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Planning a road trip with the whole family? If so, this website provides fun travel games and road trip tips for everyone. This is one part of your travel planner that you can't leave without. MomsMinivan.com has over 100 ideas for fun things to do in the car with kids, along with travel games, car seat safety info and tips. It's all organized by age group, so look around -- there's something for the entire family. | ||
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HYPER LINK = WEBSITE 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 (we get a commission and it doesn't cost you any more money). "If you want Johnny Jet to continue I need your support and the support of your fellow travelers". This week's map is featured by MyTripJournal.com . Click here to set up your own free travel website. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Greetings! Last week we left off in Grand Haven, Michigan, during our lovely weekend getaway. Afterward, in the early afternoon, we drove back to Chicago. Our host (my cousin Sasha) talked us into eating lunch on the way home, rather than around the corner from her house. (That’s not a good sign. Hmmm -- maybe she wanted to make sure we split town?) Sasha and her husband Mike raved about a restaurant called Redamak’s. They said their burgers are worth the few extra miles (and the wait). So we put our hunger on the back burner for 90 minutes and drove to New Buffalo, Michigan. Redamak’s wasn’t the easiest place to find, probably because I was driving and didn’t pay attention to the street signs but rather the directions I was given by my cousins. (What fool does that? I am such a jackass sometimes). But we found it, and were surprised to see that Redamak’s looks like an oversized log cabin. The place was huge and packed – always a good sign. After sinking our teeth into one of their tasty hamburgers we were relieved. Our cousins didn’t just want us out of town; they actually hoped we’d eat well. Redamak’s: 616 East Buffalo St., New Buffalo, MI; tel.: (269) 469-4522. I spent a few extra days at my cousin’s house in the northern suburbs of Chicago. I love Chicago -- especially this time of year, when it’s neither too hot or cold. Besides, whenever I’m in these suburbs I feel like I’m in a John Hughes movie (he filmed many of my favorite movies there). The most eventful thing we did was go to dinner at Joy Yee’s. Joy Yee serves all kinds of savory Pan–Asian dishes, but what sets this place apart from other Asian restaurants are their fresh fruit smoothies. Boy, are they good! If I lived nearby, I’d go there every day. They have almost every flavor possible, including lychee and jackfruit, which I thought could be found only in Asia. They come with those big thick straws, which I love because I can suck my smoothie down that much faster. Joy Yee: 521 Davis St,, Evanston, IL; tel.: 847-733-1900. I flew back to L.A. on United. I sat in Economy Plus, which was very comfortable -- especially because the plane was half empty, and no one sat next to me (not that I don’t like meeting new people; I just love my space). The flight was uneventful, which was good, but I did notice some unusually nervous behavior by the pilot when he used the lavatory. We all know that flight attendants (FA’s) on U.S. carriers block the aisle with the food cart and watch the cabin carefully while the pilot relieves himself. Often the pilot comes out and chats for a couple of seconds with the cabin crew, but not this time. Our pilot moved so quickly back and forth between the bathroom and cockpit that he slammed the doors and didn’t say a word to the FA’s, or take his eyes off the aisle. It was crazy. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. On one hand it was comforting to see an alert pilot; on the other hand, it was frightening because he acted like he knew there was a terrorist on board but just had to use the restroom. He had me so nervous that for the rest of the flight I sat straight with my hands on my seat belt, ready to jump up and tackle anyone who dared rush the cockpit. Now that I am on the ground, I’m happy a flight attendant didn’t run by my seat from behind – I’d be in jail! Back in home in L.A., life was good -- and so was the weather (isn’t it always?). I spent a lot of time catching up on work, and dining out with friends and family. Since I ate out so much I can’t name all the places I visited -- but I will tell you about the most unusual place I went to. It’s a garlic lover’s paradise. Not only is the restaurant worth mentioning, but so is my ride over. My good buddy Kevin invited me to dinner with his wife and a gang of friends (most of them are actors or comedians, so they’re hilarious and fun to be around). Kevin is a freak when it comes to his cat. He and his wife used to walk the cat down the Strand (a path along the beach) in a baby carriage. When Kevin picked me up, guess who was in the passenger seat. That’s right: Princess, the cat. Can you believe Kevin wanted me to sit in the back seat while the cat sat in front? I was like, "What?! There is no way I’m driving around town in the back while your cat is in the passenger seat. Do you realize if we run into anyone we know I will NEVER hear the end of it?" So I shooed the cat out of the seat, but it didn’t jump to the back seat. In fact, I don’t think it’s ever set foot back there. Instead, it scrambled down to the floor by Kevin’s feet. Believe it or not Kevin is one of the smartest guys around, but his love for his cat leads him to some dumb decisions (like letting his cat sit on the floor by the pedals as he drove). When I freaked, Kevin said, "Relax! She sits there all the time." When we arrived safely, I jumped out and told him to remind me that next time, I drive. The unique restaurant we went to is called the Stinking Rose. What a name, huh? This place has everything garlic -- from the art work and decorations to the martinis. Have you ever had a Garlictini before? Judging by my friend RJ’s face, I don’t think you want one. I’m not a huge fan of garlic, but the food was pretty good and reasonably priced. My chicken lasagna actually didn’t have much garlic in it -- but it did have whole green olives (yuck). They serve mostly Italian dishes, but they offer other cuisines as well. Here’s a link to the menu, if you want to check it out. The Stinking Rose: 55 N. La Cienega Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA; tel.: (310) 652-7673. (They also have one in San Francisco). Last week I wrote that I had a surprise visitor. The mystery man was