Finally, there’s some proper weather to distort the perfect image of the sunshine state. As it is right now, it’s pouring outside, lightning and thunder all over the place, and when it hits every so often, it sounds like there’s a bomb going off. The temperature in the house has finally come to an acceptable level, as for some reason the airconditioning will not do the best job ever. Fans on the ceiling to their work at night to let you sleep, but still.
I’ll add two or three rainy pictures to the photo album, even though they were extremely hard to take for some reason. I tried a few options, but never really succeeded.
Back to where I ended things last time. Friday. Bart and I still had to work, as schedules were changed somewhere along the way. The day was quite busy on my part, and I didn’t feel all too well. My body was pretty drained and I felt extremely warm most of the time, a bit like the fever. Decided to just keep working anyway, and switch free days with Bart. He would have Saturday off, and I would have Sunday, but we switched that around. So, yay for flexible housemates. That Friday night we had Volkan over at the house. Volkan is one of the Turkish guys (just like Caner, see the Finch blog) who works in housekeeping. He’s a houseman, you know, the job I couldn’t do because I couldn’t distinguish all the different kinds of sheets etc. Yatha and Georgi were working that night, so Bart, Volkan and I quickly did some groceries after which I made some hamburgers according to my mum’s recipe. Ate them outside on the patio with the three of us and just did some talking and socializing in general, before Volkan headed home a little after 10, and Bart and I spent some time behind computers. Yatha and Georgi still slept in the hotel that night, for the last time.
Saturday was my day off, but just like all the others, no chance to really sleep in. They came to collect the garbage around 7:45, and I happen to live at the side of the collection (it’s looking towards the inside of the gated compound though, whereas Bart and Yatha look out to the main street (15th)).
Managed to get back to a light sleep and didn’t get out of bed until 9:45, when no one was around anymore as Bart went to work, and the others were still at the hotel. Took my time to unpack all my suitcases when Georgi and Yatha came in to do some groceries for the house (we have now decided to do collective cooking and cleaning groceries twice a week or so, and everyone can just get their private drinks, fruits and snacks across the street at Publix supermarket whenever they want) and we also went to Home Depot to get some cleaning utilities and additional house keys so that everyone now has their own pair. The boys then went to cook their spaghetti meal. I decided to wait with the pasta until Bart came home from work so we could cook for the both of us. Made some spaghetti with chicken, parmesan cheese and some tomato sauce. Watched some Saturday Night Live DVD while eating and took it easy for the rest of the night. I managed to complete a song of mine in FL Studio again, and I have uploaded it to YouTube right HERE. If you go there, there are lyrics in the description to the right (click “more info” in the box on the right to get a little story and the lyrics itself). Went to bed around 11:30 as I had to get up at 7 this morning to start my day. Heard Georgi come in, though he was very careful to not make a sound. Can’t remember anything else from that night, I must have dozed off straight away again.
This Sunday I had to work as a Runner in the hotel, the guy who delivers all the requested goods to the guests. Had a nice and easy morning with ten calls between 8 and 11:30. And then all calls stopped. Nothing else for the remainder of the day! I had been reorganizing and refilling things in the first floor storage all along already, so it started to get quite boring. Later that shift I went to check some rooms and evaluate the work done by the ladies cleaning. Went home by bike, just like I arrived there this morning. It’s a little different from getting into the elevator and being there, but the 12-15 minute ride isn’t all that bad. I’ll get used to that. Found Georgi and Bart at home, as I had already seen Yatha at work. Discussed my possible transfer to F&B with quite a few people today, and I’m getting my hopes up slightly. I really don’t want to set my mind on that just yet, because it might be disappointing if I don’t go, but I just can’t help it.
The guys are watching a movie downstairs and I am typing this and I just watched an episode of Eureka. Ate some Honeydew melon (how come I never saw those in Holland? They’re good!) and had some good old Ben&Jerry’s after that to complete my mail. Want to make some pitabread with curry chicken tomorrow, and I’ll see whoever joins.
Speaking of tomorrow, I need to start working in the laundry, just organizing all the uniforms and the stocking of towels and such. I’ll soon start to read up on my contracts and such to see if there’s any way for me to get out of that if they sign me up for another week of laundry, and it also helps me think of the move to F&B, possibly. I’d rather be in Stewarding (dishwashing) instead of laundry like this.
I know I already linked you to another YouTube video (my own) but I still want to share another thing with you. Here’s House vs Hurricane with “Forfeiture”. The first part of the song might not appeal to a lot of people, but at least check out the last minute of the song where they go all techno. Reminds me of Enter Shikari in a way, and it’s so weird that it’s cool.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Fanmail
Just a little update I forgot. Those who want to reach me in case of an emergency (if a hurricane hits Fort Lauderdale and I haven't posted for a week or whatever), or those that just want to send me a postcard instead of the other way around, feel free to take a look at the following information.
Rick Pleij
1401 NE 9th Street, Apartment 54
33304, Fort Lauderdale, FL
United States
(001) 954 4949066
rick.pleij@hilton.com
rick4488@gmail.com
and for MSN purposes; rick_4488@hotmail.com, though be warned, I'm not online that much.
If you want to find me at Skype, send me an e-mail and we can make an apointment as there probably will be timezone differences and I work when you are off, mostly.
No video for this time.
Rick Pleij
1401 NE 9th Street, Apartment 54
33304, Fort Lauderdale, FL
United States
(001) 954 4949066
rick.pleij@hilton.com
rick4488@gmail.com
and for MSN purposes; rick_4488@hotmail.com, though be warned, I'm not online that much.
If you want to find me at Skype, send me an e-mail and we can make an apointment as there probably will be timezone differences and I work when you are off, mostly.
No video for this time.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
We Ride
It's been four days since my last entry, and for that, I apologise. I know I said I'd do this every two or three days. After reading this blog you'll have a nice idea of why it took so long though. I think I have a pretty good excuse as it is! Here comes;
Monday we had our day off, and we started moving. With the keys to the gate, the garage and the house itself, it was time to get the furniture from a few Dutch interns who had done their year here, and had to go back to finish things up, end school, take a vacation or whatever else they had planned. Early in the morning we went to Steven's place. Steven worked here in F&B (Food and Beverage, only time I won't shorten that) and had a lot to do with implementing the pool service that now runs. The last few weeks he's been around Le Marche, the outlet store I told you about earlier. We had hired a van to get as many things as possible from one place to the other. Put everything in the garage at first, and then went to get the second load. As the garage fits two cars, a lot of stacked up furniture was no problem either. Second house to empty was the one from Stach and Majda (I think it's spelt that way). Took us less effort than with Steven, as he lives on fifth floor and had this really annoying sofabed where the springs would give us a hard time all the time. Not to mention his elevator is SLOW. Seriously, real slow. Walking the stairs goes quicker if you haven't got a desk or bed to carry around.
Stach is already out of the country so we dealt with Majda mostly and took some drawers, chairs and matrasses from their place. When we had everything in the garage after four drives in total, Georgi and I went back to the hotel to get a vacuum cleaner and later buy some hygienic wipes to clear all the furniture before moving it in completely. Bart and Yatha, in the meantime, carried up as many things as possible. It was somehow easier to hand things over, up from the patio to the balcony on the second floor, rather than moving it through the stairs. That's how we got most couches and beds in to the house. After we ate in Le Marche and got more great crepes (with strawberries, banana and blackberry, three pieces total), Yatha and I went with our rental van to the Fort Lauderdale airport to pick up another car for the next day. Had to perform a little trick with the parking garage as Yatha lost the parking card for the van, and we got out with two cars, paying only one dollar (don't tell anyone!). While Yatha went to his car that he parked a little from the garage, I drove on, thinking he was further out. I couldn't find him naturally. Upon returning to the hotel we found out that both of us drove the wrong way trying to get back to the city. The exit to either I95, the city centre, or Port Everglades (anyone fancy a cruise?) is really short and hard to read, so I drove off to Port Everglades instead. Had to go back to the airport and try again. Along the way got past a "Random Vehicle Search" from the police, but I guess mine wasn't random enough. I accidentally had left my wallet in the other car, with my drivers license in there, so I'm glad I could drive on.
Tuesday morning we took our newly hired Chevrolet Malibu two blocks further, to pick up Tommy, who works at the Front Office as a Dutch intern as well. We headed off to Orlando! Universal Studios Orlando, and even more precise. Islands Of Adventure there. According to quite a few people that park would suit us best. Drove all the way over the the I95 north bound. Missed the turn to the Turnpike that would lead straight to Orlando, and hit the I95 further until we could go right to Cape Canaveral, or left to Orlando, basically. After 2/3 of the drive, Yatha took over and tested the maximum speed of the rental car. Got to Orlando in 3:15 hours.
Time for Universal Studios that opened at 9, while we came in around 10. As we had ordered them online and printed the barcodes, there wasn't much to wait for. Hold on. The entire day, there was nothing much to wait for! No attraction took us more than 10/15 minutes in total, from the moment you walk in to the moment it started.
First one was the Hulk rollercoaster. A green one with plenty of corkscrews and loopings in there, and a little dive through a tunnel of mist. The first ride we took was a bit harsh with the mist, as we went from that cold, wet mist, straight into the full sunrise. After two rides in the Hulk, both of which left me groggy upon leaving my seat, it was time to move on to the next one. Dr Doom's Fear Fall. For all the Dutch people who've been to Six Flags, it's similar to the Space Shot. As all of us had been in the Space Shot before, and this one was actually less exciting than that one, we decided to leave it at that one ride. Next up; Spiderman! It's not really a rollercoaster, but it sure leaves you flabbergasted. You get 3D glasses on, and get in this seat, which can best be thought of as a cabin for a flight simulator. You then go from hall to hall, seeing different Spiderman scenes in each of them. In one room, a waterbased villain attacks, and you get sprayed. In another, fire comes out of Dr Octopus arms, and the room heats up instantly. Whenever another bomb exploded, a flame entered the room to make it more real. It all ends with a "free fall". It's all visual deception as the car isn't going anywhere I think (or some belongings would not be safe in that very cart), but it seems and feels so amazingly real.
Time to eat something, and then go to the water attractions. And these aren't fake water attractions. These get you soaked real bad (see pictures in my photo album). Had a lot of fun, both in the logs, which had an amazing dive in there, as well as the Popeye ride, which consisted of these round boats with lot of openings in them to let the water in and soak the people in there. Was hilarious to laugh at people at the other side of the boat getting drenched at some parts of the course, only to be up next yourself. Did both the logs and the Popeye ride twice.
Then took a ride in the Jurassic Park boat. Took us to see some dinos, and then got us a great free fall. I'm thinking of uploading some of the videos I made, onto Youtube, and share them later. Once I do I'll link you through of course :)
More food in between, and then the Duelling Dragons. One big attraction, two different rides. Red and Blue/Green. Both had a different course, as the red one had more loops and the blue one had more screws, but somewhere halfway through, both rides go head to head, seeming to crash into eachother, to then both make a looping. It may seem like your legs hit the ones from the other side at some point. Such an amazing ride. Did I say you were below the track already? For those in Six Flags state again, think El Condor. Did those quite a few times. The later it got, the easier it was to get into the front row, and that is sooooo worth it. Makes everything about the two rides, so much more intense, especially where you seeming crash into the other, and where you head straight to a wall to make another looping there.
Ended our day with two more rides in the Hulk and took one of the pictures made in that ride as a souvenir.
Got home around 11 or something, after dropping the car at the airport and taking a cab back.
Wednesday I started at 8, to find that, luckily, I did not have to work in the laundry, but could check floors again as Bart was doing computer training again. Nothing much happened that day. I worked a lot as I had 8 floors to take care of, but it was all alright, as there weren't too many occupied ones. Took Marten, Wendy (his girlfriend who is here for two weeks this time around) and Sabrina (did I ever mention her before? I hope so!) to see our new house and impressed them all, I think. Admitted, it just looks better than the places Marten and Sabrina live in themselves. Marten flat out admitted he was jealous. Got back around 12, and that's when Bart informed me about an e-mail from our HR manager, consider a possible switch from one of the MITs (Manager In Training) from Rooms Division to go to F&B for the rest of the year. As I love working in restaurants too, and love setting up meetings and such at Banqueting, I applied and it might all happen next week. We'll see what goes on here. I don't want to get ahead of things so I'll leave it at this.
