Bellissimo
I was going to post an entry last week before my trip to Italy to attend a wedding but time was a luxury. Anyway, I’d returned today and should be able post some pics in my next update. Time permitting.
Uncategorized
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BF Depending On Your Wallet & Wardrobe
What I’d overheard from a woman behind me speaking to someone on her mobile phone while queuing in Subway in London:“So we went out and it was alright. He’s a funny guy, don’t get me wrong, he’d made me laugh but I don’t see him as potential boyfriend material. He’s not financially stable and I don’t like the way he dresses. He’s a sweet guy so I’ll like to keep him as a friend.”
In a previous post, I’d wrote about how some women see men’s choice of footwear serve to be a potential dealbreaker. It seems like the size of his wallet and his taste in fashion matter too.
Amusing Blog
This is a post I’d pulled from a blogger calling herself “somekoreanchick”
Why I Will Never Date A White Guy: Asian Girl/White Guy Not For Me
** Disclaimer: This might offend some people. And if it DOES offend you, I probably wouldn’t like you anyway. So in the words of the illustrious Tupac, “I don’t give a f**k.” Read at your own risk.Last week at work, a white male co-worker was shocked when I told him that I prefer dating Korean/Asian men. When I then pointed out that all my ex-boyfriends have been Korean, he was literally stunned.
STUNNED. He acted as though I had made a huge sacrifice by forgoing the opportunity to be with a white guy, also known as “God’s gift to women” in his eyes (gag me now).
Little did I know that my nonchalant, casual comment would soon spread like wildfire. I had people coming up to me (both men and women) saying, “Is it really true that you only date Asian guys?” They treated my casual comment on my dating preference as a true shocker of the year. In my humble opinion, there is no way that such a reaction (shock, stunned, surprised, etc) would have occurred if I were, say Jewish or Black, and said that I preferred Jewish or Black men. So why is it such a shocker that I, as an Asian woman, would prefer dating an Asian man? Because this country has had a long (and I mean LONG) history of desexualizing and trivializing Asian men to the point that the masses just accept these stereotypes as being true. Let’s face it – Asian guys do have it a lot harder in this country than Asian women. Asian women have a history of being portrayed and seen as the sweet, submissive, Me-Love-You-Long- Time girl. And on the flip side, we have been viewed as being overly sexual for the white man’s pleasure (again, gag me now).
Hollywood stereotypes stemming from characters like Long Duck Dong in Sixteen Candles have caused irreparable harm to the image of an Asian guy in this country (F**k you, John Hughes).
While white men were the white knight, capable of saving the day AND getting the girl, the Asian guy was just the chump or the one-dimensional moron incapable of being attractive.
However, growing up in a heavily Asian populated city, I always had Korean/Asian friends. I socialized with them, watched Korean dramas and idolized Korean boybands. In other words, I had an ALTERNATIVE viewpoint from Hollywood and the white man’s land that showed me that Asian men CAN be sexy, gallant, generous, talented, multifaceted and complex. My alternative media showed me different portrayals of Korean/Asian men not shown in America, which allowed me to not buy into the stereotypes and ridiculous bullshit that was being sold.
What you looking at?However, I have noticed that some Asian women DO buy into that shit. And it’s both sad and irritating. While I have nothing against two random people falling in love by chance (Asian/White/Black/Whatever), I DO think it’s pathetic and lame when an Asian American woman proclaims, “I only date white men” or “I don’t date Asian guys.” Not only do I think it’s pathetic, I think they sound pathetic and just really, really stupid. Then when you ask these women why, they list a bunch of reasons that sounds more like it came from Hollywood Stereotypes 101 (unintentionally affirming that yes, they really ARE that stupid).
The truth is, I would never want to date a white guy because I would never want to be perceived by the outside world as being THAT girl. Yes, I will sound like a bitch but fuck it, let me be honest – I wouldn’t want to walk with my white boyfriend in public for fear of looking like THAT girl. And I don’t want to be a seen as someone who bought into the bullshit that white media have been trying to sell about Asian guys for decades.
One of my biggest fears is looking like this idiot to the outside world if I were to date a white guy: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ft_kY5KgCnE
Seriously, readers, what sucks more? Racist idiots or the self-loathing folks so desperate to sell out their own people and culture for white approval? Hmmm…tough call, ain’t it? (I choose the latter).
Let’s not forget that (in my own experience), the white guys who ARE into Asian girls tend to be Creepy. Weird. Losers. Weird. Dorks. And Weird. Personally, a cool white guy has never approached me because these objectively cool white guys have plenty of options (mostly other cool white women). They don’t need to look outside their own dating pool to dip into some Suzie-Wong- Me-Love –You-Long-Time action. And if I hear “I once dated an Asian girl” come out of another white guy’s mouth as his opening line, I just might punch him. So if my choice is between some weird, creepy, stereotype-clutching white guy or holding out for my Asian prince (see below, Mr. Coffee Prince, July 4, haha), I will hold out for my prince any day of the week.
And of course there’s the convenience factors – a Korean/Asian guy is more likely to understand my own struggles as a minority in the industry and in this country; we will likely enjoy eating the same foods (even if it’s kimchee everyday); and hopefully, he will be able to communicate with my parents and the rest of my family… at the very least, understand what they are saying OR implicitly understand the cultural values that are almost innate to us.
