Sunday I had planned originally to go out to church in Versailles as my
plan was to go to Versailles for the day. But in the end I woke up too
late to go there and too late to make it to any churches in Paris since I
had not factored in the train timing. Sunday was June 21 - the longest day
of the year - mid-summer's day - and in France the "fete de la
musique" (music holiday). I eventually made it into Paris and decided to
make it a relaxing day as it was the Lord's Day and I didn't want to spend
it doing crazy things (not sure what those things would be, but...). My
bright idea was to get a river cruise and just enjoy the time on the boat
and see the sights of Paris. There are several boats you can do, but in
the end I chose the Batobus (boat-bus) which is like a river taxi. It
isn't as nice as the tour boats, nor does it provide a dialogue about the
places you are passing, but you can get a day pass and go on it whenever
you want and get on and off wherever you want. This seemed great to me so
I got my day ticket and started down the river. It was sunny and beautiful
as I watched as we passed the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, the
palace and many other sights. From time to time I would get off the boat
and walk around and then get back on a little later (as another boat would
come by). I spent a good part of the day here sitting in the parks near
the Louvre (extensions from Champs Elysees). They would have some ponds
with seats around them, so I would sit there for an hour or so and listen
to church music and my Jesus the Christ book on mp3.
Later that evening I met up with Goody from the Paris office and we had
dinner. She had wanted to pick a quaint, typical French restaurant and
told me where to meet her. I took the metro (subway) to the station and
was very surprised to notice I was the only white person in the train
station. I figured she had taken me to the Harlem of Paris. It was very
crowded and just trying to find her was difficult. When we met I told her
how diverse this area was and she laughed. She was shocked by the crowd
(and noise) and said normally this is a very quiet part of Paris and
certainly not the Harlem of Paris. In the end we found out that due to the
Fete de la Musique there was a rap concert in the area. We could hear the
bass pounding as we sat in little cafe and ate our dinner. Goody was
frustrated by the noise and crowd as it was exactly the opposite of what
she was looking for. But for me it was the chance to see another part of
Paris and realize that hip hop is just as big in France. After dinner it
was so crowded we couldn't even get back on the subway. We had to walk to
the next station and I had to take 'the long way home'. Upon arriving back
in Maisons Lafitte (at about 11 PM) I was surprised to see the little town
up and about with music playing everywhere. Families were out, live bands
playing, food being sold. It was quite the party. I stopped and listened
to a few of the groups before making my way back to the hotel. It was fun
to see this festival day and enjoy the longest day of the year in Paris.
Monday was back to work. Afterwards I headed to Paris to make sure to buy
my wife and mother something from Paris. I was going to meet Goody again
for lunch, but in the end I was tired and headed back early to the hotel.
This was my last night in France as the next day I was going to head back
to London. I wanted to eat something nice to remember my last night there,
but in the end the part of town I was in had little to offer and I was too
tired to go walking around looking for something. I grabbed a six pack of
chicken mcnuggets and headed back to the hotel. Not a very romantic way to
spend my last night in Paris.
Tuesday I finished training at the office and took a taxi to the train
station to take the Eurostar back to London. My last lunch was at a fun
cafe where I had a wonderful salad with some colleagues from the office. I
boarded the train and enjoyed the views as we sped through the countrysides
of France and the UK. Upon arriving in London I headed to King's Cross
(the home of the Hogwarts Express) and took the subway back to my hotel.
Tired again I ordered room service. Fish and chips. A little too fancy -
so not that great. But was just too tired to go out. My journey to Paris
was over.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Paris - Summer 2009 (Part 1)
When I arrived Wednesday night in Paris, I asked the front desk to give me a wakeup call at 7:30 AM. I awoke Thursday morning surprised to see it was already 8:30. I was supposed to be at the office at 9, so I quickly showered, didn't shave and realized there was no iron for my clothes. On the way out I asked why I didn't get the wakeup call. They smiled and said in a deep french accent, "we are so sorry."
Arriving at the office (thank you Google Maps) by foot, I realized I was pretty much the first person at the office. I had to wait for someone to show up since I don't have a key to get in. I set up for my training and then was told that the trains were backed up so I didn't get to start training until about 10:30. This was the start of a trend while in Paris. This is perhaps one reason Paris reminded me so much of Brazil last time I was here.
