Sunday, December 16, 2007
Changing Blogsites
I'm changing my blog to www.getjealous.com/geliqua. So to read more check out that site.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Back from Phuket my longest travel day ever for the shortest distance...
It took 12 hours to get back to Hong Kong from Phuket. This should normally take 2.5 hours or just shy of 3 hours flying time so maybe 5 hours in total. It started in Phuket. First I had to change my flight because it overlapped with my connecting flight. I suffered a 500 Baht penalty...$17. If I had known my connecting flight would be 2 hours delayed it would've been perfect. My budget flight from Phuket was delayed as well but there was no announcement indicating the delay and for how long. I started to queue up 30 min before take off time because it's budget and there are no assigned seating. We waited a good hour before they let us on board and by that time everyone was anxious to get on. The old Thai ladies were booking it down the corridor to get the front seats. I was trying to walk fast and not look like I was trying to over take them. But man, they were fast...granted they're jogging. The Korean family with 2 kids sprinted past me. I thought to myself that this was just ridiculous but proceeded to swing my hips from side to side and do the quick step thing down the corridor as well. This whole process wasn't too civilized.
When I landed in Bangkok, the baggage took 40 minutes to come out. I don't know what they were doing in the back because the distance from the gate to the carousel wasn't too far. I was getting frustrated. After my baggage came out, I went to check in in the international departures area and found out that my flight was delayed for 2 hours and they were unable to check anyone in. I killed time by having a snack with the $9 voucher they gave me. After check in, I killed more time at Duty Free Shopping and emailing. The only good thing about this whole ordeal was that I was flying Business Class and able to use the lounge which included internet, dim sum, food, drinks. Of course I decided to get wasted in the lounge while i waited.
Instead of getting in at 11pm I got in at 1am and then waited for the Bus to shuttle us back to Hong Kong island (even Airport Express doesn't run at that hour). I tried to sleep on the bus but I had 2 Hong Kong annoying ladies yapping away behind me. Even with my earplugs in, it sounded like their cackling was right in my ear. When I finally arrived home it was 2:45 am, 3 hours later than my original arrival time. I think yesterday may have been the most delayed travel day for me. I hope I slept off the bad vibes.
When I landed in Bangkok, the baggage took 40 minutes to come out. I don't know what they were doing in the back because the distance from the gate to the carousel wasn't too far. I was getting frustrated. After my baggage came out, I went to check in in the international departures area and found out that my flight was delayed for 2 hours and they were unable to check anyone in. I killed time by having a snack with the $9 voucher they gave me. After check in, I killed more time at Duty Free Shopping and emailing. The only good thing about this whole ordeal was that I was flying Business Class and able to use the lounge which included internet, dim sum, food, drinks. Of course I decided to get wasted in the lounge while i waited.
Instead of getting in at 11pm I got in at 1am and then waited for the Bus to shuttle us back to Hong Kong island (even Airport Express doesn't run at that hour). I tried to sleep on the bus but I had 2 Hong Kong annoying ladies yapping away behind me. Even with my earplugs in, it sounded like their cackling was right in my ear. When I finally arrived home it was 2:45 am, 3 hours later than my original arrival time. I think yesterday may have been the most delayed travel day for me. I hope I slept off the bad vibes.
Monday, December 10, 2007
My Backpacking Days are over...
Once you've stayed at a 5 star hotel/resort, there's just no going back. I'd say that I'm pretty easy going, at times, but recently i've noticed that I just can't do the budget travel anymore. With age comes experience and preferences and when you've experienced top service and accommadations you just can't take a step down. Top reasons how I knew when my backpacking, 3-star hotels, and budget airline days are over:
1) The only people I meet are in the 21-24 age range.
2) When meeting new people just isn't as fun as it use to be.
3) When the smell of mildew in the bathroom makes me gag.
4) When I don't want to touch anything in the room I'm suppose to be spending the night in.
4) When I get into fights with management because they won't provide hot water (okay exaggeration but arguments of some sort nonetheless).
5) Walking out of the guesthouse after one night, foregoing 50% of the room rate, begging IBIS hotel for forgiveness for leaving in the first place and to take me back.
6) When a backpack that's bigger than me just isn't cute anymore.
7) When running down the aisle in a cattle call to beat the old ladies and the family with children to get the first seat in the airplane isn't my idea of fun or a competition.
8) Getting into arguments with old ladies with child in stroller because she's trying to cut the line to get on the plane.
My inner diva is coming out thanks to the help of a friend. Things just won't be right unless there's complimentary two bottles of water at the perfect temperature, turn down service, clean sheets and towels folded in the exact way I like, and hotel greeters with a hot face cloth and tea.
1) The only people I meet are in the 21-24 age range.
2) When meeting new people just isn't as fun as it use to be.
3) When the smell of mildew in the bathroom makes me gag.
4) When I don't want to touch anything in the room I'm suppose to be spending the night in.
4) When I get into fights with management because they won't provide hot water (okay exaggeration but arguments of some sort nonetheless).
5) Walking out of the guesthouse after one night, foregoing 50% of the room rate, begging IBIS hotel for forgiveness for leaving in the first place and to take me back.
6) When a backpack that's bigger than me just isn't cute anymore.
7) When running down the aisle in a cattle call to beat the old ladies and the family with children to get the first seat in the airplane isn't my idea of fun or a competition.
8) Getting into arguments with old ladies with child in stroller because she's trying to cut the line to get on the plane.
My inner diva is coming out thanks to the help of a friend. Things just won't be right unless there's complimentary two bottles of water at the perfect temperature, turn down service, clean sheets and towels folded in the exact way I like, and hotel greeters with a hot face cloth and tea.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Foreign Language 101
Not Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Tibetan, Khmer, Tagalog, Malay, or even Thai, it's Cherangelese with a sub-dialect which includes Kao-ese.
It started in Japan (actually in California for me but in this instance Japan) and has evolved into a crazy languange. Throw in Christina and Cheru's original language of their own and we have Cherangelese plus Kao-ese. It's become so natural to me that I can't help changing all 'l's to 'r's. When I'm reading or speaking it just comes out. Thanks Cheru.
In Japan, Dave invited us to a dinner with his Japanese baseball buddies. As we introduced ourselves, the guys could not pronouce our names properly. First it was Cheryl...
- Hi, My name is Cheryl.
- Huh? Cher-woll?
- No Cheryl.
- Sharo?
- No CHERYL.
- Sharon Stone?
- Yes. yes sharon stone.
(I interject...) No Cheryl.
- AH Cheru...
Then it was Doug..
- Hi, My name is Doug.
- Huh? Doog?
- No Doug, like in Douglas.
- AHHH!! Doug-ras.
And then me..
- Hi, I'm Angela.
- Huh? Angewa?
- AngeLA
- AHHH!! AngeRA!
And from there on our names have morphed and so has our ranguage. Dave's name has always been Davu with those guys. It's screwing up my Engrish. Not that my Engrish is proper to begin with, but this just makes it worst.
It's hirarioso to risten to us tark. We can't stop because it's our travel tark and our second ranguage.
We also became internationale in our ranguages. We rearned:
Shiramasen - Excuse me / sorry (we use this a rot)
Arigato gozaimashta - Thank you very much
Beeru - Beer
Soka?, Sodasnei. - Is that so? It is so.
Kawayi - Cute
Kowai - Scary
Mul - Water
Kamsamnida - Thank you
Anyohaseo - Hello
Ju seyo - Prease
Tashidelek - Hello
Juchujay - Thank you
Natodeilek - Good Morning.
