Monday, June 28, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Pebble Beach 2010 - Part 9: Final Thoughts
When we lived in Petaluma my grandparents were living in Heber City, Utah, so we would make the trek across northern Nevada every year or so. When I left Petaluma this time for home I followed that same route, via Lakeville Highway past Sear's Point to Vallejo and I-80. From the there the drive was monotonous, except for crossing the Sierra's at Donner Pass. Construction on I-80 caused about an hour delay, in multiple spots, so when I arrived in Reno an hour later than I thought I would I was ready for a break.
Reno is a dump. During the day there is nothing to do downtown, and at night the city is filled with middle-aged and elderly Americans pretending that they are high-rollers in Las Vegas. The casino scene didn't excite me at all and I ended up getting out of there the next day without dropping one cent into any of the gambling venues. Next time I stop it'll be farther on, say Lovelock or Winnemucca. Still won't be anything to do, but at least I'll have traveled farther.
The drive from Reno on Tuesday the 22nd was uneventful. Even the Check-Engine light coming on between Lovelock and Winnemucca didn't excite me at all; the car was running smooth and I continued. Finally got home at 1710, skirting rush hour around Salt Lake, and had a happy reunion with the wife and kids.
Working the golf tournament was fun, but it would be so much more fun if there was someone I could share it with. In 5 years the US Open will be in Washington State, and in 2019 it will be back at Pebble Beach. Maybe one of the boys will want to work it with me then; that would be awesome!
Reno is a dump. During the day there is nothing to do downtown, and at night the city is filled with middle-aged and elderly Americans pretending that they are high-rollers in Las Vegas. The casino scene didn't excite me at all and I ended up getting out of there the next day without dropping one cent into any of the gambling venues. Next time I stop it'll be farther on, say Lovelock or Winnemucca. Still won't be anything to do, but at least I'll have traveled farther.
The drive from Reno on Tuesday the 22nd was uneventful. Even the Check-Engine light coming on between Lovelock and Winnemucca didn't excite me at all; the car was running smooth and I continued. Finally got home at 1710, skirting rush hour around Salt Lake, and had a happy reunion with the wife and kids.
Working the golf tournament was fun, but it would be so much more fun if there was someone I could share it with. In 5 years the US Open will be in Washington State, and in 2019 it will be back at Pebble Beach. Maybe one of the boys will want to work it with me then; that would be awesome!
Pebble Beach 2010 - Part 8B: The Voyage Home
That was enough driving around for awhile; I went to Walnut Park and left car and, camera in hand, went into the downtown area. Downtown Petaluma is not as big as I remember and I was able to easily navigate through much of the old area. Went by the old library (now a museum), by Carrithers (now a furniture store), up to St. Vincents and back by where the smorgasbord used to be, found the place where I got my first glasses back in 1973 (it smells the same!) and went by where Tuttle's used to be. Walked up past the old theater where I saw Jaws with the entire baseball league, then back down to the Boulevard. Found the deli where I had great ham sandwiches growing up, but sadly it was closed (Mondays). But McNear's Saloon & Dining House was open so I had lunch.
The feeling of walking around town was intense, but sad. I really would like to live in Petaluma, but I haven't figured out how to answer the how and why questions yet. Since leaving in 1979 I've visited maybe 4 times, twice in 1986 when I was stationed in Sacramento, once in 1998 for my 20th high school reunion, and this time. I know that I need to get back there more often than every 12 years; that is way too long. Maybe I'll take the whole family to the area; there are plenty of things to see and do in the area.
The feeling of walking around town was intense, but sad. I really would like to live in Petaluma, but I haven't figured out how to answer the how and why questions yet. Since leaving in 1979 I've visited maybe 4 times, twice in 1986 when I was stationed in Sacramento, once in 1998 for my 20th high school reunion, and this time. I know that I need to get back there more often than every 12 years; that is way too long. Maybe I'll take the whole family to the area; there are plenty of things to see and do in the area.
Pebble Beach 2010 - Part 8A: The Voyage Home
Because the Final Round ended with a clear-cut winner I was able to leave on Monday the 21st and start for home. Destination: Reno, making the drive the next day only 8.5 hours instead of over 12. However, I decided to make a little detour on my out of the Bay Area.
