Musei Vaticani, the Vatican Museum

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After receiving the Popes blessing, it was on our way to the Vatican Museum. The line was very long, but did move fast. This was just the beginning of the line.

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"Assholes". What I blurted out to the Italian tourists that cut in front of us. After being in line for about 30 minutes, up pulls a tour bus, the door opens, and out they come. They just merged right in front of us. After trying to tell them the line is all the way back, and to get back there, they just kept merging. Assholes.

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The Roman Pinecone at the entrance to the Museum

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The Museum begins with the Egyptian Room. Here is an ancient sarcophagus

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A well preserved Mummy. She died three millennia ago. Her disemboweled organs were placed into the jars below, called Canopic Vases.


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View of the "new wing", housing classical sculptures.

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The Laocoon. The most famous Greek statue in ancient Rome. It depicts Laocoon, a Trojan High Priest and his two sons struggling with the serpents send by the goddess Athena, as punishment for warning Troy about the evils of the Trojan Horse.

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Keep going, we're almost there!

Piazza San Pietro, St. Peters Square

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Lisa had emailed ahead so we could attend a Mass with Pope Benedict II. It was so awesome to be sitting in the middle of the square and being blessed by the Pope.

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The crowd keeps growing. Notice our ticket numbers.

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The Pope's apartment. Last window on the right, top floor.

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Cappella Sistina, the Sistine Chapel

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Pope Benedict XVI arrives in his "Pope Mobile" and the audience goes wild, especially his compatriots

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I am truly blessed to have been in such an awe aspiring place.

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This was without a doubt the best part of my Roma experience.

ROME - Pics from Day One

View of the sun setting from the Spanish Steps

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The Italian "roach" truck

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Yummy Gelato. This time it was coconut and coffee

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View of Vie Condotti, Rome's version of Rodeo Drive

I guess the name of the store says it all

Project Runaway part 2

Well, as it turned out, I was asked to help out in EWR again. Maria and most staff went to LAX for GSC training. She wanted me to cover GSC while she was gone. Of course, I had to say yes. Who can give up another week of vacation. ha ha.
Anyway, this gave me another opportunity to get back into the city to track down the right Parsons School of Design. I found it, by accident. I knew it was on 7th, but unsure of the cross street. I also knew it was in the "Fashion District" town. So, here it is...





















And here is the Project Runway window at Macy's, with the winning dress by Laura. It was a very cool dress. Overlaid with black lace fabric, and sewed with white crystals and black feathers. It was beautiful and sophisticated.

Here are all the winners. Getting to see the designs close up is great. Michaels outfit for the "recycle" challenge had paper holes (the ones from the hole punch) inside the layers of plastic for the "wrap". It added an extra dimension to the dress you couldn't see on the show.

Can't wait for the finale. It's down to the final four. Each of them have a different point of view. It will be hard to determine a winner. I'm rooting for Laura. I like her designs. I believe they are totally marketable. We'll see.

ROMA here I come

The day has finally arrived. After exhausting myself at work in EWR and on trades for Vince (Sat & Sun before), I was on my way to Roma, the "Eternal City", to meet Lisa and Darren. I flew confirmed on AA from SEA to LHR, and then non-rev'ed to FCO. I was able to get on Alitalia to Rome, thanks for all your prayers. The Fiumincino Airport is a zoo, with not much English signage. Luckily for Rick Steve's book, I was able to get to town via the train. From there it was a taxi ride to the Hotel della Nazioni. Getting a decent taxi fare to Via Poli by the Trevi Fountain is not easy. There was a fella by the taxi stand that wanted 28 euro there. He kept saying that the Fontana is in the city center and costs more to get there from the train station. Yeah right. Per Rick it shouldn't be that much. Finally, after going down to another taxi stand, I was able to secure a ride on a metered taxi and paid only 8 euro, including tip.
The original hotel that Lisa booked (Hotel Cosmopolita) overbooked us and confirmed us at the Hotel della Nazioni.

