Gone-Walkabout

Salaries Too High $C

2010-09-25T12:30:00.001-04:00

WTF. Corporate salaries are too high, cap at $1MM. Pay bonuses in stock/options(with no limit ownership time) If company does well you do well.

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HOT HOT HOT. 11am in Newark, NJ

2010-07-06T21:10:00.001-04:00

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Ginger infused grilled Swordfish tonight.

2010-07-04T20:29:00.001-04:00

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Steak & Grilled Corn

2010-07-04T14:07:00.001-04:00

Some reason post didn't go thru last night

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Grilling Corn & Steak. 1st time w/ corn

2010-07-03T19:49:00.001-04:00

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Great. Cheese

2010-07-03T12:10:00.001-04:00

Smooth. Slightly nutty. Elegant

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Light reading for the weekend

2010-07-02T19:49:00.001-04:00

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World Travelers & Open Eyes/Minds

2010-01-05T14:08:00.001-05:00

I loved to watch Dinner For Five, which was a down to earth open discussion over dinner with 4 people plus Jon Favreau. I loved the show mostly, because it gave insight into the person versus the characters we perceive them to be. Episode 4.6 was specifically memorable, & I can replay it nearly in my head. The most outwardly bizarre person is Rob Zombie, yet in this setting he comes off rather normal.

And so what does this have to do with travel & open eyes/minds, well I believe travel does that for small percentage of us. I've been traveling the world for as long as I can remember, & well before then. Every school holiday was spent going somewhere. My mother traveled every holiday during her school years, & my father's family spent a lot of time visiting remote locations (mining). Thus you can obviously see where my wanderlust came from. We never took tours, nor stayed in chain/tourist hotels. The plan was immersion & education, sitting by a pool was definitely out. (I remember sitting in a college art history course, & seeing slides of all the art I'd already seen; & yet disturbed by how the representation in the course conflicted with the museum.) As I read, watch & converse with fellow travelers; I can see the clear disconnect between world thinkers & those who exist within their safety vest.

And so I wonder why so many people do not accept change when they travel? Obviously there's a certain sense of insecurity for anyone as they travel to a new place, but why are so many unwilling to accept new as possibly equal/better? [Though it would be blind to say that everything new is good; plenty can be far worse.]

Why does it seem so few Americans travel abroad? [I'm a firm believer in the 'Gap Year' concept employed by much of Europe (though I did not partake).] Or maybe I should ask why so do so few American's travel to locations frequented by everyone else? [Dubai, Thailand, Maylasia, Australia, China, Africa]

For my Dinner for Five of Travel, I'd have: Anthony Bourdain, A.A. Gill, Erin Burnett, & Ian Wright. Yes, quite an ecletic group, but all great world travelers.

Anthony Bourdain - French & NJ lineage, Chef, Traveler/Adventurist, Sharp Witted
A.A. Gill - Scottish & English, Writer, Traveler/Adventurist, Sharp Witted
Erin Burnett - American, CNBC Presenter, Traveler/Adventurist, Financial Guru
Ian Wright - English, Host of GlobeTrekker, Traveler/Adventurist, Immersionist

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Luxury - where to find it vs changing your mind on what it is

2010-01-03T01:18:00.001-05:00

So I was watching "Forbes Luxe 11" after several whiskey's(scotch), & was thinking of luxuries. Over the past few years I've paid for & enjoyed many luxuries, which as spoiled as it may be, are not that worthy.

Hotels: I've stayed in 1 star to 6 star hotels(a china thing). In my opinion the different between a 4 star & upwards purely has to do with service. In my current capacity, the need for extra service is rarely needed, & thus I rarely opt for above 4 star. Whilst traveling in distant lands & remote destinations I've stayed in 1 star or less, not only because it was the only option; but mostly due to location. I have not need to pick hotels based on their view, or other qualities; it's mostly comes to location &/or location to other destinations. While traveling internationally, what may seem unattainable financially(in the US), is minor in cost remotely.(My preferred 4 star in HK was $150/night, though I do love the 5 star)

Movies: The best place to watch movies is at the 'arty' theaters. (always want to spell it theatre) Though the independent/arty theaters offer more thoughtful movies, their best benefit, is that people are there to watch....thus they're quiet through the whole movie, even credits. Oh, and they offer Toblerlone, though I prefer the GORP. Unless it's a big theatrical/surround sound event, thereupon the best stadium seats rule.

Airlines: After 3 round trips to Hong Kong, on Continental, I received Silver Status. So what does this tell us? It's quite easy to gain status/miles while traveling to distant lands. I quickly switched to American Express, which gave me 2x points for my flights costs. Over my 3+ years commuting from the East Coast of the US to Hong Kong, I regularly flew Business or First Class on the long leg purely on upgradable miles. I only ever flew Business at cost (due to a managers insistence I fly to HK during the Olympics). My employer paid for my economy ticket & within a few days of mileage/point transfer I was flying better. (Singapore Airlines service is like no other, though I prefer the bar & seats on Virgin Upper Class). [Yes, I understand "Up in the Air" & spend time on FlyerTalk.com] Due to unknown reasons, my employer would not let me get/share an apartment, thus I was home for 2+ weeks before flying out to Asia.

Cars: My father was an avid follower of European cars offered in the US. He had 3 Sterlings (Rover Sterling), a Scorpio, a MB 450, an Audi A8 (which replaced the MB 560 as the car to have). Thus, my obsession & turnover of cars is somewhat explainable. My favorite car ever was the '89 Mitsubishi Montero LS. [It had a spring loaded seat, thin sides(easy to get past trees), great suspension(for wild trips on NH logging roads), great engine & transmission, which quickly downshifted] I've had a few cars in between, but the last 3 are the most memorable...purely, I saw them as toys. The '04 VW Touareg V10TDI - twin turbo diesel 310HP, 553ft/lb; should say enough(though I should've bought the VW Phaeton W12), it was a beast; but sadly the VW staff in the US were not well trained & the transmission issues killed it quickly. 2006 Audi S4 Avant another beast, great car to have when not driving much & gas is cheap. 4.2 V8 in a small wagon, my first red car, I tweaked & tuned this car to about 390HP or so, though it couldn't chirp all tires like the Touareg. I'm currently motoring around in '09 MINI Clubman John Cooper Works which oddly is my first manual transmission car, I've rented & driven across country with manuals, but never wanted to own one before. Having now driven on the 4th of July up the NY Thruway & into NYC it's really not that bad, now LA could be a different story. I gave up my Audi S4 at 60k miles purely based on fuel costs, I was spending close to $200/week on fuel - at 13/20mpg; as I was driving 40+ miles/day to work. As much as my mind says buy a sports car, my conscious says utility; so unless I get a 2nd car, I'll always look at vehicles on their luggage space let alone performance. The MINI is the 1st car I've bought new, everything else was used/testers'.

Clubs: Whether they be sporting clubs, social clubs et al., I highly suggest everyone joining one. Not only for the camaraderie, but the offer the escape from the daily annoyance you endure. Plus there's freedom in signing a tab (regardless, that you have to pay it at the end of the month)

Personal Trainer Gym: For many years I attended a local gym, where I went for 1-2 hrs lifted weights, did sit ups & other stuff; & didn't see a difference. With recommendation from a good friend, I tried a local gym where the trainers watched & changed weights daily based on "you." I now go to a gym for 30min or less, every other day & the difference is unimaginable; weight/size differences within weeks...& the cost is less.

Food: I can't to in depth into, as I'm a Foodie(though I hate the word). I've been lucky enough to have eaten at some of the best restaurants in the World. There are some restaurants, where you should go for a meal; which doesn't say you should go again. Some of the best meals I've had are in the nooks & crannies where most would not dare. Food in my mind is texture, smell, & taste; the presentation is nice, but really has no little bearing on the end result....e.g., I love Jelly Fish Salad, flavor is in the sauce; texture exotic, smell eh.

Luxury is when you're concerns are lifted. I'm a rather self sufficient person, if plans go awry, I can find others. Luxury is ability to find happiness from the situation, not from the situation providing happiness to you. Depending on the situation/location, throwing a wrench into the plan may improve it in the long run.

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Donations & Charities

2008-11-18T16:03:00.003-05:00

Every year I review my income, and work out a percentage that I'm going to give to Charity. I wish I could donate my time as much as money, but time seems to be in shorter & shorter supply.

I do a lot of research on Charities, to insure a majority of the funds go the the charity and NOT the 3rd party handling the transaction. I also try to stay clear of Charities which are religion based, as I'm not a proponent of pushing religion (let alone anything else). As well I stay away from Charities which have recently received large donations (those in excess of $10 million). I primarily give to education for the poor & projects which help people help themselves, and a small amount to public radio stations for Jazz & new artists.

The Charities I tend to give to every year:

AfriCare (African Well Fund) - which builds and maintains clean water wells in Sub-Saharan Africa [93% goes to Africa] {learned about at a Christmas Cocktail party 2 years ago}
Ambler Theater - which is a local arts theater in Ambler, Pennsylvania [100% goes to theater] {learned about from friends}
Cancer Research - these are scattered sponsorships of friends who run/bike/walk in Cancer Research fund raising events. [100%] {learn about via social networks}
DonorsChoose - which is a 3rd party that buys supplies for Schools and gives them to teachers/projects in need. [85% goes to the Schools] {found about from Fred Wilson}
The Reading Team - which helps people (kids & adults) in New York read. [100% goes to charity] {friend works there}
WBGO - which is a radio station in Newark, New Jersey that champions jazz and presents news to a worldwide audience through radio, other technologies and events. [100% goes to station] {listen to the station when around New York or via the Internet}
WXPN - which is a radio station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is the nationally recognized leader in Triple A music and the premier guide for discovering new and significant artists in rock, blues, roots, and folk. [100% goes to station] {listen to the station when at home or via the Internet}

As I do normally get a letter of thanks from the head of development for any charity, this year I received a letter from a teacher which benefited from DonorsChoose which was quite heart warming.

Caveat: Though it would be nice to dismiss the cost of taxes, I do donate to reduce my annual tax payment. Regardless, even if I was tax free, I would still donate time or money to these organizations.

I'm forever looking for a good organization to donate to, so if you have any suggestions?

When you've been in China too long..

2008-08-29T21:37:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I flew back from China. I had a connecting flight in
San Fran, and had a short layover - due to my 1st flight being delayed 35minutes.

In China & Hong Kong, there's a large congestion of people all the time. They're all constantly bumping into you, or pushing their way in. It doesn't matter how big/small/old you are, it's just a constant "me first" approach.
As such you quite used to high paced walking and pushing back as much as the locals do, push on me and I push back; at th same force.

