Beautiful morning in Redmond, WA

This was one of these mornings when one says "Life is good". Sun is shining, the international team I am working with (LATAM, EMEA, US, Canada) is very nice. This day is a full day od important decisions that this group has to take.

Atlanta for 3 days was a success

I really like Atlanta, Georgia and very happy that my company has operations there. I met with prospects, spent time with our partner and now I am on my way to Redmond, Microsofts's HQ campus for the rest of the weekend. The weather in Atlanta was nice, some showers but not bad at all. I am flying via St Louis with a change and then to Seatlle, WA. I am flying back home to Dallas on Sunday evening.

Time to get on the road (Atlanta and Seattle)

I can not remember the last time I had the opportunity to stay in my home town for 2 weeks. I am now flying to Atlanta for 3 nights and the continuing my travel to Seattle (staying in Redmond) for two nights and will get back on Sunday night. The weather in Dallas has been very hot (95 Fahrenheit or so), but I have been able to play 2 rounds of golf during the last two weeks.

JFK American Airlines terminal is very nice

Gone are the days with a crappy JFK terminal where nothing worked. Today, the terminal is modern and with lot's of shops and such. I just arrived from Sao Paulo, Brazil and sitting on the plane on my way home to Dallas, Texas.

Sao Paulo Guarulh International airport experience

The Sao Paulo international airport is works very well. I was very impressed how quickly and efficiently I was checked in and everything from security to shopping is very good. The American Airlines Admirals club is under renovation and is currently very modest when compared with many other clubs around the world.

I am flying via JFK International Airport to DFW international airport in Texas.

Galeao Rio de Janeiro International airport

I had a very nice experience at the Galeao Rio de Janeiro International airport. Lot's of shops, food and amendenities. Highly recommended.

Rio de Janeiro during a Monday morning

I had a chance to stroll on Copacobana in Rio de Janeiro this beautiful morning and it became obvious to me that this place is really going to dormant winter time with elder people enjoying a more quiet Rio. It is now mid May and the weather has been around 22 centigrades and based on my prevous trip here a year ago I would say that the perfect timing would be early April or late March.

The Christ statue in Rio de Janeiro makes you quiet

I have seen lots of things around the world and I have to say that the famous statue of Christ in Rio de Janeiro is the most beautiful and pieceful environment that I have experienced in my travel. The weather was perfect for the viewing with clowds hanging around one and this almost gave you the impression that one is in heaven. Very powerful experience and highly recommended.

Day at the Sugarloaf and Baha, Brazil

Yesterday, I was lucky. The weather in Rio de Janeiro was pretty sunny and the view over Rio de Janeiro was unreal. Nokia had reserved the Sugarloaf hilltop for their "realtime" videoshot of famous artists around the world (such as Los Angeles, Rio etc.) and this event seemed to be very exclusive with VIP passes and such.

The afternoon I spent time with a driver taking me to Baha and other more remote sites with a late lunch at an exclusive restaurant by the ocean. Life is good...

Rio de Janeiro International Airport - distance to Copacobana and Ipanemana

The distance from the international airport of Rio de Janeiro is around 20 minutes from the downtown (Copacobana and Ipanemana) and you can buy cab tickets at the baggage claim area (recommended). The system works very well and impressed me how welcome they made me feel. I did not fly to the regional airport as I need to return to Sao Paulo International airport tomorrow on Monday. My flight is taking me to JFK (New York) and then to Dallas, Texas.

Rio de Janeiro - Copacobana and Ipanema

This evening I walked around 6 kilometers on the famous Copacobana oceanfront. There are lots of local salespeople selling turist stuff and some of these people really need the money, no question about that. I am staying in Sofitel Rio de Janeiro which is in between Copacobana and Ipanema.

Flying to Rio de Janeiro via Congonhas airport

I am flying to Rio de Janeiro using the local regional Sao Paulo Congonhas airport. This airport is conviently located close to important business districts and this local airport takes you to one of the most beautiful landings in the center of Rio de Janeiro local/regional airport that is called Galeao. I have flown this once before, so I know what it feels to land in this beautiful location. You can see the sugartops from the airplane window. This flight is one hour 10 minutes.

Sao Paulo in May - Vibrant business city

This is my third day in Sao Paulo, Brazil and I have to say that this city impresses me due to its vibrant business environment. I participated in a trade mission organized by International Assiciation of Microsoft Certified Partners (IAMCP) with participants from all over the world. I have had the chance to meet companies from almost every Latin American country such as Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru and many others. I am sure I will be coming back soon. Today, I am headed to Rio de Janeiro for the weekend.

Ocean Drive, Miami during the evening

One of the "have to go places" in Miami is Ocean Drive that has lots of restaurants by the Ocean, anything one can think of. Another street, very close to Ocean Drive is Espanola Way that has lots of nice restaurants as well.

Want Chinese food in Miami - try Miss Yip at Meridian Avenue

I had dinner at Miss Yip and I have to admit that they had the best hot and sour soup that I have had in my life. Overall the food was very good and highly recommended. The bad news is that the service was the worst that I have had ever in Miami. Our waiter looked like she could not care less what we were having or what our needs were. I am wondering how they can have people such that in the restaurant? Are they making too much money?

Miami on my mind

I have to say that Miami is one of my favorite places. Today we landed around 10.00 AM at Miami International airport, I did a conference call from American Airlines Admirals Club and then we headed to Bayside Marketplace that I experience 20 years ago the first time. Two hours of checking the place we jumped in a cab and drove to the corner of Lincoln Avenue and Collins Avenue. This place has hundreds of stores and a few weirdos that I seem to run into each time I visit this place. With dinner in the belly, it is time to head back to the airport to catch the plane to Sao Paulo, Brazil.

American Airlines Boeing 757 should retire

I can not believe how old this Boeing 757 feels that American Airlines is still flying. It looks like from the 50s and the first class seats seem from 50s as well. Oh well, I am sure it gets us where it needs to.

Miami for birthday dinner

I am on my way to Sao Paulo, Brazil for a trade mission arranged by IAMCP LATAM. More than 30 companies across the world will meet and network to create business opportunities. A full day in Miami will be fun as the flight to Sao Paulo leaves around 11.00 PM.