I had extremely poor wireless Internet the last week I was in Germany (while I was staying in a hotel). That's the reason why the last few posts did not have any pictures associated with them. I will be going back and added pics when I can.
The last two weeks were full of meetings. I got some seat time in the new ML hybrid. I drove mostly on the Autobahn for about 30 minutes. Smooth ride and the fuel economy was slightly better than a regular ML350. It's hard to give a fair assessment since this was extremely pre-production.
I finally came home on Saturday, the 9th. The next day was Mother's Day. My grandmother came up and I took her and my mom for brunch. The weekend went well. I went back to work on Tuesday. Things definitely started back up fast. It's always good to be needed, especially in this industry and at this time.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Easter - Italy
I spent Good Friday until Wednesday in Barcelona. I then flew from Barcelona to Florence. I got a chance to meet up with my uncle, as some of his friends, in Florence. He arrived in Italy about a week earlier and was traveling throughout the country for a month. It was cool since he lives in California and I don't get a chance to see him that often. It has been about 2 years since I had seen him. I got to see the Uffizi (Birth of Venus painting), Accadamia (Statue of David), Duomo, and the Ponte Vecchio. The views from the top of the bell tower (the line for the top of the Duomo was too long) was spectacular. 360 degree view of Florence and its surrounding was something special. Things would not have been complete if I didn't sample the world famous Gelatto and bought 2 bottles of wine (oddly enough from the same woman I bought a bottle from about 2 years ago).
Ponte Vecchio
On Saturday morning I boarded a plane headed for Rome. I told you I was a bit insane. First thing I did was go to the Colosseum. I've been kicking myself for the last 2 years because I was shut out the last time I was in Rome. The weather held out long enough so that it didn't rain on me until nighttime. I was able to spend a few hours at the Colosseum and take pictures. I then made the trek to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain (where it decided to rain for about 10 minutes), and then the Spanish Steps. Of course I threw three coins into the Trevi Fountain (over the left shoulder with the right hand) so I guaranteed I will be returning to Rome.
That night I decided to treat myself to a proper Italian dinner. I went to a fantastic home-style Italian restaurant called Checchino dal 1887. Antipasti, primo, and secondo. I had Antipast with champagne, pasta, and then Veal Saltimbocca with a glass of Brunello di Montalcino (red wine) and finished it all off with an espresso. It cost be 60 Euro (about 80 USD) which is easily the most I have spent on myself at a single meal. It was well worth it. Every bite was extraordinary and I will definitely go back the next time I am in Rome.
Sunday I went over to the Vatican. Though the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel were closed, I got to see St. Peter's Basilica. I had a chance to attend mass but opted out of it feeling that it would be kind of hypocritical at this point. The Pope was not conducting the mass, otherwise I don't think I would have passed on the opportunity. Instead I braved the stairs (choosing not to take the elevator) to see the magnificent view from the top of the dome (cupola). After leaving the Vatican it began to rain, and did not stop until I got on the train to go to the airport! I was soaking wet by that time and was exhausted. I had a really late flight out of Rome, with a stop-over in Zurich, and finally arrived at 11:30pm in Stuttgart. Let's just say the next morning, it was not easy getting up to go to the office.
Statue of David
Ponte Vecchio
On Saturday morning I boarded a plane headed for Rome. I told you I was a bit insane. First thing I did was go to the Colosseum. I've been kicking myself for the last 2 years because I was shut out the last time I was in Rome. The weather held out long enough so that it didn't rain on me until nighttime. I was able to spend a few hours at the Colosseum and take pictures. I then made the trek to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain (where it decided to rain for about 10 minutes), and then the Spanish Steps. Of course I threw three coins into the Trevi Fountain (over the left shoulder with the right hand) so I guaranteed I will be returning to Rome.
