Friday, April 23, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Witu diving part 2
More pics on Facebook... sorry, it's just so much easier to load pics there than Blogger.
Blogger take note! Improve picture interface!
Blogger take note! Improve picture interface!
Next stop, Witu Island
After Kimbe Bay we steamed to Witu Island. It's the top 350 degrees of the top of a volcano... the land has a couple villages on both the outside and inside of the crater.
Here's the link to the pics.
Here's the link to the pics.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
PNG Holiday
Hi all,
Here's the link to the first set of pics from the early days of my last holiday. For those who missed it I took a couple weeks off in Papua New Guinea to do some scuba diving and relaxing. This first set is of the flight to West New Britain (island north of the PNG mainland) and settling in to the Walindi Plantation Resort for a night before getting on the Star Dancer, a Peter Hughes live aboard, for 10 days.
More to follow...
Here's the link to the first set of pics from the early days of my last holiday. For those who missed it I took a couple weeks off in Papua New Guinea to do some scuba diving and relaxing. This first set is of the flight to West New Britain (island north of the PNG mainland) and settling in to the Walindi Plantation Resort for a night before getting on the Star Dancer, a Peter Hughes live aboard, for 10 days.
More to follow...
Sunday, March 14, 2010
experience #2
Well, well... They don't call it the land of the unexpected for nothing.
Me and two friends from work went to dinner last night at a local Italian restaurant. The place was frequented by expats and upper middle class Papua New Guineans, and we usually went there a couple times a month. All was going good, we finished dinner and were downing our last sips of below average wine and waiting for the bill when one of my friends noticed something was not right. He has worked for the UN and been a few places where he's learned a few things. After tapping me on the knee a few times I finally figured it out when I looked up to see the staff running to the kitchen and 2 or 3 guys who didn't quite belong entering the dining area. That's about when they pulled their guns and told everyone to put their wallets and mobile phones on the table. No one really screamed or panicked. A few people hit the deck, and others (myself included) basically froze up. There were 5 of them altogether inside, 1 stood watch, 2 made their way through the customers, and the other 2 I presume hit the restaurant office. There had to be more outside also as all places in Port Moresby have "security", which would have been taken care of before they came inside. It was all over in probably under 10 minutes... I lost 500 Kina ($300) in cash and they didn't want my 30 Kina company phone. They made their way out without any major incident, we called our dispatch for the security drivers to pick us up, and it was all over.
First time I've seen a gun from that angle in person, not exactly a calming effect. But everything went the way it should have... None of us had our regular wallets, expensive watches, or anything not worth losing. Best of all no one reacted poorly and there weren't any "heroes", which is a good thing when there's that many bad guys with guns.
So, needless to say that restaurant is now "no-go". Looking back maybe it should have been the whole time given it was a smaller venue outside of any big hotels and didn't exactly have cracker jack security.
Tonight I ate in.
Me and two friends from work went to dinner last night at a local Italian restaurant. The place was frequented by expats and upper middle class Papua New Guineans, and we usually went there a couple times a month. All was going good, we finished dinner and were downing our last sips of below average wine and waiting for the bill when one of my friends noticed something was not right. He has worked for the UN and been a few places where he's learned a few things. After tapping me on the knee a few times I finally figured it out when I looked up to see the staff running to the kitchen and 2 or 3 guys who didn't quite belong entering the dining area. That's about when they pulled their guns and told everyone to put their wallets and mobile phones on the table. No one really screamed or panicked. A few people hit the deck, and others (myself included) basically froze up. There were 5 of them altogether inside, 1 stood watch, 2 made their way through the customers, and the other 2 I presume hit the restaurant office. There had to be more outside also as all places in Port Moresby have "security", which would have been taken care of before they came inside. It was all over in probably under 10 minutes... I lost 500 Kina ($300) in cash and they didn't want my 30 Kina company phone. They made their way out without any major incident, we called our dispatch for the security drivers to pick us up, and it was all over.
First time I've seen a gun from that angle in person, not exactly a calming effect. But everything went the way it should have... None of us had our regular wallets, expensive watches, or anything not worth losing. Best of all no one reacted poorly and there weren't any "heroes", which is a good thing when there's that many bad guys with guns.
So, needless to say that restaurant is now "no-go". Looking back maybe it should have been the whole time given it was a smaller venue outside of any big hotels and didn't exactly have cracker jack security.
