We took our 2 hour drive to Tuscany (Beautiful) arriving in Florence around lunch.
We talked to the hotel desk guys and he told us to take the 23 bus (23A coming home) downtown as parking would be too difficult. I concur.
We ride the bus and take in the sites including the statue of David. We didn't realize that it was about 20 feet tall -- and really was done so perfectly that you almost expected to see it breathe. Impressive.
Lunch -- Nicole goes crazy and gets spaghetti. I try to get something completely different and get spaghetti carbonara (awesome).
Snack -- Gelato (Nicole Vanilla, Matt Panna Cotta)
Dinner -- Nicole, Eggplant something something and Matt gets a leek and sausage rissoto. We finish with a berry and fruit of the forest yogurt (Nicole) and Matt gets a locally produced dark chocolate mousse which came with a realistic looking gellied pear mustard. I can't make that up.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Parma -- trust the TomTom
Monday - we did get a bit of a late start as we had to get 75% of our luggage from the airport. We took the five hour drive through France/Italy/Mont Blanc tunnel to get to Parma. We did get stopped at the Italian border for papers for about 1/2 hour, but didn't even get our passports stamped.
Our TomTom passed the test. It took us through some sketchy areas directly to the hotel. Marriage saved.
Dinner was wonderful. Appetizer of Parma Ham and Parmesan cheese. Nicole had breat of pheasant with a juniper berry gravy. I had sweet local sausage with potatos. She had a parfait for dessert. I had an egg nog custard that Rocked.
Not a bad start. Nicole has agreed to stay.
Our TomTom passed the test. It took us through some sketchy areas directly to the hotel. Marriage saved.
Dinner was wonderful. Appetizer of Parma Ham and Parmesan cheese. Nicole had breat of pheasant with a juniper berry gravy. I had sweet local sausage with potatos. She had a parfait for dessert. I had an egg nog custard that Rocked.
Not a bad start. Nicole has agreed to stay.
Monday, December 03, 2007
This sucks and I want to go home
So Nicole and I left for Europe on Saturday. Our flight didn't take off until 6, so it was a pretty easy day laying around, waiting to go to the airport -- or it would have been if we hadn't waited to pack until around oh, 3.
First flight
No issues. It was, after all, on the highly touted "Chataqua Airlines".
Second flight
Well, to be fair -- this was the big one -- Cincinnati to Paris, and it was Delta, so it had a bit more room for error. It started nicely. We boarded on time and taxied out to the runaway. An then the pilot announced that there was a "slight mechanical error". We thought that it was just that none of the reading lights worked (because they didn't) or that the planned movie didn't work (because it didn't). However it was that the number 2 engine wouldn't start. They had to fly a part up from Atlanta. So while 3 1/2 hour delays is unwelcome -- I did prefer to have the requisite number of working engines on my planes. I was also willing to let them take off and come back -- shake the bugs out -- before I got back on.
Unfortunately, there are a limited number of international flights on Saturday nights and so the Cincinnati terminal was closed. We were given the option of getting off the plane, but there were no restaurants open and we could not leave the immediate area. Or we could sit on the plane for three hours, watching, well listening, to a bad movie that kept sparking in and out -- for 3 1/2 hours before we took off.
Third flight
We were moved to a new flight to Geneva. No worries. I used the self-service kiosk instead of standing in line to talk to an Air France person to argue the same topic. Unfortunately, those that stood in line got baggage in Geneva. Those that used the self-service kiosk did not.
No bags
So luggageless we went to the hotel about 1/2 hour before my friends came to pick us up for a great fondue at their place. Great time...
Back to the hotel -- not so great time. No luggage. (I would later drive to the airport to pick it up the next morning -- as they had three of our bags, but were waiting to call on the 4th bag that was in Warsaw, Poland -- luckily this was our gift and not our clothing bag).
We slept in what we wore for the last 48 hours. Or we laid in bed and I tried to fall asleep to the gentle hum of Nicole (who had not slept on any of the flights) saying ever so sweetly "This sucks. Let's go home".
I did what she does when I try to hit on her.
I rolled over and pretended to be asleep.
First flight
No issues. It was, after all, on the highly touted "Chataqua Airlines".
Second flight
Well, to be fair -- this was the big one -- Cincinnati to Paris, and it was Delta, so it had a bit more room for error. It started nicely. We boarded on time and taxied out to the runaway. An then the pilot announced that there was a "slight mechanical error". We thought that it was just that none of the reading lights worked (because they didn't) or that the planned movie didn't work (because it didn't). However it was that the number 2 engine wouldn't start. They had to fly a part up from Atlanta. So while 3 1/2 hour delays is unwelcome -- I did prefer to have the requisite number of working engines on my planes. I was also willing to let them take off and come back -- shake the bugs out -- before I got back on.
Unfortunately, there are a limited number of international flights on Saturday nights and so the Cincinnati terminal was closed. We were given the option of getting off the plane, but there were no restaurants open and we could not leave the immediate area. Or we could sit on the plane for three hours, watching, well listening, to a bad movie that kept sparking in and out -- for 3 1/2 hours before we took off.
Third flight
We were moved to a new flight to Geneva. No worries. I used the self-service kiosk instead of standing in line to talk to an Air France person to argue the same topic. Unfortunately, those that stood in line got baggage in Geneva. Those that used the self-service kiosk did not.
No bags
So luggageless we went to the hotel about 1/2 hour before my friends came to pick us up for a great fondue at their place. Great time...
Back to the hotel -- not so great time. No luggage. (I would later drive to the airport to pick it up the next morning -- as they had three of our bags, but were waiting to call on the 4th bag that was in Warsaw, Poland -- luckily this was our gift and not our clothing bag).
We slept in what we wore for the last 48 hours. Or we laid in bed and I tried to fall asleep to the gentle hum of Nicole (who had not slept on any of the flights) saying ever so sweetly "This sucks. Let's go home".
I did what she does when I try to hit on her.
I rolled over and pretended to be asleep.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Stupid Yummy Decadent Apple Caramel Cheesecake
Well, contrary to the implication of the title, I won out of about a dozen entries. Or at least I tied for first. We both had 36 points and from what I understand, I won presentation and Shauna won for taste. Not that it was rigged, but Shauna is Co-Chair for the Campaign and I am in charge of canvassers.
It was also a little uncomfortable in our leadership meeting where she and I, and then one other contestant were in the room when the results were announced. The other woman (and her recipe was GOOD) didn't place. I am just sorry I didn't get to be a judge. Immediately, someone suggested that we have another challenge, I guess it would be a bake off off. So I challenged her to an Iron Chef competition in the cafeteria. We will see...
Also, as confident as I was going in, I really didn't prepare well. I had all the preparation down leading to the event -- towels in the car to level the carrier, knives and extras to do any repairs on-site, focused look for the game face -- you know what I mean. What I didn't have down was my bake off touchdown dance. I just have never seen a white guy pull off a baking victory dance. Checking my favorite cookbooks, Alton Brown doesn't mention it a single time.
Also, it is a bit hard to talk about it with your friends at work. Sure, fantasy football stats roll off the tongue -- but talk about the challenges of using a non-circular spring form pan and they look at you like you just, well, hit on them. Sad. I mean really, if you can't talk to your closest male colleagues about whether or not mixing lemon and orange zest is better than using lemon zest alone -- who can you talk to?
Sometimes I just feel so alone.
It was also a little uncomfortable in our leadership meeting where she and I, and then one other contestant were in the room when the results were announced. The other woman (and her recipe was GOOD) didn't place. I am just sorry I didn't get to be a judge. Immediately, someone suggested that we have another challenge, I guess it would be a bake off off. So I challenged her to an Iron Chef competition in the cafeteria. We will see...
Also, as confident as I was going in, I really didn't prepare well. I had all the preparation down leading to the event -- towels in the car to level the carrier, knives and extras to do any repairs on-site, focused look for the game face -- you know what I mean. What I didn't have down was my bake off touchdown dance. I just have never seen a white guy pull off a baking victory dance. Checking my favorite cookbooks, Alton Brown doesn't mention it a single time.
Also, it is a bit hard to talk about it with your friends at work. Sure, fantasy football stats roll off the tongue -- but talk about the challenges of using a non-circular spring form pan and they look at you like you just, well, hit on them. Sad. I mean really, if you can't talk to your closest male colleagues about whether or not mixing lemon and orange zest is better than using lemon zest alone -- who can you talk to?
Sometimes I just feel so alone.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Bake Off is On
I entered into a bake off. It was a good cause and as a member of the leadership team, I thought it might be a good example to participate. Really, I mean that my winning cheesecake would be a good example of the winning dessert -- but if it helps someone be motivated to do better, then, well that is just icing on the cake.
I am doing a cheesecake and I am cheating. Not because I bought it, brought in Bobby Flay or have somehow accidently tripped a competitor -- but my cheesecake recipe has a fatal flaw that I am covering up.
See, I used to bake them all the time and they were beautiful. That was until Nicole forced us to move out of our first apartment into a house. The oven at the apartment was perfect -- not that I have any idea why -- just that every cheesecake came out beautiful. In House 1.0, every cheesecake came out with a crack. In my first attempt at House 2.0, minor, but still cracked. Normally, I just go ahead and cut pieces and no one knows. This competition is all about presentation and taste. Taste I can win. Presentation, well, unless we are in a Grand Canyon themed event, not so much.
So, I am cheating and I added a pastry cream to fill in the gaps and then cover it with raspberries and white chocolate. The pastry creme is very oddly the EXACT same color as the cheesecake. Coincidence? Well, yes -- but still pretty cool.
If I don't post for a while, it means I was robbed. If you are a judge and reading this, bribes are negotiable.
I am doing a cheesecake and I am cheating. Not because I bought it, brought in Bobby Flay or have somehow accidently tripped a competitor -- but my cheesecake recipe has a fatal flaw that I am covering up.
See, I used to bake them all the time and they were beautiful. That was until Nicole forced us to move out of our first apartment into a house. The oven at the apartment was perfect -- not that I have any idea why -- just that every cheesecake came out beautiful. In House 1.0, every cheesecake came out with a crack. In my first attempt at House 2.0, minor, but still cracked. Normally, I just go ahead and cut pieces and no one knows. This competition is all about presentation and taste. Taste I can win. Presentation, well, unless we are in a Grand Canyon themed event, not so much.