I ate a quick lunch by going to a bakery down the street and getting a wonderful sandwich on a bagguette, an orangina, and a vanilla e'claire. After finishing training at the office I returned to the hotel, quickly changed and headed out to catch the train to Paris. Where I am staying in France is called Maisons Lafitte. It is a suburb of Paris and reminds me of like Scarsdale in NY. They have a train (similar to Metro North in NY) that you get to go into the city. It took me a while to figure out how to buy a ticket. I noticed a kiosk that appeared to sell tickets but I couldn't figure out how it worked at first. After watching a few people I finally realized what I had to do and was able to get a ticket. I boarded the next train and set off for Paris.
I stopped at the Arc de Triomphe which is about where I had stayed last time in Paris. I was once again amazed at the beauty and size of this structure. I then decided to walk down to the Eiffel Tower. I had visited it briefly last time I was here, but only saw it at night. I must say that the last time I was in Paris I wasn’t very impressed with the structure. This time I was. I could see it from time to time as I walked down to its location. It was even better up close. I sat and just looked at the amazing tower and watched all of the people, speaking dozens of languages, taking photos and queuing up to ascend the tower.
At first I had no desire to go up the tower. But then I noticed you could go up stairs – and it was pretty cheap (about 5 Euros - $7 USD). So I decided to do it. It was about 9 when I began the climb and was glad to get some exercise. It actually wasn’t nearly as difficult as I had anticipated. The sun was about setting around 10 PM and I was able to see the whole city bathed in a golden sunlight. I tried calling my mom – but nobody was home. I then called Tevia and told her how much I wish she was here. Paris is for lovers. I was starving at the top (actually the 2nd tier – you have to take the elevator to the 3rd tier). So I went to buy a sandwich and the couple in front of me (speaking French) bought a hot dog. I thought who would possibly buy a hot dog on top of the Eiffel Tower? And then I saw the hot dog – and I quickly ordered the same. This was no American hot dog. It was a baguette with some European sausages stuffed in the middle with mayo. It was wonderful. I ate as I watched the sun set and looked for the sites in Paris I could recognize. Afterwards I took the subway to the train and headed home. I got home very late. Before heading up to my room I asked for a wakeup call again.
The next morning I awoke and noticed it was 8:00. No wakeup call! I arrived at work at 9 AM again, and was again one of the first people there. My training went well. Afterwards one the director of the France office and another manager asked if I was free for dinner. I was. So after they finished working (around 7:30 or 8) we went to a little café near the office. I ordered a steak and fries (typical French meal) and it was pretty good. I don’t love steak, but it was a good change of pace. We then ordered dessert and I ordered the house special which was French toast with a chocolate sauce on top. This dessert was one of the best I have ever eaten. It was amazing. I hope to get it again before I leave. Dinner lasted quite long and afterwards I went home to go to bed.
Saturday I slept in pretty late (didn’t ask for a wakeup call). I got some quick breakfast at the hotel and set off for Paris again. This time I walked down the Champs Ellysee. I stopped at a few stores looking for something to buy for people I care about, but nothing caught my eye. Eventually I ended up at the Louvre Museum. I entered the pyramid and went down to buy tickets. Tickets are 9 Euros, but as I was standing in line two cute girls came up to me and started talking to me in French. (This always makes me happy that people think I speak French). I politely told them in French that I really don’t speak French. They asked if I speak English and I said yes. They then told me they had accidentally purchased one too many tickets and would sell me a ticket for 4.5 Euros. I told them I’d gladly pay 5, so I got a good discount. I was hungry so before I went into the museum (the main part) I went to a café and bought a curry chicken wrap and noticed they had Magnum ice cream bars. These were something I had fallen in love with in Hong Kong (as had Tevia). So I took advantage and bought one. It was awesome. It made me laugh that some of the highlights of my European trip were memories (food) of Hong Kong.
The museum was as cool as ever. They moved the picture of La Jaconde (Mona Lisa) from the last time I was here. I enjoyed seeing the paintings – and it always amazes me how many of the paintings that so many people admire are of our Lord Jesus Christ. I also enjoyed the sculptures and was able to spend a little more time looking at them this time. I particularly enjoyed Michelangelo’s “Dying Slave’ or something like that.
