The Celebrity Feel – Toronto Pearson International Airport

In life, we are given this incredible privilege to travel and see the world and how aviation, technology, engineering, and aircraft make this world a smaller place by getting to places quickly. Toronto Pearson Airport is an airport that is so near and dear to me with all the great memories created whether it is traveling, dropping off, picking up and just spotting aircraft nearby. Very special to me.

Every single time that I land in Toronto Pearson Airport, as soon as we taxi, gate, get our belongings from the aircraft and walk our way out to the terminal, to get through customs, to claim our baggage, the adrenaline, and that feel of seeing flight attendants, captains/pilots and amongst CATSA and CBSA officers, plus other passengers sharing the same atmosphere. It makes me feel so incredibly appreciative and thankful to the travel industry and our beautiful Airport of Toronto Pearson.

As we are about to claim our baggage, that moment comes along where we begin to exit to reunite with loved ones, meet colleagues, or go get a shuttle, bus, taxi, uber, lyft or other transportation to take us home or where ever else.

As you are walking out, you see all the eyes on you as you are carrying your baggage, that automatic celebrity feels where you glance at everyone and people are smiling and making eye contact with you. It feels like you are a celebrity coming home. So at this point, I walk a bit slower and I do the same looking at everyone else and I smile too. I just absolutely love that moment. I appreciate every moment and cherish it and this is one of them.

That part whether it’s at Terminal 1 or 3, is one of my favorite parts of the airport and of course when I am at the gate waiting for my flight and watching beautiful aircraft go by. Toronto Pearson Airport is a sentimental place for me and I always feel like a celebrity there. I am thankful to all the workers and volunteers at the airport. Appreciation, kindness, and patience go a long way when traveling and expressing that is very important. It makes life and people’s day go by a lot better.

Toronto Pearson Airport, Thank you – I love you. Safe, well wishes and happy travels to all of us.

YYZ ALL THE WAY!

NoGarlicNoOnions – Introducing Anthony Rahayel – Food, Travel Blogger

A couple of months ago, as I was going through YouTube to find some literature and information on Lebanon and Lebanese foods, I came across a video NoGarlicNoOnions, so I was intrigued and decided to click on the video that was close to an hour long, so I decided to watch the whole video, and a couple of minutes in, I became hooked, and then I watched another few following. So, these videos have been around for a few years now, and I just suddenly found this now, which is better late than never.

NoGarlicNoOnions was founded by Anthony Rahayel back in 2012. Anthony and his film crew began introducing us to Lebanese culture, food, taking us to villages, cities, and towns of Lebanon and amongst him visiting Armenia and Italy tasting all kinds of foods amongst other places he has traveled. He also travels and explores at the same time when he is tasting delicious food, that you just want to eat your screen.

Anthony’s contagious and positive approach and the way he explains how the food is made, the texture, quality is out of this world and so much fun to watch. He speaks Lebanese and also he says a few words of English as well. Thank goodness my mother and my neighbors who are my family now, translate words, phrases and sentences to me, so that I can understand what Anthony is saying and its incredible how many words and sentences I know now of Lebanese by just watching Anthony, NoGarlicNoOnions. Thanks to them all, I am more aware of what is going on when I watch.

His passion and drive toward the culinary world is extremely visible. His expression and enjoyment can be felt. He has over 2500 reviews on various topics from air travel, restaurants, gadgets, food and more.

He also goes out to search for restaurants, and small family owned eateries for them to gain exposure, so that tourists, Lebanese people who live in Lebanon and others can go to those places and support these vendors. These hidden eateries are discovered and explained so well.

NoGarlicNoOnions goes above and beyond when explaining. Thorough, detailed and never boring. When he went to Armenia especially really excited me even more about him. I am Armenian and I truly appreciate him going to visit, spending time with Armenians, tasting our food, embracing our culture and having his viewers know about Armenia and Armenians and the food. I truly appreciate him for taking the time to go there and to enjoy our Motherland. It means a lot. NoGarlicNoOnions has a special place in my heart.

You can now say that I am obsessed with Lebanon further and I have the desire to visit hearing all the stories and my desire for tasting the delicious food, desserts, ice cream, drinks, and everything. I have a lot of Facebook friends and I also have family in Lebanon as well. Anthony gave me the idea, and understanding on how Lebanon is and now I have a better picture in my mind of how it is.

Lebanon is such a beautiful country that is on my bucket list to travel to. Hopefully, in the next couple of years, my dream will come true. I hope that Anthony Rahayel will be there to give me a guided and professional tour around the beautiful country and take me to great places to eat and enjoy the ambiance of it all, to enjoy the nightlife as well.

