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pátek 9. srpna 2013

Ubisoft - living like (external) tester 5

Flying with Qatar in Business class



As I mentioned in the pre-post, this year I joined Ubisoft as an external force. Hired by third party company from Czech republic and invited to Bucharest to test the newest Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag.

First change is the preparation. Unlike a regular tester I have to prepare several weeks before coming to the test site and get ready all necessary documents. Since I live in China, the most important issue was how to get me back to Bucharest Romania. I was searching among available options and the best choice with acceptable cost/performance ration was to buy ticket from Qatar airways.

Qatar has relatively new fleet, excellent reputation and is flying directly to Chongqing as well. The ticket was obtained in the local Qatar airways office in IFC building on No. 28 Min Quan Road Chongqing. Very inconvenient though was that the ticket had to be payed cash! Seriously more than 10 000 RMB cash who carries around such an amount of money ffs.


In the day of departure I was really nervous and still in the middle of packing. Flight was scheduled on 23:50. At 22:50 I arrived to the correct international departure hall of Chonging Jiangbei airport. Since it is an international flight, the departure hall is further away from the metro entrance. Before I reached it I was swearing the heavy luggage and extremely hot Chongqing weather.

Check-in for my flight was not on the board and the designated check-in desk was closed and I thought thats the end. Fortunately the Qatar airways staff members were present in another desk and helped me out. First they scold me for being late and announced0 that my seat is gone.

BUT eventually I was awarded a seat in business class as remuneration for being late :-)

So what can Qatar airways business class offer you:

  1. First difference comes just before embarking the plane. You are put into a business class line and have the right to enter the plane prior to the economy class customers. Makes you feel you have more prestige but you face crowds passing you by in the narrow alleyway the same. 
  2. Small snack and champagne/water. Before You can even discover all features of your seat the flight attendant offers you something small to bite and sip.
  3. Daily press is handed over by another flight attendant. Basically all big newspapers from destination and departure country, plus international titles.
  4. When you are comfortably seated after take off your personal flight attendant approaches to ask you for your menu choice. Really nice service when flight attendant gives you fine menu to pick from.
  5. Super comfortable seat that can be unfolded into a full bed. This is the best part of all the benefits. Seat space is well designed and provides you with absolute comfort you could have in plane. With just one button push you will choose to sleep, work or relax. If you get confused, your flight attendant will promptly help you out.
  6. You get your own Qatar airways pyjamasGray cotton pants and top to keep you warm.
  7. Appetizers, snacks and alcoholic/nonalcoholic drinks anytime during the flight. Appreciated especially when the air is really dry and you need to keep yourself hydrated. From bottled evian water to beer cans and wines you can pretty much choose according to your taste.
  8. Comfortable headphones, blindfold and earplugs (God bless those).
  9. Spacier toilet at your disposal. Unrecognizable, honestly, it seems the same.
  10. On air mobile service, laptop power and a USB plug. Except the USB plug there was everything as described.
  11. 5-star cuisine with infinite choices. Food is probably the cherry on top of all the delights. True masterpiece of
  12. In-fight entertainment. Considerably higher level of entertainment provided by onyx system. Newest movies in several language mutations on relatively big screen. You can choose from hundreds of movies in different genres. I have chosen 2 during my 7 hour flight and went to sleep while listening to Australian radio songs.






Flight facts:

37000 feet above the ground
7 hour
5-star service
50 longitude degrees crossed
4 time zones
3350 km
600 km/h speed
And this song: Foals - Late night song

středa 7. srpna 2013

Black Sea in Constanta

During the weekend me and my very good friend Lukasz along with his family visited beautiful beaches of the Black Sea. His daughter Maya is adorable little lady. We hang out in Eforie and enjoyed sunshine, swimming and sand.


The trip was scheduled for Saturday. But no one told me the train leaves at 3 AM! I was really surprised but determined to do it. We took the night train from Bucharest north train staition directly to Eforie (return ticket 56 RON).  

Arrived to Eforie at 8 AM. I have not seen that many people in a night train before. Seemed like everyone wants to go to the seaside. When we get off the train we simply followed the crowd to the nearest beach. 