After the Louvre I walked to Notre Dame. I spent quite a bit of time looking around this area. I went into the church this time, too. It was beautiful. There was a mass going (which seemed weird to have a mass with visitors walking around – how distracting!). But the whole chapel was awe-inspiring and certainly made me reflect on my religion.
As the day was coming to an end (though the sun still up – though Saturday was mostly cloudy and lightly rained at times) I headed home. This time when I took the subway to the train station I forgot to buy the train ticket and just got directly on the train. Remembering once it started I had to make a decision. Do I just take it to the end and jump the bars (or sometimes you just can walk through anyway) or get off and buy a ticket. I decided to get off and buy a ticket at the next stop. Bad choice! Security was set up at this exit (as this is the first exit out of Paris and I guess a lot of people purposely don’t pay for the train ticket). They stopped me and told me I had to pay a fine of 25 EUROs. I tried to explain that I had made a mistake and that 25 EUROs was a ridiculous amount to pay. They patiently listened to me and kept saying “25 Euros”. The same thing had happened to a couple of other people, too. In the end I could not talk my way out of it and I had to pay the fine! I was mad. I got back on the next train and of course when I got off at my stop the gates were just wide open to leave. I would have had no problems getting out – wouldn’t have even had to jump the gate. I guess it makes for a good story. That was the end of Saturday.
Arriving at the office (thank you Google Maps) by foot, I realized I was pretty much the first person at the office. I had to wait for someone to show up since I don't have a key to get in. I set up for my training and then was told that the trains were backed up so I didn't get to start training until about 10:30. This was the start of a trend while in Paris. This is perhaps one reason Paris reminded me so much of Brazil last time I was here.
I ate a quick lunch by going to a bakery down the street and getting a wonderful sandwich on a bagguette, an orangina, and a vanilla e'claire. After finishing training at the office I returned to the hotel, quickly changed and headed out to catch the train to Paris. Where I am staying in France is called Maisons Lafitte. It is a suburb of Paris and reminds me of like Scarsdale in NY. They have a train (similar to Metro North in NY) that you get to go into the city. It took me a while to figure out how to buy a ticket. I noticed a kiosk that appeared to sell tickets but I couldn't figure out how it worked at first. After watching a few people I finally realized what I had to do and was able to get a ticket. I boarded the next train and set off for Paris.
I stopped at the Arc de Triomphe which is about where I had stayed last time in Paris. I was once again amazed at the beauty and size of this structure. I then decided to walk down to the Eiffel Tower. I had visited it briefly last time I was here, but only saw it at night. I must say that the last time I was in Paris I wasn’t very impressed with the structure. This time I was. I could see it from time to time as I walked down to its location. It was even better up close. I sat and just looked at the amazing tower and watched all of the people, speaking dozens of languages, taking photos and queuing up to ascend the tower.
At first I had no desire to go up the tower. But then I noticed you could go up stairs – and it was pretty cheap (about 5 Euros - $7 USD). So I decided to do it. It was about 9 when I began the climb and was glad to get some exercise. It actually wasn’t nearly as difficult as I had anticipated. The sun was about setting around 10 PM and I was able to see the whole city bathed in a golden sunlight. I tried calling my mom – but nobody was home. I then called Tevia and told her how much I wish she was here. Paris is for lovers. I was starving at the top (actually the 2nd tier – you have to take the elevator to the 3rd tier). So I went to buy a sandwich and the couple in front of me (speaking French) bought a hot dog. I thought who would possibly buy a hot dog on top of the Eiffel Tower? And then I saw the hot dog – and I quickly ordered the same. This was no American hot dog. It was a baguette with some European sausages stuffed in the middle with mayo. It was wonderful. I ate as I watched the sun set and looked for the sites in Paris I could recognize. Afterwards I took the subway to the train and headed home. I got home very late. Before heading up to my room I asked for a wakeup call again.
The next morning I awoke and noticed it was 8:00. No wakeup call! I arrived at work at 9 AM again, and was again one of the first people there. My training went well. Afterwards one the director of the France office and another manager asked if I was free for dinner. I was. So after they finished working (around 7:30 or 8) we went to a little café near the office. I ordered a steak and fries (typical French meal) and it was pretty good. I don’t love steak, but it was a good change of pace. We then ordered dessert and I ordered the house special which was French toast with a chocolate sauce on top. This dessert was one of the best I have ever eaten. It was amazing. I hope to get it again before I leave. Dinner lasted quite long and afterwards I went home to go to bed.