I got up early and was checked out and on the road by 0730; sadly right in the middle of rush hour, both for San Jose and for Oakland. But there weren't any wrecks (that I know of) and I was able to join with I-80 coming from San Francisco across the Bay Bridge. But instead of heading for Vallejo I hung a left and headed for the San Rafael-Richmond Bridge and Marin County. There in San Rafael I picked up 101 again and headed north, past the old stake center, past Marinwood where I worked one summer at a gas station, past Novato and the pizza stops coming home from church dances and finally into Sonoma County.
The first city north of Marin County on US 101 is Petaluma, the place that I still claim as my home town, even though I haven't lived there since 1979. But I spent half of my youth in that city, including 3 years of elementary school and all of junior high and high school. That's 1967 to 1979 (except for '70 to '72 when we were in New Jersey) and then my parents moved to Orem, Utah.
Arriving in Petaluma I took the Boulevard exit and turned left on I Street. I took a quick detour onto 7th street to see the house where we lived for a few years at the end before heading back up I Street to Sunnyslope Avenue and number 621. A gorgeous old two-story square farm house; my favorite house of all time. I parked the car in front of McNear Elementary (just 2 doors down) and walked around the neighborhood and the school. Looked at Cordon's old house across the street and the little and big fields where we used to play, and wandered through the school to McNear park and the playground and baseball fields.
Everything looked different but it felt like home; even the smells at the park were familiar. I then drove to the high school and wandered; an old alumni who graduated 3 years before I did (so we were there at the same time) let me in and I wandered the halls as well. Familiar again but changed. Lots of memories. From there I drove by the junior high and then by the chapel and soaked up memories.
I got up early and was checked out and on the road by 0730; sadly right in the middle of rush hour, both for San Jose and for Oakland. But there weren't any wrecks (that I know of) and I was able to join with I-80 coming from San Francisco across the Bay Bridge. But instead of heading for Vallejo I hung a left and headed for the San Rafael-Richmond Bridge and Marin County. There in San Rafael I picked up 101 again and headed north, past the old stake center, past Marinwood where I worked one summer at a gas station, past Novato and the pizza stops coming home from church dances and finally into Sonoma County.
The first city north of Marin County on US 101 is Petaluma, the place that I still claim as my home town, even though I haven't lived there since 1979. But I spent half of my youth in that city, including 3 years of elementary school and all of junior high and high school. That's 1967 to 1979 (except for '70 to '72 when we were in New Jersey) and then my parents moved to Orem, Utah.
Arriving in Petaluma I took the Boulevard exit and turned left on I Street. I took a quick detour onto 7th street to see the house where we lived for a few years at the end before heading back up I Street to Sunnyslope Avenue and number 621. A gorgeous old two-story square farm house; my favorite house of all time. I parked the car in front of McNear Elementary (just 2 doors down) and walked around the neighborhood and the school. Looked at Cordon's old house across the street and the little and big fields where we used to play, and wandered through the school to McNear park and the playground and baseball fields.
Everything looked different but it felt like home; even the smells at the park were familiar. I then drove to the high school and wandered; an old alumni who graduated 3 years before I did (so we were there at the same time) let me in and I wandered the halls as well. Familiar again but changed. Lots of memories. From there I drove by the junior high and then by the chapel and soaked up memories.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Pebble Beach 2010 Part 7 - Final Round
The final round of the 2010 US Open today and my last day on Pebble Beach, unless the day ended with a tie. I was prepared for a tie; had the hotel booked for an extra night, had my name in as a available worker for Monday, but it was decided! Graeme McDowell pulled out the victory by outlasting everyone else and won with a final score of EVEN after 4 rounds. It went right down to the wire, with him finally having 2 putts to win. He missed the first but left it really close and tapped it in for the win!
I worked the 3rd hole, this time in the landing area on the left side inside bend, in the rough. And the balls fell; Tiger, Kelly, and at the end Dustin Johnson put it to the left. Dustin's ball actually went into the shrubs across the cart path and we (the marshals) and the caddie hunted for it, but didn't find it until after the 5 minutes allowed had expired. So he had to go back to the tee and re-hit. He ended up double-bogeying the hole; combined with a triple bogey on 2 and a bogey on 4 he lost all 6 strokes that he had under par in just 3 holes!
I tore my pants coming out of the shrubs after looking for the ball, so after a snack and watching for a minute on #17 I decided to head back here to the hotel. Made it right before Graeme's final putts and promptly booked a night in Reno and canceled my Monday stay here in Morgan Hill. Tomorrow it is off to Reno, via Petaluma (only 51 miles out of the way) just for a quick peek. Then Tuesday it is the return haul across Northern Nevada; hopefully without the Check Engine light this time!
