SkychiTravels

450 travel bloggers and I are all a twitter as we prepare to attend the TBEX '11 (Travel Blog Exchange Conference) in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada next month. I am really excited about touring and discovering beautiful Vancouver during the conference then breathe-taking Whistler after the conference.

I discovered the group Travel Blog Exchange on Twitter last year just before their TBEX Europe Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. As soon as registration opened this year I quickly purchased a ticket before they sold out. Kim Mance is the founder of TBEX and host of TBEX'11. She is the travel writer and editor of Galavanting and online travel magazine and web TV series.

As one of 450 travel bloggers to descend upon Vancouver to blog about tours, attractions, restaurants, and hotels. I will be giving you tips on getting the most out of Vancouver & Whistler sightseeing. So follow my blog as I explore Vancouver & Whistler, BC. in June.

The day before the conference starts some travel bloggers and I are being sponsored on day tours of Vancouver by Tourism Vancouver. My tour choice is the North Shore Combo, Landsea Tours & Adventure. Will I be able to walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge?

North Shore Tour

I am also the winner of the Four Reasons for Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver Contest. My prize is a one night stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver plus dinner for two at the YEW Restaurant & Bar.

After the TBEX '11 Conference, I will be hosted by Whistler Tourism with other travel bloggers as we leave Vancouver on the thrilling Rocky Mountaineer three-hour train ride to Whistler, BC. We will experience spectacular views along the Sea to Sky corridor.

Whistler is a renown ski area with world- class resorts. It was the center stage for the 2010 World Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Whistler is special because of its pristine natural environment and untamed wilderness. Whistler received its name from the marmot a wild animal that has a shrill whistle which warns other marmots of possible danger. The marmot calls can be heard throughout the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

Follow my blog in June to experience my wonderful adventures in Vancouver and Whistler, BC.
Like my facebook fan page or follow me on Twitter.

Have you ever visited Vancouver or Whistler, BC, Canada?

Nominate The Skychi Travel Guide for Best Travel Blog

2011-05-05T17:13:00.000-05:00

The Black Weblog Awards will be presented live in Los Angeles, CA on July 9, 2011. The ceremony will take place at the end of the second day of the 2011 Blogging While Brown Conference.

Blogging While Brown is the largest gathering of Black bloggers in the country and features three days of workshops, panels and networking events. Blogging While Brown attendees will be able to attend the live Black Weblog Awards ceremony with their conference badges.

The combination of the Black Weblog Awards with the Blogging While Brown Conference in one location will be a historic gathering of Black social media influentials and establish the weekend as a high profile celebration of excellence in Black social media.

Nominations and Voting

Nominations – April 18 – May 7, 2011

Voting – May 16 – June17, 2011
Live Awards – Los Angeles – July 9,2011

Please help us by submitting your nomination to:

http://blackweblogawards.com/nominate/

Enter your name and email address.

Then enter http://skychitravels.blogspot.com for the following categories:

1. Best New Blog

2. Best Personal Blog

3. Best Travel Blog

4. Blog to Watch

5. Lifestyle Blog

Then click Submit.

The Skychi Travel Guide wishes to thank you for support in this nomination process.

Washington, DC - U St. & Very Smart Brothas

2011-05-04T10:22:00.000-05:00

My daughter Dani and I flew to DC for the weekend to celebrate her birthday and her sister's birthday, Sunny. Yes I have two daughters born in March. No, they are not twins. The are years apart. I was a very busy lady having babies at that time. I am a Mom of four adult offspring. One son and four daughters.

U St. Jazz Club Area

So we were three ladies, out on the town in Washington D.C.'s U St. area which is a favorite hangout for young people and Jazz Lovers. We were looking for a restaurant with a happy hour. Dani wanted to eat at Ben's Chili Bowl. So we walked by and saw a line around the corner.

Long line at Ben's Chili Bowl

Next we stopped at Ben's Next Door to find out the wait was an hour and a half long for a table. We were pretty hungry, so we decided to have dinners and drinks at Tap 'n Parlour.

Ben's Next Door

We were so glad that we ended up at Tap 'n Parlour because we joined the THREE DEEZ Birthday Party.
We met the the VSB - Very Smart Brothas: The Champ, Panama Jackson, and Liz. What a birthday present for my girls!

The Champ, Sunny and Dani

I learned about the VSB's from my youngest daughter Nessa. She is a college student. She is always talking about their famous blog at www.verysmartbrothas.com. She loves their intellect.

Having kids is great they keep you abreast of what's going on in life. We had fallen into the THREEDEEZ Birthday Party with the famous VSB and I knew all about them from my Nessa.

Panama Jackson, Skychi, The Champ

I was so excited at the surprise that life had brought us that weekend. We celebrated the THREEDEEZ Birthday Party for Dani and Sunny's birthday. Awesome! Right!

Liz at THREEDEEZ

Now you are asking what is a THREEDEEZ? You have to read their blog at www.verysmartbrothas.com to find out what it means. I can tell you that the Very Smart Brothas: Black Men on Love, Dating & Pop Culture is humorous relationship blog.

Your Degrees Won't Keep You Warm at Night: Very Smart Brothas Guide to Dating, Mating and Fighting Crime
by Damon Young & Panama Jackson

My daughter and I each purchased their new book Your Degree Won't Keep You Warm at Night: Very Smart Brothas Guide to Dating, Mating and Fighting Crime. They even autographed it for us. Buy your copy right now. It is a scintillating must read. I read the book immediately and could not put it down. While I was reading this book I was attracting men to me like bees to honey.

I learned a few things about men from this book. I am divorced now after a twenty-five marriage. This has come at the perfect time in my life. Very Smart Brothas are my new Love and Relationship Guru's. You have to order the book today.

After you buy their book, then vote for the Very Smart Brothas for their blog at
http://blackweblogawards.com/nominate/

...and nominate them for the following categories that they qualify for:

Blog of The Year
Best Writing In A Blog
Best Sex or Relationships Blog
Best Humor Blog

I just voted for them, so vote for them right now.

Somehow I have a cameo appearance in their video #ThreeDeez VerySmartBrothas.com Birthday Party.

Did you read their the book yet? What are you thoughts? Please comment below.

Please like my facebook page and follow me on twitter.

How to Deal with Getaway Disasters

2011-05-03T12:04:00.001-05:00

May 2011 Issue Women's Health

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Nobody wants an out-of-town mishap to derail their vacation. These quick fixes from the editors of Women’s Health magazine will prevent any unexpected health hang-up from ruining your getaway.

1. Treat a scorching sunburn

Thin skinned and easily forgotten spots like the ears and the tops of the feet often suffer the worst sunburn. First take an ibuprofen to help curb any inflammation. Next, hit the grocery store for some white vinegar; dilute one teaspoon of it into a pint of cold water and every few hours cover the burn for 10 minutes.

2. Manage motion sickness

It’s hard to enjoy sailing when your heads hanging over the side of the boat. Taking slow deep breaths of fresh air and focusing on the horizon should help. So can nibbling on some ginger candy or placing a drop of peppermint oil under your tongue.

3. Fix a chipped tooth

For a small chip, use an emery board to file down sharp edges, just as you do to fingernail. Since cracked tooth enamel can leave nerves exposed, if you feel pain you can temporarily seal the area with Krazy Glue. For bigger chips, put broken tooth pieces in a container filled with cold milk; the sugar compounds can keep tooth cells alive for 72 hours.

