Tuesday, July 06, 2010
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Saturday, July 03, 2010
Friday, July 02, 2010
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
World Travelers & Open Eyes/Minds
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
Sunday, January 03, 2010
Luxury - where to find it vs changing your mind on what it is
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.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Donations & Charities
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:
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?
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}
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?
Friday, August 29, 2008
When you've been in China too long..
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.
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.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Road Warriors => Jet Setters part 1
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.
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.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Pinot Noir - Napa
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)
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)
Friday, May 09, 2008
Common Sense: Why Don't People Have Any, Anymore?
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.
Friday, April 25, 2008
China - can you define it by it's cities? I think not
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.
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.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Durian...the 'King of Fruits'
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.
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.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
NYC, Good Times
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.
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.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Hike the "The Peak"
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.
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.
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Open Space
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Chinse Driving Improved?
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.
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.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Emergency Flight to China
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.
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.
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