Tonight I ate in.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
experience
Yesterday was a an interesting day. Sadly a co-worker and new friend here in PNG passed away on 25-February of cancer. She had worked with us since September 2009 until January 2010 before taking a few weeks off due to illness. As it turns out that illness was cancer and she left us in February. As her co-workers ee were graciously invited to her funeral and around twenty of us were able to leave work early and attend. We caught a bus from the project office in downtown Port Moresby and drove nearly an hour east to her village where the service was. After twisting and turning through the hills and bouncing on the pot holed roads we turned up a dirt road that lead towards the coast. Up and over another hill and we entered the village. Amelia's village is like one of those ones I've shown pictures of with the houses on stilts at the water's edge, and while the part we spent our time was on land it was apparent how close their connection to the sea and tides were. We passed some houses that were built in the middle of mangroves up on 2 meter high stilts that when we drove by were no where near any water. But the ground was muddy due to the tides. A tall walkway in mid-air to access the house was there to show us how high the tides get. The main part of the village we visited was on regular ground though and the church where the service was held was central to the community. There have been a lot of christian missionaries in this part of the world in the last couple hundred years, likely fairly similar to other countries many more hundreds of years ago. For this reason a lot of Papua New Guineans are of a christian background and churches are common place.
When we first stepped out of the bus it was apparent the whole village was involved in the process of laying Amelia to rest. There was a tented area where the main gathering outside the church was located. It was here where her family surrounded her coffin for what was essentially the viewing portion of the funeral. But as I said, the whole village was there for it. While most likely only knew her by name or her family they were still there, and the literally hundreds of kids around made the atmosphere very communal even though it was a solemn day. The village made room for us on benches near her coffin to pay our respects and basically sit there and take in the moment before the church portion of the day went ahead. All was calm until an elderly lady started to sing. I'm sure the song was a traditional funeral song in their language as when she was only two or three words into it when the entire gathering joined her in an awe inspiring choir. The moment was not lost on us and it began to set in how much family and community mean to Papua New Guineans.
Shortly after the service moved inside with the pall bearers carrying Amelia inside the church followed by everyone else. Again the villagers' hospitality was nearly too much as they directed us to the front, even though others in attendance would surely have known her much longer. Of course being the humble Canadian and not wanting to impose on the ceremony and to sit in the back I was at first uncomfortable being ushered to the front thinking that others would deserve to be closer given their relationship with Amelia. But as we learned afterward the village and Amelia's family were truly thankful that we attended and they were showing the hospitality that they would to any visitor no matter what the occasion.
The church portion of the service progressed much as any western funeral with various friends and family taking the podium to speak in between the priest reciting scripture and conducting prayers. After listening to Amelia's friends and family talk about her life and her accomplishments I get the sense that people from this island celebrate a person's contributions to the village, to their family, and to their nation equally. While some spoke of her involvement in the church and community others spoke at length about her professional accomplishments as well. It seemed that these were viewed as much as a testament to her intelligence and contribution to companies as much as they were contributions to the village and even Papua New Guinea as a whole. As a cultural experience this has allowed me to view this island nation in a different light. While Papua New Guinea is a beautiful place and one of the most undeveloped places in the world the sense of the people and their collective desire to succeed as a nation shines through in unexpected moments.
Throughout the service in the church there were a couple hymns or songs that I think are from christian roots even though they were sung in Amelia's language. But the most moving and what I'll remember are the traditional songs where one person would begin to sing and the entire congregation would join in behind them. Maybe because it was in a native language and a completely new experience to me it made the day more special to me, I don't know. What ever the case it was a day I won't soon forget for a couple reasons. Firstly it *was* a cultural experience and something truly from Papua New Guinea. And second because Amelia was a special person who in the short time we knew her touched us all and showed us how Papua New Guineans care for each other and the visitors to their island.
When we first stepped out of the bus it was apparent the whole village was involved in the process of laying Amelia to rest. There was a tented area where the main gathering outside the church was located. It was here where her family surrounded her coffin for what was essentially the viewing portion of the funeral. But as I said, the whole village was there for it. While most likely only knew her by name or her family they were still there, and the literally hundreds of kids around made the atmosphere very communal even though it was a solemn day. The village made room for us on benches near her coffin to pay our respects and basically sit there and take in the moment before the church portion of the day went ahead. All was calm until an elderly lady started to sing. I'm sure the song was a traditional funeral song in their language as when she was only two or three words into it when the entire gathering joined her in an awe inspiring choir. The moment was not lost on us and it began to set in how much family and community mean to Papua New Guineans.
