Higher Ticket Prices...

Don't blame the airlines. Check this out:
http://www.redstate.com/dhorowitz3/2012/02/01/the-government-is-playing-hide-and-seek-with-airfare-taxes/

A cheap airline, an honest restaurant and the EDGE network...

Yes it still exists. The EDGE network architecture that my Cingular phone worked on before I was drug over to AT&T (who eventually cancelled my unlimited aircard plan forcing my switch to Clear who has better service and customer service...) is still the only thing you receive driving down the Silver Strand between Coronado and Imperial Beach for a couple of spots. Somehow this switch invariably cuts off your phone call too. Of course this is when a shipper calls me to verify an overnight package...eventually this will be fixed I hope. On a good note, Clear worked at the marina now even though it had no coverage in May and I received my item!

Now, had it not been for the most honest restaurant, I wouldn't have had my wallet to purchase said item above. In my two-year old's zeal to assist in paying the bill, at night, after a day of travel from Hawaii, I left it on the bench of the booth. I walked in the next morning the hour before the restaurant opened to a manager who made a point of saying his employees are very honest, and pulled it out of the back room. No one had even opened it. I say all of this as a lead-in because it was great peace of mind. However, the food speaks for itself. It was one of the most reasonably priced meals I have eaten in Las Vegas; definitely the best Mexican food in the "fertile valley" desert. If you are in Vegas and enjoy good food in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, Chaplas (http://www.chapalasmexicanrestaurant.com; 3331 East Tropicana) is the place to go. Unfortunately, I cannot comment on the margaritas as I am pregnant now...but, when I come back after October, I am stopping to try them on the way home from the airport!

And bad news last. I hate it when United makes me mad. I have flown with them more than any other airline over the years. There are a number of reasons starting with my mother working for an affiliate while I was in college, including a past decline in Delta's service (which is happily much better now), and ending with some contractual fares with my last employer leading to status (so nice, oh so nice).

I was flying HNL to LAS via LAX. I had a three hour layover due to the only other flight match being under the 45-minute window. Luckily we landed on time and I made it to the gate before the agent had begun the boarding process. My son and I were both flying Premier Travel, paid for due to my lack of status this year. The agent said if I wasn't already listed, she couldn't help me. I ask where the nearest kiosk to list myself on standby was. Silence. She is typing. I am waiting. She says she needs to start boarding, so I repeat the question. She then says she can LIST me for $80 each after looking at my tickets. Not change our flight, not upgrade, $80 each to add to the standby list. Nothing about refundable if we don't make it. So, we head to McDonalds and then get a nap while waiting for our flight. They got their money out of me with the Premier Travel option. Asking for more was ridiculous, unless there was an upgrade requirement for the seats which I would have happily paid at the time of boarding passes being issued.

To end on an up note, I leave back for HNL tomorrow. Here's to another post within a week and no airport delays! :)

U S Air at it Again

I rarely fly them, but the stories keep coming:

http://www.google.com/gwt/x?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pixiq.com/article/woman-escorted-off-us-airways-flight-for-snapping-iphone-photo&wsi=f895f38f1c5a1b74&ei=wHATTp_lJoK8rgPd-YzmAg&wsc=pr

Did the airline really think this was a good decision?

Hawaii to Cali and Back Again!

OUTBOUND

To start out with, my morning American Airlines flight to San Francisco
was canceled. I have learned, call back right away and rebook. Never
wait for an airline to re-book you. You will be at least a few days
late. After calling, I was happy to be on the red-eye that night, as it
was already overbooked. Now, I had a large number of segment upgrades
(they call them stickers) that I haven't used. I learned that from
Hawaii, where I now reside, I can't use them without status, which I no
longer have. Luckily, while on the phone with the AAdvantage desk for
re-booking, I asked if they would allow me to put in a request to use my
stickers online because of the delayed flight. The agent was wonderful,
and put in the request though telling me it may not be approved. I
logged on to check in about an hour late, and "Voila!" my upgrade option
was available. Now, it is an insane amount of stickers going from HNL
to SFO with an infant in his own seat, but I had them. So far, so good.

Me + infant traveling with a checked bag each, a car seat and a stroller
(gate checked). We Sky Cap it. He verifies that we are on the list,
and takes our bags. However, he can't reprint tickets since we checked
in on-line. This is after 20 minutes to get a gate agent to approve my
bags only going as far as SFO. I was continuing on to SAN on a separate
United itinerary, and had the day (originally overnight) with friends in
SFO. After tipping him, while saying good-bye to my wonderful hubby,
the Sky Cap walks up with my tickets. :) I love good service and
appreciate the assistance with my arms already full.

Security was a breeze...though my bike multi-tool earned one bag a
second trip through the scanner. The American terminal is much nicer
than the United side at HNL, and was a comfortable place to relax while
waiting.