For more tips on how to deal with getaway disasters, pick up the May issue of Women’s Health, on newsstands now, or head to WomensHealthMag.com!
You get your copy now of the May Issue of Women's Health by clicking on the photo.

This article caught my attention because it mentioned using a natural remedy of peppermint oil under your tongue to help manage motion sickness.

I am strong believer in natural healing. I personally use herbs, aromatherapy and essential oils to help cure sickness.

As a flight attendant, I see many passengers experience motion sickness or air sickness. Some passengers use medication, other passengers don't use anything.
Some first time flyers find out that they have air sickness or that their stomachs can't stand turbulence.

Before I read this article from the May Issue of Women's Health Magazine, I was unaware that peppermint oil can help manage motion or air sickness. So I did some further research to discover more about the usage of peppermint oil. I want to share with you what I learned about peppermint oil.

"The aroma of peppermint oil is extremely refreshing, with the ability to clear the head, increase mental clarity and alertness, and sharpen the senses. Peppermint oil is also beneficial for reviving individuals following episodes of dizziness, fainting, nausea or even shock." The Encyclopedia of Aromatherapy. You can purchase the book by clicking on the photo of the book below.

Peppermint oil it not advised for "individuals with epilepsy or insomnia and should not be used topically on children under 3 years of age. Peppermint oil should be applied sparingly on those with sensitive skin, in order to avoid minor skin irritation. Furthermore, since peppermint oil promotes menstruation and reduces lactation, its use is best avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy and while nursing."

Despite these warnings peppermint oil is a valuable essential oil with a myriad of uses. Applied topically, peppermint oil is also beneficial for treating sunburn.

There are two types of peppermint oil: one that is applied to the skin and the other is digestive. Please be careful when selecting your peppermint oil to use under your tongue to manage motion or air sickness.

Nature's Sunshine Digestive Peppermint Oil

The quality of the peppermint oil is important. Nature's Sunshine sells only pure unadulterated peppermint oil. Other manufacturers may sell commint or menthol as peppermint oil. Don't be fooled.

Go right now to my online health store at http://www.mynsp.com/skychi to order the highest quality digestive Peppermint oil. You can be prepared to manage motion or air sickness on your next plane trip and prevent a getaway disaster.

Do you have an air sickness story to share? Please comment below.

Please "Like" my facebook page or follow me on twitter to receive more travel tips and info.

The Art of Service- Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver

2011-05-01T11:23:00.001-05:00

Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver

I am attending the "TBEX" Travel Blog Exchange 2011 in Vancouver, British Columbia next month. I noticed that Brooklyn Nomad a successful Travel Blogger was hosting a contest. Win a Night at the Four Seasons Vancouver & Dinner for 2 TBEX Weekend | The Brooklyn Nomad www.thebrooklynnomad.com

Vancouver, British Columbia

So I decided to enter the this contest for a free night stay and dinner for two at YEW Restaurant.

Yew Restaurant

As a flight attendant I practically live in hotels. Sometimes I stay about 15 to 20 nights a month in all types of hotels. We experience varying levels of quality and customer service. Strangely enough hotels are the very important part of our work. Rest or lack of rest can make or break a flight crew. The art of rest can be a difficult balance to maintain.

Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver Fitness Centre

One would think that because you have a nice hotel room that you should automatically be well rested. There is much more to a hotel than a room. Noisy guests, elevators, air conditioning systems, loud TV's , and very thin walls can disturb rest. Nice amenities are important too. The hotel restaurant, Flat-screen TV, in-room fridge and microwave, the pool, the jacuzzi, and exercise room are important amenities that I look at on hotel websites. Then there is the all in important comfortable bed with lots of pillows to rest my tired legs and feet.

Four Seasons Hotel Deluxe Executive Suite

I am a servant in the airline industry. I know and understand customer service. I appreciate excellent customer service. I am looking forward to meeting the management and staff at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver. I am open to learning from them the "Art of True Customer Service". This will be reciprocal experience for me. One can always improve their customer service skills.

The Four Seasons Hotel has mastered this art. This year the Four Seasons Hotel celebrates its 50th Birthday. I am excited to be part of this celebration.

Some surprising facts about the Four Seasons Hotel that I noticed during my research.

Four Seasons Hotel is a Canadian based company. I am very familiar with the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago.
The first hotel opened in 1961 in downtown Toronto.
The Fours Seasons Hotel service culture is based on the Golden Rule

This is my winning entry.

Four Reasons 4 Four Seasons

These are my reasons to stay at the Four Season Hotel.

The Power of Personal Service

1. To experience the service culture created by Four Season Hotel founder Issy Sharp – The Golden Rule- “We treat others – all others: customers, employees, partners, suppliers – as one would wish to be treated.” The way the employees are treated by management transcends to the way the customer is treated.

Marathon of Hope Cancer Research

2. Happy 50^th Birthday by Advancing Cancer Research through the Terry Fox Foundation. I love companies with goodwill. The Terry Fox Run which is supported by the Four Seasons Hotel shows that they have a good heart.

Isadore Sharp Founder & Chairman

3. Isadore Sharp had a different vision: “A personal, down-to-earth hotel. Not for dukes or duchesses, but for people who want to be treated that way, and are put off by the stuffy formality of traditional grand hotels.” I love to be treated like royalty by hotel staff but I don’t like stuffy hotels. This speaks to me.

Kathleen Taylor President & CEO

4. Kathleen Taylor – President & CEO - Personal characteristic that makes sense if you know her: “I consider myself an enabler more than a manager, but I’m also a bit of a control freak”. Woman power, I love companies with Woman CEO’s.

I will be blogging about my stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver and the dinner for two at the YEW Restaurant. Please "Like" me on facebook or follow me on twitter.

Jazz Festival - Whistler Jazz on the Mountain

2011-04-24T14:42:00.000-05:00

Those famous white dresses?

2011-04-12T04:30:00.000-05:00

Garden view of a Hacienda in Mexico

While on my day tour of Chichen Izta we stopped at a hacienda for lunch and a show. My bus partner was Mexican. He seemed to be delighted that we were stopping at the hacienda for lunch. He told me there was a hacienda in his native California that had indoor and outdoor seating. This particular hacienda had an indoor buffet style restaurant. It also had a chapel and a gift shop.

Artwork Souvenirs at Sun Moon Palace Resort

Tip: Buy souvenirs away from the resort, you will spend less for souvenirs on tours. The souvenirs were much cheaper on the tour than at the Sun Moon Palace Resort. I bought four hankerchiefs for $1. Hat and T- shirts were $5. One of Mexican Tourist from California spent $267 on souvenirs at Chichen Itza alone. He said his wife had given him a list of souvenirs to pick up. I was amazed.

Students dancing at Hacienda Lunch in Mexico

I sat at the front of the restaurant near the stage so that I could film the students dancing. The young women wore those famous white dresses.

This is a funny video of the students dancing with bottles on their heads.

Town Square of Valladolid, Mexico

After lunch we stopped at Valladolid, Mexico which is a small town that is known for the famous white dresses that the women wear there. There is also more shopping for inexpensive souvenirs.

Two women proudly wearing those famous white dresses

After I took the photos of the women they wanted a tip. I gave them some Nature's Sunshine Solstice Energy packets because I had spent all my cash on souvenirs. Everybody needs energy right!

My models for the day in those famous white dresses.

They were very nice about it. They just giggled and went on their merry way.

Skychi in front of Famous White Dress Fountain

In the middle of the Valladolid, Mexico town square park is a fountain of a women wearing one of the famous white dresses.

