We went out last night to watch football at the local pub http://www.pickwick.ch/ We got there at 6:00 -- which was an hour before game time and the place was so packed on both floors that there was no place to sit -- and barely room to stand. Their was a soccer match on (Arsenal thrashed Liverpool) and for a short amount of time I thought we had gotten it terribly wrong in translation and the NFL wasn't going to be on...
After the Arsenal game, the place pretty much cleared out. Magically, they chose to show the Bengals game. Or, for those who saw the game -- the Ladamien Tomlinson show. There were a number of Chargers fan there. I grabbed bacon cheeseburger (with sauce) and fries. Not stellar -- I still miss the Harry's mini burgers.
Random other thoughts
The first night we were here we went to a local place for dinner where the name essentially translated to "Spitoon". When we walked in, it looked like a number of the tables had these massive lava lamps sitting on them. Under closer inspection, they were clear pvc like tubes of beer with a tap on the bottom. They sold them in 5 Liter quantities. This same place was doing kareoke. I was in a bad European/American Idol sequence -- I don't watch the show, but I imagine I was in the part where they do the early auditions. Random folks singing off-key in English -- bad. Random folks singing off-key in random languages -- oddly, equally as bad.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Sunday, November 12, 2006
Italy
Last weekend we went down to Italy. Why? Because we can...
Herve had scoped out Genoa as potentially a fun place to go. (See link on the left) It is about 4 hours south of Geneva and is the 2nd largest port in Europe (and the birthplace of Christopher Columbus). We took the tunnel through Mont Blanc (wow) and ended up in town with little difficulty.
On the way, Coby had downloaded Italian lessons from "World Nomads" so that we could learn some basic phrases. So we learned how to say "Hello" and "Thank You". Apparently you can download a variety of language courses from them for free. As the instructions progress, you learn more and more useful phrases which culminated with "Don't shoot! These aren't my drugs". Um. thanks.
We parked downtown and looked around for places where we wanted to be that night. I took a lot of pictures of the old architecture with narrow streets and beautiful detail work on the buildings which were easily older than our country.
We wandered into a little Italian restaurant to get pizza. Coby went exotic and got a four cheese pizza. I got mine with anchovies so that I wouldn't have to share... It was good.
We found out about a couple of clubs and then found a hotel. It turned out to be the same hotel that George Bush stayed at for the G8 summit. It was right on the harbor and seemed incredibly palatial after the Geneva walk-in closet. The odd thing was the bathroom (again). You walked into the room and it was entirely marble. Now this was a four star hotel -- as the hotels in Europe all have to publish their ratings on their signs. So the bathroom had the normal sink and toilet -- and a bidet, a shower and a rack to heat your towels. Okay, so nice. However, when you take a step back, you realize that there is not a division between any of it. So the shower did not have a curtain or walls. It essentially just drained into the drain in the middle of the room. (I found out later that this is common in the US in big houses and is called a "Rain Room"). I did think that it was kind of ironic that they gave us a soap labeled "Bath soap" because if I made this a bath, it was going to take a lot of water and som caulk around the door.
Being the manly men we are, we took naps that afternoon in lieu of dinner. I wandered next door to the aquarium and was entertained by a very active octopus. At the stingray petting area, a little girl wandered up to me and asked me if they bite. I said no, and complimented her on her English, asking her where she was from... California.
We then went to a club for Coby to roll the dice and try his luck meeting Italian women. Oddly, he had better luck talking up a Danish woman there on business as absolutely no other women there spoke English. We closed the place -- and got back to the hotel at a respectable 5 a.m.
The next morning we headed back after getting the requisite new country McDonald's for Coby. After 3 countries doing this -- amazingly it all tastes the same.
Herve had scoped out Genoa as potentially a fun place to go. (See link on the left) It is about 4 hours south of Geneva and is the 2nd largest port in Europe (and the birthplace of Christopher Columbus). We took the tunnel through Mont Blanc (wow) and ended up in town with little difficulty.
On the way, Coby had downloaded Italian lessons from "World Nomads" so that we could learn some basic phrases. So we learned how to say "Hello" and "Thank You". Apparently you can download a variety of language courses from them for free. As the instructions progress, you learn more and more useful phrases which culminated with "Don't shoot! These aren't my drugs". Um. thanks.
