So, I thought Bermuda was full of bureaucratic red tape. I don’t think Illinois is any better.
I spent most of Wednesday morning at the Motor Vehicle Department, Chicago office, trying to accomplish three things: (1) get Illinois license plates for our Chicago car; (2) get an Illinois driver’s license (my Wisconsin license expires next year, and we thought it prudent to maintain some sort of U.S. license so that when (and perhaps, if) we return permanently we won’t have to go through the hassle of taking road tests again); and (3) get the title for the Vespa into my name (I took ownership two days before we packed it up for Bermuda, so never was able to have the title put into my name).
After about an hour and forty-five minutes, I accomplished one out of three.
I went away with the plates for the car, and the new title will be mailed to me. Simple.
As to the driver’s license, I needed to take four things with me: current (Wisconsin) driver’s license, passport (or birth certificate), proof of residency (a utility bill mailed to me at an Illinois address), and finally my Social Security card. My what? Geez, I can’t remember the last time someone has asked to see the Social Security card. Well, great, I think I know where the card is located – in Bermuda, of course. I could have applied for a duplicate card, but that would have taken four weeks. So, postpone the driver’s license for now.
And then, the Vespa title. All I wanted was to have the title put into my name. I didn’t need a license plate since the scooter is in Bermuda. The routine went something like this: I had to fill out two forms, go first to the “Revenue” window to pay a $25 tax on the scooter. From there, I took the form to a DMV clerk who then told me that I didn’t have (and couldn't easily provide) all the proper forms for the title transfer. At that point, it seemed easier to go to Wisconsin and have it sorted out there. So I went back to the Revenue window to try to get my $25 back. Fat chance. Instead, I have a form that I need to fill out and send to Springfield for the refund. If I bother with it, I’m sure it’ll take two months.
So now, the red tape we experienced in Bermuda doesn’t seem so unusual. It’s probably the world-wide norm.
Anyway, it's great to be in Chicago. Love the brisk, sunny weather.
Have a happy Thanksgiving.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Back in Chicago
It was a busy week in Bermuda trying to get things in order for our departure to Chicago. We’re still newbies at “closing up a house” in Bermuda. Not totally sure about ventilation, lights, security, etc., but since the remodeling contractors were still in the house when we left, security seemed a moot issue. We’re not sure what we’ll find when we return, except we have high expectations for a completed bathroom.
We got back to Chicago on Friday. There was a slight delay in Miami, so we arrived about two hours later than planned. The weather was cold and crisp, but honestly, it felt good. I know I would miss not having climate changes. What I wouldn’t miss, however, is the traffic. It took us well over an hour-and-a-half to get from O’Hare to the condo (about a twenty-five minute trip without traffic). That delay seriously cut into our Friday night martini hour. But, we managed.
And now, of course, we’re busy trying to get settled in our condo. Still lots to be done here since we had so little time between the decision to go and the actual move to Bermuda. I’m writing this shortly after noon, and I’ve already had two contractors here, and am awaiting another. Then I need to get information on how to get (or transfer) our U.S. car and driver’s licenses – we think to Illinois, but aren’t really sure that’s the best option.
Kim left for Racine this morning. She’ll be there overnight and tomorrow will be speaking to the Parkside University School of Business & Technology. A bit of information about that is at http://www.uwp.edu/departments/business.technology/newstemp-new.cfm?storyID=2720
And finally, tomorrow night Michael Anne arrives in Chicago from Madison. It’s been three months since we’ve seen her (except on Skype – but Skype doesn’t allow us to hug), so it’ll be great to see her. Thanksgiving and the weekend will be with friends. We’re all looking forward to reconnecting.
We got back to Chicago on Friday. There was a slight delay in Miami, so we arrived about two hours later than planned. The weather was cold and crisp, but honestly, it felt good. I know I would miss not having climate changes. What I wouldn’t miss, however, is the traffic. It took us well over an hour-and-a-half to get from O’Hare to the condo (about a twenty-five minute trip without traffic). That delay seriously cut into our Friday night martini hour. But, we managed.
And now, of course, we’re busy trying to get settled in our condo. Still lots to be done here since we had so little time between the decision to go and the actual move to Bermuda. I’m writing this shortly after noon, and I’ve already had two contractors here, and am awaiting another. Then I need to get information on how to get (or transfer) our U.S. car and driver’s licenses – we think to Illinois, but aren’t really sure that’s the best option.