Shortly after the service moved inside with the pall bearers carrying Amelia inside the church followed by everyone else. Again the villagers' hospitality was nearly too much as they directed us to the front, even though others in attendance would surely have known her much longer. Of course being the humble Canadian and not wanting to impose on the ceremony and to sit in the back I was at first uncomfortable being ushered to the front thinking that others would deserve to be closer given their relationship with Amelia. But as we learned afterward the village and Amelia's family were truly thankful that we attended and they were showing the hospitality that they would to any visitor no matter what the occasion.
The church portion of the service progressed much as any western funeral with various friends and family taking the podium to speak in between the priest reciting scripture and conducting prayers. After listening to Amelia's friends and family talk about her life and her accomplishments I get the sense that people from this island celebrate a person's contributions to the village, to their family, and to their nation equally. While some spoke of her involvement in the church and community others spoke at length about her professional accomplishments as well. It seemed that these were viewed as much as a testament to her intelligence and contribution to companies as much as they were contributions to the village and even Papua New Guinea as a whole. As a cultural experience this has allowed me to view this island nation in a different light. While Papua New Guinea is a beautiful place and one of the most undeveloped places in the world the sense of the people and their collective desire to succeed as a nation shines through in unexpected moments.
Throughout the service in the church there were a couple hymns or songs that I think are from christian roots even though they were sung in Amelia's language. But the most moving and what I'll remember are the traditional songs where one person would begin to sing and the entire congregation would join in behind them. Maybe because it was in a native language and a completely new experience to me it made the day more special to me, I don't know. What ever the case it was a day I won't soon forget for a couple reasons. Firstly it *was* a cultural experience and something truly from Papua New Guinea. And second because Amelia was a special person who in the short time we knew her touched us all and showed us how Papua New Guineans care for each other and the visitors to their island.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Relax
So there's a tsunami warning for PNG due to the quake in Chile. So I'm on my balcony trying to catch a tan and blogging, GT's. We can't go to site because it's right at sea level... no evidence of the tsunami here yet though, but apparently it has hit Hawaii already.
Anyways, back to the rays.
And before I forget, here's a link to all my Buenos Aires Photos: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=377929&id=666980653&l=3c76960449 .
And our day at the Guacho ranch... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=380335&id=666980653&l=0284dfeab4
Anyways, back to the rays.
And before I forget, here's a link to all my Buenos Aires Photos: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=377929&id=666980653&l=3c76960449 .
And our day at the Guacho ranch... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=380335&id=666980653&l=0284dfeab4
Sunday, February 14, 2010
BA
All good things come to an end... Unfortunately! Buenos Aires was awesome. The week here has been a ton of fun, exploring the city and taking in the sites with Ed and Kate. The GT's included a futbol game, a day at a working ranch, tango show, walking tours, shopping, wicked restaurants, and a few late night surprises at some very cool venues.
Argentina and BA have been another great experience with BA rocketing to the top of my favourite city list (narrowly ahead of Berlin). The casualness, awesome burrios, history, and attitude of the locals has made another big impression and resulted on a fantastic holiday experience. While there are definitely some elements of a 2nd world or undeveloped nation these only add to the charm of this impressive country. I'd like to return to explore the country to the south, which includes many elements familiar to Canada such as mountains, glaciers, skiing, and wildlife. All I good time though!!
I'm in the airport now getting ready for the trip back to png and work. Hope everyone is well!
-- Post From My iPhone
Argentina and BA have been another great experience with BA rocketing to the top of my favourite city list (narrowly ahead of Berlin). The casualness, awesome burrios, history, and attitude of the locals has made another big impression and resulted on a fantastic holiday experience. While there are definitely some elements of a 2nd world or undeveloped nation these only add to the charm of this impressive country. I'd like to return to explore the country to the south, which includes many elements familiar to Canada such as mountains, glaciers, skiing, and wildlife. All I good time though!!
I'm in the airport now getting ready for the trip back to png and work. Hope everyone is well!
-- Post From My iPhone
Friday, February 05, 2010
Smoke in your face
This was in my drafts from argentina, guess it didnt upload ...
Had to laugh. Apparently buenos aires is full of various wandering street vendors selling anything from jewelery, socks, to CDs... I was sitting enjoying a caprese salad and a one litre beer (cheers Nabber) when one of them lit a fresh smoke, took a big inhale, then made his sales pitch to a table of girls. The ensuing exhale and cloud of smoke in their faces was comical. They didn't buy anything.