Women wearing one of the those Valladolid, Mexico "Famous White Dress"

You know those famous white dresses, don't you?

Magic Johnson says American Airlines "Nobody does it Better!"

2011-04-10T03:35:00.000-05:00

According to Earvin "Magic" Johnson

nobody does it better than American Airlines from

Los Angeles to New York

or Los Angeles to Chicago

or Los Angeles to Miami.

How to speed through Customs & Immigrations?

2011-03-22T18:58:00.000-05:00

Skychi at Sun Moon Palace in Cancun, Mexico

At the airport in Cancun I met two American Airlines flight attendants who were also headed back to Chicago. While we were boarding the flight I overhead them talking about Global Entry, so I asked them about it. They told me they were international flight attendants so they cleared customs and immigrations at Chicago O'hare Terminal 5 on a regular basis. They recommended getting Global Entry to save time on the line to clear customs. Global Entry is $100 for 5 years.

Vendors' children eating in Mexico

After we departed the aircraft and went down the escalator towards customs we encountered a line that was at least a mile long in the hallway before we even reached the customs hall. I had never seen the line that long. Now I understand the need for Global Entry. That line was at least a two hour wait. I can only image all the passengers who missed their connecting flights because they were stuck in that line not to mention they had to collect their luggage and recheck to their luggage to its final destination.

Museum of Art Ottawa, Canada

I just visited the Global Entry website at http://www.globalentry.gov to learn more about it. It seems that the government program is for U.S. citizens who are low-risk. There is a background check, fingerprinting and a interview. You do not need to travel a certain number of trips internationally. Families can apply for Global Entry and schedule their interviews at the same time.

Crew Eats at Sahib's in Montreal, Canada

Once you are aprroved and receive Global Entry you can enter the U.S. at major airports by using automated kiosks thereby passing the long lines for customs and immigrations. Global Entry users also have free access to other border entry programs such as NEXUS of Canada and SENTRI of Mexico.

Skychi in Chinatown at Victoria Island, Vancouver, Canada

There is also a FLUX (Fast Low Risk Universal Crossing) border entry program for the Netherlands which allows Dutch and U.S. citizens to travel through fast lanes internationally. The Privium FLUX is a limited program with fees of 220 Euros. The Privium Plus membership is an additional 66 Euros. These fees do not include the $100 Global Entry fee. The Privium Plus allows its members to have club lounge access, priority parking, and business class check-in even if you have coach ticket.

Arc de Triomphe Paris, France

My observations of travelers that use the fast lane at the automated kiosks that the process is faster than a flight crew line clearance.

Flight Crew heading to airport from LAX Sheraton

Next time you are waiting in line at Customs and Immigrations watching passengers zip through at the automated kiosks consider the pros and cons for yourself. Is the Global Entry program for you?

Will the gods shine at Chichen Itza's Spring Solstice?

2011-03-19T21:13:00.001-05:00

Skychi in front of Observatory

This has been an unusual vacation for me. I am accustomed to planning my own itinerary. Today, I went on a full-day group tour to Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was a completely different experience for me. I had no clue of what to expect for the day, as I had not bothered to ask about the itinerary. So everything was a surprise to me. The bus ride was two hours from Cancun to Chichen Itza. We left the Sun Moon Palace Resort about 8 am and arrived in Chichen Itza about 11 a.m. because of one rest stop along the way.

Tour Guide Sylvia in front of Observatory

There were three motorcoach tour buses from the resort with about 50 people each for about 150 people. Once at Chichen Itza some people went off to explore on their own and others followed the tour guide. I decided to stick with the tour guide so I could enjoy the history of tour.

It seems that is is winter in Mexico but it is still 90 degrees. There are no mosquitos because it is winter. During the tour it started raining. I wondered why there were people carrying umbrellas. At first I thought it was for protection from the sun. Now I understand one should be prepared in case of rain too. Big tip it is spring so, carry an umbrella. It will protect you from the sun or possible rain.

Observatory at Chichen Itza

On March 21st is the Sun Solstice, thousands of people will gather at Chichen Itza to watch the sun pass from the front door to the back door of the Observatory. At the same time the sun will also pass through door of the main monument. The sunworshippers will wait for the snake tail to zig zag its way down to the snake head. That is if the gods are happy the sun will shine. If a cloud passes over or it rains then the Mayans believed that the gods had to be appeased with the blood of human sacrifices. It seems that men were the preferred to be sacrificed over women.

Chichen Itza

Evidently, the gods were not happy the day of our tour because we had a downpour that started at noon and lasted the rest of the day. Happily there were no sacrifices to appease the angry gods.

Will the gods be happy on March 21st for the Spring Solstice and allow the tail of the snake
to meet the snake head?

Why are you solo?

2011-03-14T08:32:00.000-05:00

Skychi at Sun Moon Palace in Cancun, Mexico

At breakfast this morning the waiter asked me "Why are you solo? As a matter of fact I have been asked that question several times by male waiters. I understand the culture of Mexico is one of an emphasis on "FAMILY". I guess they cannot understand how I be by myself or eat by myself.

Watermelon Sculpture at Mexican Restaurant

My first day at lunch at the Mexican restaurant, the waitress did not want to seat me because I was by myself. I thought it was interesting that the single gentleman ahead of me did not have that problem. They seated him immediately.

Chef preparing my Grilled Grouper

Why are you solo?
I answered that I am a flight attendant. I am used to traveling by myself. I don't think that answer was acceptable to him. He still looked puzzled. I am certain that I am not the only woman here traveling solo. However, this does not stop the asking of the question, Why am I alone?

Fruit Station at Buffett

This question has me asking and examining myself, Why am I alone?
Upon further introspection, there are other reasons for why I travel alone. I am divorced with four adult offspring. I have yet to meet my wandering soul mate.

Garnishments for Grilled Meats

Yes, I am "soloito". I am the little alone person.

Grilled Grouper, Cactus Salad and Shredded Beets

Churro with Ice Cream & Petit Fours

This morning, I was in line at the hostess station of the Mexican Restaurant of Sun Moon Palace waiting for a table. I ran into two women that I had met the last night. The hostess rushed to seat the three of us.

Skychi with one of the Chefs of the Mexican Restaurant

That's was my "Ahh! Moment". I realized I was choosing to eat alone and be alone. The question by the waiters of "Why are you alone?" was not due to their lack of understanding. It caused me to reflect upon who I was choosing to "be" which was alone. I had met many people but I had not sought their companionship during meal time. I finally got it. The question is not so much "Why are you alone?" but "Why do you choose to eat alone?". I did not eat all my meals alone. However, I got that I did choose to eat alone several times.

Breakfast in Room

Breakfast with my roommate

Thank you for the awakening moment. Now I can shift to not be "solo". Sometimes Travel can help you learn about yourself.

Healing Vacation in Cancun with Nature's Sunshine

2011-03-09T11:21:00.000-06:00

Skychi squinting in Sunny Cancun

I have been sick with a weak immune system for sometime. Last week I had blocked ears and I still have a chronic cough. I am fortune enough to have won an all expenses paid vacation to the Sun Moon Palace Resort in Cancun, Mexico with Nature's Sunshine. I am here for five days with my Naturopath Dr. Hugh Jenkins and his lovely wife Gwen. His wife Gwen is a Health Consultant. She does my ear candling to unblock my ears.

