What a surprise! I’m sneezing! It could not have been that I’m getting through the winter with just one cold. So there it was the full load of running nose and soar throat.




And weekend was near, so what could I do else then try to prevent myself from getting sick completely and missing the Bronx Zoo we planed to visit on Sunday? I stayed home on Saturday, doing the housewife stuff: washing, cleaning, and buying groceries. This day was initially intended to be relaxing but at some point I got carried away and ended up carrying home 6 bags full of heavy bottles and stuff from the supermarket (I don’t complain Tobi I’m just telling facts). But to be honest I got my relaxing later. After having eventually found the time to read in my book for about 1 ½ hours (which I didn’t do since I left Germany) I dedicated myself to my new favourite activity: TV! But who could resist almost 400 channels and loads of really good films. This day was Nora Roberts Day, meaning one romance following the other (want can a woman want else??). So that’s where Tobi found me in the evening when he came back home from his lonely (I think that’s my interpretation) New York trip (Bodies Exhibition, Central Park, 5th Avenue, not bad): I liked sitting in front of the TV watching happy ends ;). And who wants to believe it, I got him watch a full film, too. Ok, he did make fun of it the whole time but he finished it. My respect for that, because Nora Roberts is strong stuff for an anti romantic as he is ;)
Let’s move on to more interesting stuff as the Bronx Zoo trip on Sunday. It was like a real family trip: Mary Jo and her children Evelyn and Tobi as well as her niece Giovana and MJ’s colleague Michelle with her family.




At least 3 of the 5 kids who took part that day... ;)

First stop was a diner on Route 22 to get breakfast and strength for the day. After a 40 minute ride we arrived at the Bronx Zoo a real big kind of oasis in the middle of the big city New York. After a nice family photo shooting at the entrance we started our walk to “hunt” after all the animals living in this huge park. We saw birds (not they would have impressed me),




the tigers (very majestic),




the Camels (puhh did they stink!!), the bears,




the giraffs




the knut


and the funny sea lions, just to mention some. But at the end of the day there was big disappointment: we did not manage to see any elephant (we didn’t even find out if there were any). But all in all it was a really nice day, not only speaking of the weather. And there is another thing I have to mention here: If Tobi should ever be unable to find a job, every kindergarten will be happy to have him as animator. The three kids loved him. The two girls because he made a horse for them and the boy, yes maybe just because Tobi impressed him by being old and cool!!! ;) So everybody was satisfied and exhausted from a day full of walking and excitement. As nice finish of the day we met MJ’ husband and had a very good Mexican diner. So now get up for a new working week!!



But the working week only lasted four days. Since the weather did not want to be nice at the weekend we decided to reschedule our week end after the nice weather. What does that mean?




We went to Philly on Friday and planed to work one day of the weekend from home as all the cool American workers do ;). And it was very wise to decide so. Friday was a beautiful sunny day even at 5:40 when I had to get up. The early cat catches the bird, so did we and arrived in Philly about 10:30. Equipped with maps and my guide we began our sight seeing tour through the town.




Did you know that Philadelphia is a highly historical place?




The declaration of independence (pic of constitution hall)

was signed here and famous Benjamin Franklins influence can be seen all over the town. Not really impressed by history (we both couldn’t really explain why) we took a rest and had one of the





popular south street *uhhhhh*


popular Philly cheese steaks

(which are not thaaaat different from our all loved Döner ;)). With new strength the second half of the day began. And the older the day got the better the city became. Walking along the Delaware River with a great look on




Benjamin Franklin Bridge




and almost more popular, the great.. Moshulu!!! *g*


(as I told you he (and she, too) is everywhere) was just the beginning. The next thing we saw was a very slow boat crawling up the river every moment ready to sink as it seemed. We should find out the reason for that later as we were walking down the street not expecting any bad, when exactly that boat came driving down toward us. What, sorry???? Driving???? Oh yes! This thing is some kind of hybrid between boat and bus and serves as tourist attraction for sight seeing tours. Unfortunately we didn’t have enough time to take a ride on that vehicle. We had to see the fabulous




City Hall,

the




shopping mall with an organ of 300 pipes,

the Benjamin Franklin Parkway (here he is again) and the big and




impressive Museum of Fine Arts.