The room was beautiful, hard wood floors, large bathroom. Lisa had the twin, while Darren and I shared the king. Not a bad hotel at all. It was right around the corner from the Fontana di Trevi.
Like I was told, all the sites in Rome are pretty much walking distance.
On day one, we walked to the Hard Rock, went to the Spanish Steps, and shopped around their version of 5th Avenue or Rodeo Drive.

Darren and Lisa by the "Sinking Boat Foutain" at the base of the Spanish Steps.

Project Runway Junkie

While I was in NJ, I came across this article in the USA Today.

Since Project Runway is the best reality show there is, I had to say I walked the same street, aisles etc as Santino and Robert B. I went out for my own tour. Parsons was a little hard to find. Here is what I thought was the building used on the show, but apparently it was on 7th, and this picture is the building on 5th. Oh well.



I then went to Mood. Took the same elevator that Austin, Angela and the others took to the second floor. Kinda neat, that they have a elevator attendant. The store is not that big, but there are lots and lots of reams/rolls of different fabrics. I saw the fabric that Austin used for his Grammy challange, which was also the one Santino used for his Inspiration challange. I also touched the fabric that Kayne used for the Miss USA challange. I can see why he thought it was more brown than lavender. It changes in the angle of the lights. It was surreal.



After this, I went to Macy's at Herealds Square (the season 3 sponsor) to see the actual garments. They had the INC display (which Angela won) and was selling the three pieces. Wow, they were pricy. But, strangly enough, quite fashionable. Even the "rosettes" looked like it belongs.



One of the display windows had all the winning garments (thus far). I really liked Michaels hot pink hot pants outfit. Where these people come up with their designs are crazy, and brilliant.

The impressive Statue of Liberty

I did everthing for AS11

It was my last day at EWRTR. I came in like usual, and saw a mob of pax in front of the ticket counter. I saw Luz there all by her lonesome, so jumped right in. Fridays and Saturdays here are basically Cruise folks checking in. They don't like to use the kiosk, so you have to check them in. No matter how many announcements I made to self checkin, they don't budge. Luz manned the Customer Service Line, and I hopped back and forth between the kiosks. I closed the First/MVP line, to force everyone to use the kiosks. Not sure it helped. Anyway, it was busy as heck. Luz did a great job by herself. This was her only second week, she was part of the newly hired AC agents for AS. Oh yes, did I mention it was just us two? I think I checked in about 90% of the flight. I precleared the OS's (flight was booked 11/113), in the exit row, hoping they could sit there. Anyway, before I knew it it was 0700, and still just us two, with only four to go. Then Jeanette show up, she was suprised there was just two of us. She jumped in to fix a firearm problem. (thank goodness) Elizabeth showed up at 0710. I asked them who was at the gate, and they said probably no one. I told Elizabeth to head out there, and I'll be there to help. After clearing security (luckily not much of a wait), I arrived at the gate to see the crew waiting, and a long line in front of the podium. I quickly briefed the crew, pulled the jetway to the aircraft, and ran back up to clear the line. Elizabeth was already there, so tried to clear the others. Most were seat changes. She wanted me to take over, but I told her to handle it, cuz she would have to do it when I'm gone anyway. I didn't begin boarding till 0735, I think. Anyway, power boarded everyone. The funny thing was that all the folks I checked in said "I was the jack of all trades". I replied with "I check you in, put you on the plane, and will help you with your baggage in SEA." The all laughed. Oh yes, did I mention that I was on the flight too ?!!! I thought I could just coast and get on the plane, RIGHT! Anyway, everyone showed up, no no shows. I had to give up my exit row aisle, for the remaining F/C seat. Oh, boo hoo! I deserved it, damm it! Anyway, ran the final down, plopped down in 3D, and the door closed. Yes, we took a 7 minute delay, but not too bad for doing the entire flight myself. I sure hope it goes better for the PM flight and tomorrow. Luckily I think that Marge will be there. She, I think is the backbone of both AC and AS. She is so dedicated, I really respect that. Anyway, I'm home now. What other adventures await ?.......

