Posts from — November 2007

As everyone who reads this blog knows yesterday was my birthday and I’m definitely feeling the love.  I had quite a few different facebook messages, text messages and emails.  Thanks everyone!

I was also able to complete the 4th annual Treasure Hunt.

What’s this about a treasure hunt you ask?

Well, my loving wife has give me three other treasure hunts.   The first year it ended up in the trunk of my car with a car stereo!   Two years ago I had some friends help me out… Micalgangeo, Raphael, Donatello and Leonardo (the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles).  And another year ended up digging in the garden with fresh snow!   Anyway, this years treasure hunt was using the Internet.  You know you’re in the 21th century when your treasure hunt is using a computer!  The treasure hunt revolved around out trip to Hawaii.  I had to go to certain websites and find out the required information and then receive a prize.  So not only was it a great treasure hunt but educational as well!   I was able to determine the best beaches, best place to snorkel, the best place to surf and the best place to watch a sunset!

My parents sent a nice little package as well which included our household favorite Nanaimo Bar.  If you ever get a chance try my Mom’s Nanaimo Bar.  Seriously.  But good luck trying to find any of it because a) We ration it and b) it gets hidden.

Anyway, thanks to everyone who made me feel like I had a really special Birthday, Birthday eve and Birthday Boxing day.  (yes, I try and make my birthday a 3 day event.  why not?  It’s only once a year…)

It’s Jeff’s “champagne birthday” today. He turns 29 on the 29th. Big day.

Now that we both got our mumps vaccination over and done with for the day, we can enjoy the festivities. Plans for today include the 4th annual birthday treasure hunt, dinner made by Lindsay followed by an “ultimate draft” (we go and pick players to be on our hat league team for indoor ultimate this winter put on by the Calgary Ultimate Association). Jeff’s birthday celebration will continue tomorrow at the Calgary Hitmen game!!!

Happy Birthday Jeff!!!

Well, as some of you know I’m back from Europe. I was greeted by Lindsay and the big mean scary dog at 2am from the airport. It wasn’t suppose to be 2am but luckily I was able to delay my trip in Europe for a few extra hours. Unfortunately they were spent in the airports… And I do mean Airports, plural. Good old 26 hour trip home.

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I know that the last blog was from Austria. However, I just wanted to say one other quick thing about Innsbruck, Austria. Commuting on bikes. That’s a serious means of transport in this city. And why not? Check out the size of the bike lanes. It’s like this on both sides of the street and on most major streets.

You should see how many bikes there are in this city. This is a typical bike rack in Innsbruck.

From Austria I had no problem finding Germany but finding Jayanti’s house is another story….. So I arrived at the train station in Munich with directions from Jayanti to go to the passing train station. Which, is a major train station stop and looks like TONS of trains go there. How hard could that be? So I arrive and go and ask at the ticket booth which train to take … he tells me to go down 2 sets of stairs… left, right, platforms 5 and 6 or something like that. I get there and it says U1. I know that U1 does NOT take me where I want to go. So I go ask at a different ticket place. All he does is yell at me “out, out” … So now I’m thinking that I have to go out. Weird. So I get outside and as I’m stepping outside I see a c-train looking thing (called a tram) with the name ‘passing’ on it. Wow, how fortunate!

So I hop on this tram and we’re traveling for about 25 minutes … Suddenly the tram conductor comes on PA and says a whole bunch of stuff in German. Then everyone gets off of the tram. Hmmm. Weird.

I guess I have to get off too the tram too. So about 30 seconds later as I’m trying to decide my next move… A German guy comes running over and yells at all the people that got off the tram. Almost everyone who was on the tram head over to this other tram going in the other direction. I ask the guy to repeat it what he’s yelling in English and he just yells at me louder in German. Which was enough encouragement for me. So I get on this other tram. We start going and I notice that these were all the stops we just passed. I guess we’re going back to the main station. Weird.

I get to the main station and call Jayanti to tell her I’ll be late and get more directions. Ok. Now I need to take an ‘S-bahn’ (which sounds like s-bomb but not to mistaken for the f-bomb’s) and it’ll say ‘passing’ on it. I go back into the train station and see a train that says ‘Passing’. Perfect! I hop on that and arrive at the passing station in about 3 minutes. Wow, that was quick. Jayanti, later pointed out that I was taking an intercity-train. Which, you’re not suppose to do. oops! The best part of this whole story is that Heather ended up taking the same Tram to the ‘Passing’ train station.