-- Post From My iPhone
Had to laugh. Apparently buenos aires is full of various wandering street vendors selling anything from jewelery, socks, to CDs... I was sitting enjoying a caprese salad and a one litre beer (cheers Nabber) when one of them lit a fresh smoke, took a big inhale, then made his sales pitch to a table of girls. The ensuing exhale and cloud of smoke in their faces was comical. They didn't buy anything.
-- Post From My iPhone
Before I forget
A few notes from Mexico.
- in Mexican airport bars you can your drink in a to-go cup and take it directly to the gate!! I wonder if you could get it all the way onto the plane.
- Spanish screaming kids on planes are still annoying. But I understand.
- tableside coat racks in restaurants, why not, it's so simple and usefull. Take note restauranteers.
-- Post From My iPhone
- in Mexican airport bars you can your drink in a to-go cup and take it directly to the gate!! I wonder if you could get it all the way onto the plane.
- Spanish screaming kids on planes are still annoying. But I understand.
- tableside coat racks in restaurants, why not, it's so simple and usefull. Take note restauranteers.
-- Post From My iPhone
Arrived in EZE
Checked into a little B&B close to the apartment that Kate, Ed, and myself will be staying in once they arrive tomorrow. It's nice, fully old school and funky, and the bed very comfortable even if it's a full 30cm (1 foot) short.
It's 3pm here, taking a quick nap due to not much sleep in roach class on the way here.
The ride here was alright too, except I think I was taken for a ride by the taxi, but that could also be my skeptical self. The roads and all the buildings on/close to the freeway reminded me Cairo actually... Only more toll booths.
-- Post From My iPhone
It's 3pm here, taking a quick nap due to not much sleep in roach class on the way here.
The ride here was alright too, except I think I was taken for a ride by the taxi, but that could also be my skeptical self. The roads and all the buildings on/close to the freeway reminded me Cairo actually... Only more toll booths.
-- Post From My iPhone
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Rain delay
Nothing interesting to blog about today because it's raining... no one on the beach, no one on the course, and people are staying in their rooms (including me!). Oh well, a quiet day with a book and a laptop, can't complain! Tomorrow should be better... final round of golf and then off to Argentina.
Monday, February 01, 2010
POM to BNE to LAX to PVR
No regrets, first post in awhile. I've been relying on Facebook to update the masses but have realized lately that not everyone is on FB (gasp!), and this forum allows for a bit more detail.
So in case you didn't know I'm out for my second rotation from Papua New Guinea. The first half I've met friends John and Vanessa from Canada in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I've been here in PV for 7 nights so far... I stayed the first 6 at the Buenaventura Grand Hotel and Spa in downtown PV with those two... and yesterday I said goodbye to John and Vanessa as they had used up their week off from work. I had a great time with the two of them lounging by the pool and hanging out in downtown PV... We did a zip line thing which was a great time. I've never done that before, and when they go with you down the line and flip you upside down, essentially sending you headfirst over a giant crevasse with no hands it's unnerving at first. But eventually you want to do it more, a good rush! Other highlights of the time spent with J&V was partying on the malecon, relaxing by the pool, golfing, nice dinners, and many (too) tequila shots! I was eventually tequila'd out mid-week but fought through it for one more crazy night on their last night. Neither of them were too thrilled about being severely hungover for their plane ride home, mission accomplished!! ;)
Yesterday I moved over to Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta, a little further north than PV proper. The reason for this was now that I'm by myself my plan is to hit the golf course with vengeance, and one of the better courses (El Tigre) is located near this resort. My strategy today was to suffer through a timeshare presentation in order to get cheaper golf.
Timeshare sales people are not happy when you say no... bottom line I said I didn't come here thinking about a timeshare, I'm not an impulse buyer (I lied about that, I am!), and if it's such a good product you'll sell it to me later. It always sounds good though... They eventually talked themselves down to a $3500 sort of vacation club deal that was for 200 years, 6 weeks a year, pay as you go, no annual fee, 6 more less flexible weeks for friends/family, no blackouts, book online, etc etc sort of thing. Which still sounds like a decent deal. I mean, if I go somewhere and book a place it does cost way more ($150/night * 7nights = $1050), whereas this deal it'd be under $200-500 for a week depending how pick I was with times/places. Given that I do travel quite a bit it could be paid off pretty quickly... But basically it boils down to being a sort of discount online/self-service thing that costs $3500 to sign up for! So I'm not sold on it yet...