Swinging Bar

Swim up Bar

Sun at Pool

This vacation could not come at a better time. I have been sleep deprived from working as a flight attendant. My trip after returning from the AAERG 11th Annual Convention in LAX, I was awake from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. in the morning. The flight I was working was to suppose to land at 10:30 p.m. We had flight delays due to weather and ended up sitting on the runway until 2 a.m. I was exhausted from being awake and working for almost 24 hours. This really took a toll on my health. I got sick with the flu plus the co-pilot had the flu too. I am still battling a chronic cold.

Skychi lounging in Hammock

It is great to be on vacation with a natural healing doctor. He and his wife are guiding me on the herbs that I need to heal my body. I have learned that I was not taking my herbs properly. I was taking the herbs according to the maintenance recommendations on the bottle. Dr. Jenkins and Gwen told me that I should be taking herbs in larger quantities because my body is under stress from flying, sleep deprivation, and improper diet.

Dinner under the Stars & Moon with 2,200 Natural Health Experts

I am sitting in the presence of 2,000 natural health experts. I will share with you the info I learn at this convention in upcoming blog posts.

Breakfast in Room at Sun Moon Palace All-Inclusive Resort

If you are interested in natural healing and herbs, then visit my website to take a Health Analyzer at Skychi's Health Store at http://mynsp.com/Skychi.

Morning walk on the beach

"Invest in traveling the world. You will be better!"

2011-03-07T20:07:00.000-06:00

http://kiermatthews.wordpress.com
Kier V.B. Matthews, CTIE

Vice President, Travel Industry Sales

Europe Express & Brian Moore International Tours

Kier Matthews

1. What message do have for students who want to travel?

– The world is vast! Go explore! Even if you have to do it on a budget. It will make you a better citizen!

2. What are your childhood memories of travel ?

-Traveling to Buenos Aries to visit my father who was working there. So glamorous!

3. Where did you dream of traveling when you were a child?

- England

4. Did you travel as a child?

– Travel for me did not start until I was a teenager

5. What did you learn as a child about the expectation for black people to travel?

– That we could only travel via car. We were not rich enough to fly.

Europe Vacation

6. Did you admire or know of any Black people that traveled when you were a child?

– My favorite aunt used to travel all the time and I admired her desire to see the world and bring it back to us.

7. Why should Black people travel?

– Traveling is the great equalizer! You learn more traveling that any college degree. But, get the degree!

8. What was your first trip?

– NYC on an air plane. It was a Boeing 747 operated by PanAm.

Europe Vacation

9. How did you plan for it?

– My parents planned it all. I just had to remember how to behave on the plane.

10. What was your experience there?

– I just recall the vastness of the big apple. I was so excited.

Europe Vacation

11. Was your travel experience what you expected?

– Yes. It was way more than I ever imagined

12. How is your travel experience as a Black traveler different from what you perceive as a White traveler?

– I think people are VERY shocked to see me in first class and at luxury hotels. They think I’m a celebrity, rapper or athlete. Not a senior executive.

13. What is your voice as a Black travel blogger?

– I blog about luxury travel, experiences, and products.

14. Where do you dream of traveling now? Why?

– Australia and Asia – Because my wife wants to go! I want to take her to the places of her dreams!

Europe Vacation with Family

15. Anything else you would like to add?

– Invest in traveling the world. You will be better!

Breakfast with Business Guru & Mogul Earvin "Magic" Johnson

2011-03-03T22:05:00.000-06:00

Business Guru Earvin "Magic" Johnson

The AAERG Prayer Breakfast with Magic Johnson was amazing. I have never seen anything like it. Earvin Magic Johnson is a great leader. He shared his business success with us. His portfolio of businesses include Starbucks, TGIF Friday's, hotels, and movie theaters. He employs over 40,000 minorities.

CEO Earvin "Magic" Johnson accepts AAERG Academy Award

He shared his business tips with us. Then he did a Q&A to provide personalized advice.
The most important piece of advice that he shared with us was don't hire your family ...unless they have expertise. The number one reason that African American businesses fail is they hire family members. They family members take the money from the businesses. Magic says that he pays his family members to stay away. Every Thanksgiving his gives his brothers and sisters a check. Here you don't have to come in. Bam a check!

Joyful Winner of Front Seats to Lakers Game

Magic Johnson giveaways at the breakfast included his autographed Lakers Jerseys and front row seats to the Lakers games. These tickets were valued at $3,000 each. Magic gifted to Varita 8 tickets. When he called her up to receive the tickets she told him that she had triplets. So Magic said okay I will give you four tickets, then he doubled it to 8 tickets so she could have baby sitters for her triplets at the game. Simply awesome!

(left) Varita Shelton "My Barbados"

The most moving moment for me at the breakfast was witnessing a powerful group of five or six youth from the orchestra stand up. One young man eloquently introduced himself. Then the other students introduced themselves as well. Then the young male leader said we are all high achieving African American students who are about to enter college or are in college. Do you know of any scholarships? Magic started to share with them his UCLA Urban Summer Program. Then Earvin "Magic" Johnson gifted that bold group of students with scholarships for college. "Ask and it is given." It was powerful to be in the presence of such a great leader who is humble and giving.

Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA)

Thank you Earvin Magic Johnson sharing yourself, your business knowledge, and your gifts. I am looking forward to the next time you visit with AAERG.

Family Photo Op with Business Guru & Mogul Earvin "Magic" Johnson

American Airlines Receives Top 25 Diversity Council Honors

2011-02-27T11:31:00.002-06:00

Inner City Orchestra of Los Angeles -ICYOLA

Association of Diversity Councils Recognizes American for Workplace Diversity

American Airlines African American Employee Resource Group LAX Chapter
(right) Joyce Darthard-Perkins Chairperson of LAX AAERG Executive Board

For the third consecutive year, American Airlines is a recipient of the Diversity Council Honors Award™ from the Association of Diversity Councils, which recognizes companies for outstanding achievements in demonstrating workplace diversity. American was the sole airline to be listed as having one of the nation's top 25 diversity councils.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson
Chairman & CEO Magic Johnson Enterprises

"We are extremely proud to see this recognition of our Diversity Advisory Council and the tremendous leadership it provides – not only its support of our ongoing inclusion efforts, but also in addressing business challenges," said Lauri Curtis, American's Vice President of Diversity, Leadership and Engagement Strategies. "We know from experience that none of us is as powerful and effective as all of us working together. While it's important to be inclusive and value diversity because it's the right thing to do, the results also prove that it is very good for business. Diversity and inclusion are among American's fundamental values, and we are honored that ours is again among the nation's top 25 diversity councils."

David Campbell (left)
Vice President Safety Security & Environmental

Curtis noted that American strives to create an environment where each employee's unique experience, perspectives and ideas are encouraged and valued. "At American Airlines, we are energized by our global and diverse workforce," she added. "We are dedicated not only to advancing matters of equality and inclusion, but to supporting and celebrating them."

Earvin "Magic" Johnson receives AAERG "Academy Award"

The Diversity Council Honors Awards program distinguishes corporate diversity councils that lead diversity processes in organizations and demonstrate results in their workforce, workplace and marketplace. Winners' rankings will be announced at an awards dinner and ceremony in Atlanta on April 5.

Chairperson Joseph Huggins (left)
& AAERG Chicago Chapter

"This is the third year that American Airlines has received the Diversity Council Honors Award," said Janice E. Bowman, Practice Leader – Association of Diversity Councils. "American Airlines is the undisputed leader in setting the standards for excellence for diversity council groups from within the air transportation industry by helping to raise the visibility and importance of the work of diversity and inclusion councils on a national level. The leadership of American Airlines is also recognized for their commitment and support of the important work and success of their council."

