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2008-04-01
Ok, this post comes not from South Lake Tahoe as planned, but again from Sunnyvale. This is, because the "Green Lantern", the motel we stayed in, had nominally "free fast internet" but in reality didn't ... but let us stay in chronological order:
My host, Julius, was again very busy at work and couldn't leave from there before 6:30 pm. With all the packing and preparing it took us until well past 8 pm before we finally managed to hit the road. It's 220 miles from Sunnyvale to South Lake Taho, so it's no surprise that we arrived late in the night. The drive was smooth and luckily we didn't had to put on chains although it was raining and snowing the last miles. So, at about 0:45 am we finally arrived at the before mentioned "Green Lantern" a cheap, but acceptable motel. Acceptable, if you don't mention the breakfast, that is. Urgs.
Early the next day we headed to the nearest equipment-rental-store ("George's"), where we got all the gear we needed and also the lift tickets for the closest ski area "Heavenly". These tickets are at 80 bucks per day shameless pricey, but, well, too late to back out, right? So, just a few minutes later we finally sat in the lift. The weather was fine with few clouds and temperatures around 0°C and the view spectacular - but see for yourself:
Here we look north to the lake:
... and here to the south (I guess) towards Nevada:
Boarding was great fun despite the rather harsh snow and unfamiliar gear. The cumbersome opening and fastening of the bindings was really a pain (now I know again why I have step-in bindings at home) and the board was much softer and more flexible than mine - which makes it hard to control at high speeds. I really missed my own board and boots!
Snowboarding in Heavenly feels a little different from Austrian ski regions: The slopes are not as clearly defined and signposted and it is common to find your own way between the surprising tall trees (above 3000 meters (the ground, not the trees)!). Thus, it feels a little more adventurous than most of my previous snowboarding trips. We ended the snow fun with a really challenging mogul slope called "The Gun Barrel". Well, if you lose control, you really might get ballistic like a (slow) bullet.
After some recovering in the "Lantern", we strolled a little around in South Lake Tahoe. This is quite an interesting located town: During winter months you can go skiing and during the summer, there's a nice beach - although I can't imagine that it really gets that warm at nearly 2000 meters.
Also, the town lies exactly on the borderline between California and Nevada. And because gambling is legal in Nevada, but not in California you can walk in few minutes from houses like these:
to casinos like these:
Anything else to tell? The two days flew by really fast and the drive back went smooth, too. And here I am, back at Sunnyvale!
What will I do next? Man weiß es nicht ;)
change
2008-03-29
Welcome to another episode of "The Bavarian Guy in Schwarzenegger's Own Country"!
I finally figured out my hidden superpower: I am The Jetlag Less Dude. You may call me "Jedu" for short. I should buy some kind of awesome cape and make someone craft actionfigures ("nodolls") for me. =) Seriously, it's kind of curious: From first day on, my sleep schedule exactly matched the one of those living here. Looks like my inner clock was always eight hours off ;)
So, let's see what I did the last few days:
Wednesdays started with a lot of confusion. There's supposed to be a bus stop just next to the hotel. Bus stops usually have bus maps. So, I just went to find the bus stop without any planning. There's just one exit off the hotel's grounds and from there just one way to go. "This is going to be easy", I thought in my ignorance. Haha. Well, I followed the road which ended in something like a German "Landstrasse": Just two lanes for cars, no curbs, no footway. This didn't seem to be right so I went to look around a little on this road - until I gave up, went back to the hotel, fired up Google Maps and wondered, where the f**k I was. Turned out, the way I went was just right; I had to follow this street a little to come to a bigger road. Which I did feeling like a vagabond. Then I finally found the bus station, which had no map for me, but the information that the bus drivers don't give back change and I only had bigger notes. D'ho. I decided to walk then, shouldn't be too far. That was a misconception again, my way to the railway station took nearly an hour. It was enjoyable anyway - after all, I hadn't seen much of America before. From the station I finally took my way to San Francisco in a huge train:
The passage with the train took another hour, but again I had lots to see. Most parts of the bay area are quite beautiful and reminded me of the Toscana in Italy: A hilly, very green countryside with lots of houses on the hill tops:
When I finally arrived in San Francisco it was time for complete disorientation: The maps in my city guides didn't show train stations. :( . Luckily I recognized one of the buildings from pictures in the guide, so I deciced that this was a good way to go. This choice led me directly into the Financial District and to the Bay Bridge. I haven't managed to see the famous Golden Gate Bridge yet, but the Bay Bridge is already quite impressive:
From there I just let myself flow through the city, following promising streets, looking at whatever seemed interesting, judging what's familiar and what's completely strange. I can't describe why, but San Francisco has his own feeling to it different from any Eurpoean city I've visited so far. Perhaps it's the giant buildings combined with cool breeze from the Pacific. Or the different traffic lights ;) One funny thing: Although I spoke to several people over the day, none was actual American: Is it possible that the whole city of San Francisco is just inhabited by Greek, Spanish, Mexican, French people and one German tourist? Probably not - but it sure felt like.
