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Galley Gossip: The best thing about being a flight attendant - Travel! (Monterey & Carmel, CA)
The best thing, by far, about being a flight attendant, besides all the cool people you get to work with and all the interesting passengers you meet, is being able to travel anywhere in the world (as long as there's an airport) at a moments notice on your day off - for free! Well...that is as long as there's an open seat on the airplane. So when the husband had to go to Carmel, California for work two weeks ago, I jumped on the computer, logged onto the airline website, and pulled up the passenger loads.
Oh. My. Goodness. I couldn't believe my eyes! The flight to Carmel was open. As in wide open! Which was kind of weird, because the flights these days are never open. Immediately my fingers began clicking the keyboard as fast as they could type, checking the passenger loads on the return flight back to Los Angeles. Unbelievable. The flight home was also open. Not wide open, no, but there were seats available, and more than two of them. Two seats, that's all I needed.
I yelled out, "We're going with you!" We, being, the kid and I.
That's when I realized I hadn't been back to Carmel since my son was born, a little over two years ago! What a shame, considering Carmel is one of my favorite places to go for a quick weekend getaway. What's so great about Carmel? Everything!
The town of Carmel is charming, located just steps away from the ocean. There you will find peace and relaxation as well as galleries and restaurants. For me, nothing compares to an early morning jog on the winding path overlooking the breathtaking beach while the fog rolls in, followed by a scrumptious breakfast at Katy's. Don't even get me started on the flowers, particularly the lavender, which makes the place smell so good, especially this time of year!
Not to mention, I was born in Monterrey, a short drive from Carmel, where there are so many wonderful things to do with a kid, like visiting the sea otters at the Monterey bay aquarium. Of course we'd have to make a stop at the Highlands Inn for lunch, one of Carmel's most romantic hotels, where we got married five years ago. I mean what's not to love about sitting on a wooden deck, the smell of pine trees enveloping you, as you take in sweeping views of the ocean. If you're lucky, you may even spot a whale or two through the binoculars left outside on the patio table. If that's not enough, Point Lobos State Reserve is a fantastic place to go for a hike, while Pebble Beach provides the golfer a world renowned course. And who doesn't love that drive to Big Sur? Needless to say, Carmel, as well as Monterrey, are quite special to me.
I could hear the husband climbing the stairs. "What did you say?"
"We're coming with you." I spun around in the leather chair just as the husband walked into the office. "The flights are open! I can't believe it," I mumbled, pointing at the screen.
"Me, neither, " said the husband, who can't even remember the last time he's taken advantage of my flight privileges. He can't take the stress of possibly being bumped from flight to flight all day long. Leaning over my shoulder, he said, "Let's make it a long weekend. I'll book a hotel in Carmel."
"I'll start packing!" I exclaimed, jumping off the computer and dragging my suitcase out of the closet. It was 4pm and the flight to Carmel departed at 8am sharp the following morning. I couldn't wait to get on that flight!
Get on the flight we did, no problem. Man, there are times when I really love my job!
While you're reading this post about Carmel, I'm on my way home from Honolulu. That's right, I'm taking my mother and son, as well as the husband, to Oahu for the weekend, which I'm sure I'll be writing about soon. Until then, enjoy my little photo gallery of Monterey. (Little photo gallery because the camera broke mid trip)
(The above photo was taken at the Point Lobos State Reserve )
Gallery: Galley Gossip: Monterey, California
Filed under: Galley Gossip
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Frank Sep 29th 2008 7:08PM
Non-Rev?....what's that?
LOL, I havent non-revenued in like 8 years. I'm a flight attendant who considers the JOB, enough travel. I'd like to respectfully give my "Best part of the job" response: DAYS OFF. I live in New York City and find it to have enough culture, shopping and excitement that I'll ever need. Minus the ticket price, non rev-ing can get expense. Hotel, Food and Car Rental expenses would put me in debth for awhile.
Yeah, I non-rev................right to the south shore of Long Island to Jones Beach. My place in the sand all summer long.
Nicole Gustas Sep 30th 2008 1:20PM
Glad to hear you got to come to Carmel and Monterey! For anyone who is coming over the next few weeks, there are some awesome fall hotel deals going on. And, because of the weird climactic zone that Monterey lies in, September and October are the warmest months of our year!
Claude DeMoss Sep 30th 2008 5:17PM
Why does someone who knows the area spell Monterey, Monterrey (2 r's)?
Charisse Oct 1st 2008 3:21PM
This was my question as well. "Monterey" is in California, I know this because I was born and raised in the area.
"Monterrey" I believe is in Mexico. I do not know this for sure, not being from there and all, and also because I am too lazy to Google it to check it out.
Heather Poole Oct 3rd 2008 1:32AM
FRANK - I hear you on the not traveling on days off...but this year I'm determined to travel more than I have in the past. I want to hang out with you in NY
NICOLE - you sound like a local. Let us know the things you love to do, the places you like to go.
CLAUDE and CHARISSE - oops...a mistake - meant to write one R, not two. Thanks for pointing that out.
Frank Oct 3rd 2008 10:08AM
Heather Poole said...
FRANK - I hear you on the not traveling on days off...but this year I'm determined to travel more than I have in the past. I want to hang out with you in NY
==============================
Passing some travel knowledge on to you, Heather.
HOPSTOP.COM
Not sure how often you layover in NYC, but this site will be of great benefit to anyone who travels around the city via public transportation.
It's just like MAPQUEST, except it gives you step by step instructions on how to get to your destination (within the city) on "public transportation."
it's awesome, I never get lost in the city! I take my step by step instructions with me from home (you, your layover hotel) and get to my destination without paying for an expensive cab.
What's great, the site has several other cities. SFO, LAX, ORD, BOS.
I use it all the time in SFO.
enjoy, travel safe!
Paula Oct 5th 2008 8:42PM
Heather, You never have let us know where you deciced to take your vacation. I voted for Croatia and sent you a little bit about the country. Have you decided or are you going to leave us all hanging?
Former flight attendant, Paula
PG Oct 6th 2008 2:33AM
You're my hero for playing hockey, I mean hookey, to go to Carmel for the day! I am quite fond of the place. For your next hockey game, you should take the tyke to Santa Barbara or Catalina while the weather's still warm (or, maybe Mama needs a trip to Cabazon). Yup, I'm trying to live vicariously because I'll be chained to work for awhile. Cheers.