Cable Meetings

Last post

2009-01-05T20:14:00.000Z

With these three posts, I ended my stock of photos from meetings I have participated. This blog will be kept as an archive to be visited by friends and colleagues from these meetings.
Morristown, USA - CLPP (November 2000)
Washington, USA - CLPP (October 1998)
Langkawi, Malaysia - SAT-3 AR&RSC (July 2000)
In the meetings below, I did not take any photos showing any delegate, but only local views. If any delegate to these meetings have some pics and would like to contribute, I will be pleased to publish them.
-Atlanta, USA - Columbus-III AR&RSC meeting (Sep 1994)
-Estoril, Portugal - ARC meeting (June 1994)
-London, UK - SMW-3 TWG (July 1997)
-Chantilly, France - Medret (Oct 1997)
-Lyon, France - SMW-3 TWG (Feb 1997)
-Brusseles, Belgium - SMW-3 AR&RSC (Mar 2000)
-Naples, USA - Atlantis-2 AR&RSC (Oct 2001)

SMW-3 - Abu Dhabi 2006

2009-01-04T14:55:00.000Z

Hamdam Street, Abu Dhabi, place of 11st SMW-3 Cable System AR&RSC meeting September 2006 (my last meeting).

The weather forecast for the week: High 39-40ºC ; Low 27-29ºC.
A short afternoon tour in waterfront after arrival with Guenter (Germany).

Visiting 7-Star Luxury Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

Built in the style of a majestic palace rising from the sand, Emirates Palace is an architectural wonder, set on a 100-hectare plot, with elaborate design and unparalleled facilities created with the sole purpose of whisking its guests into a world worthy of royalty. (17/09/06).

SEA-ME-WE 3 AR&RSC family photo and others.

Official dinner aboard a cruising ship on the bay.
Hotel roof swimming pool and its view of Abu Dhabi streets.

Two photos taken in brand new Marina Mall shopping center.

Traditional coffee pots in Abu Dhabi. It is one of the most identifiable symbol of the Arab way of life.

Abu Dhabi is a city of mosques, with well over 400 of them and more being built each year. They range from elaborate architectural masterpieces serving thousands of worshippers to small, modest rooms conveniently located.

Heroes Diner Night Club and Pub at Crown Plaza Hotel in Abu Dhabi. Winner of the Favourite Pub Grub category, Heroes is a relaxed and fun setting offering a wide selection of snacks, where I had some beers and said goodbye to my friends, after anouncing my retirement.

The last photos in Abu Dhabi airport with Gunnar (Norway).

SAT-3 - Assen 2006

2009-01-03T20:47:00.000Z

A complete week without posting, to attend SAT3/WASC/SAFE Cable System AR&RSC meeting in Assen, Holland, hosted by KPN, in July 2006.
Having a beer break in the esplanade.

Meeting coffee break.

The nice place where official dinner took place.

Assen street in a quiet afternoon, before night busy hours.

After meeting we had the chance to confirm Assen is not only the place of World Superbike Championship. Although has no historical monuments, the Provincial Museum is worth a visit, as well as the windmill museum (Molenmuseum) De Wachter.
The house of windmill museum responsible's family, with some small horses in the back. A very nice and quiet place for living.

Windmill wing detail, when fixed in he vertical position, either for adjustment of aileron according with the wind speed or in the standby position, as it was the case.
Walking down the Damrak from Damsquare to the Central Station.
Central Station in Amsterdam.

I and Jim spending the last afternoon in Amsterdam after the meeting.
A house in one of the Amsterdam channels.

Waiting for their turn in Damsquare, Amsterdam.

SAT-3 - Libreville 2005

2009-01-02T16:41:00.000Z

During next week I will be in Libreville and it will be a pity if I have not some extra time to take this navette to Pointe Denis and taste the Castle Beer.

Libreville International airport photo taken from internet.

This is my last post before leaving for Libreville, capital of Gabon, one more country I have a chance to visit in Africa, which history is related with Portuguese navigators.In fact, around 1470, the Portuguese navigators found the Ogooué estuary and started the consequent trade with coastal marchants for slaves. Later they were followed by the Dutch, English and French traders, which by the late 18th century gained a dominant position.See more about Gabon history, here.

During the meeting in Gabon Telecom Headquarters.
Some militar elements in the main road outside the hotel.

Making some shopping in Libreville.

Our support during the meeting and shopping afternoon allowing a nice photo oportunity.

Visiting the cable station.

Libreville - A night view from Atlantic Hotel towards the city, taken from the beach, after the official dinner offered by Gabon Telecom (28 September 2005). Mbolo means good morning in Gabonais.

Libreville NKEMBO Church - Family photo of SAT3/WASC/SAFE Cable System meeting delegates (with some extras) 30/09/2005.

Libreville - Il faut dire qu'on mange bien au Gabon. Voici une bonne sugestion: Crocodile avec banana et la délicieuse bière locale Régab.I recommend all beer drinkers to have a seep of Regab. It possesses a light taste to the mouth and tongue and is definitely the best way to survive during warm and moist evenings in hot Gabon... (photo Isabelle Kubica, Sep 2005).

Chez Tedd, Libreville - Waves, Defrisage, Gonfle, Voircissage, Bouclage, Peintage et Sechage.
Some local shops close to the Nkembo church.

NKEMBO Church, Libreville - Women talking about life, in the open air, outside the church.

COLUMBUS-III - Dallas 2004

2009-01-01T20:33:00.000Z

Family photo of Columbus-III cable system meeting in Richardson, Dallas, USA, in May 2004.

The meeting resuming after a nice open air lunch in the garden, seen throught the window.

My friend Jeff Mundt (Chairman) offering me the farewell cake in name of Columbus-III delegates. Thanks a lot.

The cake made by MCI (portuguese cooker?) to celebrate my retirement. A nice and pleasant surprise indeed.

At Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie entrance, Jim Brack explains how the horse races work and how to bet without loosing much money.

Jim, Jeff, Peter and Mamiliano in the balcony.

Eating and drinking between the races and Peter telling some joke for sure.

Camera man preparing to capture the start of the first course.

Horse Race Supervisor relaxing between two courses.

Preparing the track before the start of the race.

Some photos I took from Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie. A wonderful sunny afternoon.

In last night, eating pizza in a local restaurant in Dallas: Mamiliano (Italy), Peter (South Africa), Ana (Spain) and I.

SMW-3 - Singapore 2004

2008-12-31T19:30:00.000Z

These photos were also upload to Singtel SMW-3 homepage today.

Caught by surprise in the middle of a challenging exercise with the chopsticks.
Photos from SMW-3 Cable System AR&RSC official dinner. In my table standing:Tsang Hung (HongKong); Jean-Marc Lhostte (Belgique);Ronald Dinkelman (Holand); Guenter Gueiling (Germany) and seated Ellars Andrew (USA); Moustapha Barry (Australia); Su Jin Fu (Taiwan/China); Sunil Hawpe (Sri Lanka); José Santos (Portugal) on 27/07/2005.