Today, thursday, I started at 8 again, not knowing if I had to laundry this time around or not. I got to inspect rooms straight away, as someone from an external audit came to visit and inspect everything. Walked around like crazy today to get things done in time, and I was dead tired already. Got the report a little later and I think we scored a full 97% in general, so everyone here is happy enough as it is.
Just got back from another hour of indoor soccer in Hollywood again and finally found the time to write this blog. Will now upload all the pictures to the photo album so you can all enjoy a bit. I didn't take too many as most attractions require you to store everything in lockers somewhere in the park to keep it all safe and easy.
Thought I'd be off tomorrow, but I need to work again. Need to see how and what we're going to do with all the moving now, but you'll hear that later.
As Universal was full of rides, and I said the word quite a few times already, I'm sharing Lostprophets' "To Hell We Ride" for today.
a little p.s. I LOVE my iPhone.
Monday we had our day off, and we started moving. With the keys to the gate, the garage and the house itself, it was time to get the furniture from a few Dutch interns who had done their year here, and had to go back to finish things up, end school, take a vacation or whatever else they had planned. Early in the morning we went to Steven's place. Steven worked here in F&B (Food and Beverage, only time I won't shorten that) and had a lot to do with implementing the pool service that now runs. The last few weeks he's been around Le Marche, the outlet store I told you about earlier. We had hired a van to get as many things as possible from one place to the other. Put everything in the garage at first, and then went to get the second load. As the garage fits two cars, a lot of stacked up furniture was no problem either. Second house to empty was the one from Stach and Majda (I think it's spelt that way). Took us less effort than with Steven, as he lives on fifth floor and had this really annoying sofabed where the springs would give us a hard time all the time. Not to mention his elevator is SLOW. Seriously, real slow. Walking the stairs goes quicker if you haven't got a desk or bed to carry around.
Stach is already out of the country so we dealt with Majda mostly and took some drawers, chairs and matrasses from their place. When we had everything in the garage after four drives in total, Georgi and I went back to the hotel to get a vacuum cleaner and later buy some hygienic wipes to clear all the furniture before moving it in completely. Bart and Yatha, in the meantime, carried up as many things as possible. It was somehow easier to hand things over, up from the patio to the balcony on the second floor, rather than moving it through the stairs. That's how we got most couches and beds in to the house. After we ate in Le Marche and got more great crepes (with strawberries, banana and blackberry, three pieces total), Yatha and I went with our rental van to the Fort Lauderdale airport to pick up another car for the next day. Had to perform a little trick with the parking garage as Yatha lost the parking card for the van, and we got out with two cars, paying only one dollar (don't tell anyone!). While Yatha went to his car that he parked a little from the garage, I drove on, thinking he was further out. I couldn't find him naturally. Upon returning to the hotel we found out that both of us drove the wrong way trying to get back to the city. The exit to either I95, the city centre, or Port Everglades (anyone fancy a cruise?) is really short and hard to read, so I drove off to Port Everglades instead. Had to go back to the airport and try again. Along the way got past a "Random Vehicle Search" from the police, but I guess mine wasn't random enough. I accidentally had left my wallet in the other car, with my drivers license in there, so I'm glad I could drive on.
Tuesday morning we took our newly hired Chevrolet Malibu two blocks further, to pick up Tommy, who works at the Front Office as a Dutch intern as well. We headed off to Orlando! Universal Studios Orlando, and even more precise. Islands Of Adventure there. According to quite a few people that park would suit us best. Drove all the way over the the I95 north bound. Missed the turn to the Turnpike that would lead straight to Orlando, and hit the I95 further until we could go right to Cape Canaveral, or left to Orlando, basically. After 2/3 of the drive, Yatha took over and tested the maximum speed of the rental car. Got to Orlando in 3:15 hours.
Time for Universal Studios that opened at 9, while we came in around 10. As we had ordered them online and printed the barcodes, there wasn't much to wait for. Hold on. The entire day, there was nothing much to wait for! No attraction took us more than 10/15 minutes in total, from the moment you walk in to the moment it started.
First one was the Hulk rollercoaster. A green one with plenty of corkscrews and loopings in there, and a little dive through a tunnel of mist. The first ride we took was a bit harsh with the mist, as we went from that cold, wet mist, straight into the full sunrise. After two rides in the Hulk, both of which left me groggy upon leaving my seat, it was time to move on to the next one. Dr Doom's Fear Fall. For all the Dutch people who've been to Six Flags, it's similar to the Space Shot. As all of us had been in the Space Shot before, and this one was actually less exciting than that one, we decided to leave it at that one ride. Next up; Spiderman! It's not really a rollercoaster, but it sure leaves you flabbergasted. You get 3D glasses on, and get in this seat, which can best be thought of as a cabin for a flight simulator. You then go from hall to hall, seeing different Spiderman scenes in each of them. In one room, a waterbased villain attacks, and you get sprayed. In another, fire comes out of Dr Octopus arms, and the room heats up instantly. Whenever another bomb exploded, a flame entered the room to make it more real. It all ends with a "free fall". It's all visual deception as the car isn't going anywhere I think (or some belongings would not be safe in that very cart), but it seems and feels so amazingly real.
Time to eat something, and then go to the water attractions. And these aren't fake water attractions. These get you soaked real bad (see pictures in my photo album). Had a lot of fun, both in the logs, which had an amazing dive in there, as well as the Popeye ride, which consisted of these round boats with lot of openings in them to let the water in and soak the people in there. Was hilarious to laugh at people at the other side of the boat getting drenched at some parts of the course, only to be up next yourself. Did both the logs and the Popeye ride twice.
Then took a ride in the Jurassic Park boat. Took us to see some dinos, and then got us a great free fall. I'm thinking of uploading some of the videos I made, onto Youtube, and share them later. Once I do I'll link you through of course :)
More food in between, and then the Duelling Dragons. One big attraction, two different rides. Red and Blue/Green. Both had a different course, as the red one had more loops and the blue one had more screws, but somewhere halfway through, both rides go head to head, seeming to crash into eachother, to then both make a looping. It may seem like your legs hit the ones from the other side at some point. Such an amazing ride. Did I say you were below the track already? For those in Six Flags state again, think El Condor. Did those quite a few times. The later it got, the easier it was to get into the front row, and that is sooooo worth it. Makes everything about the two rides, so much more intense, especially where you seeming crash into the other, and where you head straight to a wall to make another looping there.
Ended our day with two more rides in the Hulk and took one of the pictures made in that ride as a souvenir.
Got home around 11 or something, after dropping the car at the airport and taking a cab back.
Wednesday I started at 8, to find that, luckily, I did not have to work in the laundry, but could check floors again as Bart was doing computer training again. Nothing much happened that day. I worked a lot as I had 8 floors to take care of, but it was all alright, as there weren't too many occupied ones. Took Marten, Wendy (his girlfriend who is here for two weeks this time around) and Sabrina (did I ever mention her before? I hope so!) to see our new house and impressed them all, I think. Admitted, it just looks better than the places Marten and Sabrina live in themselves. Marten flat out admitted he was jealous. Got back around 12, and that's when Bart informed me about an e-mail from our HR manager, consider a possible switch from one of the MITs (Manager In Training) from Rooms Division to go to F&B for the rest of the year. As I love working in restaurants too, and love setting up meetings and such at Banqueting, I applied and it might all happen next week. We'll see what goes on here. I don't want to get ahead of things so I'll leave it at this.
Today, thursday, I started at 8 again, not knowing if I had to laundry this time around or not. I got to inspect rooms straight away, as someone from an external audit came to visit and inspect everything. Walked around like crazy today to get things done in time, and I was dead tired already. Got the report a little later and I think we scored a full 97% in general, so everyone here is happy enough as it is.
Just got back from another hour of indoor soccer in Hollywood again and finally found the time to write this blog. Will now upload all the pictures to the photo album so you can all enjoy a bit. I didn't take too many as most attractions require you to store everything in lockers somewhere in the park to keep it all safe and easy.
Thought I'd be off tomorrow, but I need to work again. Need to see how and what we're going to do with all the moving now, but you'll hear that later.
As Universal was full of rides, and I said the word quite a few times already, I'm sharing Lostprophets' "To Hell We Ride" for today.
a little p.s. I LOVE my iPhone.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Heat Of The Day
I forgot to mention something in my last blog, and I want to share it now. We moved to our fifth hotelroom! We had this great room up on the 24th floor. Lovely view I must say, but no pictures taken. Thursday evening, it started to get hot in our room. Temperatures inside started exceeding those outside, even with the air conditioning on. Bart found that the airconditioner was only sending warm air into the room, despite it being set to 72 Fahrenheit and Cool. We started at 80 somewhere that night, and went to 86 before we called engineering. Bart then went with Georgi and his new car, to get something to eat, while I waited for an engineer while watching Snakes On A Plane. Ika, one of the Russian engineers, and one of the greatest people around here, couldn't fix it in half an hour and decided to let it go. Apparently there was something wrong with the cooler, the vent and the entire machine, for that matter. I asked him if we could leave our belongings in this room, sleep somewhere else and get back when he had it fixed. I didn't want to give up the view.
It all ended with us going to the 16th floor instead. Had to wait for Bart to get back to tell him the good news and he started packing when I had already moved most of my things.
Today was a busy day at work, as the hotel is quite full yet again. Met some people I've seen over the last few days, in their rooms while asking if everything's alright and if I can help them still. Mostly, the answer is something along the "thanks, I'm fine" lines. Not today, on one occasion.
In the city center there's a convention about AIDS/HIV going on, and it hosts about 3000 people, of which quite a few are staying here. Funny thing at that, a few of the housemaids thought that all the people that were staying here, were infected, rather than attending for a lot of different reasons!
A woman from the pacific island of Guam asked me if I could open her door for her, as her card seemed faulty. I used her card and got it on first try, explaining the exact workings of that keycard. Asked her if I could do anything else, and she said she didn't want to waste my time. I was close to the end of my shift and had one room left to go, so told her it would be no bother.
She showed me her suitcase and asked for some tape to keep it together, as it let her down earlier that day. Had Ika bring the remote control to another room as I was about to do myself, and I fixed her suitcase. Then talked a bit about my English (which she consider rather amazing for a foreigner, while most people still get a hint of it and ask me if I'm German. Really. A lot of them do that, if it's not me, it's with Bart) and the internship I do. Finished the conversation with information about Guam, and travelling (apparently it took her 26 hours to get from Guam to Fort Lauderdale) before Bart paged me to gather and round off our work.
Currently I'm sitting here in one the hotel's bathrobes, with the hotel's slippers on, after I took a bath in the jacuzzi in the bathroom. I never realised that the water had such a weird colour. After all, when it just comes out and fills a glass, there's not much too it. Fill an entire bath tub, and you start to notice it's a bit yellow/green. Then, with the bubbles turned on, and a little bit of body wash in there, it's easy to create a miniature sky in your bath tub, filled with dense clouds. Makes for great pictures though!
So here's that very picture, of me in a whitened bath, and after that a 9 minute youtube video of Pat Metheny Group's "Heat Of The Day"
It all ended with us going to the 16th floor instead. Had to wait for Bart to get back to tell him the good news and he started packing when I had already moved most of my things.
Today was a busy day at work, as the hotel is quite full yet again. Met some people I've seen over the last few days, in their rooms while asking if everything's alright and if I can help them still. Mostly, the answer is something along the "thanks, I'm fine" lines. Not today, on one occasion.
In the city center there's a convention about AIDS/HIV going on, and it hosts about 3000 people, of which quite a few are staying here. Funny thing at that, a few of the housemaids thought that all the people that were staying here, were infected, rather than attending for a lot of different reasons!
A woman from the pacific island of Guam asked me if I could open her door for her, as her card seemed faulty. I used her card and got it on first try, explaining the exact workings of that keycard. Asked her if I could do anything else, and she said she didn't want to waste my time. I was close to the end of my shift and had one room left to go, so told her it would be no bother.