And I tell you what, we were done with walking but happy to have come to Philly.
Saturday, let me get some sleep and give my feet a rest!!! NO, we didn’t. New York, New York we come!




This time the Statue of Liberty was our target. Since the weather was friendly to us we really enjoyed our




15 min trip by boat to Liberty and then Ellis Island.




From Ellis Island to NY-Manhattan (this is the Aida I guess)






Tobi and...*mhhh* who there in the back??? I don't know! ;)



But at least I myself, with one of my best looks on a picture !EVE!R *hi*


The statue is impressive and looks nice on photos but somehow we didn’t manage to get her and us on the same photo all the three of us looking good. But no time for sorrows.




The Immigration Museum on Ellis Island was our next stop.


Very interesting how people in different times for different reasons entered the US and which process they had to go through. Walking through the building could really make you feel like you were the immigrant hoping to be allowed to enter the land of possibilities.
But enough of history let’s get to the present again. Souvenirs had to be bought for our left behinds! And thank-you-gifts for the ones we will leave behind soon and who did so much for us. Thank you again in this place.
And Sunday came! Oh there was something, yes right, we rescheduled our weekend. That means we have to work today. Not that we wanted but we had to. So after a strengthening breakfast we managed more or less (Tobi keep your eyes off the TV!!) to work on our thesis for university. Not the exact fun activity you want for your Sunday but looking back on the past days what an eventful, beautiful but also exhausting weekend!

Boston, the Irish Town

Boston… uhhh… what the hell is that? I’ve never really heard sth. interesting about that city, so why go there? We don’t need that, let’s just stay in NY, go to D.C. (Anm. Der Red. Washington, the capital ;) or to the famous Niagara Falls (which could’ve been connected with a short trip over to canada, which would be directly on the other side of the falls).

But unfortunately a lot of people recommended Boston to us, however... we booked the hotel for one night, so okay Eve, I’ll join u. But there was another problem, we couldn’t book the right bus, at a good time on Saturday morning! And with a 4 hour bus drive, finally arriving at around 2 pm, it’s not worth it, especially if Boston isn’t that nice! (I also have to say, that almost everyone here in the NY, NJ (New Jersey) doesn’t like Boston, because there’ a big rivalry between... TATATATAAAA...

Boston Red Sox and ...

The New York Yankees (Baseball)

But back to business, Boston, but let’s see if there’s something about that the a lot of people recommended this city to us. We decided to go on Friday evening (after we went to the Lonestar *hmmmmmm* delicious!) at 11:30 pm so we’re going to be there at 4:00 am in the morning. We slept in the Bus, a Megabus, very comfortable (I for about 2 hours, not very much! But I’m used to that kind of lifestyle, I have Nico as a friend! hihi) and as quiet as it could be with some of the bad streets here.

So... we arrived at Boston Main Station (see Eve in the midth of the night) (which is actually called South Station) at 3:30 am, and we thought about taking the metro or if not a taxi. First possibility didn’t work because as it is in Stuttgart, metro closes at night, home sweet home ;-)

We took the taxi goin’ to the Day’s Inn

about 5 Miles away from the center of the city. We didn’t have a room for that night, but thought and they also promised us, that we could relax in the lobby! And because there was nobody on the main desk, we assumed it would be ok to just stay there and sleep a bit. But somebody woke us up very roughly, the Security guy told us, that we’re even not allowed to stay there, when we already booked a room for the next night! What the f***, but after NEGOTIATING a bit, we came to the solution that this is definitely not the way they should treat their customers, so we relaxed 1 hour in the cafeteria room, a lil’ bit away from the entrance, but we could relax (I guess Eve slept about 6 hours that night, I maybe 2,5 h but that’s ok I’m the man who has to take care*g*!) that’s what is important.

We went to the I-Hop, a 24h from breakfast to lunch and dinner, everything including eating facility!

Sunrise from the I-Hop to where Boston should lay...

