Cheap

Today I  executed the privilege of living in US, as opposed to living in Europe. Although there are not too many of these moments, I felt it strongly when it cost me only 288 SEK for 60 liters, which was a full tank in my car ($2.60 for a gallons, which is 4.8 SEK per liter).

I wouldn’t even dream about such a price in Europe.

The idle pursuit of uncomprehended happiness.

Human’s understanding of the vital concept of our happiness and where to find it  has always been a source of heated conversations and a subject of intense disputes.

Unfortunately our rich imagination is also a source of a profound sadness, which leads us to conclusion that happiness is somewhere far away and we do not know where, but we all want to get thither. Each of us is convinced that when fortune smiles at us, then we will live happily ever after.

Is our fortune roaming around the world and we are just marking time; or are we flying by it at a giddy pace without even noticing it?

This question remains unsettled, as the dilemma of what came first: the chicken or the egg. But one fact is still undeniable - the fact that we are forever chasing something that we can’t even describe. That is unshakable evidence that a human remains disordered in the perception of happiness.

I relate this assertion to myself. How many countries did I live in; how many languages did I study; to how many cultures did I adapt? All this is just a mere confirmation of my gut feeling, affirmation of something that I perceived long time ago: the simple fact that the writing of these lines brings me an indescribable joy and conciliation, and a tranquility of my worthy being.

Key West, Ernest Hemingway, Day 2.

I prefer not to waste my time on searching for good restaurants during my travels for one simple reason: it is difficult to find one, especially on short notice. In my experience, all those touristic places are filled with visit-one-time restaurants. The business idea of those restaurants is simple: have a central location, nice appearance, cheap, awful food with inflated prices, and be a trap for tourists. The hungry tourists stumble over these places when they have the desire to eat. Nobody takes complaints seriously because the guests will never come back anyway, and there are so many tourists outside. So a poor tourist does not have many options to choose from, and he swallows the food with an excessive amount of wine.

By the way, I do not recommend that you (warning for Europeans) refuse to pay your bill due to the bad quality of the food; the owner will immediately call the police and you can get arrested. A friend of mine got in trouble when he refused to pay for his disgusting meal. Be smart: try to choose simple dishes that the chief can’t mess up.

Okay, after my tirade above, I got up the guts to actually recommend one restaurant in Key West: Opera Italian restaurant.

They have delicious food, reasonable prices and good service! Try it!

The main reason why you should visit Key West is to enjoy the wonderful natural setting and the beautiful sea.

The water on the Key West coast is clean, and the surrounding archipelagos have beaches with gorgeous white sand. Another reason to visit Key West is the spectacular sunsets.

The sunset in Key West.

Do not expect any fancy museums or cultural things (except for Ernest Hemingway's house).

The writer's house.

My favorite part of Key West is the museum of one of the greatest writers ever, Ernest Hemingway. Ernest lived on the Island for nine years with his thrird wife (he had five, in total). After thirteen years together and two boys, the writer had an affair with another woman. The years spent in Key West have been considered to be the most fruitful years in his creative life. He produced 50-60% of all his books on this island. When I looked at the prodigious beauty of Key West environment, I stopped wondering why was so.

The balcony of the writer.

If you get a chance, you have to visit this house. The furniture and interior design are still authentic as well as the cats. There are 44 cats running around the house. The guide told us that all those cats descended from Snow Ball, the favorite cat of Ernest, the famous character in many of his books. Unfortunately, Ernest Hemingway committed suicide, but not on this unforgettable island. (He suffered from mental illness. Moreover, several of his ancestors had committed suicide too.)

Key West, Day 1.

The concept of tropical life has always been, for me,   tantamount to an overseas tale. But now, living in this "fairy tale," I constantly complain about the unbearable conditions and relentless sun. Therefore, the idea of visiting  tropical Key West, for me, wasn’t wasn't very tempting.