All the day we enjoyed swimming in the sea, playing with Maya and most importantly RELAX.
Sun was sharp and warm and water pleasingly refreshing. I swam for couple of hundred meters and get a sunburned:-) At 3PM we left the beach and head for a local restaurant to have late lunch to catch our train back at 6 PM.
Whatever you choose the pizza will be eastern European variation and local food is always a better choice. Couple of beers and back to the train station we embarked our train pretty tired. Apart from my catching up of a running train in Constanta the ride back was calm and full of very bad sleep. We arrived at 11PM at Gara de Nord.

čtvrtek 1. listopadu 2012

Poslední záznam - The last entry

Přes Transalpinu do Čech


Tak už je to tady...Po 10 měsících testování pro Ubisoft jsem se nasytil vysněného jobu a je třeba se vydat zase o kus dál. Nebudu zapírat, že mi bude chybět můj tým a vůbec pracovní prostředí, které mi Bukurešťský Ubisoft poskytoval. Mnozí z vás se divili, proč jsem se rozhodl odcestovat a žít v zemi, kterou si mnozí pletou s Bulharskem. Pracovat ve městě, jež si většina plete s Budapeští. Dokonce rodinní příslušníci byli zděšení, že se vydávám na východ, místo toho abych se po úspěšném absolvování vysoké školy vydal na západ. Všechny co byli ochotni naslouchat jsem poučil o svých důvodech a vím, že většina z vás to pochopila a celé rumunské dobrodružství mi přála štěstí a zdraví.
Jak jsem předeslal, jedná se o poslední záznam. Místo toho abych zde orodoval, vzpomínal a patetizoval ještě o něco více než v prvním odstavci, rozhodl jsem se přidat k dobru naše poslední cestování a fotky z té nejúžasnější cesty přes hory, kterou jsem kdy absolvoval.

Definitivní rozhodnutí o opuštění Rumunského pracovního trhu padlo v červenci. Dokončil jsem práci na Ghost Recon Future Soldier a splnil si svůj dětský sen. Kromě toho mi končila půlroční smlouva a bylo na čase se poohlídnout po něčem novém. Od července jsem tedy trávil hodiny a hodiny na pracovních portálech a sháněl další příležitosti. Ještě ten samý měsíc mě kontaktovali z Chongqingu a nabídli mi práci učitele angličtiny v Číně.


Což nás přivádí do současnosti. Po úmorných 4 měsících se vízová mašinérie dostala do bodu, ve kterém není na výběr a já musím zpět do CR abych si víza vyzvedl. Ze dne na den jsem ukončil pracovní poměr a začal shánět nejvýhodnější let. Michal s Petrem, kteří mi poskytli dočasný azyl se doma vytasili s nabídkou, jež se neodmítá. Jejich kolegové Lukáš a Radek dorazí s modelem jakési stavby autem a po její prezentaci se zase vydají domů do České kotliny po asfaltu. Pokud prý chci, můžu jet s nimi.

Na sbalení jsem měl pár dní, ale vzhledem k tomu, že jsem toho zas tak moc do Rumunska nedovezl v tom nebyl problém. Do auta se mi dokonce vejde víc věcí, než kolik bych mohl odvézt letadlem. Paráda.


Ve čtvrtek ráno byl naplánován odjezd na 3:00 ráno. Zabijácká hodina. Kluci si ukrojili pár hodin spánku navíc sledováním amerického válečného dramatu Lovec Jelenů. Po očku jsem je taky sledoval, ale spíš jsem se věnoval úpravě fotek z předchozích výletů - máte možnost je skouknout na picase;-)

Kupodivu jsme ve 3 vstávali jakoby nic a čiperně, bezhlučně jsme se přesunuli do vozu. Pěti válcový turbo diesel VOLVO XC60 nás čekal zaparkovaný v podzemní garáži. Napakovali jsme jeho ohromný úložný prostor až na maximum a vydali se do ranních ulic Bukurešti.


"Thanks for watching, reading, following - Farewell to you all!"