Two cats I saw in a street market.

Ballons on the same street, which name I do not remember, not far from hotel.

The Lion of Singapore in Sentosa Island, before going up to his head to make some photos and the battery failed.

A pedonal bridge to cross a large avenue, close to hotel.

A view of the Boat Quay.

Sculptures in Boat Quay promenade, close to hotel.

I tried to find this friendly place I knew in 1999, to have a coffee and a nata cake (portuguese cake), but it does not exist any more.

View of Clarke Quay and Swissôtel Merchant Court, where SMW-3 AR&RSC meeting is being held by Singapore Telecom.

Visitors Centre in Orchard Road. The weather at night was around 34º C and 75% humidity and no wind, what makes you feel much hotter.

Happy Birthday Singapore - Last Saturday, before leaving to the airport of Changi I had some free time walking around Singapore and observed how they commemorated the nation's 40th year of independence and take some photos with my new camera. Have a look on this link.

Esplanade, Theatres on the Bay, also lovingly dubbed “the Durian” by locals due to the shape similar to the "King of the fruits".

In the Esplanade at night, posing near the big letters "I WAS HERE"

View from Esplanade in early morning with Fullerton Hotel, built in 1928, on the left side.

Detail of Thian Hock Keng Temple in Chinatown. Thian Hock Keng is the oldest and most important Hokkien temple in Singapore. Known as the temple of the goddess of the sea and protector of all seamen, the temple contains relics brought from China which are said to be many hundred of years old. The building is supported only on wood poles. Of the two pagodas at either sides of the temple, one is used to contain ancestral tablets.

There are a lot of nice sculptures in Singapore and for me this is the best.

SMW-3 - Cochin 2004

2008-12-30T22:15:00.000Z

Cochin, India - SMW-3 Cable System AR&RSC meeting family photo (Set 2004).
Somes faces to remember.

Hotel Taj Malabar in Willingdon Island, the meeting place.

Cochin - St Francis Church with tomb of Vasco da Gama.
Chinese Fishing Nets.

Sunset view from Hotel Taj Malabar hotel.

Fishing boat sailing from Mattancherry.

Leaving from Hotel Taj Malabar to Mattanchery by boat.
With the the shoes left outside visiting Jewish Sinagoga (built 1568).

Bazar Road in Mattancherry.

Some shopping in Bazar Road.

Look. It's a bird.

I believe everybody will agree this is my best photo from the meeting.
Taking a nap in the corner of Bazar Road. A photo oportunity.

Explaining how to use the different cameras to hotel personnel to make the family photo.

SMW-3 - Mumbai 2004

2008-12-30T18:17:00.000Z

Returning from SMW-3 meeting in Cochin (Sep 2004), I managed to have a afternoon in Mumbai to make a short visit to this big city.

The Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to Bombay, prior to the Durbar in Delhi in December 1911. for more information visit : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gateway_of_India

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus), better known by its abbreviation CST or VT, and as Bombay VT is an historic railway station on the Mumbai suburban railway, also serving some long-distance trains. On July 2, 2004 the station was nominated a World Heritage Site by the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO.

Marine Drive was constructed in 1920, and runs along the shore of the Arabian Sea, society Library and Mumbai's State Central Library from Nariman Point past Chowpatty to Malabar Hill.

Marine Drive, Mumbai. A closer view.

A very common sight in many parts of Mumbai is a cow blocking the traffic, but this one was eating, close to a local open market in Mumbai.

Botanical Garden Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan.

A local reading a book in the Botanical Garden Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan.

Mahatma Gandhi House and Museum.

Auto portrait at Mahatma Gandhi House and Museum.

Dhobi Ghats : This is where the whole of Mumbai's laundry is washed. This municipal laundry at Mahalaxmi is where nearly 5,000 men beat the dirt out of clothes brought from all over the city. There are open-air troughs, which is used for the washing.

The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and dargah (tomb) located on an islet off the coast of Worli in Mumbai. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Mumbai.The dargah was built in 1431.
The Hanging Gardens of Mumbai, also known as Ferozeshah Mehta Gardens.

SAT-3 - Sun City 2004

2008-12-29T19:57:00.000Z

The day before SAT3/WASC/SAFE Cable System meeting at Bakubung Resort in April 2004, three delegates visiting the Palace Hotel of Lost City. Another photo of the same place during the ARC meeting in 1995 (Guenter was also there).

Some fotos from Sun City. More about Sun City and the Palace Hotel, here.
An outside view from the meeting place in Bakubung Lodge.

On the way for the official dinner inside Pilansberg National Park, we stopped some minutes in this nice open air restaurant, offering a good photo oportunity.

Armando and Roger posing for the camera in the same place.
Some photos during the way to the restaurant the Pilansberg Park.
Some photos from official dinner followed by a party.
A lot of work for Telkom SA staff, hosting this meeting and arranging a very nice dinner in the jungle. Thanks.

SMW-3 - Kuala Lumpur 2003

2008-12-28T23:43:00.000Z

After SMW-3 meeting in Langkawi in April 2003, hosted by Malaysia Telekom, I managed to make a short tour in Kuala Lumpur in the way back home. Here some photos I took there.

My friends from Nigeria Telecom at KL's very nice airport, waiting for Lagos flight.

Petronas Twin Towers and some views of the city and surrounding hills from Menara Kuala Lumpur, or KL tower, 421 meter high.

A detail of a roof viewed from top of KL tower.

An open air swimming pool in the middle of one building viewed from top of KL tower.

A snake charmer struggling for survival, selling some home made medicine in a street market in Jalan Petaling, the heart of Kuala Lumpur City Center's Chinatown.

A young couple in Central Market, a favourite hangout for KL's youth.

The Moorish-inspired Sultan Abdul Samad Building. It was the former colonial administrative centre and it was constructed between 1894-1897.

Detail of the Palace's tower.

Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square), city's historic centre, with a view of Dayabumi Complex building that was for a long time the KL landmark and some views of same street Jalan Raja Laut.

Royal Salengor Club's cricket field, built in 1884, facing Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

The Joy Of Not Working

2008-12-28T23:12:00.000Z

A book that I have to read as soon as possible. The Free E-Book can be downloaded from here.

ATLANTIS-2 - Kansas City 2003

2008-12-28T00:25:00.000Z

Fernando, Guillermo (chairman) from Argentina, Izabel (Brasil) and Gary Dias (USA) from Sprint, the hosting entity for the Atlantis-2 Submarine Cable System meeting in Sep. 2003.

Guillermo, Fernando, me and Gary.

"All weather" Smoking Designated Area outside the building.
Sprint Headquarters, in Overland Park, Kansas City, where the Atlantis-2 meeting was held.
Overland Park City Hall.

Fuel station close to Overland Park hotel showing unleaded at $1.43 per galon (Sep 2003) .

