Friday, November 20, 2009
Snap Kong: Touch the Sky
I've been meaning to make these picture-posts for a while, but lack of a good and catchy title has held me back. Snap Kong was the first name I thought of but decided to wait in hopes a better name would come by. Nothing did. Snap Kong doesn't even make sense.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
A Frozen Weekend in the Forbidden City: Beijing 11.13-11.19
Defrosting in Hong Kong from a weekend in Beijing (which was below freezing and windy as ever) has been challenging. With unprecedented temperatures in the low 50's (!!!), Hong Kong hasn't been cooperating with my semi-frozen body. But, enough complaining!
Beijing was an incredible city. First, I'm glad I got to see Beijing post-Olympics; much more user-friendly and seems like the city got some needed (but well/sensitively done) face lifts. Second, the city is truly world-class. Think of Tian'anmen Square as Trafalgar Square or the Forbidden City as Versailles. The Summer Palace? Monticello, maybe. Really something to add to your bucket list (I hope none of the readers of this blog actually have a bucket list...). Finally, even though we trophy-children of the new millennium grew up with a relatively open China, Beijing still holds a bit of mystique. Too bad the mystique was frozen along with my toes! Here is your...
TOP 5 BEIJING!!
5. Oh, Oohh, Oooohh...
Stealing a joke: Brezhnev (kinda the lamest of the Soviet rulers) was giving a speech at the Olympics. "Ohhh!" he says. "Oh! Oh! Oh!" "Ohhhhh!" Then an aide runs up to him and says, "Comrade, that's the Olympic rings. you don't need to read those!".
Beijing's Olympic facilities, though, were worthy of some "Oh"'s and even some "Ah"'s. Maybe not a "Yipee!," but I did one anyways.
4. Gimme some Mao!
Tian'anmen Square--the largest "public" square in the world--is painstakingly big. Since it wasn't fully packed (I think it's capacity is something around 1 kajillion), the only way we could gauge its sheer size was that after 20 minutes of strolling across it, we were still in the square!! Mao's portrait (and corpse) dominate the scene. And fortunately, we got to catch the military men lower the flag at sunset. The somberness of the affair, though, didn't stop Asian tourists from being Asian tourists...Click on the photo for a better view!
3. The Tourist and The Stupid Tourist.
There's time when you feel like a tourist, and you're OK with it. Then there's time you feel like a stupid tourist, and you're still OK with it. I felt the latter at the Summer Palace...in the WINTER TIME. Forced into buying a too-big touristy "Commie Hat" to keep my head warm, the stupid tourist was in fine form at this scenic summer home of the Qing Emperors set along the (frozen) Kunming Lake.
2. No, no no. Can't go in there...
Forbidden no more, this city was marvelous. Again, the sheer size was impressive/overwhelming and the great condition of all the buildings is remarkable!
1. What a Wall!
Good Wall.
Better Wall.
GREAT WALL!
Ok, even for the standards of this blog that was particularly lame. And, the logical progression would be "Best Wall," anyways...Whatever! One of the few sights that really makes you feel a heavy weight and gives you the butterflies in your stomach at the same time. Still, had to wonder "Why?" The wall didn't even work! The Mongols kinda just went through it. Seems a bit excessive...but I'm glad they built it. I love that light/heavy feeling in your gut. I would chase it, but don't know which way to go--up or down?
Take home message (feeling teacher-like):
BIG. BELOW ZERO. BEIJING.
Needing to be turned over...ykno, like in the microwave, when you defrost something...,
Dans
Beijing was an incredible city. First, I'm glad I got to see Beijing post-Olympics; much more user-friendly and seems like the city got some needed (but well/sensitively done) face lifts. Second, the city is truly world-class. Think of Tian'anmen Square as Trafalgar Square or the Forbidden City as Versailles. The Summer Palace? Monticello, maybe. Really something to add to your bucket list (I hope none of the readers of this blog actually have a bucket list...). Finally, even though we trophy-children of the new millennium grew up with a relatively open China, Beijing still holds a bit of mystique. Too bad the mystique was frozen along with my toes! Here is your...
