Ok... when was the last time you went for a bike ride?
For me, it has to be 7-10 years. I always liked riding bikes. I can remember when I was younger (probably 35+ years ago), the 6th street gang (Pam, Lisa & Brian E., Patty S., Larry S., Eddie & Banger E., brother Beaver and myself - maybe some more but I can't recall) made a ride from Olean, NY to Bradford, PA. It was a nice summer day and we had nothing but our youthful energy to pull us over the mountain and back. Coming down the hill i remember going so fast it scared me (if i recall right, Larry was bumped by a passing car). Can you imagine today letting a group of pre/early teens riding their bikes 20 miles to and from, unsupervised and "just for fun"? That adventure holds a lot of it's own stories, not the point of this one.
Today I discovered a new and physically challenging way way to see Paris. Here in the city they have a bunch of bikes available for a minimum fee. They are strategically placed around the city so the public can use. On Rue de Passy there is a "depot". So I decided to try it - it is something I've wanted to do since my arrival. After about 10 minutes of fumbling with the payment machine, I was on a bike.
The bikes are not sleek racing bikes, but have comfortable seats, 3 speeds, hand breaks (that work) and a basket. Once I was on the bike I had flashbacks to my youth. I rode through the various areas of Paris, the 16th, 7th, 6th, 14th and 13th. Very enjoyable, a bit exhausting and most important liberating. Seeing Paris on a bike could be a hidden secret that I need to explore. I highly recommend it!
By the way... riding a bike after so many years is not hard, give it a try.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
A Soiree in Istanbul
I arrived in Istanbul on Wednesday morning after a very early flight from Bucharest. It was a nice day, sunny and 80 degrees. Our driver met me at the airport. There are few things in life more comforting than being picked-up at the airport by a driver, but after a long three weeks of traveling, this was nice. He drove us along the water on the European side. It takes a few minutes longer but much more enjoyable.When I got to the office, our country leader invited me to a formal Turkey-French Soiree (Chamber of Commerce meeting). We spent 7+ hours in meetings, I am road weary and would prefer to sleep. I gave a lame excuse... I didn't bring a tie. Of course he had an extra one so I had to say yes.
I don't know if you have ever been to something like this, but it is usually average food, lots of presentations with polite applauds and long. All I could think about is 3 hours of French and Turkish business gibber-jabber. On top of being tired I thought I was in for one long boring night.
My attitude took a dramatic turn for the better when we arrived. First, it was outdoors, next to water. We could watch the cargo ships (big boats) and cruise liners up close and personal. Second, we had wine and appetizers (fresh olives and Turkish hazelnuts). True there were guys in tuxes and ladies in gowns, but right then I was enjoying the moment.
The dinner was nothing to write about and the presentations were in French & Turkish. After that it got better. The presentations only lasted 30 minutes, the moon came out over the water and the wine kept coming...
All that alone was worth the lack of sleep, but then there was a concert. Candan Ercetin a top recording star in Turkey gave a 2 hour concert during the meal. She had a ten piece jazz and blues band and her voice reminded me of a mix between Nora Jones and Susan Tedesci (yea, I know, a crazy combination). I would guess she is in her early 40s. She wasn't Lady Gaga or Madonna, but everyone in the place knew her and her music. People were singing, dancing, clapping and waving their napkins to every song. She sang in French, English and Turkish. The last 20 minutes of the show was nothing but traditional Turkish music. The whole time on stage she danced and swayed and played with the audience. In case you couldn't tell, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
One of the moments I will remember for a long time was when she finished a song and told us she would take a short break as the mosque was about to call people to prayer. She know sooner walked off stage and the prayer chants started from the local mosque prayer tower. I was extremely impressed with the respect for religious observation, something I'm told Istanbul is famous for. Could you imagine that happening at a concert?
On my way out of the office today my friends presented me with a CD from her. I can't wait to go home and load it on my iPad. I'm sure when I hear it, I'll close my eyes and remember one of the best business events I ever attended.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A Quick Visit of North Africa
Now that Jill is back home in the U.S., I am back to my hectic way of traveling. Any one who has done business travel with me knows that I like to be quick and light. I pack the minimum, carry a small bag, schedule lots of meetings and spend only one or two days per location. I typically go to the office at 8 AM and leave for the hotel or dinner at 8 PM. Not sure why I do it that way, but I feel it works for me.