But I do get to play El Tigre three times for $108 instead of $150x3=$450, so no worries!
Here is a link to photos... They're all from my iPhone and taken with a blood alcohol measure of between 0.04 to 0.23 and therefore relatively crappy.
Tomorrow my plan is get up, jog on the beach, shower, breakfast, golf at 10:30am, then maybe the spa or a real workout... Then on Tuesday I have golf at 9am, so will have to work something else out for some more activity afterward. Wednesday I think I'll play one of the courses up in the mountains (since I have to check out anyways), then I'm on the plane at 6:30pm for the overnight trip to Buenos Aires, which is where I'm meeting Ed and Kate (friends from Brisbane) for the second half my break. Ed and Kate were in Peru for all the rain and mudslides that have been in the news, so I'm hoping everything is alright with them. They were planning a few multi-day treks through the jungle so it's not totally unusual that I haven't heard from them.
mmmm... blogging. I'll try and get back into it a little more consistently and hopefully more interesting too.
So in case you didn't know I'm out for my second rotation from Papua New Guinea. The first half I've met friends John and Vanessa from Canada in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. I've been here in PV for 7 nights so far... I stayed the first 6 at the Buenaventura Grand Hotel and Spa in downtown PV with those two... and yesterday I said goodbye to John and Vanessa as they had used up their week off from work. I had a great time with the two of them lounging by the pool and hanging out in downtown PV... We did a zip line thing which was a great time. I've never done that before, and when they go with you down the line and flip you upside down, essentially sending you headfirst over a giant crevasse with no hands it's unnerving at first. But eventually you want to do it more, a good rush! Other highlights of the time spent with J&V was partying on the malecon, relaxing by the pool, golfing, nice dinners, and many (too) tequila shots! I was eventually tequila'd out mid-week but fought through it for one more crazy night on their last night. Neither of them were too thrilled about being severely hungover for their plane ride home, mission accomplished!! ;)
Yesterday I moved over to Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta, a little further north than PV proper. The reason for this was now that I'm by myself my plan is to hit the golf course with vengeance, and one of the better courses (El Tigre) is located near this resort. My strategy today was to suffer through a timeshare presentation in order to get cheaper golf.
Timeshare sales people are not happy when you say no... bottom line I said I didn't come here thinking about a timeshare, I'm not an impulse buyer (I lied about that, I am!), and if it's such a good product you'll sell it to me later. It always sounds good though... They eventually talked themselves down to a $3500 sort of vacation club deal that was for 200 years, 6 weeks a year, pay as you go, no annual fee, 6 more less flexible weeks for friends/family, no blackouts, book online, etc etc sort of thing. Which still sounds like a decent deal. I mean, if I go somewhere and book a place it does cost way more ($150/night * 7nights = $1050), whereas this deal it'd be under $200-500 for a week depending how pick I was with times/places. Given that I do travel quite a bit it could be paid off pretty quickly... But basically it boils down to being a sort of discount online/self-service thing that costs $3500 to sign up for! So I'm not sold on it yet...
But I do get to play El Tigre three times for $108 instead of $150x3=$450, so no worries!
Here is a link to photos... They're all from my iPhone and taken with a blood alcohol measure of between 0.04 to 0.23 and therefore relatively crappy.
Tomorrow my plan is get up, jog on the beach, shower, breakfast, golf at 10:30am, then maybe the spa or a real workout... Then on Tuesday I have golf at 9am, so will have to work something else out for some more activity afterward. Wednesday I think I'll play one of the courses up in the mountains (since I have to check out anyways), then I'm on the plane at 6:30pm for the overnight trip to Buenos Aires, which is where I'm meeting Ed and Kate (friends from Brisbane) for the second half my break. Ed and Kate were in Peru for all the rain and mudslides that have been in the news, so I'm hoping everything is alright with them. They were planning a few multi-day treks through the jungle so it's not totally unusual that I haven't heard from them.
mmmm... blogging. I'll try and get back into it a little more consistently and hopefully more interesting too.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
End of Oz II
It appears this stint is coming to another end here in Australia, with my assignment drawing to a close and my pending mobilization to Papua New Guinea for the construction phase. The date has been set for 9-Sept, so I've started making arrangmements to get rid of furniture, sell the car, and send some things back to Canada for storage... This date has been a couple months in making, with an original forecast of June. But I was never that optimistic and have been telling anyone who asked that my mobilisation to PNG was 4-6 weeks away. Well, there was a hint of it before I left for hols but it was confirmed when I returned that it was really going to happen.
