We got a suite this time as that gives us a kitchen, two bedrooms, living room and bath.
I wake up about 7:15, shower and start going through email. We leave for the office about 8:30 pass customs and get to the office just before 9. I usually go to my first set of meetings or teach our classes until 12 and then we break for lunch. Most days meetings do not start again until 2, so I can do a little more prep/email before we get started again. Meetings wrap up in Europe by 6 and usually I only have calls back with the US a couple nights a week. We do email and work for the next day and leave the office by 8 or 9.
Generally, we head back to the apartment, I eat a couple granola bars and jump back on to do email/work until about 10:30. A couple nights a week we go out with friends -- generally that is a later in the week proposition. Yesterday, we worked most of the day and then went out for dinner (Mexican) with our Scottish friends. Today, we are working this morning and are supposed to go to dinner (Fondue) with our German friends in town from the Phillipines. Next weekend there is no "go live" and my architect is leaving for the US. I am going to try to do something fun.
The odd part is that on Friday we finalized our training plan for our country rollouts -- which led to the fact that this is my last trip to Geneva. That is kind of bittersweet. I am happy for it to be over, but I am going to miss a few good friends I have made. It feels a bit rushed.
Ah, well -- back to work.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Typical Trip
These trips are starting to get to be a bit routine. I have a bit of a pattern that I go through -- I don't know if it is all the OCD working itself out or simply the comfort of going with what works.
Packing
I really do hate to pack, which is odd, since Nicole does all of the laundry which means I have the monumental task of putting things in a traveling box instead of a stationary closet. It really shouldn't be that hard. It is all really based on a combination of proscratination and a fear that I won't have something that I "need".
I first start emptying my work backpack of all the random things that seem to hide in there. I realized I was carrying about 4 pounds of change in various currencies, apparently for exercise. In the front pocket I put a pen (for visa entry/exit), my travel toothbrush and a travel container of Advil -- organized left to right. In the zipper pocket above goes my laptop headphones. In the pouch on my left go my mobile phones and security badge -- the pocket on the right holds mints and watch until I get through security. In the second compartment I put cough drops (airplane dryness) and granola bars. In the third compartment goes (in order) noise cancellation headphones (left), power convertor & cord on the right -- then book for plane on side with pages facing down on the left and the DVDs on the right and I top it with a travel pillow. This leaves room in this pocket for the two bottles of Diet Coke I will grab for the plane once I pass through security. The last pocket gets my laptop and two magazines with the laptop nearest my back. On top of the laptop is a ziplock bag with toothpaste and mouthwash for the plane.
My other carry-on gets a change of clothes for the way over -- chocolate on the way back. (They have only misplaced my luggage twice and both times it was when I didn't pack the carry-on bag.)The other bags get packed normally at the last minute. The only additional thing that I do is try to pack the batteries next to the liquids (Pepto and Nyquil) with cables running near them. Oddly, this bag ends up getting opened every single time.
Actual Travel
I try to get to the airport two hours early even though I only need about 10 minutes to get to the plane. Frequent travels scoff at this concept -- but they just cannot comprehend the inner peace that I get when I am where I am supposed to be without stress. The guy with whom I do most of the travel seems to start every story with "So we were an hour from the airport..." and ends with "...but we just made the plane."
In Lexington, the security takes no time at all as everything is pretty well organized to get out and through the x-ray machine. This time I was frisked my a nice old guy who was very polite. I had switched flights to later in the day, so I was flagged. I sit in the Bourbon Bar, put my watch back on, and start my book while I savor one of the last Diet Cokes that I will drink that has enough ice in it to actually make a difference.
On the first flight to Cincinnati, I get in my seat with one of the diet Coke bottles in the seat pocket. I start to read, but as I am usually in the exit row, I always interrupted by the flight attendant looking at my huge muscles and then looking concerned and trying to confirm that I would be okay getting the door open in the event of an emergency. Since I have learned that flipping her the bird does not get you the extra bag of peanuts, I smile and nod enthusiastically.
I read until the plane starts to take off and I then watch Lexington fade away beneath the plane. After a deep sleep of 35 minutes, we arrive in Cincinnati for me to switch terminals by bus and get over to Max & Ermas or Wolfgang Pucks (Terminal B) for what really will be my last Diet Coke with ice.
Before we board, I try to scout out the biggest human being in the terminal and place odds on them sitting next to me. They seem to be very good.
We get on the plane. I place the two bottles of soda, my book and headphones in the seat pocket. The backpack under the seat in front and the carry on above. Travel pillow is set. I reset my watch to Geneva time and move it from my left arm to my right -- as I sleep with my arms crossed and my left arm is always under.
