Thursday, January 31, 2008

A very bad experience with American Airlines

THURSDAY THIRTEEN
1)My regular readers do know that Ingelin should have been in Oslo by now.
2)She is not.
3)Still in Miami due to American Airlines.
4)She will on my blog tell you what happened
5)and then why you should avoid American Airlines.
6)At least if you are going to Europe.
7)The superviser did not know how much luggage allowed to Europe
8)This was at International Check-in
9)They spent 20 minutes to find out
10)It must be embrassing to have such low standard on personel
11)No excuses given
12)No compensation given
13)"You must write an e-mail" the only answer given - it will come plus bad reputation on a blog

Stay tuned for the full story

PS. Let us show the Big Companies they can not any longer take their customers as granted. Blogging is the strongest free media to tell them and reveal them when they mistreat and deliver bad services and behaviour. So please, when Ingelin have posted her story, deal it with others.
(Traditional medias these days are scared from doing any critisism - they can loose advertising money - free press?)

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Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Wordless Wednesday - Jan 30 - 2008


This Donkey was Wordless, but the Eyes told us:
No trespassing - unless paid a Toll of a ton of hay.

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Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Papa and Klara

CATS ON TUESDAY
My regular readers do know I love Cats. And speaks to Cats in their language wherever I am. It's easier for me than most Human Languages. How is that with you? Mieuoow
You have (?) met Klara or Clara before. That is the name Ingelin gave her, not what the CEO of the hotel named her: Evita. Hence you got the clue: She is an Argentinian young Lady.



I do think she felt in love with me. Neither Anna nor Ingelin did find her. I just sat down in the Shadow and seconds later she was there. May be it's the colour of my skin. Just like at the Wall behind.



No Tango needed to get in touch - or was it too hot for a dance?



She is looking down. Am I too sexy dressed for such a meeting? Or simply too well fed? (She attacked my left foot - but no Cameras to witness)
Did you know the Nickname for a Cat in Norway is: Pus?
When the old Viking, naïv as allways, translates it to English, it comes out as "Pussy". Some giggles others are shocked. Can someone explain? You know, how to avoid to embarrass people.


Can I say: I love pussies without being misunderstood. Or should I say: I love Cats. Please advice.

Have a great week. There will be more adventures posts to come (also from Ingelin's transit via Oslo from Miami to Hong Kong)
More Cats here at Gattinas site

PS. Besides Workload - well, we have to plan Ingelin's 4 days in transit here - with friends and family. Besides my oldest Son is 40 today. Please do understand and excuse me for not beeing a regular visitors these Days. I do not like it, but some times - Facts is facts: Even I have to admit it's a life outside our blogsphere.

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Sunday, January 27, 2008

Friday Shopping and Dinner

(Slept since - haha)
My regular readers do know papa goes shopping on Saturdays. This week was otherwise. I picked up my Silver Wedding bride at the Train station at 2:25 am. Then we went shopping.

- The shopping list, do you have it? I asked
- No, I left it on the Kitchen, for you to bring, Anna said
- Oh, hallo, how could I know
- I did not bring that list - too heavy for me, she replied
- Ok, we know what we MUST have, at least
- Yes, she said.

First to do: Food for the cats, coffee, milk and bread, dinner for the working week. Then:

- Do you want Fish for Dinner to day, Anna said.
- Yeah, I answered
- Then let's go and look what they can offer

We so did. Before arriving the Fisch Counter, we picked up some Green fresh Aspargus. A must have.

Then:

- They have Oysters to day - I cryed out
- Yes, said Anna, shall we buy some?
- We buy them all, I said, forget the price (USD 3 each).

And we did. It was only ten left.


Oysters means Work - but we do have the Tools. Champagne as well? On a Friday?


Hm - It's served - over Oncle Hansi's Drawings


Chez nous - allways on Ice cubes and lemon Juice to press over.


Anna - how can you----?


