Fifth Third ATMA lounge full of comfortable couches and chairs, an interactive play space for children, desk space, a hydration station, and private booths for phone calls are some of the features at Fifth Third’s new location in Concourse B at CVG Airport. You don’t have to be a bank customer to utilize the space that is conveniently located outside of the food court, but if you are interested in banking on the go, Fifth Third offers all the services you need including an ATM and currency exchange. Fifth Third lounge“This modern and versatile space is a great amenity for leisure and business travelers,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer, CVG. “Fifth Third’s new location in Concourse B is yet another improvement to elevate the travel experience at CVG, and we’re grateful for their partnership.”Private phoneboothInteractive play area for childrenIt is important to Fifth Third and CVG to highlight the community. Two Cincinnati area artists, Scott Filipiak and Jeffrey Samuel Jr., have pieces on display. One illustrates currency exchange from the U.S. dollar to the British pound. The other depicts Black female leaders from the Cincinnati area: Marian Spencer, the first African American female mayor of Cincinnati, and Miriam Nagel, the first female officer of Fifth Third Bank, who had her student pilot’s license during World War II.Scott Filipiak’s “Dollars to Euros”Jeffery Samuel’s “The ‘Tail’ of the M’s: A Tribute to Pioneering Women"Whenever you next fly in or out of Concourse B, be sure to stop by Fifth Third’s new financial center to check out these amenities and the future of banking on the go.

Hi there, Eiffel Tower!All eyes will be on Paris this summer as the [2024 Summer Olympics](https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/paris-2024) make their way to The City of Light.If you’re planning a trip to cheer on swimmers in the Seine River or watch volleyball with a view of the Eiffel Tower, I want to help!Paris is one of the most famous European destinations from CVG and with good reason. It’s easy to get to (with even more flights being added later this year), easy to navigate even if you don’t speak French, and offers a chance to visit some of the most famous spots in the world. The perfect start to a day in Paris.The Eiffel Tower… and much more!Any first-time visit to Paris will probably include visiting the city’s most iconic landmark. At over 1,000 feet high, the real Eiffel Tower is three times bigger than the one at Kings Island. There are also multiple ways to ascend to the viewing platform at the top. If you want to save a few bucks and are physically able to, you can climb the 674 steps from the ground to the “second floor.” The climb to the top takes a little extra time but offers unique views.It makes for a pretty cool experience: fewer people, a chance to pause and enjoy the view on the way up, and the opportunity to appreciate the intricate design of the Tower. You can also take an elevator from the ground to the top. We decided to visit at sunset and enjoyed a daytime and nighttime view.A stunning view from the Eiffel Tower.There are plenty of famous places to check out. Make sure to grab a ticket in advance for The Louvre. Originally a 12th-Century fortress, it is the most visited art museum in the world. And for good reason. It houses some of the most iconic works of art, including the Mona Lisa, Venus De Milo, and The Raft of the Medusa.A perfect activity for a brisk, cloudy morning.We chose the very first time slot and immediately made our way to the Mona Lisa, then the Venus De Milo. This allowed us to view both works before the massive crowds moved in.(Left) All alone with the Mona Lisa. (Right) The façade of The Louvre.Make sure to allow plenty of time to see as much as you can; it’s a huge space with thousands of pieces on display. About five years ago, a massive fire heavily damaged one of the world’s most famous examples of French Gothic architecture, the Notre Dame Cathedral. Since then, over 1,000 people have worked tirelessly to restore the 860year-old building to its former glory. The building is scheduled to reopen to the public this December, but the exterior can be viewed anytime. The Notre-Dame de Paris (before the fire of 2019)If you have time, try strolling by during the day and again at night to truly appreciate its beauty. Continue walking along the Seine River to appreciate the beauty of Parisian homes and neighborhoods. Stop into a cafe for a bite to eat or a pastry (just don’t eat while using public transportation).A cloudy day along the Seine RiverOther stops on your trip might include the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Moulin Rouge, Musee d’Orsay, Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs-Elysees. I recommend checking out the