Ještě ani den před odjezdem, jsme si nebyli zcela jisti, jestli je Transaplina stále otevřená a zda se nám podaří ji projet skrz. První úsek s podrobnou mapou do Pitešti jsme se vezli na příjemné dálnici. Cesta ubíhala rychle a zatímco Radek vyspával rýmičku, my s Lukášem jsme projížděli kolem hořícího vraku auta...chlapík nezvládl řízení, možná mikrospánek, každopádně skončil v plamenech pod náklaďákem. V 5:12 ráno za Piteští muselo přijít definitivní rozhodnutí. Jedeme, nebo nejedeme. Byla stále ještě tma a studený podzimní vzduch se zahryzával do našich prokřehlých těl, když jsme se na jedné z benzínek snažili najít něco na zub.


Měli jsme štěstí a místní dinner nabízel snídaňové menu. Za 13 respektive 10 Lei si tu unavený řidič mohl koupit anglickou respektive tureckou snídani s čajem zdarma. Kluci vsadili na klasiku. Já jsem chtěl zjistit co se skrývá za položkou turecká snídaně, takže jsem se pasoval do role pokusného králíka. Za 10 minut již před námi stál hrnek teplého černého čaje a talíře přetékající dobrotami. Anglická slanina, párečky, bagetky, máslíčko, sýr, rajčátka, dokonce i med k dobru. Nádherně jsme se najedli a zahřáli. Posilněni jsme se definitivně rozhodli, že Transalpinu zdoláme.

Když jsme dojeli do vesničky Novaci, na místo kde Transalpina začíná, asi o 2 hodinky později, počasí bylo horší než špatné. Přesto, že předpověď slibovala jasno a větrno, nad námi se tísnili mraky a přes jejich hustý závoj nebylo vidět okolní hory. Dali jsme si něco malého na zub, probudili smysly v brzkém ranním chladu. Někdo si dal pauzu cigaretovou, někdo zase toaletovou. Během 10 minut jsme byli ready a zklamaně rozjížděli naše nacpané volvo vzhůru do kopce. Je 7:00 a nám se vůbec nechce dál.


Za vesnicí jsme narazili na ceduli, které jasně deklarovala, že Transalpina je zavřená - INCHIS! Zastavili jsme abychom to vstřebali, vyfotili a demokraticky se rozhodli se co dál. Za námi přijížděl transit, zastavil vedle nás a stáhl okýnko. Lukáš na postu řidiče udělal to samé. Lámanou angličtinou nám borec potvrdil, že Transalpina je průjezdná a mi se nemáme ničeho bát a jet kupředu. Vyrazili jsme, houstnoucí oblačností, vzrůstající nadmořskou výškou a klesající teplotou. Vstříc nepoznaným krásám Rumunské přírody.

Do 1400 metrů mraky houstly, obklopovaly celý prostor a nebylo vidět ani na 20 metrů kolem auta. Po překročení magické hranice však začali ustupovat až jsme v 1600 metrech vyjeli do úchvatného východu slunce.


I přesto, že Transalpina je dlouhá přes 160 km ta nejhezčí pasáž nedá v sedadle řidič do kupy víc než hodinku jízdy. Tedy, hodinku, pokud ji opravdu jen projíždíte. Na příkrých svazích hor je vidět intenzivní práce a příprava na sezonu. Developerské společnosti investují stamilióny aby zdejší divokou krajinou zvelebili a přizpůsobili cestovnímu ruchu. Za přispění Evropské Unie tu byl položen nový asfaltový koberec a silnice není zdaleka tak nebezpečná jak kdysi bývala. Za slunečného počasí a v perfektní viditelnosti se řídí pohodově. Lanovky zatím zejí prázdnotou a svahy jsou ověnčené ostrým kamením a hnědou travou. Zima na sebe nenechá dlouho čekat. Vybrali jsme si pravděpodobně ten nejpozdější možný termín a udělili dobře. Hra barev a stínů, které tu kreslí brzké ranní slunce je neobyčejná až magická. Jediné co nám kazí celkový klidný dojem je prudký a ostrý vítr. I přes několik vrstev oděvu nám dává zabrat. Prozíravě jsme si nikdo nevzal rukavice a tak i naše prsty trpí pod náporem náhlého ochlazení.