Nine long hours later we arrive in Paris and I usually have only slept for a couple of hours. I switch terminals -- which requires leaving and coming back through customs, security, etc... I buy a new (warm dang it) Diet Coke a ridiculous sum and fall asleep at the gate. I board the last crowded flight to Geneva, get through border control, baggage claim and security -- rent the car and head to the hotel.
Packing
I really do hate to pack, which is odd, since Nicole does all of the laundry which means I have the monumental task of putting things in a traveling box instead of a stationary closet. It really shouldn't be that hard. It is all really based on a combination of proscratination and a fear that I won't have something that I "need".
- Fear 1: I will forget something. This is completely unfounded since as long as I have the three essentials, there really is no problem (passport, credit card, unbacked up laptop with all of my work).
- Fear 2: That there will be some activity for which I will not have some essential item. Every trip so far to Geneva (except my summer trips), I have brought clothes to ski. This trip I did not and we are supposed to go ski tomorrow. I have suits and work clothes. I have the clothes to go out nights/weekends. I have exercise clothes -- which I have determined just take up space and I no longer bring, I have given up the dream of rock-hard-travel-abs. Sigh.
- Fear 3: I will be made fun of... for my BFS. My primary travel suitcase is a pretty good size. Unfortunately, it is dwarfed by the even bigger suitcase I bring along with it. Luckily, I always reserve an automatic car which doesn't come in "Mini Cooper."
I first start emptying my work backpack of all the random things that seem to hide in there. I realized I was carrying about 4 pounds of change in various currencies, apparently for exercise. In the front pocket I put a pen (for visa entry/exit), my travel toothbrush and a travel container of Advil -- organized left to right. In the zipper pocket above goes my laptop headphones. In the pouch on my left go my mobile phones and security badge -- the pocket on the right holds mints and watch until I get through security. In the second compartment I put cough drops (airplane dryness) and granola bars. In the third compartment goes (in order) noise cancellation headphones (left), power convertor & cord on the right -- then book for plane on side with pages facing down on the left and the DVDs on the right and I top it with a travel pillow. This leaves room in this pocket for the two bottles of Diet Coke I will grab for the plane once I pass through security. The last pocket gets my laptop and two magazines with the laptop nearest my back. On top of the laptop is a ziplock bag with toothpaste and mouthwash for the plane.
My other carry-on gets a change of clothes for the way over -- chocolate on the way back. (They have only misplaced my luggage twice and both times it was when I didn't pack the carry-on bag.)The other bags get packed normally at the last minute. The only additional thing that I do is try to pack the batteries next to the liquids (Pepto and Nyquil) with cables running near them. Oddly, this bag ends up getting opened every single time.
Actual Travel
I try to get to the airport two hours early even though I only need about 10 minutes to get to the plane. Frequent travels scoff at this concept -- but they just cannot comprehend the inner peace that I get when I am where I am supposed to be without stress. The guy with whom I do most of the travel seems to start every story with "So we were an hour from the airport..." and ends with "...but we just made the plane."
In Lexington, the security takes no time at all as everything is pretty well organized to get out and through the x-ray machine. This time I was frisked my a nice old guy who was very polite. I had switched flights to later in the day, so I was flagged. I sit in the Bourbon Bar, put my watch back on, and start my book while I savor one of the last Diet Cokes that I will drink that has enough ice in it to actually make a difference.
On the first flight to Cincinnati, I get in my seat with one of the diet Coke bottles in the seat pocket. I start to read, but as I am usually in the exit row, I always interrupted by the flight attendant looking at my huge muscles and then looking concerned and trying to confirm that I would be okay getting the door open in the event of an emergency. Since I have learned that flipping her the bird does not get you the extra bag of peanuts, I smile and nod enthusiastically.
I read until the plane starts to take off and I then watch Lexington fade away beneath the plane. After a deep sleep of 35 minutes, we arrive in Cincinnati for me to switch terminals by bus and get over to Max & Ermas or Wolfgang Pucks (Terminal B) for what really will be my last Diet Coke with ice.
Before we board, I try to scout out the biggest human being in the terminal and place odds on them sitting next to me. They seem to be very good.
We get on the plane. I place the two bottles of soda, my book and headphones in the seat pocket. The backpack under the seat in front and the carry on above. Travel pillow is set. I reset my watch to Geneva time and move it from my left arm to my right -- as I sleep with my arms crossed and my left arm is always under.
Nine long hours later we arrive in Paris and I usually have only slept for a couple of hours. I switch terminals -- which requires leaving and coming back through customs, security, etc... I buy a new (warm dang it) Diet Coke a ridiculous sum and fall asleep at the gate. I board the last crowded flight to Geneva, get through border control, baggage claim and security -- rent the car and head to the hotel.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Florence and all the naked guys
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.
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.
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.
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