Today was my first exposition for my trip to China. We meet with different kids and interview them for a few minutes. Meanwhile there is a long a long presentation for parents (where we make a short presentation) and then there is a little fair where people come and ask questions and get information. All in all it takes about three hours for this whole thing. It is nice.
I was able to see a bit of Shanghai this morning before our meetings started and it is a pretty cool city. Big. Bright lights. Everything is going and going and going. There is some really col modern architecture and it is all lit up with neon at night Someone commented that it feels sort of like Las Vegas.
We headed to the airport for our flight to Beijing which was delayed. We finally got to our hotel at about 2:00am.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Luggage tags
Well, I was home for the day today. I thought that I would be getting up early and then doing some work and packing and going to bed early and all that... Well I got up at like 11:30. Then went to work and chatted for a while, followed that up with some actual work!
Of course, I thought about packing and I didn't actually get to it just yet. The interesting thing is that I don't really have a suitcase. I have a backpack, a couple of duffles, one roller carryon, a couple of weekend/overnight bags, but no real luggage. Not that I need (or really want) any, but at times I do think that it would but helpful. With this trip, where I will need to be dressed nice, it would be nice to have a bag where your stuff won't get so wrinkled. Luckily, I borrowed a suitcase from my sister and brother-in-law.
It is funny when you think about luggage. What does your luggage say about you? Do you have a set that matches? Do you have random pieces? Does your luggage roll or have straps?
More interesting is how people identify their luggage on the belts at the airports. Most bags are black rollers. Many have scarves, or ribbons, or other weird things attached to them to for identification. I have to say that I am usually lucky (not having any real luggage) all my bags look different. At Christmas, I found some luggage tags I had to buy fro my family. They made me laugh so hard at the store (perhaps is was too much shopping) but these tags are designed to help you identify your bag. They are big and colorful. What makes them great is the messages they have on them. I only remember a couple but they still make me laugh:
"My zippers are killing me!"
"I'm a mess on the inside."
"You think we all look alike!"
The others were equally funny. Whatever your system for finding your bag, I am still amazed that bags make it to their destinations. Hopefully, my bag won't get lost on the way to Shanghai!
Of course, I thought about packing and I didn't actually get to it just yet. The interesting thing is that I don't really have a suitcase. I have a backpack, a couple of duffles, one roller carryon, a couple of weekend/overnight bags, but no real luggage. Not that I need (or really want) any, but at times I do think that it would but helpful. With this trip, where I will need to be dressed nice, it would be nice to have a bag where your stuff won't get so wrinkled. Luckily, I borrowed a suitcase from my sister and brother-in-law.
It is funny when you think about luggage. What does your luggage say about you? Do you have a set that matches? Do you have random pieces? Does your luggage roll or have straps?
More interesting is how people identify their luggage on the belts at the airports. Most bags are black rollers. Many have scarves, or ribbons, or other weird things attached to them to for identification. I have to say that I am usually lucky (not having any real luggage) all my bags look different. At Christmas, I found some luggage tags I had to buy fro my family. They made me laugh so hard at the store (perhaps is was too much shopping) but these tags are designed to help you identify your bag. They are big and colorful. What makes them great is the messages they have on them. I only remember a couple but they still make me laugh:
"My zippers are killing me!"
"I'm a mess on the inside."
"You think we all look alike!"
The others were equally funny. Whatever your system for finding your bag, I am still amazed that bags make it to their destinations. Hopefully, my bag won't get lost on the way to Shanghai!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Mexico is CERRADA on Mondays
I returned to Mexico City today to catch my flight out tomorrow morning. The journey from Acapulco was uneventful with only one important change: All the previous city to city buses (two) had movies in English with Spanish subtitles, this one didn´t. I was kind of excited about four to five hours of watching movies on the bus, however, I was unable to understand the Spanish. One was the Robin Williams movie from last summer of him with his family in an RV? I didn´t really need the English to understand this one. Shame. Basically, I listened to the iPod, looked out the window, dozed...all in all not a bad way to blow off a few hours.
I had left Acapulco in the morning so that I could see one more museum in Mexico City. Diego Rivera and Freida Kahlo (two important artists) have stuff to see here. I, of course, forgot that it was Monday and all museums (pretty much in the world, I think) are closed on Mondays. Shame. What to do with a few hours? I didn´t really want to shop, I am still in search of a good cup of coffee (trying to stay out of Starbuck`s), so I decided a little bit of roaming around would be good. So I picked a new neighborhood, and went to check it out. It was actually a pretty happening place so I was able to sit and have a cerveza or two, eat some street stall tacos and enchiladas, and basically meander through the big city. Nice way to end the time here. Tomorrow morning is a bit of repacking and then breakfast, and then the post office (also was closed today), then check out, then the metro to airport. Hopefully if all goes well, I will be safe at home at 11:00pm! Then a day of quick laundry and repacking, a bit of work, and then CHINA!
I had left Acapulco in the morning so that I could see one more museum in Mexico City. Diego Rivera and Freida Kahlo (two important artists) have stuff to see here. I, of course, forgot that it was Monday and all museums (pretty much in the world, I think) are closed on Mondays. Shame. What to do with a few hours? I didn´t really want to shop, I am still in search of a good cup of coffee (trying to stay out of Starbuck`s), so I decided a little bit of roaming around would be good. So I picked a new neighborhood, and went to check it out. It was actually a pretty happening place so I was able to sit and have a cerveza or two, eat some street stall tacos and enchiladas, and basically meander through the big city. Nice way to end the time here. Tomorrow morning is a bit of repacking and then breakfast, and then the post office (also was closed today), then check out, then the metro to airport. Hopefully if all goes well, I will be safe at home at 11:00pm! Then a day of quick laundry and repacking, a bit of work, and then CHINA!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Semana Santa
Semana Santa....Holy Week...Starts off with Palm Sunday. (My catholic roots are strong.) Anyway, for me that meant getting up going to Chuch listening to an extra long service (they read the passion) and then getting a palm leaf or two and having donuts and coffee with my grandparents. Here, in Mexico, I was amazed. I know that Semana Santa is a big week in Catholic countries, but I was surprised to find out how it is celebrated here in Acapulco.
The Zocalo was filled with people trying to get into the church. They were all holding palms. Thing is though, that they were not given these palms at Church, they bought them from street venders lining the square. The palms were woven into all sorts of designs...crosses, crosses with Christ, just Christ crucified, the Virgin of Guadalupe, nicely braided, etc. Some have roses, some carnations, so are new, some are dried. Basically a palm for everybody. The crowds were pushing the door at the church to hear mass and parade in with their newly purchased palms. The line weaved its way through the town center. After mass the nuns and deacons came out and sprinkled the crowd with Holy Water. Quite a site to see.