But, as always before I jump to any conclusions, I have to first visit the place myself and experience it. We booked a hotel, gathered our friends, and drove off on a journey to Key West in two cars. It took us four  hours to drive, and nothing remarkable happened, except that one of our friends got sick after the lunch at one doggy tourist restaurant. By three o'clock in the afternoon, we arrived at the place and settled in the hotel; then went to explore the local attractions.

The biggest difference between these islands and the rest  of Florida is the architecture. Key West has prevailed on preserving the antediluvian houses. The view of the old houses takes you a hundred years back. If Miami is a city skyscrapers, then Key West is a picturesque village from Ernest Hemingway stories.

Key West is really a very small place, but uncommonly cozy and tropical. The atmosphere is relaxing and wild roosters (I can’t comprehend from where they came) are rambling around the town. The stream of lazy and goofy tourists (too much wine or too much heat) renders the feeling that time has ceased there.

The peaceful atmosphere goes along with the heat and even the wild roosters don't respond to the clicks of your camera.

The people passing by are constantly jumping from one side to another, trying to find shade under the huge indigenous Banyan trees in the alleys.

Key West is also one of the most popular stopping points for giant cruise ships from all around the World. The cruise ships, which are crossing the Atlantic, stop for a day or two and  bring a lot of tourists.

Most Americans still go to church every Sunday. The view of pretty churches bring peace, tranquility, and local charm.

The local church.

The depth of the coast surprised me when I saw a giant-size cruise ship causally parked by the shore.

WES confirmation!

After all, everything is not so bad in my life. Sometimes I have such great days! As today!

Today, my dear readers, I got American evaluation of my Swedish diploma. And the U.S. Equivalency is Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Management!!!!!.

I am so happy and pleased. I toiled as a Trojan and had really hard time during 5 years. And now I don’t need to re-do anything, the education that I got is equal here and additionally I have World Education Service confirmation on that. I am so delighted! Finally I did something in my life that is right.

I am so sorry, that I might sound not so prudent and boastful, but I just so happy and want to share my happiness with you, please allow me to be it just for the moment.

The Exit.

Today wasn’t the best dag in my life. I was supposed to start one of my business courses at College here, but the course was canceled. I woke up early, drove all the way to Weston ( it is approximately 30 miles) and faced the nice lady who politely informed me that there are no classes today.

Well, I hung may be 20 minutes on phone trying to figure out the reason and why I wasn’t informed. At last I was enrolled to the similar one which starts a little bit later.

On my way back, when the traffic was on its top, I couldn’t change the lane in time before my exit (for that was needed to cross from line 2 to line 6) and I was force to do a very precarious traffic maneuver. I prevailed upon the situation, but I would never repeat it again. Thanks for the driver who let me pass.

And to be faithful to my promise when it comes to keep being objective in my opinions (to judged people it is the easiest what ones can do) ; I have to admit, though the traffic is more heavy and many American people wouldn’t pass Swedish driving test, the attitude and traffic manner among drivers here have more courtesy.

I dwelled on this topic with my French girl- friend during the Pilatus session. She is prudent and amiable person and has leaved in many countries, Sweden is included. When she had complied with my assertion, she looked at me for a moment and then added:”In Sweden if you are in the wrong lane it is your problem and nobody else” and then “and even in general understanding”.
It struck me, God gracious, such a profound remark!

At the end, we are all on the same road called “Life” and it is Ok to have different “driving” stiles, as soon as you are not hurting anyone. It is essential to remember that we are all just mere Homosapiens and it is humane to make mistakes; it just heartless to react on arrogant way. You never know, may be one day you are going to do your “Exit” and you would expect that the drive, beside you, help you pass.

The flooding.

The hurricanes period has started, though I haven’t seen ferocious storms yet. So far, all that I have witness is a lot of rain, rain and rain.
I rather have rains then relentless sun and so high temperature that I feel motionless, powerless and all your brain vaporizes outdoors.
Yesterday rain caused to high water level and many streets were flooded. Many houses’ front bridges were under water.