Once an agent showed up, so close to boarding it was ridiculous, I went
to the counter. We had no seat assignment on our tickets, even though
our e-passes did. I went to verify that this was due to our being on
the upgrade list. After asking this exact question, I was handed my
original seats. The agent did not say a word. I then made the comment,
"So first class is full then?" At this point, I was asked if I was on
the upgrade list. I think she was a bit over tasked due to the
overbooking/short gate time/etc. Either American is understaffed at HNL
or there were people out sick...the agents were so close to departure
time when they opened because they had just come from the ticket
counter. She couldn't find us until I pointed out that we were at the
top of her screen. She then said she couldn't because of status. I
mentioned my conversation with the AAdvantage desk. She went to get the
other agent to authorize it. After re-explaining to the second agent,
she told me she would do it only because of the situation...yes, again I
hear this. I just grin and thank her and get on-board.

If you are ever taking the red eye, first class is worth the upgrade.
My little man was curled up in his seat asleep by the time we passed
10,000'. I then was able to enjoy dinner and a glass of wine while
knitting. Unfortunately, I was not able to get much sleep, due entirely
to my fretting over the little one. Oh well, it worked out ok. We made
our LA connection without the upgrade, as it wasn't showing in the
system. I didn't have the patience at that point to argue. All in all,
I still enjoy American on-board, but do think they have some catching up
to do in the ground based customer service area to be on par with United.

UNITED TO SAN AND BACK

A quick trip to SAN from SFO that evening netted me an unhappy camper.
He was bawling completely as we walked down the companionway and boarded
the plane, coach class, and I was getting looks from everyone. Tired,
yes. Hungry, yes. Traveled too much, possibly. The stewardess looked
amazed as she passed by within a minute of us taking our seats. He was
polite and calm. The secret? Teach him from the beginning what polite
means. Tell him when he is not being polite, offer him and option, and
explain the consequences. As we were stowing luggage, I reminded him
that he was not being polite. He could either sit quietly and have an
iPhone or pen and paper to play with, or he we would have to get back
off the aircraft, calm down and go through the entire process of getting
back on the aircraft again. He was sitting patiently asking for a pen
by the time I finished the sentence. That was honestly the most
exciting part of my United round trip. We were on time both ways, and
had no issues (as usual).

Of note, I will thank the SFO airport security. You know, the guys that
you normally dislike for telling you to keep driving while someone is
"on their way" from baggage claim? My friend was there to pick me up.
I had kid, luggage, stroller and now two chai lattes from Starbucks.
After explaining to him that I was right behind the door he could see
through, he walked with her to see my hands full, grinned, and walked
out letting her help me out the door with her car right there still
running. Very seldom have I seen this level of common sense applied,
and it is a refreshing turn in the right direction.

TO THE ISLAND!

My husband flew into SFO the evening of my return for a week vacation,
making travel with the little man much easier when we were ready to go
home. We ran into two snags at SFO. Firstly, if you are military and
want your free luggage credit you must go inside with American. I do
not know about the other airlines. Secondly, if you have a large
stroller (i.e. two-child since we have a second on the way) they look at
you sideways about allowing it. That, and these things are a thousand
dollars a piece...it has a case it travels in. They still counted it as
over sized, but at least ended up not charging us in the end. It came
back to us with an inspection sticker. I would be willing to bet they
wanted to make sure it was a stroller.

With the three of us, and my stickers exhausted, coach was our option
for the trip back. They couldn't get us seats together, but a very nice
lady was willing to trade for my husband's seat. Though, I am sure she
was thinking it was that or sit next to a two-year old. When we
deplaned, she was commenting over and over how wonderfully he had
behaved. Personally, I think all parents need to teach their children
to behave from any age. But all of the polite comments, while I do
enjoy them, make me wonder what kinds of other children travel? We
packed enough snacks that we did not need to purchase food, but the
stewardess were so fun and entertaining (convincing one gentleman he did
not want ANOTHER soda as it was bad for him and he had already had a
few) that we offered them some of our candy stash and will remember if
we see them on the next trip we take. Thanks to them for making the
flight seem faster and definitely more enjoyable. Score another one for
American. On the flip-side, American is looking to cancel the SFO/HNL
flight. If you like this option, as we do, please let them know you
want them to keep flying!

Landbound for a few weeks here, and then we are back again to
LAS...United via LAX I believe. Stay tuned.

Dell Outlet: Not all it seems

Moved to http://gefahrliches.blogspot.com

I Escaped...in 3:17

Sitting by the kid table in Borders on King Street in San Francisco, a lady on the other side keeps glancing at me and looking away. She's keeping her two girls and one boy away from the side of the table with me and my son. I say nothing, but wonder why she is being so shy, almost prejudiced. She glances at her cell phone every 30 seconds or so then back at me. I stare. Yes, it's rude, but I figure she is being cold. I said hello the first time she looked over and received no response. I look at my clothes, and my son's...nothing unusual. Do I have something on my face and she can't say? Then I read it, "ESCAPE" it says. Big, bold black letters on a red wristband. Oh, that might scare her. It's around my wrist, and looks a bit odd...unless you read the fine print: "from Alcatraz Triathlon." I get up with my kid and walk off laughing.

