AMERICAN AIRLINES BOEING 777

AMERICAN AIRLINES

BOEING 777 

Flew 10 hours on the Boeing 777 out of Los Angeles.  This is a huge aircraft.  Did not realize that is one of the largest airliners in the world.  The seating configuration of 2-5-2 means that there are a lot of people packed in the middle of the plane.  The leg room in coach is a bit small but the individual video monitors are nice.  We were served a dinner meal and breakfast.  Dinner consisted of your choice of Pasta or Chicken with a salad.  Breakfast was a Croissant, yogurt and juice.  For a 10 hour flight, I was surprised that the staff rarely came through the cabin offering water or drinks.  I was pretty dehydrated when we landed.  Here is some info on this amazing plane:
The Boeing 777 is a long-range, wide-body twin-engine jet airliner manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. It is the world's largest twinjet and is commonly referred to as the "Triple Seven".^[3][4] The aircraft has seating for over 300 passengers and has a range from 5,235 to 9,380 nautical miles (9,695 to 17,370 km), depending on model. Its distinguishing features include the largest-diameter turbofan engines of any aircraft, six wheels on each main landing gear, a circular fuselage cross-section, and blade-shaped tail cone.^[5] Developed in consultation with eight major airlines, the 777 was designed to replace older wide-body airliners and bridge the capacity difference between the 767 and 747. As Boeing's first fly-by-wire airliner, it has computer mediated controls; it is also the first entirely computer-designed commercial aircraft.

The 777 is produced in two fuselage lengths. The original 777-200 model first entered service in 1995, followed by the extended-range 777-200ER in 1997; the stretched 777-300, which is 33.3 ft (10.1 m) longer, began service in 1998. The longer-range 777-300ER and 777-200LR variants entered service in 2004 and 2006, respectively, while a freighter version, the 777F, debuted in 2009. Both longer-range versions and the freighter feature General Electric GE90engines, as well as extended and raked wingtips. Other models are equipped with either the GE90, Pratt & Whitney PW4000, or Rolls-Royce Trent 800engines. The 777-200LR is the world's longest-range airliner and holds the record for longest distance flown by a non-stop commercial aircraft,^[6][7] with the demonstrated capability to fly more than halfway around the world.

United Airlines first placed the 777 into commercial airline service in 1995. As of July 2011, 60 customers have placed orders for 1,242 aircraft of all variants, with 949 delivered.^[1] The most common variant used worldwide is the 777-200ER, with 415 aircraft delivered, and Emirates operates the largest 777 fleet, with 87 aircraft.^[8] The airliner has had one hull-loss accident, attributed to a Trent 800 engine fuel component, with no passenger fatalities as of 2011.

Through the 2000s, the 777 has emerged as one of its manufacturer's best-selling models. Because of rising fuel costs, airlines have acquired the type as a comparatively fuel-efficient alternative to other wide-body jets and have increasingly used the aircraft on long-haul, transoceanic routes. Direct market competitors include the Airbus A330-300, A340, and the upcoming A350. The subsequently developed 787 Dreamliner also shares design features with the 777.

2-5-2 SEATING CONFIGURATION

 

THE BOEING 777 IS A BEAST.  HUGE!

 

 

 

 

 

GOOD AMOUNT OF STORAGE ABOVE THE SEATS

PERSONAL VIDEO MONITOR AT EVERY SEAT.
MOVIES, TELEVISION SHOWS AND MUSIC.

COACH MEAL - SALAD, CHEESE AND CRACKER, CHICKEN
WITH POTATOES AND GREEN BEANS.  NOT BAD.

AMERICAN AIRLINES LOUNGE - LOS ANGELES, CA

AMERICAN AIRLINES LOUNGE 

LOS ANGELES, CA

Always nice to be able to relax and refresh at the American Airlines Lounge at the Los Angeles International Airport.  This is a great place to charge your electronic devices, have a cocktail and clean up while waiting for your next flight.  We have had a waiter named Joel the past few times here.  Joel is the ultimate professional and one of the nicest waiters you could ever have.  Pouring complimentary wine probably helps, but Joel really makes your stay here special.  We ordered a Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla that was served with multi-color tortilla chips, guacamole, salsa and sour creme.  The Quesadilla was loaded with cheese which none of us really liked.  I had a Greek Salad.  They used that lettuce I don't like here.  Wish it was Romaine.  The salad was mostly the bitter greens and not much else.  A few onions, tomato, peppers and some Feta Cheese.  The menu in the lounge also features sandwiches, burgers and other salads.  Really like the American Airlines lounges when traveling.  They have clean bathrooms, showers, bar/restaurant, complimentary snacks and beverages, television and internet services.

AMERICAN AIRLINES LOUNGE IN LOS ANGELES
GREAT SPACE AND COMPLIMENTARY WINE!

CHIPS AND SALSA COME WITH THE QUESADILLIA
WINE IS FREE!

CHICKEN AND CHEESE QUESADILLIA

HOUSE SALAD

GREEK SALAD

THE BEST GIFT BY KELI SANTOS

This is by far the best post ever on this blog.