My family and I are hooked on his videos and I have subscribed and followed all of his social media accounts online. Recently, I contacted him expressing my admiration toward him. He can be found on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter and he has his own website called nogarlicnoonions.com – He also have photographs of his travel adventures, food, and so much more.

Anthony and his team have received travel, food, blogger, awards and more. Search for Anthony Rahayel and NoGarlicNoOnions and you will see what I am talking about. I am hoping that I will meet him in person. I am now a fan of him for life. Thank you, Anthony, for taking me up close and personal through videos. Hopefully, I will come and see the real deal and soon.

Following links for more information.

http://www.nogarlicnoonions.com/
https://www.facebook.com/nogarlicnoonions
http://instagram.com/nogarlicnoonions

https://www.youtube.com/user/rahayel
https://www.zomato.com/nogarlicnoonions

Propeller’s Turning The Deep Seas

As I am on the deep sea, gazing on the horizon seeing the sunset, sunrise and the moon from afar. As I am sailing through the waters, I can hear the splash of the water from the ship, hearing the propeller’s from a distance, enjoying the sounds of the cruise ship, and taking in the pure clean air. I am on my way to the aft of the ship and can hardly wait to listen to the propeller’s do its work. A lot of thought and positive goodness comes from it all.

I absolutely love seeing the beautiful bluish colour of the water and bubbles around it and the occasional splash. I love spending time looking at it during the day, and as it gets dark, all you can see is the dark waters, but still incredibly amazing to hear and to feel it in your soul. It was amazing and my eyes were so relaxed and it was great. Often times, we are so invested into screen time, and when I went to watch the water turning, it was such a great way to relax the eyes.

I don’t see many people on cruise ships often admiring that part of the ship, and enjoying looking at the sea. Passengers are often couped up into spa treatments, massages, in the restaurants, bars, pool decks, and inside looking and buying things from the shops, but how often do we take aback from all those and simply go out on deck, take a chair, lounging and taking in the true beauty of nature and disconnect from screens and just take in the moment? I don’t really see it happen. I am sure there are people like me, but it is scarce.

With little time we have to spend with the vessel, it is important to take time to smell nature and appreciate each second we have onboard on one of the most unique and awesome ways to see the world and travel. The propellers that turn the waters of the deep seas are incredible and a huge marvel of technology, engineering and it is so powerful and incredly amazing.

Life on the high seas is definitely different. I feel the positivity, the happiness, the joy and appreciating the simplest and yet most incredible things onboard such as the propellers and watching the ship sail. Often times we are too invested in reviewing the ship with feedback, but I feel that some passengers need to up their game and to really reflect on nature and the sounds.

I remember having conversations with the master captain and officers of the vessel’s I have been on, and I couldn’t help myself with so much excitement to talk to them about the ship, to give them compliments, and telling them my story of the propellers and how much joy it brings me and my life just watching it all unfold. They had never really heard of passengers being so invested into the very interesting parts of it and going behind the scenes and actually exploring these mighty ships. They really appreciated what I had to say and to relate to their passion of these vessel’s.

So, the next time you get onboard a cruise ship, don’t forget to see the simple things and enjoy the moment and take it all in, to not be so critical and to fully live life to the fullest extent and to really hear the sounds of nature and to appreciate each moment that comes.

Cruise Reviews and Cruise Ship Travel

Cruise Ship travel is incredibly awesome. Most of the time the things we read online about cruise ships and other people’s reviews on them misleads people and There are always people with a negative approach to everything. Well, here I am to debunk those reviews and to tell you the truth from an honest traveller like myself. When it comes to travel stuff of any kind, I am serious about it. I don’t just talk out of thin air. Here are cruise questions people frequently ask…

Aren’t cruises boring?

– Far from it. Not boring at all. There is so much to do onboard that you have no time to be bored. Cruise Ships are built so big now, and with so much to do on many of their decks. You hardly have time to spend in your own stateroom. You do not have time to waste. Everything is fabulous and you enjoy every second of it.

Don’t you get sea/motion sickness?

– Now, with the ships new designs, stabilizers and the massive and huge ships that are built, you barely even feel the ship moving. Technology has come a long way.

Why do we have to be back on the ship an hour or half an hour before the ship disembarks to another destination?

– Ship crew needs half an hour or so to take off the ropes/anchors (on tendering ports), gangway disassembles, need to put ship equipment back onto the ship, and need clearance from the port to give the okay to leave the port. Captain and his/her officers are in constant contact with the port workers and pilot boat operators to leave the port, so that is why people need to be on board.

What if we miss the ship?