TripAdvisor top things to visit page here to decide what you’d like to do before arriving. Paris is a perfect destination any time of year.The city makes a great vacation choice for anyone, whether it be a honeymoon, a couples getaway, family trip, an excursion for a solo traveler, or just a last-minute escape. As the seasons change, so do the events and things to see around town. A bustling street in the cityJanuary through early March offer great value. Flights are cheaper, accommodations are plentiful, and tourist attractions have shorter lines. Spring break sees an increase in tourism as families look to visit while their kids are out of school, and the number of visitors continues to increase into summer. July is generally the busiest month for tourists. August is busy, too.Summertime is magicalLonger days and nicer weather attract visitors from around the world. Prices will be a bit higher, and you’ll want to book hotels and attractions well in advance. The Pantheon Dome during Christmas 2019When September rolls around, so do the deals. The crowds thin, and the weather is still nice. Christmas in Paris is beautiful with decorations and markets to visit around town. A Christmas market with Notre Dame in the backgroundParis makes a great “home base” to explore France.Thanks to an excellent public transportation system, including high-speed trains, Paris is a great place to begin or wrap up a trip around France.Hello, Lyon!Take a two-hour train ride south and experience the city of Lyon. We really enjoyed it. It’s a big city but has sort of a smaller town feel than Paris. (Kind of like Cincinnati!) A trip in November was perfect for us; the weather was comfortable, the crowds were small, and we were able to see some remaining fall colors while the Christmas markets were gearing up.A beautiful view along the Rhone River in LyonContinue just another hour south by train, and you’ll experience the magnificent medieval town of Avignon. I can’t say enough about this incredible gem in the Provence region of France. The town looks like a fairytale around every corner, complete with a 14th-century papal palace appropriately named the [Palais des Papes.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palais_des_Papes)Avignon is gorgeousThe city has a beautiful river, excellent cafes and shops, and friendly people. We booked a small group tour of the Provence area, which ended up being a private tour with an excellent guide because it was the low season. The views, history, and tastes of the region are unlike anything else. The Provence region in late fall was perfectAccommodations are easy to come by and are more affordable than larger cities like Paris. Much like any European city, expect smaller, cozier hotel rooms. Bonus: terraces!We’re all about a good terrace!Paris is easy to get to from CVG!I’ve often mentioned my favorite flight from CVG is Delta’s non-stop service to Paris. And it still is! Here’s why.- It’s currently offered three times per week, and beginning May 23, 2024, it will be offered seven days a week.- It leaves at 6:05 pm, which can save you valuable vacation time. Work pretty much a full day, head to the airport, hop on board, and enjoy dinner shortly after takeoff. After dinner, pop on your eye mask and headphones, get some sleep, and wake up around 8:00 am Paris time, ready to greet the city!- You can often find a great deal on this flight during off-peak times or by booking ahead. One-stop flights are offered daily on American, United, Delta, and Air Canada as well.The architecture of The Louvre is beautiful.Planning on traveling to Paris during the Olympic Games?Awesome! It will be an incredible experience in a world-class city. Here are a few things I’d recommend.- Book your flights now. Or better yet, yesterday. If you’re having difficulty finding flights, try flying into London, Barcelona, Amsterdam, or other nearby cities, and book a short flight from there.- Book your accommodations now. (Again, yesterday would have been better.) Paris can get pricey during the summer months. Add in a major event like this, and finding a place can be challenging. Consider looking outside of the main core of the city and in an area with good public transit access to get you into the city. There will also be competition [venues](https://www.paris2024.org/en/competition-venue-concept/) throughout the Paris region—and all of France—so figure out what interests you most and plan accordingly.- Beware of ticket deals that seem too good to be true. Make sure to purchase tickets directly from trusted sources.Keep an eye on the [Jay’s Deals](https://jetwithjay.cvgairport.com/jays-deals/) page for a great deal on your next flight. We love visiting Europe and sharing our adventures at @JayKruzOfficial on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), and X ([Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial)). I’ll see you in a cafe in Paris this summer!-Jay

