PARIS OF THE METAL EAST

1
PARIS OF THE METAL EAST
I have a real fear for Middle Eastern women. Having grown up in an Arab household, you do as they say or the old slipper will come off and somehow find it’s way around corners to get you! Now I’m even more afraid, but more than anything, intrigued and inspired: “Abirafeh believes that Slave to Sirens’ impact will transcend music. ‘You don’t have to like metal to see that what these women are doing is powerful and courageous,’ she says. ‘It’s about saying that we are going to defy all those rules and norms, and go out there and do what we love.’ “ Nope, I’m still afraid. CNN on Lebanon’s All Girl Metal Band.

2
THANK YOU FOR TRAVELING ON AIR NICKEL AND DIME YOU
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve received advice from family, friends, hell, even strangers, on the best time to purchase flights. This just in, by Travel and Leisure, according to a study of 350 million fairs by CheapAir. If you’re traveling to:
– The Caribbean – 207 days prior departure
– Canada – 66 days prior departure
– Mexico and Central America – 70 days prior departure
– South America – 110 days prior to departure
– Europe – 160 prior to departure (and avoid June/July)
– Asia, Middle East, Africa and the South Pacific – 120-199 days prior to departure
This is very important to know as I plan my “2019-2022 travel schedule.” Now, what’s for lunch?

Speaking of lunch, when will we ever get so lucky to get this captain: “They were stuck overnight after their flight was diverted. So the captain brought them 40 pizzas.”

Coming back to getting better deals, apparently Google’s new tool will help you find less expensive flights.

I hesitate to include yet another link to an article on American Airlines (I was already internally struggling on including the first one!), but for those of you who have ever felt the frustration of laying over somewhere when the direct flight to your final destination was boarding at the gate right next to yours, it’s not perfect, but it’s something: from The Points Guy: “American Airlines will let you pay $75 to change a connecting flight to a direct one.”

3
ALL-GARVE RESORT
I won’t lie, I’ve been to this beautiful coastline before, maybe fifteen years ago already. But, I’d go again, meander away from the crowds and enjoy the local food and wine, and now, with more wine. From CNN: “The Algarve played a key role in the successful 2013 campaign to secure UNESCO cultural heritage status for the Mediterranean diet. But while the region’s food has long been appreciated, its wines are only recently making a comeback.”

CNN must be really trying to find balance again with all the soap-opera-esque coverage of American politics. Here’s yet another article on the benefits of a Mediterranean diet: “Mediterranean diet has benefits even in old age.”

4
THANK YOU KIND SIR
“A gentleman is someone who does not what he wants to do, but what he should do.” This is a definition of a modern gentlemen straight from Haruki Murakami’s novel “Norwegian Wood.” Now I’m not saying I always do what I want to do. And, I’m not saying I always do what I should do. But, I must admit, it’s nice to be reminded about the kinder, more noble things in life. Here’s a piece by Chris Meyers, an MSNBC contributing editor: “How To Be A Gentleman In Your Personal And Professional Life.”

Also, if you find yourself in Princeton, NJ in the next few weeks, “The Age of Innocence” is a new play directed by Doug Hughes and based on the Pulitzer Prize novel by Edith Wharton at the always amazing Berlind Theater. Highly, highly recommended. 

5
GONE PODDING 
Needing some inspiration on your travels, whether commuting or on an around the world trip of a lifetime? I’ve had a chance to listen to some of these best business podcasts. They do just the trick!

Thanks,

Joe Naaman
Managing Editor, Waywinds
Keep Exploring!