Lukášova GPS ukazuje 2150 Metrů. Před námi se otvírá vrchol jedné z místních hor, kterému je mistrně nasazen klikatící se asfaltový náhrdelník bez svodidel. Vyskakujeme z auta a vydáváme se směrem k vrcholu. Vítr se do nás opírá neskutečnou silou, ale energii jež do nás dopuje ranní slunce není možné zastavit. Pulsuje nám v žilách cestovatelská krev. Až na vrchol...až tam! Ruce křičí v crescendu nad ztrátou citlivosti. Ukecávám Radka aby mi udělal poslední fotku ve stojce. 2180 m n.m. úžasný pocit. Ve vycházejícím slunci vrháme dlouhé stíny a na vrcholku hory nezapomeneme postavit trolla.


Moc aut tu neprojíždí v 8 hodin ráno, ale s tím jedním německým BMW se potkáváme neustále. Každý vybíráme jiné zastávky a výhledy. Jiná místa na fotografování a přírodu k obdivu. To už se však dostáváme za polovinu a cesta začíná padat dolů. Serpentiny jsou opět bez svodidel a my jen děkujeme bohu, že nám takhle nádherně vyšlo počasí. Dupat na brzdu našeho automatu, v neprůhledném mraku a při nižší teplotě by bylo o život celé posádky. Míjíme několik propadlin ve vozovce, do kterých se šířkou vejdeme tak akorát. Sjíždíme opět do pásma lesů a zhluboka nasáváme vůni jehličnanů.

Povinnou zastávku na malou střídá pocit hladu. Táhne na dvanáctou hodinu a naše břicha kručí. Kromě toho se poslední pasáž Transalpiny mění v nekonečně dlouhý úsek plný zatáček a retardérů. Přestože se kolem nás rozkládají neuvěřitelně prudké svahy porostlé úžasně zbarvenými listnatými stromy, většinou břízkami, můj žaludek běduje a touží po kinedrilu. Dalších 45 minut, jsem přetrpěl jen silou vůle a nádherou zdejší přírody. Záchrana přichází v podobě hotelové restaurace Valea Frumoasei ve městečku Sugag. Zde si dáváme Oběd sestávající se z tradiční polévky, šnitzlu a pálivých papriček.

Celá cesta Bukurešť - Praha má 1400 km a dala nám zabrat. I ve třech to byla velká psychická a fyzická zátěž. Střídali jsme se u řízení, navigace i ve vytváření zábavy. Do Prahy jsme dorazili téměř po 22 hodinách v 1:00 v pátek ráno. Super zážitek. Díky kluci.

úterý 23. října 2012

Chilling journey into Dracula's birth place - Sighisoara

Sibiu (Hermannstadt) and Sighisoara(Segersvár) 


I encountered Tautis sitting on the ground leasing back to the wooden padding of improvised Mc Donald terrace at Gara de Nord.  "Salut. Salut." Tautis handed me his Silva blonda can, for welcome. Told him I have 4 more nefiltrata bergen’s in my backpack and sat next to him. "We have 30 minutes delay already, " he told me. That’s exactly why I am coming on time. Not to wait more than its necessary!

"We need to take care of one big problem before we go", looking at electronic ticket for our trip to Cluj. "There is a name of my colleague written down in this document and I am not sure if they will allow you to take his seat. I am scanning the ticket. Adult/ full price stated in the top right corner and obviously Romanian name at the right bottom one. C'mon. Let's ask. I don’t wana fake someone’s identity. I will take care of your “Forest” and you can ask at the information desk for possibility to change ticket owner." Mutual agreement was sealed with two swigs from the can.

After several minutes of argumentation Tautis was back and pretty upset. His stay in Romania is approaching critical value. After almost 5 months the culture shock is kicking back and he feels really strange and uncomfortable, especially in crowded and sterile Bucharest. His mood was always lifted by any kind of trip. I like to travel with him, because Tautis is always up to go anywhere, explore and most importantly self-arrange anything. From the accommodation, through logistics to the entertainment, everything is DIY.