Did I like the Oysters?
Plus fresh Cod (Baccalao). You can watch our meal by scrolling down

Here is the Cod - in Fresh Water

The Carrots - heated " au point" - for the Cod
Normally our Friday dinners are very simple - after a weeks hard work. This weekend turned out to be different. The best dinner on Friday. Sat and Sun: Home made OxTail soup - and relaxing.

We watched the SkiJumping from Zakopane (Poland) Won by a Norwegian and the final in the
European championship in Handball. Denmark won over Kroatia. France came as number 3 before Germany. Sweden ended as #5 and Norway 6. Earlier in the tournament Norway did beat Denmark with one goal and had a draw towards Croatia.
Have a great week. You know there will be surprises around, so stay tuned

(PS. I'll pick up Ingelin at OSL on TORsday - she will stay here for 4 days before she starts her new assignment in Hong Kong)
The Sun is visiting us up here North 1hr 40 minutes longer compared to Winter Soltice. That's great.

so far this weekend.

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Thursday, January 24, 2008

TORsday 13 - Jan 24 - 2008

My 13 this Thursday is from The Iguazu Falls on the Frontier between Argentina and Brazil. All pictures taken first week of December 2007. I will come back to more details about the trip and the surroundings and sad facts about the Rainforest. You my look at this as a teaser. OK?

1 - Walking in the Rainforest, you can hear a noise. And suddenly ----

2 - Wow - what is this?

3 - Closer and closer

4 - Very close - you can even come here in a wheel chair.
5 - Here the River starts falling down into the Cataratas de Iguazu - Foz do Iguazo

6 - Water everywhere - it's incredible large
7 - Waterclouds
8 - Rainbow
9 - Impressive

10 - Close and wet - haha - very refreshing
11 - These birds lives only in the Iguazu Falls. Their body temperature force them to stay inside the falls - but they need food and fly out to catch insects. But they can not stay outside for many minutes. Enlarge to watch.

12 - Can we come closer?

13 - Yes, on the Iguazu River in Boat (that's another story)
..... More to come (about the sightseeing options and the Riverboat tour)
PS. This was originally meant to be posted under "Cyber Cruises" - but that meme has moved to Word Press. I'm not there yet. How to find out more about it, go to Mrs Lifecruiser

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Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Diane: Happy Birthday - Jan 23


Here she is, serving the best of Cheezes

Here she is in our Canoe. Close to their "Leisure Home" in Mariestad
From left to right: Anna, Renny, Diane, Kyle and Justin.

I'm impressed how we could coordinate this Task. Not only the Canoe, but also the rest of our unforgettable days last Summer with all of you

Diane is the ultimate woman from upstate New York. My friend Renny met her via Internet.


How Renny met Diane? Click, easy like that . That's a "modern" love story. Believe me
we miss you Diane.
Hope to see you soon again
PS. You know Ingelin have a 4 day window here in Oslo, before she is going to H K, for allmost a year withouth the chance to visit her parents.
Happy Birthday to you
Anna and Tor

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Monday, January 21, 2008

A Weekend in Fredrikstad

VISITING FRIENDS IN A FRIENDLY AND VIVID TOWN IN SOUTH EAST NORWAY, EUROPE

From the Cathedral Park. Green Grass in January. Where is the Polar Bears? Not here.
Anna's best woman lives in the Town of Fredrikstad with her husband. It's about one hours drive from were we live in Oslo South. While there, we also grab the opportunity to visit Sweden, to buy some goods that's cheaper than in Norway (Some Food and Wine a.o.).

Compared to the total area of Fredrikstad Community, in the Town Center everything is within walking distance. Total population was by Jan 1, 2007: 71 267. Facts.
Glass painting over an entrence door in Fredrikstad, describing the nature around. And dreams.
Besides the Archipelago south west of the town, Hvaler - as Summer Paradise for everybody that loves the sea and boating life - the Old Town is the main tourist attraction - it's fully fortified and claimed to be the best preserved as such in the Nordics. And functions today like a small, ordinary town, very vivid as well with all facilities needed. The car traffic is almost non existing, so it's also a safe place for kids. The Military left the Town several years ago. But of course you can see they have been here. The Fort did have 200 Canons/Guns.