The Colosseum
Pantheon
Trevi Fountain
That night I decided to treat myself to a proper Italian dinner. I went to a fantastic home-style Italian restaurant called Checchino dal 1887. Antipasti, primo, and secondo. I had Antipast with champagne, pasta, and then Veal Saltimbocca with a glass of Brunello di Montalcino (red wine) and finished it all off with an espresso. It cost be 60 Euro (about 80 USD) which is easily the most I have spent on myself at a single meal. It was well worth it. Every bite was extraordinary and I will definitely go back the next time I am in Rome.
The view from the top
Sunday I went over to the Vatican. Though the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel were closed, I got to see St. Peter's Basilica. I had a chance to attend mass but opted out of it feeling that it would be kind of hypocritical at this point. The Pope was not conducting the mass, otherwise I don't think I would have passed on the opportunity. Instead I braved the stairs (choosing not to take the elevator) to see the magnificent view from the top of the dome (cupola). After leaving the Vatican it began to rain, and did not stop until I got on the train to go to the airport! I was soaking wet by that time and was exhausted. I had a really late flight out of Rome, with a stop-over in Zurich, and finally arrived at 11:30pm in Stuttgart. Let's just say the next morning, it was not easy getting up to go to the office.
Easter - Barcelona
I love the holidays here. They sure know how to do it. Why take 1 day off for Easter when you can take 2. Not only do they have off on Good Friday (Karfreitag) but they also take off on Easter Monday (Ostermontag). So because of that, I took vacation time the rest of the week. Thus, I was off for 10 days and only took 4 days of vacation (2 weekends + 2 holidays + 4 vacation days).
Christopher Columbus
Some of my colleagues (3 from Japan, 1 from Taiwan, 1 American) and I decided to go to Barcelona, Spain. Being slightly insane, I decided to go to Italy that week as well. Most of the group arrived on Saturday, but I got there on Friday since I found a cheaper flight.
I got to the hotel at about 7-8 pm on Friday night. I went to a tapas bar and ate dinner like a local, at 11 o'clock. While sitting at the tapas bar, a few Americans (from California) sat down next to me. We start talking and the next thing I know we are at a huge nightclub called Razzmatazz. I didn't get back to the hotel until 6am. It was definitely a fun night.
Next day the Japanese and the American show up. Since they didn't arrive until later in the day, I decided to walk the area near the waterfront and "make photo party". That was nice, but I was fairly tired. My first day in Barcelona was so-so. It was rainy and sunny, then rain, then sun.
We decided to rent an apartment, the problem was there was not heat or hot water. The first 24 hours were miserable. We were finally able to get a hold of the landlord and figure out how to get the boiler working. We were much happier people after that.
Gaudi Building
Gaudi Lizard in Park Guell
Imprint near Olympic Stadiums
Being Cool
Christopher Columbus
Some of my colleagues (3 from Japan, 1 from Taiwan, 1 American) and I decided to go to Barcelona, Spain. Being slightly insane, I decided to go to Italy that week as well. Most of the group arrived on Saturday, but I got there on Friday since I found a cheaper flight.I got to the hotel at about 7-8 pm on Friday night. I went to a tapas bar and ate dinner like a local, at 11 o'clock. While sitting at the tapas bar, a few Americans (from California) sat down next to me. We start talking and the next thing I know we are at a huge nightclub called Razzmatazz. I didn't get back to the hotel until 6am. It was definitely a fun night.
Next day the Japanese and the American show up. Since they didn't arrive until later in the day, I decided to walk the area near the waterfront and "make photo party". That was nice, but I was fairly tired. My first day in Barcelona was so-so. It was rainy and sunny, then rain, then sun.
We decided to rent an apartment, the problem was there was not heat or hot water. The first 24 hours were miserable. We were finally able to get a hold of the landlord and figure out how to get the boiler working. We were much happier people after that.
