These Five Seasons

going back to cali

2005-10-12T09:21:00.000+09:00

I'm sitting on the 25th floor of the Shiodome Media Tower overlooking Tokyo. Our stay last night at Park Hotel Tokyo was fantastic. I was looking for a Lost in Translation-like experience, and since the Park Hyatt's rate are unbelievable, we wound up here. I think, however, that this ended up being more fun. It's a little more hip here, and the jazz trio last night was amazing. There is a ten story atrium at the top of the building, and the sax player reverberated through the whole thing. They took my request graciously and played A Train like nobodys business.

We met up with Atsushi and Tomoko again, who were just as impressed with our digs as we were. A Chinese feast ensued, as did Atsushi's promises of love to N. Pat (also known as K. Pat) - some of which were captured on video. It was a fantastic last night, with promises to travel, promises to visit and promises to keep in touch.

Stayed up a little late watching Discovery Channel with Ericka, but hey, it's not every day you get to see Harry Connick, Jr's life story.

So we're off to Narita this morning, and at 8:30 on Wednesday we shall arive at SeaTac.

Adieu, Tokyo!

Locke in translation.

A stellar view.

Peace suckas!

young and asakusa

2005-10-10T16:17:00.000+09:00

We have been doing some serious hotel/ryokan hopping since we've gotten to Tokyo, from Las Vegasesque smoky joints to botique ryokan hotel to super 8 except Japanese. Each and every room we visit is almost instantly trashed, as noted in angeles's comments, and we can't really figure out how it happens so fast. Tomorrow night we will stay at a super posh (hopefully) hotel that is a little more centrally located - with a lobby that starts on the twenty fifth floor. A lovely last night in Tokyo.

Anyway, we took Blaz's advice and headed to Yoyogi Park yesterday to check out the goths. We got a little lost and wandered around until we hit the park. First off we found the jugglers, dancers and double dutchers. OK, we thought, these guys are a little off kilter. But we wanted more. Next off was the j-pop band playing on the street, with girl singer trying to be oh so tough and oh so cute at the same time. We figured we were through, until we found the Tokyo Rockabilly Club, which is a gathering of perhaps 30 Japanese greasers and dolls. They sat around drinking Asahi and Jack Daniels until they popped in a tape playing something from 1951 and started to get down.

We didn't think it would get any better until we found the goths on our way to Harajuku Station. I don't even know how to begin to describe how wacky they were.

Two more days until we leave for Seattle to go see Coheed and Cambria - and three more days until we go home.

now to hokkaido

2005-10-08T14:16:00.000+09:00

Friends in non latin american country.

Soba slurpin'.

I bet you think this song is about you.

I wanna rock with you. All niiiiiight!

from the front lines

2005-10-08T14:07:00.000+09:00

escalate.

zen at your local kyoto mall.

kyoto tower.

loungin at the ryokan.

kaitenzushi - aka the sushi roller coaster.

16 hours on train is no fun.

back in the city

2005-10-08T09:19:00.000+09:00

After two fantastic days in Sapporo and two severely long days on trains, we are back in Tokyo. We had a fantastic time, and I'm doing my best to find a computer that will let me show you some pictures.

Sapporo is located on the northernmost isle of Japan, Hokkaido. The climate and landscape is somewhat like Washington - except more cold and more snow, which thankfully hadn't fallen yet. It was tough enough to wear our island hopping clothes in 16 centegrate outfits, but thankfully we'd been doing some shopping.

My good pal Blaz teaches English in Hokkaido, in a town called Biratori. He decided that there really wasn't much to see there, so he drove a few hours to meet us in Sapporo, the capitol of 2 million people.

We spent the first day in Sapporo sleeping in until noon at Laura's house, who is a teacher in the same program as Blaz. After a lengthy wakeupgetready session we went out for some soup curry, which I ordered a tad too spicy although still delicious. We hung out around Sapporo, took in the Engrish t-shirts - which use the English in a hilarous yet terrible way. We took it easy that night, and hung out back at Laura's, eating convinience store food and watching 7 Days in Tibet.

Sapporo was explored a little more the next day, with shoppinng malls, sushi, soba and subways. We went out that evening, drank Sapporo beer on the streets and hit the karaoke room. There's some video of me dancing to Can't Touch This on the internet somewhere, and I am sure it will surface sooner or later.

It was great being surrounded by super friendly and nice people who were more than willing to take us into their apartments, show us their city and share a bit of their lives with us. It was fantastic to see Blaz and spend some more quality time with him, as he has been gone for a little more than a year.

A long night out and a short night's sleeping later, we were back on the train with terrible overpriced food. 11 hours later back in Tokyo, eating Japanese-Italian cuisine. Now we're in a designer ryokan, but have to get out pretty darn soon because of early check out times. C'est la vie.

hokkaido what?

2005-10-05T00:35:00.000+09:00

After a long day of train rides, we have arrived in Hokkaido - Japan's northmost island. It was a 16 hour journey, including four trains, tasty miso soup and the sushi conveyor belt. We have met up with my good friend Blaz from Spokane, and are staying in Sapporo for the next few nights. I will post some pictures tomorrow.

deer in the headlights

2005-10-03T09:28:00.000+09:00

We hopped onto the train with our trusty JR passes, which we flash like passports and they let you through - no questions, and made it to Nara - the capitol of Japan for 75 years or so in the 700s.

After going out the wrong side of the station we met up with Risa - who led us through the streets to meet up with three of her high school friends. They led us through Nara to a park where there were an amazing amount of deer. The deer are pretty calm, and mostly lay around to get crackers from the onlookers. You can pet them, sit down next to them and in our case give them green tea ice cream. The sad part is that every October they take the males outta there to cut their antlers off. It seems a bit inhumane just for the novelty of docile deer.

Next up was the famed big buddha of Nara: Daibutsu. The name doesn't lie. That is one big buddha, which is housed in one big building, which is said to be the biggest in the world (this turned out to be untrue - apparently it's in Kyoto - guess nobody seems to mind much).

Onward was a pretty pond, and the rain started to pour. We shot the flick and headed out. Then on to a very old five storey pagoda. Something or other was going on so we couldn'T in, but the view was all we needed.

Hopped the train home and made our own spaghetti dinner and drank cheap French wine. We met a German guy and picked up a Spanish guy on our way to the Sento.

A sento is a Japanese public bath house. There are five in our general vicinity in Kyoto, so we picked the closest and went over. I was a bit worried about my tattoo, and the staff at the hostel weren't sure if I would be able to get in or not. You see, tattoos in Japan have a stigma attached to them as being associated with yakuza, or gangsters/mafia.

Sento is gender divided, so Ericka headed to her side and I mine. You wash up, and then get into the big bath - which is more like a large hot tub than a bath in western perspective. There were also 3 other hot baths, the most notable being the electric bath. There is a mild (so they say) electric current running through the water. It was too much to watch the Spaniard's face as he tried to submerge his body into the tub. I was fine with putting my foot in and withdrawing quickly. The best feeling in the whole place is going into the hot, hot, hot bath - and then going into the cold, cold, cold bath. Holy Moses, the sento was amazing.

Today we are taking it easy before going to Hokkaido - which is at best 12 hours away.

They may be docile, but they still scare the crap out of me.

They don't like ice cream as much as Ericka does.

The Daibutsu.

Homies on the pond.

Shout out to our kitten.

kyoto and whatnot

2005-10-01T22:37:00.000+09:00

We have made it to Kyoto, but let us recount our adventures in Tokyo.

After a hardy nap, Ericka and I made the excursion to Shinjuku (home of such fine films as Lost in Translation) and got sufficiently lost. Luckily, my old friend Atsushi brought a cellular device and met us at the koban. We had sushi on the 13th floor of a fancy mall.

Seeing Atsushi was a bit of a surprise. When I first met the guy, he had some bonkers dreadlocks and looked oh so fashionable and cool. When he moved in with us he wore sweats all the time and rocked some long hair. When we hung out in Japan last time not much had changed. But he has finished school, got a real job and has cut the hair, ditched the sweats and bought a suit. Hayashi-san is a full blown salaryman. Yow.

Due to jet lag and poor sleep we retired early. The next morning we walked around Asakusa and went to Shibuya. We picked up our rail passes and wandered around the streets, taking in Japanese fashion, crammed spaces and record stores. We then headed to to Harajuku for more fashion. While we were in Bangkok, Ericka was on the hunt for the perfect faux Chanel purse. I know it well. Black with white C's on the front, black handles and tall but not to tall. It was around Bangkok for $5 to $25 dollars. Well, we saw the real one in Harajuku for about $2000. Yow.

