We didn't have any real plan or agenda or even hotel reservations. It was just Scott and me in my truck with a GPS and enough clothes for three or four days. We decided our first destination would be Salzburg. It was a five-hour drive from home, and we made it there by mid-afternoon.
After finding a hostel, we grabbed some food, and then trekked around the old town. I was really interested to see the birthplace and childhood home of Mozart, so that was our first priority.
After that, we decided to just walk around the city and see what we could find. It's strange how we weren't that far away from Italy, but the architecture was so different.
But like Italy, it was full of narrow streets and cool shops.
After taking in the city, we walked up to Fortress Hohensalzburg, a medieval castle that dates all the way back to 1077.
The castle was fascinating, and it also provided breathtaking views of the city...
...and the countryside. We walked until way after dark, and then decided to head back to the hostel for coffee and sleep.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Introducing the Crew
Friday, we did some shopping and sight seeing in the local area. I made sure to take Scott to the place that's supposed to have the best hot chocolate in northern Italy. We didn't want to venture too far because Friday night, my shop had a going away party for Keith Westry. Scott got to meet all my co-workers, and we all downed several pints of Guiness. Afterward, we went to another bar to see Jake's band play. Scott and I had to turn in kinda early because we had a big adventure on which to embark Saturday morning.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Walking On Water
Scott flew into Milan Wednesday morning. I met him at the airport, and we took the train back to Budoia. It was late afternoon by the time we got home, and after getting settled in, we met some work friends for dinner.
Thursday, we slept late, and then walked around Budoia, making sure to stop at the cafe for a cappuccino. Early Thursday afternoon, we headed to Venice. I've been to Venice enough to know that it's best in the late afternoon/evening. It's less crowded, and the scenery is much better.
We decided to walk through a gallery on Piazza San Marco and saw some incredible Renaissance art, telling the history of the city.
Venice is basically a huge maze, and every time I've gone, Shaun has been there to lead. I knew how to get to the main sights, but Scott and I were feeling adventurous, so we decided to leave the main routes and wander around. Many people think you can't experience Venice without getting lost a little bit, and now I know why.
We saw some really cool canals and alleyways, things that most people don't get to see. We walked for six hours straight, and came close to missing the last train back home. As often as I go, I don't think I'll ever get tired of Venice; and I'm glad Scott got to see so much of it.
Thursday, we slept late, and then walked around Budoia, making sure to stop at the cafe for a cappuccino. Early Thursday afternoon, we headed to Venice. I've been to Venice enough to know that it's best in the late afternoon/evening. It's less crowded, and the scenery is much better.
We decided to walk through a gallery on Piazza San Marco and saw some incredible Renaissance art, telling the history of the city.
Venice is basically a huge maze, and every time I've gone, Shaun has been there to lead. I knew how to get to the main sights, but Scott and I were feeling adventurous, so we decided to leave the main routes and wander around. Many people think you can't experience Venice without getting lost a little bit, and now I know why.
We saw some really cool canals and alleyways, things that most people don't get to see. We walked for six hours straight, and came close to missing the last train back home. As often as I go, I don't think I'll ever get tired of Venice; and I'm glad Scott got to see so much of it.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Shrinkage
This morning, I read some interesting news that Rolling Stone is abandoning its large format to become a standard sized publication. I've been a frequent reader since 1992, and a subscriber since 1997. (A few years ago, Rolling Stone began offering a lifetime subscription for $99. I figured it was a pretty good deal, so I signed up; and, according to the information on my address label, Rolling Stone says I'll die when I'm 81.) The magazine has had its ups and downs over the years, but I still find it a good source for music news and pop culture. I'm not fond of its extreme liberal bias, but where else am I going to read interviews with Missy Elliott and Isaac Brock? I hope the change in size won't alter their content, but even if it doesn't, it just won't be the same. The large 10"x12" issue always seemed to have more to say than other magazines. I have several older issues with great articles about Sleater-Kinney or Radiohead stashed away as keepsakes, plus a few select anniversary issues. I guess they'll be even more of a collector's item now.
Traipsing Across The Continent
Scott flies in tomorrow, and over the next fortnight, we'll be travelling all over northern Italy, Austria, Germany, and possibly even Switzerland. We don't have any kind of set schedule, and I'm not sure where we'll be on any given night; therefore posts will be intermittent for the next two weeks. But, as always, there will be plenty of pictures afterward.