June is a full month of travel for me. Last week, Thursday and Friday, I spent time in Athens, Greece. With the manner that I travel you don't see much, but I did sneak in a very nice dinner across from the Acropolis. Very cool scenery as this sits on a hill overlooking the city. We didn't go in, but I understand it is over 2000 years old. I'm sure some of you will Google it and let me know exactly. I returned Friday night so I could do some laundry.
On Sunday I flew to Cairo, Egypt for 2 days. The hotel was next to the Nile River and overlooked Tahrir Square. That's the best I could do for site seeing this time. It was HOT and HUMID. On my way to the airport at 7AM it was already approaching 90 and I was sweating in the car with the AC on. The sun shining on me was baking me.
For those that don't know (until Sunday I didn't) Tahrir Square was a primary site in the recent Egyptian revolution. We all watched or read about this event, but I had a rare occasion to have a meal with someone who participated in it, albeit from afar. She described for me the emotions of the 20 or so days. I read on Wikipedia that the news agencies called Cairo a war zone. But what I heard wasn't the violence we associate today with places like Libya or Syria. I'm sure for those who lost loved ones it was traumatic. But to hear my colleague describe it, I was proud for the Egyptian people. From her point of view... The government brought in people (gangs are what she called them) to create fear. Normal citizens were banding together to protect their neighborhoods. I heard how her husband stood outside at night with broom handles, sticks and big rocks to ensure peace in the neighborhood. She told me how Muslim and Christians guarded each other during their specific prayer times to prevent the bad guys from disrupting the prayers. She shared how local companies provided material to construct the make shift village in Tahrir Square. And as she told the story her eyes welled with tears and you could feel how proud she was of her country. It was a lunch I will remember for a long time. To sit with her and hear the stories made me realize how lucky I am to have grown up in the U.S.
I flew back to Paris from Cairo on the 9:15 AM flight so I could catch a flight to Algiers, Algieria at 4:15 PM. I spent last night in Algiers and took a plane today to Tunis, Tunisia. No stories from Algeria, but maybe tomorrow I will hear of Tunisia's revolution.
Tomorrow night back in Paris for the weekend. Next week it is Bucharest, Romania and Istanbul, Turkey. Week after that is Italy (Rome, Bologna, Milan and Turin). The last week of June has me 3 days in Algeria again and then.... Fourth of July weekend at the Lake House! Can't wait to see Jill and the kids!!!
I know it sounds like fun... But it's a job.
June is a full month of travel for me. Last week, Thursday and Friday, I spent time in Athens, Greece. With the manner that I travel you don't see much, but I did sneak in a very nice dinner across from the Acropolis. Very cool scenery as this sits on a hill overlooking the city. We didn't go in, but I understand it is over 2000 years old. I'm sure some of you will Google it and let me know exactly. I returned Friday night so I could do some laundry.
On Sunday I flew to Cairo, Egypt for 2 days. The hotel was next to the Nile River and overlooked Tahrir Square. That's the best I could do for site seeing this time. It was HOT and HUMID. On my way to the airport at 7AM it was already approaching 90 and I was sweating in the car with the AC on. The sun shining on me was baking me.
For those that don't know (until Sunday I didn't) Tahrir Square was a primary site in the recent Egyptian revolution. We all watched or read about this event, but I had a rare occasion to have a meal with someone who participated in it, albeit from afar. She described for me the emotions of the 20 or so days. I read on Wikipedia that the news agencies called Cairo a war zone. But what I heard wasn't the violence we associate today with places like Libya or Syria. I'm sure for those who lost loved ones it was traumatic. But to hear my colleague describe it, I was proud for the Egyptian people. From her point of view... The government brought in people (gangs are what she called them) to create fear. Normal citizens were banding together to protect their neighborhoods. I heard how her husband stood outside at night with broom handles, sticks and big rocks to ensure peace in the neighborhood. She told me how Muslim and Christians guarded each other during their specific prayer times to prevent the bad guys from disrupting the prayers. She shared how local companies provided material to construct the make shift village in Tahrir Square. And as she told the story her eyes welled with tears and you could feel how proud she was of her country. It was a lunch I will remember for a long time. To sit with her and hear the stories made me realize how lucky I am to have grown up in the U.S.
