Adventures of a Texan

Day 2 - Pyramids

Yes, one of the 7 wonders of the world. In fact, the only one still in existence. But before I got to the pyramids, I had to make a phone call. Where? Germany. To whom? Potential investors. I could hardly sleep last night, I think primarily due to eating so late. I think I finally found sleep at about 5 am. Then up at 7:45. I had to get ready for the day then head out and find a phone card to use at the hotel to call Germany. The cafes that I knew of didn't have a fast enough upload to use Skype. After finding a card, I went back to my hotel to find that the only phone I could use was the lobby phone. Not quite ideal for a one hour call.

So, I hopped a cab 5 blocks away to the Marriot to take advantage of the business center. Ouch! That place is expensive. But, I got to make a call and use the internet. So, work was done for the morning. It only took four hours. On my way out, I ran into a cabbie that I decided to hire for a ride out to Giza. That is where the three closest, and largest pyramids are to Cairo. Cheops, Chephren and Mycerinus. I rode a horse around the pyramids and got some decent pictures. They really are big. As simple as that sounds, it holds true. After having read that they were originally covered with a polished limestone and then raped of there outer covering, I can somewhat visualize how they must have looked. Like the Las Vegas 'Luxor' hotel (I will be in the real Luxor soon) with shimmering sides and a radiance to light the night on a full moon.

Well, now I am back having lunch in a cafe. Not too many restaurants around. until next time....

Cairo, Day one

In case you haven't heard, I am in Egypt now. I flew in this morning. Apparently, all major flights come in in the middle of the night. Mine, 2:15 am. However, you have to stand in line to get a visa for $15, then wait in a huge line to get stamped on your passport. All said and done, I finally left the airport at 3:45 am.

The cab was about to fall completely apart and I am sure I paid too much. But, at 4 am, I just wanted to go to bed. Finally go to the hotel, the May Fair hotel, in Zamelek. It is supposed to be one of the nicer expat communities in Cairo. There are embassies everywhere.

Woke up and met my old roommie from Cairo, Eli Williams. We went around to a few cafes in the area and had a good talk. Saw his flat in Zamelek real quick before he had to start studying for tests tomorrow. Then, I went to the Egyptian Museum. That place is cool! Thank goodness I have my ISIC card (Int'l Student ID) because it is going to save me tons. I also hired a guide and it was definitely worth it. All of the pharaohs, tombs, carcofigi (sp?), and hieroglyphs were awesome. having the guide really helped with the history and a much better understanding of everything. Then I went across the street to a papyrus store. he actually made some papyrus paper in front of me.

now, I am at a cafe in Zamelek getting some work done. I always have time for Sproutit. Tomorrow...pyramids.

Prague Update - Spring Edition

Yes, it is I. The adventurer of the world. Man of mystery and ambiguity. Those last descriptors only exist because I forget to write you and fill you in. So, my mistake. Time to change that. Here we go!

Browsers are finally funny

All browsers have their limitations. So, whatever browser you do use on a regular basis, I think you will agree that this is just plain funny.

A touch on the lighter side

My buddy's girlfriend is in town for a while before traveling on to the rest of Europe. Somehow, she now has a chipped tooth after this weekend. In here honor, I have posted this recording of a classic children's poem. Way to go Jenna.

Download mithing_tooth.mp3

It's been too long

While my posts have never been very long in length, I used to do them somewhat regularly. I notice, however, that I haven't written in a while. Well, aside from being sick for about a week, I went to Vienna for three days last week. I met up with some friends from my old university, PLNU, and met some new friends at Wollzelle. While my time was somewhat limited with the longer than usual train ride, due to the flooding, I enjoyed every minute of it. My favorite cafes were serving the best pastries with a twist. It is 'erdbeer zeit' or Strawberry Time. Imagine a strudel made with a creamy cheese filling, then adding strawberries to it and sipping a Viennese classic, a melange (half espresso, half steamed milk - I like mine with 2 sugars). Well, I am preparing for a good Easter weekend. Going to a seder tomorrow. Ciao.

numero uno

my first praha video.

I love this game!

My brother surprised me today with tickets to the 1st round of March Madness here in Dallas. We saw two match ups. NC State vs. Cal and Texas vs. Penn. My bracket was 1 up and 1 down afterwards. Very close matches. Hardly enough words to describe having been there. Perhaps in my podcast.

Get in the Game

So, with March Madness upon us, I have just started a company and friends bracket. I would love for you to join. There will be prizes and maybe even cash to the winners!

Visit HERE to sign up. It will be $10, but it sure will be fun. I am using an online bracket system, too. No cheating and no bad calculations by the commissioner (that's me).

Dating Dilbert style

No, I do not expect you to go looking for someone like our cute cubicle worker, Dilbert. But, check out this recent posting by Scott Adams in his Dilbert Blog. He contemplates a dating site based upon two criteria. His two are listed and I am sure he will get plenty more suggestions. In fact, I suggested hair and siblings. Hopefully he will post my comment so that you can read more.