tryzub

I was in Melaka for a project at Infineon for two weeks. The people were really friendly (they wanted to “order out” for KFC or McDonald’s, thinking that’s what I would be comfortable with) and wanted to make me feel welcome. I enjoyed the food (lots of Portugese) and experiencing a culture so different from ours here in the USA.

What I can honestly say I liked aside from what I’ve already mentioned is the driving…the absolutely crazy driving of these people! Back in The States, there would be lots of road rage due to how people drove, but I thoroughly enjoyed the orchestrated chaos. When someone needed to come over into your lane, you just moved. No big deal. People made three-lane roads into five-lane roads. The lines on the pavement seemed to be more of a “guide” than lane markers. I also enjoyed driving on the “wrong” side of the road. ;)

I spent several months in Pleasanton and the surrounding area. Although I was “living” and working primarily in Pleasanton, I found that I had to go to San Francisco, San Jose, Walnut Creek and Concord to find things to do.

There was a nightclub and a watering hole that were cool, but Pleasanton is primarily residential and office parks.

During the summer of 2001, some friends/colleagues of mine and I planned a trip to Vegas to meet up as a sort of going away party for those of us who were leaving Remedy Corporation. The dates for the soiree were 9/20/01 – 9/24/01. Yeah, just a few days after 9/11. We all decided to go anyway, figuring that the airlines would be safest right after such a horrific event.

This was my first trip to Vegas. The atmosphere was nothing as I had heard it would be. You could hear individual slot machines and there were $5 Blackjack tables everywhere…even at the Ballagio and Ceasar’s. However, we had the opportunity to see both “O” and Les Mis…on any day that we wanted.

We had planned to stay off the strip, but considering the recent event, we checked into The Aladdin…for just $75/night.

The woman in my life now is planning another trip to Vegas for us. This time it’s for my birthday on March 11th. I’m looking forward to going back! We’re not staying at the Aladdin this time because it’s $300-$400/night (NASCAR is in town). Instead, we’ll be staying at New York, New York for $230/night.

Vegas is a great place to visit. It’s really for children of all ages (yep, even “older” children). I highly recommend going with a group. You can plan activities that involve everyone, but then get away with just your honey for a romantic dinner or show, too.

Heed this warning: If you plan to gamble, set yourself a daily limit and DO NOTEXCEED IT – no matter how much you think your luck will turn.