my dad. Yeah, he came out to California at the very last minute. On Friday morning I talked him into visiting me for a week. A few hours later he was on a plane, and 5 ½ hours after that he landed at LAX. When I greeted him at baggage claim, he had only one tiny gym bag and a newspaper in his hand. He followed me to baggage claim, and as we stood there he asked what we were waiting for. I said, "Your luggage!" He lifted up his tiny bag and said, "This is all I have." I opened it up and saw just a couple of pairs of underwear, socks, a pair of shorts and a shirt. I asked where the rest of his clothes were. He said he didn’t have time to pack, so he figured he’d just borrow mine, or buy some. What a clown! It’s always a treat when my dad visits. He is not only a loving father, but is really funny – he’s always the life of the party. He can’t hear too well, but he uses that to his advantage. For example, the next day when I was standing by the front door about to tell him to hurry up and eat his apple so we could go to my annual lacrosse game, he said, "I heard you!" I said, "You heard me say what?" He said, "You just yelled ‘let’s go’ twice." I said, "I didn’t say a word! What you heard was the neighbor’s dog barking!" He simply said, "What’s the difference?" And about that apple: My dad handed me a slice. Just before I popped it to my mouth I wondered why I was eating something that was just given to me. I don’t eat things straight from anyone’s hands, because I have no idea where they’ve been. But I remembered he had just showered, so his hands had to be clean. Sure enough, as I was chewing the apple I not only smelled but tasted the cologne I seldom wear. I asked if he had used my cologne. His eyes became big, his mouth dropped open and he nodded his head like, How the heck did you know I was going through your medicine cabinet? When am I going to learn! The reason I got my dad to visit me at the last minute is because I was playing in Loyola Marymount’s annual alumni lacrosse game. I’m lucky, because when I was in college my dad and mom used to fly out a couple times a year just to watch me play in big games. I warned him it would not be pretty -- I haven’t thrown a ball in a year, and neither have my ex-teammates. But I discovered that playing lacrosse is kind of like riding a bike: It’s easy to pick it back up (though running up and down the field isn’t). Surprisingly, the alumni game was exciting and hard-hitting. Us old-timers lost to the young bucks by only a goal, which is quite remarkable because they have a great team this year. I was just happy that I put a ball in the net and walked off the field with only bruises -- nothing broken or torn. We had a sports-filled weekend, because I surprised my dad with tickets to the San Diego Chargers. He was excited, because they were playing his favorite team: the NY Jets. A friend hooked us up with great seats, and we had a fantastic time. A ball game is a great way to bond with your pops (especially if his favorite team wins). BTW: If you go to a Chargers game, bring a hat and sunscreen. The sun is brutal. Also, check out this handy website that shows seating diagrams of stadiums all around the country. When it was time for my dad to fly back home to Connecticut, I walked with him inside terminal 7 at LAX. When he checked in I told the agent he was hard of hearing, and that I wanted to escort him to the gate. My dad is perfectly capable of traveling by himself, but I wanted to see him off. The agent had no problem giving me a security pass. Speaking of security, United lines at LAX have been really long lately. Add an extra 20 minutes if you are flying them out of LAX. It was sad to see my dad leave, but I knew I would see him again in a few days. I’ll tell you about that trip in my next newsletter. Before I go: How about them Yankees? How great will this League Championship Series be with Boston? I can’t wait! I’ve always been a baseball fan – in fact, I was going through a box the other day with some old memorabilia, and found a custom-made t-shirt I used to wear as a kid. I might wear it again as a good luck charm, even though it’s 20 sizes too small. Speaking of the playoffs, I went to the Dodger game on Saturday and watched them beat the Cardinals. If you’ve never been to Chavez Ravine (Dodger Stadium) and like baseball, make sure you go there the next time you’re in L.A. during baseball season. It’s my second-favorite stadium for watching a game (My favorite is Yankee Stadium). I get a really nice feeling every time I am there. I love the location and the architecture – and besides, those Dodger Dogs are so damn good! Thanks to my cousin Dennis’ friend we got styled with amazing seats and food. We sat in a luxury suite, which was too cool. When they came around with the dessert cart, I thought for sure I had died and gone to heaven. Happy Travels, Johnny Jet *Please tell us what you think of this week's newsletter! and book all your online travel through JohnnyJet.com. |
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Some great tips on how to spend 5 glorious days in Monaco... First, don't miss the helicopter ride from Nice airport to the helipad in Monaco. Sensational views of the Mediterranean coastline will take your breath away. Le Meridien Beach Hotel is perfect is you want access to crystal clear blue private beach and stunning pool. Privacy and beautiful bodies abound. A small glitch during our stay resulted in a chilled bottle of champagne and apologies from management. The most romantic dinner you will ever have can be had at Zebra Square. Dine under the stars while you enjoy one of their fine cigars. A perfect 10 in every way. Look out for the sommelier's attitude at VistaMere at Hotel Hermitage. He can turn your $400 gourmet dinner into a real heart-burn. Finally, if you can afford it, "go to heaven" for the evening by dinning at Le Louis XV. There is no other place on earth like it...well maybe the main dining room at Las Ventanas in Cabo San Lucas comes close. Thank you for the chance to share this experience with you. Claudia Freed Have A Travel Tip or Travel Joke? (Send it to Johnny@johnnyjet.com) |
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Airline bumping Q&A: Are the perks worth the inconvenience? We frequently receive questions about airline bumping, ranging from the general "What is bumping?" to the specific "What kind of compensation will I receive for an involuntary bump?" Read on for our answers to your questions about airline bumping. Click Here To Read Article |
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