>>> Views from the Top <<<: December 2006

NEW BLOG

I will definetly start a new blog in 2007. Once is it up and running I will put the address here. Otherwise you can contact me via email on my hotmail account (vfrare at hotmail dot com). Sorry to dissapoint but I have been having some new ideas and at the same time there is all the work to put together my new company. So once 2007 kicks in I will let you know about the new blog.

The End

This is the end of this blog. No more adventures with planes around the world.
Goodbye.
:-(

Paradise Brazil

Today I wanted to write a bit about being back in Brazil. During the week I had to face lots of people on the shops, gym, hair dresser and so on. It is amazing how nice people are over here. Most of them smile all the time, say goodmorning, thank you, introduce their names before they talk to you. Quite another world from Dubai.

Moreover the country is experiencing a huge crisis in the airport scene. There was an air crash a few months back and they found out that the air traffic controlers were understaffed and overstressed. So they went on strike to demand better working conditions and started working up to international standards! What happened? The whole system is collapsing. Flights are delayed, there are days when major airports have to close down because there are just too many flights taking off or landing, etc. It is a huge and embarrasing mess. However, people have been quite nice to each other at the airports. It this were to happen in a place like Dubai or India people would start killing each other. Over here what we hear is: Ok, so I have time for another beer, or: let's all share a rented car and go by road. Brazilians are a nice bunch of people.

Just take a look at Paradise Brazil

American Airlines

Why is it that in the richest country in the world, with one of the most dynamic economies the airlines do not make money? Why is it that Americans get the worst on board service in the world?

I flew American Airlines to the US and it was appaling! The airplanes are old, dirty and the seats very uncomfortable. The crew was even older than the airplanes and there was one who looked like a Christmas Tree. The food is made for people on a diet. If you want a beer or a glass of wine you have to pay $5! For a pair of headsets, to watch those TVs on the ceiling $2!!! What a difference from Emirates or any other European airline!

As I was traveling with ID90 tickets I could not complain. I was happy there was a seat for me!