My life: work, fun and then some...

W biegu

2008-10-06T21:00:00.002+02:00

Mieszkanie, praca, szkola, urlop (yes!), wiecej pracy. Ogolnie jest swietnie, ale niepokoi mnie lekko fakt, ze na spotkaniach towarzyskich centralnie zasypiam na kanapie okolo godz. 22. W piatek.

No ale moze to sie zmieni po urlopie. Bienvenido a Puerto Rico, Barbados y St. Lucia!

A po urlopie kolejne atrakcje - czyli przeprowadzka (w koncu!) do nowego mieszkania. Wszystko idzie dobrze i nawet jedna ekipa spisala sie na medal. Problemy zaczely sie przy malarzu - cala sciana w sypialni jest do poprawy - trzeba zdrapac farbe i takie tam. O dwoch stronach A4 innych poprawek nie wspominajac.

Ale ogolnie - do przodu. I zamkniemy sie w budzecie, co jest dobra wiadomoscia.

Z innych rzeczy - malzenstwo sluzy mi bardzo i po 3 miesiacach zaczynam widziec, ze pare rzeczy sie faktycznie lekko zmienilo. Na bardzo pozytywnie.

I tyle. Jak wroce ze szkoly i z urlopu i znajde chwile (mhm), to wrzuce troche zdjec.

Bezdotykowo

2008-08-04T19:20:00.006+02:00

Jest taka piosenka niezyjacego juz artysty "Czy to jest przyjazn, czy to jest kochanie". A ja sie ostatnio zastanawiam, czy to jeszcze jest przyjazn (o kochaniu w tradycyjnym tego slowa znaczeniu nigdy nie bylo mowy, z oczywistych wzgledow).

Bo jakos mi sie wydaje, ze chyba nie. No, ale zeby nie byc goloslownym - zalaczam link do definicji z Wiki (dostep do SJP PWN jest niestety platny): http://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Przyja%C5%BA%C5%84_%28uczucie%29

Poza jednym tak naprawde akapitem (nie bede mowic ktorym, zreszta - to tez jest juz w zaniku) - tak naprawde jakos to wszystko jest dziurawe.

Sama nie wiem. No chyba, ze chodzi o koncept bezkontaktowy. Cos jak myjnia bezdotykowa. Niestety, jakos nie kupuje takiego pomyslu.

Remis

2008-07-23T19:56:00.002+02:00

Posluchalam sobie dzis piosenki, do ktorej taczylismy pierwszy taniec. Za wczesnie. Poryczalam sie jak dziecko. Ale przy ogladaniu zdjec geba juz mi sie smiala. Wiec w sumie jest remis.

Strangely relaxed

2008-07-03T16:23:00.002+02:00

Albo mi sie wydaje i jest zupelnie odwrotnie. W kazdym razie to juz pojutrze.

Interesting alternative... for slackers ;-)

2008-06-19T06:49:00.004+02:00

http://www.readatwork.com/

Got mail?

2008-06-03T19:46:00.001+02:00

Strajk Poczty Polskiej to po prostu jakis skandaliczny zart. Niestety prawdziwy.

Zlodziej chodzi noca

2008-05-29T22:22:00.002+02:00

Konstancin-Jeziorna, 29. maja, 2008.

Szybki update

2008-05-27T22:37:00.002+02:00

Przedslubny koszmar organizacyjno-biurokratyczno-koordynacyjny. Ale dajemy rade. Choc nie wszystko jest tak, jak powinno byc. No ale nie mozna miec wszystkiego.

Mieszkanie popychamy do przodu - do polowy czerwca odbierzemy klucze ;-)

W pracy zrobilo sie troche normalniej (na chwile). Ale i tak jest zasuw. I widac juz pierwsze wymierne rezultaty. No i zespol mi sie zaczyna spajac - powolutku, bo dosc rozni jestesmy, ale zdecydowanie zaczynamy juz tworzyc cos wiecej niz grupe przypadkowych ludzi. To cieszy.

Bardzo kocham mojego brata. Tak mi jakos to wlasnie przyszlo do glowy.

Crisis management

2008-05-03T07:24:00.002+02:00

Wysypalo sie jednak i mielismy po drodze ogromna awarie. Czwartek w robocie, gaszac pozary, piatek w robocie gaszac pozary, dzis jest sobota, ale chyba wyglada na to, ze zdusilismy najwiekszy plomien.

Ciekawe, ze sytuacje kryzysowe, podbramkowe, czy sytuacje, ktore na pierwszy rzut oka wygladaja na kompletne katastrofy, to sytuacje, w ktorych pracuje mi sie najlepiej. Jakos tak jestem poukladana, ze jak sie nie wali wszystko na leb, to po pierwsze sie nudze, po drugie - kompletnie mi sie nie chce.

No moze nie do konca tak jest - tak naprawde, to nie chce mi sie, jesli mam do zrobienia niewiele. Ale jesli praca totalnie mnie przytlacza (czy iloscia, czy "kryzysowoscia" wspomniana wyzej), wtedy mam najwiecej motywacji. Dziwi mnie to troche, bo mam nature "odhaczania" i nie ma nic, co bardziej mnie cieszy, niz wykreslane, czy "odhaczane" punkty na dlugiej liscie rzeczy do zrobienia.

Moj kolega mowi, ze to klasyczne syndromy pracoholizmu. Ja mysle, ze nie ma racji - moim zdaniem to klasyczne syndromy typu kompulsywno-obsesyjnego. Z obecnej perspektywy (ktora mozna spokojnie porownac do sytuacji bakterii na szalce Petriego wypelnionej agarem - obfitosc, obfitosc i jeszcze raz obfitosc), wcale mnie to nie dziwi.

5 days to go... and counting

2008-04-29T23:45:00.003+02:00

Pre-Launch-Syndrome. Week-end majowy w robocie. Troche sie stresuje, ale w sumie to nic dziwnego. Ostatnio snia mi sie padajace serwery i setki literowek we wszystkich materialach.

No to pierwszy etap za nami

2008-04-23T19:46:00.003+02:00

Umowa przedwstepna podpisana, teraz czekamy na kase i najpozniej 20. czerwca odbieramy klucze do nowego mieszkania. Niby wszystko fajnie, ale myslenie o wysokosci kredytu sprawia, ze lekko trzesa mi sie rece...

Doomsday

2008-04-19T00:58:00.002+02:00

Nie, nie u mnie. Taki film. Highly entertaining. A jesli tak mowie (bo film chyba nie jest najlepszy), to przerazeniem napawa mnie mysl o tym, jakie spustoszenie w mojej glowie sieje te siedemdziesiat pare godzin w tygodniu. Nie marudze.

Too many spinning plates... yet enjoying it.

2008-04-17T22:09:00.002+02:00

Pracowo - szalenstwo. Odpalamy oficjalnie w maju, wiec ostatnie tygodnie wygladaja jak sprint ostatkiem sil po bardzo, bardzo dlugim i wyczerpujacym maratonie.

Mieszkaniowo - szalenstwo. Ale zdecydowalismy sie, w przyszla srode umowa przedwstepna i jedziemy. Juz niedlugo bedziemy mieszkac na ponad trzy razy wiekszej powierzchni niz teraz ;-)

Prywatnie - szalenstwo. Do slubu zostaly nam niecale 3 miesiace (tak naprawde to 2,5) i choc wszystko wlasciwie mamy juz dograne, to jest troche papierologii. A urzedy nie pracuja w nocy niestety. Szkoda, bo wtedy wlasnie najwygodniej byloby mi sie tam wybrac.

Oprocz tego - stala sie jedna niedobra rzecz pare tygodni temu i do tej pory sie nie rozwiazala. Czuje, ze jesli nic nie zrobie (a wyciagnelam reke kilka juz razy), to nic sie nie rozwiaze. Ale tym razem chyba nie jestem gotowa na taki krok. Za bardzo to bylo upokarzajace w kazdym poprzednim przypadku. Szkoda.

Zauwazylam, ze...

2008-04-08T21:13:00.001+02:00

..."Ascenseur Pour L'échafaud" Miles'a Davis'a okazuje sie tez dzialac kojaco o tej porze w pracy. Choc byc moze dlatego, ze jest to jedyna plyta, ktora nosze caly czas ze soba...

W pazdzierniku...

2008-03-31T21:01:00.003+02:00

Najpierw tydzien na Columbia University (pracowo-edukacyjnie), a potem 1.5 tygodnia na Karaibach: San Juan-Barbados-St Lucia. Na koniec jeszcze zakupy w NYC / NJ.

Planowanie nawet krotkich wakacji pol roku wczesniej jest mistrzostwem swiata. Wymyslenie wlasciwej podrozy poslubnej (caly styczen) jeszcze przed nami. Wahamy sie miedzy Australia & Nowa Zelandia (drogo), a Madagaskarem...

Winda na szafot

2008-03-16T16:53:00.003+01:00

Kazdy chyba ma taka granice. W pewnym momencie tasmociag oskarzen i wyrzutow staje sie tak abstrakcyjny, ze czlowiekowi przestaje byc przykro, samoistnie wlacza mu sie mechanizm nieprzyjmowania, niesluchania chyba nawet (?) kolejnych. Do tego juz kompletnie runal mi mit o bezwarunkowej milosci. Wlasciwie teraz to juz bylo zamiatanie po tym jak sie walil od dawna. Ale zbuduje sobie nowy, za pare lat.

Tymczasem miedzy projektowaniem P&L'a, a budowaniem cash-flow (tak, gdzies pomiedzy jest jeszcze balance sheet) wsluchuje sie w sciezke "Ascenseur Pour L'échafaud" Miles'a Davis'a. Bezczelnie genialne.

8 lat

2008-03-04T22:03:00.000+01:00

...

2008-02-18T21:04:00.004+01:00

Ale i tak najgorsze sa srody.

