Sunday, May 30, 2004
New home!
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Monday, March 08, 2004
Thirsting for Wanderlust
I found this useful map that points out where you can get something cool and replenishing to drink.
Mmmmm. Sweat! There's even a handbook! And if you must absolutely have it in english, click this. It's not quite as interesting looking tho.
Yep, I'm over the deep end a bit because it's 22 degrees out site and I'm not:
A: in LAX
B: in HKG
C: in SIN
D: in NRT
or any other place that's supposed to be hot. Makes me think of traveling.
Mmmmm. Sweat! There's even a handbook! And if you must absolutely have it in english, click this. It's not quite as interesting looking tho.
Yep, I'm over the deep end a bit because it's 22 degrees out site and I'm not:
A: in LAX
B: in HKG
C: in SIN
D: in NRT
or any other place that's supposed to be hot. Makes me think of traveling.
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Saturday, March 06, 2004
Ever feel the need to bowl?
Bowling is an international sport.
Though I'd question the word of "sport" since people who sit at a table shoving cards and chips at each other is also considered a "sport".
In HKG, you can go to an old airport and bowl in the terminal.
In Tokyo, all you need to do is look for one of these. Or it could just be a piece of moderne retro design...
Usually they're out front like this one but sometimes they're huge on the rooftops making a very weird statement on the skyline.
Though I'd question the word of "sport" since people who sit at a table shoving cards and chips at each other is also considered a "sport".
In HKG, you can go to an old airport and bowl in the terminal.
In Tokyo, all you need to do is look for one of these. Or it could just be a piece of moderne retro design...
Usually they're out front like this one but sometimes they're huge on the rooftops making a very weird statement on the skyline.
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Sunday, February 29, 2004
Lost in Translation's Tokyo
Have you seen it?
I received my DVD right before my recent trip over there. I watched it on the way to Tokyo (on a 12" Al Powerbook and noise cancelling headphones) and again (on a big screen and proper Dolby Digital sound) when I returned home.
The movie does a good job portraying the sensory overload of Tokyo and the various islands of calm that can be found in that big big city. It connects at many levels and I'd gander that most foreigners who visit Tokyo on a regular basis can relate to many things in the flick.
Anyhoo, here's a rundown of some of the places that Bob and Charlotte visit in the movie. And if you've not seen it yet, go do so. Tonight.
Then book your trip.
I received my DVD right before my recent trip over there. I watched it on the way to Tokyo (on a 12" Al Powerbook and noise cancelling headphones) and again (on a big screen and proper Dolby Digital sound) when I returned home.
The movie does a good job portraying the sensory overload of Tokyo and the various islands of calm that can be found in that big big city. It connects at many levels and I'd gander that most foreigners who visit Tokyo on a regular basis can relate to many things in the flick.
Anyhoo, here's a rundown of some of the places that Bob and Charlotte visit in the movie. And if you've not seen it yet, go do so. Tonight.
Then book your trip.
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Saturday, February 28, 2004
Shameless Plug
When I'm in HK, I usually find some time to go here to have a smoke. This place is above the main Shanghai Tang store in Central in the Pedder Building.
Now since I'm here to smoke, I usually go downstairs to shop. The clothes are nice and the home decor stuff is nice. It's nice and nice & expensive! So I don't buy but I do shop. I did pick up a CD of old Mandopop songs remixed, much like the recent Verve Remixed CDs called Shanghai Divas in Residence.
Except this was only 6 songs plus the remixes so I guess that's 12 songs. Still kinda short but it's a nice CD. I found myself listening to this a LOT on the Tokyo subway after I ripped the CD to my iPod. The remixes are about as long as the ride from Sendagi to Hibiya. It's a nice groove and being on the train, it just fit.
Go here and click "next" at the bottom right corner of the page. You'll see the CD on the next page.
Now since I'm here to smoke, I usually go downstairs to shop. The clothes are nice and the home decor stuff is nice. It's nice and nice & expensive! So I don't buy but I do shop. I did pick up a CD of old Mandopop songs remixed, much like the recent Verve Remixed CDs called Shanghai Divas in Residence.
Except this was only 6 songs plus the remixes so I guess that's 12 songs. Still kinda short but it's a nice CD. I found myself listening to this a LOT on the Tokyo subway after I ripped the CD to my iPod. The remixes are about as long as the ride from Sendagi to Hibiya. It's a nice groove and being on the train, it just fit.
Go here and click "next" at the bottom right corner of the page. You'll see the CD on the next page.
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Wednesday, February 25, 2004
Lodging in Tokyo (why pay twice as much as last time?)
On my last trip here (November 2003), I stayed at the New Koyo in Taito-Ku. It's a bit out of the way, then nearest JR station being Minami-Senju. That's several stops outside the Yamanote but you can't beat the price.
This trip, I decided to stay somewhere different, albeit a tad pricer. The Annex Katsutaro is in Yanaka, a little bit closer than the New Koyo is. The nearest subway stop is Sendagi on the Chiyoda Line. It's a one block walk (as opposed to the 6 block death march from Minami-Senju to the New Koyo). If you're on JR or jumping off the Skyliner, you get off the train at Nippori Station and walk for about 10 minutes.
There's a big pedestrianized street after you walk past the Yanaka Cemetary with all kinds of markets and shops. That's called the Yanaka Ginza.
Walk to the end and make a left. Walk another block and you'll see the Annex.
It's new and it's modern and it has three times the space that a room at the New Koyo has. And it has free internet via CAT 5 jacks in the walls. Wah!
The room was roomy, clean an it had a microfridge. And its own bathroom. Next time me and the fellas come to Japan, we stay here. No more friggin' business hotels for me!
Best of all, if you dun bring yr Powerbook w/you, there's FREE internet in the hall, a pee cee and a slot loading iMac. An iMac! Cool!
Thumbs up, and this is why I stayed here as opposed to the New Koyo this time, April. =P
This trip, I decided to stay somewhere different, albeit a tad pricer. The Annex Katsutaro is in Yanaka, a little bit closer than the New Koyo is. The nearest subway stop is Sendagi on the Chiyoda Line. It's a one block walk (as opposed to the 6 block death march from Minami-Senju to the New Koyo). If you're on JR or jumping off the Skyliner, you get off the train at Nippori Station and walk for about 10 minutes.
There's a big pedestrianized street after you walk past the Yanaka Cemetary with all kinds of markets and shops. That's called the Yanaka Ginza.
Walk to the end and make a left. Walk another block and you'll see the Annex.
It's new and it's modern and it has three times the space that a room at the New Koyo has. And it has free internet via CAT 5 jacks in the walls. Wah!
The room was roomy, clean an it had a microfridge. And its own bathroom. Next time me and the fellas come to Japan, we stay here. No more friggin' business hotels for me!
Best of all, if you dun bring yr Powerbook w/you, there's FREE internet in the hall, a pee cee and a slot loading iMac. An iMac! Cool!
Thumbs up, and this is why I stayed here as opposed to the New Koyo this time, April. =P
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Thursday, February 19, 2004
Leaving on a (crowded) Jet Plane and other forms of transport
Today was my last day in Tokyo. Blah. The plane leaves for San Francisco at 1945 which means I go BACK in time and arrive at 1100 today.
That date line thingie can be a real pain in da butt...
I had some time today before I had to leave for Narita on the Skyliner. Since it leaves at 1445 and it takes about an hour to get to Narita, I had the morning to putter about. Now what is the Skyliner? Well...
There are several ways to get to Tokyo from Narita. Most people take the JR N'ex, the Narita Express. It takes about an hour to get to Tokyo Station and another 15 minutes or so to go to Shinjuku and another 30 to get to Yokohama (at Tokyo Station, the train splits in two). It's in the neighborhood of 3000 yen (yes, that's about US$26 or so) EACH WAY! It's not worth it unless you have a JR Pass (in which case, all JR lines are free) or if someone else is paying.
There are also private railways here, usually ran by department stores (go figure!) such as the Tokyu Lines or the Hankyu Lines in Kyoto. Keisei Electric Railways runs the Skyliner that runs from Narita to Nippori, terminating at Ueno. The trains are older and look a tad funky, but it's only 1900 yen each way (and if you hunt around, you can get discounted tix).
I had a chance to visit Roppongi Hills, a very upscale redevelopment in Roppongi. It's an attempt to bring some grownupness (respectibility) to the area. It's pretty nice. I visited the Mori Institute for the Future, a urban planning exhibit that compares New York, Shanghai and Tokyo with some neat 1/1000 scale city models and a bunch of multimedia shows. And naturally, no cameras allowed.
Sorry bout that.
Gotta putter, the train will leave soon...
That date line thingie can be a real pain in da butt...
I had some time today before I had to leave for Narita on the Skyliner. Since it leaves at 1445 and it takes about an hour to get to Narita, I had the morning to putter about. Now what is the Skyliner? Well...
There are several ways to get to Tokyo from Narita. Most people take the JR N'ex, the Narita Express. It takes about an hour to get to Tokyo Station and another 15 minutes or so to go to Shinjuku and another 30 to get to Yokohama (at Tokyo Station, the train splits in two). It's in the neighborhood of 3000 yen (yes, that's about US$26 or so) EACH WAY! It's not worth it unless you have a JR Pass (in which case, all JR lines are free) or if someone else is paying.
There are also private railways here, usually ran by department stores (go figure!) such as the Tokyu Lines or the Hankyu Lines in Kyoto. Keisei Electric Railways runs the Skyliner that runs from Narita to Nippori, terminating at Ueno. The trains are older and look a tad funky, but it's only 1900 yen each way (and if you hunt around, you can get discounted tix).
I had a chance to visit Roppongi Hills, a very upscale redevelopment in Roppongi. It's an attempt to bring some grownupness (respectibility) to the area. It's pretty nice. I visited the Mori Institute for the Future, a urban planning exhibit that compares New York, Shanghai and Tokyo with some neat 1/1000 scale city models and a bunch of multimedia shows. And naturally, no cameras allowed.
Sorry bout that.
Gotta putter, the train will leave soon...
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Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Last nite in Tokyo (snif!)
Besides visiting questionable icons of bubble-era architecture (see below), today was an eating day.
I had lunch with Yumi which was good. She's off skiing tomorrow. Fun!
Lunchtime is the same over there as it is over here. Short. Only an hour. Bummer.
I had a late supper with Takeshi, a friend I met when he was in San Francisco for a few months rooming with Cesar after graduating college. He works too hard. But he did have the time to hang out after work. We watched the football game between Japan and Oman (Japan won 1-0 with a last minute goal) at the Jazz Cafe London and had some drinks and smokes.
Then dinner with race queens! Well, the food was pretty good actually, but the service was fanstastically beautiful! Couldn't take pix inside tho, so you'll just have to be happy with the link.
