Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Ketchup

Ketchup
20-11-2005
3:09PM

Well, more like catch-up. I’m on a plane right now, heading back to Chicago. I somehow lasted an entire week without my laptop. I suggest to everyone that you take a real vacation; meaning no cell phone, no Internet*, no laptop, no work, no worries. I’m completely re-energized and ready to go back home.

*I did cheat, twice, over the last week. Checked my personal email and fantasy sports lineups twice. Not bad and I didn’t touch work email until last night. Oh, and I did get the offer for a full time auditing job. I’m accepting it on Monday. Yay!

Last I checked, I left off with the olive picking. In all honesty, I didn’t do shit from Monday-Friday except work. I worked late on Sunday, same thing on Monday, gave my final presentation on Tuesday, worked my ass off on Wed-Fri. Thursday night we had another auditor night out. Good restaurant that I don’t recall the name of right now, but will update later.

Had the steak for two. It was decent, but too thick and not enough flavor. Then off to the Old Stove again for my Pilot Night Out. I got drunk; had a car bomb, jack on the rocks, a few more shots and then the rest of the night is blurry. Didn’t get crazy like the week prior since Tony and Tim had to be on a flight early the next morning.

Got in the office around 10AM on Friday. Didn’t leave until 11PM.

Bored already with this…will need Tasia’s help recalling all the events from the past week. Start off with Saturday when she arrived, and the horrible two hour wait at the Florence airport, where she didn’t even land. Food is coming so break time.

7:05PM

I think it’s only like 12PM CST right now. Another 5 hours before we reach Chicago.

Saturday morning woke up at 9:30AM to pick Tas up from the airport. I got there around 9:45AM and found out the flight was diverted to Bologna due to the fog looming overhead. The passengers on the plane had to take a bus to get to Florence, which didn’t get there until 12:30 or so. Not exactly how I expected to spend our first morning together.

We headed back to my hotel and packed the rest of my things. Checked out around 3PM. Grabbed lunch at a restaurant near the Wash and Fold. Had a crab flavored-flat spaghetti dish anti-pasta and then the fried squid and prawns. Then we went to wash my two weeks worth of dirty clothes, which was pretty much everything I had brought to Italy. Had been going commando for at least 2 days.

Went back to the hotel to rest. Tasia was mad tired from the flight. We eventually got back up around 9:30PM to meet Ashraf at Mr. Kebab. I think it was love at first bite for her. Had a nightcap back at the hotel and rested well for a Sunday full of sightseeing.

9:04PM

Sunday morning we went down to the River Arno and saw the Ponte Vecchio. It was getting a bit colder and you could tell that the tourist season was nearing over. Stopped at the Uffizi and waited about an hour in line. We figured it was either now or never. Advice is to purchase your tickets ahead of time.

The Uffizi was incredible. I was saving all the museum tours for when Tas got here. We paid an extra 4.50EU for these audio guides. Worthless. Spent the first 20 minutes trying to figure out how to work the damn thing. None of the paintings or sculptures were numbered so we either ahead or behind the tape. I gave up 2/3 of the way into it. I bought a book, so if you’re really interested in what we saw, check it out or ask Tasia.

SIDENOTE: There is no more an excruciating pain than being on a flight with a screaming baby. Mommy – please check your child. Their screaming is worse than nails on a chalkboard.

After the Uffizi, we figured we might as well keep on with out museum tours and headed straight for the Accademia. This is where the original David is housed. That thing is crazy detailed, right down to the veins in his hands and the tendon structures in the back of his knees. It’s huge too, much bigger than I had expected.

We figured that two museums in one day equated to more than productive. Walked around the town some more, hit up the San Marco Pizza, San Lorenzo Market Square and the Duomo. Grabbed a quick bite, some gelato, and headed back to the hotel before going out for a nice dinner at Trattatoria Trebbecia.

I’d been there with some people from my team prior, so knew exactly what to expect. We ordered a nice bottle of red wine from Montelcino. Had the duck sauce noodles again and the beef shanks for the main course. Got a little tipsy with dinner then headed down to Cappaccia for more drinks. Called it a night around 1AM.