I worked the 3rd hole, this time in the landing area on the left side inside bend, in the rough. And the balls fell; Tiger, Kelly, and at the end Dustin Johnson put it to the left. Dustin's ball actually went into the shrubs across the cart path and we (the marshals) and the caddie hunted for it, but didn't find it until after the 5 minutes allowed had expired. So he had to go back to the tee and re-hit. He ended up double-bogeying the hole; combined with a triple bogey on 2 and a bogey on 4 he lost all 6 strokes that he had under par in just 3 holes!
I tore my pants coming out of the shrubs after looking for the ball, so after a snack and watching for a minute on #17 I decided to head back here to the hotel. Made it right before Graeme's final putts and promptly booked a night in Reno and canceled my Monday stay here in Morgan Hill. Tomorrow it is off to Reno, via Petaluma (only 51 miles out of the way) just for a quick peek. Then Tuesday it is the return haul across Northern Nevada; hopefully without the Check Engine light this time!
Pebble Beach 2010 - Part 6: A Mass of Humanity
After watching the morning groups from the side of the fairway (and helping clear out the public around Mike Weir's ball that landed to the left of the ropes) I reported to the tee box at 1100 and got my assignment for the day: working the gate that leads from the green on #2 to the 3rd tee. At first it was pretty easy: close it down as the players putted on #2, then wait until they hit off of #3. But when Tiger's amoeba came the crowd was so packed between the holes that people were unable to move. And while still in that state the following groups needed to cross to the tee. We finally had to just force a path open for them, but people were crossing the ropes and going nuts. The exit gate off of #2 was knocked over and we finally were able to set it up to continue for the rest of the players, but man, what a mess!
After the last group went by the 3rd tee (about 1630) I grabbed me a snack and watched at the 16th green, before heading down to the 17th green for the rest of the day's golf. Once the last group (Johnson & McDowell) finished on 17 I hightailed it to the bus, and finally got back here to the hotel at 2215. That was a long day!
After the last group went by the 3rd tee (about 1630) I grabbed me a snack and watched at the 16th green, before heading down to the 17th green for the rest of the day's golf. Once the last group (Johnson & McDowell) finished on 17 I hightailed it to the bus, and finally got back here to the hotel at 2215. That was a long day!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Pebble Beach 2010 - Part 5: Paddle Time!
Wasn't sure what I was going to be doing today as I wasn't supposed to be on the schedule. Don was going to have me wait to see where I was needed when I saw my name on his list (an old one perhaps, as I was originally supposed to work Friday). I broached the fact that I was on his list and my assignment was the tee box, and they needed someone to do the paddles. I jumped at that; that is the job that I have wanted to do ever since I got here.
Working the paddles involves signaling the marshal down fairway that the players are ready to hit and then signaling where the ball goes. Since #3 at Pebble Beach has a blind dogleg to the left, the down fairway marshal signals to the tee box when the fairway is clear. And you have to tell the players if the fairway is not clear. And finally, you have to signal to the crossing guards to stop letting people across.
Sometimes when a player has a long routine that he goes through before hitting those paddles can start to get pretty heavy, especially holding them up as high as you can. I learned to alternate between the two: one paddle up = players ready, quiet down. 2 paddles up = player ready to hit. shut up everyone!
Ended up leaving the course at about the same time, right after the last group had hit off the 3rd tee. But instead of fighting traffic on the way home I went to Salinas and got something to eat there before jumping on 101 for the quick drive back here to Morgan Hills.
Working the paddles involves signaling the marshal down fairway that the players are ready to hit and then signaling where the ball goes. Since #3 at Pebble Beach has a blind dogleg to the left, the down fairway marshal signals to the tee box when the fairway is clear. And you have to tell the players if the fairway is not clear. And finally, you have to signal to the crossing guards to stop letting people across.
Sometimes when a player has a long routine that he goes through before hitting those paddles can start to get pretty heavy, especially holding them up as high as you can. I learned to alternate between the two: one paddle up = players ready, quiet down. 2 paddles up = player ready to hit. shut up everyone!
