Crazytown, Italy

This morning I woke up and went to the airport to board my fligth home after this long journey. When I arrived at the check-in counter, the gate attendant directed me to the self-service kiosk, insisting that she couldn't help me. So, I tried to check in, but failed. Returning to the attendant, I sort of gave attitude when I told her that the kiosk refused to help me check in. It turns out I was at the wrong airport! Fortunately, I was able to get myself on another flight to Paris that will arrive well in time for me to make my connection to Boston.

So now I'm in the airport lounge, killing time on the ultra-slow internet. An older lady with a tacky pink sweatshirt tucked into her high-waisted jeans (like just under her boobs) and a floral-print bucket hat walked into the lounge seemingly to scream at the lounge receptionist. She's asked for someone to take her to her gate "Now! Now! Now!" The helpful receptionist arranged someone to pick her up, but couldn't confirm when he would arrive, so bucket-hat lady responded, "Thanks for nothing!"

Promptly thereafter, she ran over to the bar area and screamed, "I need a drink so bad! So bad!" and poured herself some Johnny Walker Black Label" in the largest glass available (no ice). It is just after 9:00 in the morning.

Wool work

After a few days in Jordan, I traveled to Italy with our Chief Supply Chain Officer yesterday. The 1am wake up call was brutal, but not as horrible as trying to sleep on our 4:30am flight from Jordan to Rome, then Rome to Verona.

Upon arriving at Verona yesterday, we were whisked away to a wool textile mill to discuss how we might be able to work better with a particular wool suiting fabric supplier. Our Chief Supply Chain Officer handled all the commercial details and I basically stuck around, taking notes and tried to stay awake. For me, the most interesting part was touring the factory and watching how thread is made into huge sheets of very beautiful suiting fabric.

I'd never been in a textile mill before and I was struck by how dusty everything was. There are huge, automated weaving machines that literally spit out beautiful yards of fabric. Pinstripes, plaids, a few weird swirly patterns. Very impressive stuff.

And today, we traveled three hours from Verona to Biella, where we went to a yarn spinning mill. Again, this was a process I'd never seen so I was pretty fascinated by all the machines, especially the dyeing machine that was fully computerized. It uses far less water and less dyestuff than a traditional dye house and requires only one person to place the hanks of wool onto the machine itself, thereby reducing the likelihood of people being poisoned by the toxic dyes.

I also got to see some very beautiful fabric that was knit from super, super fine merino wool that costs approximately $600 per kg and is limited to only a few hundred of kg per year. I guess I'm becoming a textile nerd.

I could get used to this

I just arrived in Milan and am eating chocolates and drinking champagne, courtesy of one of the nicest hotels I've ever stayed in. Too bad my stay is for all of 12 hours!

Dust to dust

In a few short hours, I'll be getting on a plane and leaving dusty Jordan. Throughout our travels the past two days, I've noticed that everything here is very monochromatic. It's all the color of sand and dust - not so interesting.

Jordan has been an interesting experience because the garment industry relies heavily on migrant labor for workers. Companies like mine need to be careful of cases where factory managers refuse workers their fair wages or keep their passports locked up, thereby rendering them indentured servants.

This country is full of challenges from a sourcing perspective, and I feel like my visit has answered a few questions, but opened up a heck of a lot more. We met with representatives from an ILO-sponsored program that seems promising as a means to help mitigate our risk as a brand that's sourcing here, but it's tough to let go of another layer of control. That said, the ILO could definitely give us some credible cover should anything go awry here.

I'm glad I had the chance to visit a few factories here. Some good ones will be added to our supply base, but there were a few that I definitely don't feel comfortable working in. Fortunately, my Sourcing team agreed and we won't be doing business with the poorer factories.

I didn't get to do any sightseeing, but on the way back to the hotel this evening, I saw some camels on the roadside!

How do you google in Arabic?

Arabic google really confused me at first!

Amman arrival

It took roughly 15 hours to travel from Casablanca, Morocco to our hotel in Amman, Jordan yesterday. It's not really a long distance, but with all the transits, the waiting at the airports and the delays, we didn't arrive at the hotel until nearly 4am.

I'm pretty much over the travel, but I have four factories, three yarn mills and one more country to visit. Hopefully, we'll get a little flavor of Jordan while in this country. Is this where Jordan Almonds come from?

