so much I have a bunch on numerous carriers. I found availability on Delta through Atlanta. One of the benefits of booking at the last minute is you can see flight loads. Delta has at least three redeye flights to Atlanta from LAX. I chose the one with the most seats open (it was on a wide-body 767). Before boarding the plane I asked the gate agent if I still had the whole center row to myself (the plane's configuration is 2-3-2). She told me I did, so I took the middle seat. (People who switch seats generally don't choose one next to someone.) Walking through the jam-packed first class section I thought, "What a bunch of suckers" -- especially the ones who just paid the extra $150 for an upgrade that the gate agents were advertising a few minutes earlier. A whole row in economy is 10 times better than first class on this plane. Sure enough, I slept almost the entire 3-hour, 40-minute flight. What's crazy is that the flight attendants didn't make passengers sit up on takeoff or landing. When we landed I was still lying down across all three seats (with my seat belt fastened, of course). So were a bunch of other passengers. Too cool!
ATLANTA TO ERIE
I arrived in Atlanta at 7 a.m., and had 2 1/2 hours before my flight to Erie. The first thing I did was go to the food court. A good sign of tasty food is a line – including flight crews (they always know where to go). After an unhealthy but good breakfast at Paschal's
(a Southern tradition), I went to my gate. I noticed a bunch of Army soldiers in uniform at the next gate. When breaking news came over the CNN TV's that nine American soldiers had been killed in Iraq, they slowly migrated toward the screen. As they and everyone else watching stood in disbelief, it became a very emotional scene – especially for me. Seeing these brave men -- most of whom looked like they were not even old enough to legally drink -- watch news that could very well have been their own obituaries was so sad. I was not the only one shedding a tear or two.
MY DAD My dad
underwent successful quadruple bypass surgery, and I am happy to report he is doing great. The first couple of days were really rough. I had never seen my father hooked up to a dozen machines, lying there so helpless. It brought back terrible memories of my mom's grueling 9-hour cancer operations. It will obviously be a long recovery, but the doctor said he looks good and could be out and around in a couple of weeks. If you are a new reader, here are a few of my most memorable trips with my dad. If you have A.D.D. (that's okay -- I have it too), I have included 2-minute videos as well.
Fiji (Click here for the Story and here for the Video)
*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
Wow! I love the Rio pics! I also love the Johnny Jet updates I get from your site and I pass them along to friends. They are great stuff. Joey D – New Orleans, LA
Had I know you were going to do a story on Brazil, I would have recommended that you also visit Salvador Bahia -- the most colorful place in the world where there are many different shades of brown and white -- and Recife. Recife like Rio suffered from garbage strewn beaches -- at least it did in 1989 which was the time I visited with my kids. We were appalled by all the garbage, and it kind of ruined the swimming for us. One of the hotel people in Recife suggested we try Porto de Gallinas which was an hour's drive away. Sounds like a long expensive drive but not then. We took a taxi which was around $20 each way or round trip -- who can remember that far back -- but Porto de Gallinas was a little paradise. Both the beaches and the water were crystal clear and clean and it was a lot of fun because they had these special boats and it was relatively shallow. We went back the next day and the next -- it was that great. Anna W- Warren, VT
Thought you all might enjoy this "presentation lesson" for a laugh. Fun little confection from my blog that you might enjoy. So you want to learn to present better? It's as easy as watching the Colbert Report.... Laura Athavale Fitton – Boston, MA
FEEDBACK FOR ALLY
I think Ally is a terrific writer and very funny, I would like to read more of her stuff. Kelly E.
Great article; well written and very entertaining. I want to go there now! Woody E.
Love to hear more from Ally. We had fun along with her. Sharon & David McCormack - California
Sounds like Ally and her friends had an awesome time. Just the thing for young people who want a little adventure but have to do it on a shoestring budget. If I ever get to Australia, I will be sure and check it out. Dvansandt - Costa Mesa, CA
FEEDBACK FOR FRANKIE D
Great story...but those of us who have summer homes on the Redneck Riviera would just as soon keep it a secret...If you run stories like this then everyone will know... Oh...and you didn't mention the price tag on this trip. Wilson W. - Tallahassee (but our beach cottage is in Carrabelle Beach which is on the Eastern end of the Redneck Riviera.)
You didn't go west into the Panhandle far enough. Come towards Pensacola, the gateway to Florida, where millions wish to live as thousands do. Destin? Yuck! Overcrowded with condo's and tourists. Get away from the crowds dude. Go west young man, go west! Walt G. - Gulf Breeze, FL
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