Ron wasn’t feeling too well this morning so we skipped our first appointment at Chateau Palmer. We did manage to make our afternoon appointment at Chateau Margaux, though, and I am certainly glad that we did. The estate was beautiful and, again, our guide was very knowledgeable. This time we shared the visit with aContinue reading “Margaux”
Author Archives: Bryan Guido Hassin
Pauillac
It took us a little longer than anticipated to make our way into Bordeaux this morning, but that was OK since Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou (in St. Julien), where we had our first appointment, had decided to cancel all of its tastings this week. This left us with plenty of time to meander around Pauillac and haveContinue reading “Pauillac”
Arrival in Cognac
Today was mostly spent traveling. We had an EARLY train (4:30 AM) to the Geneva airport, a flight to Bordeaux, a bus to the Bordeaux train station, a train to Saintes, and a taxi to St. Sauvent, just outside of Cognac. Saintes was really charming and sleepy, so sleepy that the taxi stand at theContinue reading “Arrival in Cognac”
Living in Lausanne
I haven’t posted in awhile. This is not because I have been under major deadline pressure, my traditional reason for latent posts. Rather it is because I spent the last week just living a normal life in Lausanne. There hasn’t been anything too extraordinary to report, the weather has been beautiful, and just poking aroundContinue reading “Living in Lausanne”
2000
My musical odyssey has now entered the new millenium as I just wrapped up 2000. The late 90’s didn’t have much to recommend them. Good thing they’re mostly a blur of engineering problem sets and sleepless nights anyway; I’d hate to think I had missed something! The power of musical association remains strong. Listening toContinue reading “2000”
Back in Switzerland
After an excellent weekend in the south of France (capped off with an exquisite multi-hour bouillabaise dinner) I am back in Lausanne. It’s good to be home and I look forward to a week of career-oriented (but deadline-free!) productivity.
Proud To Be An American
I think this was my first Independence Day away from the US. There were no fireworks, grilling out, or singing; I guess the French just aren’t quite as excited about it as I am! I am in Marseille with my buddy Mike from Houston. We spent the day driving around Châteauneuf-du-Pape, touring wineries (Château deContinue reading “Proud To Be An American”
Back in the Developed World
Wow. I’m back. I am most definitely in a different world. We arrived this morning to shining sun and the smells of wonderful cuisine emanating from the outdoor cafes by the train station. Never before has Lausanne felt so European to me. This is how I remember my time in bella Firenze. Several of usContinue reading “Back in the Developed World”
The Poorest of the Poor
Wow, today was intense. We began with a trip into the heart of Korogocha, one of Africa’s largest (~400k people, but no one really knows how many) slums. As we bussed in, many had to close their windows as the stench was revolting. We caused quite a spectacle traveling along the narrow, make-shift streets asContinue reading “The Poorest of the Poor”
Project Day
Today was a lot of fun. We had the day to ourselves, ostensibly to work on our projects. However, many of us also took the opportunity to explore Kenya on our own a little. Some went on safari, some went shopping, and some (as I did) went to the Nairobi National Museum. Because my motherContinue reading “Project Day”