In The News - Boeing's New Airplane

Exciting news coming from the Boeing Co. aircraft factory north of Seattle. Engineers are moving forward with building the world's biggest twin-engine jetliner. They're calling it the 777-9X, it will be the first aircraft of the 777X family. For air travelers and aviation enthusiasts, there's a lot to be excited about. For one thing, the wing is so big they had to fold it.

 Specifically, the 777-9X will have hinges on its wingtips. The hinges will fold up, allowing the plane to shorten its wingspan when it's rolling across airport taxiways. Boeing says this will be the first design of its kind on any commercial airliner. The plane will have the widest wingspan of any aircraft in the company's 99-year history: 235 feet, 5 inches. Don't worry locking pins will prevent them from folding during flight.

Prototype testing is expected to get underway soon, Boeing says. During testing, engineers plan to fine-tune and try to perfect the final design. These giant wings will give the airliner extra lift, like a giant glider. This design will help the plane save an overall 12% more fuel than the Airbus A350, Boeing says. 

These Wings Are Baked

Another neat fact about the wings is that Boeing plans to bake portions of the 777-9X in a sort of kitchen. It's a huge, 1.3 million-square-foot facility under construction near the company's longstanding factory in Everett, Washington. Inside, Boeing plans to use three giant autoclaves to pressure-bake the 777X wings at temperatures up to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. After the wings are baked, they'll be moved to Boeing's nearby plant for final assembly. 

Bigger Windows - Wider Cabins

Like the wings, the plane's cabin is also big. The 777-9X will seat at least 400 passengers. That's 34 more than the 777-9X's competitor -- the Airbus A350-1000 -- which holds 366 in a typical three-class configuration. The 777-9X cabin will be 16 inches wider than the A350-1000, allowing economy-class seat widths up to 18 inches. Typical airline seat widths range from 17 to 18.5 inches.

Like the window seat?

The 777-9X's windows will be 15% larger than competing airliners. The windows will be placed at a height that will be eye level for most passengers. Boeing is hinting about other passenger goodies on the 777X, such as new lighting and "enhanced architecture" for the cabin's interior design. Airlines will have options to configure each passenger class differently. Each class could have unique overhead ceiling and stow bins, for example, that would create the feeling of separate and distinct cabin.

What's Powering This New Plane?

Thrust comes courtesy of two fuel-sipping GE9X jet engines. Amazingly, the engines' fuel nozzle tips will be created via 3-D printing. Although the fuselage will be made of aluminum, the wings will consist of a strong, yet super bendy material that's driving the future of aviation: carbon-fiber reinforced polymer.

This is the same stuff that allowed Boeing's innovative twin-engine 787 Dreamliner to fly farther on less fuel when it first entered service in 2011.

Production of the 777 - 9x is expected to begin in 2017, with the first 777X entering service as soon as 2020.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com.

Presented By:

Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc

6008 West Bell Rd # F105

Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793

(602) 843-5100

rawhidetravel.com

PHX Sky Train - Sky Harbor International Airport - Phoenix, AZ

When traveling to and from airports there are many different option available for residents and visitors. taxis and shuttles can cost a pretty penny and though free, sometimes getting rides from friends and family can be stressful. Why not Try the PHX Sky Train? Completely free to the public, this section of the lite rail may be the answer to all your airport travel needs.

What Is The PHX Sky Train?
The PHX Sky Train is an automated train that transports travelers for free between Valley Metro Rail at 44th and Washington streets, the East Economy Parking area and airport terminals 3 and 4. Travelers can access terminal 2 via a covered walkway at terminal 3.

What Hours Does It Run?
The PHX Sky Train runs 24-hours a day with predictable travel times – arriving at stations about every three minutes during peak periods and delivering passengers to their destinations within five minutes of boarding.

Station Amenities 
At the 44th Street & Washington Station you will find many convenient amenities. Boarding pass kiosks are available for you to print your boarding pass before you arrive to the airport. (beware that only participating airlines have this feature at this station) For those passengers traveling American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airline or US Airways you will find that early bag check in is provided.

If you are traveling from the airport to this station and need to continue to travel on the Light Rail, Valley Metro Light Rail Ticket Machines are located on Level 2, purchase your METRO light rail tickets after arriving at the station. 