Saturday I slept in pretty late (didn’t ask for a wakeup call). I got some quick breakfast at the hotel and set off for Paris again. This time I walked down the Champs Ellysee. I stopped at a few stores looking for something to buy for people I care about, but nothing caught my eye. Eventually I ended up at the Louvre Museum. I entered the pyramid and went down to buy tickets. Tickets are 9 Euros, but as I was standing in line two cute girls came up to me and started talking to me in French. (This always makes me happy that people think I speak French). I politely told them in French that I really don’t speak French. They asked if I speak English and I said yes. They then told me they had accidentally purchased one too many tickets and would sell me a ticket for 4.5 Euros. I told them I’d gladly pay 5, so I got a good discount. I was hungry so before I went into the museum (the main part) I went to a café and bought a curry chicken wrap and noticed they had Magnum ice cream bars. These were something I had fallen in love with in Hong Kong (as had Tevia). So I took advantage and bought one. It was awesome. It made me laugh that some of the highlights of my European trip were memories (food) of Hong Kong.
The museum was as cool as ever. They moved the picture of La Jaconde (Mona Lisa) from the last time I was here. I enjoyed seeing the paintings – and it always amazes me how many of the paintings that so many people admire are of our Lord Jesus Christ. I also enjoyed the sculptures and was able to spend a little more time looking at them this time. I particularly enjoyed Michelangelo’s “Dying Slave’ or something like that.
After the Louvre I walked to Notre Dame. I spent quite a bit of time looking around this area. I went into the church this time, too. It was beautiful. There was a mass going (which seemed weird to have a mass with visitors walking around – how distracting!). But the whole chapel was awe-inspiring and certainly made me reflect on my religion.
As the day was coming to an end (though the sun still up – though Saturday was mostly cloudy and lightly rained at times) I headed home. This time when I took the subway to the train station I forgot to buy the train ticket and just got directly on the train. Remembering once it started I had to make a decision. Do I just take it to the end and jump the bars (or sometimes you just can walk through anyway) or get off and buy a ticket. I decided to get off and buy a ticket at the next stop. Bad choice! Security was set up at this exit (as this is the first exit out of Paris and I guess a lot of people purposely don’t pay for the train ticket). They stopped me and told me I had to pay a fine of 25 EUROs. I tried to explain that I had made a mistake and that 25 EUROs was a ridiculous amount to pay. They patiently listened to me and kept saying “25 Euros”. The same thing had happened to a couple of other people, too. In the end I could not talk my way out of it and I had to pay the fine! I was mad. I got back on the next train and of course when I got off at my stop the gates were just wide open to leave. I would have had no problems getting out – wouldn’t have even had to jump the gate. I guess it makes for a good story. That was the end of Saturday.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Transformers II: The war of the Critics
Let me just start by saying this is and will probably be my favorite movie of the year. The movie was exactly as expected and it was delivered with perfection.
Now, why is the reviewing world so upset at such a success? I don't get it. They all hate on it like its success will somehow hurt them. They act as if other's viewing the movie was a failure on their part to warn them of the danger. If they think its so easy to make a movie that will sell millions why not go an make one themselves? Because they can't! They don't connect with the average American's reason to watch a movie. Which is to escape, and relax while being entertained. Further, when a well known book or cartoon is added it is second nature to enjoy the story being told again. The reviewers can't except this. They go to a movie to pick it apart, not to be entertained, and that is why they fail. People like mindless action movies! People like to suspend belief.
My second favorite movie will probably be Harry Potter or G.I. Joe because I connect with the themes. I can only imagine how awesome Harry Potter 6 could be if done by an entertainer like Michael Bay and not some idealist trying to prove something or teach the audience some random life lesson. Or spending 30 minutes of the movie scanning a mountain-side(that's not exploding ... only joking). Just take the script from the book and act out the best scenes!
And I have a question for all the reviewers that claim these "BOY" movies are stereotypical, hormonal excuses to entertain teenage boys. There were just as many women at the midnight showing as men. Trying to discard a movie by pretending its for only one sex is just as sexist and stereotypical as saying the movie itself is stereotypical and that logic is fail.
I hope this movie breaks all the records and we see a third one. They left it open for another movie and that makes me happy. If you liked the first one, you will like the second.
