Dragons, Midgets and Cockfights, oh my!

My friends Chad and Liz are currently living in Bangkok for the summer. Chad is a student at UW-Madison, studying IP Law or something. He's in Bangkok working at a Thai law firm for a few more weeks. Given that we're both on the other side of the world, it was a good time to get together and have some drinks in Bangkok. First, it was HOT in Bangkok. I mean, really H-O-T!! I think I melted. It may not be that much hotter than Guangzhou, but the sun sure is a lot more evil there. The first thing we tried to go see was the snake farm. We didn't find it Friday, and it was closed Saturday. But we saw some pretty big lizards in the park we walked thru.
After the park, we headed out for some beers. Ah, Singha. Oh, and photographic proof that Chad is alive.
Gotta have some Tiger beer too.Bars have odd names in Bangkok.
This bar had a problem spelling the drinks. Jack Daniel, close enough. Captain Mogan? Must be the local version. Taquila? Sorry. Bacardi Cock? No way, not at all.
The highlight of the night? Well, if you remember last time I was here, I met a very short waitress. Got it beat. These two wanted 100 Baht for the picture, but I got 'em down to 40.
Saturday we trekked around Bangkok, and visited the Golden Mount. It gives a pretty nice view of Bangkok. They had bells while walking up the stairs.
Sunday we headed out to a huge market. Fortunately, the market delivered. Mostly in the form of an impromptu cock fight!
There were other pets for sale too. Tons of fish, as well as dogs, and squirrels.
This week brings a few days in Guangzhou, before one night in Hong Kong and then flying back home for a few days. Pretty excited to get back and enjoy another week of summer! And a night of camping, too.

Taipei

So on Tuesday I flew out to Taipei to visit a customer and meet the local sales team. If you don't know, Taiwan was formerly known as the island of Formosa, part of China. When the communists took over in 1949, the Nationalists fled to the island and formed their own country. Both sides was some sort of reunification, only on far different terms. Fortunately I was only asked once what most people in the US think, which is to say I don't think many of them know enough to make a decision. I sheepishly admitted to being less knowledgeable that I probably should be. I do think the US is one of the few countries to even tacitly acknowledge Taiwan.

But you don't care about that! You care about pictures! Well, I really only had time to see one thing in Taipei, and that's the "101" as the locals call it. The Taipei Financial Center, or Taipei 101, is currently the worlds tallest building, with 101 stories (no, I'm serious), and has damn fast elevators. Much like Kuala Lumpur, there's nothing even remotely near the height of the 101.
The outside of the building has 8 sections, for good luck, and is designed to resemble bamboo. Unfortunately it's hard to see the detail in some of the night pics, and I didn't have a chance to take any pictures during the day.
If you're feeling ill, don't say they didn't warn you.
Why shouldn't you go if you're feeling ill? Oh, because the elevators move at 60 km/hr! Total time to get to the top; about 35 seconds.
Some cool pics from the observation deck.
And in case you thought I stole these pictures, proof that I'm still alive.
Now I catch a plane to Bangkok to visit Chad and Liz.

Time Is On My Side

Once more, I present a waste of time! I (as well as others) have been surfing youtube quite a bit lately, and here's a sample of the best that's been found!

• The short version of The Big Lebowski. Get all the plot twists in two minutes. Warning, if you don't like profanity, don't watch this. It is hilareous, though. (thanks Anton!)
• Fidel on Parade
• The weasel. Look where he is now.
• Why WAS the Internet invented?
• Behind The Scenes: Family Guy
• The best video of the 80s, from the best movie of the 80s! In case you didn't know, Michael Bay is directing a live action version for release next summer. Chad and I once watched this movie, rewound it, and watched it again. Too bad that was in high school.
• Head On! Apply directly to the forehead!
• McD's opts out of Chipotle. I can eat there guilt free again (except the 1200 calorie burritos).
• A hot dog, bratwurst, polish sausage, italian sausage and now a chorizo. Sounds like tastiness to me.

Some music stuff too.