Contract specialist

2008-02-07T21:12:00.000+01:00

Czytanie, sprawdzanie, poprawianie, analizowanie z prawnikiem, wreszcie negocjowanie i znow czytanie, sprawdzanie, poprawianie i analizowanie z prawnikiem kolejnych umow ramowych sprawia, ze mam mdlosci. Jest 21:00 w czwartek, a ja wlasnie zabieram sie do setnej juz chyba analizy i komentowania kolejnego kontraktu. I tak w kolko.

Poza tym Polska przywitala mnie po wakacjach zasmarkanym przeziebieniem i bolem gardla. Co niewatpliwie pomaga w powyzszym.

W zwiazku tym zdjecia z Peru wrzuce NAJWCZESNIEJ w ten week-end.

Notatki z Peru

2008-01-31T15:58:00.001+01:00

Dzien po dniu. Wybrane zdjecia dodam w ciagu kilku dni.

8/1/08
Wylot o 7:30, potem 4h na Heathrow. Nuda. Polskie barmanki ziejacenienawiscia w pubie w terminalu 3. Caffrey's bitter na sniadanie. Byledo samolotu i w kime. Za 10h bedziemy w Miami.

9/1/08
Miami. Cieplo. Zakupy w Targecie. Jedziemy na Everglades. UwielbiamStany.

Dochodzi 6pm lokalnego czasu. Teoretycznie od pol godziny jestesmy wpowietrzu. Praktycznie zepsul sie samolot i mamy 2h opoznienia, czyliw Limie bedziemy o 1 rano. Tak czy inaczej - czekamy.

10/1/08
Po 6h opoznienia w Miami dotarlismy do Limy o 5:30 am. Jest ladnie,cieplo i pachnie jak w Afryce. Za chwile sniadanie i ruszamy w miasto.

Przeczytalam artykul o ayahuasce w Forum i chyba sie jednak poddam.

Caly dzien lazenia po Limie. Ogromne miasto tysiaca zapachow, kolorowi bazylionow ludzi. W sumie Lima to nic wielkiego, ale jako wstep doPeru ok. Zaraz konczymy drinki w pisco bar i idziemy sie objesc. Hotel w Milaflores to strzal w 10 - knajpy i bary na kazdym rogu.Jutro rano 8h autobusem do Nazca.

Najdrozsza restautacja w Limie, 300 pln z czego prawie polowa to wino.Jedzenie mistrzowskie. Potem spacer do hotelu w rytmach salsy (viva iphone). Spaaaac.

11/1/8
Wyjechalismy o 7am z Limy, juz w czworke. Autobus w klasie Cruzeroabsolutnie przekracza wszelkie oczekiwania. Ipod do 10, a potem dokonca brydz.

Po przyjezdzie do Nazca szybko do samolotu i lecimy ogladac slynneLineas de Nazca. Impressive, ale atrakcja okupiona zostala ogromnymi mdlosciami jeszcze przez godzine. Warto jednak bylo, plaskowyz robiogromne wrazenie.

Potem dinner w malo ciekawym Nazca i pisco sauer plus brydz.

Teraz czekamy na autobus, za 15h Arequipa. Zaczynam brac tabletki nachorobe wysokosciowa, bo to beda 3 noce na 2 500m.

12/1/8
Po calej nocy w autobusie dotarlismy do Arequipy, 2500m. Bierzemytabletki na chorobe wysokosciowa. Arequipa jest bardzo ladna, Plaza de Armas wyglada slicznie w nocy. Jutro Colca Canyon (najglebszy kanionna swiecie), pojutrze zjazd na rowerach z 4900m.

13/1/8
Pobudka o 2:30am i wyjezdzamy do najglebszego kanionu na swiecie -Colca Canyon. 3h jazdy, sniadanie i widoki, dla ktorych warto bylowstawac tak rano. Wysokosc tez daje sie nam we znaki, na 4000mnaprawde trudno sie oddycha.

Po calym dniu w gorach (najwyzej dotarlismy na 4900m co sprawilo zenatychmiast zasnelismy) zasluzona kolacja w swietnej knajpie wArequipie. Potem 3h brydza i spac. Jutro rowery.

14/1/8
Mgla. W Arequipie, zwanej tez Bialym Miastem, przez 364 dni w rokuswieci slonce. My akurat trafilismy na te 3 (!!!) chmurowo-deszczowe.

Za chwile wyjezdzamy w gory aby wspiac sie na 4900m, skad zjedziemy 50km rowerami. Mam nadzieje, ze bedzie troche slonca.

Paraguas! Paraguas! Paraguas! Czyli leje jak z cebra, a na ulicemiasta wylegly dziesiatki handlarzy parasolami. Siedzimy w barze ipijemy drinki na bazie pisco. Ale wczesniej...
- fantastyczna wycieczka rowerami z Chachani (4900m) na sam dol
- piekne widoki (mimo chmur) i niesamowite zmeczenie na koniec
- CUY, czyli przemoglam sie i zjadlam swinke morska. Smakuje jakkurczak, wyglada przerazajaco. Ale nie darowalabym sobie gdybym nie sprobowala.

Jutro rano Cuzco. Snilo mi sie ze pilam ayahuaske.

15/1/8
Wyjazd z Arequipy sie nieco skomplikowal, bo dotarlismy na lotniskogodzine po odlocie samolotu. Po prostu zmienili rozklad z dnia nadzien. Na szczescie, z przesiadka w Limie udalo nam sie doleciec do Cuzco.

Piekne miasto, duzo fajniejsze niz Arequipa. Ale duzo bardziej komercyjne. Wycieczki do Manu wygladaja fatalnie, mysle powaznie oIquitos.

Mam dosc lokalnego zarcia, wiec na dinner idziemy do chify.

16/1/8
Ranny pociag do Machu Pichcu. Aguas Calientes jest slicznie polozone, choc jeszcze wieksza komercja niz w Cuzco. Top 5 widok z hotelu ever.

Drogo ($100 pociag, $60 hotel, $12 bus na gore, $40 bilet na wejscie), ale warto. Machu Pichcu robi ogromne wrazenie.

Rzeka nad ktora jestesmy (Rio Urubamba) jest niesamowicie glosna. Nawet po zamkmieciu drzwi w pokoju mam wrazenie, ze spie na zewnatrz.

Caly czas kombinuje jak pojechac do Iquitos.

17/1/8
Lecimy do Iquitos!!!! Jutro rano. Bilety drogie, ale mysle ze warto. Lepsze to niz wycieczka do Manu na ogladanie malp i Indian w dzinsach. Mamy 4 noce na miejscu. Bardzo licze na wlasciciela Yellow Rose of Texas, bo to nasza jedyna opcja. Planu back-upowego nie mamy.

18/1/8
Po niemal calym dniu podrozy dotarlismy do Iquitos. Lima byla goraca, ale w Iquitos dostalismy 2x wieksza dawke. Do tego ogromna wilgotnosc...

Iquitos jest niesamowite. Po srodku Amazonii, najwieksze miasto na swiecie, do ktorego nie mozna dotrzec droga ladowa. A sa tu setki samochodow i tysiace pojazdow przypominajacych tuk-tuki, ktore widzialam w Kambodzy. Do tego wszechogarniajacy halas: z ulicy, z barow, zewszad. Jest fantastycznie.

Update: jest tu dokladnie 150 samochodow, na cwierc milionamieszkancow. Nie dziwi mnie to.

19/1/8
Into the jungle. Parno, wilgotno, zolta Amazonka i wszystko gnije. Bez gumowcow ani rusz. Potem relaks w hamaku. Wieczorem ceremonia.

20/1/8
Rano przenieslismy sie jakies 30 km dalej, do innego lodge'u. Dochodzilam do siebie caly dzien po poprzedniej nocy. Warto bylo.

21/1/8
Ciekawe. Przylot z Miami do Limy byl jak ucieczka od cywilizacji. Potem przylot z Limy do Iquitos byl jak kolejny krok w strone mniej cywilizowana. Powrot z dzungli do goracego, dusznego Iquitos wydajesie powrotem do mega cywilizacji. Wszystko jest wzgledne.

Z obserwacji: dla wiekszosci ludzi w tym (i nie tylko) miescie Plaza de Armas, czyli glowny plac w miescie (skadinad nie taki paskudny) jest 100x bardziej przyjemnym miejscem do przebywania niz ich wlasny dom. Hipoteze potwierdzaja tlumy na zewnatrz.

22/1/8
Dobrze byc z powrotem w normalnym swiecie. Nie moge sie doczekac Mancory, w koncu sie wyspie. Tymczasem lotnisko w Limie, za 3h lot do Cuzco, a wieczorem autobus do Titicaca.

Po dotarciu do Cuzco padlam (doslownie) przez chorobe wysokosciowa. Zasnelam jak kamien w barze z glosna muzyka i masa ludzi.

23/1/8
Dopadla mnie w koncu zmora wielu turystow. Tak ogromnego rozstroju zoladka nie mialam nigdy, zwiedzilam chyba 20 roznych servicios higienicos.

Titicaca jest przereklamowane. Ok, najwyzej polozone jezioro zeglowne na swiecie (prawie 4000m), ale to tylko jezioro.

Puno to mega dziura, kompletnie nic tu nie ma. Ale po 5 dniach w dzungli i nocy w autobusie z lokalsami milo jest znalezc sie w 3 gwiazdkowym hotelu z wanna.

Podczas wycieczki na jedna z wysp na jeziorze usiadlam w lokalne pokrzywy. Boli jak cholera.

24/1/8
Dotarlismy do Mancory. Po Zanzibarze mam bardzo jasno ustawione oczekiwania wobec plazy - moze byc tylko gorzej. I jest gorzej, ale hotel w ktorym mieszkamy, jest warty kazdego dolara, ze stu ktore placimy za dobe. Morze, slonce i relaks.

Najlepszy dinner na swiecie. Stek z tunczyka, medium-rare prosto z Pacyfiku. Followed by maracuja-mango smoothie i butelka bialego Conchay Torro. Szum fal przed zasnieciem.

25/1/8
Morze, plaza, biale wino, stek z tunczyka, maracuja & mango smoothie, brydz. Ultimate relaxation.