Plus, I am attracted to Asian guys…and no, NOT LONG DUCK DONG.
** Note: I have nothing against interracial dating…but it is just not for me. Furthermore, these rules don’t apply to Asian men who score non-Asian women. Kudos to them for finding someone who isn’t blindly following the definition of what an Asian man is “supposed to be.”
I’d found the enormous amount of comments (over 1000 and counting) left in the wake of her rant more interesting. I have a Asian friend who would be sympathetic to her viewpoint. Whenever an Asian female holding hands with a Caucasian guy cavort into view, he would annoyingly remark that the White Man “are taking all our women.”
However, if we catch the rare glimpse of an Asian guy with a Caucasian woman, my friend would approvingly give the thumbs-up and uttering, “Well done, mate.”
It’d just occurred to me while writing the above paragraph that since my move back to London two years ago, I haven’t seen any Asian guy with a female Caucasian partner in the capital. Before my move to Amsterdam, the sight were few and far between but it still existed. Has the pool of local Asian men been marginalised? Has the influx of male Mainlanders with their bad habits tarred the local Asians with the same brush?
I’d also stumbled across this video clip relating to the blog above and found it entertaining enough to share:
Will It Ever Stop?
Will Hollywood refrain from remaking foreign hits? Unlikely. This latest effort, an atrocious remake of the Korean smash, My Sassy Girl, is fresh of the production line and headed straight to DVD. And no wonder.
I’d stopped watching the film twenty minutes in and proceeded to skip certain scenes in order to reach the end. That was exactly the method I’d adopted towards The Love Guru and that was starring the sexy Jessica Alba! For The Alba (as some guys at work have dubbed her), I’d painfully sat through the appalling Awake and the dreadful Good Luck Chuck. Thankfully, I’d abandoned the method altogether after five minutes of My Sassy Girl.
Elisha Cuthbert is woefully miscast, her terrible performance rendering her character totally unbelievable. I half expected Jack Bauer (those who watch 24 will know) to parachute in to save us all from this awful film. Jesse Bradford, who plays the goofy one, was believably annoying complimented with a ear-grating voice to match. Nothing, of course, beats the original classic.
Another rehash on the way is Quarantine, a remake of the excellent Spanish horror flick Rec. If you’d seen the trailer for Quarantine, the ending is already ruined for you. As I’d always rant to a fellow film buff colleague, some idiots just do not know how to cut trailers. If you’d already seen Rec then you will know what I mean.
Heck, even the Quarantine poster has ruined the ending!
I firmly believe Quarantine will not be a jot on the original. Watch Rec instead. I shudder to think what the remake of The Orphanage (another excellent Spanish horror film) will be like.
More Pics
Pic taken with camera phoneSpongebob Squarepants bidding goodbye before commiting suicide. Yes, Bob, do it! Jump!
With no one wanting to pose one weekend, I’d decided to take a couple of snaps of my fellow photography enthusiast, Kim.
Soon after, a female colleague readily agreed to model for me but with our busy schedules, it won’t be until October.
I still hope to photograph babies and toddlers like these pics I’d took last year.
Remaining on the subject of photography, I have decided to purchase a Canon Ixus 960 IS:
Having grown frustrated with the limitations of camera phones, a digital compact camera should prove to be a sound investment. Especially for my next trip in three weeks – a wedding in Italy. I just do not want to lug around my Nikon D200 when going out in the evenings so this should suffice.
Naive Sailor
A very naive British sailor is in a bar in London. He meets a wild girl, and she takes him upstairs. She takes off her pants and her panties.
He looks between her legs and says, “What’s that?”
She replies, “It’s me lower mouth.”
He asks, “What do you mean ‘your lower mouth’?
She says, “Just what I said, it’s me lower mouth. It’s got a moustache… It’s got lips…”
He asks, “Has it got a tongue in it?”
She replies, “Not yet…”
Sex Can Wait
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Young People F**king
The title hints of a motion picture in the pornographic realm and yes, it does feature people
shaggingperforming the acts of a sexual nature without actually “doing” it unlike in a real porno. As for the characters, I don’t know whether a couple of them can be classed as “young”. However, don’t let the title or the content put you off – Y.P.F. is a delightful indie comedy courtesy of the Canadians.
The premise is relatively simple: five couples engage in a night of passion unwittingly embarking on a journey of self discovery in the process. Or some bullshit or other. The film is broken into six chapters: Prelude, Foreplay, Sex, Interlude, Organsm and Afterglow each devoting story development time to the five strands: The Friends, The Couple, The Exes, The First Date and The Roommates.
Y.P.F. isn’t a deep and heavy film in the exploration of the human condition. It is simple entertainment and a welcome diverson to the summer blockbusters. And as you might have gathered, Y.P.F. is an ideal family film. Just witness your parents cringe in embarrassment and the kids giggle in bemusement. Priceless.
What I am listening to during the warm summer evenings:
Alison Sudol aka A Fine Frenzy. The haunting vocals from this talented singer/songwriter from Seattle compliments perfectly with the piano melodies. She kinda reminds me of Tori Amos. My favourite track from Sudol’s album One Cell In The Sea is Almost Lover…maybe what I could do with right now…
New York Trip 23rd June-1st July 2008
One of the aims of this umpteen visit to my favourite city was to explore parts of the Big Apple that tourists normally don’t venture to. Nor natives for that matter.