You need to find your way to the next port of call – call the emergency phone line on your cruise embarkation/disembarkation card and notify the ship of what happened. Sometimes ships do wait for passengers, but sometimes due to the number of people onboard the ship, they need to leave because of time constraints. If a ship is late in the port, they pay fines.

How do we know what to do onboard the ship or in a port of call destination?

Everyday on your door or in your stateroom cabin, you will receive a newsletter of events happening on the ship and excursions or whatever else. You will see dining times, the dress code for the day, theme parties, and amongst specials going on at the stores and boutiques onboard. It’s always great to participate in everything onboard and make it a fun experience for you. They also show you what entertainment shows are on for the night. Some cruise ships, you have to book the shows due to the number of people on the ship. Also, now cruise lines have Apps that you can download on your phone and it will tell you everything going on for that day. All you need to do is put your booking number and your name and you are good to go. Ask or research the onboard cruise line APP and download it before you go on board and log your information in.

Any other questions, let me know.

Cruise Ship Etiquette – Kindness goes a long way

A crew member of a cruise ship of Royal Caribbean went overboard. As you may or may not know, cruise employees get depressed and spend a lot of time alone and are always working and are away from family and friends for 6 to 8 even sometimes up to 9 months from home on the oceans and seas and different ports of call.

I’ve witnessed passengers that come on vacation being so rude to them, demanding and say the most terrible things to them. They work their tail off and I see how hard it is to keep up a smile from them, how they manage to seem strong but passengers add fuel to the fire sometimes and the crew sometimes get to their breaking point. These people sacrifice being away from home from months at a time and the only way to stay in touch is by phone and messages. It’s really hard.

Kindness and patience go a long way. Treat them with dignity and respect. The way you treat others does affect the way they work and serve. Some people don’t realize that. Cruise work is a lot more difficult than an All inclusive resort. There are a lot more people on a ship to serve.
These crew people go through a lot and they have to make a living to provide for their families they hardly get to see. They go home for 2 to 3 months then back on the ship they go.

Kind attitude goes a long way. It does matter more than you think.

Atlantis Hotel, Resort, Casino – Nassau Bahamas – Disappointing

Atlantis Hotel, Resort, Casino
Nassau, Bahama’s.
MSC Seaside Cruise — Last Port of Call.
January 18, 2019
Disappointing –

In 2002, when we were on Costa Atlantica cruise ship, we went to Atlantis and we were able to visit the whole facility and to walk around without being heckled and stopped by hotel security saying these spots are for people who are staying at the hotel and we need to see ID. Now, in 2019, we decided to go after many years later, and we were not permitted to access key points to the hotel. Oh yeah and unless you pay a large amount to enter everywhere its ok.

After a day of walking, taking a water taxi boat ride for $4.00 per person per way, we walked quite the distance to reach the hotel/resort, we were excited to be back on the grounds. Little did we know that almost all areas were blocked off, except for the Casino and the shops where they know they are places where people will spend money, but then some areas where you do not have to spend money and they don’t allow you through. We were so disappointed. We had told the security that we just walk a long distance from our ship to come to visit, and we get turned away.

We told them that what if one day we come and stay here at this hotel? Now, we know not to. It is so overrated anyway. We were so tired and the sun was shining hot. We said time to walk the distance again and go to the water taxi and go back to our beautiful ship and relax. It was absolutely disappointing.

Cruise Travel Inspiration — Cruise Ship

Did a lot of thinking about so many details while I was on my cruise… ⚓️⚓️⚓️

As I was looking at the deep sea/ocean sailing through the many miles of salt water, I can see fellow cruise ships from different cruise lines and sizes, cargo ships, and other vessel’s from afar wondering where they are going. I also noticed parts of land which belongs to the Caribbean islands as we were sailing to our next port of call. I Was waking up fresh and happy every morning way before sunrise to see we have reached another place and a couple of days of sailing on the seas.

I was taking in the fresh clean air of the sea spending every day on my balcony morning and night, just looking at the moon shining down on the water so clearly and beautifully admiring mother nature’s beauty and gazing at the sunrise enjoying the little time I have on the vessel. I was living in the moment, embracing life and how beautiful it can be.

Often times we are too invested in being too busy with life, and we don’t take time out of our lives to embrace life’s pleasures and how beautiful it can be. I was happy to disconnect from my device that week to really remember to enjoy the scenery without a screen in my face, especially when you travel and when you are on a cruise ship.

I remember saying a few words to myself in my head, and thinking about how interesting travel can be and there were so many different types of transportation we used during that week starting from a van, aircraft, bus transfer to port of Miami, a cruise ship vessel, a water taxi boat and a tendering boat(which takes you to shore from the ship that is anchored in the water).