She showed me her suitcase and asked for some tape to keep it together, as it let her down earlier that day. Had Ika bring the remote control to another room as I was about to do myself, and I fixed her suitcase. Then talked a bit about my English (which she consider rather amazing for a foreigner, while most people still get a hint of it and ask me if I'm German. Really. A lot of them do that, if it's not me, it's with Bart) and the internship I do. Finished the conversation with information about Guam, and travelling (apparently it took her 26 hours to get from Guam to Fort Lauderdale) before Bart paged me to gather and round off our work.
Currently I'm sitting here in one the hotel's bathrobes, with the hotel's slippers on, after I took a bath in the jacuzzi in the bathroom. I never realised that the water had such a weird colour. After all, when it just comes out and fills a glass, there's not much too it. Fill an entire bath tub, and you start to notice it's a bit yellow/green. Then, with the bubbles turned on, and a little bit of body wash in there, it's easy to create a miniature sky in your bath tub, filled with dense clouds. Makes for great pictures though!
So here's that very picture, of me in a whitened bath, and after that a 9 minute youtube video of Pat Metheny Group's "Heat Of The Day"
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Eternity?
Not too long ago (three entries back - Sunny Day In The Park) I mentioned composing a song in Fruity Loops, and naming it after things brought up in a conversation with Robert Huntley, one of our great bellmen. I've decided to add some photos as a slideshare, and publish the song on Youtube, then adding it to my blog. For those who already want to know what it's about, play the video at the end of this entry.
The song is, unlike most of my earlier works, actually built up in a way that I COULD add lyrics to them in a verse-chorus distinctive way. Still having huge difficulties, writing texts that go with melodies, I don't see it happen in the near future for this one. But maybe later I'll be able to make something out of it.
Also, the last few days I've been thinking about eternity in general, and how I've never liked the word. I mean, you can last a lifetime with someone, and it's still not eternity, as the world will not stop spinning once you're gone. As once quoted to me, after Charles De Gaulle; "The graveyard is full of indispensible men". Though I accept Robert's vision, I do not agree with it. It comes down to this: whatever you do in this life, can not be lost. Your thoughts, your knowledge and ideas will somehow live on as you keep spiralling towards other places in other forms. As caterpillars become butterflies. Somehow, I think it's linked to the chemistry in your brain and that just all stops working when your heart fails, ultimately.
It's been fun and inspiring to listen to it that night, but it's hard to get a proper discussion on the subject as it's all about beliefs. There are no factual differences for anyone to use. I don't even know what to say about it anymore, so let me go on with what happened the last few days.
Tuesday, the second day off, was spent in the room with some TV watching and doing nothing at all. Wednesday was another day at work, in which we yet again did some things related to our new house. Headed to Galleria Mall after work for some food with Bart and Georgi, and finished the evening watching some Wipeout, or was that the day before?
Thursday, Georgi bought a car and Bart and I worked our asses off, as the hotel was nearly fully booked. It's fun that way, but things don't go as precise anymore, and you spend way more time alone, just checking, checking, checking, instead of discussing things with people, and learning some new things on the side as you're overhearing conversations, finding new things in the computer programs and figure out something to do in a room that you were supposed to do since day one. That idea.
Today, we got a notice saying that the owner of the house is now completely moved out and we can move in whenever we want. So that's going to be on monday. A lot of our friends around here are off that day, and so are we, so we'll have people to help us move, point us in the right direction with a few things and just be of great value overall. If I manage to get myself that state ID before monday, I'll also have my iPhone, finally! It's about time, though it hasn't even been a month yet. Also, we just ate out in Le Marche, the retail-minded restaurant (you can buy quite a few things they used as ingredients). Prices there are generally high, but the food is sooooo good, and the ingredients are great I must say.
Then, to finish it, we got crepes (we pronounced it differently here in case people thought we were talking about "crap" instead) with banana-chocolate fillings. With whipped cream and caramel ice cream. Apparently people are having a dessert making competition there for fun, at times, and we got to play jury for one of them. We'll go there more often now, I guess. It's located in the hotel, we get employee discount and free desserts like this. And we haven't even touched the ice cream buffet. That's what I mean!
Sorry for the lack of information this time around, but it's just been a lot of work, staying at home arranging things and watching series and more of the routine things mentioned before.
Next week the moving. We got three days off. Monday, tuesday and friday. Friday we are probably fully set so we might move out to do something exciting again. Not to mention that that next friday is, once again, payday.
Arcane Daguerro - A Concept Through Eternity. And yes, soon I will explain the entire "Daguerro" nickname idea that I've been associated with for a few years now.
The song is, unlike most of my earlier works, actually built up in a way that I COULD add lyrics to them in a verse-chorus distinctive way. Still having huge difficulties, writing texts that go with melodies, I don't see it happen in the near future for this one. But maybe later I'll be able to make something out of it.
Also, the last few days I've been thinking about eternity in general, and how I've never liked the word. I mean, you can last a lifetime with someone, and it's still not eternity, as the world will not stop spinning once you're gone. As once quoted to me, after Charles De Gaulle; "The graveyard is full of indispensible men". Though I accept Robert's vision, I do not agree with it. It comes down to this: whatever you do in this life, can not be lost. Your thoughts, your knowledge and ideas will somehow live on as you keep spiralling towards other places in other forms. As caterpillars become butterflies. Somehow, I think it's linked to the chemistry in your brain and that just all stops working when your heart fails, ultimately.
It's been fun and inspiring to listen to it that night, but it's hard to get a proper discussion on the subject as it's all about beliefs. There are no factual differences for anyone to use. I don't even know what to say about it anymore, so let me go on with what happened the last few days.
Tuesday, the second day off, was spent in the room with some TV watching and doing nothing at all. Wednesday was another day at work, in which we yet again did some things related to our new house. Headed to Galleria Mall after work for some food with Bart and Georgi, and finished the evening watching some Wipeout, or was that the day before?
Thursday, Georgi bought a car and Bart and I worked our asses off, as the hotel was nearly fully booked. It's fun that way, but things don't go as precise anymore, and you spend way more time alone, just checking, checking, checking, instead of discussing things with people, and learning some new things on the side as you're overhearing conversations, finding new things in the computer programs and figure out something to do in a room that you were supposed to do since day one. That idea.
Today, we got a notice saying that the owner of the house is now completely moved out and we can move in whenever we want. So that's going to be on monday. A lot of our friends around here are off that day, and so are we, so we'll have people to help us move, point us in the right direction with a few things and just be of great value overall. If I manage to get myself that state ID before monday, I'll also have my iPhone, finally! It's about time, though it hasn't even been a month yet. Also, we just ate out in Le Marche, the retail-minded restaurant (you can buy quite a few things they used as ingredients). Prices there are generally high, but the food is sooooo good, and the ingredients are great I must say.
Then, to finish it, we got crepes (we pronounced it differently here in case people thought we were talking about "crap" instead) with banana-chocolate fillings. With whipped cream and caramel ice cream. Apparently people are having a dessert making competition there for fun, at times, and we got to play jury for one of them. We'll go there more often now, I guess. It's located in the hotel, we get employee discount and free desserts like this. And we haven't even touched the ice cream buffet. That's what I mean!
Sorry for the lack of information this time around, but it's just been a lot of work, staying at home arranging things and watching series and more of the routine things mentioned before.
Next week the moving. We got three days off. Monday, tuesday and friday. Friday we are probably fully set so we might move out to do something exciting again. Not to mention that that next friday is, once again, payday.
Arcane Daguerro - A Concept Through Eternity. And yes, soon I will explain the entire "Daguerro" nickname idea that I've been associated with for a few years now.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Miami!
Last night I was too tired to type this up as well, but there's a new morning, another day off, so I'll share everything! I also just put all the pictures on my laptop, and will soon sort them out and upload a batch of them. You're going to love them! As you know, they can be found here, at my photo album.
We woke up around 9, and headed down to the reception to rent ourselves a car. The ever helpful Christian, who usually drives us around, lives in Miami and he demanded we'd take a convertible, as the weather was just amazing that day. Ten dollars per person extra, and we'd be set. Am I glad that we decided to go for that option. Nothing, and I mean nothing, beats driving Miami on a lovely sunny day in a Mustang Convertible (there are photos of the car, obviously).
Anyway, before we were able to get away, we had to sign yet another few papers for the transfer of the house, which should be imminent now. This morning we went off to settle some payments and I hope that's the last step for a while.
Before we hit the Interstate highways, we stopped at a 7/11 store to get some quick lunch and a drink, as we hadn't had anything proper just yet. Yatha was driving on the way there, which gave me time to take a few picture from in the car already. We parked our car at First Street, straight in from well-known Biscayne Blvd. Headed a few streets inland, before we took the free "skyrail" kind of transport vehicle (google image search; "Mini Rail Miami" first two photos, as I didn't make those myself).
Crossed Biscayne Blvd later, to find ourselves at the Bayside Marketplace. We all got great fresh smoothies at one of the stands over there, and after being fed up with all the small tourist-like shopping booths, we decided to take a boat trip that would take us through the intercoastal waters of Biscayne Bay, passing Fisher Island, Star Island and along the Miami Port (photos of the huge houses on the islands and the cruise ships docked in the port will all be uploaded into the album). We came along houses used in Scarface, Rocky Balboa and The Specialist, saw residences of Gloria Estefan, the founder of Parker Pens (Ed Parker) and one of the many mansions of both Puff Daddy and Julio Iglesias. On that tour, we also passed Monument Island, which has its name from the lovely monument on the middle of the public island. It looks like the Washington Monument, one of those Egyptian pillars. You'll see what I'm talking about. Anyway, that island is public, but only accessible by boat or jetski, so not that many people actually get on there. There are no facilities on the island so it just looks nice and quiet, and I guess it's somewhat exclusive like that. Might be something for later. I could tell about what kind of amazing things we've seen there, but it's better to just look through the entire photo album and look things up for yourself. I'll once again, add a little description to the photo as good as I can, so that should help.
After the boat trip we went to the Hard Rock Cafe, also at the Bayside Marketplace to get ourselves a drink. Worst lemonade ever. The stuff was way too sweet, and not even nicely flavored to start with. Needless to say I didn't finish the glass. I guess that was a one-timer there. Next time I'll just take a Coke or something. Suppose they can't screw thát up.
Bart's turn to drive, as we went from Downtown to Miami Beach! Yes we did! As we crossed the bridge over Biscayne Bay, our 93 Rock radio station played Paradise City by Guns N Roses. Feel free to suggest other songs, but I'd like to think nothing else would fit better when you're heading towards sunny Miami Beach in a convertible. Entered the island way up north, as Bart took another exit than the one most suitable, but we managed to get around nonetheless. After we took a drive over Ocean Drive by daylight (there are a few photos), we parked our car at 17th street, and from there went straight to South Beach to enjoy the ocean water over there. The sun started to set and clouds looked a bit like this. We were quite far up north at South Beach, so it was reasonably quiet (add to that, it was monday afternoon/evening, everyone probably went back to work/school after the weekend). Next time we'll try it further south, because there definately will be a next time in Miami.
For dinner we went looking at the Lincoln Road Pedestrian Mall. This part of Lincoln Road is limited to pedestrians only, and is kind of like the Barcelona Ramblas. A nice median with fountains and art and such, and boutiques and restaurants on both sides. It also reminded me of Tunesia, as people were out on the streets, trying to talk you in to coming to their restaurant with all kinds of promotions etc. We ate out at Locanda Sibilla there. Entrees for all of us were good. Bart loved his melon with ham, Yatha once again has some seafood I believe, and my roast bread with balsamico and tomatoes also really worked for me. The main dish, however, was a bit weak for me. I had penne with spicy tomato sauce and it was just, really plain and simple, and it got boring after so many bites. Paid around 90 bucks in total for all that, and went to Ghirardelli a little further down, to get some ice cream. I saw them on the way and remembered their store and everything, so I told them to have our dessert there. Great chocolate chip cookie dough stuff there. Reasonable expensive, but really good.
Also, on Lincoln, I found this Energie store and got myself a grey t-shirt.