26/1/8
Bez drastycznych zmian wobec dnia wczorajszego. Tylko troche wiecejwina.

27/1/8
Znow plaza. Goraco, ale przyjemnie. O 8pm wyjezdzamy do Trujillo.

Autobus do Trujillo odwolany, ale udalo nam sie znalezc 2 ostatnie miejsca o 11:30pm w mini-busie. Z jednej strony lepiej, bo zamiast o4:00am bedziemy na miejscu o 8:00am, ale 8h w min-busie brzmi malo sexy. Tak czy inaczej - brydz, duzo piwa i spac.

Mini-bus okazal sie normalnej wielkosci autobusem liczacym dobre 30 lat. Na okolo 40 miejscach siedzi jakies 70 osob, pod siedzeniem z przodu lezal zbity sloik z marynowana papryka, ktory juz wywalilam przez okno (smierdze juz ja i moj plecak caly w zalewie octowej), w telewizorze (!!!) chyba Rambo (duzo krzykow, strzaly i glosna muzyka). Brakuje tylko kozy. Pomijam, ze autobus mial byc o 11:30pm, a odjechal prawie bez nas o 10:50pm. Troche szkoda, ze zdazylismy. Mam nadzieje ze przezyjemy najblizsze 8 godzin.

Cale szczescie, ze tabletki z NASA Pawla rozwiazaly moj problem wPuno, inaczej nie przetrwalabym 8h bez toalety.

28/1/8
Dotarlismy do Trujillo, a potem do Huanchacho. Zmienilam zdanie oMancorze - tam jest ladnie i cos sie dzieje, tu jest jak we Wladyslawowie w pazdzierniku, tyle ze (na szczescie) cieplo.

Chanchan fajne i robi wrazenie. Poczytam wiecej o tym w przewodniku. Troche szkoda ze nie ma tu innych atrakcji.

Przeczytalam "of mice and men" Steinbecka. Bardzo dobre i bardzo smutne.
Bar otwieraja za 3 godziny. Troche nudno :-)

29/1/8
Ostatni dzien, jutro wylot do Polski. Polozylismy sie wczoraj po 5pm na krotki power-nap, skutek: 12h snu bez przerwy i przebudzenie dzisprzed 6am. Za 4h mamy samolot do Limy, tam jeszcze zakupy, ostatnie ceviche i jutro rano samolot, ktorym po 2 przesiadkach i zmianie 6 stref czasowych w czwartek przed poludniem dolecimy do Warszawy. Mam nadzieje, ze nie bedzie takich opoznien na lotniskach jak w drodze tutaj.

Lima strasznie goraca. Prezenty dla rodziny, dinner na glownym plaza w Miraflores i spac.

30/1/8
Back to civilization, czyli welcome to Miami. 3h na przesiadke, na zewnatrz cieplo i przyjemnie. Za 15h bedziemy juz w Polsce...

31/1/8
Polska. Zgubili nam jeden bagaz. Z aparatu wlasnie laduje sie na komputer 950 zdjec. Niezle :-)

Nie mam nic do napisania

2008-01-07T17:01:00.000+01:00

Poza tym, ze za 24h bede juz Miami, a za 48h w Peru. Kontaktowac sie mozna SMSowo. Nawet bedzie mi milo ;-)
Do zobaczenia za miesiac. Z notatkami z wyjazdu i dziesiatkami zdjec.

Travel fever

2008-01-06T19:59:00.000+01:00

Spakowanie sie w 55-litrowy plecak na 25 dni jest sporym wyzwaniem. Ale mysle, ze i tak najgorsze jeszcze przede mna (zorientowanie sie juz na miejscu, ze oprocz rzeczy ktorych potrzebowalam, ale nie wzielam z braku miejsca, zapomnialam zapakowac miliona innych). Trudno, jak mam potem nosic to wszystko na plecach, to lepiej wziac mniej niz wiecej.

Wylot za 36 godzin. Powrot w lutym. Dostepu do internetu nie bede miala (nie biore laptopa, a Edge jest za granica koszmarnie drogi), ale codziennie bede pisac krotkie update'y, ktore potem wrzuce na bloga. I bede je pisac elektronicznie (kudos to iPhone), wiec nie spotka ich ten sam los, co dziennik z Tanzanii (dla wyjasnienia - lezy w szufladzie i czeka na lepsze czasy).

Zapowiada sie naprawde swietnie. Najbardziej cieszy mnie dzungla w Manu (jesli tylko bedzie mozna tam poleciec, w porze deszczowej moze nie byc dostepu) oraz stadion w La Paz (to juz Boliwia). Najbardziej martwi mnie Machu Picchu, bo choc to jeden z glownych high-light'ow wyjazdu, to jednak lazenie po stromych gorach nie do konca jest czyms, co lubie. Z Huaraz mam ten sam problem. Aha, no i nie moge doczekac sie skosztowania cuy. Nie bede wyjasniac co to, zainteresowanych odsylam do google'a.

I tyle. Pewnie jeszcze cos napisze przed wyjazdem, jesli tylko bede miala co.

Od wewnatrz

2008-01-03T18:53:00.000+01:00

Kazda nadarzajaca sie okazje skladajaca sie z czegos wiecej niz 2 dni week-endu spedzam poza Warszawa - takiego odkrycia dokonalam patrzac na ostatnie kilka lat. Ale nie tylko poza Warszawa. W Londynie bylo tak samo, w San Francisco rowniez.

Teoretycznie to szeroka fala uderzeniowa syndromu short-attention-span, ktory jest u mnie bardzo silny. Wyczuwam jednak jakis zwiazek z commitment, o ktorym pisalam nizej.

Do przemyslenia.

PS Litwe mozna przejechac od poludniowych krancow do polnocnych i z powrotem ze srednia (!) predkoscia 170km/h jesli ma sie w portfelu 600 PLN na lapowki. Przyjmuja polska walute.

Right to the point

2007-12-26T20:07:00.000+01:00

New Year: New Year is a time where overweight fat asses pay for 3 months of gym memberships and go maybe 3 times in the first month, if they get their fat ass off of the couch and turn off Judge Judy or Maury. The time every year where my parents stop smoking for about 3-5 days then start again because of the stress me and my brother put them through, or something like that. Time where we all go out and get drunk and watch a stupid fucking ball be lowered off a building. New year is a great time, we start it off drunk, lie to ourselves, and then go back to our normal denial state of mind 2 weeks later...
(Urban Dictionary)

Bardzo trafne. No to lepszego 2008...

Robic. Samo sie nie zrobi.

2007-12-18T23:11:00.000+01:00

Smutna rzeczywistosc. Swieta za kilka dni.

New slick and shiny toy

2007-12-17T17:51:00.000+01:00

Od 3 dni jestem dumnym wlascicielem iPhone'a.

Zakup zabawki - $400
Zabawa w przystosowanie go do zycia w polskich warunkach - 6h.
Miny wszystkich gadzeciarzy wokol - bezcenne.

Lektura, jak sie okazuje, obowiazkowa

2007-12-15T11:58:00.000+01:00

Terence McKenna, Pokarm Bogow. Zwlaszcza przed wyjazdem do Peru. Dobra ksiazka, choc momentami aspirujac stylem do dziela naukowego bardzo nieelegancko przechodzi w przesmiewcza forme pisaniny para-naukowca. A to bywa denerwujace, bo ja lubie formy jasno zdefiniowane. Niemniej polecam jako ciekawe i zmuszajace do myslenia spojrzenie na ewolucje czlowieka.

Nastepna pozycja na liscie ksiazek do skonczenia to wyzute z jakiegokolwiek humanizmu "The Profit Zone". Czasem niestety czlowiek potrzebuje doksztalcic sie rowniez z innych dziedzin.

Zaobserwowane

2007-12-12T20:34:00.000+01:00

Kupienie choinki i bombek, ubranie jej oraz podlaczenie swiatelek wcale nie sprawia, ze czujesz sie bardziej swiatecznie.

Spedzenie 45 minut w wannie z kieliszkiem wina wcale nie sprawia, ze czujesz sie lepiej, poniewaz moglbys w tym czasie patrzec na choinke i probowac poczuc sie swiatecznie.

Sarkazm to najnizsza forma dowcipu. W agonii przedurlopowej, nie potrafie sie zdobyc na nic wiecej. 27 dni. Dobrze, ze z kilkoma wolnymi po drodze.

Commitment

2007-12-11T23:03:00.000+01:00

- the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action (after Princeton University online lexical database)
- something I fear (after myself)

Again not sure which one...

2007-12-09T20:52:00.000+01:00

State-of-the-art movies. Both.

Aj, aj, aj...

2007-12-07T19:58:00.000+01:00

Jakis czas temu wypchnelam sie delikatnie poza swoje comfort zone w robocie. Inaczej sie nie da, jesli czlowiek sie chce rozwijac.

Dzis mialam rozmowe na temat moich dotychczasowych dokonan i tego co przede mna. Przyznam, ze dostalam cos, o czym marzylam. Jestem bardzo ciekawa swojej nowej roli, ale jednoczesnie wiem, ze wyladowalam bardzo, bardzo daleko poza wspomniana comfort zone.

Oczywiscie, ze dam rade, nie ma innego wyjscia, ale jednoczesnie boje sie, ze nie bedzie mnie to tanio kosztowalo. Rok 2008 bedzie bardzo trudny. Ciekawy, ale trudny. Co tu duzo kryc, po tym, jak to wszystko do mnie dotarlo, ogarnela mnie lekka panika. I nie chodzi o P&L responsibility, nie chodzi o zarzadzanie caloscia, czy tez o caly szereg pytan, na ktore nie znam odpowiedzi. Po prostu przeraza mnie psychiczne obciazenie, ktore dzisiaj tak ochoczo i nieswiadomie przyjelam.

Heh, fatalistyczne do tego podchodze. Dostalam mega-awans i zamiast sie cieszyc, skupiam sie na czyms innym. Ale moze to i dobrze. Warto miec swiadomosc, czego sie czlowiek podejmuje.

Not sure which one this year...