When we were visiting Costa Maya, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, Nassau Bahamas and Miami all in a week, I said to myself cruising is the way to go and it’s such a great way to get around.

As I experienced cruising many years ago; the industry has come a long way since then with these vessel’s that are enormously huge and massive with thousands of passengers and crew onboard. The terminology and phrases used on ships are very different. I love the food, the entertainment onboard, the ambience, seeing different cultures and backgrounds, and so much more. I loved every moment.

Don’t even second guess, don’t look at negative reviews from negative people. If you ever get a chance to go on a cruise, please go and don’t waste any more time. Don’t even think twice about it. Just go. It was my 5th cruise and I can’t wait for the next one. Panama Canal is my next more than Europe. Europe is overrated and it gets tiring. Your life will change forever and it did for me. ⚓️⚓️⚓️

Toronto Pearson International Airport – YYZ – CYYZ

In Toronto Pearson International Airport, there are over 60 Air Carriers which operate in and out of the airport. They are connected through direct flights, codeshare, connecting flights which the airport caters to over 180 destinations around the world. Toronto Pearson is one of the busiest airports in the world and it is in the top 30.

List of Airlines per Terminal at Toronto Pearson International Airport: CYYZ – YYZ

Terminal 1:

Air Canada Rouge, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Egyptair, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS Scandinavian, Singapore Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, Thai Airways International, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines and United.

Terminal 3:

Aer Lingus, Air France , Aeromexico, Air Transat, Alaska Airlines, Alitalia, American Airlines, Azores Airlines, British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern, China Southern Airlines, Condor, Cubana, Delta, EL AL, Etihad Airways, Flair Airlines, Fly Jamaica, Hainan Airlines, Iberia, Icelandair, Interjet, Japan Airlines, Jet Airways, KLM, Korean Air, LAN Airlines, Miami Air International, Pakistan International, Philippine Airlines, Primera Air, Qantas, SAUDIA, Sunwing Airlines, Ukraine International, Westjet, and WOWAir.

Cargo Terminal’s: (NON-Passenger)

Cathay Pacific Cargo(Vista Cargo), Cubana Airlines Cargo(Vista Cargo), FedEx Cargo (Cargo North), Korean Air Cargo(Cargo West), Lufthansa Cargo(Cargo West), and United Parcel Services(Vista Cargo).

I think Terminal 1 at the Toronto Pearson International Airport should be for US/Canada destinations and Terminal 3 should be for Southern and International Flights. I have been working on this pilot project to pitch in this idea for the airport to make things more efficient and more practical in travel and to keep things organized. Especially for the Canadian and USA Travel out from the airport. Hopefully, this can work out. It will be a great step toward the right direction if this pans out.

Visit Toronto Pearson at https://www.torontopearson.com/

Social Media:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/torontopearson

https://www.linkedin.com/company/23158?trk=tyah&trkInfo=clickedVertical%3Acompany%2Cidx%3A1-1-1%2CtarId%3A1427297706108%2Ctas%3Agreater+toronto+airports+authority

http://instagram.com/torontopearson

 

 

 

Worst ever mistakes travelers make at before and at the airport

Talin’s Travel Tips

– Checking for your flight status –

Check your flight status 3-4 times before you get to the airport. Usually, flight statuses are usually listed 24-48 hours before a flight, but it is a good idea to check your flight 24 hours before, 12 hours before, 8 hours before, and then once more about 4-5 hours before. just before you head for the airport in case of delays or cancellations.

– Not bringing a refillable water bottle –

Water is important to keep hydrated especially when you travel. Bring an empty water bottle with you because during the security screening. There are refill water stations once you pass through security and head towards your gate to meet with your aircraft.

– Not wearing socks –

When you travel, Always wear socks and do not arrive at the airport with just wearing flip flips, sandals and shoes that you don’t need socks with. During security screening, they may ask you to take your shoes off. Do not walk barefoot on airport grounds, especially through security. Comfortable footwear is a must.

– Not arriving early –

Some people think of arriving an hour before a flight gives them enough time… WRONG.. It is not a joke. Arrive at least 3 hours before your flight. You need time to check in, obtain a boarding pass, check in your baggage, then security, then time to arrive at your gate where you will meet with your aircraft. Plus you need to give the airport workers time to get your baggage to your aircraft to make it in time for your flight. Also, you need to take into consideration the crowds and lineups. Arrive early to be safe than sorry later.

