I heard from Ms. Hien and they are ready for me to come back for my second mission. They are suggesting sometime in October. I will push for early in the month or very late so I can hang with the Sweet Thing while she is between trips (October 14 to 31 or so). She said they were very pleased with the work I did and it has assisted solving their performance issues. When the dust settles I will discuss this as well with Freebalance after we see how this Uganda voyage has gone for them.
It would be a lot of traveling but the ST would be away anyways so I will try to negotiate maybe Mongolia and Lisbon with a 2 week stay in Vietnam before coming back from southeast Asia. Not to mention the need to see Avi after he arrives in Calgary ... the nouveau grandson :).
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
A night to remember
I enjoyed my upgrade in the condo we are staying in. I moved into the room with the better shower :). Today I got back to being a normal person ... 3 meals and off work by 5:30PM. I returned to Java's for breakfast, then lunched on traditional Ugandan food with Ann from work. I had been told the local fare is very bland; I'll say. One gets two plates ... one has an assortment of vegetables, the other a soupy broth with meat of choice, all surrounded by banana leaves. Ann pointed out these were not the sweet banana leaves, rather those from a close relative of the familiar desert variety ... and I quote:
"Most people, except a few who live in urban centers, produce their own food. Most people eat two meals a day: lunch and supper. Breakfast is often a cup of tea or porridge. Meals are prepared by women and girls; men and boys age twelve and above do not sit in the kitchen, which is separate from the main house. Cooking usually is done on an open wood fire. Popular dishes include matoke (a staple made from bananas), millet bread, cassava (tapioca or manioc), sweet potatoes, chicken and beef stews, and freshwater fish. Other foods include white potatoes, yams, corn, cabbage, pumpkin, tomatoes, millet, peas, sorghum, beans, groundnuts (peanuts), goat meat, and milk. Oranges, papayas, lemons, and pineapples also are grown and consumed. The national drink is waragi, a banana gin. Many restaurants in large population centers serve local foods."
With a diet made up of mainly root vegetables and other grains and beans, Ugandans' life is probably summed up by two words ... healthy and regular :). Ann also said the traditional food varies based on the district of the country. There are 80 districts spread across 4 administrative regions. One of the guys I work with lost 3 friends in the terrorist attack on 2 separate rugby clubs last July 11 in which 74 people perished.
Dinner was Chinese at a place close to where I live. The Fang Fang came well recommended and the experience there led to the title of this post. No, it was not the food (which was excellent by the way) nor the length of time between ordering and consuming (close to 40 minutes) ... tada! The "night to remember" is because I managed to eat rice with sweet and sour chicken without spilling ANY FOOD on my shirt; what a concept.
"Most people, except a few who live in urban centers, produce their own food. Most people eat two meals a day: lunch and supper. Breakfast is often a cup of tea or porridge. Meals are prepared by women and girls; men and boys age twelve and above do not sit in the kitchen, which is separate from the main house. Cooking usually is done on an open wood fire. Popular dishes include matoke (a staple made from bananas), millet bread, cassava (tapioca or manioc), sweet potatoes, chicken and beef stews, and freshwater fish. Other foods include white potatoes, yams, corn, cabbage, pumpkin, tomatoes, millet, peas, sorghum, beans, groundnuts (peanuts), goat meat, and milk. Oranges, papayas, lemons, and pineapples also are grown and consumed. The national drink is waragi, a banana gin. Many restaurants in large population centers serve local foods."
With a diet made up of mainly root vegetables and other grains and beans, Ugandans' life is probably summed up by two words ... healthy and regular :). Ann also said the traditional food varies based on the district of the country. There are 80 districts spread across 4 administrative regions. One of the guys I work with lost 3 friends in the terrorist attack on 2 separate rugby clubs last July 11 in which 74 people perished.
Dinner was Chinese at a place close to where I live. The Fang Fang came well recommended and the experience there led to the title of this post. No, it was not the food (which was excellent by the way) nor the length of time between ordering and consuming (close to 40 minutes) ... tada! The "night to remember" is because I managed to eat rice with sweet and sour chicken without spilling ANY FOOD on my shirt; what a concept.