We still have a little less than 3 hours until we land in Chicago. I’m praying that our bags make it. Long story short, our flight into Frankfurt from Firenze was late and then we got stuck in a super slow line through security again and basically missed our original flight into Chicago. Luckily, there was another flight with a different carrier, so we were able to at least get into the air tonight. We have one more connecting flight at 7 something at ORD so we should be back in Minneapolis by 8PM. Can’t wait…

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

(P)Refound Truth










I grew up on Calvin and Hobbes and couldn't resist posting this. (Click on it for the full size.)


It's Over and Olive Picking

I know it's been a while, but I'm trying to catch up with my life right now. Starting to get ahead of myself, but I promise, no, commit to you, that I'll be completely updated by the end of the week.

It’s Over and Olive Picking
12-11-2005
12:54AM

I am officially done. With the pilot that is. I should know about the full time offer by the time I get back to the states.

I know it’s been over a week since I wrote any with substance. That’s how ridiculously busy I was. Averaging 5 hours of sleep a night, worked 20 hours on Wed, and this week has gone by in a blink of the eye. I’m glad it’s over. I’m glad I did it. Now it’s up to fate.

I lay in bed with a Johnnie Walker red on the rocks. Everyone else bailed on plans for tonight and I wanted to treat myself to something nice. So I grabbed the best thing out of the mini bar. Plus I have to get up early tomorrow and pick up Tasia from the airport. I’m so excited.

I think I left off with how toxic I felt Friday morning. We went to dinner at a sushi restaurant on Friday. Then another episode at the Old Stove. And Rohan, my bookie, just interrupted me to place some sports bets. Good times. I miss 75 Avery and the satellite dish.

Anyway, went olive picking in this mountainous region about an hour south of Firenze. You can see the mountain from my office. I always wondered what was up there and so here was my chance. And when the hell am I ever going to go olive picking again?

Jimmy Gets High

The drive was crazy. Winding roads up the mountain, very green up there. Almost like we were in commercial where you see the car driving on a closed course. Finally arrived and got straight to work at around 10:30am.

Olive picking is very different than say apple or strawberry picking. We first had to lay a huge net at the base of the tree. It covered a good 6-8 foot radius on the ground. I think the tallest tree was 12-15 feet high. We got these hand held rakes that you strip the branches of the olives with. They were small and made of plastic. Then you go and start combing through the branches. Pretty simple.

Don’t Lie

I had fun climbing the trees. Everyone else used the ladders, but I felt safer with my own balance on the tree trunks. The branches at the top of the trees had the most density of olives, and as you comb through, you just let it fall to the ground on the net. Had to be careful of where you stepped; didn’t want to crush any of the olives. The best olives were the big, black ones. They were hard and about the size of the top part of your thumb.

Big City Love

We stopped around 2 or 3 for lunch. By far the best meal I’ve had in Italy. It was fresh, home cooked Italian food. Nothing like it. Started off with the typical appetizers: cheese, meat, bread and wine. The difference was these were all home prepared, including the wine. The cheese with fig was amazing. I first tried it without the homemade fig and it was super strong. But a small dip of the fig and it was like candy. The wine was decent. I will only drink red wine for the rest of my life. There were these little hand made, palm sized pizzas. The best part of the anti-pasto was the vegetables: sun dried tomatoes, grilled zucchini, and mushrooms. We had a salad and then came the courses – LASAGNA!

All Because of You

The guy who we were doing the olive picking for had his mother prepare the lasagna. At first glance, it looked odd since it was green. But he explained that she mixed spinach in with the homemade noodles. At this point, I was stuffed. Then came secondi. Another lasagna, this time with tons of meat in it. I tried a little bit and thought my stomach was going to explode.

Heard Em Say

We finished up lunch and got back to olive picking. Finally left around 6:30. Got back to Florence at around 7:30 and worked til 2am. I know. You don’t have to say it.