If you were one of the 8.7 million passengers who made your way through CVG Airport in 2023, you likely walked or drove (let’s hope you didn’t speed) by one of the airport’s police officers. You could have passed Officer Jeannine Nocero, who is often patrolling the concourses, or perhaps you saw a K-9 officer team supervised by Lieutenant (Lt.) Christy Strucke, or spotted a member of the ramp security escort service supervised by Lt. Emily Ritter. All three women took a break from their busy days protecting the public to discuss their roles at the airport.What inspired you to become an officer at CVG?Officer Nocero: I was interested in getting into law enforcement when I was younger, but I never had the opportunity to bring that interest to fruition. Then in 2019, I was working for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and I met a former female Airport Police Department (APD) officer. I told her how I was thinking of getting into law enforcement, and she took me under her wing. I also have a daughter for whom I want to make sure I am a role model. I want to instill in her that it is never too late to pursue your passion in life and that she can do anything she desires if she has the heart and is willing to put in the work.Photo of Officer Nocero from a 2023 training exercise.What do your typical days look like? What are your main responsibilities? Lt. Ritter: As the Special Operations Section Commander, I’m typically in the office. My more exciting days include department training days on the range, or on the mat (fun fact, I was a certified women’s self-defense instructor), or in the cruiser.Photo of Lt. Ritter conducting a self-defense course.In addition, I recently became certified as an airport security coordinator for CVG, and I was elected president of the Northern Kentucky Police Chiefs Association in January. I am a committee member of the Northern Kentucky Police and Sheriff’s Training Center, a Kentucky Law Enforcement Council certified police training academy, and I am undergoing an airport management certification program.Lt. Strucke: I’ve worked at APD for 14 years. My current rank is Lieutenant, and my role is Patrol Commander. As Patrol Commander, I am responsible for all the patrol officers, as well as the explosive detection K-9 teams. If staffing minimums are not met, I step in and help the patrol officers. In addition, I am an airport security coordinator for CVG.Photo of airport police officers. Lt. Strucke is second from the right.Officer Nocero: I could be on the ramp, in the concourses, or in various places around campus. My main responsibilities are to ensure public safety, enforce laws and regulations, conduct patrols, respond to emergencies, conduct investigations, collaborate with airport security personnel, and provide assistance to travelers.What would you say to a woman who is interested in becoming an officer at CVG?Lt. Strucke: I’d highly encourage them to apply. It’s a tough path, but so satisfying. Many women think you can’t achieve work/life balance in law enforcement, but that isn’t the case. While challenging, I still feel a lot of support from CVG as a female officer and a mother.Lt. Ritter: Women have something special to offer this career field, but for all those wanting to do this job, you must earn the badge. Be someone worth trusting and control what you can: your effort and your attitude. Put in the effort to physically prepare for the stresses of the job, and exceed the established fitness standards.Any stories you’d like to tell? Lt. Ritter: The first time I applied to become a police officer, I failed my fitness test and was removed from the hiring process. I failed the first event: the bench press. I knew law enforcement was my calling and had no plans of giving up. Being at Eastern Kentucky University, I was able to seek out and train with someone familiar with the police academy test protocols. I improved on the bench press and push-ups, so when the test was offered again a few weeks later, I was ready. This experience is why I encourage any woman who expresses interest in law enforcement to begin training early and maintain that drive for fitness throughout their career.Photo of Lt. Strucke talking with another airport police officer.Anything else you’d like to share? Officer Nocero: Successful female role models within the CVG Airport Police Department give us opportunities to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion in law enforcement and can help attract more women to pursue careers in this field.If you're interested in learning more about job openings within the Airport Police Department, email hrinfo@cvgairport.com.

