121006 Munich Oktoberfest

What an opportunity!  Thanks to the hard work of colleagues in the Munich office, I received the great chance to visit Munich in early October.  The work schedule called for me to arrive at this great city on Sunday 7th, the last day of their iconic Oktoberfest.

As usual, my journey to Munich began with a flight out of Phoenix Sky Harbor at dawn on Saturday.  With a layover in Newark, NJ, this travel was uneventful.

Phoenix Sky Harbor at dawn.

Clouds and light rain greeted my arrival in Munich, Sunday morning.  Quite a change from the heat and sun in Phoenix.  I was pleasantly surprised that my room at the hotel was ready when I checked as early as I did.  After putting away my luggage, I headed out to Theresienwiese Park.

Theresienwiese Park, home of the Oktoberfest, became more than a fairground because Oktoberfest was much more than a fair.  It was a grand festival, originating from a great celebration of a royal wedding.  So Theresienwiese Park became a village, a town with an amazing festive atmosphere.  Visitors could see great effort was spent dressing up food stalls and stands and beer tents.  Many food stalls and stands had elaborate decorations; some reminiscent of cuckoo clocks.

Food stall with rotating "pit roast".

An old-fashion horse-drawn wagon "delivering beer barrels".

While thick clouds and intermittent rains did dampened the festive mood a bit this year, but the fun energy from the crowd was still noticeably strong.  There were adults and children dressed up in traditional outfits, honoring and showcasing their Bavarian heritage, and enjoying  food and thrill rides with friends and family.

Children in Bavarian outfits.

Spirit of Oktoberfest.

A Bavarian maiden.

The atmosphere in beer tents was just amazingly fun.  It was just electrifying.  One could not be help but be drawn into the festive mood.  Beer tents were full of people enjoying the delicious Bavarian beer, but also eating, singing and dancing to musics performed by live bands.  Yet in spite of alcohol, I did not witness any bad behavior.  It was just fun and enjoyable.

Roast pork with potato dumplings and sauerkraut - a typical Bavarian dish.

Of course, the rest of the week was taken up by work, the principal reason for my visit to Munich.  Then came the flights home.  But I hope to have and look forward to my next visit to this lovely city.

A few more pictures of Munich and a video of the inside of a beer tent are at https://picasaweb.google.com/108013863525571472697/121006Munich.  And as always, I solicit your constructive comments and critiques of this blogs and photographs in my continuing effort to improve.

Enjoy and thank you for visiting.
Paul.

120909 Tucson

I received a chance to deliver a day-long presentation at a conference in Tucson, AZ, to an international audience.  Because this presentation would start very early Monday morning, I had to go to Tucson the day before, not only to set-up workstations but also to avoid travel fatigue.  For this trip, I had the pleasure of the company of my wife.

Because of chores and other tasks, we could not depart as early as we had hope, and arrived in Tucson at midday.  After lunch, we went to Sabino Canyon for a hike.  It has a well-paved roadway, with tram for visitors with narration provided by the driver.  But we elected not to take the tram, hoping to be able to stop here and there whenever photographic opportunities arose.

Cactus blooms along at Sabino Canyon in Tucson, AZ.

Rattlesnake Creek along the road at Sabino Canyon in Tucson, AZ.

Unfortunately for us, the temperature was way too hot.  In spite of several stops long the stream zigzagging along the road, we could not complete the hike.  On the way back, we stopped and rest near large tree.  While there, an insect about 2 inches (5 cm) long fell out of this tree and landed near us.  It looked like a very large grasshopper, but its colors were unusual to me.  Upon seeing this insect, a hiker said "three of these and you got a meal".

Grasshopper (?) at the Sabino Canyon in Tucson, AZ.

Dragonfly at the Sabino Canyon in Tucson, AZ

After hiking back down, we spent the rest of the evening in the cool comfort of our hotel.  I spent time setting up workstations for my workshop, scheduled for the next day.  When my day-long presentation was finished, these workstations had to be disassembled for shipment back to my company.  The day ended late, and there was a thunderstorm coming.  Maybe another time can be better spent on a photo safari in Tucson.

Until then, I solicit and welcome you comments and critiques in my continuing effort to improve my photographic skills. Thank you.

Enjoy,
Paul

120902 Grand Canyon

The long Labor Day weekend offered us a chance to visit one of the most iconic place on Earth, located right here in our home state of Arizona.  We live in this beautiful state for many, many years.  Yet, we did not make the effort to visit the Grand Canyon.

The last time I was at the Grand Canyon was around 15 years ago.  That visit was very short.  I did not much time to absorb its beauty, its majesty.  Also, summer temperature was brutally hot.  My memory of the Grand Canyon was not good.

Earlier this year though, our friends from Vietnam came to visit.  My wife, her sister and brother-in-law took them to see the Grand Canyon.  It was in the middle of spring.  They came back singing praises of the Grand Canyon.  So this past Labor Day weekend, my wife made reservation for us to visit and stay overnight at a hotel nearby.  This way, we did not have to rush.