DVD, DVD, DVD

Well, I was nabbed to stay another week in EWR. I agreed. I should be back in SEA though. The work is getting pretty tiresome, the split shift is getting harder and harder. Yesterday, I went down to the city, Chinatown in particular. I went back to get DVD's. I was reminded of when I was in Shenzhen, China last year. In the mall, and on the street, there would be people, whispering, "DVD, DVD, DVD". Anyway, I bit, and said, "what do you have?". The lady, an older Chinese woman, popped out a handfull of covers. She had all the new releases, The Ant Bully, Lady in the Water, Descent, etc... As in China, these are illegal, what can I say. You probably have a fake Coach bag too. ha ha ha. So, I ended up with Ant Bully, Miami Vice and Pirates. I thought I had chosen Monster House instead of Ant Bully (I went to the AMC and saw Ant Bully yesterday on my split) Oh well, what can I expect for $3. We'll have to see the quality when I get back.
Weather has been better. After the heatwave last week, yesterday and today are quite pleasant. Not too hot, in the high 80's and very low humidity. Yesterday was an awesome day to head out. I also went to Union Square and the Farmer's market. There is great produce on sale all fresh and grown in the burrows. The Art show nearby was interesting, you could say nudity was the theme. Whole Foods was across the street, so went there to buy water. I love Whole Foods. I think cuz it's a trendy place to go grocery shopping. Yes, the prices are outrageous, but quality is pretty good. I think that's why the Bellevue location is so successful. Don't think one in White Center would fair as well. : )
The new agents will be on staff on Monday, and Suzie H will be their coach. Yeah! We'll have to see how the existing AC agents handle it. There are so many rumors about what's gonna happen I can even begin. The biggest one, is that since these new agents will be exclusive to AS, will the get good shifts and weekends off. Most all of the AC agents have at least 15-20 years of service and weekdays off. I personally don't think it's fair that they get the best shifts. The only difference is that they have not been trained on the AC system. Eventually they will, I guess. Oh well, I'll see what happens.

Damm it's HOT

Well, back in EWR this week. And still only the AC agents, not the new ones. I guess they're still on OJT in PDX.
For the next few days, the Northeast is in a heatwave. It's predicted to be 105 today, with the heat index to make it 115. Tomorrow, the same or hotter. EEK. Not only is it hot, it's super humid. It's like a sauna. So, no going into the city for me. Just watching TV or heading to the Jersey Gardens Mall for walking. Well, nothing else to report, just trying to stay cool. But, I guess that's what I am. ha ha ha

Time to get new plants...

As expected, some of my plants are toast.

I hear it's hot in Seattle

I guess while I am away that the we have a heat wave in the west. I hear we broke records like crazy. Well, I hope my neighbors got my postcard telling them where I was and to please water my plants. Too bad for the ones in the house. I think they're toast. Oh well... I think I'll have to take the advice of others to put them in the tub or sink filled with water. It's not the end of the world. I'll publish a picture of what's left. ha ha

NYC

I Y NYC
Went into the city on Thu/Fri. It was fun, hot and humid. Of course, all of the hustle and bustle that NYC is known for. Tourists everywhere. Found a great BBQ place, off Broadway. It's called Virgil's. Had the BBQ salad. It consisted of BBQ chicken, BBQ pork, and BBQ beef all on a bed of greens. I couldn't finish it all, there was just so much meat. Did all the touristy things, walked Times Square, Little Italy & Chinatown. Lisa P would like this. I was waiting at the crosswalk and a lady came by me with two Manolo Blanick (spelling?) shopping bags with boxes of shoes in them. I resisted the urge to grab them and run. I don't think Lisa would have. She would have been long gone. : ) Went to see if I could see a Broadway show, and at the 1/2 price ticket place, the average was $60.00 for that evenings shows. None of them was interesting. I really want to see Wicked, but apparently they are not part of the 1/2 price sale. On Friday, went back into the city. Really wanted to head in early for the Today shows concert by Rianna. Good thing I decided to sleep in. I was up watching the show on TV, and all of a sudden it started to pour buckets of rain. Then after 15mins, it stopped and was sunny again. Weird. Did I mention that the weather is hot and very humid. Eeek! Anyway, found out that on Friday, there was so much irrops at EWR that our flights were delayed over 5-6 hours, and flight 8 had to divert to Syracuse for fuel. See how that weather plays an important factor at EWR. More later.....