– Buying snacks at the airport –

Buying snacks at the airport can cost twice as much. buy snacks and pack them properly in your carry-on baggage or purse. Chocolate cravings? Want to munch on chips or something else? Buy your snacks the day or couple of days before. Make sure they comply with what is permitted to bring through security. Always check with that through your local airport security laws through a website or by calling CBSA, CBP, CATSA, or TSA or going to their websites for information.

– Not having the proper documents – forgetting passport –

before you head to the airport, make sure you have all necessary documents before travel and never forget your passport. Always put those items in your carry-on bag/purse first. Make sure they get put in the bag and not taken out. You do not want to be denied boarding.

– Not having your boarding pass/passport ready –

We all know we cannot avoid it. Going through security that is. Always have passports and boarding passes on hand and do not look for them in your bag. keep them in your hand and then you will need to show them once again before boarding your aircraft. Keep lines short and keep things going quickly.

– Not doing research on permitted and non-permitted items –

Always check what is permitted and not permitted in carry-on baggage and checked baggage. very important. Also always check how much liquids you can bring and to make sure you comply with the rules and regulations before you get denied boarding, go into secondary screening and the risk of confiscating your items.

Time is Flying – It Doesn’t Wait For You

Already time is flying. The 4th day of the year of 2018. Always live life to the fullest, enjoy, be happy, keep smiling and remember to always be grateful, love, appreciate and cherish the moments you spend with your family and friends. Time is ticking. One day you will look up and see the moments you spend with your loved ones will become a memory.

Always Say I love you,
Always say thank you,
Always be who you are,
Always make time for friends and family.
Always spend time with friends and family,

Some family and friends can be in different cities and countries and so much time goes by without seeing them. As we age, and months and even years go by without seeing each other, They can have children, they have all these special moments in their lives, gatherings and it is absolutely heartbreaking to see time go by and they grow, they live their lives in their own different places with different life dynamics and we miss so much of it because distance and not being able to connect with family and friends all the time is something that makes you think about so many things in life and how we miss this valuable time.

Sometimes due to financial reasons people cannot travel to see family members, time constraints from work and school or other reasons can arise, but life is passing by and there is no stop button. You need to enjoy your life too. You can’t just commit yourself to work, work, work.

When wishing that family and friends can all be in one place which would be incredibly amazing, however its not always possible. The only way to connect is by phone, social media, email, but it definitely isn’t the same without seeing each other face to face and being with one another sharing life’s moments together.

It is even difficult to get family and friends together being in the same city too. Life has definitely changed and so much happens in life with school, work, and other life’s commitments.

Circumstances puts life into perspective, it puts things into light. Sometimes life can throw us examples right in front of us.

Life is too short. Always try your best to manage time well, and do what is absolutely important in your life and prioritize. Don’t waste a second of it. Time doesn’t wait. It flies by without you even knowing. Today is Thursday already. Weeks fly by so quickly. Its so important to take each day and do whatever you can to make the most of it.

I keep hearing, people don’ like Monday’s and all that. Well I know its a day where people have to go to work, school and start the week all over again, but you know what? Its a day and we need to make most of it no matter what it is. Its something I keep seeing on social media and the memes and everything. It really has to stop. Monday is a day, we are alive and that is all that it matters. The weekend will come again. We just have to be patient.

This year, we must change our habits, and gather together and make memories and cherish them. We all can do it, it just takes time management and re-evaluating priorities.

7 Things to Stay Away From When Booking an All Inclusive Vacation

7 Things to Stay Away From When Booking an All Inclusive Vacation

1. Traveler Reviews – Opinions are always different from another person. Don’t search for reviews written by others. Chances are they could be lying, exaggerating, and chances are they have never been there and want to cause problems. Reviews can be misleading, and untrue. Form your own opinion and travel experiences. If you keep reading reviews, you won’t be traveling at all. You do not want to go to that route. Yes, its nice to value others opinions and ask for them, but ultimately you are the one traveling, Try it out.

2. Over-tipping – It is All Inclusive for a reason right? Everything is included in the price. Don’t go tip crazy. Of course you will want to tip your bell boy who takes your baggage to your room and take your baggage to the lobby area after your vacation and also to tip your room maker, but do not go crazy tipping every single person at the resort.

3. Excursions – When they over pressure you and bother you everyday about going on excursions, chances are they are an arm and a leg. They advertise it so well saying its great, come and don’t miss out and then you get your hopes up and then it’s not as exciting as they said it would be. Do things on your own. It is the best way. Selling excursions may be more expensive than going out on your own.

4. Travel Insurance from the booking company/tour operator – Always decline travel insurance when you are booking. It will cost you more. Buy travel/medical insurance separately or unless you have benefits through your place of employment that already has insurance, go ahead, but don’t jump into buying traveling insurance with the travel provider.