I had lunch with Yumi which was good. She's off skiing tomorrow. Fun!
Lunchtime is the same over there as it is over here. Short. Only an hour. Bummer.
I had a late supper with Takeshi, a friend I met when he was in San Francisco for a few months rooming with Cesar after graduating college. He works too hard. But he did have the time to hang out after work. We watched the football game between Japan and Oman (Japan won 1-0 with a last minute goal) at the Jazz Cafe London and had some drinks and smokes.
Then dinner with race queens! Well, the food was pretty good actually, but the service was fanstastically beautiful! Couldn't take pix inside tho, so you'll just have to be happy with the link.
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The Golden Turd!
If you take the Ginza line from end to end, you'll begin in Shibuya (yum yum!) and end in Asakusa. Not Akasaka, which I've had a horrible habit of confusing the two.
You can tell you're in Asakusa because:
#1: There's a river. Neat.
#2: The oldest western style tavern (since 1891) is here.
#3: You can see the Phillipe Starck designed "golden turd" when you come up from the subway and look towards the bridge.
Actually it's called the Asahi Dry Golden Beer Hall or something like that. There's a couple of restaurants inside but nothing like the Yebisu Beer Museum that I went to on my first visit here.
You can tell you're in Asakusa because:
#1: There's a river. Neat.
#2: The oldest western style tavern (since 1891) is here.
#3: You can see the Phillipe Starck designed "golden turd" when you come up from the subway and look towards the bridge.
Actually it's called the Asahi Dry Golden Beer Hall or something like that. There's a couple of restaurants inside but nothing like the Yebisu Beer Museum that I went to on my first visit here.
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Tuesday, February 17, 2004
I did it again
Well, this trip was for doing things that I didn't do before.
After all, Tokyo is the second biggest city in the world and HK is HK...that's all that needs to be said about my destinations. Lots of things to do and see on top of the things I usually do and see.
But old fun habits die hard. Like staying out until the last train. And busting butt to catch it.
Once again, I'm on the last Yamanote to Nippori via Ueno.
After all, Tokyo is the second biggest city in the world and HK is HK...that's all that needs to be said about my destinations. Lots of things to do and see on top of the things I usually do and see.
But old fun habits die hard. Like staying out until the last train. And busting butt to catch it.
Once again, I'm on the last Yamanote to Nippori via Ueno.
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Monday, February 16, 2004
Shinjuku
A western ward of Tokyo divided by a train station. West is highrises, the Tokyo Metropolitan City Hall and that Park Hyatt where Lost in Translation took place.
East is shopping, Kabukicho and a general mess which means it's the fun area.
There's an observation deck at the top of the tower (like most big buildings in Tokyo do) and I was able to see the New City Hotel where I stayed in with some friends on my first visit here.
Not that impressive. It is a business hotel, meaning very basic and very old, from the 1960's.
You really get an idea about how big it is here and just how expansive the city sprawl is.
That's only looking west now! Looking east, you can see Tokyo Dome AKA the Big Egg where the Giants play.
East is shopping, Kabukicho and a general mess which means it's the fun area.
There's an observation deck at the top of the tower (like most big buildings in Tokyo do) and I was able to see the New City Hotel where I stayed in with some friends on my first visit here.
Not that impressive. It is a business hotel, meaning very basic and very old, from the 1960's.
You really get an idea about how big it is here and just how expansive the city sprawl is.
That's only looking west now! Looking east, you can see Tokyo Dome AKA the Big Egg where the Giants play.
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Saturday, February 14, 2004
Maps not to Scale
I'm what's considered an internet traveler.
I get a guidebook about a place I'd like to visit and devour it.
Then I research places to stay on the internet and usually make my decisions based on that.
Generally they've been hits as opposed to misses. Like the place I'm staying at for this trip. They even have broadband in the rooms for free (bring your CAT5 cable!).
The flight from HK was a bear. Well, actually not. Getting up early to get to the airport, that was a bear. Thankfully, in front of my HK digs, there's a taxi stand.
This place is another "hit". It's smack in the middle of Causeway Bay, a short block from the MTR, exit E and another short block from a Wellcome, because every traveler needs a 24 hour grocery store.
Then I was upgraded gratis to Business Class. For free. Nice.
The flight was about 3.5 hours. Like flying to ORD from home. But then once you land at NRT, you have to endure a 1 hour long train ride into town and then you have to try to find your hotel. Which brings me to the topic of this rant.
The maps on these Japanese hotel sites (I ran into this last time when I stayed at this place) are NOT to scale. They're great at noting landmarks where you turn left or turn right. But the distance between these landmarks, at least on the map, is the problem. It's usually longer than it looks like on the map!
Gotta go stretch my legs, this was a long day.
I get a guidebook about a place I'd like to visit and devour it.
Then I research places to stay on the internet and usually make my decisions based on that.
Generally they've been hits as opposed to misses. Like the place I'm staying at for this trip. They even have broadband in the rooms for free (bring your CAT5 cable!).
The flight from HK was a bear. Well, actually not. Getting up early to get to the airport, that was a bear. Thankfully, in front of my HK digs, there's a taxi stand.
This place is another "hit". It's smack in the middle of Causeway Bay, a short block from the MTR, exit E and another short block from a Wellcome, because every traveler needs a 24 hour grocery store.
Then I was upgraded gratis to Business Class. For free. Nice.
The flight was about 3.5 hours. Like flying to ORD from home. But then once you land at NRT, you have to endure a 1 hour long train ride into town and then you have to try to find your hotel. Which brings me to the topic of this rant.
The maps on these Japanese hotel sites (I ran into this last time when I stayed at this place) are NOT to scale. They're great at noting landmarks where you turn left or turn right. But the distance between these landmarks, at least on the map, is the problem. It's usually longer than it looks like on the map!
Gotta go stretch my legs, this was a long day.
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Thursday, February 12, 2004
Kowloon City
This is Kowloon City, near the site of the old Kai Tak Airport.
It's not accessible directly from the MTR so you either need a good map or some local friends to take you around. Big difference from Central, eh?
It's not accessible directly from the MTR so you either need a good map or some local friends to take you around. Big difference from Central, eh?
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Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Where's Batman?
They look like they need the Caped Crusader really bad! I mean, that's a big lightshow with a LOT of spotlights...
heh.
heh.
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More touristy things
Here's some snaps I took this morning from the 42nd floor of that feng-shui challenged masterpiece, I.M. Pei's Bank of China building.
This is the Bank of China building in case you don't know how it looks like. Rather iconic, eh?
This is the base of it with one of the historic buildings in HK Park for scale. The BOC is actually across the street. It's pretty big, eh?
Now, here's the snaps. This is the International Financial Center 2, the third tallest building in Asia. It's really tall and it looks like it will shift the skyline further west then it is now. Here's how it looks from the ground.
And from the Harbour via the Star Ferry:
That's one big building folks.
You also get to see the other side of the former Governor's Compound. This time you can see the front.
Until all the big buildings and landfill happened, the Governor's Compound loomed over all of HK side.
This is the former War Memorial. During British administrations, the Union Jack flew from the harbour side and the standards of the three services, the Royal Navy, British Army and RAF flew from the island facing side. Knowing the power of symbols, the ChiComs immediately fenced it off when they took over in 1997, being unable to simply bulldozer it because people would remember that there was once something there and it's harder to rewrite history in a (for the moment) free society.
This is the Bank of China building in case you don't know how it looks like. Rather iconic, eh?
This is the base of it with one of the historic buildings in HK Park for scale. The BOC is actually across the street. It's pretty big, eh?
Now, here's the snaps. This is the International Financial Center 2, the third tallest building in Asia. It's really tall and it looks like it will shift the skyline further west then it is now. Here's how it looks from the ground.
And from the Harbour via the Star Ferry:
That's one big building folks.
You also get to see the other side of the former Governor's Compound. This time you can see the front.
Until all the big buildings and landfill happened, the Governor's Compound loomed over all of HK side.
This is the former War Memorial. During British administrations, the Union Jack flew from the harbour side and the standards of the three services, the Royal Navy, British Army and RAF flew from the island facing side. Knowing the power of symbols, the ChiComs immediately fenced it off when they took over in 1997, being unable to simply bulldozer it because people would remember that there was once something there and it's harder to rewrite history in a (for the moment) free society.
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Puttering in the Park
And...since I was up ANYWAY, I decided to putter about.
The Hong Kong Park is on a hill between the Mid-Levels and the ground. It's pretty nice and it's compact and right next to the British Embassy. An oasis from the urbanism that is Hong Kong.
There's a walk-in fountain that looks like you're under a big umbrella in a very large rainstorm.
There are statues and memorials to various people and causes, as expected.
There's even this testimony to the fact that there are apparently a lot of Americans here too.
You have to be going UP the stairs to see this. Duh!
The Hong Kong Park is on a hill between the Mid-Levels and the ground. It's pretty nice and it's compact and right next to the British Embassy. An oasis from the urbanism that is Hong Kong.
There's a walk-in fountain that looks like you're under a big umbrella in a very large rainstorm.
There are statues and memorials to various people and causes, as expected.
There's even this testimony to the fact that there are apparently a lot of Americans here too.
You have to be going UP the stairs to see this. Duh!
Comment
Too Early
When you go on vacation, it's an opportunity to do different things that you wouldn't do at home.
One of those things for me is to wake up early. I woke up at 0630 after a deep sleep. Couldn't sleep any more.
Since today is the 11th, there's a morning flag raising ceremony in Wan Chai.
This is one of the things that I've never seen (the other is the firing of the Noonday Gun) here in HK. From what I've been told about the ceremony, it's still in the British style. Lots of foot stamping and shouted commands in english.
This compares to the daily ceremony in Tienanmen Square where you've got 32 goose-stepping PLA soldiers goose-stepping across Chang'an Lu.
And if there was any doubt of the traditional aspects of the HK ceremony, these guys played at the end. You could hear them three blocks away!
I shot some video with my Ixus but you'll have to wait until I get back to see it. iPhoto only downloads photos. Now I need to get some breakfast.
One of those things for me is to wake up early. I woke up at 0630 after a deep sleep. Couldn't sleep any more.
Since today is the 11th, there's a morning flag raising ceremony in Wan Chai.
This is one of the things that I've never seen (the other is the firing of the Noonday Gun) here in HK. From what I've been told about the ceremony, it's still in the British style. Lots of foot stamping and shouted commands in english.
This compares to the daily ceremony in Tienanmen Square where you've got 32 goose-stepping PLA soldiers goose-stepping across Chang'an Lu.
And if there was any doubt of the traditional aspects of the HK ceremony, these guys played at the end. You could hear them three blocks away!
I shot some video with my Ixus but you'll have to wait until I get back to see it. iPhoto only downloads photos. Now I need to get some breakfast.
