boon's log 1309.02: Accidental Jazz

MI, VH and I were on our way back to the hotel after we were rained down while we were at the Portland Saturday (/Sunday) Market and we saw a banner that said "Sunday Jazz, 4PM). It was Sunday and 12PM at that time and I told the guys that it'll be interesting and I was thinking of joining and will meet up with them for dinner after the that. Agreements all around, and about 3:30PM I headed back to downtown, to the Old Church, on 11th and Clay. was 5mins early and decided to hang around the church to take some shots and then headed in, at 4PM as 3 others walked in with me.


The Old Church, Portland, OR

As we entered, the 3 suddenly stopped jsut after the main doors before the ushers' table, and I stopped too - probably because the Host/Chair was speaking at the podium. a few minutes later, I decided to approach the usher at the table and asked if I can sit anywhere and the response was, "Yeah, sure. It'll be $20 if you are not a student. Are you a student?"

"Nope," and I fished out the money for her, puzzled.

She later saw my puzzled face and told me that it was a Jazz Concert that happens every Sunday at the Old Church. And handed me my change and a pamphlet explaining the artists performing that night.

Woah! A Church that rents out the main hall for Jazz functions. How cool! I made myself comfortable and the next 2 hours was simply jazz-tastic.

It was Alfredo (like the sauce) Muro and his Latin Ensemble.


Alfredo Muro and his Latin Ensemble

And to top it up (kinda), there was a draw for next week's tickets and posters. And my number came up for the posters. My number came up 2 short of next week's tix. Anyways, it was also nice to chat with them afterwards and get the signatures. It was a very informal gig - unplugged. Worth the accidental loss of 20bucks. :)


Inside Old Church


boon out...

boon's log 1109.03: Away from home again...

I had to be away from home and my two ladies again, and this time it's going to be for a slightly longer time than before - work beckons and in times like these, I guess one would embark on any opportunity available - though for me, it was quite a tough decision to make. After much discussion with my immediate management and also my counterparts in the states, we came to an agreement for a shorter period of travel/engagement that what was agreed previously. Budget secured and the next thing I know, I was on a flight heading to OR once again, missing my ladies terribly. Somehow with the advancement of technology - Skype and all that - just does not make me miss them any less... Sigh.

And the stiff neck is not helping either - it is either the lousy hotel pillows or too much staring into programming codes on a un-ergonomically placed computer screen...Urgh!


Portland downtown by night overlooking the Willamette

Anyways, met up with MI and VH who are also here for a short trip - similar deal. So the three of us made sure we kept each other company most of the time - especially during meals. It's been good.

Well, into my second week now and ~2 more to go. Really hope that I get to complete what I came here to do. God willing perhaps I can even pull-in my return. :)

Weather's been rather tricky since I arrived - cloudless skies (but low 30's F) during the weekdays - what we would like to term as nice weather, and rainy weekends! Well, it kinda worked out well last weekend as we spent most of it shopping (!!!). Mostly getting stuffs for Ab and also our rellies.

Well, back to work. Just a short post this time.

Oh, and I am still searching for a good place to watch the MU-Liv showdown this Saturday... and it is at 6-(freaking)-AM... Though many of us may already know not to set our expectations too high - but a 4-0 win yesterday against Real Madrid indeed does increase our confidence a little... Pray hard... You will never walk alone.


boon out...