DAVE

It wasn't long after my 10th birthday (I was gifted!) on 21st February 1977 that I joined Mobil Oil, the mighty Flying Red Horse. Soon after, a Schipping (sic) Scheduler named Dave Kranz introduced himself to me and we have been firm friends ever since. When the stars aligned and I was able to bid a fond adios to The Horse on the 30th November 2010, Kranzie, who was living and working (Although I'm not sure that IT people really know what that means) in the US at the time, was unable to make the soiree, giving some pitiful excuse involving his daughter getting married in Bali and an inability to be in two places at once; no sense of priority if you ask me.


Coffee Break In Madrid - Say No More!

Dave's now back home in Melbourne (and still Working For The Man) with a role that takes him to Thailand. In mid-December, he flew from Thailand to London to attend a former colleague's retirement function. When quizzed he stated that "I missed yours and I don't intend to miss another one" - thanks for that Dave! Anyway, to our absolute delight, he booked a two night side trip to come and see us. British Airways decided to stuff things up somewhat, but Dave finally got here after 6.00pm on the Friday (only a lazy 5 hours late) and stayed until late afternoon on the Sunday.



Picasso's 'La Guernica'

Pretending he Can't See It!

We had a great time - I'm speaking on his behalf as well! On the Saturday we managed to do a city orientation bus tour, although it was curtailed somewhat due to road closures associated with the weekly austerity protest march; it took us Grand Via, past Plaza de Espana, the awesome Imperial Palace, and numerous other major places of interest. We got off near the Golden Triangle - the Prado, the Thyssen and the Reina Sofia museums and ducked into the latter. It's home to Spanish modern art and houses, amongst other works, Picasso's 1937 masterpiece 'La Guernica', the gargantuan work that is now a global anti-war symbol perpetual reminder of the tragedies of war. We saw a few Salvador Dali's as well. Being famished, we popped into Estado Puro for some tapas. Not your average, run of the mill tapas, but Paco Roncero's Michelin rated molecular gastrobar (yeah, yeah, that defeats the everyday meaning of tapas, but who cares!). We partook of "Ali-oli Potatoes: The Luxury Version", XXIst Century Tortilla, Iberian Ham Croquettes, Tiger Mussels, and some Brie, Baby Onion and Black Olive Tapenade on Toast, washed down with some appropriate vino tinto. We didn't have room for the grilled pig's ear or tripe Madrid style - perhaps next time!


Dave's Fave - 'The Gathering' by Angeles Santos Torroella

Picasso's 'Dead Birds' - Que??





The following day we visited the Christmas markets around Plaza Mayor and wandered through the amazing Mercardo de San Miguel, marvelling at all the tapas on display. Dave and I partook of the traditional festive season lunchtime fare - freshly cooked calamari in a baguette....divine! We strolled to Plaza de Espana where Dave had his picture taken with a statue of Don LegsyBoy's spiritual leader, and then it was all too quickly off to the airport for a flight back to Bangkok.

Two Cool Cats In Estado Puro

I've forgiven Kranzie for not making my farewell extravaganza. We hadn't seen each other for quite a while, and it was fabulous to catch up and relive some past times and share some new ones in a wonderful location. It's said that the distance between friends is not far - it shows that 24,000 km is just a hop, step and a jump. Thanks Dave.....I have a sneakin' suspicion that you'll be back!



Dave, Don & Pancho