Found this on my Flip Video camera.  Keli

wrote and filmed this without telling Mom or Dad.

Truly blessed to have such a loving daughter.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

HAWAII VS USC - WOMANS NCAA VOLLEYBALL, DEC 9, 2011

USC DEFEATED HAWAII IN FIVE SETS

BEFORE A SOLD OUT CROWD OF 10,000

AT THE STAN SHERIFF CENTER AT

THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.

I LOVE THE WAHINE AND WISH USC

ALL THE BEST IN THEIR QUEST FOR 

THE 2011 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP.
(Apologize for the editing on this video)

BIG CITY DINER - KAIMUKI

BIG CITY DINER

KAIMUKI, HAWAII

With all the roads leading home backed up because of the Honolulu Marathon, we decided to take a detour after church and have lunch at the Big City Diner in Kaimuki.  Big City has good food.  I am just not a big fan of eating here.  I like their Fried Rice, Burgers and other sandwiches but really cannot pin point why we don't eat here more often.  A week or so ago I joined a customer for lunch at Big City Diner in Waipio.  I was wanting to eat light so I tried the Vegetarian Sandwich.  Wow...it was the bomb.  Loved the sandwich so I ordered another one on this visit.  

The Upcountry Veggie Sandwich

California Avocado, Japanese Cucumbers, Organic Baby Greens, Carrots, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Jack and Cheddar Cheeses, Topped with Roasted Corn & Fresh Salsa on Whole Wheat Toast...10.99.     Love this sandwich.  It is the best veggie sandwich I have found in Hawaii.  Will be eating many of these in 2012.  My daughter went for the Kids Cheeseburger Meal with French Fries ($5.99).  The burger was large and she liked it.  As usual, the staff at Big City Diner was prompt, pleasant and attentive.  Great Job!

http://bigcitydinerhawaii.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Lunch.pdf

BIG CITY DINER

BACK ENTRANCE GOES THROUGH KITCHEN.
THE COOKS ALWAYS SAY "HI"

BACK ENTRANCE - FRONT IS ON WAIALAE AVENUE

WATCH THE STAFF COOK UP GREAT FOOD

LARGE DINING ROOM IS ALWAYS FILLED WITH KIDS, FAMILIES,
SINGLES, FRIENDS AND OLD GUYS LIKE ME

FLAT SCREENS ALL OVER TO CATCH THE GAME

KIDS MEAL CHEESEBURGER WITH FRIES

BEST VEGETARIAN SANDWICH I HAVE FOUND IN HAWAII

MY FAVORITE VEGGIE SANDWICH!

PHO 27 VIETNAMESE CUISINE / FAIRWOOD INN

PHO 27

VIETNAMESE CUISINE

HONOLULU, HAWAII

The Fairwood Drive Inn and Pho 27 just opened in Kaimuki.  The restaurants are located next to Longs Drugs and across from Sacred Hearts Academy.  Both restaurants are in the same space with the Fairfield Drive Inn up front and Pho 27 in back.  While the Fairwood portion is bright and clean it is the Pho 27 space that is awesome.  It is difficult to understand that there are two restaurants in the space.  The menu on the door only shows the Fairwood Inn items which are pretty run of the mill Hawaiian style Drive Inn types; hamburgers, teri-burger, katsu, plate lunch type things.  We were about to walk away but I looked through the window and saw the Pho 27 space in the back.  The large white balls hanging from the ceiling and modern look caught my eye.   We walked in and right past Fairwood Inn.  We were happily greeted by young employees who seated near a window overlooking Chamanade University.  Beautiful green hills.  I loved the look of Pho 27.  Someone with some design talent went to work on this place.  They transformed an old beat up space with a 2'x4' tile ceiling into a piece of artwork.  The round oval lights on the roof contrast with the bright white puffs of light and yellow circles along the walls.  This is cool for a Vietnamese place I thought.  Someone really went off on design and spent some money making it just like they visioned.  We would normally order Pho which is a Vietnamese soup with noodles and various meats.  I opted to try a Vietnamese Sandwich.  They offer them with Chicken, Pork or Beef.  I went with the Chicken Sandwich ($5.75) and upgraded to the meal that includes soup and salad for an additional ($3).  Keli went with a noodle dish topped with Spring Rolls and BBQ Pork.  My sandwich was beautiful on the plate with thinly sliced carrots, cucumber and green onion flowing out.  I added some Sirachi Hot Sauce and took a bite.  The bread was fresh....super fresh....like something you dream about.  It had a light crunch and then just melted in your mouth.  Where did they get this bread I thought.  It was the best.  The chicken had flavor and was good.  Just wish there would have been more of the pickled Daikon and Carrot on the sandwich.  The salad was basic with a fresh and light dressing.  The soup had no taste and was left on the table.  Keli devoured her Spring Rolls that topped her noodle dish.  She ate about 1/4 of the noodles and just a little bit of the BBQ Pork.  She either was not too hungry or just didn't like the dish.  Looked good and came with a cup of fish base sauce.  I will go to Pho 27 again soon.  Many other menu items I would like to try and I like the feeling and service here.  Young, energetic kids wanting to do a good job.