The day flew by and soon I had to go meet Julius and some of his friends from work. We went to a fine Mexican restaurant for some Tacos and after that to the "Thirsty Bear", a bar which brewed their very own bear. What they shouldn't do. My "Golden Bear - a light pilsener" tasted like piss with grapefruit. Politely spoken. It was a fun evening and is hopefully repeated soon, even if didn't say much. Speaking English with people who actually know the language was a little more difficult than expected.
The Thursday was a lot less eventful. I went to San Francisco again, but just for a few hours. This time I directed my steps more to China Town and Golden Gate Park. This districts have some really beautifull spots! Well, the feet hurt and my diploma thesis needed some looking after (still does ;) ), so I went back early and sat too long in front of my laptop doing way too little.
Today, Julius and I went for the nearest Hertz shop before he went to work. There I enlisted myself as driver for Julius' rental Mazda 6. From there, I spent the day up to now (5 pm) driving around in pretty much the same way as I was walking through San Francisco: Just go ahead without a plan. This proved to be a wise decision: I accidentally found a pretty beautiful street to the Pacific, which ended directly in front of a nice deserted beach (the water there felt as though it should have the decency to be frozen):
From there, I followed the famous Highway 1 to San Francisco before turning to the Highway 101, which braught me home to the hotel. This sentence summarizes a process that actually took several hours, a multitude of stops and frequent disorientation ;) Driving in the United States is quite fun! Noone seems to be in a hurry. It's ok to stick to a lane and overtake people on the right. Just the "stop"-crossroads confuse me - who the f**k is allowed to go here first. Well, so much for now. I have to prepare my snowboarding stuff, we plan to drive towards Lake Tahoe in an hour. Thus, expect to see me covered in snow soon!
change
2008-03-26
My first day in the United States starts quite early. I'm really not used to wake up at 6 am being unable to go back to sleep. Well, at home it's 2 pm. Jetlag messes up even the most profound late riser ;)
My flight yesterday went surprisingly smooth. There really was no cause for all that nervousness and excitement. In chronological order:
After very few hours of sleep I left my flat at 5.30 in the morning cursing myself for packing my coat in the case instead of wearing it right away. It had snowed the night before, snow was covering my path to the tram station and I guess the temperature was still below 0° (Celsius. I'll never get the grip on that Fahrenheit business). Fortyfive minutes later I arrived at the Munich Airport cursing myself for wearing my jacket instead of having packed it into the case. Why do these trains always have to be overheated like this? Anyway, I was more than three hours early and a little confused. The terminal is quite big and I had no clue where the check-ins for United are. But, well, the booking confirmation said I could check in with my credit card at a check-in machine. Which I tried with the expected result: "Sorry, we couldn't find your booking". What a surprise. I didn't mind, after all I was still three hours early. So I strolled around in the main check-in area pushing my way through an inexplicable queue to find "United" signs. Which, I finally found - in front of the same queue. D'ho. You always read "be at least two hours before boarding at the airport". I'm guessing now, that these statements come from the airport shops to keep you near them, bored. The clerks for the United check-in arrived two hours before departure and started to work half an hour later. Now, what was the point in being on the airport early?
I'm not going to describe all the security and boarding business, but it was a little surprising how often you have to get through metal detectors and take off your belt. I originally planned to waste some of my €s on duty free stuff, but it was too early to get wasted and I already smelled nice (in my opinion). There should be another duty-free shop: "Non-alcoholic males welcome".
Twenty minutes before departure I was finally sitting comfortably in the Boing 777 that would hopefully bring me to God's Own Country's capital. Or not comfortably: I was stuck between one guy, who bearly fitted into his seat, and another, who didn't at all. So, no elbow space, which went nicely with no leg space. Luckily, a friend of the larger guy wanted to switch seats, and thus I was suddenly sitting in the ECJR (economy class jackpot row): The first. Now, there was finally more legspace than I could use and a good view to the Business Class, which provided me at least with visual elbow space. Two better unmentioned meals, some pretend-sleep (being awake with your eyes closed) and nine hours later we arrived finally at the Dulles International Airport and my heart rate was rising again. Would I be forced to wait in a queue while my next plane departed? Where will my luggage be?
There were signs telling you where to go everywhere additional to airport employees telling you the same. Whoever manages to get lost there is that much on an idiot that he's close to genius again.
The much feared "immigration"-queue delayed me for about 5 minutes: Show your green strip, get your fingers scanned and proceed. Getting my case through the customs turned out to be likewise terrifying: After getting my case from the only moving carousel I got to two employees that took a short look on my custom-paper before permitting to proceed with a nod. Then. another employee took my case and fed it to a mchine. That was the whole customs business.
So instead of panicking in a neverending queue watched by merciless officers I had now an hour to stroll through the Airport and board. There, I had my very first Dollar spending experience when I bought a milky way (which was at least as caramelly as the packaging promised) and some water. Exciting? No. Same procedure, just with somewhat ridiculous looking notes and coins that appear ancient with their not exactly central embossing.