Salamat Po - Thank you
Sawasdee Kha - Hello
Selamat Kha - Thank you
It started in Japan (actually in California for me but in this instance Japan) and has evolved into a crazy languange. Throw in Christina and Cheru's original language of their own and we have Cherangelese plus Kao-ese. It's become so natural to me that I can't help changing all 'l's to 'r's. When I'm reading or speaking it just comes out. Thanks Cheru.
In Japan, Dave invited us to a dinner with his Japanese baseball buddies. As we introduced ourselves, the guys could not pronouce our names properly. First it was Cheryl...
- Hi, My name is Cheryl.
- Huh? Cher-woll?
- No Cheryl.
- Sharo?
- No CHERYL.
- Sharon Stone?
- Yes. yes sharon stone.
(I interject...) No Cheryl.
- AH Cheru...
Then it was Doug..
- Hi, My name is Doug.
- Huh? Doog?
- No Doug, like in Douglas.
- AHHH!! Doug-ras.
And then me..
- Hi, I'm Angela.
- Huh? Angewa?
- AngeLA
- AHHH!! AngeRA!
And from there on our names have morphed and so has our ranguage. Dave's name has always been Davu with those guys. It's screwing up my Engrish. Not that my Engrish is proper to begin with, but this just makes it worst.
It's hirarioso to risten to us tark. We can't stop because it's our travel tark and our second ranguage.
We also became internationale in our ranguages. We rearned:
Shiramasen - Excuse me / sorry (we use this a rot)
Arigato gozaimashta - Thank you very much
Beeru - Beer
Soka?, Sodasnei. - Is that so? It is so.
Kawayi - Cute
Kowai - Scary
Mul - Water
Kamsamnida - Thank you
Anyohaseo - Hello
Ju seyo - Prease
Tashidelek - Hello
Juchujay - Thank you
Natodeilek - Good Morning.
Salamat Po - Thank you
Sawasdee Kha - Hello
Selamat Kha - Thank you
Phuket
City Built on Tourism
I've been told that Phuket is really commercialized but I didn't believe it. Now that I'm here, I must say...they were right, it's really commercialized. It's a beach city with a dizzying array of Restaurants, hotels, hostels, massage shops, stores selling everything, hair salons, dive shops, internet places, and bars...lots and lots of bars. It's not even Thailand anymore. It's Tourist Land...mostly German, Russian, and Australian tourists.
Food
The best Thai food I've ever had is at Siam Chan in West LA, California. You'd think it'd be here in Thailand but you're wrong. It's not that easy to find a Thai restaurant here. They're all pub restaurants, indian, russian, italian, etc. Kind of strange. I had to walk several blocks to find a thai restaurant...and it wasn't fully thai either.
Lady-Man
I just got back from a Lady-Man Show. It was entertaining. I've been wanting to check this out for a while. I'm fascinated by how much they look and act like women...actually more than normal women I think. They all have boob implants and tons of make up. Some are prettier than others and if it weren't for their height and deep voice I would not be able to tell that they are men. Fascinating. I'd like to interview one someday.
Accomodation
Leave it to me to do everything last minute. My first hotel (if you call it that) was a dump. This new hotel which I thought would be better is worst than the first one and I'm paying more. I can't even go into how bad it is...I'll post it on Tripadvisor and whoever wants to read about it can. All I have to say is that it's worst than the hotels in Tibet that I stayed in. And those were horrible as well. Makes me want to leave this place earlier...that's too bad.
I've been told that Phuket is really commercialized but I didn't believe it. Now that I'm here, I must say...they were right, it's really commercialized. It's a beach city with a dizzying array of Restaurants, hotels, hostels, massage shops, stores selling everything, hair salons, dive shops, internet places, and bars...lots and lots of bars. It's not even Thailand anymore. It's Tourist Land...mostly German, Russian, and Australian tourists.
Food
The best Thai food I've ever had is at Siam Chan in West LA, California. You'd think it'd be here in Thailand but you're wrong. It's not that easy to find a Thai restaurant here. They're all pub restaurants, indian, russian, italian, etc. Kind of strange. I had to walk several blocks to find a thai restaurant...and it wasn't fully thai either.
Lady-Man
I just got back from a Lady-Man Show. It was entertaining. I've been wanting to check this out for a while. I'm fascinated by how much they look and act like women...actually more than normal women I think. They all have boob implants and tons of make up. Some are prettier than others and if it weren't for their height and deep voice I would not be able to tell that they are men. Fascinating. I'd like to interview one someday.
Accomodation
Leave it to me to do everything last minute. My first hotel (if you call it that) was a dump. This new hotel which I thought would be better is worst than the first one and I'm paying more. I can't even go into how bad it is...I'll post it on Tripadvisor and whoever wants to read about it can. All I have to say is that it's worst than the hotels in Tibet that I stayed in. And those were horrible as well. Makes me want to leave this place earlier...that's too bad.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Supernatural Powers
I have discovered, on my journey, that I have a super natural power. I can't control it and sometimes it can be a nusance. I'm working on it. It's the power of magnetism or as some may call it...the law of attraction. It's overpowering at times. The worst is when I'm in a hurry and speed walking down a sidewalk or a corridor or anywhere. Or when I enter a temple/shop/store/7-11. I'm not talking about the tour groups...because they're everywhere. that's not a super-power. everyone has it. for example, it's when i'm walking and people are in front of me...i have a clear path ready to overtake them...all of a sudden they start to drift in to my walking lane, as if they know. I'll make my move to the other side but they start to drift that way as well. it's this power...how do I shut it off when I want to? why can't i attract the hot guy into my path? not the old japanese men or the old korean ladies. another example is when i'm in a store or a temple. I can be the first one there with no one in sight and within seconds, i'll turn around and it's a group of 20 high school kids in front of me. This power, I tell ya, I need to work on it.
The Game...not the Dating Game...the Tourism Game
Some call me pessimistic, some call me cynical...and I don't disagree. But let me tell you why...after traveling for the past few months and having my brother tell me to watch out for scam artists, pick pocketers, locals, men, women...basically everyone it's hard not to question everyone that approaches you. Everyone is out for something. And if you're not, you're the only one. There are rings. Conspiracy rings that hotels, restaurants, tuk-tuks, guides, etc. form with one another. They get commission by sending their customers/guests to the others' establishments. I've been caught in several of these rings. If you do not like the ring you're in...it's hard to get out. It's become some sort of tourism game to them. whoever you happen to stumble across and befriend, you will be stuck in that ring for the duration of your stay in that city...and longer if you ask them to reccommend anything in another city. So beware as to who you encounter. sometimes they're not so great but you're stuck. And THIS is why I proceed with caution and am skeptical with all who approach me. I don't care how nice they are...they are always trying to sell you something which gets aggravating if you just want to have a conversation with a local.
Bangkok day 2 - 3
Bangkok surprised me. It's a very modern city and very clean too. I was expecting dirt, grime, and yucky men reaching out to me. But it was cleaner and more decent than China. I'm sure I wasn't going to the more seedy areas but in general it was a nice city. They Skytrain and taxi boats made it really easy to get around.
The taxi boats are really convenient...their like trains on the water. they stop for less than a minute at each pier letting locals and tourists off and on and then jet off to the next pier. If you are not hanging on to your belongings...it'll be floating down the river.
After 2 hours on the internet booking my flight and hotel for cambodia, my first stop was the reclining Buddha. it was breath taking. I don't know what the deminsions are...will have to refer back to the guide book, but it was enormous. the things that distracted me were the massive amount of chinese/japanese/korean tour groups and the pillars that were directly in front of the buddha. there was no good angle to get a decent picture from, on top of that, everyone is fighting to get a photo of the buddha.