As the dust settles
I am suffering from the fallout of working too much ... you remember that old cliche ... all work and no play -- affects the Oracle DBA. My stay in Uganda is going to be extended since the work at hand cannot be finished up by end of day tomorrow. I will be here probably throughout this week and maybe as late as a week Tuesday.
This will also give me some time to:
This will also give me some time to:
- start eating regularly again
- see some of Kampala
- do something other than work
- buy stuff
Sunday, August 29, 2010
A nice day, considering
Work work work work ... we encountered an insurmountable hurdle early morning and got absolutely nothing accomplished today except a ton of googl'ing this and that. The work continues minyana.
I got out with Ivan for lunch which was one of my bigger tastes of Uganda. Based on the time we have spent at work, those tastes have been short and infrequent. Today from 5 until now has been the first time since Friday I have really had any free time.
We went to a nice restaurant for lunch. As normal, he kept swerving into the right lane to avoid rough road and world-famous potholes. They make Queen Mary road look palatial compared to these. We chatted about his life and he has a masters in information technology and is very well versed on the goings-on in the world outside Africa. They use a lot of medium-sized stone for stair cases and walls in the parts of Kampala I have seen. There is some brick but not much. That reminds me of construction in Vancouver ... apparently on the coast there is no clay and hence a very minimal brick manufacturing industry. Based on their weight, I imagine the shipping costs would be prohibitive, making it impossible for anyone to make any money.
Eating out is not cheap, and I threw $42USD at lunch for 2. I think for what one gets at a restaurant in big-city Uganda, if one included that in the cost comparison, eating out here is cheaper than in Canada by 25-30% maybe more. It rained today and it reminded me of a very light Canadian drizzle that can persist for days in a row here or there. Ivan told me there are no torrential rain storms here as I may have experienced in Addis Abeba.
I got out with Ivan for lunch which was one of my bigger tastes of Uganda. Based on the time we have spent at work, those tastes have been short and infrequent. Today from 5 until now has been the first time since Friday I have really had any free time.
We went to a nice restaurant for lunch. As normal, he kept swerving into the right lane to avoid rough road and world-famous potholes. They make Queen Mary road look palatial compared to these. We chatted about his life and he has a masters in information technology and is very well versed on the goings-on in the world outside Africa. They use a lot of medium-sized stone for stair cases and walls in the parts of Kampala I have seen. There is some brick but not much. That reminds me of construction in Vancouver ... apparently on the coast there is no clay and hence a very minimal brick manufacturing industry. Based on their weight, I imagine the shipping costs would be prohibitive, making it impossible for anyone to make any money.
Eating out is not cheap, and I threw $42USD at lunch for 2. I think for what one gets at a restaurant in big-city Uganda, if one included that in the cost comparison, eating out here is cheaper than in Canada by 25-30% maybe more. It rained today and it reminded me of a very light Canadian drizzle that can persist for days in a row here or there. Ivan told me there are no torrential rain storms here as I may have experienced in Addis Abeba.
Start your engines
Godwin picked me up just after 10. We ended up at the familiar coffee hangout where I got java and a bite to go. The streets are already busy with people scurrying everywhere. There must be other coffee places in Kampala, but we always seem to end up at what must be the most convenient. We ended up at the Freebalance office and it looked for a while that Godwin did not know where we were going. Arben assured me he knew all our spots but maybe not.
He asked one of the security guards for assistance and lo and behold, a quick left turn and we arrived at PSFU. The RAC install continues and we are making headway though there are many many challenged ahead. I eagerly watched US Open tennis on Sports 10 this morning then realized the tournament had not even really started yet. At a commercial break, the marquee flashed US Open 2009 which did not surprise me. Hopefully I will be able to find these games on the same channel all week, if I have any time between RAC-this and RAC-that.
