26 February
Amsterdam
Watch for Bikes!
There are so many bikes here, it's crazy. Watch out for 'em. I've found that the people here are elegant. Everyone has their stylish clothes and their fashionable (and warm) jackets. I feel kinda blocky here. I feel so.. American, it's very interesting how "we" seem to stand out in this place. I should go shopping and get a bit of clothing but .. eh, it's kinda expensive with the dollar being worth only .70% of the Euro at the moment.
Another thing I've noticed is that much of the food has an incredibly high salt content to it. I just had bacon that had to be salted and fried in salt (or so it tasted). I could barely eat a tiny bit of it.
Oh yes, and we had a bit of drama yesterday with the hotel. Seems that though the room is payed for under the corporate account, I put my card down just for "incidentals". Typical thing right? They ended up holding 530E which translates to $745.00! We quickly ran down and put the corp card on the room and had them reverse the charges. Was there a written policy as to how much they put on hold? No, there wasn't. It was at the discretion of the person who checked you in. Ugh! It did get reversed but wf? That was insane. And did I mention I saw a mouse at the hotel? I was going to mention it but I also saw they had placed rodent poison boxes behind my bed frame. blah.. not going to stay there again.
Anyway, it's my last full day in Amsterdam and I'm not really sad to see it go. It's been a ton of fun with my coworkers going out to breakfast and dinner n such. Tonight we have an event to see so that will be fun. And while the hotel is a decent place, staying at the Eden Amsterdam American, they overcharge for everything. And I mean everything. I know friends are going to ask if I went out, hit up any gay bars or tried to meet any cute Amsterdam guys but.. who has time? Between working normal daylight hours here setting up a new office and then working late at night when the states wake up who has the time or energy.
I miss the UK, I miss the apartment I stayed in while there and I miss the people. And while I miss some folks back in the states I really don't miss SF all that much. I don't know how much I will feel at home once I'm back. I was born to live in Europe.. I just didn't know it till I got here.
27 February
Back to the UK I go!
The car picked me up from the hotel at 9am sharp. We went to Schipol airport and I checked in my bags and then wandered around for a bit of time before heading through Customs. And after going inside customs there's a huge shopping mall. Whoda thunk it? Yes, bought myself a tshirt.. why not? the interesting thing at this airport is that security is at each gate itself, so the lines are typically much shorter and easier to get through.
Flight to Amsterdam was not very exciting, takes just a little over an hour.. amazing how easy it is to get to everything from London/UK. Landed and after a bit of a mixup as to where I would be my friend GK picked me up and we drove from Gatwick airport to Watford.
Watford is a cute little place. Typically English in some of the architecture, has a great train station, and some fun little shops.
Got settled in and then we decided to take the mainline train to London for dinner. Man, the amount of people there was incredible. Not sure if it was a typical Saturday night or if there was a group or what but holy cow the droves of people getting out of the train station was immense. Had to queue for 5 minutes just to exit the turn-styles, and another 5 to get up the stairs to the streets above.
Immediately felt right at home in London. the shops, the streets, the atmosphere. It is an incredible city. We had dinner at the Spaghetti House as everything else was packed to the rafters. no problem though as the food was great. I think I've fallen in love with their lasagna! After dinner was time to be off to my friends place in Finsbury. I had been invited over to my friend LW's place for a birthday party so met him outside the station and we walked to his flat. The room was crowded with people from Spain, Germany, the UK, and one other American. Hung out there for a good few hours, everyone drinking and smoking and carrying on.
Next stop was to go to a club called Coronet. LA didn't tell me this was going to be a big gay dance party! Everyone there had obviously spent weeks working out for this sorta thing and the sight was amazing to say the least.
Spent the next several hours dancing and drinking and having a great time, all of LAs friends were there and we had a blast. LW decided we're going to cab it back to his place (the trains had stopped running by the time we left at 3.30) and he bickered with the cabbie on the fare and we finally agreed to a fee but only if he would stop at a 24 hour restaurant so we could get take-away. It was hilarious as that wouldn't have been something we do in the states at all.
28 February - Sunday
Woke up this morning, headed back to Watford and thanks to GK (who had schooled me in the ways of the London Underground system) I was able to make my way from Finsbury all the way to the mainline train and back here.
Will rest up a bit then head back into London to do some shopping. Yes.. shopping. For me.
ciao!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Europe Trip...Continuing in Amsterdam
23 February
Tuesday--
Finishing up in Brighton
Last night had the most amazing dinner with coworkers and the owner of the flats we stay in. He took us to Mascara, a Moroccan restaurant with really good food. We had so much of it. He is an amazing story-teller and has so many things going on, so down-to-earth and easy to talk to. My coworkers n I had a great time and we were sharing all sorts of wonderful food with each other. One of my new favourites is called Halloumi cheese. It's Greek in origin and it's squeaky and fries up really well.