We met up with Atsushi, who was wearing street clothes, and went to pick up his friend Tomoko - who studied at both EWU and WWU. We actually know some of the same people (whatup blaz) and we all hit it off well. Italian food was enjoyed by all, and then off to the infamous Lotus Cafe in Harajuku where we drank cosmos, seabreezes and spicy gingerale like nobody's business.

The next morning we barely made the shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto. It was a matter of minutes, due to us not bringing an alarm clock on this trip. I have no idea how we made it, but we did.

The trip to Kyoto was smooth and easy, and with the help of some dramamine Ericka passed way out.

We met up with Risa (our friend from Laos) and her friend Masumi, enjoyed some tasty udon and checked out a temple with 1,000 cannons. Onward to an amazing green tea shop, where I had green tea ice cream, Ericka had green tea shaved ice and the girls had green tea parfaits. Ericka's motion sickness pills began to wear off, and we headed out to Kodaiji - a shrine to Hideyoshi, one of the three guys who unified Japan in the 16th century. It was quite grande, and we were fortunate enough to take in a traditional Japanese dance, which was quite nice until the guy who played Hideyoshi picked up the mic and started crooning. We left shortly after. I know that karaoke is a Japanese art, but come on - it can't be a traditional one.

We wandered the streets and parks of Kyoto, and parted ways with Matsumi, ended up meeting up with another friend of Risa named Naoki. After a spectacular sushi dinner we headed back to our hostel, where I now write you these words.

the salaryman, hayashi-san

shinjuku at night

switched hats at the lotus cafe

atsushi and tomoko

green tea treats in kyoto

kodai-ji - kyoto

night time shrine

kyoto at night

fun picture time!

yay!

risa and naoki and sushi.

a sushi couple.

and then there were pictures!

2005-09-29T15:34:00.000+09:00

I don't know if it was the Japanese soap that's been playing for the last 30 minutes or just plain luck. But the computer let me give you something fun to see. Actually, it was the good graces of Internet Explorer (working better than Mozilla) - unbelievable.

Here you go, most recent first.

the okinomiyaki mope.

the okinomiyaki pro.

green tea ice cream a la Asakusa.

Coffee banking anyone?

There's a haircut there.

New York, anyone?

Bubble tea and Nong Khai sunset.

the kayak eating river looks nicer than it really is.

Vang Vieng is pretty.

Cups and kitties, kitties and cups.

tokyo!

2005-09-29T15:00:00.000+09:00

No luck still on the photos.

We spent the last few hours in Bangkok at our favorite new thai joint, and were led to an serene spa where we recieved blissful massages.

We made it safe and sound to Tokyo on our redeye, and after a little hide and seek we found our guesthouse. As we arrived pretty early, and check in does not happen until 3:00, we were forced to wander the lonely streets of Asakusa and Ueno. They let us into the guesthouse a little early - and this puppy is small. Clean, nice people, pretty darn cheap for Tokyo, but seriously cell-like. No worries though.

Long gone are the days of great $4 lodging, 80 cent beer, 20 cent water and one dollar dining. Now we are lucky if we can get coffee for under four, and water for a dolla. Oh well, Japan is still pretty amazing despite the high prices. We had okinomiyaki, green tea ice cream and Calpis (my favorite Japanese vending machine treat) - all of which were wonderful.

We are going to meet my friend Atsushi tonight in Shinjuku and will be headed out to the Kansai area in a few days. Blaz cancelled on us, which is so lame. I wonder if he would meet us in Aomori?

shuffle

2005-09-28T15:02:00.000+09:00

The ipod is my friend. I'm sure you care.

1. Mae - This Time is The Last Time (Wave Remix)
2. Ben Folds - Zak and Sara

Sitting here in another internet joint that won't let me show you pictures of Lao or Bangkok. Hopefully it'll be better in Tokyo tomorrow. Ericka's back at the shopping, and I've got not much else to do but read my friends' blogs and email it up.

We went to a local Thai restaurant last night, the employees/owners looked a little surprised to see two foreigners asking for tofu substitutions. They obliged, even stuffing the tofu into yummy spring rolls.

3. The Get Up Kids - Sick In Her Skin

We caught the second episode of a super corny Australian soap opera around midnight, and we sobbed ourselves to sleep knowing that we'll be missing out on the action when we hit Japan.

4. TV on the Radio - King Eternal
5. Bloc Party - Like Eating Glass
6. Death Cab for Cutie - Title and Registration

Drats, this myspacing is eating up my time - but it's sure fun.

7. Tahiti 80 - Don't Misunderstand

I just ran into a post on the randomness (or not so randomness) of the ipod. Ha.

8. the Streets - Blinded by the Lights.
9. J. Live - Nights Like This
10. Reggie and the Full Effect - Take Me Home, Please (skipped)
11. Crown City Rockers - Balance
12. Judy Jacobs - My Heart's Desire / No One Like You
13. Motion City Soundtrack - Modern Chemistry

Holy crap, the new Coheed and Cambria album is out, and the new Thrice one comes soon. Any reports on the Coheed? Like anyone'll post anyway, ha.

14. Miles Davis - The Theme (Take 1)
15. Sunny Day Real Estate - Faces in Disguise (skipped)

Allright, this is getting boring. I'm done.

16. Brandston - Command Q, Command Z
17. Dismemberment Plan - Pay for the Piano

memories of a lost era

2005-09-27T19:33:00.000+09:00

Flicks from the last show ever of Locke and the Chris Wilson Five. Thanks, V.

the signature locke move - one of them, anyway.

my wife, mom and friends rule.

You suck, Arizona (that's where he moved).

Ex-roommate and bassplayer laughing at something stupid I'm likely to be doing. You will both be missed.

we're pretty!

2005-09-27T19:23:00.000+09:00

I found some pictures of our wedding at Violet Pruer's blog.

Holla!

so persuasive

2005-09-27T19:00:00.000+09:00

Wishing that I could get the pictures up - but alas, the folks is Siam Square (from the guesthouses to the internet cafes) do not like allowing me to do so.

As stated in last night's post, Ericka made a brash decision to get her hair cut by a l'oreal pro. This turned out to be a pretty good idea.

We went and saw Seven Swords, a Chinese action flick. It rode the thin line between corny and completely rockin' martial arts movie. At 100 baht ($2.50) a pop, you can't really step to it. After the previous (holy moses, red eye actually looks entertaining?) the Thai national anthem began, and everyone in the theater rose to their feet as the movie screen showed the lifetime of the king.

Today's been a blur, with shopping shopping cheap cheap bartering. Ericka's ventured off on her own because I can't take much more. I'm listening to Emery next to the salon, which is next to the heavy metal store, next to the DJ school, next to the tattoo shop, next to the movie theater. I like Bangkok.

Tomorrow we're off to Tokyo. We've got to get to a post office to send all this crap home.

Sorry folks, there's tuk-tuk shirts, but they're definitely not cool (even in that so uncool that it's cool kind of way).

blogging in bangkok

2005-09-26T20:41:00.000+09:00

We've made it back to Bangkok after our last few days in Laos, which went pretty well. We went tubing down the Nam Song river, which was pretty fun. Every few hundred meters there's a bar - at least a place that sells beverages. Each one's got something unique going for it, some had caves, zip lines, swings, you get the just of it. We had quite the little tubing party, Erick and I did, and finally made it back to down to catch Friends and get rained on.

The next morning we went kayaking down the river from Vang Vieng to Vientiane. This might not have been the best idea. Our other tourist friends were friendly, and our guides were too, but the rapids might have been a bit much. I first realized this when I was sucked under for a bit and spat out like a ball of phlegm. After we got through all the rapids, we were all a bit shaky, but luckily the guides made a tasty meal and promised no more rapids.

We barely made it to the train, after the arduous two hour tuk tuk ride to Vientiane, another 20 minute tuk tuk drive (the driver charges 7,000 kip, sees my money and tries to say that it was 7,000 per person=stop the tuk tuk) leave lao, enter thailand, tuk tuk to the station and catch the train. We didn't get the best seat, but the nice lady who made us lunch on our way into Lao was there, and this time she was armed with bubble tea. She bragged of beautiful (and i quote) sandwiches, but we didn't partake. They played Stairway to Heaven until the train blew the whistle and we were outta Nong Khai.

Into Bangkok we come. 13 hours later, we've arrived at a guesthouse in the hustle and bustle of the city - Siam Square. There are literally four or five gigantic malls within four blocks of each other. We visited four cinemas within that parameter as well before making our choice. Ericka's loving the shopping. I've bought a hat and shirt - rare finds.