5. Star ratings – Yes, that is one of the first things we see when booking an all-inclusive trip. Everyone’s expectations are different, everyone’s taste as well, we may want more, we may want less. Our perceptions of cleanliness, drinks, food taste, taste buds, room comfort, resort amenities are different. Again it is similar to reviews. Form your own star and review ratings.

6. Beach Soliciting – stay away from those wanting to braid your hair. You never know where their hands have been, or how long they have not washed the brushes and products they use for your hair, or those people who are selling you cigars. Chances are they are giving you fake cigars that are loaded with banana leaves. If they are walking by the shore line and see you, they will always come bother you. Keep saying no and walk away and ignore them. Any local for that matter. You had just come out of the water. They expect you to have money on you all the time and on an all-inclusive trip. Don’t fall for it and walk away

7. Orientation – When you board your bus at the airport and take you to your resort, they give you a pamphlet of your resort, and they will tell you that the next morning there is orientation to get to know your resort, your flight information back home, and all that. They will try to sell you excursions and persuade you to do so, but I wouldn’t waste time being in a meeting where the beach, and the water, and your meals await you. Vacations go by so fast. Don’t want to waste a second of it.

All Inclusive Resort Guests & Their Terrible behaviour

In life after the stress of work, school and other life’s commitments in our daily lives, we look for a getaway to an All Inclusive vacation away from reality for a week or two or whatever duration. We get excited to pack up, fly to our destination and start our trip. It gets exciting up to the point where the resort guests start behaving badly, disrespecting the resort staff, showing bad manners, poor etiquette, not being courteous, littering, and showing people how unsanitary they can be.

Some people think, Oh I will never see these fellow guests again and they won’t see me so I can do what I want and act how I want. When it comes time for these people to eat and head toward their a la carte restaurants, snack bars, and the regular dining room buffet, some people start to lose their minds by cutting in front of people waiting to be served, or start touching food with their hands and handling them by putting it on their plates when they see there are utensils to pick them up with, or you see people eating food before sitting down.

You also see those people who fill their plates up to capacity and then don’t even eat more than half of it, then that food goes to the garbage. People get food more than they can handle it, and then waste it. Then people fill up drinks and only drink about a few sips and then the rest gets wasted too. Some of these guests are so wasteful and its just so unbelievable.

How about those guests who just tend to leave their cups and garbage all over the resort without putting it in proper garbage bins. Yes, I realize people are on vacation and they shouldn’t have to lift a finger, but really its disgusting having to see that from other guests who are pleasant and have manners and etiquette to proper dispose things in the right places.

These same very guests who behave badly and terribly, they are the ones then to write false reviews about the resort and how they felt very sick from the food they ate. Well, GEE, Duhhhh, when people are rooting around the food in the buffet with their germ full and bacteria full of hands and then their germs gets transmitted onto the food, then the next person touches that food and then boom a food borne illness because of another person’s thoughtless and manner less act another person has to suffer the consequences, and then who gets the blame? The All Inclusive Resort does, and then you see the travel reviews bad mouthing a great resort.

I mean come on! There is a common sense and being courteous to others. There are utensils on everything at the buffet, it is there for a reason for guests to use it. I think that all resorts need to have mandatory hand sanitizing stations at all entry and exit points of every restaurant, snack bars, and everywhere. You never know where people’s hands have been.

Then there are those guests whom dirty up the resort so much, it is unbelievable. some of these guests act like slobs. The cleaners of the resort cannot keep up. Give the staff some slack. It is a big resort with a lot of walking and cleaning up. I am sure you do not do this in your own house.

I feel like some of these guests at these resorts are getting worse. It is very disgusting how they act and I have seen it countless amounts of times. Especially in the last 3-4 years.

I always pick up after myself and I dispose my garbage in the proper places. I don’t just leave things and then walk away. That is not how I was raised. I believe that people need to really develop proper etiquette and then come to vacation to these places. It is not right to litter and destroy a resort’s reputation by the actions of guests who behave terribly.

I never believe in traveler reviews, and I never believe in what people tell me about a resort. I will go and judge it for myself. Everyone has their own opinions and the way they see things. I will not read and waste my time on resort review sites online. I know more then 95% of it is a lie, because I go to a lot of resorts and I see what people do and it is not the staff’s fault.

Resort staff work so hard and sweat. I see them running through to make sure things are great. I would like to see guests in their position to have to handle a huge resort and then after being disrespected and yelled at. If the roles were reversed, how would you be feeling after a long day or night?