What is even more interesting is that the biggest night in Acapulco (the night with the most poeple out and about) has been Palm Sunday! The square was filled, and not just with the churchgoers (or churchgoing-but-stuck-outsides). There were more people selling stuff then ever before, the necklaces, the tortillas, the plantains, the corn on the cobs, the ceramics, the street performers, the palms, and yes even people who set up a couple of tampolines and were charging for a few jumps. I am glad that people are making money and are entrepreneurs. It is really kind of cool to see what people can come up with to make a few bucks. I guess Holy Week, is not just a time to pray!
The Zocalo was filled with people trying to get into the church. They were all holding palms. Thing is though, that they were not given these palms at Church, they bought them from street venders lining the square. The palms were woven into all sorts of designs...crosses, crosses with Christ, just Christ crucified, the Virgin of Guadalupe, nicely braided, etc. Some have roses, some carnations, so are new, some are dried. Basically a palm for everybody. The crowds were pushing the door at the church to hear mass and parade in with their newly purchased palms. The line weaved its way through the town center. After mass the nuns and deacons came out and sprinkled the crowd with Holy Water. Quite a site to see.
What is even more interesting is that the biggest night in Acapulco (the night with the most poeple out and about) has been Palm Sunday! The square was filled, and not just with the churchgoers (or churchgoing-but-stuck-outsides). There were more people selling stuff then ever before, the necklaces, the tortillas, the plantains, the corn on the cobs, the ceramics, the street performers, the palms, and yes even people who set up a couple of tampolines and were charging for a few jumps. I am glad that people are making money and are entrepreneurs. It is really kind of cool to see what people can come up with to make a few bucks. I guess Holy Week, is not just a time to pray!
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Buses
I don´t think that it is a surprise to anyone that I am not a big fan of buses. Neither the long distance kind, nor the short around town kind. For different reasons of course. The long distance kind, well I have had some difficult expereinces on them (Memphis to NoLA, Morocco, etc.) So I am always a bit wary of them. Yes, I know, by and large they are fine, I take them, but I don´t have to like them.
City buses have always caused me concern. I guess the thing is that I never really know where they are going to go. People say that they have routes, but do they always stay on them, and where can I find a copy of these so-called routes? Plus then you have to pay the driver, or the meter, or the box...you have to have the right change...it all seems like a lot. On the other hand, a subway or metro system is right up my alley. Again, I take them, but I don´t have to like them.
Anyway, in Acapulco, you need to take the bus to get around town. I have done a fair share of walking, but it is a distance and taxis are expensive. The buses in Acapulco are not like those in Guatemala or Panama, the brightly painted old school buses. These are just differnt styled city buses...well used...but functional. What makes them unique is that each one is different. The all have a different motif on the outside, but also on the inside. Yesterday the bus was done with the paint spattering method, along the walls and roof. Today´s was an aquarium scene (where you feel you are in an aquarium). There are others that have different styles of music playing. It is actually kind of cool. I am not sure that they are very tightly regulated though. A lot of people get on with out paying or showing a pass or anything. Not sure how that works. In addition, yesterday the driver pulled some money out of the fare box and bought himself a cigarette...I guess every job needs to have its perks!
One last thing about the buses in Acapulco..they cost more then twice as much as the Mexico City metro!
City buses have always caused me concern. I guess the thing is that I never really know where they are going to go. People say that they have routes, but do they always stay on them, and where can I find a copy of these so-called routes? Plus then you have to pay the driver, or the meter, or the box...you have to have the right change...it all seems like a lot. On the other hand, a subway or metro system is right up my alley. Again, I take them, but I don´t have to like them.
Anyway, in Acapulco, you need to take the bus to get around town. I have done a fair share of walking, but it is a distance and taxis are expensive. The buses in Acapulco are not like those in Guatemala or Panama, the brightly painted old school buses. These are just differnt styled city buses...well used...but functional. What makes them unique is that each one is different. The all have a different motif on the outside, but also on the inside. Yesterday the bus was done with the paint spattering method, along the walls and roof. Today´s was an aquarium scene (where you feel you are in an aquarium). There are others that have different styles of music playing. It is actually kind of cool. I am not sure that they are very tightly regulated though. A lot of people get on with out paying or showing a pass or anything. Not sure how that works. In addition, yesterday the driver pulled some money out of the fare box and bought himself a cigarette...I guess every job needs to have its perks!
One last thing about the buses in Acapulco..they cost more then twice as much as the Mexico City metro!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Sitting on the beach under the Mexican Sun
Today was my day to head to the beach and spend the day under the sun. I woke up at 9:00 showered and went to have breakfast and then figured out how the city buses work and made it to Playa Coleta. While this might not be the nicest beach, it was far away from the Spring Breakers and far from where they would go. This beach is known to be good for families!
Well I got to the beach, after being yelled at by the bus driver. I guess no one likes a passenger who doesn´t know how much to pay. Anyway, I got off the bus and wandered to the protected cove of a beach. It was very nice. The coolest thing here is that there there are chairs and umbrellas set up for you. So I plopped myself down on one and proceeded to enjoy the sun. Of course they cost a little money (three bucks) but well worth it. I didn´t even get burned.
The beaches are known to have their hawkers, but I was impressed with what one is able to by from these people wandering up and down the beach. A bottle of water? No. A coke? No. But you could get, ice cream, shaved ice, mangos (on a stick), watermelon and cucumbers (also on a stick), mangoes with chili powder, chairs, wind chimes, a massage, necklaces, bags, towels, masks, fins, snorkels, life jackets, tubes, things made out of shells, beah towels, bathing suits, beach wear, sunglasses, sandals, etc. The list goes on and on. Why go to wall mart, you can just hit Playa Coleta for all your shopping needs. That is, unless you want a bottle of water.
Well I got to the beach, after being yelled at by the bus driver. I guess no one likes a passenger who doesn´t know how much to pay. Anyway, I got off the bus and wandered to the protected cove of a beach. It was very nice. The coolest thing here is that there there are chairs and umbrellas set up for you. So I plopped myself down on one and proceeded to enjoy the sun. Of course they cost a little money (three bucks) but well worth it. I didn´t even get burned.
The beaches are known to have their hawkers, but I was impressed with what one is able to by from these people wandering up and down the beach. A bottle of water? No. A coke? No. But you could get, ice cream, shaved ice, mangos (on a stick), watermelon and cucumbers (also on a stick), mangoes with chili powder, chairs, wind chimes, a massage, necklaces, bags, towels, masks, fins, snorkels, life jackets, tubes, things made out of shells, beah towels, bathing suits, beach wear, sunglasses, sandals, etc. The list goes on and on. Why go to wall mart, you can just hit Playa Coleta for all your shopping needs. That is, unless you want a bottle of water.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Hotel Mision
Acapulco is great. The sun is shining and it is warm and sunny. Not too hot, but warm enough so that you feel it. I was thinking how nice it was to be sitting on the beach eating a quesidilla and drinking a Corona. Perhaps a bit stereotypìcal, but nice. What isn´t so usual, is my hotel. Obviously, everyone knows that I rarely pay more then 20 bucks a night for a place to stay. My first choice wouldn´t take me because I was only one person...that was $10/night. So I wandered into the Hotel Mision (one of several second choice options). I chose it for it´s price ($20), it´s location, and because the write up made it seemed like it would be ok.
