Marc Aurel goes traveling

Back in Japan

2008-08-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

I have now returned to Japan, getting ready for my next project. This will mean I will be traveling less and therefore be reporting less on this blog.

If something interesting happens, I'll inform, otherwise, join facebook (www.facebook.com) and you can join my friend group (search for 'Marc Aurel' and I am the one in Tokyo) to follow the latest news, pictures and activity.

Ciao

RCC meting in Strasbourg

2008-07-27T06:15:00.000-07:00

Well folks, me and the RCC have once again checked reality. Especially for myself, it was time to check my reality. I will spare you the details... here some pics of the place.

Here's the Hotel we stayed at "Regent Petite France" and check out those taxis...

on the next day, we went bowling.

and the movies, there were 32 movie screens at this theater plus a real cool and cosy cafe/bar.

we then prepared to go for dinner and had a great time.

pre RCC-mini meeting preperation

2008-07-23T01:01:00.000-07:00

Man is Zurich hot, I mean HOT...
Me and Eric did some serious prepping, that means we were getting into shape having good wine and shooting some really expensive pool...

Zurich is a very fun town, yeah blame me for forgetting my frickin camera...

Another Party...

2008-07-19T23:23:00.000-07:00

another great party with friends... it was rum and coke night... or in germany "Bacardi-cola". What a night... I think it was nine rum and cokes per person. but the shot sizes are smaller in Germany. One shot is 2cl or 0.657oz, in a mixed drink, it is usually double, so 1.4oz...

Hausordnung / Kehrdienst

2008-07-19T23:21:00.000-07:00

In Germany it is law to sweep in front of your residence every Saturday. Sidewalk and 1.5 meters into the road.

update - update - update

2008-07-10T11:35:00.001-07:00

there is nothing new over here...

Alsace, one more time...

2008-07-05T23:18:00.000-07:00

Went to my favorite restaurant for the final time, before they close their doors for good.

English - German Translation

2008-07-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

Liquor License = Shank Lizenz
Poison = Gift
Desire = Lust

There seems to be a fly in Boebingen

2008-06-30T05:04:00.000-07:00

and here is one sitting on my screen... and man Flies in Germany really like to get it on...

Beethoven's 5th Arguement

2008-06-29T06:24:00.000-07:00

This is the 5th Argument from Beethove...

And yes, once again the Schacht.

2008-06-27T04:50:00.000-07:00

This time we had froie gras (fried), beef soup (raw beef with hot broth poured over it), Scallop/Zucchini skewer, Lamb, Cheese, Fres (Strawberry on panna cotta...) and a bottle of Sylvaner and a bottle of Nuit-Saint-George Pinot, yum yum!!

together with Mark and Kristina

The Boebingen Connection

2008-06-25T04:03:00.000-07:00

Well Well, you know when you have good friends, they also have good friends and then you have more good friends (or associates to begin with

). Hanging with my good friends, Mark, Eric and Co. was awesome. Beautiful house, great town, fun neighbors and the European Soccer Championships, yeah!!! Here some pics, the little one is Sofie. The Dude with the hairblower is the grill master, and of course he also will be put to work with the peas!
And man can Mark make an awesome fishsoup, holy shit!!

Today is Halb Finale im Fussball

2008-06-25T00:10:00.000-07:00

Today, Semi Finals in Soccer - Germany against Turkey, that is going to be a hell of a game, at least afterwards!

the video clip is in german, but still funny as hell to watch even if you dont speak german. Just remember the following. The cops are the referees, Werner (from the window) is the moderator, the egg stand and the pottery stand are the goals. Let the game begin.

Schacht, once again.

2008-06-20T04:44:00.000-07:00

And again, having a good time at my favorite Restaurant.
Steak Tartare, seafood soop, Zander (fish), Veal and dessert. together with Holger and Susanne

yum yum

Bavarian Malt

2008-06-17T05:52:00.000-07:00

I went to the Schliersee in Bavaria which is borderline to Austria cause I heard of this Bavarian Whisky? Well, it's true. Since 1999, there is a Bavarian Whiksy. It is a 3 year single malt and very good considering it is only 3 years old. In 2015 their first 12year is scheduled. Here some pics of the distillery.

The state of Germany today.