You can read for free at CVG. The Airport Library in Concourse B is getting stocked with more than 1,000 donated books ahead of the spring break travel season. This is the biggest haul since the library opened to travelers in the summer of 2023, with nearly 330 adult books and 720 children/teen books.To keep it simple and convenient for passengers, a library card is not required to check a book out of the library. When a reader is finished with a book, they can pass it on to another passenger, bring it back to the Airport Library as they make their way through CVG, or drop it off at a partnering library: Kenton County Public Library, Boone County Public Library, Campbell County Public Library, or the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library.The Airport Library is always accepting book donations of all genres, particularly fiction, adult and children, and nonfiction, such as biographies. If you have literature you’d like to give to the library, you can drop it off at the location in Concourse B or at one of the libraries mentioned above. Dictionaries, yearbooks, and encyclopedias are not accepted but can be donated to the [Friends of the Library](https://www.kentonlibrary.org/about-us/friends/).Planning a trip? [Check out one of these books from the library.](https://kentonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/list/share/2010838009_kcpljanice/2475742299_your_first_stop_to_getaway)CVG recommends:- ["National Geographic Bucket List Family Travel"](https://kentonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S184C1013951)- ["The Time Traveler's Wife"](https://kentonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S184C746250)- ["Oliver Twist"](https://kentonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S184C985574)Want the "CliffNotes" of the Airport Library? [Watch a short video walkthrough](https://youtube.com/shorts/9ryQ6hATO1U?si=OuNOojXTLuTrjthk).

Randy Williams in Mauritania (Photo: Randy Williams)One of the questions I’m often asked is, “Where do you want to go next?” Usually, my answer is: “wherever the latest flight deal takes me!” Much like you, I have a travel bucket list—the often far-flung places we want to visit but for whatever reason, just haven’t made it there yet. But what if your travel bucket list became something different? Meet Randy “R-Dub!” Williams. He’s the host of the nationally syndicated [Sunday Night Slow Jams](https://slowjams.com/) program heard on radio stations around the world. If that sounds familiar, it might be because you’ve seen him on Shark Tank. But it’s not just a cool job that makes Randy unique: he has set foot in every single country in the world.Yep.All 193 of them.So, I caught up with Randy to find out how on Earth he pulled this off.Indonesia (Photo: Randy Williams)Jay: What part of the world are you in right now?Randy: At the moment, I'm actually home - which surprises many! I'm lucky enough to live and work in one of the world's most beautiful and temperate cities: San Diego! How lucky am I? As much as I love to travel and explore new places, I'm sincere when I say I enjoy coming home from a trip just as much as leaving for one. Vanuatu (Photo: Randy Williams)When were you first bitten by the travel bug?It didn't happen all at once but was instead a culmination of a few different things that led to me developing a completely unhealthy and ridiculous obsession with travel.I took my first solo trip when I was just 26 years old. My best friend and I planned a trip to Brazil, and after he canceled on me two years in a row, I decided just to go myself. I wasn't getting any younger and decided to just go for it. Boy, was I scared! Would this be like going to Disneyland by yourself? Well, those ten days in Brazil would go down as some of the very best days of my entire life. I found myself in literal tears when I was at the airport in Rio about to board my plane home. How could a country have so much impact on me? How could I have fallen in love with a geographical "place" and have feelings for a country the way I would for a woman? How is that even possible? I'd never felt such emotions about a "location." That first trip was life changing.Randy in Brazil (Photo: Randy Williams)But the very first bite from the travel bug probably started, in a way, when I was a young boy. I grew up in a pretty sheltered, middle-class suburb of Los Angeles. I remember, in fifth grade, "stowing" away with some of my friends who were "bussed-in" from the inner cities. Leaving my quiet and smallish town to spend the night at my friends' house in East L.A. or Highland Park…well, that was just an entirely different world for me. It might have only been 20 miles away from home, but it was a completely different country for all intents and purposes. I was out of my comfort zone, and yes, it was even a little scary for an 11-year-old, but I loved it. It excited me. I loved the thrill of being