I am really trying to put into words on why guests do these things? I don’t understand this at all. It is really ridiculous. I just hope that resort chains see this and really implement these changes and add security and health and safety staff especially around restaurants and other places that handle food and drinks. I am just thinking about the safety and security of all guests and I want people to enjoy and yet to think about other people too and not be selfish.

I just want guests to really think about what they do before they do it. I know you are there to relax, have fun, enjoy and all that, but there is a limit and there is a way to act. Just because you are not in a reality setting, it doesn’t mean that you can gallivant and act ridiculously. I just hope people realize that and change their attitudes and respect resort staff and other guests.

That is all for now, but if you would like an Honest opinion and someone who doesn’t lie about reviews, and want travel tips? Please contact me and I will help you. I am honest to everyone and I will not lie about a review that is for sure. What you see and what you read about my travel experiences is what you get.

 

Los Angeles Here I come for the 3rd Time!

In my whole life, I dreamt about going to Los Angeles and Hollywood, California. It was my first time in October 2012, and I must say I did choke up and was so teary. I Saw the Hollywood sign and I just lost it. I just couldn’t believe what I was looking at. Since I was a child looking at movies, television, ads in the paper, travel ads, magazines, entertainment stuff, and all I saw was LA, Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills and of course; the Hollywood sign. I knew where the celebrity central and the biggest entertainment capital of the world is.

As I was approaching the Hollywood sign above the Griffith Observatory, I cried up a storm. I was an emotional wreck. All my dreams of going to Los Angeles came true. I couldn’t believe I was close to all the stars, seeing the Hollywood Walk of Fame with all the artists, entertainers, then ending up right outside Jimmy Kimmel’s show studio set. Then seeing Capitol Records, and all these entertainment broadcasting corporation buildings. Then I saw the Iconic 405 Freeway everyone was talking about. They say that it was such terrible traffic and you are so right. So many lanes and still lots of traffic. Even the carpool lane didn’t make any difference.

In my mind, I was thinking of all the award shows, the red carpet, and I was keeping my eyes peeled and had my eyes everywhere with the hopes that I would meet a celebrity. That was highly unlikely, but It could happen and it has happened.

Anyway, my 2nd trip to Los Angeles was in May 2015, where we went through Santa Monica Beach where we hung out for a bit, then driving through Beverly hills. Seeing these huge houses where majority of them are covered in high bushes and trees, and a lot of the celebrities live there. You would see the home cleaners park their cars outside on the road, and them coming out with buckets, mops and other cleaning products, then you would see super expensive cars. This time, I did see Actor Hugh Jackman drive a black Porsche. It was definitely him. I can tell for sure. Then I looked online and it was true. We also traveled to Fresno, San Francisco, Drove on the Pacific Coast Highway, went to Newport Coast, Newport Beach.

My 3rd Los Angeles trip will be in about 3-4 months from now. I am excited to spend about 10-11 days there. I am definitely going to other parts of LA such as Pasadena, Glendale, Malibu, La Crescenta, and so many other places. I have a lot of time now to plan and I am going to be so organized. Gotta love LA. I cannot believe in just 3-4 years, I will have gone 3 times. I did not go all my life. I am really excited to be amongst the stars again.

I can’t wait to indulge into In-N-Out burger, and also the Famous Oscars Pizza Guy Edgars Pizza. Big Mamas and Papas, and amongst other great restaurants I have heard about.  I hope to see Ellen Degeneres, go to Warner Bros, CBS Studios, NBC Universal and more.

I just want to Meet Bradley Cooper, Jason Statham, Chris Hemsworth, and Channing Tatum. 🙂 Hopefully, will bump into them at LAX Airport or down a street walking or something. Now that would be awesome. I can hardly wait!

What Will I Do If I Win The $1.5 Billion Powerball?

As you may or may not know by now about USA’s $1.5 Billion Powerball lottery jackpot that is up for grabs and one or couple of lucky winners will get to have a serious amount of cash in their bank accounts, and live off only just the interest and be set for life. Even hopeful Canadians are crossing the border to get their hands on the winning ticket numbers.  Of course as well as all that cash

Now, some people dream of buying a huge yacht, a private aircraft and other super luxurious things, go to the biggest and most expensive hotel suites, spending ridiculously and buy the most expensive watches, clothing,  handbags, shoes, jewelry, and live in a super huge mansion with so many rooms, bathrooms, and spend it like no tomorrow and some will not even know what to do with all that chunk of cash. Just because someone has a huge load of cash, doesn’t mean the money should be spent on foolish things and not on materialism.

Money of this amount should be spent on the betterment of this world, to make life better, to spend it wisely on things that matter. Not of what some people’s wild fantasies could be of just being luxurious and way too materialistic.

