Come Fly With Me

Marianne and I love getting into the Christmas spirit by walking the streets of London. London looks pretty magical once the Christmas lights have been turned on.

It certainly is true that London fully embraces the festive spirit at Christmas time with all the elaborate light displays.

We then decided to stop in at one of our favorite places for a bite to eat, the Mercato Mayfair.

The Mercato Mayfair in London is a hip market at St. Mark’s Church, with old stained glass and grand architecture that offers international cuisine and drinks.

We were now full and satisfied and ready to tackle more Christmas lights!

Unfortunately, we didn’t get far before the rain came down hard.

Marianne and I got drenched. The best thing we could do now was to stop off at a cozy pub to get dry and warm up.

The next morning we worked back to New York. The following day, we would be working a trip to one of our favorite places…Paris.

Marianne and I were excited to go to The Christmas Market at La Défense. Paris’ largest Christmas market, with avast selection of gifts, decorations, and food in traditional wooden chalets.

We were chilled to the bones. It certainly was a cold day in Paris. We decided to go inside the Christmas market and discover wonderful artisan items as well as to see a fun display of Christmas gifts!

Marianne and I left the Christmas market with a sense of joy and holiday spirit.

So many more lights to see, however, it was time for Marianne and I to head back to our hotel to get a good night sleep!

Eat, Drink, & Be Merry!!
May you all find joy and sparkle in this holiday season!
MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

We made it back to our happy place…Rio de Janiero!

We were so excited to let the waves hit our feet at the world-famous Ipanema Beach in Rio. The beach is known for the two peaks, Dois Irma’s (Two Brothers), that rise at its western end, providing a stunning backdrop, especially at sunset.

The ocean breeze put our minds at ease!

The boardwalk in Ipanema represents a vibrant symbol of Rio’s lifestyle, embodying the city’s culture of leisure, sport, and social life. The famous black and white Portuguese designs is inspired by an abstract wave-like appearance.

Marianne and I then stopped off at a fun Brazilian bar on the beach for a bite to eat. Nothing beats sitting on the beach with a cold drink and food while enjoying the great view.

Time to walk over to the rock! What is the rock you must be thinking? In the photo above, at the end of Ipanema Beach, you can see a rock that jetties out called Arpoador Rock. It’s a popular spot on the peninsula between Ipanema and Copacabana. It’s famous for its stunning sunset views!

We made it to the top of the rock to take in the magnificent view and witness the stunning sunset behind the Dois Irma’s mountains.

Watching the sunset on Arpoador Rock gave Marianne and I the feeling of collective awe, shared appreciation and pure Carioca energy (the spirit of Rio). We loved the feeling of being a part of something beautiful that perfectly captures the relaxed, nature loving spirit of Rio.

After the sunset, we walked over to Copacabana Beach and found a quaint restaurant and had a delicious meal!

We made it back to our hotel to indulge in our favorite Brazilian nightcap…Calpirinhas! Great way to end a extraordinary memorable day!

Rise and shine!! This is my morning view from my room. We did not have to go to the airport until 9pm, so we decided to walk the town and shop!

It was a grand day shopping! Full arms, happy hearts!!

Minutes before we made it back to our hotel, we were caught in a downpour!
We were drenched!

We still got to enjoy lunch by our hotel pool and see a pretty rainbow! A rainbow is a reminder that challenges in life are temporary, and beauty can follow even the most turbulent times!

Marianne and I loved our time in Rio. We expected beauty and got magical unforgettable memories!

It was a beautiful day to explore Buenos Aires, especially the day being Sunday. There is a massive street fair called the San Telmo Street Fair. It’s a weekly market in Buenos Aires, held every Sunday. It features hundreds of vendors selling crafts, antiques, and food.

It was fun walking on the cobblestone streets, seeing the variety of some very colorful and creative artisan products. To our delight, we found some fabulous treasures.

Retail therapy complete. It was time for lunch.

We enjoyed a small pizza for lunch. For dinner, we are meeting up with a couple of crew members to savor a mouth-watering steak!

Santos Manjares is a is a top-rated steakhouse located in the heart of Buenos Aires. This restaurant is very popular for its high-quality, well cooked and affordable Argentinian steaks.

The next morning, Marianne and I enjoyed a walk through the neighborhood before our flight back to New York.

We could not resist stopping at San Telmo Market to grab some lunch!

San Telmo Market is a place to find everything you want to eat! You can also find the pulsing heart of the city with food, handmade clothing and souvenirs.

We devoured some of Argentinian’s flaky, juicy and hearty empanadas!

“Good food, good mood. Especially when it’s from Buenos Aires.”

Thankful for discovering the rich culture and history of this beautiful city! Our happiness was found in the simple everyday things we did in Buenos Aires, strolling the neighborhoods, sharing laughter and of course savoring good meals.

Marianne and I decided to take the train to visit Sitges, a stunning coastal town just 40 minutes from Barcelona, Spain. Sitges has beautiful beaches, historic charm and vibrant atmosphere.

After disembarking the train, we enjoyed walking down the narrow streets through town to get to the beach. The town is a mix of white washed buildings, bustling cafes and restaurants, boutiques, and historical architectural details.