2007-12-05T23:07:00.000+01:00

2006's #1?

or this one?

Ale na pewno to. Reklama tez jest fajna, ale przede wszystkim tekst jest absolutnie genialny. Come on, little stranger...

Deadlines...

2007-11-26T21:13:00.000+01:00

I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.

I nie mam nic wiecej do dodania. Blog nie jest bynajmniej na ostatnim miejscu priorytetow, ale w takim tempie to niestety ledwo wyrabiam z pierwszymi trzema...

Z update'ow:

- w domu wszystko tak jak byc powinno
- zamowilam suknie (dziekuje U.)
- za 6 tygodni lece do Peru (thanks god, wakacji potrzebuje w tej chwili jak powietrza)
- w robocie standard; no moze poza tym, ze sie za chwile bedziemy szykowac na duze zmiany; grunt ze na lepsze. robie rzecz duza, ciekawa i poki co jeszcze nie siedze po nocach (do 55-60h tygodniowo juz dawno przywyklam)
- nauczylam sie hiszpanskiego (oraz sprawdzilam na zywo w Hiszpanii)
- nie nauczylam sie (co rowniez sprawdzilam na zywo) rumunskiego; nie zamierzam sie uczyc rumunskiego
- awansowalismy do Euro i, ku mojemu zdziwieniu, naprawde sie z tego ciesze
- toczymy cicha wojne wewnetrzna, o to kiedy rzucic wyzwanie rynkowi nieruchomosci
- czytam 5 ksiaek jednoczesnie, zadnej nie mam czasu skonczyc; i tak juz od dobrych kilku miesiecy
- dalam ciala na calej linii z U.; lista wytlumaczen (prawdziwych) jest jak stad do Szczecina, ale nie o to chodzi; chodzi o to, ze dalam ciala...
- nawet sie nie obejrzalam, a przyszla niedobra, mokra, wietrzna zima; tesknie za latem.

Za 4 tygodnie swieta...

Take a deep breath...

2007-09-05T21:31:00.000+02:00

Walka, a wlasciwie wojna. Co mozna wygrac? Nie wiem. Co potencjalnie mozna pogrzebac? Motywacje i pasje. Czy obowiazuja jakies zasady? Tak, na podjecie inicjatywy reagowac kopnieciem w tylek. Na podjecie inicjatywy i probe zaangazowania merytorycznego - reagowac dwoma kopnieciami w tylek i prawym sierpowym. Wobec wszelkich innych pozytywnych zachowan wlasciwie wszystkie chwyty sa dozwolone.

I tylko pocieszajace jest to, ze moj styl pracy i zarzadzania zostal okreslony jako bardziej masculine niz u wielu facetow, co posrednio (i czesciowo) mozna przetlumaczyc na "gruba skore". I to na szczescie pozwala mi w pewien sposob zdystansowac sie do zaistnialej sytuacji.

Ale jak dojdzie do przegiecia to spuszcze potezna bombe. Juz ja przygotowalam, ale jestem cierpliwa, wiec bomba czeka na na odpowiedni moment.

Witamy w swiecie korpo. Nie spodziewalam sie tego tak szybko.

Jest taki gadzet...

2007-08-28T08:53:00.001+02:00

w iGoogle, ktory nazywa sie Chimp-o-Matic. Nazwa cokolwiek sluszna. Niniejszy gadzet codziennie raczy mnie miedzy innymi takimi perelkami:

"It's a heck of a place to bring your family."
--George W. Bush
New Orleans, LA
01/12/2006
speaking about New Orleans after hurricane Katrina

Komentarz zbedny.

Still behind

2007-08-25T19:17:00.000+02:00

Ciagle nie nadazam. Glownie przez to, ze caly sierpien codziennie mam 2,5h hiszpanskiego, a w week-endy nadrabiam rozne zaleglosci sprzed kilku tygodni. Ale jeszcze troche i mysle, ze wroce do bycia na biezaco.

Przyznam, ze bardzo duzo sobie obiecuje po zwolnieniu, ktore niewatpliwie bede musiala wziac po usunieciu dwoch osemek 11. wrzesnia - 3 dni w domu + week-end to sporo czasu. Choc istnieje szansa, ze przez te 3 dni bede wyc z bolu i nic nie zrobie...

Z dobrych wiadomosci - zdjecia z Zanzibaru juz zrzucilam na komputer, czekaja teraz cierpliwie na obrobke i selekcje. Jak to zrobie, tylko chwila bedzie je dzielila od pojawienia sie tutaj.

Z ciekawostek - polecam ponizszy film. Szkoda, ze w Polsce nikt by nie wyrazil zgody na puszczenie tego w TV.

I to tyle.

Zyje i mam sie dobrze (powiedzmy)

2007-08-14T06:30:00.000+02:00

Wrocilam z wakacji, przetrwalam Rumunie i wszystko jest super, tylko zostalam przywalona taka iloscia rzeczy do zrobienia, ze nie mam czasu praktycznie na nic. Mam nadzieje, ze ogarne sie troche w week-end i nadgonie, miedzy innymi, zaleglosci na blogu.

Tanzania & Zanzibar

2007-07-25T02:38:00.000+02:00

Wylot za 4h. Wracam 5. sierpnia. Potrzebuje przelotke PL-UK, inaczej zdjecia bede robic tylko do momentu kiedy rozladuja mi sie obie baterie. 1h 10 min na przesiadke w Amsterdamie. Mam nadzieje, ze zdaze ja kupic.

Warsaw keeps surprising me...

2007-07-23T21:57:00.000+02:00

Nie wiem, ile lat trzeba mieszkac w Warszawie, zeby to miasto przestalo mnie zaskakiwac, ale najwyrazniej 8 lat (z przerwa) to za krotko.

Neurotyczny motorniczy, ktory hamuje co kilkadziesiat metrow, bo tak.

Na oko 16-letnia dziewczyna z tatuazem "CARPE BIEM" (podobno biem ma cos wspolnego z jeleniem w Esperanto, byc moze wspomniana dziewczyna ma upodobania mysliwskie...).

Na oko 60-letnia kobieta z rozowymi (nie fioletowymi, podkreslam, nie fioletowymi) wlosami.

Cygan, ktory nie dosc, ze jest blondynem (choc fakt, musze przyznac, ze dzieciaka mial cyganskiego), to jeszcze tak strasznie rzepoli na akordeonie, ze nawet wcisniete w uszy sluchawki ipoda i glosnosc na max nie pomagaja.

I to wszystko podczas 20-minutowej jazdy tramwajem. Dziekuje niebiosom, ze po urlopie w koncu przesiadam sie za kierownice... Dopiero sie bedzie dzialo ;-)

Aha, na marginesie - postanowilam zostac mistrzem w przyrzadzaniu kaczki. Na razie idzie mi dobrze - red duck curry opanowalam do perfekcji. Dzis kaczka w sosie musztardowo-piwno-klonowym. Wlasnie sie konczy "robic".

New era

2007-07-21T13:16:00.001+02:00

Sorry guys from outside Poland - the results speak for themselves... And since we live in a customer-driven reality, then... well, what can I say? Tough luck...

Polish: 71%
English: 29%

Ma byc po polsku, to bedzie po polsku. Ale: bez polskich liter (przykro mi bardzo, sila przyzwyczajenia) i z wtraceniami po angielsku (znow - sila przyzwyczajenia). Nie wiem tez, czy moj styl pisania w jezyku ojczystym jest w ogole godny nazywania stylem (cisnie mi sie na usta slowo "pisanina"), ale to oczywiscie wyjdzie w praniu.

Z planow na najblizsza przyslosc - za 4 dni lece na urlop na Zanzibar. Obiecuje zdjecia i wrazenia po powrocie.

Jak wroce zrobie tez maly remont na blogu, pododaje linki, spolszcze to, co sie da i byc moze zastanowie sie (podkreslam, zastanowie sie - to nie jest zaden commitment) nad zmiana lay-out'u.

I to tyle. Spadam na jakies jedzenie.

Language?

2007-07-13T15:45:00.000+02:00

Due to quite a few inquires regarding the language on the blog, I've decided to run a quick poll. I'll close it and act adequately one week from now. Happy polling!

Free Web Poll

We are inside

2007-07-06T19:36:00.000+02:00

This is... um... bizarre. Reminds me of the San Francisco's Zodiac a bit: http://money.cnn.com/2007/07/06/news/companies/goldman/index.htm?eref=rss_topstories

Grilled salmon teryiaki

2007-06-29T20:09:00.000+02:00

Is being prepared as I write it. Ultimate cooking master. And very modest too.

Crete

2007-06-21T00:33:00.001+02:00

In 6 hours. Enough said...

Fighting against...

2007-06-19T22:26:00.000+02:00

Number 6. And doing quite well. One thing to remember - never use the #6 indicator again.

On a side note - have you ever noticed how splendid people look on a sunny Monday morning? Just look at them - just-washed-clothes (week-end seems to be THE laundry time), energetic faces, you can almost smell their shower gels and shampoos. So fresh, so confident and so ready for the upcoming week's challenges. It's never the same after Monday morning - even the same day after 6pm - people look somewhat crumple, ruffled - as if these 8-10 hours were just the beginning of a 5-day nightmare. Well, maybe they are.

And even Friday late afternoon doesn't bring that positive vibe back. Sure, you can see some excitement on their faces (week-end!), but it's totally different.

I would even go ahead and risk saying that people look at their best on Monday mornings. So, look out for these happy faces, it only happens once a week...

Blowing my mind

2007-06-12T07:41:00.001+02:00

I don't understand art.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/gloucestershire/6742407.stm

...

2007-05-26T09:13:00.000+02:00

Not sure just yet, whether I should be scared already or maybe not. More tests. Next week. Malignancy is out of question, which is definitely a good piece of news.

Waiting...

How dare you do that?

2007-05-24T12:01:00.000+02:00

"Peter. Are you going to ask that question with shades on?"
-- George W. Bush, Washington, DC, 06/14/2006, comment to legally blind reporter, Peter Wallsten

Gotta love him...