After dinner and all that, it was my turn to drive. First stop, Ocean Drive by night! As I drove there are no real pictures of this as parking was impossible, and we had been walking enough already. Drove up north to just cruise around town, and decided to go to Nikki Beach, at the south most point of Miami Beach, as we heard something about parties in weekends there. Looked the place up, saw how and what, and noticed that it looked brilliant. We'll head there some weekend for a proper party. Drove over Ocean Drive a second time, and Yatha made a few pictures while I was driving down there. They're not perfect, but they will do. Next time, if walking, I'll try to make a few proper ones to share. Then again, you can look up lots of nightly photos of Ocean Drive online already. I'm sure there are tons!
Drove over A1A all the way up north, to Hollywood. At one point we crossed a bridge and there was just all straight road with no other cars on it, right in front of us. As I hit the gas driving down that bridge, on to the straight, I hit 85 miles an hour when noticing the 40 mile speed limit. Just was so amazing to have the wind strike your hair going that fast on a great road like that. I'd do it again! Parked at a 7/11 in Hollywood where I met Bob The Limo Driver in the waiting line there.
Told the guys about Bob, and we decided to ask for some close view of the interior. Bob took our pictures, Yatha took the driver's seat for another photo and we went on again. Bart drove us back to Fort Lauderdale, where Yatha took over for some late night cruising through the city, not always minding the speed limits. Drove past our new house again and then went back to the hotel. Upon arrival we heard that Yatha had to change rooms still. It had been a week for him since he last moved. Nice way to end your day, moving all your stuff. But well.
As I wrote another blog and got myself the album from Carolina Liar, Bart went to bed already. Did the same thing as soon as I finished writing the one from last night.
Then, today at 9:40, the phone rang. Time to settle the payments and such. That call woke me up. And the rest of the week is work for me. No easy mornings for me anymore, it seems.
Of course, with a blog like this, I need to share Will Smith's "Miami" with you all. I'm off to upload all the Miami pictures! Check them out if you haven't already.
We woke up around 9, and headed down to the reception to rent ourselves a car. The ever helpful Christian, who usually drives us around, lives in Miami and he demanded we'd take a convertible, as the weather was just amazing that day. Ten dollars per person extra, and we'd be set. Am I glad that we decided to go for that option. Nothing, and I mean nothing, beats driving Miami on a lovely sunny day in a Mustang Convertible (there are photos of the car, obviously).
Anyway, before we were able to get away, we had to sign yet another few papers for the transfer of the house, which should be imminent now. This morning we went off to settle some payments and I hope that's the last step for a while.
Before we hit the Interstate highways, we stopped at a 7/11 store to get some quick lunch and a drink, as we hadn't had anything proper just yet. Yatha was driving on the way there, which gave me time to take a few picture from in the car already. We parked our car at First Street, straight in from well-known Biscayne Blvd. Headed a few streets inland, before we took the free "skyrail" kind of transport vehicle (google image search; "Mini Rail Miami" first two photos, as I didn't make those myself).
Crossed Biscayne Blvd later, to find ourselves at the Bayside Marketplace. We all got great fresh smoothies at one of the stands over there, and after being fed up with all the small tourist-like shopping booths, we decided to take a boat trip that would take us through the intercoastal waters of Biscayne Bay, passing Fisher Island, Star Island and along the Miami Port (photos of the huge houses on the islands and the cruise ships docked in the port will all be uploaded into the album). We came along houses used in Scarface, Rocky Balboa and The Specialist, saw residences of Gloria Estefan, the founder of Parker Pens (Ed Parker) and one of the many mansions of both Puff Daddy and Julio Iglesias. On that tour, we also passed Monument Island, which has its name from the lovely monument on the middle of the public island. It looks like the Washington Monument, one of those Egyptian pillars. You'll see what I'm talking about. Anyway, that island is public, but only accessible by boat or jetski, so not that many people actually get on there. There are no facilities on the island so it just looks nice and quiet, and I guess it's somewhat exclusive like that. Might be something for later. I could tell about what kind of amazing things we've seen there, but it's better to just look through the entire photo album and look things up for yourself. I'll once again, add a little description to the photo as good as I can, so that should help.
After the boat trip we went to the Hard Rock Cafe, also at the Bayside Marketplace to get ourselves a drink. Worst lemonade ever. The stuff was way too sweet, and not even nicely flavored to start with. Needless to say I didn't finish the glass. I guess that was a one-timer there. Next time I'll just take a Coke or something. Suppose they can't screw thát up.
Bart's turn to drive, as we went from Downtown to Miami Beach! Yes we did! As we crossed the bridge over Biscayne Bay, our 93 Rock radio station played Paradise City by Guns N Roses. Feel free to suggest other songs, but I'd like to think nothing else would fit better when you're heading towards sunny Miami Beach in a convertible. Entered the island way up north, as Bart took another exit than the one most suitable, but we managed to get around nonetheless. After we took a drive over Ocean Drive by daylight (there are a few photos), we parked our car at 17th street, and from there went straight to South Beach to enjoy the ocean water over there. The sun started to set and clouds looked a bit like this. We were quite far up north at South Beach, so it was reasonably quiet (add to that, it was monday afternoon/evening, everyone probably went back to work/school after the weekend). Next time we'll try it further south, because there definately will be a next time in Miami.
For dinner we went looking at the Lincoln Road Pedestrian Mall. This part of Lincoln Road is limited to pedestrians only, and is kind of like the Barcelona Ramblas. A nice median with fountains and art and such, and boutiques and restaurants on both sides. It also reminded me of Tunesia, as people were out on the streets, trying to talk you in to coming to their restaurant with all kinds of promotions etc. We ate out at Locanda Sibilla there. Entrees for all of us were good. Bart loved his melon with ham, Yatha once again has some seafood I believe, and my roast bread with balsamico and tomatoes also really worked for me. The main dish, however, was a bit weak for me. I had penne with spicy tomato sauce and it was just, really plain and simple, and it got boring after so many bites. Paid around 90 bucks in total for all that, and went to Ghirardelli a little further down, to get some ice cream. I saw them on the way and remembered their store and everything, so I told them to have our dessert there. Great chocolate chip cookie dough stuff there. Reasonable expensive, but really good.
Also, on Lincoln, I found this Energie store and got myself a grey t-shirt.
After dinner and all that, it was my turn to drive. First stop, Ocean Drive by night! As I drove there are no real pictures of this as parking was impossible, and we had been walking enough already. Drove up north to just cruise around town, and decided to go to Nikki Beach, at the south most point of Miami Beach, as we heard something about parties in weekends there. Looked the place up, saw how and what, and noticed that it looked brilliant. We'll head there some weekend for a proper party. Drove over Ocean Drive a second time, and Yatha made a few pictures while I was driving down there. They're not perfect, but they will do. Next time, if walking, I'll try to make a few proper ones to share. Then again, you can look up lots of nightly photos of Ocean Drive online already. I'm sure there are tons!
Drove over A1A all the way up north, to Hollywood. At one point we crossed a bridge and there was just all straight road with no other cars on it, right in front of us. As I hit the gas driving down that bridge, on to the straight, I hit 85 miles an hour when noticing the 40 mile speed limit. Just was so amazing to have the wind strike your hair going that fast on a great road like that. I'd do it again! Parked at a 7/11 in Hollywood where I met Bob The Limo Driver in the waiting line there.
Told the guys about Bob, and we decided to ask for some close view of the interior. Bob took our pictures, Yatha took the driver's seat for another photo and we went on again. Bart drove us back to Fort Lauderdale, where Yatha took over for some late night cruising through the city, not always minding the speed limits. Drove past our new house again and then went back to the hotel. Upon arrival we heard that Yatha had to change rooms still. It had been a week for him since he last moved. Nice way to end your day, moving all your stuff. But well.
As I wrote another blog and got myself the album from Carolina Liar, Bart went to bed already. Did the same thing as soon as I finished writing the one from last night.
Then, today at 9:40, the phone rang. Time to settle the payments and such. That call woke me up. And the rest of the week is work for me. No easy mornings for me anymore, it seems.
Of course, with a blog like this, I need to share Will Smith's "Miami" with you all. I'm off to upload all the Miami pictures! Check them out if you haven't already.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Letters To You
I told everyone I'd be going to a concert, and that's what happened. After a normal day at work. Actually, a reasonably busy day at work where I needed to get permission to leave at the "normal" time of 5:30 PM. Work had ended and my colleague Volkan took Bart for groceries, and dropped me and Caner off at Culture Room. Big line of alternative/emo people all around. Some younger than others, but luckily, things went rather quick, getting in. Paid 15 dollars each and got ourselves these paper wirstbands. The unbreakable kind. Anyone who's ever been to a similar event might know what I'm talking about. I know they used them for camping wristbands at Rock Werchter when I last went there for instance.
We got in while Our Last Night [rating; 9/10] had already been playing one of their songs. Could hear it outside for the most part, so I knew what I missed. When I got there it started out amazing. Band with a guitarist who did clean vocals, and a guy being the center of attention, screaming his way through. The sound in general was amazing, and the songs seemed to get everyone going, despite the early hour (just past 7 PM) and no warm up before that.
After a small soundcheck, during with we went up to the balcony for a drink, Tickle Me Pink [5/10] started playing. I liked the song I listened to before, and knew they'd be playing in the same venue again in 6 weeks, so I hoped for something good.
The only good thing about the show they put up, was the fact that some of their songs had parts that sounded familiar. Sounds that reminded me of other bands. I basically give them credit for being unoriginal, but stealing proper enough. And oh, their vocals during their last song, in which there actually was more force in everything they did, were way better. If that would've been the general standard I'd have liked it more. Much more.
The next band "Scary Kids Scaring Kids" [8/10] is a band I've known for quite a while, and loved too. They've got a rather unique singer in terms of vocal sounds, and they have keyboards in their songs, lovely fast-paced keyboards. All members were actually scary kids in their youths I think. They all looked less than fashionable to me anyway. The sound they put up, and the atmosphere they created worked very well though. Vocals throughout the concert, however, were a little too low in terms of volume, and as they didn't reach the level Our Last Night (and Finch) managed to get, I'm not awarding them a 9 as well.
Then, ending the evening, Finch [9/10]. What can I say? They played a lot of songs of their earlier (and better) EPs and albums. They managed to break down the entire place. They played songs of their new album. They put their heart and soul into it, and I'm glad they decided to not end the band completely, but get back together after a break.
They played my favorite song, Letters To You, which I caught on camera and posted on youtube (will also share the song in here later, the sound isn't too great, but you can hear things, and especially if you've known the song already, you'll recognise it all). They played Three Simple Words, What It Is To Burn and the new songs Daylight and Famine Or Disease. Best thing of all, they used Perfection Through Silence as an encore. Honestly, I thought they should've quit after that, as there is no better song to leave everyone speechless and content.
They played Awake after that, however. The song got some people moshing like crazy again (for some reason, people here seem to put more energy into moshpits than Dutch people do/did), but it just didn't surpass Perfection Through Silence.
Today, Yatha, Bart and I went to Miami in a rented Mustang Convertible. It's 2 AM here now though, and I haven't put the pictures on my laptop just yet either.
You'll get the story and the pictures tomorrow :)
By the way, when I was at Culture Room, they played "I'm Not Over" from Carolina Liar in between bands, during one of the soundtracks, on the big screen (see photos in my photo album as the screen is on there too). Great band and I love the song to pieces.
Here's my Finch video!
We got in while Our Last Night [rating; 9/10] had already been playing one of their songs. Could hear it outside for the most part, so I knew what I missed. When I got there it started out amazing. Band with a guitarist who did clean vocals, and a guy being the center of attention, screaming his way through. The sound in general was amazing, and the songs seemed to get everyone going, despite the early hour (just past 7 PM) and no warm up before that.
After a small soundcheck, during with we went up to the balcony for a drink, Tickle Me Pink [5/10] started playing. I liked the song I listened to before, and knew they'd be playing in the same venue again in 6 weeks, so I hoped for something good.
The only good thing about the show they put up, was the fact that some of their songs had parts that sounded familiar. Sounds that reminded me of other bands. I basically give them credit for being unoriginal, but stealing proper enough. And oh, their vocals during their last song, in which there actually was more force in everything they did, were way better. If that would've been the general standard I'd have liked it more. Much more.