immersed in something so different. I guess from a young age, I've always felt the need to explore and even go to places I maybe "shouldn't" - I was 12 when I figured out the city's public transportation system, and I was on the move! Today, my most pleasurable trips are to places "regular people" don't go to. I enjoy being the only American, and sometimes, the only tourist, in general, walking around a random neighborhood in a country most of my friends have never heard of.Malawi (Photo: Randy Williams)When did you first set your sights on visiting every country on Earth? What made you set that goal?It wasn't until about ten years ago that I took on the crazy challenge of seeing every country on the planet. I had less than two weeks in Europe and decided to try hitting as many countries as possible during this one trip. I sailed through seven new countries and loved it! The thrill of seeing so many different places and experiencing so many varying cultures in a short amount of time was addicting. I remember thinking, "Wait a minute - I just saw seven countries in less than two weeks...if I just keep repeating this process each time I take a vacation, surely I can see every country in the world!"Of course, it doesn't work that way; those European countries are so easy to see all at once due to their size, proximity to each other, and transportation options. I had no idea how hard it would be to traverse the spread-out and tough-to-travel-to regions like Africa and the Pacific!But it was too late - I'd already made up my mind.A visit to Algeria (Photo: Randy Williams)How long did it take you to visit all of them?I am 46 years old, and I finished earlier this year, so you can say it took 46 years to see every country in the world! But if you want to get specific, my first challenge was to see all of Central and South America by the time I turned 40, and I did, right before the buzzer. It was really the last six years that I stepped on the gas and challenged myself to complete all 193.Across how many trips?There are too many to count, and I really have no clue! But over the last few years, my average trip would last around two weeks, where I'd see anywhere from three to ten-plus countries each trip.Lebanon (Photo: Randy Williams)Now, traveling the world isn’t your full-time job. You’re also in the radio industry. How do you manage to get so much time off to travel?Full disclosure: I'm not married and have no kids, so that opens a ton more time and options out of the gate.As far as the job, I've worked at my company for more than ten years, opening up the sought-after "four weeks" of vacation benefit. Add to that, I've negotiated extra vacation. If you add the 12 company holidays and two personal days, you're looking at about two full months of paid time off. And you better believe I use every single day each year! If it's a day off, chances are I am out of the country.Mongolia (Photo: Randy Williams)How do you plan one of your trips?While I was on a mission to finish all 193 countries, I planned each trip extremely methodically. I get across the ocean using [credit card] points, so my planning usually starts by finding an international flight that works for me: a flight using the least amount of points possible.That first destination is my jump-off point; then I simply look at the map and start hunting for the best and cheapest direct flights into other countries nearby, and finally, my flight home. Trying to see so many countries during a single two-week trip can be a real challenge.Most people go to one place: that means one, round-trip plane ticket.Not me: I pack in as many new nations as possible in a short amount of time. This is fairly easy to do in most of Europe, Latin America and many parts of Asia, but once you hit challenging regions like Africa and the Pacific, all bets are off! The lack of direct flights and lack of flights in and out of some of those places, in general, make traveling to multiple countries quickly next to impossible.I've spent months on end trying to figure out how to navigate through regions using [Google Flights](https://www.google.com/travel/flights) and an Excel sheet. It can be very nerve-wracking yet extremely rewarding when you make it work; then you just have to hope the flights actually happen! I counted one trip that had me on 21 planes in two weeks.Whoa! With so many flights in a short period of time, have you ever had a moment where one leg of the trip just didn’t go as planned?I got stuck in the Central African Republic once because the flight to Nairobi just simply never showed up. My friends wondered why I just didn't "hop a flight to another city" and re-route to my next destination. They didn't realize not all airports are like LAX, O'Hare, and CVG. In Bangui (Central African Republic) there were simply no other flights that day...to anywhere!Making a new friend in Kazakhstan (Photo: Randy Williams)So, I realize it’s probably