The entire trip we were battling the weather. It was either sunny and 70 degrees (20 deg C) or 60s and raining. Either way we had a good time. The highpoint might have been making home-made Sangria. It was really good if I do say so myself. Oh yea, we also went to the Picasso museum, Sagrada La Familia, Gaudi buildings (2x), Park Guell (designed by Gaudi), the Olympic stadiums, FC Barcelona Stadium, and the multi-colored building shaped like a phallus -- all the while taking more pictures than my memory card could handle.
La Sagrada Familia
Gaudi Building
Gaudi Lizard in Park Guell
Imprint near Olympic Stadiums
Being Cool
Mercedes Museum
With less than a month left in Germany I finally made my way over to the Benz Museum. It's kinda disgraceful since I was at the Porsche Museum the first week or so I was in town -- but I was saving the best for last!
I had only been to the Benz Museum once before, but it was only for 1 hour about 1.5 years ago. It was during my assessment center (German version of an interview, only it lasts 1 week and is like being put through a gauntlet). So this time I had a chance to take my time and "make photo party".
I do have to say, my favorite MB car has to be the 300 SL Gullwing with silver exterior and red interior. There is something about it that screams classy, elegant, and sexy.
I had only been to the Benz Museum once before, but it was only for 1 hour about 1.5 years ago. It was during my assessment center (German version of an interview, only it lasts 1 week and is like being put through a gauntlet). So this time I had a chance to take my time and "make photo party".I do have to say, my favorite MB car has to be the 300 SL Gullwing with silver exterior and red interior. There is something about it that screams classy, elegant, and sexy.
300 SL Gullwing
Hohenzollern Castle
Okay, so I have been really busy this past month. This will be the first of a series of posts.
So I stayed in Stuttgart the first weekend of April and Belinda dragged me to Hohenzollern Castle (about 1 hour south of Stuttgart). I do not know what the fascination is with castles. I am not a big fan. We only spent about 15 minutes at the castle -- which was nothing considering it took us 20 minutes to hike up a steep hill just to get there.
So I stayed in Stuttgart the first weekend of April and Belinda dragged me to Hohenzollern Castle (about 1 hour south of Stuttgart). I do not know what the fascination is with castles. I am not a big fan. We only spent about 15 minutes at the castle -- which was nothing considering it took us 20 minutes to hike up a steep hill just to get there.
At the Castle
Belinda's boot
That night I actually had a date, with a German girl that I met at a club a week or so earlier. It went well, typical first date stuff -- dinner, etc. We plan to meet up again but we shall see.
Monday, April 6, 2009
London Part 2
When I woke up the next day, I walked Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park (including the Marble Arch). I then met up with my friend. We went to the British Museum where we checked out a bunch of stuff -- most notably the Rosetta Stone. We then went to London Tower, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and the London Eye (but did not have time to go into the London Tower nor the Eye). And as every first time Londoner, I got fish and chips!
Next time I'd love to go with someone who has been there before and not do all the tourist stuff. Hanging out with the locals at the pubs and seeing the non-tourist parts of the city would be nice.
Next time I'd love to go with someone who has been there before and not do all the tourist stuff. Hanging out with the locals at the pubs and seeing the non-tourist parts of the city would be nice.
Marble Arch
Rosetta Stone
Tower Bridge
London Part 1
The weekend of the 28th-29th (my sister's birthday weekend... Happy Birthday!) I went to London. Let's just say that having to catch a train at 5am after a night out on the town might not be the best way to go about things! I woke up after only 1 hour of sleep and realized I missed the first train. I scrambled to brush my teeth and run to the station to catch the next one. In doing so, I forgot to bring my other pair of shoes (that actual has a rubber sole). As a result I walked around London in dress loafers. Not fun.We did the obligatory tourist stuff like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Parliament Building, Picadilly Circus, and Starbucks. I was a bit hung over and did not eat much or drink much water. It finally caught up to me at about 3pm. I went to the hotel to take a nap. When I woke up I had a splitting headache. I ran to the local pharmacy, grabbed some pain killers and passed out again. This time I woke up at midnight ready to go. Problem was my friend had already turned in for the night and I wasn't familiar with the area or when the Tube stopped so I decided to call it a night and wake up early.