Well it's my last day in Brighton and while I'm excited to be going on to Amsterdam, I'm also pretty sad to be leaving this place. The people are friendly, and very generous. I really enjoyed getting to know my coworkers here and being part of an exciting move to a new office space. Much like SF you can get pretty much everything you need in regards to food. Such a variety of things and places to go.
If I can swing it I'll definitely be back.
24 February
Wednesday
Amsterdam
Well, we took a quick 45 min flight over to Amsterdam. got through customs and a car was waiting for us and took us right to the hotel. I checked into my room and wow was it tiny. On top of that it's an additional 17 Euros for internet access, per day! WTF? So, after sleeping on it I decided to change rooms and get a larger one (sure, I'll pay an additional 13E) and free intent with a balcony.
Had an early 10am meeting with our IT rep here at the new office, worked with him on getting things setup. He was quite the talker, and didn't quite get what I was wanting but we worked it out. He had his colleague (much more technical) help me and we have made some major progress!
Purchased a bunch of equipment for the office and called it a day. We ended up going out for a great sushi meal and later for drinks. Having a bunch of fun here in this little town. I'd love to do some shopping but not sure I can afford it.
Got back to my room and after coming in from a smoke on the balcony.. saw a mouse! Didn't freak out, just went with it and went to bed. Only to be woken up 1/2 hour later by partyers next door having a good old-fashioned smoke fest. Which wafted into my room, due to the fact we're sharing a connecting door. Had to call downstairs and the hotel stopped the noise immediately. Whew, coulda been ugly.
25 February
Thursday
We went to a fabulous breakfast this morning, fresh squeezed orange juice, homemade croissant with strawberry jam, omelette with "old cheese" bacon and tomato with a cup of fresh coffee. Can I eat like this every day? Where's the gym!!!
Tuesday--
Finishing up in Brighton
Last night had the most amazing dinner with coworkers and the owner of the flats we stay in. He took us to Mascara, a Moroccan restaurant with really good food. We had so much of it. He is an amazing story-teller and has so many things going on, so down-to-earth and easy to talk to. My coworkers n I had a great time and we were sharing all sorts of wonderful food with each other. One of my new favourites is called Halloumi cheese. It's Greek in origin and it's squeaky and fries up really well.
Well it's my last day in Brighton and while I'm excited to be going on to Amsterdam, I'm also pretty sad to be leaving this place. The people are friendly, and very generous. I really enjoyed getting to know my coworkers here and being part of an exciting move to a new office space. Much like SF you can get pretty much everything you need in regards to food. Such a variety of things and places to go.
If I can swing it I'll definitely be back.
24 February
Wednesday
Amsterdam
Well, we took a quick 45 min flight over to Amsterdam. got through customs and a car was waiting for us and took us right to the hotel. I checked into my room and wow was it tiny. On top of that it's an additional 17 Euros for internet access, per day! WTF? So, after sleeping on it I decided to change rooms and get a larger one (sure, I'll pay an additional 13E) and free intent with a balcony.
Had an early 10am meeting with our IT rep here at the new office, worked with him on getting things setup. He was quite the talker, and didn't quite get what I was wanting but we worked it out. He had his colleague (much more technical) help me and we have made some major progress!
Purchased a bunch of equipment for the office and called it a day. We ended up going out for a great sushi meal and later for drinks. Having a bunch of fun here in this little town. I'd love to do some shopping but not sure I can afford it.
Got back to my room and after coming in from a smoke on the balcony.. saw a mouse! Didn't freak out, just went with it and went to bed. Only to be woken up 1/2 hour later by partyers next door having a good old-fashioned smoke fest. Which wafted into my room, due to the fact we're sharing a connecting door. Had to call downstairs and the hotel stopped the noise immediately. Whew, coulda been ugly.
25 February
Thursday
We went to a fabulous breakfast this morning, fresh squeezed orange juice, homemade croissant with strawberry jam, omelette with "old cheese" bacon and tomato with a cup of fresh coffee. Can I eat like this every day? Where's the gym!!!
Monday, February 22, 2010
UK Trip, continued
Well, I've been here now for 2 full days (or more, I can't tell). I finally got a decent nights sleep! Amazing how having at least 7 hours (contiguous I might add) of sleep can make a body feel good. I think I'm finally caught up with normal time, tho sleep deprived still.