Monday, October 13, 2008
He Shoots, He Scores!
Everyone meets at the calcietto field every Sunday afternoon. Sometimes I go, but I usually just cheer and provide moral support. I mean, let's face it--I'm no David Beckham. Hell, I'm not even a David Crosby.
We've been having somewhat of an Indian summer this week, and as excited as I am for snow and boarding, it's still nice to enjoy the warm weather in its final throes.
We've been having somewhat of an Indian summer this week, and as excited as I am for snow and boarding, it's still nice to enjoy the warm weather in its final throes.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Red Hot Chili Peppers
A few weeks ago, when the weather first started to get a little brisk, a few of us at work were talking about making chili. I had the bright idea to have a shop-wide chili cook-off. I ran it by my boss, who happily gave it his blessing. The big competition was Friday.
I was expecting three or four people to show up with chili. We had eight. So many, in fact, that there was no clear winner. I heard good things about MSgt Hammes's and Johnny's creations, but since mine was the only vegetarian entry, it was the only one I sampled. I'll have plenty of opportunities to sample more of it, because my refrigerator is full of the leftovers.
I was expecting three or four people to show up with chili. We had eight. So many, in fact, that there was no clear winner. I heard good things about MSgt Hammes's and Johnny's creations, but since mine was the only vegetarian entry, it was the only one I sampled. I'll have plenty of opportunities to sample more of it, because my refrigerator is full of the leftovers.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Target Heart Rates
My squadron got a new commander in July, and even though I've only crossed paths with him a handful of times, one thing is certain: he loves to run. He ran the full marathon last month, and came in second place. Since he's taken over, our squadron PT program has consisted mostly of running, which is fine by me because I love to run, as well. However, there are people in our squadron who aren't so fond of running, and would rather have a more diverse work out, which I can also understand. The commander has heard their pleas, and is trying to implement more of a variety in our PT program.
Yesterday morning, we had a circuit training session in the gym. There were four stations: resistance training, squats, abs, and step aerobics. We all looked a little ridiculous, and I could tell some people really weren't putting forth an effort, but I did my best. I didn't realise what a good workout it was until I got out of bed this morning with sore thighs and biceps. I'm glad the commander is trying some new stuff, because I wouldn't have the will power to do it on my own.
Yesterday morning, we had a circuit training session in the gym. There were four stations: resistance training, squats, abs, and step aerobics. We all looked a little ridiculous, and I could tell some people really weren't putting forth an effort, but I did my best. I didn't realise what a good workout it was until I got out of bed this morning with sore thighs and biceps. I'm glad the commander is trying some new stuff, because I wouldn't have the will power to do it on my own.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Feeling Free
I'm home from work, and I don't have to go back until November. Nothing feels quite as good as having absolutely no worries whatsoever.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Language Barrier
Tuesday, I was looking at rugs at the furniture store on base. Unfortunately, they can only carry so many rugs at the store, but there are several more at the warehouse. I asked the sales lady, who was Italian and had a moderate accent, what they had at the warehouse. After making a phone call, she told me they had several blue and green ones. I asked if they had any beige ones. She said, "There is a beige one, but it has a soda stain on it."
"Oh, that's okay. I might be able to clean it. Can I see it?"
"But it has a soda stain on it."
"I know, but can I at least look at it?"
"But it's soda."
"But I think I could clean it."
"No! SOLD SIGN!"
Yeah, sometimes I can be rather thick-skulled.
"Oh, that's okay. I might be able to clean it. Can I see it?"
"But it has a soda stain on it."
"I know, but can I at least look at it?"
"But it's soda."
"But I think I could clean it."
"No! SOLD SIGN!"
Yeah, sometimes I can be rather thick-skulled.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Just like the house in that game Clue, except without secret passageways. Or a conservatory.
I know I promised pictures of the interior of my house, like, seven months ago, but I've been trying to get everything situated just how I want it. The biggest issue was getting a rug for my living room. I've been looking around forever, and finally broke down and bought one yesterday. It's a good thing, too, because with the temperatures falling, the cold floor becomes even colder.
This is a shot of my living room as you'd see it coming in the front door. The doors look out toward the mountains.
This is from the opposite angle. The kitchen is in the back. You can also see my two original Averi Hall paintings, on which I've had several compliments.