TOP 5 BEIJING!!
5. Oh, Oohh, Oooohh...
Stealing a joke: Brezhnev (kinda the lamest of the Soviet rulers) was giving a speech at the Olympics. "Ohhh!" he says. "Oh! Oh! Oh!" "Ohhhhh!" Then an aide runs up to him and says, "Comrade, that's the Olympic rings. you don't need to read those!".
Beijing's Olympic facilities, though, were worthy of some "Oh"'s and even some "Ah"'s. Maybe not a "Yipee!," but I did one anyways.
4. Gimme some Mao!
Tian'anmen Square--the largest "public" square in the world--is painstakingly big. Since it wasn't fully packed (I think it's capacity is something around 1 kajillion), the only way we could gauge its sheer size was that after 20 minutes of strolling across it, we were still in the square!! Mao's portrait (and corpse) dominate the scene. And fortunately, we got to catch the military men lower the flag at sunset. The somberness of the affair, though, didn't stop Asian tourists from being Asian tourists...Click on the photo for a better view!
3. The Tourist and The Stupid Tourist.
There's time when you feel like a tourist, and you're OK with it. Then there's time you feel like a stupid tourist, and you're still OK with it. I felt the latter at the Summer Palace...in the WINTER TIME. Forced into buying a too-big touristy "Commie Hat" to keep my head warm, the stupid tourist was in fine form at this scenic summer home of the Qing Emperors set along the (frozen) Kunming Lake.
2. No, no no. Can't go in there...
Forbidden no more, this city was marvelous. Again, the sheer size was impressive/overwhelming and the great condition of all the buildings is remarkable!
1. What a Wall!
Good Wall.
Better Wall.
GREAT WALL!
Ok, even for the standards of this blog that was particularly lame. And, the logical progression would be "Best Wall," anyways...Whatever! One of the few sights that really makes you feel a heavy weight and gives you the butterflies in your stomach at the same time. Still, had to wonder "Why?" The wall didn't even work! The Mongols kinda just went through it. Seems a bit excessive...but I'm glad they built it. I love that light/heavy feeling in your gut. I would chase it, but don't know which way to go--up or down?
Take home message (feeling teacher-like):
BIG. BELOW ZERO. BEIJING.
Needing to be turned over...ykno, like in the microwave, when you defrost something...,
Dans
Monday, November 16, 2009
Dear Airplane Food,
I kinda really like you!
Despite it's uncomfortably/artificially warm dishes paired with uncomfortably cold utensils and/or fruit, there's something that really excites me about airplane food. Some theories:
1. You feel high class-even in economy! You've got an appetizer, bread roll, main course, and dessert--all served to you by marginally (sometimes) attractive women (usually). But, really how often do you get to go through the ritual of a full 3-course set meal? Even if it isn't all that tasty, the fanciness of it all can't be denied.
2. We are deprived otherwise. After 2 years of flying cross-country--and hungry--to and from school, I've forgotten that somtimes airplanes actually serve food! Maybe my desperation is leading to my love of airplane food. This theory is sad. I don't really like it.
3. Airplane food is actually good! Think about it. You usually get a solid piece of meat--hard to come across in Asia. And the buttery bread rolls can't be messed up too badly. And the dessert! Souffle, cheesecake, chocolate cake. What is all the complaining about?!
I wonder, though, am I alone? Your reassurances and/or contempt is welcome!
A Frequent Flyer,
Dans
Despite it's uncomfortably/artificially warm dishes paired with uncomfortably cold utensils and/or fruit, there's something that really excites me about airplane food. Some theories:
1. You feel high class-even in economy! You've got an appetizer, bread roll, main course, and dessert--all served to you by marginally (sometimes) attractive women (usually). But, really how often do you get to go through the ritual of a full 3-course set meal? Even if it isn't all that tasty, the fanciness of it all can't be denied.
2. We are deprived otherwise. After 2 years of flying cross-country--and hungry--to and from school, I've forgotten that somtimes airplanes actually serve food! Maybe my desperation is leading to my love of airplane food. This theory is sad. I don't really like it.