Phone Booth Picture
Big Ben and the Parlimentary Funk
Buckingham Palace - God Save the Queen
Trier, Germany
On the way back from Lux, we stopped at Trier, a town in Germany known for its ancient Roman ruins. The weather was lackluster so we only walked around for an hour or two and then headed back to Stuttgart.
Roman Ruins in Trier
More Ruins in Trier
Steve taking a picture of the "Do Not Cross on Red because Children might be Watching" sign while the light is red and cars are coming
Luxembourg City
So after Paris, I took a weekend journey to the city of Luxembourg (which is in the tiny country of Luxembourg). After looking for things to do on the internet, I stumbled across a party at a bar called 'The Viking" that stating it was a premier Scandinavian bar and it was having the "Party of the Year" with 1 Euro tequila and spicy vodka shots (no... not mixed). Because of that, we arrived Friday night by car. Needless to say we were disappointed when we walked in. The bar was completely filled with smoke and the crowd was in high school. I took no more than 3 steps and turned around. We found a place to have a few drinks but the nightlife in Luxembourg is nothing to write home about (a bit of an ironic statement considering I'm blogging about it).
On Saturday we spent the day exploring the city. It took all of about 2 hours -- total. We walked a bit and took pictures. Then we stopped in an open area and had a beer at a Cafe. I saw the sun for the first time since Zurich so that was kind of nice. We continued walking around for another hour or so and found our way back to the same plaza as before. We then decided to have a drink and eat a little something. 5 beers and 4 hours later, after sitting in the sun, we decided to go back to the hotel and figure out a plan for dinner (which we ate at an Indian restaurant).
On the way back from Lux, we stopped at Trier, a town in Germany known for its ancient Roman ruins. The weather was lackluster so we only walked around for an hour or two and then headed back to Stuttgart.
On Saturday we spent the day exploring the city. It took all of about 2 hours -- total. We walked a bit and took pictures. Then we stopped in an open area and had a beer at a Cafe. I saw the sun for the first time since Zurich so that was kind of nice. We continued walking around for another hour or so and found our way back to the same plaza as before. We then decided to have a drink and eat a little something. 5 beers and 4 hours later, after sitting in the sun, we decided to go back to the hotel and figure out a plan for dinner (which we ate at an Indian restaurant).
On the way back from Lux, we stopped at Trier, a town in Germany known for its ancient Roman ruins. The weather was lackluster so we only walked around for an hour or two and then headed back to Stuttgart.
Luxembourg City
Building in Luxembourg
It's been a while... part 2
The following weekend I went Heidelberg on Friday night to meet up with some SigEps who were visiting France and Germany for their Spring Break class. I don't have pictures of Heidelberg since I only stayed the night and all we did was go out for dinner and a few drinks.
I woke up early the next morning to catch the ICE (German high-speed train) to Paris. There I met my mom, who was taking a Spring Break university class. It was a great weekend and we had lots of fun. On the return, I took the TGV (high-speed French train). It was soooo worth the money to take the train. What would have taken me 5+ hours (plus gas expense) by car, only took about 3.5 hours by train.
I woke up early the next morning to catch the ICE (German high-speed train) to Paris. There I met my mom, who was taking a Spring Break university class. It was a great weekend and we had lots of fun. On the return, I took the TGV (high-speed French train). It was soooo worth the money to take the train. What would have taken me 5+ hours (plus gas expense) by car, only took about 3.5 hours by train.
View from the hotel
Me in front of the Louvre
Mona Lisa
Venus
It's been a while... part 1
Wow, it's been 4 weeks since I last blogged. I have been busy to say the least. Work is really in full swing. I am finally getting a grasp of the technical aspects of the new Hybrids, soon to be on sale stateside. The only problem is that I have only 2 work weeks left (since I will be taking Easter week off, like the rest of the office).
So where have I been since Zurich? Everywhere. Well almost.