So, I am cheating and I added a pastry cream to fill in the gaps and then cover it with raspberries and white chocolate. The pastry creme is very oddly the EXACT same color as the cheesecake. Coincidence? Well, yes -- but still pretty cool.
If I don't post for a while, it means I was robbed. If you are a judge and reading this, bribes are negotiable.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Um, I am unique, just like everyone else
My wife got my on facebook. Kinda fun, you can find people, get back in touch -- that sort of thing. Then I was told to search groups by my sister in law for my name. Tonight I found three groups:
1) We are Matt... with my full name
2) We love Matt... with my full name
3) We hate Matt... with my full name
I must admit my first reaction was to go into the third group to look for any ex-girlfriends or kids on whom some practical jokes might have gotten out of hand. Luckily the last two groups were only done for one guy in particular and it wasn't me.
The first group though, was "invitation only". I did request membership and I am sure that someone, somewhere is checking my credentials with all the scrutiny that a prestigious facebook group would require.
I just hope I make the cut.
1) We are Matt... with my full name
2) We love Matt... with my full name
3) We hate Matt... with my full name
I must admit my first reaction was to go into the third group to look for any ex-girlfriends or kids on whom some practical jokes might have gotten out of hand. Luckily the last two groups were only done for one guy in particular and it wasn't me.
The first group though, was "invitation only". I did request membership and I am sure that someone, somewhere is checking my credentials with all the scrutiny that a prestigious facebook group would require.
I just hope I make the cut.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
About 1/2 my life...
I like math. I mean that in a statistical sort of way (or at least 9 times out of 10 I do). I like to measure, mix, match and meander through the numbers to sort of organize my life and thoughts and better understand the depth/breadth of an idea.
For example, today I started the process of recovering a buried treasure lost at sea over ten years ago... a friendship started my freshman year of college in 1990. I am 35 and that friendship started almost half my life ago. Excited about it, I called two friends from the same era (you get my age and there are eras) also from 17+ years ago. Bizarre. I know it is a cliche, but you don't get to choose your family -- but I do believe that everyone else chooses on a daily basis whether or not to stay in any type of relationship. I am glad this one is back.
After work, Nicole and I went for a walk today through the neighboorhood park and talked a lot about who we are, were and plan to be. Funny how taking a step back makes the path forward a bit more clear. I wouldn't go back 18 years, but I am definitely glad a few folks have come along these couple of decades with me...
For example, today I started the process of recovering a buried treasure lost at sea over ten years ago... a friendship started my freshman year of college in 1990. I am 35 and that friendship started almost half my life ago. Excited about it, I called two friends from the same era (you get my age and there are eras) also from 17+ years ago. Bizarre. I know it is a cliche, but you don't get to choose your family -- but I do believe that everyone else chooses on a daily basis whether or not to stay in any type of relationship. I am glad this one is back.
After work, Nicole and I went for a walk today through the neighboorhood park and talked a lot about who we are, were and plan to be. Funny how taking a step back makes the path forward a bit more clear. I wouldn't go back 18 years, but I am definitely glad a few folks have come along these couple of decades with me...
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Back in Black (& White)
I keep getting hounded about keeping this thing up to date. It is harder than I thought it would be, although failing to every keep a diary despite the annual New Year's resolution to do so -- I should have known better. I am struggling to get a couple of trips together. It is unclear if I am headed back to Geneva in October/November, although we have to go back in December. I figure that I should just count on that trip and forget the rest.
Right now we are gearing up for a few folks (about 50) to head our way instead. Nicole's brother is getting married next weekend and we are throwing the rehearsal dinner. Nicole had originally thought we would do it at our house -- but after a long discussion explaining that our oven did not the magically properties of Harry-Potter-land, she caved and let us set it up at a clubhouse with a bit of catering.
The trip I would much rather be planning is the one where my friends Larry and Tria are at this very moment. Sure -- I took them to Glacier a couple of years... Yet on their three week adventure in Alaska I wasn't even there for a single one of their 14 (in week 1) bear sightings. Sigh.
I do have a trip down to Houston and a canoe trip in October. It just isn't the same.
Right now we are gearing up for a few folks (about 50) to head our way instead. Nicole's brother is getting married next weekend and we are throwing the rehearsal dinner. Nicole had originally thought we would do it at our house -- but after a long discussion explaining that our oven did not the magically properties of Harry-Potter-land, she caved and let us set it up at a clubhouse with a bit of catering.
The trip I would much rather be planning is the one where my friends Larry and Tria are at this very moment. Sure -- I took them to Glacier a couple of years... Yet on their three week adventure in Alaska I wasn't even there for a single one of their 14 (in week 1) bear sightings. Sigh.
I do have a trip down to Houston and a canoe trip in October. It just isn't the same.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
All God’s Creatures Great and Small…
… are really tasty grilled with a side of au gratin potatoes.
Wednesday
I got to try a new animal tonight. A “Spring Boch (something or other) antelope from South Africa. It was a tough call over kangaroo and other meats, but I figured my chances were pretty slim that I would get it again.
Xaviere took us out to a winery and then to a restaurant where you order food which comes out sizzling on a very hot piece of slate so that you can cook to your liking. As this is fine dining, they give you a paper bib that looks like you have on a tuxedo shirt. Classy. The antelope was good – very tender. However the potatoes were so creamy, like my mother’s grandmother and great aunt used to make. (I throw that in for reference as I know that NOW you really know what they taste like.) The difference is that the Swiss don’t seem to be concerned with using super heavy cream and cheese in anything – sort of to the same level where we feel comfortable with salsa.
Xaviere also called her husband and is going to rescue me from the itty bitty hotel in the middle of my stay. I really appreciate it. It is always a bit stressing to be with work people all the time, but after a while – these are definitely friends and not just work people. Life is better.
Thursday
Tonight we are going to be taken out to another cheese place. I really do appreciate it when people take us out. My only complaint is that I think I am about one fondue away from not being able to see my toes. To be continued…
Wednesday
I got to try a new animal tonight. A “Spring Boch (something or other) antelope from South Africa. It was a tough call over kangaroo and other meats, but I figured my chances were pretty slim that I would get it again.
Xaviere took us out to a winery and then to a restaurant where you order food which comes out sizzling on a very hot piece of slate so that you can cook to your liking. As this is fine dining, they give you a paper bib that looks like you have on a tuxedo shirt. Classy. The antelope was good – very tender. However the potatoes were so creamy, like my mother’s grandmother and great aunt used to make. (I throw that in for reference as I know that NOW you really know what they taste like.) The difference is that the Swiss don’t seem to be concerned with using super heavy cream and cheese in anything – sort of to the same level where we feel comfortable with salsa.
Xaviere also called her husband and is going to rescue me from the itty bitty hotel in the middle of my stay. I really appreciate it. It is always a bit stressing to be with work people all the time, but after a while – these are definitely friends and not just work people. Life is better.
Thursday
Tonight we are going to be taken out to another cheese place. I really do appreciate it when people take us out. My only complaint is that I think I am about one fondue away from not being able to see my toes. To be continued…
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Is this really necessary?
So I "volunteered" to stay another week. By volunteered, I mean that there were three of us in the room who all agreed that that we needed another week to bring closure to this phase of our efforts. I agreed. The three of us all discussed what need to be covered. I agreed. The three of us talked about the roles, challenges and opportunities that needed to be mastered. I agreed. Then suddenly the two people who I shouldn't have to say -- report to me on this effort -- had very good excuses to be other places and I was stuck with the extra week.
Not too bad... I am showing leadership, taking one the for the team -- doing this for the good of the project. Then the hotel situation came up. This went from a necessary evil to, and I quote the Princess Bride here... "Inconceivable".
It started where I couldn't extend my current hotel another week. Not too bad as I had already completed my graffeti masterpiece on these jail cell walls and was ready for a new tapestry. Then the hotel where our office is located was full -- okay, it was rather expensive. Then all of the hotels within walking distance... Not too bad as I have a car. Then the nearest hotel available for all nights was just a mere 153 miles away in Neuchatel -- and it was a smoking room.
Now I am normally not really picky about my rooms -- generally. Clean. Safe. Private. However, I didn't realize some of the options that were out there. Regardless we were working feverishly to get the best possible situation for me -- and from all the travel agents, travel coordinators and just helpful locals that I talked with, we did everything that we could. I really appreciate it. Apparently there are multiple conventions in town so the following options were chosen over the refridgerator box in an alley. So this is where I ended up...
Sat/Sun -- Low Budget Hotel (normal, private room) No worries.
Mon/Tues -- a room that advertises the following amenities (and I can't even make this up)
"Our rooms are modern and cleverly designed. They contain a double bed and a bunk, a washbasin and mirror, a corner table, a TV for viewing national channels"
Please note what is missing from that list... washbasin.... No private toilet. No private shower... This is summer camp. Here is a link and be sure to take the virtual tour of the room. My favorite part is that a human being only works there a few hours a day -- the other times you access the room/check-in by swiping a credit card. http://www.hotelformule1.com/formule1/gb/decouvrez/hotels/chambre.shtml At least it is only about $40USD/night.
Wed/Thurs
Movenpick -- expensive hotel where the office is located. Very nice. Will probably enjoy shower and de-lice.
Friday
Most likely spent sleeping in Paris airport I only have 45 minutes to get across the airport and through customs to make my flight to New York.
Saturday
MY BED. Well, Nicole's bed but she gives me about 1/4 of one side.
4th of July
Being in Europe, the fourth of July has a slightly different significance. It is required to come immediately before the 5th of July otherwise calendars everywhere would be messed up.
We did think that we would get to do the fireworks celebration thing. Apparently there are about 40,000 ex-pats here in Geneva. However, it is cancelled this year (no reason supplied). Instead, we went with option 2. We are going in to work. I am trying to talk everyone into seeing a movie later. Something intensely patriotic like Die Hard 4.
We did think that we would get to do the fireworks celebration thing. Apparently there are about 40,000 ex-pats here in Geneva. However, it is cancelled this year (no reason supplied). Instead, we went with option 2. We are going in to work. I am trying to talk everyone into seeing a movie later. Something intensely patriotic like Die Hard 4.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
I only speak a little French
My french is improving. I would compare my growth to the speed of an advancing glacier (typically 1 cm an hour). While not Berlitz speedy, it is moving forward. Where I really am lacking is in the speed.