Don’t f...k with Google account.

Depression after my terrible mistake has stagnated. I didn’t expect that I would react so strongly. Of course when you do something that you like, you put your soul in it, spend your energy and all of sudden everything disappears in matter of seconds, what do you expect?

I keep over and over wondering what was exactly I have done when I managed to delete my blogs? I was just supposed to cancel one of my redundant e-mails addresses and it happened to be connected to my Google account, which disappeared immediately. All my tries to recover it were fruitless. It was terrible, I almost got a shock.

The awful situation that I put myself in has deteriorated by indifference and inhumanity of Google’s procedures. I filled in all required forms twice and explained that I need just my blogs back and that it was important for me. But I never got my blogs back. I didn’t get a chance to speak with human either.
All my searches about whom I should contact in situation like this, ended up in dead end. The only I could do to fill in all those obscure applications and hope that the computer system or somebody has mercy on me. All my hopes were in vain.

Now I have to recover so many notes that I have saved in my Word document, unfortunately not so much, just 5 or 6. And I have already started over again, but psychological it is not so easy.

The Ice Bar in Stockholm.

During my Stockholm trip I visited the famous Ice Bar. The entrance price was high 175 SEK from one person which included one drink. Ok, I can cope with that. The environment is of prodigious beauty and it reminds you a ‘The Snow Queen” fairytale.

They told us that the bar management tries to change its theme every year by replacing different statues and polishing the design.

Everything was lovely; we got these fancy coats with tremendous mittens. Relaxing music was spreading around the bar and the spotlights were playing with the ice walls, reflecting by diving patent and surrounding magic atmosphere.

Regardless of all this, I ought to mention that I was disappointed when it comes to quality of drinks. They were tasteless. It was anything but good cocktail that you expect to be served at this place. I would prefer to call that as hooch or moonshine, whatever you like.

Obviously the management of the Ice Bar is so concentrated on design that missed the premier purpose of this place.Thank for the temperature (-4C), (though you have warm cloth, you can’t endure long time there), folks tend to pay no attention to the consistent of their drinks, but yet it diminishes your glamorous memory of your extraordinary experience.

Lady in Red.

Finally! I am overjoyed! I got my car. After so many tries and market surveys, we could finally make our chose. Car here is a indispensable necessity and not a luxury. In the society where everything is related on drive-in, even cash machines, although Americans call them ATM machines, it is difficult to make it without it.

My initial thoughts were to buy an Americans one, just to understand how it feels to drive one, but after many driving tests (at car’s deals places), I wasn’t comfortable with their driving ability. It didn't feel right, so I had to stick to my previous versions of Europeans models.

Market of pre-owned cars is enormous here, thanks to the poor economy, but still nobody gives you for free. Please, do not forget that you have to add 6% of taxes on top of your merchandise, which is not included in sale's price.

For those who are recently arrived to US, it is painful to see how price is increasing when you step in front of cashier. The idea that you have to pay more, right just in moment when you are happy that you have found a bargain is painful. Nepp. No free lunches.

Anyway, I like my car. We bought it in Miami and I was suppose to take it home, which meant 1,5 hour driving trough all irksome and dangerous Americans’ motorways.I got nervous and sweaty because it was my first experience when it comes to this type of driving.
Motorways here are with 6 lanes (just in one direction) and people are not following so much traffic rules; left-right or change-line signals are here exclusively rare and most of folks took driving license test on parking place. When I arrived at home, I felt like I need a big whisky. And I couldn’t get even that, because I am having my 10 days healthy –wealthy diet, when you suppose to clear your body by eating all these boring stuff and all kind of alcoholish drinks are prohibited.

Las Vegas, day 3.

