To do more of the things I enjoy

http://www.flickr.com/photos/austinevan/ / CC BY 2.0

This post is dedicated to part of my New Years resolution. Namely, to do more of the things I really enjoy. Because it's those things that make this time on the Earth a little more worth the effort. I'm not saying to be a Hedonist. Rather more an Epicurean (in the philosophical sense). Well, it just so happens that reading makes me very happy. So I vow to do more of it. The things I really want to read. I think that there are things that one should read, and I read those regardless. I do think, however, that my 'pleasure' reading has been a bit neglected. To mollify the situation, I got a few books from the library. The results are as follows:

• A Study in Scarlett (Arthur Conan Doyle)
• The Scar (Chine Mieville)
• Persuader (Lee Child)

  It took me an evening to read the 'Sherlock Story'.  Very pleased.  You can tell by reading the stories where Guy Ritchie got the distinctions of Holmes character from.  His representation of Holmes is accurate in sense.  Holmes is continually evolving but some of his more 'eccentric' traits are really touched upon in the film.  They are sculpted and molded into a different type of Holmes, but it is a re-imagining of the literature icon, which one could ground in the books themselves.   Well, that's finished. Off to tackle Mieville.  I'm kind of excited because it takes place in the same universe as 'Perdido Street Station’; I thoroughly enjoyed that book, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys new and adventurous fiction. The first 250 pages are build up.  That being said, you must understand that he is laying the groundwork for a new place.  He is establishing the mythology, physics, and conceptual logistics for a place that you have never been to, and cannot correctly conceive without having been told about it.  It is entirely new. I loved it.  And Lee Child?  Well, I love the hard-boiled stuff; Jack Reacher is a BAD-ASS!

So, I am going to go and continue to do some reading.  I hope you all have a very Happy New Year!

Eating in Korea....

This post represents events that took place sometime in Late Oct. Early Nov in 2009
This is an old post, which I never published.  So for posterity's sake, I publishing it now.  So when I return to look at what has 'gone down' in the past I remember this period for what it was, not just how it looks through the sepia-tinted lens of retrospect. As always, for those of you viewing this through Facbook 'Notes', the original post is available on www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com.  It will enable you access to photogalleries and other multi-media material which doesn't transfer into 'Notes'



Wow! Today, I went shopping at a Korean Supermarket for some food.  Well, it was bound to happen. Eating 'on the run' all the time is really messing with my interna chemistry.  So, off I ventured to go and get myself some stuff to eat.

Woe, what a circus.  First, the only places outside of small outdoor markets (where no one speaks English and prices are in Korean), or little corner stores (that only have packaged stuff), are these huge 4-story multi-super-stores.  Imagine that a Macy's at a Stop-and-Shop, and then engulfed a Target... and you'll begin to et close.  There are mind-numbing.  Everywhere there are people giving samples, shouting at you to come over there particular section and get whatever it is that is particularly good, or on sale.  It as very confusing.  Next time, I take the Ipod (like I do in the States when I'm shopping stoned) and shop in sweet oblivion.

What struck me even harder than the weird 'circus maximus' vibe that is uber-prevalent, is the food itself.  Wow, I have never seen such processed food in my life.  These people don't cook, apparently they just 'warm stuff up'.  There are more brands of Ramen noodles and 'cup of noodles-type products' than you could possibly imagine.  I was seriously under-whelmed by the selection of fruits and vegatables (tried one of the bananas I bought, they were possibly the worst I have ever had).   The kicker for me is, Asians are not big on chsse.  In fact, they don't eat a whole hell alot of it (except for the Kraft singles shit)! I am going to seriously have to figure this out before I die of starvation here, and we all know how I get when I'm hungry (don't want to be the start of a war between the US , and one of its greatest allies).

So, I'm going to have to work on this.... hopefully it won't be for that long.  So... until the next post... Eat something good for me,

H

Dalmagi Pagoda Dec. 10th

Dalmagi Pagoda Dec. 10th

This posts recall events that took place in the beginning of Dec. in Busan, South Korea

For those of you reading this on Facebook 'notes'. The original post is available on my blogger site www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com. This will enable you to see photos and other multimedia material that does not 'transfer' into 'Notes'

 So, it is the beginning of December and I have finally got an exit plan.  So, I need to wait it out for the next two weeks, and then fly home to the States for the holidays.

Most of my day involves either caffeine or being online.  I might add that these are not mutually exclusive events.  Many cafes offer wifi and Internet access.  I'm trying to keep myself stimulated intellectual.  That I am finding is quite difficult in S. Korea.  So I spend a fair amount of time performing recon in my corner of Busan. I'm always on the lookout for a good cafe, with a quick connection so I can 'kill two birds with one stone'.

It just so happens that on one of my little 'missions' I discovered a 'slew' of Cafes not three blocks away from my flat.  One was open twenty-four hours! In addition to this very advantageous solution to my Internet and caffeine addictions, there was also a kind of 'park' across the street.  This little park had an ocean view, a pagoda and some benches.  It was in actuality kind of cool.  I would often go there in the mornings to check e-mail, grab some coffee and look out on the ocean, often straining my eyes and trying to see Japan past the misty watery horizon.

Seoul Sojurn

                                                          
One of the biggest paybacks you will ever receive on an investment of time and money is by figuring out how transport works in a new place... before you actually need it. This becomes an exponentially more pointed if you are living in a foreign land. Today I ride the KTX. This is Korea's answer to the ICE (Europe's inter-city express), or Japanese 'bullet train'.  It's Saturday, I have just picked up my medical certification (no diseases!), and now I am off to Itaewan (a part of Seoul) to get shoes.

Why shoes you ask? Ok, here's the synopsis...


When I arrived in Korea, I stayed with anther teacher until my flat was ready.   I stayed there for approximately 10 days.  I ended up moving on Friday the 30th of Oct.  I returned to the old flat the next morning to pick up a few items I had left there.  When I arrived there, the door was wide open.  The other teacher was nowhere to be found. I noticed that the flat was also empty.  I mean, not only of people, but also of stuff.  I had left slightly more than 24 hours prior.  Nothing was there. 

I quickly found out (by inquiring with some of the neighboring teachers, whom I had become friends with), that sometime after I had left to my new place the other teacher was asked to move into a different flat.  The reason being that new teachers were scheduled to arrive today, and the place needed to be empty and clean for their arrival.

Well, you might think that the other teacher would have grabbed the few items I had left there on my way out.  That would only be logical right?  Yeah, well... no dice.  Apparently my heavily medicated creepy es-roomie hadn't the presence of mind for such a course of action, and needless to say, all of my belongings were no longer there. 

Now, I'm not real big on material possessions.  I do, however, believe in at least having all the necessary gear that one needs when one is living in another place.  Besides, things can be replaced right?

Well, of the things that were gone only two things were very important to me. I mean I could replace the Iron, the ironing board, my French-press, and the cooking apparatus I had just recently purchased.  What I couldn't replace however, were the two pairs of shoes that also were MIA.

OK, so you’re probably wondering why I'm complaining about shoes.  Well, I don't know how much traveling you've done, or if you ever tried to get clothing in another country, but here's a tip:

YOU WILL HAVE AN EASIER TIME GETTING BLOOD FROM A STONE THAN FINDING A SIZE 13 IN ASIA

I had spent the last two weeks walking from shop to shop, all over Busan trying to find shoes in my size.  I have been reduced to only pair of shoes.  A pair of black Pierre Cardin leather dress shoes.  Which are totally amazing.  I bought them last year in Dubai, and I am totally in love with them.  They aren't however, a pair of shoes you want to live in.  After two weeks of wearing nothing but these shoes, I want to kill myself.  Ladies, I can honestly say I empathize with you.  I understand the torturous agony of spending 'all day in heels'. I will never mock you again.