A photo of a nice car in Overland Park hotel parking zone.
Kansas City - The place of Wizard of Oz.

Kansas City - The Chief's Stadium.

Some postcard from Kansas City, which history can be read here.

SMW-3 - Bangkok 2003

2008-12-26T10:13:00.000Z

Bangkok - SMW-3 Cable System family photo at Baan Thai restaurant (Aug 2003).
Traditional dancers exhibit for us during official dinner.
Julian Ramirez (Singtel) in hotel bar showing his dancing skils.
Bangkok Main Shopping street.

Waiting for the boat on the pier and posing for Julien camera.
Visiting Wat Pho temple with Julien Ramirez.

Chao Phraya River bank with old houses. Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Wat Pho.

View of Reclining Buddha feet.

Details of reclining Buddha feet.

Wat Pho, or Wat Phra Chetuphon as it is generally known to the Thais. At 20 acres large, it is the largest Wat in Bangkok, and is technically the oldest too, as it was built around 200 years before Bangkok became Thailand's capital.

Sanaml Chai Road behind Grand Palace and Wat Phra Chetupon with Imperial couple photo.

The Ministry of Defense headquarters with its collection of cannons aimed at the Grand Palace.

Chao Phraya River.

Chao Phraya River left bank with old houses.

Close to a Thailand's traditional tuk-tuk, so named because of the sound of their engine, these are motorized rickshaws and are popular amongst tourists.
Street coconut seller with mask.

Peter and Bertus (South Africa) going shopping (perhaps DVD's) after a busy day discussing the Restoration Cost Sharing Principles...

One of the small temples in the streets of Bangkok.

A nice red house we met when walking down near Robinson Sky Train station, close to Bangkok National Museum.

SAT-3 - Langkawi 2003

2008-12-25T11:43:00.000Z

Malaysia - Langkawi Island, a paradise and a nice place for the SAT-3/WASC/SAFE Cable System meeting in April 2003. The photos were taken at Sheraton Perdana Hotel (now Westin) where the meeting did take place.

Fotos from official dinner offered by Malaysia Telecom by the swimming pool.

Oriental Village a new concept in resort duty free shopping with more than 30 speciality outlets, where Langkawi Cable Car station is located.
I and my friends from Angola Telecom (Pereira and Armando) on top of first platform of Langkawi Cable Car. A nice view point.

Lamine (Senegal), Armando (Angola), Pereira (Angola) and two nice ladies from Malaysia Telekom, in the same place.

David Pinion (UK) with his wife and Armando (Angola) on the cable car.

Having a beer (or two ...) with friends David (UK) and Peter (South Africa) in hotel swimming pool with air temperature around 38º C. An unforgetable moment for sure.
Zuhaime (Malaysia) and the two David's from UK, making some street shopping in Langkawi.

ATLANTIS-2 - Lisboa 2003

2008-12-21T13:25:00.000Z

Atlantis-2 Cable System meeting in Lisboa, in March 2003, hosted by Marconi.

25th of April bridge over Tagus river.

Vasco da Gama bridge over Tagus river.

Oriente railway station close to Marconi headquarters in Lisboa.

Updating of Meeting Posts

2008-12-18T14:35:00.000Z

I have finally posted Atlantis-2 meeting in Darmstadt in 1999 (now Guillermo is happy :)) and updated SAT-3 meeting in Assen in 2006 with some new photos, as well as ARC meeting in Assen in 2001.
Palermo, Italy - Columbus-III AR&RSC meeting (Jan 1999)
Darmstadt, Germany - Atlantis-2 AR&RSC meeting (Feb 1999)
Assen, Holland - Atlantic Restoration Committee meeting (Nov 2001).
Assen, Holland - SAT-3 AR&RSC meeting (July 2006).

SAT-3 - Accra 2002

2008-07-11T19:00:00.000+01:00

Shopping some souvenirs with Guenter.

M. Plaza Hotel in Accra.

Jean Louis, David and Peter near the swimming pool.

A short visit to the beach of Accra, close to the market.

During the SAT3/WASC/SAFE Cable System meeting, in Accra in October 2002, hosted by Ghana Telecom.

With a friend from India and Likiti from Benin.

kiti from Benin, his wife and Fofana from Ivory Coast.

Official dinner in a very nice open air restaurant, close to the beach. Good moments to remember.

During the meeting in Accra, we had a chance to have a view of the Lake Volta & Akosombo Dam near the capital Accra. Accra was founded by the Ga people in the fifteenth century as a centre for trade with the Portuguese, who built a fort in the town, followed by the Swedish, Dutch, French, British and Danish by the end of the seventeenth century.

Jean Louis and Emmanuel.

With my friend Jean Louis Garnier, visiting Accra center and the cable station after the meeting.

Anglican Church in Accra.

Shopping Center Opera in Accra.

The last beer at Accra airport.

Some postcards of Accra.

SAT-3 - Kota Kinabalu 2002

2008-07-10T08:42:00.000+01:00

SAT3/WASC/SAFE Cable System meeting, in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, in March 2002.

Sutera Harbour Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, a very nice place.

Delegates at oficial dinner learning Bamboo Dance in the stage in Sutera Harbour Resort.
Family photo with dancers during oficial dinner at Sutera Harbour Resort.

Gaya street market in Kota Kibanabalu, Sabah, in a sunday morning delight.
Kota Kinabalu rafflesia flower.

Columbus-III - Madrid 2002

2008-07-09T20:27:00.000+01:00

Official dinner of Columbus-III Cable System meeting in Sep 2002, Madrid, hosted by Telefonica.

Peter, Jim and me having a pint of Guinness at Trikel Tavern, an Irish Pub in Madrid.

Some photos of Madrid.

SMW-3 - Cascais 2002

2008-07-08T19:27:00.000+01:00

SMW-3 Cable System meeting in Estoril Sol Hotel (demolished in 2007) in Cascais, Portugal, in March 2002. This meeting counted with 70 delegates from 5o countries.
Marconi (hosting party) delegates with meeting Secretary (who unfortunately left us in 2005)
and Chairman, both from KDD.

SMW-3 meeting family photo at Hotel Estoril Sol entrance, after meeting closure.
Cascais Bay view from meeting room on 8th floor of Hotel Estoril Sol.
Official dinner with fado at "Snr Vinho", in Lisboa.

ARC - Helsingør 2002

2008-07-07T20:09:00.000+01:00

Kronborg Castle in Helsingør, Denmark, viewed from Hotel Marienlyst (June 2002) where ARC meeting was held. It is world-renowned as Elsinore, the setting of Shakespeare's Hamlet. See history here.

View of Sweden coast from my room at Hotel Marienlyst in Helsingör, Denmark.
View of Helsingör harbour and Kronborg castle from Marienlyst hotel.
The Mansion of Marienlyst in the main road between hotel and Helsingör center. Originally built in 1587 and conceived as an observation pavilion overlooking the Sound, it was reconstructed about 1760. Today the mansion, surrounded by a park, serves as a museum with Louis XVI furniture, views of the town, etc.

