Musings by Grace Chng

It’s a land with tree but no leaves since it’s winter now, but Germany is still one that many people imagined Germans to be: Efficient and punctual. Sure they’re also known for their cool designs like Bose and Loewe TVs. But in my mind, I saw Germans as strict - be-on-time or else…. 

So I went on this 10-day tech tour of Germans with this impression. I wasn’t wrong. Everyone has to be on time. Admittedly we’re a motley group of journalists and non-journalists. They were an investment officer from EStonia, an IT project manager from Bulgaria and a new media art curator from Poland. They’re quite different from journalists. As usual there’re the quiet ones from Turkey (IT journalist from a news group with 300 people!) and South America. I guess they aren’t too fluent with English ….

It’s day 4 of the tour already and I’m enjoying the cold. Brrrrrr outside temperatures cold below 5C but nice and crisp. I just make sure I’m warm with a good outer coat, gloves and I can walk forever. Next time, I should get an umbrella - it’s raining here, would be useful for Frisco too - or a hat. 

So what technology has impressed? How premium car maker BMW thinks about using technology for car safety is interesting. They’re looking at using Internet standards to replace the 5-6 protocols present in each car to manage something like 70-80 applications!

But eat your heart out: the visit to BMW centre is the one that’s oh so so cooolll!! If you like cars especially SUVs and motorcycles, BMW World is the place to go. It’s a showroom but what a showroom! Every model of BMW car and bike is on show, displayed over 2 floors. If you a spin to feel what a beemer feels like, just sign up with the reception (but I think you must already be on the way to buying one ….). 

Don’t worry about the children when you’re looking at the spanking new cars. They’ve a junior campus that tells them about combustion engines and the like. Or they can play car games on a console. Wives who accompany their husbands can have a go at the driving simulator!

Hungry? Pop into the executive restaurant, nice food especially the warm herbal breads. But if you don’t like the formal dining, there’s a coffee and cakes place or a sandwich bar. 

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… to do an online check-in. I’ve been spoilt by SIA. So used am I to its check-in system that I lose patience with other airlines’ check-in systems. For the last 3 hours, I’ve been trying to do an online check-in with an European airline, and my, is it taking a toil on my patience!

Guess that’s putting it rather mildly. As authentication, they ask for card number - either a credit card number or a frequent flyer membership number. I’ve been invited by German govt on a technology tour so I don’t really have the credit card information - ticket bought by German govt. Plus I don’t have a frequent flyer membership with that European airline. So I’ve been tearing out my hair, trying to understand why the alternative method for checking in online - the 6-digit reference number and my name - is turning up a weird response: booking reference has wrong details. After several tries, I ask someone else to type in, just in case my tired eyes are looking at wrong numbers and letters. 

Same response came back. I gave up. I’m calling the airline tomorrow to ask for an explanaation. By the way, phone check in is only for first and business class passengers which rules me out!

Even American airlines aren’t that difficult cos I’ve done check-ins on AA and Delta and it’s easy. 

Anyway, about that trip to Germany: it’s going to be a a blitz on German technology: 6 cities in 10 days ending in Hannover in time for the Hannover IT fair. Yes, I’ll be blogging about it from Tuesday/Wed this week, so stay tuned.

Some friends are heading to Frisco and Vegas in April/May and wanted to know what to do and see in these 2 cities. Instead of just emailing them my views, I thought I would share what I know about Vegas here. Bear with me and enjoy.

Weather: In April and May spring is in the air. It’ll be cool during the day but cold in the shade. Nights are likely to be chilly.  Vegas is always dry, so take care to moisturize several times a day. San Francisco’s weather is unpredictable. Can be nice and warm but suddenly there’ll be a chill. Some say it’s colder in Frisco during summer than it is in winter! So carry a parshimina all the time, easy to keep in the backpack/handbag and is always handy and respectable while walking or in a nice restaurant.

Accommodation: Think the recession has brought hotel rates down. Best deals can be obtained at expedia.com. If you’re the type of traveler who likes to do a bit of shopping, sightseeing and chilling out, then look for a 3star or 4star hotel. At least, you’ll have a nice sofa to sit on to read and the TV programme is respectable.  Be prepared to pay about US$150 to US$250 for a room.  

In Vegas, check out Treasure Island or Ceasar’s Palace, they’re in the middle of the strip. In San Francisco, check out Hotel 480 and Hotel Union Square. Hotel 480 is 3 minutes away from Union Square and just next to the tram line. Comfortable enough, not 5-star but staff are friendly. Carpets a bit worn out, not a lot of amenities in the toilet. Only basics like TV and internet connectivity. I stayed in Hotel Union Square before it’s refurbished. Think it’s much nicer now. Just next to the start of the tram line in Union Square. Both hotels are surrounded by eating places and on every street corner – well almost – there’s a starbucks. Excellent coffee place at Hotel Union Square.

