Sprouting in Brussels

Le Map (near my hotel)

Les Bicycles rentals - tres chic!
L'eau y otres stuff.
Statues
La Platz a nuit
Strong Kwak brewski.

A few weeks ago I was in Brussels. http://www.brussels.org/ It was nice to be in Europe for a few days. It's so not Asia. The architecture, the weather, the people and the food - all different. It's not the US either. Very continental with people dressed stylishly, outdoor cafes, french speakers. I was there three days and enjoyed the break.

Brussels is like a mini Paris. Looks similar, sounds similar but smaller. I was able to eat real fresh bread, meat and cheese!

One night we went to the Grand Platz and enjoyed the light and sound show. Kind of a Bellagio Fountain thing only the lights were on a real old building and the music was more Phantom of the Opera meets the Gypsy Kings then Sinatra. Had some pretty good beer - high octane, funky shaped glass - part glass part wood. http://www.trabel.com/brussel/brussels-cityofbeer.htm

After a few days I made the long trek home (13 hours!) but got to fly one of the new Singapore Airlines flat bad biz class seats. Great comfort. It was bigger then man people's office cubes.

Thrilla in Manila

Lots of good stuff - not so good for you.

Fresh, fast and full of flavor

The jeepney - packed with riders

Another one cruises by
They all have names and once had cool paint jobs.

If you can't sfford the 40 cent Jeepney - the little motorbike will have to do.

He's a Virgo - what's your sign?


Just got back from Manila. I have now been there at least 12 times over the past year and have really come to like the place.


I was trying to figure out why I like it. It isn't a pretty place at all. There is an amazing amount of poverty, traffic is terrible and it can be dangerous in the wrong places. There are also very few (make that none) places of interest to see in the city. I have come to the conclusion that it is the people. I also find that the food is pretty good too. Oh yeah and they have the coolest form of public transport - The Jeepney (http://sdsd.essortment.com/philippinejeepn_reuf.htm ).


The people of the Philippines are extremely happy and upbeat. Whether they are rich or poor (and most are poor) they have a very positive attitude a pleasant smile and a way to make you feel good. From the hotel where I get "Hello Sir!" from about 10 people between the time I get out of the car to the time I get onto the elevator to the smiles and greetings I get at our offices in Sucat or at any restaurant, store or bar I walk into I always feel welcome.


The Philippines is also an oasis of American and Spanish culture in Asia. Everyone has a Spanish name and the language, Tagalog and the many regional dialects, all have elements of Spanish, English, Malay and other odds and ends. The culture is more like that of the US. People love Basketball, baseball and keep tabs on whats going on in the US. This probably comes from the fact that the US were their hero's in World War II. They even drive on the proper side of the road unlike the rest of Asia where they drive on the wrong side.


The food is really good (other then the duck eggs). Very Spanish and Caribbean. I've already written about it so I won't bore you.


Last week me, Sophia, Myrna and two of Myrna's friends went to see a Filipino movie. It's called The Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros (http://www.blossomingofmaximooliveros.com/). A very low budget film that has won many festival awards. It is set in the slums of Manila and really gives a good flavor of what it must be like to live there. A funny and also touching film it also gives a look at many aspects of life in the slums. I highly recommend it and think it might coming to the US soon if it isn't there already.


I will be there again soon as the President is coming to our plant!

Prepping for the Event of the Summer

THE spot for Shanghai Cheongsams (like I would know).

Not a very big place.

Madam Chong measures Sophia's waist

Oooooh - - very nice...

My lovely sister Rachel is getting married in August. It will be THE summer event of the Milwaukee social calendar.

It's time to prepare. I am having a new tux shirt made. Sophia is scouring Asia for the right outfit. Here are a few pictures of a some lovely Shanghai Cheongsams. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheongsam The light one is the one being made for her. She was trying the dark one on for size. The shop is in a mall filled with tailors. It took us about ten laps around the place to find the one Sophia was looking for.

She also has a very cool sari but it is rather difficult to put on. We tried and she looked a bit like a mummy. Dancing would be hard, sitting would be impossible, going to the bathroom.... priceless. The jury is still out on what she will wear to the big event.

Stay tuned....

I'm Big in China, as far as you know...

A very eloquent article - sure to win the Chinese Pulitzer. (click on picture to enlarge)

In my work life we had an exciting announcement this week. An acquisition that if all the approvals go through will really increase our business in Asia. As the head of Corporate Affairs I get to be the media spokesman. I did several interviews with various papers but the one shown above is my favorite so far. Lucky I had our China Manager Lingping to translate during the interview. I am sure she made my answers sound much better in Mandarin then they did in English. I actually have no clue what the article says, if its good or bad, but I am very happy to see my name mentioned 9 times. Because, as my friends tell me - It's all about me!!!!!!!!!!!!!