First was Feldberg, Germany where I attempted to snowboard. I would not consider what I did as actual snowboarding, but it was only my first time.
So where have I been since Zurich? Everywhere. Well almost.
First was Feldberg, Germany where I attempted to snowboard. I would not consider what I did as actual snowboarding, but it was only my first time.
Rafael and Cesar (Brazilians) and me
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Zurich
Previous to the night-on-the-town, we decided to go to Zurich in the morning (err afternoon). So I picked up Steve and Rafael and off we went. It was almost all Autobahn on the way, and I managed to get past the ECU controlled speed of 212 kph and hit 215 kph! About 2-3 km before the Swiss border they had a police stop. They questioned us and checked our passports and we were good to go. At the border, we were flagged again and asked to see our passports and car docs. After all that, we didn't even get a stamp in our passports. I was a little upset. I have bunch of stamps from different places and since Switzerland is not part of the EU, I thought for sure I would get one. I guess I will have to fly in through Switzerland one time to get my stamp!
Zurich is a really nice city. Relatively small, you can walk the main areas in an hour or two. I can definitely attest to the fact that Zurich is the most expensive city in Europe. Dinner cost about 30 CHF (Swiss Franks) = $26. That's a bit much for one beer, a sausage, and some traditional Swiss potatoes (called Rosti). We then went to a Irish pub we staked out earlier. Thinking the "scene" would get better later in the night, we decided to grab a table and a few beers. How wrong we were. Apparently women do not go out to drink in Zurich. We went to another bar that seemed to have potential. Again -- not much. We went back to the hotel and commented that it was the first time in awhile we went home drinking only 4 beers.
One of the clock towers in Zurich
Lake Zurich
(click on the picture and you can see the Alps)
Sunday was a day to take pictures. We strolled up this hill I saw the day before. From here, it overlooked the Altstadt (old city) and the river, leading to Lake Zurich. We then caught a train to a mountain town called Uetliberg. Here we hiked up a little ways. There was a large tower you could climb and the views of the city, lake, and the Alps were amazing. Unfortunately, I was careless and didn't check to see what settings my camera was on. Assuming it was set to the setting I wanted, I took a ton of pictures with the Alps in the background. When I got home and downloaded all of them, I could not see the Alps at all. Apparently the setting I was on caused over-exposure and the glare from the sun whitewashed the Alps. I'm a little angry at myself for being so careless. I've been to all of these places and have not once made that mistake. It was really a beautiful place. I guess that means I'll just have to go back some day.
Zurich is a really nice city. Relatively small, you can walk the main areas in an hour or two. I can definitely attest to the fact that Zurich is the most expensive city in Europe. Dinner cost about 30 CHF (Swiss Franks) = $26. That's a bit much for one beer, a sausage, and some traditional Swiss potatoes (called Rosti). We then went to a Irish pub we staked out earlier. Thinking the "scene" would get better later in the night, we decided to grab a table and a few beers. How wrong we were. Apparently women do not go out to drink in Zurich. We went to another bar that seemed to have potential. Again -- not much. We went back to the hotel and commented that it was the first time in awhile we went home drinking only 4 beers.
One of the clock towers in Zurich
Lake Zurich
(click on the picture and you can see the Alps)
Clock tower in Zurich (over-exposed)
On top of the tower in Uetliberg (w/0 Alps)
Let the Parties Begin!
What a world-wind week it was (last week).
Tuesday: My birthday. We went out for dinner at a Mexican place called Enchiladas. See picture below.
Wednesday: I went to visit some friends who were about an hour or so away in Karlsruhe. Needless to say I walked in the door that night at 4:30am.
Thursday: Denise's birthday dinner at The Floating Market (Thai-Japanese restaurant).