So, here I find myself, riding the KTX express train to Seoul in search of large shoes. If you need certain Western luxuries while in Korea, your only hope is Itaewan.  Itaewan is a very foreigner-friendly section of Seoul. I think there is a military base nearby, or at least there was.  If you can't find it in Itaewan, you'll just have to go back to the States for it.

The results of my journey:

Success... and it was so easy.  I arrived in Seoul approx. 3 hours after leaving Busan.  The subway was conveniently located in the same building as the train station.  Itaewan was only about four subway stops away from Seoul train station.  Easy-Peasy!!!  When I got out of the subway in Itaewan, I walked about a block.  I immediately saw a shoe store with a large hand-made sign, which read "Large-Size Shoes'.  Pay dirt!  I tried on a few, vacillating between a pair of Merrels and a pair of Sketchers.  In time, I decided to take both. My purchases were bagged and paid for, and I merrily exited the store. One pair on my feet, the other in my backpack. The whole ordeal took about 25 minutes.  I had no idea that it was going to be this easy and fast. 

That being all taken care of, I hopped back on the subway, returning the exact way I had came, and jumped back on the next KTX back to Busan.  My feet, coincidently, felt a thousand times better.  Like I was walking on little clouds.  Life was once again bearable!  I was so happy, that I rode the first-class car back to Busan (it was a real good thing too, lotsa leg-room!)

The situation, right now... Oct.-Nov. 2009

This post recollects events, thoughts, and opinions occurring between the last week of Oct. and the first week of Nov 2009. For those of you reading this on Facebook, the original post can be found on my blog at http://www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com. This sight contains links to photos, lings and multi-media, which do not transfer into Facebook notes.

Well it’s been a few weeks since I have posted anything. I know, I know, I said that I wouldn’t let a lapse like this occur. But, I did. I am pretty busy with work, and the task of settling in has become a little daunting. I have entered the second phase of culture shock (where everything is alien, weird, and sucks), and to tell the truth, my psyche is suffering. So a little about my current condition and situation:

Job: Well due to the high THC levels in my blood, and a wedding in Sept. I had to forgo my Uni job I was offered. That forced me to take a ‘academy’ job here in Busan. In talking to the director, during the ‘courting phase’ of finding a position, I was pretty psyched. The job sounded right up my alley, and not too much of a digression from something that resembled ‘real academic work’. I arrived only to find your ‘typical’ haekwon - long hours, no compensation for preparatory work, and a ‘cut-throat’ attitude toward the business end of private education. The curriculum sucks, there is no academic professionalism, not to mention the slightest bit of concern for any actual learning.

The Plan: Now I find myself trying to get back to the Middle East. I am currently working with two separate recruiters, and attempting to fly back to Oman. The money and accommodations were better, and I had a lot more time for my own pursuits. So, today I am eagerly awaiting an e-mail from one of the said recruiters to see if I fly this week (I’ve been approved, but they’re working around hiring deadlines for the semester) so let’s see. If this doesn’t work, there are other options. I’ll have to explore them if I am forced to (which I hope, I am not). But, it’s not the end of the world. Having been ‘in transit’ for the last four months, I am desperately craving some kind of stability. Right now, I don’t care where I find it. So lets hope for the best!

Korea: All in all, Korea is a pretty cool place. Like anything else, you just have to find the situation that best suits your lifestyle and expectations. Needles to say, this isn’t it. I think that I would come back to the East in the future, to actually teach at a Uni. The learning curve of being an ex-pat has been a steep one indeed. Thought I must say that I am far richer a person because of it. Korea is a place that does have a lot to offer people who are traveling. I don’t want to ‘put people’ off of Korea because of my posts. This is extremely situational, and shouldn’t be taken as the status quoa. I would like to take a moment to publically thank all those who have had the displeasure of having to hear me bitch and moan for the last month or so. Much and special thanks to Mutti and Marie-Therese, you both rule!

A supposedly fun thing I'll never do again

This post recollects events that occurred on Oct. 17th 2009.
If you are reading this on Facebook notes, the original post can be found at
www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com
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Well seeing as this blog is one part journal, one part travel diary, and one part confessional booth, I don't think that this post is out of line here.

Well, this weekend I was dragged out of the house by some of my comrades. It was high time. I spent most of the week trying to adjuxt to this new place, fluctuating between the different initial stages of culture shock. So when I got the invitation to go out, I jumped at the chance.

We started out at that phase of the evening when you're waiting for several people to be ready. That is to say that several people are already 'ready', so there's a bunch of you just sitting around trying to kill time. We did so in true Korean fashion, with soju. For those of you who don't know what this stuff is, it's kinda like Saki. Though not entirely. It's not as 'quality' as Saki, or as refined. It also has this 'crack-like' quality to it. People who drink it are almost sure to drink too much, then do shit that they claim isn't in their character... be warned!

After quaffing some entirely excessive quantities of soju, the others were ready. So we all started out. "Where to?' you ask? Well to a Hof (a kind of Korean pub), to drink more soju, of course!

We actually ended up at our intended destination about an hour later. It is a lovely beach-front strip called Gwangali. It has an enourmous view of this awesome bridge that stretches out over a bay. The bridge is lighted, and they appear to change color. This evening there were fireworks (but we got there too late to see them). I don't know if this is a normal occurance, or if it was a special occasion. I will keep you posted. The spot we were going to was called 'Thursday Party'. There is a string of them on the various beaches in Busan, and they always attract a Western crowd. So, when we got there, I promptly decided to wash the soju taste out of my mouth, with massive amounts of Jack Danials (mixed with Coke of Course.

Gwangali bridge (link to Flikr album: here

 

I don't remember all that much of the evening (shocker!). I remember talking with some people. I also remember yelling at my friend Shombey. I also clearly recall coing a 'face-plant' in the bar (on my way back in from the veranda)! The cab ride home was kinda fuzzy, and somewhere along the way I had to vomit.

The morning after:

• Facial Bruising
• The inability to use my left-arm (some sort of shoulder thing)
• Cuts inside my mouth
• I didn't have my glasses
• I had a jacket that was not mine

The 'Clean-up':


Well I went back to the bar that night, they had found my glasses. I returned the jacket, and left a contact-number if someone does the same for me. Still no idea about the injuries (except maybe the face-plant).  The hang-over sucked.  It also included the beginning stages of coming down with something (though that subsided).  The face still kinda hurts, but it's not visible anymore.  Slowly but surely, I am getting the use of my left arm back.


The Moral:


Not drinking like that ever again. in Korea or elsewhere... too old, too wise, and too damn pretty to be hitting the floor with my face.!

I will definitely take some pictures of Gwangali beach and post them.  It's a great time.  Lots of bars, cafes, and eating establishments on the beach.

'till next time...

-H

Beomeosa Temple

This post recollects events that occurred on Oct. 16th 2009.
If you are reading this on Facebook notes, the original post can be found at
www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com
This link will give you access to pictures and other digital media that does not transfer into 'notes'

Well, I was just lounging round the pad, when it struck me!  I've just got to do something today.... something really cool.  So, I broke out my rusty, trusty, tried-and-true Lonely Planet guide (Korea), and looked through the Busan section.

I happened apon a very interesting little tid-bit.  The Beomeosa Buddhist temple.  The kicker is, it's about 10 minutes away from me.  So, I hoped on a subway and then took the bus up the mountain to the temple.  It was very beautiful. Despite its location ( which is technically in the city), it is situated on one of the 'mountians' that surround Busan. I had a really good time.  It was truly a sight to behold.  It also had a great view of the landscape of Busan. Well, I think the photos speak for themselves... so click on the album above.  I hope you enjoy the sights as much as I did.