Dim and magical fog, stray car lights in the distance and completely clear sky with amazing crystal view of the stars. Werewolf moon and un-deadly morning chill in the middle of freshly harvested wheat fields. Slow train speed and beats of the trails. All of this makes you think of this as about extra-dimensional, almost spiritual journey. All the lost and tortured souls around, those gathered during your reaper night shift, now dragged back to underworld for Charon to keep them safe. Your ears full of screaming silence and mind stricken with deadly peace. Getting more and more silent… Into a redeeming limbo of postmortem semi-existence. Silence. Just missing scythe in my hand. Almost feeling its handle in my hands… Imagine that someone knocks on your shoulder in such a state of a mind…chills ran through your spine and various images through your head. Turning my head. From the darkness of dimmed coupe an almost faceless voice with long black hair shrouded with whispers asked me “Could you please close the window, I can not sleep because of the cold.”

Minutes of fantasy regression are gone. Last deep breath of fresh early morning autumn air and I am closing the window. Time to follow the crowd… well those two elderly souls… out of the train. 


5:40 Sibiu Gara. train station is pretty lively. People are going to work and some are coming back. Journey is almost at the end. Calling Reema to let her know I am in the town:-) Next two days she is going to be my tour guide. I am sad though that Mari-An is not present and can not spend some time with us. Right now she is probably strolling through some German city and heaving a good time with strangers :-P

Great 2 days I spent in Sibiu - Strolling through the city whole day, making pictures and in the afternoon visiting ASTRA Film festival of documentary movies. Evening was in sign of culture tolerance. German students had made a dinner and Czech with Pakistanis were invited to enjoy their national cuisine. Great event was closed by friendly ping-pong match.

The next day...think it was sunny Sunday... Ken picked me up after checking out  the 15th International Photographic Salon Sibiu 2012 final exhibition in Sibiu's exhibition hall and as promised, we caught bus to the biggest Village Museum in Europe. With other Pakistanis we decided to spend beautiful day in a calm environment around a lake. Funny thing is that in the middle autumn I was able to weave pussy willow whip usually made for the Easter in mid spring.

It is already more than two days but trip to Sighisoara still resonates within me. Apart from the fact that Vlad Tepes called Dracula was born in here, this small medieval town reminds me my hometown Tachov. 10 long months I have not strolled through its alleyways and strong melancholy struck me hard. Autumn in Tachov is one of the most beautiful times. Colorful alleys, sweet smelling air, sharp low angeled sunshine, bright sky and amazing views on the medieval sights all around the town. Nothing better than stroll through the alleyways, neighborhoods and landmarks ended in a teahouse with cup of fresh Darjeeling in your hands.

Reminds me...the time here in Bucharest is slowly ticking off and in less than a week I will be back in Czech Republic. I am glad I could spend one last weekend on a trip with my friends.

Enjoy your time - life is short ;-)



středa 8. srpna 2012

Transfagaras highway trip

Transfagaras - Across the Carpathian mountains 

 

Road 7C is well known as the Transfagarash highway. But don't be confused, the road has so far to highway as i have to superhero. Although it is well managed and pretty passable in the summer, between October and  May is closed since it is impossible to maintain it during the tough intercontinental Romanian winter. Romanians call the Transfagarash highway "Ceauşescu's Folly" since he planned to build that road in order to move armed forces much quickly from north(or to the north)...well his concept, I doubt there was any concept at all for this road. Anyway trying to pass this road in a hedge back is a challenge so I would love to see tank driver maneuver that curved road.

Our trip started at Brasov

the evening before. We gathered at the Beke hostel. Lovely place almost in the heart of Brasov. No more than 3 minutes from Biserica Neagra and less than 5 from cable car station to the famous Brasov sign on the hill. Find that hostel is not easy, but the comfort is worth it. We paid 40 Lei for overnight and had our own facilities.