My plan was to explore Harlem but I’d ended up in Washington Heights to meet a friend for lunch.
If Central Park is too crowded for you then there is a hidden treasure in Manhattan: Fort Tryon Park (Subway A to 190th St). Once your feet steps through the gates the feeling of being in the City is immediately lifted as the tranquil beauty sweep over you. Central Park has the lake but Tyron Park offers views of the river complete with bridge. In addition, housed within the Park is a fantastic restaurant by the name of New Leaf Cafe (more later) and The Cloisters museum.
The Cloisters can be reached by foot through the Park or by the M4 bus from 190th St Subway station. The suggested price for admission is $20 but one can pay a dollar if one so wish.
I had initially wanted to travel the Roosevelt Tram way back in September 2004 but it never happened. Nor did it in November 2004, September 2006 and March 2008. But I’d finally managed it on this trip.
Gondola arriving
Ferrying out of Manhattan with the Queensboro Bridge looming ahead.
Approaching Roosevelt Island
Returning to the City
Side view as the gondola docks.
Returned to Brighton Beach to properly explore Little Odessa. And sit in the sun on Coney Island Beach.
A friend arranged to meet for coffee at the cafe in Moma. There was no visible cafe once through the entrance so I’d asked a security guard for direction. “There are two cafes, both upstairs. But it will cost you $20 for admission first.” I guess the coffee isn’t complimentary then?
Strolling in Central Park a few hours before my departure to London, I’d spotted this guy cycling on a one-wheeler.
The following piece about food was mostly constructed for the benefit of J in Hong Kong. Other readers may find it useful. Or not. I have to thank my friends for taking me to the following places below.
When it comes to dining, New York easily triumph over London in the gastronomic department. The culinarily experience is far superior in terms of freshness, taste, portion size and value for money (especially for us Brits). Even the fast food is better. What was noticeable after three years in Amsterdam was that the portions of food in London had shrunk in addition to the decline of standards.
Pic taken with camera phoneSakagura, located on 211 East 43rd between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, is said to serve authentic Japanese food. The restaurant is located below ground in an office block so look for this entrance.
Over 200 types of sake is on offer here. There is a sake tasting menu if you wish to sample a selection.
Pic taken with camera phonePork dumplings
Pic taken with camera phoneSashimi – you can actually taste the freshness. I haven’t had raw fish this fresh since I was in Japan.
Pic taken with camera phoneBeef steak cooked over a hot stone…
Pic taken with camera phone…using that piece of fat resting next to the chopsticks.
Pic taken with camera phone (damn, out of focus, hard to tell on a tiny screen)Pinkberry, a haven of delicious frozen yogurt. I went to the one located in Korea Town.
Pic taken with camera phoneWhere I’d then indulged in a spot of Korean barbecue at Shilla. Notice the masses of side dishes that are always served with your Korean order? You will NEVER get that in the UK! You will have to order it from the menu which cost extra of course. Even for kimchi!
Pic taken with camera phoneThe downside of having Korean BBQ is that you will vacate the premises inadvertently smelling like a sizzling steak. Our next destination was a sold out screening of Wanted and
Pic taken with camera phoneMmm…
New Leaf Cafe is situated inside Fort Tyron Park and serves some great food like this scrumptious calamari.
Greek salad with grilled chicken
Grilled chicken sandwich with fries
Pic taken with camera phoneBrunch at Cookshop in the Lower East Side – 156 10th Avenue at E 20th Street.
Pic taken with camera phoneThe interior of Cookshop – airy, comfortable and chic.
Pic taken with camera phone
Pic taken with camera phoneFlorida shrimp and Maine scallops on a bed of salad and spiced peanuts.
Pic taken with camera phoneGrass-fed burger with applewood bacon, Vermont cheddar and fries.
Pic taken with camera phonePoached eggs and sausage
Fleur de Sel is a French restaurant located in Midtown at 5 East 20th Street.
The interior
Pic courtesy of LingThe menu
Pic courtesy of LingIn the end we opted for the six course tasting menu which requires the participation of the entire table. Everything was ordered so we could try it.
Pic courtesy of LingFried cod compliment of the chef.
Pic courtesy of LingWhen the appetizers rolled out of the kitchen, I was bitterly disappointed with the bize size portions. This is the US, not the UK! I want American size portion! This is the duck and foie gras terrine.
Pic courtesy of LingMaine lobster
Pic courtesy of LingDorade
Pic courtesy of LingHalibit
Pic courtesy of LingLamb
Pic courtesy of LingRabbit
Pic courtesy of LingRavioli
Pic courtesy of LingSmoked salmon
Pic courtesy of LingA selection of cheese
Pic courtesy of LingSorbet
Pic courtesy of LingRhubarb
Pic courtesy of LingChocolate dessert compliment of the chef
Table lamp – not edible
Two other places that I’d been to but no pictures to display are:
Celeste – 502 Amsterdam Avenue between 84th and 85th St – serving fabulous homemade Italian food. The restaurant itself can be best described as cosy…in the sense it’s quite small and cramped. Hugely popular with the Upper Westsiders. Cash only by the way.