We went to McDonalds again, because, well that is what we do. I stare at the menu. I focus my language skills. I am ready with my order -- a burger on french bread and emmenthal cheese (not bad) combo meal. I step up to order and am bombarded with a series of questions.
(Translated from French)
Hello sir how are you and how can I help you today will that be for here or to go and what size and what drink with that and do you want fries or potatoes and how about a donut or an ice cream okay that will be 18.50.
To picture me, imagine that you have just been asked the most complex question in the world like "What is the origin of the universe?" or "What approach would you take in the Middle East?" or "What was Nicole thinking when she picked me?" You pause. You rewind. You hoped someone had the forethought to actually oil the gears which are trying to grind forward. Slowly you respond.
Also, count the number of words in that diatribe. Of course, I only respond based on concepts and not translation and cheat by reading the words/amounts on the register. Phew.
Coby takes an alternative approach. He walks up calmly. Looks the cashier in the eye, smiles and asks "Do you speak English?" to the response of "Yes, of course".
We went to McDonalds again, because, well that is what we do. I stare at the menu. I focus my language skills. I am ready with my order -- a burger on french bread and emmenthal cheese (not bad) combo meal. I step up to order and am bombarded with a series of questions.
(Translated from French)
Hello sir how are you and how can I help you today will that be for here or to go and what size and what drink with that and do you want fries or potatoes and how about a donut or an ice cream okay that will be 18.50.
To picture me, imagine that you have just been asked the most complex question in the world like "What is the origin of the universe?" or "What approach would you take in the Middle East?" or "What was Nicole thinking when she picked me?" You pause. You rewind. You hoped someone had the forethought to actually oil the gears which are trying to grind forward. Slowly you respond.
Also, count the number of words in that diatribe. Of course, I only respond based on concepts and not translation and cheat by reading the words/amounts on the register. Phew.
Coby takes an alternative approach. He walks up calmly. Looks the cashier in the eye, smiles and asks "Do you speak English?" to the response of "Yes, of course".
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Big Ideas for a Small Planet and some freaky stuff.
While I am keeping Coby company, I am watching my computer....
Timeout: What is the proper phrase here? You say that you are watching television, so if you are watching a dowload on your iTunes on the laptop, is that correct? Anyway, sorry random thought. Time in.
...and there is a great new show on the Sundance Channel called "Big Ideas for a Small Planet" which seems to intend to generate dialogue and inspire rather than beat people down (and by "people", I mean Americans") for their abuses. It is really helpful and hopeful. The show seemed to gain some momentum after the first episode, but I like it.
The other link that I watched was on YouTube -- First one is pretty cool. Second one was really cool -- but I am glad that it was not me as I would have cried like a little baby.
Derren Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evZmpsl3jI0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjRAcajFte0
Timeout: What is the proper phrase here? You say that you are watching television, so if you are watching a dowload on your iTunes on the laptop, is that correct? Anyway, sorry random thought. Time in.
...and there is a great new show on the Sundance Channel called "Big Ideas for a Small Planet" which seems to intend to generate dialogue and inspire rather than beat people down (and by "people", I mean Americans") for their abuses. It is really helpful and hopeful. The show seemed to gain some momentum after the first episode, but I like it.
The other link that I watched was on YouTube -- First one is pretty cool. Second one was really cool -- but I am glad that it was not me as I would have cried like a little baby.
Derren Brown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evZmpsl3jI0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjRAcajFte0
Why we didn't go to Sardinia
I almost forgot.
Friday night we were planning the weekend -- and were looking for cheap flights to somewhere exotic. There is a airline called "EasyJet" that has cheap flights to all over Europe.
Looking from Geneva, we found one that was reasonably priced. We could fly out on Saturday and return on Sunday. Perfect.
Island in the middle of the Mediterreanan. Perfect.
Noted for the beautiful beaches. Perfect.
Italian (so it didn't count as a new country). Acceptable.
...but here was the clincher...
I am pretty flexible with my choice of foods. Having spent some time in China, I can honestly say that I do not eat everything (knowing a little more about what "everything" is...), however I can easily say that I am more flexible than the average Joe. Here was one that made me not even want to go to the region. I can't even make this more dramatic than it is... taken directly from the wikipedia (so you know it is true). Read the whole excerpt. It gets better.
I told Coby and that is simply the story of why we chose to stick with what we know.
Friday night we were planning the weekend -- and were looking for cheap flights to somewhere exotic. There is a airline called "EasyJet" that has cheap flights to all over Europe.
Looking from Geneva, we found one that was reasonably priced. We could fly out on Saturday and return on Sunday. Perfect.
Island in the middle of the Mediterreanan. Perfect.
Noted for the beautiful beaches. Perfect.
Italian (so it didn't count as a new country). Acceptable.
...but here was the clincher...
I am pretty flexible with my choice of foods. Having spent some time in China, I can honestly say that I do not eat everything (knowing a little more about what "everything" is...), however I can easily say that I am more flexible than the average Joe. Here was one that made me not even want to go to the region. I can't even make this more dramatic than it is... taken directly from the wikipedia (so you know it is true). Read the whole excerpt. It gets better.
Unbelievable."Casu marzu (also called casu modde, casu cundhídu, or in Italian formaggio marcio) is a cheese found in Sardinia, Italy, notable for being riddled with live insect larvae. Casu marzu means "rotten cheese" in Sardinian and is known colloquially as maggot cheese.
Derived from Pecorino Sardo, casu marzu goes beyond typical fermentation to a stage most would consider decomposition, brought about by the digestive action of the larvae of the cheese fly Piophila casei. These larvae are deliberately introduced to the cheese, promoting an advanced level of fermentation and breaking down of the cheese's fats. The texture of the cheese becomes very soft, with some liquid (called lagrima, from the Sardinian for "tears") seeping out. The larvae themselves appear as translucent white worms, about 8 mm (1/3 inch) long. When disturbed, the larvae can jump for distances up to 15 cm (6 inches), prompting recommendations of eye protection for those eating the cheese. Some people clear the larvae from the cheese before consuming; others do not."
I told Coby and that is simply the story of why we chose to stick with what we know.
Signs, Cheese and Freddie Mercury
I had shut the drapes and went to sleep without turning on the alarm (for once) so Coby called me at 10:30 to see if I was still coming down to go touring. We were headed off to Gruyeres, but armed a bit better than last weekend as we had ENGLISH directions on an ENGLISH map printed the day before in the office. Not that the German directions were not beautiful -- but these made the trip slightly more efficient. We headed out each of us in our normal roles. Me -- sensible driver, staying within 20% of the speed limit. Coby -- navigator and principle iPod DJ.
A special note on music -- when we hit Germany we play "99 Der Luftballoons", France -- "Lady Marmalade". We are waiting for someone on Coby's playlist to write one for Switzerland
We hit a bit of construction and I must say something about the artistry of the European standard signage. The construction sign doesn't simply imply that there is a bit of work going on -- it actually is a black and white drawing of a man with a shovel moving a bit of dirt from one larger pile to a smaller pile, and you can even see a rock that is rolling away. (This is slightly more than I need to watch as I am trying to navigate narrow and forced lane changes. ) There is also a couple of different signs for crosswalks. My favorite one is blue with a white drawing of a grandfather walking a little girl (I assume Heidi) across the street with love and affection. The other is two kids (one boy, one girl) racing from school, books and bags in hand.
Gruyeres was pretty cool. It is a castle surrounded by a little Medieval village that you can walk through. We parked at the bottom of a hill and walked up the steps through a pasture full of massive cows. (One made me nervous as he kept looking at me and licking his lips. I am not sure what cows exactly eat here, but I am hoping I don't fall into the dinner category). Each cow had a bell that was kind of tuned to be in the same key. I am normally one for "More Cow Bell!" but after a short bit here, I was ready to yell "Freeze" to the entire herd in a desperate attempt to slow the din.
We went through the castle and gardens -- very cool. We then ate at a cafe in order to grab some of the local cheese. Coby had eaten breakfast (one of the benefits of getting up in the a.m.) and was going to skip it -- but couldn't resist some good fondue. It was really good and creamy, and incredibly filling. Very nice.
We headed out, driving through mountains and vineyards, to a couple of other towns that had been recommended -- took some pictures of castles and stuff -- and ended up in Montreaux. We parked in a mall and walked along the lake. There was a festival (that promptly closed at 5) and lots of people were out walking and eating ice cream. I stopped to take a picture of Freddie Mercury who had recorded his last couple of albums there.
We returned to Geneva and took the night off. Coby watched movies in his room and I flipped my three English channels, read a bit, left a "Good Night" message for Nicole, and went to sleep.
A special note on music -- when we hit Germany we play "99 Der Luftballoons", France -- "Lady Marmalade". We are waiting for someone on Coby's playlist to write one for Switzerland
We hit a bit of construction and I must say something about the artistry of the European standard signage. The construction sign doesn't simply imply that there is a bit of work going on -- it actually is a black and white drawing of a man with a shovel moving a bit of dirt from one larger pile to a smaller pile, and you can even see a rock that is rolling away. (This is slightly more than I need to watch as I am trying to navigate narrow and forced lane changes. ) There is also a couple of different signs for crosswalks. My favorite one is blue with a white drawing of a grandfather walking a little girl (I assume Heidi) across the street with love and affection. The other is two kids (one boy, one girl) racing from school, books and bags in hand.
Gruyeres was pretty cool. It is a castle surrounded by a little Medieval village that you can walk through. We parked at the bottom of a hill and walked up the steps through a pasture full of massive cows. (One made me nervous as he kept looking at me and licking his lips. I am not sure what cows exactly eat here, but I am hoping I don't fall into the dinner category). Each cow had a bell that was kind of tuned to be in the same key. I am normally one for "More Cow Bell!" but after a short bit here, I was ready to yell "Freeze" to the entire herd in a desperate attempt to slow the din.
We went through the castle and gardens -- very cool. We then ate at a cafe in order to grab some of the local cheese. Coby had eaten breakfast (one of the benefits of getting up in the a.m.) and was going to skip it -- but couldn't resist some good fondue. It was really good and creamy, and incredibly filling. Very nice.