What an interesting place. Hotel Mision is really is "a diamond in the rough" as it was described. You walk into a very nice shady courtyard with trees and tables. It has little water features. Overall, a nice beginning. My room is a little different. It has a huge window across the front and a ceiling fan. The intersting thing about the window is that there is no glass. Just a screen. Now it is nice to be able to get a breeze, but pretty much anyone can hear in. And any other outside noises are heard inside, too. I heard my neighbors arriving and getting settled. The dogs barking in the neighborhood. All this is especially worrisome (due to the very reason I chose it) being close to the town center! If that wasn´t enough, there is only a partial wall to the bathroom, no door, and again, it is all open to the outside. The decor is simple, plain cement floors, white painted brick walls. But it is a good value for the money, and again isn´t it all about the location?
I am not, however, staying near the highrises and the spring breakers. I found them today as I was walking on the beach. I have to say, that I am glad that I am staying at the other end of the beach. I am sure the spring breakers are having fun.
I am off to find the cliff divers. They are supposed to be truly amazing.
What an interesting place. Hotel Mision is really is "a diamond in the rough" as it was described. You walk into a very nice shady courtyard with trees and tables. It has little water features. Overall, a nice beginning. My room is a little different. It has a huge window across the front and a ceiling fan. The intersting thing about the window is that there is no glass. Just a screen. Now it is nice to be able to get a breeze, but pretty much anyone can hear in. And any other outside noises are heard inside, too. I heard my neighbors arriving and getting settled. The dogs barking in the neighborhood. All this is especially worrisome (due to the very reason I chose it) being close to the town center! If that wasn´t enough, there is only a partial wall to the bathroom, no door, and again, it is all open to the outside. The decor is simple, plain cement floors, white painted brick walls. But it is a good value for the money, and again isn´t it all about the location?
I am not, however, staying near the highrises and the spring breakers. I found them today as I was walking on the beach. I have to say, that I am glad that I am staying at the other end of the beach. I am sure the spring breakers are having fun.
I am off to find the cliff divers. They are supposed to be truly amazing.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
I want to get married?!?
Don't have a heart attack! Mother, don't jump for joy just yet! There must be something in the air. I mean, really, there must be something in the air. I can't quite explain my own thoughts...
So today I came to Taxco. A great little city, on the side of a mountain. I was really excited to see a smaller place then Mexico city, and I thought that this would be good. It is on the way to the beach; I am going to Acapulco tomorrow. it was described as this nice little place and I thought I would like it. I do like it. I have a great hostel (I got upgraded to my own room for free) and the city itself is pretty amazing as cities in the mountains go. The city of Taxco is known for it's silver making industry. It is the best place to get silver in Mexico, supposedly, and you get the best deals; you can bargain. So after a few hours at the chruches, church museum, and the roving Torture Museum (weird, but cool), I had a cup of coffee (no Starbuck's here) and I started to do a little shopping. As I was wandering around looking in all these silver shops at jewelry, I found a really cool (expensive) piece. I thought (drum roll, please) "It would be really nice to have someone to buy this for!" At that point I was thinking it would be cool to have a wife/girlfriend to buy cool jewelry for. Some of the designs were pretty funky and cool. I enjoyed looking at the jewelry, and thinking about who would like what, etc. Weird. Anyway, I rationalized my own thoughts by thinking (don't worry, I often argue with myself in my head while traveling) "Yeah, you wouldn't mind buying some cool stuff, but would you want her with you right now?, NO!" I guess the answer is...it won't be anytime soon. Sorry, everybody.
So today I came to Taxco. A great little city, on the side of a mountain. I was really excited to see a smaller place then Mexico city, and I thought that this would be good. It is on the way to the beach; I am going to Acapulco tomorrow. it was described as this nice little place and I thought I would like it. I do like it. I have a great hostel (I got upgraded to my own room for free) and the city itself is pretty amazing as cities in the mountains go. The city of Taxco is known for it's silver making industry. It is the best place to get silver in Mexico, supposedly, and you get the best deals; you can bargain. So after a few hours at the chruches, church museum, and the roving Torture Museum (weird, but cool), I had a cup of coffee (no Starbuck's here) and I started to do a little shopping. As I was wandering around looking in all these silver shops at jewelry, I found a really cool (expensive) piece. I thought (drum roll, please) "It would be really nice to have someone to buy this for!" At that point I was thinking it would be cool to have a wife/girlfriend to buy cool jewelry for. Some of the designs were pretty funky and cool. I enjoyed looking at the jewelry, and thinking about who would like what, etc. Weird. Anyway, I rationalized my own thoughts by thinking (don't worry, I often argue with myself in my head while traveling) "Yeah, you wouldn't mind buying some cool stuff, but would you want her with you right now?, NO!" I guess the answer is...it won't be anytime soon. Sorry, everybody.
Ever wonder what happened to the Beetles?
Have you ever thought about it? (and I am not talking about John, Paul, George, and Ringo). I hadn't really thougth too much about it. When I was little there were a lot of Volkswagon Beetles driving around. Everyone liked them. They were small and economical and let's face it, kinda cool. As I grew older, there were less and less of them around. They grew scarce (the "punch buggy" game). Eventually, you just never saw them (and it wasn't becuase they were blocked by the Escalades and Suburbans). I guess they stopped making them in the US. (Little known fact, the first car I bought was a VW beetle convertible...my father and I had a plan to rebuild a car. I bought a second one, and countless parts. Who knew I wasn't really going to be excited about working on cars. Needless to say, the plan failed and it never ran.) Anyway, I digress. I came to Mexico and realize that there are thousands of beetles driving around...literally thousands. I guess the Meixcan's liked them for the same reason some of us did. Many (maybe most) are being used as taxi's...even weirder to me than just seeing them. Can you imagine that a huge part of the taxi fleet is VW bugs? Of course they have made some modifications..they took out the passenger seat to allow access to the back seat. I did see four people climb out of one. Let's not forget that some of them have been tricked out...sort of in a "Pimp My Ride" kind of way.
Don't think that the title of this post isn't also culturally connected. I came to Taxco today. A small city clinging to the side of a mountain. A very cool place, by the way. Anyway, a delicacy here is eating beetles...some times live, some times ground up in to a paste. Either way, you have to try it. I would have tried the live ones if I had found them, but I had to settle for ground up beetles as a filling for my tacos. Yum.