The next band "Scary Kids Scaring Kids" [8/10] is a band I've known for quite a while, and loved too. They've got a rather unique singer in terms of vocal sounds, and they have keyboards in their songs, lovely fast-paced keyboards. All members were actually scary kids in their youths I think. They all looked less than fashionable to me anyway. The sound they put up, and the atmosphere they created worked very well though. Vocals throughout the concert, however, were a little too low in terms of volume, and as they didn't reach the level Our Last Night (and Finch) managed to get, I'm not awarding them a 9 as well.
Then, ending the evening, Finch [9/10]. What can I say? They played a lot of songs of their earlier (and better) EPs and albums. They managed to break down the entire place. They played songs of their new album. They put their heart and soul into it, and I'm glad they decided to not end the band completely, but get back together after a break.
They played my favorite song, Letters To You, which I caught on camera and posted on youtube (will also share the song in here later, the sound isn't too great, but you can hear things, and especially if you've known the song already, you'll recognise it all). They played Three Simple Words, What It Is To Burn and the new songs Daylight and Famine Or Disease. Best thing of all, they used Perfection Through Silence as an encore. Honestly, I thought they should've quit after that, as there is no better song to leave everyone speechless and content.
They played Awake after that, however. The song got some people moshing like crazy again (for some reason, people here seem to put more energy into moshpits than Dutch people do/did), but it just didn't surpass Perfection Through Silence.
Today, Yatha, Bart and I went to Miami in a rented Mustang Convertible. It's 2 AM here now though, and I haven't put the pictures on my laptop just yet either.
You'll get the story and the pictures tomorrow :)
By the way, when I was at Culture Room, they played "I'm Not Over" from Carolina Liar in between bands, during one of the soundtracks, on the big screen (see photos in my photo album as the screen is on there too). Great band and I love the song to pieces.
Here's my Finch video!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Sunny Day In The Park
Today was a great day, but let's just keep things in chronological order for everyone to keep up with what's happening here.
Last time I ended describing my Thursday, so, logically, Friday is up next. Had a normal day at work with Russian breakfast this time around. One of my colleague supervisors is Russian, and so are three of the room attendants. Yes, three of them, as Kate and Lana were not fired after all, so it seems, but just expelled for a short time. The breakfast ended with some rewards. All nametags of the room attendants were placed in a big box, and both Joseph, the Human Resource Director, who is responsible for hiring us here at this very hotel, and John S., the Rooms Division Director, got to pick a nametag. The first tag would hold the name of the woman (no male room attendants) who'd win a two-day stay at the Hilton in Orlando, Florida. Have a quick guess who won this?
Right, Kate! I'm actually glad she's not gone by the way, she's the cutest of them all, and speaks English, unlike a huge batch of Latinas. I'm learning new words in Spanish every day, and that's also fun, but sometimes quite hard when things need to be done instantly.
That Friday, actually, I also needed to see if one of the room attendants found something in one of the rooms she cleaned, as a guest claimed he left something there. Tried explaning that in several ways and means, together with Bob from Security, but nothing of that seemed to work, so we gave up when she gave us a found item of the room she was currently in. We figured that if she found more, in the room we needed, she'd have also given that.
Second prize given away was some purse.
The day at work was just easy, for the most part, as I also needed to do some Houseman work next to it. Making sure all floors are stocked with all the right linen etc., as I explained in the previus entry. I really admire the guys that do this daily, because I had huge difficulties, keeping apart the King and Queen sheets and other material that looks alike. I wonder if I'd ever be able to keep them apart, but I won't be doing that that often anyway. I hope.
Straight after work, Yatha, Georgi and myself went off to a meeting with people from the home owners committee of the compound (gated society) we will be renting our house in. We dressed up in suits, for all the right reasons (Yatha was at work and was wearing his own already anyway) to find two people in shorts and polos near the swimming pool of the compound, but well!
We signed agreements stating the houserules, which are all common sense rules anyway. And honestly, the place just looks too neat to even want to make it look or sound bad there. Walked in suits until we finally were able to get hold of a cab. Willie (as his permit in the front of the car told) drove us back to the hotel.
Watched some episode of Greek and then went to a garden party at the place Marten, Tommy and Marinka are staying in. They're the other Dutch students there that started half a year ago, I think I said that somewhere before, right? And also that they've got a big garden?
Anyway, we had a party there with drinks, a barbecue again, and plenty of cool people from the hotel. Got home at 2:30 to find that the keys weren't working anymore, as there was some electronic failure earlier that day. Had security open my room and waited for Bart to come home, meanwhile completing a new song in Fruity Loops. I named that song after the theme of a conversation I had with Bellman Robert Huntley. For some reason I accepted what he said, as it was too spiritual and far-fetched to me to completely support it, but it was fun to think about it during the talk in general. Robert is a great guy by the way, he'll show my some of his paintings soon, as that's his hobby, so we also got to talk about artists in general, which was good.
Bart got here at 3:15 and we went to bed.
This saturday we had our Annual Team Member Summer Picnic. Went to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, just around the corner, basically. I feel bad for not taking my camera today, as it's a beautiful park. I'll go there some other day soon, and take photos so I can share the scenery.
There was plenty of food throughout the day. Hamburgers, sausages, chicken, watermelon, salads and a lot of cold drinks, ranging from mineral water to coke, sprite and even Gatorade.
We needed the Gatorade as a lot of sports activities were planned for the day.
We started off with a game of soccer, first time we managed to play half an hour, but everyone got drained. The weather today was hot around here, and it's hard to be active all the time under those circumstances.
After a 20 minute break we went to play another, 15 minute, match. Had lunch after that, with some good hamburgers and chicken. Next up; volleybal. There was a sandy place with a volleybal net present. The sand hurt my eyes so I was glad I could borrow women's sunglasses from Marinka to make it possible to play in the first place. Won all matches except for the last one we played. By that time I had spent quite some hours in the sun, and I could feel my calves being sunburnt already. By that time we still needed to play Flag Football. American Football without tackles, but ribbons around your waste instead. When someone takes one of the ribbons, it counts as a proper tackle, and the play is stopped there.
Was fun, but I didn't understand much of the Football part in general. Ah well!
In general, it's been a great day there, with a lot of people from Housekeeping, a lot of people I've talked with before, and the guys I played indoor soccer with earlier. Good day out that we (Bart and I) ended with a small ocean visit.
Took a shower and have been putting lotion on my calves ever since, trying to have it ease. Also, you can see the outlines of my shirt at my neck and arms. Front and back. I've got some colour on me. I'll just go easy the next 2/3 days and I should be able to hit the sun again, I guess.
Tomorrow, I'll be seeing Finch, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Tickle Me Pink and Our Last Night in The Culture Room, about 4 miles from here, together with Caner, one of the Turkish guys working in housekeeping. Caner is our standard runner. He's a great guy, so I'm pretty sure I'll enjoy the time there. Should be great!
I have both a photo and a video for you all. The photo was taken right before I wrote this blog. The moon casting it's light on the ocean, reflecting (6 seconds shutter time, for those interested).
By the way, the photo is also in the picasa photo album of Week Two.
And for a video, to complete the celestial theme, not another moon view, but Dredg's "Ode To The Sun", live in great quality.
Last time I ended describing my Thursday, so, logically, Friday is up next. Had a normal day at work with Russian breakfast this time around. One of my colleague supervisors is Russian, and so are three of the room attendants. Yes, three of them, as Kate and Lana were not fired after all, so it seems, but just expelled for a short time. The breakfast ended with some rewards. All nametags of the room attendants were placed in a big box, and both Joseph, the Human Resource Director, who is responsible for hiring us here at this very hotel, and John S., the Rooms Division Director, got to pick a nametag. The first tag would hold the name of the woman (no male room attendants) who'd win a two-day stay at the Hilton in Orlando, Florida. Have a quick guess who won this?
Right, Kate! I'm actually glad she's not gone by the way, she's the cutest of them all, and speaks English, unlike a huge batch of Latinas. I'm learning new words in Spanish every day, and that's also fun, but sometimes quite hard when things need to be done instantly.
That Friday, actually, I also needed to see if one of the room attendants found something in one of the rooms she cleaned, as a guest claimed he left something there. Tried explaning that in several ways and means, together with Bob from Security, but nothing of that seemed to work, so we gave up when she gave us a found item of the room she was currently in. We figured that if she found more, in the room we needed, she'd have also given that.
Second prize given away was some purse.
The day at work was just easy, for the most part, as I also needed to do some Houseman work next to it. Making sure all floors are stocked with all the right linen etc., as I explained in the previus entry. I really admire the guys that do this daily, because I had huge difficulties, keeping apart the King and Queen sheets and other material that looks alike. I wonder if I'd ever be able to keep them apart, but I won't be doing that that often anyway. I hope.
Straight after work, Yatha, Georgi and myself went off to a meeting with people from the home owners committee of the compound (gated society) we will be renting our house in. We dressed up in suits, for all the right reasons (Yatha was at work and was wearing his own already anyway) to find two people in shorts and polos near the swimming pool of the compound, but well!
We signed agreements stating the houserules, which are all common sense rules anyway. And honestly, the place just looks too neat to even want to make it look or sound bad there. Walked in suits until we finally were able to get hold of a cab. Willie (as his permit in the front of the car told) drove us back to the hotel.
Watched some episode of Greek and then went to a garden party at the place Marten, Tommy and Marinka are staying in. They're the other Dutch students there that started half a year ago, I think I said that somewhere before, right? And also that they've got a big garden?
Anyway, we had a party there with drinks, a barbecue again, and plenty of cool people from the hotel. Got home at 2:30 to find that the keys weren't working anymore, as there was some electronic failure earlier that day. Had security open my room and waited for Bart to come home, meanwhile completing a new song in Fruity Loops. I named that song after the theme of a conversation I had with Bellman Robert Huntley. For some reason I accepted what he said, as it was too spiritual and far-fetched to me to completely support it, but it was fun to think about it during the talk in general. Robert is a great guy by the way, he'll show my some of his paintings soon, as that's his hobby, so we also got to talk about artists in general, which was good.
Bart got here at 3:15 and we went to bed.
This saturday we had our Annual Team Member Summer Picnic. Went to Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, just around the corner, basically. I feel bad for not taking my camera today, as it's a beautiful park. I'll go there some other day soon, and take photos so I can share the scenery.
There was plenty of food throughout the day. Hamburgers, sausages, chicken, watermelon, salads and a lot of cold drinks, ranging from mineral water to coke, sprite and even Gatorade.
We needed the Gatorade as a lot of sports activities were planned for the day.
We started off with a game of soccer, first time we managed to play half an hour, but everyone got drained. The weather today was hot around here, and it's hard to be active all the time under those circumstances.
After a 20 minute break we went to play another, 15 minute, match. Had lunch after that, with some good hamburgers and chicken. Next up; volleybal. There was a sandy place with a volleybal net present. The sand hurt my eyes so I was glad I could borrow women's sunglasses from Marinka to make it possible to play in the first place. Won all matches except for the last one we played. By that time I had spent quite some hours in the sun, and I could feel my calves being sunburnt already. By that time we still needed to play Flag Football. American Football without tackles, but ribbons around your waste instead. When someone takes one of the ribbons, it counts as a proper tackle, and the play is stopped there.
Was fun, but I didn't understand much of the Football part in general. Ah well!
In general, it's been a great day there, with a lot of people from Housekeeping, a lot of people I've talked with before, and the guys I played indoor soccer with earlier. Good day out that we (Bart and I) ended with a small ocean visit.
Took a shower and have been putting lotion on my calves ever since, trying to have it ease. Also, you can see the outlines of my shirt at my neck and arms. Front and back. I've got some colour on me. I'll just go easy the next 2/3 days and I should be able to hit the sun again, I guess.
Tomorrow, I'll be seeing Finch, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Tickle Me Pink and Our Last Night in The Culture Room, about 4 miles from here, together with Caner, one of the Turkish guys working in housekeeping. Caner is our standard runner. He's a great guy, so I'm pretty sure I'll enjoy the time there. Should be great!
I have both a photo and a video for you all. The photo was taken right before I wrote this blog. The moon casting it's light on the ocean, reflecting (6 seconds shutter time, for those interested).