A few notes on the olive picking experience…
The guy who owned the “farm” is the director for the bank of Roma. He actually is a “supplier” to GE. He owns about 100 trees and only had 15 done. Needs to have them all done by the end of the month. Between 7 of us, we finished 12-14 trees. A tree yields about 1.5 basketfuls. A basket is about as big as one of those boxes you use to at the office to clear your desk after you get fired. 2 baskets fill a liter of olive oil. Supposedly, everyone who helped with the picking will get a bottle for Xmas.

After all the trees are picked, they send it to some place where they are pressed for oil. Didn’t get a process breakdown but sounds long and complicated. No wonder why it’s like $15 a bottle back in the states. Good experience overall.

I’m getting tired. Will catch up sometime this week. Really not much to report.

When I was little, I always wanted to be able to dunk a basketball on a regulation hoop. I used to be able to grab the rim one handed in high school, but I’m getting old and my Chicken Little legs can’t get the flight it used to. I have decided to change that life long goal, until they come out with a 9ft regulation hoop, and I now want to run a marathon before I turn 28. I was always a sprinter, not a long distance runner.

Perfect Love

Wednesday, November 09, 2005

Gorillaz



Gorillaz
09-11-05
3:09 PM

(Gorillaz "Live" Performance at the MTV Europe Music Awards)


I know it’s been some time since I’ve posted, but bear with me. I’ll get something out soon.

Just a random 5 minute blog. The other night I caught a re-run of the MTV European music awards. The Gorillaz were the next to perform and I thought to myself, “Great, a cartoon video.” Hardly what I would call a performance.

They came out and rocked out to Feel Good Inc with De La Soul.

I was amazed at how it actually looked onstage. For those who didn’t know, the Gorillaz are the Britpop, virtual band, created by Damon Albern (of Blur) and Jaime Hewlett (creator of Tank Girl.) It brought back memories of when I was a kid and how infatuated I was with Cartoons and Muppets. Cool thing is that they’ll be doing a tour in 2007, in similar fashion.

Here’s a link to a video of the performance. You’ll need QuickTime to watch it.
http://s52.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1IUG92LV9WK6I0PPZ9DY1YKE7S

Here’s another link to how they created the performance.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,13509-1856928,00.html


Back to work.

Friday, November 04, 2005

Feeling Toxic

Feeling Toxic
04-11-2005
9:33 AM

God am I hurting this morning. I think that sentence took a whole minute to write.

Another Auditor Night Out, but this one was dedicated to the pilots and EFLPs. Ravi, Judy, Jeff, and Nazanine are all leaving tomorrow. The room is going to be much emptier when they’re gone.

Stopped by Nazanine’s place last night before heading to dinner. We got lost, which is a reoccurring theme with whoever decides to go with her. Finally arrived at Sostanza (ditto il Troia) at 9:25 PM. We walked by it a few times; it didn’t look like all the other places we’ve eaten at.

The place reminded me of an Italian style diner; very small, limited seating, tons of cool pictures of on the walls. The appetizers were the same raw meats we get everywhere else. We had a choice between chicken or beef. I ordered the beef and to my surprise, it’s one of the best steaks I’ve ever had. No need for the A1 sauce. Desert was a bit weird. I had the wild strawberries and crème. Interesting taste but good nonetheless.

I tried to pace myself with the wine at dinner; for every glass of wine, I drank a glass of water. I knew what the night had in store for us after dinner – the Old Stove. All 16 of us stopped there and I think a bunch of the locals were turned off, so they left. Ordered the first round of Guinness for all and I was the first to finish. I knew they were going to give me hell for it so I started talking smack. Three full glasses and a few shots later, the rest of the night became a blur.

Closing time and I had to break the seal. Everyone was gone by the time I got out and I was somewhat relieved. But there was Vasco and Ashraf waiting. Went to my first club in Italy. This place was incredible, but I question the logistics.

Instead of paying a cover, you take this ticket into the club. Every time you want a drink, take the ticket to the bar tender and they hole punch it. At this point I’m thinking “Sweet. Free cover and free drinks? Where the hell has this been my whole life?” Two more long islands and I was ready to go home.