HISTORY

It all began in 1567 when the king of Denmark-Norway decreed that the town of Sarpsborg, burned to the ground by that times arch enemy, Sweden, should be rebuilt. The king listened to a popular appeal to have the town rebuild at a place easier to defend and with better living conditions than upstreams Norways longest River, Glomma.
The east bank of the Glomma estuary was considered the obvious choice, and for the first time in Norway a king let a town take a Kings name; and Fredrikstad would prove itself a town worth it. But the King did never visit the Town. Lack of Comfort? I've never had the chance to ask him.
When in downtown Fredrikstad, the easiest way to visit the Old Town is by the Ferry that crosses the River. It takes a minute or so.

Else you have to go by Car, and that's a long detour over the River Bridge.


I strolled down fra our Friends and did pass several old, interesting houses on my way to the Ferry. Here is a Wooden Church.


Backery - hm, I did not enter. But I could smell it from a good distance. How could I resist? Strong will or lack of Money? .... or Time? Haha - my secret.


Here is the Ferry. Red and white - like the Famous Soccer Team in Town

Entrence to the Old Town from the Ferry

Some history facts:
Military aesthetics
The defensive walls were built to a Dutch design, unsurprisingly, and were a so effective deterrent that the town was never invaded. Coucheron must share the honour for the Fortress Town´s distinctive geometric construction with another foreign officer, Johan Casper de Cicignon, an aristrocrat from Luxembourg.

In Old Town

Vinmonopolet - The State controlled Wine and Liquer Chain of Shops - it's self service, so don't worry about language - they do have the most from all over the world - and splendid service.

From the Square. The King Fredrik himself. It's a Flee Market here, except during the Winter.


Back towards the Riverside. This Saturday Morning it was very few visitors, and the Locals? Asleep? I did not check it out. Next time perhaps I'll ring the Bells.

More interesting houses closer to downtown. This one is now owned by the Local Government and very well preserved. Look at the different architect styles (Click to enlarge). That was common among the very Rich in Norway to import different styles to impress - to show they "knew" the World.

Public Restroom - You might need it after this cyber walk - LOL.

..... or a short visit to a Riverside Cafe. It's January, but Vikings love the outdoor life. Here my friend, a retired Teacher, after a refreshment, needed after Saturdays shopping. Don't forget, it's a weekend trip - a journey so to speak.

When back, no sign of the ladies. They were out walking in the Mid January Sunshine.


Who was there but their very good, since very long, friend Per Ulrik Fritzner. Here he is with one of his paintings behind him. Yeah, he is a great Artist. Anna came back and acted like a Camera hog. What a shame her age. *giggles*
Wish you all a wonderful week

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Sunday, January 13, 2008

STOP THE PRESS - UPDATE

Papa is in chock: Ingelin was robbed again. Second time in 3 weeks time.

Update Monday: Spent the Day helping Ingelin. Police, Drivers Licence, Keys, Credit Cards etc.
Her return to Miami is postponed.
My browsers have been in bad humour this evening. Hope to succeed now. Then go to bed.

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Saturday, January 12, 2008

PHOTO HUNTERS - SKINNY - JAN 12 - 2008


From San Francisco - be warned, more skinny here

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Wednesday, January 09, 2008

Crossing Rio de la Plata from Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento

My latest received SPAM. Haha it's so Funny

Buenos Aires, Dec 5 - 2007 - This was the Morning we had to wake up early. We should cross Rio de la Plata to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay. All our 3 Alarm Clocks were ON as part of our Risk Management Procedures.