PS.  After visiting the temple, I stopped in a little place right across the street from the bus station. It's specialty is something called Panjeon.  It's a kind of 'green onion pancake.  It came highly recommended from the guys at Lonely Planet.  It was delicious!  Except for the fact that it had octopus in it (those f you who know me, know that I DON'T EAT cephalapods)!  Neither the book, nor the restaraunt warned me of this.  After I picked all the little pink tentacles out, it was quite good!

Cheers, H

Kicked out on the street: Haeundae Beach

This post recollects events that occured on Oct. 15th 2009.
If you are reading this on Facebook notes, the original post can be found at
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Well, today boredom kicked me out on the street.  Waiting for the start of my job, and living in a temporary apartment has started to get me a little antsy.  This being said, I packed my stuff in my ruksack (A backpack (also called rucksack, knapsack, packsack, pack, book-bag or Bergen), and headed off to Haeundae beach. Haeundae is the main tourist attraction of Busan.  It is the coastal beach area of the city.  People from all over Korea, as well as the rest of asia (esp. Japan), come here in the summer season.  It is home to a lot of touristy things, global chains, and shops/attractions that cater to a Western population.  Feeling a little bit 'out of touch' with everything in Dongnae,  I decided that I needed to get a little bit of the 'Western' vibe into my life.

I jumped on the subway (which I had recently 'mastered' earlier in the week), and headed to Haeundae.  When I arrived at the beach, the first thing I did was find a place to eat (I had, at this point, not had any breakfast, and was feeling downright grumpy).  I saw a place called Breezeburns that looked sufficiently Western. To my surprise, it offered western-style burgers, as well as a daily brunch option.  I opted for brunch.  It was actually pretty good, not too expensive (just over 7$ US), and had a great little raised patio on the sidewalk.  I sat there, enjoyed my breakfast and did the 'people watching thing).

After Breakfast I hoped across the street to a Starbucks, because apparently I wasn't appropriately caffeinated,  I sipped an Americano while working on my Hangul.  The Korean script is amazing for a bunch of reasons, and I won't bore you with my high-geekery in singing its praises.  Needless to say, I am a big fan of it, and am working on learning it.  So, that's what I did at Starbucks.

Once my Americano was 'drunk-dry', I decided to pull an intervention on myself, and not order another one.  On the verge of the 'coffee-shakes', I thrust myself outside, and headed across the street to the beach.

Right now is a very cool time to be on Haeundae.  Its the home of the Pusan International Film Festival (PIFF for short), and there's a lot going  on the Beach.  There are tents, activities, and other 'goings-on' there.  I strolled through the 'pavilion' that had been set up, and admired the wares and waves of intriqued people hustling and bustling to-and-fro.  There was a really great kind of 'sand-sculpture' that had been created on the beach near the PIFF pavilion.  I thought it really amazing.  I stood on the sandy shores, admired the view, took some pictures, and then rambled on home the way I came.  A good day, I must say.  I'm pretty psyched to be moving out to Haeundae sometime next week (oh yeah, I forgot, that's where I'm going to be permanently located....).

So until next time....

H

The first week

This post, describes events that occured on the 12th of Oct. 2009
If you are reading this on Facebook, the original post can be found at:
http://www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com

Well, its Monday in Korea, and after a fast-paced weekend of getting my 'feet wet', its time to start figuring stuff out.

I'm still getting settled in.  I went out to get some of the necessary supplies and tools need for a balanced and stable life in another country.  There is a large 'mega-mart' about 20 minutes walk from my flat.  Rumour has it that there is a Karrefour somewhere in Busan.  That would be ideal.  I think that the number one thing that aides the 'transition' is 'stuff you reognize.  So, sometime this week I will be out to find it.  Plus the fact that I know it will have the stuff that one really needs in order to feel a little bit more at home in a foriegn land.

Today, I took my frist trip on the subway!!! It was actually quite easy.  Public transpotation, how I have missed you!!!  I took the subway from the place that I was staying to Busan Station.  It's at the 'port'.  I had to go there to get an international calling card. That too was no pronlem.  The part of the city where I am staying temporarily isn't that used to foreigners, so I couldn't really find a card.  But, Today accomplished my mission, and got to call home!!!!  Big wieght off of my shoulders actually.  I worry about mom when I don't hear from her.  But, apparently all is well back at the ranch.  So if your ever in Busan, you can get an international phone card at Busan station (on the red line).  Also if your using it at a payphone, you still have to initially put in money at the pay phone before using the card.  Hey, Just saying.

Korea: Arrival and first days

Korea- arrival and the first days

This post recollects events that occurred on the 9th through eleventh of Oct. 2009
For those of you reading this on Facebook, the original post can be found at:
http://www.henrickatlarge.bologspot.com.


Korea:

Well, I finally left.  Jumped on a plane on Thurs. and took off toward Asia.  The flight itself was not that bad.  I don't know if Im just getting way to used to this international travel thing, but the 14 hour flight was nothing compared to the twelve brutal hours it took me to get to the middle east.  Korean iIr wasn't bad at all, and I believe that the seats were a little more roomy and accommodating than other international carriers, which I have traveled.

I got to Busan about 9 Pm. the following day.  Met by Mr. Kim (who doesn't speak much English at all), and subsequently taken to a temporary flat.  I met some fellow teachers, and was taken out to do the things that people do in Korea.  The last few days have been a blur of jet-lag and running around.


Brief review of notable events over the past three days
Went out for dinner in Busan
Was draged out drinking (which seems to be a national past-time)
Visited a local Memorial/Park
Broke my Kareoke 'Cherry'

Things of Note:
You can buy alcohol anywhere and everywhere!
Everyone seems to be in a great big hurry
Kareoke-rooms are a lot of fun
Koreans are just as bad at driving as Arabs
Everyone here is completely drunk all of the time
Every second shop is an eating establishment or a bar
Korea is completely wired for internet and Wifi!!!!!

The Fall...

 This Post recollects events that happened in late Sept. 2009
For those of you reading this on Facebook, the original post can be found on my blog
www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com.  This will give you access to the photos, and embedded images and such that do not transfer to Facebook notes.


Well Autumn is now upon us.  There is a serious chill to the air, and one can feel the ebb of the yearly cycle toward its nadir in Dec-Jan.  Well, as the leaves prepare to turn brown, my journey toward the orient picks up! Everything is said and down, except for the crying.

Finally got my Visa!  I must admit, it was a long-and-drawn-out procedure, but any one point didn't take very long at all.  There was a definite dearth of really good and solid information on what to do and how to do it.  That is something that I will remedy on my professional blog.  I mean, the whole thing is quite easy.  It just has many steps.  The part I was most impressed with was how quickly the criminal rexord check takes, and also how fast the E-2 visa and visa interview goes.  Literally , 24 hours each.  Now, when I look at that copared to some of the really scary stories I have read on the web (from other States), I am very grateful.

I must also say that I probably won't have to deal with some of the 'occupational hazards', with regards to co-workers that I did in the Middle East. They go through a lot of trouble to verify credentials, check your criminal record, and they insist on interviewing you in person.  I was actually impressed.  To think of all the characters that had falsified diplomas, were on the run from various legal organizations and so forth in the ME.  I am quite certain that this will separate 'the chaff from the wheat as they say'.

There were some really cool parts of the process of getting my visa.  One was walking up Park Ave. and seeing the absolutely coolest group of statues and fountains ever!  Yes, it's true... 'Hello Kitty'!!! They were awesome... I am including a 'slide show' right here.