We parked downtown and looked around for places where we wanted to be that night. I took a lot of pictures of the old architecture with narrow streets and beautiful detail work on the buildings which were easily older than our country.
We wandered into a little Italian restaurant to get pizza. Coby went exotic and got a four cheese pizza. I got mine with anchovies so that I wouldn't have to share... It was good.
We found out about a couple of clubs and then found a hotel. It turned out to be the same hotel that George Bush stayed at for the G8 summit. It was right on the harbor and seemed incredibly palatial after the Geneva walk-in closet. The odd thing was the bathroom (again). You walked into the room and it was entirely marble. Now this was a four star hotel -- as the hotels in Europe all have to publish their ratings on their signs. So the bathroom had the normal sink and toilet -- and a bidet, a shower and a rack to heat your towels. Okay, so nice. However, when you take a step back, you realize that there is not a division between any of it. So the shower did not have a curtain or walls. It essentially just drained into the drain in the middle of the room. (I found out later that this is common in the US in big houses and is called a "Rain Room"). I did think that it was kind of ironic that they gave us a soap labeled "Bath soap" because if I made this a bath, it was going to take a lot of water and som caulk around the door.
Being the manly men we are, we took naps that afternoon in lieu of dinner. I wandered next door to the aquarium and was entertained by a very active octopus. At the stingray petting area, a little girl wandered up to me and asked me if they bite. I said no, and complimented her on her English, asking her where she was from... California.
We then went to a club for Coby to roll the dice and try his luck meeting Italian women. Oddly, he had better luck talking up a Danish woman there on business as absolutely no other women there spoke English. We closed the place -- and got back to the hotel at a respectable 5 a.m.
The next morning we headed back after getting the requisite new country McDonald's for Coby. After 3 countries doing this -- amazingly it all tastes the same.
People / Nightlife
The nightlife in Geneva is relatively tame.
Every night we have gone out to blow off a bit of steam. Friday night last week we went out with a Scottish guy here to a local pool hall to shoot a bit before heading over to an Irish pub for live music.
In Asia and South America, folks are pretty interested in talking to us. It was typically a bit rare for Americans to be in some of the places we had been, so the conversations ran more along the lines of "What are you doing here" and "How do you like it..."
In Europe, they have their fair share of Americans and we are nothing special. In talking to folks here "on the street", the fall into 1 of 2 categories: 1) Oh, American... or 2) Oh, American -- (insert anti-Bush politics here).
In the office, everyone is really nice. The folks on our team usually do their own thing for lunch or dinner - but are pretty good in the meetings. They are much more formal here, so I am working a nice little balance of getting what I need by having the correct manager in the room to reason out the requirements assuming I can't get what I want from the direct staff.
Tonight (Sunday) we are going out with a Scottish guy back to the Irish pub as they play the NFL games live. With the time change, the first game starts at 7 here. Knowing what this is going to be like -- I have already done all of the work for Monday morning as I figure I will be worthless until about 9.
The people in the office have also been very helpful in suggesting what to do on weekends. However, I did uncover a conspiracy between Herve and Coby to prevent anyone from talking to me about Mont Blanc -- which is just a few miles away and visible from the office window. Apparently, you can take a tram 2/3 of the way up to the top. They were hoping I wouldn't find out. I did -- but got vetoed until the spring thaw.
Every night we have gone out to blow off a bit of steam. Friday night last week we went out with a Scottish guy here to a local pool hall to shoot a bit before heading over to an Irish pub for live music.
In Asia and South America, folks are pretty interested in talking to us. It was typically a bit rare for Americans to be in some of the places we had been, so the conversations ran more along the lines of "What are you doing here" and "How do you like it..."
In Europe, they have their fair share of Americans and we are nothing special. In talking to folks here "on the street", the fall into 1 of 2 categories: 1) Oh, American... or 2) Oh, American -- (insert anti-Bush politics here).
In the office, everyone is really nice. The folks on our team usually do their own thing for lunch or dinner - but are pretty good in the meetings. They are much more formal here, so I am working a nice little balance of getting what I need by having the correct manager in the room to reason out the requirements assuming I can't get what I want from the direct staff.