We took the first bus into the City and experienced the sun rise directly from a park in the heart of the city, quite nice! Because it unfortunately was a lil’ bit cold, we tried to stay more in the sun. We discovered the city in walking through it, as much as we’ve already done in NYC and it was all great! Boston is such a great city!

It’s is not as overcrowded as NY, the people are a lot more friendly (always tryin to help you, even the officials from the transportation authority) and the division of the city really makes sense. But one after another.

General Washington and the thereafter named park

Firstly we went to the a church, directly next to a huge glas building.

But it really didn’t disturbed me as it does in NY, because there is no order at all in this city. Boston is different and I can prove you with some more pic’s we shot from the biggest building in the City, the Prudential Tower. It was amazing with the upcoming sun...

Boston from above

After that we took a walk to the river which goes directly through Boston, what was the name again, ahhh yes Charles river. The path goes directly through the part of the city which was once the stinky swamp of Boston, but after transferring it, with the help of a lot of sand, to a part of the city and building homes based on French homes of Paris, and it looked the way. Would be quite nice to live there later on, in my life… and I’m sure that you’ll follow the never ending story ;-)

After being on the Charles and making some beautiful pics of Boston and Cambridge, the student-city on the other side of the river (i.e. MIT and worlds famoust Harvard), we went to the history path (whatever the real name is... Eve do you remember it?) which follows the most important historic buildings and sights which are still visible in Boston, kind of living history *g*

Eve in B., the Charles and Longfellow Bridge in the back

Charles Panorama

Back Bay with the shadow of the prudential tower

Constitution Hall

The Prudential from Back Bay

Tobi in B.

We walked all the way along (all in all at least 12 km through Boston) this path, through very old and beautiful parts of Boston, as well as modern areas. What I like so much about it, is the obvious fifference to NY, it is clean, structured and the people are younger and nicer. NY is very overcrowded, too. For example, a lot of NY citizens can’t and/or don’t want to go out at summertime or on weekends, because there are so many tourists, it’s just a real, single attraction (tourist behaviour: “I must have been in NY once in my life!!!”).

So we spent a very nice and almost calm day in Boston. We were unfortunately so tired in the evening, that we didn’t make to meet our newly met friend Pat, from Philly (we met him in the bus to Boston) and unfortunately we didn’t make it in Philly, too. But we still have his contact info and we’ll keep him in mind for the next time visiting the US.

We arrived at the Hotel after struggling to go there (of course, Tobi was with Eve, that’s why they missed the passing Bus the same time the arrived at that station... L), but we had some very kind people helping us again, WOW! That was the Saturday in Boston and we fall asleep very, very tired *huuuuhhhhh*...

The next day we planned to go to Harvard, to walk around a bit and explore the other part of the Charles river.

BIG O as a Harvard fan

We packed our things at the Day’s Inn and after having our breakfast again at the I-Hop, we took our bus to the Central Square in Cambridge again and walked the 1.5 miles over to the harvard square, and it was such a nice atmosphere again. An area with very young people, nice buildings, nice weather and of course nice food in the italian place again

;-)

So because we had to take the bus again from South street, we decided to go to South Boston and, surprise surprise... Eve found out on TV, that there would be a parade because of St. Paddy’s day on Tuesday 2 days after this Sunday.

St. Paddy's day in Boston

OK, let’s see if it’s better than the parades I already knew (okay, I have to be honest, I’ve nether ever been to a Paddy’s day party or to a carneval party in Cologne or Mainz, but I will be there at least once!!!)!

And this was really overcrowded, even more than it was ever before we went to NY. But it was so nice, everyone celebrated the day, perfect weather, everyone of the celebraters wore something green, very nice atmosphere, even without any alcohol on the streets!

We enjoyed the rest of the day, driving back to NY and dreaming of the 2 amazing days in Boston. I myself still dream about studying in Harvard later on. And 80,000.00 bucks is not that much for one year masters study in the US :-p *g*

More to follow...

Meal list!

Let me see... how many eating facilities I already have on my plate... oh, I think there are at least 20! let me look after the pics... ok, let's do that without any order!