Through the hallway in the back is the downstairs bathroom, and the door leading to the garage.
This is where the magic happens. Or, rather, if magic ever happened, it would take place here. The vaulted wood ceilings are pretty sick.
This is the opposite angle. The door leads out to my balcony, from which no one should ever sing "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" because the neighbours will get angry and throw cans of beets, which, with enough velocity, will leave a sizeable lump on the head. I'm just sayin'.
This is where any of you who visit will be sleeping; unless, of course, you're a couple and you're married, in which case, I'll sleep here and you can sleep in my bed. If that's the case, there will be NO MAGIC HAPPENING. Understand? Either way, I'm sure you'll sleep well because both beds are quite comfortable.
This is the upstairs bathoom, and yes, that is a bidet, and no, I haven't used it (yet). For some reason, they didn't put one in the downstairs bathroom.
This is the other angle, showing the bathtub, which I haven't used, either. Perhaps after a long day of snowboarding sometime this winter, I'll hop in.
There's also a third bedroom I didn't photograph because I basically use it as a big closet and figured nobody cares to see a room with shoes and clothes and snowboarding equipment all over the floor. I know you can never really tell exactly what a house looks like based on pictures, but this should give everyone an idea. You'll be able to see everything up close when you come visit me. You ARE coming to visit me, right?
This is a shot of my living room as you'd see it coming in the front door. The doors look out toward the mountains.
This is from the opposite angle. The kitchen is in the back. You can also see my two original Averi Hall paintings, on which I've had several compliments.
Through the hallway in the back is the downstairs bathroom, and the door leading to the garage.
This is where the magic happens. Or, rather, if magic ever happened, it would take place here. The vaulted wood ceilings are pretty sick.
This is the opposite angle. The door leads out to my balcony, from which no one should ever sing "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" because the neighbours will get angry and throw cans of beets, which, with enough velocity, will leave a sizeable lump on the head. I'm just sayin'.
This is where any of you who visit will be sleeping; unless, of course, you're a couple and you're married, in which case, I'll sleep here and you can sleep in my bed. If that's the case, there will be NO MAGIC HAPPENING. Understand? Either way, I'm sure you'll sleep well because both beds are quite comfortable.
This is the upstairs bathoom, and yes, that is a bidet, and no, I haven't used it (yet). For some reason, they didn't put one in the downstairs bathroom.
This is the other angle, showing the bathtub, which I haven't used, either. Perhaps after a long day of snowboarding sometime this winter, I'll hop in.
There's also a third bedroom I didn't photograph because I basically use it as a big closet and figured nobody cares to see a room with shoes and clothes and snowboarding equipment all over the floor. I know you can never really tell exactly what a house looks like based on pictures, but this should give everyone an idea. You'll be able to see everything up close when you come visit me. You ARE coming to visit me, right?
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Asleep From Day
Since I worked all weekend, I have yesterday and today off. Getting the normal weekend off is nice and all, but there's something extra-nice about having weekdays off. I go to the gym or run errands, and I see people running around doing work stuff, and it makes my time off a little nicer by comparison. I don't know why, but sleeping late is a little sweeter when you know everyone else was up at the crack of dawn.
Monday, October 06, 2008
The War Against 1-Click Shopping
When I first got to Japan in 2000, I figured my days of impulse buying were over. Little did I know, it would be even easier with internet shopping. Instead of actually paying for something, all I had to do was click "Add To Cart" and it was mine.
Now that I'm back overseas again, I've been pretty good about keeping the internet shopping under control. One thing that helps is the Amazon.com Wish List. Instead of adding something to my cart, I put it on my wish list. I let the list build up over several weeks, and then buy everything all at once. The difference is that before I purchase, I go through the list and make sure I still want everything. Often, something I couldn't live without turns into something I really don't need.
By the way, this also works with my iTunes shopping cart.
Now that I'm back overseas again, I've been pretty good about keeping the internet shopping under control. One thing that helps is the Amazon.com Wish List. Instead of adding something to my cart, I put it on my wish list. I let the list build up over several weeks, and then buy everything all at once. The difference is that before I purchase, I go through the list and make sure I still want everything. Often, something I couldn't live without turns into something I really don't need.