Yet the US isn't like that (except at rush hour in certain high traffic locations).

So during my transfer, I was walking at China pace, but not really pushing as there were few people in San Fran airport @ 10pm.
Anyhow, I blow past this older woman at the gate, and maybe just w/ my size & speed, she goes completely down.
She as an old "blue hair," and the stares I got from the others waiting for flight were quite evil.
I did help her up, apologized for knocking her over, and continued on my way.

I didn't really feel wrong for knocking her over, as I didn't actually knock into her, but it did give me a wake up that the US was quite slower.

Road Warriors => Jet Setters part 1

2008-06-16T15:59:00.002-04:00

Upper Class - Virgin Atlantic
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

So I used to travel around the USA upgrading and fixing issues for my company; and now I've moved onto doing this on an international scale, which I love doing. Traveling internationally is far more fun, then puttering around the US. Probably because I like immersing myself in the different cultures, as well as the dealing with the unknown.

You have to have a lot of patience, and ability to handle changes in schedule, and lack of understanding....even if you're speaking the same language. Where I see many people fail, is when they're not open to new experiences/opportunities, and flexibility. If you're presented with a chicken head for dinner, you better know why and what's it for.

Since I'm never too sure where I'm going, or where I'll be staying...I tend to try to fly business or first class there. (most of in-the-air trips are 15 hours or more) Plus being over 6 feet, comfort is not something airlines cater to anymore. The benefit though of flying long distances, is that I get 'Silver' on all my frequent flyer programs after only 2 round-trip flights. Though I will say that there is no good solution for finding a 'premium economy' or business ticket internationally. I only know of one non-airline website which offers the ability to lookup 'premium economy,' which is hard to understand as most US airlines now offer this option. I also tend to use my miles as quickly as I receive them, for fear of said airline voiding my miles(e.g., bankruptcy, no flights in X months). Thus where I luck out and get to fly first/upper class on some of the top 10 airlines in the world. I do have points through my credit cards, but I only use them for personal flights...not business.

So here I am again, plotting my next trip out...having to research 10+ websites to find the best deal. Such as if you don't get Y class or better, you can't use miles to upgrade. I've learned the tricks of their airlines now and why you need to pay attention when booking through an expedia, orbitz or the sort else you may be stuck in the rear next to lavatory.

Pinot Noir - Napa

2008-05-11T19:51:00.003-04:00

Etude & Woot Cheese
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

after a most excellent journey (circa Bill & Ted), where my cricket team ventured to Marin County, California for a tournament I discovered my love of Californian Pinot Noir. I've never been a fan of California wines; always preferring French, Chilean, Argentine, Aussie, or NZ wines. But on a day trip we touring eleven went into the Napa Valley region for a tour and drunken adventure. One of the group did some excellent planning and got a limo for us all - not wise to be tasting/driving, especially as none of us were spitting it out.

I cannot remember all of the trip, I do remember going to two large well known, and somewhat bland vineyards. Seems like too many vineyards lose sight of the goal, it's not how big your tasting room is - it's how good the wine is. We had lunch as at a famous sparkling wine vineyard(champagne is only used in France, per lawsuits) and finished the day at a small invite only vineyard, which to this day I receive cases from. They're wine is what truly got me entranced with Pinot Noir from California. (Reynolds Family Winery)

I've had Finger Lakes Pinot Noir , and Oregon Pinot Noir , but they don't really measure up. I've been told I should try British Columbia Pinot, but haven't had the luck of finding any yet.

So whilst at Total Wine in Delaware, I happened upon Etude Heirloom from the Carneros Valley. (The Wine I fell in love with from Reynolds Family Winery is Pinot Noir from the Carneros Valley.) The Etude isn't cheap, but I enjoyed it enough that I tried to get some bottle shipped to me - damn you PA Liquor Control Board. So I'll be relegated to going back to Total Wine to buy a case or three.

And yet it was this wine, as well as news that Reynolds can ship to me again, that I shall have to venture towards to Napa again for tour. Now just need to finds some wine-eacs to follow suit. (oenophile is too pretentious)

Common Sense: Why Don't People Have Any, Anymore?

2008-05-09T21:54:00.006-04:00

Every day I truly wonder why people no longer have common sense. Today I saw a non-SUV drive through a huge puddle, enough to swamp any car, why would you do this???

I was listening to comedy act on XM yesterday about people forced to wear helmets now when biking. And I agree with comic, in the past if you fell you got hurt, maybe got a scar, whatever; but you learned from your mistakes. Now we're being regulated to safeness, that no one is learning what's not safe anymore. Forcibly scrubbing kids with anti-bacterial creams, so that when the kid grows up and goes out into the 'real world' they're be sick all the time from germs they were never able to become accustom to.

Not only did we used to learn from our scars, but we learned from other's mistakes. If you knew someone who rolled car, well you learned from their mistakes, and at least tried to prevent yourself from similar incidents. I learned, when you hear a clicking fence, you shouldn't investigate it......it was electrified.

In the above posted image, I can clearly see/feel the scrapes, and cuts from the planned attempt...yet I do think a street luge and a helmet would make this just as fun.

China - can you define it by it's cities? I think not

2008-04-25T03:10:00.002-04:00

Temples
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Having now been to 3 large cities in China, and barely in the countryside. I'm more lost on how to define China.

Shenzhen is a new, modern, nouveau riche city. It's faulted that it's so near Hong Kong, as it's trying emulate the status obsessed neighbor. It's got more registered residents then Beijing, but only about 1/3 the land mass.

Shanghai is a sophisticated city, and has a mix of old and new. It's got the old French port, mixed with the new Pudong, and is currently the financial capital of China. Its has too many people, 26 million. Thus it's over crowded, has too much smog, and pure hectic.

Beijing reminds me of Eastern European cities. It's got a lot of structure, but is still lacking in many respects. There are car swallowing potholes abound, the sidewalks have large cement blocks in the the middle of them, and it's forever dusty.The roads are horrible, so it's constant rush hour traffic nightmare - it took 2 hours to go 15 miles. Beijing was the first city, I saw Caucasians walking around on their own(without guides), maybe Beijing is safer, or maybe they don't know. Also the city seemed rather empty compared to Shenzhen. It's large land mass (550km around), but only about 20million people

Having driven from Shanghai to Huangzho; the country side is still very simple The people are more friendly, they're mostly farmers and have little wealth. They drudge on, oblivious to the expanse of their cities.

Durian...the 'King of Fruits'

2008-04-21T02:32:00.002-04:00

Durian
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Well just ate Durian fresh for the first time - EXCELLENT! It's described as one of the most foul smelling fruits there is, but with the texture of custard, and it's sweet. Well the first time I had it, it smelled horrible, it was served in a cheesecake fo sorts; and smelled of rotten eggs/diapers/sulfur. Similar to what it smells like around a geyser.

Thankfully, I have a very knowledgeable colleague in the office, who knows how to pick out the best/freshest food. There was a faint smell, but no high sulfur content. I ate about 1/2 of it, only because we had just gotten back from lunch.

Another food taboo thrown out the window.

NYC, Good Times

2008-03-30T13:30:00.001-04:00

American Express on Laight Street
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

For the first time ever I used my American Express Concierge service yesterday, and was most impressed. I called to get a reservation at Nobu TriBeCa for that night, and within about 20min or less, I had a reservation for 3 in 2 hours(8pm).

I have my card, primarily as a safety net when I'm traveling, so that if I get stuck in a conflict zone or what not, I can quickly get myself out. I had heard about the concierge, and am very happy to say they did the job.

Nobu TriBeCa, was a good meal with friends. But I would not say it was foodgasmic. It's notch I can put in the headboard as a place people say go to. The cost wasn't bad for NYC, but I've had better sushi/sashimi other places.

Hike the "The Peak"

2008-03-10T02:57:00.001-04:00

Northside
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

This past Saturday, I opted to go for a hike...far better then eating or laying about the hotel room. Well let me say, if you ever get the chance to go to Hong Kong - and are in decent shape, go for a hike. Hong Kong, like NYC can be a 'concrete jungle' and it's nice to get out onto unpaved tracks and less people. Whilst on the hike, you'd never know there was a city of 9+ million living below you; as most of the time you're in the woods.

I'm thinking that I may go for another hike soon, over the 'Dragons Back' towards Shek O. Though I think, I'll have to wait till next time when I have a backpack or such for my water and snacks....hiking in 76F w/ 60% humidity wearing trousers and a rain jacket; wasn't the best idea. But I did probably sweat out/lose quite a bit of weight - always a plus.

Open Space

2008-03-06T10:06:00.001-05:00

St James Park on a Sunny Day
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

I've now spend 2 months in Hong Kong and China, minus 10 days. And the thing I truly miss most is open space. I simply don't get it, why does everyone want to live in the same 60 floor apartment building right next to everyone else? Octopus (the Metro Transit Company in Hong Kong) is now building a new complex set to house 60,000 people and have it's own MTR station, now it's great that they're going to cut down on smog, by having it's own public transport system; but I certainly don't want to live in a complex of 60,000 other people.

I can comprehend China, because of it's communistic ways(similar to the USSR) they farmed people to work in their factories...but in a country with a land mass equal or greater to the USA, why does everyone want to live right next to each other? Hong Kong on the other hand should take the British system of Country life and City life. I've been to country in HK, there are a few house, but most people live couped up in the major complexes. The driving commute is hell, but the MTR, KCR, & KMB system provide quick service everywhere - so people don't need to live in tiny aparments everywhere.

This Sunday, I'm heading off to Sai Kung - National Park of sorts, I'm hoping for a nice walk, some greenery, and certainly less people.

Chinse Driving Improved?

2008-02-19T19:45:00.001-05:00

Shanghai Traffic
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Just when I think the Chinese have learned how to drive, they go and disprove me. Today when leaving the hotel, the light never changed - kept blinking green(not sure what that means). Anyhow as one would have it, my taxi driver got frustrated and decided to part traffic with is car...a rather normal thing, even in NYC. But in the US traffic would slow down, honk the horn, curse and so forth...not here, traffic continues at a normal pace. So who has the bigger balls? It's not about the size of the vehicle, but how your maneuver it..(hey get your mind out the gutter)

The one thing they have learned is how to use the horn...use it get people out of the way. It used to be 'hey I'm here,' or 'hey, I'm coming through.' So it's an improvement, but not necessarily the most important feature of driving.