EWRTR

I was asked to cover/coach the new agents for Newark's Ticket Counter. I've been here for 4 days and all is going pretty smooth. The AC agents are very smart and I feel very capable to handle us. They keep saying that our passengers are so nice. Maria, the Station Manager is awesome. She really cares about the operation and it's people. Alas, she does have everything on her mind. This was a complete vendor change here. From the CSA's to Ramp and Fleet. We are now located at the beginning of the A Terminal and gate 18. EWR is a pretty funky airport. No terminals are linked with security. It's a multi level building, you go to the top for checkin, and half a level down for the gates, and another half a level to baggage. It's not very friendly for the disabled. You have to catch the Airtrain to get from one Terminal to the next. We even have to catch that to get to the hotel pickup location.
On the 18th, the weather people predicted thunder and lightning storms at 10pm. Yea, we thought, since our flights leave at 608pm and arrive at 942p. No problem. WRONG. It was a bad night. Started off with a mechanical delay for the departure. The Captain and the mechanics exchanged (non-friendly) words. The F/A's insisted the lavs be re-done, words with the Fleet service person, who by the way once the F/A's found out she was our employee, they backed down. Anyway, once power boarding was done, the Captain came up to tell us they're on a ATC hold till 800pm. At about 815pm, as I was looking at the connections, there was a big (I mean big) flash, followed right after with a loud (I mean loud) clap of thunder. Then came the wind, rain, and hail. WHAT THE ____????? It went on for about 15mins, then it was clear. Well, that 15mins was all it took to create havoc at EWR. The ATC hold went from 30mins to 90mins just like that. At about 900pm, I went down to the plane because people wanted off to stretch. Well, after checking flifo for the inbound, went down to deal with it. I talked to the captain and told him that we need you off the gate by 915pm because the inbound was due in at 921pm. We have no other gate in EWR, and even if we did, it was occupied. He was waiting for the fuel truck to arrive. (it happen to arrive as we were discussing) So, basically there was no other options other than for them to gas and leave the gate and wait at the hardstand for clearance. And if anyone wanted off, the have to grab their carryons and leave to be rebooked. Anyway, he agreed, and finally left the gate at 930pm. The inbound must have had priority landing, cuz it landed at 912pm, so it was out in the storm waiting. So, now it was a waiting game. I went home at 1115pm, (thanks for Claudia for relieving me). Did I mention that another thunder and lightning storm came in, and stuck around till I left ? Anyway, checked flifo the next day (exactly 8hr turn) and it was off at 1145p and arrived in SEA at 230am. EEEKKK
More on the EWR adventure later....I'm on my days off (Thursday and Friday) so off to the CITY!

Visit to Tillicum Village

We visitied Tillicum Village on the 4th of July. I was hoping for a hot day, but it was overcast and kinda chilly. Nonetheless, is was a pretty good cruise over to Blake Island. The salmon potlatch was yummy, and the native dances was interesting, and informative. If we had more time, we could have explored the nature trails.

Champions!

Champions of the Commendation Division!

Volleyball Festival, RNO

So, I'm on vacation this past week, and my parents and I flew down (yes, non-rev) to RNO to watch my nieces Kimberly and Chelsie play. Here are some pictures.