Ended up leaving the course at about the same time, right after the last group had hit off the 3rd tee. But instead of fighting traffic on the way home I went to Salinas and got something to eat there before jumping on 101 for the quick drive back here to Morgan Hills.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Pebble Beach 2010 - Part 4: Freelancing
Today was technically my day off, but instead of staying away or just taking it easy I decided to suit up and go in and see if there was work to do. Was by the fairway when Mickelson hit it left and helped do crowd control for that. Also was there when Nick Watney's ball went and landed on a media guy's cart and got wedged between his bag and the seat. Both of them were able to hit right up onto the green and had birdie attempts. If it had been me I would have probably had to take a snowman.
Got to work the fairway in the crook for a while, until Tiger, Ernie, and Lee Westwood had passed, along with the big gallery following them. Pretty cool, all three of them ended up landing just in front of me. It is much better to be inside the ropes, especially when the big galleries are around.
Ended up working the cart gate behind the left bunkers; sadly nothing ended up in the bunkers there. But since I was freelancing today (not scheduled to work) I took what I was offered. I'm still hoping for a tee job, either Saturday or Sunday. I will mention that to Noreen (the hole captain) tomorrow.
Got to work the fairway in the crook for a while, until Tiger, Ernie, and Lee Westwood had passed, along with the big gallery following them. Pretty cool, all three of them ended up landing just in front of me. It is much better to be inside the ropes, especially when the big galleries are around.
Ended up working the cart gate behind the left bunkers; sadly nothing ended up in the bunkers there. But since I was freelancing today (not scheduled to work) I took what I was offered. I'm still hoping for a tee job, either Saturday or Sunday. I will mention that to Noreen (the hole captain) tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Pebble Beach 2010 - Part 3: Learning the Ropes
Tuesday the 15th of June was my first PM shift; I was hoping to be on the tee box but instead I was sent greenside again. But given the opportunity to work the gate to #4 I jumped at the chance and spent the rest of the day telling people to please clear the zone between the red lines. We didn't have the big crowds that'll show up starting Thursday, but it was good work and kept us busy. Timing is everything. You've got to be one jump ahead of the players and get that gate opened and the public back behind the ropes before they start towards you. I thought I did pretty well and it is actually easier during the normal golf days as they don't just delay up on the green, practicing. When you sink your putt, you're ready to go to the next hole!
Wednesday was my day off, but that doesn't mean not going to the golf course; it means one final day of taking pictures and doing shopping at the merchandise tent. It was a sunny and bright day; perfect for another round of pictures. Now I'm ready for four days of the Championship. I'm not scheduled to work until Saturday, but the plan is to show up in uniform and see if I can be used. If not, then I'll watch some golf somewhere.
Wednesday was my day off, but that doesn't mean not going to the golf course; it means one final day of taking pictures and doing shopping at the merchandise tent. It was a sunny and bright day; perfect for another round of pictures. Now I'm ready for four days of the Championship. I'm not scheduled to work until Saturday, but the plan is to show up in uniform and see if I can be used. If not, then I'll watch some golf somewhere.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Pebble Beach 2010 - Part 2: Morning Shift
I had my only morning shift today; and the only reason I had a morning shift at all was originally I was scheduled to work Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and I thought Corwyn was going to be around to take onto the course Friday. So I switched from Friday PM to Monday AM. And 5 minutes later (seriously, 5 minutes) I found out that the family was not going to make it.
So my shift started at 0700 this morning. Backtracking that meant I needed to be at the front gate no later than 0630, I needed to catch the bus from the volunteer lot no later than 0545, and I needed to leave Morgan Hill no later than 0500. But with 1st day gremlins I gave myself an extra 25 minutes, getting up at 0345, getting away by 0435, getting to the lot at 0530, but not getting into the course until 0630 as the buses were running slow. I made it to the hole right on time and was assigned to work the fairway, left side. The 3rd hole has a blind shot so there is an extra signaler to indicate when the coast is clear and to the marshals when the ball is coming. Every 3rd ball though seemed to be heading my way as I was near the hidden bunkers/gully. I ended up fishing out Angel Cabrera's ball and should have fished out Jim Furyk's ball, but it vanished into the grass.
After 3 hours of ducking and covering up every time the paddle pointed my way it was time to rotate; clockwise sending me and the 2 other guys on my side up to the green. And then it got really slow. My job at the green was to keep the greenside crowd quiet, keep the paying customers off the hole, and spot stray balls. Sadly not one of those things happened. Well, at least I had a good view of the shots down #4 and also the golfers hitting perpendicular to #17.