Skychi & Sandra Finely
Pres & CEO
League of Black Women

Skychi & Selena Cuffe
AA Diversity Supplier
Pres. & CEO
Heritage Brands, LLC

A Diversity Committee within the AMR Corporation Board of Directors provides oversight of American and American Eagle Airlines diversity initiatives. Company initiatives include fostering minority business growth and supplier diversity, as well as supporting employee involvement in a broad range of diversity-related programs and organizations.

Michael Collins
Managing Director
Diversity Strategies

A dedicated Diversity Strategies organization leads development of diversity priorities and goals, and works with operating management to implement forward-thinking initiatives.

The company's employees provide valuable input for business decisions through 16 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which reflect customers, suppliers and the community. These groups have made significant contributions across many areas of the company, from community involvement to educational functions, as well as lending their expertise to planning for international routes and helping to promote enrollment in the AAdvantage® program, American's loyalty program.

Skychi & Varita Shelton-"My Barbados"

The ERGs are linked by the Diversity Advisory Council, which meets regularly and promotes the company's belief in the effectiveness of working together. Council activities and accomplishments have included:

AAERG "Goes Hollywood"

Collaboration with oneworld® partners to provide cultural expertise to joint business alliances
Translations and media talent for American's communications, marketing and advertising departments
Ongoing support of "Operation Mobility," which offers service improvements for customers with disabilities
Assistance as a focus group to help develop messages tailored to specific employee and customer groups

Sabrenda Clifton AAERG DAC Representative

In addition, the Council has provided cultural perspectives for updates to American's uniform and appearance standards, and offered presentations to flight attendant groups regarding faith-based traditions.
American also has strong partnerships with national and local advocacy organizations that promote equality and advancement for under-represented groups.
For more information about Diversity and Inclusion at American Airlines, please visit AA.com/Diversity.

American Airlines Flight Attendant serving South African Wine
At Diversity Supplier Reception

Wine Tasting by Selena Cuffe
Founder/CEO of Heritage Link Brands LLC

American Airlines Flight Attendant serving
Strawberry & Honey South African Wines

AAERG Chicago Chairperson Joseph Huggins at
Wine Tasting Reception at Brasserie

About American Airlines
American Airlines, American Eagle and the AmericanConnection® carrier serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning AA.com® website provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers.

American Airlines is a founding
member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve approximately 750 destinations in nearly 150 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)

AAERG Academy Awards Reception

"GO NOW. HOWEVER YOU CAN; BACKPACK, WORK ABROAD, RICH PARENTS."

2011-02-24T06:38:00.000-06:00

This one is from Machu Picchu in Peru and includes my husband, Ish.

Heather Greenwood Davis

Columnist and Freelance Writer

www.greenwooddavis.com

www.globetrottingmama.com

www.thestar.com/comment/columnists/94555

1. What message do have for students who want to travel?

GO NOW. HOWEVER YOU CAN; BACKPACK, WORK ABROAD, RICH PARENTS. :) You will never have as much time to travel as you will as a student. Make the most of it.

2. What are your childhood memories of travel ?

My parents insisted on an annual vacation. We couldn't necessarily afford to jet set with a family of 5 but road trips were a staple. I have fantastic memories of being in cars surrounded by cousins headed to see more family somewhere else. Although my kids have traveled extensively, I think they miss out in not having cousins they can hang with like that. It taught me a lot about the importance of just being with family.

3. Where did you dream of traveling when you were a child?

Everywhere seemed further as a kid. I remember California and New York were places on my list. Africa was so "not going to ever happen" I didn't even dream about it. For me travel dreams were always more about the people I'd be with than the destination per se.

Heather in front of Buckingham Palace

4. Did you travel as a child? Yup. (see above) :)

5. What did you learn as a child about the expectation for black people to travel?

I grew up in Canada and whether it was the country or my parents, it never occurred to me that there wasn't anywhere I couldn't go. I believe my kids are growing up with the same beliefs.

6. Did you admire or know of any Black people that traveled when you were a child?

Just my family.

Heather with her son Ethan

7. Why should Black people travel?

Because we're human beings and that means we have family all over this amazing planet just like everyone else. Because it opens our eyes to possibilities you didn't even know existed and expands our dream potential. Because the world is too small not to see it all.

8. What was your first trip?

My first trip on my own was to St. Petersburg Florida.

9. How did you plan for it? Online.

I found a great package deal and added a car rental. I was about 22 at the time.

10. What was your experience there?

I loved it. Solo travel felt empowering and knowing I could go wherever I wanted, do whatever I wanted and do it all when I wanted fuelled my love of travel.

a) positive experience -learning to eat alone in a restaurant and be okay with it

b) negative experience- realizing I was going to have to be in charge of my own safety. It turned into a positive and made me a better traveler.

Heather feeding Kangaroos

11. Was your travel experience what you expected? and more.

12. How is your travel experience as a Black traveler different from what you perceive as a White traveler?

I'm rarely aware of a difference. Again, I think it's due to upbringing and place of birth. Also, my focus has never been on what another traveler, whatever their race, is doing. I hope they're getting as much out of their experience as I am out of mine. The one place where it felt really different to be experiencing travel as a Black person was Africa. There I wasn't a traveler, it felt more like a homecoming. I can't wait to go back.

13. What is your voice as a Black travel blogger?

Authentically unique, guided by but not limited by my race.

Heather at Winter Carnival with her son Cameron

14. Where do you dream of traveling now? Why?

My dream trip is about to take flight! I leave July 2011 for a one year around the world trip with my husband and two children. I'm not aware of another Black family who has done this (if you're out there let me know!) and I'm looking forward to all that it will bring us in terms of learning and experience. We're blogging about the experience (before, during and after) at GlobetrottingMama.com and writing about it (I'm now a full-time freelance Travel Writer) for Canada's largest daily newspaper The Toronto Star and a host of other publications.

15. Anything else you would like to add?

Just that I hope people will read your interviews and reach out if they have questions. Travel has changed my perspective of the world in a positive way. I wish that for more people.

"Your travel will be more enjoyable if you think about the things you enjoy most."

2011-02-23T06:39:00.002-06:00

My trip to Ecuador. The only touristy thing I i did was get a picture taken of me with one foot in the northern hemisphere and the other foot in the southern hemisphere.

Blog: African American-Latino World
www.ahorasecreto.blogspot.com/

Hanging out in Perú's black community of El Carmen.

Bill Smith
Oakland, CA

1. What message do have for students who want to travel?

Your travel will be more enjoyable if you think about the things you enjoy most. For example, I travel to like Perú and Cuba because I enjoy their music.

2. What are your childhood memories of travel ?

My father had me traveling since I was a child. He not only took us around New York City where I was raised, but to other states and two Canadian provinces.

3. Where did you dream of traveling when you were a child?

Spain, because I started teaching myself Spanish out of a children's library book; not realizing there were more than 15 Spanish-speaking countries in the Americas.

4. Did you travel as a child?

See #2---geez, what's with all these childhood questions?

Riding a bicycle taxi in Havana, Cuba.

5. What did you learn as a child about the expectation for black people to
travel?

My father wanted me to be different from your average black by being exposed to travel. He always lamented that most black people in Harlem, where I grew up, never been out of the city.

6. Did you admire or know of any Black people that traveled when you were a
child?

Only a few! --geez, what's with all these questions about childhood? I'm getting weary of this.