The drive to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon was dotted by the occasional rain, but otherwise uneventful.  Given this time was a holiday weekend, the line of cars at the entrance was long.  But the very efficient staff of the park shorten our wait time.

The weather was pleasantly comfortable, with patchy clouds overhead:  a perfect day to visit the Grand Canyon, indeed.  We hoped onto one of several free buses which took visitors to many places along the rim and into the village.  Our walk along the paved path of the South Rim began at the Visitors' Center.  This place was full of visitors from around the world.  French, German, Chinese, Japanese were a few of the spoken languages I recognized.  All enjoying the grandeur of this National Park.  Below are a few shots I took.  Hopefully, they convey a sense of majesty of the Grand Canyon.

Colors of the Grand Canyon.

Enjoying the majesty of the Grand Canyon.

As we walked along the paved path, a squirrel came out to grab a morsel of food.  It just sat there and enjoyed its meal.

Why is everyone looking at me? - photo by Mylinh

Enjoying lunch.

Sunset is the best time to appreciate the splendor of the Grand Canyon.  Its colorful radiance shines through beautifully.  But to capture such majesty in a photograph, one must select the right location, and have the right equipment.  Unfortunately, I was not prepared;  This visit would just be a scouting event.

The Grand Canyon at sunset.

After a goodnight sleep, we woke up early in hope of catching sunrise.  On my way to my car, I was pleasantly surprised by a young boy who was enthusiastically urging his family not to miss sunrise.  I hope his expectation was well met.

Meditation at sunrise.

Enjoying the magnificent view of the Grand Canyon.

A long way back up to the Rim.

Now that my opinion of the Grand Canyon is rectified, I look forward to more visits.  Maybe even a hike along one of its many trails.  The pictures above, and a few more, are at https://picasaweb.google.com/108013863525571472697/120902GrandCanyonScenic#.  And as always, I solicit and welcome your comments and critiques.

Enjoy.
Paul

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

120516 Singapore

My colleagues in Singapore worked very hard in bringing me a surprise opportunity to visit their wonderful city-state once more. My wife & I arrived there near midnight on Sunday via San Francisco & Tokyo. By the time we reach our hotel, it was Monday. After a good night sleep and a hearty breakfast, the dreadful jet lag was much less than feared. But I was so glad I didn't have to start work that morning. I would not be at my best. A brief stop at the office helped set-up the conference room for tomorrow. 

Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort (hotel, casino, shopping mall).

Coffee shop inside the Marina Bay Sands Resort.

We reacquainted ourselves with this marvelous city again by taking a hop-on / hop-off bus tour. We sat on the upper deck of the bus and enjoyed the view all around.  The lunch was at the Marina Bay Sands Mall with the wonderfully spicy curry fish head as the main dish. Its name might sound unappetizing to Westerners, but  in actuality, there was more than just the head of the fish. The bones in the fish head made the sauce / broth very tasty. Not to mention all the other vegetables. 

Fish head curry - a delicious dish.

Our tour included a short boat ride on the Singapore River. It was almost sunset when we arrived at Clarke Quay, the starting point of our river cruise. Sitting near the bow of the boat was a lovely musician, playing the traditional Pipa, a Chinese guitar. She played light and delightful tunes as we enjoyed the fantastic scenery.

Clarke Quay.

Musician and her Pipa.

My wife left Singapore for Vietnam early the next morning to visit friends and family. As for me, the next few days were filled with work. This time around I stayed at the Oasia Hotel right next to the office. I just crossed a driveway to go to work, instead of having to take the MRT, although I found it so easy to use.

Returning to the area around the Marina Bay Sands Mall by subway on evening after work, I was able to visit the famous Helix Pedestrian Bridge. There were a crowd of people jogging or enjoying leisurely walks. 

Helix Pedestrian Bridge.

On my first visit to Singapore many years back, my good friend took me to the Geylang district to sample local dishes, such as stingray grilled in banana leaf and beef noodle stir-fry, for dinner. The area is also home to colorful and fantastic fruit market. I did not have correct photographic gears back then and always wanted to return to try again. Another motivation was my desire to broaden my portfolio to include people, instead of just architecture.

But the reputation of Geylang as the neighborhood for the world's oldest profession was a strong demotivation factor. I hesitated quite a bit before summoning enough courage to go. My fear quickly dissipated as I found a fruit vendor who was very friendly and quite funny. Since he did not speak a word of English, one of his customers offered to translate.  The Geylang neighborhood, once I looked pass its reputation as a red-light district, has a lot to offer: popular restaurants and friendly people.  I wished I could stay longer to take enjoy more. But I had to go back to my hotel; I still had to work the next day.

Fruit vendor in Geylang district.

Rambutan, a delightful tropical fruit.

A vendor and his durian.

