20 March: Foster City
So not much has been going on here in California. I bought all the toiletries I needed: Neutrogeena T/Gel because it is banned in Europe; More contact lens solution because I couldn't find it over there; A screw-on lens case; A clothesline and some laundry soap. Brought out my smaller gym bag from storage, that's going to hold my extra toiletries (like the non-corrupted Rogaine), random nicknacks, CDs and my courier bag on the plane so I only have to check through my clothing.
Stacey and I went shopping for a digital camera and finally decided on the FujiFilm 4700. Not the most highly rated camera, supposedly has fairly poor battery life and the pop-up flash is questionable. But it's really cute, small, laiden with features, USB and takes regular AA batteries. Stacey paid the money, so I just watched. Saw Ted Forsman there (old Calico contractor), and had an interesting discussion with the clerk about the Chinese expression of dismay "aiya" which I used when the floppy adapter for the media was $100. He said I sounded quite Chinese. I was happy, Stacey was laughing quite hard. Told him all I learned it from all the poker rooms.
Speaking of which, it turns out this trip was extra lucrative because my extraneous poker playing has won me back far more than I paid to come back. I also spent 5 hours at Calico, for which they will be charged my usual and customary rate.
I was toying with the idea of staying here until Saturday because Chris's father is coming to the US, and I'd like to talk to him about some things about the trip. But I'm getting a little antsy to get back to my car.
22 March: Foster City
I got bumped from my flight today. A large tour group was flying and a half-a-dozen people got no seat. I could have sat in the back row in the middle seat on a 12 hour flight; or go in a few days, get a $300 voucher and fly in relative comfort on a half-empty flight where I can sleep. I was so out of it after the horrible flight back here (with no one in the seat next to me), I felt it was much better to wait. So Europe is going to wait a few more days. I get to talk to Prof. von Krogh (he's in town visiting the kids) about things I should do in any case on Moday.
The flights on Friday and Saturday were packed, and the one on Monday was a little more than 3/4 full. I could have flown Sunday or Tuesday, and with the Professor in town, I chose Tuesday. That one was half full. So my european trip remains on hold, but I'm spending a lot of my time coordinating and planning. The whole city-to-city see everything in sight grind was getting to me, so I'm probably going to have to rethink the way I'm travelling. When I get back next week I'm staying that night in Milan and travelling straight to Barcelona. Hopefully, the reduced language barrier will reacclimate me to life over there.
My repacking job was much nicer than before. One small duffle, but relatively heavy due to all the books, and my travel pack. It took about an hour and a half to get my bag off the plane and in my hands; it's actually lighter than my carry-on. My courier bag fits inside the duffle.
Stacey and I are thinking of celebrating the end of her employment by going to Monterey or Big Sur. I'll keep you posted.