The ARC Chairman and Secretary working the meeting minutes.
Some delegates having a coffe somewhere in Helsingör.
In the Helsingöre port, close to the phare.
An italian lady working in Helsingör speaking with Mamiliano and Cesar.
Some photos from Helsingör center and shopping area (Credit Travel Picture Helsingør).

SAT-3 - Cape Town 2001

2008-06-15T22:37:00.000+01:00

Cape of Good Hope - A trip to Cape Point, where in 1488 Bartholomeu Dias, the Portuguese seafarer, was the first to sail around it, is a must for any Cape Town visitor, during a SAT-3 Cable System meeting in Cape Towon. The name Cape of Good Hope was given by King John of Portugal as Cabo da Boa Esperança and another Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, rounded the Cape on 22 November 1497 on his way to India.

The Cullinan hotel in Cape Town where SAT-3 meeting was held in 2001, hosted by Telkom SA (May 2001).

Cape Town - Very nice lighthouse at Green Point. I discovered it when walking from the Waterfront to the Queens' beach by the Beach Road.

Seaside view in Mouille Point, close to the Waterfront.

Ana Munoz, José Pinillos (Spain) and I, on the top of Table Mountain.

Bee Lan (Singapore) and Vinty (Mauritius).

A view from the top of Table Mountain.

Postcards from Cape Town, showing the Table Mountain, the Cable Car and the Waterfront.

SAT-3 - Pretoria 2001

2008-06-10T21:25:00.000+01:00

Delegates to SAT3/WASC/SAFE Cable System RET meeting in Pretoria, South Africa, in June 2001.

Some photos taken in the short tour to Kruger Park, in the weekend before the RET meeting in Pretoria. In the last photo, a hipo is crossing the river.

SAT-3 - Reunion Island 2001

2008-06-09T19:59:00.000+01:00

Reunion Island - Dramatic sunset viewed from Le Bacharois waterfront in Saint-Denis, the nice capital of Reunion, after SAT3/WASC/SAFE Cable System meeting in October 2001, hosted by France Telecom.

Saint-Denis, capital of Reunion, City Hall.

View of mountains close to vulcano Piton des Neiges, 3069 meters high but not active, on the way to the vulcano Piton de la Fournaise.

Walking on the lava stones marked with white paints in direction to the top of the vulcano Piton de la Fournaise, 2632 meters high and very active.
Juan Dominguez (France), Steve Muller (USA) and Alexandra (France), posing to the camera man in the vulcano view point.

The camera man and behind a hindu (?) open air temple.
The camera man and some of the many waterfalls of this beautiful island.

Alexandra, Regine (France) and Mamadou Fofana (Ivory Coast) walking on the black sand in Reunion Island.

Alexandra, Regine (France), Chris (South Africa), Razad (Malaysia) and Emmanuel (Ghana).

By FT courtesy, the delegates visited a sugar cane plantation, which replaced the coffee plantations by the end of the 18th century. My friend Roger from Gabon in the center.

ARC - Assen 2001

2008-06-09T00:39:00.000+01:00

With around 20.000 inhabitants, Assen is the Capital of Drend province and is mainly known for the motorcycle races. During ARC meeting in November 2001, hosted by KPN, we had a chance of seeing a traditional shoemaker in action and take some pictures.
Some examples of nice wood shoes. After the demonstration, every delegate got a pair of wood shoes as a souvenir, courtesy of KPN.

Ester driving a wood shoe car.

A typical cereal storage.

The Prince visiting Assen before marriage.

COLUMBUS-III - Roma 2001

2008-06-07T12:13:00.000+01:00

Some delegates to Columbus-III AR&RSC meeting in Rome, in October 2001.

After the Columbus-III meeting, some delegates (Jim, Jeff and I) had pleasant and short tour around Rome, including a visit to Dolomite catacumbes and a SMART exhibition, close to via del Corso.

Some nice photos of Rome taken by Jeff Mundt (USA), after Columbus-III meeting in October 2001.

SAT-3 - Lisboa 2001

2008-06-06T12:59:00.000+01:00

Parque das Nações, Lisboa, where SAT-3/WASC/SAFE RET meeting was hosted in Marconi headquarter in 2001.

SAT-3/WASC/SAFE family photo and others.

Fofana (Ivory Coast), Emmanuel (Ghana) with Carlos Moreira (meeeting organizer)

Manuel Ramin, Juan Dominguez (France) and Likkiti (Benin).

Ana (Spain), Gale (South Africa), David (UK) and José (Spain).

Jose Bernardo and Liliana.

Photos from official dinner in a restaurant in Alcochete.

SAT-3 - Dakar 2001

2008-06-05T15:10:00.000+01:00

Coffee break at SAT3/WASC/SAFE Cable System AR&RSC meeting in Feb. 2001 in Dakar, hosted by Sonatel.

After the meeting we visited Lac Rose. The Retba lake, better known as the pink lake (lac rose), its fame is due to the tone that changes from pink to mauve depending on the sunbeams intensity, also due to the famous French rally Paris-Dakar where the last leg of the rally is ran. In 2006 the rally started from Lisboa and was named Lisboa-Dakar.

David (UK), Emmanuel (Ghana) and Juan (France)

Peter (South Africa) and me.

Amirudin (Malaysia).

Ana and José (Spain)

Gale and husband (South Africa),___ and Emmanuel (Ghana). All above photos were taken on Lac Rose.

Likitti (Benin) dressed formally for the official dinner. (photos taken with PowerShot 350 - 350Kpixel).

Some postcards from Dakar.

ATLANTIS-2 - Roma 2001

2008-06-04T16:25:00.000+01:00

Atlantis-2 Submarine Cable System meeting's official dinner in Roma, March 2001. The meeting was hosted by Telecom Italia, represented here by Vincenzo, Corrado and Morelli.

Ricardo, Guillermo (Argentina), Ruben (Brasil), Ana (Spain), Paiva and I having pasta and pizza in a typical italian restaurant.

Ricardo and Ruben posing with a Fiat 500.

A Brasilien in Roma.

Guillermo and Paiva in Piazza Navona

Next time I will not forget the user manual...

Piazza Navona and Coliseum.

Ruben and me close to Fontana de Trevi.

Some photos of Roma (photos taken with PowerShot 350 - 350Kpixel).

CLPP - Madrid 2000

2008-05-08T12:46:00.000+01:00

Having dinner after the Combined Landing Point Parties of Atlantis-2, Columbus-III and Americas-II Cable systems meeting in Feb 2000 in Madrid, hosted by Telefonica.

CLLP - Morristown 2000

2008-05-07T14:04:00.000+01:00

Having dinner at Black Horse Tavern, in Morristown, during a CLPP (Combined Landing Point Parties) meeting for Columbus-III, Atlantis-2 and Americas-II, hosted by AT&T, in November 2000. The photos showing Jeff's first experience eating oysters are not published without his consent :-).