I flew back to Paris from Cairo on the 9:15 AM flight so I could catch a flight to Algiers, Algieria at 4:15 PM. I spent last night in Algiers and took a plane today to Tunis, Tunisia. No stories from Algeria, but maybe tomorrow I will hear of Tunisia's revolution.
Tomorrow night back in Paris for the weekend. Next week it is Bucharest, Romania and Istanbul, Turkey. Week after that is Italy (Rome, Bologna, Milan and Turin). The last week of June has me 3 days in Algeria again and then.... Fourth of July weekend at the Lake House! Can't wait to see Jill and the kids!!!
I know it sounds like fun... But it's a job.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Keys
As many of you know, I have decided to start running/jogging again. Last night after a long day of work, I decided to go out for a run. It was a beautiful evening - 65 and sunny, so I ran towards the park that Jill and I picnicked in. It was the best run I remember in a long time, even when I stopped 6 or 7 years ago. My legs felt fresh, no pain or heavy breathing, just a smooth striding run.
When I run I have to take my apartment keys with me, so I put them in my pocket, roll my pocket and tuck them into my shorts. I've never had any problems with it... that is until last night.
I finished my run and started a slow walk to cool down. I don't normally do this, but decided to get my keys out a block before home. Reached into my pocket and there were no keys! A calm panic overcame me, but I quickly decided to retrace my steps and look for the keys. The whole time I'm looking I'm praying for help. In order to get into the apartment I have to pass through 3 doors. The first one is easy because there is a code, but the other 2 need the keys.
After looking and praying for an hour, I decided to go back home and see if someone could help me. Bear in mind, this is my worst nightmare - locked out of my apartment in Paris and having to sleep on the street. No keys, no wallet, no access to cash, no ID, only a business card in my pocket.
I use the code to get in the first door and gently knock on the second hoping someone would come. Not sure what I'd do once I got in the second door, but I was taking one step at a time. To my good fortune or God answering my prayers, Fatima came to the door. I explained to her what happened - my English French, her Portuguese French - it took a bit and I'm sure in a movie it would be comical.
Because she wasn't sure what I was telling her, she put the two of us in elevator (which is barely big enough for one of us) and we went to the 5th floor. She knocked on the door, the people let us in, they were English speakers and I quickly shared my plight. There was an older couple with a guest and they just finished dinner, me in my sweaty running stuff and Fatima. The guy looked up a number for SOS Keys, an emergency service for just these types of things, and gave the number to Fatima. On the way out the guy said, "it's expensive."
Fatima and I went back down to the ground floor... I used the stairs. She called the place and they said they would be there in an hour. Ok, no problem I can wait. So I asked Fatima how much for the service. No kidding... She quoted €1,600 (almost $2k)!!!!
For those that know me well know that I went into mental overdrive to formulate a new plan because there is NO WAY I would pay that. It was then I remembered I left my front window open. It was only 10-12 feet up, if we can get a ladder I can climb through the window. Fatima quickly grasped my plan and we started to look for a ladder. Who has a 20 foot ladder in Paris???
Fatima, once again, came to the rescue. She trotted across the street, went in the building and brought out a friend to explain the situation. The guy was finishing dinner so he asked us to wait for 10 minutes. I was willing to wait a couple of hours if he could find me a ladder. While, long story short, he arrives, goes in our building, comes out with a 10 foot ladder and we proceed to extend it along side the front of our building. We get it up and it's ages feet short of being comfortable, but I'm not stopping now. I scurry up the rickety ladder to the top rung and shimmy myself the remaining 3-4 feet over the ledge and into the apartment.
I felt like fricking Rocky at the top of the stairs, throwing my arms into the air and dancing on my toes!!!
Ok, I really didn't do that, but mentally that's what it felt like. I got the keys, some cash and my wallet. I thanked the guy with a 20, then ran down the street to withdraw some cash. I came back and gave Fatima a 50. All was right with the world.
Funny how in my nightmare the heroine became Fatima.
When I run I have to take my apartment keys with me, so I put them in my pocket, roll my pocket and tuck them into my shorts. I've never had any problems with it... that is until last night.