I made a trip by myself on the skytrain to buy our Japan Rail Passes. It was quite the ordeal, with a security guard walking me around as men offer massages (happy hour, they exclaim) with exotic pictures, to an currency exchange spot, then to a bank, and waited until I was done to ask for a tip. He got 20. Baht, that is. But we've got the passes and will be able to go wherever we want in Japan for a whole wide week. Holla!

We're about to catch a movie, and Ericka's getting trimmed up on top as we speak.

oh motion sickness my

2005-09-23T22:24:00.000+09:00

We spent yesterday afternoon at Kuang Si Waterfalls (again) - but with the whole gang. Israel, Ireland, Australia, USA, even Canada represented the smoosh fest in our tuk-tuk (whose driver offered marijuana, opium, and other illicit activities). It was quite the ride, but we managed to make it unharmed.

Some of us climbed to the top, where the guidebook describes an idyllic swimming hole with thousands of butterflies. Well, if there was a swimming hole, it was far from idyllic, and I saw one butterfly. Oh well. The sweat was worth the spectacular views of the hills, which I really cannot get enough of. They're so, so green and gorgeous, and with a clear blue sky you really cannot ask for more. At least I can't.

We also ventured into the water down below, and underneath the waterfall. Fun was had by most.

The evening was spent sharing stories of travel, life at home, and laap tofu (our favorite lao dish). Goodbyes and emails were swapped, and we've got a good four to five more countries on our lists to visit new friends.

We have met so many people who are traveling for five-six months, or even more. The idea simply has never occurred to me. It seems strange to most Americans that Ericka and I are traveling for 5 weeks, but imagining a year abroad is already tugging at me. We're already trying to figure out how we can manage it. Someday.

Last night we also ran into a Japanese girl at our guesthouse, and she invited us for a tour of Nara. Looks like we'll be meeting back up, several thousand miles and about a week later.

Today's bus trip to Vang Vieng was:

Gorgeous. Green. Clear blue skies. Mountains.
Scary. The roads are known to be a little, shall we say unsecure (rebels). Guards with guns may or may have not been on our lovely little air con bus.
Scary. The roads in Laos are insane. Roller coaster leaning left right left left-lots of people vomiting insane.
A little better than the non air con trip up, but not by much.

However, we made it.

Two guesthouses later, we're at the internet cafe. Tasty laap tofu was had at one of Vang Vieng's finest Friends establishments.

This one goes out to my little sister. In Vang Vieng, there are about five or six restaurants that play episodes of Friends nonstop, front to back, dvd in and out. The funny thing is that they're all right next to each other. So you've got your pick of seasons, menus and table settings.

As much as I think that these restaurants are silly, inane and immature, I could definitely sit at one of them and take in a whole season of Friends. Especially the last one. I love it when Ross and Rachel finally make it work.

Oh - click the pictures if you want a better view. They'll be bigger and larger than life that way.

The international tuk-tuk conspiracy.

Kuang Si party people.

It's nice in the back of a tuk-tuk.

I like the land.

A pee break on the road to Vang Vieng.

Friends. Season 3. Coconut shake.

a joyful reunion

2005-09-22T13:29:00.000+09:00

We explored Luang Prabang a little more thoroughly yesterday, and ended up taking a mini (and I mean mini) van crammed with 15 people out to yet another waterfall. This one was called Kuang Si Falls, and was a bit more grande than the other spot we visited. It was a bit of a longer journey full of beautiful hills and motion sickness. Once we got there it was fantastic, as the picture will show.

We drove back, and visited a Hmong village, which is a native Lao tribe. It was pretty dismal, and the 'village' wasn't more than children selling trinkets, and when that didn't work, begging for money. It was pretty drab and heartbreaking.

Things took a turn for the better when we got back into town. We ran into our Israeli friends who we lost track of in Vientiane. It was joyful indeed, and we all went out to dinner and hit the town. Ohad had been promising us a wedding cake since the first night we met, and he made true on his promise. We ended up playing cards with Ohad, Ilad, Gavin (the irish), and Sam (the aussie).

This morning we woke up early and got some tasty spring rolls and pad thai. Then we walked to the Luang Prabang Red Cross and donated blood. It costs a Lao person twenty to forty dollars to buy blood if there is not any donated, and for many this is unaffordable and unrealistic for them to pay, and many die. It was a small cost to pay, but the soda was tasty and so were the cookies.

A wedding cake from our Israeli friend.

Kuang Si Falls.

From beer lao tanktop: the israeli, the irish, the israeli, the american, the aussie.

It is this pretty everywhere.

There is a temple on a hill.

luang prabang and it don't stop

2005-09-21T14:08:00.000+09:00

We arrived in Luang Prabang, by miracle of overnight bus. We've decided in this budget travelling of ours that overnight travel is the way to go, because you combine the costs of travel and sleep. Novel idea, right? In this case, maybe not.

The busses in Laos are crazy, at least ours was. It was loaded to the gills. The last row in the bus was top to bottom with luggage. There were sacks of rice in the isle that you would walk down to get to your seat, and the top of the bus had an insane amount of junk. Boxes, luggage, motorcycles, you name it, we had it on top of our bus. When we'd roll over a bump, crack or pothole (which was all the freaking time) the whole ceiling would bounce up and down, inducing that what in the world were we thinking when we didn't take the v.i.p. bus feeing.

The best moment was not the breakdowns, which were frequent - maybe 3, maybe 4. It was when our bus driver decided to get the party started with some music. He turned it on a few hours into the journey, at a bearable level. Someone behind us shouted something, and I'm not sure if they liked the music or wanted the peace and quiet that we did, but the driver decided the former and cranked it.

We finally made it to Luang Prabang unharmed, and got a cheap and clean guesthouse for $4 a night. After a nap and some black black lao coffee, we good as new.

Off to Tad Se Waterfalls, dinner and a movie at 'Le Cinema,' which is run by a nice English guy who provides dvds, comfy private rooms and beer for you to enjoy. We watched Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and mr. depp's performance was fantastic.

We wandered home past the Royal Palace, through the night market, discovering vegetarian buffets on the street for 50 cents a plate. We vow to never eat at restuarants here again.

The picture makes it looks less crazy.

Tad Se Waterfalls.

Kittie Lao.

Night market. Nice sky.

bling bling

2005-09-19T17:53:00.000+09:00

One.

Million.

Kip.

olive green

2005-09-19T17:32:00.000+09:00

I'm still trying to figure out the police here. They're on every corner, if not every block at least, usually under a Beer Lao oversized umbrella for rain and sun, usually with an automatic rifle in hand or lap. I'd try to capture it in photo form, but I'm a little scared to. Part of me thinks it's because there's some sort of international summit going on, but part of me thinks that's just how they do it round here. You're not going to mess around, foreigner or not, with dudes with guns on every corner.

There's also something to say about that drab olive green. You just don't want to mess with it.

We rode some bikes around town yesterday before we got drenched, and ran into this shiny gold stupa. It's the holiest temple/stupa in Laos, and you can see the statue of the king of old in front. People leave banana leafs full of rice, incense and cigarettes for him. Lucky dude.

In my walkings around town today, I ran into this other ran down stupa. Right down the lane from it was the American Embassy, tucked into an alley. It's a pretty imposing place, with big white walls, barb wire and tough looking guards. I tried to snap a picture of the embassy with the stupa in the background, but the guards (both American and Lao) gave me the international sign of don't take that picutre if you know what's good for you.

I also ran into this other super old temple today, which I didn't get any actual photos of, but I did get to click one of the walls, or cloister, that surrounds it. There's over 2000 buddhas of varying size and era that surround the joint.

He rides.

She rides.

Shiny stupa.

Not so shiny stupa.

Cloister.

Pancake and ice cream make you holla.

holy cow, we're in Lao!

2005-09-18T13:57:00.000+09:00

Laos (don't pronouce the s, folks) is nice.

We wandered the banks of the Mekong River last night and caught an amazing sunset with the couples and families that parked their bikes along the river to do nothing more than sit around. After a lengthy discussion with a waiter about chicken broth (chicken breast, he responds) we decided to have some noodle soup, which - chicken broth or not - was amazing. And only eighty cents.

It seems like downtown Spokane today, nothing's going on and all the hot restaurants are shut down. Why, you may ask? It's Sunday. We're making the best of it though, lounging at the guesthouse, eating baguettes on the river and meeting some Aussies.

We went to the supposed hot club last night, which wasn't more than a good ol' fashioned karaoke throw down. Our friend Gabriel got involved, with Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini. Yeah!

I guess Vientiene is a little bigger than Davenport. We're on a mission to rent bikes or a motorcycle today to explore.