2008-06-11T05:12:00.000-07:00

after a couple of days went to Walldorf to visit more friends, you seem to forget how many people you know, and then you always feel bad that you did not keep in touch with them. But, never the less, never forgotten are these people, cause I still come back and knock on the door to say hello.
Still, after 15 minutes of rejoicing, the next questions is always "why did'nt you drop a line once in a while?" and I guess all I can say is, I was occupied. Anyway, still love all of my friends.

Not having lived in Germany for fifteen years is an interesting experience. There are very similar problems or similarities to the US. It is common to see people throwing cigarette butts on the street and at the same time, every Saturday, everyone is sweeping the sidewalks of their village. The garbage separation system is interesting. Every household needs to separate their garbage into at least 'paper', 'plastic' and 'other (land fill). Beverages are usually reusable glass or plastic. At least when you buy beverages, you have to pay some $0.60 per bottle as deposit which you get back if you return the bottle.

Inflation is higher that pay increases, which means there is a bigger gap between the rich and the poor. The middle class is getting smaller or is being re-defined.
I hear a lot of complaints about buerocracy, high prices for food and those damned neighbours and at the same time, the upper-middle class, seem to integrate quite smoothly and don't live lavish but comfortable, and don't seem to air the dirty laundry that much.

Homeless people, talking to them selves, is a common place here today, not only in the big cities.

The German people, even more than before, surely state their opinions very clearly and straight forward to their colleagues and friends. There are not many 'nice-eties' found here, actual more real blunt truth, which is only personal if you take it that way. Otherwise it just the facts in general or how I (person) feel. A little refreshing knowing where you stand at all times, or not...

Here is something I find very neat, in June 1948, after WW2, the government replaced the currency (Reichsmark) with the Deutsche Mark. With this currency switch, they also implemented a market economy. America's market economy is Capitalism, in Germany, the current market economy is a social market economy, which means it is a form of Capitalism but tries to take its inhabitants into account for their social needs. Anyway, after 60 years, the german people are no longer happy with this business model and dont think it can continue to work. Now they are looking for a different economical system. That's cool.

similar problems, similar states of mind, similar political cover-ups, but the European Soccer Championship is making a lot of friends and the hooligans have not yet struck that hard. They actually have set up make shift prisons for the hooligans close to the soccer stadiums to keep the peace, hehehe...

That's all for now.
Ciao

Heidelberg

2008-06-08T04:34:00.000-07:00

Now, off to Heidelberg for some fresh air and beautiful castle.
The walk to the castle is up, up and more up. Once you are up there, what a beautiful view. Tried to take a picture for you to show how those kings ad queens must have looked onto their kingdom.

Just by chance, the philharmony was conducting a practice run on their summer shows starting last weekend. That was fun to watch.

Check out these pics

Back from Japan and the Tour continues

2008-06-04T04:07:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the delay in updates. Internet connections are pretty bad in some places, and everyone, I mean EVERYONE has a secured network here.
So, I went to Wiesloch which is right next to Nussloch where I first lived when I moved from Hawaii to visit my father. The going joke then was Nussloch translates into Nuthole. Wiesloch, the next village, has an insane asylum. What is the difference of Wiesloch and Nuthole? In Wiesloch the crazies are all locked up, in Nuthole theyre still running around free.

Anyway, here some pictures of Michael and Karin. We had a lot of catching up to do... beers, a couple of bottles of wine, a bootle of bruiladdich Whisky uuhhmm, yum yum, finished by a beer.

Local Graffiti art at a local park in Wiesloch plus the extra special view of a public bathroom t that park. Please note, the easy to clean, stainless steel fixtures...

Fruit Prices in Japan

2008-05-31T02:40:00.000-07:00

You are wondering why I took pictures of fruit? Well, listen to this. Grapes = $63, Cherries = $49, Mangoes = $150, Honey Dew = $52.50

yummy...

Tokyo

2008-05-30T02:14:00.000-07:00

Well Well, it's been a long time since I have been to Japan. This time I went for an interview of a very different kind which did not allow me to take many pictures and so. Therefore I will only present snippet of my Tokyo trip.
Firstly, there is Markus. Yes of course he has a family, but like I said, it was sort of a working interview... So therefore only limited amount of picture taking opportunities. Now, here we have a form of Japanese Pizza. a Ferris Wheel in a shopping center and pictures of fruit in a grocery store.