3. Airplane food is actually good! Think about it. You usually get a solid piece of meat--hard to come across in Asia. And the buttery bread rolls can't be messed up too badly. And the dessert! Souffle, cheesecake, chocolate cake. What is all the complaining about?!
I wonder, though, am I alone? Your reassurances and/or contempt is welcome!
A Frequent Flyer,
Dans
Thursday, November 12, 2009
"If You Can Rape It, You Can Wash It"
As a good rule of thumb (thanks 34th STREET), it's best not to make jokes about rape. But, this one is entirely in good fun.
In my 2+ months here, I've gotten to know a lot of French kids. The adventure that is the English language for them can at times be taxing (Danyal, how do you say...) but mostly rewarding. Here's an example of the latter.
The second week of classes, a friend of mine--Guilhem--was cooking pasta. He grated a block of cheese onto his dish and asked "Danyal, is it right to say....I am raping(?) the cheese." Poor kid, apparently in French "rape," or rather rapE (that's an accent of some sort), means grated or shredded. I laid him down easy and explained the meaning of this word in English.
Today, we were sharing a block of cheese and this story came up once more. Something sudden happened, and we found our newly opened block of cheese on my groddy dorm floor. Nabila, another Frenchie, came to the rescue and said "I will wash it!". Obviously, I had my doubts and said you can't wash cheese! Then, there it was:
"If you can rape it, you can wash it."
The cheese was a bit wet, but salvaged. Laughs were had. Calories were gained.
Always,
Danyal
In my 2+ months here, I've gotten to know a lot of French kids. The adventure that is the English language for them can at times be taxing (Danyal, how do you say...) but mostly rewarding. Here's an example of the latter.
The second week of classes, a friend of mine--Guilhem--was cooking pasta. He grated a block of cheese onto his dish and asked "Danyal, is it right to say....I am raping(?) the cheese." Poor kid, apparently in French "rape," or rather rapE (that's an accent of some sort), means grated or shredded. I laid him down easy and explained the meaning of this word in English.
Today, we were sharing a block of cheese and this story came up once more. Something sudden happened, and we found our newly opened block of cheese on my groddy dorm floor. Nabila, another Frenchie, came to the rescue and said "I will wash it!". Obviously, I had my doubts and said you can't wash cheese! Then, there it was:
"If you can rape it, you can wash it."
The cheese was a bit wet, but salvaged. Laughs were had. Calories were gained.
Always,
Danyal
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Singapore/KL 11.06-11.09
Back in the KONG after a rushed, but wonderful, weekend trip to Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Great food, great people, great weather...
What really impressed me about both cities was their mix of cultures. I'm hesitant to ever make these feel-good blanket statements about cultural mixing, like calling Hong Kong "East meets West" or America "The Melting Pot," but Singapore and Malaysia were so unique in this way! Chinese, Indians, and Malays. All working, living, eating, drinking side-by-side. No qualms about anything. All equally Singaporean or Malaysian. So cool. Makes you feel good about humanity. Alright, let's cut this "Heal The World" crap! Here is your....
TOP 5 SINGA-LAYSIA!
5. Part fish, part lion
All Merlion: A spitting lion fish. What more could you ask for in a symbol for a wealthy, tiny city-country?
4. Doo, doo, doo, doo. Just Dance.
Singapore's nightlife was great! After a day exploring parts of Little India, the grimiest Singapore can really get, we hit the clubs along the Singapore River (more of a creek, if you ask me..). The music was bumpin' and the atmosphere electric. Side story: Doing one of my signature dance moves, I flail and hit a Singaporean girl in the face. Poor form. I apologized a lot. She was upset. The boyfriend came over, but we started chatting and talked for a good while! Meanwhile, girlfriend was looking on, stanky-faced as ever.
3. Flavor explosions
I thought I loved Malaysian/Singaporean food before coming. I still think this.
2. Monkey See, Monkey Do (It).
One of the most incredible sites in KL was the Batu Caves, about 15 km outside the city center. Colossal South Indian Hindu statues greet you as you climb 400 steps into a cave.