The end of my assignment came quickly. I had to leave Singapore with a heavy heart, as I had a delightful time meeting and working with the people there. I hope to have another opportunity to return to this fantastic island state. 

A few more pictures are at https://picasaweb.google.com/108013863525571472697/120516Singapore.


Thank you so much for visiting this blog, and as always, your comments / critiques are welcome.  Until next time, I wish you peace and happiness.


Enjoy,  
Paul

120506 Catania & Taormina, Italy

Thanks to the hard work of my colleagues of the European offices, I have the wonderful opportunity to visit a customer in Catania, a city in Sicily, Italy, in early May 2012.  A bit of research reveals Phoenix is a sister city of this Mediterranean town.  I wonder about the criteria for cities to become sisters.  Phoenix is a metropolis in the middle of a desert, with no ocean or sea in sight; Catania is a small town on an island in the middle of the Mediterranean sea.  Curious pairing of cities, but wonderful nonetheless.

My travel plan calls for flights from Phoenix to Washington DC, then onto Munich, and finally to Catania.  While the journey is long, it is uneventful.  Catania welcomes me with warmth and sunshine.  The receptionist at the hotel gives me the typical cost of a taxi ride from the airport.  When I inquire the taxi driver about the ride to my hotel, he quotes me a price matching my information;  I do notice the driver does not activate the meter.

After a nap to recover from my long journey, I take the shuttle bus of the hotel to downtown Catania.  The time is late Sunday afternoon. Most businesses are closed except a few souvenir shops and restaurants. The town square is mostly empty.  I am a bit surprised to find a small church nearby still opened and step in.  It turns out to be the "Basilica della Collegiata".  The painting on its ceiling is amazing.  

Ceiling of the "Basilica della Collegiata".

After a simple, yet delicious, dinner of spaghetti with seafood, I wait for sundown and take the picture below. The main structure is the church of Sant'Agata, which is also called the "Duomo di Catania".  The hour is late and I must catch the last shuttle back to the hotel.

Duomo di Catania.

Morning morning affords me some free time. The weather is perfect. It is a great chance to get to know Catania. A short shuttle ride takes me back to downtown. What a pleasant surprise! I am dropped off right in the middle of a bustling open-air market.  I suspect, from my research of Catania before my trip, that this is the famous fish market. But it is much more than that. Fresh fruits and produce, poultry, lamb, meat, cheese are on sale everywhere. Merchants set up their tables and stalls along pedestrian alleys and sidewalks, offering their products for sale and calling out to customers. 

Fishmonger at street market in Catania.

Tuna on sale at street market in Catania.

Merchant of wine and cheese at street market in Catania.

Street market in Catania.

Large fresh strawberries at street market in Catania.

As much as I like to stay and experience more of this wonderful market, Catania has more to offer.  But I only have a short time.  A quick tour of the city introduces me to the rich history of Catania.  I learn the elephant in the middle of town square is the symbol of this city, with its own legend.

u Liotru, or the Fontana dell'Elefante, is the symbol of Catania.

The rest of the week is taken up by work at the office of my customer, located in the industrial zone at the outskirts of Catania. The workdays pass quickly though.

I hear so much about the local active volcano, Mount Etna. During my entire stay, Mount Etna spews a plume of steam or white smoke. The haze during the day makes photographing this scenery difficult.  So I make the point of getting up before sunrise on my last day in Catania. I want to photograph Mount Etna during the early morning hours when pollution is at its lowest level. I set up my camera on the beach across the street from my hotel and take a shot of the volcano as the sun peeps over the horizon. The dawn light helps the plume of white smoke from Mount Etna stands out better. Seeing it in the early morning sun light makes me wish I can climb and have a closer look.

Mount Etna at dawn.

Acting on the advise of my customers, I take the train to Taormina, a picturesque little town full of interesting history just north of Catania. Taormina has many of Greco-Roman ruins and little shops highlighting local products and produces to tourists along its many charming little streets.  A short ride on the cable car from center of town takes me to the edge of the Mediterranean sea, with clean beaches, crystal-clear water and very gentle waves. There are few tourists enjoying sun and surf; but the summer vacation season is yet to begin.

Taormina in Sicily, Italy.

Ancient ruins in Taormina, Sicily, Italy.

My return to Catania is greeted by several school bands performing at the center square of town.  There is enough distance in between so their performances do not interfere with one another, yet I can walk from one side of the square to another to enjoy a different kind of music. These kids have musical talent.

School band playing at town square in Catania, Sicily, Italy.

As with other locales I visited, I wish I have more time to explore and get to know Sicily. Undoubtedly, its history is fascinating to learn; its customs and traditions rich in significance; and its cuisine wonderful to enjoy. But I am very thankful for this fabulous opportunity to have a peek to the lives of local Sicilians. 

More pictures are at https://picasaweb.google.com/108013863525571472697/120505Catania.

Until next time, I thank you for visiting and bid you peace. 
Paul