San Antonio, Travel Tips, and Bell Biv DeVoe

I was in San Antonio last week for the National Science Teachers Association conference, and granted I only was there a few days and only explored an about 10 block area, but these are the things I liked:

1) Sunshine and warm weather - It was 80 degrees. 80. degrees. It was 15 degrees when I left for work this morning, so you can imagine how much I enjoyed the 65 degree temperature increase.

I booked my hotel specifically for the rooftop pool.

2) Crosswalks talk to you - "Wait. Wait. Wait. Crossing Alamo at Commerce" I know this is for visually impaired people, and that's great.But I really like that I feel like I'm sticking to the man when I cross the street while the crosswalk is telling me to wait. YOU DON'T KNOW MY LIFE. I DO WHAT I WANT.

3) Speaking of crosswalks, it's walk-able - At least the downtown area is. Sure, you can walk around downtown in Anchorage, but can you wear jorts and eat gelato while members of a mariachi band cross the street ahead of you? No.

4) Riverwalk - Okay, it's a little touristy and, to be honest, reminds me of Las Vegas, but I like it nonetheless.

5) The Alamo - Sue me. I love a good historical site.

I wrote about travel tips before, but here are some more:
1) Don't crowd the gate - It's rude and annoying and if you are in group 4, you aren't getting any overhead space anyway, so just chill out.

2) Be aware of your scents - Be it perfume, body odor, or beef jerky, remember that you and everyone else are going to be trapped in a relatively small metal tube for many hours. Be courteous.

3) Nail filing - I fly pretty often, but this was a new one for me. While sitting at the gate in San Antonio the woman next to me started filing her nails. I thought, "Oh, maybe she snagged her nail on the zipper of her suitcase. That hurts." But then she just kept filing. And filing. And filing. Then the next thing I know, there are gross fingernail shavings all over her chair. THE AIRPORT IS NOT THE PLACE FOR THAT. Gross.


I really wanted the Hot Jam this week to be Bump 'n Grind by R.Kelly. But it turns out I already wrote about that during Slow Jam Week (who would have thought?) So instead this week's hot jam is Poison by Bell Biv DeVoe. Not only is the video A-MAZING, but Poison features lines like, "Never trust a big butt and smile." Lyrical genius. Just try not to dance.

Travel and R.Kelly

I just got back from a work trip to Fairbanks and a vacation to Durham. I like going new places and getting my picture taken in front of new tourist attractions.

Like the Lucky Strike tower in Durham

 I'm not a huge fan of flying, but until I've developed teleportation powers, air travel will have to do.

Jumper, anyone?

If you are not aware, Anchorage is really far from most places, which means whenever I fly anywhere I'm probably going to have to make at least one, but probably two connections.

 As a result, I've been in a lot of airports and I've picked up some travel tips along the way.


Travel tips and ways not to annoy your fellow travelers:

1) Want to check a bag but don't want to pay for it? If you are on a full flight (as mine always seem to be), pack in the biggest carry-on you can. Chances are they will check your bag through to your final destination at the gate because everyone and their mom packs in a roller bag and they won't all fit in the overhead compartment. Bonus: you don't have to lift your giant bag over your head.

2) If your flight gets canceled go down to the ticketing counter and skip the desk at the gate. They'll be swamped. Also while you are walking/waiting in line, call the airline's help number. And be polite. Airline staff are not trying to keep you in the airport. You're way more likely to get put in first class seat you don't have to pay for if you say please and thank you.

3) If you are on a full flight, don't go up to the counter and ask to switch to a window/aisle seat. Everyone hates you and no one wants to trade. Check-in on time and you won't have to deal with it.

4) Practically every flight out of Anchorage is a red eye, so I'm well-versed in the finer points of airplane sleeping. I like the window because I can lean against it and won't get my elbows bashed by the drink cart or accidentally start snuggling up with my neighbor.

But sitting in the window means you are not getting up to go to the bathroom. Everyone in your row is going to be asleep. Just accept it and don't order 5 ginger ales.

5) NO, YOU CAN'T TAKE THAT DASANI YOU JUST BOUGHT THROUGH SECURITY. It's been more than 10 years, folks. Learn the TSA rules. You are holding up the line. (Note: a jar of peanut butter is considered a liquid, so put it on a sandwich or put it in your checked bag) (Double note: they WILL let you take a quart sized bag of mini liquor bottles through. Just FYI)

This week's hot jam is Ignition (Remix) by R. Kelly. I love hip hop and as terrible as R. Kelly is at making life choices, he makes a good hip hop song. Try not to get it stuck in your head. Go ahead. You won't be able to. This came on when I was out for Halloween last weekend. It's been stuck in my head since. You're welcome.

Bonus points for spotting Nick Cannon