Eating: Since we’re discussing about coffee, starbucks coffee just tastes different in America. You’ll have to try it. American coffee is thin, to me it’s ditch water. That’s why Starbucks is popular cos it’s strong Columbian coffee. 20 years ago in Vegas, the only places you can eat were in the hotels where breakfast was US$5.99, lunch US$9.99 and dinner US$19.99. Food would be piled mountain-high and it just takes the appetite away. Today, the buffet spreads are just as good but they’re not as cheap. Expect dinner to be about US$25 and above. Now there’re also food courts in the hotels and in the shopping malls. There’re also Carl’s Jr, McDonalds and Burger King. There’re also plenty of restaurants now – some staffed by Michelin chefs and others just looked expensive and by that I mean each person would pay about US$100 and above for dinner.  I normally don’t try Chinese food when I’m overseas, you always get a watered down version. But try the Noodle House at Bellagio’s. Run by Hongkong chefs, serves the best char siew I’ve tasted in the US. Note: it’s a noodle house, not a restaurant ‘cos the Bellagio also has a high class Chinese restaurant.   

In Frisco, food is everywhere. There’re plenty of food courts – best are in basement of Macy’s and Westfield shopping centre. Can get anything and everything from Asian – Chinese, thai, Korean – to Mexican to Italian. Cheesecake factory at the top of Macy’s is a must-go place. Of course, the cheesecake – there’re several varieties – tastes good. But there’re other American fare like salads, sandwiches, ribs and steaks and Italian favourites like pasta. If you’re out for a treat, there’re some nice places to go to.

Chaya is good, American-Japanese. Good food, good service. Out by the Embracadero. Must make a reservation although with the recession, this may not be necessary. Kuletos in Union Square serves good Italian food, good service too. Reservations needed. Sears Fine Food at Union Square too is good for breakfast. It’s famous for its pancakes which is true. About 20 small pancakes for each serving. Yup, American servings are big, bigger than what Asians are used to. So better to share if you’re not sure of the portion size. Can always order more food. Another place to go to is Stinking Rose where all the food is cooked in garlic. Must go place. The concierge in the hotels should be able to help you make the restaurant reservations.

BTW, tips are necessary. Usually 20%. Tips are also given to taxi drivers.

Shopping: Clothes and branded goods – usually Coach handbags - are what Singaporeans are usually after. There’s a wider range of styles, sizes and prices. Macy’s  and Westfield shopping centre are the best places to go. Offers the widest range of clothes. But look not only for casual or work clothes, other things are good too. People usually don’t think about underwear – the variety is mind boggling. For women into sports, sports bras are aplenty unlike Singapore. Also must visit Nike super store – everytime I go there, I end up buying more than I want. Latest shoes, more variety of styles and bandannas you see worn by Nadal and Federer on TV are sold there. Nice collection of socks too. If you want more comfortable shoes, go to the Ecco shop just 4-5 shops down from the Nike super store (turn left as you exit the store). The Abercrombie store in Westfield has a nice retail concept. Also sells women’s fashion which isn’t available in Singapore. The levi’s store also has a wider range and if you need alterations, they can do it for you. If you’re into vitamins, go to GNC, much cheaper by about 50 %.

Don’t forget Virgin Superstore, it has a wide collection of CDs, DVDs and arty-farty books and magazines. And many are on sale too. Diagonally opposite is the Apple retail store which is a must to go for the experience. If you think, the Apple store at Wheelock is good, then you would be surprised at the real Apple retail store (ie run by Apple).

Discount shopping: in Vegas, you can go to 2 places. Las Vegas Premium Outlets is within the city itself. Can take a bus or taxi there. I haven’t tried this place as I usually go to Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas. About 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas. Bus tix from New York-New York hotel or MGM. First bus leaves 9 am and returns on the hour. About US$13 each. Good bargains  in Polo, Coach, Banana Republic, Levi, Ann Taylor. Expect to spend about 4 hours there.

There’s another big discount shopping centre, about 2 hours away from Frisco called Gilroy. You would have to hire a car to get there. No public transport except by Caltrain and if you rent a car. The train schedules are odd. The last time I checked, the train leaves in the evening and returns the next morning. So you would have to spend at least 2 days there. Not good idea, dreadful place to be in, nothing there except shopping. The last I was in Gilroy was in June 08, I was disappointed. The stuff I wanted like Bose speakers were not on discount. Only those that were refurbished (ie returned goods) were on special prices. Pretty much the same for most of the stuff there. Coach has a big store there with good prices for handbags, but only if you’re interested in Coach handbags.

Books: In Fisco, Borders is at Union Square and at the Westfield shopping centre. Wide collection, anything you like. Make sure to devote at least couple of hours there. Good place to chill out ‘cos there’re a coffee shop there too. Just take your books/magazines there, sip your coffee, and after reading your stuff, you can put them back without buying!