Kim left for Racine this morning. She’ll be there overnight and tomorrow will be speaking to the Parkside University School of Business & Technology. A bit of information about that is at http://www.uwp.edu/departments/business.technology/newstemp-new.cfm?storyID=2720
And finally, tomorrow night Michael Anne arrives in Chicago from Madison. It’s been three months since we’ve seen her (except on Skype – but Skype doesn’t allow us to hug), so it’ll be great to see her. Thanksgiving and the weekend will be with friends. We’re all looking forward to reconnecting.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Rugby 101
Our first rugby game last night. And it was great fun.
Bermuda has been hosting the World Rugby Classic for the last twenty years. The Classic is the senior all-stars of rugby. I think there’s a minimum age (mid-thirties), and it’s made up of former top players representing their countries. Eight teams participated, including the USA Eagles, in an elimination-style tournament.
It’s a week-long event that ended with the finals on Saturday night. The event started a week ago with a street party. That was followed by a bit of rugby, followed by some drinking and partying, some rugby matches, drinking and partying, a bit more rugby, more drinking and partying, a golf tournament, the finals on Saturday night followed by a farewell party where there was a bit of drinking. My guess is there was a significant blip in the rum sales in Bermuda last week.
Bacardi is one of the corporate sponsors for this event, so Kim and I were able to enjoy the matches and to also schmooze with some of Bacardi’s local customers along with some of the U.S. players. The U.S. team had been eliminated earlier in the week, so they were invited to the corporate tent for dinner and drinks. It was a great chance to learn a bit about the Classic and the game.
We sat with one of the players and he gave us the basics while we watched the game. He said he was glad to be returning on Sunday because his liver needed a rest. We also were able to spend some time with the U.S. coach. He was telling us that the organization is non-profit and that these guys play just for the love of the game. Presumably corporate sponsors pay their T&E.
Anyway – the game. It’s actually a lot easier to understand (well, maybe not the nuances) than I had thought. A lot quicker paced than American football (which is one reason it’ll never gain widespread popularity in the States – there’s no time for commercials), and my guess is that it requires more athleticism than American football. The USA coach told us that it’s gaining popularity in American high schools primarily because it’s a lot cheaper to field a rugby team than it is a football team. Interesting thought.
Well, last night the local favorites – the Classic Lions (England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales) -- upset the South African team that was the reigning champion and favored to win. The crowd went wild with the upset, so there was lots of celebrating going on. Probably a bit of drinking also.
Kim and I bailed out shortly after the game. I think we got home just as the real party was starting. We’re just wussy Americans.
Bermuda has been hosting the World Rugby Classic for the last twenty years. The Classic is the senior all-stars of rugby. I think there’s a minimum age (mid-thirties), and it’s made up of former top players representing their countries. Eight teams participated, including the USA Eagles, in an elimination-style tournament.
It’s a week-long event that ended with the finals on Saturday night. The event started a week ago with a street party. That was followed by a bit of rugby, followed by some drinking and partying, some rugby matches, drinking and partying, a bit more rugby, more drinking and partying, a golf tournament, the finals on Saturday night followed by a farewell party where there was a bit of drinking. My guess is there was a significant blip in the rum sales in Bermuda last week.
Bacardi is one of the corporate sponsors for this event, so Kim and I were able to enjoy the matches and to also schmooze with some of Bacardi’s local customers along with some of the U.S. players. The U.S. team had been eliminated earlier in the week, so they were invited to the corporate tent for dinner and drinks. It was a great chance to learn a bit about the Classic and the game.
We sat with one of the players and he gave us the basics while we watched the game. He said he was glad to be returning on Sunday because his liver needed a rest. We also were able to spend some time with the U.S. coach. He was telling us that the organization is non-profit and that these guys play just for the love of the game. Presumably corporate sponsors pay their T&E.
Anyway – the game. It’s actually a lot easier to understand (well, maybe not the nuances) than I had thought. A lot quicker paced than American football (which is one reason it’ll never gain widespread popularity in the States – there’s no time for commercials), and my guess is that it requires more athleticism than American football. The USA coach told us that it’s gaining popularity in American high schools primarily because it’s a lot cheaper to field a rugby team than it is a football team. Interesting thought.
Well, last night the local favorites – the Classic Lions (England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales) -- upset the South African team that was the reigning champion and favored to win. The crowd went wild with the upset, so there was lots of celebrating going on. Probably a bit of drinking also.
Kim and I bailed out shortly after the game. I think we got home just as the real party was starting. We’re just wussy Americans.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Some Photos
Kim and I played our first round of golf in Bermuda last Saturday. We played at a place called Belmont Hills, thinking we might join the club since it's reasonably close to where we live.
