There's a strange haze over the city today due to the humidity - it looks close to fog but not quite. It seems thinner than most fog (or at least what I think of as "fog") would be.
I got to talk to Monnie today which was really great - we used Skype so that we wouldn't have to pay for the call... really an invaluable tool for avoiding long distance charges. There's an 8 hour difference so your options are either 11PM CDT and 7AM IST or 3PM IST and 7AM CDT.
After work Rob and I got dinner on the beach before walking to the marina that I'd mentioned the other day. It's a pretty good hike but not too bad - you can't complain about walking by the sea when you're from Wisconsin!
5.31.2007
5.30.2007
Dinner in Ra'anana
One thing I've been very surprised about so far has been the weather -- It's just been really really nice. The temp has been comparable to Wisconsin this time of year (80s) but much drier, making it way more comfortable. Today is another case entirely though as wind from the desert has increased the temp dramatically - it's quite the sauna out there! Apparently it's called a 'hamsin'.
After work today Rob and I were treated to dinner by our David (our CEO) and his wife Karen. The food was really good as was the conversation.
On our way back to the hotel something that (apparently) is quite unusual happened - it rained! ...for about 6 seconds.
After work today Rob and I were treated to dinner by our David (our CEO) and his wife Karen. The food was really good as was the conversation.
On our way back to the hotel something that (apparently) is quite unusual happened - it rained! ...for about 6 seconds.
5.28.2007
Memorial Day in Israel
I slept well last night until about 430AM and then, for some reason, my body just decided it was time to get up - not tired at all - just done sleeping... Not the worst thing that can happen when you're on vacation though - it just gave me the opportunity to take a walk and do a bit of reading by the water.
Today's work highlight was meeting our companies CEO face-to-face. I've had numerous phone conversations and a video call with David but as was the case with the rest of the team - meeting him face to face was wonderful.
After work today a good portion of the team took us for dinner at an authentic Yemenis restaurant. We shared a wide range of side dishes and I had a steak - seasoned much differently than would be at home but nothing too shocking - very good. The rest of the group got soup which met with several rave reviews and a couple negative (one of which was the other American pallet).
Following that a subset of the group had a few drinks on the beach (about midway between the two spots on the beach we had been before) before calling it a night. Seems that we must be in a fairly popular spot for American travelers since we met a couple of different American groups tonight.
Another beautiful day weatherwise - although from the looks of things Wisconsin is looking pretty nice while we're away too (?).
Today's work highlight was meeting our companies CEO face-to-face. I've had numerous phone conversations and a video call with David but as was the case with the rest of the team - meeting him face to face was wonderful.
After work today a good portion of the team took us for dinner at an authentic Yemenis restaurant. We shared a wide range of side dishes and I had a steak - seasoned much differently than would be at home but nothing too shocking - very good. The rest of the group got soup which met with several rave reviews and a couple negative (one of which was the other American pallet).
Following that a subset of the group had a few drinks on the beach (about midway between the two spots on the beach we had been before) before calling it a night. Seems that we must be in a fairly popular spot for American travelers since we met a couple of different American groups tonight.
Another beautiful day weatherwise - although from the looks of things Wisconsin is looking pretty nice while we're away too (?).
5.27.2007
Meeting The Team
Our first "day at work" was a very good one. I got to meet our teammates, some of whom we've been working with for months, in person. Great to put names with faces - just having a bit of time to actually see and talk to them will help quite a bit with our communication once we're back home.
The day started off with a walk on the beach (something that I hope will be a pretty standard part of my morning given where we're staying). Then on to work where we were greeted by a cook out!
The technology portion of the company has converted a couple of neighboring apartments into an office for the 5 of them. It's not far (15-20 minute ride) from our hotel. Because it's a more "residential" setup it has the luxury of a small courtyard for a grilling area and a really casual feel.
All the people are very young - Not positive but I believe everyone is between 24-30 and have personalities that seem to very closely resemble any normal American that you might bump into in that age group.
After work, Rob and I had dinner overlooking the Mediterranean just a few blocks from our hotel. On our way back home we decided to try out the bar beneath our hotel... turns out it's not a bar! It's a bartending school! That may not actually have been a bad thing though as the instructor decided to give us a couple of free drinks just for visiting -- Apparently we're not the first visitors to make the mistake.
The day started off with a walk on the beach (something that I hope will be a pretty standard part of my morning given where we're staying). Then on to work where we were greeted by a cook out!
The technology portion of the company has converted a couple of neighboring apartments into an office for the 5 of them. It's not far (15-20 minute ride) from our hotel. Because it's a more "residential" setup it has the luxury of a small courtyard for a grilling area and a really casual feel.