Don't think that the title of this post isn't also culturally connected. I came to Taxco today. A small city clinging to the side of a mountain. A very cool place, by the way. Anyway, a delicacy here is eating beetles...some times live, some times ground up in to a paste. Either way, you have to try it. I would have tried the live ones if I had found them, but I had to settle for ground up beetles as a filling for my tacos. Yum.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Love in Mexico City
One of the interesting things about Mexico City ahs been how freely everyone seems to display their affections. Walk through a park and you inevitably see people making out. How about on the Metro platforms? On the Metro? Resting in a museum? In a cafe? In a restaurant? At a bar? At the internet cafe? Yes, all of those places. Now don´t think that I am scouring the city looking for couples, but everywhere you turn, there they are. The worst was the two people at the other end of the park bench from me. In some ways it is nice (love is in the air), and in others ways a bit disgusting. Frankly, I wanted to tell them to stop, to find another place, etc. But then I remembered I wasn´t in the Suffield Union.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Teotihuacan (and Guadalupe)
So I bought this tour today to go to the ruins of Teotihuacan, the largest pre-Hispanic empire. Before we got there we had a few stops tot make. The first one was the Plaza of Three Cultures. What cultures do you ask? That was my question. The first was the ancient Mexicas, the second was the Spanish conquest, and the third was "modern culture". Anyway the place was cool, much like the Templo Mayor from yesterday. I guess a big thing is Mexico was rebuilding temples on to of temples becuase this one had a bout seven layers too. Who knew that was such a cool thing to do? Anyway there were two really cool things about this sight. One was a Spanish Church built on the spot. What was interesting, was not that the Spanish built a church, but that the church was built with stones used in the building of the temple. Nice, even in teh sixteenth cnetury the Spanish were recycling! The Second interesting thing was that this was the sight of a 1968 student uprising against the government, just before the Olympics. Of course the government killed like 500 poepl but claimed no responsibilty...still nice to be at that sight. it is the Plaza de las Tres Culturas and the sight of the ruins of Tletelolco.
Next stop was the Basilica of Guadalupe. The reason this was so interesting for me is, well, I am not so sure. All I know, is that a priest at my former home parish of St Patricks`s had a parishioner who painted this rather large (and some would say guady) painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Who knew that she was the patron of the Americas, and that everyone in Meixco revered her as the most important vision of the Virgin and that people make pilgrimages to her Shrine? Who knew? Not me. As all very catholic sights, the churches, chapels, basilicas (even) are beautiful. It always blows my mind the stuff that is sold just outside of the chruch grounds...T-shirts with the vigins face, or other famous saints, statues, rosaries, etc. It was just too mcuh for me. More offensicve though was the many people set up to take your picture with a fake burro with a sombrero and blankets, inside the site...a little too much. I did take some picutres for my parents....
Finally we were off too Teotihuacan (the whole reason I signed up for the tour). You would pronounce that teo-tee-wa-can. We stopped at a place where they sold overpriced handicrafts, as well as fed us an overpriced lunch. that took an hour. Then we wne to the site. Pretty Amazing. Sadly most of it had been reconstructed and there weren´t too many original buildings. But cool to be somewhere that was built about 2000 years ago. One of the pyramids was the third largest in the world after Egypt...It was cool to be on the to, not going to lie about it. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and took a bunch of pictures. I met some cool people and enjoyed several beers and dinner with them today.
Tomorrow, well I need to make a plan still...not exactly sure what I am going to do yet!
Next stop was the Basilica of Guadalupe. The reason this was so interesting for me is, well, I am not so sure. All I know, is that a priest at my former home parish of St Patricks`s had a parishioner who painted this rather large (and some would say guady) painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Who knew that she was the patron of the Americas, and that everyone in Meixco revered her as the most important vision of the Virgin and that people make pilgrimages to her Shrine? Who knew? Not me. As all very catholic sights, the churches, chapels, basilicas (even) are beautiful. It always blows my mind the stuff that is sold just outside of the chruch grounds...T-shirts with the vigins face, or other famous saints, statues, rosaries, etc. It was just too mcuh for me. More offensicve though was the many people set up to take your picture with a fake burro with a sombrero and blankets, inside the site...a little too much. I did take some picutres for my parents....
Finally we were off too Teotihuacan (the whole reason I signed up for the tour). You would pronounce that teo-tee-wa-can. We stopped at a place where they sold overpriced handicrafts, as well as fed us an overpriced lunch. that took an hour. Then we wne to the site. Pretty Amazing. Sadly most of it had been reconstructed and there weren´t too many original buildings. But cool to be somewhere that was built about 2000 years ago. One of the pyramids was the third largest in the world after Egypt...It was cool to be on the to, not going to lie about it. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and took a bunch of pictures. I met some cool people and enjoyed several beers and dinner with them today.
Tomorrow, well I need to make a plan still...not exactly sure what I am going to do yet!
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Mexico City for Free (almost)
What a great day. I was out and about all day in the city today and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It was really the type of day that I love!
To start, I slept in. Why that is so great, I am not sure, but it always makes me happy. Basically, one of the roommates came home at 4:45 last night, lets just say he wasn´t so sober, and made a lot of noise. I then slept until my alarm went off at 8:45. And finally got out of bed at about 9:15. What can I say, it made me happy. I went down to get my free breakfast, all that was left was some toast, and what I thought was coffee. All I could get was hot water to mix with INSTANT coffee. I have to say although breakfast was free, I would have been happy to pay for some good coffee in the morning. Basically i put two packets of the instant in to make it worth while. Kathy truly does spoil me with good coffee everyday.
First stop, The Templo Mayor. I was surprised I could walk in. the guard merely said it was free! I was pretty psyched! Not sure why I didn´t need to pay, but hey who cares. Anyway the cool thing about this temple complex is that it was only two minutes from the hostel! No, really the cool thing about this is that it was a mjor temple area from the original Mexicas (no typo there) and it was basically the cetner of their city, Tenochtitlan. Really cool. Basically a temple that was buried and redone to prove that each subsequent ruler was that much better then the one before him. There must be a joke in there about compensation for all these rulers! Anyway the colonial achteictrue just built on top of it destroying so much of this temple, etc. that all that is left is ruins. It was pretty cool to see the layers of temple built on top of each other. So much for preserving the old... The museum for this was very well done and very well done and very well organized. I was impressed.
I left this site to see what else was around. I had just see the cathedral yesterday so I decided to try the National Palace. Very very cool. I mean besides the GIANT Mexican flag, you walk into this major square and you are then able to check out some small, although nice, botanical gardens. Oh yeah, did I mention that Benito Jaurez is pretty huge here is Mexico? Certainly they seemed to like him at the National Palace. Overall, it was really nice, well kept, and beautiful, and of course FREE! I left there a little after noon and was trying to decide what to do so I continued on my walking tour to the Palacio de Bellas Artes. It was a pretty impressive building and inside was very art deco. Í wa´s excited about it becuase it had an exhibit of a famous Mexican director and seemed to be very popluar amongst the Mexicans. Anyway i wandered around the galleries and I was really excited about the gallery on artchitecture. It was really nice and cool to see what people have done. By the way the 70's remain a terrible time for architecture. Oh yeah, this museum was also free!
I hung out in the Alameda Central for a while. I bought some fresh fruit to eat...it made me happy. Basically just a straight forward city park. After I was done there I made my way to the Museo National de Anthropologia.