By the way, the photo is also in the picasa photo album of Week Two.
And for a video, to complete the celestial theme, not another moon view, but Dredg's "Ode To The Sun", live in great quality.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Routine
There's nothing new going on here these days. At least, no big changes have occured. Here's a short recap of the last few days (three to be exact) we've been living here in windy (that's right, not sunny, but windy, as the outer winds of Hurricane Ike are being a bothersome force to consider) Fort Lauderdale. On tuesday, there was a slight change in programme as we did computer training that we started earlier. Being past the explanation of "operating a pointing device" we spent the day learning a lot about the aspects and functions of the central Rooms Division system that deals with guest information for check-ins, check-outs and people "In House", with all options for that. Information regarding statuses of all rooms available, past and future statuses of that, frequent guest information and requests and anything else you might need to look up to be of assistance. Learned a lot, repeated a lot of things we already knew, and almost got headaches from all the reading on the screen.
Honestly, the training itself is a bit of a pain, as it's all explanation and just following steps instead of really being able to browse around the entire program and try things for yourself, which, I think, would help more. We'll get to that later though, and I'm already trying to just mess around in the office with the real program (always pressing Discard and Cancel, don't worry, I'm not screwing things up, yet). That evening I did nothing much in my room, put my purchases Chicken Tika Massala in the microwave (got that from the proper food store we went to with Patricia "mum" Restrepo). Found another new album, the debut from Hollywood Undead. Those guys got 44 MILLION!! plays on Myspace since they started that, and I can understand why. They've got rock/pop/hiphop/gangsta rap all on one single album with 14 songs. I even like their gangster stuff, while lyrics about "bitches with fake tits" usually leave me searching for the "Next" button.
On wednesday we woke up nicely with a breakfast part of the International Housekeeping Week. That's right. We're being treated right! Ate French toast before work. Who'd have though? I'll definately be making that in the kitchen of our house soon.
That day during work we got a change of pace as Bart was Houseman, providing clean linen to all storages on each floor, and keeping the corridors clean, and I was Runner. That means you're acting upon all guest requests within a set amount of time.
If guests request extra packs of tea with sugar, or a little crib for their child, you get that from the storage and bring it to them. It allows for some interaction, and if you're lucky, tips from the guests. Unfortunately, with the low room occupancy we have, there wasn't much for me to do, so I went looking for chores, helping people if I could and just making hours pass easy.
That night we went out to eat at PF Chang's again. With the three of us this time as we decided to let Yatha experience how awesome that restaurant is, first hand.
Had those lettuce rolls again for starters, together with some tuna that I even liked (it was just like beef carpaccio, really) and chicken flatbread.
Took Dali Chicken as a main course, one of the spicier chicken variations they have. It's prepared with red peppers and I think there was a hint of sambal too. Bart had Beef with Brocolli, which was a nice change from my burning chicken. It was nice and sweet, proper meat for me to eat.
Yatha went for seafood yet again, Hot Fish, that I decided not to try. As ever, the dishes were accompanied with rice, and I tried to eat most with chopsticks again, but I'm glad they've got forks there too, unlike at the Sushi Rock from last week.
We'll definately be back at that restaurant yet again.
Today, thursday, we had another Housekeeping Breakfast, burritos they got at McDonalds together with juices (orange and apple). After that it was back to our routine work of checking rooms on floors again. A lot of vacant rooms, and little action in general. Had some fun with the ladies cleaning the rooms on my floors, as I helped them out at times. Got to watch how one of them transformed a Starbucks cup into this dustpan-and-brush combination to clean the balcony of a certain room.
Speaking of certain rooms, I now know why they call suites, suites. That's because they are SWEET! Went to check the presidential suite, #224, and was completely knocked over. It was huge, with amazing furniture, and this awesome master bedroom and bathroom. Next to that, it has a private entrance to the garage so that leaving and entering of celebrities can be done without much hassle. Loved that part of the hotel so much.
Tomorrow we'll do some more routine work. Get some more Housekeeping treats (I forgot to mention we had these great Haagen Dasz ice cream, Magnum style. These were way better than Magnums, actually) and then, get paid! Payday tomorrow, my first hard-earned dollars, yay!
And to complete the routine entry, here's Thirteen Senses' video for "The Salt Wound Routine".
Honestly, the training itself is a bit of a pain, as it's all explanation and just following steps instead of really being able to browse around the entire program and try things for yourself, which, I think, would help more. We'll get to that later though, and I'm already trying to just mess around in the office with the real program (always pressing Discard and Cancel, don't worry, I'm not screwing things up, yet). That evening I did nothing much in my room, put my purchases Chicken Tika Massala in the microwave (got that from the proper food store we went to with Patricia "mum" Restrepo). Found another new album, the debut from Hollywood Undead. Those guys got 44 MILLION!! plays on Myspace since they started that, and I can understand why. They've got rock/pop/hiphop/gangsta rap all on one single album with 14 songs. I even like their gangster stuff, while lyrics about "bitches with fake tits" usually leave me searching for the "Next" button.
On wednesday we woke up nicely with a breakfast part of the International Housekeeping Week. That's right. We're being treated right! Ate French toast before work. Who'd have though? I'll definately be making that in the kitchen of our house soon.
That day during work we got a change of pace as Bart was Houseman, providing clean linen to all storages on each floor, and keeping the corridors clean, and I was Runner. That means you're acting upon all guest requests within a set amount of time.
If guests request extra packs of tea with sugar, or a little crib for their child, you get that from the storage and bring it to them. It allows for some interaction, and if you're lucky, tips from the guests. Unfortunately, with the low room occupancy we have, there wasn't much for me to do, so I went looking for chores, helping people if I could and just making hours pass easy.
That night we went out to eat at PF Chang's again. With the three of us this time as we decided to let Yatha experience how awesome that restaurant is, first hand.
Had those lettuce rolls again for starters, together with some tuna that I even liked (it was just like beef carpaccio, really) and chicken flatbread.
Took Dali Chicken as a main course, one of the spicier chicken variations they have. It's prepared with red peppers and I think there was a hint of sambal too. Bart had Beef with Brocolli, which was a nice change from my burning chicken. It was nice and sweet, proper meat for me to eat.
Yatha went for seafood yet again, Hot Fish, that I decided not to try. As ever, the dishes were accompanied with rice, and I tried to eat most with chopsticks again, but I'm glad they've got forks there too, unlike at the Sushi Rock from last week.
We'll definately be back at that restaurant yet again.
Today, thursday, we had another Housekeeping Breakfast, burritos they got at McDonalds together with juices (orange and apple). After that it was back to our routine work of checking rooms on floors again. A lot of vacant rooms, and little action in general. Had some fun with the ladies cleaning the rooms on my floors, as I helped them out at times. Got to watch how one of them transformed a Starbucks cup into this dustpan-and-brush combination to clean the balcony of a certain room.
Speaking of certain rooms, I now know why they call suites, suites. That's because they are SWEET! Went to check the presidential suite, #224, and was completely knocked over. It was huge, with amazing furniture, and this awesome master bedroom and bathroom. Next to that, it has a private entrance to the garage so that leaving and entering of celebrities can be done without much hassle. Loved that part of the hotel so much.
Tomorrow we'll do some more routine work. Get some more Housekeeping treats (I forgot to mention we had these great Haagen Dasz ice cream, Magnum style. These were way better than Magnums, actually) and then, get paid! Payday tomorrow, my first hard-earned dollars, yay!
And to complete the routine entry, here's Thirteen Senses' video for "The Salt Wound Routine".
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Black And White
Black and white for two reasons. First, I have decided to change the background theme from black to white, by request (and I also made the blog a bit more broad, if anyone has any viewing issues, please let me know), and yesterday (sunday) has been a day of opposites for me. It started out like most others last week, working in housekeeping, getting my own floors to take care of. However, not everything turned out as planned. One of the girls on my floor, Lana, was supposed to clean 7 rooms on the 16th floor. She usually hangs out with another Russian girl (Kate, I suppose something along the lines of Ekaterina normally) and they add all their rooms together and do them together. Honestly, I think that can work faster than doing your rooms alone. After I had lunch, no rooms of Lana were touched still. After an hour long search, we decided to give the rooms untouched, to the ladies of the afternoon shift to clean them instead. Letting your team down.
As I went to check on all the untouched rooms, I found two of the rooms with their beds made, but nothing else was done there. Had the girls prepare those completely and went on. Found both Kate and Lana in one of the rooms but sent them down to the office as the manager was far from pleased with them already. As the manager fired them from work, I went to check a room that I checked earlier that morning, for no apparent reason. I'm glad I did though, as the bed was being slept in. That morning at 11 AM, the room was "Vacant/Ready". Security would look into the keys used to get into that room that day, and if it seems that the key used was one of the girls' ones, I guess we know where they've been all day long.
Straight after work we grabbed all the paperwork needed for the house, make copies, fax our stuff and such. Today we got another pack of forms to fill in for the contract. Not feeling like paperwork right now, so we'll do that when the other guys are back from work so we can help eachother out with the forms and get it all done at once. After that it should be as good as done. Hopefully!
Anyway, with the signing of the papers, yesterday didn't end yet. As we wanted to do our laundry in the room Yatha and Georgi are staying in, one of the water hoses snapped, complete soaking the carpet and everything on it, dripping down a few floors! We did what we could to get it done as soon as possible. Using towels to seak the carpets dry and then wrench them out in the bathroom, time after time. Used hot and cold air to work the carpet and try to get it as dry as possible. Yatha and Georgi have been relocated and we're not allowed to use the in house washing and drying anymore. So next time we'll walk up to one of the laundromats around.
Today, Bart and I were off. Slept until 11 something, did nothing pretty much the entire day. I spent some time chatting with people on MSN for the first time in ages, and I watched some series. Started watching The Orphanage (El Orfanata, Spanish horror movie, 2008) as I was pointed towards that by a movie critic in my inner friends circle. Decided to suspend that movie to write this blog and go watch both Gossip Girl and Prison Break on TV soon.
Also took a little run down the beach to get some groceries today. As there was a reasonably strong wind from the ocean, I got sand and salty air thrown my way, which made breathing not that easy, but it wasn't that far out. The weather here is pretty windy right now, and the ocean's a mess. Have seen nothing but 2 kitesurfers in the water today. I wanted to wrestle with the waves, but everyone told me not to, so yeah, I stayed inside safely.
Spent some time looking for new music today as well. Found that the new albums from All That Remains and Anberlin (LOVE THEM, and guess which shirt I was wearing today, coincidentally) had leaked on the internet, so I got my hands on them to preview them before they come out.
Also found that I Am Ghost placed a new song on their Myspace, and will be posting another preview song from their new October album on there tomorrow. Can't wait for that album!
As I expect to share some Anberlin with you later anyway, I decided to post a slideshow video for the new I Am Ghost single. Here's Bone Garden.
As I went to check on all the untouched rooms, I found two of the rooms with their beds made, but nothing else was done there. Had the girls prepare those completely and went on. Found both Kate and Lana in one of the rooms but sent them down to the office as the manager was far from pleased with them already. As the manager fired them from work, I went to check a room that I checked earlier that morning, for no apparent reason. I'm glad I did though, as the bed was being slept in. That morning at 11 AM, the room was "Vacant/Ready". Security would look into the keys used to get into that room that day, and if it seems that the key used was one of the girls' ones, I guess we know where they've been all day long.
Straight after work we grabbed all the paperwork needed for the house, make copies, fax our stuff and such. Today we got another pack of forms to fill in for the contract. Not feeling like paperwork right now, so we'll do that when the other guys are back from work so we can help eachother out with the forms and get it all done at once. After that it should be as good as done. Hopefully!
Anyway, with the signing of the papers, yesterday didn't end yet. As we wanted to do our laundry in the room Yatha and Georgi are staying in, one of the water hoses snapped, complete soaking the carpet and everything on it, dripping down a few floors! We did what we could to get it done as soon as possible. Using towels to seak the carpets dry and then wrench them out in the bathroom, time after time. Used hot and cold air to work the carpet and try to get it as dry as possible. Yatha and Georgi have been relocated and we're not allowed to use the in house washing and drying anymore. So next time we'll walk up to one of the laundromats around.