Finally the shift was done and I resolved to walk from #1 to #18. That took 3 hours and wore me out. After surviving that (it was gorgeous and I took a lot of pictures) it was time to head back to the volunteer lot and then drive the 45 minutes to Morgan Hill. And here I am; tired but ready for another go at it tomorrow. It'll be the afternoon shift, so I can sleep in just a bit.
So my shift started at 0700 this morning. Backtracking that meant I needed to be at the front gate no later than 0630, I needed to catch the bus from the volunteer lot no later than 0545, and I needed to leave Morgan Hill no later than 0500. But with 1st day gremlins I gave myself an extra 25 minutes, getting up at 0345, getting away by 0435, getting to the lot at 0530, but not getting into the course until 0630 as the buses were running slow. I made it to the hole right on time and was assigned to work the fairway, left side. The 3rd hole has a blind shot so there is an extra signaler to indicate when the coast is clear and to the marshals when the ball is coming. Every 3rd ball though seemed to be heading my way as I was near the hidden bunkers/gully. I ended up fishing out Angel Cabrera's ball and should have fished out Jim Furyk's ball, but it vanished into the grass.
After 3 hours of ducking and covering up every time the paddle pointed my way it was time to rotate; clockwise sending me and the 2 other guys on my side up to the green. And then it got really slow. My job at the green was to keep the greenside crowd quiet, keep the paying customers off the hole, and spot stray balls. Sadly not one of those things happened. Well, at least I had a good view of the shots down #4 and also the golfers hitting perpendicular to #17.
Finally the shift was done and I resolved to walk from #1 to #18. That took 3 hours and wore me out. After surviving that (it was gorgeous and I took a lot of pictures) it was time to head back to the volunteer lot and then drive the 45 minutes to Morgan Hill. And here I am; tired but ready for another go at it tomorrow. It'll be the afternoon shift, so I can sleep in just a bit.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Pebble Beach 2010 Part 1 - The Long Haul
Finally after 2 days of traveling I'm in place; although in place for me means in Morgan Hill, California, which is about 50 miles away from Pebble Beach. So each day will have its own trip to make. 7 days in a row of 100 miles; hope the car holds out. But I actually digress...
I left the family around 0830 Saturday the 12th of June, 2010, there in American Fork, Utah. Originally we were all going to drive down to LA on Friday and then on Sunday I would drive up to Morgan Hill. And then on Thursday everyone else would join me here at the wonderful ExtendedStay America. But there were some health issues and Leslie and the boys ended up having to stay in A.F., so this trip turned into a solo run. I am so looking forward to being able to do this with someone else; in 2015 the US Open will be in Washington; maybe Corwyn will want to do it with me then! Anyway, the trip for Saturday is a simple 543 mile jaunt across Northern Nevada, courtesy of I-80, to Reno for the night. Should be pretty straightforward. Well in Elko the "Check Engine" light comes on. What that means to a 1992 BMW 325is is that something is going on and you should take it in to get diagnosed. The dealerships in Utah were closed, the one in Reno wouldn't answer their phone, finally the one in Sacramento tells me this. And since the car is running reasonably well (it is 18 years old, but with only 145,000 miles) maybe I can survive. So I roll the dice and manage to make it okay into Reno.
This morning (Sunday, 13 June) I can't sleep and am awake at 0630 so I get up, get ready, and get going. After a good breakfast at the hotel (John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks, actually) I head for Donner and the long coast downhill. On the way my trip computer is telling me I'm going to get into Morgan Hill about 1230; much too early so I decide to take a little side trip as I go through Sacramento and visit what used to be Mather AFB and is now Mather Field. Ouch. The place is nothing like I remember it. The base closed in 1993, 7 years after I left there, but that means it has been a total of 24 years. Ouch.
Continued on through Vacaville and then south via San Ramon and Pleasanton (both places I have run cross country invitationals at), turned onto 101 in San Jose and finally pulled into Morgan Hill, still too early. I had to drive around for an hour before I could check in. And then I wanted to time the trip to the volunteer lot so I drove southwest to Marina and Seaside (53 minutes, but there was a lot of traffic) and then to Pebble Beach for the merchandise presale. And now I am ready!