2007-05-17T08:40:00.000+02:00

"You've heard Al Gore say he invented the Internet. Well, if he was so smart, why do all the addresses begin with W?"
-- George W. Bush, Miami, FL, 10/28/2000, Headline News

Yeah, exactly - why? Hehehe...

Interesting

2007-05-16T18:57:00.000+02:00

It really amazes me how little you need for the unreasonable thoughts to be gone, for them to lose its flame. One phone-call and you're back where you should be at. Thanks god. On a side note - what was I thinking anyway?

For those who know - what is supposed to be going well, is indeed going very well. No need to worry ;-)

Mobile chatter box ;-)

2007-05-15T19:26:00.000+02:00

You can say a lot about England, but you definitely can't say they don't take care of their citizens. Even in the smallest villages: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/devon/6654955.stm

But of course...

2007-05-15T18:07:00.000+02:00

"Daga, thanks a lot for:
- problem-solving approach
- contact with X
- taking the responsibility
This will help us all."

Sure, anytime...

Blame everyone

2007-05-14T08:46:00.000+02:00

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/05/13/pope.brazil.ap/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Not that he's wrong, but I'm angry and I have no one to blame. Or maybe I should call it helpless...?

Mad world...

2007-05-11T07:31:00.000+02:00

You just need to try... No matter what. Another slap in the face must not stop you. I know, very cliche, but it's good to remind yourself about it each time you get a smack. And that's exactly what I'm doing now.

Therapy?

2007-05-09T20:23:00.000+02:00

What works best if you're feeling blue? Of course - retail therapy. Well, my shopping actually exceeds the limits of a standard retail therapy, but heck, didn't it make me feel much better?
Anyway - this is where I'm spending my holiday in July/August. Tanzania & Zanzibar. Relatively soon ;-)

Pangs

2007-05-08T07:42:00.000+02:00

Something's wrong. I'm putting on a brave face, which is not exceptionally difficult, as most stuff seems to be all right or even more than all right, but... But I'm having a hard time for some reason.

As though I'd misjudged things in the past, as if I'd made some obvious mistakes that are kicking in just now. I'm not sure what is happening, but the sudden pangs I'm having are not exactly nice.

I'm almost on the edge of making decisions which I deep down feel I might regret. It's like keeping a nasty beast on a very thin leash.

I am not happy.

Away

2007-04-26T07:02:00.000+02:00

Leaving (mind you - not fleeing, just yet, hehe) the country and going to South Africa today. Will be back on May 6th, with tons of photos and then some...

Ciao!

N-word sofa slur

2007-04-20T12:23:00.000+02:00

This is brilliant: http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/04/19/canada.couch.ap/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Struggling...

2007-04-12T20:59:00.001+02:00

Major communication and strategic fuck-up at work. Not my fault, by any means, but I'm one of these who are hit by a ricochet.

We'll attempt to fix it, it is our responsibility as a management team, but I am not quite sure if I am ready to bite the bullet. We'll see.

Been thinking a lot about places, warm places, recently. I am very tempted and it's not too late. Oh, and I'm officially... hmm, no, I'll wait with this one.

Coincidence...

2007-04-12T08:21:00.000+02:00

http://www.cnn.com/2007/SHOWBIZ/books/04/12/obit.vonnegut.ap/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

And just yesterday - I launched my journey with Kurt Vonnegut in English, starting with Hocus Pocus...

New reality

2007-04-09T12:01:00.000+02:00

My new reality consists of 4 major things:

- work
- VIP
- tennis training
- wine

I'm being sucked into my job deeper and deeper. Best thing is - I'm loving it. To create something from scratch, to be able to define the strategy and all that after having been given a completely free hand - what else could be better? I might just add that the money is really good and... I've just hired an assistant ;-)

VIP - well, I can't really say much at this point. Rest assured, it's all developing into a right direction and after a short period of uncertainty, I'm absolutely sure everything's gonna be just the way it's supposed to be. I just need to be patient, although it's very hard.

I'm getting really good at tennis. Training 2-3 times a week is most likely the reason (yes, I'm too modest, to admit publicly, that I actually have a talent, he he). Can't wait for the summer season!

Last, but not least - I strongly suspect that I've developed an addiction. Sure, I can live without wine, but what kind of life would that be? (Note for the future - need to live somewhere they grow wine grapes and produce wine. California, Spain, Chile, South Africa, Australia?)

So, yeah - 4 major things. And I wish it were so simple. Unfortunately I'm being attacked by a furious set of brand new problems almost every bloody day. It's becoming a little overwhelming, as 99% of these problems are not even my responsibility. So what? "It's been dumped on you, babe, so face it and fight back". I have moments when I feel like dropping everything and just fleeing. Something tells me there ain't a place far enough though.

We'll see how things develop. Nobody says that it's ONLY here, where I can indulge myself into these 4 things. There are always alternative options...

Right on

2007-03-24T14:41:00.000+01:00

I didn't think I would ever quote G.W. Bush , but this time he really got it right:

"I think we agree, the past is over."

Indeed.

Moving to phase 2

2007-03-24T13:30:00.000+01:00

And this phase is called "I don't want to have ANYTHING to do with you".

Things like not keeping the promise, having no respect for me, my time and my life - basically my pet hates - are becoming more and more obvious. Well, they've always been obvious, but I never really wanted to acknowledge them. It's mad, but I'm starting to see the true colours only now.

Meanwhile, I'm also in phase 2 of something much bigger and much better - something that keeps me up at night, something that I can't stop thinking about, something I'm losing my mind for.

Kaiser Chiefs and Cary Brothers. And counting.

I can breathe for the first time...

2007-03-20T18:48:00.001+01:00

Holy mackerel! (*)

2007-03-13T21:40:00.000+01:00

This is so much more comparing to what I could have counted for. It's perfect and it's definitely something I will not give up on, but... just a wee little overwhelming. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, it's just soooo unexpected...

I don't want to get ahead of myself, but things are very likely to change again. Maybe not very soon, but they will.

Meanwhile, I've just bought a ticket to Johannesburg. Counting days...

------
(*) I reckon "Holy shite" would have been a bit too aggressive, so I've decided to go for a rather lame "mackerel". To err is human, to forgive divine ;-)

Things are happening... at last

2007-03-04T11:12:00.000+01:00

It's official. After many years I'm single again. Anyone? ;-) I'm already in Poland (well, not this week-end), working crazy hours and loving it. I'm moving into a new flat in 27 days.

I do feel a bit of remorse, but it's a relief too. I don't want to over-analyse things, it just doesn't make sense. When you break up with someone you've been so many years with, it's obvious that when you start thinking about it, you only remember good things. And it's fine, I do want to remember good things, but I don't want to think about them. Not just yet.

I look forward to what's next. And it indeed does look very exciting.

On a side note - did you see the lunar eclipse yesterday? It was spectacular...

"Well, the rain keeps on coming down (...)"

2007-02-23T20:28:00.000+01:00

I'm going home. For good? I don't know. Excited? Yes. Scared? Very. Torn? Quite.

Change is good. Starting over supposedly even better. I'm wondering how much I'm gonna lose and how much I'm actually gonna win. I've been miserable at making decisions. High time to get a little fussy. And accept consequences of my choices. Because I think this is what I've been avoiding - facing potential consequences.

It's not a New Year's resolution. I've already started. Yes, I am scared shitless, but I won't go back again. Or at least I'll try very hard not to. No U-turns, this time.

Febrruary 8, 2007

2007-02-08T10:36:00.000+01:00

It's snowing...

Zzzz....

2007-01-31T04:45:00.000+01:00

I wish. Hopefully in 2-3 days I'll be back to normal.

Fruit vodka?

2007-01-30T22:18:00.000+01:00

Give me a break. I'm not a big fan of vodka anyway, but it's just wrong. See it yourself: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6314761.stm

For those who wonder...

2007-01-30T20:38:00.000+01:00

... what I've been up to recently. Well, I visited sunny (and a little nippy this time of the year) California, San Francisco was fabulous and so was San Diego. I almost missed my plane to London (I was close to missing it anyway), but I made it home safely, just yesterday.

I'm jet-lagged, couldn't sleep till 3am last night (even though I was really knackered) and woke up at 1pm today.

I had to cancel our trip to Italy (my heart is crying), but it's all for a very good reason. I'm hoping for a happy end at last. And I know it'll happen this time.

I'm doing laundry and re-organizing my closet (reads: getting rid of stuff I don't need to carry with me back home). Packing will start very soon.

I'm trying to sleep off the jet-lag. Or I will rather. We'll see how that goes.

I'm reading a lot. Mostly work-related stuff, but Hocus Pocus by K. Vonnegut is also on the waiting list.

I need to pay off my credit cards (shopping in San Francisco was fantastic!). And cancel my contract with Orange. And the like. Boring, but needs to be done.

All and all I'm having a well deserved break. Some call it vacation. Back to work on March 1st.

Back home. For a short while.

2007-01-04T19:53:00.000+01:00

Well, it actually depends where my home is. Anyway...

So, Xmas was good, except a 1,000 mile drive there and another 1,000 mile drive back. Yeah, they cancelled our flights, as they almost closed down Heathrow because of freezing fog... And trust me, last minute car rental is not the cheapest way to get around. It was definitely the most expensive Xmas ever (₤700 for rental, ₤250 for EuroTunnel, around ₤250 for gas...), but we made it.

I'm going to San Fran and San Diego in 2 weeks, probably last trip in a long time. I'll be spending a week in Italy right after I'm back from California, so chances are, I'll post some photos after that. I might as well not, I still haven't downloaded these from Spain, and we were there over a month ago. But I'll try.

What else? Not much else. I'm getting ready for the move, quite excited and a little frightened. More importantly - I'm getting ready for big shopping in the States ;-)

I'll keep you posted. My life will be probably rather boring over next 2 weeks. But if anything extraordinary happens, I'll make sure to leave a note here.

And a little bonus

2006-12-19T16:04:00.000+01:00

Definitely my favourite one this Xmas.

Merry Xmas to y'all!

