Christmas tree shopping

"Aunt-Artica" joined the family for Christmas tree shopping and decorating.

Harold's first limo ride

After a 13.5 hour flight, the best way to travel home is in a stretch limo. Of course, if you checked 10 pieces of luggage, it is the *only* way to travel home.

Upgrade

After helping pilot the flight, Harold relaxed in his international business class seat and read a copy of the International "Harold" Tribune.

Cockpit crew

Captain Leila, co-pilot Harold, and Navigator Rick in the cockpit of the 747 on the way from Frankfurt to SF.

Leila preparing to fly back to SF

Yes, she IS in the pilot's seat!!

Snow in Frankfurt

First snow of the season hit Frankfurt today. Lots of delays. We will also enjoy the thrill of walking down the stairs onto the tarmac to get on a bus to the terminal. Leila can't wait to walk in the snow!

Ready for the taxi.....

... to the airport with just a few pieces of light luggage!

Paris Christmas carnival

The last night in Paris Rick, Leila, and "Uni" try the "Pirates" ride at the Jour de Fetes in the Grand Palais.

Moving day

Here's the stack for the air shipment. Next step, pack for our flight.

End of Fall Semester

Leila finished her fall semester today and is celebrating the beginning of the holiday break with her friend Anne Lise.

Eureka, Chimay!

The internet says that one cannot see the brewery or production facilities, but today I was lucky. I promised not to post any pictures of my private tour on the net, but can show them to my friends when I see you next.

And yes, Leila, it is true that the best beer in the world is brewed by Belgian monks!

Pilgrimage

On my way to Germany, I took a detour through Belgium. Take a close look at the sign and see if you recognize the name of my favorite beer.

Crisp fall morning

The Metro died today, so I had to walk to work. It was a beautiful crisp fall morning in Paris.

Bunsy arrives in Paris

and we went straight to the Patisserie!

Leila visiting the Christmas windows at the Grand Magasins

Madrid's Arch

I am visiting Madrid and here is their version of the Arch de Triomphe. I have seen similar arches in most European capital cities.

Leila's Paris reunion

Leila's friends do not want her to leave the "welcome back" dinner party.

Back in Paris

Fall break is over and now we are back at school and work.

Trollop looking "Yarrr" at South Beach

Leila's bake sale, part two

After some success at the downhill park, Leila decided to try the dog park because there are lots more people there that probably have money.

Leila's bake sale

One customer so far, but the entrepreneur remains optimistic.

San Francisco Sunrise

The original entre-cote

Enjoying dinner with Patrick Carroll from SF at Paris' "Le Relais de Venise", the original creators of the Parisian entre-cote steaks.

Back in Milan

The cathedral at city center is undergoing some construction, but is still as beautiful as ever.

Lunching with the Fords along the Champs Elysee

Notre Dame

Friday evening out in Paris

Whole paycheck

Welcome back to SF where one grocery bag from Whole Foods costs $135!

Back in California!

Lake Como

Seeing the sights in our micro-car, the Fiat 500.

Maastricht

In the low country.

Dusseldorf

I flew here, to drive through Belgium, to the Netherlands, to meet a customer from Saudi. Now that's international!

Seafood in Paris

Oh la la!

First day of school

Leila has now entered the fourth grade. On the first day she brought all the notebooks and paper, which actually filled up our rolling shopping bag. Between the shopping bag and Leila's backpack, I'll bet that the books and supplies weighed more than she did!

CDG Sunset

Back in Paris; waiting in long taxi line; entertained by setting sun.

Somewhere in Greece

I cannot pronounce the name of the city, but the weather is perfect and the terrain looks like southern California.

Athens

I am back in Athens on a business trip, with great nautical inspiration right outside my hotel room.

Venice!

After navigating several delta areas and the Venice Lagoon from the south, we have finally entered the historic city of Venice.

Coffee break in Italy

Note that there is not any coffee on the table yet, but there are 3 iPads and one PC! We found an internet oasis in the land of good food, good wine, and no connectivity.

Pork around the world

The best pork sandwiches are in Monte San Savino. They hold the world record for the longest "porchetta" at 45 meters!

Eating our way through Italy

French Alps

Half way to Italy. Met a local girl named "Heidi".

Grama and Grandpa en route to Italy

In week 5 of their European tour, today we left Paris and are heading south towards the Alps.

Times Square

Is still hoping!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

New York City?

Since when does doing large deals for EMEA include trips to NYC? Oh well, I am not going to complain about a chance to visit the Big Apple!
Best regards,

Rick O'Rourke
SAP EMEA
+33 (0)6 09 82 86 26

Brasserie finale

Enjoying our last dinner in a typical Parisian restaurant.

Outline of Sarge

In front of outline of Tour Eiffel

Sarge de Triomphe

March de Triomphe!

At the Julliet 14 parade

Sarge in Paris!

Sarge has safely arrived to celebrate his birthday and b. Bastille Day!

Dinner with Eubankorato's

Enjoying the micro brews at Frog 16.