I try to exit and the bouncer asks for my ticket. He’s like you need to pay. WHAT? So they took us back downstairs and we had to pay the 16EU cover, plus 8+EU for the drinks. Absurd. My tab came to 32EU or so. Knew it was too good to be true. I was duped.

Took the cab home and I don’t remember anything from that point. I’m pretty sure I called Tasia since the phone was on my bed with my calling card. Rough start to the morning.


More random thoughts

I’m getting hooked on the Acqua Frizzante (sparkling water.) I like the tingle it leaves in your mouth, but it’s gross when warm and stale (like the one I’m drinking now.)

I am in love with this desert from the vending machine. Abe told me to try the chocolate filled croissant and it’s good. I eat 3 a day.

The best red wine is from Montepulciano. Hands down.

My urinal’s name is Dolemite.

My midterm review is today and my final on Tuesday. I have 4 days to improve. Great.

I have hair again. The line is still receding but can cover it up well.
I see snails and earthworms at night around the office.

I wish I brought Gold Bond.

I’d rather be playing craps right now. Damn vices.

Traffic laws are more guides than laws. My cab driver this morning drove on the opposite lanes for 50% of the ride. I got to work in 5 minutes and under 10EU. Amazing.

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Happy Halloween

(Ponte Vecchio)

Happy Halloween (or All Souls Day)
31-10-2005
11:46 PM

Woke up yesterday around 9 AM and finally hit the streets at noon. Packed my iPod, camera, and DeNiro style aviators. This time, I hit it hard with a vengeance. My mission: capture the cities best sights, soaking up the warm sunny day. The plazas were packed full of people, locals and tourists alike. Monday and Tuesday are national holidays so people were out enjoying the wonderful weather.

Grabbed Micky D’s for lunch then headed to the river Arno. Ponte Vecchio is my favorite. Remember the European Grind and the huge mural in the back (where the psuedo stage was located?) Does this picture look familiar now?

For those who don’t know, the Grind was my second home throughout college and the year I lived on campus after I started working. If I wasn’t in class, working, or at my apartment, you bet the house that I was at the Grind. TJ (the owner) and I were good acquaintances.

It was at the Grind where I was introduced to such great music as Nelly Furtado, John Mayer, and Cold Play, and crazy energy drinks like Bawls and Red Bull. All my friends knew about the Grind and were regulars. We’d go to enjoy each other’s company, play board games (Trivial Pursuit and Life were popular), people watch (never will forget the mystery girl), or cram hard until 1AM. You never know who you’d run into at the Grind. One of the best parts was that it was a block away from my apartment, across the street from Harvard Market, and only 20 steps away from Perry’s. Damn, I miss the U.

Walked around for a good 4.5 hours. In total, I snagged over 475 pictures. Still rummaging through them and sorting out the posting qualifiers.

Came back the hotel around 5, then off to clean my beaters at 5:30. Hit up Mr. Kebab for dinner with Ashraf. If you ever make it out to Florence, be sure to check this place out. This was my second time. First time had the Kebab. Now to try something new; the Falafel and Mutabal, an eggplant, lemon and onion paste mix you eat with flat bread. That’s good eats.

This place is owned by a Lebanese guy. The other two workers are Palestinian. Ashraf comes in handy since he speaks Arabic. He says it’s the best Arabic food you’ll find, next to the authentic, home cooked meals. I don’t disagree.

Got home around 8:30. Prepped for the fantasy bball draft. Fell sleep around 11:30 and woke back up at 3:30. That’s how much I love fantasy basketball.

There are some interesting shows on TV at this time of night. This was the first time I actually appreciated Italian television. You don’t need to understand English to understand what that guy and two other girls were doing on the show. I love Italy.

I was slated with the 5th pick. Team is stacked with plenty of upside, and Tracy McGrady as my franchise player. Let’s hope he doesn’t get off to a slow start like 04-05. Mark my words now: I smell MVP candidacy for him. Unless of course Garnett leads the Wolves to the Western Conference Championships.

Fell back asleep around 6:30. Got up at 8:30 and in the office by 9. Monday night must be a slow night for the streets. Counted a record 10 escorts on the ride back home from the office. Or maybe they were just wearing costumes.

