Story Time, Spain.

Every time I travel I learn more about myself; what I need from life, what I want my life to look like, how I’d like to mold my future, what areas I’d like to improve upon, etc. This line of questioning happens throughout my time away from home. Traveling forces me, in the best of ways, to grow! There’s no way I can stay who I was, after experiencing a new place or revisiting an old place.

Currently I’m in Barcelona, I was here for my 29th birthday. Barcelona is special to me as it was my very first solo trip. Half way here, I was freaking out majorly because I was questioning myself, severe doubt crept in! Who did I think I was to be traveling out the country, to a place I’d never been, and didn’t speak the language, the damn nerve of me! Fortunately/Unfortunately I was already on the plane, Airbnb was paid for, so there was no way I could back out now, that first trip, taught me how to trust myself, trust my steps and that fiery gut instinct I’ve learned to depend on with my life.

And all that was said, to simply say, Just go!

Tristan Jonez

Three days

In just three days I’ll be turning thirty three! Honestly this year, I haven’t made an extremely big deal about my birthday like I’ve done in years past. I guess I’m excited, I’m over the shock of being in my thirties but this year, it’s been eh. My plans didn’t really come together until yesterday, and even with what I have planned, I’m not sure that’s really what I want to do. Where I really want to go.

This marks the fifth year I’ll be traveling for my birthday. My ‘new year’s’ have been spent in Barcelona, Milan, Germany, and last year, I pushed myself a created a tour of Italy! I can’t never tell you why I picked the country I did, but usually they pick me!

Tristan J

Safe Travels.

New Direction

We have to start embracing change when its fighting to break through. We, myself included, have to stop waiting until Monday, the beginning of the month or the start of the New Year to see our changes through. As soon as you feel something needs to happen, make it.

Note to self; Get your ass up, be great, stop making excuses about why you can’t do something when there’s absolutely nothing you can’t do. Nothing!

For the majority of my writing it has focused on relationships, or the lack of them. Well I’m tired of that being my focus, especially when most of my writing is displaying the lack of relationships, lack of communication with the opposite sex. Nah, I’m going to focus on travel, food, and culture. I’m sure I’ll have a word or two about relationships, but it will not longer be a focus. I’m here for living my life, and writing about how good your first taste of French toast from Batter & Berries melts in your mouth. Or how serene it feels to listen to the church bells ring in a place where tragedy has struck.

Stick with me, You’ll love the ride. I promise.

Tristan J.

Sweet Green

I’ll be quick, cuz how much can one person truly write about salad?

No, that wasn’t a challenge! Sweetgreen has some of the best combination of salad, I’m especially fond of The Mexican elote, minus the tomatoes, and tortilla! Actually I add spicy broccoli, mozzarella and Chicken. Sweet Green can be hella expensive for a salad but its oh so good! So when I’ve had an especially rough day or an extremely good day, I treat myself with a salad. I know, corny but shit, when the Salad is over 15$ thats not something I’ll be eating on the regular.

Have you tried sweet green? If so, whats your go to blend?

Tristan Jonez

Pieces of my Soul

I’m a crybaby, always have been and will continue to be but I don’t normally get emotional at museums. Well, I wished someone would love told me to bring the tissues. Recently I traveled to Little Rock, Arkansas, first stop, Old State House Museum. Perhaps one day I’ll learn to research what’s on display BEFORE I visit but I’ll admit I’m lazy. However I think y’all know that already.

No secret, I love anything black people related. So I damn there bust out in the ugly cry for the A Piece of my Soul: Quilts by Black Arkansans exhibit. I remember being a young girl and snuggling up to the quilt that my grandmother, Theo Western, kept close. If I close my eyes and concentrate I can almost remember every single square. I’m embarrassed that I never inquired about each patch and the significance. My grandmother has since passed but I was able to find pride in her and this exhibit. Fun Fact: Quilts could weight as much as fifty pounds!

The museum has at minimum two hundred Quilts and proceeds to rotate the Quilts so all can be displayed. Yall know I’m super hyped to return. Growing up did you experience the magic of Quilts?

Tristan J

Scared AF

As a rite of passage, you’re not truly a flight attendant until you’ve taken the covenant engine photo. Well guess who is a truly blue flight attendant now? ME!

What ‘they’ don’t tell you, you don’t have to be scared, your pretty much safe. Well I was scared AF attempting to get a few photos, as much as I love y’all, No, you will not be seeing these outtakes today! I was so engrossed with the paperwork for the next flight I didn’t pay attention that there was an opportunity for the engine photo. Otherwise, I would’ve definitely worn a different shirt!

Tristan Jonez.

Taste of Chicago

So much food, EVERYWHERE.