• I really like this song. A lot. I'm not ashamed to admit it (although maybe I should be). It's hard to get new music in China, so excuse me if it's old news back home. It's got the Springsteen feel they said it would. I've listened to it like 4 times in a row now. This better be out in two weeks. Edit: d'oh! Not available until October. I do have to say, I think the Killers are just going to wade their way thru the 80s. They started with some early 80s New Wave. Now it's some mid-80s Boss/U2. Then comes the late 80s Hair Metal. Just watch, you heard it here first!
• The Futureheads cover the Thin White Duke.
• Did you ever wonder what Emoticons did while not IM'ing?

Sun Yat-Sen

Sunday was spent checking out two more tourist traps. The first was the tomb of a Western Han Nanyue King. It was a tomb found in Guangzhou of the second king of the Nanyue state. Unfortunately, there was no photography allowed. It was pretty cool, though. I actually got to walk thru the tomb, and see all the relics. Lots of jade. Jade, jade, jade.

The second locale was the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen is regarded as the founder of modern China. I drive (okay, ride) past this everyday, and it looks neat from the outside.
The inside of the building is just a big theater. Nothing going on this day, however.

Shamian Dao

I'm running out of places to see in Guangzhou. Saturday brought a trip to Shamian Island, aka "Where to Get a Baby." I'm not kidding, either. Shamian Island was a concession to the Europeans, and so has many consulates, and used to be the location of the US Consulate, which was right next to the White Swan Hotel. The island is a bit of a time warp into the colonial period. Many of the buildings are European in flavor, and the whole island is quiet and more of a park. However, when walking thru, most shop keepers asked "Where's your baby?" EVERY Western couple I saw had an adopted baby with them. I did walk thru the White Swan, and it's pretty swank. If it weren't so far from work, it would be a nice place to stay. Anyways, on to the pics!

In the late 1800s, to the left was Guangzhou, to the right was colonial Europe. This is all it took to make an island.
A church. A rather rare sight in Guangzhou.
Another church. I doubt they were so brightly colored back in the day.
Paging Mr. Wickus. Your Geely is waiting. Yeah, this is about the most riced out Geely I've ever seen. Mostly because I've never seen a ricer Geely.
The island has a number of bronze statues that portray life at different times in the cities history. This is just a few of them.
The last pictures I have are just some examples of the architecture on the island. Most of the colonial buildings have been repurposed, although plaques give a small description of their previous use.
Well, that's it for today. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

What's Your Favorite Lebowski Quote?

We all have our favorite quote! Just curious what your favorite line from The Big Lebowski might be. I think Donnie is a fan of "Phone's ringing, Dude." Mike seems to make use of "Hey, man, there's a beverage here!" I belive my brother's new favorite is "This is what happens when you fuck a stranger in the ass!", except replace stranger with car and fuck with get hit by. Since you're all thouroughly confused now, my brother tried to go mano a mano with a Dodge Neon, and he might have won. He was in Chicago last weekend and a lady on a cell phone, in the lane of oncomming traffic (you just can't make that shit up!), hit him. Doing his best superman, he flew something like 30 feet. Messed up his arm pretty good, and some staples in his forehead. Even better, how do I learn of this. Thru email. Yes. Mom, just to let you know, THIS would be one of those times you use the phone. I know you think China's backwards and all, but they do have a (quite impressive) cell phone system. Thanks. Anyways, talked to my brother today, and he's promissed me some pictures. As soon as I've got them, maybe I'll post for all to see.

On to some better stuff. I'm a liar. I apologize profusely. I was thinking a trip to India would be my next excursion, but I was wrong. Instead, it's Taiwan and then Bangkok. Now, for those of you not in the know, relations between Taipei and Beijing are slightly better than those between Israel and Hezbollah. In other words, they don't shoot things at each other very often. So that will be fun. After that, over to Bangkok, which was originally to visit my friends Chad and Liz, but has now been co-opted by my boss for some work. After I get back from Bangkok, it's two days in Guangzhou, then back to the states for a little R&R. India will have to wait.

Oh, and thanks for the comments people! Although I do believe one of you spammed me. Well, I did ask for it...

Boredom

Sometimes I get bored in Guangzhou. That's when you get posts like this. Don't say I didn't warn you.

