Melbourne, Australia - DAY 1 - 2

Hey folks. Just a quick hello from Melbourne, Australia!

I arrived on Wednesday morning after a marvelous 14 hour flight. Actually, I should not complain. I was lucky enough to get upgraded to business class. That meant a flat bed for sleeping, non stop beverages - and the best of the worst food from United Airlines. (Food is not what they do well! Fortunately, I had one of the best plates of nachos before taking off - and I knew I would be eating my way through Melbourne for the next 10 days).

Having 14 hours on a flight to many would seem like a nightmare. For me - it is precious time. You have 14 hours to do whatever you want. For me - it means I can clear out email inboxes, catch up on computer saved television shows, take in a movie or so. And still have time to sleep! For me, anything less than 9 or 10 hours, and I have to decide if I am working and staying awake or sleeping. With 14 hours, you don't have to choose.

 

PICTURE: A cool picture I took from the window of our airplane, as we were landing in Melbourne. This is the reflection of the plane I was in as we neared the airport. Cool pic, huh? (Shhh. Don't tell the flight attendant I had my electronics out...)

I arrived to Melbourne to spend time with my friend Narelle. We started out as colleagues at HP back in 2003, and while our professional paths have divided, we have remained great friends. She worked with me awhile in Singapore. And then stayed even longer after I left in 2008. Last year, she moved back to Melbourne, her home town. And she took the bold choice I did some months ago to leave her job - and work for someone - something more fun!

By 1:00 in the afternoon, we wasted no time, and headed out into the city. We didn't return until nearly midnight, walking our way around town, tasting, checking out shops, people watching - and tasting the marvelous foods in Melbourne.

I had a good night's rest last night - and we were off again today, shopping for a Spanish dinner party Narelle is preparing for tonight. The ingredients for food here in Melbourne is wonderful. There is such a European and Asian influence here that you really can get anything you want!

Tomorrow - we drive north into the Yarra Wine region for wine tasting, before finally arriving to a mountain village called Mt. Buller (I am practicing the Aussie accent of saying it as "bulla"). We are there for 4 days with 30-40 other people for organized mountain biking, including a Halloween night time costume ride. These Aussies know how to have fun - and I am lucky to be a part of it.

I will keep you posted with pics and insights (if I get time :-))

Here are a few photos.

I am on a bit of a Ramen kick, having received the first issue of David Chang's THE LUCKY PEACH.
Famous restaurant chef David Change of New York City started a quarterly passionate food magazine. His first issue is devoted to Japanese Ramen.

And so, we went for a bowl of local Ramen to start to see how it compares.

Here is a copy of Melbourne from last night at sunset. It is a beautiful city. It is Spring here - and so the weather is perfect. The city has parks and a river running through it!

 

PICTURE: Check out the duck fish I saw in the fish market. It has one of the most unique heads of a fish I have ever seen!

 

This week is the most famous horse race in all of Australia. It is called the Melbourne cup. In fact, everyone in Melbourne gets a day off next Tuesday just to see the race - party around the race. During the whole week, everyone dresses up with hats. I like this lady's hat! 

To close, here is a picture of Narelle and I last night at dinner. Well - waiting for our table at dinner. 

Cheers everyone! Talk to you soon!

Rick

A Bloody Breakfast

I was upgraded on the 1 hour flight from Sydney, Australia to my final destination of Melbourne. This what they served for breakfast. Well, at least there is some vegetable somewhere.

I fly United Airlines for the points and upgrades. Their food is woefully lacking though.

At the San Francisco Airport - heading for Melbourne, Australia

I am heading out for Melbourne, Australia for about 10 days to see my close
friend Narelle. We will be doing a long weekend bike trip in the mountains!

The flight is 14 hours.
Of course, you can't depend on good food on any United Airlines flight - so
I had a little snack of carnitas (fried pork) nachos and a sierra Nevada
beer before I left.

I will keep you posted on the trip!

Rick

At

Sent from my iPhone

Las Vegas - a bit of work and pleasure!

The good news is that I am in a place that, outside of New York, must have the per square capita of best restaurants in the USA. Every night can be a "top chef" event. And you can bet that I will take advantage of great food every night.

Including tonight's late night meal at Michael Mina's restaurant "American Fish." This is the mixed grill - including everything from shrimp to squid, razor clam, scallops and fish. And the one off - bratwurst. Perhaps for October fest?

On the other hand - it is Sunday. I was up at 7am to go to a day long session called "HR Evolution" What? Up on a Sunday morning for a conference. And - I paid to go to it? Like the next several days, it is the first time in my career that I have PAID to go to a conference (as compared to having my employer pay.) It is a bit of a test. Is it possible to pay for a conference on my own - and have it be worth while to pay for the expenditure.

By 4:00, I am trying to find a Starbucks, and wondering, "what in the heck am I doing here?" But shortly after that, one lonely soul walked up to me and started to talk. Someone came to her and said, "come on - let's go for a drink." I followed along. And 6 hours later, literally, I was convinced about my expenditure. During that informal time, I was introduced to some thought leaders that made it all worth while.

FUnny how that all works out.

For conferences like this - I make it my goal to meet 10 impactful relationships. On day 1 - I am at four. It is a good start.

Plus - I am at a great resort in Vegas, eating great food.

A pretty good job, eh?