By the way, this also works with my iTunes shopping cart.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Hello Nasty
I slept in my shop last night. I didn't really have to, but I had a late stand-by call and knew I'd have to get up really early this morning to make sure the base had water. So, I wrapped up in my jacket and assumed the foetal position on the couch.
Needless to say, I haven't showered, shaved, changed my clothes, or brushed my teeth since about 7 AM yesterday. Normally, I wouldn't be able to get away with it, but today is Sunday and there's no one around. I've got my computer and my CDCs to keep me company. Only another five or six hours, and I can go home and take the longest shower of my life. And I think I might floss twice before bed tonight.
Needless to say, I haven't showered, shaved, changed my clothes, or brushed my teeth since about 7 AM yesterday. Normally, I wouldn't be able to get away with it, but today is Sunday and there's no one around. I've got my computer and my CDCs to keep me company. Only another five or six hours, and I can go home and take the longest shower of my life. And I think I might floss twice before bed tonight.
Hittin' The Books
Some big changes are going on in the Air Force. The one affecting me most is a merger of my career field with liquid fuels maintenance (LFM). I can understand why we're merging, as there are many similarities between our jobs. The major difference is that instead of moving water around, LFM moves fuel. For obvious reasons, there are more safety procedures involved, and a whole other set of tools (the non-sparking kind). Nobody is really thrilled about the whole situation, but we all understand the Air Force is trying to save money because there's probably a pilot somewhere whose personal masseuse wants a raise or something.
The worst part of the whole thing is having to do the Career Development Course (CDCs). Everyone has to do CDCs for upgrade training when they get to their first base. You have to study a bunch of books and take tests, and I thought I was done with mine long ago. Our first of four volumes is due next week, and I'm just getting started. But since I'm working all weekend, I'll have a lot of time at the shop to work on them.
The worst part of the whole thing is having to do the Career Development Course (CDCs). Everyone has to do CDCs for upgrade training when they get to their first base. You have to study a bunch of books and take tests, and I thought I was done with mine long ago. Our first of four volumes is due next week, and I'm just getting started. But since I'm working all weekend, I'll have a lot of time at the shop to work on them.
Saturday, October 04, 2008
Tool Box
For my job, I use lots of tools. If I'm going into a situation, and I'm not sure what I'll need, I usually take channel locks, a couple screw drivers, and a crescent wrench. Those tools can take care of most minor maintenance.
Another tool that's proved vital for my entire career is the multi-tool (i.e. a Leatherman or Gerber). I carry mine in a pouch on my belt, and it's always readily available whenever I need to tighten or cut or pry something. When I was at Nellis, I got issued so many of these, I never had to buy one. Over the years, however, they've been lost or stolen or offered as a sacrifice to the plumbing gods if only this damn faucet would stop leaking. The last one I had was a Gerber 800, and I loved it. It was issued to me six years ago in Japan, and I can't believe it's lasted so long.
That is, until Tuesday.
MSgt Lewis and I were investigating a water leak, and I was using my Gerber to pry up a valve box cover, when...SNAP! The handle broke. I couldn't believe it.
Now I'm debating whether to buy a new one out-of-pocket or wait and see if I can finagle one out of the Air Force. Even if my squadron decides to purchase them, they'd have to buy them for the entire shop, and the paperwork could take months. I'm just not sure if I can live without it that long.
Another tool that's proved vital for my entire career is the multi-tool (i.e. a Leatherman or Gerber). I carry mine in a pouch on my belt, and it's always readily available whenever I need to tighten or cut or pry something. When I was at Nellis, I got issued so many of these, I never had to buy one. Over the years, however, they've been lost or stolen or offered as a sacrifice to the plumbing gods if only this damn faucet would stop leaking. The last one I had was a Gerber 800, and I loved it. It was issued to me six years ago in Japan, and I can't believe it's lasted so long.
That is, until Tuesday.
MSgt Lewis and I were investigating a water leak, and I was using my Gerber to pry up a valve box cover, when...SNAP! The handle broke. I couldn't believe it.
Now I'm debating whether to buy a new one out-of-pocket or wait and see if I can finagle one out of the Air Force. Even if my squadron decides to purchase them, they'd have to buy them for the entire shop, and the paperwork could take months. I'm just not sure if I can live without it that long.