Emergency Flight to China

2008-02-16T17:43:00.002-05:00

But I do get legroom w/ a bulkhead
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Well to satisfy some requests, I took an earlier then scheduled flight to China. Because I couldn't get a flight on beloved Virgin-Atlantic, I took the unforgiving straight through 15 hour 55 minute flight from Newark to Hong Kong. Needless to say I lucked out and checked in early enough to get a bulkhead, but the last 5 hours were tough.

As far as convenience , it beats any other option. But for sake of comfort and sanity, it's not a wise choice. When I couldn't get Virgin, I was looking at flying to Vancouver, BC and taking Oasis to Hong Kong. Yes it adds several hours, but I'd be more comfortable, have a break in the middle(lay over) and be able to move around more.

Plus I think someone got ill or died on my flight, so less then half way through the seatbelt sign went permanently on. We were over Siberia when they called for doctor, for over an hour someone was laying on the floor, and when the pathway opened up a lavatory was permanently closed.

Walking...people move too slow!

2008-02-02T03:33:00.002-05:00

Sole
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Well I'm heading home to the US tomorrow night, only have 1 day left...flight leaves @ 11pm. I'm ready to have a rest; if only for 10days. I've had very little time to myself; even my weekends...either I'm being bothered with issues in the US or I'm being taken someplace. Days start at 9am and finish at 10pm...It's jut been tiring...

These past few days in Kowloon/HK Island have also been tiring, more people then I'm used to...as compared with Shatin/Sheung Shui. During the work week everyone is moving swiftly, come the weekend and people move a leisurely crawl...to the point I'm ready to run them over or strangle them. I'm 6'4" so I do have a longer gait, but can't people just walk a little quicker. Plus when it's raining, no one pays attention to their umbrella, so I'm having to keep my head ducked to prevent having my eyes poked out.

A few days ago in Shenzhen, I did have a happy moment. The people in mainland, more so then in HK, bump into everyone whilst walking. So I chose to hold my ground on one such A$$ and well he nearly fell down. I know what I did was rude, but he was bumping into elderly people and making them quite angry...so I did take some joy out of making him wake up.

The picture to the right is the soles of my shoes, in 5 weeks walking I've killed these shoes. . you can see in the middle what the sole used to be like, now the front/rear are smooth and useless for walking on wet granite sidewalks. So they've been trashed; need to get some new Merrells before I head back; great walking shoes, waterproof, and very comfortable.

IUG Kiln Chicken

2008-01-27T19:28:00.002-05:00

Open Kiln
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Sunday, took a tour from Taipei to Keelung via two different dramatic routes. First went east, through the mountains, stopped to see some Tea farms and had some tea, w/ tea ceremony and all. Continued through the mountains, with a 12km tunnel. Disturbing that even in the tunnel my blackberry worked. (why can't the US figure any of this out??) [from what I was told the tunnel took 8 years to dig by hand, because when they used an auger, they lost their way)

After coming through the tunnel, it opened out a plain and the pacific ocean. We stopped in the first town Jiosi, for some excellent beggars chicken. This was cooked in a clay oven, not sure why it's that different, then normal baking...must be the chicken itself. Normal beggars chicken in China is coated in mud, and then baked so that the mud becomes it's own personal oven, and the chicken cooks in it's own juices. Which I consider the best chicken I ever ate...which says a lot because chicken is one my least desired foods.

Taipei

2008-01-25T10:51:00.002-05:00

Pet me
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

I'm loving Taipei. This place has an eastern european feel...hmm, how to explain? It's got old buildings, and respects it's history; but has kept up to date with technology and modern society. It's also quite interesting how this city is spread out, due to it being built in a flood plain, most of the buildings aren't over 10 stories, due to them sinking, and the multitude of earthquakes(I know run-on sentence). Due to it being more spread out, there's none of the congested feeling you have in Hong Kong or cities in China.

Well I'm off to some tea plantations and ceramic artist communities this weekend.

I saw this dog on scooter, and was amazed to see how big a dog it was. There are plenty of dogs on scooters, you don't usually see a 'golden retriever' on one though.

Taipei

2008-01-23T23:01:00.001-05:00

Taipei Tourist Markets
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Loving Taiwan. Taiwan is soo different then Hong Kong and China. It's relaxing and very much like Europe. They preserve their history, and yet stay well ahead of everyone as well.

The only think I saw which was quite barbaric, was the treatment of some animals/food. I saw alligators in small cages, snakes everyone(dinner), and snapping turtles being scared with fire to make them move. One restraurant had snapping turtles in a container, a women was cutting their heads off and putting it on a tray, where the head was still moving, carving out the rest of the meat, and then washing the shell with alcohol.

[As you may not know a snapping turtle will keep ahold of it's prey, even if it's head is cut off. So if it were to bite your finger, you could cut the head off, but it won't release it's grip. ]

Well whilst I'm here, I do think I may try snake, and stinky tofu. More updates later

Razor Clams with spicy sauce...and mango

2008-01-16T21:11:00.002-05:00

Razor Clams with spicy sauce
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

went to Tai Po market again last night, had some more great seafood. Never had had razor clams before, only had seen them rotting on the beach. These were served in a spicy sauce and we're the best of the meal.

The second best was the chicken with honey and lemon again. We then went off to Tai Wai for some dessert. The shop was opened by a pastry chef, after he lost his job post SARS. I'd say he was more into custards then pastry's. I had fresh mango, egg white custard, and large tapiocas; a great dessert, not only good tasting.....but good for your as well.

I've become obsesed with mango, been having 1/2 lbs of dried mangoes daily. As well as coconut, mango, and taro drinks after lunch. Probably like everything having lots of something isn't good for me

so what religion is this?

2008-01-13T20:53:00.002-05:00

Chinese temple, now former monastery, now Lutheran Chapel
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

went for a local walk around Shatin on Sunday, walked up to a former monastery which turned into a Lutheran College. Which is quite an odd transition. It looks like there should be private home with concubines and such; but instead it's a college; oddly there also a lot of monkeys around as well.

Shek O

2008-01-12T11:01:00.002-05:00

Shek O from top of hill
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

I think I'm going to move to Shek O, only issue is - I'd need a car in HK. Perfect location. If you choose the correct location, you can't see any highrises, the're plenty of fishing, hiking, golfing, sailing, & surfing; plus it's only a 30minute bus ride to the city. This day it was 78F and 90% humidity, so that may have swayed me. Seems like more then 1/2 of the homes were Caucasians(which in HK defines anyone who's NOT asian) .

It seemed very similar to spain and australia mixed together, and is hard to imagine that Hong Kong is just on the other side the mountain.

Shenzhen for the night

2008-01-09T22:38:00.002-05:00

Ferrari
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Went to Shenzhen for the night, was planning on bringing up my Shenzhen network today, but do to mis planning that was canceled. I'll be back in week for that. When going from my office to the hotel, oddly ended up on road with no cars, and a Ferrari of all things? Who in their right mind would drive a Ferrari in China - unless on a track. BTW also saw a Bentley the other day as well.

It's interesting how different China, the little things you notice between Hong Kong & China. Everything is lower to the ground, everything just seems dirtier. A major difference...their teeth, in Hong Kong most people have near perfect teeth - China, they can be all over the place, more like a warthog, and soo dirty.

Malls, Malls, Malls

2008-01-08T07:09:00.001-05:00

IFC Christmas Tree
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

The picture to the right is a christmas tree, made up of balls on string and hung, there was no base to this giant ornament.

I feel like I'm living in my own personal hell to a certain degree. I've been into 10 malls, as they're part of the train station(excellent city planning, btw). They're all about 7 floors or more, and take up 3-5 city blocks. Every name brand company has a store here, I never knew there was a 'North Face' store. (makes sense since it's no longer a outdoor equipment company, and now just a fashion statement - yes conde nast bought them, went chapter 11 with them, and what was once similar to marmot or columbia is no longer).

Today was my first day bouncing around on my own, I would've wished to have been able to go downtown, but do to business constraints I can't tonight - have a midnight conference call, what a PIA.

So have just gotten back from Starbucks, probably should've gone to Pacific Coffee. I don't think I'll ever get tired of the people giggling at my height, as I am about 2X the size of everyone here. Interestingly at Starbucks, their position behind the counter is lifted about 1 foot..

So I guess I'll just surf the 'net till about 10pm, then go for some more food, and wait for my conference call.

Another day in HK

2008-01-07T04:40:00.001-05:00

Mon Mo Temple - Incense
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

The photo to the right, is the inside of Mon Mo temple in old Central on Hong Kong Island, all those cones are incense cones. It was very smoky in there, but pleasant nonetheless...normally incense makes me sneeze.

Went for another nice lunch today, of rice noodles, roast duck & duckling, an omelette with mini white fish, and some greens.

Not much accomplished at the office today, still waiting for some info from the US before I can continue. This 13 hour delay is quite a killer, when you have to wait for the other side of the world to wake up and reply. To some degree, I wish I were in the financial market sector, they don't slow down for such trivial things as vacations and time differences...just kidding.

Well I think the day is kaput, 17.38 here, going to go back to the hotel and meet up with some colleagues who are coming in for 1 week; rather dumb IMO. It's too far to fly for less then 10days, and if you do come for 2 days max, so you don't become used to the time difference.

squid, fish balls, pig skin

2008-01-06T06:45:00.001-05:00

squid, fish balls, pig skin
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Went for a long hike today, went to Lamma Island in the morning and walked the path from one end to the other. Stopped about 1/4 of the way in to a local restaurant, where I had warm tofu and syrup, squid, fish balls, and pig skin. The squid and tofu were excellent, and as it's a locals place the prices are right, and there a no Caucasians...usually a very good sign.

Then after finishing and Lamma, went for a tour around Central and old Central. I do know, or least my feet know, I walked quite a lot today. I figure probably about 15 miles, which is good days walk, any more and I don't think my feet would be too happy tomorrow morning.

Dinner @ Tai Po Market

2008-01-05T20:27:00.001-05:00

Dinner @ Tai Po Market
Originally uploaded by Gone-Walkabout

Went to dinner last night @ Tai Po Market. Great local food. Tai Po market is a government building which has wet(fish/live) market on the ground floor, vegetables on the 1st and restaurants on the 3rd. As we went there for dinner the rest of the market was closed. There are stalls on either side of the seating areas, and depending on the success of the restaurant determines ownership of the tables. The restaurant we ate at is very well known for seafood, and owned about 20+ tables. What's great was how cheap it was, 2 bottle of San Miguel plus 4 dishes was less then $20USD.

Had a great deep fried chicken with lemon and honey, the some fried squid & oysters...biggest damn oysters I've had in a long time. And some greens with mushrooms, oysters mushroom like.