My dear reader maybe has started wondering about the main purpose of the visit. Well, did I forget something? The main magnet of folks the attraction of people-watching, the magic dream of winning one million dollars and maybe more?! Everybody comes to Las Vegas with the same dream, but unfortunately I am too perspicacious to believe in that. According to statistics, a man has a higher chance of being hit by a truck or end up in a car accident than to win 1 million dollars.
My sober pessimism, which I have now and then, my life experiences and maybe the lack of extra money which I can afford to lose; makes me anything but a gambler. Therefore I am not acquainted with the rules of many popular games. I can’t even play Black Jack or other games. It is universally acknowledged that the House always wins. Even if you win some money, you are going to lose it anyway, in an unrealistic hope of winning a fortune.


I played a little bit, won probably $20 in all three days and lost them all. To be honest, I am not a lucky person; I never was. I never won any big money during my whole life or anything else in particular on that account.


The main reason to visit Las Vegas for me was to use that unique opportunity to see all these world famous shows. It was beyond my comprehension when it comes to the variety available. You can choose whatever you want, it doesn’t matter what your interests are: from circus to opera; from strip shows to ballet.


You may contradict with me by asserting that there are lots of places like these. Well, let me know when you will find a place where you can hear Dolly Parton, Better Midler, see Ice ballet from Russia, experience Chinese acrobats and an aquatic spectacular, look at Cirque du Soleil (with 5 themes to chose), different mystery shows and (my favorite) enjoy the magnificent “Phantom of the Opera”, which facilities are built for that purpose where shows take place.

Due to our less than thorough planning we could squeeze in just two shows: Phantom of the Opera” and Cirque du Soleil on water.



The Cirque du Soleil show was spectacular and magnificent. It made me feel as a child who was transferred to a fantasy world.


For a short video of Cirque du Soleil, click on the full screen


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYaLLX_bF7c


“Phantom of the Opera” was splendid and touching (I cried). Every time I hear that music my mind escapes to a magical world of endless happiness. Every tone of song gives me the edge of sensation of an unearthly happiness. I can’t describe what is happening in my mind but I know for sure that it is beyond my comprehension. I want the music to never stop and it makes me sad that this feeling can be produced just only by this music (and my sensation of running and reading of Jane Austen).


For a short video of “Phantom of the Opera”, click on the full screen


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G39Xj57qV7g


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ej1zMxbhOO0

Tips: by staying in the same hotel where the show which you want to see, is taking place, you are always entitled to 25% of discount. It is also possible to buy tickets at half price on the last day before the show. If you don’t mind to sitting in different places (not beside each other), you can get an additional discount and it can be really near the stage. So, do not hurry to buy tickets three weeks before (only if it is a matter of life and death or you have lots of money), wait until you are in place and you may find a bargain. The list with shows updates every day.

Las Vegas, day 2.

We stayed at the Bellagio. I was not aware until somebody told me, that this place is considered one of the finest hotels in Las Vegas. The definition of “hotel” doesn’t fit the real size of this tremendously large building. I would call it a gigantic complex which incorporates everything that you need and do not need. You can ramble around the whole day and enjoy a lot of things, if you can afford it. In my experience, I can assure you that nothing is cheap there, though you can always afford a Cafe Latte near the beautiful pool area and sink into oblivion by reading your favorite book.
he swimming area.

Having said that, I have to admit that I didn’t read much. I could not concentrate when I saw the unique opportunity of amusing myself by just looking at all the people who had flown here from different parts of the world trying to explore the mystical world of Las Vegas.

Design of the Bellagio’s interior

The entrance of the Bellagio is breathtaking, the ceiling of the entrance hall highlighted by intricate patterns of gigantic glass flowers. The sounds of slot machines are heard emerging in from the background.

We spent extra money obtaining a room overlooking Strip Street (the main street in Las Vegas). The main purpose was to experience the famous Bellagio fountain. The fountain show starts every half hour as scheduled. I have to say it was a very spectacular show. Although you do not need to stay at the Bellagio to see it, you can just join the crowd which surrounds the fountain area from the Strip Street sidewalk.


