DB Revisited

California Dreamin'

It was great to catch up with Pete while we were visiting Arnie's patch last week. He really has a bit of the dream tied up and now I can visualise the location of some of his virtual meetings. Nice one Pete. Just take a look at this streetscape as you walk from Casa Pugnale to the beach !

He also provided me with a fine bottle of ale to try from a unique brewery and a delicous chardonnay so we had a great relaxing quiet drink that night. Thanks again Pete and I don't believe you were dropping a hint like my wife joked ;-)

Oh and Jim we didn't go to in and out burger so I'll save that until next time.

Bike Weekend

We spent last night at Russels new place in Blairgowrie. Bed at three am too much for us old guys.

UK Trip

My boss seems to enjoy having our meetings in the countryside which is quite nice. This venue was no exception although it was a bit far from the Ale houses unlike last year where we could walk to a couple. Enjoyed seeing some snow this late in the year though it was too warm for it to settle. Found a curry house but the food was way below Sagar's where I took some of the guys when we were in KL.

This was near Cobham in Surrey 

Another Day

Another city and this week it's Istanbul. Have not seen much beyond my room and gym so far though and that is typical with my job. Not here for a holiday after all and as usual some last minute preparation required for the meeting. Quite a different Muslim country from what I see on the way to the hotel. Many small mosques almost like seeing lots of churches in some countries. Fasting has of course started here also but I don't see all the stalls set up for buka puasa. Funnily the newspaper warns the people not to overindulge during the month and to be careful shopping as prices have gone up.

Was a long flight on a beaten up old Airbus with only a basic entertainment system so drained the batteries on the Nano and nearly finished The Prophet. I think I like that one better than the other two as it is more pragmatic. 

Royal Berkshire

Nice place for a meeting out in the countryside though weather is still a bit on the cool side. They have a very small pool but it is indoor and heated so have managed to keep swimming and not lose the momentum I started a few weeks ago.

We have a new boss so trying to see the new dynamic and how he operates. Still a little early but he is very different to the last guy.

Will go for a curry with some of the guys tonight who are also leaving only on Friday. One is from California where they don't have Indian restaurants believe it or not. I took him for a curry in Manchester last year and he is looking forward to another one. Have found a place not too far away started by a TV chef so should be an interesting meal as it is not mainstream.

Looking forward to coming home again and having a couple of weeks without flights so i can catch up on a few things.

Warmer Weather

Biscayne Bay in Miami from my room, not a bad view at night, the brifge at least looks pretty then, the road noise is bad but I left the window open all night for the fresh air. This morning I can hear the seagulls squabbling and the air is just a little crisp so perfect. Reminds me of winter in Queensland which is very much like this temperature. It started raining on yesterday morning in New York and the temperature dropped so I was fortunate with the weather. I seem to be lucky in that regard even when travelling to Europe and UK I get nice weather.

Top of the World Ma

Today was time for the Empire State Building which juts out over the Manhattan skyline. Awesome views of New York from the observatory although it was very cold and i wished I had taken some gloves with me to the US. Got a few panoramic shots that I will stitch together with the software when I get back.

Had lunch in a great place with a micro brewery afterward and enjoyed some ribs and a couple of dark ales.

Grand Foyer

The Big Apple

This is an amazing city with some great architecture like the Chrysler building here just up from the hotel. Not as tall as the empire state but I think a nicer looking buiding with the art deco finishes. Have done a lot of walking and luckily weather has been kind in terms of no rain and not too cold so makes it good for exploring by foot.

I enjoy seeing a city that way as you can pop into any joint you like the look of when you want a coffee or a cold beer or whatever. The hotel is quite central but need a cab to get to the extremes or a neighbourhood place to eat. I got a great recommendation from the barman last night and went for a steak at a little place on the Eastside. It was packed with people waiting and eating at the bar as well as tables. Tiny kitchen with burgers being flipped and some great chilli on the stove.

I had to try just a cup and then had a sirloin cooked medium that I could not finish. Plenty of famous people walking around too.

This guy has real attitude huh ? guess he doesn't like autograph hunters much.

Monday Night in Singapore

I couldn't believe it when I saw this shop outside my hotel. They also had nice German music playing from a little speaker under the eaves, it was just like being back in Frankfurt. S&K would have loved it.

Then for a change I ate outside the hotel instead of room service while I work. There is a place called Dan Ryan's Chicago Grill a short walk away that is along the lines of a Chillis or TGIF's that does steak ribs and seafood. The menu has a warning that they give US size servings ! The baby back ribs were pretty good I must say and they gave me a basket of bread that had something close to the corn bread that Sigrun makes in it.

Next time girls.......