Off to Lamma Island now for a hike.

Awake +13hours from home

2008-01-03T20:27:00.000-05:00

well it's been 3 days since I arrived, and seems like I'm finally on China time. I did wake a little earlier then my norm this morning, 5am vs. 7am. As tomorrow is Saturday, I'll be heading out for some sightseeing, going to go to a research farm near my office - Kadoorie Farm. Maybe go to the outlying islands for a hike; but definitely plenty of photo taking.

I think my co workers will finally take me to some more local food places soon, been doing steak and sushi recently. Would prefer some flavorful HK food, so much better then most chinese food I've had. They say that most of the Chinese food is laden with tons of MSG as it's not that fresh, so that's why it all tastes the same.

Hong Kong and barely awake

2008-01-02T20:46:00.000-05:00

It's now my 2nd day in Hong Kong, I'm barely awake. Stayed up till midnight(as it was 11am back on EDT). Normally 7 hours sleep is about normal for me, but it was hard to get moving this morning.

Not too many caucasions working up towards Sheung Shui - I'd think there would be a group of people who'd live in HK and commute to Shenzhen, but I guess they may take the ferry as it's quicker.

to hear the comments, and too see how people are dressed...it's 60F here and I'm quite happy, as it was 32F back home. The local are wearing heavy woold or down jackets and talking about how cold it is. It's set to get up to 74F today, seems like Sydney - just about perfect.

2 more days and I should be wide awake hopefully

Travel Ready....

2007-12-28T09:45:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm off Monday morning for 5+ weeks out in the Wild Wild East(Asia-Pac). This trip I'll be spending most of my time in the Western world - HK & Taiwan, with some jumps into Shenzhen and other areas of southern China.

All I asked for this holiday season were items I could use while traveling, so I'm happy that I got what I need/wanted. Also bought a present for myself - I needed to research first hand - a new camera. I got a Sony Cybershot DSC-H3. I love my Pentax Optio S5i, but the shutter lag getting painful to deal with, I prefer candid/life shots rather then staged. I did a fair amount of research, I wanted small easy to travel with a quick shutter. Everyone was recommending the Canon SD750,SD850,SD870 but I found it too slow. Plus now I have 10x Zeiss zoom rather then 3-4x with the smaller point & shoot models. The camera is a little bigger the my old 35mm P&S models, but I get 8MP for a decent price, $249 @ best buy. So I plan to be taking lots of photos over the next month or so.

Also got lots of CDs that I wanted, just need to pickup 1 more - the Guillemots. I buy CDs because I want to use the music in different formats, ipod, SD card, HD, etc. And with all the DRM crap that's going on, I won't download if I can't use it in different formats.

So Today, I'm just cleaning my desk/paperwork, double checking I have all the stuff I may want/need for the next few weeks. Then it's home to pack - going light again, this time packing for 10days, just do lots of laundry. Much easier then over packing.

I never get any sleep the day before I leave, especially since all the flights are at 7/8am, and having to be there 2hours in advance, plus travel time - has me leaving @ 4am. But the good news is I upgraded, and have upper/first class all the way over. I didn't expect many people to be on the flight, the first flight is rather empty, but the 2nd is full - which is odd, since it is new years after all.

Emotional Movie...

2007-12-20T01:21:00.000-05:00

I know I'm late to watching it, but 'Flags of our Fathers' is the most emotional film I've seen in a long while. I teared up at the end. Not so much on the story line, but on the emotions of the characters/veterans.

I think this film, helped me to understand my father. He spoke little of his time in Vietnam, but when he did it was disturbing. I can understand why veterans don't speak of their past, and why they do not organize reunions - as no one who's been in wartime environment wants to remember their past. Oddly my father did start to talk with other veterans later in life, not so much on the deeds, but on the bureaucracy and culture they were forced to live in. As well as B.S. about how pilots(him) were a tougher job then helicopter pilots, more a banter then anything.

One of the great references at the end, was to what they were/are fighting for. Not for the the USA, anti-communism, or what not; they were/are fighting for the person to their left/right. Which is a fact, that I don't think the mindset in Washington get understand - at least none of the current leadership.

A Belgian Weekend in NYC

2007-12-16T15:09:00.000-05:00

Was in NYC this past weekend for a brief interlude from my working life; work comes first right now.

Went up stayed with friends, I've not seen a while, went for a walk and such in the part of the city I enjoy - anything south of 14th street. Went for my preferred Saturday luncheon, more similar to continental European lunch - dinner, drinks, more drinks and talk(est. 2-4 hours). Went to what's becoming one of my regular places, Spotted Pig in the West Village; hope some day to be invited to the 3rd floor. It's got a great spicy Bloody Mary, rather good bitter(properly served with a hand pump), and great pomme frites.

After several hours there, we headed off to a new speakeasy which I had learned about '124 Old Rabbit Club,' which is in rather dank part of NYC; but the place was exactly what I wanted - mellow, good beer, and quiet enough that conversations could intermix with the eclectic background music. There's an old root or coal cellar next door, which should be opened up if possible for storage or some such. Be sure to bring cash, as they've not yet gotten a card machine.

Then after 2+ hours there, we were off uptown again(where most people I know seem to live); dinner at B Belgian Cafe on 75th between 2nd & 3rd. Had some moules another beer, light one hoeegarden, and was ready for bed - mind you it was only midnight; but we had been drinking heavily since 15.30.

Rumor Has It & Materialism

2007-12-14T23:05:00.000-05:00

So I watched a few movies tonight, Rumor Has It... & Keeping up with the Steins. What can I say I like romantic comedy's; I watched 'The Holiday' last night with Kate Winslet & Cameron Diaz.

So romantic comedy's; humor and love(but usually at the end); add Four weddings & a funeral, about a boy, wimbledon, notting hill, & love actually all fit into that category. So there were a few phrases which caught my attention whilst[I'm on and olde english theme that the moment] watching:

Life should be a little nuts. Otherwise it's just a bunch of Thursdays strung together. - Rumor Has It... [something I agree too, but maybe Tuesdays would be a better choice, as my Thursday are great]

I only drive so slow sweetheart because you're in the car with me. - Rumor Has It... [Though oddly my father/mother never slowed down, at least not that I know of. My father was a test pilot & fighter pilot, slow was not an option; I was taught to go fast the day I could drive]

I'm not going to tell you I can't live without you, I can live without you, I just don't want to. - Rumor Has It... A truly romantic section, would I break down so quick...I just don't know. Nonetheless; fits into when her father was talking of love versus lust.

Materialism
Then onto Materialism, I love the movie "Keeping Up With The Steins." I'm not Jewish, but having been to many bat/bar-mitzvahs I understand it. They were all about the money; isn't this passage of time a passage from child to adult in the Judaism faith? Similar to 'going walkabout?' It's interesting to me that in the recent productions, Jeremy Piven a man who is very spiritual goes and portrays in realistic depth the mental being of men who are materialistic whores; maybe he grew up in that life??

Hulu - Yay!!

2007-12-13T01:02:00.000-05:00

I am loving Hulu, it's a media streaming site which is owned/operated by the networks. I've been watching some Family Guy's I missed. You can't get better content other then downloading illegally or watching whilst it's on TV. The benefit, especially over downloading, is that it's streamed. I don't have to download a full 300-700mb file to watch a show I missed. There are a 2 adverts per 30min show; but their short 30sec or so. In fact they were advertising a movie, I haven't seen anywhere else - a remake of Alvin & the Chipmunks.

Now the question is will I be able to use this while I'm in China?? I hope so, the bandwidth is fine, just need to hope the Chinese government hasn't filtered it.

Funny Farm and a Grand Wagoneer

2007-12-12T09:21:00.000-05:00

so as tis the season, a lot of winter movies are on - or maybe better movies because of the WGA strike; there are older movies on.

anyhow, I was watching "Funny Farm" tonight, and last week; and so on so forth. (It's just one of those films you can watch in total; or just in sections). Just now the prospective buyers have come onto the scene - boy do they speak '80s yuppification. I'd expect to see Ushuaia (one of my favorite shows) on CNBC after the closing bell; or one of the other CNBC oldies; yuppie toy shows - I remember seeing 'roller blades' first on CNBC circa 1985 I think?

So in typical yuppie(preppie) world - the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. A car/truck before the term 'SUV' existed; with traditional fake wood sides and a definition for so many people. It was a true classic, great in it's presence; but also a mechanical nightmare. I remember(from friends who had them) the rear window never worked(don't think it ever worked in any Jeep[except at the dealership]); the parts were typical late 70's early 80's durable but not break resistant. Though it did have a big torque V8.

[damn it's hard to type...I spilled cider all over my keyboard; it's fall/autumn Cider is my norm around now]

TV & DVRs (tivo etc)

2007-11-29T10:12:00.000-05:00

two new quotes from "Dirty, Sexy, Money" - a wildly trashy TV show, but perfect for mindlessness. A mix of the Hiltons & Kennedys, with a little nouveau riche thrown in.

"I am an artist of life." - Jeremy darling
"Nobody says everything." - Tripp darling

Hmm, am I a Gen X or a Gen Y? I've taken to not watching live TV ever. I read the news on Google, BBC, or Stuff NZ. Even if a show I record is on, whilst I'm near the TV I still will watch something else for 20min or more so I FF forward through the commercials. I understand that the commercials pay for a lot, but for the amount of money that networks through at productions, you'd think we could get something for free? There are shows which are sponsered wholly by certain brands, and there are companies making money off placement of their products within shows....so why do I constantly feel like the US TV market is raking me over the coals?

I've been in europe recently on 2 occasions, and there commercial breaks don't last anywhere near as long the US shows. Instead of the 45 minutes which we're supposed to get, I feel we're only getting 30min or less now.

International airports...

2007-11-11T01:23:00.000-05:00

Major airports in all the western countries I've visted put all airports in the US to shame. The US one of the most air travel friendly countries has shit for any of their large international airports.

I've just spent the last few days in Hong Kong and Heathrow airport. HK airport has nicer stores then most malls in the US, very few junk/tourist stores, and is extremely clean and light(there are no flickering florescent bulbs anywhere).

How a country/city in the US, still the wealthiest country(I think) present themselves so badly in the travel market, airports are the gateway to the city - far more then any other edifice.

starbucks, yet again another stabucks comment. In China all the starbucks serve mostly standard US food/drink, there are a few odd fruit choices.

Here in Heathrow, none of the food is available in the US. They have mini mince pies, christmas cake, cranberry croissants, they alone present themselves better then most airports, they learn the culture and it's needs and change themselves to intermix them.