53rd and Park Ave, Hello Kitty fountains

The other is I saw 'Flavor Flav' on the LIRR, coming back from the city.  I think that means he still lives in Freeport!  Keeping it real!  It was actually great to see him swagger through a packed train.  As he walked through, someone was like 'Hey Flave!' He turned around, all cool like, without even missing a beat 'hey brotha, what up?' and pounded the dude (rapped knuckles together), and then kept on going through the train.  It was actually quite dope.

Well, I have some serious packing to do. It looks like I'm leaving on the eighth for Busan. So for all you who don't know where that is... here's an embedded map to help you geographic fortitude:


View Larger Map

Look how close it is to Japan.  You can bet your ass that there will be plenty of trips to Japan (and China, and Hong Kong, and the Phillipines).  Well, until next time!

-H

Last half of the Summer... 'till now...

This post is current, and reflects my thoughts as of Sept. 17th, 2009
The original post can be found at www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com



Hello... long time no post. Well I have no excuse other than I'm a slacker. I must admit, that I have really been neglecting most of the things that I do on a regular basis. Some of them, I consider very important. This blog belongs to both categories. So, I am now sitting at my machine and throwing together another post. There have been some majorly awesome events in the past few weeks, since I have posted last. I believe that I still have one or more small installments to write for the travel blog (this Summer's European vacation), but that will have to wait a bit. Mostly I've been concerned with my professional blog (www.henrickborger.net), that I also have been neglecting of late. Most of my time, I spend wasting on Facebook. The current 'political climate' of the 'States has put me in 'shouting matches' with many a long-term friend. I really don't like that, but I can't really hold back sometimes. Though, I am sure I will blog about that in the recent future. "Well, is that all you ask?" The answer is no. There has been more to my life of late than ranting at 'conservative' friends of mine on FB. I do more than that (not too much more though).


Highlights:
Saw my high school-friend's band Tragic Kingdom (They're a great No Doubt cover-band). They performed on LI with a Sublime cover band called 40 Oz's to freedom, who were also great! The singer actually looked and dressed like Brad Nowell, which I thought was cool and kitschy at the same time.

Got to see a friend of mine from Boston. Went up to the Berkshires and kicked it camping at the Daughters of the Revolution (DAR) national forest. It was beautiful! Had a great time.

Hung out with another (really-old-school) friend of mine. Haven't seen each other in something like 12 years! It was a blast!

Had the opportunity to see one of my oldest and dearest friends get married! That was awesome. His mother did the ceremony, and it totally made me cry (shut up! I will totally deny it if questioned about it). That ruled. After the wedding, I drove my friend Lara and her boyfriend home to Astoria, and we 'kicked it' there for a bit! All-in-all, a great time had by all.

Well, I've also been indulging my self in the wonderful world of television (albeit online). I have discovered one of the best shows, which I can't believe that I had never heard of. It's called 'Death Note' and it rules (wikipedia article). You can watch it on HULU.com. Now, I must warn you... It's animae! But before you 'tune out' before you hear the rest... It's not like any animae on the planet. No action, no robots, no ninjas, no demon-tentacle-rape scenes! It's a thriller! It lasts two seasons, and keeps you guessing and in suspense until the last moment. you have to watch the first two episodes to really get hooked, but after that... you're done-for. It comes HIGHLY recommended!

Also, I have become addicted to the HBO series 'True Blood'. I was skeptical at first, then I watched two episodes while I was in the Berkshires. The next day when I arrived on LI, I bought the first season , and watched it that night. I really dig it! I have since caught up on the season to-date, and cannot wait for the next season to watch the plot continue.

I am also looking for new books to read... If any of you have suggestions, please feel free. My tastes are simple... cyber-punk, hard-boiled fiction, and fantasy. Yeah, for those of you who've awaited something a little more substantial... screw- off!! I like what I like!

So, now I go back t awaiting my E-2 visa to clear, and to recieve plane tickets in the mail.

Oh yeah, for those of you wondering... Anika got back in shape, and no longer looks like 'the dog that ate my dog!'

Down Memory Lane Pt.2

Well after last week, I thought that the mainstay of seeing old friends was over. I mean, how many people did I actually know. Well, I was in the King Kullen supermarket down the block from my Moms house buying some things for potato salad (oh yeah!! the home-made, mom's secret German recipe, the one that my mother doesn't know I know how to make). I had just gotten the pickles and was rounding the corner of the dairy aisle, when something familiar caught the corner of my eye. It was a dude in his thirties, in summer-biker attire, flanked on each side by a child, I did a double-take as the procession shuffled past. I knew this guy. "John'? I asked.... Holy cow!!! Well it was John. I hadn't seen him in years! It was awesome!! After the supermarket, I followed him back to his house (at his bequest, not in a weird stalker way), and hung out with him, his wife (also a friend from high school, and my friends Kevin (also a few people who I didn't know yet, but were equally as awesome as my old friends. We spent the evening playing Michigan-Rummy (an awesome game, which we played for Nickels). It was an amazing time.

The next day I ran into another friend from my past, while visiting one of my former haunting grounds (The Cup Cafe). My friend, John Reid was there, and we spent a few doing the "well what have you been up to thing. It was awesome to see him.

Well, this has been a week of pleasant reunions and unexpected encounters. It's awesome!!!!

Reunited (a walk down memory lane)

This post recollects events that occurred between Aug 17th and Aug 21.

For those of you reading this on Facebook, the original post can be viewed at:
http:www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com.

This week has been a week of journeying into my past. It has been a week of sorting through the dusty chest of memorabilia, and reliving day gone by. I had the rare opportunity to visit some of the places I had once 'haunted', laugh with friends, and muse over things said and done. It is strange (if not trite) that the old adage really does apply: Objects in the rear-view mirror appear closer than they actually are.

It started the first day back in NY. I woke up fairly early. I had an appointment with my college-time friend Jenn (who herself had an appointment at Stony brook university, where we met and became trusted and fast friends). I accompanied her to SBU. While there, we walked along the campus, reliving memories of friends and exploits on and about the large campus. Some of the things brought up seemed far away and faded, like old movies of yourself as a kid on 8mm. Some of them were fresh in my mind, as if they had taken place yesterday. Still others I could not remember being part of. "No, really? I was there for that? Why don't I remember that?" It was great! We walked around the building where we used to live (Hendrix), and strolled along the Roth Pond. My mind was reeling in nostalgia.

While she was at her appointment, I took the chance to visit my old department. I was sure that no one would be there (it was, after all, the end of Summer). To my surprise, I bumped into the one member of the faculty, which I actually wanted to see, Prof. Richard Larsen. Prof. Larsen was a big influence in my academic life. He was the first instructor I had who had challenged me. He made me strive and reach down deep for faculties I wasn't sure I had. In the end, I proved that I did indeed have what it took (as well as proving I had a propensity for being able to stay awake for a week to solve a syntax problem!). He really was a 'mentor' to me in a very strange way. We had a great conversation (which as usual stretched my cognitive faculties to their limit). I'm still amazed at his keen mind and monstrous intellect. This is made even more amazing by his congenial demeanor and modesty. Anyway, I was really glad I had a chance to talk to him.

Later on in the week (Tues), I drove up to another one of my 'three-village' haunts, The Velvet Lounge. I saw two friends, whom I had not seen in quite some time. One was bar tending, the other DJing. I hung out for a while, and had a few drinks before eventually going home.

On Friday, I experienced a real treat. I met a few of my old college friends in NYC for drinks and dinner. We talked, laughed, drank (at St. Dymphna's , and finally ate (Calcutta on 6th between 1st and Ave. A... it comes highly recommended). After dinner, we ended up at a club called 'Fat Baby' (on Essex on the LES, about a block North of Houston). It was the Birthday of my friend Jenn's twin cousins. The kicker here is that the b-day party was taking place at an Alex Skolnick Trio gig. Yeah, that's right, Alex Skolnick, the former guitar wizard from Testament. He was there with his jazz trio... man.. he still shreds. Sadly, he didn't play anything from
Practice What You Preach', but the dude killed it. I always knew he was a total bad-ass, but this gave me a new appreciation for his guitar playing, as well as his bands ability to 'bring the pain. I really recommend seeing him if he's around in your neck-of-the-woods. BADASS!