Black Horse Tavern carte.

George Washingon's statue and headquarters in Morristown.

The nice train station of Morristown.

Some views of Morristown.

COLUMBUS-III - Dallas 2000

2008-05-06T12:01:00.000+01:00

Family photo of Columbus-III meeting in May 2000, together with horse Polka Band in Columbus-III course.

A very tired horse after ending a course.

Juan Amescua (Spain), Corrado (Italy) and I having the last dinner in Dallas.

A shopping center close to restaurant area.
Square behind Dealey Plaza with a old house.

The Hyatt Regency and Reunion Tower overlook Dealey Plaza.

Brick house in Dealey Plaza corner.

A picture of Dealey Plaza, showing the Texas School Book Depository building in front.

A picture of the Texas School Book Depository building, in Dealey Plaza, showing the sniper's window, in 6th floor. It host the Sixth Floor Museum.

Street plate with the map of Dealey Plaza and surroundings buildings with a reference to John F. Kenedy assassination.

SAT-3 - Langkawi 2000

2008-05-05T19:25:00.000+01:00

Family photo of SAT-3 AR&RSC meeting in Eagle Square, Langkawi (Red Eagle), Malaysia, in July 2000, hosted by Malaysia Telekom.

A short tour before official dinner.

Official dinner on the beach.

The beach in front of the Pelangi Beach Resort bungalows.

David, Gale and Peter in the swimming pool.

In a private tour around the island with Juan and Manuel Ramin from FT, a day before the meeting.

Some monkeys on the road before jumping over the car.

SAT-3 - Dikhololo 2000

2008-05-04T14:16:00.000+01:00

Having dinner (braai) in Dickhololo reserve, where SAT-3 Cable System meeting was held in Feb 2000, hosted by Telkom SA. In that time some floods occurred, making the restaurant inoperative, but not as much as in Mozambique.

A friendly snooker match among Angola, Portugal and Italy.

José and Ana (Spain) making some artisanat shopping close to Dikhololo reserve. The ostriches in metal were really nice but heavy to carry.

Manuel Ramin and Juan Dominguez (France Telecom).

Early in the morning having a tour in Dikhololo park.

Hennie Branken (below) showed me Pretoria in the way to Johannesburg airport.

Restaurant specialized in Portuguese cuisine in a shopping center in the way to Joahnesburg.

Some postcards from South Africa.

ARC - Montreal 2000

2008-05-03T15:26:00.000+01:00

ARC meeting family (partial) photo in Montreal, in June 2000, hosted by Teleglobe.

Some photos from ARC official dinner in Bistro Champlain, close to the lake with a nice adega. I remember it was John Pederson birthday.

Some photos and postcards from Montreal.

COL-III - Lake Buena Vista 2000

2008-05-02T18:02:00.000+01:00

Alfonso Tabasco, Jorge Frutos, Julia Jardim, Hammond and I, after a combined RET meeting for Columbus-III Cable System in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, in May 2000, hosted by AT&T. In the same place another meeting was running, the Restoration Chairman Forum, what allowed us to share the lunches and meet other colleagues.

A visit to dolphins at SeaWorld in Orlando before the official dinner.

Julia Jardim, Jim Brake and his wife Judy.

John Dubose's wife, Judy and John Dubose.

Julia Jardim, Linette Lee and Hammond.

Making some shopping in Orlando Kissimee's outlets area.

Orlando's Church Street by night.

After having a spicy dinner in a Hotters restaurant. Tarciso, Alfonso and Sergio posing to the camera with the hootergirl who atended us.

Tarcisio Catalano and Sergio Pace posing by a nice car in Orlando's Church Street.

SAT-3 - Mauritius Islands 2000

2008-05-01T19:39:00.000+01:00

Mauritius Islands - Fishing boats in the east coast near Flack Point, during a short tour after SAT3/WASC/SAFE Cable System meeting in September 2000, hosted by Mauritius Telecom.

Mauritius Islands - A very nice beach in front of Coco Beach Hotel in Belle-Mare. In that time my camera was a Canon PowerShot 350 with only 350,000 pixel.

Likitti (Benin) and Emmanuel (Ghana) posing to my camera in the open air market in Port-Louis.

Peter Mason (South Africa) and Emmanuel (Ghana).
Fofana (Cote D'Ivoire) and _____ (Cameron)

Chairman Manuel Ramin (FT) says goodbye to SAT-3 meeting delegates, since is moving to another department.

The offical dinner took place in a very nice Indian Restaurant in Port-Louis.

Gale Purchase (South Africa), David (UK), Juan Dominguez (France) and I.

Ana Munoz (Spain) returned to her place to be included in the photo.

Mauritius Telecom boss, Likitti (Benin), Manuel Ramin (France) and Fofana (Cote Ivoire).

Roger (Mauritius), ____ (Cameron) and Emmanuel (Ghana)

Emmanuel (Ghana), Peter (South Africa), Elvis (Mauritius) and Mme Dieng (Senegal).

Mauritius Islands - Port-Louis the Capital of Mautitius on the northwest coast of the island. A very nice city, considered as a "Singapore model" in its centre with a charming waterfront. See this site with its history and better photos than mine.

The swimming pool with a nice restaurant and bar.

The bungalow where I stayed, in front of the beach.

The stairs to the restaurant of Coco Beach Hotel in Belle-Mare.

Trying to have Eugene's view of the Aquilles paradox but she was a little bit shy and very busy eating the grass very close to my bungalow.
Dodo bird and the Portuguese. Around 1505 the Portuguese became the first Europeans to discover the dodo. By 1681 it had been driven to extinction by humans and the feral dogs, pigs, rats, and monkeys introduced by Europeans to Mauritius.

Some postcards from Mauritius. Return to homepage.

Updating of Meeting Posts

2008-04-19T23:13:00.000+01:00

Having some extra time, I started to update the posts about the places I visited when attending some Telecommunication and Submarine Cable Meetings, with other photos from my archive, in benefit of all my friends still in duty. I also will upload some of SMW-3 meeting photos to Singtel website as requested by Frank (via Guenter). Already update posts:
Mauritius Island - SAT-3 (Sept 2000) - updated 12 April 2008
Reunion Island - SAT-3 (Nov 2001) - updated 12 April 2008
Langkawi, Malaysia - SAT-3 (Apr 2003) - updated 14 April 2008
Bangkok, Thailand - SMW-3 (Aug 2003) - updated 15 April 2008
Dallas, USA - Columbus-III (May 2004) - updated 16 April 2008
Dallas, USA - Columbus-III (May 2000) - updated 16 April 2008
India, Cochin & Mumbai - SMW-3 (Sept 2004) - updated 18 April 2008
Nice, France - SAT-3 (Oct 1999) - new post 19 April 2008
Singapore - SMW-3 (July 2005) - updated 19 April 2008

SMW-3 - HongKong 1999

2008-04-08T08:59:00.000+01:00

(click to enlarge)

Learning how to use the chinese chopsticks and drinking watermelon juice and local beer in the Jumbo Floating Restaurant HongKong restaurant, after a "hard" SMW-3 Cable System AR&RSC meeting (April 1999).