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Munich, Germany. So I spent two days in Europe with Jayanti and her friend Jeff S. (no not me another Jeff S.). The friday night we headed to a Bavarian Beerhouse and I had Pig’s Knuckle and some potato thing that was SUPER tasty.

At this place we were seated literally right beside the men’s bathroom. In fact we could see the lady in the bathroom handing napkins to the guys after washing their hands. Anyway, it was definitely ‘the place to be’. The first drunk German guy to stop by was actually from Spain and called me a dog for eating too much food. Then started to go off with Jeff S. in Spanish. I thought it was hilarious and needed a picture. So, I handed my camera to Jayanti very secretly under the table. She very quickly and sneakily tried to take a picture by raising the camera for .05 second and taking a picture… Which, would have been very sneaky had the flash not gone off. Anyway, this is the pic…. I forget how good I look sometimes. Wow!Sorry ladies, I’m married.

Saturday we walked around Munich for quite a while exploring and seeing the town. It’s a really cool city. The best part is that I had a terrific tour guide. Jayanti was very knowledgeable or just really good at making stuff up about the buildings. Here’s a picture of city hall (I think) and the lady church in the background. The Lady church, Jayanti explained to me that those towers look like breasts. I know, she’s quite shocking that way.

We also went to the BMW showcase building. Looking back I think it’s kinda ironic that I didn’t really look at any cars but more at the building itself. Anyway, apparently you can pay an extra 750 euros (or something like that) and then you can pick your car up at this place. They bring your car up and put it on one of those car spinny things and show it off to all the onlookers. You then drive it right out of the building. Those people down their are driving away in those cars today!

Well, I’m back from my trip. I’ll give a highlights blog or other funny stories sometime soon. Oh and if you’ve seen a big green back pack with a Canadian flag, weighing approximately 19Kg’s with a final destination of YYC then that’s probably mine. And don’t worry I’ll write a good letter to Luftansa thanking them for the ‘extra’ time in Europe.

Not only is it Grey Cup today, but Jeff also gets home. His flight has been delayed and instead of getting home at a reasonable 4pm, it now arrives at midnight, but good things take time. Me and the big scary dog are so excited to see him.

Thanks to everyone who kept me company and almost made me forget Jeff was even gone The last two weeks flew by. Since my last post I went down to Seattle to visit Amanda, who is down there doing her phD. What an amazing city! I’ve been there about 5 times before (but for ultimate tournaments, so that doesn’t count since you don’t really see the city). I was really close to just buying a house and leaving Jeff a little note upon his return that said “sorry Jeff we’ve moved, hope you don’t mind one more flight…”

But then I just spent a weekend there and saw all the good spots and my husband should have some say (it’s still early in the marriage after all ), and I’d hate to leave all my friends.

In other news, today is the Grey Cup-biggest Canadian football day, and because the Riders are involved, it gets even bigger. Incase you aren’t in the spirit already, here’s a photo of Scott for a bit of inspiration. This is what he wore to work on Friday. He, of course, is at the game today in Toronto. If this is his work atire, I’d love to see his game-day outfit!!!

Gooooo Riders!!!!

Last night went out on the town. Had some Rutli (spelling?) which is a swiss tradition (apparently). It’s basically grated potatoes fried in a pan. Add bacon and melt some cheese (swiss cheese but doesn’t taste like Canadian Swiss cheese which is gross in comparison) and a fried egg on top. Sounds like breakfast but it’s not. After that we headed to a little pub which had a live band. The band itself wasn’t that bad, actually. However, the singer was fairly hilarious as he was a Swiss German, a bit overweight and how do you say, “gyrating his hips?” It was basically awesome! Here’s a pic of the band which totally doesn’t do it justice. I do have a video of when he told everyone to get up on their chairs and dance… which is quite great!

Took the train from Zurich, Switzerland to Innsbruck, Austria. The trip was pretty cool as you go right through the base of tons of LARGE mountains… You know the Swiss Alps. Although, I guess some of it would be the Austrian Alps… technically.

For those that don’t know Kris Luttmer lived in Innsbruck for a while. So I sent him an email of what to do while I am here. He responded with a VERY detailed list of stuff and places to see. So today I took up the first thing on the list. Finding the Golden roof. His directions said that basically any map of Innsbruck would have the golden roof on it. Which they do. However, if you can’t locate where you are on the map (ie: matching the street name that you’re on to the street name on the map) then you’re basically screwed. I just couldn’t find the crazy german street names like Steretastishs-breausge strafe or something like that. When I did find it it was exactly as I’ve heard described…. overrated. See the picture below.