We had a 2:08 tee time, but were late getting off. The place was overcrowded with foursomes and seemed pretty disorganized. We were paired with another twosome and it turns out that this "semi-private" club is mostly public. Play was pretty slow and it ended up getting too dark to finish. We quit after about fourteen holes. Beautiful course, though, with many great views of the ocean. And it was a tough and interesting course that we would probably enjoy playing (without the crowds). Greens were tough to read but they could have been in better condition -- my putting was terrible.
Doubt that we'll join. We've pretty much decided we need more personal service and pampering before we're willing to shell out thousands on a membership. We may try another club this weekend.
On Sunday, Kim and I walked over to the National Stadium just to locate it. We're going to the World Rugby Classic there tomorrow night and think it might be easier to walk to it rather than try to drive, then park. Our Sunday walk was sort of a "test walk". Plus, it was a beautiful day and we wanted to get out and enjoy the weather. Here are a few pictures taken on that walk.
And here's a view as you approach High Corners.
And finally, the sunrises (about 6:45 am) have been great. (I suspect the sunsets are also good but we're on the wrong side of the island).
That's it for today. Weather continues to be balmy.
We had a 2:08 tee time, but were late getting off. The place was overcrowded with foursomes and seemed pretty disorganized. We were paired with another twosome and it turns out that this "semi-private" club is mostly public. Play was pretty slow and it ended up getting too dark to finish. We quit after about fourteen holes. Beautiful course, though, with many great views of the ocean. And it was a tough and interesting course that we would probably enjoy playing (without the crowds). Greens were tough to read but they could have been in better condition -- my putting was terrible.
Doubt that we'll join. We've pretty much decided we need more personal service and pampering before we're willing to shell out thousands on a membership. We may try another club this weekend.
On Sunday, Kim and I walked over to the National Stadium just to locate it. We're going to the World Rugby Classic there tomorrow night and think it might be easier to walk to it rather than try to drive, then park. Our Sunday walk was sort of a "test walk". Plus, it was a beautiful day and we wanted to get out and enjoy the weather. Here are a few pictures taken on that walk.
And here's a view as you approach High Corners.
And finally, the sunrises (about 6:45 am) have been great. (I suspect the sunsets are also good but we're on the wrong side of the island).
That's it for today. Weather continues to be balmy.
Friday, November 7, 2008
No More Whinging
Whinge – verb. British, informal. To complain; whine.
So every time I catch myself whinging, like I did yesterday at this time, whammo. I get thrown a perfectly beautiful day with temperatures near eighty, mostly blue skies, top-down weather that absolutely no one could complain about. On top of that, a contractor came today and completed a job. What more could I ask?
Looking forward to a beautiful weekend.
So every time I catch myself whinging, like I did yesterday at this time, whammo. I get thrown a perfectly beautiful day with temperatures near eighty, mostly blue skies, top-down weather that absolutely no one could complain about. On top of that, a contractor came today and completed a job. What more could I ask?
Looking forward to a beautiful weekend.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Island Funk
[First off, this picture has nothing to do with the subject. I just happen to think that even when the sky is dark and the sea looks very ominous, there's a certain beauty to it. I continue to be mesmerized by the views. I just took this shot (after I wrote what follows) and it's about three in the afternoon.] 
Before you think that living on this beautiful island is all blissful paradise, let me tell you about island funk. It’s when all those little things that don’t seem too important on their own all seem to come at once. And then when these things are happening to both Kim and me at the same time --- well that’s what I’m calling Island Funk. Here’s what’s been bugging me lately. I’m sure Kim has her own list, which she may or may not share with you.
Bath towels that never dry because it’s too humid. I mean, it’s no fun getting out of a shower feeling nice and clean, then grabbing a soggy towel to help dry off.
Then there are those idiotic scooter drivers that make a third lane in the middle of an already too-narrow road. Scare the hell out of me sometimes. It’s no wonder the statistics for motorcycle accidents and injuries are so high.
What about a $50 ticket for parking in a spot that was totally unmarked for any restriction, only to discover that I need to buy a booklet with vouchers and display it on my dashboard. This is required when parking within a certain area in downtown Hamilton. This was a surprise to Kim, too, because there was nothing in our driving instruction manual to indicate this sort of thing.
How about the contractors who never return calls. I’m trying to get little stuff done (for example, replace the glass on some patio doors, finish installation of the garbage disposal, repair the garage door opener – you know – stuff that’s fairly easy to get done in the states). I really get sick of following up and having to explain who I am and why I’m calling --- again.
