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Moving around

What’s the best way to move around?

Thank goodness for technology! There are apps for everything. Download Google Maps or transit apps. It will give you an idea of how the local public transit works and flows. Avoid Uber and Lyft. Sure, they are very efficient when you’re on a tight schedule, but try to use them as a last resort. Always try to ride buses or trains; they are much cheaper. Purchase city passes if possible.

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People

Everytime I go to an airport I’m always in a rush. I bet most people are. I’ve never taken a moment to just sit and just observe people and my surroundings. I just arrived to Chicago, my new home. I’m sitting on a bench at the baggage claim, with six pieces of luggage, just waiting for a friend of mine to arrive from San Francisco at 8pm. It’s 3pm. I see to security agents taking a break. A colored man with his headphones on, enjoying what i seems to be a strawberry banana shake. Then a guy passes by with his squeaking carry-on luggage. I’m looking forward towards the exit and it’s a beautiful day outside. I see the blue sky from where I’m sitting. I see a handsome young flight attendant (my airline ;) ) going towards the security access point. That will be me soon! I can say I’m getting used to life at the airport. The airport and the skies will be my office soon. I feel happy and exciting for those new adventure. Looking forwards ti great experiences.

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Final Exam

Five weeks have gone and today was our final exam. It covered everything with learned so far: Basic Indoctrination, Security, Aircrafts Specifics, etc. I was extremely nervous because it's a lot of information. IT REALLY IS!!! Hundreds of pages!!! But alas, I passed!!! 87%. You need to score at least 80% to pass. I was relieved but disappointed on myself. I know I can do better. I push myself a lot. I spent the day before locked in my bedroom, studying and taking short naps. I've been having a lot headaches due to the stress. But I did it. I did it on my own. No study groups. No help from anyone. I did ask some tips on people that have gone through it, but to be honest...that didn't really help. This week will be Service week, where I will learn everything about...service. And one week from now...GRADUATION!!

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Irregular Operations. We serve if the delay is more than 30-60 minutes…

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If the Inflight Training rules say no fraternization, please don't have sex with a classmate...specially when your roommate is asleep IN THE ROOM. Don't get wasted. It's disgusting. Get a room for yourself and don't involve other people. It's disrespectful. Yeah, that happened to me. I reported it. It was uncomfortable. I felt harassed. They got released from training. Everybody hates me for it. But I don't care? Why? Because I didn't fly all the way here to have my roommate have sex with someone while I try to sleep at 4am in the morning. Respect each other. Do things right. And if you wanna screw around, do it discreetly without involving or affecting other people.

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Travel as a career

A lot has happened in the past few years. After teaching History for three years, I decided it was time for a career change. I was always tired and frustrated in classroom. It was hard to teach rebellious teenagers, work on lesson plans, grade tests, and follow the same routine over and over.

Last May I applied for United Airlines. I was struggling with money. Sure, being a flight attendant didn’t mean I would get a substantial raise compared to my last teaching job, but it meant change. I wanted a total change in life. I had money issues, relationship frustrations, social decadence. I was very depressed. A week after my interview in Newark I received a rejection email. I was still determined to be a flight attendant and decided to keep with my plan and apply for other airlines. Finally I got a call from United offering me the opportunity to go to Inflight Training in Houston. Guess where I am now? HOUSTON!

I’m in Week 3 of my 6-week training. I will be based in Chicago(Yes, going back to the Windy City). And I can’t express how happy I am for this. I sold everything I own. I’m learning new things and have fallen in love with this career. Travel for a living!

Expect a lot of travel posts from now on.

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Planning a family vacation

I know I’ve been very inactive lately. Very few followers anyway. Last month I went on a family trip to Florida. It wasn’t like I expected. I learned a lot from it. So I will be offering you guys some useful tips, so you’ll have a much better experience than I did. Enjoy!!

FLIGHT TIPS

I flew from Puerto Rico. I live next to an airport. Some of the airlines that fly from there to Orlando are Spirit and JetBlue. I strongly advice you never travel with Spirit. It might be cheap but they will kill you with their extra fees: carry-on luggage, baggage, food. They are ridiculously expensive. Plus, their flights are always delayed. Try JetBlue. Very comfortable. Great service and hospitality.