Comment
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Zoom
Landed at HKG this evening; long long flight with awful food and indifferent service.
Had bulkhead seat on border with Business Class. Everyone there had their laptops out and plugged in so they could escape the Hollyweird rejects that passes for inflight movies.
Except for Master and Commander which looked pretty good. Now that it's up for an Oscar, it's in the theatres again so I can see it on the big screen.
Customs was a breeze but this was the first thing that you see coming outta there. It's a bit disturbing.
Took the Airport Express, 23 minutes to Central and then a free shuttle bus to my guesthouse. Nice. BART has nothing on this way to the airport. Neither does Tokyo, BTW.
Even got to grab some dinner (wonton place across the street from Times Square, my PM arrival place). Don't ask me the name, I don't know it. Just know where it is.
See, there's a ritual I've got. If I arrive in time for lunch, I have wonton at Tsim Chai Kee in Central. I arrive after dark, I go to this "across the street from Times Square" joint. It revolves around food, yay!
Even dragged my friend out to Lan Kwai Fong for a pint. But that's it. Too tired to go on. Back at guesthouse to sleep...
Had bulkhead seat on border with Business Class. Everyone there had their laptops out and plugged in so they could escape the Hollyweird rejects that passes for inflight movies.
Except for Master and Commander which looked pretty good. Now that it's up for an Oscar, it's in the theatres again so I can see it on the big screen.
Customs was a breeze but this was the first thing that you see coming outta there. It's a bit disturbing.
Took the Airport Express, 23 minutes to Central and then a free shuttle bus to my guesthouse. Nice. BART has nothing on this way to the airport. Neither does Tokyo, BTW.
Even got to grab some dinner (wonton place across the street from Times Square, my PM arrival place). Don't ask me the name, I don't know it. Just know where it is.
See, there's a ritual I've got. If I arrive in time for lunch, I have wonton at Tsim Chai Kee in Central. I arrive after dark, I go to this "across the street from Times Square" joint. It revolves around food, yay!
Even dragged my friend out to Lan Kwai Fong for a pint. But that's it. Too tired to go on. Back at guesthouse to sleep...
Comment
Something you'll never see in the US
HKG is a big big airport.
They have to use people movers to get people from the gate to the terminal.
When you come down the escalator, you may see or hear the train leave. Being from San Francisco, my first instinct is to run like hell down the escalator and try to jam the doors. This is behaviour that has been ingrained due to years of a MUNI victim, never knowing if or when the next bus/train will come.
Then you look up and see this:
And sure enough, it does! Never see that in the US.
They have to use people movers to get people from the gate to the terminal.
When you come down the escalator, you may see or hear the train leave. Being from San Francisco, my first instinct is to run like hell down the escalator and try to jam the doors. This is behaviour that has been ingrained due to years of a MUNI victim, never knowing if or when the next bus/train will come.
Then you look up and see this:
And sure enough, it does! Never see that in the US.
Comment
Mystery food
Well, the cuts in airline food budgets have even hit the international flights, at least in steerage.
This carb-laden plate passed as "dinner". Another passed as "breakfast". It looked exactly the same as this except for different meat. The snack box inbetween meals consisted of a small instant noodle cup, an apple and a cookie.
I shoulda brought some Shin Ramyun like I did the last time I flew UA to HKG...along with some Diet Coke.
This carb-laden plate passed as "dinner". Another passed as "breakfast". It looked exactly the same as this except for different meat. The snack box inbetween meals consisted of a small instant noodle cup, an apple and a cookie.
I shoulda brought some Shin Ramyun like I did the last time I flew UA to HKG...along with some Diet Coke.
Comment
Monday, February 09, 2004
TSA Fun
Any doubt that the TSA is just another government bureaucracy?
I'm at the front of the line with about 150 people behind me. There are two open checkpoints.
Stop, make that one open checkpoint. Despite the frumpy hordes behind me in line, they close the checkpoint anyway.
It's just like the customer service "commitment" that the post office or the DMV has.
Meaning none.
Next up: a 14 hour flight on a packed 747-400 to HKG...
I'm at the front of the line with about 150 people behind me. There are two open checkpoints.
Stop, make that one open checkpoint. Despite the frumpy hordes behind me in line, they close the checkpoint anyway.
It's just like the customer service "commitment" that the post office or the DMV has.
Meaning none.
Next up: a 14 hour flight on a packed 747-400 to HKG...
Comment
Sunday, February 08, 2004
When the Going Gets Tough...
the tough go to Asia!
I'm back in HK and Tokyo for the next 12 days.
Hopefully will scout around the expat job market, eat some good food, take in some scenery and relax. Because it gets busy after I get back.
The flight over will be difficult...I'm on UA and have a bulkhead seat. In steerage! Bleagh!
I'm back in HK and Tokyo for the next 12 days.
Hopefully will scout around the expat job market, eat some good food, take in some scenery and relax. Because it gets busy after I get back.
The flight over will be difficult...I'm on UA and have a bulkhead seat. In steerage! Bleagh!
Comment
Thursday, January 29, 2004
How did I miss this?
Apparently, Tokyo is bigger than I thought...(duh!)
This place sounds reallly goood! Gotta go here next time.
This place sounds reallly goood! Gotta go here next time.
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Thursday, January 08, 2004
Japan is lovely for many reasons
I tell everyone...
Besides the abundance of bijin (literal translation, not common usage), there are many many forms of booze at many different price points.
When asked what I liked to drink over there, I say "beeru" and "shochu".
What's shochu? I really couldn't explain it very well. Saying Japanese vodka doesn't give it justice. This does though.
There's a form of cheap beer that's not really beer too. Good for a quickie.
Still not going anywhere so far this month. Blah.
Besides the abundance of bijin (literal translation, not common usage), there are many many forms of booze at many different price points.
When asked what I liked to drink over there, I say "beeru" and "shochu".
What's shochu? I really couldn't explain it very well. Saying Japanese vodka doesn't give it justice. This does though.
There's a form of cheap beer that's not really beer too. Good for a quickie.
Still not going anywhere so far this month. Blah.
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Monday, December 22, 2003
Blah
Stayed home last weekend. Nothing exciting to blog about since I didn't go anywhere...
But from the socialist paradise, the following:
There was a blackout (which PG&E will take a lot of heat for) over the weekend.
There was an earthquake today on the Central Coast.
Makes me want to head back to Roppongi so I can smoke and drink and listen to jazz...
But from the socialist paradise, the following:
There was a blackout (which PG&E will take a lot of heat for) over the weekend.
There was an earthquake today on the Central Coast.
Makes me want to head back to Roppongi so I can smoke and drink and listen to jazz...
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Sunday, December 14, 2003
New York Snow
I decided to disappear this weekend to New York City. NYC is all dolled up for Xmas and there's nothing quite like it.
This is Prospect Park, Brooklyn's answer to Manhattan's Central Park. It snowed all morning Sunday and this is pretty much how the neighborhood looked when I trudged (Hey Joe, used yr word!) to the subway to head into town, err, Manhattan.
Me with the big twinkle-y tree at Rockefeller Center while it's snowing.
As the day went on and it warmed up, the snow from the sky turned into rain and the rain as it hit the ground, melted the snow that was already there.
So at the end of the day, you had slush. Messy icky slush. It would be nice if you could freeze time right after a fresh snowfall and revel in it. I did that today.
But then, it doesn't snow in San Francisco, does it?
Some big balls to end this post...
This is Prospect Park, Brooklyn's answer to Manhattan's Central Park. It snowed all morning Sunday and this is pretty much how the neighborhood looked when I trudged (Hey Joe, used yr word!) to the subway to head into town, err, Manhattan.
Me with the big twinkle-y tree at Rockefeller Center while it's snowing.
As the day went on and it warmed up, the snow from the sky turned into rain and the rain as it hit the ground, melted the snow that was already there.
So at the end of the day, you had slush. Messy icky slush. It would be nice if you could freeze time right after a fresh snowfall and revel in it. I did that today.
But then, it doesn't snow in San Francisco, does it?
Some big balls to end this post...
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Monday, December 08, 2003
LA Weekend
I went to LA this past weekend.
Saw the game. Beat the Beavers. Savored the victory and for 12 hours, we all thought we'd be going to New Orleans for the BCS Nat'l Championship. Instead, in theory, we could be playing for a co-championship.
We need out of the BCS, it's absolute bullshite and it's biased against Pac-10 teams anyway...
Here's a shot of an SC tradition...
This is toward the end of the 5th Quarter, when the greatest marching band in the history of the universe plays for the faithful for about 30 minutes after the game.
Then Coliseum security kicks us out!
On the way back, I cruised past LA's latest landmark and new home of the LA Philharmonic, the new Frank Gehry Disney Concert Hall.
Couldn't get in though. Or even close because they were doing some kind of shoot that closed all the streets around the Hall. So this pic was taken in the rain two blocks away.
Sunday was visiting friends and former classmates. Wound up at a Burberry's in South Coast Plaza. Brrrr....! But dinner was fine.
Saw the game. Beat the Beavers. Savored the victory and for 12 hours, we all thought we'd be going to New Orleans for the BCS Nat'l Championship. Instead, in theory, we could be playing for a co-championship.
We need out of the BCS, it's absolute bullshite and it's biased against Pac-10 teams anyway...
Here's a shot of an SC tradition...
This is toward the end of the 5th Quarter, when the greatest marching band in the history of the universe plays for the faithful for about 30 minutes after the game.
Then Coliseum security kicks us out!
On the way back, I cruised past LA's latest landmark and new home of the LA Philharmonic, the new Frank Gehry Disney Concert Hall.
Couldn't get in though. Or even close because they were doing some kind of shoot that closed all the streets around the Hall. So this pic was taken in the rain two blocks away.
Sunday was visiting friends and former classmates. Wound up at a Burberry's in South Coast Plaza. Brrrr....! But dinner was fine.
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Monday, December 01, 2003
Leaving Asia
Sunday was a verrrry long day, mostly because of that International Date Line thingy. Here's how my day went.
Late Sat. PM: Had silly idea about going to sento after more drinking after we got back to Myung-Dong. Silly idea disappeared after shochu kicked in.
Sunday 0700: Woke up. Left hotel. Trudged to bus stop for 1 hour ride to Incheon.
Sunday 1100: Left for NRT after contributing to South Korean economy by spending at Duty Free.
Sunday 1300: Arrived at NRT and cleared customs & passport control. It's raining here. Again.
Sunday 1600: Retrieved baggage, repacked, moved to Terminal 2, checked in, cleared customs and passport control (again) and waited for late flight. In desperation, I bought a bowl of ramen from airport concession. As I've said in the past, it's a rule that airports gank you when it comes to food being overpriced.