I have to say, that this museum ranks amongst one of the best of its kind I have ever been to. It was clearly organized, it had commentary in both Spanish and English, and it was really dedicated to the indigenous people of Mexico. What was cool was that it wasn´t just structures. It wasn´t just remains. It wasn´t just stuff. It also had sections on the culture of the people and all that they stood fro and in some cases still do represent. It was truly and Anthropological museum and I spent several hours there walking through the extensive galleries. A must see for anyone who is in Mexico City. Unfortunately, it wasn´t free. I paid my 50 pesos or about five bucks. Well worth it. There is also a show of the Totonic people who throw themselves off a pole (four at a time) and the spin around to the ground. They are all attached to a rope that spins around a spindle until they hit the ground ( they are hanging upside down). It was pretty cool to see. I had some snacks from venders (i do love street food), and then found a coffee shop and had a good cappucino. For the record, I have avoided not only McDonalds (which see to be on many corners) but also Starbucks, which I found today.
I have sampled several beers, Negra Modelo, Sol (both of which you can find in the States). I was pretty impressed with the large (one liter) bottle of Corona! Not to worry, I drank it all with dinner!
So like I was saying, a whole day of entertainment and food and I paid a total of about $20. Not bad, throw in housing the whole day only cost me $34!
Tomorrow I am off to Teotihaucan to check out the ruins.
To start, I slept in. Why that is so great, I am not sure, but it always makes me happy. Basically, one of the roommates came home at 4:45 last night, lets just say he wasn´t so sober, and made a lot of noise. I then slept until my alarm went off at 8:45. And finally got out of bed at about 9:15. What can I say, it made me happy. I went down to get my free breakfast, all that was left was some toast, and what I thought was coffee. All I could get was hot water to mix with INSTANT coffee. I have to say although breakfast was free, I would have been happy to pay for some good coffee in the morning. Basically i put two packets of the instant in to make it worth while. Kathy truly does spoil me with good coffee everyday.
First stop, The Templo Mayor. I was surprised I could walk in. the guard merely said it was free! I was pretty psyched! Not sure why I didn´t need to pay, but hey who cares. Anyway the cool thing about this temple complex is that it was only two minutes from the hostel! No, really the cool thing about this is that it was a mjor temple area from the original Mexicas (no typo there) and it was basically the cetner of their city, Tenochtitlan. Really cool. Basically a temple that was buried and redone to prove that each subsequent ruler was that much better then the one before him. There must be a joke in there about compensation for all these rulers! Anyway the colonial achteictrue just built on top of it destroying so much of this temple, etc. that all that is left is ruins. It was pretty cool to see the layers of temple built on top of each other. So much for preserving the old... The museum for this was very well done and very well done and very well organized. I was impressed.
I left this site to see what else was around. I had just see the cathedral yesterday so I decided to try the National Palace. Very very cool. I mean besides the GIANT Mexican flag, you walk into this major square and you are then able to check out some small, although nice, botanical gardens. Oh yeah, did I mention that Benito Jaurez is pretty huge here is Mexico? Certainly they seemed to like him at the National Palace. Overall, it was really nice, well kept, and beautiful, and of course FREE! I left there a little after noon and was trying to decide what to do so I continued on my walking tour to the Palacio de Bellas Artes. It was a pretty impressive building and inside was very art deco. Í wa´s excited about it becuase it had an exhibit of a famous Mexican director and seemed to be very popluar amongst the Mexicans. Anyway i wandered around the galleries and I was really excited about the gallery on artchitecture. It was really nice and cool to see what people have done. By the way the 70's remain a terrible time for architecture. Oh yeah, this museum was also free!
I hung out in the Alameda Central for a while. I bought some fresh fruit to eat...it made me happy. Basically just a straight forward city park. After I was done there I made my way to the Museo National de Anthropologia.
I have to say, that this museum ranks amongst one of the best of its kind I have ever been to. It was clearly organized, it had commentary in both Spanish and English, and it was really dedicated to the indigenous people of Mexico. What was cool was that it wasn´t just structures. It wasn´t just remains. It wasn´t just stuff. It also had sections on the culture of the people and all that they stood fro and in some cases still do represent. It was truly and Anthropological museum and I spent several hours there walking through the extensive galleries. A must see for anyone who is in Mexico City. Unfortunately, it wasn´t free. I paid my 50 pesos or about five bucks. Well worth it. There is also a show of the Totonic people who throw themselves off a pole (four at a time) and the spin around to the ground. They are all attached to a rope that spins around a spindle until they hit the ground ( they are hanging upside down). It was pretty cool to see. I had some snacks from venders (i do love street food), and then found a coffee shop and had a good cappucino. For the record, I have avoided not only McDonalds (which see to be on many corners) but also Starbucks, which I found today.
I have sampled several beers, Negra Modelo, Sol (both of which you can find in the States). I was pretty impressed with the large (one liter) bottle of Corona! Not to worry, I drank it all with dinner!
So like I was saying, a whole day of entertainment and food and I paid a total of about $20. Not bad, throw in housing the whole day only cost me $34!
Tomorrow I am off to Teotihaucan to check out the ruins.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Finally in Mexico City
Well I hopped on my plane this morning at 6:00am! Thanks for Nisa who made the trek to Bradley, even if Starbucks wasn´t open. To be honest, I am not sure I ever really want to get up that early again!
In typical fashion I packed late, didn´t sleep too much (afraid I wouldn´t get up) and got to airport and crashed on both planes. I think that really is the way to go. It makes the trip a bit faster. I did watch Enchanted on the plane. Have you seen this movie? It is a bit ridiculous.
Got to Mexico, got through customs...I have to say they have a little bit of an interesting contraption for Customs. You push a button, Red you go through, green you get searched. Glad I was red. Off I go in search of the metro. It was actually a very nice and clean system, at least compared to what I have read. Interesting to note on the Metro, the wheels of the trains are rubber (like tires) so it makes for a smooth and quiet ride. I was impressed.
I decided to got to the Hostel Catedral. It is a big hostel located just behind the big cathedral in Mexico City. I figured this way it would be central and easy to find! I elected again to stay in a dorm and there are only four beds. That is nice. I of course got the bed closest to the door, but I will survive. I have sheets, blankets and a pillow. Only $14 a night. You can´t go wrong.
I checked out the Cathedral today and this area called the the Zocalo. It is right in the center of the historic zone of the city, and it is nice and quite manageable. You begin to feel really safe and happy and then you see the policia walking around with the bullet proof vests on. Shame. The Zocalo is now home to an exhibit by Gregory Colbert. It is this traveling art show but it is pretty impressive. Basically I had no idea what this massive temporary building was. It was made of moving containers, bamboo, water, and a some other wood. Basically, pretty strange to be in the middle of this square. So I jumped in line, having a few hours to kill, and waited to see what it was. It was amazing. There are HUGE photos on canvas hanging over a little stream that runs throughout this enormous structure. The photos are of people and animals and are really striking. There are also three movies (poetic haikus, they were called). It is hard to explain but was really very cool. The exhibit is called Ashes and Snow. Check it out: http://www.ashesandsnow.org/
I think tomorrow I will continue to wander around the old city and see the sights!