I had a blast... thanks to all of my friends that made this week awesome. I love and miss you all.

The Fatherland (or my vacation from my vacation)

This Post recollects events that occurred between the 11th and 14th of July 2009

For those of you reading this on Facebook, the original post can be found at: http://www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com

Well, I finally arrived in Germany (albeit a day late!). I was greeted by my friend Izzy and her boyfriend Marcel. Izzy was a former student of mine from the BSML days. We stayed in touch, and I always said I would visit her. Like most people (to whom I say this to), she didn't believe me. Well here I am now. Her and her boyfriend live together in a great flat outside of Wiesbaden. They both work for Lufthansa, though luckily both of them had the time off, and we got to do stuff and hang out a little bit.

The last fourteen days have been a little hectic. After running around both Vienna and Rome, I was in the mood for a vaction from my vacation. I had no intention of playing 'super-tourist' here. I just wanted some time to chill out a little and take a load off. So, that's exactly what I did.

Highlights:

On the second day in Wiesbaden, we went to a place called 'Rhuedesheim'. Its a spot on the Rhein, where there are tons of castles, keeps, and fortresses. Its actually truly amazing how many of them dot the banks on both sides. I guess it makes sense from a strategic point of view. There were so many, and they cam in all varieties and types. From small towers to large castle-type ones, they were all over the place (Map) We took a drive up one of the hills. This drive was a 'skin-of-the-teeth' ride around blind, hairpin turns up narrow streets. It was a very harrowing, yet strangely exhilarating experience. I guess this is what 'Germans' do for fun. Tempt fate behind the wheel of a BMW. Oh well, everyone needs to get their kicks somehow.

We also visited this place called the Drosselgasse. It was this really narrow little alley with tourists shops on either side. It was very 'Diagon Alley'. It led up-hill about 300 meters, ending in a ski-lift that went to another hill with a monument on top of it. We took the lift over the vineyards and checked out the old school monument. I wasn't aware that this was actually one of the big wine-producing regions of Germany. Its also the home of Asback UrAlt brandy.

I also got to spend some time in the country side in the company of some very large animals. Izzy rides horses. She has one with her in Wiesbaden. Recently her horse had an operation (for a twisted intestine or something). That being the case, we spent a few hours each day at the stables (feeding and taking care of the animal). It was great. Those of you who know me, also know I love animals. Though horses were never really my thing, I think they are great creatures, and hanging out with them was a lot of fun.

On the last night I was there, we spent some of time playing Wii. It was great! Even though the graphics aren't anywhere near the PS3 and 360, the interface is truly revolutionary. What I like most about the Wii, is the fact that it is a crowd-pleaser. Four people can easily have a great time (while leaving their clothes on!). So, we played some tennis, golf, and boxing (my arms were really sore the next day!) . It was a great time. I really liked their flat (there was this cool glass wall in between the kitchen and foyer, which I totally crashed into one night! Damn clear walls!). On the fourteenth, bright and early I got on a train to Austria. My vacation was rapidly coming to a close. I was however, nice and relaxed and rested for the trip back to Oman. So I took the Deutsche Bahn to Vienna!

Out of Italy (easier said than done)

This post describes events that occurred on the 10-11th of July, 2009.

For those of you reading this on Facebook, the original post can be found at www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com

The way out of Italy... This time, for real


Well I don't know exactly what to attribute it to this time. As per my other posts, my trip out of Italy was strained to say the least. The problems mostly arose from the inability of anyone in that country to speak English. Now, even though I'm a TEOFLer, I don't expect everyone to be able to speak English. My belief is that you should do what you want. If you want to learn English, then by all means, pursue it with vigor. It is quite obvious that the fact that you can speak English alone will reimburse you with opportunities and enable possibilities that were not possible otherwise. Though, I don't believe it is obligatory at this point to speak English.
This being said, I am of the opinion that if you work in any arena that is by nature of the occupation considered international (that is business, tourism, travel, etc) you damn well be able to get around in what is the emerging de Facto 'lingua franca'. How on earth can you have a position in the travel sector in a city like Rome, or Milan without being able to handle yourself in English. Even the police!!! Can you believe that? Tens-of-thousands of tourists in this city and the public servants have no way to communicate with them!!! Unreal!!! Anyway, my way out of Milan was a little dicey (or at least it felt that way). But I jumped on a train for Munich, figuring I would be able to sort it out from there. This was not without its own trails and tribulations. Nevertheless, I was headed for a place I understood, and that I could communicate with its inhabitants . Nice! The trip was pretty great, actually. Not having slept the night before for a variety of reasons (involving the hard bus station floor), I slept for a while. I woke up a few times along the way. The last time, I was greeted by the Tirol mountains, right outside of a town called Innsbruck (known for its university). It was breathtaking (think 'Sound of Music'). Needless to say, I did not go back to sleep. Instead, I treated my eyes to the wonderful view of the Austrian mountain range and let that keep me awake until arriving in Munich.

When I got to Munich, the travel-game had completely shifted. Within moments I could get my ticket to where I was going, change my money into Euros, and grab a bite to eat. It was great! It was the first time in the last week, where communication was effortless and easy. So, the moral of this story.... it's always a plus to be able to speak the language, or at least be familiar with some of the major aspects of the culture. If not, get a phrase-book (which I will do in the future if I know cases like this are going to come up). So, I am finally on my way to Frankfurt to meet my friend Issy and get on with the last-leg of my vacation. Hard to believe its two-thirds over! We will see what the fatherland has in store for me in the next couple of days...

Anika the Cyber-Dog; JP Pizza Protest

This part of the post recalls events as they happened today Aug 3, 2009.

For those of you viewing this on facebook, you can view the original post here (www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com)


Well, a few things happened today. First of all, Anika went to the vet. She is now all set to get her international paperwork (pet passport). It was a bit costly, but I also got all the materials (powders, chews, and pills) she needs for the next six months. She even got micro chipped! My dog is technologically enhanced (those of you who know me well know I'm jealous). My dog is a cylon! Today, I am exceptionally proud! I also had some very pleasant , albeit superficial interactions with people today. I haven't seen the aforementioned people in 10 months, and it was good to see them. I miss the neighborhood vibe of JP. Yesterday, I went to a friend's house for a cookout. While there I saw a clip from the upcoming video regarding the debated addition of a dominoes pizza to JP. I really hope they don't open one up here. Funny thing, as I am writing this, I checked Facebook and found this on one of my friends' posts:

"off to stop a Pizza chain moving into JP feeling a tad yuppyish. I guess we would rather not see the Empire's boiler room!"

Link to an article on the proposed site of the new Domino's Pizza on Centre street Here

I guess there is a meeting tonight from the Jamaica Pond society. I am feeling a bit hypocritical. On the one hand, I don't like the idea of even local government controlling who/what kinds of businesses are represented in the local economy. One the other hand, I don't think the neighborhood's social-ecology is a good place for such a business. It simply does not belong (which was the overwelming consensus expressed in the video I saw last night), not to mention that there are too many pizza places in JP already! The proposed sight would be right across the street from an existing pizza-place (Zesto's). I think this neighborhood is at maximum-density for eateries and cafes already (my own opinion). The last thing anybody needs is another 'mozzerella slinger' in town. In a perfect world, I like to think that the market forces would control the amount of corporate retailers in communities. But this is not a perfect world. Corporations have a lot of buying power, as well as backing capital. They can afford to take loses for extended periods of time, undercutting there competition. So maybe commercial ecologies should be protected. I don't know. My principals and my pragmatism are in conflict right now.