After years of wanting to go, wishing I could go, trying to set my schedule so I could go, I’ve finally made it to Taste of Chicago and they didn’t disappoint! I know, I had to have read all about the ins and out of “The Taste” as it’s affectionately known but I really didn’t have any expectations as to the food variety. I was surprised with Mexican, African, Jamaican, more Mexican and of course Two different varieties of Pizza. Although I opted to stay away from The dough, the smell was delicious enough to change my mind.

Day One was HOT! I met up with my fly sister, Shakila, copped some food tickets, and took a survey of our selection. Did I say it was hot? Cuz it was. My confession of never having Harold’s led us straight there and OMG. Juicy, tender, flavorful chicken. And yes!, I got the mild sauce!

After some prime shots, because hello! The sun was giving us this Glow, it was time for sweets. The stifling heat called for funnel cakes with ice cream, Italian and Mexican iceys.

Tristan Jonez

FYI Its called a Taste of Chicago because you can get a ‘taste’ of the food, ( a small but lightly filling portion) or a full portion. Genius!

Flower Power

In my next trick, I will be a floral photographer. I’m always super excited when the light hits a flower just right, when I have company, a bee/an insect, who is admiring the art just as I am, or just after it’s rained and the beads of water have yet to fall. San Jose doesn’t owe me a thing! Every single sidewalk, walkway and park was bursting with fresh flowers, even dying flowers but there’s beauty in death. It’s a goal/dream of mine to host a gallery of my photos. I’d like to believe I can do wonders, and what better way to show them off then putting them ALL on display. I can’t wait until I return to San Jose, California. There’s still so much for me to capture. Tristan Jonez

When In … Nashville

Let’s talk about Nashville.

I can definitely understand why Nashville is being hailed as the “New Vegas”. Last month I was able to experience most of what Honky Town (their words, not mine) had to offer. As y’all know every month, a destination is chosen, then my fly sister and I partake in the culture of said city. I must say, it was an interesting trip, at the least. Do you know how much trouble one can get into in Nashville? Tons babe! Side note: Be open-minded, and don’t be sober for too long.

After walking up and down the bar strip, we FINALLY found a bar that played Hip Hop/R&B, bonus its the rooftop. Double bonus is the famous Nudie’s Honky Tonk! Just know alcohol is definitely liquid courage, it helps you to live outside of your head. {DISCLAIMER: Know your fucking limit when drinking!} I had a great time, dancing, and vibing to the music. I believe always being in control and in charge of my life, sometimes leave me forgetting to enjoy the moment I’m currently in.

What city has helped to release your Inhibitions?

Tristan Jonez

Journal Entry 101

Now that I’m a flight attendant I realize just how short life really is. I’ve never been afraid of flying, my favorite part is take off, which surprisingly is one of the most critical phases of flight. To quell, some of the fears that are usually under the surface, I’ve started capturing as many moments as I possibly can. I take photos with my crew, with the airplane, when I’m seeing the city I’ve flown into, with passenger if they love me enough. I truly understand now, that life is what you make it, so I’m trying to make mine the best ever.

What, if any, was the moment you realized life didn’t stretch on as far as you believed? And how did you remedy that?

Jonez

Mask Me.

I want to believe I’m always up for a good adventure, a good story turned memory. So it shouldn’t be a surprise how much fun can be found in a mask shop in the French quarter of New Orleans, just a few weeks before Essence Fest. During Lundi Gras Of 2016, my friend, Felicia and I walked into a mask shop that would forever change my World. Fast forward to June 2018, and I’m still feeling like we all should be so fortune to experience a mask shoppe, with a truly vintage feel.

I’m still trying to decide how and where I can incorporate ‘masking’ into my (daily?) life. For now I’m laser focused on Attending ANY event that will allow me to showcase the beautiful masks that the shoppe has to offer. I’m not sure if it’s creepy or weird to be this obsessed with a mask shoppe.

Tristan Jonez

Gimme The Goods.

I think I had the best Mexican food of life. Well my life, in my thirty two years of living, I believe I’ve found the holy grail of Mexican cuisine. Although, I have yet to visit Mexico, so I could be speaking prematurely.

Recently I had a layover (time between flights) in Austin Texas, and after working three long flights, I was due for a food break. I probably could’ve used a few cocktails too but I only opted for food. I had fish tacos, in both a corn and flour shell, a chicken quesadilla, and a chicharron taco. LISTEN! The food was beyond! And trust me, I’ve sampled what I thought was the best. From Los Angeles to New York and these restaurants had absolutely nothing!

Now I will say this, Unfortunately I can no longer eat avocados, so I wasn’t able to taste the guacamole but it looked so perfect, so fresh and delicious, I almost shed a tear.

Do you guys have a go-to Mexican Shop when your taste buds are in a Frenzy? Let me know!

Tristan J