There was this Japanese place, called Wasabi! The food wasn't bad, but I myself always need some time to become warm with new things and you already expect that: It was my first japanese meal, and it wasn't the only exotic cuisine I tasted here!

Yeah let's come to the very good ones: i.e. the Black Thorn in Kenilworth, the place where my colleague Michelle lives, we went there only for the best experiences, the SUPERBOWL (YIHAAAA) and of course for St. Paddy's day (even more Yihaaaa *g*)!!! An irish pub or bar is a must not only if you're in Ireland, also if you're in the States or in Berlin, the best live music (yes Basti and Robert, I think about Schönhauser Allee:-))!




In Union itself (what is *pah* the 75th best place to live in the States, but... not really! *g*) we went to, of course a Dunkin' Donuts, and (my best coffee ever) a pub, to have a meal at the NBA allstargame (see the very important and very tasty meal the famous *tattadada* BUFFALO WINGS)

and (this place even would deserve a single post!!! we went to the Van GOCHS Ear (correct english pronunciation would be (in german Lautschrift))): "Fann gohhhhs ihr".

The chinese fish market, very interesting and much overcrowded.

In NY we went to a Italian Place in, of course, little Italy and that was very good. By the way it is much recommendable to go to the US because you have so many things to eat and experience from so many different cultures, WOW!

And I almost forgot, but we went to a place in Greenwich Village (also "the Village") called the garage, when we first came here, very nice Brunching facility, with jazz music on sundays...




Definitely a very recommendable place to eat is the Lonestar Steakhouse, a steak chain in the States, not very big steaks but a very good service and quite delicious!

You want some real american food? Burger, fries, sandwiches, ribs and barbecue? Then you can go to Famous Dave's! Although I never met this famous guy, his food is very good!

What was also very important, was the visit at the Chart House in Weehawken, I guess I already wrote about that one, but it's rather going even better!!! here's the Video!

Additionaly we went to 2 mexican places, a portuguese diner in union, real american barbecue etc. etc. and we still plan to go to the chinese this week and to the Longhorn, a steakhouse which is even better than the Lonestar, let's see I'm already hungry*g*

Almost forgot that one, the Ihop restaurant, open 24 hours, from breakfast to lunch and dinner everything (in a good and tasty quality, too) you can imagine... this picture is out of the window of the Ihop in Boston, next to our hotel.

Last but not least the best philly cheesesteak we found (of course) in Philadelphia, and (OF COURSE!) on South Street *g*

Our "business" trip to Atlanta, Georgia

Hey ho, let’s go, hey ho let’s go…

We’re going south! We that means MJ, Michelle and of course me, Tobi.

Having Barbecue, eating on the bill of the company *hihi* and visiting Isa in Georgia, where all the rednecks are living... (I still have to figure out what the difference between Yankees and Rednecks is... I’m not sure yet!)

Actually, Eve would say, of course only to tease me and making fun of me, Tobi went to vacation, but...

It was not the only reason. Generally we went to conduct an audit of a department down there. So our Team met at Michelles house on Sunday, february 2^nd, to meet the very kind, DRUNK and gross limousine driver, who unfortunately didn’t had a crush on me, but on my other team members... But we arrived at the airport

(our Flightline (??? is that the right word?)... in time and

still had time to enjoy a meal in the irish pub and...

watching the sun going down.

I really have to admit, that I like Newark airport more, so I’ll definitely keep that in mind when I’ll come back to visit these amazing nice people again here and the friends I found here!