East Manor – 7917 Albion Avenue, Elmhurst, Queens. Despite some mixed reviews online, I rate the all-you-can eat buffet for either lunch or dinner. The dinner rate cost more but the variety is wider including oysters and lobster.
Max Brenner – If you have a sweet tooth and are a chocoholic then this place is divine! I didn’t get a chance to revisit Max Brenner in Union Square this time but during the previous trip, I couldn’t get enough. I could have cleaned out the entire restaurant.
On my last day I was playing with the gadgets in the Apple Store on 5th Avenue when two boys aged between six and ten, donned in the jerseys of Barcelona Football Club, ran towards where I was standing quickly followed by their mother.
“Do you know how to work these?” asked the puzzled mother.
“Oh yeah,” replied the older boy, “This is the iPod Touch.”
As the two kids gleefully operated an iPod each like a seasoned professional, the mother glanced across the range of iPods on display with a quiet bemusement before uttering the immortal line: “What’s an iPod?”
Female Hormones in Beer
Harvard scientists released the results of a recent analysis that revealed the presence of female hormones in beer. Men should take a concerned look at their beer consumption. The theory is that beer contains female hormones (hops contain phytoeostrogen
s) and that by drinking enough beer, men turn into women. To test the theory, 100 men were fed 8 pints of beer each within a 1-hour period. It was then observed that 100% of the test subjects:
1.) Gained weight
2.) Talked excessively without making sense
3.) Became overly emotional
4.) Couldn’t drive
5.) Failed to think rationally
6.) Argued over nothing
7.) Had to sit down while urinating
8.) Refused to apologize when obviously wrong
Can You See It?
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Unconscious Influential Behaviour
I’m pretty sure everyone is familiar with the adage “He/She brings out the best/worst in me”. At a recent birthday party the revelation suddenly surfaced of how affected I can be by certain people I know. The unconscious morphed into the conscious. One particular person at the party, more of an acquaintance than a friend, would direct facetious comments about people she knows, including yours truly, in a feeble attempt to raise a laugh. The remarks would then naturally evolve into a more bitchy tone. I, for one, would swiftly retaliate with equally if not more vitriolic comments about her. Bad behaviour begets bad behaviour.My observation that this baleful person can unearth the unpleasant side of me with ease perhaps point to a more underlying problem. This ephemeral episode isn’t a proud moment. Someone noted that she suffers from low self-esteem issues. Well, I’m sorry but that is not my problem. A friend revealed she could only tolerate her in small doses. I know what she means.
Also at the party was this bottle guaranteed to make you merry:
Pic taken with camera phoneWhat’s In a (Sur)Name?
Quite a lot apparently. If you’re Asian and have the unfortunate surname of Ho then may I suggest you go change it by deed poll immediately. It’s bad enough if you’re female and be called a Ho with all the slutty connotations but if you’re a male and have the first name of Alan then perhaps you should just walk in front of a passing bus. Loyal readers may remember the rancour between myself and the arseHo (you get to be called that too) last year. Some of you loved what I’d wrote about him. But I digress.
A couple of weeks ago, I’d met someone of the same name at a meetup. Lightning does indeed strike twice. For this Ho alarmingly exhibits the traits of the arseHo: ugliness (external and internal), appalling dress sense and being a complete prick. So if you are a Ho by name of virtue and about to become parents of an unborn son, please don’t name him Alan. There are enough shitbags in this world already.
Out in Leicester Square, London two days ago:
Pic taken with camera phoneI like women with long legs but this is taking it too far.
Summer Days
New York Trip: 23rd June – 1st July
It has been nearly three weeks since my return from New York and the contrast in weather between the two major cities is remarkably stark. It was the first time I’d visited the Big Apple in the summer since 1987 and a return during this season is unlikely for a while. The temperature in London has been averaging a constant 21°C (69°F) whereas it was around 30°C (86°F) in NYC precipitated by spells of heavy rain. And don’t forget the humidity. At least there is AC on the Subway and I don’t have to suffer near internal combustion like I generally do on the Tube.My initial impression during the first couple of days was,”Credit crunch? What credit crunch?” The whole city was swamped in a mass and choking wave of consumerism. Every Starbucks I’d visited were packed to the tilt despite their recent announcement of store closures due to falling profits. It seems like NYC is isolated from the consequences of the credit crunch that had affected the rest of the US.
A vibrant yet tranquil early evening in Bryant Park. Perfect setting for catching up with a friend over coffee and cupcake.
Pic taken with camera phoneCupcakes from the nearby Crumbs. I’m not really a cupcake person.
Bryant Park also offers great views of the City.
Municipal building in Borough Hall, Brooklyn
A restaurant with interesting architecture in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Pic taken with camera phoneSome people marking their territory in the grottier side of Williamsburg.
Pic taken with camera phoneStreet life in Williamsburg
The famous Grimald’s Pizzeria by the Brooklyn Bridge, serving supposedly the best pizza in NYC.
Although I’d missed the telectroscope exhibition by the Brooklyn Bridge (see previous post), I did catch Olafur Eliasson’s waterfall on the day it was turned on.