2006-12-19T15:35:00.000+01:00

It's time

2006-12-05T15:21:00.000+01:00

American Dream!

2006-11-15T11:13:00.000+01:00

Well, not really. But I'm going to San Francisco again, in January. All costs covered. And there is nothing better than a quick visit (well, it's going to be 10 days) in warm California in the middle of a windy and rainy winter.

Still need to get a visa and stuff, but I reckon it's not going to be a problem.

Can't wait to see this again: http://photosbymartin.com/images/pcd1733/golden-gate-bridge-30.3.jpg

Real treat

2006-11-08T15:40:00.000+01:00

Weird people bother me on IM. Here is one of them. I know I'm being mean, but they just ask for that. And I can't resist...

dammycool: hello there?
dammycool: am from south africa and i can go to anylengt to have you
me: what??
dammycool: great
dammycool: am Dammy
dammycool: becky how are you?
me: what do u want?
dammycool: am a single guy
dammycool: and i really want to have somebody dating cos i can travel anywhere to find my life partner
dammycool: thats why i like to know you
me: im not interested
dammycool: i understand you babe
dammycool: just be my friend for now
me: and im not a "babe"
dammycool: common
dammycool: sorry
dammycool: \young lady
dammycool: are you okay with that?
me: i dont want to be your friend either
dammycool: common
dammycool: why?
me: here is an idea - bugger off
dammycool: let start from somewhere
dammycool i want you
dammycool: let just talk for some min
dammycool: okay?
dammycool: hello
dammycool: common stop acting this way
dammycool: i really need to say something with you
dammycool: and am very serious
dammycool: cant you understand?
me: i am serious too - and it's a really brilliant idea - bugger off
dammycool: okay
dammycool: nice one see you again
dammycool: i believe you're not in the mood of talking
me: i never am. now - leave, quick, chop chop
dammycool: somebody loves you
me: im aware of that
dammycool: really
dammycool: you can still be my life partner
dammycool: bcos i believe so much in miracle
me: try finding luck elsewhere. bye.
dammycool: noooooooo
dammycool: pls my sweet angel
dammycool: why
dammycool: my wife common
dammycool: i really want you
dammycool: hre is my number
dammycool: +27824230280
dammycool: would you give me a call
dammycool: ?
me: nope
dammycool: then give me your i will call you right now
me: bugger off
dammycool: common stop saying that to me i dont really like that
dammycool: my love
dammycool: you there?
dammycool: pls talk to me
dammycool: thank you
dammycool: accept that
dammycool: pls

He really took it seriously, even sent me his photo. Real treat, isn't he?

Let it rain...

2006-10-26T01:34:00.000+02:00

And it won't change till late March. At least it's not freezing...

Fishing

2006-10-24T16:50:00.000+02:00

Just started. With hopes for some changes within next few months. Cross your fingers.

Somebody’s getting older

2006-10-13T14:51:00.000+02:00

And it’s me actually. Happy birthday to me. A little summary as of 4:30pm…

- number of e-cards received: 2
- number of calls with b-day wishes: 1
- number of text messages with b-day wishes: 1 (thanks Dad, but next time, please wait until a bit later, 7:45am in Poland is 6:45am here!)
- number of IMs with b-day wishes: 2
- number of personal b-day wishes: 1 (I was half-awake though)
- number of emails with b-day wishes: 4 (+2 prompted)
- number of presents: 0 (unless you count 10 condoms my GP gave me. I didn’t even want them, but she really insisted so I had no choice…)

I’m going shopping after work.

Another update

2006-10-12T18:14:00.000+02:00

A friend from Frankfurt was visiting us here in London a few weeks ago and we indeed had a blast. A few pics below.

Party. At our place.

After party. Starbucks near our place.

Another party. In a pub. Me and my friend Kasia.

My dear friend Kasia. Solo this time.

London Eye

A trip to Windsor, Bath and Stonehenge. Morning coffee.

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle and me

Windsor Castle

English Bobbies. Erm... policemen.

Bath

Stonehenge

Catchin' up - part one - Africa

2006-10-01T20:06:00.000+02:00

So… I know it’s been a long while, but life’s been REALLY hectic recently. Anyway – below – a “photo-story” of my trip to Africa. Enjoy!

All inclusive - African style. Axim.

Heavenly beach - forget about Thailand! Axim.

Canopy walk over tropical rainforest.

Welcome to the Hotel California.

Clearly, the Portuguese weren't focused on aesthetics when conducting their first investments in Ghana. Elmina Castle, est. XVI cent.

Fishing is really important for this major city. Cape Coast.

Cape Coast fortress: a girl with a cannon.

This, of course, is a funeral. Only in Africa.

Ghanaian economy is mainly propelled by people carrying stuff on their heads.

A woman. A fat one too.

Irish pubs are everywhere, even in Accra.

Plantain, anyone?

Now, seriously, you need an elegant haircut. Kumasi.

Ghana, too, has congestion problems. Kumasi.

And if you were wondering whether there are limits to size of stuff people can carry on their heads.

Me. Waiting for food. 50 minutes. Kumasi.

More stuff on head.

Just when you thought you've seen it all: head + baby on the back.

High Street shoe boutique. Try to find 2 identical shoes. Kumasi.

Plenty of food. Seriously.

Corn from a street vendor.

Must buy.

Ghanaian fauna.

Typical Kumasi street.

Weird stuff on the head.

Eat - banana - eat, eat - banana!

Toys. Kids love them. Outside of Kumasi.

My podel posing for 2 cents.

Another pic. Still within 2 cents.

Typical Ghanaian view - young man, spending days... thinking.

God, Inc.

Dr. Jesus?

God, Inc. - one more branch.

God, Inc. - in fast food business, too!

What an arse!

Fat people = wellbeing...

Whaddya want? Monkey forest, north of Kumasi.

That wide?

Me. Feeding monkeys.

Great power with you lies...

A bunch of monkeys.

Looks familiar? I think I've seen those on the other side of the globe, quite recently.

Same tree, from inside.

Tropical rainforest.

Stay on these roads...

Kintampo Falls - upper.

More Kintampo Falls.

Me, on the African picnic grounds (take a closer look at the sign on the tree).

Lower Kintampo Falls - really impressive.

WET!!!

Really wet!

African grasshopper - really huge.

Lunch plaza on a bus stop.

Typical Ghanaian view - young woman, spending days... thinking...

But now, seriously...

Got hunger?

Seriously, no urinating.

The only reason these 2 are willing to pose for the pic is because I just gave them 2 pens - a real rarity in Ghana!

Some more people with stuff on their heads.

This is a main rail track in Ghana and also, naturally, a marketplace. Kumasi.

Overwhelmed

2006-09-25T15:10:00.000+02:00

It's been a looooooooooooong while, I know. I'm just completely overwhelmed with pretty much everything... work, personal stuff, new flat, friends, managing a budget for two, taxes... the list goes on.

I'll post an update latest this week-end. I'll try earlier.

P.S. I have finally kicked my arse to start working out regularly. Apart from tennis (which has not been regular recently, by any means), I spent 60 minutes in the gym every morning. For the very first time in my life...

FYI

2006-08-25T14:37:00.000+02:00

Back from Africa and still alive

2006-08-21T23:32:00.000+02:00

You might laugh, but I have never gone through such an ordeal. Africa was fun, but with delayed flights, lost luggage, a bus breaking down in the middle of nowhere, not really so much fun...

This note is just to report that I am back, alive and even though having to deal with way too many problems here in the UK, still trying to stay positive. I'll get into more details later this week (most likely - during the week-end). At least I don't have malaria. Well, I'll know for sure in 4 weeks, and given that I was forced to stay off the pills for 3 days and was bitten by many mossies during these 3 days, I am kinda worried. But anyway - like I said - I am trying to stay positive. More - in a few days...

And finally... California update

2006-08-05T22:29:00.000+02:00

Fine, fine. I know it's been almost 2 weeks since I came back, but life's been busy too, I had to take care of my flat situation (got a beautiful 1bd flat in Earl's Court, with a huge, and I mean HUGE patio, which is not a common thing in London).

Anyway, to the point, all right. Here is a photo-update from my last visit to California. Just so you know - it was a business trip, even though these pictures might give you just the opposite feeling. Well, I still don't have the pics from the company event - sailing competition on the San Francisco Bay. I'll bug my workmate and as soon as I get them, I'll post them here too.

DAY 1: FRIDAY - WELCOME BACK!

The flight was 3 hours late. Rushing to a rental office and hitting the 101 north to check into my hotel. Traffic is a nightmare (I wasn't really expecting anything else). Quick shopping in a local outlet (yes, you got it right - quick shopping), shower and let's party in the city. An absolutely delicious dinner at Balboa Sushi House, accompanied by a bottle of sake and we're on the track. 2 pubs on Clement St (my favourite The Dog's Bollix and The Bitter End), 3 beers. I am driving. Time for some real fun - North Beach. Incredibly lucky with parking... 2 pics below were taken with my Nokia, so forgive poor quality.

North Beach by night. Great Friday hang-out area in San Francisco.

Got munchies? Chicken. North Beach.

All events that took place after I parked the car seem quite blurry. We went to a few clubs, had another few drinks, then around 1:30am hit the local "grocery" store and continued partying at Marcin's house. I think (and that thought is based on what I found on the table next morning), that we drank warm vodka with Coke and / or Mango juice. Thanks god I remembered to buy a couple of Redbulls for the next morning.

Next morning. All 3 of us. The blanket is pink and very old-school.

DAY 2: SATURDAY - SONOMA, WINE AND A CAR ACCIDENT

"Early" in the morning we take off to Sonoma for a wine-tasting-tour. Done that dozens of times and will do it again. The lead-song for today (and as we later found out - for my whole California visit) - "Loving you", mixed by my friend Jon. Here is a photo-story.

Just about to get there. Beautiful weather, beautiful everything.

Hop Kiln winery. Wine tasting, lunch (cheese, grapes, baguettes, incredible Pinot Noir vinaigrette) and wine drinking. And ducks of course, as we had lunch by the pond.