Sunday 1700: Left for SFO on 10 hour flight. Didn't sleep on long flight. ANA Air Hostesses are awesome, food was excellent but seats weren't much better than UA. So it's pretty much SQ for me if I have a choice.
Sunday 1000: Arrived SFO.
Sunday 1030: Cleared customs after being subjected to secondary inspection for food items. It's raining here too.
Sunday 2300: Finally went to sleep.
That was a freakin' long day!
Late Sat. PM: Had silly idea about going to sento after more drinking after we got back to Myung-Dong. Silly idea disappeared after shochu kicked in.
Sunday 0700: Woke up. Left hotel. Trudged to bus stop for 1 hour ride to Incheon.
Sunday 1100: Left for NRT after contributing to South Korean economy by spending at Duty Free.
Sunday 1300: Arrived at NRT and cleared customs & passport control. It's raining here. Again.
Sunday 1600: Retrieved baggage, repacked, moved to Terminal 2, checked in, cleared customs and passport control (again) and waited for late flight. In desperation, I bought a bowl of ramen from airport concession. As I've said in the past, it's a rule that airports gank you when it comes to food being overpriced.
Sunday 1700: Left for SFO on 10 hour flight. Didn't sleep on long flight. ANA Air Hostesses are awesome, food was excellent but seats weren't much better than UA. So it's pretty much SQ for me if I have a choice.
Sunday 1000: Arrived SFO.
Sunday 1030: Cleared customs after being subjected to secondary inspection for food items. It's raining here too.
Sunday 2300: Finally went to sleep.
That was a freakin' long day!
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Saturday, November 29, 2003
Seoul Food and moments full of Seoul
Today was my first and only full day in Seoul. Besides breakfast, the one thing I wanted to do was to tour the DMZ.
The DMZ, despite being the most fortified border on Earth, where the nuclear tripwire is still in effect, is a tourist attraction.
There are tour groups that highlight Panmunjom, the village that straddles the border and where there is a line that dissects a building in half. That's where they held the armistice talks. The two big tunnels that were dug by the North that can move thousands of fully armed troops from North to South without detection. Etc, etc.
Except that you need 24 hours notice to join a tour group, so that the US Army can do background checks and all that stuff.
So instead I saw the Changdeokgung Palace instead. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the few examples of "culture" on this trip.
Also went to a very nice kaiseki (I think) dinner. This was just the beginning of the meal. I think the table has a Kill Bill feel, dun you think?
These were appetizers. Then they were empty.
We all also drank a huge amount of sake, shochu and some Korean (ginseng?) wine. Wound up taking subway back. For 45 minutes.
Also, I was told that no visit to Seoul isn't complete without running into these guys.
They were assembling at their staging area to return to barracks after a demonstration. Interesting...check out the face of the guy above as I snapped that pic.
The DMZ, despite being the most fortified border on Earth, where the nuclear tripwire is still in effect, is a tourist attraction.
There are tour groups that highlight Panmunjom, the village that straddles the border and where there is a line that dissects a building in half. That's where they held the armistice talks. The two big tunnels that were dug by the North that can move thousands of fully armed troops from North to South without detection. Etc, etc.
Except that you need 24 hours notice to join a tour group, so that the US Army can do background checks and all that stuff.
So instead I saw the Changdeokgung Palace instead. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the few examples of "culture" on this trip.
Also went to a very nice kaiseki (I think) dinner. This was just the beginning of the meal. I think the table has a Kill Bill feel, dun you think?
These were appetizers. Then they were empty.
We all also drank a huge amount of sake, shochu and some Korean (ginseng?) wine. Wound up taking subway back. For 45 minutes.
Also, I was told that no visit to Seoul isn't complete without running into these guys.
They were assembling at their staging area to return to barracks after a demonstration. Interesting...check out the face of the guy above as I snapped that pic.
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Friday, November 28, 2003
The road to Seoul
IHN is a new airport, built 2 years ago. Very new, clean and nice.
Just wish that they built a rail link while they building the airport because you have to take a bus to town on a road that seems to go on and on and on.
No rail. Just a really long road that seems to go to nowhere. Then you hit Seoul and you know you've hit it because there's a lot of traffic out.
We are staying in the Myung-Dong district. Kinda like the ROK version of Shibuya. I've already found the Citibank.
Just wish that they built a rail link while they building the airport because you have to take a bus to town on a road that seems to go on and on and on.
No rail. Just a really long road that seems to go to nowhere. Then you hit Seoul and you know you've hit it because there's a lot of traffic out.
We are staying in the Myung-Dong district. Kinda like the ROK version of Shibuya. I've already found the Citibank.
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UA gotta have Seoul
I flew with Yumi to Seoul tonight.
We flew out on UA in Business Class. She said it was almost like when we first met except the seats are bigger and it's a shorter flight.
The food was atrocious. Bad. Sushi plate looked like 2 day old maki from local 7-11.
The entertainment on the flight was non-existent. Three channels, one being the map, one being a special on the turkey and one with BBC America.
I think SQ really spoiled me...
We flew out on UA in Business Class. She said it was almost like when we first met except the seats are bigger and it's a shorter flight.
The food was atrocious. Bad. Sushi plate looked like 2 day old maki from local 7-11.
The entertainment on the flight was non-existent. Three channels, one being the map, one being a special on the turkey and one with BBC America.
I think SQ really spoiled me...
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Travel Tools
This is all you need for a smooth trip...
Your JR ticket, an iPod and a brewski...
Your JR ticket, an iPod and a brewski...
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Big Pink Dot
Kenzo Tange is a Japanese architect that has designed many buildings including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Complex in Shinjuku.
He also designed the Yoyogi Stadium and Metropolitan Gym in Shibuya next door to NHK's studios.
What he DIDN'T design was that big pink dot that's the mascot of the World Cup volleyball tournament that was being hosted there.
Dun get that dot confused with this pink dot...
He also designed the Yoyogi Stadium and Metropolitan Gym in Shibuya next door to NHK's studios.
What he DIDN'T design was that big pink dot that's the mascot of the World Cup volleyball tournament that was being hosted there.
Dun get that dot confused with this pink dot...
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Lunch!
Ramen is practically a religion in Japan. And I think I'm a convert. Here's a good explanation from another site. Here's a directory of ramen shops all over the world.
I understand the obsession about finding the best ramen shop (while sampling many along the way). It's truly a quest for the best.
This is a picture of my favorite ramen shop in Shinjuku. I can't tell you what street it's on but I can point it out on a map or tell you where it is.
It's across the street from a Citibank. How appropriate!
This was lunch today, from a famous ramen shop, Men-Ya Musashi on the other side of Shinjuku JR Station.
mmmmmmmm. And worth the 55 minute wait!
I understand the obsession about finding the best ramen shop (while sampling many along the way). It's truly a quest for the best.
This is a picture of my favorite ramen shop in Shinjuku. I can't tell you what street it's on but I can point it out on a map or tell you where it is.
It's across the street from a Citibank. How appropriate!
This was lunch today, from a famous ramen shop, Men-Ya Musashi on the other side of Shinjuku JR Station.
mmmmmmmm. And worth the 55 minute wait!
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Thursday, November 27, 2003
Ghibli Museum
The first time I went to Japan, I wanted to visit the Ghibli Museum but didn't have the time or tickets. You need to buy them in advance from JTB travel agencies in the states before you arrive in Japan.
Ghibli is a museum devoted to the works of Miyazaki Hayao. They don't allow photos inside but they do allow pictures outside. This is the outside of the building. What's that on the roof?
I mean, what IS that on the roof?
It even has its own buses to bring you there from the Mitaka JR Station. Cute.
Ghibli is a museum devoted to the works of Miyazaki Hayao. They don't allow photos inside but they do allow pictures outside. This is the outside of the building. What's that on the roof?
I mean, what IS that on the roof?
It even has its own buses to bring you there from the Mitaka JR Station. Cute.
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Yamanote
The last train of the night arrives at Shinagawa station.
And I'm there to catch it back to Minami-Senju.
Funny thing though, all the other lines that start from a Yamanote stop will wait for the last Yamanote to arrive before it leaves.
It's funny only because I live in San Francisco and MUNI dun do this, ever.
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Wednesday, November 26, 2003
"Fuji-San"!
I'm on the Shinkansen heading back to Tokyo. Yea!
And to the New Koyo. No comment.
The train is about two hours into the journey. Suddenly around the bend looking out the left side of the train,
"Fuji-San! Fuji-San desu"!
Fuji is a notoriously shy mountain; it's usually hidden behind cloud cover. But not today. Everyone in my car rushed to the windows, whipped open their phones and started taking pictures.
I felt absolutely ancient taking pictures with my camera...
And to the New Koyo. No comment.
The train is about two hours into the journey. Suddenly around the bend looking out the left side of the train,
"Fuji-San! Fuji-San desu"!
Fuji is a notoriously shy mountain; it's usually hidden behind cloud cover. But not today. Everyone in my car rushed to the windows, whipped open their phones and started taking pictures.
I felt absolutely ancient taking pictures with my camera...
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Tuesday, November 25, 2003
Dotonbori and Den Den town
Needed a long sleeve shirt to fight off the cold. Went to Den Den town to Muji. Great store, BTW.
Wanted to putter and see Gilco Man. Off to Dotenbori.
Got hungry. Ate at Ramen Stand. They had these platforms with tatami and little tables. You sat on the tatami but you were off the ground. Slurp.
Got thirsty. Went to Kirin Beer Restaurant. Drank a sampler. Like I need instructions on how to drink beer...
Went back to Kyoto on the limited train. Sleepy time...
Wanted to putter and see Gilco Man. Off to Dotenbori.
Got hungry. Ate at Ramen Stand. They had these platforms with tatami and little tables. You sat on the tatami but you were off the ground. Slurp.
Got thirsty. Went to Kirin Beer Restaurant. Drank a sampler. Like I need instructions on how to drink beer...
Went back to Kyoto on the limited train. Sleepy time...
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On to Osaka
After the Palace, we took a bus to the Nishiki market. It's a big flea market that's held on the grounds of the temple monthly. There was a LOT of cool stuff there that I could never bring back to the US. But if I move over there, I know where I will be getting a lot of furnishings from...
Then we decide to take a bus to Kyoto Station. It took forever to get there but it got us there in an hour. Kyoto Station is a really neat building that has a performance stage, two malls, restaurants, theatres and oh yeah, a big JR station.
On a whim, since we both have JR passes, we decide to go to Osaka. I mean, since we were in a train station, we should take the train, ne?
At least it made sense then...
Then we decide to take a bus to Kyoto Station. It took forever to get there but it got us there in an hour. Kyoto Station is a really neat building that has a performance stage, two malls, restaurants, theatres and oh yeah, a big JR station.