But, monkeys stood between you and your temple. They were ferocious! One women with a bag of bananas (kinda asking for it, lady) was attacked. When she reached for her bag, the monkey hissed and showed his teeth. Dude binged. Ate about 4 bananas in a minute. He then proceeded to another monkey and stuck his finger between its legs. As if to say: "Ok, female. Lock and load. Let's do this." The humping insued. The shock soon followed.
WARNING: Explicit Monkey Content Below.
The caves were spectacular. Random roosters crowing, an old beggar woman with 10-feet long hair, and colorful Hindu statues. All set in a picturesque jungle cave.
1. It's all about the Love, la?
Singaporeans and Malaysians have a habit of ending their sentences with "la?" Never annoying, it comes across as a genuine polite gesture, ending sentences like a question. I liked it. Not demanding or overbearing, just saying things how they are and inviting conversation. And the people (of Malaysia especially) love to strike up conversation. Our favorite cabbie, Arvid, talked to us about love. His love for Michael Jackson (and not for the Sultan of Malaysia), Swiss chocolates, and his three failed loves (sad!). I think our half-hour conversation with Arvid brought us closer to Kuala Lumpur--and people in general, really--than any other experience this trip.
Sorry for being a bit sappy in this post. Next time I'll be super tough or something...
Always,
Dans
P.S. Doesn't my new word "Singa-laysia" (copyright pending) make you want to remix Beyonce?
P.P.S. I was going for "All the Singa-laysia's" in case you were confused. Which you probably were.
What really impressed me about both cities was their mix of cultures. I'm hesitant to ever make these feel-good blanket statements about cultural mixing, like calling Hong Kong "East meets West" or America "The Melting Pot," but Singapore and Malaysia were so unique in this way! Chinese, Indians, and Malays. All working, living, eating, drinking side-by-side. No qualms about anything. All equally Singaporean or Malaysian. So cool. Makes you feel good about humanity. Alright, let's cut this "Heal The World" crap! Here is your....
TOP 5 SINGA-LAYSIA!
5. Part fish, part lion
All Merlion: A spitting lion fish. What more could you ask for in a symbol for a wealthy, tiny city-country?4. Doo, doo, doo, doo. Just Dance.
Singapore's nightlife was great! After a day exploring parts of Little India, the grimiest Singapore can really get, we hit the clubs along the Singapore River (more of a creek, if you ask me..). The music was bumpin' and the atmosphere electric. Side story: Doing one of my signature dance moves, I flail and hit a Singaporean girl in the face. Poor form. I apologized a lot. She was upset. The boyfriend came over, but we started chatting and talked for a good while! Meanwhile, girlfriend was looking on, stanky-faced as ever.
3. Flavor explosions
I thought I loved Malaysian/Singaporean food before coming. I still think this.2. Monkey See, Monkey Do (It).
One of the most incredible sites in KL was the Batu Caves, about 15 km outside the city center. Colossal South Indian Hindu statues greet you as you climb 400 steps into a cave.But, monkeys stood between you and your temple. They were ferocious! One women with a bag of bananas (kinda asking for it, lady) was attacked. When she reached for her bag, the monkey hissed and showed his teeth. Dude binged. Ate about 4 bananas in a minute. He then proceeded to another monkey and stuck his finger between its legs. As if to say: "Ok, female. Lock and load. Let's do this." The humping insued. The shock soon followed.
WARNING: Explicit Monkey Content Below.
The caves were spectacular. Random roosters crowing, an old beggar woman with 10-feet long hair, and colorful Hindu statues. All set in a picturesque jungle cave.
1. It's all about the Love, la?
Singaporeans and Malaysians have a habit of ending their sentences with "la?" Never annoying, it comes across as a genuine polite gesture, ending sentences like a question. I liked it. Not demanding or overbearing, just saying things how they are and inviting conversation. And the people (of Malaysia especially) love to strike up conversation. Our favorite cabbie, Arvid, talked to us about love. His love for Michael Jackson (and not for the Sultan of Malaysia), Swiss chocolates, and his three failed loves (sad!). I think our half-hour conversation with Arvid brought us closer to Kuala Lumpur--and people in general, really--than any other experience this trip.