difficult to just pick one, but can you share one of your favorite experiences while traveling?I mentioned Brazil earlier - probably my favorite. So, let's touch on Bangladesh. This was a little early on in my challenge to see every country in the world. As I met more and more people who were on this same mission (yes, there are others!), I would ask these seasoned travelers what their favorite and least favorite countries were. I remember a handful of these experts telling me Bangladesh was the absolute worst: crowded, dirty, chaotic. Bangladesh kept popping up as these expert globe-trotters' least favorite. For this reason, I was not looking forward to visiting Dhaka whatsoever, booking just one night there."Get me in and outta here, quick," I reasoned. However, to my surprise and shock, after just about 90 minutes on the ground, Bangladesh earned a "Top 10" spot on my "favorite countries list." I was enamored with the nation for so many reasons. I felt such a great vibe and had such a wonderful experience there - in a country I was expecting to really dislike.It just goes to show you that your preconceived ideas about a place can be totally wrong. I've always said the best part about travel is the sweet surprises along the way. You can plan all you want, but a vibe is a vibe, and you can never predict it - good or bad. You will only know once you go.Bhutan (Photo: Randy Williams)How do you save money on flights, hotels, and experiences when you travel?I play the "credit card miles game" like a sport. In fact, the recent restrictions from banks on just how many credit cards they'll give you and how many times you can earn a bonus were probably directly caused by me! Sorry. I'm a definite card "churner." "Churning" is the process of going through many credit cards quickly, to grab each big sign-on bonus before moving to the next. It's saved me hundreds of thousands of dollars in airfare over the last ten years. The key is to make sure you're never carrying a balance and paying interest. Otherwise, you're not winning!I don't save a ton on hotels because I am loyal to one brand - for the points and perks. This limits my choices and doesn't allow me to always pick the best deal. But for me, the benefits, like extra miles/points and perks like late checkouts and upgrades, are really worth it.Randy in Kenya (Photo: Randy Williams)Randy in Argentina (Photo: Randy Williams)What did traveling the world teach you about people?I have grown a lot by traveling. I'm not above admitting that some of the very people and cultures I'd feared in my twenties…I am attached to and adore now. I truly feel that traveling has made me a better person, and I'm happy to say I now have a friend in every country, and that's such a gift.My travels have also allowed me to connect in a special way with people I meet abroad or at home. Telling my Uzbek taxi driver or the Eritrean concierge that I’ve been to their country and telling them the things I loved about their home – it makes their day! Sometimes, they'll gush: "Wow! No one's ever even HEARD of my country, and you traveled there?" It makes them smile.Recently, a Moldovan cashier here in San Diego told me I was the first person she's ever met in America who'd actually been to her country. My travels have allowed me to make such special connections with people I might have normally just made a transaction with and gone about my day.Singapore (Photo: Randy Williams)This is a difficult question, but if you had to pick your three favorite countries, which would you choose and why?This is actually an easy one for me. Brazil gets the award for number one: it's the only country I've actually left everything in the USA for and moved to. I lived there in my early 30s and still have a condo in the northeastern beach town of Recife. The Philippines gets number two because they have the absolute friendliest people. And how lucky was I that my very last country would be one of my favorites?Turkmenistan is one of the least-visited countries in the world, but it is an absolute treasure for so many reasons. I don’t think there is enough room to go on about Turkmenistan, but let’s just say it’s one of the most mysterious, intriguing, unknown, and beautiful countries in the world. I was so happy my final country was so memorable, and it's at the top of my list to return to. I actually have some of the same feelings for Turkmenistan that I had for Brazil - a nagging itch that is telling me that I belong there for more than just a vacation Who knows? Maybe Turkmenistan will be my next home!Brazil (Photo: Randy Williams)What item(s) do you pack on every single trip?I am a staunch believer in never checking bags! [Editor’s note: CVG CEO Candace McGraw fully agrees!]There is something so liberating about jumping off a plane and immediately exiting the airport, leaving behind the mobs waiting for their bags. There’s no worries about lost or damaged bags