So one of the reasons that I wanted to stop through Innsbruck was because of Sill River and Sillpark. Yeah. Silly I know but true. So I stopped by Sillpark today, you know, expecting basically a Disc Golf course and a wide open greenspace. Instead I got this….

So I think that everything is basically free for me tomorrow. So shopping should be pretty easy. And in case your wondering and by “your” I mean my Ma & Pa, Sill River looks like this.

Good story from last night. So Jeremie and I went out with a friend of Jeremie’s and his girlfriend. The night was spent mostly speaking french, which was totally cool, unless I didn’t understand what they were saying. Anyway, she took us to a ‘trendy’ place with a live band. I picked up the menu and saw that a 250ml beer was 9.50CHF which works out to around $8.50 Canadian. ouch! So I lean over and tell Jeremie

“mon amis, c’est tros cher ici” (friend, it’s too expensive here).

Needless to say we didn’t stay at that place. However, as we’re walking along to another place I hear Jeremie and the girlfriend arguing about paying 9.50CHF for a beer. I’m not paying attention until I hear.

“I’ll y a pas des fille la qui dance”

Roughly translated to…

“they’re wasn’t even strippers…”

Awesome!

Well, today was a work day in Zurich so not really that much new to report. Which is sorta sad. However, I guess it is the reason that I came to Zurich and get paid this week. So it’s not all bad. The company took us out for lunch today and learned lots about Zurich. Seems like a pretty neat city in the winter. And, of course, they had no clue what Ultimate was. Needless to say Disc Golf was mind blowing.

On the way home I did a little window shopping. For those who have been to Zurich know how expensive it is here. And the shopping is even more expensive… if that’s even possible. Anyway, I took this picture on the way home.

Right now I just finished watching “Scrubs” in French. That’s pretty sweet. Tomorrow I’m off to Innsbruck, Austria. Should be pretty fun actually as I’ll be traveling on my own for the first time in a while. Apparently they mostly speak German, so I’ll be up to my own German. Which, if you’re curious is approximately 0.00001% of the language. I’ve almost mastered asking for a beer and coffee. Mostly because Beer is biere and Coffee is Cafe. Needless to say Hello is way out of my league. Wish me luck!

Hey all. A little catch up post with pictures because I’m back to my laptop in a hotel room. Today I took three trains to get from Courtepin (Jeremie’s village) to Zurich.

• Courtepin -> Fribourg: uneventful train ride.

• Fribourg -> Bern: Stopped in Bern and saw the Parliment building. Remember: Bern is the capital of Switzerland.

• Bern -> Zurich: Cool two level train with a first class section. so quiet and goes super fast.

The funny part to me is taking three trains between a tiny village to a major center is WAY less complicated then taking the C-train from my house to downtown in Calgary….hmmmm.

Anyway, Zurich is pretty massive and pretty cool. Haven’t really seen all that much but walked along the river (basically the Ottawa Canal equivalent…which, doesn’t help you at all if you haven’t been to Ottawa). It looks like a really really cool place to visit during the summer. Here’s a picture of Zurich. Tomorrow I’m hoping to grab a picture or two of the lake (too hazy today).

—- Rewind (only for relevant or funny information) —-

Day 1 – Switzerland. We went to this Engineering open house thing at Jeremie’s school. It’s basically an open house till 10-11 and then a party afterwards. Anyway, there were some people serving Raclette. Raclette is a super famous Swiss thing. Basically, Raclette (that’s the type of cheese and the name of the dish) is grilled cheese scrapped onto a plate served with boiled potatoes. Anyway, I’m in the line and notice that every is talking French. So I decided to try and talk to these guys.

Jeff: “so this is my first Raclette ever!”

I get looks of complete and utter horror.

One guy: “Well, how long have you been in Switzerland for?”

I respond

“About 4 hours”

Apparently that was ok. So here’s a picture of Raclette cheese and a Raclette machine.