7. Why should Black people travel?

More exposure to the world; a broader awareness. I know too many black people who don't get out of the communities, let alone their hometown. There are too many blacks who see Africa as a one big country and not a continent containing many different cultures, languages, and “colors” other than black.

The block where I stayed in Cartagena Colombia.

8. What was your first trip?

My first domestic trip was from New York to Los Angeles. My first international trip was to Montreal.

9. How did you plan for it?

I wound up on Los Angeles as a result of parent rivalry, separation, and divorce. My father planned the trip to Montreal for a Thanksgiving vacation.

10. What was your experience there?
a) positive experience -

People in Montreal were very nice to us visiting Americans. It was interesting to see a foreign experience.

b) negative experience-
In Los Angeles, I got a taste of how children feel when they are dumped into childcare by busy parents. There was nothing negative about Montreal.

11. Was your travel experience what you expected?

Yes.

12. How is your travel experience as a Black traveler different from what
you perceive as a White traveler?

These days, I pride myself in being a different type of traveler. Because I'm constantly working to improve my Spanish, I avoid touristy hotels and activities. I mix right in with the locals as much as possible, especially in black communities of Latin America.

Passing through El Salvador

13. What is your voice as a Black travel blogger?

African American-Latin World
www.ahorasecreto.blogspot.com
I expose to the world the history and experience of black people in Latin American communities here and abroad.

14. Where do you dream of traveling now? Why?

My next trip is not a dream. I'm going to Venezuela in December and spend some time in their black community, then blog about it.

"Be Prepared To Have Your Life Change!"

2011-02-21T08:58:00.001-06:00

http://theqworld.blogspot.com

Quinette Free

Quinette at the Taj Mahal, Agra, India

1. What message do have for students who want to travel?
     Just GO!!, Do what you have to do to get out there and do it and be prepared to have your life change.

2. What are your childhood memories of travel ?
   I grew up without much money, so the extend of my travel was the Greyhound bus to Blakely, Georgia to see my relatives.   I grew up around the navy and lived in a neighborhood of mixed races of Navy families who was always coming from somewhere different.

3. Where did you dream of traveling when you were a child?
    I dreamed of traveling to all of the continents. I loved animals as a kids and I wanted to see all of the animals I watched on Wild Kingdom.

Koala and Baby in the wild, Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia

4. Did you travel as a child?

Just to Blakely, Georgia, although my mom did squeeze out enough money for me to travel a few hours south to go to Girl Scout camp.

5. What did you learn as a child about the expectation for black people to travel?

Nothing. My mother was the ONLY person in my entire extended family to have left home when she moved to NYC. Travel according to my family was something White folks did, as was a variety of other things.

6. Did you admire or know of any Black people that traveled when you were a child?

Not at all.

7. Why should Black people travel?

Part of the education process. I think we have falling way behind in the US and even if you don't have the education to lift you up, I believe travel will make you seek out education. In return, education as a race will put us head to head with the dominant culture in America. In many ways, ahead, because we know to be equal, we have to be better and if we have travel under our belt, we can spill out beyond American shores, where many are afraid to go.

8. What was your first trip?

My first trip ever was to visit my college roomates in Chicago. My first trip out of the country was to Cuba.

9. How did you plan for it?

By reading everything I could about Cuba. I booked through a Canadian travel agency, but the itinerary was all my idea.

10. What was your experience there?

a) positive experience - It was great seeing a country that Americans are forbidden to go and to see it in all of its non-capitalistic glory was amazing. I felt like I had discovered a jewel that most people will never get to see. Even if we are allowed to go someday, it won't be the same Cuba that I was blessed to see. It was also and opportunity to see where my friends parent grew up.

b) negative experience- Being Black and speaking Spanish pretty well, many thought I was Cuban and Cubans are not allowed in hotels and restaurants for tourists. I got glared and stared at everywhere I went, which since this was my first trip, caught me a bit off guard. The friendly Cubans that everyone spoke of was not apparent at first, but came once they got to talk to me.

11. Was your travel experience what you expected?

It was better as Cuba was more beautiful than I imagined. The poverty was a bit sad, but the people are proud and work hard. It never seemed as though you were getting hustled like you feel sometimes in Asia.

12. How is your travel experience as a Black traveler different from what you perceive as a White traveler?

Since many places rarely see Black travelers, what they know of us is from rap music or Black movies like "Boyz in da Hood". I cannot tell you how many times I had gang signs flashed at me or someone playing offensive rap music because they thought I would like it. Also places like China, where the don't see many Blacks, I was literally stopping traffic because I am Big and Black. People were pulling over to the side of the road to point me out or flashing their fingers as the were trying to guess my weight in kilos. I think in other countries, everything that makes America GREAT, is all White, to the point of seeing whitening cream (mostly sold by American companies) on just about every shelf in places I traveled in Asia.

13. What is your voice as a Black travel blogger?

My blog started out as a therapeutic writing tool as I was traveling and not specific to being Black. I am not a Black traveler who wants to go to a place and stay with only Black people, I think that diminishes the travel experience. But I do like learning about Black people in a place I travel. For instance, when I went to Norway, there were Black people, and I loved learning what brought them there but to go to Norway and only learn about Black Norwegians would be a gross misrepresentation of the country. Does that make sense?

I don't want people traveling to the US and only thinking that America is all White or any one ANYTHING. Recognize that the same regional considerations you would make for other countries, also apply to us. Plus multiply the number of people in America by its racial diversity, you get a very unique equation. I want travelers to go away with a sense of diversity, that this "Gumbo" which is America, while made in a one pot, every spice and ingredient has its own distinct flavor that adds something special to dish?

14. Where do you dream of traveling now? Why?

Back to my special spot on the island of Koh Tao in Thailand. I just connected with the right mixture of Western/Foreign but very Thai surrounded by miles of beautiful beaches and great diving. Also South America and Antarctica to finish all 7 continents.

Sairee Beach, Koh Tao, Thailand

15. Anything else you would like to add?

Zurich, Switzerland

Pilgrims at Lourdes, France

When I moved from Florida to New York City, I constantly compared EVERYTHING to Florida. Then one day someone said "Hey! Guess what? You are NOT in Florida anymore!" That changed my thinking from that point on and I was able to truly enjoy NYC. I find people do that with travel.

They bargain or relate to people in a place because of how they did it at home or in a place that they loved. Because they are comparing this new place to another, they are not "getting" the nuances and understanding the culture as it should be understood.

I was so culture shocked when I got to Asia, I was miserable. By the end of my stay, I had fallen in love with this unlikely place. And to think I almost bypassed the whole continent.

Celebrate Black History with Black Atlas

2011-02-19T06:50:00.002-06:00

Black Atlas is an American Airlines social media website to connect to African American travelers.
Nelson George is the Travel Expert-at-large for Black Atlas.com. Nelson George produces travel videos which showcase the Black History of local and international destinations.

I have watched his travel videos for a specific destination, then I visit those places to enjoy the experience for myself. I love "Nelson George's Inside Scoop". He provides a visual Black Perspective to to places that Black people talk about among themselves.

Black Travel is pretty much word of mouth. When I travel to a new city sometimes I want to experience the black culture of that city. I look for a black hotel receptionist, bus driver, hotel shuttle bus driver or hotel door man. I ask, "Where do black people go here?" They have been my greatest resource for some amazing travel experiences. Now Black Atlas provides Black Travel Guide Videos to the Black culture and history from cities around the world.

Black Atlas

"The Passport to the Black Experience"

Neslon George takes you on a tour of Black History in Los Angeles with Black Atlas.