Shout outs to my Mighty Midwest district. Congrats to Dave for capturing the Brother of the Year Award. You deserve it. Kudos the Minnesoldiers for bringing home Chapter of the Year, 2 years running. I’m proud of you guys. LB!

UPDATE: 01-11-2005 8:56 AM

In Siena, I noticed at the gift shop that many souvenirs had jockeys and horses on it. Didn’t think much of it until I started googling Siena. Found out that the Palio races are held twice a year in Siena, in the Piazza del Campo. Check out this link for more information. http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/tuscany/siena_palio.htm

It only lasts 75 seconds, but from what I’ve read, looks like a great time. I think Giacomo would kill at this race. Rohan/Ausman/Sarah – Looks like we need to add this one to the list.

I also received a comment this morning from Cathy about a remark I made earlier. Just to cover my ass, the views and opinions of this blog are strictly of the blog’s author and the blog’s author alone. Firenze has rekindled my love for travel, and introduced me to the sudden changes that go on in our lives.


Prayers are with those who lost loved ones in the recent bombings in New Delhi and Iraq. Stop the Mad Bird Flu!

South Chianti Region


South Chianti Region
30-10-2005
8:43 PM

(Ford Fiesta we rented. Got it up to 150km/hr.)

Finished off the workweek strong. The next two weeks are well scoped for me to execute on grand scale. Exciting stuff.

Thursday was another Auditor Night Out. We had reservations at 8 at a place called 13 Gobbi. Good food. Service was sub par. Went to Capocaccia again and ended the night with a couple of Long Islands. Friday was more of the same. Was really hard to get motivated since Italy observes all Saints Day and All Souls Day on Monday and Tuesday. Most people were either out of the office or not really working. Guess it’s the same no matter what country you’re in.

Went to this place called Enoteca Pane e Vino. This place was amazing. 6-course meal and I had no clue what we were eating. We had 13 people total, 8 from CAS, the CFO of GE Oil & Gas and a few of his direct staff. Course after course, I was never let down. I felt like I was a judge on Iron Chef America, which is a great show on the Food Network for all you food lovers. We topped it off with (you guessed it) more wine, this time with a mix of white and red. I’m started to like wine again; more red than white. It helps accentuate the flavor of the food.

I swear all I do is eat, drink, work and sleep.

Saturday morning, Ravi stopped by at 9:15 and we headed to the airport to pick up a rental car. Drove to the southern Chianti region. The weather was decent, but a fog loomed over most of the countryside, shielding the beautiful vineyard regions around the highway.

Our first stop was Montepulciano, which is regarded by Charles as the place with the best wine in all of Italy. I picked DK up a bottle. You have to see the pictures of this place. Words cannot describe how incredible this small town is. It was either too foggy or maybe we were so high up, that the clouds were hovering around the ground.

The city was built on hills. We walked our way to the top to see the fort and the Piazza Grande. This is by far the biggest plaza I’ve seen so far. The bell tower also dates back to the early 15th century. Made our way back down and stopped to grab lunch. I had the Tripe (look it up.)

Side note – I’m horrible at doing my research prior to traveling. Will update the photo captions with names and descriptions at a later date.

We drove through the rest of the countryside on our way to Siena. Another historic and beautiful city. The Piazza del Campo now reigns as the biggest plaza. We took snapshots of the Torre di Mangia and worked our way to the Duomo. Too bad they were reconstructing the front; it looks amazing.

Stopped at the plaza again for a drink. When I told the waiter I wanted he a beer, he asked, “Small, Medium, or Large?” I said “Large” and he kept insisting on giving me the medium. I told him “Large” again and damn, that was a large beer. Check it out in comparison to the lighter.

Road trip songs – “Wake Me Up When September Ends” – Green Day, “Don’t Cha” – Pussycat Dolls. The radio stations in Italy must share CDs. I heard these songs back to back at least 8 times in the 4 hours total we spent driving.

We drove back to Florence and arrive around 9. Stayed in Saturday night to prep for a big day on Sunday.