Of course I'm sad to leave once again, it's been an awesome year. But I always knew this was the end game. Reuniting with Aussie friends and coworkers from 2006 was great, plus I've of coursed made many more the course of the year.
Life will be a little different in PNG. I'll be living in the national capital of Port Moresby in company supplied apartment style townhouses. I've seen a few pictures and have heard good news about the arrangements from coworkers who have already made the move. The work will be a lot more intense with the work schedule being 7days per week and 11 hour days (77/week). We do this for 6 weeks and then get 3 weeks off, with the standard arrangement to fly back to Calgary (or somewhere of equal or lessor value). It'll take some getting used to, the last assignment in Egypt was 56 hours per week....
We do get a half day off on Sundays, on which I'm hoping to hone my mid-irons at the Port Moresby Golf Club. Other than that I believe social opportunities are scarce due mostly to our work schedule and partly due to our limited mobility in-country. We won't have our own transportation but are instead given access to a pool of drivers and vans. I think most people use them to go shopping and whatnot, and not many pub crawls. I'll make an effort to change this though... I'm hoping my radio call sign will be something along the lines of Party Machine. Hah.
So that's the latest. Here's a picture of my favorite sushi bar whilst enjoying a bottle of cola. Hanachi on the Queen St Mall beside Wagamama and Strike Bowling. Order the sashimi plate, best in Brissie. I'll miss it.
-- Post From My iPhone
Of course I'm sad to leave once again, it's been an awesome year. But I always knew this was the end game. Reuniting with Aussie friends and coworkers from 2006 was great, plus I've of coursed made many more the course of the year.
Life will be a little different in PNG. I'll be living in the national capital of Port Moresby in company supplied apartment style townhouses. I've seen a few pictures and have heard good news about the arrangements from coworkers who have already made the move. The work will be a lot more intense with the work schedule being 7days per week and 11 hour days (77/week). We do this for 6 weeks and then get 3 weeks off, with the standard arrangement to fly back to Calgary (or somewhere of equal or lessor value). It'll take some getting used to, the last assignment in Egypt was 56 hours per week....
We do get a half day off on Sundays, on which I'm hoping to hone my mid-irons at the Port Moresby Golf Club. Other than that I believe social opportunities are scarce due mostly to our work schedule and partly due to our limited mobility in-country. We won't have our own transportation but are instead given access to a pool of drivers and vans. I think most people use them to go shopping and whatnot, and not many pub crawls. I'll make an effort to change this though... I'm hoping my radio call sign will be something along the lines of Party Machine. Hah.
So that's the latest. Here's a picture of my favorite sushi bar whilst enjoying a bottle of cola. Hanachi on the Queen St Mall beside Wagamama and Strike Bowling. Order the sashimi plate, best in Brissie. I'll miss it.
-- Post From My iPhone
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
California
Apologies for the lack of blogging, but Facebook has ended up being a more convenient place to through pictures and quick updates. But, here's a significant post.
I've spent the last 10 days in central California to stand up for a friend in his wedding to a beautiful bride. A bunch of friends made the trip down from Calgary for the events. The newlyweds planned a great week between San Francisco and the Carmel area. We toured, we wine-toured, we golfed, we went to a ball game, we took scenic drives, we hot-tubbed, we cooked, we had push-up contests, we shopped, and most of all we enjoyed everyone's company with the happy couple.
Here are a few pictures.... Unfortunately they're not in chronological order, but they're here!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Safety first
Last week I was asked to attend a two day safety leadership conference down in kingscliff, to the south of the Gold Coast. It was an all day event with our construction group and most high level client management as well. It was an informative and enjoyable conference held at a great location. The hotel was called Mantra, and this is the pool:
-- Post From My iPhone
-- Post From My iPhone
Monday, July 13, 2009
All the latest rage
I hear "the frank" is the next drink of choice amongst young professional types at this year's stampede.
It's Patron with a slice of goodness.
-- Post From My iPhone
It's Patron with a slice of goodness.
-- Post From My iPhone
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Winter evening
On my way to a work dinner in southbank, but had to admire the Brisbane winter evening by the river at the ferry wharf.
-- Post From My iPhone
-- Post From My iPhone
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