hotels
Last Stop: Venezuela
Left Sunday morning for Miami. Watched Georgetown lose on cbssportsline.com last night in the Hilton near the airport where I slept. Got on a plane at 7:30 this morning to Venezuela. On time. So far so good. Until we (Kim, Purina’s head of research for Latin America, and I) arrived here. Were supposed to have a car waiting, but that’s wasn’t in the car(d)s. Finally got in touch with the driver and he was running a couple hours late. Yes, a couple hours. No, why would he call? Yes, we probably should have just taken a different taxi. No, it wasn’t that simple. Because the major highway/bridge is not open, it takes anywhere from 1.5 to 5 hours to get into downtown Caracas. So, we waited it out… until of course we got a call from Nestle Venezuela saying the driver would not, in fact, be coming to get us. 12PM in meeting spot at airport. 2PM have another car set up. 215 on the road in a Ford SUV. 215-345 winding up and around the mountain, through haze, enclosed by steep mountain on our left and all types of vegetation on our right. 4PM first view of Caracas (the Western and poorer part according to our driver). 515PM arrive at the Embassy Suites. I would go into the drive, but I’ll wait until I’m back in the U.S. to explain (and compare it to one movie in particular) so as not to freak my parents out any more than they should be. So the actual drive took about 3 hours – about average. At the hotel, went for a little run on the treadmill – was inspired by the other man in metallic light green spandex on the bike next to me. (Not metallic mint green like the convertible(s) that pulled up to the Sac O’Suds conveeenyence store. (Ralph Macchio went to my Middle School.)) Then went out to a restaurant in la castellana and ate some serious arepas and cachapas and drank melocoton juice. Now I’m back and feeling fat and tired and watching VH1 top 60 something video countdown – #56 is The Calling “Wherever You Will Go.” And I know this was probably said thousands of times before but probably not in the last year: How does this kid who looks like Aaron Carter have a voice like Creed’s lead singer? And speaking of Latin TV, why does every other channel have 1 of 2 shows on it: One is completely hectic with sirens going off, a live studio audience, 2 MCs – 1 short, pudgy old man in a suit and one 30 year old hot woman with fake boobs and minimal clothing and The Other is a soap opera with 2 characters with similar but less extreme features arguing about something very serious as the camera moves from close up of face to face. At least there’s soccer. Time to sleep.
Colombia Update: I’m Alive
And in the Hotel Casa Dann Carlton on Calle 94. Got in at around midnight last night – had to deplane after boarding in Houston because of faulty brakes – one of those times you’re happy to get the f off and walk across the airport to a new gate. Seriously, the announcement went something like this 15 minutes after boarding: “Hi, this is the captain speaking, we’re currently experiencing an issue with our brakes, they’re not completely working, and we have a team below the aircraft working on the issue. I’ll get back to you with details once I know if we’ll be on our way or have to get a different plane.” And even more seriously, when he announced 8 minutes later that we’d be deboarding and going to another gate to a plane without problems, everyone within shouting distance from me was complaining, huffing and puffing and really pissed. Sure, it sucks, but what’s crazy was that they didn’t seem nearly as (visibly) upset when the first announcement was made. If the captain got on and said, “Great news. These brakes should hold up at least til we land in 4 and a half hours. So let’s leave 15 minutes late rather than 50!”, would there have been cheers? This may be a good time to recap my travel issues over the last 3 weeks, not that you care, but because you may be surprised that I’ve remained so calm throughout (or you won’t, but I am and I want to brag, and yes, you just have to take my word for it)…
Brazil: Arrive at Caesar Business 2 hours late (9AM) only to be told that there is no room for me yet. They think it should open in an hour or so. Can I use your business center? Sure, internet cards are “x” reias. You’re kidding. Give me one for the hassle. No, okay, I’ll go take a walk in my jeans and sweater and carry my laptop because I don’t trust you.
Chile: Arrive at Hotel Intercontinental at 11PM. Sorry, we don’t have your reservation. Why, it was made with these people from Nestle. We have theirs, just not yours… and we’re completely booked. It was made with this person by the same person. Call your manager. Okay, we can get you a room tonight, but not yet. Go to the bar and wait. 1AM, your room is ready, but you have to check out tomorrow, we are full. Check into other hotel mid-afternoon the next day.
Argentina: Can I have a late checkout my flight’s not til 10PM? Sure, it will be $100. You’re not full, can I just stay til 4 or 5 or so. Yes, for $100. But a night is only $150… okay, just hold my bags while I walk around the city sweating and getting blisters (my sneaks are packed) for 6 hours and then overcharge me for the cab to the airport. Thanks.
Mexico: Minneapolis to Houston – sorry running a little late because there’s a problem with the pressure on the plane. Actually, new plane, new gate, but not too late. No big deal… yet. I only have 1 hour to get off the plane in Houston and get on the plane to Mexico though. 45 minutes from land time, 35 from deplane, told I won’t make it, sprint across airport, on tram, sprint more, make it just in time. Way back, Mexico gate changed 3 times. Had a full row to myself though, until a dude not only sat in the aisle seat, but put his large carry-on under the middle seat in front of us. Thanks Dick. (Dick was not his name, but that’s what I’m calling him – capital D.)
Colombia: Minneapolis to Houston – no problem!!! Houston, you know the drill. Got into Bogota at 11PM, supposed to have a car. Not there. Phone – not working. Took a taxi, which was fine, but was a little nervous since I was told that our Citibank team never rolls around without security and in an armored car.
So anyway, now I’m here. After a day of 3 groups, starting at 8AM and ending at 9PM. Hopefully will have a chance to see the city tomorrow. Then get on a 9AM plane Thursday morning, supposed to get back to MN at 5PM. I’ll take the over on that bet. Looking like a promising or even “cant-miss”miss in Houston with only 1 hour to get across the airport and through customs. Either way, as I said, it’s all good… I’m chill. Though that word makes me a little annoyed. Relax.
Oh Mexico
Now do you see why Ricardo’s “really proud of my Mexican heritage” and thus decided to make maracas and churros and wear a poncho on his multiple NEXT dates? Note yellow billboard – this is why I’m there – Pedigree, spending like crazy and stealing share from all Purina’s brands both high and low priced. View’s from my hotel room at the Intercontinental in Mexico City. Thinking about bringing my racquet next time. Tampa Bay Bucs cheerleaders were staying there as well… don’t know why since I didn’t want to interrupt their breakfast… and I was too much of a wimp to approach the table of 15. 4 countries down, 2 to go.
Proving My Age, Again
An an ariel (7th Floor) view of the Caesar Business hotel’s pool on the 2nd floor. I couldn’t help it.
In and Out
Don’t you feel like you were in Rio with me? Okay, maybe not. But at least I gave you a little taste of the culture. Well, here goes the exact opposite for Santiago, Chile. Got in Sunday late at night, to the hotel at about 11PM, they didn’t have my reservation at the Hotel Intercontinental, persuaded them to put me up for just one night even though the hotel was full, waited another hour and a half to get into my room, woke up early for focus groups, had them all day, checked out of the hotel and into another called Plaza el Bosque, had a nice dinner, slept, woke up early, groups, had a nice lunch, and left for the airport at about 4PM on Tuesday. That said, from this and my last quick visit, it is an amazingly safe, clean and picturesque city with tree lined streets and surrounded by mountains. Unfortunately I didn’t get to take many shots. Here’s one I snapped from the top (17th) floor of my second hotel. Apologies Jay, if you thought this post was going to be about your second favorite movie (behind Notting Hill). We can talk about Hugh when I get back to the U.S.
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