Jumbo Floating Restaurant in Aberdeen Harbour, Hong Kong Island, where Hong Kong Telecom took us for the official dinner of SMW-3 AR&RSC meeting, in April 1999.

Some photos from official dinner at Jumbo Floating Restaurant.

Tzannes (Greece) at the HongKong airport

Some photos of HongKong.

Walk The Peak - For really stunning views, walk around The Peak and take in the spectacular Hong Kong skyline, the world-famous Victoria Harbour and Kowloon. Best views can be enjoyed from the Lions Pavilion, adjacent to the Peak Tram or the Lugard Road lookout - about a 15-minute walk from the Peak Station - offering striking 270-degree views of the surroundings.

From the top of The Peak.

ATLANTIS-2 - Dakar 1999

2008-04-07T15:16:00.000+01:00

Dakar, July 1999. In the ferry boat to Goree Island, after a Atlantis-2 Submarine Cable System AR&RSC meeting in Dakar. Only fifteen minutes takes from Dakar to join the island of Goree.

Visiting Slaves House, Goree Rue Saint Germain, with Mrs Anta from Senegal and Eduardo from Cape Verd. In turn occupied by the Portugal, the Dutch, the French and the English that gave it to the French 1817, Goree was a required stop over for the European ships in destination to America or Asia. With the abolition of slavery in 1848, the decline of the island was certain, especially with the creation of Dakar in 1857 and Rufisque in 1859. From 1929, Goree was attached to the capital

Armando, Barbosa ?(Brasil) and Guillermo Caneto (Chairman from Argentina) making some local shopping.

Dakar public transportation.

Official dinner in a nice boat-restaurant in Dakar bay (photos taken with PowerShot 350 - 350Kpixel).
Some postcards from Dakar.

ARC - Oxford 1999

2008-04-07T00:32:00.000+01:00

The wonderful Weston Manor Hotel where Cable & Wireless hosted the Atlantic Restoration Committee (ARC) Meeting in Oxford, in June 1999. I remember, as well as Jim Brack, some problems with the copying machines ... Those were the days of paper meetings.

Delegates disguised as "Knights of the Round Table" for the official dinner. Thanks to Ken Kasley (a lover of Portuguese sardines, red wine and Cascais).

Mamadou and Armando Iemma.

I and Sergio Pace during lunch time.

Some photos of the beautiful Oxford.

Columbus-III - Palermo 1999

2008-04-04T15:25:00.000+01:00

Politeama Theatre.

San Giovanni degli Eremiti.

A normal street in Palermo.

Some views of Palermo, where Columbus-III AR&RSC meeting was held in January 1999, hosted by Telecom Italia.

Mazara del Vallo where Columbus-III Submarine Cable System lands in Italy.
Temple of Concorde and some ruins near Agrigento, visited during our short weekend touristic tour, in a rented car.

Arriving at Taormina, the very nice small town of Sicily Island.

Etna viewed from Taormina.

With Juan Amescua in Taormina highest view point.

Some postcards and tickets.

ATLANTIS-2 - Darmstadt 1999

2008-04-03T13:34:00.000+01:00

Luisenplatz with its decorative new pavement in the city center.

Darmstadt Main Railway Station, built in 1912.

Delegates to Atlantis-2 Cable System AR&RSC Meeting, hosted by Deutsch Telekom in Darmstadt, in February 1999.

The meeting was held in Deutsch Telekom building, in front of the hotel. Only fifteen minutes walking. The snow was not a problem.

A visit to Heidelberg and its very nice castle. The weather was not the best to see Heidelberg but it was a nice afternoon.

The official dinner in Auerbach Castle with some medieval fun.

Some postcards of Heidelgerg and the big wine container (221.726 lts, 8.5 meters long and 7 meters high) , from XVII century.

SMW-3 - Singapore 1999

2008-04-02T17:54:00.000+01:00

Here below are some digitalized photos from a SMW-3 Cable System AR&RSC meeting in Singapore, held by Singapore Telecom in April 1999.
Street theater in Singapore.

I, Tarcisio and Mamiliano.

Mamiliano, Regine and Tarcisio in Meridien Hotel Lobby.

Guenter and Regine in the stage.

Linette and Geraldine singing Karaoke in official dinner.

Going by cable car to Sentosa Island for a relaxing afternoon, with Mamiliano and Tarcisio.

Some views of Sentosa Island.

SAT-3 - Nice 1999

2008-04-01T16:49:00.000+01:00

David, Peet, I and Juan.

Amiruddin, __, Ramin, Anibal and Sanjay.

Tina Bartolini and David.

____DTAG, Ana and Jean-Louis.

Anibal, Sanjay and Amiruddin.

Fofana, Dieng and Vinty.

Vinty, Gale Purchase and ____

Jean-Louis and Sanjay.

Some photos from SAT-3/WASC/SAFE Cable System 1st AR&RSC meeting in Nice, France, in October 1999.

Port of Nice.

The Rock, Nice.

SMW-3 - Norden 1998

2008-03-11T07:39:00.000Z

(click to enlarge)
After a SMW-3 Technical Working Group meeting in Norden in 1998, all the delegates were presented by Deutsche Telekom, now T-Systems, with a boat trip in the North Sea, taking care with the local tide predictions. Later, we had the surprising pleasure to see us in the local newspaper.

Some photos on the boat trip, with a fishing session and lunch aboard.

The meeting place close to the sea.
Return home page.

SMW-3 - New York 1998

2008-03-10T14:17:00.000Z

SMW-3 Cable System meeting family photo in Sep 1998, in Sheraton Hotel in New York, before boarding the Skyline Princess,

where we had the oficial dinner while cruising Hudson River. A very nice evening.

Every time I have been in New York, I reserved the last morning, to cross this bridge starting from Brooklin metro station to City Hall Park. It is a must.

Some other photos (scanned) from New York in Sep. 1998.

Columbus-III - Madrid 1998

2008-03-09T23:06:00.000Z

Dinning after a Columbus-III RET meeting in Nov 1998, in Madrid, hosted by Telefonica.

ATLANTIS-2 - Rio de Janeiro 1998

2008-03-08T23:52:00.000Z

Eduardo (Cabo Verde) and me, after Atlantis-2 Cable System meeting in June 1998, in Rio de Janeiro, hosted by Embratel, in Hotel Rio Atlantica in front of Copacabana beach.

Views from Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar).

A colonial style building in Rio de Janeiro.

Niterói City Hall - Niterói is a city, founded on November 22, 1573, and a county in the state of Rio de Janeiro. We took the ferry to go there and return by bus via Rio-Niteroi bridge, which is about 14.5 km long.