On a whim, since we both have JR passes, we decide to go to Osaka. I mean, since we were in a train station, we should take the train, ne?
At least it made sense then...
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Imperial Palace
After waking from my shochu & sento enhanced slumber, the rain stopped and I made it out to the Imperial Palace. I ran into a fellow traveller from the New Koyo in line to enter. We tried to contact each other when we got to Kyoto, but was difficult since we were staying in different places.
Kyoto was the capital until the late 1800s when the seat of government was moved to Tokyo. The palace is still here and it's still used for official functions.
It was impressive. Especially the gardens. Like my backyard could look like this!
Kyoto was the capital until the late 1800s when the seat of government was moved to Tokyo. The palace is still here and it's still used for official functions.
It was impressive. Especially the gardens. Like my backyard could look like this!
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Rain and Foilage
Today (Monday) is Japan's Thanksgiving Day, a national holiday.
Everything official was closed but everyone was out to enjoy the scenery that Kyoto is famous for.
I went to a famous soba restaurant that has been around for about 300 years in the same location. Yummy but pricey...
After lunch, I took a stroll in the Eastern part of Kyoto in the big park and toured some temples.
And as soon as I left the temple, the skies opened up. Rain and rain and rain.
When I got back to J-Hoppers, there wasn't a lot to do because it was raining. Myself and two others wound up going to a Sento (public bath), grabbing dinner and ending the evening with shochu and beer at 0300.
That's not good because I have to get up early on Tuesday to visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Getting up early....brrrrrr.
Everything official was closed but everyone was out to enjoy the scenery that Kyoto is famous for.
I went to a famous soba restaurant that has been around for about 300 years in the same location. Yummy but pricey...
After lunch, I took a stroll in the Eastern part of Kyoto in the big park and toured some temples.
And as soon as I left the temple, the skies opened up. Rain and rain and rain.
When I got back to J-Hoppers, there wasn't a lot to do because it was raining. Myself and two others wound up going to a Sento (public bath), grabbing dinner and ending the evening with shochu and beer at 0300.
That's not good because I have to get up early on Tuesday to visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Getting up early....brrrrrr.
Comment
Sunday, November 23, 2003
Kyoto Arrival
I've arrived in Kyoto for the first of two "trips within trip" of this Japan trip. Sanyo shinkansen, 2 hours, 43 minutes exactly.
Even though Kyoto City is just over 1 million people, I don't find it as overwhelming as Tokyo. It feels more comfortable and the people seem more relaxed.
I'm staying at a guesthouse called J-Hoppers. It was founded by a motorcyclist who did one of those "Around the World" motorcycle trips. He was so inspired by the hospitality he received that he decided to open up a guesthouse to return the good graces he received on the road in his home town of Kyoto.
This is the nicest guesthouse I have ever been in.
The facilities are clean and new, the staff isn't surly and there's free food in the fridge!
Even though I'm in a dormitory (for $25/night!), it's still nicer than my last place.
And the bathrooms here are more like someone's home as opposed to a subway's. They even have the heated bidet butt dryer toilet seat on all of the toilets! Wah!
Even though Kyoto City is just over 1 million people, I don't find it as overwhelming as Tokyo. It feels more comfortable and the people seem more relaxed.
I'm staying at a guesthouse called J-Hoppers. It was founded by a motorcyclist who did one of those "Around the World" motorcycle trips. He was so inspired by the hospitality he received that he decided to open up a guesthouse to return the good graces he received on the road in his home town of Kyoto.
This is the nicest guesthouse I have ever been in.
The facilities are clean and new, the staff isn't surly and there's free food in the fridge!
Even though I'm in a dormitory (for $25/night!), it's still nicer than my last place.
And the bathrooms here are more like someone's home as opposed to a subway's. They even have the heated bidet butt dryer toilet seat on all of the toilets! Wah!
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Saturday, November 22, 2003
Inner Otaku
Today marks 7 days until I gotta go back to SF so I decided to do something absolutely silly.
I went to the Gundam Museum where I saw stuff like this:
Well, it's supposed to look like this.
Zakus usually fall to this guy
These people were also there for an event. Nice!
I went to the Gundam Museum where I saw stuff like this:
Well, it's supposed to look like this.
Zakus usually fall to this guy
These people were also there for an event. Nice!
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Friday, November 21, 2003
Last Train
I left the Jazz Bar at just the right time (23:55) because as soon as I got downstairs, there were people running toward the gates.
The last train was about to pull in.
Soooo many drunk people so early, including me! Ha Ha.
On the way to the platform, there were men in green police style uniforms (actually subway personnel) shooing people to their respective platforms so they wouldn't miss their ride home and be stuck taking a taxi (which is a rip-off as opposed to the rest of Asia where it's a relative bargain).
Men in green making sure you don't get ripped off. Nice.
The last train was about to pull in.
Soooo many drunk people so early, including me! Ha Ha.
On the way to the platform, there were men in green police style uniforms (actually subway personnel) shooing people to their respective platforms so they wouldn't miss their ride home and be stuck taking a taxi (which is a rip-off as opposed to the rest of Asia where it's a relative bargain).
Men in green making sure you don't get ripped off. Nice.
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Food and Drink
Under the weather
As documented earlier, I'm dealing with the aftermath of food poisoning from KL. I'm convinced it's the roadfood that did me in because I had oysters last night and didn't get worse.
I met up with Yumi-Chan last night and she took me to her hangout bar where we met up with some of her other friends.
We drank a lot.
1 Bottle: Nouveau Beaujoulais
1 Bottle: some unidentified French White wine
1 Bottle: Sake from Kyoto, the 2 liter size.
We ate a lot.
A lot of sashimi and soup.
And then a nightcap in Roppongi. Another glass of a different Nouveau.
Not a bad way to end the short evening...
As documented earlier, I'm dealing with the aftermath of food poisoning from KL. I'm convinced it's the roadfood that did me in because I had oysters last night and didn't get worse.
I met up with Yumi-Chan last night and she took me to her hangout bar where we met up with some of her other friends.
We drank a lot.
1 Bottle: Nouveau Beaujoulais
1 Bottle: some unidentified French White wine
1 Bottle: Sake from Kyoto, the 2 liter size.
We ate a lot.
A lot of sashimi and soup.
And then a nightcap in Roppongi. Another glass of a different Nouveau.
Not a bad way to end the short evening...
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Thursday, November 20, 2003
Tokyo Red-Eye
So I flew the red-eye from Singapore Changi to Tokyo Narita. Arrived this morning to cold and rain and darkness at 1600. We're north now so it gets dark sooner.
It's chilly, like NYC is right now.
And despite the proximity to the city, it takes over an hour to get into town from Narita. I've heard it takes longer by road.
The flight wasn't without glitches tho.
My "space seat" broke (stuck in the bed position) so I was moved. I didn't sleep well and the bloke I was moved next to was not happy he now had a neighbor.
Nothing was SQ's fault, except for the broken space seat. Stewardesses were lovely and hospitable as usual.
In fact, she was the last person I saw before I passed out into fitful slumber on the plane.
Where I dreamt about another...
It's chilly, like NYC is right now.
And despite the proximity to the city, it takes over an hour to get into town from Narita. I've heard it takes longer by road.
The flight wasn't without glitches tho.
My "space seat" broke (stuck in the bed position) so I was moved. I didn't sleep well and the bloke I was moved next to was not happy he now had a neighbor.
Nothing was SQ's fault, except for the broken space seat. Stewardesses were lovely and hospitable as usual.
In fact, she was the last person I saw before I passed out into fitful slumber on the plane.
Where I dreamt about another...
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Wednesday, November 19, 2003
Maxwell's
One of the many joys of Singapore are its Hawker Centres.
Basically big stand alone food courts with many many small stalls of incredible variety. Good safe food because these places are frequently inspected and tourists as well as locals eat here.
Although the most infamous hawker centre is Newton Circus because they stay open late to sate the bar and club crowd, Maxwell's has been around longer and is preferred by most of the people I know here.
Think about it, two beers and three dishes to fill up two people plus lime juice afterwards for about S$14.00. That's about US$8.00. Whattabargain!
Basically big stand alone food courts with many many small stalls of incredible variety. Good safe food because these places are frequently inspected and tourists as well as locals eat here.
Although the most infamous hawker centre is Newton Circus because they stay open late to sate the bar and club crowd, Maxwell's has been around longer and is preferred by most of the people I know here.
Think about it, two beers and three dishes to fill up two people plus lime juice afterwards for about S$14.00. That's about US$8.00. Whattabargain!
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Monday, November 17, 2003
Crap! or actually, lack of crapping
So after the KL trip, the four of us, Hugo, Sun, myself & Truc come down with food poisoning...According to what I've been told, it's the classic symptoms.
Can't crap, feeling bloated and kinda flu-ey. The really bad thing is that it attacks your immune system while it's going through your body.
We figure it's either the roadfood in a Malaysian hawker stand/rest stop or the oysters at the Pan Pacific seafood buffet.
In either case, I'm feeling like shite. First I'm too hot. Then I've got the chills. This is annoying.
If this had to happen, it should happen while I'm at work so I can use some of my many sick hours...
Can't crap, feeling bloated and kinda flu-ey. The really bad thing is that it attacks your immune system while it's going through your body.
We figure it's either the roadfood in a Malaysian hawker stand/rest stop or the oysters at the Pan Pacific seafood buffet.
In either case, I'm feeling like shite. First I'm too hot. Then I've got the chills. This is annoying.
If this had to happen, it should happen while I'm at work so I can use some of my many sick hours...
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Sunday, November 16, 2003
Singapore trivialities
The first thing I noticed out here is that the sun stays up until 1900 or so. Thought it was kinda weird until I was told that Singapore is practically on the equator (knew that, that's why the crappy weather) and this affects daylight (which I had to think about for a minute before it made sense).
If there are parts way north that have 6 months of darkness and light, geography plays a role, right?
If there are parts way north that have 6 months of darkness and light, geography plays a role, right?
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Friday, November 14, 2003
Road Trip to KL!
Soooo I landed in Singapore last night and hightailed it to my friend's place. I wound up being a ringer in a vicious Scrabble game...and cleaning house!
This AM, I woke up (big effort in a 25 degree house) and made it out to Tanjong Pagar, assigned meeting place for those of use driving out to KL and location to a pretty good creperie next door to a Thai deep tissue massage place I went to last visit.
A 4 hour trip to KL via freeway going 180 k/ph. Yes, that fast. And I wasn't even driving!
Any kind of road trip out of Singapore requires your passport. And you can't leave without 3/4 of a tank of gas. It's not the Singapore Gov't being concerned you'll be stuck in Malaysia without gas, it's that you're cheating them out of revenue!