I wanted to go to the Grand Palace next but by the time i was done strolling through Wat Pho, reclining Buddha, the palace was closed. So I was suckered into hiring a Tuk Tuk to bring me to another large Buddha, then to the Golden Mountain...but of course along the way the driver had to take me to TWO different tourist traps before actually dropping me off at my destination.
The Big Buddha was nothing spectacular. I took my photos and waited 20 min for my driver to "use the toilet" then left. when finally arriving at the Golden Mountain I was shocked to see another market/bizarre. it seems like everywhere you turn in thailand...or Asia...there's another street market/bizarre. This was like a Chinese/Asian/thai San Gennaro's festival. I call it Sang Gennarwoh. Street food, thai desserts, ferris wheel, duck rides, games, balloon popping, freak shows, clothes, and shoes. it was fun to walk through but if you're with someone make sure you have a meeting point because you will get split up if you're not literally glued to each other.
After that took a taxi boat home, got a thai massage, shopped a little, walked around my neighborhood which is mostly middle eastern, and called it a night.
The Emerald Palace
Since I missed the Grand Palace the day before I had to go the next day even though I had to leave the hotel by 1pm. The Grand Palace which is adjacent to the Emerald Palace was....shiny and ostentatious. all the temples and buildings are in gold with colorful shiny glass accenting them. it was truly remarkable. it was hard not to get mesmerized in the gleam of the reflecting sunlight. I had to breeze through that sight as well since the tour groups were unbearable. It was also hard to take a photo of myself and didn't want to ask others to take one of me. After an hour of blinding temples I headed off to Wat Arun, temple of Dawn, across the river. see photos.
I wanted to go to Chinatown but missed it since i ran out of time. I would love to go back to Bangkok and see the other sights that I had missed and also see the night life.
The taxi boats are really convenient...their like trains on the water. they stop for less than a minute at each pier letting locals and tourists off and on and then jet off to the next pier. If you are not hanging on to your belongings...it'll be floating down the river.
After 2 hours on the internet booking my flight and hotel for cambodia, my first stop was the reclining Buddha. it was breath taking. I don't know what the deminsions are...will have to refer back to the guide book, but it was enormous. the things that distracted me were the massive amount of chinese/japanese/korean tour groups and the pillars that were directly in front of the buddha. there was no good angle to get a decent picture from, on top of that, everyone is fighting to get a photo of the buddha.
I wanted to go to the Grand Palace next but by the time i was done strolling through Wat Pho, reclining Buddha, the palace was closed. So I was suckered into hiring a Tuk Tuk to bring me to another large Buddha, then to the Golden Mountain...but of course along the way the driver had to take me to TWO different tourist traps before actually dropping me off at my destination.
The Big Buddha was nothing spectacular. I took my photos and waited 20 min for my driver to "use the toilet" then left. when finally arriving at the Golden Mountain I was shocked to see another market/bizarre. it seems like everywhere you turn in thailand...or Asia...there's another street market/bizarre. This was like a Chinese/Asian/thai San Gennaro's festival. I call it Sang Gennarwoh. Street food, thai desserts, ferris wheel, duck rides, games, balloon popping, freak shows, clothes, and shoes. it was fun to walk through but if you're with someone make sure you have a meeting point because you will get split up if you're not literally glued to each other.
After that took a taxi boat home, got a thai massage, shopped a little, walked around my neighborhood which is mostly middle eastern, and called it a night.
The Emerald Palace
Since I missed the Grand Palace the day before I had to go the next day even though I had to leave the hotel by 1pm. The Grand Palace which is adjacent to the Emerald Palace was....shiny and ostentatious. all the temples and buildings are in gold with colorful shiny glass accenting them. it was truly remarkable. it was hard not to get mesmerized in the gleam of the reflecting sunlight. I had to breeze through that sight as well since the tour groups were unbearable. It was also hard to take a photo of myself and didn't want to ask others to take one of me. After an hour of blinding temples I headed off to Wat Arun, temple of Dawn, across the river. see photos.
I wanted to go to Chinatown but missed it since i ran out of time. I would love to go back to Bangkok and see the other sights that I had missed and also see the night life.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Bangkok Day 1
I'm exhausted. After almost missing my flight this morning I have been running around all day, first trying to find my hotel...it took me 3 hours from the time I landed until I actually got to the hotel...changing money, asking for the address to the hotel because i forgot to print it out, and finally catching the bus and walking to the hotel with my huge backpack.
After that ordeal, and checking in to the hotel, I went searching for the Weekend Market which was the reason I wanted to come on a Sunday. This market was a monster. It's similar to all the other markets but i'm always in awe of how ginormous they are. I wasn't sure if I was suppose to haggle as low as the markets in China or in Mongkok. I tried but the vendors were sticking their groud. they would only come down 5 baht or something which is cents. I would try the "walkaway" but no dice. They'd just let me walkaway. So i ended up only going down a few bahts for my purchases.
I could've been there for so much longer but I had to hurry back to go to the Muay Thai boxing match I signed up for. It was very interesting EXCEPT the fact that these were 13 year old little thai boys weighing 100 lbs! It wasn't too interesting after the 1st match. But the headliners were actual grown men...maybe 27-30? Now that's more like it. USA vs. Italy. HOT baby! I got to take a photo with the champion. His sidekick was very HOT! That was the highlight of the day and the match. I wished it was 7 matches of grown men kicking the sh*t out of each other instead of she-boys jabbing at one another.
After that ordeal, and checking in to the hotel, I went searching for the Weekend Market which was the reason I wanted to come on a Sunday. This market was a monster. It's similar to all the other markets but i'm always in awe of how ginormous they are. I wasn't sure if I was suppose to haggle as low as the markets in China or in Mongkok. I tried but the vendors were sticking their groud. they would only come down 5 baht or something which is cents. I would try the "walkaway" but no dice. They'd just let me walkaway. So i ended up only going down a few bahts for my purchases.
I could've been there for so much longer but I had to hurry back to go to the Muay Thai boxing match I signed up for. It was very interesting EXCEPT the fact that these were 13 year old little thai boys weighing 100 lbs! It wasn't too interesting after the 1st match. But the headliners were actual grown men...maybe 27-30? Now that's more like it. USA vs. Italy. HOT baby! I got to take a photo with the champion. His sidekick was very HOT! That was the highlight of the day and the match. I wished it was 7 matches of grown men kicking the sh*t out of each other instead of she-boys jabbing at one another.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Hong Kong Round 4
It's a beautiful day in Hong Kong. Actually it's been a gorgeous week. Somewhat blue skies...sun shining. And what have I been doing? Staying at home recuperating from my travels. It's hard work I tell ya. I can't even keep my blog updated. It's like homework. Since I've been back from China, I've been watching the dvds I bought, catching up on emails, uploading/editing photos, dragging myself to yoga, and semi-cleaning my brother's apartment. My stuff has exploded into the 3rd room, the living room, the bathroom, and the kitchen. I don't know how i have so much stuff.
So it's been gorgeous out and I haven't stepped out of the apartment until 5-8 pm. Of course. It's typical. It's like Mother Nature knows when I'll be sightseeing and when I'll be home. I seem to be bringing the clouds and smog with me everywhere I go. When I actually did some sightseeing in Hong Kong...all three times with visitors, it was hazy and smoggy. In Korea, when we went to the Seoul Tower to see the city from up top, it was smoggy and hazy. The Great Wall in China it was overcast. And in Hangzhou, a very nice place (compared to the dump, Suzhou) it was pouring. And each time I left a city...skies were blue with a few clouds to give it texture. I feel like Pig Pen from Charlie Brown...a cloud of dust just follows me around. Oh well, I guess I have to get use to it. I just hope Southeast Asia's weather will be cooperative!