Friday: Combined 25th Birthday Party. We started at Suite 212. There were a lot of people there, including an old boss from MBUSA who is now working in Stuttgart. We then moved on to Mutter Milch (translated as Mothers Milk). That was even more crowded but DJ was only playing House/Techno, which I'm not the biggest fan of. After 2 Cuba Libres (Rum & Cokes here), we went to Classic Rock. This was a fun place. They played a variety of old and new (mostly older) songs. The Beir von Fass (beer on tap) was pretty good also. We wrapped up the night at a place (I never got the name of it) that was smoky and crowded. We got one drink there and decided to call it a night. It was only 5:30am at the time.
Tuesday: My birthday. We went out for dinner at a Mexican place called Enchiladas. See picture below.
Wednesday: I went to visit some friends who were about an hour or so away in Karlsruhe. Needless to say I walked in the door that night at 4:30am.
Thursday: Denise's birthday dinner at The Floating Market (Thai-Japanese restaurant).
Friday: Combined 25th Birthday Party. We started at Suite 212. There were a lot of people there, including an old boss from MBUSA who is now working in Stuttgart. We then moved on to Mutter Milch (translated as Mothers Milk). That was even more crowded but DJ was only playing House/Techno, which I'm not the biggest fan of. After 2 Cuba Libres (Rum & Cokes here), we went to Classic Rock. This was a fun place. They played a variety of old and new (mostly older) songs. The Beir von Fass (beer on tap) was pretty good also. We wrapped up the night at a place (I never got the name of it) that was smoky and crowded. We got one drink there and decided to call it a night. It was only 5:30am at the time.
Birthday dinner @ Enchiladas
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Irony and/or Oddity
- Everything in Germany is "closed" on Sundays (even grocery stores). During the week most places close at 8pm (except restaurants).
- My gym is open 24/7/365.
- The entrance to my gym is a part of the Drive-Thru for Burger King (which is in the same building).
- Men here were sandals with socks -- in the winter!
- Apartments/houses have window shades on the outside of the window.
- People stare -- a lot.
- You can park on the street facing either way (with or against traffic).
- German guys rocking Guido blowouts as if they are from Staten Island (no offense to those from Staten Island that do not have a blowout).
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Munich and Strasbourg
The Augustiner
The BoarI went to Strasbourg, France this past weekend with Dirk and Belinda. It was cold and rainy -- the norm here for the past 3 weeks. There wasn't a whole lot to take a picture of. I managed to get a few pictures in before the rain came. We took a boat ride on the river that circles the city but it was raining and I am not a fan of taking pictures through glass.
Tree Lined Fußgangerzone (Pedestrian Zone)
Tree Lined Fußgangerzone (Pedestrian Zone)Saturday, February 21, 2009
And it begins...
2 weeks ago I ventured to Porsche. Here are a few pictures from the Porsche Museum that I promised. Like I said, it was only 2 levels and it did not include much from their current cars. They did not have my 911 Turbo 4S Cabriolet. I was moderately disappointed.
New Carrera GT
Wheel Hubcap
No Paint
I went to Munich last weekend. It was absolutely freezing so I didn't do much sightseeing. We were typical tourists and went to the Augustiner for a beer and something quick to eat. Later we ventured to the world's most famous beer hall, the Hofbräuhaus. The ride back was actually quite entertaining. I was able to drive the A8 (autobahn) with no speed limit and no traffic -- so of course I maxed it out. Unfortunately, my car is a US Version and is electronically limited to 212 km/hr (only 130 mph). The car physically can go about 155 mph. Oh well.
Older Carrera
New Carrera GT
Wheel Hubcap
No Paint
I went to Munich last weekend. It was absolutely freezing so I didn't do much sightseeing. We were typical tourists and went to the Augustiner for a beer and something quick to eat. Later we ventured to the world's most famous beer hall, the Hofbräuhaus. The ride back was actually quite entertaining. I was able to drive the A8 (autobahn) with no speed limit and no traffic -- so of course I maxed it out. Unfortunately, my car is a US Version and is electronically limited to 212 km/hr (only 130 mph). The car physically can go about 155 mph. Oh well.
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