From our guesthouse.

The Mekong at night.

Our lovely couple.

Karaoke is an international language.

since we last spoke

2005-09-17T19:33:00.000+09:00

it's been busy. we've relocated to the communist republic of lao, or the pdr of lao, or something or other. it's definitely a trip, guards with ak47s, dirt roads.

It took us a while to get here, so I'll recap.

Our good friend Tomoko linked us up with her friend Miwa, who was in the same kindergarden class as her. Miwa's husband now works in Bangkok, and they've been here about three months. I called Miwa and we arranged a spot to link up. This proved to be a little more difficult.

By the look of the map, it seemed like it would be a half mile, maybe a little more from the train station. A mile plus later, we hopped a tuk-tuk who brought us back the way we came to Siam Square, where we had to then catch the Sky Train to meet Miwa. We were oh so late, and a last ditch call to her cell phone saved us. Miwa showed us the hot shopping spots, which we vowed to come back to at the end of our trip. When we parted ways it seemed like to soon, and hopefully we'll catch up with her on our way back through Bangkok.

On our way back, we discover the Bangkok subway, which would have turned our hour, mile plus sweatfest into an air-con relaxed 15 minute zip. Oops.

Onward to the overnight train. It wasn't too painful this time, with air-con and a nice lady below us who gave us the 411 on monkdom.

We arrived in Nong Khai at 9AM, on September 17. A tuk-tuk with a very demanding driver insisted we needed to get to his travel agency for a Lao Visa. I insisted we didn't. Finally he capitulated and we were whisked away to the lovely Mekong River (which we haven't actually seen much of yet) through Thai Immigration. Onward on a minibus full, and I mean full of passengers and luggage over the mighty Mekong. Then through Lao Immigration, with stone faced guards and clerks in pale green. Next, customs, next entry fee. $40 later, we've arrived.

The next problem we face is that Vientiane is 20 kilometers away. "Tuk Tuk!" "Taxi!" "Mini bus!" They're in your face and have outrageous prices for the foreigners.

We join forces with some Israeli young men who were on our train and hire a mini bus at 30 baht a person. Driving into town we get to know each other, the marriage is introduced, the question of why in the world we came here on our honeymoon is asked, and laughter is shared.

Five or six guesthouses later, we arrive at our $7 per night shanti. It's basic, but clean with a drafty patio that overlooks the town.

Meeting back up with our Israeli partners, we get Mexican food. But Laotian Arroz Con Pollo is not much more than severely overpriced fried rice with chicken. Oh well.

Vientiane is crazy. It's the biggest city in Laos, but feels smaller than Spokane. It seems like a slightly larger version of Davenport, Washington - although I know it can't really be that small. But we've got good company, good ol' beer lao and good food, so here's to it.

The famous Khao San Road in Bangkok. Diesel Jeans for $15 and anything else you need.

Friend banana. 5 baht.

Banana chocolate nutty crepey dessert yum time.

Bangkok from river boat.

Our favorite person in Bangkok.

Magic subway token.

The magic beer lao.

Billiards with the Israelis, and Thai onlooker.

Nothing like a cute Lao baby.

we be bangin

2005-09-15T14:04:00.000+09:00

It finally stopped raining, but not until we got soaked. We took a tuk-tuk (mini three wheeler crazy taxi) to the infamous Khao San Road and were bombarded with fake Diesel jeans, Gucci sunglasses, Bentley and Rolex watches and everything else under the sun.

On our walk back, we ran into a guy named Chai who was from Chaing Mai. Chai from Chaing Mai. He told us that we needed to see all of these Buddhist temples today, because they were free for some reason, and that we could get a tuk-tuk to all of these locations for 20 baht - 50 cents. The catch was, however, that we had to go to some Thai tailor shops hear their schpiel on how great their clothes were. The rain started pounding down on us harder as we rolled through the streets of Bangkok in the tuk-tuk, getting more and more soaked. By the time we got to the third temple, we were soaked all the way through and had had enough of temples and wanted to go home. Our driver had to take us to one more tailor shop, and when we walked in, dripping water, the salesman just knew that he wasn't going to sell us anything.

Home we went, and spent the rest of the evening listening to the rain in our Shanti.

Today's been better. The sun's out and pounding. We had fresh pinapple, coffee, fresh orange juice (no sugar/salt, the sign said pointedly) and kettle corn for about 55 baht, less than $1.50. Street vendors are fun.

Back into the streets we go!

bangkok a lot

2005-09-15T14:00:00.000+09:00

Bangkok's River isn't for the swimming.

Our Shanti Lodge.

This guy is for real.

Ericka loves kettle corn.

The big buddha.

not much to say when rains

2005-09-14T12:30:00.000+09:00

We've arrived back in Bangkok after the 3 hour boat, 30 minute bus, 12 hour train trip. It's raining pretty hard, and we made a jaunt on tuk-tuk and boat up to the Shanti Lodge, a hip little boutique/hotel/guesthouse. We got soaked to the bone in the process, but our room's cozy and we had the best tofu sandwiches ever when we checked in at 8:00 this morning.

This computer won't let me give you pictures.

The day before yesterday was so-so, it included riding a motobike at slow speeds up steep rutty dirt roads and losing my ring in the Gulf of Thailand. Sorry for not posting, but I really wasn't up for it.

We're off to explore the city today and figure out the rest of our trip. Laos, Vietnam, or a healthy dose of Bangkok?

Decisions, decisions....

As long as we find an umbrella, it'll be allright.

the sun is winning

2005-09-11T18:59:00.000+09:00

The sun is winning the battle between itself and our spf 30. Luckily it hasn't been able to get to my left arm, but my back and face are reeling. Don't worry, the resistance has taken up arms. Spf 30: charge!!!

We're now at Thong Rai Pan, a beach on the north east side of the island. We took a rickety rowboat with an oatboard motor - our server at our brunchfast site laughed as we stepped off our trusty/sketchy skiff.

After searching the beach, we've found a lovely bungalow, complete with swimming pool, flushing toilet, semi-soft matress and no mosquito net! Very important, very.

Ericka was whisked away on a motobike with some dude for a manicure and pediure. Luckily for me, she returned. I toiled away on the beach and finished my second book of the trip, Surviving the Killing Fields, a very tortorous account of Cambodia's civil war and revolution. Yow.

I also finished (now ericka's working on) Under the Banner of Heaven, which is another crazy tale about the Mormon religion. Yow.

Okay, here's some more pictures.

Bottle Beach, again... from Bungalow.

Bottle Beach, again... from Bungalow.

Ericka may have broke my shades, but I whooped her at checkers. (joke, she always wins)

This is Ai Thong Rai Pan Noi. We live here for two days.

She likes the Sprite, as well as the husband.

bottles

2005-09-10T16:09:00.000+09:00

We're at Bottle Beach, which is on the north side of our fair little thai island. We've got another beachfront bungalow, of which I'll work on putting pictures up soon - tomorrow at the latest. It's a bit tricky coming onto these pay per minute computers and trying to get the photos going without *gasp* losing all the photos unwittingly. I digress.... Tomorrow at the latest.

We rented a kayak today and rowed around our little cove. Oh yeah, Bottle Beach.

We made our way north from Thong Salat in a truckbed to a little town, with a nice English fellow named Adrian, who gave us quite a bit of travel advice. We then hopped into a 20-25 foot long boat and headed by a few bays until we got to Bottle Beach, which is a sandy cove with four different bungalow agents, which means four restaurants. We struck out at the first that we got to, but struck gold at the second with our homely little hut.

This beach is full of cute little dogs running amock, tattooed employees who would rather hang out than serve up a drink, the cutest thai babies you've ever seen and a ton of beach bumming Westerners. Methinks we're headed elsewhere tomorrow - we're supposed to have a chat with our new friend Boo about the 'perfect' honeymoon destination, as he puts it.

Until then, Bottle Beach will suffice.

we make pictures!

2005-09-10T15:39:00.000+09:00

Waiting for flickr to upload is no good, especially at 5 baht a minute. Oh hurry up, newly aquired yahoo picture service! Shouldn't that make you faster? Probably not when you're on an island in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand.

Finally! With cold Heineken in hand (thai bottled, of course!) I shall proceed....

Mom, don't worry... 7-11's are everywhere!

We rode a boat.

To my right...

To my left...

She likes to nap

Today is sunnier.... The Bottle Beach photos above don't do it justice.

Ah!!! Heniken is getting warm, must.... go!

more shots.