So it's been gorgeous out and I haven't stepped out of the apartment until 5-8 pm. Of course. It's typical. It's like Mother Nature knows when I'll be sightseeing and when I'll be home. I seem to be bringing the clouds and smog with me everywhere I go. When I actually did some sightseeing in Hong Kong...all three times with visitors, it was hazy and smoggy. In Korea, when we went to the Seoul Tower to see the city from up top, it was smoggy and hazy. The Great Wall in China it was overcast. And in Hangzhou, a very nice place (compared to the dump, Suzhou) it was pouring. And each time I left a city...skies were blue with a few clouds to give it texture. I feel like Pig Pen from Charlie Brown...a cloud of dust just follows me around. Oh well, I guess I have to get use to it. I just hope Southeast Asia's weather will be cooperative!
China
11/4 - 11/8 - Beijing
11/9 - 11/11 - Xian
Work in progress...
11/11 - 11/14 - Guilin and Yangshuo
Party of One - Good thing or Bad?
I lost my travel partner. I am traveling on my own now. There's a sense of freedom about it but also a sense of instability. I have gotten accustomed to being on my own after living in LA. It was a tough time when I went through it but now I don't mind it as much. But in these two cities, I was reminded SEVERAL times that I was alone. Why is that? It's like a Seinfeld episode or something...except in Chinese. I flew into Guilin on my own. The cab driver asked why I was on my own. I explained my situation: My friend didn't want to travel this leg of the trip and I'll be meeting her in Shanghai. I checked in and talked to the tour receptionist and explained my situaion again. The next day I took a boat ride and befriended a college student from china and explained to her the same thing. The following day I took a 6 hour cruise down to Yangshuo and had to recite my monologue to 5 other people...and so on and so on. I had a good time going to these places but it seemed like it was taboo to travel on your own here. Maybe it's just the story people want to hear. Because I'm sure if I was traveling with someone I will be repeating another story over and over again. It just seemed like people were shocked that I was traveling alone.
Scenery - As I have been told, Guilin is nice but Yangshuo is even more breath-taking. And they were right. If it were not for the weather, the scenery of Yangshuo and the Li River would've knocked me off my feet. But because there was a haze covering the peaks like a silk blanket it wasn't as powerful. I saw the sights in Guilin, many of the names I have forgotten. It's worth seeing but since I only had one day it was blurred all together. I would need to go back to the "video tape"... It was the ride on the Li River that I was anxiously anticipating. It was a quaint and scenic ride. we passed pen-holder peak, the horse peak, 5 finger peak, etc. But the most interesting was the people that I met. I met the talkative old white mid-western guy with his "girlfriend" from China who he met on Match.com. She barely knew English, he didn't know a lick of Chinese...I asked him how do you two communicate, he said we don't. And she is pushing him to get married. Crazy. Then there's the boy from Holland, who was normal. And a couple/brother sister from Taiwan who shared the same sentiments I have on people from the mainland. Others whom I did not meet but observed...a cute british lad married to a chinese girl traveling with his old school British parents. He spoke chinese which was shocking...albeit not perfect, but enough to talk to the waitresses. The young wife spoke to him in Chinese and he seemed to understand what she was saying. they were around 23 I would say. Other white men with their Chinese "girlfriend/wife". I know this particular pair is stereo-typical but i still find it interestingly weird.
Yangshuo is a lovely town. Very westernized now. There are a lot of tourists and all the shops and restaurants cater to them. I was silly and asked my hotel in Guilin to book a room in Yangshuo and pre-paid for it. The hotel ended up to be really far from the main street, West Street. I was annoyed as I also had my 2 enormous suitcases with me. I ended up getting set up in a Guesthouse by the taxi driver that helped me talk to my original hotel. It was a quaint guesthouse and much better than the one in Seoul but I still wonder if there were better places I could've stayed at (refer to ring blog above). It was for only one night so i left it alone. I went to a traditional performance that night which was set on the Li river. It was a spectacular production on the lake. I was thrilled since the night before I saw a horrible show in Guilin that was similar to a junior high school play. The guy sitting next to me started to talk to me in the middle of the show. Guess why? Because I was by myself. I wanted him to leave me alone as I was enthralled with the performance and busy recording parts of the show. He kept on asking the typical questions. I had to be nice because I am a tourist right? Anyway, he ended up to be nice and from SF. I thought he was just a dirty chinamen. we ended up going out for a drink on west street. i wanted to stroll that street anyway so I thought why not. better to have a drink with someone than alone. uh...i take that back...it depends. anyway, one drink than turned in for my early morning bike ride around town.
Once you get out of Yangshuo the atmosphere just changes. The hustle and bustle dissipates and the noise subsides. You're left with the majestic, groteque peaks and locals calling out to sell tickets. I took way too long at Moon Peak because I decided to hike up to the top. Not a smart idea because i ran out of time in the water cave. the cave was beautiful. it was discovered hundreds of years ago and is basically the inside (or the stomach) of one of the peaks. Inside are natural rock formations which the locals have named to give it a sense of meaning. But the most fun thing in the cave are the pools, a mud one and a water one. I didn't get to the water one becuase I had to return to Guilin to catch my flight to Shanghai. But I was able to go into the mud pool which was fun and gross at the same time. Definitely need to visit again to see all the sites missed.
11/14 - Shanghai
11/15 - 11/16 - Hangzhou via Suzhou
11/16 - 11/19 - Shanghai
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| Beijing |
11/9 - 11/11 - Xian
Work in progress...
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| Xian |
11/11 - 11/14 - Guilin and Yangshuo
Party of One - Good thing or Bad?
I lost my travel partner. I am traveling on my own now. There's a sense of freedom about it but also a sense of instability. I have gotten accustomed to being on my own after living in LA. It was a tough time when I went through it but now I don't mind it as much. But in these two cities, I was reminded SEVERAL times that I was alone. Why is that? It's like a Seinfeld episode or something...except in Chinese. I flew into Guilin on my own. The cab driver asked why I was on my own. I explained my situation: My friend didn't want to travel this leg of the trip and I'll be meeting her in Shanghai. I checked in and talked to the tour receptionist and explained my situaion again. The next day I took a boat ride and befriended a college student from china and explained to her the same thing. The following day I took a 6 hour cruise down to Yangshuo and had to recite my monologue to 5 other people...and so on and so on. I had a good time going to these places but it seemed like it was taboo to travel on your own here. Maybe it's just the story people want to hear. Because I'm sure if I was traveling with someone I will be repeating another story over and over again. It just seemed like people were shocked that I was traveling alone.
Scenery - As I have been told, Guilin is nice but Yangshuo is even more breath-taking. And they were right. If it were not for the weather, the scenery of Yangshuo and the Li River would've knocked me off my feet. But because there was a haze covering the peaks like a silk blanket it wasn't as powerful. I saw the sights in Guilin, many of the names I have forgotten. It's worth seeing but since I only had one day it was blurred all together. I would need to go back to the "video tape"... It was the ride on the Li River that I was anxiously anticipating. It was a quaint and scenic ride. we passed pen-holder peak, the horse peak, 5 finger peak, etc. But the most interesting was the people that I met. I met the talkative old white mid-western guy with his "girlfriend" from China who he met on Match.com. She barely knew English, he didn't know a lick of Chinese...I asked him how do you two communicate, he said we don't. And she is pushing him to get married. Crazy. Then there's the boy from Holland, who was normal. And a couple/brother sister from Taiwan who shared the same sentiments I have on people from the mainland. Others whom I did not meet but observed...a cute british lad married to a chinese girl traveling with his old school British parents. He spoke chinese which was shocking...albeit not perfect, but enough to talk to the waitresses. The young wife spoke to him in Chinese and he seemed to understand what she was saying. they were around 23 I would say. Other white men with their Chinese "girlfriend/wife". I know this particular pair is stereo-typical but i still find it interestingly weird.