Last night went out with a few friends and coworkers after work and had a really good time. Went to this fun bar across the street called "3 Jolly Butchers". Typical Irish pub from the looks of it. Good Guinness, tight cramped atmosphere. Then walked over to a restaurant (can't quite remember the name) and that was indeed a cramped space but great food and company. By the 2nd Guinness I was nodding off and couldn't wait for bed. Had the venison chili which was so good along with a corn n polenta mash. Bit bland, but worked it into the chili. Was a really fun evening.
I wish I could say the same for this office move we've just completed. Unfortunately, it looks like our phone company, BT (British Telecom) really sucks. They've not configured our phone lines properly, nor our internet connection. So, while I wanted to nap yesterday I was dealing with all sorts of problems with them. My coworker has been fabulous and so helpful. Getting me whatever I need while she's helping the office manager. However, by Saturday afternoon we got it all working. I was totally falling asleep at dinner, but it's now all working.
Been very very cold here (30s) and even had a bit of sleet the other day. The streets are cramped n tiny and I have no idea how anyone drives over here. The town is quite cute and I can see why it's a touristy spot. I'm looking forward to spending tomorrow (Sunday) just wandering around and seeing more of it.
21 February
Sunday -- Weather is miserable! Very bitter cold and very wet out there today! Woke up rather late and met up with my coworker to run some errands and then ate a fabulous place called Nia's on 87-88 Trafalgar St here in Brighton. Great food and coffee. Ahhh the bacon. After brunch we came back to the office to do a bit more work and then decided we needed to get a manicure. Was quite a bit of fun and even got a couple of my nails painted black. Matte black, thank you very much.
We were both so wiped out that we each went to our separate apartments and made dinner for ourselves and I promptly fell asleep at 6, only to wake up starving at 8 and made myself a bite before heading off to bed.
22 February
Monday morning came around way too quickly I have to say. But, we got here in plenty of time to start getting everything finalised before the rest of the work folk showed. by the time lunch arrived at 1.00 everyone was pretty much at their desk being productive. I love that sorta day.
Back to work!
Last night went out with a few friends and coworkers after work and had a really good time. Went to this fun bar across the street called "3 Jolly Butchers". Typical Irish pub from the looks of it. Good Guinness, tight cramped atmosphere. Then walked over to a restaurant (can't quite remember the name) and that was indeed a cramped space but great food and company. By the 2nd Guinness I was nodding off and couldn't wait for bed. Had the venison chili which was so good along with a corn n polenta mash. Bit bland, but worked it into the chili. Was a really fun evening.
I wish I could say the same for this office move we've just completed. Unfortunately, it looks like our phone company, BT (British Telecom) really sucks. They've not configured our phone lines properly, nor our internet connection. So, while I wanted to nap yesterday I was dealing with all sorts of problems with them. My coworker has been fabulous and so helpful. Getting me whatever I need while she's helping the office manager. However, by Saturday afternoon we got it all working. I was totally falling asleep at dinner, but it's now all working.
Been very very cold here (30s) and even had a bit of sleet the other day. The streets are cramped n tiny and I have no idea how anyone drives over here. The town is quite cute and I can see why it's a touristy spot. I'm looking forward to spending tomorrow (Sunday) just wandering around and seeing more of it.
21 February
Sunday -- Weather is miserable! Very bitter cold and very wet out there today! Woke up rather late and met up with my coworker to run some errands and then ate a fabulous place called Nia's on 87-88 Trafalgar St here in Brighton. Great food and coffee. Ahhh the bacon. After brunch we came back to the office to do a bit more work and then decided we needed to get a manicure. Was quite a bit of fun and even got a couple of my nails painted black. Matte black, thank you very much.
We were both so wiped out that we each went to our separate apartments and made dinner for ourselves and I promptly fell asleep at 6, only to wake up starving at 8 and made myself a bite before heading off to bed.
22 February
Monday morning came around way too quickly I have to say. But, we got here in plenty of time to start getting everything finalised before the rest of the work folk showed. by the time lunch arrived at 1.00 everyone was pretty much at their desk being productive. I love that sorta day.
Back to work!
Friday, February 19, 2010
UK Trip Day 1 & 2
Day 1
So, made it to the airport and through security in plenty of time. Flight was on time, and I have to say Virgin Atlantic is really good to their Premium Economy customers. I figured I'd have dinner, take a melatonin, have a drink, watch a movie and I'd pass right out.
No.