Birthday

2008-05-16T03:33:00.000-07:00

and another year has past, my Birthday has come once again...

Update to SaarLouis

2008-05-15T07:57:00.000-07:00

Here an update to my SaarLouis trip. A little dark camera video of me singing Bohemian Rhapsody on my jump into my 38th b-day. Thank Tony!!! You rock and cool irish pub man.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZOddOCrz4t

Saarluis is a party town

2008-05-15T03:05:00.000-07:00

Went for a surprise visit to Tony and Tina in Saarluis in their Irish Pub O'Dwyer and it happened to be karaoke night... wow. It also happened to be the graduation party of 10th graders (they just turned 16) and the party was on. Drinking age laws are as follows, 16 for beer and wine no problem, bars and restaurants. Smoking, 18.

OK, for all the bar keepers on Maui, tell me how many violations you can spot on these pictures...

Now, we also received a visit from the traveling "Handwerker" which belong to a "Zunft" and are on their way "aud der Walz". Basically these two fellows are a roofer and a cabinet maker (Handwerker). They belong to a professional community/organization (Zunft) and part of their training requires them to go traveling, find work for trade of acommodations and food and a small pay. This is a 3 year thing (auf der Walz), where they travel from place to place and have a network of hostels they can stay at. Of course they dont have money, so they ask at bars, with a little rhyming story what they are doing, for the hope to get a beer. These particular gentlemen belong to the "red" club of the organization. This tradition goes back more than 900 years.

Monte Rosa

2008-05-14T13:06:00.000-07:00

me and Biggi got back from the "Monte Rosa" our Family's little log cabin in the black forest which is still one of the most satisfying excursions ever. We packed our traditional farmers picnic, real beer from the black forest, cake and coffee, finished by a schnapps or two. This is done so we can roll down the steep hill comfortably. This all got started with a ballon in the sky is Stuttgart before we left for the forest. Cool man. Of course we also stopped by our Grand Ma's grave "Oma Rosa", and planted some flowers and paid our respects. RIP 11.XII.2007.

some interesting differences

2008-05-12T01:09:00.000-07:00

In the last week, I visited more friends around Germany and have lived more of a german life. I visited Sylv and Kurt (who visited me in Hawaii 2007) and was taken hostage by them. I was not allowed to leave until I had at least 3 parties under my belt and practiced my ouzo drinking ability... Had a fantastic time, picture attached. Now, since October 2007 smoking is no longer allowed in all public facilities (this is in Germany) and interesting is, that of the 20 friends I visited this week, 15 are cigarette smokers. How such a law could be passed in such a smoke oriented culture, i dont know. Supposedly a lot of bars are closing cause of the non smoking law. Here some other facts. one standard glass of wine contains 8.5 ounces of wine. And there is no water service like in America, they look at you funny if you have beer and water... Gasoline prices are $8.77 per gallon, diesel $8.58 per gallon. Last week I went to a Restaurant, ordered a salad and a flammkuchen (alsacian pizza) and next to the menu item they had 1*3*5*7 and I thought it meant that that particular salad was only available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, but that was not the case. It is law in Germany that you must state if the meal contains preservatives, msg, artificial colors, nitrates, phosphates, artificial sweeteners etc etc... very interesting.

I probably had my best half chicken here, the meat fell of the bone like an order of perfectly made babyback ribs. Wow, awesome.

Today I go back to the Blackforest with my cousine, Biggi, and do a little trek to the Monte Rosa, pictures will follow...

Happy Mothers Day!!!

and more friends to say high to...

2008-05-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

Here I am with Susan and Leon, of course another surprise... and here we go drinking prosecco... wooohooo

Stop #3 Merkwiller-Pechelbronn

2008-05-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

I have come now to my third stop which is always very traditional. My favorite Restaurant Auberge de Puits VI or also known as Der Schacht in german. A beautiful Restaurant in the Alsace (Merkwiller-Pechelbronn) not far from Karlsruhe (where I was born). The owners, Marie and Norbert Koehler, are great people who know how to live the good life. My first visit was with my father were I learned how to enjoy great food and drink. It was never easy to find cause there were so many turns involved, and that made it even more special, not knowing if you'd ever make it. Well, after 10yrs, I still found it by memory and I was very proud. Of course, on the way I surprised some more friends of mine and in Alsace and ended up having dinner there.