Yangshuo is a lovely town. Very westernized now. There are a lot of tourists and all the shops and restaurants cater to them. I was silly and asked my hotel in Guilin to book a room in Yangshuo and pre-paid for it. The hotel ended up to be really far from the main street, West Street. I was annoyed as I also had my 2 enormous suitcases with me. I ended up getting set up in a Guesthouse by the taxi driver that helped me talk to my original hotel. It was a quaint guesthouse and much better than the one in Seoul but I still wonder if there were better places I could've stayed at (refer to ring blog above). It was for only one night so i left it alone. I went to a traditional performance that night which was set on the Li river. It was a spectacular production on the lake. I was thrilled since the night before I saw a horrible show in Guilin that was similar to a junior high school play. The guy sitting next to me started to talk to me in the middle of the show. Guess why? Because I was by myself. I wanted him to leave me alone as I was enthralled with the performance and busy recording parts of the show. He kept on asking the typical questions. I had to be nice because I am a tourist right? Anyway, he ended up to be nice and from SF. I thought he was just a dirty chinamen. we ended up going out for a drink on west street. i wanted to stroll that street anyway so I thought why not. better to have a drink with someone than alone. uh...i take that back...it depends. anyway, one drink than turned in for my early morning bike ride around town.
Once you get out of Yangshuo the atmosphere just changes. The hustle and bustle dissipates and the noise subsides. You're left with the majestic, groteque peaks and locals calling out to sell tickets. I took way too long at Moon Peak because I decided to hike up to the top. Not a smart idea because i ran out of time in the water cave. the cave was beautiful. it was discovered hundreds of years ago and is basically the inside (or the stomach) of one of the peaks. Inside are natural rock formations which the locals have named to give it a sense of meaning. But the most fun thing in the cave are the pools, a mud one and a water one. I didn't get to the water one becuase I had to return to Guilin to catch my flight to Shanghai. But I was able to go into the mud pool which was fun and gross at the same time. Definitely need to visit again to see all the sites missed.
11/14 - Shanghai
11/15 - 11/16 - Hangzhou via Suzhou
11/16 - 11/19 - Shanghai
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| Shanghai |
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Friday, October 5, 2007
Monday, October 1, 2007
7 Days in Tibet - Days 5-8
Shigatse to Tingri to Mt. Everest
The past 3 days has been crazier than the trip from Gyantze to Shigatse. I don't think I was expecting this on my journey. From Shigatse we headed to Tingri. The hotels in Gyantze and Shigatse were very nice compared to Lhasa so it got our hopes up for Tingri. But when we got there...the Hotel wasn't very dingy. And they told us that it was by far better than the simple guest houses that we were suppose to stay at. The road trip from Shigatse to Tingri wasn't too bad. Just through mountains and farm land. Very scenic but it was a pretty smooth ride.
So the hotel was crap in Tingri. Sheets were gross, towels didn't smell too good, and the bathroom wasn't all that clean. We made do with it though. There wasn't much to do in Tingri as it was a poor country town with only mountains around.
We headed to Mt. Everest in the morning. The ride took 3-4 hours up, down, around, and through the mountains. Safe to say it was a bumpy and windy road. The roads were not complete which made it ridiculously bumpy. We stopped along the way to get views of Everest...I want to lie and say that it was great and amazing but I can't...it was off in the distance and clouds were blocking it. We saw the sister mountains surrounding Everest though! Anyway, we made it to the path to "base camp" and took a horse-drawn cart up to actual "base camp". The altitude was about 5300m (16,000ft). My cousin wasn't feeling too well at this point. My headache had faded a couple of days before so I was happy (I think threatening your body helps) but worried about my cousin. I began to get a dull ache but nothing I can't brush off. So back to base camp...after using the nastiest squatter toilet/hole I proceeded to hike a bit up a hill that looked out to Everest. It was the same scene as before...Everest was covered by a huge blanket of clouds and off in the distance. Needless to say we were quite disappointed.
After lunch in one of the tourist "guest house" tents, my cousin was writhing in pain and nausea, we headed back over, under, through, around the bumpy, wind-y, and muddy terrain to our awesome hotel in Tingri. With the bouncing and jostling of the Land Cruiser for 3.5 hours my cousin was feeling really sick. When we finally got back to the hotel in one piece things were better (the altitude of the hotel was about 4000+ meters). It was an adventure but was also worried about my cousin. I was just glad we got back safely.
Tingri to Zhang Mu
We were ecstatic to leave the hotel in Tingri the next morning. We were FINALLY heading down the mountain to the border of Tibet and Nepal. After 4 hours of driving along the cliff of the mountain, hugging turns so we don't go tumbling down, passing cars, avoiding goats and cows, we arrive in a town (forgot the name) for lunch. We could not leave this town before 7 pm because the roads were again under construction. So we tried to sneak out of the town while the officials were having lunch. We didn't make it. We tried to bribe our way out but no luck. All the tourists who we recognize from the other towns we've been to were also stuck. So we had to kill 4 hours in this little town in the rain. We found a store that sold poker cards and sat in a tea house drinking yak butter tea and played Chinese Poker with our Guide and Driver. After 3 hours everyone was able to get out...I think the guard went to the bathroom or something. The last 30km to Zhang Mu may have been the most scenic, muddy and dangerous at the same time. We just kept driving down the mountains...I was expecting the mountain to stop at some point but it just kept going down. After about 1.5 hours of 4-wheeling it down the muddy roads in the rain along with other Land Cruisers we come to a stop...dead stop on the mountain due to traffic. Trucks, cars, buses, were all trying to get through Zhang Mu to Nepal. The driver says "Ok, we're not too far, you guys can start walking to the hotel." I was totally confused. It was raining and muddy on the mountain and all the cars were stopped. Anyway, I started to gear up with my fake Lowe Alpine jacket and semi-waterproof pants that i bought in Shigatse. We head down in the rain, sliding in between cars and trucks for 20 min. We hail a teeny taxi when we finally reach a point where the cars could move. I was expecting a normal city. You know, pretty wide, open, stores, people, a normal city. But Zhang Mu, apparently, is a city literally on the mountain. It's one long narrow road with stores to either side. It probably goes for about 3 miles or so but there are always cars and trucks just blocking each other from going up or down the mountain because it's a single lane road. It was really strange.
We finally get to the hotel (on the side of the mountain) about 10 min later. After exchanging our moldy stinky hotel room to a nicer one we headed out to dinner to unwind a bit. All in all, it was a different experience.
The past 3 days has been crazier than the trip from Gyantze to Shigatse. I don't think I was expecting this on my journey. From Shigatse we headed to Tingri. The hotels in Gyantze and Shigatse were very nice compared to Lhasa so it got our hopes up for Tingri. But when we got there...the Hotel wasn't very dingy. And they told us that it was by far better than the simple guest houses that we were suppose to stay at. The road trip from Shigatse to Tingri wasn't too bad. Just through mountains and farm land. Very scenic but it was a pretty smooth ride.