Sorry for being a bit sappy in this post. Next time I'll be super tough or something...
Always,
Dans
P.S. Doesn't my new word "Singa-laysia" (copyright pending) make you want to remix Beyonce?
P.P.S. I was going for "All the Singa-laysia's" in case you were confused. Which you probably were.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Shots Around Campus
After an excruciatingly hot and humid September and October, the weather in Hong Kong is absolutely gorgeous right now. Slight breeze, sunny days, cool nights. So, I thought this would be a good time to show you some scenes of my campus. We may be in the boonies (45 minutes outside of Central), but it sure is spectacular. Enjoy!
More from the 10th floor.
Don't be fooled. One of the few flat parts of campus. Note the water tower!
Also, on a sidenote. Bamboo scaffolding is cool. Everytime I see it, I wish Jackie Chan was making some sweet moves.
Cheers,
Danyal
Looking over Main Campus.
View from the top (10th) floor of International House.
More from the 10th floor.
Don't be fooled. One of the few flat parts of campus. Note the water tower!
Cheers,
Danyal
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Haircut Hullaballoo
I needed a haircut. So, I naturally got some advice from friends with good-looking hair and headed to Mong Kok, an older, more gritty (as gritty as it gets, atleast) district in Hong Kong. Absolutely lost with my friends directions (Exit, turn right and right. Ask for Peter), I gave up and settled for the first barber pole I saw.
Mocha Hair, here I come!
I head into the damp alley where the arrow leads me to, a big 2/F next to it. As I walk into alley, an older wrestler-of-a-woman barks at me. Confused, I tiptoe around her and head up one flight of stairs...to the second floor. WRONG. Rookie mistake.
Little did I know, but I climb the stairs and into the first floor establishment. I walk in, and continue to walk despite no indication of this being a hair salon. Soon, I find myself in the middle of an operating kitchen for a Japanese restaurant. After getting stares from the smoking cooks, I have to slyly step my way out of the kitchen. I hurry down the stairs, which the wrestler lady has been mopping and slip. Ankle twisted, I go back onto the street and try to determine what went wrong.
The hair salon looks like it is only one flight of stairs up! Only after a few minutes of critical thinking do I realize in most of the world, the 1st floor is actually the ground floor. Rookie. Mistake. Aside: I also believe that my conception of the second floor looking like the first floor is because the headroom in Asian rooms is a bit lower (for maybe obvious reasons).
When I head back into the damp alleyway, another obstacle joins wrestler woman. A man with large crates transporting Hello Kitty gear (to the sushi restaurant?) stands between me and my haircut. Determined as ever, I maneuver past both and get my hair did.
Victory.
Ankle still slightly sore. Hair looks OK.
1 pound lighter (the hair, get it),
Danyal
Mocha Hair, here I come!
I head into the damp alley where the arrow leads me to, a big 2/F next to it. As I walk into alley, an older wrestler-of-a-woman barks at me. Confused, I tiptoe around her and head up one flight of stairs...to the second floor. WRONG. Rookie mistake.
Little did I know, but I climb the stairs and into the first floor establishment. I walk in, and continue to walk despite no indication of this being a hair salon. Soon, I find myself in the middle of an operating kitchen for a Japanese restaurant. After getting stares from the smoking cooks, I have to slyly step my way out of the kitchen. I hurry down the stairs, which the wrestler lady has been mopping and slip. Ankle twisted, I go back onto the street and try to determine what went wrong.
The hair salon looks like it is only one flight of stairs up! Only after a few minutes of critical thinking do I realize in most of the world, the 1st floor is actually the ground floor. Rookie. Mistake. Aside: I also believe that my conception of the second floor looking like the first floor is because the headroom in Asian rooms is a bit lower (for maybe obvious reasons).
When I head back into the damp alleyway, another obstacle joins wrestler woman. A man with large crates transporting Hello Kitty gear (to the sushi restaurant?) stands between me and my haircut. Determined as ever, I maneuver past both and get my hair did.
Victory.
Ankle still slightly sore. Hair looks OK.
1 pound lighter (the hair, get it),
Danyal
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