So I went to workout early this evening. Grab the iPod, ready to go. Hop on the treadmill, hit shuffle all music, and what should come on? None other than Mr Freedom Williams. Do you know how hard it is to run when all you can think about is a certain Simpsons episode? A gay steel mill? Comedy GENIUS! Anyways, after that, it's nothing but Metallica and Ministry when I run in the future. Sorry, no Pantera in my collection.

I've also found exactly what I need to survive in Guangzhou.
First is the Jelly Bellies. Thank you so much for sending them, Kelsey! I think I've eaten 1/2 a lb so far. I did find Jelly Bellies in Hong Kong, but they were almost $20/lb! Yeah, $5.99/lb at Rainbow. Second is the butter coconut biscut. The best cracker/cookie since the Nilla Wafer. And I LOVE Nilla Wafers. Easily the snack I will miss most once gone. Maybe I'll just bring a case back. Third, the Red Bull, but in a weird can. Lastly is the Pocari Sweat. Honestly, I haven't tried it yet. I'll get back to you on it.

Random links you may want to check:
I am Spiderman
KHAAAAAAN!!!! (no, not the one with Ricardo Montalban)
George Washington (fellas, you GOTTA watch this)
Take on The Family Guy
Jon Stewert does Net Neutrality

Finally, you all have to step up to the plate. I certainly don't get enough feedback on the site. The comments section is there for a reason people! Is this funny? Are the pictures good? Anything. No feedback leads to me getting bored typing for no one, leads to no updates. That, and I'm really bored and need something to read.

now playing: Metallica - Harvester of Sorrow

Update: The Pocari Sweat is actually not bad. In fact, it's pretty good. The flavor is very mild. Almost like the juice from a watermelon. I think this is due to it's fine osmolality.
And I'm getting all the Cations and Anions I need! Maybe Chad can do the equilibrium equations for whatever they put in this stuff. Looks like mostly salt to me.

now playing: Nine Inch Nails - I Do Not Want This

What's that Infernal Sound?

Muzak. The very word hurts my ears. More commonly known as elevator music, it's the soulless, bland, pop-ish type music you hear in every store and lobby in the states. They've got some messed up ideas here of what is soothing music to listen to. Our office building pipes music in the hallways and bathrooms, fortunately not the office, though. What was playing this morning? Christmas music. Really. In July. In a Communist country that doesn't observe the holiday. I swear it was Hark The Herald Angles Sing or Gloria in Excelsis Deo. At least I only heard it once. This afternoon they're back to Chinese music played on a French Horn.

The hotel in Hong Kong had bad music too. It wasn't out of season, it was just extremely repetitive. The same song. Morning, night, and day. For six days. The worst part was that it was a song that I'd normally just let slide by, but the 12th time was too much. What song you may ask? The muzak version of Phil Collins' (or the Mindbenders, for those who prefer the original) Groovy Kind of Love. Being muzak, there are no lyrics, but I can't help but sing along. I thought my misery would stay in Hong Kong, but no! Upon stepping into the China Hotel, there it is, my worst fear come true. They've got THE SAME MUSIC PLAYING! And since Saturday, every time I've gotten into the elevator, it's "baby, you and me, have a groovy kind of love."

If I never hear the song again, it will be too soon.

now playing: Phil Collins - In The Air Tonight (so sue me...)

Hong Kong, Again

Well, I'm back from the Hong Kong trip. I've got to say that HK is awesome. Beats the pants off Guangzhou. One, English is a perfectly acceptable language there. Not everyone speaks it, but most do. Second, it's not dirty and smelly like GZ. Okay, it's LESS dirty and smelly. Third, there are cool things to do in Hong Kong, like a number of parks and different areas of town. I stayed in the North Point area, but ventured out to Central or Kowloon every day. Central is like the downtown and business area of Hong Kong. Kowloon is across the channel, and actually part of the mainland.