Cheerio

Hammer hart is det

2008-05-02T03:47:00.001-07:00

my second stop is always to my good friends Juergen and Laura May. And of course, surprises are so great. I arrive at their home, they are not home, so I decide to take a nap in my rent a car. After an hour I see Juergen's car pull up and I get out and greet him, with a reaction to die for. Juegen just read the latest Cafe Marc Aurel Newsletter and found out that I was on my way to Germany. We eat and drink and call another friend (Volker and Connie) and visit them and continue the fun and jokes. When Laura found out that I am here she responded with "Hammer hart" which is a fun way of saying "cool". Off they both are to see Jack the horse and do some cowboy/girl stuff.

Germany here I am

2008-05-01T01:55:00.000-07:00

So, jetzt bin Ich in Deutschland und, natuerlich, wie ueblich als erster stop ist immer der QuatschTreff in der Banwaldallee in Karlsruhe fuer immer das erste und best Pils der welt, Hoepfner!! Wie ueblich, als ueberraschungseffekt, wusste keiner dass Ich da bin.

Jedefalls, bilder von Holger und Susan.

Yeah, and you did'nt belive I would write in german, hehehe. Well, it's may day here and evryone is in the forest getting drunk or something... Went to the US Embassy and it was empty. Public Holiday...

Mayday, Mayday

and by the way, smoking is no longer allowed in any public facilities anywhere. All you see is herds of smokers, freezing their asses of outside. This is as of August last year.

Very Interesting...

Bis Bald und tschuessi.

Los Altos----> Frankfurt Deutschland

2008-04-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

this will be my last USA post, from then you will have to follow it in the german language...hehehe. Visiting Ron, Erica and Braxton before I head on to Germany. It was so warm, we took a dip in the pool, made canon balls and squirted water guns at each other. Last night we prepared Beer Can Chicken, which was to die for, together with a salad, baked potato (you know, fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside) and Kolokithakia Tighanita also known as Fried Zucchini in greek. We tried to figure out what to make in their "steaming oven", but everything we came up with was easier made the traditional steaming method. If you have any ideas for what to use the steaming oven, leave a comment.
Man, that was good. Of course a nice bottle of wine sitting outside under the evening sky and extremely quiet neighbourhood. Dessert was warmed brownies... and more wine.

Cheerio

I 'heart' San Francisco

2008-04-27T15:38:00.000-07:00

Here we are in San Francisco which is much warmer than Oregon and Washington, I must say. Arrive via plane, United that is, and was actually early. This was a very big surprise to Tami 'cause she planned on being fashionably 'on-time' which means late when you are flying United. Mike and Tami treated me like royalty, went to great pubs (Little Shamrock), restaurants (Pacific Catch, Swans Oyster Depot thx Kerf, Caffe Macaroni, Crepevine, Bistro 9), Live Blues (Blues and Biscuits ;) thx Thomas) with Chris Cain, Pier 29 to see the seals, The purple onion for a comedy gig with Jeff Kreisler, Joe Klocek (Comedy Against Evil) with some awesome pasta and vino at Caffe Macaroni, yummy!!!
Riding on the Muni and Bart was awesome and going on the acble car hangin' of the side...too cool.
What a fun town, I especially fell in love with North Beach. Really nice.
Anyway, good company, good food, good service. Pictures will follow, especiallt the one of the bathroom...for all of you building code enthusiasts.

Ciao

Breakfast in Portland

2008-04-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

here we are at the Tin Shed having breakfast talking about change being a beautiful thing. On my way to the airport to head off to SFO to meet Mike and Tami followed by the Gill's...

I must say, Oregon is as cool as they say, fun and friendly people.

Next post will be from sfo.

Portland Potluck

2008-04-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

Back from WA and off to the races we are. Pot Luck with "MC" Hamma, Humphrey, Heidi "from the Alps", Ariel, Will, Dora, Elize, Norene "the magician" and Holly-wood. yummy food, good wine and GREAT company is always a perfect combination for a "livin the good life" kinda time.