He asked one of the security guards for assistance and lo and behold, a quick left turn and we arrived at PSFU. The RAC install continues and we are making headway though there are many many challenged ahead. I eagerly watched US Open tennis on Sports 10 this morning then realized the tournament had not even really started yet. At a commercial break, the marquee flashed US Open 2009 which did not surprise me. Hopefully I will be able to find these games on the same channel all week, if I have any time between RAC-this and RAC-that.
Never before on shabbat
That was quite a day that Saturday August 28th ... I was up by 8'ish ready to be picked up by the driver for 9. He was a little late. We dropped Sofet at the office and I headed out with Joseph for a bit of shopping. The first bank machine we went to was closed but I managed to score many shillings at the next. I picked up water, some soap, and a few treats for the driver's kids. Then it was off to IPPS (aka the office) for what turned out to be quite an adventure in Oracle land.
This RAC offering has been around for many many years but it's install still is mystifying. It is about 90% if not more prep and so little actual work with Oracle itself. Many of the concepts are quite foreign to me. I am working with a local named Ivan who can weave his way through most of the stuff that confounds me.
Unlike my jaunts into Ethiopia and Vietnam, I have done nothing but work. My little trip to the shopping centre yesterday plus a few additional drives have been my opportunities to see Kampala. Ann from the office suggested my going somewhere to hear some local music tonight but I cannot foresee finding the time. I got home about 9 last night and crashed almost immediately. It's more of the same today. I will gather my thoughts at the end of the day and update my contact in Ottawa.
This RAC offering has been around for many many years but it's install still is mystifying. It is about 90% if not more prep and so little actual work with Oracle itself. Many of the concepts are quite foreign to me. I am working with a local named Ivan who can weave his way through most of the stuff that confounds me.
Unlike my jaunts into Ethiopia and Vietnam, I have done nothing but work. My little trip to the shopping centre yesterday plus a few additional drives have been my opportunities to see Kampala. Ann from the office suggested my going somewhere to hear some local music tonight but I cannot foresee finding the time. I got home about 9 last night and crashed almost immediately. It's more of the same today. I will gather my thoughts at the end of the day and update my contact in Ottawa.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Erev shabbat
My first one in Uganda. We had a very nice lunch at a local posh hotel in the Serena chain (Venus would be so jealous). We entertained the client (i.e., the Government of Uganda) and I met some very nice people. I had a nice chat with a gentlemen who appeared to be my senior (if that is possible) about the Amin years and how unpopular he was and always will be. There were some very challenging years after that regime as well. Things are pretty good here now in comparison.
There is a dinner party at the compound tonight hosted by Arben from Kosovo and I am looking forward to meeting some people. Apparently there will be some habesha food (remember, native Ethiopian) and that sits just fine with me. I was given the Luganda name for "ferenge" but already forgot it. Please stand by and I will get it again ...
There is a dinner party at the compound tonight hosted by Arben from Kosovo and I am looking forward to meeting some people. Apparently there will be some habesha food (remember, native Ethiopian) and that sits just fine with me. I was given the Luganda name for "ferenge" but already forgot it. Please stand by and I will get it again ...
First impressions
It was hard to tell what was going on as I got in well after sundown. Joseph picked me up at the airport. We were late getting out of Kigali for some reason. The announcement made to welcome the new passengers in Rwanda mentioned that the jet was now proceeding to Entebbe then Brussels. Say what? This pilot had just completed an 8 hour flight to Rwanda and was now going to take it to Brussels? Ever heard of crew fatigue? I just finished marveling at that and the purser came back on and announced a crew change would happen in Entebbe.
The streets were close to deserted. Entebbe airport is about 40k from Kampala. They drive on the other side of the street here (or the ONLY side to quote Carl Dudley), and of course stupid ferenge went to the wrong side of the car. The roads were bumpy but paved and very dark. I have been told there is next to no street lights in this country. There was a handful of scooters on the road, naturally nowhere near like Hanoi. There were gas stations everywhere and the prices ranged from 2800 UGX (Uganda shilling) to close to 2950. Today there are 2,250 UGX to the US dollar, so that works out to about $1.29 to the litre, about 35% higher than at home.