All the people are very young - Not positive but I believe everyone is between 24-30 and have personalities that seem to very closely resemble any normal American that you might bump into in that age group.
After work, Rob and I had dinner overlooking the Mediterranean just a few blocks from our hotel. On our way back home we decided to try out the bar beneath our hotel... turns out it's not a bar! It's a bartending school! That may not actually have been a bad thing though as the instructor decided to give us a couple of free drinks just for visiting -- Apparently we're not the first visitors to make the mistake.
5.26.2007
5/26 - Day 2
The title says "Day 2" but at this point I don't really know what day it is. I know I slept somewhere between 2 and 5 hours last night (no idea which it is) and that it was definitely in 4 installments... but hey, we made it! That was a seriously long flight. Luckily I had some good row mates.
So far things seem a lot like Miami - warm, palm trees, cab drivers that speak rough (but decent) English; the hotel clerk actually spoke better English than I'd have expected to find at a Miami hotel though :)
The comparison to the US really holds true looking out my window here - I feel like I'm in Hermosa Beach (LA) or something of the sort. Palm trees - a big ocean (sea, actually) and just a great view.
I just turned on the TV in my room to be greeted by "Can't Live, If Livin' Is Without You" (in English).
So far so good! Now - for the long awaited shower and tooth brushing!!!
***
The hotel feels like some of the older American hotels I've stayed in and the location is great - if I lean out my window I can see the beach maybe 5-6 blocks down. Notice I said "lean out my window" - they actually trust me with the ability to open my window here - something I haven't found in a big city hotel in quite a while.
That reminds me (speaking of things I haven't seen in a while) - (a) we had meals on the flight. We had dinner last night (at 7AM Israeli time) and breakfast this morning (at 5PM Israeli time) - I guess they're not trying to help get us on our new schedule! Anyway, though (b) they gave us metal silverware. I was pretty surprised by that.
Also, thinking back to the airport earlier - one of the primary things I had read online was that you get stopped all the time in the airport and asked basic questions by security (to try to trip you up if you're up to no good). We didn't see ANY of that - at all. Actually, I didn't see anyone at this airport with a gun (at the Madison airport you pass at least 6 or 7) -- maybe that's just because we were on the way in though... we'll see if things are tougher on the way out.
***
Just got back from dinner with the Rob and Koby (the CTO of Seeking Alpha). Crazy to think that we've been working so closely together but this is the first time that I've actually even seen his face, much less met him in person! I'm looking forward to a couple such moments in the next two weeks involving other members of the team!
We went to eat at an area called 'The Marina'. Very cool place on the water (obviously) with lots of restaurants and places to see. It reminded me a lot of the similar area in Baltimore (is that also called "The Marnia"?... I think it might be). Anyway, this was similar to that but a bit bigger - a few more people - and I actually felt safer at Tel Aviv's version. I remember the walk back to the car in Baltimore being much more shady, despite the fact that we were only parked about two blocks away from the action.
***
Tomorrow we'll be working off some jetlag in the morning and I hope to take a walk down to the sea. Rob and I actually walked down there quick tonight but I'd like to see it during the day. We'll be headed over to meet the team and get a little work done about noon before having a barbecue (hosted by Koby) tomorrow for us all to properly get some social time in.
So far things seem a lot like Miami - warm, palm trees, cab drivers that speak rough (but decent) English; the hotel clerk actually spoke better English than I'd have expected to find at a Miami hotel though :)
The comparison to the US really holds true looking out my window here - I feel like I'm in Hermosa Beach (LA) or something of the sort. Palm trees - a big ocean (sea, actually) and just a great view.
I just turned on the TV in my room to be greeted by "Can't Live, If Livin' Is Without You" (in English).
So far so good! Now - for the long awaited shower and tooth brushing!!!
***
The hotel feels like some of the older American hotels I've stayed in and the location is great - if I lean out my window I can see the beach maybe 5-6 blocks down. Notice I said "lean out my window" - they actually trust me with the ability to open my window here - something I haven't found in a big city hotel in quite a while.
That reminds me (speaking of things I haven't seen in a while) - (a) we had meals on the flight. We had dinner last night (at 7AM Israeli time) and breakfast this morning (at 5PM Israeli time) - I guess they're not trying to help get us on our new schedule! Anyway, though (b) they gave us metal silverware. I was pretty surprised by that.
Also, thinking back to the airport earlier - one of the primary things I had read online was that you get stopped all the time in the airport and asked basic questions by security (to try to trip you up if you're up to no good). We didn't see ANY of that - at all. Actually, I didn't see anyone at this airport with a gun (at the Madison airport you pass at least 6 or 7) -- maybe that's just because we were on the way in though... we'll see if things are tougher on the way out.