Frankly, I wasn’t overly impressed.
The view from the South Street Seaport.
View of the Seaport at dusk
I’d found the ideal person to model for me. Unfortunately, she lives in NYC and not London.
She may not agree but she is a natural in front of the camera. I’d only wished I had brought the rest of my camera gear to NYC. Shot this using only a lamp for lighting.
Why Men Should Never Write Advice Columns
Dear Walter:
I hope you can help me here. The other day I set off for work leaving my husband in the house watching the TV as usual. I hadn’t gone more than a few hundred yards down the road when my engine conked out and the car shuddered to a halt. I walked back home to get my husband’s help.
When I got home I couldn’t believe my eyes. He was parading in front of the wardrobe mirror dressed in my underwear and high-heel shoes, and he was wearing my make up.
I am 32, my husband is 34 and we have been married for twelve years. When I confronted him, he tried to make out that he had dressed in my lingerie because he couldn’t find his own underwear. But when I asked him about the make-up, he broke down and admitted that he’d been wearing my clothes for six months. I told him to stop or I would leave him.
He was let go from his job six months ago and he says he has been feeling increasingly depressed and worthless. I love him very much, but ever since I gave him the ultimatum he has become increasingly distant. I don’t feel I can get through to him anymore.
Can you please help?
Sincerely,
SheilaReply:
Dear Sheila:
A car stalling after being driven a short distance can be caused by a variety of faults with the engine. Start by checking that there is no debris in the fuel line. If it is clear, check the jubilee clips holding the vacuum pipes onto the inlet manifold. If none of these approaches solves the problem, it could be that the fuel pump itself is faulty, causing low delivery pressure to the carburetor float chamber. I hope this helps.
Walter
Why Americans Should Vote For Obama
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Here’s Hoping…
…That my blogging mojo has returned. Perhaps the most contributing factor in my languorous hiatus from xanga has been my extensive workload. So much so that the departmental coordinator recently joked that although I am rarely sick, there is no need for me to die for the company. In addition, I haven’t even laid a finger on my camera either. Not since my last trip to New York and Costa Rica. But that will change come next week.
Why?
Because I am taking a much needed break and returning to my favourite city. It will be the first time I have been in New York during the summer since 1987. Memories are still vivid from that period. Times Square was a sharply and completely different environment in contrast to today. Sex shops, pimps, hookers and drug pushers routinely lined the streets in those pre-zero tolerance days. An unmistakeable air of sleaziness blended putridly with the oppressive humidity to unbalance your senses. Fear and danger lingered menacingly on broad the graffiti-stricken Subway trains. How I wish the photographs I’d took from that trip could be traced and found.
Although my camera remains unused, the camera function on my mobile phone has been fully utilised.
The newly renovated St. Pancras Station in London which is now the new transport hub for the Eurostar trains into Europe.
“Is that bird poo raining down on me?”
A huge statue of a couple reunited greet arrivals from Brussels and Paris.
It was this close-up picture that convinced me that despite the advancement of technology of camera phones, it just doesn’t cut the mustard. Hence I will invest in a compact digital camera to compliment my DSLR.
Phase one of Liverpool One, part of the regeneration triggered by being the European City of Culture 2008.
Phase Two
The stairs will lead up to an open park which will open at the end of September.
On the left is the construction of a Hilton Hotel with the walkway leading up to the Albert Docks. Almost completed in the background is a block of designer apartments.
Liverpool One is basically a giant shopping mall without the roof.
The telectroscope in London. If you peer through the lens you will see the other side in New York. It is essentially just a huge webcam.
I’d had planned to take photographs of the opposite teletroscope located near Brooklyn Bridge next week. Unfortunately, the exhibition ended on 15th June.
City Hall in the backdrop.
Women Are Like…
…the stock market. They’re irrational and can bankrupt you if you’re not careful.
…computers. They take too long to warm up and a better model always comes along once you’ve already got one.
…Saran Wrap. Useful but clingy.
…horses. Fun to pet and ride but a pain to feed and clean up after.
…parking meters. If you don’t feed them with enough money you face serious consequences.
…fax machines. useful for one very specific purpose but otherwise just high-maintenance paperweights.
…political campaign contributors. If you let them talk about themselves long enough you wind up in bed with them.
…refrigerators. They’re always cold and never seem to have a beer when you need one.
…blue jeans. They look good for a while but eventually they fade and have to be replaced.
…country and western songs. They’re annoying, they all sound alike, but if you really listen to them you’ll get depressed and drink a lot.
Peeing On The Enemy
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Discount Available
For those who like quirky offbeat gifts, a friend will provide a 5% discount when ordering through her websites by entering the promotional code “fongster8″.
For the USA: www.MyRedPacket.com If you are ordering from Canada, contact Alice via the website.
For the UK & International: www.MyRedPacket.co.uk
The discount offer will expire after 15th May.
It’s The Shoes, Stupid
Saturday night was spent with two close friends (mates since we were kids) who happen to be sisters. One is engaged and the other newly single. The younger sister was regaling about a recent date where the guy was generally nice, possessed a great sense of humour, exhibited chivalrous conduct…except for his dreadful choice of shoes! That was the dealbreaker! The tale was relayed to her female colleagues who were all united in agreement like a feminist movement: “We know what you mean about the shoes!”
