By ALLISON LORD – Caribbean

It all started when I recently decided to take my elderly mother to the Caribbean islands for a well-deserved vacation.

HOWEVER, before reveling in the luxury of rest and relaxation, I had to prepare myself to deal with the endless shenanigans of today’s travel experience. I cringed at the thought.

First: call my preferred airline of more than twenty years — American Airlines.

My accented voice is greeted by an even heavier accent from a man named Habib.

For a moment I thought my call had been re-routed and I was talking to Microsoft, India.

Habib’s customer service skills are horrible. Despite my many attempts to be polite, this rude English-challenged young man is determined to ruin my day at all costs. I am now reconsidering my decision to make these travel arrangements if basking in the tropical sun, eating mangos and drinking coconut water means having to deal with the bad attitude of this idiot.

I opt for the Internet!

With my Citibank Advantage Card in hand, I peruse the American Airlines website and other (more…)

By Guest Blogger: JASMINE RAFATI – Iran

I am a Persian Muslim leaving in the United States.  I love my religion, which is one of peace, forgiveness, and love; but what I know as Islam hugely differs from the Islam that has been introduced by the fanatics and by the government of my country, Iran.

The government and the fanatics use the words of Islam to their benefit and to promote war, hatred and killing.

Although I have not had many bad experiences as a Muslim in America, I did encounter some not so pleasant situations after 9/11. (more…)