I left the family around 0830 Saturday the 12th of June, 2010, there in American Fork, Utah. Originally we were all going to drive down to LA on Friday and then on Sunday I would drive up to Morgan Hill. And then on Thursday everyone else would join me here at the wonderful ExtendedStay America. But there were some health issues and Leslie and the boys ended up having to stay in A.F., so this trip turned into a solo run. I am so looking forward to being able to do this with someone else; in 2015 the US Open will be in Washington; maybe Corwyn will want to do it with me then! Anyway, the trip for Saturday is a simple 543 mile jaunt across Northern Nevada, courtesy of I-80, to Reno for the night. Should be pretty straightforward. Well in Elko the "Check Engine" light comes on. What that means to a 1992 BMW 325is is that something is going on and you should take it in to get diagnosed. The dealerships in Utah were closed, the one in Reno wouldn't answer their phone, finally the one in Sacramento tells me this. And since the car is running reasonably well (it is 18 years old, but with only 145,000 miles) maybe I can survive. So I roll the dice and manage to make it okay into Reno.
This morning (Sunday, 13 June) I can't sleep and am awake at 0630 so I get up, get ready, and get going. After a good breakfast at the hotel (John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks, actually) I head for Donner and the long coast downhill. On the way my trip computer is telling me I'm going to get into Morgan Hill about 1230; much too early so I decide to take a little side trip as I go through Sacramento and visit what used to be Mather AFB and is now Mather Field. Ouch. The place is nothing like I remember it. The base closed in 1993, 7 years after I left there, but that means it has been a total of 24 years. Ouch.
Continued on through Vacaville and then south via San Ramon and Pleasanton (both places I have run cross country invitationals at), turned onto 101 in San Jose and finally pulled into Morgan Hill, still too early. I had to drive around for an hour before I could check in. And then I wanted to time the trip to the volunteer lot so I drove southwest to Marina and Seaside (53 minutes, but there was a lot of traffic) and then to Pebble Beach for the merchandise presale. And now I am ready!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Amsterdam 2010 - May 23, 2010: Homeward Bound
The hotel shuttle drove us the 10 minutes to the train station where we bought our tickets and got on a train for the 20 minute trip to the airport. The volcano was cooperating so there were no problems with the flight, although it took a long time to get through baggage drop-off as there was a back-up. But once through security and onto the plane the 10 hour flight went. Slowly. Excruciatingly. Into Portland and finally though security and got the bag re-checked and then a quick flight to Salt Lake City. Dropped Lex off and got home at 1730. Only about 19 hours travel time today compared with the 25 hours last week.
The next trip is my trip to Monterey for the US Open, June 11-22. Before that there is the end of school and a family reunion, so it will be busy.
The next trip is my trip to Monterey for the US Open, June 11-22. Before that there is the end of school and a family reunion, so it will be busy.
Amsterdam 2010 - May 22, 2010: Free Day
It was cheaper to keep us in Amsterdam for an extra day than to send us home on Saturday, so we had a day to ourselves. Travis, Lex, and I decided to go to the Rijksmuseum and then to the Anne Frank house; Alex had lived in the Netherlands before and had seen them all; besides he had a test online to take. So we left him and toured the museum and saw a lot of Rembrandt. Quite a good collection there; well worth the time spent.
We then walked to the Anne Frank house as the tram we wanted to take must have been decommissioned; it was shown on the maps but not at the tracks. Oh, well, so we have sore feet. The tour was sombering; not much left there after the Nazi's cleaned out the place after they were discovered. But you could imagine what they had to go through.
We met Alex outside after the house and went looking for some lunch. We eventually found some subpar schoarma; not quite what Alex remembered but still good. Then it was time for some souvenir shopping and we ended up around the Dam. My souvenirs consisted of a hat as I was getting sunburned and some french fries (the best in Amsterdam so the sign said). Pretty good, but I like the ones I had in Dusseldorf 2 years ago much better.
After a quick stop at the hotel we set out in search of dinner, eventually ending up at an Italian place near the Renaissance. Alex and I had the sole; it was good but there wasn't very much. So after wards he and I went searching for a real schoarma and finally found one, much to the amusement of the others. That one was really good. After getting that down we made it back to the hotel and prepared for leaving the next day.
We then walked to the Anne Frank house as the tram we wanted to take must have been decommissioned; it was shown on the maps but not at the tracks. Oh, well, so we have sore feet. The tour was sombering; not much left there after the Nazi's cleaned out the place after they were discovered. But you could imagine what they had to go through.