“Do I look cool in these?”Except I was bemused and baffled. The sisters then progressed to “educate” me about how a man’s choice of footwear reveals alot about himself to women. Never mind the handsome face, fit body, killer clothes, sparkling personality, if a woman doesn’t like your footwear then any chance you might have had is immediately and morale-crushingly extinguished. No mercy. They were actually surprised this golden piece of knowledge was unbeknownst to me. I’m fully aware of women’s obsession with shoes and handbags, I just wasn’t aware their fascination with apparel for the feet extends to the men’s. My previous girlfriends have commented about my good taste and in retrospect, they’d have complimented about my choice of footwear although I’d never paid much attention to it. I occasionally wear formal shoes. My footwear of choice veer towards the casual, trainers, and the trainer/shoe hybrid. Apparently, the same rule applies.
The next day over dim sum with a couple of female friends, I’d picked their brains regarding the whole men’s shoes dealbreaker scenario. Except for these two, they didn’t agree. For them, the personality is of greater importance than footwear. They dimly viewed judging a man based on his footwear as shallow, superficial and misguided. My flatmate’s female friends apparently concur to the sisters’ train of thought.
My inquisitive mind led to a further exploration stumbling upon a book by Donna Sozio titled Never Trust A Man In Alligator Loafers: What His Shoes Really Say About His True Love Potential. Probing further, I’d discovered an article where Sozio wrote:
“Meeting a really super fabulous woman can be as easy as wearing a pair of really super fabulous shoes. Yet before you call it petty, consider this: women love shoes. We are in fact devotees of the sole. When we see that a man has interest in or respect for what we love, we consider him to have potential. When a man disrespects what we love, the natural thought that runs through our mind is, what else will he disrespect that is dear to us?”
So there you have it. Rather ostentatious, perhaps?
Ladies, what are your opinion on the subject?
It Continues
After my rant in my previous post in regard to Tibet, imagine my surprise upon reading the following email forwarded by a friend:
Hello All,
The western media has portrayed China as a killer, a monster and detector. I am sick of seeing those distortion news everyday here. Almost every American that I know of thought of the same things of China. I was in the parade yesterday in San Francisco. It makes me sad to see all the signs and the anti-China atmosphere flowing in the air. The media of course only focus making China look bad, even the polices, although they are told to do their job to guard the security, but they all leaning towards the protesters side. One of the US athletes ran the torch yesterday even wore a Tibet flag in his arm and show it to the media while he is running it.
Please let’s to do something. China never invade another county as far as I know, we don’t deserve an image like this. Please join me with this group in Facebook. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=9356526887&ref=mf
The progenitor of the email has got one fact wrong - China did invade another country: Tibet! And also Vietnam in 1979 during the Third Indochina War. Trawling through the comments on youtube and the Facebook link revealed how vitriol the Mainlanders can be against the Western media. At least we know which and what media is government-favouring (such as the right-wing sensationalist Fox News). Obviously, not everything is rosy on this side of the world. Governments have made bad decisions often with catastrophic consequences i.e. the invasion of Iraq against popular opinion in the UK. The main difference is that public disapproval and criticism can be freely voiced, demonstrations and protests can be staged. Try that in Mainland China and you will be imprisoned under the charge of subversion. Just ask Hu Jia.
Whilst browsing through youtube a comment from a person in Taiwan caught my attention. He called himself Taiwanese not Chinese, and will never call himself Chinese while the Communists still maintain their grip on power. I wonder how many people from Taiwan feel the same?
San José, Costa Rica Trip
Wednesday 5th March 2008
My last full day in San José began with an early start – 7.15am – embarking on a canopy tour in the rainforest in San Lorenzo. For those who don’t know what a canopy tour is, it’s ziplining on a cable. Unlike yesterday’s Highlights Tour which contained a few non-English speaking tourists, everyone on this canopy tour were all American except me. And the driver. The journey to San Lorenzo took almost three hours instead of the touted two. What made this canopy tour exciting was the claim that it has the longest ziplining cable in the world: 750 metres (2,400 feet).
Souvenirs on sale during a stop on the way to San Lorenzo
The canopy tour starts here. And where my frustration briefly festered. When I’d booked the tour, I was informed that my camera would be allowed providing it’s in a bag. Upon arrival, the guides said otherwise. And I didn’t bring my camera phone either. I was gutted. No matter, I’m sure I will return one day.
One starts ziplining on a short cable and gradually progress in length as one gains experience. In-between there is also the Tarzan Swing where one is attached to a cable and flung out into the rainforest. It was great fun! Two hours of ziplining culminated in the longest cable in the world.
What you would have seen ziplining across the long cable
Souvenirs
A few tourists initially thought this was a real person. Yes, they’d paid someone just to hang there all day long.
One of a few plants growing in San Lorenzo
When I’d returned to San José, I’d met up with Anesha for dinner and we headed back to the bar we were the previous night. My trip to Costa Rica was short but it served its purpose as a taster. A couple of friends and tourists I’d met all claimed that Costa Rica was the best country they’d been to out of all the Central American and Carribean countries. Anyway, my gallivanting appetite for Latin America has been ardently whetted.