In typical fashion I packed late, didn´t sleep too much (afraid I wouldn´t get up) and got to airport and crashed on both planes. I think that really is the way to go. It makes the trip a bit faster. I did watch Enchanted on the plane. Have you seen this movie? It is a bit ridiculous.
Got to Mexico, got through customs...I have to say they have a little bit of an interesting contraption for Customs. You push a button, Red you go through, green you get searched. Glad I was red. Off I go in search of the metro. It was actually a very nice and clean system, at least compared to what I have read. Interesting to note on the Metro, the wheels of the trains are rubber (like tires) so it makes for a smooth and quiet ride. I was impressed.
I decided to got to the Hostel Catedral. It is a big hostel located just behind the big cathedral in Mexico City. I figured this way it would be central and easy to find! I elected again to stay in a dorm and there are only four beds. That is nice. I of course got the bed closest to the door, but I will survive. I have sheets, blankets and a pillow. Only $14 a night. You can´t go wrong.
I checked out the Cathedral today and this area called the the Zocalo. It is right in the center of the historic zone of the city, and it is nice and quite manageable. You begin to feel really safe and happy and then you see the policia walking around with the bullet proof vests on. Shame. The Zocalo is now home to an exhibit by Gregory Colbert. It is this traveling art show but it is pretty impressive. Basically I had no idea what this massive temporary building was. It was made of moving containers, bamboo, water, and a some other wood. Basically, pretty strange to be in the middle of this square. So I jumped in line, having a few hours to kill, and waited to see what it was. It was amazing. There are HUGE photos on canvas hanging over a little stream that runs throughout this enormous structure. The photos are of people and animals and are really striking. There are also three movies (poetic haikus, they were called). It is hard to explain but was really very cool. The exhibit is called Ashes and Snow. Check it out: http://www.ashesandsnow.org/
I think tomorrow I will continue to wander around the old city and see the sights!
Friday, March 07, 2008
Spring Break 2008
I am off on Spring Break! This break wasn't without a bit of stress on my part. I had five different plans as to what I would do over this break, and frankly, none of the top trips and plans is what happened! It is sort of stupid, but also very much my style at times (not ready to commit to anything too soon). How sad!
I waited so long to buy my plane tickets that I didn't buy them (I was planning to go to South Africa and Mozambique). I was still going to go, when the opportunity to go to China came up! Nothing like being paid to miss a week of school to be in China! So there is a little work and the days may be a bit hectic, but really, it is a little different and that is all that matters. Anyway, since I hadn't bought a ticket for break, I could still go to China! But I was still going to have a few weeks prior to China to go some where. First I thought I would still go to South Africa. Too much time flying and too much money. Then I thought I would go to Denmark, too cold. Then I thought I would go to Chile, too expensive, and that was the same with Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname,Nicaragua, Honduras, etc. I thought I would go to Korea. I was pretty excited about that one. It was on the way, it could work! I could buy the tickets, it seemed perfect. Then I couldn't figure out how to pack for Korea, as well as bringing nice clothes, computer, etc. that I would need in China. It was just too much. UGH.
I went back to the drawing board. So it looks like I will be in Mexico, tomorrow. I am not planning to be hanging with the Spring Breakers, though....that might be too much. All I know is that I land in Mexico City tomorrow at 2:27pm and I will need to figure it all out from there!
I waited so long to buy my plane tickets that I didn't buy them (I was planning to go to South Africa and Mozambique). I was still going to go, when the opportunity to go to China came up! Nothing like being paid to miss a week of school to be in China! So there is a little work and the days may be a bit hectic, but really, it is a little different and that is all that matters. Anyway, since I hadn't bought a ticket for break, I could still go to China! But I was still going to have a few weeks prior to China to go some where. First I thought I would still go to South Africa. Too much time flying and too much money. Then I thought I would go to Denmark, too cold. Then I thought I would go to Chile, too expensive, and that was the same with Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname,Nicaragua, Honduras, etc. I thought I would go to Korea. I was pretty excited about that one. It was on the way, it could work! I could buy the tickets, it seemed perfect. Then I couldn't figure out how to pack for Korea, as well as bringing nice clothes, computer, etc. that I would need in China. It was just too much. UGH.
I went back to the drawing board. So it looks like I will be in Mexico, tomorrow. I am not planning to be hanging with the Spring Breakers, though....that might be too much. All I know is that I land in Mexico City tomorrow at 2:27pm and I will need to figure it all out from there!
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Destin, Florida: Beaches but no Coffee
For Thanksgiving, my parents and I decided to travel to Destin, Florida, rather than spending Thanksgiving in CT. I have traveled over several T-Days, but usually with friends. This will be the first one away from Connecticut, with my family. My sister and her hsuband, however, couldn't come. They have to work! Anyway, I rented us a beautiful two bedroom condo on the beach!
Destin is on what is known as "The Emerald Coast". There are miles and miles of beautiful white sand beaches. Along the beach are beautiful hotels, resorts, condos, and some beautiful (although expensive) private homes. On the other side of Route 98 are all the strip malls, fast food joints, and the occasional Waffle House!
Since I don't have a car, and like in most of the US, things are really designed for those who are mobile, I decided to go for a walk yesterday. Sunday I walked east for about 30 minutes. Yesterday, I thought I would walk down the beach. So I did. The plan was to walk downthe beach, then walk back along the street. I walked for about 35 minutes west along the beach. It was great, until I realized that there are only a few public beach accesses and that I couldn't find one. Well eventually one turned up, but I realized that I was not leaving the beach onto the main road, but onto a side road (Gulf Shore Drive). So, I walked. And walked. I was really thinking that a nice cup of coffee would do me well. I hadn't seen a Starbuck's (even with all the strip malls) but I figured that I would at least find a local coffee shop. No luck. I then figured that I would find a nice bar either on the beach of the bay, sit and watch the sun go down. Apparently, people in Destin don't drink coffee, and they only go to bars in the summer.
Eventually, I found the Hog's Breath. (Its better to have Hog's Breath then no breath at all!) I drank a few beers overlooking Route 98, and then meandered home. Basically, I walked for 4 hours, took a break, and then 30 minutes more. Moral of the story: if you come to Destin, bring a car, and a coffee maker!
Destin is on what is known as "The Emerald Coast". There are miles and miles of beautiful white sand beaches. Along the beach are beautiful hotels, resorts, condos, and some beautiful (although expensive) private homes. On the other side of Route 98 are all the strip malls, fast food joints, and the occasional Waffle House!
Since I don't have a car, and like in most of the US, things are really designed for those who are mobile, I decided to go for a walk yesterday. Sunday I walked east for about 30 minutes. Yesterday, I thought I would walk down the beach. So I did. The plan was to walk downthe beach, then walk back along the street. I walked for about 35 minutes west along the beach. It was great, until I realized that there are only a few public beach accesses and that I couldn't find one. Well eventually one turned up, but I realized that I was not leaving the beach onto the main road, but onto a side road (Gulf Shore Drive). So, I walked. And walked. I was really thinking that a nice cup of coffee would do me well. I hadn't seen a Starbuck's (even with all the strip malls) but I figured that I would at least find a local coffee shop. No luck. I then figured that I would find a nice bar either on the beach of the bay, sit and watch the sun go down. Apparently, people in Destin don't drink coffee, and they only go to bars in the summer.