Gas is hella cheeper outside of SG. Kinda like cheep gas in Daly City...
This AM, I woke up (big effort in a 25 degree house) and made it out to Tanjong Pagar, assigned meeting place for those of use driving out to KL and location to a pretty good creperie next door to a Thai deep tissue massage place I went to last visit.
A 4 hour trip to KL via freeway going 180 k/ph. Yes, that fast. And I wasn't even driving!
Any kind of road trip out of Singapore requires your passport. And you can't leave without 3/4 of a tank of gas. It's not the Singapore Gov't being concerned you'll be stuck in Malaysia without gas, it's that you're cheating them out of revenue!
Gas is hella cheeper outside of SG. Kinda like cheep gas in Daly City...
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Thursday, November 13, 2003
HK Arrival
As many of my friends know (otherwise you probably wouldn't be reading this), I make regular visits to Asia and try to make the effort to come here at least once a year. There are various reasons why I do this which I will explain if you post a question in the comments section.
My only regret is that this HK visit will be only 10 hours because it's a stopover on the way to Singapore. Despite it's problems (corrupt government, indifferent civil servants, Harbourfest, mainland pollution of all kinds), it's still an exciting, dynamic place to visit. Kick-ass food too!
This is my first time back since last November on the eve of the SARS scare. Even though my flight landed at 0645, the airport seems strangely empty. Maybe because the bulk of the flights land later in the day? Or maybe they feel as I do, that it's just too early...
However, take the A'Ex to Central and see a busy city going to work. These people dun feel that it's too early.
"Money never Sleeps!"
My only regret is that this HK visit will be only 10 hours because it's a stopover on the way to Singapore. Despite it's problems (corrupt government, indifferent civil servants, Harbourfest, mainland pollution of all kinds), it's still an exciting, dynamic place to visit. Kick-ass food too!
This is my first time back since last November on the eve of the SARS scare. Even though my flight landed at 0645, the airport seems strangely empty. Maybe because the bulk of the flights land later in the day? Or maybe they feel as I do, that it's just too early...
However, take the A'Ex to Central and see a busy city going to work. These people dun feel that it's too early.
"Money never Sleeps!"
Comment
Sunrise over China
Two weeks ago, I was in LA for my college roommate's wedding. Being the frugal (ha ha) chap I am, I decided to purchase tickets on Southwest, leaving OAK to LAX on Saturday AM and returning Monday AM in time for work. I saw the sunrise both on the drive to OAK and to LAX.
It's kinda depressing to be up THAT early to see the sun come up on your way to the airport...and on the 405 no less!
I saw the sunrise again this AM, this time flying over China on the great circle route to Hong Kong.
Strangely, I didn't feel depressed. Instead, a feeling of liberation and optimism flowed over me, as if to say "good things are possible".
Perhaps it's freedom that I felt because I was traveling and unshackled from the chains that bind me to work and my desk.
In either case, I didn't mind that I watched the sunrise today.
It's kinda depressing to be up THAT early to see the sun come up on your way to the airport...and on the 405 no less!
I saw the sunrise again this AM, this time flying over China on the great circle route to Hong Kong.
Strangely, I didn't feel depressed. Instead, a feeling of liberation and optimism flowed over me, as if to say "good things are possible".
Perhaps it's freedom that I felt because I was traveling and unshackled from the chains that bind me to work and my desk.
In either case, I didn't mind that I watched the sunrise today.
Comment
Thursday, October 23, 2003
Good Idea!
Because of the SARS attack last year, Hong Kong has been on a health kick since. That's a good idea because littering and the health effects that result from it have been implicated in how quickly SARS spread through buildings and the like.
On my many visits over there, I did notice some litter, though nothing of the magnitude of San Francisco, cesspool and refuse dump for California. The HK governmnent has now declared a new policy: If you have been cited previously for littering and you do it again, it's now a HK$1500 (about US$195) fine and manditory community service.
It's a serious matter because when Hygiene officers began writing citations, they were attacked. Then the attackers were arrested and prosecuted. As a result, these officers have become a tad shy in doing their duty.
This new ordinance should put some teeth into the regs they have to enforce. Good luck.
News info from the unlinkable South China Morning Post
On my many visits over there, I did notice some litter, though nothing of the magnitude of San Francisco, cesspool and refuse dump for California. The HK governmnent has now declared a new policy: If you have been cited previously for littering and you do it again, it's now a HK$1500 (about US$195) fine and manditory community service.
It's a serious matter because when Hygiene officers began writing citations, they were attacked. Then the attackers were arrested and prosecuted. As a result, these officers have become a tad shy in doing their duty.
This new ordinance should put some teeth into the regs they have to enforce. Good luck.
News info from the unlinkable South China Morning Post
Comment
Monday, October 13, 2003
Drama
My trip is about a month away. It's still happening but some things have popped up that may muck it up.
#1: With Arnold being the Governor-Elect, they're moving quickly to set up house. That means that people are being hired over the next few months. Hopefully.
#2: Governor's Ball? Hope they do it at the end of the year. Gotta buy a tux.
#3: Friend of mine that I'm flying to Singapore to see (what a way to date, twice a year!) is going through some drama right now. Hopefully, we'll work our way thru it.
But here's the scary part. If staff appointments are being made or the Governor's Ball is being held in the latter half of November, I've got to rebook the trip.
Thank goodness this is an award ticket...
#1: With Arnold being the Governor-Elect, they're moving quickly to set up house. That means that people are being hired over the next few months. Hopefully.
#2: Governor's Ball? Hope they do it at the end of the year. Gotta buy a tux.
#3: Friend of mine that I'm flying to Singapore to see (what a way to date, twice a year!) is going through some drama right now. Hopefully, we'll work our way thru it.
But here's the scary part. If staff appointments are being made or the Governor's Ball is being held in the latter half of November, I've got to rebook the trip.
Thank goodness this is an award ticket...
Comment
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
National Day or...
more accurately, happy Chinese Communist day!
On 1 October 1949, the Red Army took control of the mainland and declared the founding of the PRC (while the legitimate Nationalist Government retreated to Taiwan). This day is celebrated as "National Day", much like the 4th of July is out here. It's a day off with celebrations in a jingoistic and nationalist manner, just like any other national celebration.
They also had some observances in Hong Kong, met with protesters. How nice!
However, because of the political climate there after 1 July, the Communists are preparing to intervene in next year's elections that could, in theory, break their lock on the LegCo. Different analysis but same conclusion here.
Sounds very omnious. Read the last line about "arranging an initiative scheme" for their people to demonstrate and vote. That means they will pay their members to vote and be loud and stupid. Sounds like union, I mean democrap tactics to me.
On 1 October 1949, the Red Army took control of the mainland and declared the founding of the PRC (while the legitimate Nationalist Government retreated to Taiwan). This day is celebrated as "National Day", much like the 4th of July is out here. It's a day off with celebrations in a jingoistic and nationalist manner, just like any other national celebration.
They also had some observances in Hong Kong, met with protesters. How nice!
However, because of the political climate there after 1 July, the Communists are preparing to intervene in next year's elections that could, in theory, break their lock on the LegCo. Different analysis but same conclusion here.
Sounds very omnious. Read the last line about "arranging an initiative scheme" for their people to demonstrate and vote. That means they will pay their members to vote and be loud and stupid. Sounds like union, I mean democrap tactics to me.
Comment
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
sheesh
Busybody American Leftist
Again from the ULSCMP, this story. Seems Martin Sheen (who plays a "president" on TV) knows what's best forthe HK people in a letter he drafted on behalf of the terrorist organization PETA:
Hollywood film star Martin Sheen has called on Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa to heed appeals to permanently close the territory's live animal markets.
In a letter to Mr Tung written on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Sheen said the live markets were cruel to animals and caused epidemics, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars).
He said the animals were housed in crowded, filthy conditions.
Sure, cause a ruckus in another country where manners will prevent the people who live there to tell him to "shut the fuck up".
It's typical of an American liberal to go somewhere and preach that "I know what's best for you, do what I say now!"
Sheesh.
Conrad in HK has his say here; just wish I was as diplomatic.
Again from the ULSCMP, this story. Seems Martin Sheen (who plays a "president" on TV) knows what's best forthe HK people in a letter he drafted on behalf of the terrorist organization PETA:
Hollywood film star Martin Sheen has called on Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa to heed appeals to permanently close the territory's live animal markets.
In a letter to Mr Tung written on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Sheen said the live markets were cruel to animals and caused epidemics, including severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars).
He said the animals were housed in crowded, filthy conditions.
Sure, cause a ruckus in another country where manners will prevent the people who live there to tell him to "shut the fuck up".
It's typical of an American liberal to go somewhere and preach that "I know what's best for you, do what I say now!"
Sheesh.
Conrad in HK has his say here; just wish I was as diplomatic.
Comment
Duh
Well, Duh!
In today's unlinkable South China Morning Post...
The historic July 1 mass protest was the most significant political event Hong Kong has experienced since the handover, the United States Consul General in Hong Kong James Keith said overnight (HK time).
"It was a remarkable episode, one that will go down in the books as perhaps the single most important event in Hong Kong's short political history since the handover in 1997," Mr Keith told the Heritage Foundation in Washington DC
Mr Keith said the demonstration reflected some commonly held views among Hong Kong's middle class, adding that it was directed at the SAR government - not the central government in Beijing.
"It was not just a referendum on the property market or the government's fruitless efforts to stem the tide of unemployment and it was not a walk in the park during a local holiday by an essentially apolitical people," he said.
Well, I think that this is mostly right. People I know over here who flew home (to HK) to participate in the march were demonstrating their displeasure against the puppet, er appointed-by-Beijing Tung regime because of their stupidity in ignoring the wishes of the HK people but also because they put Beijing's dictates ahead of the specific needs of Hong Kong.
It was a direct demonstration against the Tung regime and an indirect slap at the Central Gov't for forcing the issue through their Tung administration puppets.
Seems for the moment, the Central Gov't has gotten the message. Tung, well, we will see...
In today's unlinkable South China Morning Post...
The historic July 1 mass protest was the most significant political event Hong Kong has experienced since the handover, the United States Consul General in Hong Kong James Keith said overnight (HK time).
"It was a remarkable episode, one that will go down in the books as perhaps the single most important event in Hong Kong's short political history since the handover in 1997," Mr Keith told the Heritage Foundation in Washington DC
Mr Keith said the demonstration reflected some commonly held views among Hong Kong's middle class, adding that it was directed at the SAR government - not the central government in Beijing.
"It was not just a referendum on the property market or the government's fruitless efforts to stem the tide of unemployment and it was not a walk in the park during a local holiday by an essentially apolitical people," he said.