Other amenities include:
Cell Phone Waiting Lot
Pet Park
Four hour parking meters

Short-term parking meters are available at the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station. However, overnight parking is prohibited in METRO park-and-ride lots. Violators are subject to ticketing and/or towing. Have a friend or family member drop you off at the nearest rail station, connect from the bus or take advantage of parking at your place of work.

If you need a long term parking option than East Economy Station is your best bet. As with 44th street Station, you can print your boarding pass with participating airlines before arriving at the terminal and Early Bag check is also available for those traveling American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airline or US Airways.

Other amenities include:
Pet Park
Circulator vehicles to transport passengers from the uncovered parking areas to the PHX Sky Train Station.
Family Friendly, ADA Parking north of the station

When departing from the East Economy Station, be sure to check the lighted display for the train's destination before boarding. Trains travel in both directions from that station.
Valley Metro Rail Connection to the Airport

Take the FREE PHX Sky Train from Level 3 of Terminal 4 or Level 2 of Terminal 3 to the 44th Street PHX Sky Train Station. From there, take the elevator or escalator down to the platform of the 44th Street and Washington Valley Metro Rail stop. If you are traveling from Terminal 2, take the walkway between Terminals 2 and 3 to the PHX Sky Train at Terminal 3. The PHX Sky Train and Airport shuttles are designed for travelers with luggage and run seven days a week, 24 hours a day. 

Valley Metro Rail Hours of Operation 
Sunday - Thursday: 4:40 am to 11:00 pm 
Friday: 4:40 am to 2:00 am 
Saturday: 5:00 am to 2:00 am 

Frequency 
Trains arrive every 12-20 minutes depending on day and time

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. 

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Culinary Travel: Pork Chimichanga

Though the origin of this beloved deep-fried burrito is hotly debated, historians generally concede that the chimichanga was born in Tucson, Arizona sometime between the 1920's and 1950's, influenced by neighboring across-the-border Mexican state, Sonora. Whether it was a burrito accidentally dropped in the fryer, or the product of intentional Tex-Mex reinvention, the chimichanga is as fun to eat as it is to pronounce. Yes, we have read the story that it was invented by the Chinese in Mexico in the early 1900s.

Ingredients

1/2 cup vegetable oil, plus more for deep-frying
2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into rough 1-inch chunks
1 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed
1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
6 cloves garlic, smashed
Real salt and freshly ground black pepper
One 12-ounce bottle pilsner beer, such as Corona
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
8 ounces tomatillos, husks removed, rinsed and quartered (about 3 medium)
1 small red onion, quartered (about 8 ounces)
1/2 bunch fresh cilantro with tenders stems (1 cup packed)
3 canned chipotles in adobo sauce
1/4 cup whole raw almonds
1 1/2 cup shredded yellow Cheddar
Six 12-inch flour tortillas
Guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream, for serving

Directions

Heat 1/4 cup of the oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the pork, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, garlic and some salt and pepper, and cook until the pork is brown, about 15 minutes, turning as needed. Pour in 8 ounces of the beer and the vinegar, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Cover and braise over medium-low heat until the pork is fork tender and the liquid just covers the bottom of the pot, about 45 minutes. Remove the pork, keeping the remaining braising juices in the pot. Let cool and shred. Add the pork back into the pot and set aside. 

In a blender, combine the tomatillos, onion, cilantro, chipotles, almonds and remaining 4 ounces beer. Puree until smooth. Season with 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. 

Heat the remaining 1/4 cup oil in a straight-sided saucepan over medium heat and add the green sauce. It will spit as it cooks. Cook until reduced by half, about 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the bottom from burning. 

Preheat 4 inches oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 375 degrees Fahrenheit 

Combine the green sauce with the shredded pork. Put 1/4 cup of the cheese in the center of each tortilla. Top with 3/4 cup of the pork and spread evenly, leaving a 3-inch border around the tortilla. Roll into burritos by folding the bottom half of the tortilla over the pork and cheese filling, and then folding the two sides in. Continue rolling the pork and cheese over the top layer of the tortilla. Secure with toothpicks. Fry in the oil until golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with your favorite guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream.

