Last night we went to Snug Harbor, the Spotted Cat and more bars on Frenchmen Street. Great music and beer and everyone out having a great time. Sad to go home tomorrow.
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Monday, March 17, 2008
Lunch at Decatur and Gov. Nicholls
Saturday, March 15, 2008
New Orleans
In the first hour I met Ray Nagin and talked to him about the city. He faid the first time they got money from the feds was November 2007. He also said he was with Bill Clinton this morning and Bill wasn't overly confident for Hillary.
Tonight, dinner at Nola and some time at the casino.
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Saturday, March 08, 2008
American Airlines Sucks!
I had a 12 hour delay for my flight to Buenos Aires on my departure to South America... if you can believe it. It was so poorly handled - they apparently can't even see such delays in their system - that I didn't even have a confirmation of my departure when I arrived at the airport.
Check this out... my flight is delayed 12 hours departing Santiago back to the USA! What?! I am in disbelief... who has two 12 hour (overnight) delays in the same trip?! They (AA) can't get me on an earlier flight because I'd have to sit in Miami for 7 hours before I can get on a connection... I also heard that Condoleeza Rice was to meet the President here in Chile tomorrow and it was canceled because her staff's AA flights couldn't get to Chile!!
American sucks. One 12 hour delay is one thing, two is just unbelieveable. I lost my whole weekend and am so disappointed I can't spend at least part of the weekend with Andy and my puppies. I am very, very sad.
DON'T FLY AMERICAN AIRLINES TO SOUTH AMERICA OR RUE THE DAY YOU CHOSE IT.
Santiago
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Sunday, March 02, 2008
Siésta en Mendoza
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Boarding flight to Mendoza
Check out how close the airport is to the city!
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Buenos Aires
Three days in Buenos Aires... what to do?
Well, I had to work so it hasn't been quite as easy as vacation. I found the first day to be tough due to the time change (4 hrs ahead of Chicago) and my flight was delayed by 12 hours. AA was just a nightmare to deal with and their customer service was rude. But at least I slept in my own bed before I left.
We had major rain on Thursday - check out the article in the Buenos Aires Herald: http://www.buenosairesherald.com/argentina/note.jsp?idContent=472500
but in Recoleta it was just wet with no flooding.
Saturday I woke up late, went shopping and then roamed around the city. Strangely I tried to exchange cash (Dollars to Pesos) -> just a little bit. But the hotel wouldn't cash it and they directed me to a place that then required my passport to exchange US$50 to A$. Sorry, but I don't carry my passport with me. I gave up and went to the Citibank on the corner. It's my bank but Citi has pretty hefty exchange fees that show up on my monthly statement. While safer than carrying cash it is more expensive. I tried to be smart and take cash this time but now I can't cash it without my passport!! Strange.
Today I am flying Aerolineas Argentinas which is a truly terrible airline. I am going to do a web checkin to hopefully speed the process at the airport. I just hope it isn't too delayed. Off to Mendoza where the weather should be much better, dry and hot like California. Today I'll just relax on the plaza and prepare for tomorrow's meetings.
Mi espanol is muy mejor que mi visito pasado. Quando hablo con la ama de casa es en espanol en total!
Three days in Buenos Aires... what to do?
Well, I had to work so it hasn't been quite as easy as vacation. I found the first day to be tough due to the time change (4 hrs ahead of Chicago) and my flight was delayed by 12 hours. AA was just a nightmare to deal with and their customer service was rude. But at least I slept in my own bed before I left.
We had major rain on Thursday - check out the article in the Buenos Aires Herald: http://www.buenosairesherald.com/argentina/note.jsp?idContent=472500
but in Recoleta it was just wet with no flooding.
Saturday I woke up late, went shopping and then roamed around the city. Strangely I tried to exchange cash (Dollars to Pesos) -> just a little bit. But the hotel wouldn't cash it and they directed me to a place that then required my passport to exchange US$50 to A$. Sorry, but I don't carry my passport with me. I gave up and went to the Citibank on the corner. It's my bank but Citi has pretty hefty exchange fees that show up on my monthly statement. While safer than carrying cash it is more expensive. I tried to be smart and take cash this time but now I can't cash it without my passport!! Strange.
Today I am flying Aerolineas Argentinas which is a truly terrible airline. I am going to do a web checkin to hopefully speed the process at the airport. I just hope it isn't too delayed. Off to Mendoza where the weather should be much better, dry and hot like California. Today I'll just relax on the plaza and prepare for tomorrow's meetings.
Mi espanol is muy mejor que mi visito pasado. Quando hablo con la ama de casa es en espanol en total!
The Aerolineas Argentinas line at Ezeiza Airport last year. This was during the terrible weather and then subsequent flight. This year weather is better and no strike... please Lord don't let me be on this!