Today, Bart and I were off. Slept until 11 something, did nothing pretty much the entire day. I spent some time chatting with people on MSN for the first time in ages, and I watched some series. Started watching The Orphanage (El Orfanata, Spanish horror movie, 2008) as I was pointed towards that by a movie critic in my inner friends circle. Decided to suspend that movie to write this blog and go watch both Gossip Girl and Prison Break on TV soon.
Also took a little run down the beach to get some groceries today. As there was a reasonably strong wind from the ocean, I got sand and salty air thrown my way, which made breathing not that easy, but it wasn't that far out. The weather here is pretty windy right now, and the ocean's a mess. Have seen nothing but 2 kitesurfers in the water today. I wanted to wrestle with the waves, but everyone told me not to, so yeah, I stayed inside safely.
Spent some time looking for new music today as well. Found that the new albums from All That Remains and Anberlin (LOVE THEM, and guess which shirt I was wearing today, coincidentally) had leaked on the internet, so I got my hands on them to preview them before they come out.
Also found that I Am Ghost placed a new song on their Myspace, and will be posting another preview song from their new October album on there tomorrow. Can't wait for that album!
As I expect to share some Anberlin with you later anyway, I decided to post a slideshow video for the new I Am Ghost single. Here's Bone Garden.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Week Two
A few days ago, I got a comment about the videos and people wanting to see more photos. As I used to take my camera everywhere, it never really was a problem. Out here, right now, making photos just isn't a priority yet. However, at my photo album there is a new folder, named Week Two, and it hosts a few more pictures taken from my hotelroom balcony (we moved rooms this wednesday night). It also hosts a batch of pictures of the house we went to visit today. A three bedroom house around 2,5km from the hotel, with a Publix supermarket and WholeFoods shop, which sells a lot of fresh (and ecological) food and other items for the environmentally friendly people (with a lot of money, I must add. It's not cheap there) at walking distance. Straight around the corner, actually.
It's the best option we've come to find in two days of full-time checking and working with the people at Kensington & Company, a real estate broker located at Las Olas, of which the three women were very, very helpful to us.
One of them, Patricia, was branded as "mum" already. She has boys our age and has been kind enough to drive us around the two days, help us out by looking while we were at work, and just helping us out a great deal. She currently contacting the owner of the place to see what we can have, need to have, and want to have, and at what price.
Yesterday we also found an amazing place, a little further out, close to Broward Blvd, which had everything we could ask for, in terms of furniture and design, neighborhood and pricing, but it was just too small for the four of us. Speaking of our new mum; her sister, Mimi, works at the Chrysel dealer closeby and has been kind enough to call around, going through her contact list to help Georgi get the second hand car he wants to buy (and later ship out of the country to keep using). We also heard that her brother owns an ice cream store at Sunshine Blvd, and another sister is in web design. Quite a family.
Anyway, take a look at the photos of the place we visited, and let me know what the thoughts are. Except for the master bedroom furniture (the great dark wooden bed and matching items) and two major plasma TVs, everything will stay there as it is, by the current looks of things.
The living room TV will probably stay there when we move in, so that's not too bad, is it?
More news on the house will follow as we'll get closer to completing the transfer, or not.
Last blog ended two nights before my days off. Four days ago now. The wednesday itself wasn't much. Worked again, and during those working hours (it's low season, not that much to do in the hotel) Christian, our damn amazing Guest Service Director drove us to the Social Security Office. Got that all covered that day and spent the night in the rooms. Didn't go out for dinner, didn't cook anything special here either.
Thursday was our first day off. Bart, Yatha and myself all had some time off and we went to open up bank accounts at Wachovia bank, I got myself a hair cut, which isn't even that bad, but I still love my old me way better, and we walked around the Sunrise Blvd area, getting something to eat at Subways before we went back to the hotel. Around 6PM we went with a guy named Milan to play indoor soccer with other colleagues, 6 vs 6 for an hour at this place somewhere in Hollywood (the Florida version, it was only a 30 minute drive). Totally drained myself there, and went with 8 (or 10) people to Sushi Rock. They mostly sold seafood there, but I managed to find chicken on the menu, and I started out with a wasabi-infused entree, with pork. Everyone was waiting for me to burn badly with the wasabi, but the technique of gentle chewing and swallowing bigger pieces worked out just fine. Didn't even need to touch my bottomless drink.
Went with Paris, Marinka (another Dutch intern who's been here for a few months) and Bart to a bar closeby for one last drink and this touchscreen game.
Got home after midnight and went to bed after reading another chapter in Baldacci's debut novel.
Friday was a day in which Georgi rented a car to drive us around and see houses all over. We started at 9, with rain, drove around, tried to call and make appointments, until we hit the office of Kensington, were the ladies were helping us out a lot. That day they showed us to 3 places we looked up, meeting our demands, and we stayed in touch. That took up pretty much the entire day. That night we went over to the house of Marten, Marinka and Tommy, the Dutch people that have been here for half a year now, living just two blocks from the hotel. Their house is way less attractive than ours and they end up paying more, per person per month, I think. It's well close though. Had a barbecue at their place, but as I was exhausted I went home early, read some more, watched an episode of Eureka and went to bed.
Today then, finally, Georgi and Yatha needed to start at 3, so Patricia took them for a drive, showing them more properties (among that, the one I took pictures of). When they got to the hotel they contacted us for a quick meeting, and made sure that Bart and I could also visit the property with Patricia later. Work was really easy, with hardly anything to do. We did some computer training (Chapter 1 - Basic Skills, operating a pointing device (a mouse), and no, I'm not joking!) and other daily work next to that.
Went to visit the house as I mentioned, did some groceries with Patricia and spent the night, so far, at the room. Just watched an episode of Wipeout and will now enjoy some computer time here, and will probably read again later.
I wasn't planning on sharing a video, but weird as it gets here with all these hiphop people around me (everytime we go for a drive with Christian there's the satellite-driven nationwide Hiphop radio station playing) I actually started to like a few songs.
Here's my current favorite, one of the bigger hits in the States at the moment (not sure how big this is in Holland, for example).
T.I. - Whatever You Like
It's the best option we've come to find in two days of full-time checking and working with the people at Kensington & Company, a real estate broker located at Las Olas, of which the three women were very, very helpful to us.
One of them, Patricia, was branded as "mum" already. She has boys our age and has been kind enough to drive us around the two days, help us out by looking while we were at work, and just helping us out a great deal. She currently contacting the owner of the place to see what we can have, need to have, and want to have, and at what price.
Yesterday we also found an amazing place, a little further out, close to Broward Blvd, which had everything we could ask for, in terms of furniture and design, neighborhood and pricing, but it was just too small for the four of us. Speaking of our new mum; her sister, Mimi, works at the Chrysel dealer closeby and has been kind enough to call around, going through her contact list to help Georgi get the second hand car he wants to buy (and later ship out of the country to keep using). We also heard that her brother owns an ice cream store at Sunshine Blvd, and another sister is in web design. Quite a family.
Anyway, take a look at the photos of the place we visited, and let me know what the thoughts are. Except for the master bedroom furniture (the great dark wooden bed and matching items) and two major plasma TVs, everything will stay there as it is, by the current looks of things.
The living room TV will probably stay there when we move in, so that's not too bad, is it?
More news on the house will follow as we'll get closer to completing the transfer, or not.
Last blog ended two nights before my days off. Four days ago now. The wednesday itself wasn't much. Worked again, and during those working hours (it's low season, not that much to do in the hotel) Christian, our damn amazing Guest Service Director drove us to the Social Security Office. Got that all covered that day and spent the night in the rooms. Didn't go out for dinner, didn't cook anything special here either.
Thursday was our first day off. Bart, Yatha and myself all had some time off and we went to open up bank accounts at Wachovia bank, I got myself a hair cut, which isn't even that bad, but I still love my old me way better, and we walked around the Sunrise Blvd area, getting something to eat at Subways before we went back to the hotel. Around 6PM we went with a guy named Milan to play indoor soccer with other colleagues, 6 vs 6 for an hour at this place somewhere in Hollywood (the Florida version, it was only a 30 minute drive). Totally drained myself there, and went with 8 (or 10) people to Sushi Rock. They mostly sold seafood there, but I managed to find chicken on the menu, and I started out with a wasabi-infused entree, with pork. Everyone was waiting for me to burn badly with the wasabi, but the technique of gentle chewing and swallowing bigger pieces worked out just fine. Didn't even need to touch my bottomless drink.
Went with Paris, Marinka (another Dutch intern who's been here for a few months) and Bart to a bar closeby for one last drink and this touchscreen game.
Got home after midnight and went to bed after reading another chapter in Baldacci's debut novel.
Friday was a day in which Georgi rented a car to drive us around and see houses all over. We started at 9, with rain, drove around, tried to call and make appointments, until we hit the office of Kensington, were the ladies were helping us out a lot. That day they showed us to 3 places we looked up, meeting our demands, and we stayed in touch. That took up pretty much the entire day. That night we went over to the house of Marten, Marinka and Tommy, the Dutch people that have been here for half a year now, living just two blocks from the hotel. Their house is way less attractive than ours and they end up paying more, per person per month, I think. It's well close though. Had a barbecue at their place, but as I was exhausted I went home early, read some more, watched an episode of Eureka and went to bed.
Today then, finally, Georgi and Yatha needed to start at 3, so Patricia took them for a drive, showing them more properties (among that, the one I took pictures of). When they got to the hotel they contacted us for a quick meeting, and made sure that Bart and I could also visit the property with Patricia later. Work was really easy, with hardly anything to do. We did some computer training (Chapter 1 - Basic Skills, operating a pointing device (a mouse), and no, I'm not joking!) and other daily work next to that.
Went to visit the house as I mentioned, did some groceries with Patricia and spent the night, so far, at the room. Just watched an episode of Wipeout and will now enjoy some computer time here, and will probably read again later.
I wasn't planning on sharing a video, but weird as it gets here with all these hiphop people around me (everytime we go for a drive with Christian there's the satellite-driven nationwide Hiphop radio station playing) I actually started to like a few songs.
Here's my current favorite, one of the bigger hits in the States at the moment (not sure how big this is in Holland, for example).
T.I. - Whatever You Like
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Feeling The Moment
Another two days past, and I'm trying to keep up with the blogging. As work stays pretty much the same, at least for the first day I'm going to describe, I'll keep it short.
Started the monday at 8, instead of 9, and had breakfast in the restaurant yet again, as we still hadn't moved rooms at the time. Work was long and rather fun, though we had only two supervisors to help us out as others were off, or doing the afternoon/evening shift. The supervisor I was supposed to help out hasn't got the best reputation out there, resulting in the manager telling me "to do everything completely different from how she explains" or something along those very lines.
I ended up just taking some of her work to do it all alone instead and later report back to her with what I've done on her account. Spent the day without much hassle, working on getting my own act together and develop my own ways in here.
That night Bart and I went out, during Labor Day, to find out pretty much everything was closed. However, next to Galleria there's a place called Seasons 52, with P.F. Chang's in the same building. We took a glance at the menu and decided to eat in.
This oriental restaurant had a really great, authentic setting and after we were seated, our waiter for the night explained a little about the restaurant, and more important, the menu card. He seemed to know a lot about the items on there and also told us what the signature dishes were, and what other things he'd like to recommend.
We followed him completely, and after he got Bart his Coke and me my freshly made Lemonade (in it's purest form, water with lemon's squished in there, filled with ice. It was sooooo good) we went to order what he pointed out. We started with chicken-filled lettuce rolls for the both of us. Receiving a plate with stir-fried noodles and chicken and a few pieces of lettuce to wrap it in to make our own little rolls. Really was a great thing with crispy noodles, soft pieces of chicken and warm and cold contrasts. Loved it.
Almost instantly after we were done we received our main courses. No waiting involved, perfect timing and great food.
Bart went for Honey Chicken, and I took Chang's Spicy Chicken. Both were restaurant recommendations/specials. Both were served with white rice. Both were damn tasty.
Eating most of it with sticks (I managed nicely after Bart explained) and drinking two glasses, getting really full, we decided to skip desserts, for then.