Now, why is the reviewing world so upset at such a success? I don't get it. They all hate on it like its success will somehow hurt them. They act as if other's viewing the movie was a failure on their part to warn them of the danger. If they think its so easy to make a movie that will sell millions why not go an make one themselves? Because they can't! They don't connect with the average American's reason to watch a movie. Which is to escape, and relax while being entertained. Further, when a well known book or cartoon is added it is second nature to enjoy the story being told again. The reviewers can't except this. They go to a movie to pick it apart, not to be entertained, and that is why they fail. People like mindless action movies! People like to suspend belief.
My second favorite movie will probably be Harry Potter or G.I. Joe because I connect with the themes. I can only imagine how awesome Harry Potter 6 could be if done by an entertainer like Michael Bay and not some idealist trying to prove something or teach the audience some random life lesson. Or spending 30 minutes of the movie scanning a mountain-side(that's not exploding ... only joking). Just take the script from the book and act out the best scenes!
And I have a question for all the reviewers that claim these "BOY" movies are stereotypical, hormonal excuses to entertain teenage boys. There were just as many women at the midnight showing as men. Trying to discard a movie by pretending its for only one sex is just as sexist and stereotypical as saying the movie itself is stereotypical and that logic is fail.
I hope this movie breaks all the records and we see a third one. They left it open for another movie and that makes me happy. If you liked the first one, you will like the second.
The art of being lonely
I was contemplating at the temple last night, and thinking of each of my children and their spouses. With everyone being so spread out, the word lonely appeared. I thought of Tom, and how being on a mission can be lonely at times. At how for months he didn't have command of the language, and knew no one. I thought of Kathy, no one able to understand her in Fiji but her companion, not being able to express herself clearly. I thought of Jimmy, missing his sweet wife every single day. I thought of Bret, who, although he loves to travel, must have some thoughts go through his head, like, I wish Tevia was her to see this, or my boys, or my family. I thought of Jacob, wishing he could live by someone, happy that he does have some of Tevia's family and Cari's family nearby. And me, missing each child, individually and collectively. I think of each of you every single day. I look at the clock, and go through what Tom would be doing, what time it is in Afghanistan, where Kathy would be, if Tevia is up yet so I can see her light turn green, what Jacob is up to, where Bret is, (I also loved seeing that where-you-were thing).
I remembered being lonely in Fall River, not knowing even one single person, and the challenge it was to force myself to meet my neighbors and make some friends. I didn't even belong to the church then, which helps a lot anywhere we go.
Everyone is lonely at times. The reason I thought about it at the temple was, obviously, family. It is another great blessing to be sealed together! We may all have times in our lives we are apart, but we also cherish our times together.
A 16 yr old girl was sealed to her family yesterday. A 21 yr old neighbor of Kathy was killed on a motorcycle this week.
Together-Apart.
Part of this life's cycle.
When pondering my uncle's life, I thought of Doris, and how lonely she will be without him. He was her everything, as crazy as he was.
Fred told Kathy yesterday after the funeral for their neighbor, as he held her tight, "I am so glad we have each other", and wept.
So I repeat to all of you, I am so glad we have each other. I am so glad we love to be together.
If anything happens to me suddenly, we will only be apart for awhile. That is such a comforting thought.
I want you all to know I am ready, and have no regrets. I love my life, and am not one bit afraid of the next one. (no, I am not expecting anything to happen)
It just is weird turning 55, and starting to feel like most of my life has passed.
Intense, and surreal.
I look forward to every moment I get to spend with all of you, each of you, and all my grandkids.
And I am grateful for dad. I am glad we have each other. We do have a very strong love and bond.
As you can see, I get to ponder a lot in the temple.
I remembered being lonely in Fall River, not knowing even one single person, and the challenge it was to force myself to meet my neighbors and make some friends. I didn't even belong to the church then, which helps a lot anywhere we go.
Everyone is lonely at times. The reason I thought about it at the temple was, obviously, family. It is another great blessing to be sealed together! We may all have times in our lives we are apart, but we also cherish our times together.
A 16 yr old girl was sealed to her family yesterday. A 21 yr old neighbor of Kathy was killed on a motorcycle this week.
Together-Apart.
Part of this life's cycle.
When pondering my uncle's life, I thought of Doris, and how lonely she will be without him. He was her everything, as crazy as he was.