either.I've got it down to a science: one backpack and a few changes of clothes. Of course, I take my phone and some travel-sized toiletries. But the final thing I can't travel without is sleep medication. Any prescription drug comes with responsibility, and I am aware of the risks, but there is nothing worse than getting your sleep completely turned around overseas and not being able to get back to normal. I once spent an entire week in Italy, sleeping from 8AM until 5PM and unable to sleep at all during "sleeping" hours. It was awful! Never again! What’s the thing that everyone thinks they need when they travel but probably don’t?A checked bag! You know what they say: "Take half the clothes and twice the money!" And whenever I see someone traveling with a pillow from home, I just want to tell them, "You know the hotel has complimentary pillows for you?!"Brunei (Photo: Randy Williams)Ha! So, what’s next? Are there countries you want to go back and spend more time checking out?That's the sweet part - the reward after all the "work." I can take a big breath now and slow down and return to the places I love, to unpack, stay longer, travel deeper. It's what I've been waiting for all this time.The list of places I've really fallen in love with is long, and I'm pretty sure my dance card will be full forever. I'll This past December I headed back to the Philippines for a couple weeks, which was amazing.In March, I will travel to Czechia (‘The Artist Formerly Known as The Czech Republic’) where I will visit long lost relatives for the first time and see the house where my great-grandfather was born. The list goes on and on.Randy in Azerbaijan (Photo: Randy Williams)And I also understand you created your own country?!Well, what do you do when you've seen all 193 countries? You create the 194th!The Republic of Slowjamastan is an 11-acre "micronation" located about 90 minutes south of Palm Springs, California. We have our own border fence and checkpoint, monument, flagpole and flag, passports, currency, police, fire and border vehicles, and the most glorious national anthem you've ever heard.Really, you should treat yourself and go down the rabbit hole that is Slowjamastan. It will not disappoint! Oh, and I'm "The Sultan" of Slowjamastan, let it be known! I know what you're thinking, and yes, my family does think I'm really weird for this one!A postcard from Slowjamistan (Photo: Randy Williams)Can we visit?Absolutely! And if you can't make it out in person, sign up to be a citizen online - it's free, and you'll be in good company. To date, Slowjamastan boasts over 16,000 registered citizens. You can apply at [www.slowjamastan.org](http://www.slowjamastan.org/).Randy as “The Sultan” of Slowjamistan (Photo: Randy Williams)What would you say to people who want to travel internationally but haven’t done it yet?Don't wait 'til tomorrow. Many years ago, I stopped collecting "things" and started amassing "experiences." You only live once, but by traveling the world, I truly feel like I have been blessed with a complete second life! I wish this for everyone. Randy making more friends in Bonaire (Photo: Randy Williams)You can follow Randy on his travel blog, [www.ramblinrandy.com](http://www.ramblinrandy.com/), and on [Instagram](http://instagram.com/rdub). Know someone with a cool travel story? I want to hear all about it at @JayKruzOfficial on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/JayKruzOfficial), [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jaykruzofficial/), and X ([Twitter](https://twitter.com/jaykruzofficial)). Find your own travel adventure for less on my [Jay’s Deals](https://www.cvgairport.com/jet-with-jay/) page.I’ll see you soon on an international flight to somewhere fun! -Jay

Brick is a hard-working canine officer and a lovable family dog. He and his human partner, officer Nick Ruffing, do a ‘pawsome’ job at keeping the airport safe and secure.What job does Brick do at CVG?Brick is one of the dogs at the airport that detects narcotics; the other type of dogs at CVG detect explosives. Being a German Shorthaired Pointer, he has a very strong nose and a lot of drive.How long has Brick been at the airport?He and his partner completed their training in November 2019.Tell us about Brick’s background.Brick was born in 2018 in Hungary. Many of the working dogs at CVG are from Europe; they are well traveled!Does he like coming to work?Brick, along with his canine officer friends, get very excited to come to work. They enjoy having jobs to do and keeping their minds active. While Brick and his canine friends are very cute, please remember to keep your paws off; the dogs are hard at work.How did Brick get his name?All CVG’s canine officers were named and received extensive training before they joined the police force.What does he do in his off time?When he’s off duty, Brick enjoys relaxing in his massive and luxurious doghouse and spending time with his family.