Well, I think that this is mostly right. People I know over here who flew home (to HK) to participate in the march were demonstrating their displeasure against the puppet, er appointed-by-Beijing Tung regime because of their stupidity in ignoring the wishes of the HK people but also because they put Beijing's dictates ahead of the specific needs of Hong Kong.
It was a direct demonstration against the Tung regime and an indirect slap at the Central Gov't for forcing the issue through their Tung administration puppets.
Seems for the moment, the Central Gov't has gotten the message. Tung, well, we will see...
Comment
Wednesday, September 10, 2003
Off to Asia!
Well, not yet. Off to Asia in November. It's mostly a "visit the friends, escape San Francisco (where you can shit and piss on the street)" trip. Plus a side trip to Bangkok because I've never been there before.
So the trip will look like this:
SFO to HKG (for the day)
HKG to SIN
Sometime during this stay, there's a trip to Bangkok and/or KL involved here
SIN to NRT
Explore the parts of Tokyo and Kyoto I haven't seen yet
NRT to SFO
Back to purgatory...
But the trip should be hella fun; I've got tix in SQ Raffles Class!
Ha Ha Haaaah!
So the trip will look like this:
SFO to HKG (for the day)
HKG to SIN
Sometime during this stay, there's a trip to Bangkok and/or KL involved here
SIN to NRT
Explore the parts of Tokyo and Kyoto I haven't seen yet
NRT to SFO
Back to purgatory...
But the trip should be hella fun; I've got tix in SQ Raffles Class!
Ha Ha Haaaah!
Comment
Monday, September 08, 2003
Geez, not Hong Kong too!
More fun news from Asia via the BWG.
To sum it all up, HK is going to try to impose a smoking ban. Read the BWG's entry on the subject; it sums up my position as well.
Sheesh. What happened to choice?
To sum it all up, HK is going to try to impose a smoking ban. Read the BWG's entry on the subject; it sums up my position as well.
Sheesh. What happened to choice?
Comment
Bad news from Singapore
Well, it's been a nice summer, but as the seasons begin to change and the chill (relatively speaking) returns, so has that nasty thing called SARS.
Hope it's a misdiagnosis (which happens) because if it's not, the patient caught it from someone else. And hopefully that someone else is NOT in Singapore.
Hope it's a misdiagnosis (which happens) because if it's not, the patient caught it from someone else. And hopefully that someone else is NOT in Singapore.
Comment
Some hom-suppy stuff for Singapore girls
Hmmm. So Singapore is beginning to relax a little.
That's nice. But don't go too far, lest ye become like "San Francisco, cesspool of the nation", complete with the filth and lack of mores that makes liberalism what it is...
That's nice. But don't go too far, lest ye become like "San Francisco, cesspool of the nation", complete with the filth and lack of mores that makes liberalism what it is...
Comment
Saturday, September 06, 2003
Proof that Hong Kong is truly toast
It's the little things in life that change that portend bigger changes ahead.
During my many visits to Hong Kong, the locals told me that HK is truly dead when you begin to hear putonghwa on the MTR announcements.
Well, according to the unlinkable South China Morning Post, it's happened.
"The MTR Corporation is going after the mainland tourist dollar by promoting its train services and malls at the border and at mainland visa counters. And this month it will make its train and platform announcements trilingual, rather than using just English and Cantonese."
The communist government has tried to crush Cantonese dialect (and pretty much everything else) in favor of putonghua, with the exception of Shanghainese because much of the communist leadership hails from there.
Historically, it's easier for a dictatorship to keep control when everyone is forced to speak the same language (think Yugo-Slavia during Tito and then after). I hope, for Hong Kong's sake, that this small change in everyday life is not part of something darker in future.
During my many visits to Hong Kong, the locals told me that HK is truly dead when you begin to hear putonghwa on the MTR announcements.
Well, according to the unlinkable South China Morning Post, it's happened.
"The MTR Corporation is going after the mainland tourist dollar by promoting its train services and malls at the border and at mainland visa counters. And this month it will make its train and platform announcements trilingual, rather than using just English and Cantonese."
The communist government has tried to crush Cantonese dialect (and pretty much everything else) in favor of putonghua, with the exception of Shanghainese because much of the communist leadership hails from there.
Historically, it's easier for a dictatorship to keep control when everyone is forced to speak the same language (think Yugo-Slavia during Tito and then after). I hope, for Hong Kong's sake, that this small change in everyday life is not part of something darker in future.
Comment
Thursday, August 28, 2003
Asia travel and Communications
I'm off to Asia in November; yet another funfilled trip during my vacation season of October-November and February-April. Why these times of the year?
It's usually hot and gross during the summer high season and winter is also high season because of Xmas-New Years-Lunar New Year all happening between Dec-Jan.
Tickets are prohibitively expensive during this time and the weather during the other times.
I recently got a new Palm Pilot, the Tungsten C. It is fast and has wi-fi built in. Ideally, I wanted to leave the Powerbook at home this time around because I can keep up with email via the Palm Pilot and try to post from the road.
I'm going to give this a shot later on and I guess you'll read the results if it works.
It's usually hot and gross during the summer high season and winter is also high season because of Xmas-New Years-Lunar New Year all happening between Dec-Jan.
Tickets are prohibitively expensive during this time and the weather during the other times.
I recently got a new Palm Pilot, the Tungsten C. It is fast and has wi-fi built in. Ideally, I wanted to leave the Powerbook at home this time around because I can keep up with email via the Palm Pilot and try to post from the road.
I'm going to give this a shot later on and I guess you'll read the results if it works.
Comment
Food and Culture day!
10 July, all day.
Food day again!
Met my friend @ Katz's Deli in the Lower East Side. That's a big old school deli that is new again with the hottie crowd, especially on weekends. However, it was late lunchtime on a Thursday which meant it was only kind of crowded as opposed to being really crowded. Had a thin sliced pastrami with chicken noodle soup. Mmmmmm.
As far as I could tell, this was the place where the infamous deli scene in "When Harry met Sally" was filmed. Nice movie, even though it was directed by Rob Reiner.
Wandered around other parts of SoHo and TriBeCa before having to head back uptown. Found Dean and Deluca's and had a NY Egg Cream. No egg but some cream.
Dinner was Pizza Blanca, or white pizza. NY seems like the only place you can find this thin crust pizza. Came out of the subway and had the fastest dinner in recent memory.
Went to the Great Lawn in Central Park to catch a performance of the NY Phil. Their summertime in the park series of concerts are free and attract a LOT of people. It was nice. Big. And organized. Best of all, no bums so you could enjoy the show.
Everyone stayed until the end to catch the fireworks. They were intense but brief. 5 minutes of fireworks! So short!
I would wind up walking 25 blocks back to the hotel since the MTA wasn't running buses down 5th Avenue. Naturally, when I got back down to 58th Street, three busses show up. Maybe their bus division is secretly run by MUNI. Bleah.
But right at the entrance to Central Park, there was this really nice fountain. So i took it. A picture, that is.
Of course, these are the folks responsible for keeping New York clean! I have a healthy respect for the work they've done over ther past seven years...
Food day again!
Met my friend @ Katz's Deli in the Lower East Side. That's a big old school deli that is new again with the hottie crowd, especially on weekends. However, it was late lunchtime on a Thursday which meant it was only kind of crowded as opposed to being really crowded. Had a thin sliced pastrami with chicken noodle soup. Mmmmmm.
As far as I could tell, this was the place where the infamous deli scene in "When Harry met Sally" was filmed. Nice movie, even though it was directed by Rob Reiner.
Wandered around other parts of SoHo and TriBeCa before having to head back uptown. Found Dean and Deluca's and had a NY Egg Cream. No egg but some cream.
Dinner was Pizza Blanca, or white pizza. NY seems like the only place you can find this thin crust pizza. Came out of the subway and had the fastest dinner in recent memory.
Went to the Great Lawn in Central Park to catch a performance of the NY Phil. Their summertime in the park series of concerts are free and attract a LOT of people. It was nice. Big. And organized. Best of all, no bums so you could enjoy the show.
Everyone stayed until the end to catch the fireworks. They were intense but brief. 5 minutes of fireworks! So short!
I would wind up walking 25 blocks back to the hotel since the MTA wasn't running buses down 5th Avenue. Naturally, when I got back down to 58th Street, three busses show up. Maybe their bus division is secretly run by MUNI. Bleah.
But right at the entrance to Central Park, there was this really nice fountain. So i took it. A picture, that is.
Of course, these are the folks responsible for keeping New York clean! I have a healthy respect for the work they've done over ther past seven years...
Comment
Tuesday, August 26, 2003
The greatness of New York City (even with Bloomberg in charge)
9 July, all day.
A friend asked me why I go to New York so often. Of course she should talk since she's from Singapore, land of the most traveled of travelers. And she got to go to Scandinavia last summer!
Why do I go to New York? Because New York is so big, each time I go there solo, there's always new places to visit. Today was food & booze day. I was taken to a store called Century 21. Thought it was a place for real estate (ha!) but it was a big crazy clothing shop housed in an old bank. My NY friend has pretty good taste in what works clothing wise. It's the big deal over there.
Lunch was at Shanghai Joe's in Chinatown (xiaolongbiao is great) with shopping afterwards. Kind of routine, eh? Wound up strolling up to SoHo to drink coffee while she shopped around. There was a fantastic Apple Store in the heart of SoHo. Free broadband to boot. Nice. I spent two hours in there.
When it's really hot outside, it does goofy things to your appetite. So no dinner tonight; more like a bunch of snacks. Green Tea ice cream with mochi at dinnertime in a chi chi Japanese place and a Cookie Dough Surprise sandwich at a peanut butter restaurant in the Village behind NYU. nice. And that was dinner.
A friend asked me why I go to New York so often. Of course she should talk since she's from Singapore, land of the most traveled of travelers. And she got to go to Scandinavia last summer!
Why do I go to New York? Because New York is so big, each time I go there solo, there's always new places to visit. Today was food & booze day. I was taken to a store called Century 21. Thought it was a place for real estate (ha!) but it was a big crazy clothing shop housed in an old bank. My NY friend has pretty good taste in what works clothing wise. It's the big deal over there.
Lunch was at Shanghai Joe's in Chinatown (xiaolongbiao is great) with shopping afterwards. Kind of routine, eh? Wound up strolling up to SoHo to drink coffee while she shopped around. There was a fantastic Apple Store in the heart of SoHo. Free broadband to boot. Nice. I spent two hours in there.
When it's really hot outside, it does goofy things to your appetite. So no dinner tonight; more like a bunch of snacks. Green Tea ice cream with mochi at dinnertime in a chi chi Japanese place and a Cookie Dough Surprise sandwich at a peanut butter restaurant in the Village behind NYU. nice. And that was dinner.