We made it down to the beach to see the golden sand and clear water.

October is a great time to come to Sitges, it offers a quieter atmosphere with pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

It was time to relax and refresh!

Sipping our way through Sitges, one boardwalk cafe at a time!

Church of Sant Bartomeu & Santa Tecla, Sitges

The 17th century church is situated above the sea with expansive views of Sitges.

We felt wild and free-just like the sea!

We explored the back of the church!

Monkey see, monkey do. Marianne and I had seen all these young people taking a photo into a glass door at the church, so when everyone left, we gave it a shot! I love the outcome!!😁

Before leaving this special place, we took a walk on the boardwalk, a paved walkway lined with beautiful palm trees and stone benches that runs parallel to the beaches.

We found a perfect spot to people-watch in Sitges.

Day turns to night in Sitges, and the famous nightlife was starting to wake up.

We found a great place to have a tasty pizza.

As all good things must end, it was time to catch the train back to Barcelona.

”Life is about the adventures you take and the memories you make. So travel often and live life with open eyes and an open heart.”

Marianne, Jennifer and I arrived in Rome excited for the fun that awaits us!

It was a beautiful day to walk the streets of Rome. It’s a city best savored at a slower pace. Walking the streets of Rome feels like being immersed in a bustling open-air museum, where ancient history and vibrant streets life coexist.

We always feel a sense of awe when we see the Spanish Steps.

Marianne, Jennifer and I are always captivated by the timeless beauty of the Trevi Fountain. We needed to commemorate our visit to Rome by taking a photo at one of Rome’s major landmarks.

We were ready for lunch after walking, shopping and taking in all the charm that Rome has to offer. We stopped off at Pizzacano, an Italian pizzeria in the heart of Rome.

Feeling satiated, we continued our walk through Rome, taking in all the ancient sights and shops.

After a full day of shopping and exploring, it was time to cross back over the Tiber River to get back to our hotel area.

We couldn’t leave Rome, without ending our day by experiencing the local culture through quality, fresh ingredients and traditional recipes at a trattoria, typically a small, family-run place with hearty, home-style meals.

Cheers to having another great Italian meal in Rome. Scientific research in Italy has shown eating pasta can cause a positive emotional-cognitive state, or a “smile effect” comparable to listening to your favorite song or a sports victory. Our big smiles walking back to our hotel, definitely supported this hypothesis.

Our passports are full of stamps and we are blessed that our hearts are full of great memories!

Up and at it! It was time to go out and enjoy Paris with our friend Wendy! We jumped on the train to explore the Le Marais neighborhood! The name “Le Marais” means “the swamp”, referring to the marsh land that once covered the area. The land was drained and developed over centuries. The neighborhood now is vibrant and busy with restaurants, cafes and shops! One of our favorite places to visit!

We couldn’t resist showing Wendy the quirky water park.

Nothing better than taking a stroll by the Seine. It evokes a feeling off romance, history, and peacefulness.

We found a bridge that had the initial “N” on it. We are now calling it Nancy’s bridge!🩷. I researched this bridge and found out it’s the Pont Neuf Bridge. It is the oldest standing bridge across the river Seine in Paris.

We stopped at a Parisian cafe to watch the world go by!

One of our favorite things to do in Paris is to go vintage shopping! It’s a thrill when you discover a hidden gem! You can find everything from runway pieces to quirky one of a kind items in a huge variety of styles!

Le Marmiton de Lutece

It was time for dinner!

Le Marmiton de Lutece is a traditional French restaurant in the heart of Paris in the Latin Quarters. It’s very rustic and inviting. Our waiter was exceptional and funny!

We loved the French onion soup!

The 3 of us indulged in the 3 course meal. Starting with the French onion soup, followed by an entree and then a delicious dessert!

Marianne and Wendy had the most popular French dessert, crème brûlée, and I had the mousse au chocolat. It was devine.

The food was delicious! We are leaving this place with a full stomach and happy heart! We will be back.

It certainly was a grand day spent in Paris with Wendy. Our friendship is our greatest adventure! Exploring new places is always sweeter with your favorite people!

Marianne, Tracey and I just had CQ in Dallas. CQ stands for Continuing Qualification training, a mandatory annual requirement to maintain our flight qualifications and certifications. This is always a dreadful time in our career. Even though it’s our 35th year going to CQ, it still is very stressful.

Training includes hands-on drills and simulations to practice in flight situations, such as evacuations, medical events, critical safety tasks and passenger management.

Marianne is ready to take on unruly passengers and now has the skills to protect herself from harm.

Can’t forget to mention our extensive training in water survival techniques.

Success!!! We completed all components of our training and passed our tests after 2 days in Dallas.

These are the historical steps at the training center in Dallas for the flight attendants. After completing the 6 week flight attendant training, our graduating class stands proudly on this staircase. A photo is taken on this staircase to mark our graduation.

Marianne rings the bell!!

The act of ringing the bell after your final CQ marks the completion of their last training session before retirement. It serves as a way of acknowledging the community of flight attendants and the shared experiences. Marianne rang the bell proudly to share her achievement of her long career as a flight attendant. No retirement date at this time. The only thing we know is that she won’t be back to training next October. We still have more trips to enjoy and places to see!🩷

Rain or shine, London is always worth exploring. Marianne and I ventured out to do a little shopping, explore the sights and have a nice dinner.