We met Alex outside after the house and went looking for some lunch. We eventually found some subpar schoarma; not quite what Alex remembered but still good. Then it was time for some souvenir shopping and we ended up around the Dam. My souvenirs consisted of a hat as I was getting sunburned and some french fries (the best in Amsterdam so the sign said). Pretty good, but I like the ones I had in Dusseldorf 2 years ago much better.
After a quick stop at the hotel we set out in search of dinner, eventually ending up at an Italian place near the Renaissance. Alex and I had the sole; it was good but there wasn't very much. So after wards he and I went searching for a real schoarma and finally found one, much to the amusement of the others. That one was really good. After getting that down we made it back to the hotel and prepared for leaving the next day.
Amsterdam 2010 - May 21, 2010: Last Sessions and Show Close
Two sessions, the closing keynote, and teardown during the day. Both sessions went well, although that stupid demo was even slower than the day before. Got to figure that out; response time for the demos was really nasty and Alex and I had to do a lot of improvisation. When the tech lab was done I uninstalled all of the software I had put on the machines and then got ready for the last session. Once it was done the lab was gone, people were leaving, and the show was over. It went well, though; a lot of excitement.
We went out for dinner with the group to a french place called d'TheeBoom (The Tea Tree). The food was good, the service was lousy and slow, but I was in relax mode so it didn't matter. On the way home Alex and Richard took us on a route that bisected the Red Light District and we eventually parted company; several of us making for the hotel and the others vanished into the narrow streets and alleys in that neighborhood.
We went out for dinner with the group to a french place called d'TheeBoom (The Tea Tree). The food was good, the service was lousy and slow, but I was in relax mode so it didn't matter. On the way home Alex and Richard took us on a route that bisected the Red Light District and we eventually parted company; several of us making for the hotel and the others vanished into the narrow streets and alleys in that neighborhood.
Amsterdam 2010 - May 20, 2010: Session Time
For a while I thought I was not going to even step out of the hotel today. The hotel is connected by passageways to the Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA) so when you are going to sessions (held in the hotel conference rooms) from the tech lab (in the PTA) you simply cut down this corridor. Lunch is in the PTA, although there has been some serious mis-communication between the lunch staff and the show staff about lunch for the workers as neither side really understands what the other side is doing. But we managed to grab something to eat before they completely shut down the food line.
The first of my three sessions was today and it went well. The demo was a little slow but that is a combination of my crappy laptop and the network. Everything worked and everyone was excited about the Android emulator that I showed. I think they are more excited about getting the emulator for testing than for seeing the demo.
After the sessions it was time for Tech Talk (or what used to be called Meet (Beat) the Experts). 3 more hours of work in the lab, trying to get the staff to bring a plate or two of food or drinks by as that was dinner. We didn't get a lot of bug questions, mostly queries about new products which was good. And we got some food.
GWAVA had their conference party right after Tech Talk and we met at the boat dock next to the PTA and took 2 canal boats from there to a dock more downtown as their party was at a place called Royalty! Travis, Lex, and I went, and Travis managed to get access to the VIP lounge where we hung out, had some Dutch appetizers and a few Pepsi Lights, waiting for some of the Novell brass to arrive. We had heard that Ken and possibly Ron were going to come, but we got tired of waiting and shortly before midnight we departed for the walk/ride back. Made it partly back but Robin really needed to get back quick so we flagged a taxi and got him back quick!
The first of my three sessions was today and it went well. The demo was a little slow but that is a combination of my crappy laptop and the network. Everything worked and everyone was excited about the Android emulator that I showed. I think they are more excited about getting the emulator for testing than for seeing the demo.
After the sessions it was time for Tech Talk (or what used to be called Meet (Beat) the Experts). 3 more hours of work in the lab, trying to get the staff to bring a plate or two of food or drinks by as that was dinner. We didn't get a lot of bug questions, mostly queries about new products which was good. And we got some food.
GWAVA had their conference party right after Tech Talk and we met at the boat dock next to the PTA and took 2 canal boats from there to a dock more downtown as their party was at a place called Royalty! Travis, Lex, and I went, and Travis managed to get access to the VIP lounge where we hung out, had some Dutch appetizers and a few Pepsi Lights, waiting for some of the Novell brass to arrive. We had heard that Ken and possibly Ron were going to come, but we got tired of waiting and shortly before midnight we departed for the walk/ride back. Made it partly back but Robin really needed to get back quick so we flagged a taxi and got him back quick!
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