There is also another reason I feel hypocritical in this case. One cannot deny the fact that corporate and chain-business are already represented in the local retail economy. Foot-locker, CVS, Store 24, 7-11 (which you could argue is a franchise), and corporate banks all blight the privately owned and operated JP landscape. Its not that I mind 'mom and pop' shops, but we do allow certain business that have corporate, or chain structures to open here. I whole-heartedly agree with the not wanting a corporate entity in JP (especially Dominoes), though I can't stop and think where is the line? Is there one? Are some corporate businesses ;necessary evils'? If so, then which ones?

Rome: Day 3

If your reading this on Facebook, the original post can be found here.
This post recounts events that occurred on July 10, 2009.

This morning I made sure I woke up early. There was a lot to do. First order of business, breakfast! I got dressed quickly, and ran down to the local 'morning coffee joint' and ate. Washing it down with the usual three coffees. Punctuality was important because I wanted to get to the Colosseum before it opened. Hopefully, I could avoid the lines I saw the day before (they stretched out and circled the place!).

I got there at 8:00 am, I got in at 8:30, I had conquered by 10:00! The Colosseum was splendid! It was myself and 10 other people waiting to go inside at that hour of morning. I went through the place almost alone. I saw two people the entire time I walked through the place. How the Colosseum was used in the times of Rome is incredible. They would flood the floor of the Colosseum and the under-ways. After the building was flooded, they would have water-battles with boats! Wow! Rome musta been a pretty wild place two thousand years ago. Here's a link to more on the water-battles. So it was great! I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

After the Colosseum, I went around to some of the places I wanted to see again. Surprise! Mostly fountains (especially Trevi and Tritone). I also experimented with a second dinner in Rome (actually a late lunch). This time it was pretty damn good. Had one of those cold-cut plates and a pizza. Awesome! OK, ROme is 1 for 2 in meals on this trip.

The rest of the day was spent checking and double-checking my stuff. I was packed and ready. Five o'clock came. I boarded the train and was off to Germany.

Rome: Day 2

Rome: Day 2

For those of you viewing this on Facebook, the original post can be found at htttp://henrickatlarge.blogspot.com.

This post reflects events that took place on July 9th, 2009.

I woke up a bit late today. Didn't feel so hot either. Yesterday seemed to have taken a lot out of me. I must have walked around for fifteen hours or so. I also had this 'eye' thing going on. The connective tissue in my right eye was a bit inflamed and there was pressure. Kinda sucked. I had my sunglasses on the entire time, so I didn't look like some freak with a case of pink eye! Well, I grabbed a quick breakfast (consisting of a roll with Bruschette), washed it down with the usual four 'Americanos', and jumped a bus to the Vatican.

I arrived within a few minutes. I was originally planning on walking it, but my feet were screaming from yesterdays marathon. The panoramic view at St. Peters was incredible. The line to get in, was even more so. While waiting in what appeared to be a two hour line to get in to the Basilica, I heard some guy 'bird-dogging' a private tour to the people behind me. I asked him about, sounded good so I signed up. It was 40 Euro, but it got me out of the 2+ hour line I was in.

The tour guide was really great. An American (from Texas), she was super knowledgeable. She was probably one of those art/architecture students that didn't go into the academy, but never left Rome either. She filed us in on a lot of history and factual information regarding the Vatican and its' art that I never would have known (smart move with the tour). It's really interesting! I recommend anyone with half an interest to get a book on the early Christian movement and the grounding of the church. She also pointed out a few places where Dan Brown makes some real horrible mistakes in 'Angels and Demons'.

The Vatican museum was grand. The Sistine chapel, was stunning (smaller than I expected). The ceiling and the back wall (the judgment)was really impressive. When we went in to St Peters, I actually got to see the Pieta (Madonna of the Steps), which I have been in love with for quite some time, it was very moving.

After leaving the Vatican. I strolled along the Tiber to Castle St. Angelo (the ancient fortress), and walked across the bridge (the one with the statues of angels from Dan Brown fame), of the same name. I followed the ancient river north and then crossed over to Piazza del Popolo. From here I got into the Villa Borghese. The old home of a very famous religious figure and art enthusiast. his place had been converted into a huge public park. It was lovely, and slightly cooler than the rest of Rome. I especially liked the 'Gardens of Venus'. I relaxed the rest of the day in the park, and then had dinner. After dinner, I chilled at my local cafe (as well as a few drinks at 'Druids Rock'). Tomorrow is the day to tie-up any loose ends. I leave at 5 Pm.

Rome: Day 1

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For those of you reading this on Facebook,Original posting found on www.Henrickatlarge.blogspot.com.
This post reflects events that took place on July 9th 2009.



I woke up early. Somewhere around 6:30 Am. I put on clothes, checked my gear, and headed out into the streets of Rome in search of history and antiquity. I repeated the path that I had the night before. Going down towards the Imperial forum. Went around the Trittoria, toward the backside of the ancient forum, and ended up toward the read of Colloseo. There was a huge line in front of the Colosseum when I got up to it. It probably took about 2 hours to get inside, so I decided to come back at a later date. Maybe in the morning when it wasn't so crowded. That section of Rome finished, I walked off in search of some of the other very notable sights. When you get to Rome, you can get all of these little books and guides. I recommend them very much. But the map that you can get anywhere, the own that the city gives out is priceless. It is very accurate, detailed, and above all else clear. This little handy dandy thing came through for me so many times on my trip that I have to acknowledge how great and useful it actually was. Like I said, I also got one of the small guides. These are dispensable because it tells you about stuff that you normally wouldn't have know about. I used it to add in many sights to my already dense list of 'to-sees'.

From the ancient forum, I went through most of the other notable places. These include, but are not limited to: Fontana Trevi, the Spanish steps, Fontana del Tritone, Porto Pia, Piazza de Poppolo, Piazza de Spagna, et al. All in all I walked around for 15 hours that day, and my feet were almost broken and on fire. I had stopped only a few times for coffee or a snack. Striking off in search of the next target as soon as I was finished with whatever I was eating at the time. I decided that I liked the fountains the best. For some reason I think that the art in fountains is the most 'watchable'. Maybe this is due to the dynamic and practical nature of the fountain. There are also always people around these fountains and there is lots of people watching possible (especially like Fontana trevi or the Spanish steps). After the fact, I realized there was something about the work of Bernini that I am very drawn to. At the end of the day I consulted my little guide book in order to correctly name the sights of my pictures. In doing so, I realized that all of the statues and fountains that had really struck me were from Bernini. On another note, I was noticing a tremendous police presence around Rome that day. I don't know why. I mean, there was nothing to say that there weren't always this many police officers in Rome. Being that I had never been their before. Though I couldn't help but feel that this wasn't normal for some reason. I found out later on, while at an internet cafe for a spell, that Barrack was in town. Kinda cool I think. Me and Obama picking to visit Italy at the same time. Hopefully no stupid shit goes down here.

Supplemental:

I have never seen so many scooters in any one place at a time in my life before! Automobiles are aplenty here, though they are outnumbered 50 to 1 by the little cycles. I have seen every style, make and model of scooter that was ever made. Joe Negri would be in heaven! The classic 'Vespa' is all over. From the slick, to the practical, to the luxurious, every type of scooter can be found in Rome. It makes a lot of sense though, to have a scooter in a place like this. The streets are narrow, crooked and cramped. There isn't much space to park, or store a car for that matter. My God, if every scooter was replaced by a car tomorrow... Well there just wouldn't be enough room for all of them. There would be piles and piles of cars in mountainous heaps were a small scooter-parking area was. I guess it's just out of necessity. Like an species of animal adapting to its surrounding environment. Hmmmm, Darwinistic transport. Very interesting.