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Moving out

It's been over a year since I last posted something in this insignificant, unpopular travel blog. My life updates: I moved back to Puerto Rico. I'd been living a year in Illinois (2011-2012). I lived in an apartment and had a LOT of stuff. It was summer 2012 when I decided to move back, for personal reasons. I had to get rid of my things one way or another. But how can you do this in a short amount of time? You have several options: -Yard/Garage Sale -Craigslist.com -Donations to family, friends, Goodwill -Mail things to your destination. Yard Sale: -It's good to advertise your yardsale on Craigslist or the local newspaper. My mistake? I didn't do this. I simply bought a "Garage Sale" sign at Home Depot. Post the sign on the entrance of the main street of your neighborhood with your address. Sometimes it helps posting signs on a local bulletin board announcing your sale. As I said before, advertising on web and newspaper helps...and it's free. If you want to sell things fast...sell them for cheap prices. Don't expect to sell a TV for over $50, unless it's a very good one. Pots and pans are sellable for under $5, as well as lamps. DONATIONS: Goodwill, church, family, friends. Need I say more? MAILING: Ship your things!! Don't want to get rid of books? baskets?clothes? Documents?. Buy boxes at Home Depot or Walmart. Wrap objects with clothes, newspapers, etc. Even if you tag your package as "Fragile", don't expect the postal service to handle it "with care" Clothes: -Mail them -Donate them Baggage fees are increasing each year!!! if you are moving crosscountry or farther. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. I will gladly respond with my experience.

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TIPS: When moving out to another country

I recently moved from Puerto Rico to live in Illinois, USA. I barely had a rough 2 months to plan. It was not a complicated issue to me because I was just gonna take necessary things. I left most of my books, clothes, shoes and other personal stuff. I pretty much left half of my life in Puerto Rico. Careful planning must be made before taking this huge leap in life.

First, you must have goals set before you move. If you are planning to get a job, get a new place, settle down, etc. What are you going to do when you arrive? Start online job searching before you move. Make a research of what to expect when you arrive to your destination. Shopping places, residential sites, life and cultural activities, life cost. Remember, it's not a vacation, it's a moving process, so this takes time and careful planning.

Make an estimate of how much money will it take for you to settle. In my case, I had my brother's support. I had a bedroom waiting for me, which meant no rent expenses. He had a car to lend me, which meant that I only had to spend money on gas.

Save up some money for a Plan B. Plan B is probably returning back home if things don't work out in the first couple of months. You should have some money for a a return flight ticket. You never know what surprises you may get when you move in to a new place.

PERSONAL DOCUMENTS:

Make sure you have take these personal documents with you ( Leave a copy of each document with a family member back home)

Birth Certificate

Social Security Card

College Transcripts (if applicable)

Copies of Personal ID cards

Passport

These things are pretty basic. So make sure you stick with them at all times, preferably in your carry on baggage when you fly.

CLOTHES:

Take all of your BEST clothes and shoes. If something is broken, discolored, does not fit, rarely use...just leave them. Take what you need...not all you have. You can either donate your clothes, throw them away or give them to someone so they can later mail them to you.

When you pack your clothes, make sure each baggage does not exceed 50 lbs. I had a hard time with this because I keep emptying and emptying my bags and they still exceeded 50lbs. One of them ended weighting 53lbs, and lucky for me the airline counter attendant made an exception. I saved $90. Normally two bags will cost you $60. It will cost you $90 per excess weigh per bag. You can spend that same amount of money sending WAY MORE clothes my mail.

You can also buy air compressed bags. They usually cost $20 on K-Mart, but you should be able to find some in any department store in the HOME sections.

SHOES:

Take only three pairs of shoes: Casual, Formal, Sports, and probably sandals for everyday use.

BOOKS:

If you are a book lover like me, you might want to be very selective on what books you take with you. Store them in the carry on bag, NOT the checked large baggage. Books usually weigh more than clothes. Don't take more than 10 books. Leave the rest with a family member. Store them in large plastic containers. Identify each container with an index card and list the books on each card (Make an inventory).

...

Moving out is pretty easy. You just need to make sure you take all the NECESSARY things with you. Now, if you are moving out with household items and furniture, well, that's another story. Things get better when you have friends and family to support you on the way.

Have a safe trip

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cordisre:

London By Night (by julespics)

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Wilmer Travel Tip # 2: Start with the basics. Where do you want to go? For how long?

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Wilmer Travel Tip # 1: Get inspired. Don't limit yourself. Dream big.

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Toledo

Me in Toledo. Picture taken last week.  

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At Spain!!

Fnally arrived to Spain. Took the first train to my dear Toledo (pictured below). Lots of memories of my study abroad of Fall 2008. Tomorrow, meeting my sister in Rome!!! I love my life.