Most of the reason I was in HK was to get the Indian visa, as I discussed before. I had to be at the consulate early on Monday, and just made it in time. Since it's so far from the office, I decided to just bum around Monday afternoon. I figured I'd see Victoria Peak at a minimum, but try to make it to Hong Kong Park and the Zoological and Botanical Gardens too. I went to Hong Kong Park first, as it was kind of on the way from the MTR stop to the Peak Tram. The park is pretty cool, and has some natural landscapes, like a dry, desert like area and a very humid and jungle type area. Unfortunately, my camera died after all of 4 pictures. That's what I get for not charging it. It was early though, so I ran back to the hotel and charged the camera for 2 hours. You will all be happy I did.

I took a pretty large number of pictures, and there's one thing you'll see in many of them. That's the Bank of China Tower. It's not the tallest building in Hong Kong anymore, but it's very impressive looking, both day and night. It was designed by I.M. Pei and takes design cues from bamboo. I didn't go up the tower, maybe some other day.The building on the right is Two International Finance Center (or Centre), currently the tallest building in Hong Kong. The name is horrible, but whatever.
Another shot of the BOC Tower, with the clouds reflecting in the glass. I took all of these as I was walking up to the Biological Gardens.
This is St. Johns Cathedral. When it was built, it was decried as an eyesore. Now it's one of the only buildings left from the late 1800s.
Just down the hill from the Biological Gardens is a little piece of home away from home, literally.
When entering the gardens, one of the first things you see is King George. I tried to get lots of pictures in the zoo and aviary, but I didn't want to use my flash much, so some of the pictures turned out really blurry.
An orangutang. Not the best picture, but entertaining.
Flamingoes!
Leaving the Zoo.
After I left the Zoo, I walked over the the Peak Tram. Let me tell you, if you come out to Hong Kong, you'd better like walking up hills. It's nothing but up and down hills. Some of the roads seem to drive straight up the hillside, which is pretty weird. The walk from the Central station to the Zoological Gardens sucked, especially in the heat. It's not even that far, just straight up the mountain.

This was another cool building I saw. Lots of neat architecture on the Hong Kong side.
I didn't get a picture from the base of the Peak Tram. It wasn't that impressive. The tram runs at nearly a 45 deg angle up the hill sometimes. It stops part way up the hill, so I took this shot. It's better to sit on the right side of the tram, which I learned after the fact.
Hong Kong from above. Oh, and a picture of me.
Looking southwest from the end of the tram.
That's actually Victoria Peak. The tram doesn't run to the top, just most of the way.
A view over Central, the harbor and Kowloon in the background.
I wanted to see the view both at day and night, as the night view is supposedly spectacular. There's a little mall at the top, so I ate at The Peak Lookout restaurant. You definetly pay for the view, not the food. Seriously overrated. But the wait was certainly worth it.
After that, I took the tram back down the hill, and headed back to the hotel. A couple more shots of the Bank of China Tower.
I like this one, with the other building in the reflection.Wednesday night I headed over to Kowloon to find a tailor. The prices on the Kowloon side are a bit cheaper, with suits around HK$2000-2500. I had a recommendation, so I went and got fitted. It turned out okay. I probably would hunt around more for anyone who visits.

I walked to the waterfront, and got this picture of Hong Kong.
This is just to the left of the previous picture. Unfortunatly my camera is a bit limiting, so you can't make out what any of the neon says. Believe me, it's a still picture, but nothing is still! All the neon is constantly changing color and flowing. It's super cool.
Thursday I was back in Kowloon, and made a trip to Temple St, which is a shopping arcade. It was okay, with lots of bright lights, but they were mostly selling trinkets and stuff, so I didn't buy anything. I guess there are better shopping districts elsewhere.
A restaurant on Temple St. Everything you see was alive and moving. When they say fresh seafood, they mean it!
This was the last picture from the night. Nothing special, except in nearly gave me a seizure. All of the lights were moving very fast.
Saturday was just spent catching the train back to Guangzhou. So I hope you all had fun in this little adventure. I know I did! I'm really looking forward to moving to Hong Kong. My boss and I discussed a timeframe for moving, and it looks like it will be whenever I want! It will probably be around the first or second week of August, depending on how quick the internal stuff gets worked out. I've already begun the process.