“Following September 11, 2001, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created to strengthen the security of the nation’s transportation systems and ensure the freedom of movement for people and commerce. Today, TSA secures the nation’s airports and screens all commercial airline passengers and baggage.”

(Source: TSA.gov.)

On Friday, Paolo and I waited for six hours at the Austin airport until our Los Angeles-bound flight was finally allowed to depart. Our plane was among the first to land at LAX after the airport had been closed in the wake of Friday morning’s shooting, a terrible and terrifying episode that took the life of a TSA agent.

Earlier in our day back in Texas, before news of the shooting broke, Paolo and I had watched a parade of Second World War veterans (see photo below) in wheel chairs as they passed through the main corridor of the airport to the applause of all those present.

When the veterans arrived at the terminal, they were greeted by a TSA honor guard.

Continue reading →

About to board for Los Angeles as the Rolling Thunder Cantele USA tour 2013 continues and cannot stop thinking about the mini soufflé filled with white Alba truffle sauce Tony treated us to the other night in Houston.

It’s going to be hard to beat the three meals we’ve had so far (last night doesn’t count because we ate BBQ in Austin). But Paolo and I will try…

See you on the other side!