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).
PETER GREENBERG'S BOAT PARTY
Speaking of Peter Greenberg, he's not only one of my travel gurus, but he's also a friend and I'm fortunate to often be a guest on his weekly radio show and attend his bi-annual boat parties, which are always great fun. There are usually about 50 people or so on his 70-something-foot-yacht for the cruise around Marina Del Rey. The last party was in December and it was chilly but last Wednesday, the weather was absolutely perfect. Peter slowed the engines when we floated by one of the biggest private ships I have ever seen: The Princess Mariana. This monster, complete with a helipad, is just unreal. When I got home that night I did a Google search and learned that Carlos Peralta Quintero, who's the president of a Mexican cellular phone company and the Mexico City Tigres baseball team, owns the boat. I have no idea how much this 258-foot, deluxe power boat costs but I read you can rent it for $606,500 a week and that it has a 1,000-bottle tequila cellar onboard. One thing is for sure: It reminded of me of the yachts I've seen in Cannes, Sardegna and Monaco.
MB SIX-MAN VOLLEYBALL TOURNEY
Despite only being in Los Angeles for a few days, it was perfect timing to attend the Manhattan Beach Surf Festival. The highlight is the annual Six-Man/Six-Woman Charlie Saikley Volleyball Tournament. This event is getting downright out of control ... in a good way! The tipping point was probably when it was featured on Wild On E a few years back but each year, this 200-team tournament is maxed out. Most are stacked with top players, including pros. They aren't too difficult to find since Manhattan Beach is the beach volleyball capital of the world. What makes this tourney so much fun is that every team has a theme and they dress the part. There's Team Fletch (all wearing Lakers jerseys with six-inch 'fros and even has ex-Laker great Kurt Rambis as a member), the clan from The 80’s WWF, The Flying Nuns, The GrandMamas (one uses a walker) and the Cougar Hunters.
GET IN LINE EARLY
This should give you an idea how big the tournament is getting: two years ago, you could stroll into City Hall 90 minutes after applications were being accepted (usually June 1) and get a spot in the tournament. Last year, there was a line down the street 90 minutes before the doors opened and our team didn't get in. This year, if you wanted to play, you had to camp out the night before to get in line as teams are coming from all over the country. I wonder how many nights people are going to need to camp out next year. One thing that was different this year is that the cops were really cracking down on the drinking on the beach. If they saw a beer can in your tent, they would come in and take your beer away (probably for one bigger party back at the station). However, if you were discreet, they would leave you be, which was cool. To see the craziness, check out my two-minute photomontage below. For more information on the tournament, log on to SurfFestival.org and remember Saturday is the day you want to attend.
VIDEO
This week we don't just have one video but two! One is of this year's Manhattan Beach Six-Man Volleyball Tournament and the other is last year's. Check them out here!
NEXT WEEK Next week, we go for a spin on the world's largest commercial plane that's just beginning to service America.
*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
I will be flying into JFK soon and really appreciate your recommendation on transportation into the city. Thanks for the newsletters. Susan B. - Minneapolis Minnesota.