Los Angeles is the site of the AAERG 11th Annual Convention celebration of Black History Month.

Check out my blog post on NBA All-Star Magic Johnson Goes Hollywood with AAERG! I am hoping to tour some of the Black Historic sites that Nelson George mentioned in his Los Angeles travel guide.

I look at the Los Angeles skyline with a great sense of pride knowing that a Black architect named Paul R. Williams helped to design the cityscape.

Kiratiana the editor of Black Atlas features a Black History Month Profile on Black Travel Bloggers. Kiratiana talks to Jay, the King of Black Travel Bloggers in this article Black History Month Profile: Jay of JayTravels.net . Kiratiana and Jay both competed for the Black Weblog Awards for the Best Travel Blog category. Jay of JayTravels.net won the honor of Best Black Travel Blog.

Jay of JayTravels.net

Black Atlas is a great resource for planning your next trip to a local or international destination with a Black History point of view.

"Parading the Dream of Diversity" by Cheryl Robinson

2011-02-18T07:40:00.002-06:00

American Airlines

HR Messenger
Cheryl Robinson

I traveled to Tulsa, Okla., with an assignment to cover the city's legendary Martin Luther King Day Parade; an annual tradition for our Tulsa Airport and Base Maintenance employees.

I was all set to write about the Business of Diversity, but after spending time with our colleagues who worked to make sure AA was well represented in the parade, I'm compelled to tell you about the Diversity of a Dream. I never imagined how many stories this single event would unfold, including the surprising American Airlines connection.

On the day of the parade the temperature hovered around 35 degrees. Thank God, there was no snow. Growing up in Buffalo, New York, I've trudged through the cold and snow before for less worthy causes. But this time I couldn't help but think of the obstacles those before me trudged through to get here. My journey consisted of a 45-minute American Airlines flight. The flight of generations before consisted of marches, protest and death, in hopes an African-American woman, like myself, can stand here today representing an airline aptly called American.

The MLK Society selected "Honoring our Heritage and Inspiring Change" for this year's parade theme. The American Airlines float featured pictures of several past and present African American inventors, writers, musicians, entertainers canvassed on a beautifully decorated U.S. flag. Then came the booming voice over the loud speaker of Dr. King reciting his moving, "I Have a Dream" speech. As I surveyed the crowd of on-lookers and participants, a rainbow of races, colors, ethnicities, gender, religion, life situations and generations, I realized this was the diversity dream Dr. King talked about. These were the dream weavers.

Honoring Our Heritage and Inspiring Change
- see how Tulsa employees carry the message each year in the city's annual MLK Day parade

When we rounded the street corner there was one particular on-looker that stood out. As the float passed by I saw an elderly woman overcome with emotion, sobbing uncontrollably, oblivious to her own spectators, nor did she care. I could feel her pain, her sorrow and the joy that lay beneath. Her presence was so intensely moving that I clutched my heart. Instinctively, I knew this was no ordinary parade reveler. She was here because she was a dream maker. She represented my father, my mother, my grandmother, my great-grandfather, my teacher and so many more. Anyone who helped me achieve my present reality.

In this rare moment, I got it. Yet, in the telling words of my friend and colleague who just happens to be Caucasian commenting on the civil rights struggle, "I get it, I may not get it like you get it, but I get it ?" The same honest sentiment owed to all "I Have a Dream" visionaries.

Sadly, Dr. King died with his dream in his heart. He was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn., on April 4, 1968, at the age of 39. I recently learned that American Airlines transported the remains of Dr. King home in the passenger cabin of a Lockheed Electra. I take pride in knowing that I am a product of a dreamer. Also, I'm proud to say that I am an American Airlines employee.

Maybe American Airlines is not a perfect airline, nor are we perfect employees. But what AA represents is the business of being American, and extending that to our global environment, a citizen of the world.

A place where not only dreams of diversity come true, but futures do too.

By Cheryl Robinson

5 Tips for First Time Flyers

2011-02-17T06:40:00.002-06:00

The wanderlust winds have blown me to LA. This is an unexpected trip to help my niece find herself in life. My niece dreams of becoming an actress so she enrolled herself in acting school. Her mother who is ill had her call me with help for her ticket to Los Angeles, CA. My niece had never flown on an airplane so I looked at this as an opportunity to give back. I believe in encouraging others to travel. This is my chance to teach someone personally how to travel.

I flew to Richmond, VA to meet her for her first flight. I called her on the phone several times giving her instructions on what to say to the ticket agent, how to check-in her luggage, what to pack in her backpack, what to pack in her checked luggage, and how to go through security.

These are the five tips that I gave my niece on how to prepare to fly her first flight.

1. What to say to the ticket agent: "I am checking in for a flight to Chicago at 2:10 pm." Then show your identification. (State where you are going and the time the flight leaves, and a flight number is possible)

2. How to check-in her luggage: "I am checking two bags to LA." I told her the airport code for Los Angeles which is "LAX". I instructed her to look at the bag tags to make sure she sees "LAX" on her bags. (To lookup a city's airport code check out http://www.airportcodes.org/)

3.What to pack in her backpack: I advised her to carry an change of clothes. I also told her that she could not carry liquids through security. (TSA: How to Get Through the Line Faster)

4. What to pack in her checked luggage: I suggested that she pack her toothpaste, deodorant and other large toiletries items in her checked luggage. If she had travel size toiletries item those should be in a plastic bag. (TSA: 3-1-1 on Air Travel)

5. How to go through security: I instructed my niece to take off her coat, shoes and backpack to put in bins. The movie "Up in The Air" shows George Clooney in the security is a funny scene. It is a how to go through the security line lesson for first time flyers.

I land Richmond airport to find no niece at the gate. Then I see her in the security line finishing off a bottle of water which she is not allowed to bring to security. She said I forgot to tell her that she couldn't bring bottled water through security. Oh well, I tried to think of everything.

NBA All-Star Magic Johnson Goes Hollywood with AAERG!

2011-02-16T08:10:00.028-06:00

Earvin "Magic" Johnson

American Airlines African American Employee Resource Group is "Going Hollywood" with Earvin "Magic" Johnson at the 11th Annual AAERG Convention.

"AAERG has become a vital component of AMR Corporation since 1996. The group values professional development and community involvement, but also recognizes that African Americans contribute close to a trillion dollars to the economy. We believe that American Airlines can position itself as a preferred airline within the African American community by utilizing employees to enhance marketing and outreach efforts."

I am proud to be part of a company that values Diversity & Inclusion. American Airlines has received numerous awards and recognitions. One recent award is the 2011 Diversity Leader Award.

2011 Diversity Award

"Diversity Leader Award – This award is given to organizations that share their stories with readers on a regular basis and offer profiles of their thought leaders. American Airlines is recognized as an organization that demonstrates its continued commitment toward diverse culture through its ongoing communications with Profiles in Diversity Journal."

American Airlines shares stories with readers through the American Way Magazine and American Eagle Latitudes Magazine. One of their most recent features was Celebrating Black History Month with Jennifer Hudson on the cover. Please read my blog article Celebrate Black History Month with Jennifer Hudson.

I will be celebrating Black History Month by attending the AAERG 11th Annual Convention in LAX. This is a two day event is for American Airlines employees to develop professional skills and network. The keynote speakers is Earvin "Magic" Johnson, a NBA All-Star and owner of Magic Johnson Enterprises. Another featured speaker is Sandra Finely, President and CEO of the League of Black Women. I am looking forward to meeting them. I invite other American Airlines employees to join me.