We headed out, driving through mountains and vineyards, to a couple of other towns that had been recommended -- took some pictures of castles and stuff -- and ended up in Montreaux. We parked in a mall and walked along the lake. There was a festival (that promptly closed at 5) and lots of people were out walking and eating ice cream. I stopped to take a picture of Freddie Mercury who had recorded his last couple of albums there.
We returned to Geneva and took the night off. Coby watched movies in his room and I flipped my three English channels, read a bit, left a "Good Night" message for Nicole, and went to sleep.
Dinner and Entertainment -- and bartering for transportation
Thursday we had gone with our British friend Julie over the Aviator for the steak. The steaks here are not as good as in the US (thinner, slightly tougher) but the garlic sauce and the all-you-can-eat skinny little french fries more than make up for it. Heavy heavy food.
Friday night we didn't do much... I grabbed a book and headed over the hotel restaurant next door, but they didn't open until 6:30. ...and then they ignored me, so I wandered up to the bar and ordered sushi. I needed something without sauce, cheese, or massive amounts of fat. I then went back to work with Coby and convinced him at about 10 that we should stop and take a break.
There was some live music over at the bar and we sat and relaxed for a couple of hours. A broadway style cast started to trickle in to party about 11:30. ...and then at midnight we got the strangest question from a bartender ever.
See, she was new to the area and with the vacation schedules between the 4 bartenders (one was off for 5 weeks only to be followed by the next one for 4 weeks) she was working 6 days a week and double shifts. Her expectation was that while the bar should close at 2, that she would not be able to leave until 4. The rule here is that if there is someone at the bar, it stays open until they finish their drinks -- and then you have to finish up cleaning, etc...
She didn't have a car and taxis to go 12 kilometers over the border to her apartment would be close to 200 Francs. (I didn't verify, but even if it was half that, holy cow!) I would have been up to offer the ride home, but my generosity generally is open from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and usually takes off holidays and weekends.
So, the perky little French girl that she was -- she called her boyfriend who did the correct thing to do in a relationship -- offered to pick her up based on the hint, instead of making her flat out ask. Smart man.
So in return, she wanted to make it up to him, but was stuck with a dilemna that continues to baffle all Americans that come visit here. All stores close down around 6 p.m. on Fridays. So, she did the only thing that she could do to pay the poor boy back. She asked Coby and I if we could give her a condom.
I will say that while I am a strong supporter of safe sex -- I would only get in trouble if I had one as it would imply that I have the intention of sex without my wife. Therefore, for discretion's sake, let's just say that we were able to fulfill her need, but not from me. ...and got a free round in return.
Friday night we didn't do much... I grabbed a book and headed over the hotel restaurant next door, but they didn't open until 6:30. ...and then they ignored me, so I wandered up to the bar and ordered sushi. I needed something without sauce, cheese, or massive amounts of fat. I then went back to work with Coby and convinced him at about 10 that we should stop and take a break.
There was some live music over at the bar and we sat and relaxed for a couple of hours. A broadway style cast started to trickle in to party about 11:30. ...and then at midnight we got the strangest question from a bartender ever.
See, she was new to the area and with the vacation schedules between the 4 bartenders (one was off for 5 weeks only to be followed by the next one for 4 weeks) she was working 6 days a week and double shifts. Her expectation was that while the bar should close at 2, that she would not be able to leave until 4. The rule here is that if there is someone at the bar, it stays open until they finish their drinks -- and then you have to finish up cleaning, etc...
She didn't have a car and taxis to go 12 kilometers over the border to her apartment would be close to 200 Francs. (I didn't verify, but even if it was half that, holy cow!) I would have been up to offer the ride home, but my generosity generally is open from 5 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and usually takes off holidays and weekends.
So, the perky little French girl that she was -- she called her boyfriend who did the correct thing to do in a relationship -- offered to pick her up based on the hint, instead of making her flat out ask. Smart man.
So in return, she wanted to make it up to him, but was stuck with a dilemna that continues to baffle all Americans that come visit here. All stores close down around 6 p.m. on Fridays. So, she did the only thing that she could do to pay the poor boy back. She asked Coby and I if we could give her a condom.
I will say that while I am a strong supporter of safe sex -- I would only get in trouble if I had one as it would imply that I have the intention of sex without my wife. Therefore, for discretion's sake, let's just say that we were able to fulfill her need, but not from me. ...and got a free round in return.
Friday, June 29, 2007
We at least get more presents..
The Europeans get a few more holidays than we do in the U.S. The challenge of this project has been much more about scheduling resources to actually be in the office instead of any significant technical challenges. We should definitely be jealous of the time spent outside the office.
However, we do have one day a year where we "win". Today was our AP Manager's birthday. In the US, this might mean that someone would have taken her out for her birthday, or maybe a little cake or goofy presents. In EMEA, the deal is reversed. On your birthday, you are supposed to bring in something for everyone else. It works out for me, but I definitely don't plan on coming back for my birthday.
We waited to procrastinate to the last minute on our travel plans. We originally thought that we would try to fly somewhere exotic, but I think with all the work we have we need to get done, we are only going to take Saturday to tool around the countryside -- maybe to go to Gruyeres castle (for the cheese and double cream) and Interlaken for the views... TBD.
Right now it is 6 and we are going to sneak away whiles the US goes to lunch before anyone asks me to do any more "favors" for them. My favorite part of these requests are the start of the sentence... "I know that you are busy but..." or "Hey, I know that you are completely consumed with your project, but..." That "but" is a killer.
However, we do have one day a year where we "win". Today was our AP Manager's birthday. In the US, this might mean that someone would have taken her out for her birthday, or maybe a little cake or goofy presents. In EMEA, the deal is reversed. On your birthday, you are supposed to bring in something for everyone else. It works out for me, but I definitely don't plan on coming back for my birthday.
We waited to procrastinate to the last minute on our travel plans. We originally thought that we would try to fly somewhere exotic, but I think with all the work we have we need to get done, we are only going to take Saturday to tool around the countryside -- maybe to go to Gruyeres castle (for the cheese and double cream) and Interlaken for the views... TBD.
Right now it is 6 and we are going to sneak away whiles the US goes to lunch before anyone asks me to do any more "favors" for them. My favorite part of these requests are the start of the sentence... "I know that you are busy but..." or "Hey, I know that you are completely consumed with your project, but..." That "but" is a killer.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
It isn't paranoia...
...if they really are trying to get you. It is the subtle little things that make me think that Europe is ready for me to go home. Not necessarily trying to cause permanent damage, but enough to get the message across.
Sign 1: The shower is heat regulated, where there is a special button to press if you want it to go to more extreme temperatures. I leave it at the same place (about 42 C) yet starting in week 2, housekeeping likes to randomly change it to the highest setting. I haven't shattered the mirror jumping out of the shower -- yet.
Sign 2: The hidden wonders of the food... I learned last time that they don't pit their olives on pizza. Was a bit surprised that they didn't pit their cherries in the tarts. As I am on the home stretch for my second round of braces -- having to go home to the Orthodontist is less than exciting.
Sign 3: Laundy runs about $25/day for me. I am now in the process of buying new underwear, socks and t-shirts as it is cheaper than cleaning them. I would have to guess that this is a bit contrary to the Sierra Club approach -- but I have now spent over $200 on laundry and I am not finished. Time to go.
Sign 4: Television options. I have the European CNN, BBC Prime and BBC News. I am watching old movies in French -- and I must say that not understanding the dialogue in "Double Team" with Jean-Claude Van Damm and Dennis Rodman actually makes it watchable.
Sign 1: The shower is heat regulated, where there is a special button to press if you want it to go to more extreme temperatures. I leave it at the same place (about 42 C) yet starting in week 2, housekeeping likes to randomly change it to the highest setting. I haven't shattered the mirror jumping out of the shower -- yet.
Sign 2: The hidden wonders of the food... I learned last time that they don't pit their olives on pizza. Was a bit surprised that they didn't pit their cherries in the tarts. As I am on the home stretch for my second round of braces -- having to go home to the Orthodontist is less than exciting.
Sign 3: Laundy runs about $25/day for me. I am now in the process of buying new underwear, socks and t-shirts as it is cheaper than cleaning them. I would have to guess that this is a bit contrary to the Sierra Club approach -- but I have now spent over $200 on laundry and I am not finished. Time to go.
Sign 4: Television options. I have the European CNN, BBC Prime and BBC News. I am watching old movies in French -- and I must say that not understanding the dialogue in "Double Team" with Jean-Claude Van Damm and Dennis Rodman actually makes it watchable.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Mont Blanc
Now with a new found confidence in European touring, I left Coby to do this thing (which is work) for me to see Mont Blanc. No one seemed to want to join me, so I went by myself.
I was headed in the right direction and easily crossed over into France on only my second attempt. I was headed for a town called "Chamonix" where you can take a tram up almost to the top of Mont Blanc. Unfortunately, this was a toll road and the European Union had decided on the "Euro" as a currency over what I had in my wallet -- the Swiss Franc and almighty American dollar. Let's just say this...
Toll to Chamonix -- 4.70 Euros
Cost of Deoderant to cover stress sweat smell -- 2.50
Being able to use your Visa instead of offering the car behind you 50 Francs for 5 Euros -- Priceless.
Life and French Toll Booths take Visa.
I got there and took the train to the left side of the mountain. Thought "eh", had a little lunch (a Croque Monsieur which is like a grilled ham sandwhich with Mornay sauce in it and cheese melted on top). The carved ice display was closed so there wasn't a whole lot here. There was a small museum of mountain animals were the Elk had a very odd smile on his face that was a little freaky.
So I left and drove to the place where the tram takes you up to the top. I "meant" to do that first -- but my French lessons didn't include "tram", "High Altitude" or a la Star Wars -- "This isn't the tram you are looking for..."
It was, in a word, brilliant. My pictures just cannot take in the enormity of the mountain. (Posted on my facebook page). Wow.
Wow.
Wow.
My next goal is to sneak away from Coby and take a mountaineering class. My plan is to make something crash badly next Thursday. I will let you know how I do.
Now I am back to work and eating a delivery pizza. Note: They do not cut their pizza's here even for delivery. Second note: I don't fly with a knife.