Apparently, we got a little tipsy after 2 bottles of the Big Red, but we had to move forward. Me driving again, Tomek and Marcin fighting. Actually, water-fighting. Actually, all of us.

Marcin after the "water-fight".

And we're good friends again. I was lucky to be driving - didn't get wet at all!

Belvedere Winery was next on our list. Again, wine tasting and loads of fun.

Alcohol - your enemy.

Let's try to look normal, for once...

So, we leave Belvedere even tipsier and the last winery is Ferrari-Carano. We won't be drinking there, just have a look at their beautiful garden and enjoy the scenery. Meanwhile...

Need some rest?

Cooling system. Marcin, you should definitely file a patent on that!

Ferrari-Carano gardens. And Marcin's idea of an unusual shot.

Marcin. Somewhat tired.

Tomek. He is hoping to have this pic printed in the HBS-guide-book. Good luck ;-)

Me. Not hoping for anything, just admiring flowers.

And Tomek again. You better make sure this one doesn't end up in the guide-book!

This was on the restroom door. Restrooms were located next to the wine-cellar. Phew...

So, enough of wine-tasting. Time to get home, park the car and start real partying. Had I known how far from that I was. So, we hit the 101 south, trying to get back to Mill Valley (my hotel), stop by for a dinner in San Francisco and continue southbound to Palo Alto / Stanford.

About 6 miles before our first stop however... Anyway, I was driving, rather sober by now (and completely sober by California standards). The traffic was slowing down, so I started to slow down as well. Then I could see about half a mile ahead, it was actually stopping. I prepared to stop and when the car in front of me stopped, so did I. The distance between my car and the car in front of me was about 2 meters. Thanks god, otherwise we could've gotten in to real troubles.

So, I stopped, and quickly looked into my back mirror, to see what was going on behind me. A rapid thought "please, no!" and then a rather powerful hit.

This is the story. And what happened? Well, two white-trash chicks (kids actually) were not focused enough (we'd seen them a few minutes earlier, they were completely crazy in their Mustang - loud music, dancing...) and hit our car. Like I said - thanks god I was 2 meters behind the next car. And thanks god we took a rental, not Marcin's or Tomek's car, because even though you couldn't tell anything by the way it looked, it just wouldn't start.

Anyway, CHP officers arrived, standard blah-blah-blah ("Daga, did you drink anything today?" - "No") and about an hour later we were free to go. Except - I didn't have a car, Marcin's car was in my hotel parking lot and Tomek's car was in San Francisco. To make a long story short - about 2 hours later I was driving down to Palo Alto (scared I would be hit by any car behind me, that fear actually didn't go away till the end of my visit), in a new rental and everything was just fine.

I took us over an hour to find a Safeway in Palo Alto, but we eventually got back home.

Very late dinner. Junk food, but we would eat just about anything.

We ended that day watching Borat and Bruno. That was a real "wa-wa-wee-waa!"

DAY 3: SUNDAY - NEED SOME REST

Woke up rather late. Bought a tennis racket at Sport's Authority and a few things from outlets. Met up with Iris for magaritas in Tiburon. Went to bed early.

DAY 4: MONDAY - BUSINESS PART BEGINS

Woke up early, drove to my office, met with my team. Then took off to exchange GBP into $$$ (you won't believe how hard it is to find a venue that will actually do that), take care of my stolen California Driving License (love these queues at DMV) and do some shopping. Then back to the hotel to officially start the conference. Finished the day with 3 workmates, playing pool and sorting out some career issues within my company.

DAY 5: TUESDAY - BUSINESS PART MIXED WITH FUN

The day started with a few hours in the conference room and we took off to Sausalito about 12:00pm. This is the company sailing day, don't' have pics yet. We all got completely pissed during the company dinner.

DAY 6: WEDNESDAY - ALL BUSINESS

Semi-annual sales & marketing conference. Leaving for San Diego tomorrow. Checked out of the hotel and drove down to Palo Alto / Stanford to Marcin's place. Wine and more Borat. Loads of fun.

DAY 7: THURSDAY - SAN DIEGO?

Not exactly. Strange string of events, but I eventually had to give up the trip to San Diego. I am sorry Jon, I just couldn't make it. Knowing that I went shopping. All day. Spent way too much money. Tennis with Tomek in the afternoon, more Borat and Ali G along with assembling Marcin's furniture from IKEA till 3am.

DAY 8: FRIDAY - WHEN THE SUN IS SHINING AND THE WEATHER IS GOOD...

All day in sun. Mmm... Tennis in the afternoon and too many cuba-libras in Palo Alto with Tomek. Oh, did I mention Borat and Bruno?

DAY 9: SATURDAY - CENTRAL COAST AND... ANOTHER CAR PROBLEM

Right. So we leave early, as we've got many things to see today. Santa Cruz (the absolute heaven for surfers, so I hear) was first on the list. So much fun with Tomek, chasing kids and fat chicks and making the most idiotic movie ever, which is absolutely funny too, but problem is - funny only for me and Tomek (yes, we did check that, nobody laughed).

Santa Cruz. Me. Beach.

Santa Cruz. Me. Pacific Ocean.

And me again...

Me, and the Boardwalk behind.

Mystery Spot was next. That's "a place where you will be baffled as the laws of physic and gravity do not apply". I've been to Mystery before and that's just outside Santa Cruz, but somehow I had troubles finding the way. You're right Tomek, the very sophisticated way I was asking for directions was not a good idea.

Mystery Spot. I am trying to stand up straight...

This is not a Photoshop cut. It's weird, but gravity was obviously making fun of us.

Being rather confused after that, we rushed off to Monterey to make it to the Bay Aquarium before it closed. The jelly fish were spectacular.

Me and the jellies.

Great for a desktop wall-paper... And they were REAL!

A lovely town of Carmel-By-The-Sea was our last stop. A beautiful sunset, going completely nuts on the beach and a beach-sand-artist with no business strategy.

Aliens strike back.

Me. And gorgeous Pacific Ocean.

Me. Going crazy.

Me. Even more insane.

Me... That's actually quite a nice picture.

Anyway, time to go back home to have the last party before I take off tomorrow. Literally 10 miles from home we had another car problem. Whether it was the cooling system or just the AC liquid - we won't know. Either way - we arrived home and I got the car towed. Won't need it anyway, will save some time tomorrow (won't have to go to the rental office to return it) and the gas-tank is almost empty, so we saved about 35 bucks. Time to party and watch more Borat...

DAY 10: SUNDAY - BYE FOR NOW, SEE YOU IN A FEW MONTHS

Beach. First thing in the morning. Then shower and almost late to SFO. I did make it, though for a moment I had a very tempting thought to ignore the plane. 11 hours later I was back in London...

So this is it. What's worth noticing - I absolutely had no jet-lag in California. It was like a switch. It did kill me when I came back to London.

Anyway - like I said - I'll post the photos from our sailing adventure when I have them. Meanwhile, I need to get ready to moving out and moving into a new flat, I'm going to Africa on Friday and there is also work between all that, so it might take a while till I post another note....

Oh, and this is the result of 2 adult, educated and smart people spending the whole day driving from place to place. We are educated and smart, right Tomek?

Rubbish - part 1.

Rubbish - part 2.

No update yet...

2006-07-30T21:09:00.000+02:00

California photo update has to wait and so does the story about the car accident. I got totally crazed with tennis and for now that's pretty much all I can think about. Well, not really but it has become a huge part of my spare-time. I promise I'll post some pictures from San Francisco and Bay Area by the end of next week...

Zizou's gonna get ya... vol. 2

2006-07-26T17:38:00.000+02:00

I just couldn't resist... Thanks Tomek, I found it on your website ;-)

Home sweet home

2006-07-24T21:07:00.000+02:00

Just came back today. It was absolutely fantastic, with a few not-so-fantastic adventures. Lots of wine, lots of sun, lots of beaches - simply - awesome. I'll post some photos in a few days, I've got way too many things to catch up with and my photos are both on my laptop and on my friend's laptop on the other side of the pond (long story, basically - no disk space on my PC and no CDs to burn the photos on).

It was great to come back to San Francisco and it feels good to be back home too. Not for too long though - leaving for Ghana in 2.5 weeks!

Ah, what the heck. Here is the result of one of these "not-so-fantastic" adventures. Treat it as a teaser, I'll tell you more later. Just so you don't worry - I was in the other car ;-)

Never liked Mustangs too much, but I quite hate them now ;-)

Away

2006-07-13T20:04:00.000+02:00

Off to San Francisco tomorrow morning, I'll be back on the 24th, perhaps with some photos and I am sure with a few stories. Till then!

Zizou's gonna get ya...

2006-07-10T22:51:00.000+02:00

The whole world is wondering what it was, that made Zidane go so berserk. Most think Materazzi called him a dirty terrorist, but imho it could have been something as simple as "la putain de ta mére". Either way - even though I believe Zidane shouldn't have done it (for many obvious reasons), I still think it was one good head-butt!

New era...

2006-07-07T19:50:00.000+02:00

... of 90's disco from outside my windows has just began. My disco-polo neighbours moved out a while ago and the new ones are big fans of Sash!, M.C. Hammer and Music Instructor... I don't really mind, but I am still glad I am moving out in 8 weeks. For this and for many other reasons.

On a side note - I absolutely love my Nokia 6680. This smart-phone is a piece of art - you can get online, check your personal emails, read news, chat over IM (including GG, Y!M, MSN, AIM and ICQ), check directions, take photos and send them LIVE over IM... It does almost everything. Of course, you will need to play with software a bit, but it's oh so worth it! I am still working on plugging-in my VPN, so I can check my work-emails but I am pretty sure I'll get there sooner or later!

Yes, I admit, I am a bit of a tech-geek...

Should I care?

2006-06-28T12:49:00.000+02:00

A friend of mine sent me this link today. Nasty, I know. And frankly - I wish I hadn't opened it. Thing is, that I really cannot do anything about that, except saying "no" to fur coats, jackets and other accessories. Why should I torture myself with watching this stuff then? Why other people do? I know, it sounds cynical, but I simply choose not to think about this particular problem.

