Cliff's Notes - On Travel

     This morning I woke up super early. I don't feel like I slept very good but that's ok, I have my own cabin on a cruise ships for 16 nights starting tonight! I'm sure I'll get plenty of sleep.     I went for a long morning walk through a huge park called Auckland Domain. It is a nice, quiet Saturday morning with a few joggers and dog walkers out. There were actually quite a few cyclists, and I can imagine this would be a great place to ride! Maybe I'll rent a road bike the next time I visit.     The park has multiple ponds, beautiful scenery, and the Auckland War Museum. Unfortunately it wasn't open yet, but I got some good picture from the outside. They were also setting up for an event with lots of booths, but I will not have time to go back.     For those that asked - I only ate 1 of the 3 meat pies I bought haha. I first tried the steak & cheese, which was pretty good and I ate it all. Later, I tried the "double hap...

   Last night, on my one year anniversary of being a Delta Flight Attendant, I boarded a plane for Auckland, New Zealand! New Zealand has always been high on my list to visit, especially the southern island including Christchurch and where the Hobbit/Lord of the Rings movies were filmed. Unfortunately, I only have about 24 hours here until my cruise departs. Therefore, I will just be checking out the sites in central Auckland and making notes for my next, longer visit.    The weather is great! Mid 70s, slight breeze, feels very comfortable. I've walked around quite a bit already and first impressions are that the city is clean, safe, and very walkable. The people are friendly and diverse. I am staying right in the city center, not too far from the Sky Tower pictured here as well as some nice parks and shops.    I stopped at a local shop to get some drinks and snacks. It looks like hand pies are very popular here, so I got three: steak and cheese, mince and ...

   I went to the beach! Another picture perfect day so what else would I do?!? My first day here I was able to sneak into a nearby resort. However, yesterday I got caught at two different resorts so I've had to walk the long way to the beach the last couple of days. It's about a mile and a half from my hotel, so not a bad 24 minute walk. It's kind of silly though - once I get to the "public" entrance to the beach, to can walk along it to all of the resorts anyway. But they are very strict at the entrances and check for the right colored wrist band.    I thought it might be a little less crowded than yesterday since it's Monday, but it was still packed. I used the magic eraser tool on my Pixel to take people out of some of my photos!     As with most beach resort destinations, there are people trying to sell you on everything up and down the beach. From excursions and activities, to photos with parrots, massages, food and drinks. It gets a little tireso...

     After a mostly cloudy day yesterday, the sun came out with full force today! The beach was packed, mostly with tourists escaping winter in the northern hemisphere. However, most people I overheard were speaking Spanish and unfortunately mine is severely lacking. I guess that's what happens when you never use it.    As promised, here are some pics showcasing the beautiful turquoise water and soft, white sand beach. The water first breaks very far out, making ideal swimming conditions along the shore. The water is probably 65 degrees, which feels great after walking for 25 minutes in 83 degrees weather. It doesn't feel humid to me at all, maybe that's because of the time of year.     Like most tourist destinations, Punta Cana is a little expensive. Just buying a coke zero and bag of chips was almost $10. I have a feeling other cities in the DR aren't quite as expensive as here. I haven't seen any food stands or restaurants that look authentical...

     The above photos are from my flight home from Sydney about 10 days ago. I thought those reading might be interested in seeing what Delta One on our flagship, Airbus 350 is like. Delta One on our 330s and 350s have suites with lie-flat beds, large screens, and doors that close for privacy. I've been lucky enough to score one on most of my international flights.   After watching the Superbowl with family and spending some time at home, it was time to plan my next adventure. My first choice was Bogota, Colombia as I've heard really good things and always wanted to visit. When you fly standby, however, you always have to have a backup plan. For this trip, it was Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and that is where I am!    Punta Cana is a very beautiful, romantic place that people love to come to for weddings and anniversaries. So it's only fitting that I flew in on Valentine's Day. I may be single and traveling solo, but I think I've proven I won't let that s...