PHO 27 VIETNAMESE CUISINE

SLEEK LINES, WARM COLORS AND MODERN

MENU IN LAID OUT WELL WITH LOTS OF PHOTOS

LONG ROWS OF TABLES AND A FEW BOOTHS

LARGE OVAL LIGHTS ON ROOF AND BEAUTIFUL CLOUDS OF LIGHT

WE LOVED THE LOOK AND FEEL OF PHO 27

NOODLES WITH SPRING ROOLS AND BBQ PORK

TWO SPRING ROLLS CUT INTO SLICES, BBQ PORK AND VEGETABLES
BOTTOM IS ALL NOODLES

HOUSE SALAD WITH LIGHT ORIENTAL DRESSING

VIETNAMESE SANDWICH WITH GRILLED CHICKEN

BEEF BROTH SOUP WAS PRETTY TASTELESS

SANDWICH COMBO MEAL WITH SALAD AND SOUP IS $8.75

CHICKEN SANDWICH

SUPER FRESH BREAD MADE THIS SANDWICH A BIG HIT

TUNA BAGEL SANDWICH

TUNA BAGEL SANDWICH

DINNER AT HOME

We had six bagels that we picked up from Costco.  Needed to put them to use so I whipped up some really good Tuna Salad with celery, red onion, carrots, sweet pickle relish, Old Bay Seasoning and mayo.  Mixed all this together with two cans of Tuna and place on bagel with lettuce, tomato and avocado that a friend gave us from his tree.  The sandwich was delicious. Add a slice of American Cheese to kick up another notch.  This was a very low cost meal that was enjoyed by the entire family.

TUNA, AVOCADO AND TOMATO ON A BAGEL

GREAT FLAVORS AND TEXTURE - THIS IS A GOOD SANDWICH!

JIN DIN ROU - XIAO LONG BAO

CONTEMPORARY LOOK ON KING AND KAHEKA STREETS

JIN DIN ROU
HONOLULU, HAWAII 

CLEAN LOOK INSIDE

VIEWING WINDOWS TO SEE HOW XIAO LONG BAO  IS MADE

We often drive by Jin Din Rou and see people waiting to get in.  Just had to give this place a try.  Jin Din Rou has several locations in Japan and one I think in Taiwan.  They have converted an old bank building in Honolulu into a very contemporary Dim Sum or Xiao Long Bao Restaurant complete with large viewing windows where you can seen the Dim Sum being made by hand and steamed on the flat top.  We did not know what to expect when we walked in the door.  The place was pretty packed so we had to wait just a few minutes.  The staff is young and very friendly.  They all wear white shirts that say JIN DIN ROU STAFF.  The menu is about six pages and has pictures of each item so you can see what you are getting. There are several set lunch menu items that have four courses for between $8 and $11.  We ordered (4) pieces of the House Pork Dim Sum ($5.90).  These were good.  The Spicy Pork Dim Sum ($6.50) was a little red in color but had no real heat.  The Dim Sum was really over seasoned with Chinese Five Spice.  That is all I could taste.  The Shrimp/Pork Dim Sum ($6.50) was my favorite.  You could taste the shrimp and pork and the sauce inside was good.  We followed the instructions on the table that showed you how to properly eat the Dim Sum.  Add a little vinegar to your spoon.  Drop in the Dim Sum.  Pop the wrapper so all the juice fills the spoon and then eat the entire thing.  Our absolute favorite dish was the Mapo Eggplant ($9.50).  A beautiful dish of Eggplant served with minced pork and a really good sauce.  We ordered some white rice to go with the Eggplant dish and it was awesome.  Also liked the Shanghai Noodles ($9.99).  Fresh noodles with cabbage, carrot, ginger, bell pepper and green onion.  I liked our visit here and would return again for the Eggplant dish.  

UPDATE:  THIS RESTAURANT CLOSED DOWN JANUARY 2012.

STAFF HAND MAKES THE XIAO LONG BAO

OLD BANK VAULT IS NOW VIP ROOM

PICKLED VEGETABLE AND FRESH GINGER

VINEGAR, SOY SAUCE AND BLACK VINEGAR FOR DIM SUM

HOT TEA

MENU FEATURES PHOTOS OF MOST DISHES

INSTRUCTION CARDS ON EACH TABLE
SHOW YOU HOW TO PROPERLY
ENJOY EATING XIAO LONG BAO

HOUSE PORK XIAO LONG BAO WAS DELICIOUS

SHRIMP AND PORK XIAO LONG BAO WAS MY FAVORITE

SPICY PORK XIAO LONG BAO HAD BIG FIVE SPICE TASTE

PLACE VINEGAR IN SPOON, TOP WITH XIAO LONG BAO
AND THEN POKE HOLE TO LET THE JUICE ESCAPE

SHRIMP AND PORK XIAO LONG BAO READY TO EAT

VINEGAR, BROTH AND XIAO LONG BAO

EGGPLANT WITH PORK IN A DELICIOUS SAUCE

SHANGHAI FRIED NOODLES