While I was still testing Assassin's Creed 3, David with Monica, for whom this was the last trip before departing to their native country of USA, rented a car in Bucharest airport. I was supposed to travel to Brasov with them, but AC3 was more importnt in that time, so I decided to join them in the evening at the Brasov train station. Which is by the way quite far from the historical center. All of the trains from Bucharest will drop you off at the Gara Centrala Brasov and you have to take trolley(in front of the station) or buss (a little to the right from the station) to get there. Numbers that are going to take you are 4, 51, 23 and 23B.

While I was waiting for my travel buddies I met 2 backpackers from Germany. They already visited Predeal and were on their way to Bran castle and Peles near Sinaia. I offered them to join us at the Beke guest house, but they were much better prepared and their surfer picked them up in the next minute. Couchsurfing is definitely worth the try:-)


8.30 in the morning multiple cellphones alarm clocks started to ring and sunny morning welcomed us. Quick shower, small mic dejun in the city center and the car was ready to try one of the toughest roads in Romania. David mastered the European, well more Romanian style of driving pretty fast and we departed no later than at 9. On our way out of Brasov we stopped at Real to buy supplies and refill the fuel tank.

First part of the road

might be pretty monotonous. Though the views and sights on Romanian countryside are breathtaking. The air is fresh and smells much better than in Bucharest. Its a completely different world.
In fagaras we met this "Google street view car" so in case we are lucky, we are going to be immortalized(well our car most likely) on google maps:-) We were all so excited that almost forgot where to take the left turn to start the second part of our road - the ascend.

Just a few hundred meters past Arpase de Jos is a roundabout that will decide your adventures. If you continue to the west, you will end up in a region of Sibiu and one of the most beautiful cities in Romania where Mari-An studies. But we turned left and head south towards the majestic Carpathian mountains and region called Arges.

Passing the sign

announcing Transfagarasan road 7C is opened only from June to September our expectations were rising so was the adrenaline level. As the curves started to lead our car uphill, the scenery began to change. Flat meadows were replaced by deep coniferous forests, calm rivers by swift creeks and sunny hot afternoon changed into a cloudy cold one before we even reached the peak.


Tee peak

of the Transfagarasan highway is located at 2014m above sea level and is one of the most elevated roads in Europe. (Another one is the Transalpine highway located also in Romania.) The peak is pierced by a tunnel that leads underneath it and will take you from one side to another. North side is dominated by the Balea Lake. Beautiful glacial lake with 2 hotels at the bank (third one in construction for more than 20 years). Should you have the time, powers and suitable weather conditions take one hour hike to a nearby Balea waterfall.

As we reached the other side of the tunnel, which is by the way the longest tunnel in Romania, we stopped for a snack and obligatory "Picture time". Cloudy weather was left behind on the other side of the mountains and we used all the time before the clouds crossed the mountains to make some pictures. Stopping on almost every curve and taking pics of everything and anything - we enjoyed that time.

As the time was passing so were the miles and we eventually reached Poenari fortress. in the lower elevations. My stomach was begging for something more to eat and also to rest from the curvy road. I was never a fan of bus/car traveling in the rear seats and Transfagaras tested my resilience well. Poenari fortress is an actual place of rule of the most famous Romanian - Vlad the 3rd, Wallachian Prince known as Vlad Tepes - Dracula. Fortress is located on top of a steep hill and visitor has to beat more than 1800 steps to get there.

Curtea de Arges

Considering the time and that this was Monica's and David's last trip we decided to leave it for another time and head to the nearby town of Curtea de Arges which posses the most famous cathedral in Romania (check out the 1 LEU bill and you will know why;-) Monica is a big fan of these sacral architectural jewels in Romania.

The time was running out and we decided to quickly drop Mari-An in Pitesti and hit the road to Bucharest as fast as possible. On the way I was sleeping or chatting in turns and what I remember vividly enough is that in Curtea de Arges they have much more stray dogs than anywhere else I have been in Romania.

Edit:

Round 2 - Transfagaras sequel in Toyota Corolla

Right! We did one more trip through this extraordinary road. With borrowed car from Avis car rental. Toyota Corolla 1.4 was our vehicle. And the driver - Holistr. I simply wanted to drive the road on my own. Have the opportunity to drive those serpentines for myself and squeeze from the engine what it takes.