Started off with a hot saltwater soak located at the old Kennedy school no run my McMenamins (cool pubs) where they utilize the different rooms as mini bars and stuff. Pretty cool man. I am sitting at every pub or place I go and I am noting all the violations they would have if they were on Maui, wow, gotta stop that... After the soak, we went and intercepted Will with a grocery cart and stuffed the ford. Drove to the Hinterlander mansion (ohhlala) and proceeded with starting a fire with a non-toxic Java block (firestarter) in the "fireplace" (which it seems every house has at least one. Ohh, Ohh, did mention that basements are in? Dude, every house has a basement, and all the people I have visited so far (Rasta Raj, Puritan and Hinterlander, Ian) have either their electronic DJ machines or are set up with true session room with recording capabilities. Oh, and usually a fireplace as well...

I think I like Oregon...

Tonight we go to "Moon and Sixpence" english pub and throw some darts, hehehe.

Ciao

Olympia here I am

2008-04-18T18:38:00.000-07:00

Saying hello to an old buddy of mine whom without the Cafe Marc Aurel Wine Bar would never have been built, Myron LewAllen!! Myron is lookin great, like a gentleman I should say. Was browsing thru some of his early life pictures before he went to Nam. What fun, dude.
Man, I thought it was cold in Portland, it's really cold up here. It hailed earlier...

Today is Myron's Birthday and we're havin a birthday dinner, Sheila, Madison, S..., Myron and myself.
Picture to come soon (still trying to figure out how to use a camera...).

Cheers

1st stop: Portland

2008-04-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

Welly welly welly. Portland here I am.

I must say, the going away party was one awesome riot!!! Thanks a lot everyone, I was amazed by all your lovin, songs and stories.

The day after me Dave and David went for a last Margerita ville at Manana Garage.

Hopped on a flight to Portland on Tuesday and here I am. Staying with my best friend Ian Buxton who I grew up with in Kona where we finished High School. Tomorrow I go to Washington for Myron's Birthday return on Saturday. Sunday, meet Heidi, Humphrey, David, Ariel, Will and brand new daughter somewhere in Portland.

Man the beer is good here!!! and people friendly and forthcoming (sofar). IT IS COLD!!! brrrr

Anyway, next blog update from Washington.

and another week has passed

2008-04-11T22:18:00.000-07:00

another very productive party week has passed with lots of friends, wine and food.
Currently in Haiku getting ready for a feast with Michael Pearl, Mikey, Randy Mills, Patrick Dunne and friends from Mammoth, CA.
Started with a 2003 Heintz Cab Sauv. Oooolala baby. What's next?

Ohh, Monday - Kula with Lisa Darci, Bonnie Moreau, Markus, Orange mint vodka cocktail, Rodney Strong, Manage e Trois
Tuesday - Wailuku Hts with Claire and Brian, Heineken, Coonawara
Wednseday - Ambrosia with Cuba Libre and William
Thursday - Ambrosia, Mojomana, ServiceIndustryNight 50% off yeah, WOKStar rocks thank you Sarah and Mark

Golf, Poker and Wine Tasting

2008-04-06T19:40:00.000-07:00

yesterday I played probably my best golf game yet, and this will be the last time for a while. Golf Bag is in storage now.

After golf I was the wine host for Thorne at his great place in Ma'alaea. We tried 5 different wines and there were 20 beautiful people there. Started with a South African "Goats do Roam" followed by a Alamos Malbec from Argentina, then came a Chilean Veramonte Cabernet Sauvignon, a Hungarian "Bulls Blood" where the Hungarians defeated the Turks and lastly went back to South Africa, Sebeka Shiraz + Pinotage blend. Yummy, and all these wines under $10 per bottle.

Let's see what happens next

Kihei

2008-04-04T16:09:00.000-07:00

Well, I moved to Kihei a week ago getting everything finalized and getting ready for the big party. having some great times shootin darts at the irish pub drinkin Guiness.. wwooohooo

Next Stop is Portland

Marc is still on Maui

2008-03-25T17:15:00.000-07:00

3/25

packing up, getting my condo cleaned and ready for rental. More to come soon.