Fred told Kathy yesterday after the funeral for their neighbor, as he held her tight, "I am so glad we have each other", and wept.
So I repeat to all of you, I am so glad we have each other. I am so glad we love to be together.
If anything happens to me suddenly, we will only be apart for awhile. That is such a comforting thought.
I want you all to know I am ready, and have no regrets. I love my life, and am not one bit afraid of the next one. (no, I am not expecting anything to happen)
It just is weird turning 55, and starting to feel like most of my life has passed.
Intense, and surreal.
I look forward to every moment I get to spend with all of you, each of you, and all my grandkids.
And I am grateful for dad. I am glad we have each other. We do have a very strong love and bond.
As you can see, I get to ponder a lot in the temple.
Friday, June 26, 2009
As I Wait
So I was supposed to meet Jimmy online awhile ago and he hasn't come on so I thought maybe I should blog in the mean time. I do not have much time but I will tell you this... I am amazed. I knew that America was special and that the rest of the world was different but experiencing it first hand has opened my eyes to a whole new world. I know my conditions in the village are a little extreme but even the house we are staying at on the weekends here in Labasa does not even compare to home in the US. I am so glad I have this experience and despite the bugs, bites, and impossibleness of ever being actually clean lol, I have fallen in love with Fiji, the people, and of course the children that we get to teach and spend time with. This has definitely been an unforgettable and life changing time. Lol I can not wait to show you all pictures. The kids love taking pictures. The cool thing is that even though these kids literally have nothing. They sleep on the ground and usually are fed like nothing, they are so happy. They have taught me lots of fun games and have truly taught me that stuff is just stupid stuff. Anyways thats it for now. It will be fun telling stories of everything when I get back home. I am happy and I love Fiji! And I can't wait to travel the rest of the world with Jimmy as life proceeds!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Benjamin Button review
Although I had heard this was good, and Brad Pitt won several awards, as did the movie, I was not excited to see it, so we waited and Netlixed it. I had previously read 2 books on the same premise, of being born old and getting younger. This movie was long and slow-moving, but, I am glad I watched it. Dad and I both cried, but it also had some deep thought-provoking themes and some tender moments. When the first woman picks up little ugly baby Benjamin, and says it is still a child of God, that was touching. Later, as the plot thickens, there is a sense of forgiveness, a real love story, and a deep meaning to the word 'age'. I was feeling pretty old, just turning 55, but I actually needed to see that movie. All ages have their seasons and their purpose. There are a few silly love-making scenes, probably thrown in there for Brad Pitt's fans, where they make love all over the place, including naked in the sand. It is too bad that they feel that have to use that tool to portray a real serious love relationship. I probably wouldn't need to see it again, but I left it feeling sweet, sad, and peaceful all at the same time.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
London Pt. 1
(Post sent via email - apologize for formatting if bad)
If I've ever needed proof that I am an idiot, the start of my trip will do.
Tevia dropped me off at the airport Saturday afternoon and I walked over to
the ticket kiosk to get my tickets. When I went to print them I noticed
something very odd. My flight from Chicago to London wasn't until Sunday
morning. I thought that there must have been some mistake so I took out my
itinerary - and sure enough, the second part of my flight wasn't until the
next day. I don't know how I could have been so dumb not to notice that
(and believe me, I quickly checked my return ticket!). That meant I was
going to have to get a hotel in Chicago for the evening. My darling admin
(Tevia) came to the rescue and was able to get me a reservation so that
when I landed I could go right to the hotel. In the end, it wasn't all
that bad. It split the long trip into two parts and my flight the next day
was fine. The only issue: I had planned on having an entire afternoon on
Sunday in London. In the end I arrived just before midnight.
Knowing that I had to start training on Monday (me training people, not
vice versa) I tried to get to sleep quickly. I was able to fall asleep
fairly quick and then woke up about an hour later with a HUGE headache. I
haven't had a headache like this in years. It hurt whatever position I was
in. I had thought to bring some ibuprofin and so popped about 4. After 30
minutes they had not had any effect. I finally reached out to Tevia to see
if talking to her could at least distract me. The trick worked, though I'm
afraid I scared her to death. When I awoke in the morning I felt rested
and good to go. I've had no issues since.