And on a side note - shouldn't we care more about people starving and dying of AIDS in Africa, innocent civilians being killed in various wars (btw, wouldn't it be wiser to contribute all "sinews of war" to fighting AIDS and hunger?). Oh, right - we all know these pictures, media feed us with these images every day and we are used to that already, whilst killing poor puppies is not something that we see on a daily basis and therefore - it's shocking. Now, somebody tell me what's right and what's not.

Basically, it's extremely annoying. Don't be hypocrites, stop sending these ugly links and if you really care - just go ahead and do something...

Summer in the city...

2006-06-25T17:07:00.000+02:00

Quite unbelievable, but we still have summer here in London. It's incredibly nice, warm and sunny. And I am gonna enjoy it... till it lasts as that might not be long ;-)

Not much happening otherwise, got myself hooked up on the WC 2006, watched both seasons of "Lost", my awful nightmares are gone (well, sort of) and I am enjoying life as it is...

Stupid pills have eventually kicked in...

2006-06-19T19:20:00.000+02:00

Yeah, unfortunately. I was sure, that if everything had gone well so far, no weird thoughts, no hallucinations etc, it should be really easy now. Boy, was I wrong. I started having nightmares last week, but I didn't really care - people have nightmares every now and then, it's not a big deal.

Last night though, my sick dreams simply scared me out of my wits. It began with 2 unpleasant and big guys breaking into my flat, trying to rape and murder me, ended with me escaping through my window, almost naked. I couldn't sleep after that, so I am a complete wreck today. Oh, and just to give you the reason for which I freaked out - my next-door neighbour was robbed 3 weeks ago...

Anyway, if this crap does not stop, I am seriously considering giving up taking these pills. There is a minor risk that I might get sick (and malaria is not a pleasant disease), but I don't care. 2 more weeks with nightmares is something I don't think I can cope with... Not to mention, that I'll have to start another anti-malaria therapy in early August.

The only good news today - Ghana High Commission in London gave me their "OK" earlier this morning, so I have a visa and can visit this supposedly very exciting country. Can't wait...

Boruc, you're my hero...

2006-06-15T00:44:00.000+02:00

I don't like football. In fact - I hate it. But I did watch the game tonight. I had to - POL vs. GER is a must. What can I say? Out of 11 team-members, Boruc's performance was the best. And he is the goal-keeper... Pathetic, I know...

Sad, but true... I am seriously considering suing Mr. Pawel-Bloody-Janas, our coach. Even my American work-mates are making fun of me. I mean - hello?
Anyway, to quote my friend: "Daga, you still have chances... in... 2010". I am not even sure if he was right...

I guess I'll have to start cheering on England. I do have a Ben Sherman "England" t-shirt, it might actually come in handy...

Boiling up...

2006-06-12T23:38:00.000+02:00

It's 10:30pm and it's 85F / 29C outside. I am about to die, though I am sure I would find enough power to kill for an AC, if this were what I would have to do to get one...

Utterly confused, feels like Spain, I can't believe it's London... Oh, and BTW - I got hooked up on "Lost" yesterday. 99p per show on cable on-demand, 25 in Series 1, another 20 or so in Series 2... but what the heck, it's seems to be worth it!

Tour de Asia (well, a small part of Asia)

2006-06-11T19:55:00.000+02:00

So, Asia, all right. Well, it was a great trip. Three different countries, all really exciting. I reckon it’s best if I just put some photos here instead of long and probably boring stories. I have decided to publish them chronologically rather, than by country as I think it just makes more sense. So, here we go…

Little India in Singapore. Temperature: 33C / 92F, humidity: 96%.

A local eatery. Little India, Singapore. All bars, shops, restaurants etc in Singapore, even the worst ones have AC. The effect: a cold less than 24 hours after I arrived.

Indian food in that eatery. Tasty, spicy and very colourful ;-)

China Town in Singapore. Rather small and disappointing after the one in San Francisco, but...

Hard to believe, but after a 15 hour flight, a long party and very little sleep, I just couldn't drink my beer. Well, perhaps the weather (hot, hot and really humid) had something to do with that as well... Oh, and of course - if drinking beer in SE Asia, then it MUST be Tiger ;-)

After 2 rather long and exhausting nights and 1 very hot day in Singapore, we flew to Cambodia. What a surprise – it’s even hotter and more humid!

That is me and my taxi driver. A 25 minute ride from the airport to our hotel - $1.

My cab from a different angle.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia. I don't remember the names of all temples we visited, so if you want to find out a little more about Angkor Wat, I would strongly suggest using google ;-)

A monk sleeping next to a Buddha figure, Angkor Wat, Cambodia.

Angkor Wat and me, right there, on the stairs.

Angkor Wat. Pretty amazing, eh?

Blah, blah, me and Angkor Wat just behind. I am not really happy here, it's very hot, we don't have local currency or dollar change to buy a bottle of water...

A family leaving for camping holiday? I don't think so...

I just wanted to have a photo with Buddha.. And yes, I am ALL sweating here...

We had a personal driver for two days. And a vehicle, called "tuk-tuk".

Local supermarket.

Not exactly a villa. Suburbs of Siem Reap (the pic is not sharp, but we couldn't stop there, so I had to take it from our "tuk-tuk")

And here is another one...

On the boat. These two kids were our "drivers".

Floating village. I found it quite surprising, that all floating houses had TV antennas. In the country, where many people live without electricity...

Floating shop.

Floating village...

I just had to take a pic of this guy. I know, it looks more like Vietnam, than Cambodia, but...

Kids were a real nitemare in Cambodia. Always trying to sell you some useless crap, always begging for a dollar and never letting it go. I know they're all poor, but it became really annoying after a while...

Floating village. That's right, this is a satelite-dish right in the middle... Any questions?

Another surprise. Petrol is sold from Johnnie Walker bottles.

Afternoon traffic-peak in Siem Reap. On a side note - they have no rules when it comes to driving at all. Enough if I just say, that I couldn't figure out whether they officially drive on the right or on the left side, till I read it in the guide...

And back in the hotel a.k.a. bamboo hut. It was actually nice and even equipped with the AC!

Gekons, our silent room-mates.

And we're back in the Angkor Wat complex. Here - we're just passing a group of kids on the way to school.

Another temple. That one was actually very impressive.

I didn't even know I had a picture here!

On the top of another temple, rain forest behind...

Here is where they shot parts of Tomb Raider / Lara Croft. I didn't see the movie, but these trees were MASSIVE!

Another one...

And another one.

And...I am really tired already...

One last temple in Angkor Wat...

...and it's time to take a break at the hotel-pool! Of course, with a can of Tiger ;-)

Oops, I forgot. We went to Angkor again, to see the sunset. Didn't quite look too interesting, unfortunately...

But we spotted a few monks!

Last dinner in Cambodia. Extremely cheap and very, very moreish...

And here is another local speciality ;-)

Next morning we came back to Singapore. Here is another bunch of pictures from this very Miami-like city.

Singapore...

Another skyscrapers.

Singapore skyline.

Singapore harbour - used to be the biggest port in the world.

After one day in Singapore with our friends (yes, I played bridge after a 2-year-break!!!) we flew to Thailand for four days. Now, I have to admit, that I did work on some picture above (added contrast, warmed the photos here and there), but colours in Thailand are so amazing, that I won’t change / adjust these photos. I know, I have no idea about photography, but it’s my humble, totally unprofessional opinion and I will just stick with it ;-) Enjoy!

Our beach in Krabi, Thailand.

Me and the beach in Krabi, Thailand ;-)

9:30am, Krabi, Thailand. Yes, quite enjoying my pina-colada. Reel in!

On the way to Railey Beach.

Railey Beach itself.

Ao Nang beach (where we lived).

I don't know who this person is.

Lots of sunscreen. Didn't quite help, as I found out later...

Um, fish?

Oh, btw, I didn't mention that - these are photos from our speed-boat trip ;-) One of the little bays we visited.

Maya Bay. And me. This is where they filmed "The Beach".

This is where we stopped for lunch...

...and this is what we did after lunch...

I couldn't make up my mind, so I ordered all three. (Actually, it was a happy hour - buy 2, get 1 free).

Ao Nang Beach again. Just about to board on the boat, which took us to Poda Island.

Poda Island. There was absolutely nobody on this beach!

Poda Island...

Lunch ;-)

Next day - on a long-tail boat to James Bond Island, sea-caves and elephant riding. Quite a mix!

James Bond Island (anyone know which James Bond was filmed in Thailand??)

James Bond Island...

Sea-caves, on a kayak.

Sea-caves...

And that's me in the sea-caves.

Elephant riding. Nothing spectacular, but one has to try it anyway.

Strangers on the elephant.

Baby-elephant. 1,300kg...

Same baby-elephant.

Weird plant at the hotel-pool...

So, this is it. 11 amazing days. I definitely want to come back there, there are more places to see – Malaysia, Phuket and Bangkok in Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines… Some day, I am sure…

BTW – the weather in London is quite incredible. I was expecting rain when I was flying back home, but we’ve had 80F and more here recently! I went on a boat-trip from Westminster to Greenwich this Saturday and it was really, really nice. No pictures, though, sorry ;-)

Pedal to the floor, thinkin' of the roar... California, here we come!

2006-06-08T12:31:00.000+02:00

Yep, I got my visa today. I am coming to San Francisco on July 14th and will be around till July 23rd. So happy!

Alive and kicking!

2006-06-05T18:20:00.000+02:00

I am back and alive (though there ARE mosquitoes in Cambodia, luckily I am still on these crazy pills, so I should be fine)... I am also completely knackered after 15 hours on the plane + 8 hours of work, also being 7 hours behind the time zone I managed to get used to there. Above a small sample of what I saw in Asia, I'll post more photos (Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore) along with a summary this week-end. Let me just say it was ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!
(This photo shows one of thousands of gorgeous beaches in Thailand... click to see the full size...)