American Airlines

I generally try to avoid American Airlines, the company that has led the way in customer dissatisfaction for a long while now, in my opinion. Though they might whip out some random study that shows they are best or whatever, my co-workers and I have all had really bad experiences with them, consistently. Yesterday was no exception. At Dallas Fort Worth airport, the flight to Tampa had its gate changed three times, and each time from one corner of the terminal to the other. And the icing on the cake being there was not even a hint of an apology from the personnel announcing the gate change. They had the smugness that comes from the knowledge that the passengers have already paid money and are about to be screwed, one way or the other. And the flight was delayed by an hour and 15 minutes and again, till we got into the plane, there was no hint of any reason as to why it was delayed or an apology. Once we got in, there was an apology all right, but for all the passengers, there was no reason offered as to why they are being delayed on a flight for which they have paid money in advance.

All this reiterates my opinion that American Airlines is one of the worst airlines companies in America. Never again will I make the mistake of booking a ticket with them, even if the next ticket is 100-200 dollars more expensive.

Theory of Relativity

Time really flies when you desperately wish it doesn't. Well, due to unforeseen circumstances, I ended up with a 4 day long weekend this week. Travelled to St. Augustine, Miami and Caladesi Island - all within driving range from Tampa and perfectly fit into day trips.

St. Augustine - Was one of the most scenic places that I've seen in FL - the weather was perfect. The fort and the lighthouse were fantastic and I still cannot forget the awesome view or the winds atop the light house. If you are in Florida (especially the northern part, make sure you schedule this place for an afternoon/evening.

Miami - Enough said - but the weather turned out to be rainy/stormy. So though we ended up liking the beach all the same. The Miami sea/sky photos need to be seen to be believed.

Caladesi - the weakest link in my weekend. But thats understandable when the place is a 40 minute drive from my home. A ferry ride was the best part as it was windy and pleasant. The beach is a kicker though - if you are interested, there are myriad shells to collect and a 1.5 hour nature trail where you might chance upon rattlesnakes and/or armadillo and/or other such animals.

Chicago - Repeatuuuuuu

(This was 4.00pm-ish today. A nice change from the perenially sunny TPA)

Chicago is the city where I'd want to settle down, if given a chance. The city has everything - good weather (good to me - I do not like anything more than 65 degrees on any day of the year), 2 good sports teams - Chicago Bulls and Chicago Bears, good many things to do on weekends (if I choose to go out of my home, which is rarely).

The last time I was in the windy city, I turned 24, and kind of celebrated it by going to Aurora temple and a fantastic Indian Chinese restaurant. This time, I stay closer to ORD, which meant I had no reason to miss the trip to Devan Theru (Devon Avenue). I have heard about it being the mother of all Little India's in the US and I was not dissappointed. While Lexingapuram (Lexington Ave.) in NYC is cool as far as food goes with Chinese Mirch, Saravana Bhavan and Banana Leaf, Devan Theru is cool with the number of desi chaat places and of course, Tamizh DVD places. If you are there, check out the videos stores - Bombay Video and Star Video. I never knew that Parasakthi movie is existing in DVD form before I saw the DVD at these places. The discs are kind of pricey - but with usual beram pesudhal you can get good deals.

Also, if you are looking at a good place to stay in Chicago, consider the Hilton Garden Inn - its quite close to ORD (though I landed and am going to take off from Midway) and in case you are traveling during snow times, they have a fantastic in-house restaurant which has really tasty cow-food (veggie stuff). The seasonal fruit platter has to be seen to be believed.

Travel Update

Dinner @ Bayshore Town Center, WI

An upscale shopping mall - with some classy restaurants - that's Bayshore Town Center (Mall) for you. There is a Sandwich place called Potbelly where you get some kick-ass veggie sandwiches and there is an awesome Barnes and Noble store with a Starbucks which serves Original Cheesecake desserts along with coffee/chai. Decentish time-pass. For the price conscious junta, the Kohl's store and the Barnes and Nobel stores are real steals. For the vetti scene venkatachalams, there is an awesome Sunglass Hut and GAP store too, apart froma few designer stuff where you have a single dress-shirt with a 3 digit price tag.