Monday I walked to the office which is a wonderful office situated around a large pond and lawns with ducks and other wildlife. It was sunny. Last
year when I came to London it was sunny the whole time (though chilly).
This time it was perfect. Sunny and warm (not hot). The forecast had said rain every day, but it only rained for about 30 minutes on Monday. After work I headed to the tube and went down to Piccadilly Circus. I ate some Pret there for dinner (fond memories of Hong Kong!). Afterwards it was nearly 8 PM but the sun was still high in the sky. I decided to walk down
to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. It was a great walk through a large park and past old war buildings. I tried to take some pictures. After soaking up Big Ben and area, I walked over to the river Thames and just sat and watched it. The Eye of London was across the river. I chatted with my mom on GTalk and enjoyed the evening. Once in a while it would drizzle, but never enough for me to take out my umbrella.
Tuesday I woke up and did my routine at the office. I had some late
meetings so I got out later than on Monday. I decided to stay in the area
around the office which is called Chiswick. It is like a suburb and is
what I would describe as quaint. I looked up some places to eat around the office and saw that there was a Pizza Express about 2 miles down the road.
This is another place we loved in Hong Kong. So I walked down the street and ate outside while the sun shined (and it was nearly 9). Afterwards I walked a few miles to the river and walked the bridge and then headed back to my hotel.
Wednesday morning I checked out of my hotel, took my luggage over to the office and finished my training there for the day. Caught a taxi to the St. Pancras train station to catch the Eurostar train to Paris. It was fun
being on the train. At first I had the unfortunate luck to have a rather
large and smelly girl sitting next to me. But once we started moving the
guy in the seats on the other side of the aisle got up and so I moved there
and had the entire row to myself. I listed to Jesus the Christ and some
French lessons as I watched the green fields go by and then headed into the chunnel. The chunnel wasn't nearly as long as I thought it was. Around 10 PM I arrived here, got a taxi and arrived at the hotel here.
This hotel is very 'no frills'. Not much English spoken here, though was able to communicate fine. The bed is quite hard (reminds me of Hong Kong). I can't figure out how to work the 'free' internet. But I am happy to be here. Tomorrow I head out to see if I remember where the office is and do my training. Not sure what I'll be doing tomorrow evening. Not much here at the hotel, so if I'm not doing anything with people from the office, I'm sure I'll try to find my way to downtown Paris and take advantage of the fact that the sun does not set here until after 10. It's a great time to be here.
If I've ever needed proof that I am an idiot, the start of my trip will do.
Tevia dropped me off at the airport Saturday afternoon and I walked over to
the ticket kiosk to get my tickets. When I went to print them I noticed
something very odd. My flight from Chicago to London wasn't until Sunday
morning. I thought that there must have been some mistake so I took out my
itinerary - and sure enough, the second part of my flight wasn't until the
next day. I don't know how I could have been so dumb not to notice that
(and believe me, I quickly checked my return ticket!). That meant I was
going to have to get a hotel in Chicago for the evening. My darling admin
(Tevia) came to the rescue and was able to get me a reservation so that
when I landed I could go right to the hotel. In the end, it wasn't all
that bad. It split the long trip into two parts and my flight the next day
was fine. The only issue: I had planned on having an entire afternoon on
Sunday in London. In the end I arrived just before midnight.
Knowing that I had to start training on Monday (me training people, not
vice versa) I tried to get to sleep quickly. I was able to fall asleep
fairly quick and then woke up about an hour later with a HUGE headache. I
haven't had a headache like this in years. It hurt whatever position I was
in. I had thought to bring some ibuprofin and so popped about 4. After 30
minutes they had not had any effect. I finally reached out to Tevia to see
if talking to her could at least distract me. The trick worked, though I'm
afraid I scared her to death. When I awoke in the morning I felt rested
and good to go. I've had no issues since.
Monday I walked to the office which is a wonderful office situated around a large pond and lawns with ducks and other wildlife. It was sunny. Last
year when I came to London it was sunny the whole time (though chilly).
This time it was perfect. Sunny and warm (not hot). The forecast had said rain every day, but it only rained for about 30 minutes on Monday. After work I headed to the tube and went down to Piccadilly Circus. I ate some Pret there for dinner (fond memories of Hong Kong!). Afterwards it was nearly 8 PM but the sun was still high in the sky. I decided to walk down
to Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. It was a great walk through a large park and past old war buildings. I tried to take some pictures. After soaking up Big Ben and area, I walked over to the river Thames and just sat and watched it. The Eye of London was across the river. I chatted with my mom on GTalk and enjoyed the evening. Once in a while it would drizzle, but never enough for me to take out my umbrella.