New York
Thursday 6th – Tuesday 11th March 2008
My trip to the Big Apple consisted mostly of catching up with friends. I’d met a couple of interesting people that I would like to see again (not in a romantic sense). A day was allocated for shopping which wasn’t enough as I’d never got to complete it. There were places I’d never got around to visit – Moma, Roosevelt Tram, Little Odessa – then a friend emailed me some spots to see in the Upper West Side. Plus there wasn’t enough time to indulge myself in some photography. Any excuse to return to my favourite city!
I’d did manage to go to Chelsea Pier which I didn’t do the last time. Opposite the Pier was this striking building. All the windows appear blurred.
Columbus Circle at night
Apple’s flagship store on West 59th Street and 5th Avenue. Open 24/7 except Christmas Day. In need of the internet? Then forget about searching for an internet cafe and head straight to an Apple Store! There were people plugging their headsets into the Macs to utilise iTunes.
Late night snack
5th Avenue at night
The Female Open Toe Pledge
I promise to always wear sandals that fit. My toes will not hang over and touch the ground, nor will my heels spill over the backs. And the sides and tops of my feet will not pudge out between the straps.
I will go polish-free or vow to keep the polish fresh, intact and chip-free. I will not cheat and just touch up my big toe.
I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow. I will shave the hairs off my big toe.
I won’t wear pantyhose even if my misinformed girlfriend, coworker, mother, sister tells me the toe seam really will stay under my toes if I tuck it there.
If a strap breaks, I won’t duct-tape, pin, glue or tuck it back into place hoping it will stay put. I will get my shoe fixed or toss it.
I will not live in corn denial; rather I will lean on my good friend Dr. Scholl’s if my feet need him.
I will resist the urge to buy jelly shoes at Payless for the low, low price of $4.99 even if my feet are small enough to fit into the kids’ sizes. This is out of concern for my safety, and the safety of others. No one can walk properly when standing in a pool of sweat and I would hate to take someone down with me as I fall and break my ankle.
I will take my toe ring off toward the end of the day if my toes swell and begin to look like Vienna sausages.
If I have been privy to the magic that is Foot Soup, I will share that knowledge and experience with the non-initiated.
I will be brutally honest with my girlfriend/sister/coworker when she asks me if her feet are too ugly to wear sandals. Someone has to tell her that her toes are as long as my fingers and no sandal makes creepy feet look good.
I will promise if I wear flip flops that I will ensure that they actually flip and flop, making the correct noise while walking and I will swear NOT to slide or drag my feet while wearing them.
I will promise to go my local beauty school at least once per season and have a real pedicure (they are about $10 and worth EVERY penny).
I will promise to throw away any white/off-white sandals that show signs of wear…nothing is tackier than dirty white sandals… Don’t keep this to yourself – pass it on to other sisters.
Peeping Toilet
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Boycott The Olympics
With all human rights abuses the autocratic Communist regime inflict in China, and with the recent events in Tibet attracting global attention, who in their right mind would want to participate or attend the Olympics? Sadly, China’s economic boom has rendered impotent any country’s political will to stage a serious protest for fear of losing trade.
In this age of corporate globalisation, money talks. Big time. But we, the individual, can still do our part – by not attending any of the events as spectators or watching it on TV.
If you have a moral compass, boycott the Olympics!
San José, Costa Rica Trip
Tuesday 4th March 2008
Outside the city of San José lies regions of spectacular and breathtaking scenery lined with lush vegetation and wildlife inhabiting among dense rainforest. Not to mention coffee plantations, strawberry farms, adrenaline-pumping activites such as white water rafting and canopying. Unless one can speak fluent Spanish and know their way around by car, it is recommended to go on a tour. So I’d embarked on the Highlights Tour, taking in five attractions in one day. Considering I’d only had just over two days remaining, it was ideal.
The pick-up from my hotel was at 6.15am and after collecting seven more tourists, the first stop was a coffee plantation.
Breakfast was to be consumed at the Siempre Verde B&B which is quietly located in a coffee plantation. During the journey there, the bilingual guide explained the harvesting, roasting, processing and exporting of Costa Rican coffee beans.
Coffee connoisseurship is not one of my attritbutes but the coffee I’d drank at the plantation was the best I’d ever tasted. Costa Ricans mix their coffee with warm milk.
Souvenirs on sale at the B&B
Next stop was the Poás Volcano National Park to see one of the still active and largest craters in the world. The Park is situated 2,500 metres (8,200 feet) high so it was fairly cold but stroding in a t-shirt even at such high altitude kept me warm.
One of many plants in a primeval cloud forest on the trail to the crater.
Crater of Poás Volcano steaming with the aroma of sulphur from the lagoon at its centre.
The guide allocated 45 minutes for the group to spend at the view point but there was another trail heading upwards to Botos Lagoon. According to the sign, the walk would require a duration of an estimated 30 minutes. So I’d walked. Very quickly.
I’d ran back down to rejoin my group delaying the tour by fifthteen minutes. At least I’d got to see Botos Lagoon.
In the background of this picture is another active volcano. I don’t recall the name but I think it might be the Arenal Volcano which spews ash and lava and houses hot springs at the base. Arenal Volcano is definitely added to my list to see for a return visit to Costa Rica.