Eventually, I found the Hog's Breath. (Its better to have Hog's Breath then no breath at all!) I drank a few beers overlooking Route 98, and then meandered home. Basically, I walked for 4 hours, took a break, and then 30 minutes more. Moral of the story: if you come to Destin, bring a car, and a coffee maker!
Monday, August 27, 2007
Never Ending flight
While there are many more stories from Thailand, I am now home and back at work! I did want to recount a little bit of my trip home though.
I was brought to the airport by the driver that had been taking me around all week. When we got there we met up with Oak and Ekky. They were there to see me off. It wasn't just them though. They came accompanied by Captain Mike of the Thailand security police. He was sent by "the General" who is a friend of Oak's father. He met us, and then made a few calls on his cell phone, disappeared for about 10 minutes, and then came back with an official from Thai Airways and two immigration officials. Captain Mike then takes us to the Royal Silk First Class check in area and I avoided all the lines and craziness of the usual check in area. The check in lounge was separate and calm and nice! Then we moved to immigration and I went through the diplomatic line, again, no waiting. Oak, Ekky, and the two drivers, were also able to go through the secure area to hang out with me for a while. After some brief shopping for a book, Captain Mike worked his magic and got me into the Royal Silk lounge and I was able to wait for the flight in comfort with snacks and food and computer use! It was actually quite civilized.
Of course, I got to the plane and was thrust back to coach class (where I truly belong, of course). We boarded the plane for our 17 hour journey back home. Of course, someone checked their luggage but then didn't get on the plane so it took about an hour to serach for this guy's bags. We take off and it is a relatively boring flight. I ate all three of the hot meals, had a couple beers and a glass of wine, went to the bathroom three times, watched 4 movies (or was it five?), and slept a bit. I watched the clock and was pretty excited when it was reaching 7:00am (NYC time).
The pilot informs us at 7:00 that we are going to have to circle due to "traffic". It will be another 30 minutes. 35 minutes later he tells us that we will be diverted to Newark because of bad weather. We change course and land at Newark at about 8:00am. As we landed I saw the fire trucks racing down the runway, when I realized that they were coming towards our plane. We landed, stopped moving, the firetrucks zoomed around us and then left. I figured we must be low on fuel after being in the air for that long. We taxied for a while to a gate. The flight attendents tell us that we will need to wait to hear from the ground staff about connecting flights. Then they tell us that we need to sit back down. Then they tell us we are not going to be able get off the plane right away. I guess Custom's in Newark wouldn't accept us. Then they tell us that we are not going to deplane at Newark, we are going to need to stay on the plane and then fly back to JFK "when the weather improves."
The woman behind me is now hysterical. Crying, yelling, sobbing. "I have to get off this plane." "Some stupid business man is getting rich becuase they won't let us off this plane." "I don't think I can take it anymore." "I want to be anywhere but here, I can't take it." "DON'T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!" etc etc.
I decided I would ask the flight attendent:
"So, why can't we get off the plane?"
"US Customs wont' allow you to deplane."
"Why?"
"It has something to do with the bags being tagged to JFK."
"How long until we go to JFK?"
"It could be up to five hours!"
"Five hours? Can I just get a Coke then?"
"Sure!"
I felt bad for the flight attendents, you could tell they were ready for us to be off the plane as well.
So I pulled out my phone, sent some texts, made some calls, watched another movie, entertained myself. About two and a half hours later they tell us that we are leaving for JFK (a 13 minute flight) because "some planes have been able to land successfully." First they needed to refuel. (Why the didnt' refuel in the first 2.5 hours, I am not sure.) Off we went and arrived at JFK at about 11:00 or so. It was about a 23 hour flight.
Wow. That is a long time to be on a plane.
I was brought to the airport by the driver that had been taking me around all week. When we got there we met up with Oak and Ekky. They were there to see me off. It wasn't just them though. They came accompanied by Captain Mike of the Thailand security police. He was sent by "the General" who is a friend of Oak's father. He met us, and then made a few calls on his cell phone, disappeared for about 10 minutes, and then came back with an official from Thai Airways and two immigration officials. Captain Mike then takes us to the Royal Silk First Class check in area and I avoided all the lines and craziness of the usual check in area. The check in lounge was separate and calm and nice! Then we moved to immigration and I went through the diplomatic line, again, no waiting. Oak, Ekky, and the two drivers, were also able to go through the secure area to hang out with me for a while. After some brief shopping for a book, Captain Mike worked his magic and got me into the Royal Silk lounge and I was able to wait for the flight in comfort with snacks and food and computer use! It was actually quite civilized.
Of course, I got to the plane and was thrust back to coach class (where I truly belong, of course). We boarded the plane for our 17 hour journey back home. Of course, someone checked their luggage but then didn't get on the plane so it took about an hour to serach for this guy's bags. We take off and it is a relatively boring flight. I ate all three of the hot meals, had a couple beers and a glass of wine, went to the bathroom three times, watched 4 movies (or was it five?), and slept a bit. I watched the clock and was pretty excited when it was reaching 7:00am (NYC time).
The pilot informs us at 7:00 that we are going to have to circle due to "traffic". It will be another 30 minutes. 35 minutes later he tells us that we will be diverted to Newark because of bad weather. We change course and land at Newark at about 8:00am. As we landed I saw the fire trucks racing down the runway, when I realized that they were coming towards our plane. We landed, stopped moving, the firetrucks zoomed around us and then left. I figured we must be low on fuel after being in the air for that long. We taxied for a while to a gate. The flight attendents tell us that we will need to wait to hear from the ground staff about connecting flights. Then they tell us that we need to sit back down. Then they tell us we are not going to be able get off the plane right away. I guess Custom's in Newark wouldn't accept us. Then they tell us that we are not going to deplane at Newark, we are going to need to stay on the plane and then fly back to JFK "when the weather improves."
The woman behind me is now hysterical. Crying, yelling, sobbing. "I have to get off this plane." "Some stupid business man is getting rich becuase they won't let us off this plane." "I don't think I can take it anymore." "I want to be anywhere but here, I can't take it." "DON'T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN!" etc etc.
I decided I would ask the flight attendent:
"So, why can't we get off the plane?"
"US Customs wont' allow you to deplane."
"Why?"
"It has something to do with the bags being tagged to JFK."
"How long until we go to JFK?"
"It could be up to five hours!"
"Five hours? Can I just get a Coke then?"
"Sure!"
I felt bad for the flight attendents, you could tell they were ready for us to be off the plane as well.