Return on education

One of my undergraduate majors was French literature, a topic that was fun to study but not at all useful in my post-college life. In this part of Morocco, however, French is widely spoken and I've had the chance to use my (now limited) French with drivers and factory managers.

And since none of the co-workers I'm traveling with speak French, I feel moderately useful when I can help translate the "private" conversations our factory managers have!

One night in Casa

It's been another long day on the road and I should probably be sleeping, but I just returned to my hotel room from another long and filling dinner.

We started off this morning in Istanbul, flew for five hours to Casablanca and went straight to a factory. The factory was a pretty average one, but I had to figure out a little issue regarding Moroccan labor law and how we wanted the factory to implement a corrective action plan resulting from a recent audit. Without any other Moroccan factories in our supply base, it's tough figuring out what the industry norm is, but I'm pleased with the next steps we established.

We were shuttled quickly to the hotel to check in, then gathered for dinner. Our factory host treated us to a feast at a traditional Moroccan restaurant that was completely adorned with intricately carved plaster molding all over the ceiling and very detailed little tiles and mosaics all over the walls. It also featured two belly dancers dropping it like it was hot, thrusting their bejeweled boobies into the faces of diners throughout the restaurant.

It was a very nice treat and it felt nice to get a taste of Casablanca. The waterfront area seemed to have a very busy nightlife and I was told that people were just starting to eat their dinners as we left the restaurant at midnight.

After another factory visit tomorrow morning, we're back in the air, off to Amman, via a three-hour layover in Istanbul.

Professor Panda!!!!

Today we hosted a summit for many of our vendors in the Mediterranean region. Basically, we stayed in a room that resembled a business school classroom and several of us discussed the company's current business strategies, how we're working to evolve our various areas of discipline and how we need to partner with our vendors to succeed in implementing these changes.

My presentation, the last one scheduled, was different from all the others. Where everyone else was discussing specific topics like our goals and progress regarding speed, quality and cost, mine was a more philosophical discussion about a new approach to corporate social responsibility. Our Chief Supply Chain Officer directed me to treat it like I was a professor, delivering a lecture.

I wasn't sure how my presentation would go over since it was such a departure from the rest of the day, but it was very well received and our Chief Supply Chain Officer told me it was "by far the best part of the day." I was flattered that he said this to me and hope it bodes well for a raise or a promotion down the line!

Kebab konfusion

At a lovely dinner tonight, I ordered traditional Turkish kebabs and was surprised to see that they weren't skewered when they arrived at the table. Apparently, "shish" means "skewer," so regular kebabs are more like gyros! Who knew?

Our restaurant had a pretty spectacular view of the Bosphorus, clearly overlooking the water to the Asia side of the city (More than five people told me that Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents today.). I think the highlight was the ever-changing colors of the bridge, which made me think fondly of San Francisco.

Istanbul (not Constantinople)

After a very long day of traveling, including a miserable four-plus hour layover in Paris, I've arrived in Istanbul, a city I know very little about. So far, I've spent a lot of time stuck in traffic and discussing work-type things with people and sadly, I don't think there is much sightseeing in the cards.

In the car from the airport, our Chief Supply Chain Officer asked if anyone knew Istanbul's former name. And I blurted out "Constantinople!" I guess I learned something from They Might Be Giants after, all.

Sunday no funday

In San Francisco, Sunday is a big day to go out and have a good time. The streets are busy, the bars are hopping and there's a certain feeling of general happiness in the air.

Since moving to Boston, I've wondered if there's an equivalent Sunday afternoon diversion in this city. I thought maybe I was just out of the loop or in the wrong neighborhood or something, but I haven't been able to find anything nearly as fun on Sundays.

Yesterday, Puppy's friend Jimmy Jam called me up (Puppy is out of town for work) and we hit a local bar in the hopes of having a Sunday funday experience. The bartender was game and dutifully poured us interesting drinks, but there didn't seem to be more than a dozen people in the place at any one time (and for 30 minutes it was pouring outside, so people were simply seeking shelter). It was fun hanging out and doing something interesting on an otherwise blah Sunday afternoon, but I swear there must be something more!

Coffee crud

I finally relented. Out of convenience, I stopped by my neighborhood Dunkin Donuts for an iced coffee on my way to the gym (instead of walking the extra 0.25 miles to Starbucks like I normally do).