The view from my room at night and day time

Tips: Go to the Bellagio's (or whatever hotel you like) home page. There are lots of different offers which include flight tickets. The cheapest one is when you choose to stay from Monday to Thursday or Friday. Also you can reduce the cost by choosing connecting flight. Do not buy water at the hotel ($3 for a small bottle; it costs more than it worth), find your way to a local 7-Eleven and pay $0.50 instead.


Whether you consider yourself  a modest eater or not, please think twice before you order starters or salads. All portions are very mighty; therefore you can easily share with your partner. One of the traditions that I appreciate the most in the US is you don’t need to be uncomfortable when you do not follow the rules, ethics or norms. The customer is always right, and nobody is puzzled even when you ask for a “doggy bag” for one potato from your plate.

Las Vegas, day 1.

Probably, I have to start by saying that the journey to Las Vegas was a long one. After two and half hours of flight from Fort Lauderdale, we were supposed to connect in Kansas City (Missouri) and then fly to Las Vegas (Nevada), which takes an additional two and half hours. The total time is seven hours; waiting time in Kansas City is included.


Nothing remarkable happened during our trip; except from that I was detained at the security check point. I noticed all worried and concerned faces of the security people and how they bent over the computer screen trying to identify something dangerous in my handbag.

I knew that I had no water or any other liquid, so I was seriously concerned that somebody might have put something in my bag (these things are rare but they do happen). After having being surrounded by security folks and confirming that the bag was mine, I let them thoroughly investigate the content of it. Well, guess what?

It was my Jane Austen book (“Emma”) which was taken as an unidentified object and a possible threat by the security computer program. Everybody was puzzled and I got my first good laugh that day.


Sorry, my dear reader, allow me to be a little bit witty; obviously Jane Austen's works are considered to be too heavy and serious and as a consequence of that I was detained.

In Kansas City our flight was delayed by two hours and we were trapped in a small area with chintzy furnishings. My attention was riveted to the reoccurring situation of people’s reactions (who were waiting for the next flight, like we were) when they were informed that if they left this spot then they must go through security again.

It wouldn’t be so tempting if you couldn’t observe, on the opposite side of glass wall, many nice and restaurants and cafes. It is not necessary to describe the upset reactions of hungry passengers. That was my entertainment during my two hours of tedious waiting.

My first impression of the State of Nevada’s landscape was a terrifying view of yellow desert mixed with a brown chain of non-active craters. The landscape was definitely not suitable for living: not one spot of water or lake, just a gleam of river surrounded by a sleep edge of red-yellow mountains. I couldn’t see any trees or bushes or any signs of life. Everything looked abandoned and dead.


All of a sudden Las Vegas loomed up from nowhere. The view was surrealistic. I kept wondering how they had been able to build this incredible destination for so many people around the world, with such poor conditions, and how the city manages its water supply. When we landed, the temperature was 102F (39C) and it struck me that Florida’s climate wasn’t so unbearable after all.

A story about sweet nothings

Today I finished my fifths  book of Jane Austen - “Emma,” and I read even its criticism. This book is more popular among the Austen’s readers. However, the most popular among moviemakers is “Pride and Prejudice.” Though I have managed to find four film versions of “Pride and Prejudice,” I couldn’t find any of “Emma.” Why so? I guess because the "Emma" book has less actions.

I sank into my thoughts about what I just read and why people are so awed particularly by this novel. “Emma” is a study in imperfection conducted perfectly; a story about sweet nothings. The environment of the book is so distanced from the reality that, perversely, it makes the novel seem so real.

Everybody loves “Emma.” Austen describes her heroine: ” With insufferable vanity had she believed herself in the secret of everybody’s feelings; with unpardonable arrogance proposed to arrange everybody’s destiny. She was proved to have been universally mistaken."