Tonight (Sunday) we are going out with a Scottish guy back to the Irish pub as they play the NFL games live. With the time change, the first game starts at 7 here. Knowing what this is going to be like -- I have already done all of the work for Monday morning as I figure I will be worthless until about 9.
The people in the office have also been very helpful in suggesting what to do on weekends. However, I did uncover a conspiracy between Herve and Coby to prevent anyone from talking to me about Mont Blanc -- which is just a few miles away and visible from the office window. Apparently, you can take a tram 2/3 of the way up to the top. They were hoping I wouldn't find out. I did -- but got vetoed until the spring thaw.
Food
I am going to cheat a bit and blend some of the days together by topic...
The food here is amazing. We also argue whole heartedly against the concept that American portions are larger. I have gained weight on this trip. I know it -- but I can't stop eating. Everytime I go into the cafeteria and say that I am just going to get a salad, that is it and I am going to be good today -- I get completely distracted by the wall of tarts and desserts. The Swiss chefs are malicious and evil. ...but how can it be wrong if it tastes so right!?! (but I digress).
I have been able to guess quite well at what things are and I have only been surprised a couple of times. 1) I thought that I was getting a carrot thing and it turned out to be a winter squash thing. 2) I thought I was getting regular creme brulee and it was a nutmeg version.
Raclette
For example the sheer goodness of the food, one night we drove to a nearby town in France for Raclette. Raclette, for those of you who may not know (I had never heard of it) is about 1/8 of a big round of cheese (Raclette) that they set near a moveable heat lamp for 2 people to each adjust. As the cheese melts, you scrape it up/off and put it on potatoes, meats or bread.
So the waiter brings out this massive thing and a bottle of wine. He opens the wine and offers me the cork. I am thinking, "Buddy, I am about to eat 2-3 pounds of cheese -- a cork is the last thing I need. I might, however, need your corkscrew if you are looking to offer up a gift."
Hunting Season
We are also here during hunting season which means that we have choices of red deer, reindeer, wild boar and other cute cuddly animals that are quite tasty with bread and sides. I have not gotten to the wild boar, but there is a restaurant whose name translates to "The Carnivore" which we are targeting for this week.
The first day in the cafeteria I had venison stew. The first night out I had my first foie gras (goose liver) and venison steak. The next day for lunch I had a venison something or other... At this point, someone would expect to hear a nice little DEER God!
Prices
Fondue -- awesome. Raclette -- awesome. Having 12 choices for outstanding tarts -- awesome. Having to pay 20-25 USD for lunch. Ouch.
We finally realized how some of the extreme prices were occurring. For lunch, a 1/2 liter (20 oz) bottle of "Coke Light" is 4 Francs = $3.20. It would be about 2 dollars cheaper if I drank beer. I moved to water. Dinner is just an expectation to go middle of the road with the menu to pay about $25 to $30. I am REALLY glad that I am on an expense account
Ordering
I have tried very hard to only speak French when ordering. I usually get a decent distance into it before there is a bit of eye rolling and they switch to English. However, I was very proud to say that yesterday (Saturday) I made it through the whole process, no worries. It went something like this...
- Bonjour Monsieur (Hello sir.)
- Bonjour Monsieur, Deux, s'il vous plait. (Hello sir back. 2 please)
- Fumer ou non-fumer (Smoking or non)
- Fumer (Smoking for Coby)
- blah blah blah Order (something about are we ready to order)
- Oui, Raclette pour deux et une assiette a frites (Yes, Raclette for 2 and basket of fries)
- Oui, bon choice blah blah blah (okay, good choice and then something about what to drink)
- Deux l'eau (two waters)
- Avec gasse ou non (with gas or not)
- Avec, merci (bubbly thanks)
- Oui, monsieur (Yes sir)
...and then he delivered the food and told us in perfect English, "Careful, the plate is hot"
The food here is amazing. We also argue whole heartedly against the concept that American portions are larger. I have gained weight on this trip. I know it -- but I can't stop eating. Everytime I go into the cafeteria and say that I am just going to get a salad, that is it and I am going to be good today -- I get completely distracted by the wall of tarts and desserts. The Swiss chefs are malicious and evil. ...but how can it be wrong if it tastes so right!?! (but I digress).
I have been able to guess quite well at what things are and I have only been surprised a couple of times. 1) I thought that I was getting a carrot thing and it turned out to be a winter squash thing. 2) I thought I was getting regular creme brulee and it was a nutmeg version.