The condo I am staying in is nice, and everyone has a private bathroom (George would be jealous). The internet proved to be a challenge at home, but is much stronger in the office. My short list for what I need is just that (short): a bar of soap and some local currency. We are having lunch with some of the government people and then the work commences. There are 2 guys from Kosovo I am living with for now. Sofet is returning home tomorrow. Kosovo is one of this company's installations for their government ERP solution. The electric plug here is odd, similar to what we experienced in Nairobi. I have tried the MagicJack connection from my computer and it works fine. I will speak to my ST this afternoon and even ask her to try calling me at its 613 number.
I had no cell phone service for the short time I was in Rwanda; here I am hooked up to the Zain UG network, obviously a competitor to the more popular MTN provider.
The streets were close to deserted. Entebbe airport is about 40k from Kampala. They drive on the other side of the street here (or the ONLY side to quote Carl Dudley), and of course stupid ferenge went to the wrong side of the car. The roads were bumpy but paved and very dark. I have been told there is next to no street lights in this country. There was a handful of scooters on the road, naturally nowhere near like Hanoi. There were gas stations everywhere and the prices ranged from 2800 UGX (Uganda shilling) to close to 2950. Today there are 2,250 UGX to the US dollar, so that works out to about $1.29 to the litre, about 35% higher than at home.
The condo I am staying in is nice, and everyone has a private bathroom (George would be jealous). The internet proved to be a challenge at home, but is much stronger in the office. My short list for what I need is just that (short): a bar of soap and some local currency. We are having lunch with some of the government people and then the work commences. There are 2 guys from Kosovo I am living with for now. Sofet is returning home tomorrow. Kosovo is one of this company's installations for their government ERP solution. The electric plug here is odd, similar to what we experienced in Nairobi. I have tried the MagicJack connection from my computer and it works fine. I will speak to my ST this afternoon and even ask her to try calling me at its 613 number.
I had no cell phone service for the short time I was in Rwanda; here I am hooked up to the Zain UG network, obviously a competitor to the more popular MTN provider.
I have arrived
The internet at the compound is not great, but a lot better than much of my experiences in Ethiopia. I have a long post on my other computer about the trip here yesterday which I will post from the office today. It was yet another adventure into airplane-land and fraught with surprises of its own as most of my voyages have become. I slept remarkably well considering the 7 hour time change and we are leaving for the office soon ...
Thursday, August 26, 2010
The next saga ...
So from my most recent experiences with flying, I reported a number of debacles with trips to and from Africa and southeast Asia. I am pleased to report that this escapade to Uganda did not disappoint. Usually the debacles wait until I have left North American soil. Not so fast my Sweet Thing says ... she showed up at the Ottawa airport to a whole new breed of debacles when on her way to Kenya. They had her first and last names reversed and it was touch-and-go as to whether she was going to be allowed on the plane. She did get on finally, which is a nice segway into my new debacle. She had a plane to get onto where as I did not. My flight to Laguardia was cancelled. Even before I got past security, while I was trying to check in, we noticed that I was flying into LGA and out of Newark!!! At first it looked as though in only had 1hr40m to pull off this transfer. Not even close.
So after a few attempts, I spoke with the travel agent who booked this journey and she pointed out I actually had 3hr30m for the transfer. So I checked in and went to US customs and Nexus was working but there was nobody on the other side to grab the form on my way through. So I stood in line with another non-Nexus pleb, and when an agent appeared I handed him my card and told him I needed to speak with someone about something and he escorted me to the customs desk. This was the part where I was supposed to show them a utility bill to establish my residency in Canada. The agent thought I was from another planet and sent me on my way.