2005-09-09T13:14:00.000+09:00

don't step to my helmet. this one's for you, mom.

insert witty star wars (space balls, anyone?) remark here.

bungalow jotting is fun.

we be thailyn

2005-09-09T12:57:00.000+09:00

We are in Thong Salat, the port town on Ko Pha Ngan. We've packed up our belongings from our lovely bungalow, and we're on our way to bottle beach. Holla! Here's pictures:

Taiwan beer at 6am? You bet!

We be a trainin'

Water is scarce. Ericka will bite for it.

From bungalow.

Onward. We need to buy crap and get to the beach of bottles.

holla at a thai hat!

2005-09-08T12:44:00.000+09:00

Holy marole ladies and gents,

It is I, Andrew Daniel, back from the depths of the looking at other people's blogs on the internet but never posting. Some things have changed, some things are the same, and some other things have changed too, but I guess we'll take em as we come.

Here are the facts:

I got married to Ericka Leigh on the third of September.
We are in Thailand.
Life is good.

Anyway, we're kicking this thing back into motion for your reading enjoyment, and it should prove to be a fun time for all.

Our trip was a long one, with the most hectic packing I've ever done. Pack 5 weeks of crap in 3000 square inches in 2 hours. Go! Uh oh. Important items missing: not too many.

Then onward to the short Spokane - Seattle flight. Insert 6 hour layover. 12.5 hour flight to Taipei. 3 hour layover. 3.5 hour flight to Bangkok. 30 minute taxi to train station. 6 hour wait. 12 hour (or something) trainride. Half hour bus ride. 3 hour ferry ride.

At long last, we have arrived to the island of Ko Pha Ngan. It is lovely.

We have camped out at a little place on the west side of the island. Our little bungalow sits right on the beach, and costs a whopping 300 baht a night. We're going to stay one more night tonight, then head off somewhere else on the island.

Destination: unknown.

So here it is folks. We will be updating this thing as much as we can.

Until then, holla!

delays, delays

2005-03-09T19:41:00.000+09:00

My apologies for not updating. It's been a hectic week. We're heading back to Spokane to 60 degree weather to escape the tundra of nyc. I've a bunch of pics and things to rant about when I get home, but I've slept only an hour or so today and it's 5:30 in the morning. Taxi, taxi, newark, seattle, spokane, yay.

here's something nice

2005-03-01T10:09:00.000+09:00

Since Sentence's new album There and Back has dropped, I haven't gotten my hands on a copy. I'm sure there'll be a copy waiting for me when I get home - and if you're reading senty, this isn't me complaining in the least (just eager to hear). Anyway, I found a link to the song (a snippet - with me none the least) that I'm on alongside Cursive Adonis and Sentence.

Click here to listen to Above Water. Here to hear more samples. Here to buy.

and it don't stop.

oh st. john, you're sure divine

2005-03-01T09:32:00.000+09:00

Erica and I braved the 3 mile boba march in the snow. Onward to the city, onward uptown, onward to the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine. Brrr. It's snowing and windy but we like the two football field 12 story gothic behemoth. Should we go to Harlem? Yeah! Ok, let's walk over to the B/C subway and head upward!

Insert more snow and wind.

Insert retreat home.

me at my best

2005-03-01T09:27:00.000+09:00

Things have been a little tame around Jersey City as of late. The 3 mile trek to our closest Boba joint has been swell though, and lyrics have been written down. Yip yip yay.

I guess I'll end this little love fest with an ode to my soon to be professor at grad school, who very well could be giving me the shaft. Boo.

boasting

2005-02-25T00:28:00.000+09:00

I heard a man say these exact words yesterday:

"...and I am responsible for the culture they call hip hop."

His name was Kool Herc.

We travelled up to the Bronx to go to the release party of Jeff Chang's new book Can't Stop Won't Stop, a new history of hip hop. Chang, among other things founded Solesides and has raised the bar in hip hop journalism.

Quite the crowd gathered at the Bronx Museum of Art to celebrate CSWS. Chang assembled a panel consisting of Benjamin Melendez of the Ghetto Brothers, Popmaster Fabel, the Original Jazzy Jay and a deejay named Kool Herc. Melendez discussed making the peace between gangs in the 70s, Jazzy Jay dissaproved of the current state of 'hip hop' and Herc reminisced about the days of old.

Highlights:

After suggesting that the founders of hip hop hadn't got theirs, Jazzy Jay suggested that everybody who listens to hip hop give Herc a dollar fifty.
Herc telling the crowd that the owner of the term 'hip hop' lived in Denmark. Jazzy Jay then asked for his address.

It was a blessing to be in such company. Among the legends on stage, Grand Wizard Theodore (inventor of the scratch) was also in the audience.

While the Aesop Rock show made me shrug at hip hop, Herc, Jazzy Jay and Chang made me remember why I love it.

to be teen again

2005-02-24T02:03:00.000+09:00

It seems when I was fourteen, the coolest thing to do was go to the mall and play video games. Nowadays, it's Dashboard, Death Cab and the Killers. Ladies and Gentlemen, the OC has a stranglehold on our youth. But I guess it's not so bad.

Ericka and I went out to Hoboken last night to catch Hellogoodbye. Hoboken's nice. Ericka's friend Jesse from Orange County plays the keyboards in the band, and the 100 teenagers (13-16 I'm guessing) ate it right up.

I'm not really complaining about the rise of teenybopper youth loving hearthrob dance-emo-pop-punk. It's better than Britney and it's certainly better than NKOTB (maybe). But for these youngsters (wasn't I just one of them?) to grasp onto this latchkey broken heart sing song genre (at times - it really felt like a dashboard show, if you know what i mean) - is kind of weird. Oh well. I had fun.

aesop's fabled

2005-02-24T01:31:00.000+09:00

Made our way to Union Square to check out the Aesop Rock instore. Here's the 30 minute rundown. Some guy named Despot opened up, with absolutely zero stage presence. The fact that there wasn't much of a stage didn't help, as he was probably about five feet tall. Next up was C-Rayz Waltz, who came out wearing a grizzlyadams throwback (faux?)fur hat. He was pretty entertaining, except that he couldn't really keep up with his adlibs on the track, which turned his two songs into a big mush of lyrics that were pretty hard to understand. Seriously rapper, if you're going to put your vocals on the track, at least be able to keep up with them.

Old Bazooka Tooth was next, and I was eager to see what he'd be like live. His first two songs were about what I thought, Aesop kicking lyrics to stuttering beats and moving his hand around in a in that I'm-A-Rapper-and-These-Lyrics-Are-Weird-Way. But it totally worked. He then went into No Regrets, the only Aesop Rock song that I've ever grasped what he was talking about. DJ Big Wiz threw in several different instrumentals under Ace, and it was pretty damn fresh.

Then all the Def Jukies in the house got up and freestyled. C-Rayz, Camu Tao, Blockhead (though I doubt he rhymed) etcetera. At this point I was browsing the record store and pondering the 9.99 purchase of both of the new Bright Eyes releases. I don't what's wrong with me. Four years ago I would have shat myself watching Aesop freestyle with such a cast. Such is growing up and growing jaded.

bushu and fractals i am not

2005-02-24T01:26:00.000+09:00

If you thought that you stumbled into Blaz's spot in the internet hall of fame, you're sadly mistaken. Ericka and I went to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens yesterday, and took in the ducks. We then checked out the greenhouses, with their tropical bog marsh desert rooms. The rest of the garden was pretty desolate, as you imagine it would be in February. At least Central Park's gorgeous.

so much tapicoa - so little time

2005-02-22T06:12:00.000+09:00

Quite the lovely day yesterday. Ericka and I made the trip out to Flushing, Queens to go to church with Andrew and Lily. Ericka and I arrived a little early and made our way into a bakery. They had the cheapest bubble tea we've ever had ($2) and munched on a tasty taro -filled pastry.

We initially were going to get dim sum, yet due to our consumption issues, our hosts decided to take us to a pan-asian joint instead, which had the very tasty bubble tea. The fact that we'd already had bubble tea was no problem. We ended up having some hot sesame bubble tea, which was about nine times better than our two dollar beverages.

Then out to Living Faith, Andrew and Lily's church, with a great sermon on the fourth commandment and a very friendly congregation.

Our walk home from the train was a little chilly (see bottom picture) and we've got a few inches on the ground today.

of sound mind and heart

2005-02-20T23:37:00.000+09:00

Yesterday was somewhat lazy. Late to rise, late to the laundromat, late getting ready. By the time we got ready to walk out the door, we realized we had nothing planned for the afternoon, so we stayed in and read.

We caught the PATH into the city and went to Sammy's (again) and had some tantalizing Chinese food, as well as Boba Milk Tea, which Ericka'd been fantasizing about for the past three days.