Security in the states is just like European security, only they make you take off your shoes, too. Which is somewhat consequential: After twelve hours of flying, socks tend to become a securiy issue.
The flight from Washington to San Francisco was quite convenient. I had a seat at the window (so, at least one armrest was mine fore sure) and the Australian woman beside me was good company by being friendly but not to chatty. Seeing the United States from above made me think, why we Germans are considered accurate - after all, the US are the country of squares: It's not just the cities, streets and roads everywhere follow the same simple pattern and make the countryside look barbecued. A few hours later I finally arrived at the San Francisco International Airport, where Julius was already waiting for me....
... to be continued!
change
2008-03-24
Takeoff is tomorrow and judging on my performance at everyday tasks so far today, I'm a lot more excited than I'm willing to admit... Well, after all, it's no wonder: My flight tomorrow doesn't go directly to San Francisco, but I have to change in Washington DC. And there, I have only an hour and a half to check out, pass the immigration check in again and board. According to someone, who travels a lot to the US, that won't work: Waiting in the queue for immigration alone takes more than an hour. Thanks a lot "Expedia" :(
EDIT: Everyhing worked great - so: Thanks a lot "Expedia" :)
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2008-03-20
... Another blog-entry. "Germany's Next Topmodel" is still on and I'm bored ...
Check this video out:
http://www.i-am-bored.com/bored_link.cfm?link_id=28220
The nothing-but-net cheerleader and the backflip from a height of 6 meters are my favorites!
... " my feet are sooo ugly, I hate my feet *sniff* " ... imayhavetopuke
Hmmm, something else to say? No. But that didn't stop me before, right?
change
2008-03-20
Time for another blog entry. Two in 20 Minutes. Am I industrious, or what?
These twenty minutes had also another effect. I was happy before, now I'm incredulous. That's because I'm watching "Germany's Next Top Model" currently with my girlfriend. I really can't believe it. They cried, because they had to go to a hair-stylist. Seriously. I never knew there were really that shallow, self-centric women in the world. And they take themself unbelievably serious. People, whose biggest wish is to become walking hallstands, take themself seriously. Their whole world is looking good, being, pretty, hair, clothes and crying, crying and more crying.
What's even worse: This show is watched and loved by millions of girls and women. Hopefully, they take the show as how not to be. Otherwise, the amount of people whose presence I can stand will rapidly diminish.
Huuuu, I as a guy just ranted about a girly TV-show, thousands of (male) journalists stated they hate before. Call me inventive and quirky.
change
2008-03-20
I'm going to San Francisco
Thanks to a good friend, Julius, who let's me stay in his suite for two weeks, I'll finally leave good old Europe. :).
What the hell: =D :> :)) ^^ *g*
Now, I'm excited - and a little nervous: I've never before travelled alone and had never before to change airplanes. Well, I'll have to learn a lot.
The fun part is, I actually have no idea what I am going to do in the States. Besides working, that is; I don't really have the time for another break from my diploma thesis. But apart from working, I have no idea. Surprisingly, the USA still have that theme-park-vibe to them in my eyes. That's a little surprising for me - I thought I would be a little more down-to-earth in my opinions about the world. Well, I'm not.
Actually, I shouldn't be surprised anymore. After all, I should know by now, that I don't know myself very good.
change
2008-03-15
Talked with Otmar, the guy who supervises my diploma thesis, today about the CeBIT. Turns out that Microsoft's "Surface" was there - if only for selected guests. Also, there was more than one multitouch-wall. And I missed other cool stuff, too.
Well, one day (especially the con's last day) just isn't enough to see everything!
change
2008-03-12
I've been to the CeBIT in Hannover, this money-burning convention of all big IT-corporations, this weekend. And I'm a little disappointed. Well, the usual suspects were as expected there:
The massively overbred machines:
The tiny machines:
The "lifestyle"-machines (that's ordinary hardware with cheap "adornments"):
Giant screens:
The cars:
... and the gamer's hall (still playing Warcraft III)
So far, so ... expected. However, nothing spectacular or remotely new here. If only this stuff would have been presented, I would really regret the 4-hour drive there! Luckily, there was really innovative stuff, too:
A multitouch-sensitive table (cheap and working!):
By the way: Microsoft's "Surface" was nowhere to see!
A multitouch-sensitive wall (all these people interact simultaneously!):
A driver-less car:
And cool stuff, I've forgotten to take a picture from, like a real fast landscape-render-algorithm, robots, face-recognition-software, ...
Interestingly, none of the real cool gadgets and ideas can be found at the bombastic appearances of big companies, but somewhere in the less frequented halls. And, although it was nice to see some of these ideas in action, little of it was cutting edge - in the field of multitouch interfaces science is light-years ahead.
Conclusion:
Go to the CeBIT. Drool at fast machines, cars and girls. The bigger the booths, the more boring the goods. Don't expect too much.