***
Just got back from dinner with the Rob and Koby (the CTO of Seeking Alpha). Crazy to think that we've been working so closely together but this is the first time that I've actually even seen his face, much less met him in person! I'm looking forward to a couple such moments in the next two weeks involving other members of the team!
We went to eat at an area called 'The Marina'. Very cool place on the water (obviously) with lots of restaurants and places to see. It reminded me a lot of the similar area in Baltimore (is that also called "The Marnia"?... I think it might be). Anyway, this was similar to that but a bit bigger - a few more people - and I actually felt safer at Tel Aviv's version. I remember the walk back to the car in Baltimore being much more shady, despite the fact that we were only parked about two blocks away from the action.
***
Tomorrow we'll be working off some jetlag in the morning and I hope to take a walk down to the sea. Rob and I actually walked down there quick tonight but I'd like to see it during the day. We'll be headed over to meet the team and get a little work done about noon before having a barbecue (hosted by Koby) tomorrow for us all to properly get some social time in.
5/25 - Day 1
For those who haven't heard, I've just started an exciting trip to Israel to visit the other employees at the company I work for (Seeking Alpha). I'm really looking forward to it and know it's going to be a wonderful life experience, as well as allowing me to actually see the people I work with on a daily basis in the flesh.
-------
Our trip started today with Monnie (and Howie) escorting Rob and I to the airport in Madison. Our flight out of Madison was delayed about 45 minutes but we had a cushion built in at Newark (better safe than sorry - we really didn't want to miss this connection!).
Shortly after arriving at Newark we heard an announcement for all passengers on flight 90 ("hey, that's us") to head to the gate right away for extra security screening. We were mid-discussion about how it was already 9PM and we hadn't eaten yet at the time... we probably should have thought "hey, we should get food quick and then go", but instead we erred on the safe-side at reported immediately. -- It turned out to just be an extra 1 minute of carry on searching, metal detecting, and rub downs (that must be why it costs $1300 to fly to Tel Aviv).
So, here we sit - the last time that I plan on taking the laptop out before Tel Aviv as it seems like it would just be way more hassle to take it out and use it than it's worth... oh, that reminds me - we found out when we got to Madison that we both had middle seats on this flight. I guess that extra email I sent to Continental to make sure that we were either together or both windows really paid off! The guy had told me that it was taken care of but apparently he meant "for the return flight".... oh well.
That's it for now. See you in Israel.
-------
Our trip started today with Monnie (and Howie) escorting Rob and I to the airport in Madison. Our flight out of Madison was delayed about 45 minutes but we had a cushion built in at Newark (better safe than sorry - we really didn't want to miss this connection!).
Shortly after arriving at Newark we heard an announcement for all passengers on flight 90 ("hey, that's us") to head to the gate right away for extra security screening. We were mid-discussion about how it was already 9PM and we hadn't eaten yet at the time... we probably should have thought "hey, we should get food quick and then go", but instead we erred on the safe-side at reported immediately. -- It turned out to just be an extra 1 minute of carry on searching, metal detecting, and rub downs (that must be why it costs $1300 to fly to Tel Aviv).
So, here we sit - the last time that I plan on taking the laptop out before Tel Aviv as it seems like it would just be way more hassle to take it out and use it than it's worth... oh, that reminds me - we found out when we got to Madison that we both had middle seats on this flight. I guess that extra email I sent to Continental to make sure that we were either together or both windows really paid off! The guy had told me that it was taken care of but apparently he meant "for the return flight".... oh well.
That's it for now. See you in Israel.
5.14.2007
It's hard to dislike the Mallards
Everyone likes the current incarnation of our Madison-area baseball team: The Mallards. Unlike previous versions, these guys aren't professionals (not minor leaguers) but this version does such a great job with providing a fun product at a great price - you just have to go.
I just took a look at some of the promotions coming up (there's one pretty much every night). Here are my favorites (the rest are here):
An old school mesh hat
june 9 - Dr. Jay Hazen Dentistry for Madison Muskies Turn-Back-the-Clock Night. Mallards will wear authentic 1993 Muskies uniforms & free Muskies mesh caps (first 1,000). Live music w/ the Hometown Sweethearts. Harley-Davidson Night presented by Capital City. Unique area Harley-Davidson motorcycles will be on display and the first 500 fans in the Duck Blind will receive a Mallards six-pack cooler courtesy of Capital City Harley-Davidson. Post-game fireworks show, presented by Life Style Staffing.
A duck bobblehead and a pint glass
june 13 - U.S. Cellular Bobblehead night. Dancin’ Maynard G. Mallard Bobbleheads (all fans). Budweiser Pint Glass Series Night #2 (first 1,000 fans 21 & over).