Ah, to see the looks I'm getting from other patrons at the restaurant in Heathrow, as I have a large glass of wine and steak @ 7am local time, yet for me it's 1pm. Only 45 minutes more and I get go on my last leg to JFK.

I was speaking with my neighbor on the plane on the way here from HK..she had a hell of transit already, she left Auckland on Friday, flew to Sydney(3.5hrs), then Sydney to HK on Saturday(9+ hours), the HK to London (13+ hours). Lots of travelling for only 3 weeks visit, but then again I'll be going back to China early December, for probably 1.5 weeks just prior to christmas - maybe I can do all my shopping there for the holidays. Well I think I'll take another few tours around Terminal 3 till I can go to the gate.

cultural differences @ meals and Batman

2007-11-09T09:40:00.000-05:00

Meals...
In china it's custom to over serve your guests...as an empty plate is sign of low respect. (In that you didn't feed your guest well).

In the usa, I was brainwashed to think about the starving people in the world. Thus clean the plate.

So what to do? I always find that I eat too much food whilst in China. Plus I drink too much beer, though as there aren't many beverage options you're stuck w/ beer. Thankfully the beer, is extremely light and low in flavor, you can drink cases of it and your get full up, long before you get a buzz, let alone drunk.

So Batman??

I was on the star line ferry this afternoon, going from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island, and noticed a helicopter constantly hovering around one of the large buildings in Central. Then it landed, probably to refuel, and came back.

Then I went to Aberdeen, with friends - to the Jumbo Restaurant, and noticed a few people hanging out at the Aberdeen Marina Club with cameras...ah the paparazzi, as I turned the corner, there about 30 or so.

So one of my friends, said they were filming the new Batman today in SoHo on the escalators, and so it all made sense.

So I wonder who was staying at the club? Christian
Bale or Morgan Freeman? Maybe Michael Caine or Liam Neeson. Aberdeen, is definitely more secluded, there would be less tourists and people snooping around.

Chinese Construction Design, Good Looking - Very Impractical

2007-11-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Over the past few months, I've been explaining to coworkers how badly designed so much of the modern china is...

A good example I always find, is to explain the sidewalks. I'm currently spending most of my time in Shenzhen, which is a very modern city, about 20yrs old. Here most of the sidewalks on buildings built in the last 5 years are polished marble....which you looks very nice and fancy, but it rains here a lot - and you're basically ice skating when you walk; so most people walk in the street. And as the pedestrian is 2nd class here, you best watch yourself or you'll be run over.

My office is one of the first buildings built in Shenzhen, it was completed in 1989; it's 4 stories tall - and was the tallest building in the city when it was built. Now nearly 19 years later, it's one of the shortest. All the buildings around us are at least 30 stories, often 60 stories. Another scary fact...they can build a 60 floor apartment building in 12 days here....how come so fast? Primarily because they're badly built, they work 24x7, and as people are an excess commodity here, they're easily replaceable.

The biggest problem here is that nothing is maintained, when it breaks it stays broken, the building across the street with the marble sidewalk, well 1/3 of it is cracked - will it ever be fixed, doubtful, they're just tear it down in 3-5 years and restart with another monolith.

The genius idea here is to build the entire building out of cement, great idea it's very strong, but crap idea because if you need to install wiring or such, you now have to chisel out crevices, install tiny conduits and re-cement. Here I am trying to get a new network installed and every room has a hub as there is no central wiring area, they're all daisy-chained to each other.

There's a lot of money in this city, it's a lot wealthier then last I was here(just over a year ago); more cars(not all buicks); starbucks, mcdonalds, crowne plaza. They money is being made here, as are 90% of all cell phones and sneakers. There's hope(fear in my mind) that the border between Shenzhen and Hong Kong will open soon, rather then in 40 years as planned.

The mass transit is well designed here, but that's because the Germans did it. If memory serves me correctly, a lot of Germans left Germany after WWII; some went to Argentina, China, and so forth. So until last year, the worlds fastest maglev train was here (310 mph), the subways run like Disney world 1 every 10minutes or so.

So with all this new money, and good transit system, can they improve the people...I don't think so. There's still a strong communist mindset here. Imagine if people had to pay for their own apartments and food? How about the invention of middle management?

starbucks in china, the caucasian hangout

2007-11-04T02:40:00.000-05:00

As today is Sunday, and the group I'm with has split into subgroups to rest or tour. As I'll be back in 2 weeks or so, I opted to rest. I'll have plenty of time to tour about over the next 6 months.

Well even if you have the 'do not disturb' sign on the door, that's not what it means. I was called twice by the front desk, that I needed to leave so they could clean. So on the second time, I opted to go for a walkabout.

Took a short walk around town, just kept the monorail in sight as it was my landmark.It's also the 'rest day' for the locals, so there were plenty of people out for a stroll or laying in the park. There's a octoberfest(in november) at the crowne plaza, so maybe I'll get some better beer?

On my return to the hotel, my will broke down, and as I write this now, I'm sitting in a starbucks. I tried to survive purely on chinese food for 2 weeks, but I really just wanted a small meal - oh and a large latte(I refuse to use starbucks language).

While sitting here, I've seen more caucasians, and caucasian women since I was in HK. It's a welcome sight. This is the caucasian hangout, I think I may come here tomorrow morning and get a normal size breakfast.

It's also the hangout for the wealthier locals, I can see. A single large latte and turnover, probably cost more then one weeks meal for most of the workers here.

Another nicety, never seen this in any other starbucks, endless supply of trials. I've has a vanilla latte, ham/cheese croissant, and now some frappucino in the few minutes of writing this blog. I think this will be my safety haven when I'm stuck here for weeks on my own.

beer, cohiba, foot massage

2007-11-04T00:15:00.000-04:00

well what to say of a drunken night....
20 people, 15drinkers, 32 liters of beer, 20 foot massages, and 5 cohiba siglo II cigars. 4 bottles for chinese water(moonshine, 120proof)

heaven maybe?

u can drink like a fish here, as the beer is extremely light, no matter how much you drink you never get beyond a buzz; drank a restaurant out of tsingtao, pearl river, and some other local beer.

One table drank 3 bottle of chinese water, mine only 1; and I stayed away from the stuff...too many bad experiences from it.

then retire to foot massage, for relaxing 1 hour treatment. feet feel great, calves do not.

then a few blocks back to hotel for some cohibas and more beer.

I haven't smoked this many cigars since college, just about 1/night.

Dinner: $150 for 20
Foot Massage: $140 for 20
Cigars: $20 for 5
More Beer: $10 for 10 beer
Cost: Priceless

shenzhen - nov2007

2007-11-01T03:45:00.000-04:00

seems like the only time I have to blog is when I'm traveling. There's a lot of wasted time, waiting for things to be translated/happen.

So here I am again here in Shenzhen, China. Though this time we've brought an army of consultants along to try to incorporate my local business here into our ERP solution.

Did the best thing so far, whilst coming over here, went to Hong Kong for 2+ days prior, to both get used to the time difference, but also used to the cultural changes. Entered China on Monday afternoon, I'm more relaxed then I per last visit, better not to enter during the night, also I now know what to expect. Felt like a eons ago that I was there(3+ days)

The city has changed so much in the past 1+ year, it's more prosperous here; also seem like less people walking about the hotel/office area then prior. Which may be the difference b/t winter and summer. It's winter here, the locals are wearing jackets as it's 78F/70H and very cold to them...crazy.

Still feel like I'm living in a vacuum though, hotel to office and such. The area I'm staying the OCT(overseas chinese town); which probably was more of an expat area, isn't soo much anymore. Seems like Shekou or Luohu are now, just based on the amount of expat bars/clubs around those areas.

weekday tv....

2007-08-02T11:56:00.000-04:00

it's one of those odd things you don't think about much when you're working, what's on TV during the day?

well I got my fill for two days of 80s & early 90's bad movies....House Party 2(w/ Kid N' Play), Rude Awakenings(one of the worst flicks, yet I was somewhat attracted to it), tremors & Highlander just to name a few.

You know with all the greatest films available, why would they just have the shit movies available?

well fever finally broke last night, now I just feel like shit. luckily all I've had is meetings today, so I'll be going home soon, and hoping tomorrow goes as quick, so I can go to the beach/shore.

sickness

2007-08-01T11:43:00.000-04:00

Well just got back from a great wedding, yet someone there gave me a cold.
been going through hot/cold spells since then. I've been moving between rooms w/ and w/o A/C the past 2 days.

Probably wasn't my best plan to move from one room with a snoring person, to a room w/ a sick person.

tried my first remedy....

well that just made me tired, so I tried my next solution...

feels like I'll be able to get to work tomorrow, may go play cricket this afternoon, depends how I am in a few hours.

Florida

2007-05-18T13:55:00.000-04:00

Just got back from 3/4 of week in Florida for a corporate sales meeting (e.g., golfing/fishing trip/networking) trip. Went fishing for 1 day, caught 6 Key West Grunts(gray snappers). It was nice to get some sun, good thing I increased my alcohol consumption the week before w/ a cricket festival, sales guys can party well into the night.

Next I'm off to the UK & France next friday for 1 week, then I think I may go to Montreal on the 9th for the Gran Prix.

Anything is better then coming back home where it's 20+

audi avant haven

2007-03-20T15:31:00.000-04:00

forgot to post these awhile ago, anyhow - beside the a4 avant, I also got an s4 avant. I can have fun & be practical.

Vacation

2007-03-17T11:21:00.000-04:00

Finally taking some vacation, after 2yrs without any. I'm off this thursday night to London, then driving up to the Cotswalds and Wales for some touring. I'm off to visit some friends, for 11days. Then...back home and maybe another short trip to Cali or back to the UK?

My only current debacle is finding an automatic diesel rental. Driving manual is no problem, when I'm driving LHD, but RHD makes things all too more complicated for me to deal with.

Whoot Woot!!

2007-01-19T21:13:00.000-05:00

Well I've been a bit out the total .com business for awhile...but heard of a great new viral marketing scheme/system today, called Woot. It's a website, http://www.woot.com/ which is a lot like overstock.com or america101.com[think that's what it was called]. Which sold bulk items really cheap. So basically Woot offers 1 primary item per day, initially offered at 12am and then till it's sold out. There is 1 side item sold as well, that's it. 1.1 per day. Great way to make a killing buying in bulk and selling at retail.

Movies...

2007-01-18T10:29:00.000-05:00

saw some great new movies recently...