Raclette
For example the sheer goodness of the food, one night we drove to a nearby town in France for Raclette. Raclette, for those of you who may not know (I had never heard of it) is about 1/8 of a big round of cheese (Raclette) that they set near a moveable heat lamp for 2 people to each adjust. As the cheese melts, you scrape it up/off and put it on potatoes, meats or bread.
So the waiter brings out this massive thing and a bottle of wine. He opens the wine and offers me the cork. I am thinking, "Buddy, I am about to eat 2-3 pounds of cheese -- a cork is the last thing I need. I might, however, need your corkscrew if you are looking to offer up a gift."
Hunting Season
We are also here during hunting season which means that we have choices of red deer, reindeer, wild boar and other cute cuddly animals that are quite tasty with bread and sides. I have not gotten to the wild boar, but there is a restaurant whose name translates to "The Carnivore" which we are targeting for this week.
The first day in the cafeteria I had venison stew. The first night out I had my first foie gras (goose liver) and venison steak. The next day for lunch I had a venison something or other... At this point, someone would expect to hear a nice little DEER God!
Prices
Fondue -- awesome. Raclette -- awesome. Having 12 choices for outstanding tarts -- awesome. Having to pay 20-25 USD for lunch. Ouch.
We finally realized how some of the extreme prices were occurring. For lunch, a 1/2 liter (20 oz) bottle of "Coke Light" is 4 Francs = $3.20. It would be about 2 dollars cheaper if I drank beer. I moved to water. Dinner is just an expectation to go middle of the road with the menu to pay about $25 to $30. I am REALLY glad that I am on an expense account
Ordering
I have tried very hard to only speak French when ordering. I usually get a decent distance into it before there is a bit of eye rolling and they switch to English. However, I was very proud to say that yesterday (Saturday) I made it through the whole process, no worries. It went something like this...
- Bonjour Monsieur (Hello sir.)
- Bonjour Monsieur, Deux, s'il vous plait. (Hello sir back. 2 please)
- Fumer ou non-fumer (Smoking or non)
- Fumer (Smoking for Coby)
- blah blah blah Order (something about are we ready to order)
- Oui, Raclette pour deux et une assiette a frites (Yes, Raclette for 2 and basket of fries)
- Oui, bon choice blah blah blah (okay, good choice and then something about what to drink)
- Deux l'eau (two waters)
- Avec gasse ou non (with gas or not)
- Avec, merci (bubbly thanks)
- Oui, monsieur (Yes sir)
...and then he delivered the food and told us in perfect English, "Careful, the plate is hot"
Departure, Arrival and Apologies
All -- thanks for sending the kind little reminders that I was behind in keeping this up. It does make me feel good to know that folks are reading it. We have just had 12-16 hour days for this trip followed by lengthy dinners, and so sleep won out over creative writing.
Departure
Dad picked me up at home and dropped me off at the airport. I, of course, was there 2 hours prior to departure as they say you should. After check-in (line of 2) and security (line of 0) -- I made it to the gate with only 1:55 to spare. Phew.
I have only made the "medallion" status on 1 out of 4 airlines for this year -- so I am limited to 50 pounds per bag. I took more this time as laundry is so expensive, but limited myself to 1 bag to save room and in order to receive less antagonizing from my colleagues. Unfortunately, my bag was 53 pounds. The lady asked if there was anything that I could do to lessen my weight. Looking down at my potbelly, I thought "apparently not". I should also note that when I pack I really do focus on balance, weight, breakage, wrinking and space -- so the thought of opening up my suitcase and readjusting was not, as we would say here, brilliant! I also had carefully packed most of the extra electronic equipment to set up our conference room in the suitcase so that I had a very minimal amount in my carry on in order to fit better in the puddle jumper initial flight out of Lexington. Sigh. So I took my three sweaters out of the suitcase and rammed them ever so gently into my backpack. Weigh in now successful -- however, as expected, the backpack would not fit in the carryon...
We met up in Newark and Coby got us into the medallion lounge. We pigged out on cheese and crackers with little concept that we would be sick of the same in a short week's time.