Transportation: In Vegas, there’re trams connecting hotels. There’s one connecting 5 hotels (I think) that includes the Treasure Island. Further up, there’s a tram that connects MGM to three hotels. Best thing, all free and runs 24 hours. Otherwise try walking if the air is cool. Each hotel is different in Vegas, and they’re the attractions themselves. In Frisco, there’s an underground train which can take you places. There’s of course, the famous tram that does take you through a good part of the city. So I would encourage you to do this. Do try to hang onto the sides of a tram, it’s quite fun especially when there’s an oncoming tram! From Vegas to hotel, take the taxi. From Frisco airport, there’re shuttle service from airport to hotel. Different services available just outside the airport. Signage can direct you to the shuttle service area. You can also book a shuttle service from the hotel to airport. I think it’s below US$15 per person, cheaper than taxis which can cost double that.

Sightseeing: I’ve always wanted to do the guided walking tours in Frisco but I haven’t managed that. Just do a Google and you’ll find there’re plenty of choice available. Also the Science Museum is good. I wanted to go there last October but I didn’t find time. Do a check online, there’re some activities on certain weeknights. A trip to the Muir Woods to see the red wood trees and of course the Golden Gate Bridge (which isn’t really golden) but still amazing. Fisherman’s Wharf is touristy. I would look for the seals, you would understand when people talk about fat from seals. I’ve a friend who took a boat out to watch dolphins from the wharf, so ask around if you’re interested.

Danger points: Generally, Vegas and Frisco are safe even at night. I must confess though that when I was there in January, I saw too many homeless in Union Square and drunkards in a couple of streets away from the Square. I would take precautions like I do everywhere. Don’t look at anybody in the eye. If you’re walking along a street and suddenly you feel it’s not right, or the street is too quiet, or you see an X-rated store or there’re too many drunkards, then it means you’ve wondered into an area that’s not quite safe. Just turnaround and go back from where you came from.

Travel tips: Going to the US, you’re allowed 2 bags, so make use of it. You’ll certainly need it. Make sure they all have wheels for easy mobility. If you’re going to the west coast of US, I suggest using San Francisco as a gateway, a much more pleasant experience than Los Angeles which is undergoing retrofitting and is a mess. The last time, I transitted at LAX (LA airport), I saw there’s only one line for checking bags which means you’ve to check in 4 hours before flight. Nevertheless, give yourself plenty of time to check in. During peak hours, where there’re like 2-4 jumbos leaving, there could be a long line of people just going through immigration and customs. Do online check-in, which will speed up the counter check-in. Forget about belts with metal ‘cos you’ll set off the alarm. Chuck your handphone into your carry-on luggage together with all your coins. Strictly no water. Face lotion in bottles, the size of a long finger, would be allowed!

Talking about flights, the airport guys are very strict on carry-on luggage. A handbag and winebox count as 2 pieces. So if you’ve a computer bag, it’s not allowed. Frisco airport doesn’t have lots of food once you check in. So eat your fill before checking in.

Finally, the inevitable happened. His prostate had cysts and abscess caused by over production of testosterone. For male dogs getting on in age - Uno will be 8 this year - this is a common problem. Only one solution available: castration. 

Feb 6 was the day Uno left in the morning fully intact and came home in the afternoon, still my precious boy, but minus his testicles. My dream of being a “grandmother” to his puppies all went down the drain. I’m consoled that he now has a better chance of recovering from the cysts and abscess. An op to take out the cysts would be a major major task. Since the prostate is situated behind the hip, the bone has to be broken to reach the gland. 

I can’t put him through that, it’ll be too painful. Already he whined the day I took him home from the vet, he wasn’t able to jump up on the bed or up the chair. He just didn’t feel like moving and he couldn’t sit. Even as he lay down on the floor, he wasn’t amenable to moving his hind quarters at all. He looked so pitiful. 

After 2 days, he regained his usual bounce in his movements. And he’s a happy boy again. He’s the special hood - I call it a lamp shade - around his neck to prevent him licking his wound. No need for further complications. 

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the cyst and abscess will now go away with antibiotics. 

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged, work has gotten in the way. Anyway, I’ve been watching TV the last few days. My favourites have always been the cops and robbers type like CSI and Bones.

hese serials do focus on the use of forensic science in solving crimes so I guess the use of tech shouldn’t be a surprise. So there’re loads of equipment that can identify clues like pieces of plastics and cloth, stomach contents and of course human tissue. These are related to many databases of kidnapped/lost kids, unsolved murders and the like. All these were par for the course. 

But of late, they’ve updated their use of tech. For one, the CSIs are using tablet PCs, surface computing  and virtual worlds to look for information and catch thieves. Bones has been using 3D sketches to build a model of how a murdered person looks like. I think I spotted GPS being used on iPhones in one of the CSI episodes as well. 

Also, the sponsorship by tech companies in these serials - I’ve noticed iMacs in Bones and I think it’s HP in CSI. 

What else have anyone else seen?