Quick Tips

WiFi at 35,000 feet and a superb flight reminiscent of the type of air travel we remember from years ago for its attention and focus on the comforts and convenience of the passengers, but with a whole new and ultra modern interior design that is at once stylish as well as functional.

This is an airline that really is paying attention to details and is utilizing the lastest technologies in highly productive ways, not just for themselves, but for their passengers as well.

WiFi in the sky is very nice for business travelers, for the novelty and fun of emailing friends and family and even skyping, but I was able to log into my connecting flight website (different airline), confirm my next flight, check baggage, pay for it, print out my boarding pass (as a pdf), choose my seats and more as I was staring down at the Sierras below. This is more than a novelty, this is efficiency and peace of mind.

The mood-lit cabin, touch screen food & cabin staff service self controlled on the TV screen on the back of the seat in front of you, and the hip, sophisticated vibe that exudes from the interior design of the cabin, all combine to make travel fun again. Even the molded, fiberglass seat bodies (filled with ergonomic seat cushions) that evoke the Star Wars Trooper body armor, allow shin bone contact during the flight without red grooves most airplane seating inflicts or even prompting noticing the leg contact at all. That coupled with adequate space between seats even in steerage, will permit those who suffer from "tallness" to travel in improved comfort.

You order your food and beverages on that same touch screen. Your order will then be served to you from the food cart. Between meals, you order snacks and beverages the same way. You pay for them (those that require payment) by swiping your credit card along the bottom on the screen.

So next time you find Virgin is on your route, give them a try. They are not the only airline to offer inflight WiFi, but they seem to have gotten the whole picutre right. Their prices from LAX to JFK were identical to everyone else, so why not? Their website is easy and fast to use and find what you want. Even the computer challanged can use it since it guides you through everything in a logical way.


June 2010

Italy - Genoa - A some great little Bistro's we have heard about-

Oh! You could spend weeks eating at all of the marvelous small restaurants and bistros in Genoa as you explore this marvelous city. Around the port are to be found great deals at lunch time.

But here are a few you may enjoy:

La Berlocca - is a typically Genoese "trattoria" whose menu is filled with local dishes not likely to be found outside Ligouria. Located in a 17th century building with high-vaulted ceilings and great lighting, you can taste marelous regional food served in simple surroundings. Small, maybe a dozen tables in all, so either get there early or make reservations. In the Old Town. The back room is usually more or less smoke free. All credit cards accepted. Closed Mon
Via del Macelli di Soziglia 45r (tel 010.247.4162).

Osteria di Vico Palla - is also has a very typical Ligourian menu at modest prices. Best fish with olive oil around! Unusual for Italy, it has GOOD DESSERTS! Open plan kitchen. Closed Mon
Vico Palla, 11/13/15r, (39-010) 246-6575.

8.9.06