So sorry to read about your brother, but it sounds like he's doing well and, hopefully, will continue on that path. You're a good brother! Very best, Marilyn - NYC
I love the way Johnny writes. I have always felt like part of the family. Having said that, it means that I have his brother in all my prayers now for a total recovery. I am so sorry that he has to endure the chemo/radiation thing, but from the looks of his family, he has a lot of love and support. The absolute best thing is to keep taking vitamins thru it all! Mega doses no matter what the Doctor says and to keep laughing and praying and living life to the hilt. I shan't stop praying 'til he gets a good result. Sheila B -
I was shocked like your family was to hear of your brother and all he has to go through. This is so difficult for you; I am always am amazed at how you continue to give tribute to your mom. My husband had a relationship with his mom similar to you; he is Italian/Sicily second generation in the North End of Boston. I want you to know how I feel for Frank and all of you, what a strange kind of cancer to have to fight. Please keep us updated on the successful recovery...and you not traveling far is the support I know he needs. How you are so adept at traveling continues to amaze me! Sailinsal - Boston
Johnny, as you may know I have been a fan of yours from the very beginning. I read about your mother, Amber Airplane, your dad and now, your brother. I seriously got tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. I don't know how, but I feel like I sincerely "know" you and your family. Your weekly emails are always so personable that I feel you are writing just to me (I am sure everyone feels this way). Through the year's I've gotten to know your family through your beautifully written words. It's at the point where I find myself talking about you (and them) as If you are "old friends of mine", so when I read about Frank my heart broke. One thing I know is that he has the most amazing support and love around him. That, along with the world's best Doctor, and a positive attitude can only mean a 100% recovery. My mother was diagnosed with cancer 5 years ago this January. I was 27. It was the scariest time of my life. I am happy to say she has made a 100% recovery. With today's medicine and treatments there really isn't much that can't be fixed. From the bottom of my heart I wish you, your family, and especially Frank all the best. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Desiree S. - Providence, RI
Thanks for providing so much entertainment and education to all of us readers. I am sorry to hear that your brother is battling cancer at the moment, but I respect you for being there for him. I will put your brother, and your family in my prayers. I look forward to seeing your newsletters in my inbox, and have enjoyed virtual traveling with you. Best of luck to you and your family. Thanks again for everything you do! Madge C. -
Dear Johnny and Family, God bless you all and give you the strength to travel through these trying times together. We all love you, Judy - Naples
I'm so sorry to hear about your brother...I'm keeping fingers crossed for a full and speedy recovery for him. I also wanted to thank you for your RovAir tip in a previous newsletter. I used it on a recent New York trip (just got back the other night) and it was great. Thanks for that. Best Wishes, Julie
I read with interest the article on airline fees. However, the airlines don't always follow their own rules. My son recently flew United Airlines from Charleston, South Carolina, to Seattle/Tacoma for Army training at Fort Lewis, Washington. His travel was scheduled by the Army and he carried a copy of his military orders. In spite of all this, he was charged for his second bag, which the Army required him to bring for this assignment, by United Airlines personnel at the Charleston airport. Three phone calls and $7.00 worth of FAXes to United Airline customer service has brought no reply, no refund, and no apology! Apparently this occurs so often, that the personnel at Fort Lewis speak to the soldiers when they first arrive, so that it doesn't happen to them on their way home. Please use your contacts with the airlines to get this to stop! Our sons and daughters are in no position to argue with clueless airline personnel when they are hit with this at the airport. Karen F - REPLY FROM UNITED AIRLINES: Thanks for bringing this to our attention. We have resolved directly with our customer and provided a refund, and we have reinforced our policy with our vendor in Charleston. Jeff K - United Airlines
You can also take a bus from JFK to NYC: Trans-Bridge to Port Authority is $12. NY Airport Express to Grand Central or Penn Station is $15. Rich M - Easton, PA
Johnny, you, your Dad and the rest of your family are in our prayers and none of you so much as your brother Frank. Please accept the strength of our faith and the additional strength of the many faiths of all of your friends and colleagues who will offer their prayers and solace. Johnny, you are a very special and blessed person and just as you have given me strength to grow, I sincerely hope I am able to return the favor. Yours sincerely, Marcus T - FL
First of all, it's been quite some time since I've read one of your newsletters. I'd forgotten how wonderful and personal they are. Glad you're keeping up the good work. Johnny, I want to say that your brother will be in my prayers. I know all of you guys will hang tough as you go through this together. I'm glad he's in such good medical hands. That picture of the beloved pet duck on the chest of that gentleman in the pool is priceless. You've GOT to get that published somewhere...perhaps with a story. One thing I wish you'd have mentioned in your New York travel diary this week is a place called Sandy Hook beach. It's a 40 minute ferry ride from downtown Manhattan and a truly divine destination for the day. You should check it out. Glad to know you're still traveling the world and taking us along for the ride. Sincerely, John T - NY
I read your column every week and love it. I wish, like so many others, I had your life. I live to travel and esp. first class like you do sometimes.
I was so disturbed by your experience at US Customs. Yes it is so awful...they never smile at all....they all look miserable. It is the old saying…give someone a little power...and you see the real person. I realize working with the public is not easy...but must they all be so mean??? And why is JFK so very disgusting? This year I was in the airports in Seoul and Hanoi both stunning...the airport in Vienna is wonderful. Why is JFK so awful? There is no place to eat or sit there....terrible... Well I love reading about your adventures. Keep em coming...and I love your positive, practical attitude.
Sincerely, Sheryll R - Fort Lauderdale, FL
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