We arrived in Atlanta, directly in time, had our preferred member car at avis car rental and so I thought everything was supposed to be great that week, but everyone of you should know me, it wasn’t! At first, we had a small problem with MJ’s GPS. We passed a lot of Highways, but the GPS never told us to drive on one of them. That was strange, because Alpharetta is about 45 min away from the airport :-??? MJ told me: “Tobi, please check if there are the highways excluded in the menu!” I did so, but unfortunately I had a little language problem, thinking that the check at the exclusions box should mean that sth. is excluded, but what was strange was the word enabled, because I thought it should mean that it’s not excluded (I know I am confused and confusing you, now you see how confused... ahhhh it doesn’t matter!). But every child knows that it’s the opposite way. So we didn’t drive 45 min, no, unfortunately at least 1 hour and 15 min, but this was at least a very nice and of course better drive through the neighbourhoods (very nice city, all of the drug dealers and empty houses and industries.... just kidding;-).Until I reviewed the menu and found out what enabled really means. And again at least I learned my lesson, at first what enabled means and secondly, women even question the gps even when they not have a clue where the hell they are (ok, sometimes it’s a good idea to question *g*)! I guess the both of them are still angry with me about that, because it went later and later, but we finally arrived at about 11:30 pm at our Marriott in Alpha with these nice fresh baked cookies. And be sure that these were not the only very delicius thing we ate down there...

To take a small shortcut... we did our work down there,

(see Tobi in his suit here for the first time!!!)

very satisfying, even though we couldn’t spend the originally planned 2^nd week there, because of some weather difficulties.

As I’m speaking now about these, I have to tell anyone reading my blog something. Okay we had one of the strongest winters, with a lot of ice and snowdays over here, even though everybody says that it’s everything than normal. But americans are a lil’ bit strange when it comes to weather. Normally they drive very rude, always launching the horn if someones going on your nerves, taking shortcuts when there is none at all, changing lanes without looking in the mirror, everything drivers from Berlin are very famous for in germany *g*

And the problem is: THEY STILL DRIVE THAT WAY, WHEN THERE ARE THE WORST WEATHER AND STREETS CONDITIONS!!!

That’s why the employers here have something like an agreement, they’re telling their workers that they don’t have to come to work that day! So they’re working from home, or as Sue getting a day completely off, without taking your vacation days for that. That is great, but only if you know that there would be no one in the office and if you’re then staying at home! I had it twice that I was almost the only one (except Joe, who seems to live in the office, he’s there when I’m coming and he’s still there when I’m going, it doesn’t matter when that is...!) in our whole office and there are at about 20 people normally sitting there!

But back to the first week in Georgia, we went out almost every day, for lunch as well as for dinner, I had my since now, single drive with a car here in the US, additionally we had a small fitness studio, so almost everything we would need here! It was really unfortunate that we didn’t came back the next week (really bad weather conditions, they shut down the whole Newark airport!), because I promised my fellow student Isa, who I met the week before there and who was very excited about me “visiti...” aehhh, “meeting” her there.

Let me take this possibility to give you a short guide of how, where, when, with who and of course what we ate over the last months here...

Let's start with the Alphaweek:

Our pub at the airport, a nice salmon sandwich and a good irish beer, is there anything better???

In Alpharetta we went to the BG, with some friends from Michelle and MJ, Nancy and...? I'll let you know when her name comes back into my mind! But to come back to the food, very expensive, but very tasty and a very huge variety of foods (I guess I had frutti di mare and some chicken wings, I know 2 meals, that should be too much!!! But it wasn't,I somewhere lost my feeling for being full! :-)

Cracker Barrell the most real american place I've ever been to. Not referring to the food, but definitely to the inside of the restaurant with all the old guns, equipment and furniture. We went there before we left Alpha. And we we able to take our plane even though we arrived 15 minutes before our plane had to leave, but we were lucky, because it went late!!! (The first time I was happy that a transportation service was late *hi*) But even though MJ and I could check in our bags, Michelle didn't, she had to take it with her on the flight, we weren't lucky, because we lost our luggage in Atlanta! Or it would be better to say, that the plane company didn't send it on our flight, because they searched it for terroristic activities! But I got it lateron, what means, about 5 hours after we arrived here in Newark and it came directly to our house! Very good service Delta!

What was at first glance even worse, was that the Limo driver was, even though we especially ordered another guy, the same as it was the last sunday and I was unhappy, because I sat up front, but I already told you, he unfortunately didn't have a crush on me ;-)

Additionally we went to an Italian place, which was almost back in Atlanta, and for lunch we went once to a room in our buildig, where they had very nice hot-dogs and to another Italian place, where I had my first Calzone *mhhhh*.