Well, I did eat and then watch the movie District 9 (compelling, disturbing and all too real). But, the little boy who sat in front of me, age 5, decided he wanted to talk all night. Kids are kids, so I didn't have too much of a problem with him except when he was grabbing my leg or leaning over the edge of the seat to say hi to me. The problem I had was with his mom. She was actively engaging him in patty-cake, games, talking fairly loudly, getting him riled up. About the time(s) I would start to fall asleep he would spout off something.
This went on for quite awhile, and when he finally did a whole countdown (not in an inside voice mind you) all the way from 10 to 1 and then yelled "Blast Off!" I had it. I leaned over his seat, looked at his mom and told her that others are trying to sleep. Her reply… "I know, I just told him not to and he's a child and all". Sorry mom, it's your responsibility to keep your kid under control. Have a care for those around you perhaps?
All I can say is, he didn't get much sleep. I'm glad I won't have to deal with his tantrums later on.
Onward, I ended up also watching Julie & Julia, very cute movie I think.. made me want to start cooking again!
Here's proof I finally landed in Britain!
Took a cab to Brighton, got there so much faster than the typical coach of 3 hours. This place is a cute little town, along with our company-held apartment. The really fun part is that each person who has stayed here leaves something along with a journal entry of their time. I love that continuity it provides.
Brighton is freezing, lots of wind n rain, but it's a cute town. Looking forward to seeing more of it tomorrow. Coworker n I went to the local grocery and got a few things for making up breakfast and dinner. Which we did tonight while watching tav and recounting the day. With a warm cup of milk to aid me in getting some deep sleep and watching a bit of tav, I'm fading. Dunno how long I've been up exactly, but it's got to be least 30 hours or more. Night!
Day 2 (or 1.5) -- I slept from 9p GMT to 2a. Been up ever since. But, I was able to make a nice breakfast, have loads of coffee and catch up on emails n such. Oh, and update Facebook too.
Now it's 10am and I'm at the office, starting to be productive even. More to come.
So, made it to the airport and through security in plenty of time. Flight was on time, and I have to say Virgin Atlantic is really good to their Premium Economy customers. I figured I'd have dinner, take a melatonin, have a drink, watch a movie and I'd pass right out.
No.
Well, I did eat and then watch the movie District 9 (compelling, disturbing and all too real). But, the little boy who sat in front of me, age 5, decided he wanted to talk all night. Kids are kids, so I didn't have too much of a problem with him except when he was grabbing my leg or leaning over the edge of the seat to say hi to me. The problem I had was with his mom. She was actively engaging him in patty-cake, games, talking fairly loudly, getting him riled up. About the time(s) I would start to fall asleep he would spout off something.
This went on for quite awhile, and when he finally did a whole countdown (not in an inside voice mind you) all the way from 10 to 1 and then yelled "Blast Off!" I had it. I leaned over his seat, looked at his mom and told her that others are trying to sleep. Her reply… "I know, I just told him not to and he's a child and all". Sorry mom, it's your responsibility to keep your kid under control. Have a care for those around you perhaps?
All I can say is, he didn't get much sleep. I'm glad I won't have to deal with his tantrums later on.
Onward, I ended up also watching Julie & Julia, very cute movie I think.. made me want to start cooking again!
Here's proof I finally landed in Britain!
Took a cab to Brighton, got there so much faster than the typical coach of 3 hours. This place is a cute little town, along with our company-held apartment. The really fun part is that each person who has stayed here leaves something along with a journal entry of their time. I love that continuity it provides.
Brighton is freezing, lots of wind n rain, but it's a cute town. Looking forward to seeing more of it tomorrow. Coworker n I went to the local grocery and got a few things for making up breakfast and dinner. Which we did tonight while watching tav and recounting the day. With a warm cup of milk to aid me in getting some deep sleep and watching a bit of tav, I'm fading. Dunno how long I've been up exactly, but it's got to be least 30 hours or more. Night!
Day 2 (or 1.5) -- I slept from 9p GMT to 2a. Been up ever since. But, I was able to make a nice breakfast, have loads of coffee and catch up on emails n such. Oh, and update Facebook too.
Now it's 10am and I'm at the office, starting to be productive even. More to come.
UK Trip cont...
Day 1
So, made it to the airport and through security in plenty of time. Flight was on time, and I have to say Virgin Atlantic is really good to their Premium Economy customers. I figured I'd have dinner, take a melatonin, have a drink, watch a movie and I'd pass right out.
No.
Well, I did eat and then watch the movie District 9 (compelling, disturbing and all too real). But, the little boy who sat in front of me, age 5, decided he wanted to talk all night. Kids are kids, so I didn't have too much of a problem with him except when he was grabbing my leg or leaning over the edge of the seat to say hi to me. The problem I had was with his mom. She was actively engaging him in patty-cake, games, talking fairly loudly, getting him riled up. About the time(s) I would start to fall asleep he would spout off something.