I was headed in the right direction and easily crossed over into France on only my second attempt. I was headed for a town called "Chamonix" where you can take a tram up almost to the top of Mont Blanc. Unfortunately, this was a toll road and the European Union had decided on the "Euro" as a currency over what I had in my wallet -- the Swiss Franc and almighty American dollar. Let's just say this...
Toll to Chamonix -- 4.70 Euros
Cost of Deoderant to cover stress sweat smell -- 2.50
Being able to use your Visa instead of offering the car behind you 50 Francs for 5 Euros -- Priceless.
Life and French Toll Booths take Visa.
I got there and took the train to the left side of the mountain. Thought "eh", had a little lunch (a Croque Monsieur which is like a grilled ham sandwhich with Mornay sauce in it and cheese melted on top). The carved ice display was closed so there wasn't a whole lot here. There was a small museum of mountain animals were the Elk had a very odd smile on his face that was a little freaky.
So I left and drove to the place where the tram takes you up to the top. I "meant" to do that first -- but my French lessons didn't include "tram", "High Altitude" or a la Star Wars -- "This isn't the tram you are looking for..."
It was, in a word, brilliant. My pictures just cannot take in the enormity of the mountain. (Posted on my facebook page). Wow.
Wow.
Wow.
My next goal is to sneak away from Coby and take a mountaineering class. My plan is to make something crash badly next Thursday. I will let you know how I do.
Now I am back to work and eating a delivery pizza. Note: They do not cut their pizza's here even for delivery. Second note: I don't fly with a knife.
Breakfast in Switzerland, Lunch in Liechtenstein, Dessert in Austria, Dinner in Germany
That was our goal. We had to do too much work to spend the night anywhere and we wanted to pick up a couple of countries. Seemed simple. 4 countries, 1 day. We would cover over 1,000 kilometers. (Is that a gilometer?)
Challenge 1. Neither of us knew how to get to Liechtenstein to get us started.
Challenge 2. We remembered to get a map after we had left the office and did not have access to a nice printer.
Challenge 3. The computer/printer at the hotel requires coins and charges by the page/minute.
Not to be overcome, I researched all of the information on my computer and then went to duplicate this on the hotel computer to print. What you should know about "google" and other websites abroad is that they cater to non-Americans. Odd, but Google in Switzerland is in German. You can choose English to search, but Google maps reverts back to German. So, as I was running out of coins, we printed directions in German. This worked fine once we realized that there the directions were telling us to turn right and not sending us to the same town over and over.
Border Crossing #1 (Switzerland to Liechtenstein)
We made Liechtenstein only to be horribly disappointed. It was a beautiful town, full of beautiful people -- sure -- but there was no McDonald's to be found. What kind of fit healthy people are these freaks? Nervous about the populace, we left Liechtenstein after settling for a tasty little brie/salami/tomato panini done with bread very reminiscent of croissant. (Coby had beer).
Border Crossing #2 (Liechtenstein to Switzerland)
We drove back across the border to head to Austria & Germany.
Border Crossing #3 (Switzerland to Liechtenstein)
We realized crossing the border that there was a cool little plaque that showed the border as we couldn't see anything else that would prove that we were here. So we turned around and took a picture
Border Crossing #4 (Liechtenstein to Switzerland)
...and then had to go back...
Border Crossing #5 (Switzerland to Liechtenstein)
...and then had to go back to get to Austria
Border Crossing #6 (Liechtenstein to Austria)
...and with that settled, we crossed over into Austria with a border guard wave of the hand. We stopped in a cute little town (Fieldriech) to satisfy the craving for mass produced meat burger product stuff at the local Herr McDonalds. Snapped some photos, I got an appel strudel at a local festival and we were on our way. I have to say that I have now seen the longest word ever. It was advertising the Sunday Buffet at the Holiday Inn and here was the word -- and I am not kidding "Langschlaferfruhstucksbuffet". I took a picture. I truly believe that the German people are so efficient in other aspects of their lives in order to make up for the time it takes them to communicate using words like that.
Border Crossing #7 (Austria to Liechtenstein)
We cannot escape... What seemed like an important destination now just seems to be in the way.
Border Crossing #8 (Liechtenstein to Switzerland)
Freeway found. We don't need no stinkin' directions. We are men. Manly men. Manly men that can't speak a lick of German so that there is no use even asking.
Border Crossing #9 (Switzerland to Austria)
Okay, now we are on a freeway... Crusing along at 140 (kilometers, but still that is moving)
Border Crossing #10 (Austria to Germany)
We were just going to pop in for our McDonald's picture, grab a Der ChikenFrufenNuggetshafen (my attempt at German) and get out. (Actually, I had a Mexican Chicken Wrap that wasn't bad.) It was called "Mexican Chicken Wrap" in German. Maybe my language skills are improving.
However, something weird was happening.
Not that I put anything past the German reputation, but we started noticing more an more people dressed in leather and boots and, well, seemed a little out of place for a stroll along the lake. We were headed down the lake to look for the ferry that could cut up to an hour out of our trip home by cutting across the lake. However, the ferry was $135 Euros and we couldn't get past the boat next to it.
To back up a bit, the lake that we were enjoying is Lake Constance which is bordered by Austria, Germany and Switzerland. There is some dispute about who governs the lake which really means that you can, in the vein I believe the Snap Dragons, "Do What You Like". This was some sort of fetish cruise. There were all kinds, ages and dressed -- although mostly undressed. ...and before anyone goes righteous on me, 90% were folks that had no business being undressed as in people that would make a mirror turn away. They were accountants and administrators, balding with glasses -- or at least that is what I focused on in order to get past the "Gimp" look. (The other 10% I admit were not too bad in a "Omigodyouareacompletefreak kind of way.) This was a car wreck that the entire town came out to watch. ...and cheer ...and bring their kids to see. This was a scene from the Twilight Zone if it were to be shown on Cinemax.
We left the scene to the sound of techno to grab a quick bite (I like to eat) at a local pub away from the masses. Quiet. Nice. Except that Team Jagermeister was promoting their stuff.... ...and wouldn't leave us alone.
We ran.
Border Crossing #11 (Germany to Austria)
Get me to my itty bitty room. Drive Coby Drive.
Border Crossing #12 (Austria to Switzerland)
1:30 a.m. "Home"
Challenge 1. Neither of us knew how to get to Liechtenstein to get us started.
Challenge 2. We remembered to get a map after we had left the office and did not have access to a nice printer.
Challenge 3. The computer/printer at the hotel requires coins and charges by the page/minute.
Not to be overcome, I researched all of the information on my computer and then went to duplicate this on the hotel computer to print. What you should know about "google" and other websites abroad is that they cater to non-Americans. Odd, but Google in Switzerland is in German. You can choose English to search, but Google maps reverts back to German. So, as I was running out of coins, we printed directions in German. This worked fine once we realized that there the directions were telling us to turn right and not sending us to the same town over and over.
Border Crossing #1 (Switzerland to Liechtenstein)
We made Liechtenstein only to be horribly disappointed. It was a beautiful town, full of beautiful people -- sure -- but there was no McDonald's to be found. What kind of fit healthy people are these freaks? Nervous about the populace, we left Liechtenstein after settling for a tasty little brie/salami/tomato panini done with bread very reminiscent of croissant. (Coby had beer).
Border Crossing #2 (Liechtenstein to Switzerland)
We drove back across the border to head to Austria & Germany.
Border Crossing #3 (Switzerland to Liechtenstein)
We realized crossing the border that there was a cool little plaque that showed the border as we couldn't see anything else that would prove that we were here. So we turned around and took a picture
Border Crossing #4 (Liechtenstein to Switzerland)
...and then had to go back...
Border Crossing #5 (Switzerland to Liechtenstein)
...and then had to go back to get to Austria
Border Crossing #6 (Liechtenstein to Austria)
...and with that settled, we crossed over into Austria with a border guard wave of the hand. We stopped in a cute little town (Fieldriech) to satisfy the craving for mass produced meat burger product stuff at the local Herr McDonalds. Snapped some photos, I got an appel strudel at a local festival and we were on our way. I have to say that I have now seen the longest word ever. It was advertising the Sunday Buffet at the Holiday Inn and here was the word -- and I am not kidding "Langschlaferfruhstucksbuffet". I took a picture. I truly believe that the German people are so efficient in other aspects of their lives in order to make up for the time it takes them to communicate using words like that.
Border Crossing #7 (Austria to Liechtenstein)
We cannot escape... What seemed like an important destination now just seems to be in the way.
Border Crossing #8 (Liechtenstein to Switzerland)
Freeway found. We don't need no stinkin' directions. We are men. Manly men. Manly men that can't speak a lick of German so that there is no use even asking.
Border Crossing #9 (Switzerland to Austria)
Okay, now we are on a freeway... Crusing along at 140 (kilometers, but still that is moving)
Border Crossing #10 (Austria to Germany)
We were just going to pop in for our McDonald's picture, grab a Der ChikenFrufenNuggetshafen (my attempt at German) and get out. (Actually, I had a Mexican Chicken Wrap that wasn't bad.) It was called "Mexican Chicken Wrap" in German. Maybe my language skills are improving.
However, something weird was happening.
Not that I put anything past the German reputation, but we started noticing more an more people dressed in leather and boots and, well, seemed a little out of place for a stroll along the lake. We were headed down the lake to look for the ferry that could cut up to an hour out of our trip home by cutting across the lake. However, the ferry was $135 Euros and we couldn't get past the boat next to it.
To back up a bit, the lake that we were enjoying is Lake Constance which is bordered by Austria, Germany and Switzerland. There is some dispute about who governs the lake which really means that you can, in the vein I believe the Snap Dragons, "Do What You Like". This was some sort of fetish cruise. There were all kinds, ages and dressed -- although mostly undressed. ...and before anyone goes righteous on me, 90% were folks that had no business being undressed as in people that would make a mirror turn away. They were accountants and administrators, balding with glasses -- or at least that is what I focused on in order to get past the "Gimp" look. (The other 10% I admit were not too bad in a "Omigodyouareacompletefreak kind of way.) This was a car wreck that the entire town came out to watch. ...and cheer ...and bring their kids to see. This was a scene from the Twilight Zone if it were to be shown on Cinemax.
We left the scene to the sound of techno to grab a quick bite (I like to eat) at a local pub away from the masses. Quiet. Nice. Except that Team Jagermeister was promoting their stuff.... ...and wouldn't leave us alone.
We ran.