Now that If I get a ticket and IF I win, I will donate to villages in my home country Armenia, help my family and friends, personally go to third world countries that live in poverty and donate money, food, clothing and everything to people who need it.

I will open up a community centre for people who have been victims to social abuse and those who have been bullied emotionally, mentally, physically, also people who are alone and haven’t got too many friends. I want them to have that chance to come together with others and make life better for them and to make a difference in this world, where they can come and have fun with group activities, getting to know one another. Putting a smile on these people’s faces from young to the elderly is all the payment I need. They will be the true winners at life and to give them that extra boost that everything works out for them.

Now, that is the true lottery and jackpot that is won. Making a difference in lives, making someone’s day, life, seeing them smile, being happy, healthy and so much more.

From experience in my life, I have been there. I have been a victim of bullies, social abuse and the difficulty of people accepting me because I am and look different than everybody else. I will be happy knowing I have been able to help people in need with that amount of cash.

The rest, I will use for traveling to places I have not been to, buy a nice decent size house and not as huge as a villa or mansion. Just something reasonable, then live comfortably.

At the end above all that dough, health is wealth.

What will you do with that much money? If You do win it?

Are We Missing out on Life’s Experiences With Screens?

Long gone are the days where simplicity, enjoyment, living life at the fullest extent, enjoying and experiencing life without the use of smartphones, tablet screens and so many more. Are we really missing out on life’s experiences? Everything in life has its limitations, and in today’s society, people tend to go overboard with posting everything and anything they see. They are not really experiencing life, they are merely trying to capture anything and everything to share on social media networks, capture photos and share them on photo sharing sites.

Long gone are the days where people used to go to concerts and shows where everyone’s eyes and attention was looking at the stage without wanding lights coming from smartphones and tablets. Now with thousands of people capturing moments with their devices, these concerts and these special events in a person’s life is being video taped by the videographer’s of the concert, venue, and even when people witness a wedding or a reception.

I understand that you want to keep your personal memories too, of which taking pictures and everything and that is fine, but always wanding a device isn’t really the same as actually witnessing something happen before your eyes. Some moments are meant to be lived without screens, and where down the road you can remember it in your mind, and the good times to remind yourself and those who you lived those memories with.

I mean yes, special and beautiful events such as babies when they are born, their actions, and everything else need to be documented and everything, and there are moments in a person’s life that should be kept private and not for the world to see. Do not worry if you tell someone what your child did, or said that they will not believe you. They will. You do not need to always have proof or a video of something.

You really do not have to be in competition with the world and join a popularity contest because you want to be the first ones to capture something and put so many hashtags, and post something for the sake of posting something. It should never be that way.

People have the perception that if they do not capture, video, then post it on social media, the internet, tweet about it, that some people think that they are lying without providing proof that things actually did occur. I think that everything has its limits and not everything should be published online. Some things should be kept a secret, things should be kept private. Unfortunately, privacy is non-existent in today’s world because of these devices.

When people travel and explore the world, people will always have that force of habit to document every moment with screens, but the world has become smaller and people are more familiar with everything because people do research and look up videos and get more curious to find things out all the time, but the important thing to remember is that it is not fair to capture something, and then the soon to be traveler going to that place will see what it is all about and then that person or person’s will not be surprised anymore. It will all be spoiled for them

Some things are meant to be left unsaid, some things are meant to be explored without having people always telling others about something. People need to experience and form their own opinions.

I am all for and support smartphones, video, cameras, tablets and other devices, and I have them as well, but there is a limit and a lot of people now have crossed that limit. Screens have become addicting and it is so on the rise, that some people cannot go 5 minutes without looking at their phone. They bring it with them to bed, they check messages before bed, waking up, during meals, at work, during cooking meals, tending to their families, even while driving. Nobody should have their phones or other devices while driving. That is not only dangerous but very ridiculous.

In the past before all these devices came out, how do you think people passed their time? There was twice as much homework to do after school for the students, school times were longer, there was no use of devices, people had to make their own games and toys to physically play with, not one of those gaming consoles, people were outside playing, enjoying the true essence of life, more love, respect and family time, people didn’t have the luxury of instantly finding information, where they had to jet off to the library to find books, encyclopedia’s without the use of the internet or software.

With all that being said, people need to put their screens down and look up to enjoy life more, to witness things, to observe, and to capture the beauty of the world with your eyes. Not with screens. They shouldn’t be your eyes. Be more social, talk, take a pen and physically write without the use of keyboards and keypads.

Think about it. Experience life, put down your device and do it right now.