History Boys -- great movie, u know I'm watching more foreign films recently, not sure what it about them....I just think they're better. [though low cost production films are also in that league, it's not so much about the glitz and the glamour, as it is about the artistry]

Borat -- great movie, maybe a little raw for your grandmother, but great nonetheless.

Good Shephard -- I was surprised Matt Damon can act, he's not just a character actor w/ a boston accent. I was quite pissed off that they kept talking about as the CIA movie. Well yes the CIA was formed out the OSS, but this movie was about the OSS. And yes, just about everything in the movie was true, or very near the truth as far as what Allen Dulles did. Why did they not use the Allen Dulles as the name of the main character? Speaking of that the unknowingness(new word, should I just say stupidity) of the people in the theatre to speak of Matt Damon's character or Alec Baldwin's character as J. Edgar Hoover. [HEY did any of you buffoons, see them cross dressing?]

Gyms and working out...

2007-01-18T10:21:00.000-05:00

Well I've been putting of the gym for the past several years. And with all the added weight from the freshman 40 from X years ago, plus beer and food from travels and sport. Well gyms have changed, at least the way I'm going to them has....

In the past, 7+ years ago, I'd go to the gym at 4.30am, get on select machines for an hour; and yet I saw little change in my physique. Whereas now I can go to a gym, with a trainer by my side at all times(without the added cost of personal trainer) go through a circuit of 12 machines with only 20 reps per machine, and be out the door in 25 - 30 minutes. Oooh if I'd only known this was how easy was before.....

Free of extended costs...

2007-01-14T16:00:00.000-05:00

I'm so happy...
I'm done w/ car payments, and I just got rid of my car, VW Touareg V10TDI & traded it in for a new car for my mother

So no longer do I have to search for a diesel station in the mid-atlantic area, or pay 40c more. Plus I'm now making money....at least not loosing $$$$/month.

Now just for me to determine....sports car/wagon or hybrid? Maybe both?

Thermite - Ice Block Explosion

2007-01-10T11:48:00.001-05:00

cool...
though long winded and in german.

Vista - don't bother!

2006-12-29T12:04:00.000-05:00

I hate MS Vista, what a POS it is.
I been playing w/ Vista for awhile (beta and all), and I do have the MSDN, so I do get it legally.
So I decided to install it, purely for 1 reason, Media Center so I can play movies on my computer on my Xbox360/Tv.

Well you would've thought a Xeon 3.2ghz w/ 3gb of ram and Nvidia Quadro 1400 was sufficient. No no no. So I'm a computer user, I actually do get as much work out the system as possible. So I'm running BOINC w/ worldcommunitygrid.org and then I open Firefox w/ and end up w/ maybe 2 windows w/ 60+ tabs per window. Next thing you know FF goes gray and says (not responding). [I have some tab add-ons and memory enhancers for FF] What the hell? After about 20min it comes back to life and continues operating as normal. And I'm not running any other app which would put strain on the system. [I've turned off most of the GUI sh1t, to improve performance]

But no Vista is a POS, stay away from it. I'm going back to 2005 MCE.

[Note: My laptop is a core 2 duo w/ 2gb ram and nvidia 256 laptop vid. runs winxp and all the same apps, and I never (or rarely crash FF)]

Tea Partay!!

2006-12-28T11:50:00.001-05:00

Adblock

funniest damn video in a long time...

well it seems like the christmas season is finally upon us...

2006-12-18T17:05:00.000-05:00

I know it's a bit late, but I'm now in the christmast spirit...I don't know what happened the the 3 odd weeks b/t Thanksgiving and now. [I'll tell you I do hate the word 'xmas.' I'm not too sure why, but it aggravates me.] Thankfully this year I don't have to buy too much...My big gift this year is a new car. So only stocking stuffers need apply.

You know I'm not a firm believer in much of the mumbo jumbo, but being w/ the description of a Libra pretty much defining me it's hard not to. It's a PIA to always be judging the pros/cons of all options..but I do it w/ just about everything. I just kind of wish I could could make a rash decision. [Though I do go on rash spending splurges every so often]

So among my current debates....what type of new car for myself. [that's 2 new cars, 1 as a gift, 1 for me]; what should I name my new foodie blog. Gastronome? [sound a bit arrogant, but I don't want to be too blanket, w/ something like 'food bag' ]; when and where am I going to go on vacation next[I'm too devoted to my job, 2 years and NO VACATION isn't a good thing, all I'm getting is more pissed off.]

Ah well, should probably get a christmas tree this week. I don't understand getting one around thanksgiving...it would be dead by now.

Brainiac: Alkali Metals

2006-12-01T10:56:00.001-05:00


What happens when alkali metals come into contact with water? Very Cool....Dogs Bollocks.

stress

2006-11-28T16:58:00.000-05:00

well not too sure where it came from...
maybe it's a pinched nerve....haven't been to a doctor in 5+ yrs, so can't say I truly know what one is. But I have pain in my shoulder....and I can barely lift my right arm...so far gimlets and scotch @ night have resolved the pain; though that doesn't help during the day.

you know the stress of work shouldn't wake me up in the middle of the night, and keep me up.

I need a vacation, 2yrs w/ no vacation is not a good thing. I think it's time to say fsck work, if they can't survive w/ me gone. Then that's their problem, maybe if they got us some more help, I wouldn't be so stressed.

thanksgiving, thxgvng, thxgiving,...

2006-11-26T21:44:00.000-05:00

well another great/gr8 thanksgiving, kept feeling like I should write in TXT to sponsor the NZed TXT'ng promotion. Drove about 850miles for the 3-4 day weekend/WE, had an unusual Turkey day. Had dinner in Mass. w/ ham and turkey, a 1st for me. Plus enough food/alcohol to shake a stick @. I didn't need any 2nds. Then drove back in horrendous rain to our abode(well not ours per se, but gr8 friends)...ooh too many large swamping puddles...had we not been in a SUV(I hate that term) we would've been in the puddle w/ a flooded engine. I do love the Cape(cape cod) that is, but I can't imagine living there yr round...especially as far out as Orleans, it's 'like' 1hr or more to a best buy/loews/HD/etc. How the h3ll do you buy anything....oooh I sound like an obnoxious, arrogant, nouveau riche. Had more then enough Breves' @ El Dia in E. Orleans, I'm sad to see them sell...I wish I could fund their establishment, but a las I don't live too near. I'm sadder to see them leave then, I am Kadees. (Kadee's had great kale soup, but the rest of the establisment was a tourist dive, I felt like it belonged in Hilton Head.)

[mind you I'm writing this after multiple Vodka Gimlets straight up.{I think this is my new drink of choice...scotch(famous grouse on the rocks(no other water needed), vodka gimlet, or wine(start w/ sauvingon blanc(NZ), move on to a good pinot noir/or syrah/ or cab...to hell w/ beer/V&T]

I hate computers....addendum

2006-11-15T04:06:00.000-05:00

well about 1am Igot another SPE on the SAN replaced 3rd in 6+ months. all is working again.

guess I'll go get some food, do some more tests, wait till people show up @ 6 or so....go home @ pass out.

4 days with less then 6hrs sleep total has started to take it's toll. everyone better get off the road when I head home!!

AHHH I hate computers

2006-11-14T08:13:00.000-05:00

well yet again I'm having a multiple disaster nightmare...
I had my SAN upgraded on friday, 10NOV06, and that seemed to go well. the drives for 90% of my systems showed up fine....oracle mounted.......then all hell broke loose. I'm having latency issues of 1hr to 4hrs accessing data on my disks. oracle & exchange are dead. during the upgrade some ATA drives were added...those work fine, but the Fiber Channel drives just won't work. Which for over 4TB of data is helluva an issue....so I've been here since 5pm on 10Nov gotten about 3-5hrs sleep since then, been popping Vitamin waters and starbucks double shots.

been on the phone w/ support for 2days, w/ no results. about to call rep and then manufacturers rep.

we disassembled our DR site SAN and computers and brought them to the HQ, but as they're all ATA the peformance truly sucks....and that's only w/ 10 or so connections, let alone if I add 1,000 connections.

Why the hell do I do this job? I think maybe I should get my series 7 or such. I'd much prefer 8hrs of high stress daily, then multiple days of high stress.

etc

2006-10-30T11:17:00.000-05:00

found a great new tool, Ampache
it's a web-based music catalog, I've got soo much music that itunes and such always crashes when I try to load my collection.

This web app, uses php, mysql, and apache to catalog via the ID3 tag, plus you can search/stream/download the files that you need.

WOW...don't know if it's my Biorhythm [tends to reflect me, even though I don't believe in it], or the daylight savings or what...but here @ 11am, all I want to do is go to bed. Which is odd, as I didn't go to bed too late, midnight, which kinda early for me.

well another year gone, and I haven't been on vacation again. WTF, I think I'm too devoted to my job. Yeah, I was away for 3weeks, but that was work.

working on some solutions for the end of this year, start of next.

need sleep, think I'll go get a double espresso @ lunch. maybe 2.

out west

2006-10-15T23:09:00.000-04:00

just saw a somewhat sappy film on encore, I think, called 'Wooly Boys' w/ Peter Fonda and Kris Kristofferson. Reminds me I need to get out west again, I think I'll take up friends offer to head out over new years, I hate that time anyhow better spend on a ranch then in city.

no matter what film he's in, Peter Fonda will remind me of 'Easy Rider.' It's one of those good/bad parts of being an actor/ress I suppose, if your too good in a part, or the movie is too good...you'll always be seen as that person. But then again some movies are epics.

simple things....

2006-10-15T18:54:00.000-04:00

it's the simple things in life...

today, feeling much better post cold.

went out and bought a heavy duty[per staples] shredder. Ooh the joy to finally get rid of documents/invoices/statements, etc. Having seen what happens to paper in china, I'll no longer throw out sensitive data again. Now I can shred. :) :) [and cross shred, those straight/spaghetti shredders are stupid]

also found out that as of the 13th, Audi is offering Euro delivery now!! Now if I could only get an Audi RS4 Avant or a S6 Avant. [a total sleeper, a wagon w/ a v10 lambo engine ;) ] So need to find out if I can get a euro delievery w/ a trade-in? If so, I'm off to deutschland to enjoy driving[what a gr8 end of year vacation that would be].

colds suck

2006-10-13T19:50:00.000-04:00

well don't know where I got it, but since last sunday night, I've been out w/ a cold.
went to work 2 days. bad idea, probably would be better by now if I hadn't.

so I had a wonderful b-day, went to work, felt like shit, came home drank a bottle of one of my favorite wines and went to bed. [the wine helped to put me to sleep, and made my throat feel better]

my first sick days in over 2years, well I'll have to restart that timeline. finally feeling more normal today, went to farmers market got some indian food(lamb rogan josh, naan, mango lassi, mango rice) and some gelato feel much better after that. I'd gotten quite tired of soup, cream cheese & jelly, and fish/burgers, and was too ill to cook more advanced food. a milk shake and some fish tacos from the ruby's on the pier in huntington beach sound perfect.

felt better all day, now feel like shit again, hmm more scotch...that worked last night.

had to cancel any athletic stuff for the last 7days which sucks as well, and I need to make sure my taxes are in-line for monday. what a great week.