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Cancun
This time Andy is with me in Cancun. He's been begging to go to Cancun because I go so often and yet he's never been here. So finally his curiosity is satisfied.
While I worked for two straight days he sat by the pool getting too much sun. Yesterday we swam with the dolphins and then drove down to Tulum, then shopped in Playa del Carmen and had dinner in a restaurant overlooking Qunita Avenida.
Today it is COLD - not like Chicago, where it is -4 F, but certainly cold by Cancun standards. It is only 69 F and cloudy, very windy. Not a beach day at all - but better than Chicago!
Rhett and Andy in Tulum; Sun setting on Playa del Carmen
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Friday, November 30, 2007
Acapulco
Ok, so I've been here many times.
Today, the GM picked me up at the airport - I was meeting the hotel staff at a new hotel they are constructing on the edge of town, near the airport. A big convention hotel, 800 rooms with massive meeting space the size of Soldier Field.
The only people I know in town are those at the Hyatt. Once I ran into the GM of the Hyatt Lodge at the Hyatt Acapulco, but of course that was Hyatt-at-a-Hyatt. But as I entered the new hotel, the Director of Convention Services says "well, look who they allowed in here..." and it was Aaron Rush, my brother's college roommate's cousin. We went on vacation together in Palm Springs like 12 years ago, and I haven't seen him since. What a small world. So it was fun, we caught up on everything. He's married, has two kids - and his closest friend in Acapulco is the General Manager at the Hyatt, of course!
The wierdest thing is when Aaron said, "and Daniel met Steve Tobiczyck last month..." another buddy of my brother's from college. How wierd!
It is a small world...
Ok, so I've been here many times.
Today, the GM picked me up at the airport - I was meeting the hotel staff at a new hotel they are constructing on the edge of town, near the airport. A big convention hotel, 800 rooms with massive meeting space the size of Soldier Field.
The only people I know in town are those at the Hyatt. Once I ran into the GM of the Hyatt Lodge at the Hyatt Acapulco, but of course that was Hyatt-at-a-Hyatt. But as I entered the new hotel, the Director of Convention Services says "well, look who they allowed in here..." and it was Aaron Rush, my brother's college roommate's cousin. We went on vacation together in Palm Springs like 12 years ago, and I haven't seen him since. What a small world. So it was fun, we caught up on everything. He's married, has two kids - and his closest friend in Acapulco is the General Manager at the Hyatt, of course!
The wierdest thing is when Aaron said, "and Daniel met Steve Tobiczyck last month..." another buddy of my brother's from college. How wierd!
It is a small world...
Friday, November 23, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
Fajardo, Puerto Rico
It has been 12 years since I was last in Puerto Rico; I lived here once for two months installing a computer system at what were two Hyatt hotels. They are now deceased; this time, Andy has taken me to El Conquistador Resort. Definitely we're spoiled; the hotel is OK but definitely a step below a Hyatt in terms of quality. That being said, they "upgraded" us to Las Casitas which are little homes in a quiet area of the resort, with kitchens et al. While not exactly luxurious, it is nice to be in a private area.
The resort does have one awesome feature - you can take a boat to a private island which is straight out of "Gilligans Island." Just some beach chairs under palm trees, a bar and a basic restaurant, with reggae music and not much else.
We also rented a car and went up to El Yunque Rain Forest and hiked a mile down to a waterfall. Awesome, and a quick drive (even though the signs are poor and we got a little lost as the hotel's directions were not right)... As we were walking down the path, a downpour happened and we got drenched. Funny thing was that I was walking and you could here a huge explosion from above. Andy froze and I started to run, and no joke, but 2 seconds behind me a massive dead palm frond fell on the trail behind me. Two seconds later and I totally would have been hit; wouldn't have injured me but definitely would have hurt. It probably was dead for years and needed just the right amount of rain water to collapse onto the trail.
Not much to do the next few days.... just pool and sun...
Adios!
It has been 12 years since I was last in Puerto Rico; I lived here once for two months installing a computer system at what were two Hyatt hotels. They are now deceased; this time, Andy has taken me to El Conquistador Resort. Definitely we're spoiled; the hotel is OK but definitely a step below a Hyatt in terms of quality. That being said, they "upgraded" us to Las Casitas which are little homes in a quiet area of the resort, with kitchens et al. While not exactly luxurious, it is nice to be in a private area.
The resort does have one awesome feature - you can take a boat to a private island which is straight out of "Gilligans Island." Just some beach chairs under palm trees, a bar and a basic restaurant, with reggae music and not much else.