A guaranteed win
june 19 - First former Mallard in MLB, Ryan Spilborghs’ Figurine Night (first 1,000 fans 14 & under). Bucky Book Night (first 1,000 families). Quench Gum Guaranteed Win Night as the Mallards take on the Bombers. If the Mallards lose (yeah right) free tickets to a future game to all fans after the game.
The Isotopes (will Homer be there?)
june 20 - Fox 47 The Simpson’s Night. Featuring Mallards wearing Isotopes uniforms, Simpson’s cover songs w/ the Outtatoons, great giveaways & Simpson’s trivia all night! Budweiser Pint Glass Series Night #3 (first 1,000 fans 21 & over).
Ticket cost determined by height (aka "anti-Strom night")
july 13 - Short People Appreciation Night, featuring Emmannuel Lewis (AKA Webster). Ticket prices on day of game will be based on height! All fans on the Great Dane Duck Blind will receive a Mallards T-shirt courtesy of Covance.
Screech and Neil Diamond covers on the same night?!?
july 14 - Goodman’s Jewelers Diamond Night. The first 1,000 ladies will receive a gemstone and one will be a real diamond! Bring your gemstone back to Goodman’s to find out if you have won the diamond! A special appearance by Dustin Diamond (AKA Screech). The Gomers playing Neil Diamond covers on the Duck Blind. Post-game fireworks, presented by Life Style Staffing.
Howie finally gets to experience some live baseball
july 29 - Luxury Bath Rubber Ducky Night (first 1,000 14 & under). Dogs at the “Duck Pond” Night. Dogs welcome at the park & $.50 per hot dog sold will go to the Dane County Humane Society.
I just took a look at some of the promotions coming up (there's one pretty much every night). Here are my favorites (the rest are here):
An old school mesh hat
june 9 - Dr. Jay Hazen Dentistry for Madison Muskies Turn-Back-the-Clock Night. Mallards will wear authentic 1993 Muskies uniforms & free Muskies mesh caps (first 1,000). Live music w/ the Hometown Sweethearts. Harley-Davidson Night presented by Capital City. Unique area Harley-Davidson motorcycles will be on display and the first 500 fans in the Duck Blind will receive a Mallards six-pack cooler courtesy of Capital City Harley-Davidson. Post-game fireworks show, presented by Life Style Staffing.
A duck bobblehead and a pint glass
june 13 - U.S. Cellular Bobblehead night. Dancin’ Maynard G. Mallard Bobbleheads (all fans). Budweiser Pint Glass Series Night #2 (first 1,000 fans 21 & over).
A guaranteed win
june 19 - First former Mallard in MLB, Ryan Spilborghs’ Figurine Night (first 1,000 fans 14 & under). Bucky Book Night (first 1,000 families). Quench Gum Guaranteed Win Night as the Mallards take on the Bombers. If the Mallards lose (yeah right) free tickets to a future game to all fans after the game.
The Isotopes (will Homer be there?)
june 20 - Fox 47 The Simpson’s Night. Featuring Mallards wearing Isotopes uniforms, Simpson’s cover songs w/ the Outtatoons, great giveaways & Simpson’s trivia all night! Budweiser Pint Glass Series Night #3 (first 1,000 fans 21 & over).
Ticket cost determined by height (aka "anti-Strom night")
july 13 - Short People Appreciation Night, featuring Emmannuel Lewis (AKA Webster). Ticket prices on day of game will be based on height! All fans on the Great Dane Duck Blind will receive a Mallards T-shirt courtesy of Covance.
Screech and Neil Diamond covers on the same night?!?
july 14 - Goodman’s Jewelers Diamond Night. The first 1,000 ladies will receive a gemstone and one will be a real diamond! Bring your gemstone back to Goodman’s to find out if you have won the diamond! A special appearance by Dustin Diamond (AKA Screech). The Gomers playing Neil Diamond covers on the Duck Blind. Post-game fireworks, presented by Life Style Staffing.
Howie finally gets to experience some live baseball
july 29 - Luxury Bath Rubber Ducky Night (first 1,000 14 & under). Dogs at the “Duck Pond” Night. Dogs welcome at the park & $.50 per hot dog sold will go to the Dane County Humane Society.
5.07.2007
Battle Of The Surfaces
This was just pointed out to me the other day (thanks Hobber) but apparently happened a bit ago. A mixed court - half grass and half clay - constructed for a match between Federer (the king of grass) and Nidal (the king of clay).
Nidal narrowly edged out Federer in the end but a pretty cool concept.
Nidal narrowly edged out Federer in the end but a pretty cool concept.
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