Another great weekend

2006-10-09T21:26:00.000-04:00

met up w/ some friends @ a monk's, had my beer fill for the next several weeks. [though I know I'll be imbibing after sporting events]

played cricket in the the cold...got a cold...not sure when/where I got it, but can barely talk now. First sick day in 2yrs.

sunday was mellow, minus 2 squash events, one where I got pissed off and managed to hit someone too many times...then played a league match where I wish I had been in better shape, then a nice dinner w/ the family and some baramundie.[love that fish]

Beer Free

2006-10-06T11:54:00.000-04:00

Well this weekend is my last beer weekend for awhile. Time to lay off the high carb alcohol, now just wine or scotch[for the most part].

last night went to orchestra concert, ooh lots of stairs. legs don't feel too well, w/ so much excercise over the last week w/ no rest time b/t them, and little sleep. only had last night and today off for excercise. then more cricket saturday, 2 squash games sunday(both league matches) then fitness again on monday. I've got a lot of beer belly to get rid of...damn u china.[only beer{1litre} or tea to drink]

took medicine again 2 days ago, first time in over 1.5yrs. [I don't like to take pills, etc.] Advil, ooh 3 advil and leg pain goes away, started carrying a/c's from bedrooms down to basement, w/ no issues.

fitness

2006-10-02T20:53:00.000-04:00

well started my fitness regiment today. painful.
need to drink less beer. no more crap food, working back to south beach diet.
hard to keep on a diet when u travel.

won 1 game lost another this past weekend in cricket.
had a squash fitness program today, lots of stairs. I hate those stair excercises, b/c of my height I count 2 stairs as 1....so when I'm told to take 1 at a time, old habits die hard.

Tech Headaches....Part 2

2006-09-30T10:36:00.000-04:00

M$ products suck. all my linux and oracle came backonline with little tweaking post crash.

M$ took 3days, so it's been like watching a baby, wakeup every 2hrs to see if something has progressed. each process took 13-17hrs. AHHH! You need a lot of patience to deal w/ M$ and be able to ignore all bitching by endusers.

Now know what caused the issue having it looked @.

------------------

On a lighter note...my fall/autumn cricket season starts today. Time for some rest, though it it is a bit cold today, I think I'll have plenty of pain.

Tech Headaches....

2006-09-26T19:14:00.000-04:00

Get to work this morning, to find 1 device is acting inappropiately, so I call tech support, we diagnose the issues and they send a part and a tech out.

tech turns out to be just a parts guy, not a true tech. he replicates what I did this morning....but in the midst of it 2 of my primary servers go down.

1 came back after a little tweaking...
the 2nd not so easily, it's looking like 16-24hrs more of work today, to get this damn M$ product back online.

I just love the resiliency of M$ products.

Movie:Hollywoodland

2006-09-17T13:58:00.000-04:00

I won't ruin the ending...
but a few critiques from a massive movie watcher and a former film student.

the cuts between the current and the past were hard to figure out. For the 1st 15 minutes. I couldn't figure out what the hell was going on.

Ben Affleck is not a very good actor, oddly he plays one in the this movie(coincidence?)

Diane Lane was hot; and in the end, they did some good makeup and made here look old (well done).

Robin Tunney, she's always had this hot&cute thing going on for me. not sure what it is; rarely does she get in a good film. I'd day 'The In-Laws' was the last great flick she was in.

Bob Hoskins another great actor, often put into some bad films. for some reason he always reminds me of phil collins.

Adrien Brody can't say I've ever seen him act badly. [kept thinking all the cars he was driving were probably his own personal cars, as I know he's a obsessed petrol head like myself]

Though I disappointed if this film got any awards; as it's just not that good. And I keep thinking I've seen this plot in many films before.

Airports [especially US]

2006-09-15T15:12:00.000-04:00

what can I say...I hate airports!!!

so for the weekend in Chi-town, I flew out of PHL to ORD.
which is a worse airport, I'm not sure.

PHL - get to aiport w/ an 1hr prior to boarding. Go to check-in baggage[per the new rules] and can't. Why b/c I'm there to late. Huh?? All the airline sites and security sites an hour suggested. They say my bag won't get to the plane in time and I won't get through security in time.[got through in 10min; I didn't fly a hub airline] Really ticks me off; if I didn't have liquid/razor, I could've given it to the gate to check it. Oh, and I was originally 1st class [w/ credit that needed to be used]; but for the next flight I'm in the back[w/o exit row]....then on the return flight; do have 1st class; but as PHL is owned by the unions, we land @ 2am and I don't get my baggage till 3am.

ORD - landing and pickup of car were ok. Return trip....late flight, 9pm. Getting my boarding pass....If I was in the back, I would've had to wait outside for an hour and then inside for 2. [thank god I got there 4+ hrs ahead of time] As I was 1st class; and there were only 2 people in front of me; you would've thought it would be quick. Not So! United in the infinite wisdom; decides on sunday[the start of the work week for business travellers] to run a light staff. So I could check in, but....they only had 2 desk clerks for 15+ e-ticket booths. what genius thought up this plan. Security was a breeze, minus the long line. Then once inside, due to standard ORD issues and weather; the last 3 scheduled flights have been canceled. And I'm now delayed 2hrs; thank god no connection. Due to the delay; of course all books are over booked as well. If I didn't have a morning meeting, I would've taken the voucher deal.

You know prior to 9/11 people still had to get to the airport 1hr or 2 ahead of time. Thus there is no reason that ORD hasn't installed more chairs. Making the 2nd load of passengers sit on the floor. Granted everything was delayed; so every empty floor area was taken; as was the sides of the moving walkways.

Lovely security...the extra hassle of security doesn't bother me; I guess I travel a lot. The pat down and wands and remove the shoes and so forth are not a big deal. Though do I feel more secure, not really.[though I do feal it's maybe lessened the chances of whatever] I've been in communist countries, through zones of civil strife, and been in airports when #$%$#@ have been found or imploded. When I look @ the security equipment the USA uses versus the rest of the world, I think of the cold war days. The security is so old and each aiport is setup differently that it doesn't shock me that items get through.

Laptops...Why do you need to remove your laptop? can't an x-ray read through the bag? [it's not people are carrying around lead laptop cases]

Shoes...now if they actually had good machines which could check for explosives when you walk through them, removing them wouldn't be necessary. [if someone can figure out how to put explosives in a shoe, they certainly can do the same w/ a belt, a liner in shirt or trousers.]

knives, clippers, etc...ok this is amazing to me. so you prevent these devices from entering an aiport, but you provide them on a plane in 1st class; and per all the movies about prison you can create a shank from a toothbrush. [why not smash a glass, or u can cut someone w/ broken plastic, hell stab them w/ pen.

liquids...this theory has existed long before the most recent london issue.[But...if mules will cary coke/heroin in an ingested condom, what's to prevent someone from doing that w/ other stuff]

finally baggage....this one is ingenius to chicago 1 week ago. So all the flights are delayed, and of course everthing is buggered up. So I hear on the loud speaker 'due to delays, lost baggage cannot be claimed, your baggage will be at your final destination.' So if I get this correct...all the security rules to prevent your baggage from flying when you're not on the plane, has just been nullfied.

[pardon my imagination, I've read to many history books and seen too many movies]

Rants...

2006-09-11T11:43:00.000-04:00

Well here goes my Rants post of the ....

well let's start w/ airlines and airports...actually due to the anniversary today, I'll postpone that till tomorrow.

Chicago....
Traffic - I was in chi-town this past weekend. I believe chicago may have the worst traffic in the US. Sure LA and NYC have lots of traffic; but at least they have many options. Chicago has 2 options for going north/south. NYC has between 2-3million people commuting in/out every day; and although there is plenty of traffic it always clears b/t 3-7; chicago could go from 2-8. And most of the road is under construction; which just adds to the madness. Luckily I put my chinese driving lessons to the test, and people did move out of the way for me...but I was afraid of getting shot as well.

So they have the interesting double decker trains; but why won't anyone put in a highspeed ferry or maybe a hovercraft(to account for the ice). That alone would save a lot of congestion.

Road design - what moron decided to put a toll @ the o'hare exit which has not cash option. It's either exact change or ezpass.

Suburbs - quite odd; as you head up I-94 or such; near the hwy there's lots of corporate parks; but get off and you're miles away from the suburbs; and in a mix of farms and junk yards.

Parking - try finding a free place to park in the city. I was stuck driving around town till 6pm due to my flight restriction. The parking in garages was more expensive then NYC; quite an amazing feat. So I got tired of walking up and down michicagn ave; and thought maybe I could go to a park and read; and there are plenty of open spaces about; but you need to pay to go to all of them. So either I neeeded to drive back north to the upper suburbs(parking is free there) or drive about....well I drove about and then opted to go to the airport...[thank god I did...more on that tomorrow]

Cars....

Ah!!! I love cars and hate them all at the same time; they're not much different the boats or planes. Although I do like some of the ICE [in car entertainment]; I think we should go back to simple carburetors and transmissions.

So I've made the same mistake 2x; b/c of a good deal...which alone I should've questioned. I got 2 new models of cars...one was supposed to have fixed all the issues of it's lineage[not so!]. And the other my current love/hate; has all the bells and whistles, goes really quick, gets good mileage, and is good for the environment...yes as all cars now are conglomeration of parts; there is 1 part which continues to make my life a living hell every 15-20G miles.

So now I've decided I need to get this fixed 1 last time; and trade it in. As I'm now only on extended warranty. So I now go down the line....how fast; how much space; how practical; etc. Too many choices....1/2 of me says go pratical, spend the money elseware(travel, etc); they other 1/2 say....you only live once; get whatever you can afford - sure fuel is expensive relatively[the US is cheap; compared to elseware].

Boat....
And a BOAT...which stands for Bet On Another Thousand. So who want's a boat? 24' cutty cabin; w/ dual I/O OMC 150hp w/ cobra outboards? To much time and money for me to waste w/ it.

well now I'll go and rest a bit...low on sleep due to airport woes...more tomorrow.