We also rented a car and went up to El Yunque Rain Forest and hiked a mile down to a waterfall. Awesome, and a quick drive (even though the signs are poor and we got a little lost as the hotel's directions were not right)... As we were walking down the path, a downpour happened and we got drenched. Funny thing was that I was walking and you could here a huge explosion from above. Andy froze and I started to run, and no joke, but 2 seconds behind me a massive dead palm frond fell on the trail behind me. Two seconds later and I totally would have been hit; wouldn't have injured me but definitely would have hurt. It probably was dead for years and needed just the right amount of rain water to collapse onto the trail.
Not much to do the next few days.... just pool and sun...
Adios!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Monday, September 03, 2007
East Lansing
So here I am in Spartan Stadium, a gorgeous 80 degree and sunny day. Perfect day for a home opener... a little uncertain given we have a new coach, but 21-0 into the first quarter, I'm feeling a little better (this IS Michigan State - I turn to Larry begging for more points, since we CAN lose even 30 points ahead - but there is comfort seeing our new coach/team kick some butt).
But my attention keeps getting diverted to the scoreboard... Appalachian who? Leading Michigan? Well... it won't last...
State is up by 50 points at the start of the 4th. Meanwhile, that scoreboard beckons - Appalaichain State (where is that?) is leading Michigan! We have to go see... off to the Riv, and we get in just for the last 4 minutes. Priceless. When that final kick is blocked, the Riv ERUPTED IN JOY.
I really don't think Michigan fans have any idea how much they are loathed. On You Tube, people all over the country are showing their fans cheering Michigan's loss. Not just their rivals - no, it's everyone everywhere.
God is shining on college football this weekend. Our prayers are answered... this was enough to make anyone religious. What utter joy.
And to put it all in perspective - Notre Dame also got massacred -their worst opening day in their school's history.
As such, I am putting a permanent link to the Appalachian State-UM video onto my blog. This is history that shouldn't be forgotten. As bad as things have been at Michigan State, at least we've never lost to a Division 1-AA program.
Thank you God. Up yours, Michigan. You got what you've long deserved.
So here I am in Spartan Stadium, a gorgeous 80 degree and sunny day. Perfect day for a home opener... a little uncertain given we have a new coach, but 21-0 into the first quarter, I'm feeling a little better (this IS Michigan State - I turn to Larry begging for more points, since we CAN lose even 30 points ahead - but there is comfort seeing our new coach/team kick some butt).
But my attention keeps getting diverted to the scoreboard... Appalachian who? Leading Michigan? Well... it won't last...
State is up by 50 points at the start of the 4th. Meanwhile, that scoreboard beckons - Appalaichain State (where is that?) is leading Michigan! We have to go see... off to the Riv, and we get in just for the last 4 minutes. Priceless. When that final kick is blocked, the Riv ERUPTED IN JOY.
I really don't think Michigan fans have any idea how much they are loathed. On You Tube, people all over the country are showing their fans cheering Michigan's loss. Not just their rivals - no, it's everyone everywhere.
God is shining on college football this weekend. Our prayers are answered... this was enough to make anyone religious. What utter joy.
And to put it all in perspective - Notre Dame also got massacred -their worst opening day in their school's history.
As such, I am putting a permanent link to the Appalachian State-UM video onto my blog. This is history that shouldn't be forgotten. As bad as things have been at Michigan State, at least we've never lost to a Division 1-AA program.
Thank you God. Up yours, Michigan. You got what you've long deserved.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Port of Spain, Trinidad
(photo below of me overlooking
the island at the office)
Three days of incredible work... this island is so focused on business, it really has a South American feel instead of Caribbean feel. There is still the je m'en fîche attitude of the Islands but there is so much business here that they can't help but be caught up in it. The city has some of that charming Caribbean architecture of peaked roofs, decorative wrought iron railings and shutters, but it's next to modern cement buildings. And you'll see poor stores and shops right next to a BP office. Quite the juxtaposition.
- everything's expensive. Lunch at TGI Fridays (yes, I did go, and no, it wasn't exciting - again, hard to find good food) was $30 a person including tax/tip.
- people are always smiling and very laid back. no sense of stress.
Best part of the trip: dinner at the Indian Restaurant, Aspara. Phenominally good food, great atmosphere, clean and the service was amiable and attentive.
Some photos:
(photo below of me overlooking
the island at the office)
Three days of incredible work... this island is so focused on business, it really has a South American feel instead of Caribbean feel. There is still the je m'en fîche attitude of the Islands but there is so much business here that they can't help but be caught up in it. The city has some of that charming Caribbean architecture of peaked roofs, decorative wrought iron railings and shutters, but it's next to modern cement buildings. And you'll see poor stores and shops right next to a BP office. Quite the juxtaposition.
A few "Trini" facts -
- they make coffee but they don't drink it. It's nearly impossible to find coffee. The Hilton had the best and it was Maxwell House. We drank instant in the office.