We'll have a chance to get those later again, as we'll definately be back!
With the bill, we also got some fortune cookies. For a little more fun, the waiter told us to add the words "in bed", which resulted in me getting the already famous line "An exciting opportunity lies ahead if you are not timid (in bed)". We'll keep that in mind!
Best thing of all, we ended up paying under 40 bucks with the two of us! That with great service, good food, a great server and just a nice night out.
Walked back home, went to bed pretty much instantly after we got back.
Tuesday was another day without any supervisors so I did the same tour as I did before, only coordinated some more with Bart and his supervisor Nataly, a girl from Belarus who's just really funny and good at what she does. Liked being around the both of them, joking around all the time and working in the meantime.
We switched rooms today. Bart and I now share one, and we spent the night in the room, looking up comedy fragments on youtube and enjoying some laughs. We'll head to bed soon I guess (it's 11 now, and even though we have an offer to head to the Irish pub, we do need to work again tomorrow, and haven't had a day off to rest ever since we landed, yet).
For a song, since I wanted it to be about food and memories, I picked Feeder's "Feeling The Moment".
Started the monday at 8, instead of 9, and had breakfast in the restaurant yet again, as we still hadn't moved rooms at the time. Work was long and rather fun, though we had only two supervisors to help us out as others were off, or doing the afternoon/evening shift. The supervisor I was supposed to help out hasn't got the best reputation out there, resulting in the manager telling me "to do everything completely different from how she explains" or something along those very lines.
I ended up just taking some of her work to do it all alone instead and later report back to her with what I've done on her account. Spent the day without much hassle, working on getting my own act together and develop my own ways in here.
That night Bart and I went out, during Labor Day, to find out pretty much everything was closed. However, next to Galleria there's a place called Seasons 52, with P.F. Chang's in the same building. We took a glance at the menu and decided to eat in.
This oriental restaurant had a really great, authentic setting and after we were seated, our waiter for the night explained a little about the restaurant, and more important, the menu card. He seemed to know a lot about the items on there and also told us what the signature dishes were, and what other things he'd like to recommend.
We followed him completely, and after he got Bart his Coke and me my freshly made Lemonade (in it's purest form, water with lemon's squished in there, filled with ice. It was sooooo good) we went to order what he pointed out. We started with chicken-filled lettuce rolls for the both of us. Receiving a plate with stir-fried noodles and chicken and a few pieces of lettuce to wrap it in to make our own little rolls. Really was a great thing with crispy noodles, soft pieces of chicken and warm and cold contrasts. Loved it.
Almost instantly after we were done we received our main courses. No waiting involved, perfect timing and great food.
Bart went for Honey Chicken, and I took Chang's Spicy Chicken. Both were restaurant recommendations/specials. Both were served with white rice. Both were damn tasty.
Eating most of it with sticks (I managed nicely after Bart explained) and drinking two glasses, getting really full, we decided to skip desserts, for then.
We'll have a chance to get those later again, as we'll definately be back!
With the bill, we also got some fortune cookies. For a little more fun, the waiter told us to add the words "in bed", which resulted in me getting the already famous line "An exciting opportunity lies ahead if you are not timid (in bed)". We'll keep that in mind!
Best thing of all, we ended up paying under 40 bucks with the two of us! That with great service, good food, a great server and just a nice night out.
Walked back home, went to bed pretty much instantly after we got back.
Tuesday was another day without any supervisors so I did the same tour as I did before, only coordinated some more with Bart and his supervisor Nataly, a girl from Belarus who's just really funny and good at what she does. Liked being around the both of them, joking around all the time and working in the meantime.
We switched rooms today. Bart and I now share one, and we spent the night in the room, looking up comedy fragments on youtube and enjoying some laughs. We'll head to bed soon I guess (it's 11 now, and even though we have an offer to head to the Irish pub, we do need to work again tomorrow, and haven't had a day off to rest ever since we landed, yet).
For a song, since I wanted it to be about food and memories, I picked Feeder's "Feeling The Moment".
Monday, September 1, 2008
This Day And Age
Yesterday, during my first day at work, I read a survey mentioning something along the lines of "the ridiculousness of having to pay for internet in a hotel this day and age". As much as I was surprised by that in the hotel in Brussels (read a few entries back), I agreed with this comment.
That's where the title comes in, and also the song I'll share later (This Day And Age - Slideshow).
That first day at work yesterday was a lot of fun, and a lot of hassle. New information all over the place. I started out in the Housekeeping Office to learn a few computer programs they use and just check how things are going at the heart of the operation there. As I sat there in my Front Office outfit, as there were no clothes in the sizes Bart and I needed (they're being ordered) I quickly had to run with Paris (the one who fitted me into these clothes, she's one of the Housekeeping Managers) to check upon the VIP amenities in the penthouse, as we had the General Manager of another big Hilton property coming in to stay over. The penthouse, with 3 bedrooms and enough living space and bath rooms to literally get lost in, was all cleaned up in time. Way in time, as we got a wrong call. The limousine that was at the driveway wasn't his, but from another person staying over. Then went to check upon the room for the guest of our penthouse VIP, and Paris made the decision to not use this room, and change him around to the suite below the penthouse, to have them stay close to one another. After arriving at that empty room to check and prepare that, the call was made to go for the initial set-up room after all. After all going back and forth for a few times, things were settled and I could head back to the office to be around some more, shadowing people and learning along the way.
Lunch at the cafeteria is more of a social happening than a great meal (no offense, but it's a canteen setup after all), meeting up with people from other departments at times. Especially the guys from security are hilarious.
The afternoon was spent with me messing around on the programs to see how, what and where. After that, as things went kind of out of control with people missing and phones and pagers not being checked, I took it upon myself to play "Runner". The runner handles all guest requests that are put in at any given department. Glasses, plates and cutlery they want delivered up to cribs for new guests who checked in with a baby or little child or another tube of toothpaste.
WHen I got back from that quickly, everyone was into place again and I sort of spent the rest of the day at the office. Got an explanation about all the room types we have, with all the abbreviations they use. There are about 15 different types of codes each meaning something else for whatever room it is, and I'm still nowhere near knowing how and what, but yeah, that'll come!
After work I went to Galleria for some food at the food court again, got my final information concerning my iPhone (two weeks away, by the looks of it) and walked back to the hotel, with the heavy winds going against us. No worries, as we had it in our backs when we went there, which was quite an easy walk. To our left, miles and miles away, there was a thunderstorm going. It looked amazing to be honest. With the wind blowing in that direction and it being so far out, we were unable to hear anything, so we just got to enjoy the flashes.
Spent the evening doing nothing much else. Read some Baldacci and headed to bed.
Today was the second working day (that usually follows the first one, I know) and I switched places with Bart. He now took the office tour, and I went to check rooms with Georgi (the guy who we might be living with) as supervisor. He's not one for explaining, but leading by example also works, so I basically followed him around, watching what he does, and how he does it, to be able to do it alone at the end of the day.
The day started of slow in terms of checking and cleaning from the women's side (I really need to work on my Spanish!) which wasn't really for me, but well. After lunch things started to look up, we had more to do, and later on Georgi and I used to split rooms to check as I got a pretty good idea of what to look for and what needs to be in all the rooms.
For some reason, we found a room near the end of the day, which had a scale, iron and fire extinguisher missing. I'm not quite sure how big suitcases get these days, but they were all missing! That was pretty much the thing worth mentioning most.
It was just a lot of learning and doing yet again, without any really noticeable things for me to share with you.
Those concerned with the Gustav Hurricane in the region, all we notice are strong winds and some additional rains. It actually looks like fun to have some fun fighting the waves crashing the shore right now.
The weather outside is still warm and sticky, as I'm getting used to.
By the looks of things, it will hit New Orleans or some Texas shoreline, and people are being evacuated there. The next storm, Hanna or something, will not even make it to hurricane status, but seems to be headed our way a bit more. It will cross the Bahamas and hit the east side of Florida somewhere. Just don't know how far down south or north that will be. Shouldn't be too much of a hassle though!
I'll be safe.
Also, for those of you that contacted me as of late. I'm sorry for the inpersonal approach from my side. I've got a lot on my mind and not that much energy to put into things after work, I apologise. Still love you all.
That's where the title comes in, and also the song I'll share later (This Day And Age - Slideshow).
That first day at work yesterday was a lot of fun, and a lot of hassle. New information all over the place. I started out in the Housekeeping Office to learn a few computer programs they use and just check how things are going at the heart of the operation there. As I sat there in my Front Office outfit, as there were no clothes in the sizes Bart and I needed (they're being ordered) I quickly had to run with Paris (the one who fitted me into these clothes, she's one of the Housekeeping Managers) to check upon the VIP amenities in the penthouse, as we had the General Manager of another big Hilton property coming in to stay over. The penthouse, with 3 bedrooms and enough living space and bath rooms to literally get lost in, was all cleaned up in time. Way in time, as we got a wrong call. The limousine that was at the driveway wasn't his, but from another person staying over. Then went to check upon the room for the guest of our penthouse VIP, and Paris made the decision to not use this room, and change him around to the suite below the penthouse, to have them stay close to one another. After arriving at that empty room to check and prepare that, the call was made to go for the initial set-up room after all. After all going back and forth for a few times, things were settled and I could head back to the office to be around some more, shadowing people and learning along the way.
Lunch at the cafeteria is more of a social happening than a great meal (no offense, but it's a canteen setup after all), meeting up with people from other departments at times. Especially the guys from security are hilarious.
The afternoon was spent with me messing around on the programs to see how, what and where. After that, as things went kind of out of control with people missing and phones and pagers not being checked, I took it upon myself to play "Runner". The runner handles all guest requests that are put in at any given department. Glasses, plates and cutlery they want delivered up to cribs for new guests who checked in with a baby or little child or another tube of toothpaste.
WHen I got back from that quickly, everyone was into place again and I sort of spent the rest of the day at the office. Got an explanation about all the room types we have, with all the abbreviations they use. There are about 15 different types of codes each meaning something else for whatever room it is, and I'm still nowhere near knowing how and what, but yeah, that'll come!
After work I went to Galleria for some food at the food court again, got my final information concerning my iPhone (two weeks away, by the looks of it) and walked back to the hotel, with the heavy winds going against us. No worries, as we had it in our backs when we went there, which was quite an easy walk. To our left, miles and miles away, there was a thunderstorm going. It looked amazing to be honest. With the wind blowing in that direction and it being so far out, we were unable to hear anything, so we just got to enjoy the flashes.
Spent the evening doing nothing much else. Read some Baldacci and headed to bed.
Today was the second working day (that usually follows the first one, I know) and I switched places with Bart. He now took the office tour, and I went to check rooms with Georgi (the guy who we might be living with) as supervisor. He's not one for explaining, but leading by example also works, so I basically followed him around, watching what he does, and how he does it, to be able to do it alone at the end of the day.
The day started of slow in terms of checking and cleaning from the women's side (I really need to work on my Spanish!) which wasn't really for me, but well. After lunch things started to look up, we had more to do, and later on Georgi and I used to split rooms to check as I got a pretty good idea of what to look for and what needs to be in all the rooms.
For some reason, we found a room near the end of the day, which had a scale, iron and fire extinguisher missing. I'm not quite sure how big suitcases get these days, but they were all missing! That was pretty much the thing worth mentioning most.
It was just a lot of learning and doing yet again, without any really noticeable things for me to share with you.
Those concerned with the Gustav Hurricane in the region, all we notice are strong winds and some additional rains. It actually looks like fun to have some fun fighting the waves crashing the shore right now.
The weather outside is still warm and sticky, as I'm getting used to.
By the looks of things, it will hit New Orleans or some Texas shoreline, and people are being evacuated there. The next storm, Hanna or something, will not even make it to hurricane status, but seems to be headed our way a bit more. It will cross the Bahamas and hit the east side of Florida somewhere. Just don't know how far down south or north that will be. Shouldn't be too much of a hassle though!
I'll be safe.
Also, for those of you that contacted me as of late. I'm sorry for the inpersonal approach from my side. I've got a lot on my mind and not that much energy to put into things after work, I apologise. Still love you all.
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