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Preparation: 35 minutes
Cooking: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. 

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Happy Labor Day

Labor Day Holiday, the 1st Monday in September, is a creation from the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Labor Day Legislation History

Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From these, a movement developed to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. 

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Rawhide Travel and Tours Back-to-school Tree Update

This month our little holiday tree is planning for all the back-to-school adventures and is trying to pick from the many exciting experiences Disney resorts offer.

Part of what makes the 60th Anniversary Disneyland adventure so magical is the fact that children and adults alike can enjoy a day full of fun intertwined with fantasy. The excitement of exhilarating rides, life size characters, special 60th Anniversary shows, and delicious treats will bring a smile to everyone's face. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make each magical day at Disney Resorts possible.  Here are a few fun facts.

Walt Disney once said, "I love the nostalgic myself. I hope we never lose some of the things of the past." So he created Main Street, U.S.A. to make sure we could always embrace those wonderful feelings of days gone by. From the decor in the old-time specialty shops to the music in Central Plaza to the taste of the ice cream sundaes, Main Street is pure Americana.

Walt's Disneyland opening-day dedication speech ("To all who come to this happy place, welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here, age relives fond memories of the past, and here, youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.") If you've ever sat around waiting for a train at New Orleans Station at Disneyland, you may have noticed ticking sounds coming from the telegraph office. You are actually hearing the first few lines of Walt Disney's speech from opening day at Disneyland in 1955 being ticked out on the telegraph.

Disneyland's Magic Kingdom is 100 acres - 7 acres smaller than Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom. Disneyland has just 85 acres of entertainment area. The original size of the area purchased by Walt was 165 acres and when Disneyland opened it was only 55 acres of entertainment area.

It's Not a Small World, After All... Covering 40 square miles, Walt Disney World Resort is about the size of San Francisco or two Manhattan islands. Of the more than 25,000 acres, less than 35 percent has been developed with a quarter designated as a wilderness preserve. 

A Cast of Thousands... around 62,000 to be more precise. That’s how many people it takes to create the magic at the Vacation Kingdom. Not surprisingly, Walt Disney World Resort is the largest single-site employer in the United States

Don't forget time is running out to celebrate this special Disney Anniversary

Smile!... With millions of visitors annually, it’s no wonder the Disney parks are among the 
most photographed places in the United States. On any given day, Disney’s PhotoPass 
photographers take between 100,000 and 200,000 photos of guests at Walt Disney World Resort. The PhotoPass service allows guests to view, share and order their Disney photos online and create Disney products such as PhotoBooks and mugs.

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. 

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

In The News - Cities Behind Walls

Massive stone walls were once the last line of defense for ancient cities – impervious structures built to protect their inhabitants from enemies outside. Over the years, many of these walled cities have crumbled. But those that remain continue to protect a way of life for those living within, providing residents with a daily appreciation for history and influencing various aspects of life, from safety to traffic to tourists and more.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Already beloved for its attractive seaside location and easy airport access, the Mediterranean city of Dubrovnik has become even more famous in recent years as the fictional setting of King’s Landing in the popular television show Game of Thrones. The medieval walls that run nearly a mile around the Old City date back to the 16th Century, and its pedestrian-only roads help maintain the historically preserved atmosphere.

The Hollywood-inspired tourist influx has brought changes to the Old City, many residents have moved out and now rent their apartments to visitors. Still, the locals that remain are dedicated to preserving the unique way of life that the city walls foster.

Jerusalem

Though the walls surrounding today’s Old City were built in the 1,500s, stone has surrounded this history-seeped settlement since Biblical times. The sense that it's ancient – even outside the walls  – is felt in the old stones of the buildings, the street names and the native residents who are six-, seven-, eight-generations [native to] Jerusalem.

Throughout Jerusalem – both within the Old City and outside its walls – neighborhoods are often dictated by nationality or religion – though some areas are more mixed than others. English and French speakers often flock toward the trendy German Colony, tranquil Katamon or upscale Rechavia, all just a few miles west of the Old City. Nachloat, located 2 miles northwest of the Old City, is particularly popular among students for its historic character and bustling Mahane Yehuda Shuk, the popular street market.