I finished my run and started a slow walk to cool down. I don't normally do this, but decided to get my keys out a block before home. Reached into my pocket and there were no keys! A calm panic overcame me, but I quickly decided to retrace my steps and look for the keys. The whole time I'm looking I'm praying for help. In order to get into the apartment I have to pass through 3 doors. The first one is easy because there is a code, but the other 2 need the keys.
After looking and praying for an hour, I decided to go back home and see if someone could help me. Bear in mind, this is my worst nightmare - locked out of my apartment in Paris and having to sleep on the street. No keys, no wallet, no access to cash, no ID, only a business card in my pocket.
I use the code to get in the first door and gently knock on the second hoping someone would come. Not sure what I'd do once I got in the second door, but I was taking one step at a time. To my good fortune or God answering my prayers, Fatima came to the door. I explained to her what happened - my English French, her Portuguese French - it took a bit and I'm sure in a movie it would be comical.
Because she wasn't sure what I was telling her, she put the two of us in elevator (which is barely big enough for one of us) and we went to the 5th floor. She knocked on the door, the people let us in, they were English speakers and I quickly shared my plight. There was an older couple with a guest and they just finished dinner, me in my sweaty running stuff and Fatima. The guy looked up a number for SOS Keys, an emergency service for just these types of things, and gave the number to Fatima. On the way out the guy said, "it's expensive."
Fatima and I went back down to the ground floor... I used the stairs. She called the place and they said they would be there in an hour. Ok, no problem I can wait. So I asked Fatima how much for the service. No kidding... She quoted €1,600 (almost $2k)!!!!
For those that know me well know that I went into mental overdrive to formulate a new plan because there is NO WAY I would pay that. It was then I remembered I left my front window open. It was only 10-12 feet up, if we can get a ladder I can climb through the window. Fatima quickly grasped my plan and we started to look for a ladder. Who has a 20 foot ladder in Paris???
Fatima, once again, came to the rescue. She trotted across the street, went in the building and brought out a friend to explain the situation. The guy was finishing dinner so he asked us to wait for 10 minutes. I was willing to wait a couple of hours if he could find me a ladder. While, long story short, he arrives, goes in our building, comes out with a 10 foot ladder and we proceed to extend it along side the front of our building. We get it up and it's ages feet short of being comfortable, but I'm not stopping now. I scurry up the rickety ladder to the top rung and shimmy myself the remaining 3-4 feet over the ledge and into the apartment.
I felt like fricking Rocky at the top of the stairs, throwing my arms into the air and dancing on my toes!!!
Ok, I really didn't do that, but mentally that's what it felt like. I got the keys, some cash and my wallet. I thanked the guy with a 20, then ran down the street to withdraw some cash. I came back and gave Fatima a 50. All was right with the world.
Funny how in my nightmare the heroine became Fatima.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Return to Paris
Well the mini vacation is over and I'm on the plane going back to Paris. It is truly with mixed emotions that I return. We had a VERY busy time home. I can't believe how fast it went and I feel bad I didn't get to visit with many friends and family. The scheduled events all went off without issues. One kink in the plan - Donna broke her hip our first night home. The timing was good because we were home so Jill could visit / help.
Now as I sit on the plane I wonder why am I doing this. I really enjoyed being home and don't look forward to spending the summer alone in Paris. For sure I will immerse myself into my work. As Jill says... No distractions. The positive side is that I've decided to start running again. Jill and I are doing a weight loss challenge during the summer separation. I am committed to return to the U.S. for the summer break 20 pounds lighter. It should make the lake house more enjoyable. We'll see...
If anyone is going to be in Paris this summer, be sure to look me up.
Now as I sit on the plane I wonder why am I doing this. I really enjoyed being home and don't look forward to spending the summer alone in Paris. For sure I will immerse myself into my work. As Jill says... No distractions. The positive side is that I've decided to start running again. Jill and I are doing a weight loss challenge during the summer separation. I am committed to return to the U.S. for the summer break 20 pounds lighter. It should make the lake house more enjoyable. We'll see...