Comment
Forbidden Nightlife (no smoking) and the UN
Campbell's Apartment is one of the few surviving cigar bars in New York. Mayor Bloomberg, the ultimate RINO, has pushed through a smoking ban very similar to California's but with no loopholes.
It's a classy joint in Grand Central Station. Get into your nice clothes and smoke a Habano. Their martinis, excellent!
I met a bureaucrat from the UN there. She spouted the same garbage that Kofi Annan and that bunch of corrupt third world outcasts use against the US. "Pay your dues and do what we say". What has UN membership done for the US lately? What have we gotten for all the billions of dollars we pour into that? To keep corrupt third worlders in New York?
How about this: Move UN headquarters to Boise or Des Moines and see just how plum that assignment is, eh?
It's a classy joint in Grand Central Station. Get into your nice clothes and smoke a Habano. Their martinis, excellent!
I met a bureaucrat from the UN there. She spouted the same garbage that Kofi Annan and that bunch of corrupt third world outcasts use against the US. "Pay your dues and do what we say". What has UN membership done for the US lately? What have we gotten for all the billions of dollars we pour into that? To keep corrupt third worlders in New York?
How about this: Move UN headquarters to Boise or Des Moines and see just how plum that assignment is, eh?
Comment
Free Wi-Fi and great pizza
8 July, High Tea to Dinner Time
Wisdom of free Wi-fi
After my visit to the house of Nat, I sauntered across the street to Bryant Park. This is a community park that was taken back from the powers of scum (drug dealers and bums) by the powers of good. Besides free Wi-Fi that blankets the park, there's a cafe and games and private security. Very safe and very busy.
So I sat under a tree in 90+ degree heat and went online. Did my business for two hours (!). Time passes when you have free Wi-Fi. Even in that kind of heat.
Met up with my Hells' Kitchen friends at John's Pizza near Times Square. A famous pizza palace in an old church. Mmmmmmmmm.
Wisdom of free Wi-fi
After my visit to the house of Nat, I sauntered across the street to Bryant Park. This is a community park that was taken back from the powers of scum (drug dealers and bums) by the powers of good. Besides free Wi-Fi that blankets the park, there's a cafe and games and private security. Very safe and very busy.
So I sat under a tree in 90+ degree heat and went online. Did my business for two hours (!). Time passes when you have free Wi-Fi. Even in that kind of heat.
Met up with my Hells' Kitchen friends at John's Pizza near Times Square. A famous pizza palace in an old church. Mmmmmmmmm.
Comment
Hot Sticky New York AM
8 July, Early AM
It wasn't too bad getting into town. Took the Airtrain to NJ Transit commuter rail into Penn Station. 40 minutes. Nice. Beats the subway from JFK. Faster, cleaner, less stops, place for baggage.
Subways are not designed for baggage.
The station turnstiles and gates are also not designed for baggage. Try going through these with a roller and a backpack!
Got an early check-in at the Helmsley Windsor. It's on W58th @ 6th Avenue. Very nice location. Central Park is a block away, the Madison and 5th Avenue shopping districts are close. And the F line (subway) is across the street from the hotel. The hotel is a bit worn, but for $85/night, I'll deal with it.
Went puttering with one of my friends who escaped San Francisco. She likes it here but misses her home in Southern California. Can't blame her, but she IS in a better place than San Francisco.
We met at the Popover Cafe where they serve popovers with strawberry butter. Yummy place. Stuffed animals all over the place. Kinda cutsey. Stayed there for two + hours because of the heat and my need to recover from my flight. Lots of coffee...
Madison Avenue has all the chi chi shops and we puttered up and down the strip. Dunhill moved here from Park Ave and they have a very spiffy new humidor. I think we stopped at or poked into every fancy haute couture boutique before we split up. She went back to Hell's Kitchen (where she and her husband reside) and I went down to Nat Sherman's to pick up some supplies...
It wasn't too bad getting into town. Took the Airtrain to NJ Transit commuter rail into Penn Station. 40 minutes. Nice. Beats the subway from JFK. Faster, cleaner, less stops, place for baggage.
Subways are not designed for baggage.
The station turnstiles and gates are also not designed for baggage. Try going through these with a roller and a backpack!
Got an early check-in at the Helmsley Windsor. It's on W58th @ 6th Avenue. Very nice location. Central Park is a block away, the Madison and 5th Avenue shopping districts are close. And the F line (subway) is across the street from the hotel. The hotel is a bit worn, but for $85/night, I'll deal with it.
Went puttering with one of my friends who escaped San Francisco. She likes it here but misses her home in Southern California. Can't blame her, but she IS in a better place than San Francisco.
We met at the Popover Cafe where they serve popovers with strawberry butter. Yummy place. Stuffed animals all over the place. Kinda cutsey. Stayed there for two + hours because of the heat and my need to recover from my flight. Lots of coffee...
Madison Avenue has all the chi chi shops and we puttered up and down the strip. Dunhill moved here from Park Ave and they have a very spiffy new humidor. I think we stopped at or poked into every fancy haute couture boutique before we split up. She went back to Hell's Kitchen (where she and her husband reside) and I went down to Nat Sherman's to pick up some supplies...
Comment
Red Eye moaning
7 July, late night.
I don't like red-eyes.
I understand how they're useful. Once you arrive at your destination, you have the entire day to do stuff. This is with the proviso that you can sleep on command once you're airborne. Door closes. ZZZzzzzz.
I can't do that. Not even in 1st Class. Granted, it was 1st Class on an A320 (small plane) but nevertheless, 1st class.
I wound up tossing and turning and sleeping for only half the flight. The 1st Class food was a coldcut sandwich served with a hot bun and nice plates. The coldcuts were pretty good and we had our own flight attendant. But still coldcuts! Can't imagine paying full fare for 1st class and getting coldcuts.
When we landed, we emerged into Singapore heat. 95 degrees with 100% humidity. Crap! At least I packed properly. Lots of linen shirts and some shorts and pants too. Welcome to Newark.
I don't like red-eyes.
I understand how they're useful. Once you arrive at your destination, you have the entire day to do stuff. This is with the proviso that you can sleep on command once you're airborne. Door closes. ZZZzzzzz.
I can't do that. Not even in 1st Class. Granted, it was 1st Class on an A320 (small plane) but nevertheless, 1st class.
I wound up tossing and turning and sleeping for only half the flight. The 1st Class food was a coldcut sandwich served with a hot bun and nice plates. The coldcuts were pretty good and we had our own flight attendant. But still coldcuts! Can't imagine paying full fare for 1st class and getting coldcuts.
When we landed, we emerged into Singapore heat. 95 degrees with 100% humidity. Crap! At least I packed properly. Lots of linen shirts and some shorts and pants too. Welcome to Newark.
Comment
Well, New York is closer...
I remember promising my Asia logs, but there's a lot of stuff to go through. Pictures. Pages. Lots of work. But there needs to be new stuff to read.
So I'm going to post stuff from my July trip to New York. An easier read and not as boring. =P
So I'm going to post stuff from my July trip to New York. An easier read and not as boring. =P
Comment
Monday, July 28, 2003
Back to the Past
I was chatting with a friend via ICQ about traveling so I sent her to this page. The one you're reading Right Now.
She said "There's three pictures of planes on it".
Soooo now that I've got this Blogger thing working right, I will, over time, be posting pix and commentary from my trips to Asia. This is something that I've been meaning to do for several years now. And since I've finally cleaned off my desk, this is the next thing to do on the "To Do" list.
Well, at least it's something to read at work, eh?
She said "There's three pictures of planes on it".
Soooo now that I've got this Blogger thing working right, I will, over time, be posting pix and commentary from my trips to Asia. This is something that I've been meaning to do for several years now. And since I've finally cleaned off my desk, this is the next thing to do on the "To Do" list.
Well, at least it's something to read at work, eh?
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Friday, July 18, 2003
Airport Security and teachers
Flew back to SFO on the same kind of jet.
Going thru security was awful. Only one checkpoint and a really long line.
Sloooooooow
I met a really attractive young woman in line behind me. She said she was a teacher of little kids. I asked, "San Francisco Unified"? She laughed a lot and said "Marin".
She would get eaten alive in the SFUSD. If the students didn't get her, the administration and union would. No one's allowed to be attractive or young there.
Going thru security was awful. Only one checkpoint and a really long line.
Sloooooooow
I met a really attractive young woman in line behind me. She said she was a teacher of little kids. I asked, "San Francisco Unified"? She laughed a lot and said "Marin".
She would get eaten alive in the SFUSD. If the students didn't get her, the administration and union would. No one's allowed to be attractive or young there.
Comment
Tuesday, July 15, 2003
The difference between a big and a little jet
When I associate Air Travel with airplanes, the concept of a big bus with 4 engines, some space and 1st class service comes to mind.
Or these
So when I have to fly a regional jet, all that goes out the window.
Isn't this a tad too small?
In fairness, it's pretty fast, if cramped. Smooth riding. No overhead compartments to speak of. Not too bad.
But still, isn't this a tad too small?
Or these
So when I have to fly a regional jet, all that goes out the window.
Isn't this a tad too small?
In fairness, it's pretty fast, if cramped. Smooth riding. No overhead compartments to speak of. Not too bad.
But still, isn't this a tad too small?
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Thursday, May 22, 2003
Summer = Stay at Home Season
Amazing how quickly the year has moved...it's already Memorial Day!
Over here in the US, Summer travel season begins on the last Monday in May and ends on the first Monday in September.
For me personally, this is the beginning of the "Stay at Home" season, since it's high season out there. High airline ticket prices, high hotel rates, high humidity and temperature...
That's not a problem in SF...we had 4 days of 80 degree (24 degrees C?) weather. That's a lot of summer for around here! Now, we're moving into our classic summer pattern of 58 degree days with gusty 20 knot winds blowing in from the west. In short, COLD!
What all this moaning really means is that everyone else in the world (or at least in the office I'm in for 9 hours a day) is getting onto airplanes and flying somewhere where they have to reset their watches. I've got a backyard full of weeds and an Elite 250 to reassemble.
I'd rather be traveling...
Over here in the US, Summer travel season begins on the last Monday in May and ends on the first Monday in September.
For me personally, this is the beginning of the "Stay at Home" season, since it's high season out there. High airline ticket prices, high hotel rates, high humidity and temperature...
That's not a problem in SF...we had 4 days of 80 degree (24 degrees C?) weather. That's a lot of summer for around here! Now, we're moving into our classic summer pattern of 58 degree days with gusty 20 knot winds blowing in from the west. In short, COLD!
What all this moaning really means is that everyone else in the world (or at least in the office I'm in for 9 hours a day) is getting onto airplanes and flying somewhere where they have to reset their watches. I've got a backyard full of weeds and an Elite 250 to reassemble.
I'd rather be traveling...
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