So the hotel was crap in Tingri. Sheets were gross, towels didn't smell too good, and the bathroom wasn't all that clean. We made do with it though. There wasn't much to do in Tingri as it was a poor country town with only mountains around.
We headed to Mt. Everest in the morning. The ride took 3-4 hours up, down, around, and through the mountains. Safe to say it was a bumpy and windy road. The roads were not complete which made it ridiculously bumpy. We stopped along the way to get views of Everest...I want to lie and say that it was great and amazing but I can't...it was off in the distance and clouds were blocking it. We saw the sister mountains surrounding Everest though! Anyway, we made it to the path to "base camp" and took a horse-drawn cart up to actual "base camp". The altitude was about 5300m (16,000ft). My cousin wasn't feeling too well at this point. My headache had faded a couple of days before so I was happy (I think threatening your body helps) but worried about my cousin. I began to get a dull ache but nothing I can't brush off. So back to base camp...after using the nastiest squatter toilet/hole I proceeded to hike a bit up a hill that looked out to Everest. It was the same scene as before...Everest was covered by a huge blanket of clouds and off in the distance. Needless to say we were quite disappointed.
After lunch in one of the tourist "guest house" tents, my cousin was writhing in pain and nausea, we headed back over, under, through, around the bumpy, wind-y, and muddy terrain to our awesome hotel in Tingri. With the bouncing and jostling of the Land Cruiser for 3.5 hours my cousin was feeling really sick. When we finally got back to the hotel in one piece things were better (the altitude of the hotel was about 4000+ meters). It was an adventure but was also worried about my cousin. I was just glad we got back safely.
Tingri to Zhang Mu
We were ecstatic to leave the hotel in Tingri the next morning. We were FINALLY heading down the mountain to the border of Tibet and Nepal. After 4 hours of driving along the cliff of the mountain, hugging turns so we don't go tumbling down, passing cars, avoiding goats and cows, we arrive in a town (forgot the name) for lunch. We could not leave this town before 7 pm because the roads were again under construction. So we tried to sneak out of the town while the officials were having lunch. We didn't make it. We tried to bribe our way out but no luck. All the tourists who we recognize from the other towns we've been to were also stuck. So we had to kill 4 hours in this little town in the rain. We found a store that sold poker cards and sat in a tea house drinking yak butter tea and played Chinese Poker with our Guide and Driver. After 3 hours everyone was able to get out...I think the guard went to the bathroom or something. The last 30km to Zhang Mu may have been the most scenic, muddy and dangerous at the same time. We just kept driving down the mountains...I was expecting the mountain to stop at some point but it just kept going down. After about 1.5 hours of 4-wheeling it down the muddy roads in the rain along with other Land Cruisers we come to a stop...dead stop on the mountain due to traffic. Trucks, cars, buses, were all trying to get through Zhang Mu to Nepal. The driver says "Ok, we're not too far, you guys can start walking to the hotel." I was totally confused. It was raining and muddy on the mountain and all the cars were stopped. Anyway, I started to gear up with my fake Lowe Alpine jacket and semi-waterproof pants that i bought in Shigatse. We head down in the rain, sliding in between cars and trucks for 20 min. We hail a teeny taxi when we finally reach a point where the cars could move. I was expecting a normal city. You know, pretty wide, open, stores, people, a normal city. But Zhang Mu, apparently, is a city literally on the mountain. It's one long narrow road with stores to either side. It probably goes for about 3 miles or so but there are always cars and trucks just blocking each other from going up or down the mountain because it's a single lane road. It was really strange.
We finally get to the hotel (on the side of the mountain) about 10 min later. After exchanging our moldy stinky hotel room to a nicer one we headed out to dinner to unwind a bit. All in all, it was a different experience.
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| Tibet |
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
7 days in Tibet
Altitude sickness should not be made light of. I've had a pounding headache for 5 days now. My body better acclimate quickly and start producing more red blood cells or my head is going to explode.
Other than the splitting headaches, Tibet is a great place. We came at a really good time...the rain season is over and it's not too hot. It's also nice and sunny. We've seen several monasteries and temples here. It's amazing to see how devout the Tibetans are. I think we've seen the tombs of all the Dalai Lamas. It's also interesting how the Tibetans maintain their culture with Chinese influence/control. I'm really relieved to be able to communicate here with Mandarin Chinese. It has made this trip a whole lot easier. They're usually surprised when I speak to them in Chinese. However, the further from Lhasa you go the less Chinese the Tibetans speak.
On our way to Gyantze yesterday, our guide and driver decided to take a short cut from Lake Yamtso Yamdrop. They told us this road would be more scenic and we wouldn't have to double back to the big road and would save us some time. Well, whenever the word "short cut" is used on a road trip...it usually ends up to take longer than the "long cut" road. SO the catch to taking this road was that it is new and still under construction. No one is allowed to be on this road. Wee thought we'd take a gamble and take the short cut. Soon enough there was a road block by the Chinese army. We had to turn off onto another road and wait out the officials. But they were on to us and stopped us at the next opening. After 20 min of arguing and some greasing of the palms we proceeded on our way. Not more than 20 min later we were confronted with tar trucks paving the road. This usually happens when a road is being built. We laughed about it and pulled off to the side to wait for them to pass us. I had to go use nature's bathroom twice while waiting. It wasn't so funny after more than 4 hours passed by, with the temperatures dropping, the advil wearing off, and the headache coming back. We were now at 4500 meters (about 13,500 feet).
When we finally were able to get onto the newly tarred road, we thought we were home free. Wrong...there was a lot of off road driving on unpaved roads, trucks, tractors, and herds of sheep in the way. We finally got to the hotel 8 hours later. We were so worn out with our heads pounding that we did not attempt to go out into the city.
Other than the splitting headaches, Tibet is a great place. We came at a really good time...the rain season is over and it's not too hot. It's also nice and sunny. We've seen several monasteries and temples here. It's amazing to see how devout the Tibetans are. I think we've seen the tombs of all the Dalai Lamas. It's also interesting how the Tibetans maintain their culture with Chinese influence/control. I'm really relieved to be able to communicate here with Mandarin Chinese. It has made this trip a whole lot easier. They're usually surprised when I speak to them in Chinese. However, the further from Lhasa you go the less Chinese the Tibetans speak.
On our way to Gyantze yesterday, our guide and driver decided to take a short cut from Lake Yamtso Yamdrop. They told us this road would be more scenic and we wouldn't have to double back to the big road and would save us some time. Well, whenever the word "short cut" is used on a road trip...it usually ends up to take longer than the "long cut" road. SO the catch to taking this road was that it is new and still under construction. No one is allowed to be on this road. Wee thought we'd take a gamble and take the short cut. Soon enough there was a road block by the Chinese army. We had to turn off onto another road and wait out the officials. But they were on to us and stopped us at the next opening. After 20 min of arguing and some greasing of the palms we proceeded on our way. Not more than 20 min later we were confronted with tar trucks paving the road. This usually happens when a road is being built. We laughed about it and pulled off to the side to wait for them to pass us. I had to go use nature's bathroom twice while waiting. It wasn't so funny after more than 4 hours passed by, with the temperatures dropping, the advil wearing off, and the headache coming back. We were now at 4500 meters (about 13,500 feet).
When we finally were able to get onto the newly tarred road, we thought we were home free. Wrong...there was a lot of off road driving on unpaved roads, trucks, tractors, and herds of sheep in the way. We finally got to the hotel 8 hours later. We were so worn out with our heads pounding that we did not attempt to go out into the city.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
From Pearl Jam, Muse, Silversun Pickups to Chinese Nirvana
This post is dedicated to Liztoya...