Now I am feeling relieved as the debacle was over. Little did I know it had not even begun. I bought a salad at the immensely sub-standard establishment inside US security. I was so pleased with myself as I booked a ride from LGA to EWR with the firm I have used many times in NYC. Out of the side of my ear, I heard the tail end of an announcement about a flight cancellation ... me??? Yes indeed buddy. The 1:40 to New York was cancelled. Oh joy. Having caught only the tail end of the announcement, I needed to ask another unfortunate cancelee (is that a word?) for details. I found out that the attendant was going to lead us back out of security and we would have the pleasure of retrieving our luggage. From there we were instructed to go back to US check-in (since that is what got us here), and work with Air Canada as they tried to get us out of Ottawa. The bags are out in 15 minutes. On my way out of security, this extremely clever ferenge cancelled his limo at Laguardia.
I get back upstairs and wait my turn in the line which moves well. They book me through Montreal to Brussels. Just like all my other debacles, the outcome of this one is favourable. We are about 90 minutes from Brussels and I have spent most of my time watching podcasts on my iPad. I am especially taken with a series of math tutor podcasts I found. I now know how to multiply any two 2-digit numbers in my head :) ... just what every ferenge needs to know. By the way 89*89 equals 7,921 in case you were wondering and yes I did do that in my head. In case that was not enough to whet your appetite, 56*32 is 1,792. The only person I can think of that may be the least bit interested in my new found skill is Shauna. I know for my Sweet Thing that math is not as intriguing as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; not even close.
So we get to Brussels a bit early and it looks like every other airport I've have been to recently. I start the great signage game as soon as I disembark and it's better than some other places I have been but not great. I walk 15-20 miles then take a bus to transfer area T. I already tried to get exit row but that did not go well. She moved me into the centre four seats mentioning that I would stand a better chance there of nobody sitting beside me.
So after a few attempts, I spoke with the travel agent who booked this journey and she pointed out I actually had 3hr30m for the transfer. So I checked in and went to US customs and Nexus was working but there was nobody on the other side to grab the form on my way through. So I stood in line with another non-Nexus pleb, and when an agent appeared I handed him my card and told him I needed to speak with someone about something and he escorted me to the customs desk. This was the part where I was supposed to show them a utility bill to establish my residency in Canada. The agent thought I was from another planet and sent me on my way.
Now I am feeling relieved as the debacle was over. Little did I know it had not even begun. I bought a salad at the immensely sub-standard establishment inside US security. I was so pleased with myself as I booked a ride from LGA to EWR with the firm I have used many times in NYC. Out of the side of my ear, I heard the tail end of an announcement about a flight cancellation ... me??? Yes indeed buddy. The 1:40 to New York was cancelled. Oh joy. Having caught only the tail end of the announcement, I needed to ask another unfortunate cancelee (is that a word?) for details. I found out that the attendant was going to lead us back out of security and we would have the pleasure of retrieving our luggage. From there we were instructed to go back to US check-in (since that is what got us here), and work with Air Canada as they tried to get us out of Ottawa. The bags are out in 15 minutes. On my way out of security, this extremely clever ferenge cancelled his limo at Laguardia.
I get back upstairs and wait my turn in the line which moves well. They book me through Montreal to Brussels. Just like all my other debacles, the outcome of this one is favourable. We are about 90 minutes from Brussels and I have spent most of my time watching podcasts on my iPad. I am especially taken with a series of math tutor podcasts I found. I now know how to multiply any two 2-digit numbers in my head :) ... just what every ferenge needs to know. By the way 89*89 equals 7,921 in case you were wondering and yes I did do that in my head. In case that was not enough to whet your appetite, 56*32 is 1,792. The only person I can think of that may be the least bit interested in my new found skill is Shauna. I know for my Sweet Thing that math is not as intriguing as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; not even close.
So we get to Brussels a bit early and it looks like every other airport I've have been to recently. I start the great signage game as soon as I disembark and it's better than some other places I have been but not great. I walk 15-20 miles then take a bus to transfer area T. I already tried to get exit row but that did not go well. She moved me into the centre four seats mentioning that I would stand a better chance there of nobody sitting beside me.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Stupid ferenge
So after noticing that Kampala is close to Lake Victoria, I assume that Victoria falls is close by. I look on Google maps, and find it's in Zimbabwe over 1,100 miles away. Maybe not a short day trip ...