Botafogo's beach is within Guanabara Bay, sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean by the Urca peninsula and Sugarloaf Mountain. (Pão de Açúcar).

One of the most beautiful buildings in downtown Rio de Janeiro, the Teatro Municipal, a replic of Paris Opera, was founded in July 1909.

Christ the Redeemer is a statue of Jesus Christ in Rio de Janeiro. The statue stands 39.6 metres weighs 700 tons, and is located at the peak of the 700 m (2,296 ft) Corcovado mountain in the Tijuca Forest National Park overlooking the city.

SMW-3 - Bremen 1998

2008-03-07T10:08:00.000Z

After a SMW-3 TWG meeting in Norden in April 1998, before taking the flight back to Lisbon, there were almost three free hours in Bremen, enough to make a very short touristic tour in the center and take some photos. A place to return one day.

SMW-3 - Brighton 1998

2008-03-06T23:09:00.000Z

With Mamiliano Rosa in front of Royal Pavilion, during a SMW-3 Restoration Exercise Team (RET) Meeting in Brighton, in October 1998, hosted by British Telecom.

The Black Lion pub is a nice place to have a Guinness or two.

The Druid's Head is the reputedly oldest pub in Brighton.

The winding streets of The Lanes formed the original fishing village of Brighton. Now this small area is famous for antique shops, restaurants, bistros and pubs.

The Royal Pavilion is an Indian-inspired palace.

A view of Brighton's seafront during Summer.

CLPP - Washington 1998

2008-03-05T15:33:00.000Z

Union General John A. "Black Jack" Logan statue.

Alfred B. Mullet's Old executive Office Building.
Pennsylvania Avenue during Franklin Delano Roosevelt's inauguration parade on January 20, 1941.

Navy Memorial in Market Square on Pennsylvania Avenue left side.

Union Station.

After a CLPP meeting in Washington, in October 1998, hosted by AT&T. This meeting was very short of photos, although Washington has a lot of nice places to visit and photograph as Georgetown University, Park and Barnes&Noble buildings, Lincoln Memorial, Old Post Office Building, Lybrary of Congress, Capitol Hill, Air and Space Museum and others.

The Capitol at the enf of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Two photos of Lincoln and Jefferson Memorials taken during early morning jogging before the meeting start.

Union Station.

White House.

Some postcards from Washington.

SMW-3 - Berlin 1997

2008-02-19T17:01:00.000Z

Guenter (Deutsch Telecom) and me, close to Brandenburg Gate. The Brandenburg Gate was commisioned by Friedrich Wilhelm II to represent peace in 1791. The Brandenburg gate is probably the most well-known landmark in Berlin, it now stands as a symbol of the reunification of the two sides of this great city.

Official dinner during SMW-3 Cable System meeting in Sept 1997, in Berlin, hosted by Deutsch Telecom.

Geraldine Tang and Linette Lee (Singapore Telecom)

Aysel (Turk Telekom) and Jean Marc (Belgacom)

A tour in river Spree in Berlin. Beware of your head.

Some postcards from Berlin.

Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church is one of Berlin's most famous landmarks. The damaged tower is a symbol of Berlin's resolve to rebuild the city after the war and a constant reminder of the destruction of war.

SMW-3 - Paris 1997

2008-02-16T15:17:00.000Z

Dinning at Restaurant Le Ciel de Paris on the top of the Montparnasse Tower, in Feb 1997, during a SMW-3 Cable System meeting, hosted by France Telecom. At an altitude of 196m on the 56th floor and 210m from the panoramic terrace, it turns slowly and we have a unique view of Paris, while having dinner.

These are the only photos I got from that SMW-3 meeting.

SMW-3 - Tokyo 1997

2008-02-09T12:03:00.000Z

Watching the sunrise from hotel room in Shinjuku, Tokyo, while recovering from jet-lag, before attending a SMW-3 Cable System TWG meeting in KDD headquarters. (Sep 1997).

Shinjuku quartier showing Keio Plaza Hotel and KDD building where meeting was held.

Keio Plaza Hotel and Shinjuku Metropolitan Building.

Shinjuku shopping streets colors.

Tokyo's version of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, built in 1958.

Ginza, the shopping and entertainment capital of Tokyo.

Tokyo Metro Network Map in September 1997.

Advertising on the back of Tokyo Metro Map.

A short visit to Yasukuni Shrine and to The Great Buddha in Kamakura.

The beautiful National Garden (Gyoen) close to Shinjuku station.

Hard Rock Café in Roppongi, a district that lives for the night.

The Nijubashi Bridge, the main gate to the Imperial Palace.

ARC - Montreux 1997

2008-02-04T17:09:00.000Z

Some photos from ARC meeting in June 1997, in Montreux, hosted by Swiss Telecom. We had a chance to taste and see how the Gruyère cheese is made.

Visiting the Chateau of Chillon which provides a marvelous view of the entire Lake of Geneva.

Some postcards from Montreux. One shows Freddie Mercury's Montreux Memorial, which annual day is the first week end of September since 2003.

MEDRET - Venice 1996

2008-01-22T21:15:00.000Z

Family photo of Medret meeting in Venice, in October 1996, hosted by Telecom Italia, represented by Alberto Marconi (second right in front) and Domenico Morelli (first right in back).

Some photos from Venice, a wonderful city.

ARC - Bakubung 1995

2007-12-08T23:02:00.000Z

South Africa - Bakubung Bush Lodge and the family photo of ARC meeting in 1995.

Two hippos resting close to the fence, in front of the Bakubung open-air restaurant in 1995. Bakubung means "Place of the Hippo".

I, John Willis, John Pederson and Guenter.

John Pederson, Roberto Santos and John Willis

Roberto Santos and John Pederson.

Joahn Mayer, ___, Kobus Stoeder, Alain Polloni; ___ in Sun City Café.

Serge Valés, Phil Rivera (Chairman), Mayer, Elviro and Papa Fara Diouf.

Everybody gathering close to the fire, some with blankets given to us during the route to barbeque South Africa style (braai) place in the middle of Pilansberg Park, using open cars. The temperature dropped from 23º in the afternoon to -3 º in the night. Elviro and Roberto can confirm. Return to home page.

MEDRET - Crete 1995

2007-12-04T01:17:00.000Z

Part of the Venetian Quarter of Chania.

Chania in Crete, was the place where the 20th Medret meeting was hosted by OTE, in 1995. A very nice and cheap place to visit in holydays.

Two delegates presenting their papers during the meeting.

All delegates in a touristic afternoon, in Knossos, the site of the most important and better known palace of Minoan civilization.

Another view of Knossos palace ruins, before heading for Heraklion, during the 20th Medret meeting in 1995.

A view of Venetian fortress of Heraklion, the largest city and capital of Crete and the birthplace of El Greco.

20th Medret meeting family photo, outside of hotel in Chania, with the beach in the back.

