German language

Two weeks in US really killed my German language. I couldn't remember all the German grammars like akkusativ, dativ, perfekt, adjecktiv, etc etc. My teacher will always said "Herr Wijaya, du hast alle vergessen!" (Mr. Wijaya, you have all forgotten). Anyway, it's kinda funny because she will pronounce my name Herr. Wiyaya....The germans dun know how to pronounce my last name correctly. Anyway, after 4 lessons of german since returning to US, my German is almost back on track. Start to erase English grammar now...As if it's either I run my brain with Windows XP or Mac OSX...no dual OS!

Back to Hannover

Yesterday was my first day of work after 2 weeks break. It's not too bad, just have to clear admin stuff for next business travels. The jetlag wasn't too bad. I need to travel to Slovakia and Czech Republic in 2 weeks time and I am looking forward to my next holiday in June-July.

Last days in Michigan

So, my vacations in Ann Arbor is coming to the end soon. It's a truly relaxing vacation. I celebrated my 27th birthday on Sunday evening with 16 people @ Sanpei. Kae made a chocolate bday cake for me. There was a Japanese cute waitress there actually, but too bad that she didn't handle our table. I took a glimpse at her and I must say she is pretty. I would have dine there more often if I live in Michigan.

Today(monday), I went out with Glen and her sister to eat mussels, calamaris, and escargots @ The Earles during happy hours. The environment is nice, next to the wine cellar. We grabbed ice-cream @ Kilwin. I chose "Ann Arbor Mud". It's an ok icecream, nothing special. I didn't know Kilwin although I stayed in Ann Arbor for 5.5 years. Well, sometimes it's good to revisit an old place. It makes you feel mature, grow-up, relaxed...Visiting Ann Arbor as a working adult allows me to look back and plan forward. I still remember most of the roads, the eating places, and the people. I ended my day with badminton. I played badly today and my whole body is aching now.

The Henry Ford

Yesterday I followed Glen to work...not to work, rather follow her to her office. Then I took her car to The Henry Ford. Initially, I was planning to go on the Rouge Plant Tour only, but then the old lady who was helping me in the ticket purchase gave me a free admission to Henry Ford Museum. Why? Because she could only offered me Tour ticket starting 11 am, but I want to have lunch with the "Ford Girls", so I told her that I would take the 1 pm tour. Then she asked me what I plan to do until my lunch appointment and gave me a "MBR" stamp on my left hand so that I could kill my time in the museum.

I went to the museum store to check out stuff. I was so hooked to the model airplane DC-3 Northwest Airlines sold there. It's sold for $40 with 20% discount. I really wanted to get it but I was afraid that I would have difficulty bringing it back to Germany. So I killed the idea of buying it. I bought the Henry Ford biography book in the end. I haven't read it, but I wanted to see why he failed 2 times before founding Ford Motor Company.

The Rouge Plant is too touristy. It's so clean and tourist friendly. But it's amazing to see the assembly line. Comparing the production line in Conti with Ford, I would say it's harder to make tires than to make F150. But I admire Ford Company for setting up this museum and plant tour. I will do the same thing next time when I own a manufacturing company.

The Ford Girls and I went to Memphis Smoke at Royal Oak for ribs. We carpooled there using Glenny's zoom zoom zoom. We walked around the town after the dinner. Real Thanks to Ford Girls who really made my Michigan holidays so enjoyable. One more week to go!!!

in Michigan

I am in Michigan for 2 weeks holiday from March 28th to April 1oth. So far so good, from the day I arrived till now, no jetlag and lots of activities. From playing badminton to winning a Ann Arbor Cup title yesterday for open Men's doubles. It was a tough fight between me & Kaisson and my old friends. I won by 2 points in 3 sets.
My toe nails cracked and my fingers got scratched as results from diving for the shuttles several times. My knee guard proved to be useful. It prevented my leg cramps to get worse. After the tournament, I went with friends Glenny, Miu, Kae, Yansen, etc to South East Asian Nite @ East Hall. I met new friends from my hometown Tini and Irwan there. I ate a lot there because my lunch Shrimp Mee Goreng was all eaten up by Kaisoon. After the SEA nite, Glen, Miu, and I went to watch James' performance at Michno's cafe...I think I will need Miu's help in pronouncing the cafe's name six months from now. We ended our day at ard 1 am plus. Thanks ladies for accompanying me!