Border Crossing #11 (Germany to Austria)
Get me to my itty bitty room. Drive Coby Drive.
Border Crossing #12 (Austria to Switzerland)
1:30 a.m. "Home"
Friday, June 22, 2007
Ode to a Cookie
I don't get excited about normal things I think. It is always the simplicity of the details that get me going. For instance, I watched a food network show with the legendary Alton Brown on making corned beef and the nitrates used in the "natural" process that are usually not done anymore in the US. However, here you could really see that done and the corned beef and cabbage I had for lunch the other day was awesome.
Or I got excited that the steak tartare (I love the stuff) was served traditionally where you were provided four little piles of stuff to mix in to your pleasure.
Or the plate of "exotic" fruits (that was the menu title) that I got for desserts included a perfect blackberry.
Or the green beans that I got were a beautiful mixture of different colors which looked great (even though they simply tasted like green beans).
So maybe looking back it is the little things in FOOD that I love in traveling. However, the one little thing that has just gotten me weak in the taste buds is a cookie. A wafer thin cookie (c'mon, have just one... It is waffffer thin.) But this cookie is no ordinary cookie. It is a "Finest biscuit with carmelized almonds and Swiss Chocolate" called a "MandelCaramel" cookie made by Kambly. Simple. Light. Complex. Perfect.
Maybe I just need some quality time at home.
Or I got excited that the steak tartare (I love the stuff) was served traditionally where you were provided four little piles of stuff to mix in to your pleasure.
Or the plate of "exotic" fruits (that was the menu title) that I got for desserts included a perfect blackberry.
Or the green beans that I got were a beautiful mixture of different colors which looked great (even though they simply tasted like green beans).
So maybe looking back it is the little things in FOOD that I love in traveling. However, the one little thing that has just gotten me weak in the taste buds is a cookie. A wafer thin cookie (c'mon, have just one... It is waffffer thin.) But this cookie is no ordinary cookie. It is a "Finest biscuit with carmelized almonds and Swiss Chocolate" called a "MandelCaramel" cookie made by Kambly. Simple. Light. Complex. Perfect.
Maybe I just need some quality time at home.
Surprise! It tastes the same
Today for lunch we drove out to the mall. Why? Because we deserved a break today.
Yep. We went to McDonald's. Having not been to this bastion of American cuisine in some time, I prepared to help Coby order in case the cashier did not speak English. See, he wanted to get a Big Mac. If you are not a McDonald's aficionado, which we are, this is two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun. Coby's "Le Big Mac" is exactly that, just hold the special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions.
I glanced over the menu. What should I get? Should I get the chicken sandwich? Should I get the special Ciabatta burger? ...and then I saw it. The one thing I must have. Menu Item Deux.
Le Royale with Cheese.
What is this? This is a Quarter Pounder with Cheese. Why don't they call it a Quarter Pounder? ...because they have the metric system, they wouldn't know what the $%@# a quarter pounder is... Ah, Vincent Vega, we hardly knew you.
Yep. We went to McDonald's. Having not been to this bastion of American cuisine in some time, I prepared to help Coby order in case the cashier did not speak English. See, he wanted to get a Big Mac. If you are not a McDonald's aficionado, which we are, this is two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, on a sesame seed bun. Coby's "Le Big Mac" is exactly that, just hold the special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions.
I glanced over the menu. What should I get? Should I get the chicken sandwich? Should I get the special Ciabatta burger? ...and then I saw it. The one thing I must have. Menu Item Deux.
Le Royale with Cheese.
What is this? This is a Quarter Pounder with Cheese. Why don't they call it a Quarter Pounder? ...because they have the metric system, they wouldn't know what the $%@# a quarter pounder is... Ah, Vincent Vega, we hardly knew you.
Big Plans
The weekend is looming ahead. We definitely feel the pressure. We are in Europe and there are expectations heaped upon our heads -- needs to see the world, needs to make exciting Monday morning conversation. The stress of doing somethinig "cool". Of course, we for the most part, are going to go with option 2, which is to try and instead garner the sympathy vote by spending the weekend working. This option definitely has rewards, but we are going to work through a compromise.
We are going to take Saturday off and run over to Lake Constance which is on the border of Austria, Germany and Switzerland. We are going to try to figure out if we can get a boat to the middle so that we can stand in three countries at the same time.
On Sunday, Coby is going to take option 2 for the entire day. I am going to "take one for the team" and go for a different experience during the day and then work through the evening. My goal is to try to go to Mont Blanc and see the sites.
I have to drive to Chamonix (France) which shouldn't be "too" hard and the great thing about our hotel is that it is very close to the airport -- so getting back is easy. This will be my first border crossing in Europe by myself. Not that it is challenging, but no one ever lets me stop and ask for a stamp in my passport. So if I don't post Sunday night, it probably because I made the border guards angry for stopping traffic and I am in some French prison.
Today we are back in the exciting hotel lobby working. I went into the office this morning for meetings, but the whole office is leaving at noon to celebrate their 10 year anniversary in Geneva. (We were not invited). We work on the wireless in the lobby so that I can secondhand smoke. Coby is very good to sacrifice and smoke here so that I can maintain my vice.
It has been a long week and I look forward to getting away from everyone for a bit.
We are going to take Saturday off and run over to Lake Constance which is on the border of Austria, Germany and Switzerland. We are going to try to figure out if we can get a boat to the middle so that we can stand in three countries at the same time.
On Sunday, Coby is going to take option 2 for the entire day. I am going to "take one for the team" and go for a different experience during the day and then work through the evening. My goal is to try to go to Mont Blanc and see the sites.
I have to drive to Chamonix (France) which shouldn't be "too" hard and the great thing about our hotel is that it is very close to the airport -- so getting back is easy. This will be my first border crossing in Europe by myself. Not that it is challenging, but no one ever lets me stop and ask for a stamp in my passport. So if I don't post Sunday night, it probably because I made the border guards angry for stopping traffic and I am in some French prison.
Today we are back in the exciting hotel lobby working. I went into the office this morning for meetings, but the whole office is leaving at noon to celebrate their 10 year anniversary in Geneva. (We were not invited). We work on the wireless in the lobby so that I can secondhand smoke. Coby is very good to sacrifice and smoke here so that I can maintain my vice.
It has been a long week and I look forward to getting away from everyone for a bit.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
I don't get it
Wednesday, we went to a comedy club with our Scottish friends here. It was pretty funny, although there was a lot of British pop culture references that I needed a translator to laugh appropriately. I did get the one Harry Potter joke of the evening although it did involve one young guy in the audience and some not so Muggle-like sexual innuendos involving - well - not for general readers.
The work has been tough. We are pretty much getting a good list of why things will never work and having to use that to create our list of what needs to work. Simplest comparison is going blindfolded through a maze -- you can get to the end, but you are going to be pretty bruised from bouncing off all of the walls to find the exit.
Thursday and Friday we had just enough energy to sit at the hotel bar and learn French from the bartender (after leaving work between 8 and 9).
Saturday we decided to take it easy. All the shops are closed here on Sunday, so we got up and went shopping at the local Walmart (Carrefour) for snacks and diet coke. After fighting the crowds, we decided to drive to Bern and wander around. (I posted pictures on my Facebook page -- post a message if you want a link).
There was a protest march that stopped traffic, but since we didn't see any words that looked like "Death" or "Americans" we felt pretty safe wandering around. Bern is a pretty good little city. They banned wooden building back around 1400 after the last fire. The walls are around 1,000 years old, etc... Town has a bit of history.
We stopped by Einstein's apartment from back in his patent office days and arrived just in time to listen to the video in German. Oh -- and my German is not as strong as my French. My Swiss German is not as good as my regular German. So we ate Italian and I went through and decided what we should order -- and then were given English menus.
We drove back and were so energized that we drove back and took a nap. Nicole woke me up with house news and I woke Coby up just on general principle. We decided at that point to stay in.
Sunday was work all day -- and I am writing this after doing 10 hours of documentation work. So, the humor is somewhat lacking.
However, I have to tell you this...
I am in here in Switzerland eating good food. Nicole is in Lexington doing the following:
1. Cleaning House 1.0
2. Mowing/Yard work at House 1.0
3. Painting House 2.0
4. Negotiating with the realtors
5. Keeping up House 2.0
I, again, am here getting room service and complaining about a tough job. Why did she marry me again? I forget.
The work has been tough. We are pretty much getting a good list of why things will never work and having to use that to create our list of what needs to work. Simplest comparison is going blindfolded through a maze -- you can get to the end, but you are going to be pretty bruised from bouncing off all of the walls to find the exit.
Thursday and Friday we had just enough energy to sit at the hotel bar and learn French from the bartender (after leaving work between 8 and 9).
Saturday we decided to take it easy. All the shops are closed here on Sunday, so we got up and went shopping at the local Walmart (Carrefour) for snacks and diet coke. After fighting the crowds, we decided to drive to Bern and wander around. (I posted pictures on my Facebook page -- post a message if you want a link).
There was a protest march that stopped traffic, but since we didn't see any words that looked like "Death" or "Americans" we felt pretty safe wandering around. Bern is a pretty good little city. They banned wooden building back around 1400 after the last fire. The walls are around 1,000 years old, etc... Town has a bit of history.
We stopped by Einstein's apartment from back in his patent office days and arrived just in time to listen to the video in German. Oh -- and my German is not as strong as my French. My Swiss German is not as good as my regular German. So we ate Italian and I went through and decided what we should order -- and then were given English menus.
We drove back and were so energized that we drove back and took a nap. Nicole woke me up with house news and I woke Coby up just on general principle. We decided at that point to stay in.
Sunday was work all day -- and I am writing this after doing 10 hours of documentation work. So, the humor is somewhat lacking.
However, I have to tell you this...
I am in here in Switzerland eating good food. Nicole is in Lexington doing the following:
1. Cleaning House 1.0
2. Mowing/Yard work at House 1.0
3. Painting House 2.0
4. Negotiating with the realtors
5. Keeping up House 2.0
I, again, am here getting room service and complaining about a tough job. Why did she marry me again? I forget.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Hard Working Pays Off Tomorrow
Yesterday went pretty well. From our November workshops, we all knew where we were going to argue and for the kickoff, we simply joked about it in preparation. There is some argument from our friends in IT that the previous efforts were not documented to their standards, but from my perspective as their executives signed off on the earlier efforts -- the amount that I care is somewhat diminished. The only way to be successful is to focus on what you can do and what you are tasked to do.