MEDRET stands for Restoration Working Group of Mediterranean and Black Sea (Group de Rétablissement de la Mediterranée et de la Mer Noire, in french).

MEDRET - Nicosia 1994

2007-09-09T09:27:00.000+01:00

Nicosia in Cyprus, was the place where the 19th Medret meeting was hosted by CYTA, in 1994. The geological birth of Cyprus, in that the island rose from the ocean, is some times compared with the legend of Aphrodite's birth, emerging through the foam of the sea waves. A nice place to visit.

In MEDRET 19th meeting in 1994, a french speaking meeting since the beguinning, the english was introduced as the second language and translation services were provided by CYTA.

The Chairman opening the meeting after the welcome words by CYTA head responsible at his right.

Some relaxing moments visiting Paphos, the Roman Governor's palace, where extensive, fine mosaics are a major tourist attraction.

A beach close to Paphos, where is said Aphrodite came from the sea. "Foam-arisen" Aphrodite was born of the sea foam near Paphos, Cyprus after Cronus cut off Uranus' testicles and threw them into the sea, is written here.

The 19th MEDRET meeting family photo for the posterity.

MEDRET - Madeira Island 1993

2007-08-16T20:40:00.000+01:00

(click to enlarge)

Family photo of Mediterranean Restoration Working Group (MEDRET) meeting in Funchal, Madeira Island, in October 1993. Delegates to this meeting were from Portugal (host), Spain, France, Italy, Morooco (Chairman), Tunisie and Greece.

Photo of meeting table published on local newspaper "Jornal da Madeira"

Some delegates walking down to a viewpoint, in the route to Curral das Freiras, during the short tour offered by the hosting company, Marconi S.A (merged by PTC in 2002).

The bay of Funchal, the capital of Madeira island.

These traditional houses are typical of Santana village located in the north cost, which are unique to Madeira. They are small and triangular built of natural stone, thatched with straw and brightly painted. Originating in the 16-th century, the oldest surviving examples are no more than 100 years old. The triangular shape serves as a protection from the rain and for sleeping in (bathrooms are set well away from the houses). The hillsides around are also set with thatched byres where cows are kept to protect them from wondering along narrow terrace paths.

Market of Funchal, bustling with stalls for people selling flowers, fruit, vegetables, fish, and a few odds and ends (baskets, leather goods, tourist items, etc).

Madeira flower Proteia real (Protea cynaroides or King Protea originated from South Africa). Protea cynaroides is a woody shrub with thick stems and large dark green, glossy leaves. Most plants are one metre in height when mature, but may vary according to locality and habitat. Its flowers blossom during summer and can be seen in many gardens.

ARC - Edinburgh 1993

2007-08-04T23:15:00.000+01:00

(click to enlarge)

Atlantic Restoration Committee meeting in Edinburgh in June 1993. From these 30 fellows, most of them are retired and only four or five are still working for their companies, I presume.

Huntly House Museum in Canongate old street.

John Knox's House in High Street, Edinburgh.

Some delegates to the ARC meeting having a pint (or two) in the pub "The Filling Station", in the High Street, after the close of the meeting, in June 1993. Unfortunately our friend Franco Cifariello left us some years after this meeting.

Some photos from Edinburgh.

ARC - Orlando 1991

2007-07-17T23:05:00.000+01:00

Swan and Dolphin Hotel where ARC meeting was hosted by AT&T in June 1991. I atended another ARC meeting in the same place in June 1996, but I have no photos.

Roberto Santos (Brasil), Mamadou (Senegal), Castro (Portugal) e Marshal? (South Africa). This is the only group photo I have from this meeting.

Nice places to visit in Orlando, namely Rosie O'Gradys.

A visit to Epcot Center where the official dinner was served.

A visit to Kennedy Space Center including Launch Control Center, Museum and go into the Shuttle. In the way between the gates and the complex, it is possible to see some small aligators crossing the road if you have lucky.

MEDRET - Rabat 1989

2007-05-18T20:36:00.000+01:00

La Tour Hassan hotel was the Medret meeting place hosted by ONPT, Maroc.

Some photos in Al Jadida (La Cité Portugaise).

We had a chance to visit also la Cistérne Portugaise, filmed by Orson Welles for "Othelo" production in 1949. (photo from Al Jadida site)

In the way to Al Jadida, we visited the Hassan II mosque under construction, in Casablanca. It was build on the water, because of the Islamic belief that the throne of God rests on water. It was designed by the French architect, Michel Pinseau, and has the tallest minaret in the world, with its 200 metres. (photos from Wikipédia)

Stamps - a gift from ONPT in the official dinner, after a tour to Casablanca and Al Jedida.

Some photos from Asilah in the route from Lisboa to Rabat by car in Oct. 1989. The return was via Chechaouene and Tetouan.

THANKS

2006-12-08T16:56:00.000Z

I would like to thank here the nice words from my friends from all submarine cable community in this special moment of my life. Many thanks to:
Guillermo Pelaez – Argentina
Guenter Geiling – Germany
Azad Sookhy – Mauritius
Larray Olayinka – Nigeria
Jim Brack – USA
George Montgomery – USA
Jeff Mundt - USA
El Harras Hicham – Maroc
José Luiz Gonzalo – Spain
Kobus Stoeder – South Africa
Peter Mason – South Africa
Fanie Pretorius – South Africa
Mamiliano Rosa – Italia
Badino Corrado – Italia
Régine BARTHES – France
Samuel Asante – Ghana
Albertus Venter – South Africa
K P Tiwari – India
Ana Munoz – Spain
Hennie Branken - South Africa
Michel Flammia – Canada
Sarimah Hashim – Malaysia
Andreas Xenophontos – Cyprus
Colin Worrall – UK
Dave Pinion – UK
Gérard LABBAT – France
David Cornelius – UK
Stephane LE LUYER – France
Roger Christian ESSIMENGANE – Gabon
Ronald Dinkelman – Holland
Polis Anthousis – Cyprus
Christos Christodoulous - Greece

Here are some retirement quotations I like best and I will keep for my reference:

The trouble with retirement is that you never get a day off. ~Abe Lemons

Retirement: World's longest coffee break. ~Author Unknown

Life begins at retirement. ~Author Unknown

Retirement is wonderful. It's doing nothing without worrying about getting caught at it. ~Gene Perret

When you retire, you switch bosses - from the one who hired you to the one who married you. ~Gene Perret

There's never enough time to do all the nothing you want. ~Bill Watterson, Calvin and Hobbes

You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely. ~Author Unknown

SMW-3 Submarine Cable Network

2005-05-15T10:38:00.000+01:00

SEA-ME-WE-3 is an Optical Submarine Cable Network linking South East Asia - Middle East - West Europe countries and Portugal is connected at Sesimbra Cable Station (PTC). Thanks to my participation on AR&R Sub Committee meetings of this system, I had the chance to visit many of the landing countries of this cable and make a lot of new friends.