Friday, October 03, 2008
One Voice
Before I cast my absentee ballot, I was hoping to watch last night's vice-presidential debate, as well as the next presidential debate; however, the instructions on my ballot recommended I send it six weeks before election day. I couldn't wait any longer, and I put it in the mail yesterday.
I've gone back and forth quite a bit over the past few months. I want a candidate that's pro-life (for both fetuses and inmates), cares about environmental issues, supports civil liberties including marriage equality, despises big government, and realises the United States isn't the only country on the planet. Well you know what? (S)He doesn't exist.
It's sad that every election always boils down to the lesser of two evils; but as long as everyone feels they have to vote for one of these parties, that's the way it will always be. I guess what I'm trying to say is don't settle. Vote with a clear conscience. And if that means voting for a third party candidate or writing in another one, then so be it.
And if you don't vote, come on over to my house. I'll bake some tasty brownies before you arrive. Then, when you walk in the door, I'll kick you in the junk really hard. And as you roll around on the floor, unable to breathe because your nuts have gone up through your stomach and into your throat, I'll eat every one of those tasty brownies. See? Guess you should've voted, douchebag.
I've gone back and forth quite a bit over the past few months. I want a candidate that's pro-life (for both fetuses and inmates), cares about environmental issues, supports civil liberties including marriage equality, despises big government, and realises the United States isn't the only country on the planet. Well you know what? (S)He doesn't exist.
It's sad that every election always boils down to the lesser of two evils; but as long as everyone feels they have to vote for one of these parties, that's the way it will always be. I guess what I'm trying to say is don't settle. Vote with a clear conscience. And if that means voting for a third party candidate or writing in another one, then so be it.
And if you don't vote, come on over to my house. I'll bake some tasty brownies before you arrive. Then, when you walk in the door, I'll kick you in the junk really hard. And as you roll around on the floor, unable to breathe because your nuts have gone up through your stomach and into your throat, I'll eat every one of those tasty brownies. See? Guess you should've voted, douchebag.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Some were born to sing the blues...
Yesterday afternoon, I was riding around in the work truck when my phone rang. I looked down and saw that it was Shaun. I'm very anti-talking-on-phone-while-driving, so I put my phone down and decided to call him back at a more opportune time. I turned the radio back up just as "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey began.
I called Shaun back at my next stop, and the first thing he said was, "How'd you get your phone to do that?"
"To do what?"
"To play a recording instead of the ring sound."
"Huh?"
"When I called you, I didn't hear the normal ringing sound. I heard a recording of you singing karaoke. It sounded like Journey."
I called Shaun back at my next stop, and the first thing he said was, "How'd you get your phone to do that?"
"To do what?"
"To play a recording instead of the ring sound."
"Huh?"
"When I called you, I didn't hear the normal ringing sound. I heard a recording of you singing karaoke. It sounded like Journey."
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Co-Worker
I took my cheesecake to work on Tuesday. By Wednesday, it was gone. Joann asked for the recipe, so we looked it up online. Unfortunately, right there next to the recipe was the nutrition information. 41 grams of fat per serving, and that was if you cut it into 16 pieces. I think we'll all be doing a little extra PT next week.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
I'll touch that dial when I damn well please!
Being on swing shift includes a lot of driving in a work truck with no CD player, so I take in quite a bit of Italian radio. I know the stations that play American and British music, and each is programmed into the pre-sets accordingly. The only problem is that there aren't any stations that play this music exclusively. (Not that I'm complaining. I understand I'm in Italy, after all.) This results in a lot of station changing. There's quite a bit of variety, even on the same station. It's almost as if they don't have a single format, and will play anything from Britney Spears to The Clash to Frank Sinatra, sometimes back-to-back. I can usually tell within a couple seconds if I hear something familiar, so I've gotten pretty good at flipping without even looking at the radio. Most often, as is my luck, I turn to a great song just as it's ending.
But last night, I flipped to a station as an old familiar song was just beginning...
In my defence, I don't particularly like this song; it just brought back memories from when Garah used to make me watch this movie over and over when we were 7. (Why were we friends?) Gotta love the outfits, and those special effects at the end are amazing! Ah, the 80s.
But last night, I flipped to a station as an old familiar song was just beginning...
In my defence, I don't particularly like this song; it just brought back memories from when Garah used to make me watch this movie over and over when we were 7. (Why were we friends?) Gotta love the outfits, and those special effects at the end are amazing! Ah, the 80s.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)