We went to lunch and I had a cheese tart that was sort of like a thin quiche. Technically, I have no idea how they made the crust on top so perfectly. Annoying. You would think that the French chef had some training.
Leaving the office at 7:30, we had to choose between working to get prepped for today -- or going out to shoot some pool with some guys in the office. It was a tough decision, but being the professionals that we are, we decided to shoot pool. Oddly, my skills had not improved by lack of playing. We then wandered over to the British bar "Mr Pickwicks" for dinner, getting in just before the 10:00 buzzer. I had steak and kidney pie -- because as they say, "When in a British Bar in Geneva..."
The fun part of the evening really was the conversation. There were six of of us -- two Americans, one French, one Brit, one Scot and one German. The British guy and I discussed conversation starter phrases. He was dating an American girl and was going to meet some family in Boston -- so I gave him a few choice phrases. For those of you that don't use conversation starters, they operate on the principle that most people are really not interested in hearing your opinion the majority of the time. Therefore, you simply need to ask a couple of questions and usually the person will happily chat on for hours and hours -- and leave with thinking that you were very enjoyable. Key learning if you ever decide to be a bartender.
Anyway -- here are the football conversation starters for the US.
1. How do you think (QB)will do this year?
2. We didn't get much draft coverage over here, how do you think that (NFL Team) did?
3. How do you think that the defense will be this year?
He didn't believe me that it was that easy, so he walked around and talked to a few Americans in the bar. Unfortunately we had not worked out conversation extraction strategies and he was stuck with each person longer than intended.
For Americans, we simply have to say something like "What do you think of the new (country leader)?" or "When do you think the UK will take the Euro?" or "Sorry about Bush".
There was also one just from Brits concerning "Christmas just isn't the same without... (two comedians that are no longer on television, forgot their names).
I may fit in just yet.
We went to lunch and I had a cheese tart that was sort of like a thin quiche. Technically, I have no idea how they made the crust on top so perfectly. Annoying. You would think that the French chef had some training.
Leaving the office at 7:30, we had to choose between working to get prepped for today -- or going out to shoot some pool with some guys in the office. It was a tough decision, but being the professionals that we are, we decided to shoot pool. Oddly, my skills had not improved by lack of playing. We then wandered over to the British bar "Mr Pickwicks" for dinner, getting in just before the 10:00 buzzer. I had steak and kidney pie -- because as they say, "When in a British Bar in Geneva..."
The fun part of the evening really was the conversation. There were six of of us -- two Americans, one French, one Brit, one Scot and one German. The British guy and I discussed conversation starter phrases. He was dating an American girl and was going to meet some family in Boston -- so I gave him a few choice phrases. For those of you that don't use conversation starters, they operate on the principle that most people are really not interested in hearing your opinion the majority of the time. Therefore, you simply need to ask a couple of questions and usually the person will happily chat on for hours and hours -- and leave with thinking that you were very enjoyable. Key learning if you ever decide to be a bartender.
Anyway -- here are the football conversation starters for the US.
1. How do you think (QB)
2. We didn't get much draft coverage over here, how do you think that (NFL Team)
3. How do you think that the defense will be this year?
He didn't believe me that it was that easy, so he walked around and talked to a few Americans in the bar. Unfortunately we had not worked out conversation extraction strategies and he was stuck with each person longer than intended.
For Americans, we simply have to say something like "What do you think of the new (country leader)?" or "When do you think the UK will take the Euro?" or "Sorry about Bush".
There was also one just from Brits concerning "Christmas just isn't the same without... (two comedians that are no longer on television, forgot their names).
I may fit in just yet.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
There is no place like "Home"
When I travel, I am constantly torn between a need to experience the new and the need to make where I am more like home. Usually, I can go for a long period without any cravings for food, but there is always that day that I have to have a taco or don't think that I will get by without the requisite Diet Coke.
Sure, I always miss friends, family, my pillow and Nicole (not in that order of course, as Nicole and my pillow rate pretty high). However the experiences are always exciting. For lunch upon arrival, we went back to the local Carrefour and had a homemade pizza (ham, anchovy, caper, onion, tomato). For lunch the first day in the office, I had steak tartare with chips. I tried to go for sushi for dinner for an all raw day, but we didn't wrap up in time and they closed at 10 p.m.
The friends we made on the last trip were happy to see us and lunch/dinner arrangements were promised. All is very comfortable.
Where I just cannot make the travel leap is my bathroom habits. Since this trip is four weeks, we approached it a little differently as I figured everything consumable that I brought would run out and since I would have to buy it again anyway, why not just wait and buy it here? So I find myself looking for similar items from home -- better shampoo, soap, mouthwash, cold medicine -- and then looking to step it up a bit.
Is it wrong to want cushy toilet paper? Is it too American to ask for lotion on my Kleenex? Am I a wimp for eyeing the pillows with envy?
I find myself daydreaming a bit and wondering since I will be there four weeks, would I have time to paint the room a better color. Maybe I could make an arrangement with my neighbor and knock out a wall and we could spread out. (For reference, my room is the same size as Paris Hilton's cell -- literally).
Regardless, we are just focusing on the work and the plans for the weekends. Oddly, the biggest 4th of July celebration outside the US is in Geneva. We saw where Bush was a big hit in Albania so we were looking for flights/trains there. Maybe a day in Paris, Prague or Croatia. Actually -- anything to get out of my tiny room.
Today though, my project really kicks off. Folks are flying in to listen to me drone on about "Roles & Responsibilities", "RACI charts" and as many other "R" words as I can roll off my tongue.
Wish me luck. I only pretend to know what I am talking about.
Sure, I always miss friends, family, my pillow and Nicole (not in that order of course, as Nicole and my pillow rate pretty high). However the experiences are always exciting. For lunch upon arrival, we went back to the local Carrefour and had a homemade pizza (ham, anchovy, caper, onion, tomato). For lunch the first day in the office, I had steak tartare with chips. I tried to go for sushi for dinner for an all raw day, but we didn't wrap up in time and they closed at 10 p.m.
The friends we made on the last trip were happy to see us and lunch/dinner arrangements were promised. All is very comfortable.
Where I just cannot make the travel leap is my bathroom habits. Since this trip is four weeks, we approached it a little differently as I figured everything consumable that I brought would run out and since I would have to buy it again anyway, why not just wait and buy it here? So I find myself looking for similar items from home -- better shampoo, soap, mouthwash, cold medicine -- and then looking to step it up a bit.
Is it wrong to want cushy toilet paper? Is it too American to ask for lotion on my Kleenex? Am I a wimp for eyeing the pillows with envy?
I find myself daydreaming a bit and wondering since I will be there four weeks, would I have time to paint the room a better color. Maybe I could make an arrangement with my neighbor and knock out a wall and we could spread out. (For reference, my room is the same size as Paris Hilton's cell -- literally).
Regardless, we are just focusing on the work and the plans for the weekends. Oddly, the biggest 4th of July celebration outside the US is in Geneva. We saw where Bush was a big hit in Albania so we were looking for flights/trains there. Maybe a day in Paris, Prague or Croatia. Actually -- anything to get out of my tiny room.
Today though, my project really kicks off. Folks are flying in to listen to me drone on about "Roles & Responsibilities", "RACI charts" and as many other "R" words as I can roll off my tongue.
Wish me luck. I only pretend to know what I am talking about.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
For the Children...
Today is Sunday. However, the "day" (a day is defined as the time from when I get up to the time I am allowed to lay down in a comfortable position and sleep) began yesterday at 3:15 in the morning.
I am in Geneva now as part of a four week "little" trip. Due to approval delays I was not able to book my tickets until it was really too late to get a "good" rate. This was complicated in that we budgeted for me to do all of this travel in January (translated: cheap rates) instead of June/July (translated: Holy-Cow-You-Can-Not-Be-Serious rates).
As the project manager, I am accountable to hitting our budget. So after berating a few of the team members, when I went to book my tickets the only way that I could hit the budget was for me to fly a slightly less than direct route from Lexington to Geneva. Best case, you can make this trip in 12-13 hours with one connection. I am not completely sure without doing the research, but I am pretty sure that the worst case is making it a 25 hour trip with 4 connections (Lexington to Atlanta to Boston to Paris to Geneva).
My first flight was at 6 a.m. Saturday morning. From reading earlier posts, you might have seen mention of my issues with sleeping on the planes. To remedy this, I was going to stay up late on Saturday to see if exhaustion drives sleep. (Turns out exhaustion + Cold medicine + boring movie options = enough snoring to miss two breakfasts).
I start this wonderful travel experience by staying up late (translate: procrastinating on packing until 10:00p.m. the night before) and a plan of getting up at 3:30 in the morning to get to the airport (relaxing my 2 hour rule) at 4:30. However, as the nervous guy, I set up a three-tiered alarm system.
- Alarm 1: Normal alarm clock set for 3:30 a.m.
- Alarm 2: Cell phone alarm clock set for 3:45 a.m.
- Alarm 3: I drank a lot of tea right before bed.
I went to bed at 12:15 and alarm 3 went off at about 1:30. I tried hitting snooze on that one, but it kept trying to go off until I finally gave up and got up at 3:15 and went for a Guiness record for length of pee. After showering to rehydrate (the California raisin look went out in the 80's) we left and made it to the airport at 4:29. For future reference, airport check-in lines do not open until about 4:36 which had not been communicated to the other 30-40 people standing in line.
The "cool" thing was that I have now traveled enough to skip the normal line and was first in line for the frequent traveler/first class line. So, this early on a Saturday morning, I could feel the love all around me. Most of the travelers were headed through Atlanta on their way to vacations like Disney World, so there were a few little kids with questions like "Mommy, why did that man get to go before us?..."
Unbeknownst (wow, I never get to use that word) to any of us, there was a bit of weather brewing in Atlanta which required one person to "deplane" so that their weight could be offset by additional fuel for circling Atlanta. (Isn't deplane a silly word like you have a plane growing like a mole on your back and you need to be "deplaned"). The flight attendant begged from the lobby. No takers -- apparently the other travelers wanted their vacations. The flight attendant begged from the plane and started offering $200 flight vouchers. I snoozed. The flight attendant begged and begged and mothers started looking nervous when it was mentioned that someone would be drawn "randomly".