Ávila, Spain
The Walls of Ávila were constructed in the 12th Century to protect its residents from the conflicts between the warring Castile and Leon kingdoms. Nearly 1,000 years later, they continue to completely encircle the perfectly preserved town, which is scattered with Romanesque and Gothic churches. Residents feel that there is a magical effect, as if you were living in a tale, set in the Middle Ages. The laid-back city is friendly, with a tranquil and relaxing vibe. Residents tend to be older – and while there are plenty of cultural and literary activities that celebrate the compact town’s history, activity dies down at night. 

Visitors who are looking for a (slightly) faster pace should look south of the city walls. There are more facilities than in the center and the area has an exciting energy. 

Cartagena, Columbia
Halfway around the world and hundreds of years later, Spain built another set of walls. The Caribbean port city of Cartagena proved to be an important Spanish outpost. Both the English and French made attacks on the city and Spain spent millions of Spanish reales providing for its protection in the pirate-plagued 18th Century, funding the walls and fortresses that still stand today.

Residents say that living in the Old City feels like living in a real-life movie set. There are mansions, along with animated plazas filled with independent cafes and restaurants. These provide a lively backdrop to those that live and visit here.  

Carcassonne, France
Wandering within the walls of “La Cité” – the walled medieval citadel within the city of Carcassonne – one can’t help but become a history buff.

It makes you think about what life would have been like for those living here many hundreds of years ago, and the skills of the artisans who worked to build the chateau, houses and walls of La Cité, which have withstood the test of time. 



Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com

Off the Beaten Path - Fiji

You wouldn’t necessarily think of Fiji as a hotspot for being on the road less wandered, especially with brochures touting luxurious resorts, pool-side bars and palm-fringed beaches dotted with hammocks. However it is surprisingly easy to get off the beaten track in Fiji. Over half the country, including the main island of Viti Levu, offers less-trodden paths and unique adventures for those ready to explore beyond Denarau. 

Taveuni
Perhaps the best known of the islands on this list, Taveuni has its resorts clustered to the north, but the island still feels rugged and forgotten thanks to the Bouma National Heritage Park that protects 80% of the pristine, rainforest-dense land. Take the Lavena Coastal Walk along the untamed southeast coast, climb Des Voeux Peak in search of Fiji’s incredibly rare, emblem flower, the crimson Tagimaucia or simply visit the authentic villages around the island where you’ll likely be invited into the homes of the friendly locals.

The Kadavu Group

Kadavu and Ono are two, nearly road-free, rainforest-clad and incredibly friendly Isles bordered by the Astrolabe Reef, one of Fiji’s best yet-little visited diving and fishing haunts. Again, there are resorts, and you’ll probably need to stay in one since it’s very difficult to get around otherwise, but each is isolated and gives a sense of having voyaged to the edge of paradise. 

Walk to traditional villages, look for the many rare and colorful birds that thrive here, or snorkel the island’s several manta ray hot spots.

Vanua Levu

Fiji’s biggest island feels a little like the Wild West. There are resorts along eastern part of the south coast around yachties favorite town Savusavu, but much of the rest of the island requires a 4 wheel drive and a fairly well developed sense of adventure to explore. In the heart of the island lie the ruins of Nukubolu, an ancient village complete with old stone foundations, a volcanic crater and hot springs. To get even farther off track head to Vanua Levu’s smaller outlying islands like Namenalala, which has one eco-oriented resort and has some of the most pristine coral reefs in the whole country.

The Lau Group
The other islands we’ve mentioned are relatively easy to get to and have a fair amount of tourist infrastructure but the Lau Group does not. This is where the real trail blazers go, those who are not afraid of cargo ships and who have plenty of time to get stuck, lost or both. But the reward is great. Empty beaches, coral atolls surrounded by thriving corals, and intensely blue waters. Flights are irregular and even cargo ships are infrequent. The most common method used by visitors to reach these remote isles is by privately owned sailboat – check the Fiji’s marinas to search for crewing options where you may be able to hitch a ride. 

Let Rawhide Travel and Tours help you with all your business and leisure travel needs. Call us at (602) 843-5100 or visit our website: rawhidetravel.com

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc.
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
602-843-5100
rawhidetravel.com