Monday, August 23, 2010
Ready, set, go
Packed and all set for the start of the voyage just after noon Wednesday. I keep taking less stuff every time; I have a Samsonite garment bag and a small piece of checked luggage not much bigger than a carry-on. I was told the dress code is business casual mainly with a tie. I did bring a suit in case we end up chatting with some senior government officials which is a possibility.
I have my final meeting at Freebalance today and met a few of the players. I got the low down on Uganda and, since I have already spent close to 8 months in Africa, it was a bit of a different take to the same story. They have a condo in Kampala that I will be staying in, with housekeepers but no cook. There are cooking facilities if I am so inclined.
I will go to the airport about 11:30AM for a 1:40PM flight, I must stop at US customs and show them something to "prove" I left the country. As odd as it may sound, when my most recent TN visa expired in May 2009, I was supposed to give back to the border patrol when I left the country but forgot. When I show them a utility bill, that will satisfy them that, since I am a resident home-owner here, I have not taken up residence in the USA.
I have my final meeting at Freebalance today and met a few of the players. I got the low down on Uganda and, since I have already spent close to 8 months in Africa, it was a bit of a different take to the same story. They have a condo in Kampala that I will be staying in, with housekeepers but no cook. There are cooking facilities if I am so inclined.
I will go to the airport about 11:30AM for a 1:40PM flight, I must stop at US customs and show them something to "prove" I left the country. As odd as it may sound, when my most recent TN visa expired in May 2009, I was supposed to give back to the border patrol when I left the country but forgot. When I show them a utility bill, that will satisfy them that, since I am a resident home-owner here, I have not taken up residence in the USA.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
And now for something completely different ...
I got my itinerary for the voyage and the 3 of the 4 long hauls are Star Alliance ... yippee 'cause we do all like air miles. I fly to Entebbe through La Guardia, Brussels, and Kigali (Rwanda). I fly to Lisbon through Addis Abeba and Frankfurt, then home from Portugal again via Frankfurt. I will be home at 3:50PM On Wednesday September 8, erev Rosh Hashana at that :). So I will celebrate the 48th anniversary of my Bar Mitzvah in transit.
I know next to nothing about Uganda and Portugal but am going to find out shortly. I am thinking of picking up an iPad before I go to keep up with my son Ben :). I got some information from the client and the RAC install will be 11gR2 which is HUGE. I am lining up documents from MetaLink to assist and plan on contacting at least 2 colleagues ... one D. Norris type the other a B. Bizarro type. I already know the plethora of assistants and checks about the RAC infrastructure are part of the RAC install starting with this release of Oracle. I will also get to hone my skills on ASM ... automatic storage management.
My wife's little girl returns from Israel today. She is in Toronto pending the excitement of the touchdown of the jet bearing her Jess. Unfortunately Jess is landing at Newark and leaving NYC via JFK, though she does have a long layover. This reminds me of something that happened to me in NYC a number of years ago.
I checked out of a hotel in the AM, and asked the front desk person to reserve me a ride to LGA for 5PM. I get back to the hotel, hop in the waiting vehicle, and start the trundle to LGA. On the way, I am amazed by the scenery; it's so brand new and a veritable exploration of new surroundings of Queens. As we approach the port, I see a JFK parkway and think how sweet it is that there is a parkway that goes from LGA to the other major Queens airport ... JFK. As we approach the terminal, I do not recognize the buildings, especially the old-style United hangar one sees entering LGA; oh well, must be another approach route. I get dropped off at terminal 7, after having told the driver "Air Canada", and proceed to the lower level ... no Air Canada and no partner United desks. Say what? I look around in disbelief then ask a suited attendant for assistance. She asks "where are you going" and I respond "Ottawa from La Guardia". She exclaims ... "you are at JFK". No wonder this all seemed so strange to me. I cab it to LGA with lots of time, and learn yet another lesson (listening Bakes?):
Never get into a pre-arranged limo, especially in NYC, without confirming one's destination with the driver.