If anyone is going to be in Paris this summer, be sure to look me up.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
A Break from France
After 5.5 months it is now time for us to go back to the U.S. Of course for me it is only a 10 day visit. Jill will stay for the summer. I'm not sure what it will be like to be back in the States. But It will be nice to not have to practice my French every day, I need a little break. We are very excited to come "home" home.
We have a busy 10 days and I apologize to anyone we don't get to this visit. We arrive late today, dinner with Bryan & Kyrstin. Tomorrow AM I drive to NYC to pick-up stuff from Kaitlyn. Brother Dennis is suppose to ride with me. We'll spend the night, pack her stuff, get it to the storage and drive back home on Thursday. Friday we drive to Meadville for Matt's graduation on Saturday. Sunday back home, Monday is Nicole's confirmation. And I'm exhausted just thinking about it all.
I wonder how many times we'll greet people with bonjour or say merci to the waiter or ca va to someone who asks how we're doing. Oh well -- it will be nice.
We have a busy 10 days and I apologize to anyone we don't get to this visit. We arrive late today, dinner with Bryan & Kyrstin. Tomorrow AM I drive to NYC to pick-up stuff from Kaitlyn. Brother Dennis is suppose to ride with me. We'll spend the night, pack her stuff, get it to the storage and drive back home on Thursday. Friday we drive to Meadville for Matt's graduation on Saturday. Sunday back home, Monday is Nicole's confirmation. And I'm exhausted just thinking about it all.
I wonder how many times we'll greet people with bonjour or say merci to the waiter or ca va to someone who asks how we're doing. Oh well -- it will be nice.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Steak Tartar
Last night Jill and I went to Le Petite Tour for dinner. On Friday night we stopped there to make reservations and have a drink at the bar. It was pretty hectic, but Gary (the owner in case you have forgotten) took good care of us. I had a cognac and Jill had a glass of Sancerre (one of our favorite white wines). Before the night was over we were treated to a bellini (my spelling probably wrong, but its made with strawberry sorbet mixed really well with champagne), the remainder of a bottle of wine that someone else didn't finish and I don't remember what else... When we went to leave Gary claimed it was his treat. So we spent a couple of hours in good company and had free drinks! Doesn't get better then that, unless you go back the next day for dinner.
On Saturday we went back. When we were seated Gary brought us complimentary glasses of champagne. During our previous visits we talked with him about trying steak tartar. Both Jill and I were not certain we would be able to do it, but we went for it. Gary made a special appetizer sized dish for each of us. It came out mixed with onion, scallions, worchester sauce, Tabasco and garlic. Gary serves his with a raw egg yolk on top (which you have to mix into the dish) and a delicious pesto sauce decorating the plate. Jill called it yummo and I must agree with her.
The rest of the meal was just as good. I had one of the best fish dishes and Jill did her normal salmon dish. We had a bottle of the wine we sampled the night before. When that was gone Gary brought us a half bottle of a Chablis that he had opened for someone else.
The fun started when we finished our main dish. Seated next to us was a couple from Australia. We heard them speak English and they were trying to figure out the menu. Jill leaned over and started a conversation that kept us there until almost midnight.
This morning we met them at church and due to some confusion mass was delayed so we went for a coffee together. Just goes to show, if you're open to meeting new folks the world is full of nice people.
On Saturday we went back. When we were seated Gary brought us complimentary glasses of champagne. During our previous visits we talked with him about trying steak tartar. Both Jill and I were not certain we would be able to do it, but we went for it. Gary made a special appetizer sized dish for each of us. It came out mixed with onion, scallions, worchester sauce, Tabasco and garlic. Gary serves his with a raw egg yolk on top (which you have to mix into the dish) and a delicious pesto sauce decorating the plate. Jill called it yummo and I must agree with her.
The rest of the meal was just as good. I had one of the best fish dishes and Jill did her normal salmon dish. We had a bottle of the wine we sampled the night before. When that was gone Gary brought us a half bottle of a Chablis that he had opened for someone else.
The fun started when we finished our main dish. Seated next to us was a couple from Australia. We heard them speak English and they were trying to figure out the menu. Jill leaned over and started a conversation that kept us there until almost midnight.
This morning we met them at church and due to some confusion mass was delayed so we went for a coffee together. Just goes to show, if you're open to meeting new folks the world is full of nice people.
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