If you were only there, Toyz. Chinese punk rock band. The sound was ok, the music was decent, sounded like Nirvana/Pearl Jam type music, but it was all in Chinese. What a change from Lollapalooza to these guys. Darn! I forgot to take a picture. The house was packed and everyone was rocking out to them. I didn't get their band name either. I could've looked for them on Myspace or something and downloaded their songs so I could rock out to Chinese Alternative Punk Rock music. Maybe next time. Toya, I'll get you tickets to go see them with me. I know you'd love them. Anybody else?
If you were only there, Toyz. Chinese punk rock band. The sound was ok, the music was decent, sounded like Nirvana/Pearl Jam type music, but it was all in Chinese. What a change from Lollapalooza to these guys. Darn! I forgot to take a picture. The house was packed and everyone was rocking out to them. I didn't get their band name either. I could've looked for them on Myspace or something and downloaded their songs so I could rock out to Chinese Alternative Punk Rock music. Maybe next time. Toya, I'll get you tickets to go see them with me. I know you'd love them. Anybody else?
"Let me clear my throat...ahem! ahem! g'dam!"
DJ Kool is in the house! Did I mention that DJ Kool spun at both clubs that we went to last weekend? Well, he did. I don't think anyone knew who he was...nor did they care. I was slightly excited...only because it was funny how the crowd didn't really care what he was saying. Poor guy. He'd say, "All the people out there, get your lighters out or your cell phones out." Those are pretty clear instructions right? Yeah, well, nobody followed them. I don't think it's because they don't understand English because half the crowd were Ex-pats and the other half definitely know English. They just don't respect the DJ's out here. What a shame. Must've been rough on DJ Kool. I respect you DJ Kool...I took out my lighter...to light up my stoge.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Turn the light bulb...
This post is dedicated to Viniqua and Lauriah...
So I mentioned that I signed up for a yoga studio in my last entry...the studio that I joined is "traditional" in the sense that the instructors are "Indian Yogi Masters". Anyway, they offer Indian dance classes as well as different types of yoga classes. I joined partly because of the dance classes. Thinking that since I learned Indian dancing when I was younger I'd be a guru. Not the case...
I walked into class with about 40 Chinese women of all ages ready and eager to dance. The instructor was this good looking, early 20s Indian guy ready to groove. The moves started...it was so Bollywood...then the music started...I started cracking up because it was just a funny scene of Chinese women of all ages grooving to Indian pop-dancing.
Loud, heavy pop-indian music began to blare in the studio and all I could think of was Riah and Viniqua at their bday party dancing to that Indian-like song...viniqua saying "turn the light bulb, that's right Riah, turn the light bulb". And riah twisting her wrist in the air and doing her little twirl.
Furthermore, these older Chinese ladies were dancing like it's a Chinese dance. Not sure if anyone knows the difference but I noticed it. It was a mix of traditional chinese movements to Indian pop music. With the exception of ONE girl, the rest seemed like they were getting ready for a Chinese dance performance. And me? I was doing my American, ghetto, hip-hop version of the Indian choreography. "Smile-La", the cute instructor would say....I was smiling alright...cracking up even. OH if only Riah and Viniqua were there, we'd be on the floor dying of laughter. You had to be there...
So I mentioned that I signed up for a yoga studio in my last entry...the studio that I joined is "traditional" in the sense that the instructors are "Indian Yogi Masters". Anyway, they offer Indian dance classes as well as different types of yoga classes. I joined partly because of the dance classes. Thinking that since I learned Indian dancing when I was younger I'd be a guru. Not the case...
I walked into class with about 40 Chinese women of all ages ready and eager to dance. The instructor was this good looking, early 20s Indian guy ready to groove. The moves started...it was so Bollywood...then the music started...I started cracking up because it was just a funny scene of Chinese women of all ages grooving to Indian pop-dancing.
Loud, heavy pop-indian music began to blare in the studio and all I could think of was Riah and Viniqua at their bday party dancing to that Indian-like song...viniqua saying "turn the light bulb, that's right Riah, turn the light bulb". And riah twisting her wrist in the air and doing her little twirl.
Furthermore, these older Chinese ladies were dancing like it's a Chinese dance. Not sure if anyone knows the difference but I noticed it. It was a mix of traditional chinese movements to Indian pop music. With the exception of ONE girl, the rest seemed like they were getting ready for a Chinese dance performance. And me? I was doing my American, ghetto, hip-hop version of the Indian choreography. "Smile-La", the cute instructor would say....I was smiling alright...cracking up even. OH if only Riah and Viniqua were there, we'd be on the floor dying of laughter. You had to be there...
Hong Kong
9/1 - 9/15
And I thought LA smog was bad...Hong Kong wins that test hands down. Bus fumes, taxi fumes, mo-ped fumes....I can barely breathe here.
Aside from the air quality, Hong Kong has been good. It's somewhat like New York...or any big city. It's interesting how international Hong Kong is. So many Chinese people from different countries with different accents, i.e. UK, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand. But when they speak Chinese...there's no accent...quite shocking to me.
At times I pretend I don't speak Chinese here. It's easier. Speaking mandarin causes confusion and questions. I think they all prefer that I speak English since my Mandarin is not the best and neither are theirs. I feel like such a fake though. Anyway, everything is pretty convenient here. There are buses that go to all areas, the MTR (train system) is clean, fast, and air conditioned, there's a Wellcome, Mannings, 7-11 on every corner, and some type of eatery every other store.
The past 2 weeks consisted of finding a travel agent to get me to Tibet and Nepal and getting my China Visa passport. Thanks to my brother, I did only minimal research on travels to Tibet and wasted much time gathering information here. Other than that I joined a yoga studio (more stories to come) and went sightseeing to the Peak, the big Buddha, Mongkok, Gui Lin Nunnery, a Monestary, and Causeway Bay. Oh and a lot of partying with my brother.
The clubbing scene is interesting...in order to get into these clubs you need to be a "member"...meaning you basically pay for a monthly membership to walk right in but you have to buy like a bazillion bottles for the table. It gets quite expensive as you can imagine. It's also a huge pick up joint....like most bars and clubs in the world...but I feel like it's more so here. The attitude is much like "don't even bother talking to me unless you're going to go home with me". Well, with Big Bro Ed watching over me and being over-protective, I might as well put a bag over my head and dance with myself in the corner. Eh, he's lightened up some, seeing that I can hold my own. He obviously doesn't know how I operate in these environments.
I was also able to hang out with a friend that moved out here but she had to leave early to NY :(. Oh and another friend just so happened to be in HK last week. More partying and eating and shopping. Seems like outside of banking, the city surrounds itself with food...or maybe that's my impression at least. I was informed of all the great food and the fantabulous chefs that come out of Hong Kong and became more aware of it.
So this will be my homebase for the next few months. I'm happy that Hong Kong is more Westernized and I don't feel THAT out of place...like if I were to stay in the remote areas of China. I'll be calling Hong Kong my home for now.
And I thought LA smog was bad...Hong Kong wins that test hands down. Bus fumes, taxi fumes, mo-ped fumes....I can barely breathe here.
Aside from the air quality, Hong Kong has been good. It's somewhat like New York...or any big city. It's interesting how international Hong Kong is. So many Chinese people from different countries with different accents, i.e. UK, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand. But when they speak Chinese...there's no accent...quite shocking to me.