Tuesday I woke up and did my routine at the office. I had some late
meetings so I got out later than on Monday. I decided to stay in the area
around the office which is called Chiswick. It is like a suburb and is
what I would describe as quaint. I looked up some places to eat around the office and saw that there was a Pizza Express about 2 miles down the road.
This is another place we loved in Hong Kong. So I walked down the street and ate outside while the sun shined (and it was nearly 9). Afterwards I walked a few miles to the river and walked the bridge and then headed back to my hotel.
Wednesday morning I checked out of my hotel, took my luggage over to the office and finished my training there for the day. Caught a taxi to the St. Pancras train station to catch the Eurostar train to Paris. It was fun
being on the train. At first I had the unfortunate luck to have a rather
large and smelly girl sitting next to me. But once we started moving the
guy in the seats on the other side of the aisle got up and so I moved there
and had the entire row to myself. I listed to Jesus the Christ and some
French lessons as I watched the green fields go by and then headed into the chunnel. The chunnel wasn't nearly as long as I thought it was. Around 10 PM I arrived here, got a taxi and arrived at the hotel here.
This hotel is very 'no frills'. Not much English spoken here, though was able to communicate fine. The bed is quite hard (reminds me of Hong Kong). I can't figure out how to work the 'free' internet. But I am happy to be here. Tomorrow I head out to see if I remember where the office is and do my training. Not sure what I'll be doing tomorrow evening. Not much here at the hotel, so if I'm not doing anything with people from the office, I'm sure I'll try to find my way to downtown Paris and take advantage of the fact that the sun does not set here until after 10. It's a great time to be here.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
YM Pres - Trip to Europe
So Sunday we were asked to talk with the bishop after sacrament meeting. I was interested to see which way this would go - was this a calling for Tevia or for me? It could have been either as the Relief Society president is moving soon (Tevia is 1st Counselor) and in the Young Mens program, the president has been sick and overwhelmed. In the end it was for me. The bishop asked me to be the new Young Mens president and to think of some names for counselors. It was a little funny because I was called as YM Pres about two years ago - and then a couple of months later my company asked me to move to Hong Kong. I had joked around with Tevia a couple of weeks ago saying all we need is for the bishop to call me back into that role and then most likely we would end up moving within a few months again. Now that it has happened, we'll see what takes place. I am excited for the new calling and hope to be able to really help the YM. We have 3 active priests - so we will focus n them and hopefully get them on missions, etc.
At the same time my company asked me to go to Europe to do some training (not live unfortunately!). So I will be leaving in a week and a half to spend a week in London and another week in Paris. I am excited. I don't get to fly business (long gone are those days!), but I still look forward to spending some time in both cities. I haven't been to Paris for over 5 years, so I am mostly excited to go there. I will have to brush up on my French and try to maintain my fitness as I will be horribly tempted with good food and laziness at the hotel.
Summer has begun in the Wall home and it is fun to see the boys in their new summer rituals. Right now that consists of summer school, studying Spanish, Wii Fit, and lots of time in the pool. What a wonderful life. Though I certainly enjoyed my childhood - I somedays think my kids have such a great life. All they need now are family members to move close by - so come all ye Grandparents and Uncles and Aunts! Happy Summer.
At the same time my company asked me to go to Europe to do some training (not live unfortunately!). So I will be leaving in a week and a half to spend a week in London and another week in Paris. I am excited. I don't get to fly business (long gone are those days!), but I still look forward to spending some time in both cities. I haven't been to Paris for over 5 years, so I am mostly excited to go there. I will have to brush up on my French and try to maintain my fitness as I will be horribly tempted with good food and laziness at the hotel.
Summer has begun in the Wall home and it is fun to see the boys in their new summer rituals. Right now that consists of summer school, studying Spanish, Wii Fit, and lots of time in the pool. What a wonderful life. Though I certainly enjoyed my childhood - I somedays think my kids have such a great life. All they need now are family members to move close by - so come all ye Grandparents and Uncles and Aunts! Happy Summer.
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