After my sightseeing marathon, I went out for a very unremarkable dinner, with bad service (one of the let downs of European tourist cities). Though I got over it, and went to my usual cafe for an Americano and Campari. I then took off to the hotel room and bed. Tomorrow was huge, The Vatican!!!

Rome: Ist Night

Taken from: www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com

This blog-post recalls the events of July 7th 2009




As previously stated in the last blog-post, I had arrived to Rome later than I anticipated. This was due to the less than 'Teutonic' attitude that the Italians have toward punctuality. During the ride there, I was a little stressed about not having a hotel room booked and waiting for me when I got there. "Will there be any rooms left?" "What if I can't find a hotel room?" "Where will I sleep if all of the rooms are booked up?" I was feeling quite irresponsible actually. So the stress and panic-level was quite hi. While changing trains in Milan, I saw a kiosk, which looked like they had hotel connections, and offered assistance in finding rooms for travelers. Maybe there would be one of those in Rome (hopefully).

When I got to the station, I spent the first 5-10 minutes looking around for aforementioned kiosk. Much to my chagrin, I could not find one. My mind started racing. I guess I would have to find the nearest hotel and ask. hmmm. I found someone near the entrance to the train station, and asked him about the existence of such a kiosk. It just so happened that he was with department of tourism (he showed me his badge and name-tag). It also just so happened that his job was to direct tourists toward any of the accommodations that they wanted/needed. So, within minutes I was headed toward a hotel about three and a half minutes walking distance from the termini (train station).

The hotel was cheap (I wasn't planning on spending much time indoors there). It was however, clean and safe (albeit small). I quickly set up 'camp', took a shower, changed into some fresh clothes, and head off for the city. This was approximately nine o'clock. I was about a five minute walk due-south of the ancient forum, the imperial forum and the Colosseum. I will let the pictures do the rest of the talking for this post. The photos aren't great. For some reason the iPhone takes crap pictures at night. There is also a lot of 'light pollution' from the way that the monuments are illuminated during the evening hours (they should go to Vienna and see how its done). The one thing you can't see from the photos, is the vast quantity of doves that fill the night sky in Rome! Its quite picturesque and beautiful. They float and hover on the tops of all the monuments. It was quite a scene, and I am a little bummed that the photos don't reveal there presence, but trust me, they're all over the place! After my little sight -seeing venture, I visited a Cafe (which would prove to become my 'end of the night' place in Rome), for a Americano and a Campari-Soda. I drank up, then cruised back to the hotel-room for some rest. The next day was going to be huge!

Vienna: Day Three

Today I didn't wake up as early as I have been. Slightly behind schedule, I had some coffee with Nathan and Ka, then promptly took off in search of more sights. I then began a 'second-time' tour of all the places I went with Nathan on our 'night ramblings' less than 12 hours earlier. This time, to see all those things during the day. I visited the Hapsburg's palace, the library (where hitler addressed the people when the Nazis took Austria, the museums, the gardens and all the other excellent sights in the 'inner city'. About noon it started to get cloudy, which then steadily progressed into a gray, gloomy drizzle, followed by an upgrade to real rain. This worked out to both my delight and advantage. I had been at a point in my day where I wanted to go to a museum. There is one problem with that in Vienna. Which one? The rain limited my choices by forcing me to choose a museum that was very close. The upswing here, I was in the 'museum quarter' (a kind of 'enclosure' with four major museums in the same compound) when the rain started. So, the decision narrowed itself down. I had a Melange (Viennese Latte), and thought over my decision. I ended up going to the Ludwig, which focused on modern-era stuff. It was particularly centered on Klimt, Schiele, and other artists associated with the 'Secession' movement in Vienna. I like it, especially the 'art nouveau' stuff they had going on there'' (Jugendstil in German). I also realized I like art when it has a function. I found myself really noticeably more drawn to the design of furniture and implements more than anything else. I guess I like 'design'. Whatever. But all in all I had a great day and saw some amazing stuff. After all the running around was done and said, Ka and Nathan took me out to dinner. We are in a traditional Viennese restaurant. We had Schnitzel and so forth. It was delicious! A perfect ending to a great and awesome day. I also saw some pretty cool graffiti in Vienna that was done by an international artist name Banksy (click on this link its pretty awesome, thanks Nathan!)

The funny thing about trains.. and stereotypes...

(Written on the 7th of July 2009)

It is about 3:30 pm. I have just switched trains in Venice. I have been riding since 6:30 am. I got on an inter-city train from Vienna. The most note-worthy thing about this train, besides the excellent cafe-car serving delicious melange (viennese coffee with milk), was the fact that it was on time. All the stops we took were like surgical maneuvers. We stopped, people got on, people got off, and we moved toward the goal. It left the station exactly as it was planned, punctually, and every train announcement was in both English and German (both on the train and in the station). We even made up some time because of a delay due to inclement weather at the foot of the Austrian/Italian Alps. Needless to say, we pulled into Venice one minute before we were scheduled to arrive.

I have just waited a half an hour for the train to Rome. Two other trains have pulled into the station (also running late), there were no announcements in English to say that these were not the train that should have been here (the one to Rome/Naples), and I barely got off of both of them in time to not get 'shanghied' to Milano. I find these events both interesting and notable because of the fact that they are completely in line with stereotypes associated with each culture/country. I mean, Italy can't even have a stable government for more than 6 months at a time. Precision is not there strong point (I mean, look at the Quadrofuglio engine and its' reputation in European automotive engineering). The Austrians, though a far cry from German precision, still have a cultural distinction that is a bit more focused on precise execution and seamless articulation than the Italians (though I must admit the Italian trains did look nice!).

I am very glad I decided to take the day train, rather than the overnight. The views have been absolutely incredible. The best was that of south Austria. In the vicinity of Klagendorf (the capitol of where Ka is from). It was so green and lush, low flying clouds clung to the hillsides, and the sun shone through in illuminating staffs. It was quite the scene! Also, right inside the Italian border at the foot of the Alps was an incredible view. I totally recommend this trip to anyone traveling in this region. It takes half the day, but the view is worth it (oh yeah, don't get spoiled by the precision of the Austrian train operation when your here. Your Italian train will be late, and it will be confusing, with little or no direction... its OK, you'll get there)

Vienna: Day Two: Schoenbrunn, the zoo, and midnight runabouts

(Written on July 4th 2009)

The second day I was in Vienna, I woke up early. This was followed by a nice breakfast of fresh rolls, cheese and cold cuts (SWINE!). After washing the aforementioned breakfast foods down with about a liter of Austrian coffee, we (Ka, I, and Livia) took off to visit Shoenbrunn.

Schoennbrunn is the name of the 'summerhouse' of the von Hapsburgs. It is a palace and estate that it slightly outside of Vienna's 'inner city', though still well within the city limits. The grounds and mansion themselves are just another testimony to the flair for grandeur that the von Hapsburgs had. Fountains, gardens and fabulous architecture abound in this place. If I was going to have a summer house built, this would be it. The Roman-style fountains and Barouqe gardens were particularly wonderful.

One of the very cool things about it (besides the Romanesque fountains and statuary), is the zoo. Yes! You heard me correctly, I said zoo!(It is also the worlds oldest zoo, dating back to the mid 1700's It was a little small (as zoos go), but the habitats were very nice, tidy, and quite convincing (to me anyway, maybe the opinions of the animals differ). exhibits of note: The tigers! The bat room, boars and praying mantises. It was all quite cool, Thanks Ka!

