120701 Munich

Once again, the hard work of my colleagues in Germany rewarded me with another opportunity to visit Munich.  I came home from my trip to Fishkill, New York.  I had just enough time to do laundry and pack.

The flights from Phoenix to Munich, via Chicago, were uneventful.  But my arrival in Munich was greeted with clouds and rain.  By the time I reached my hotel, the rain stopped.  So after depositing my luggage, I headed out but with some anxiety as clouds menaced to pour down anytime.  I didn't have much luck because of the intermittent rain.  I was very hesitant to pull out my camera for fear of water damage.

I took refuse inside St Peter's Church at one point.  I discovered it had a tower.  Climbing the equivalent of 13 floors by stairs, I reached its top.  I was treated to a wonderful view of Munich.  But thick clouds dampened it a bit.  Also the narrow width of the platform presented a quite challenge as people tried to move around one another. 

Rathaus, or city hall, of Munich.

The rest of the week was filled with work.  The sun peaked out from time to time during the day.  But as soon as my work days ended, the rain came down hard.  I got to get some rain gear for my camera.  In spite of the nasty weather, I still enjoyed my visit to Munich & my working relationship with the local people.

My journey home included a stop in Washington Dulles International Airport.  The aircraft next to mine had one of its engines opened.  Right after the picture below was taken, the gate agent announced the flight to London was delayed due to engine issue, and the captain would make a decision soon.  By the time I boarded my flight to Phoenix, no announcement was made about this transatlantic flight.

Engine under repair at Washington Dulles International Airport.

Upon landing in Phoenix, a beautiful sunset welcomed me home.  But my stay at home would be short this time, as another week of travel awaited.

Sunset at Phoenix Sky Harbor.

I hope you enjoy this blog.  And as always, your comments / critiques are welcome.

Thank you for visiting.
Paul

120625 Fishkill, NY.

After a week of business outside of Arizona, I came home just to prepare for the next trip.  This time I was due in Fishkill, New York.  Fishkill is a small town, north of New York City, along the Hudson Valley.  Its curious name was derived from "vis kill" which is Dutch for "Fish Creek".

Fishkill is home to the semiconductor unit of IBM.  It was here, many years ago, that I started my career in microelectronics, as an engineering intern.  So in a way, this trip was a kind of homecoming for me.

After a long flight from Phoenix, I landed in Newark, NJ, to rainy weather.  The drive to Fishkill took almost 2 hours due to heavy traffic and  intermittent downpours.  As I approached my destination, the rain got lighter, giving hope for beautiful scenery.  After settling in, I went exploring in hope of reacquainted myself with this area.  I was able to take a couple of shots near the City of Beacon, right on the Hudson River, just before the storm returned.

Dock for boats and ferries on the Hudson River at Beacon, NY.

Sunset over Hudson River at Beacon, NY.

The next few days were taken up work.  I was not able to venture out.  But in return, I had a fun time with colleagues.  The last day at my customer ended early enough.  I had to capture something of Fishkill and Beacon.

IBM at Hopewell Junction, NY.

Beacon, NY.

Fishkill, NY.

The next morning afforded me sometimes before I had to catch my flight home.  I went north to Poughkeepsie and took a picture of the Mid-Hudson Bridge.  I can only imagine its beauty at sunset.

Mid-Hudson Bridge at Poughkeepsie, NY.

Anyway, a flight home awaited me at Newark; I had to leave.

As customary, I welcome any and all your comments / critiques of this blog and any of my pictures.  I hope your visit here was enjoyable.

Thank you.
Paul

120615 Father's Day

In the United States, the official Father's Day was on Sunday 17 June 2012.  But I was scheduled to travel out of state that day.  So Kelly, my sweet daughter-in-law, made a couple of special dishes for me on Friday 15 June.  For starter, her appetizers were Jalapenos stuffed with cheese & wrapped in bacon.  These Jalapenos poppers were delicious, with just the right amount of spiciness, crunch, and creaminess.

Bacon-wrapped Cheese-stuffed Jalapenos.

Then, after a great meal, Kelly brought out her other master piece; a coconut cream pie.

Coconut cream pie.

The perfect finish to a great dinner.  Both dishes are wonderful. Thank you, Kelly.

The next day, after completing my preparation for my upcoming trip, I took a couple of pictures:

Red & yellow peppers.

Bowl of red sweet cherries.

As always, your comments / critiques of this blog and its pictures are welcome. 

Thank you for visiting.
Paul