Second funny story. So, Terri mentioned that I’d eat lots of bread while I was in Switzerland. She was right… lots of bread. Anyway, we were in this restaurant and a guy came into the restaurant and was speaking French to the waiter. And I heard “Machine au Pain au droit” which translates to “Bread Machine to your right”. I’m wondering. What is this guy talking about? So the next day as we’re driving by the same location I spot this bread machine. It’s a bread vending machine! How awesome is that? Too bad they were sold out though.

Finally. The Matterhorn is simply breathtaking. WoW! The pictures just don’t do it justice!

ps. Keep the comments coming. I love reading them.

Hey all.  I’m back in a location with Internet and let me tell you.  The last 2-3 days have been terrific.  My Swiss friend who is touring us around is doing a superb job.   I don’t have my computer at the moment so I can’t post pics.  Sorry.  When I get to Zurich I should be able too though.  Quick recap because I don’t want to be rude here.

Fribourg – A neat old city about 10 minutes from where Jermie grew up.  Apparently it’s only 30-40 thousand but I’d guess more like 100-150 thousand based on shops and busy’ness.   

Zermatt – Basically the Swiss equivalent to Whistler but WAY cooler (although, I’ve never been to Whistler).  I figure this because you don’t have to take a train (my first passenger train experience for solely transit purposes… verz cool) to Whistler.   

Matterhorn – Took another train up to the Gornergrat which is a viewpoint type place to view the Matterhorn.  The day was PERFECTLY clear and could see for miles and miles… had a little picnic at the top and even a little suntanning.  Seriously, it was only about -2 at the top while in Zermatt below it was -5or6.

Cheese – Toured a cheese factory today. sampled some cheese…  having Raclette for dinner which is a swiss specialty.  got a good Raclette story so remind me about that one. 

Tomorrow I’m off to Zurich… by train.  I love trains+++++ (I can’t find the exclamation mark).  

Hez all Iàm in Friboug and if zou couldnàt tell zet Iàm on a french kezboard.     Just wanted to let everzone know where I was.  Oh+ and Terri Iàve alreadz had bread-buns for lunch and breakfast.   lovvvving it+   I love mz bread products )if thzàre good=

 K. 

Next time Iàll trz and make the writing look english and not what Iàm trzing to speak right now which is Frenglish.   Although, Iàm actuallz doing prettz good with mz French so far.    

 Pictures to come. 

So here I am last full day in Scotland. Kinda sad as I’ve had a really great time in this here neat city. Where to begin?

Oh! right. So the Blue Blazer (that pub that only serves alcohol) is ‘apparently’ a gay bar. Which there is nothing wrong with. However, Jeremie and I have been in there quite a bit this week and just found out when someone told us last night. AND… Apparently, the hotel that we’re staying at is in the Pubic Triangle. Because they’re are two strip bars and the Erogenous Zone all making a triangle. Funny stuff when you sidle up to some locals and start chatting with them.  Here we are outside of the Blue Blazer!

Today, we headed to the Castle in this here Scotland city. Neat castle and quite amazing when you think what people could build 800-900 years ago. It’s pretty crazy and I really can’t comprehend how it was done.

The other neat thing in the castle was the Cannon’s. The one cannon was MASSIVE. Firing HUGE cannonballs. The cannonball’s apparently would fly 2 miles…. yikes!

Now to change the subject completely.

Driving on the right side of the left side of the road. Man, is that ever crazy to me. The first 2-3 days, I swear that I had about 5-10 heart arrythmia’s. The first one I was taking the bus from the airport to downtown. Sitting there looking out the window, watching scenery and cars. I look over to a car going around the same speed as the bus and the lady (in the left side of the car) had her hands in her lap.  She she looks up at me and makes eye contact and my heart skipped a beat!  I probably had this look of “What the F are you doing? Get your eyes and hands back on the wheel you’re going to kill us all!” Turns out she’s the passenger. The second big thing is when someone’s turning down a street and pull onto the left side of the road I always give one of those “are you a maniac” thoughts in my head. I don’t know if I could ever get use to that.

Anyway, in other news Jeremie and I have basically ran out of beers to try. Our goal was to try and not have the same beer twice while we were here. Last night we had to resort to having the same beer. So on that note tomorrow we’re off to another country; Switzerland to be exact. Should be pretty neat. Apparently at some mountain that Jeremie’s parents have a condo they got 50 cm of snow the other night…. On that note. The next blog will be from the land of Cheese, Chocolate and the alps!

ps.  You can buy bread in the corner stores here!   Bread!   Buns!     Yum!  You all know that we love bread & buns.