Then it was off to the Detour, where the cover's nil and the jazz rolls off the tongue like ice cream in the summer. Will Sellenraad was playing with his band Root Down, and had some guy (pictured) sitting in on tenor sax. They started up a little slow, but quickly proceeded to amaze us with a mash of funky soul jazz.

Last night also marks the first official meeting between this Andrew and another Andrew. Andrew and his fiance Lily (check out his proposal) met up with us at the Detour to chat up hip hop, weddings and everything in between. Andrew's and I have talked sporadically through message boards, instant messenging and email over the past six months. Very nice to finally meet. It was kind of like an internet dating meetup, each of us nervous and full of hopes. Sort of.

Good music, good company. I'll get a video of the jazz up as soon as I find somewhere to post.

it's art dummy!

2005-02-20T02:31:00.000+09:00

We went to Free Fridays at MoMA yesterday. I've never felt so much like cattle. The line to get in spans half a block (a new york block, mind you) as well as an empty parking lot. It was pretty cold (understatement) yesterday as well, not to mention the wind chill factor of damn! But we finally made it in to wander and wonder. As you can see, we saw some pretty foolish/amazing/interesting stuff.

Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol and Gustav Klempt are among those pictured above.

the lion, the rich and the store closed

2005-02-19T03:08:00.000+09:00

The New York Public Library if beautiful. Ericka and I wandered around the marble halls, walked through the reading rooms and took in the Guttenberg and the like.

Here's what's up:

Trying to plan out our remaining few weeks.
Putting off laundry for the third or fourth day in a row.
Figuring out if we can really ride on the 'recommended' donations at nyc museums.
Calling family and friends to spread the news.
Making sushi.

So far so good. Aesop Rock's doing an instore for his new EP - which includes an 88 page booklet of all the lyrics he's written since Float! That's the killer sell point, because I know that just about everyone is wondering what the hell he talks about.

behind closed doors

2005-02-17T23:05:00.000+09:00

Ericka and I wandered into the Meatpacking District the other night, and walked past these nondescript doors into one of the swanker bars I've been to. I got tipped off by the folks at Music For Robots, and this is one place we'll have to be coming back to. Edan is playing this month, and Spinna and Bobbito both have monthly residences. Quite nice, quite nice indeed.

by and by

2005-02-17T22:59:00.000+09:00

Some shots from a highrise in lower Manhattan.

a brave new world

2005-02-17T03:07:00.000+09:00

Chinatown's newest bestest engagest couple, post fakemeatmeal.

meat, or something like it

2005-02-17T03:02:00.000+09:00

A tasty meal in Chinatown's finest. Beef with broccoli and sesame chicken. Only vegetarian.

It's been quite some time since I've had meat, and these (soy, gluten, etc) byproducts are either beginning to warp my tastebuds into thinking they taste like the real deal or they really do.

shaved and engaged

2005-02-16T04:48:00.000+09:00

yep.

a tie for a ring

2005-02-16T04:41:00.000+09:00

so yesterday was st. valentines day...happy valentines. mine was lovelier than ever, with some rather surprising happenings. i'll tell the story in short... i met this boy. he fell for my indisguisable intellect and fluttering lashes and decided my big feet and pause distraction sentences were small negatives. and then it was decided he liked me enough to spend a distinguished amount of time with me. i must wonder at what point he made this decision. i mean was it when he realized i was never going to pay him for all those lost bets or when he realized how crazy nuts i am about so many things he loves like meat and zoos and dirty feet.

so now we're in ny and supposibly were going to this weird vegan restaurant that is word of mouth only or something. so gullable i dont even get it. we're in the beautiful highrise building where he has chefed up this tantilizing meal. and plays a little of our favorite music. we sing we dance yadaya you say. his voice begins to shake and soon i am too. the night was surreal and ideal. i am feeling pretty lucky. i feel like i need to thank some parents for the making of this beautiful person. his heart is so sweet, thank you. so its official we are engaged and andrews off the market ladies. thank you jesus for andrew.

art, or something like it

2005-02-15T00:04:00.000+09:00

I really don't know what to make of the Gates, but they're pretty impressive.

We filed in with thousands of others and wandered through several hundred gates throughout the park before we got tired and went home.

ode to the eighties

2005-02-14T02:23:00.000+09:00

Karaoke intrigues me. I just love to watch people get up and sing, especially those with a few years under their belts, and just wonder who these people are and why they're up there pouring out somebody else's heart. In Spokane, Ericka's brought me to a few places that have an elder clientele rocking the jams, and I love watching.

When I was in Japan, everyone (read: everyone) sings karaoke. So.... When in Rome? It ended up being really, really fun. I managed to find some tunes by Boyz to Men, Blondie, and um.... Rage Against the Machine to belt out.

But here it's so different.

Which brings us back to Brooklyn. Ericka and I met Adam, my EWU classmate in Manhattan. We went to this Chinese restaurant called Sammy's, and had the best Chinese I've had in quite some time. Then we were off to Adam's place on the 2-3, to his tiny (read: tiny) studio that he pays a thousand dollars a month to live in. With a roommate.

Adam's going to the New School studying jazz drumming, and seems to be doing quite well.

He takes us to his local watering hole and starts getting winded up on the karaoke that's about to begin. All of a sudden I hear "Andrew and Walt" over the loudspeaker and he's dragging me up there.

Some song I've never heard of starts droning away, and Adam starts crooning. What to do? Croon along, of course! Although I had no idea where the tune was going, I stumbled through the lyrics and did my best to put on a show.

patience

2005-02-13T08:16:00.000+09:00

It was great seeing Jacob, who worked with me at Crosswalk about nine months ago. Jacob's going to grad school at City College now, and seems to be doing very well for himself.

Ericka and I caught the L out to Brooklyn and wandered around Bedford for a while. I've sort of idealized Brooklyn, (like America writers idealized communist Cuba or Russia) and it didn't dissapoint. Bedford was hip as can be, but didn't feel like New York was breathing down your neck. I don't really know what it is about Brooklyn, but I loved it.

keep swinging

2005-02-11T12:18:00.000+09:00

I did not expect today to be so emotional. Last night, the time difference and the coffee that I drank at 5pm kept me up until 3. Up at 9 and into the city.

The PATH train goes straight to the World Trade Center from Journal Square, and the train shuttles right into the Trade Center. We were provided with a full on view of ground zero at eye level. As we walked up the stairs out of the station (see previous post) I imagined the multitudes of people getting off the train and going to work, school or sightsee.

Ground Zero's bleak. We walked up to St. Paul's Chapel to see what these was to see. Inside were exhibits and showcases of the conditions of volunteers, letters from children around the world, badges of servicemen/women who passes away and pictures of the joes and janes whose lives were so suddenly interrupted.

What really got me was the Japanese Peace Cranes,

"....a fraction of these Shinto offerings received from schoolchildren and other groups throughout Japan - the most precious of which came from survivors of the W.W. II bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki...."

When I visited Hiroshima, I heard the story of young Sadako Sasaki who got leukemia from the bombing. Her closest friend reminded her of the old Japanese legend that if she folded a thousand paper cranes, the gods might grant her wish to be well again. She only managed to fold 644 before she died. Her friends and classmates completed her thousand cranes, and now the paper cranes are in abundance at a statue dedicated to Sadako and all the other children affected by the bombing there.

Yow...

Ericka and I went to Borders and read psalms to each other to recuperate.

Off to Trinity Church (see photo, shot from Wall Street) - New York's tallest building in the 19th century. We witnessed an early music performance that my Music History professor Dr. Dolata would have loved.

Down Wall Street we walked to the New York Stock Exchange, which has quite the security force on patrol.

they have fallen

2005-02-11T12:03:00.000+09:00

An altered skyline is all that's left. From St. Paul's.

would you like socks with that?

2005-02-11T12:01:00.000+09:00

Today, in less than one (1) hour we visited eight (8) shoe stores on the same street. This is not including the stores not on said street.

Yow.

Ah, and no shoes were purchased on this mission.

methinks, therefore meam

2005-02-10T12:57:00.000+09:00

Scissorkick is killing it. I'm sitting back in the Shire listening to Mice Parade and trying to figure out why I've never heard of them before. Thanks audioblog!

I've been looming over several other blogs who do this, so enjoy.

Itunes love volume one. From a random shuffle.

1. Diplo - Epistemology Suite (You're Enron).

2. No Fi Soul Rebellion - Math. The No Fi is one of the most entertaining acts I've ever seen, if not THE best. Mark dresses up, runs around the crowd with a 50 foot mic cord and dumps your beer on him. You'll die laughing, if you're not too upset at losing a few bucks. I picked this Wantage compilation up in Missoula.