Back Home

2006-09-06T12:20:00.000-04:00

Hard to imagine; but even after landing @ JFK; the relative calmness of NYC and the east coast is a welcome relief to the past 3 weeks in China.

Drove to the beach house for a some respite; as well to help figure out what time it was. [didn't happen till Sunday; 3 days afterwards]

Still in catchup mode...not much to catchup on but still gathering my thoughts prior to giving my formal trip report.

Got lovely news on my cars health on returning...just over 50k on the clock and still having the same issues since day one. Might be time to review my options for trade-in a new car. Would love to get a another diesel...but no...for whatever reason many euro manufacturers are pulling out of the diesel market in the US.

Tuesday...

2006-08-28T21:43:00.000-04:00

Last day in Mainland China...heading out @ 14:00(2pm) to HK. It will be nice to be someplace where more people speak english. Also see the sights of HK; leaving tomorrow night(23:00); so I'll get to see a lot over the day.

I've spoken to many co-workers who've come to work here...3 weeks is long...I think I'd rather do 2 weeks here 2 weeks in western world, then back....the travel would get tiring...but it would be less stressful on me...maybe if I was traveling w/ another westerner things would be less stressful...

Monday...

2006-08-28T04:46:00.000-04:00

usual day @ the office...luckily had people @ office call about camera...I left it and my sunglasses @ the tea house.

today's the last day before I head to HK then back home...had a closer meeting...hard to close when the person who's translating has no technical bkgrnd in computer tech.

everyone wants me to stay...and to stay a long time...odd as there are so many people here.

Weekend...

2006-08-27T10:13:00.000-04:00

Well as this weekend comes to an end...

Saturday...walked around Shenzhen a bit more this weekend; saw the city that the people live in; not where the expats live. Had a traditional dim sum[actually means desserts; not dumplings] meal, we could pick from 40 items. We had about 7, was told this is a place on the chinese come to; as well on the weekends mostly Hong Kongese.

Visited Happy Valley; a chinese centric epcot like place, but w/ amusement park like events in the middle of it. [e.g., you can see miniture version of temples through out china; and go on a zip line as well]. Saw a nice musical like performance w/ people wearing traditional clothing...and from my vantage point everyone looked tall..till you notice the 5-7" heels. Then went to a traditional sezchuan feast; 100+ tables in the place. People seem amazed I can eat this food; I don't find it that hot; not compared to when you've eaten an habenero raw. Great food; another place westerners don't go to. Ventured back towards hotel and found a great tea house...kind of wish I knew about this place prior; open till 2am; people playing poker and checkers; nice place to unwind. Had the emperors tea; very mellow.

Sunday...got a late start; figured my hosts wanted some relaxing time...so opted for a later meeting. Met up w/ some more friends and took the subway to downtown Shenzhen. Ooh lots of people...less then I thought, but still lots...had some gelato[kind a odd in this place]. Noticed all the KFC's 3 in 1-2 blocks; all probably seating about 150 or more. Then off for a foot massage...odd obession here; seems like people get these more then any other massage. Went to Panling Plaza for dinner; in the rotating restaurant...ooh do you get a new perspective on the city...about 3 blocks away there is a canal and just beyond that rice fields....look the other direction and row after row of flats. Do a 180; and you see the bay...just beyond that HK. There were a lot of HKese in the restaurant...they carry themselves differently...dress more western...but enjoy the cheapness of mainland. This was definitly the most expensive meal..though worth it for the view. $55/person [including a pricy bottle of red wine].

As usual both days..fighting off call girls on the elevator and when entering my room - though I will say this the first 4 star; which has condoms on the room service menu.

seemed to have misplaced my camera...hope one of the girls didn't walk off with it; or I didn't leave it @ the tea house.

Driving....

2006-08-24T21:04:00.000-04:00

Ah driving in China....
I had been warned about it prior....they're all 1st generation drivers...or they go both ways around a roundabout...but I didn't think it would be that bad...was I wrong.

over the last couple of weeks...I've become accustom to it…which scares me that I may start to drive like them when I get home.

So what’s all the fuss…

First throw out all the rules that you learned when driving; they do not apply here
You take the fastest way from point A to B; negating all obstacles: If there are people in the way..it’s ok to drive through them..they’ll move.[as they won’t stop @ a crosswalk anyhow]; If there is a traffic jam…it’s perfectly accepted to drive into oncoming traffic on the other side of the road...they’ll move out of your way; if you approach a roundabout[circle]…and need to go from 6 o’clock to 9 o’clock[w/ non-GB style driving] you can go against the flow of traffic and cut out the ¾ round waste of your time; If you or your passenger[often a hitchhiker] needs to go someplace off of a highway where an exit isn’t available...it’s ok to stop in any lane and let them out; You can exit at any point…such as most people exit the highways at the on ramp, and of course when entering you do not look at traffic behind you...you just drive head in
Other common courtesies, for those of us from countries who’ve been driving for generations: If you get a flat tire, in the left lane on a highway, its normal to slam on your brakes…and change the tire there….due to this…the shoulder is most often used as the high speed lane; The shoulder…its considered rude and improper to stop your vehicle in the shoulder; If you need to change lanes [most of the roads in the cities are 3 lanes or more]…you can use a term told to me…the ‘Shanghai Shuffle’ wiggle your car, by moving the wheel left and right…this will frighten the people behind you and give you the option to change lanes or stay where you are.; If you’ve yet to learn the ‘Shanghai Shuffle’ just turn your wheel hard[mirrors are for backing up only] and people will move…the size of your vehicle has no bearing on your ownership of the road.; Horns...they are not to notify of impending danger...think NYC taxies..they are to inform people to move their car or that you are near...doesn't mean that your going to do anything...just that you are there; Turn signals...they don't mean a thing...its normal to put your right blinker on and take a left turn; but is more often normal not to use them at all
My Final Anecdote…Navigation: No one has any idea where they’re going…at first they kept driving in circles everywhere…I grew tired of this…and started navigating for them. Often we drove into the wrong driveway near the office or they couldn’t get back to the highway or the hotel[after having been there many times]…no one knows how to read a map

In China there is a written test and NO driving test.

Another day...

2006-08-23T23:18:00.000-04:00

Another day...here in Shenzhen...

an influx of expats over the night, another 10+ at breakfast. Also a few suits...can't understand wearing a suit here...to hot/humid. today it's quite cool @ 90°F and 62% humidity [heat index=100°F]...2 weeks ago it was 93°F with 89% humidty [heat index=135°F]....

also there's a difference here w/ the set A/C temperatures...most of the westerners keep the temperature @ normal temps for us...68-72°F..whereas the locals keep the temp @ 75-80°F and as I'm w/ the locals...it took awhile to get used to working in a damp environment.

so yet again, I retired early...keep hearing noises in the hall, couldn't tell if it was the whores or guests...didn't want to get caught by them. As is understandable...most locals see westerners as people w/ lots of money....which if you convert everything to USD, you can live very well here...but if you do the conversion, you increase the inflation issues here for the locals.

Frustration...Loneliness...Tired...

2006-08-23T02:00:00.000-04:00

well...here goes a total ingnorant comment...
when traveling to a foreign country where you can't understand the language or the words.
it becomes very lonely, when all you can do is speak in broken english to people. you start to think, write and speak in broken english. [or whatever language you speak] And as there are no expats around, I stuck talking to myself or drinking more.

Plus when all the people your working with have told you not to trust anyone on the street, and that 98% of them want to rob you. it's also very tiring, constantly feeling you pockets to make your wallet and passport haven't gone missing.

Muppets...

2006-08-22T01:18:00.000-04:00

You Are the Swedish Chef

"Bork! Bork! Bork!"
Your happy and energetic - with borderline manic tendencies.
No one really gets you. And frankly, you don't even get you.
But, you sure can whip up a great chocolate mousse

The Muppet Personality Test

Morning Traffic in Shenzhen

2006-08-21T20:41:00.000-04:00

It's interesting...there's about 1/2 the amount of people in Shenzhen as Shanghia[10mm vs. 20mm] yet the traffic seems like 1/8 the amount. Now I can't tell who drives worse either...

Dinner & Whores

2006-08-21T11:01:00.000-04:00

Well ate my first korean food today; and was offered dog. [I cannot eat something I have as a pet.] Food was good; somethings more interesting then others...as so many things here a china centric it's hard to determine what is/not normal.

went back to hotel and had drink; where some horrible Philippino singers were singing.[apparently in china; they're the most prevalent in the hotels visited by foreigners as they sing in english] Then I noticed that there were a lot of single women about...well thankfully I was w/ some friends who informed me that they were working women.

And low and behold as I try to go up in the elevator to get some work done; they rush to get in, then follow me to my room....where I need to slam the door to get rid of them..as they try to enter.

I must be in some sort of fog...I can usually tell westerners ages, but here all the girls look 12-16, and a few 17-18. Which I can clearly understand why people like John Mark Karr like these places so much.

SH to SZ

2006-08-21T05:15:00.000-04:00

Well flew back to Shenzhen today via HK. Flight was on China Eastern...though the food was good[noodles w/ meat sauce], the service on the Shenzhen Airlines on my initial flight from SZ to SH was much better; more drink service.

Took the Ferry from the Airport to Shenzhen Shekou. It was a lot easier then expected. [much better then taking the bus & train]. There was limited people on the ferry, though I imagine that's because it was 15:30. You don't have to bother entering[immigration] in HK, and thus can enter China mainland quickly and easily.

Was met @ ferry port by company driver, and w/in 15minutes was at hotel. Still think I' like Shenzhen better then Shanghai. Not too sure what it is, just like it more...maybe I should spend more time in the non-local areas of Shanghai.

Today

2006-08-20T08:22:00.000-04:00

Today walked around Hangzhou, down the levee, saw the carp hatchery[several million $$$ of fish], and around to famous restaurant for a chicken cooked in mud[best chicken I've had here in China]. As well as tasting the local beers...century star west lake beer is ok, but thousand island beer is better. [though a lot lighter] [plain west lake is not good]

Drove through a heavy rain storm getting back to Shanghai, here now but tired. So I think I'll take a rest and have some western food; as I'm flying tomorrow want to limit any issues.

I'm taking a bassackward route back to Shenzhen...my original plans changed due to planned power outages in Shanghai; reminds me of California. So I'm flying to HK then taking a ferry to Shenzhen for a week, then back to HK the back to US via London.

How well travelled are you?

2006-08-20T07:55:00.000-04:00

Your Travel Profile:

You Are Extremely Well Traveled in the Northeastern United States (100%)
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