So I pulled out my phone, sent some texts, made some calls, watched another movie, entertained myself. About two and a half hours later they tell us that we are leaving for JFK (a 13 minute flight) because "some planes have been able to land successfully." First they needed to refuel. (Why the didnt' refuel in the first 2.5 hours, I am not sure.) Off we went and arrived at JFK at about 11:00 or so. It was about a 23 hour flight.
Wow. That is a long time to be on a plane.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Bangkok after dark
So I was taken out on the town last night. How this fateful trip came about is a long story (aren't they all). I will only say here that 1. I drank a bunch of Heinekens, and 2. I have never been good in the face of peer pressure. As always I consider my night one of cultural exchange! Don't worry, Mom, it wasn't as bad as you are thinking!
Smelly feet?
When you walk into a Thai home, it is polite to take off your shoes. The same goes for a temple. As a guy who doesn't much care for shoes in the first palce, I appreciate the ability to be barefoot. It is just that, if you have been walking around sightseeing all day, you better hope that your feet and shoes don't smell too bad. I (thankfully) have been lucky, but I am not going to lie, I am always a little worried about it...and then there is that whole changing thing again, taking off the shoes, putting htem back on, etc. The funny thing is that I would be happy to be barefoot all the time, in or out, but I guess that defeats the purpose as well. I think I would have been happy if I could have found the pair of Birkenstocks I was looking for before I left!
The monks have it right
Bangkok is hot and humid. If you are outside you are going to sweat. There is no way around it. Everything is air conditioned, but you walk outside and you remember that it is a hot country. I was watching the monks and figured out that they are pretty smart.
There are all these rules when you are a monk. You collect alms, you can't touch money at certain times, etc. There is something like 277 rules they have to follow. Mostly though, a monk prays. And he shaves his head. And he wears an orange toga thing. And he is barefoot a lot of the time. And people give him food, and other supplies. How smart is that? You can wear nearly nothing, and people love you and give you food! So in this hot and humid country, it is socially acceptable for you to be comfortable all the time!
What I didn't realize is that most Thai men will be a monk for a short period in their lives. It is an important act for families to have their sons be a monk at some point in their life. The kids I was with said they are planning to do it for about 3 months at the conclusion of school. That is intense!
There are all these rules when you are a monk. You collect alms, you can't touch money at certain times, etc. There is something like 277 rules they have to follow. Mostly though, a monk prays. And he shaves his head. And he wears an orange toga thing. And he is barefoot a lot of the time. And people give him food, and other supplies. How smart is that? You can wear nearly nothing, and people love you and give you food! So in this hot and humid country, it is socially acceptable for you to be comfortable all the time!
What I didn't realize is that most Thai men will be a monk for a short period in their lives. It is an important act for families to have their sons be a monk at some point in their life. The kids I was with said they are planning to do it for about 3 months at the conclusion of school. That is intense!
Elephants, Snakes, and Pandas
This past week, I travelled north to Chiang Mai, what in some travel guides in known as the "spritual capital" of the Thailand. It was a great little city, a lot less hectic then Bangkok but with a lot to see. Most of the tourist destinations in the cities are temples (or wats) and they are all unique in some way but have the traditional Thai architecture and they all have a ton of Buddha representations. Chiang Mai is no different. We arrived and immediately we were off seeing temples. Some are really impressive, some are just touristy, and at some you can really feel a strong spritual presence. I was wondering why I kept going to temple after temple, but then it is just like so many other places, houses of worship draw the spiritual as well as the visitor!
The point of the entry however and to say that one of teh things we did in Chiang Mai was check out a bunch of animals. I was sent up north with one of my students Ekky and his father's secretary/driver/"go to" guy. When we arrived at the airport we met our driver for the next two days and off we went. We went to the snake park, and then the elephant park, and then the next day we also hit the zoo to see the Pandas and Koalas! We were constantly on the move. AFter being here for a while, I am not sure that my sister, the vet, would really approve of the treatment and cages for the animals. They were somewhat primitive and I wopnder about whether it is really good for the snakes. We saw the "snake show" which was entertaining, but also a bit hectic. They would antagonize the snakes to get them to strike, etc etc and then left them in their little pens until the next show!
The elephant show was much better! They made the elephants do a bunch of things that may be unnatural for the elephant, but they also clearly had an appreciation of the animal and what it can do. We watched them kick soccer balls and move logs and swing their trunks and play harmonicas. But the most impressive thing that they did was paint pictures. Now, I thought it would be a gimmic. But I watch with my own eyes as about 10 elephants actually painted recognizable pictures with their trunks. There were trees and flowes, an abstract work (he must still be in training, but the most impressive picture was of a branch of a tree with some birds. After he painted the birds the elephant then painted "I love my mother" in Thai! Pretty incredible.
WE headed off to the zoo to ssee the pandas. Much like at the Memphis Zoo, the pandas are kept in a special enclosure, purposefully built to house them with climate control and everything to make them happy. These Pandas were a gift to Thailand from China. The Thai's did a nice job with it. I was excited to see them, not just becuase theyare cool to watch, but it was the first time I have seen a panda where I haven't been jostled by a crowd of people. There were very few people watching them so it was very relzed and actually quite nice. Also, there wasn't glass between the Pandas and me. There was a ditch (moat) but not glass. It was great to see them!
All was good in the north of Thailand this week.
The point of the entry however and to say that one of teh things we did in Chiang Mai was check out a bunch of animals. I was sent up north with one of my students Ekky and his father's secretary/driver/"go to" guy. When we arrived at the airport we met our driver for the next two days and off we went. We went to the snake park, and then the elephant park, and then the next day we also hit the zoo to see the Pandas and Koalas! We were constantly on the move. AFter being here for a while, I am not sure that my sister, the vet, would really approve of the treatment and cages for the animals. They were somewhat primitive and I wopnder about whether it is really good for the snakes. We saw the "snake show" which was entertaining, but also a bit hectic. They would antagonize the snakes to get them to strike, etc etc and then left them in their little pens until the next show!
The elephant show was much better! They made the elephants do a bunch of things that may be unnatural for the elephant, but they also clearly had an appreciation of the animal and what it can do. We watched them kick soccer balls and move logs and swing their trunks and play harmonicas. But the most impressive thing that they did was paint pictures. Now, I thought it would be a gimmic. But I watch with my own eyes as about 10 elephants actually painted recognizable pictures with their trunks. There were trees and flowes, an abstract work (he must still be in training, but the most impressive picture was of a branch of a tree with some birds. After he painted the birds the elephant then painted "I love my mother" in Thai! Pretty incredible.
WE headed off to the zoo to ssee the pandas. Much like at the Memphis Zoo, the pandas are kept in a special enclosure, purposefully built to house them with climate control and everything to make them happy. These Pandas were a gift to Thailand from China. The Thai's did a nice job with it. I was excited to see them, not just becuase theyare cool to watch, but it was the first time I have seen a panda where I haven't been jostled by a crowd of people. There were very few people watching them so it was very relzed and actually quite nice. Also, there wasn't glass between the Pandas and me. There was a ditch (moat) but not glass. It was great to see them!
All was good in the north of Thailand this week.
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