- they make cocoa but they only export it.
- good food is hard to find; bad food isn't. Worst restaurant I've eaten in for the last 10 years was at the Crowne Plaza. Overcooked and bland.
- everything's expensive. Lunch at TGI Fridays (yes, I did go, and no, it wasn't exciting - again, hard to find good food) was $30 a person including tax/tip.
- coldest place I've ever been. Air Conditioning CRANKS everywhere.
- the Savannah is a 280 acre park (!) in the middle of town. But it only goes one way. So if you want to go to the Indian restaurant only 5 blocks from the office, you can only drive one direction - it takes 10 minutes to get there because of the traffic around the Savannah!
- people are always smiling and very laid back. no sense of stress.
Best part of the trip: dinner at the Indian Restaurant, Aspara. Phenominally good food, great atmosphere, clean and the service was amiable and attentive.
Some photos:
Traditional architecture / The new Hyatt Regency Trinidad 
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Port of Spain, Trinidad
After a long flight - 9 hours including layovers from Chicago - we arrived and waited on the tarmac maybe 15 minutes before the pilot said, "our apologies, but we've called customs to tell them we are here... but nobody is answering..." Welcome to the Islands!
I spent two months in Puerto Rico in the mid-1990s and dread the Caribbean work ethic. What an experience it will be these next few days!
Arriving at the Hilton (the Hyatt isn't built yet), I felt like I had arrived through a time warp. Upon checkin, I was offered a very yellow drink in a martini-ish style glass with red and yellow straws. Strolling through the lobby with a very 70's infrastructure (and a semi-successful attempt at updating it), I suddenly took a time warp back to 1967. I don't think the hallway carpet has been replaced since then. A glance at the painting of two pineapples against the peach wall in the hallway, I entered my room and flipped on the t.v. Appropriately, Ocean's Eleven - the original with Frank, Dean, Joey and gang - is on the tv.
What year is it?
Friday, August 03, 2007
Mendoza - Snow in AugustWhat an amazing experience. It is 95 degrees F in Chicago but in Mendoza it's barely above freezing. In class on Wednesday someone said "Look!" and when we peered out the windows, we could see snow coming down hard (not sticking, grant you) over the plaza.
I don't ever remember snow in August. I bought a fleece at the airport in Santiago to prepare for this, just in case.... thank goodness that I did!
We finished class a bit early.... thank goodness, we're all truly tired... and the view of the snow covered mountains behind the Park Hyatt is truly memorable. Stunning. A few photos below:
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Mendoza, Argentina(my room at the Park Hyatt pictured to the right)
Getting here was such a challenge. Our plane landed in Santiago in fog so thick you couldn't see one foot outside the window. I can't believe we even landed. We did, and then I got stuck in the Santiago Airport Admirals Club for 4 1/2 hours waiting for my delayed flight. They kept changing the gates on us, first 19 then 18 then 17a then 20 then 17. To be fair, the fog was causing problems I am sure, but they were very disorganized.
My air travel this year has been a bit chaotic. Non stop delays. You have to be patient in South America, the infrastructure needs major upgrades. Sadly, it's best in Chile, which tells a lot. Generally I don't have that kind of experience in Santiago - only everywhere else. Like I wrote in an earlier blog, we take such things for granted - that if a flight is delayed or canceled, at least we are kept informed. They didn't even have the gate posted until 5 minutes before boarding. Typical.
Mendoza is charming as always, but I'm seeing none of it other than looking out the window of my meeting room. Work work work. I love the Winter here - sunny and 60 degrees. It's like a beautiful Fall day in Chicago, but instead it is the dead of Winter. Very comfortable and a nice change from 90 degrees and humid in Chicago. This time, the air is so dry my nose is bleeding. Strange.
Well, off to work. I have 15 columns of data in a spreadsheet to update. What a joy.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Chaos at Ezeiza Aeropuerto, Buenos Aires
Well, funny thing about traveling to the developing world. You always have to expect challenges in everyday life. Things that we take for granted in the USA are really not like that in most of the world.
For instance, try explaining that you want a regular coffee with milk. I'm talking Maxwell House here. More often than not, it is the size of those tiny airplane liquor bottles. One sip and you are done. Or, try going for walk without having anyone look at you... Americans can never blend in. I try but my blond hair and bad Spanish get me every time.
So I get to the airport thinking wow, I am tired after working all day and my flight gets in at 10.40PM. There have been talks on my flight from Dallas about how my 3 hour delay is due to the circa 1950 radar system here... And what do I get tonight? Another 3 hour delay due to radar. Now my flight is due to arrive at 1.30 am with an hour drive to hotel. Check out the photo.
Thank God there is a bar!
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