When we came back from ShoenenBrunnen, we went directly into the heart of the 'inner-city'. This was nice! We visited Stephan's place (very famous church). It was gorgeous. We even went inside and I got to take some really great pictures of the inside of the place (hope I don't go to hell for that). We also visited a bunch of other great buildings, churches and fountains in town while we were there. Again, I will choose to show you in picture albums rather than futility try to capture it with unwieldy words.

Vienna: City of Art and Archtecture

Vienna is the answer to the question: "What would happen if Rome and Paris had a baby and it was raised by a disciplined German nanny?"

After spending some 'quality time with Nathan, Ka, and Livia, I went out to explore the city. Wow!!! Paris does not have shit on Vienna! This might be the most ornate place I have been to yet! I do not think that words could give an accurate account of the city and its art/architecture. So there are an extreme amount of photos attached to this post. I basically just walked a bit down the street from Nathan & Ka's place. To give you an idea, you can't walk thirty meters in Vienna without encountering a Garden, a statue, a fountain, or an ornately beautiful building with freezes, gargoyles, statues on the roofs etc. This little expedition took me to the Rathaus (federal building), the Parliament building, and the area around the university of Vienna.

One note about the Viennese: They are not German! However they do show a few Teutonic characteristics. One of these is the complete following of social constructions such as traffic laws. It is very common to see crowds of Viennese standing at crosswalk, with no cars in sight from any direction. They will wait like this until the light indicates they can go! I also did not see a single jaywalker in the entire time I was here. This was quite refreshing. In Oman, people wander across the streets, at any time, any place, with little or no rhyme or reason. It was nice to see something like pedestrian traffic carried out like the internal mechanisms of a fine Swiss-watch. Quite a departure from the chaotic game of 'pedestrian Frogger' that takes place in most places of the middle east (Ok, that was actually a LeRouxism).

In the evening, I want to a poetry reading at a Cafe called Cafe Kafka (I know right, awesome name). That was pretty cool. I however, was a bad little beatnik, because I kept falling asleep. This had nothing to do with the poets or the poetry, I was just worn out from travel. After the reading, we walked home through the red-light district of Vienna (interesting)! Tomorrow is another day!

Leaving Oman: 10 Months in the Hole

Leaving Oman: 10 months in the hole...

Events in this blog-entry take place on the 3rd of July, 2009

As I have already reported, the last few weeks were hectic. Why should the very last day be any different? Everything is packed, and by the door. 'Uncle Don' picked me up right after I dropped off the key to my Landlord; We left quite early. I arrived in Muscat and finished some of my final business in mall (Western Union, and procuring some last minute gear for my flight). On the way out, we stopped by the Muttrah souk (traditional market) to pick up some souvenirs. Now, if you've never been to a souk before, you really are missing something. Think 'the market scene from Aladdin'. All types and varieties of merchants 'harass' you as you walk buy. If you even look in their direction, they grab the nearest of their wares and shout things in your direction like "For you my friend, special price, talking camel... only five dollars". Below is a video of Mutrah Souk:


So the trick is to act like your blind, deaf, and dumb when walking through the souk, until you see what you are looking for in your periphery and make a b-line for the shop in question. I did manage to pick up a great little ring at a silver shop (Oman is known for their silver and silver-smithing). I didn't get one of the 'traditional Omani rings' (which are quite big, and feature a large, semi-precious stone in the center of a over sized gaudy band), opting for a more modern 'spinny-ring'. I like it, money well spent.

After the souk, we went off to the airport. Much of our 'lead' had already dwindled away, and we were now in a hurry. Thankfully we didn't see any of that famous 'Muscat traffic' that can easily tie you up for hours trying to travel three kilometers. At the airport, I met 'my guy' (a representative of my sponsor), we then jumped through all the hoops of canceling my visa, and I said goodbye to 'uncle Don'. After a small ordeal of changing some large amounts of money, I said goodbye to Oman and got on the damn airplane.

The flight was quite nice. It was the first time I ever flew KLM. It is one of two airlines I could never really afford to fly when I was going to Europe on my own (the other being Lufthansa). So, I was very interested in seeing what the experience was going to be like. Verdict: Very Good/Great. With the exception that I DO NOT FIT IN ECONOMY CLASS SEATS, I had a good flight. I especially liked the entertainment console built into the back of every seat. I got to watch some TV, play some video games, and see a movie, whose release I missed this year in the states (Watchmen)! The flight-time was about 13 hours with a stop in both Abu-Dhabi and Amsterdam ( I was very concerned that there was no 'coffee-shops' in the airport (which is strange because it might be the most notable cultural icon outside of windmills, which strangely enough were also missing in the airport). At the end of the flight, I arrived safely and soundly in Vienna. I Quickly found my friend Nathan a buddy of mine from my time in Boston at UMASS, who was waiting for me with his daughter Livia (an absolute darling of child), who promptly cried as soon as she met me ( I sometimes have that effect on women).

Well first things first, we had a coffee and croissant at the airport coffee house, then we hopped on the subway. At one of the major points of transfer, got out and visited a supermarket. What did you buy, you say? What do you think? We bought PORK! A few sausages, some cold-cuts and so forth, which we quickly consumed on the rest of the way back to the house!!! Sin, you are definitely a tasty temptress indeed! We then promptly got to his house to meet his wife Ka (who is awesome), and unwind with a few dozen cups of coffee, and some conversation, and plan my 'siege' of Vienna!

The Kitty-Halfway-House (or how to collect stray animals, for dummies)

(Written on July 1st 2009)



It's the night before leaving. All is quiet. Everything is packed, and I am quite ready to leave for Vienna tomorrow (via Amsterdam). I have done just about everything I can think of to prepare for my trip. The bank utility accounts are closed. I have given away or sold everything I have bought here (even my excess store of food have been donated to the Pakistani workers at the college), cleaned everything (to a much larger degree than when I moved in). I even drew a schematic of my luggage with a detailed account of everything I have packed and where (Yes, that's the Teutonic gene coming through)! So I guess I'm ready.

Well, the last few days have been a bit tedious and empty. I have a severe case of 'empty nest syndrome', because of the absence of 'Kiebler-Khan the conqueror'. As a result of this absence I have tentatively adopted the family of cats that have taken up residence in the building I live in. They hang around here mostly due to the fish-store on the first floor. The Indian and Pakistani workers that work and live in the building have started feeding them. The family consists of a mother cat and six kittens. What is very curious, is there is a discrepancy in the cats. There are two that look similar, and are much bigger (or older) than the rest. Then there are 3 almost identical kittens. These vary in size alone. Add to this, one cat that is not from either litter, but has managed to get itself adopted by 'momma'.

I am really struck by her situation. A single mom, obviously taking care of an other's litter, and she has also adopted a straggler. What an insane maternal instinct. I think humanity could learn a thing or two from her. I am so in awe of her good-naturedness, that I have helped out too. I give them milk twice a day, as well as feed Momma. What is truly remarkable, is that she is still giving all six milk. So, I try to help with some food to keep the 'tap' open for her kittens. She's great! very loving animal that comes over and demands love and affection every time she hears my door open. Last week, she started laying down in front of my door so the air conditioning could blow over her from the crack between floor and door. It drove Nibbles crazy! I m especially fond of the three identical kittens. I took the littlest one (I call him 'Mouse' because of his small size) under my 'wing', and often take him to the side and 'power feed' him so he gets strong, Tomorrow, right before I leave, I plan to go downstairs to the fish store and buy them an entire fish to eat! A feline farewell fish-feast it will be!!! I'm sure everyone will be very happy, fed, and appreciative. Well any of you that know me, also know that I am quite fond of strays (on sooooo many levels)

I look forward to seeing you all very soon...

H