The flight attendant offered $400 -- so I took it -- for the children.
Interestingly (is that a word?) the guy that started out as the jerk, was later applauded by the whole plane.
I really can't say much else. My bags went to Atlanta and then Boston. I went to Cincinnati, but with a 7.5 hour layover in Boston, they had plenty of time to drive themselves, stopping to see the museums, and meet me there. We then happily met each other in Geneva.
I actually slept most of the rest of the trip.
I am in Geneva now as part of a four week "little" trip. Due to approval delays I was not able to book my tickets until it was really too late to get a "good" rate. This was complicated in that we budgeted for me to do all of this travel in January (translated: cheap rates) instead of June/July (translated: Holy-Cow-You-Can-Not-Be-Serious rates).
As the project manager, I am accountable to hitting our budget. So after berating a few of the team members, when I went to book my tickets the only way that I could hit the budget was for me to fly a slightly less than direct route from Lexington to Geneva. Best case, you can make this trip in 12-13 hours with one connection. I am not completely sure without doing the research, but I am pretty sure that the worst case is making it a 25 hour trip with 4 connections (Lexington to Atlanta to Boston to Paris to Geneva).
My first flight was at 6 a.m. Saturday morning. From reading earlier posts, you might have seen mention of my issues with sleeping on the planes. To remedy this, I was going to stay up late on Saturday to see if exhaustion drives sleep. (Turns out exhaustion + Cold medicine + boring movie options = enough snoring to miss two breakfasts).
I start this wonderful travel experience by staying up late (translate: procrastinating on packing until 10:00p.m. the night before) and a plan of getting up at 3:30 in the morning to get to the airport (relaxing my 2 hour rule) at 4:30. However, as the nervous guy, I set up a three-tiered alarm system.
- Alarm 1: Normal alarm clock set for 3:30 a.m.
- Alarm 2: Cell phone alarm clock set for 3:45 a.m.
- Alarm 3: I drank a lot of tea right before bed.
I went to bed at 12:15 and alarm 3 went off at about 1:30. I tried hitting snooze on that one, but it kept trying to go off until I finally gave up and got up at 3:15 and went for a Guiness record for length of pee. After showering to rehydrate (the California raisin look went out in the 80's) we left and made it to the airport at 4:29. For future reference, airport check-in lines do not open until about 4:36 which had not been communicated to the other 30-40 people standing in line.
The "cool" thing was that I have now traveled enough to skip the normal line and was first in line for the frequent traveler/first class line. So, this early on a Saturday morning, I could feel the love all around me. Most of the travelers were headed through Atlanta on their way to vacations like Disney World, so there were a few little kids with questions like "Mommy, why did that man get to go before us?..."
Unbeknownst (wow, I never get to use that word) to any of us, there was a bit of weather brewing in Atlanta which required one person to "deplane" so that their weight could be offset by additional fuel for circling Atlanta. (Isn't deplane a silly word like you have a plane growing like a mole on your back and you need to be "deplaned"). The flight attendant begged from the lobby. No takers -- apparently the other travelers wanted their vacations. The flight attendant begged from the plane and started offering $200 flight vouchers. I snoozed. The flight attendant begged and begged and mothers started looking nervous when it was mentioned that someone would be drawn "randomly".
The flight attendant offered $400 -- so I took it -- for the children.
Interestingly (is that a word?) the guy that started out as the jerk, was later applauded by the whole plane.
I really can't say much else. My bags went to Atlanta and then Boston. I went to Cincinnati, but with a 7.5 hour layover in Boston, they had plenty of time to drive themselves, stopping to see the museums, and meet me there. We then happily met each other in Geneva.
I actually slept most of the rest of the trip.
Throwing Cans of Dr. Pepper at the Squirrels
Actually, it was one can of Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper but that wasn't quite as catchy of a title.
Also, for those of you that prefer your squirrels in "scampering" mode rather than those of you that like your squirrels in a little gravy on biscuits -- I should state quickly that my keen sense of distance and timing, coupled with my strong athletic ability, was in such a high form that I was able to hit the same yard that the squirrel was in, but just barely.
To tell the story, I should start at the beginning. Not quite so far back as the "When a Daddy and a Mommy love each other...", but back about a year. My wife wanted a new house and had very specific requirements. She wanted at least 4 bedrooms with a large utility room with a basement with a nice kitchen in a good neighborhood with good schools with friendly neighbors with children holding hands and singing in the streets. I, on the other hand, just wanted trees.
We, meaning Nicole, looked and looked and finally nagged enough about a house that we went, looked, fell in like and closed in the span of 20 days (including loans, etc.) This was properly efficient for me to puff out my chest and feel good about my project management skills.
However, for those of you that have not moved into a second house, there is a universal law that things will start to go bad with everything just as you are trying to sell and then after you have signed all the paperwork and are in the new house.
For example, one week before the move House 1.0 decided that the dryer was a unnecessary luxury. After all, it was warm outside and with all the talk of global warming, we could spare the electricity. However, there was not a committee meeting to discuss the issue and my wife was not in agreement. It was still under warranty (dryer door issue) but still -- frustrating.
Not to be outdone, House 2.0 decided that a functioning garage door was also an unnecessary luxury and decided to go on strike by unattaching itself from the actual door. Again, in our fine democracy, there was no meeting, vote or majority consensus.
So that is why on a fine Friday morning I was parked outside our lovely house under our lovely old oak tree. The same oak tree that a family of blue jays had under contract with the city for air rights -- and felt that the angry sqawking was not enough escalation for me to speed up my process of removing myself from their property.
So they pooped on me.
Startled, I did the only thing I could think of as appropriate for the time. I let out a squeak like a little girl, threw the soda can I was carrying and nearly hit an innocent squirrel.
Also, for those of you that prefer your squirrels in "scampering" mode rather than those of you that like your squirrels in a little gravy on biscuits -- I should state quickly that my keen sense of distance and timing, coupled with my strong athletic ability, was in such a high form that I was able to hit the same yard that the squirrel was in, but just barely.
To tell the story, I should start at the beginning. Not quite so far back as the "When a Daddy and a Mommy love each other...", but back about a year. My wife wanted a new house and had very specific requirements. She wanted at least 4 bedrooms with a large utility room with a basement with a nice kitchen in a good neighborhood with good schools with friendly neighbors with children holding hands and singing in the streets. I, on the other hand, just wanted trees.
We, meaning Nicole, looked and looked and finally nagged enough about a house that we went, looked, fell in like and closed in the span of 20 days (including loans, etc.) This was properly efficient for me to puff out my chest and feel good about my project management skills.
However, for those of you that have not moved into a second house, there is a universal law that things will start to go bad with everything just as you are trying to sell and then after you have signed all the paperwork and are in the new house.
For example, one week before the move House 1.0 decided that the dryer was a unnecessary luxury. After all, it was warm outside and with all the talk of global warming, we could spare the electricity. However, there was not a committee meeting to discuss the issue and my wife was not in agreement. It was still under warranty (dryer door issue) but still -- frustrating.
Not to be outdone, House 2.0 decided that a functioning garage door was also an unnecessary luxury and decided to go on strike by unattaching itself from the actual door. Again, in our fine democracy, there was no meeting, vote or majority consensus.
So that is why on a fine Friday morning I was parked outside our lovely house under our lovely old oak tree. The same oak tree that a family of blue jays had under contract with the city for air rights -- and felt that the angry sqawking was not enough escalation for me to speed up my process of removing myself from their property.
So they pooped on me.
Startled, I did the only thing I could think of as appropriate for the time. I let out a squeak like a little girl, threw the soda can I was carrying and nearly hit an innocent squirrel.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Read This Blog
So my last post was almost 4 months ago to the day.
This post is simply to get my friend Tria to stop pestering for a freakin' post.
Love always. Matt.
This post is simply to get my friend Tria to stop pestering for a freakin' post.
Love always. Matt.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
40 Degree Drop
It has been a little while since my last little notes -- but I miss writing this little blog. Or at least I miss the imaginations that people are laughing at my little adventures. As always, my goal is simply to bring joy to the people -- even if it IS always about me.
My next trip is to visit a friend in Ottawa. Now you should know that he his a friend because I am headed into the Arctic in the middle of the freakin' winter to see the guy. Last check, it was 40 degrees colder there than here.
He used to live in Lexington, but started a company with two of my other colleagues (www.mercurygrove.com). This originally was going to be just me -- but the other two guys are going to go as well. We intend to experience the real Canada -- the hocky, the curling and the funny little thing called poutine.
Poutine, as I understand is cheese fries and gravy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poutine). Now, I should say that one of my New Year's resolutions involved weight loss as I weigh about 50% more than I did when I graduated college. Oddly, this menu item actually shows up in Weight Watchers.
In the same conversation where my friend was complaining that the canal was not completely frozen over, he asked that I bring my swim suit and a pair of sandles. I must say that I have watched way too many Road Runner/Coyote cartoons to fall for that one. I can only hope that he means that the walk to the indoor hot springs requires footwear.
Also, oddly enough, it seems that the most direct route from Cincinnati to Ottawa is through Atlanta. I really need to find someone in air traffic control.
My next trip is to visit a friend in Ottawa. Now you should know that he his a friend because I am headed into the Arctic in the middle of the freakin' winter to see the guy. Last check, it was 40 degrees colder there than here.
He used to live in Lexington, but started a company with two of my other colleagues (www.mercurygrove.com). This originally was going to be just me -- but the other two guys are going to go as well. We intend to experience the real Canada -- the hocky, the curling and the funny little thing called poutine.
Poutine, as I understand is cheese fries and gravy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poutine). Now, I should say that one of my New Year's resolutions involved weight loss as I weigh about 50% more than I did when I graduated college. Oddly, this menu item actually shows up in Weight Watchers.
In the same conversation where my friend was complaining that the canal was not completely frozen over, he asked that I bring my swim suit and a pair of sandles. I must say that I have watched way too many Road Runner/Coyote cartoons to fall for that one. I can only hope that he means that the walk to the indoor hot springs requires footwear.
Also, oddly enough, it seems that the most direct route from Cincinnati to Ottawa is through Atlanta. I really need to find someone in air traffic control.
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