Uganda you say, click here ...
Portugal you say, click here ...
I will be in Kampala for the first week, then Linda-a-Velha in Oerias, a neighbourhood in Lisbon, for the second, some 20 kilometres from the middle of the city.
This is going to be a work-work-work stay in both places, working Saturday and Sunday as well.
I know next to nothing about Uganda and Portugal but am going to find out shortly. I am thinking of picking up an iPad before I go to keep up with my son Ben :). I got some information from the client and the RAC install will be 11gR2 which is HUGE. I am lining up documents from MetaLink to assist and plan on contacting at least 2 colleagues ... one D. Norris type the other a B. Bizarro type. I already know the plethora of assistants and checks about the RAC infrastructure are part of the RAC install starting with this release of Oracle. I will also get to hone my skills on ASM ... automatic storage management.
My wife's little girl returns from Israel today. She is in Toronto pending the excitement of the touchdown of the jet bearing her Jess. Unfortunately Jess is landing at Newark and leaving NYC via JFK, though she does have a long layover. This reminds me of something that happened to me in NYC a number of years ago.
I checked out of a hotel in the AM, and asked the front desk person to reserve me a ride to LGA for 5PM. I get back to the hotel, hop in the waiting vehicle, and start the trundle to LGA. On the way, I am amazed by the scenery; it's so brand new and a veritable exploration of new surroundings of Queens. As we approach the port, I see a JFK parkway and think how sweet it is that there is a parkway that goes from LGA to the other major Queens airport ... JFK. As we approach the terminal, I do not recognize the buildings, especially the old-style United hangar one sees entering LGA; oh well, must be another approach route. I get dropped off at terminal 7, after having told the driver "Air Canada", and proceed to the lower level ... no Air Canada and no partner United desks. Say what? I look around in disbelief then ask a suited attendant for assistance. She asks "where are you going" and I respond "Ottawa from La Guardia". She exclaims ... "you are at JFK". No wonder this all seemed so strange to me. I cab it to LGA with lots of time, and learn yet another lesson (listening Bakes?):
Never get into a pre-arranged limo, especially in NYC, without confirming one's destination with the driver.
Uganda you say, click here ...
Portugal you say, click here ...
I will be in Kampala for the first week, then Linda-a-Velha in Oerias, a neighbourhood in Lisbon, for the second, some 20 kilometres from the middle of the city.
This is going to be a work-work-work stay in both places, working Saturday and Sunday as well.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Same old story, same old ...
Planning for jaunt #3 into as yet unseen territory. A week in Kampala Uganda followed by another week near Lisbon Portugal ... I am working for a firm out of Gatineau QC called CIA. I told them they would be much bigger if in the US :). In Uganda from Thursday August 26 until Wednesday September 1 (the 48th anniversary of my Bar Mitzvah). Then I am off to Lisbon from September 1 until the 8th, then back home. I will be working for CIA until late September. A well worn cliché ... when it rains it pours. I have 2 and a half opportunities at the same time. I believe 1 to 1.5 of them will be waiting for me when I finish up with CIA in late September; that may indeed go on longer too.
So one thing I know I am missing from my portfolio is an Oracle feature called RAC. I was told today that I will be doing a RAC install in Kampala. I have asked the client whether it is 10g or 11g as there is a big difference between RAC for those two releases. I do not have my final itinerary yet but I may be going through Addis Abeba both or one way. If I have enough time I will go into town and visit a few buddies. I would need a visa which I would get before I leave.
So one thing I know I am missing from my portfolio is an Oracle feature called RAC. I was told today that I will be doing a RAC install in Kampala. I have asked the client whether it is 10g or 11g as there is a big difference between RAC for those two releases. I do not have my final itinerary yet but I may be going through Addis Abeba both or one way. If I have enough time I will go into town and visit a few buddies. I would need a visa which I would get before I leave.
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