With Boat Tickets, Sightseeing and Lunch Vouchers well checked out we took at Taxi down to the Harbour. That was an easy drive, until we met the morning rush at Avenida Antártida Argentina, which runs parallell to Puerto Madero and the new Buquebus Ferry Terminal.

Checking in on this Ferry Terminal, is very similar as to an International Flight. Passporte, Tickets and Security Control and New Ticket and Passport Check. At least, there were no restrictions on water and perfume etc. In fact, these Day-trips are very popular among the Portenos (as the people of Buenos Aires are called) as they can buy tax free perfumes, wine, liquer, tobacco, jewelleries, cloths, candy's, electronics etc. The trip takes about 3 hrs each way, unless go go by the Hydrofoil (50 minutes). We were not in a hurry.

On the Ferry, you will have a seat, similar to what you are used to in an airplane, but more space. There are cafeterias for simple food and beverages. On the deck is a snack bare serving all kinds of beverages, snacks and ice cream. But, it was closed the day we crossed, due to rain. Lucky us. The option was to stroll around Buenos Aires a rainy day. That would have hurt my wallet and credit cards, travelling with two women.

Buenos Aires Skyline - Click to enlarge

Crossing Rio de la Plata. The water is filled with mud and sediments from the great river Parana (incl side rivers like Paraguay, Uruguay and Iguazu). The river delta is growing 46.5 meters a year. Click and you will discover an amazing growth;D

Ingelin, still on board. Too cold water for her to swim (used to Florida)

On Top Deck a rainy Day

First sight of Uruguay

We arrived in heavy rain. No rain coats brought, optimistic as we allways are. Buses were waiting for us. (Luckely I found the Vouchers) To bring us to the Lunch restaurant.

- It will stop raing when we starts the Sightseeing after lunch, I proclaimed.
- Ha ha, Ingelin and Anna replied

Then we had Lunch, in a cellar, originally part of a large brick barn.

After lunch: Sightseeing by bus. Had it stopped raining? As allready told the ladies: Yes.

National Flower (Flag?)
Colonia del Sacramento, Some facts:
Built in Portuguese style of houses and cobblestoned streets, the historic portion of Colonia is reminiscent of old Lisbon. Winding streets and colorful houses are laid out in a pattern different from Spanish colonial cities, and a delight to explore. The historic quarter, Barrío Historico, on a small peninsula jutting out into the river, was named a
UNESCO heritage site in 1995.

And pictures (all taken by ourselfes):

Very relaxing in Old Town - Here the Entrence with sleeping German Sheppard
Some scenes from the Historical, Old Town. Let the pictures talk for themself. It's Wordless Wednesday:














Have you seen my ladies lately?


Flower covered street

Would you believe it, when the walking part of the Sightseeing did start, what did we see? The Sun and Blue Sky.


Flowering Tree

Hey, where is my Cellphone?


Cheese



and cappuccino



New Country - New Shopping. . . .

Papa, very well trained to find a place to rest while the ladies goes shopping (The banking system did not work, so it ended with nothing new in the shopping bag)


Did someone had a huge barbecue? No, the Whale was washed ashore.


After 25 years of Marriage

And when we returned to the Ferry? It started raining and blowing again, and the temperatur dropped from 25 C (77 F) to below 10 C (50 F).

We did buy some small things in the TaxFree, but the banking/creditcard connection failed.
Two minutes before arrival in Buenos Aires, who came running after me but the very servicemined cashier: We have connection, you can pick up the goods. Hurray.

Well off the Ferry, star clair sky in Buenos Aires. We had dinner at an outdoor restaurant around Midnight. Perfect timing. And a wondeful day. (PS. It was Ingelin's Country #63)
This post is part of Mrs Lifecruiser's Cybercruises. If you love to travel, well, then you will find more neutral travel information here than anywhere else in Cyber Space.

And if you feel for some moment of beauty, visit Fleur de Lisa . Impressive post

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