… 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…
Thursday, July 05, 2007
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.
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