3. The Foreign Exchange - Come Around.

4. Gift of Gab - Rat Race. One of the top three hip hop albums of 2004. Gift rants "Signed a deal with a major haven't made it yet... Got a past cable bill haven't paid it yet..." I love it.

5. Minus the Bear - Get Me Naked 2: The Electric Boogaloo. I have no idea why or how Minus the Bear names their songs the ways they do, but no matter how kooky the song titles are (booya achieved - is that a ninja up there?) the songs are amazing.

6. Jay-Z and DJ Dangermouse - What More Can I Say. I love how Dangermouse flips the Beatles on this cut. When they chime in after the first verse, I get chills every time. Definitely solidifies why Jay is number one.

7. Cinematic Orchestra - Melody. Second track on the album before this beautiful live band begins. Strings and accordion get it winding up.

8. Cash Crew - High Power Rap. Received from Soul Sides a few months ago.

9. Rainstick Orchestra - Waltz For a Little Bird. Received from Scissorkick a few months ago. Piano driven downtempo, lovely snare brushing. I love it.

10. The Killers - Jenny Was a Friend of Mine. I didn't really like the Killers at first, but after I heard Mr. Brightside I was sold. I don't really get why quite a few of their song titles shout out girls, but I guess they could be working on some Minus the Bear level or something.

FAO Eat Your Heart Out

2005-02-10T12:54:00.000+09:00

Toys 'r' Us in Times Square was complete with giant ferris wheel. No, we didn't ride, but an Italian man gave me advice on the capabilities of my camera's flash.

Anybody else remember how cool FAO Shwartz was? I'm sure it still is, but this Toys 'r' Us was sure giving them a run for their money.

would you like shoes with that?

2005-02-10T12:47:00.000+09:00

This is probably the 20th shoe store we've visited in the last two days.

I finally sold out to emo today. Oops. At least it only cost $20. Chuck Taylor what!

does your supermarket?

2005-02-10T12:43:00.000+09:00

Seriously. I've never seen anything like this. Whole Foods yall.

remember when metal was mean?

2005-02-10T04:24:00.000+09:00

It's funny. I have a lot of friends in heavy bands that are super (read: suuuuuper) serious when they play. Frowns and screams, growls and wide eyes. These guys then get off stage and act like little kids. Smiles and hugs, giggles and laughs. It's totally weird, but I like it. My number one example of the day? Stutterfly.

I've known the boys for four to five years now, when they had a different name and wore jumpsuits. My initial friendship with them started something like this:

"You know, I don't really like your guys' music."
"What?"
"Yeah, but I think you guys are nice enough"

I have since grown to enjoy their music, and they've gotten loads better. It's been two years plus since I've seen or heard from them. Two marriages, an engagement and two new band members later, we finally met up last night.

The magic left off right where we did. Bad jokes, hugs and memories abounded. I caught up the guys on what's been happening in the Spokane music circuit, and they caught me up to speed on the successes they've been having.

I sat back and beamed while they sped through their twenty minute set. They threw themselves all over the stage of the Knitting Factory like rag dolls, playing tight as a corset. It's great to see your friends doing so well, getting to play music all over North America (they're canadian) in a nice van with support from a label, and making ends meet. I'm not saying by any means that they're making their first million by any means, but they're definitely standing on their own feet. I feel so.... proud?

new york, new york

2005-02-10T04:14:00.000+09:00

Yesterday couldn't have been a better first day. Slept in, due to that little three hour time difference, and then headed out to the PATH train. A ten minute walk away that brings us by both of our banks and at least six 99 cent stores. OK, maybe five.

Ericka's looking for some new kicks, and asks if we can try to hit up Urban Outfitters if we by chance run into one. We get off the PATH train at 14th, and low and behold is the nicest Urban Outfitters that I've ever been to. We get the call from Bradyn and head out towards SOHO, hitting every shoe store on the way. She's a picky shopper, and I'm patient (methinks)... No luck as of yet.

We run in circles on Broadway trying to locate 303 West Broadway until we realize that West Broadway is not the west side of Broadway. Then, bliss! Huge ups to Manhattan Portage. I've been trying to get my hands on a the perfect sachel for so long. I've finally got it. It's seriously been since Ericka and I went to Seattle to see RJD2 and Bright Eyes (at difference venues). Four months? Long enough.

It's Ethiopian, and Good It Is

2005-02-08T10:18:00.000+09:00

We are now living in the realm of Jersey City, New Jersey - some eight miles away from the city that never sleeps. I ended up not sleeping last night (see previous post), and napped the five hour flight away like nothing even happened.

Got to the apartment fine, although our taxi driver didn't seem to know where we were going. But we made it, chatted with Chang and now we've the place all to ourselves.

Down the street are several 99 cent stores, which we're going to have to hit up. Chang, it seems, is the quintessential bachelor. 2 plates and 1 cup. He does have pots and pans though... Well at least pots. We've some shopping to do.

We're also blocks away from a very inexpensive farmers market, with all the produce we could ever ask for. What? Bags of Washington apples for one dollar? Bam!

Leigh and I decided to skip cooking dinner and headed straight to this Ethiopian joint, and they rolled out the goods for us. We got a vegetarian sampler, and it delighted the senses. Yum.

Tomorrow we begin exploring and see Stutterfly.

Got an email from my buddy Steve, who's stationed in Kuwait right now. Steve says it's more dangerous for me than it is for him, technically speaking of course.

Of course.

Darkslides Still Make Me Giddy

2005-02-07T20:29:00.000+09:00

Watching Rodney Mullen brings me back, and even though I don't watch 411 with any of the zeal I used to, I laughed uncontrollably when good ol' Mr. Mullen brought forth the darkslides, handstands, fingerflips and flatland madness that he's known for.

Oh, let the boy geek out.

I'm listening to the new Bright Eyes, still sort of trying to figure out young Conner. Not that I don't admire what he's built (saddle creek) or how he does things (2 records at the same time, different albums with completely different sounds). I just don't get his voice. But I'm sure I'll catch on when it's good and trendy to.

I've passed the point of 'boy, it would really be a good idea and sleep' into the realm of 'keep busy so you don't fall asleep.' It's not too bad, and my chauffeur is coming soon enough.

Onward! I shall type until morning comes.

Always a Bridesmaid, Never a Bride

2005-02-07T15:48:00.002+09:00

Oh well. I've cried all the tears I can muster, and they had more to do with scenes like this than sentimental hoo ha. Glen (rocking the Thriller-esque dance moves) was full of pungent, hilarious one liners. Not sure if he realized how funny I thought he was or not, but hey, funny's funny if you know it or not.

My girl got married off fine. I smoothed out her train with such grace and class. New friends were made and old friends were seen. My speech was one upped big time by a kilt wearing drummer who started off his toast with, "When I first learned Leon's last name (Josatis) I thought it was an STD," and then proceeded to tell stories of the groom's fifth level asthmatic condition and his special ability to attract women with his larger than life cough. The dance floor got hot, with corny 80s requests in rotation. But when that deejay (rocking a titanium g4) dropped the anthem of last year (yeah!) the dancefloor just went off. I remember when Parafyn told me you could play that song seven times at the club (in the same night) and that it would pack the floor every time.

Speaking of Parafyn, dude's doing so well. He's making it playing records, baby on the way, I'm real proud of him. Awwwww.

East coast is calling, seven hours to go.

Weigh In Y'all

2005-02-07T15:44:00.000+09:00

I may have gotten the date completely wrong in my last post, but Weight freaking killed it last night. Bravo, Dave G. Bravo, Joe. Bravo, Aaron.

Look out Spokane, another contender rises up.

a little disappointed, but still

2005-02-05T01:41:00.000+09:00

So the Makers have cancelled their gig tonight, and I'm a little bummed out. I guess it'll just have to be a while before I get to see this Spokane (somewhat) based phenomenon play. So now it's a debate between catching the Jailbirds (a Japanese version of the Makers, so heard) at the B-Side or getting over to Mootsy's for Belt of Vapor and Weight.

Belt of Vapor is the Wilt Chamberlain of the Spokane scene. I first caught onto them when they opened for Pretty Girls Make Graves. I'd seen them around, they'd been in other Spokane rock outfits for years none of which stood out too much. But now, they're heavy, the meter's changing, everything complex and intricate - not to mention playing tighter than Jamie Maker's pants. They've slowly started to own Spokane's rock scene, and shut every last band down in the B-Side's battle for the van (including us). Not to mention that all of the guys are nice and friendly as hell.