So, I was back in San Francisco for the 30th Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon, and they required you to get a wristband for transition at packet pick-up the day before. I wonder how many people in San Francisco thought there were 2000 mental institution escapees running around for the weekend? Did anyone ever call the police? I hope they have the same ones next year...now that I realize the potential mischief. That being said, this year's Escape was perfect.

We stayed with our best friends, who happen to live in the city. The weather was beautiful, if a little breezy for the entire weekend. I arrived Thursday afternoon and spent the evening bumming around. Friday started the adventure, as far as a travel blog is concerned...

I needed to ride my bike, and our friends had a bike, so that left my husband and kiddo. Now, being only 10 months, he needed a kid seat on Daddy's bike. With so many rental options, and staying right by the ballpark, that should be easy, right? Wrong. The nearest bike shop was Performance Bicycle. They don't rent. Then there was Pacific Bicycle, no kid seats, but I got a great deal on a pair of OEM aero bars! Very nice people too. Now, we had looked online, and were walking our way to Blazing Saddles in Union Square. But, I figured if we checked the other stores on the way...well, okay, I wanted to shop. Although the Blazing Saddles website showed that they rented baby seats (I don't know if it checked locations for me), they don't have any at this location. It was a long walk for nothing, pushing my bicycle. The end wisdom: If you want a baby seat on a bike in San Francisco, you have to trudge to Fisherman's Wharf. Not a complete loss of a day though, the round trip walk loosened me up after two days of driving.

Saturday was packet pick-up at Marina Green. Chrissy Field was covered with the typical weekend crowd as the four of us, plus kiddo in the stroller, went for a short 4-mile run. I started out in a jacket over a running shirt and two layers of tights. The jacket made it into the stroller by mile one and I cursed the second pair of tights for the entire second half. Oh well. It was a gray morning which turned into a beautiful day. After getting checked-in, banded and body marked, it was off to see a Giants game. Now, I never did make it to Candlestick Park, but AT&T Park is nice. We were treated to a trouncing of the Rockies, from box seats we found cheap the day prior on Stub Hub. Too bad you can't resell the parking pass online. There was even a home run that went into the water...updating a counter on the side of the field. It's a fairly short field, from my being used to San Diego, but was a great game. Also, the upper half of the 100 section boxes is out of the sun if you are looking for some shade.

Sunday brought the triathlon with a strong current. The swim is always amazing, and (my personal opinion here) not that bad. You can take a break without sinking, since you can wear a wetsuit, and look at the skyline. It is not the same even from a boat in the exact spot. Being in the water gives you a surreal feeling of freedom which makes the city all the more beautiful; once you get over the fact that you are cold. Don't worry, numbness sets in after a few strokes. Coming out of the water is always a blurr. I think I saw my husband on my way to transition, but it is all grainy. Until you knock the excess water out of your head on the bike, it's pure adrenaline and not much else guiding you. Except maybe the orange cones. The bike start gives you your head back just in time to climb the Presidio. Now, of all my luck this year, remember the bike ride I didn't take? Well, I managed to clamp my new aero bars on over my shifter cable when installing them in the middle of the night. Yes, I know, I am an ID10T. Count me out for at least 3 minutes trying to shift on the flats and cursing out the rental bike (mine had been stolen months prior). Then another 5 fiddling with the aero bars and trying to get the screw to come out with loctite on it and cold hands. I finally loosened it enough to shift and let my aero bars sit there...used them a bit in Golden Gate Park, but was wary which did not help my time. Getting off the bike, your hamstrings are toast and your body is in an uprising as you try to change shoes. What? We just did that, and you want to run 8-miles now? With a steady run pace just slower than I had trained for, this was the first time I truly felt that I had separated my my from my body. For those who compete, you will understand. For those who don't, this is not some transcendental thing. It is the simple act of reminding yourself (so I talk to myself...who doesn't) that your consciousness is the brain. The brain is in charge. The muscles and body are just an attached means of carrying it around. Therefore, their job is to do what the brain says. No questioning. No pain. No bickering back. They can't think. The brain thinks. You can ignore them. Now, if you keep repeating this to yourself over and over in your head, there is a danger you may come to believe it. And, I set a PR.

The only thing left was the post-race dinner. Absinthe. Great restaurant. You must go. About the pace of my thoughts at the time, and quite correct.

Ensenada Carnival - A Family Affair

When you think Carnival, most inevitably think Rio, costumes, alcohol and (to some the biggest draw) nudity. I have heard that New Orleans is a second. Well, Ensenada holds quite the spectacle in Baja California...and best of all, you are not afraid to take the kiddies.

(Will finish this one off over the next month. Too much to do, too little time...)