We just love walking the streets and experiencing the rich architectural heritage of London.

Excitement was in the air, Prince Harry was in London to reconcile with his Father. Marianne and I could not resist walking over to Buckingham Palace to witness the pomp and grandeur of British royal history.

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch and has a rich history dating back to the 18th century.

The guards at Buckingham Palace are infantry soldiers ,known as the King’s Guard. They provide day and night security for the palace. Sadly, we were not there for the Changing of the Guard ceremony that involves s formal handover of duties with marching bands and music.

Leaving Buckingham Palace gave us a sense of royalty, with it’s grandeur and cultural significance of the palace. We were a bit disappointed that we did not see Prince Harry or King Charles.

We left Buckingham Palace, to enjoy a walk through Hyde Park. Hyde Park is a 350-acre Royal Park in Central London, known for its’s green space which hosts major events like concerts and the Winter Wonderland festival. We were now in pursuit to discover a new area in London that we had never been to before for dinner. Marianne and I embraced the London drizzle, one step at a time.

We were delighted to arrive at this charming restaurant in the picturesque neighborhood called Little Venice. This neighborhood is home to quirky waterside cafes, cozy pubs and enchanting restaurants! We were thrilled to have found this unique restaurant!

MILAN

After our London trip, we worked to Milan. We did not have any set plans for our layover. We decided to explore Milan, ultimately we were in search of outdoor markets. We hit the jackpot! The street fair was filled with all kinds of gems.

It certainly was a grand day finding treasures! Since our hands were full, it was time for a delicious Italian dinner!

”Mangia bene, ridi specco, ama molto!

EAT WELL, LAUGH OFTEN, LOVE MUCH!

Marianne and I decided for our last 2025 trip to Athens, we would venture out to bask in the sun at the Aegean Sea. Athens is located on the coast of the Aegean Sea, which is an arm of the larger Mediterranean Sea.

It was about a 30 minute Uber ride to a beach close to Athens. We arrived at Glyfada Beach, which has a sand-and-pebble-seabed paired with clear waters.

It was very hot day for hanging out at the beach, so we decided to walk around and take in Glyfada, the seaside suburb on the Athens Riviera. It’s known for its luxurious shopping, dining and vibrant nightlife. We came upon this modern marina.

After getting a bite to eat and wondering the town, we headed back down to the water and came across the most spectacular spot to end our day at the Aegean Sea.

Best place to unwind by the sea!

A perfect moment: the Aegean, a cool breeze, and a refreshing cold beer. This is what paradise tastes like!

Marianne and I then decided it was time to head back to Athens to take in the gorgeous sunset at the Acropolis. This is definitely one of our happy places.

Monastiraki Square was booming with people. The heat did not scare the people from coming out.

We made it to the Acropolis just in time to witness the gorgeous sunset. Happiness is watching this beautiful sunset and being left with a peaceful heart.

Before calling it a day, we needed to find a nice place for dinner.

Nothing beats a Greek Salad with a slab of fete cheese. The simplicity of the ingredients and freshness in Greek food, and of course the prominent use of olive oil creates a delectable meal.

The night life in Athens was starting to boom. However, these two sun-kissed girls had to call it a night. Marianne and I were so grateful for the simple joys of today. Greece is not just a destination, it’s an experience that will stay with you forever.

Our second trip in August was to Paris, the city that always brings us happiness. Marianne and I had the afternoon to ourselves to take in this magnificent city to discover new places. We were meeting our crew for dinner to celebrate one of our crew member’s retirement.

STRAVINSKY FOUNTAIN

We turned a corner and came upon this whimsical fountain called the Stravinsky Fountain. It’s an exuberant display of color and motion. The fountain has 16 colorful, mechanized sculptures, it’s a masterful interplay of water, movement and color.

There is always something new to discover in Paris!

We then found the perfect cafe to watch all the Parisians walk by.

With not a minute to spare, we met our crew for dinner to celebrate Mike’s retirement.

We ate at a charming classical French restaurant, starting with escargot and ending the dinner with a celebratory sparkling dessert for Mike.

There was one more thing to do in Paris before Mike was officially retired. He needed to see the Eiffel Tower twinkle one more time. As luck would have it, across the street from the restaurant is Paris’ highest skyscraper hotel, the Hyatt Regency.

The Hyatt Regency gave the ideal stunning view of the Eiffel Tower twinkling. It was a perfect way to end our day. The Eiffel Tower twinkles for 5 minutes on the hour, every hour after nightfall, until 1145pm.

No matter how many times, we see the Eiffel Tower twinkle, it evokes a feeling of magic and awe! The tradition of illuminating the Eiffel Tower dates back to the 1900 Universal Exhibition. The tower was adorned with electric lights to celebrate the event and has continued to do so. It’s a symbol of hope, joy, and celebration and a testament to the enduring magic of the tower.

As Marianne and I see it, the world is a book, and Paris is one of the most beautiful chapters!