This went on for quite awhile, and when he finally did a whole countdown (not in an inside voice mind you) all the way from 10 to 1 and then yelled "Blast Off!" I had it. I leaned over his seat, looked at his mom and told her that others are trying to sleep. Her reply… "I know, I just told him not to and he's a child and all". Sorry mom, it's your responsibility to keep your kid under control. Have a care for those around you perhaps?
All I can say is, he didn't get much sleep. I'm glad I won't have to deal with his tantrums later on.
Onward, I ended up also watching Julie & Julia, very cute movie I think.. made me want to start cooking again!
We landed. I've finally made it to the UK.
Took a cab to Brighton, got there so much faster than the typical coach of 3 hours. This place is a cute little town, along with our company-held apartment. The really fun part is that each person who has stayed here leaves something along with a journal entry of their time. I love that continuity it provides.
Brighton is freezing, lots of wind n rain. Hopefully it'll clear up Looking forward to seeing more of it tomorrow. Coworker n I went to the local grocery and got a few things for making up breakfast and dinner. Which we did tonight while watching tav and recounting the day. With a warm cup of milk to aid me in getting some deep sleep and watching a bit of tav, I'm fading. Dunno how long I've been up exactly, but it's got to be least 30 hours or more. Night!
Day 2 (or 1.5) -- I slept from 9p GMT to 2a. Been up ever since. But, I was able to make a nice breakfast, have loads of coffee and catch up on emails n such. Oh, and update Facebook too.
Now it's 10am and I'm at the office, starting to be productive even. More to come.
So, made it to the airport and through security in plenty of time. Flight was on time, and I have to say Virgin Atlantic is really good to their Premium Economy customers. I figured I'd have dinner, take a melatonin, have a drink, watch a movie and I'd pass right out.
No.
Well, I did eat and then watch the movie District 9 (compelling, disturbing and all too real). But, the little boy who sat in front of me, age 5, decided he wanted to talk all night. Kids are kids, so I didn't have too much of a problem with him except when he was grabbing my leg or leaning over the edge of the seat to say hi to me. The problem I had was with his mom. She was actively engaging him in patty-cake, games, talking fairly loudly, getting him riled up. About the time(s) I would start to fall asleep he would spout off something.
This went on for quite awhile, and when he finally did a whole countdown (not in an inside voice mind you) all the way from 10 to 1 and then yelled "Blast Off!" I had it. I leaned over his seat, looked at his mom and told her that others are trying to sleep. Her reply… "I know, I just told him not to and he's a child and all". Sorry mom, it's your responsibility to keep your kid under control. Have a care for those around you perhaps?
All I can say is, he didn't get much sleep. I'm glad I won't have to deal with his tantrums later on.
Onward, I ended up also watching Julie & Julia, very cute movie I think.. made me want to start cooking again!
We landed. I've finally made it to the UK.
Took a cab to Brighton, got there so much faster than the typical coach of 3 hours. This place is a cute little town, along with our company-held apartment. The really fun part is that each person who has stayed here leaves something along with a journal entry of their time. I love that continuity it provides.
Brighton is freezing, lots of wind n rain. Hopefully it'll clear up Looking forward to seeing more of it tomorrow. Coworker n I went to the local grocery and got a few things for making up breakfast and dinner. Which we did tonight while watching tav and recounting the day. With a warm cup of milk to aid me in getting some deep sleep and watching a bit of tav, I'm fading. Dunno how long I've been up exactly, but it's got to be least 30 hours or more. Night!
Day 2 (or 1.5) -- I slept from 9p GMT to 2a. Been up ever since. But, I was able to make a nice breakfast, have loads of coffee and catch up on emails n such. Oh, and update Facebook too.
Now it's 10am and I'm at the office, starting to be productive even. More to come.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
UK Trip 101
So begins my next adventure.. my very first travel to the UK. Sure, I've travelled many places, namely Japan, Thailand, Mexico, Bali.. even a fun diving adventure in Nanaimo, BC. but never been to the UK. Thats about to change.
I was thrilled when, in the middle of December, my boss asked me "Is your passport current?". We then took a good month or so to iron out the details but as of Wednesday I'm taking off to Brighton first, then Amsterdam and then some vacation time in London. Yay!
I'll blog more about it as events unfold.
I was thrilled when, in the middle of December, my boss asked me "Is your passport current?". We then took a good month or so to iron out the details but as of Wednesday I'm taking off to Brighton first, then Amsterdam and then some vacation time in London. Yay!
I'll blog more about it as events unfold.
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