Our flight left Newark on time and was relatively uneventful. I continued my stellar streak of sitting near a screaming baby. However, as I was going away for about 3 weeks, this method of birth control was a bit unnecessary. The movies were "Talledega Nights" and "Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest". I started/finished my book -- A Simple Plan.
Arrival
We arrived in Geneva the next morning and went through customs with no issue. (I had to ask for a stamp for the passport. ) We got our car and couldn't get out of the parking space as the dashboard and manual were in German -- and the parking break required a Ctrl-Alt-Delete combination to turn it off. 15 minutes and an exasperated parking attendant later, we were good to go.
The hotel is about 2 miles from the airport. We were not able to check in for a few more hours to shower -- so we went downtown for a bit. For the hotel, the rooms are very small but relatively efficient. The odd thing is that the bathroom door will actually swing inwards and lock off the toilet from the rest of the bathroom, so that there is access to the sink/shower while someone is dropping the kids off at the pool. However, if you are (a) unfamiliar with this approach and (2) very tired from not sleeping for about 36 hours -- it can be a bit confusing. Picture this... I walk into the room and set my bags down and go into the bathroom. I see only a sink and shower. Having seen bathrooms all over the world, I thought maybe this was a Swiss thing. I figured I was fine 1/2 the time, but looking between the sink and shower -- the other 1/2 of the time was going to be a bit messy.
Geneva downtown was a nice mix of modern and old. We drove/walked around -- but I really was in too much of an insomniacal stupor to remember much. We did mark the location of the McDonald's to come back for Coby.
Departure
Dad picked me up at home and dropped me off at the airport. I, of course, was there 2 hours prior to departure as they say you should. After check-in (line of 2) and security (line of 0) -- I made it to the gate with only 1:55 to spare. Phew.
I have only made the "medallion" status on 1 out of 4 airlines for this year -- so I am limited to 50 pounds per bag. I took more this time as laundry is so expensive, but limited myself to 1 bag to save room and in order to receive less antagonizing from my colleagues. Unfortunately, my bag was 53 pounds. The lady asked if there was anything that I could do to lessen my weight. Looking down at my potbelly, I thought "apparently not". I should also note that when I pack I really do focus on balance, weight, breakage, wrinking and space -- so the thought of opening up my suitcase and readjusting was not, as we would say here, brilliant! I also had carefully packed most of the extra electronic equipment to set up our conference room in the suitcase so that I had a very minimal amount in my carry on in order to fit better in the puddle jumper initial flight out of Lexington. Sigh. So I took my three sweaters out of the suitcase and rammed them ever so gently into my backpack. Weigh in now successful -- however, as expected, the backpack would not fit in the carryon...
We met up in Newark and Coby got us into the medallion lounge. We pigged out on cheese and crackers with little concept that we would be sick of the same in a short week's time.
Our flight left Newark on time and was relatively uneventful. I continued my stellar streak of sitting near a screaming baby. However, as I was going away for about 3 weeks, this method of birth control was a bit unnecessary. The movies were "Talledega Nights" and "Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest". I started/finished my book -- A Simple Plan.
Arrival
We arrived in Geneva the next morning and went through customs with no issue. (I had to ask for a stamp for the passport. ) We got our car and couldn't get out of the parking space as the dashboard and manual were in German -- and the parking break required a Ctrl-Alt-Delete combination to turn it off. 15 minutes and an exasperated parking attendant later, we were good to go.
The hotel is about 2 miles from the airport. We were not able to check in for a few more hours to shower -- so we went downtown for a bit. For the hotel, the rooms are very small but relatively efficient. The odd thing is that the bathroom door will actually swing inwards and lock off the toilet from the rest of the bathroom, so that there is access to the sink/shower while someone is dropping the kids off at the pool. However, if you are (a) unfamiliar with this approach and (2) very tired from not sleeping for about 36 hours -- it can be a bit confusing. Picture this... I walk into the room and set my bags down and go into the bathroom. I see only a sink and shower. Having seen bathrooms all over the world, I thought maybe this was a Swiss thing. I figured I was fine 1/2 the time, but looking between the sink and shower -- the other 1/2 of the time was going to be a bit messy.
Geneva downtown was a nice mix of modern and old. We drove/walked around -- but I really was in too much of an insomniacal stupor to remember much. We did mark the location of the McDonald's to come back for Coby.
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