After sipping the super-sugary, poorly blended, weaker-than-Starbucks(!) concoction, I decided I'll probably never make it as a true Bostonian.

Now I know how Joan of Arc felt

I just had a great session at the gym, not because my workout was particularly great, but because they played "Bigmouth Strikes Again!" I seriously got so excited and I'm digging out my Smiths CDs to burn to my iPod. I can't believe I haven't already done that...

And furthermore, the song came on between "Rhythm Is a Dancer" by Snap! and "Destroy Everything You Touch" by Ladytron. Good job, gym DJ.

Go Lions!

Season 4 of Friday Night Lights just started on broadcast television and I'm so glad for it! Even though I didn't realize it was starting and missed the first episode of the season (thank goodness for On Demand), I've been riveted ever since!

The show is simply amazing and I still can't believe that I'm enjoying a "teen drama" where the parents are more compelling than the kids!

Detention

What good are summer hours when a meeting is scheduled for Friday afternoon?

Movie note: Annie Hall

THREE STARS

Conflicted! Quirky, cute, boring, neurotic, whimsical, obvious, irritating, self-indulgent, original.

Celeb sighting: TRANSform Me

I forgot to mention that, during the pride festivities, we caught a glimpse of that lady Laverne from TRANSform Me, a show where three transgender ladies go around giving women makeovers. I think she was on a show trying to win a "job" with Diddy, but I don't really know. As far as I'm concerned, the only good show featuring Diddy was the one about Danity Kane! Damaged!

Hiya Cath

Puppy and I just finished re-watching the first season of Nighty Night, a British import that's so wrong in so many ways. From poking fun at people with MS to first dates wearing assless chaps to trying to kill one's husband to "smashed prawns in a milky basket," this series offends on every level and could not possibly have aired in the US.

The second season isn't available on DVD in the US, but you can bet we'll be streaming it online soon enough!

Celeb sighting: The Surreal Life

At yesterday's pride block party, we noticed a diminutive tranny walking about. She had terrible skin and dark, dark roots and was dressed like a bohemian ... something. It turns out, it was Alexis Arquette, as in Courteney Cox Arquette's sister-in-law!

It took DJ Mother Nature a few minutes to convince me that it actually was Ms. Arquette because I thought that a celebrity marshal would have taken better care of her hair and skin. Guess I was wrong.

Washed out and proud

On Saturday, Reebs texted me and asked whether the Pride festivities in Boston seem small compared to San Francisco. The answer, obviously, is yes, but it isn't really fair to compare one with the other. San Francisco's pride celebration is among the largest in the world, so I never went into this past weekend with the same expectations.

What I didn't expect, however, was that it would be a cold and rainy weekend! After going out on Friday night, Puppy, DJ Mother Nature and I went to an early Saturday-morning party where everyone seemed to be in much better shape than me. Fortunately, that also meant that we were among the only guests eating the muffins and quiche! There apparently were also cupcakes, brought by one of the guests, but the host was ashamed of them and hid them in the pantry. And I thought the whole point was to be proud!

We then headed to watch the parade, which featured various local politicians, high school gay-straight alliances and local businesses. Celebrity marshals included CeCe Peniston and Alexis Arquette, but I think I'd ducked into the Eagle to get a drink and avoid the downpour while they headed by. The intermittent rain made for kind of a messy early afternoon, fueled obviously by the beverages.

Our little group had grown to seven by this time and we went to grab some lunch, apparently ground zero for obnoxious lesbian pride. I have to give props to the host for managing the chaos, getting us seated and serving us with pitchers of margaritas - all while people danced on tables and screamed to Lady Gaga.

Once lunch was over, we were dunzo. Pride sort of began too early on Saturday, so by the time evening rolled around, we were down for the count. We even skipped the block party, which supposedly is the annual highlight. I guess I'll have to find out next year.

Yesterday's skies were also gray, but I didn't have to open my umbrella once while we were out and about. We did manage to get to the Sunday block party and I enjoyed some people-watching while Puppy ran into all sorts of old friends. It seemed festive and fun enough, but I still missed that special spark that Pride usually brings with it. Maybe it's because I don't yet know anyone or maybe it's because I was unable to participate in all the Saturday revelry, but whatever it was, I think the anticipation was greater than the actual event.

Movie note: Legion

ONE STAR

Not the movie I expected. I was hoping for more ... story.