If Belt of Vapor is Wilt Chamberlain, Weight is the mid 90's Chicago Bulls. They're debuting with a star studded lineup... Joe Preston, who's played in Spokane's most known straightedge band and then moved to Seattle to drum for These Arms Are Snakes, is back. Weight also features Dave G, who was friends with my brother when I was in the 6th grade, so you know he must be cool. Dave's also making really cool electronica/hip hop these days and working at Spokane's dopest burrito joint Slick Rock.

Hmm, sounds like Mootsy's it is.

On another note, the wedding is about to go into megameltdown. The rehearsal's tonight, family's arriving and I'm sure the bride is pulling out hair. Oh where, oh where can a maid of honor be found?

fire in the belly, soy in the teeth

2005-02-04T01:20:00.000+09:00

It's a chilly Spokane morning, but I'm feeling pretty warm. Today's my last day (for a month) to get up for this short but sweet four hour shift. Just recieved a message from Blaz, my good friend in Japan who's started this blogging game, and he's doing just fine. Itunes is blaring, the jacket is warming and all is well.

Jon keeps on rubbing it in that I missed qbert and the rest of his motley crue. But Jon's probably going to miss this one. Guess I will too...

Talked to Terry at the Fat Tuesday, and we're working on locke and the cw5, belt of vapor and for years blue. Mid to late March y'all.

Big ups to Picasa, for making a very nice freeware image eding program that makes me feel like this clunky thing's powered by apple.

by the razor

2005-02-02T10:18:00.000+09:00

Seriously. Alemeda's appearance last night took down the house.

On my way through Hollywood Video to cash in on their wonderful MVP program, I ended up splurging. Three sparkling movies in that 3 for $30 bin caught my eye, and I succumbed. Aside from the fact that I'm scraping pennies for this nyc trip, I'm pretty stoked.

1. Napoleon Dynamite. The drummer in my band saw this three or four times in the theater. So much hype surrounded this movie that I was less than enthusiastic about it. Six months later my stepmother's (in tremendous foresight) reserved it for us from the library. And I fell out of my chair. Well, at least figuratively. Now band practices are full of pulled references and rolled eyes from the guys who haven't seen it yet.

2. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Come on now, anybody who directs videos for Bjork, the White Stripes and the Stones has to be able to make an incredible film. And make one he did. Teamed with Charlie Kaufman's nervous writing and an amazing cast, this love gone erased story blew me away. Gondry's working on a film with Dave Chappelle? Please.

3. Garden State. It seems like almost every twentysomething (is this cliche now?) I know is able to relate to at least one of the characters in this movie. Coming of age with uncertainty, love, regret, mental illness, and parental scorn. Yow. There's me and my friends right there. Definitely not one of the best movies of 2004, but a wonderful start for Zack Braff.

If I could only shake this lost in Translation obsession...

the face of the earth

2005-02-01T13:06:00.000+09:00

It's time to get pumped up for episode seven of the best television drama action suspense thriller ever! We're hoping that Bauer can keep up the mayhem, and I'm sure he won't disappoint. Kiefer's demeanor on 24 is hilarious, and the roommates and I eat every bit of it up. I don't know if anybody else gathers up Monday evenings to yell, hoot and holler as our hero blasts into enemy compounds, keeps tabs on the oncoming threats on the country, and still has time to mack the Secretary of Defense's daughter, but we sure do.

This also reminds me of how wonderful Arrested Development is, and how saddening it is that I have to cut the episode short every week to get to work. On that note, Family Guy is airing new episodes soon.

Fox what!

Worked on getting shows set up for when I return in March today. Something for everybody, all ages with indie and heavy bands, dives with funk bands and spots for you and yours. I had to turn down a gig with the Heiruspecs because of the nyc sabbatical. Oh well, oh well.

Before I go, I've simply go to get together with Ajax Starglider from Future Shock. He's moved up from southern California, and we haven't got a chance to meet yet.

I've been coming around to the fact that Dismemberment Plan is blazing hot. Oh boy.

On a happy note, I watched a DVD that the (fine?) folks at PETA sent me, on 30 reasons you should become a vegetarian. I was prepared for most of it, but the section, aptly titled "Meet Your Meat" was rater disturbing. Holy cow folks, rather disturbing is an understatement. Although Alec Baldwin's soothing voice did ease my discomfort and hearkened back to Royal Tenembaums, I still can't get some of the imagery out of my head. Those poor animals.

fish in the rivers, food in the beard

2005-01-31T15:16:00.000+09:00

Peace to the bachelor party. Last night's bachelorette party was way too much fun. Mayhem began at the Onion, with fifteen to twenty women and myself laughing at the bride to be's phallic flavored uniform, complete with shirt, veil, necklace, ring pop and straw. The rundown proceeded to go something like this. Trickshot, Blue Spark, Pub Club, Trickshot, Mootsy's. Our thirsty pack of girls scammed the guys while I attempted to explain the undergarments over my slacks, the ring on my finger and the veil on my head. Highlights of the journey? The Pub Club's bootylicous dance floor. Our DJ dropped the needle on Billie Jean for us and we went berzerk. And when our lovely bride gotted tossed off of the Trickshot bull like nobodys business, we laughed until our sides ached. Good times, good times.

I ran into Scott and Jason down at Mootsy's. Scott's suggesting a new guitar player for us, who'll most likely make his appearance after I return from New York. Jason and I discussed the possibilities of keeping the band alive after the boys split after the summer. I think it'll be easy to accumulate some more people, but I'd like to move it in a different direction. More guitar driven maybe, horns or possible synth? We shall see.

As for the moral highground of the bachelor party, I'm beginning to see the value. Last night's venture was ten times more entertaining and fun than any bachelor party I've attended. I suppose any excuse for friends to get together is a decent one.

In other news, eight more days until we get to New York. Things to do, things to do... I've scribbled out a nasty little to do list. Perhaps the two most pressing items on said list: 1. Sell tempo. 2. Study for the GRE. Boo.

and thine bride drinketh

2005-01-30T10:41:00.000+09:00

Well, the tempo didn't catch on. A shoddy yet informative poster, reading "Cheap Car!" has been printed up and distributed throughout Cheney, Washington. Several promising leads are now in the mix. Thine tempo shall be soldeth, sayeth the andrew.

Tonight is the bachelorette party. No, I'm not the entertainment. Yes, I am the maid (man?) of honor. The bridal shower really wasn't too crazy. I almost won this totally awesome game of taking safety pins out of a big bowl of rice, without disturbing the rice. This blasted girl beat my in the tiebreaker though.

I've kind of decided that the whole idea of a bachelor(ette) party is a little absurd for those with morals. Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems like the ideal big bang involves one last night of debauchury. When you're not going out for that (insert slur here) one last crazy night, it's just a night out with the guys or the girls, or in my case a night with the girls with guy. So anyway, I'll have more to report tomorrow.

Today I met one of my girlfriend's grandfathers, and experienced that whole intimidating-threatening family member thing. I went to leigh's grandparents' 50th anniversary, and her grandfather (not the one celebrating the anniversary) grasped my arm and gave me the threatening "if you don't treat her well..." thing. It was more funny than scary though, the first words that came out of his mouth were "You need to cut that beard," and then right into "and the hair," followed by "I'll do it for a quarter."

It seems like we're going to stay with Chang in Jersey. I'm looking forward to seeing his group perform. Any hip hop group that's down with Isis? Shooot.

the beginnings of things...

2005-01-28T18:25:00.000+09:00

Things have to start somewhere....

Attempted to teach a coworker to drive the manual transmission. This person admits being a terrible driver. This person tells me that a drivers ed teacher fears for my safety. Yet I don the seatbelt and move forward. Twenty-three jerky starts later, my neck is aching but we're driving through the Spoketropololis at 20 mph. Success somewhat reached! She shall buy thine tempo, sayeth the andrew.

Chang hit me back today.

About Chang.

Chang and I chatted last week about leigh and I subletting his place while he goes on tour. All is sounding fantastic. The price is right, we'll be close to the city, super cheap asian vegetarian market down the street.... Then the phone call comes where Chang gives the room to his boy. Booo.

Anyway, Chang hit me back today. His boy bailed. Alas, now it's a tear between Chang and Mark. Mar's uptown, more expensive, in an arguably nicer place. Mark's problem however, is that his studio is only available for 25 days of our 30 day journey, which leaves us in a pickle.

Shall we:

a) Hit up Chang, stay in Jersey and have lovely cheap asian veggies?
b) Hit up Mark, be swanky uptowners and eat cheap veggies?
c) Hit up Travelzoo and go to London for $300 round trip?