And I’m still in a state of shock when it comes to prices. I’m looking for a wall hung magnifying mirror for the bathroom. Finally located one, but at $220, I just can’t bring myself to buy it. Or, how about dinner for this evening: flank steak and Belgian endive: $35.97 (flank steak at $15.95 per pound and endive at $6.39 per pound). I know everyone has said you just have to ignore the prices, but I’m not there yet.
Then there’s our landlord. Seems like a decent sort, but I’m beginning to think he’s a bit disorganized. We sent him an email concerning the bathroom remodeling which has been underway since late August. No work has been done on it for several weeks because of waiting for a key part. Well, that key part has been here for two weeks, and still no progress. He claims not to have received our email, but who knows. Maybe he’d be more responsive if we were to withhold some of the rent.
OK, no more crabbing for now. After all, Woo Hoo, we live on a beautiful island.
Before you think that living on this beautiful island is all blissful paradise, let me tell you about island funk. It’s when all those little things that don’t seem too important on their own all seem to come at once. And then when these things are happening to both Kim and me at the same time --- well that’s what I’m calling Island Funk. Here’s what’s been bugging me lately. I’m sure Kim has her own list, which she may or may not share with you.
Bath towels that never dry because it’s too humid. I mean, it’s no fun getting out of a shower feeling nice and clean, then grabbing a soggy towel to help dry off.
Then there are those idiotic scooter drivers that make a third lane in the middle of an already too-narrow road. Scare the hell out of me sometimes. It’s no wonder the statistics for motorcycle accidents and injuries are so high.
What about a $50 ticket for parking in a spot that was totally unmarked for any restriction, only to discover that I need to buy a booklet with vouchers and display it on my dashboard. This is required when parking within a certain area in downtown Hamilton. This was a surprise to Kim, too, because there was nothing in our driving instruction manual to indicate this sort of thing.
How about the contractors who never return calls. I’m trying to get little stuff done (for example, replace the glass on some patio doors, finish installation of the garbage disposal, repair the garage door opener – you know – stuff that’s fairly easy to get done in the states). I really get sick of following up and having to explain who I am and why I’m calling --- again.
And I’m still in a state of shock when it comes to prices. I’m looking for a wall hung magnifying mirror for the bathroom. Finally located one, but at $220, I just can’t bring myself to buy it. Or, how about dinner for this evening: flank steak and Belgian endive: $35.97 (flank steak at $15.95 per pound and endive at $6.39 per pound). I know everyone has said you just have to ignore the prices, but I’m not there yet.
Then there’s our landlord. Seems like a decent sort, but I’m beginning to think he’s a bit disorganized. We sent him an email concerning the bathroom remodeling which has been underway since late August. No work has been done on it for several weeks because of waiting for a key part. Well, that key part has been here for two weeks, and still no progress. He claims not to have received our email, but who knows. Maybe he’d be more responsive if we were to withhold some of the rent.
OK, no more crabbing for now. After all, Woo Hoo, we live on a beautiful island.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Home Again
Golf was fun and it was fun seeing some of my old friends and acquaintances from London. Scottsdale is quite scenic and the weather was perfect – high in the low nineties, low humidity, and I didn’t see a cloud in the sky during my entire visit. Check out these photos. It’s about the only time you’ll see me in a hat. I’m a proponent of P. J. O’Rourke’s quote: “A hat should be taken off when you greet a lady and left off for the rest of your life.” I think the quote continues about how stupid hats look. But the intensity of the Arizona sun made me forget about how I looked.
It was an easy flight home. One brief stop in Miami, then on to Bermuda. The time went amazingly fast. My flight landed early and I was through customs and home within an hour of landing. I got home and the house was dark. Turns out that Bermudians are BIG on Halloween. It was definitely party time Friday night and Kim ran out of treats shortly before I got there. Even the workforce gets into it as you can see by some of Kim’s co-workers. (No, none of those is Kim).
I checked out the new grill Saturday morning and decided the inaugural meal ought to be a cut above hamburger, so we decided on steaks instead. Slightly overcooked, unfortunately, due to my unfamiliarity with the new grill. Next time ……
It was an easy flight home. One brief stop in Miami, then on to Bermuda. The time went amazingly fast. My flight landed early and I was through customs and home within an hour of landing. I got home and the house was dark. Turns out that Bermudians are BIG on Halloween. It was definitely party time Friday night and Kim ran out of treats shortly before I got there. Even the workforce gets into it as you can see by some of Kim’s co-workers. (No, none of those is Kim).
I checked out the new grill Saturday morning and decided the inaugural meal ought to be a cut above hamburger, so we decided on steaks instead. Slightly overcooked, unfortunately, due to my unfamiliarity with the new grill. Next time ……
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