Firewall fail

You know what's difficult? Trying to follow the instructions of an executive who asks you to make a video for a presentation ... when the IT department has made it impossible for anyone in the company to view videos on their computers.

I deserved a break today

Since I had back-to-back-to-back meetings during the entire time our cafeteria served lunch, I wasn't able to eat anything today. So, I decided to swing through the McDonalds drive-thru and pick up some McNuggets and fries for the drivve home. I totally deserved it, right?

And I suppose you'll only eat white bread

While in line for lunch today, two ladies (both who appeared to be in their forties) dared to converse behind me. I don't know either of the ladies, but I'll call the one wearing a pink sweater set "Pearl" and the blonde in the turquoise sweater "Mabel."

Pearl: Did you try the lovely salmon they had the other day?
Mabel: Oh, no. I don't eat salmon. I only eat white fish like cod or haddock.
Pearl: Oh! I was like that too, but I tried eating salmon a few months ago and now I can't get enough!
Mabel: I won't try it.

Then I shut my ears off to this foolishness and tried my hardest to teleport back to San Francisco. It didn't work.

"Why do you need to steal? I buy you everything you need to be popular."

Gleemonex will be none surprised to read that I watched the premiere of Pretty Little Liars last night. It's sort of a Gossip Girl rip-off with a touch of death to make it appropriately morbid and moody for today's legions of Twilight fans.

It was pretty bad, but has potential to improve. Mostly, I enjoyed seeing some actors from old shows I loved play "adults." We have the daughter from Picket Fences, Becca's boyfriend from Life Goes On, Josh Ford from Popular and Sydney Andrews from Melrose Place! It also stars that very pretty girl who caused so many problems in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 as one of the main little vixens. And Nia Peeples! What was she in? I can't remember.

Movie note: X-Men Origins: Wolverine

THREE STARS

Convoluted, but pretty!

Celeb sighting: Not the president

Last night, Puppy, his friend DJ Mother Nature and I enjoyed a summery dinner at home then visited a lounge to heckle DJ Mother Nature's friend who was singing standards.

Like last Sunday night's adventures, this lounge was also adjacent to the local Courtyard Marriott (I don't get it either) and we had a prime seat for the show since there were approximately five others in the audience.

During one of the breaks, people began filing out of the venue next door, where apparently another event was taking place - one where attendees got to wear name badges with flashing lights. And one of the attendees happened to be John Kerry! Our little lounge was abuzz and an old man trotted up to our table next to the window to get a better look. Sadly, I got a better look at his belly as he stood over me.

Made with chocolate and peanuts

A few of Puppy's friends came over for cocktails on Friday night before some of us headed off to Cambridge for an event called Mr. Goodbar. It promised to be a hipstery-type fun time at a theater usually reserved for less gaylicious purposes.

It was a fun cross-section of Boston area homos and I had a good time, from what little I remember, anyway. We met a fellow who told me I look like a friend of his from San Francisco. A friend I know and don't believe I resemble.

All in all it was a fun night, but I just don't seem to have it in me to do these big nights out, as evidenced by yesterday's non-productive hangover.

Movie note: Colma: The Musical

TWO STARS

Either a very well-done student project or a very poor "real" movie. In either case, the characters should have gone north to SF and created a more interesting plot. Also, these "18-year-olds" make Andrea Zuckerman look like a pre-teen!

Flash flood

Weather is scary! As I drove home from work yesterday, a huge crack of lightning illuminated the gray sky and opened up the clouds! Suddenly, a sheet of water was coming down and traffic slowed to a halt.

I had my windshield wipers on full and still struggled to see inches in front of me. It was like being in a car wash, only I had to navigate.

Huge puddles materialized from nowhere, cars failed to stay in their own lanes because they couldn't see the lane markers and it took me an additional 20 minutes to get home.

In San Francisco, I guess I never really had to deal with weather.

Four's company

The other night, Puppy and I met up with Bullet Tosser and her non-fiance at a restaurant called ... The Regal Beagle! Just like in Three's Company, but much fancier and not so '70s.

We dined and drank and had the mixologists come up with a new cocktail for us. In honor of a former colleague, we named the new cocktail a "slutty slutty co-worker." It was delicious!

On our way home, Puppy and I discussed how sad we are that Bullet Tosser and her non-fiance are moving away in a few weeks. Sad.