If you are interested in working for American Airlines or American Eagle a top Diversity Company, then visit www.aa.com to apply for open positions.

For those of us who are visual learners- traveling is first class!

2011-02-12T00:09:00.000-06:00

Mike and DeeDee at Tijuca National Park in Rio 2010

DeeDee Webb

www.easysite.com/dkritype4u

1. What message do have for students who want to travel?

I am a visual learner and I am inquisitive by nature. The best history lesson you will ever have is traveling…period….no book can inspire to appreciate life as much as traveling!

For those of us who are visual learners - traveling is first class EVAH!

2. What are your childhood memories of travel ?

We never ventured past the Texas border.

3. Where did you dream of traveling when you were a child?

Because my family never discussed their travels or desires to travel, I grew up dreaming Houston was it!

3. Did you travel as a child?

4. What did you learn as a child about the expectation for black people to travel?

We just didn’t do it – it was never discussed.

DeeDee on the way to Rio Platforma Show

5. Did you admire or know of any Black people that traveled when you were a child?

6. Why should Black people travel?

For the cultural and rich experience of seeing “us”. Far too many Europeans have a negative history of Black America. At times – dare I say, their ignorance shows. But for Black America – we need to stop saying…”Oh chile, I travels [sic]” just because they go to Jamaica, a cruise or the Caribbean. Those places are nice, but after you come from the beach, what is it to do? Jump the pond and wave at the queen, rub elbows at Versailles, say hey to Napoleon, climb the Eiffel tower, tour the coliseum, the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel! (Yes, I’ve done all that)

Versailles, France 2005 Royal Bedroom

7. What was your first Trip?

My very first trip was to the Bahamas, celebrating my 40^th birthday!

8. How did you plan for it?

Actually, it was a cruise, organized by a friend.

9. What was your experience there?

positive experience – I’m not sure if I can say I like the Bahamas because it was a cruise and you are somewhat limited by what you can do – but overall, it was okay.

negative experience – it was interesting when we got off the cruise ship in the Bahamas. The school children and braid vendors went straight for my white friend and passed me up completely. See what I mean? We need to get people used to the idea that Black American’s can travel and we can be a source of revenue for locals.

10. Was your travel experience what you expected?

No because I found out that I wasn’t a cruise person or a beach person. Better to experienced something, than nothing at all….right?

Mike at Rio Platforma Show 2010

11. How is your travel experience as a Black traveler different from what you perceive as a White traveler?

I will tell you a story. I was in Paris in 2005, two weeks before the Riots started when the two African youths were chased by police and in order to escape jumped a fence and were electrocuted. I was walking down the Seine just before the Latin Quarter. I passed a restaurant that many individuals has crossed and suddenly out of nowhere, this big black dog lunged at me growling. The owner came out and secured the animal and apologized, but I looked around at everyone that had passed before me and they were white. I came to my own conclusion that the dog was trained to attack people of color. Say what you want, but after 6 years, that is still fresh on my mind.

DeeDee in front of famous Black American Author, James Baldwin's Apartment Paris, France 2005

Second a White travel writer or vacationer, never gets into the African American experience when traveling. They seldom venture or plan trips to where they can experience or learn about black culture in other countries – unless it’s for TV, a humanitarian “look at me” expedition or the African safari.

12. What is your voice as a Black travel blogger?

My voice says, it can be done, it must be done and this is how I did it! Traveling should never hurt you physically, mentally or financially. I make a financial deal with myself to never spend more than 3K when traveling to Europe. I am not a bourgeois-ghetto type chick. I stay in B&B, apartments, dorm rooms, or simple accommodations (never hostels). I take the public transportation and if I don’t pay retail in Houston, then I won’t pay it abroad. I tell all my friends you can go almost anywhere in the world for less than 3K, if you plan it right. I have not broke my ritual yet!

Beginning of Rio Platforma Show

13. Where do you dream of traveling now? Why?

My next trip will be in shorter stages. Since I’ve gotten used to travels in Europe, I am a little bit more comfortable in my efforts to see as much as I can. My next trip is as follows:

i. 1.5 days: London – probably the last time – if God say the same.

ii. 1.5 days: Paris – never the last time – this is my European home.

iii. 1 day: Milan – see the “Last Supper” – nothing else I want to see.

iv. 2 days: Venice – never been

v. ½ day: Pisa – Leaning Tower next to the train station, jump on/jump

off/jump on!

vi. ½ day: Pompeii: Mt. Vesuvius – told it was worth the trip

vii. 2 days: Rome: Tour the coliseum this time and party!

14. Anything else you would like to add?

Check out my travel website….www.easysite.com/dkritype4u. It’s not entirely finished, it’s a work in progress, but I love it!

DeeDee and Mike in front of Jesus

Celebrate Black History Month with Jennifer Husdon

2011-02-10T22:06:00.001-06:00

Jennifer Hudson

I was excited to see that American Airlines had chosen Jennifer Hudson to be on the cover of the Americanway Magazine for Black History Month. I identify with Jennifer Husdon as a Chitown girl.
I am also a Chitown girl. That is why my alter ego is Skychi. I love to fly and I am from Chicago. "Chi" is derived from "Chitown." Chicagoans are very proud of our city and Jennifer Hudson.

Jennifer Hudson with American Idol contestants.

Chicagoans were abuzz with excitement watching her as an American Idol contestant. I remember the news reporters interviewing her singing teacher from high school and spotlighting her high school Dunbar Vocational Academy. Jennifer Hudson really made Chicagoan proud when she won an Oscar for Dream Girls. We shared in her rise to stardom.We could hardly believe it."Dream Girls has aired several times this month for Black History Month. I watch Dream Girls whenever I get a chance. I still get the chills when Jennifer sings the song "I will always love you." She is such an awesome performer.

Jennifer Hudson in "Dream Girls" and "The Secret Life of Bees"

I loved Jennifer Hudson's performance in the Secret Life of Bees with Queen Latifah and Alicia Keys.I love the sisterhood displayed in the movie. The Secret Life of Bees teaches old Southern values of taking strangers in to care for them. I relate to the sisters April, May, and June for being caretakers. These are the values that my grandmother instilled in me.The sisters Queen Latifah and Alicia Keys accept Jennifer Hudson as their own sister at the end of the movie.

Jennifer Hudson surprised at Academy Awards

Jennifer discusses her upcoming movie role as Winnie Mandela.She has dropped 56 pounds for the role. She is now a size 6 thanks to the help of celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak and Weight Watchers. Jennifer is the new spokeperson for the Weight Watchers.Jennifer looks fantastic.I can't wait to see her play the role of Winnie Mandela.

Jennifer Hudson at Academy Awards 2007 for Dream Girls

Jennifer stated,"The reason I never lost weight before is not because I couldn't, but because I didn't see anything wrong- and I still don't. I never wanted to be Hollywood-thin." She also insists on keeping her "thickness". She says a size 6 is her limit. Jennifer said,"I don't want to hear nothing about a size 4." "It's not gonna Happen!"

Jennifer Hudson and Fiance David Otunga at Grammys 2010

Jennifer and her fiance David Otunga just had a baby David Jr. Congrats to our Jennifer and David on their beautiful family.

I am so happy to hear that Jennifer Hudson still embraces her curves. She appreciates her "thickness". I agree with Jennifer that a size 4 is way to small. Whatever size you choose to be Jennifer Hudson we celebrate you for Black History Month.