At times I pretend I don't speak Chinese here. It's easier. Speaking mandarin causes confusion and questions. I think they all prefer that I speak English since my Mandarin is not the best and neither are theirs. I feel like such a fake though. Anyway, everything is pretty convenient here. There are buses that go to all areas, the MTR (train system) is clean, fast, and air conditioned, there's a Wellcome, Mannings, 7-11 on every corner, and some type of eatery every other store.
The past 2 weeks consisted of finding a travel agent to get me to Tibet and Nepal and getting my China Visa passport. Thanks to my brother, I did only minimal research on travels to Tibet and wasted much time gathering information here. Other than that I joined a yoga studio (more stories to come) and went sightseeing to the Peak, the big Buddha, Mongkok, Gui Lin Nunnery, a Monestary, and Causeway Bay. Oh and a lot of partying with my brother.
The clubbing scene is interesting...in order to get into these clubs you need to be a "member"...meaning you basically pay for a monthly membership to walk right in but you have to buy like a bazillion bottles for the table. It gets quite expensive as you can imagine. It's also a huge pick up joint....like most bars and clubs in the world...but I feel like it's more so here. The attitude is much like "don't even bother talking to me unless you're going to go home with me". Well, with Big Bro Ed watching over me and being over-protective, I might as well put a bag over my head and dance with myself in the corner. Eh, he's lightened up some, seeing that I can hold my own. He obviously doesn't know how I operate in these environments.
I was also able to hang out with a friend that moved out here but she had to leave early to NY :(. Oh and another friend just so happened to be in HK last week. More partying and eating and shopping. Seems like outside of banking, the city surrounds itself with food...or maybe that's my impression at least. I was informed of all the great food and the fantabulous chefs that come out of Hong Kong and became more aware of it.
So this will be my homebase for the next few months. I'm happy that Hong Kong is more Westernized and I don't feel THAT out of place...like if I were to stay in the remote areas of China. I'll be calling Hong Kong my home for now.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
2 months of Unemployment...what have I been doing?
I'm finally getting my act together and starting a blog. I didn't want to start one until I was more settled in my plans for the next few months and also because I'm lazy. Well, I'm happy to say that I am a bit more settled and not as hectic. I still have a few details to complete (like getting plane tickets...) but I'm almost there. Before I divulge my itinerary, I have to catch up on my past two months since I left my job. wow...two months gone by already... Here goes...
7/16 - 7/31 - My last two weeks in LA were extremely hectic - seeing friends, packing, dealing with the apartment management, etc. Everything worked out in the end, as it always does, but it was still stressful. Thanks to all my friends who helped me pack and move. I don't think I would've made it on the plane without their help. Thanks to my friends who came out to my last beach day in Hermosa Beach and to Red Pearl Kitchen. I definitely miss my life and friends in LA. It's sad because my friends were my family out there and I've gotten so close to them. I definitely miss them.
8/1 - 8/14 - Chicago was next on the list. Lollapalooza was a out of control with Toya, Nae, Katey, Kyle, and Randy. With 50,000?? people and over 100 bands the weekend was crazy riding the wave of people from stage to stage.
Day 1 - Jack's Mannequin, Silversun Pickups, LCD Sound Systems, Daft Punk.
Day 2 - Tokyo Police Club, Pete Yorn, Cold War Kids, Regina Spektor, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Spoon, Muse!!!
Day 3 - Amy Winehouse, Blue October, Peter Bjorn and John, Modest Mouse, and Pearl Jam!!
When was the last time you went to a water park??? Well let me tell ya that Wisconsin Dells is perhaps the biggest water park in the U.S. Spent 3 days there with my sister and her two adorable babies. Playing aunt is difficult but it's worth it. Little Jin is not so little for an 8 month old weighing in at 22 lbs. Him and his chubby legs and always laughing and smiling. He's a little Koala. Pictures to come. Lian is getting big and really independent...also defiant...typical 2 1/2 year old. Still really cute. Indoor surfing was an interesting experience.
Other events in Chicago:
Cousin Amy's grand opening of Ra Sushi...
Chicago Museum of Art...
8/14 - 8/31 - Back to NYC. It's weird being back for longer than a weekend and not having to return to LA. I felt so "homeless". Not knowing where I'll be permanently. What do i say when people ask me if I'm back for good? Or that they're happy that I moved back? Because i'm not ready to make a commitment to any city right now... the fear of commitment, or maybe it's just that I don't have a clue as to what I want to do and where I want to live. Nonetheless, I had a blast while I was there. It was good to spend time with my parents and awesome to hang out with my girlfriends and friends again. Felt like the good ol' times...
- Riah and Niqua's Birthday Party
- Paul Nagi
- The National at the South Street Seaport...in the rain...
- Sin Sin with Kandy's DJ-ing
- BOB's with Killer Vixen bartending and Miss Mikayla spinning...
- THE HAMPTONS with Riah and Toya (mossie bites!)
- Genart Event
- Xunta with Riah
- US Open all the homies..thanks Jen!
7/16 - 7/31 - My last two weeks in LA were extremely hectic - seeing friends, packing, dealing with the apartment management, etc. Everything worked out in the end, as it always does, but it was still stressful. Thanks to all my friends who helped me pack and move. I don't think I would've made it on the plane without their help. Thanks to my friends who came out to my last beach day in Hermosa Beach and to Red Pearl Kitchen. I definitely miss my life and friends in LA. It's sad because my friends were my family out there and I've gotten so close to them. I definitely miss them.
8/1 - 8/14 - Chicago was next on the list. Lollapalooza was a out of control with Toya, Nae, Katey, Kyle, and Randy. With 50,000?? people and over 100 bands the weekend was crazy riding the wave of people from stage to stage.
Day 1 - Jack's Mannequin, Silversun Pickups, LCD Sound Systems, Daft Punk.
Day 2 - Tokyo Police Club, Pete Yorn, Cold War Kids, Regina Spektor, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Spoon, Muse!!!
Day 3 - Amy Winehouse, Blue October, Peter Bjorn and John, Modest Mouse, and Pearl Jam!!
When was the last time you went to a water park??? Well let me tell ya that Wisconsin Dells is perhaps the biggest water park in the U.S. Spent 3 days there with my sister and her two adorable babies. Playing aunt is difficult but it's worth it. Little Jin is not so little for an 8 month old weighing in at 22 lbs. Him and his chubby legs and always laughing and smiling. He's a little Koala. Pictures to come. Lian is getting big and really independent...also defiant...typical 2 1/2 year old. Still really cute. Indoor surfing was an interesting experience.
Other events in Chicago:
Cousin Amy's grand opening of Ra Sushi...
Chicago Museum of Art...
8/14 - 8/31 - Back to NYC. It's weird being back for longer than a weekend and not having to return to LA. I felt so "homeless". Not knowing where I'll be permanently. What do i say when people ask me if I'm back for good? Or that they're happy that I moved back? Because i'm not ready to make a commitment to any city right now... the fear of commitment, or maybe it's just that I don't have a clue as to what I want to do and where I want to live. Nonetheless, I had a blast while I was there. It was good to spend time with my parents and awesome to hang out with my girlfriends and friends again. Felt like the good ol' times...
- Riah and Niqua's Birthday Party
- Paul Nagi
- The National at the South Street Seaport...in the rain...
- Sin Sin with Kandy's DJ-ing
- BOB's with Killer Vixen bartending and Miss Mikayla spinning...
- THE HAMPTONS with Riah and Toya (mossie bites!)
- Genart Event
- Xunta with Riah
- US Open all the homies..thanks Jen!
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