My Opera22 June, 2006
Thursday, June 22, 2006 3:18:40 AM
Watched part of the Argentina-Netherlands world-cup match last night, but finally couldn't stay awake anymore beyond 2200. Woke up at 0400! I'm turning European now, even watching soccer . . . actually it wasn't too bad of a match, better than the game we watched in Kansas City anyway. Nourishing meal of Breschetta frozen pizza last night--have to do better on veggies--at least had veggies in stir-fry the night before. Just trying to limit restaurants with their atrocious cost (especially in the downtown area).
Met with my predecessor. Extremely fluent in English. We went over the division, weekly rhythm/rythm/rithm/rithem (whatever), challenges ahead, etc. He is departing to retire--last day is Friday. They are serious about 0730-1500 "summer" work hours--parking lot was largely empty by 1530. "Winter" hours of 0730-1545 go into effect in September--someone's gotta do it.
Here are some shots I took this morning at 0430 to give you an idea of how light it is.
Pretty understandable why I'm waking so early--especially with no "blackout" curtains in the apartment windows.
Went to Kvadrat (shopping mall) near Sandnes. Lots of clothing shops, a few grocery-type shops, restaurants, etc., but a little bit seedy I thought--probably a mall that's been around for a while. I think there are better places more on the Wal-Mart model that are in stand-alone locations. Also went to Ikea to get an idea on prices. My sense is that prices aren't too bad compared to U.S. IKEAs--especially when you factor in the 20% rebate back to us when we file for Value Added Tax reimbursement.
All for now, big event for today should be getting my access card at last . . .
Back again. Well, I was successful on 2 fronts. There is now a "brick" autopass afixed to the inside of the windshield behind the mirror--will need to change the address, vehicle registration, and ultimately provide a bank account number, but . . . at least for the timebeing it seems to be working.
I also now have my official access pass, so will have one less hassle. The only free parking from the hotel is actually in an old bunker with extremely tight access in/out. It takes me about 5 minutes of careful maneuvering to get in or out--but it's free. Here are some photos--pretty unique.
Am due to meet with landlord tonight at about 7:00.
Met with my predecessor. Extremely fluent in English. We went over the division, weekly rhythm/rythm/rithm/rithem (whatever), challenges ahead, etc. He is departing to retire--last day is Friday. They are serious about 0730-1500 "summer" work hours--parking lot was largely empty by 1530. "Winter" hours of 0730-1545 go into effect in September--someone's gotta do it.
Here are some shots I took this morning at 0430 to give you an idea of how light it is.
Pretty understandable why I'm waking so early--especially with no "blackout" curtains in the apartment windows.
Went to Kvadrat (shopping mall) near Sandnes. Lots of clothing shops, a few grocery-type shops, restaurants, etc., but a little bit seedy I thought--probably a mall that's been around for a while. I think there are better places more on the Wal-Mart model that are in stand-alone locations. Also went to Ikea to get an idea on prices. My sense is that prices aren't too bad compared to U.S. IKEAs--especially when you factor in the 20% rebate back to us when we file for Value Added Tax reimbursement.
All for now, big event for today should be getting my access card at last . . .
Back again. Well, I was successful on 2 fronts. There is now a "brick" autopass afixed to the inside of the windshield behind the mirror--will need to change the address, vehicle registration, and ultimately provide a bank account number, but . . . at least for the timebeing it seems to be working.
I also now have my official access pass, so will have one less hassle. The only free parking from the hotel is actually in an old bunker with extremely tight access in/out. It takes me about 5 minutes of careful maneuvering to get in or out--but it's free. Here are some photos--pretty unique.
Am due to meet with landlord tonight at about 7:00.