A stop at a souvenir store where we were treated to samples of local creamy coffee liqueur (delicious), fruity sweet white wine and soury sweet red wine.
La Paz waterfall
Costa Rica is home to gigantic leaves. This particular plant is also coined by the locals as ”poor people’s umbrella”.
Souvenir vendors by the La Paz waterfall.
Daughter of one of the vendors chilling out on the bonnet of a car.
Further uphill on a lookout point, hummingbirds were suppose to rest and feed on bananas. One flew away just as we’d arrived but this tarantula with one bad leg greeted us instead.
The next destination was to the Selva Verde Lodge for lunch, located in a tropical rainforest teeming with wildlife…if you can find them.
A termite’s nest. Apparently, termites are a good source of protein. The guide offered one to sample and an American tourist duly obliged. His verdict? “Chewy.”
The guide spotted this reptile lurking behind a batch of leaves.
A turtle. This is where I’d wished I had a lens with a focal length of 300mm. One serious photographer I’d spotted here had a lens the length of my arm attached to his camera.
A colourful but poisonous toad – emanates toxins on its skin when it feels threatened so don’t touch!
Entrance to the hanging bridge.
Walking along the hanging bridge
White water rafting down the river
Locals label this reptilian creature “Jesus lizard” because of its ability to run on water.
Cruising down the Sarapiqui Jungle River
Another cruise boat with tourists
A local fishing
Bird marking its territory by stretching its wings
A line of small bats – when they feel threatened, the line would swing back and forth on the tree to mimic movement of a branch. I’d had the pleasure to witness such survival instincts.
Bird waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting fish
Reptile sunbathing
By the time I’d returned to my hotel, it was past 6pm and I needed a drink. At the bar, I’d made a new friend by name of Anesha. He’s Sri Lankan by origin and had lived in London for a few years before relocating to L.A. After dinner at the hotel, I’d accompanied him to a bar downtown.
It was there that Anesha ended up drooling over the barmaid. She’d possessed the endearing habit of addressing all the men at the bar “baby”. Anesha tipped her generously to ensure she would pose for a photograph which he’d later emailed to me. As Anesha can speak Spanish he’d acted as my personal interpreter. It was a fun night.
No Joke But Try This
1. Go to the following site: http://www.tatuagemdaboa.com.br/
2. Write your first name in the 1st line (or any name).
3. Write your family name in the 2nd line (or any name). No need to write your email address.
4. Press the Visualizar bar.
Buddhist Chihuahua
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New York & Costa Rica Trip
I’m done with Asia. I’d never thought those words would ever germinate within the swirling masses that is my brain. But it has. I’d also thought I would curtail my travelling this year but that bridle idea has gone the way of Linsey Lohan’s career after embarking on this trip. If it wasn’t for a close friend planning to celebrate his big birthday early next year in Asia then that maginificent continent will be off-limits for a long while.
My destination of choice has gravitated towards the Americas: North, Central and South. Replicating my previous trips to Asia by using Hong Kong as a base, I could use my favourite city of New York as its equivalent. Miami, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco are also future possible hubs depending on the destination. An additional requirement, which is probably not a bad thing with the exception of time consumption, is for me to learn Spanish. Ideally, attending regular classes in a college would be my preference but the roster system at work has nipped that in the bud. So I am now on the lookout for a good audio and book combination for beginners. I did borrow one from a friend but it wasn’t any good. If anyone has any recommendations please feel free to post it on here. Besides, there are a couple of Spanish girls at work that I can practise newly acquired words and grammar on.
New York – Saturday 1st March 2008
If Delta Airlines’ sale had included flights to Cost Rica on a Saturday, an overnight stay in the Big Apple wouldn’t be required. However, it turned out to be quite a blessing as my friend from London, MH, would still be in town. She would be away the following weekend when I would be back in NYC for a few days. I was staying in the Upper West Side (UWS) where MH also happen to reside with her American husband. I much prefer the UWS to the Upper East Side and as MH pointed out, there are fewer tourists, if any.
Pic taken with camera phone
Zabars is a popular cafe for the natives of the UWS and houses a supermarket next door where I was exploring while waiting for MH. The Zabars supermarket is reminiscent of Whole Foods but retaining its local flavour. Over coffee at the monopolistic Starbucks (in UK there are three coffee chains), MH was divulging the business aspects of her website My Red Packet which sells offbeat gifts at reasonable prices. I am currently in discussion with MH in offering a discount to my readers so watch this space!
San Jose, Costa Rica - Sunday 2nd March 2008
By the time I’d finally checked into my hotel, it was already starting to get dark. After unpacking, showering and eating dinner at my hotel, I’d headed out to a bar among tourists downtown. As advised, in a taxi. Trawling through forums and guide books, one theme emerged about San Jose – it is a dangerous place at night. It is advisable to get a taxi even if the distance is only four blocks. One American I’d met at my hotel regaled how he was attacked at night by a gang of transvestites and robbed! During the taxi ride, I’d saw these transvestites loithering around in a small nearby park.
At the bar, an extremely beautiful barmaid asked me whether I wanted a drink in English. “Beer,” I’d responded. She didn’t understand.
“Cerveza.” Still no luck.
The American guy sitting next to me ordered for me in Spanish. “It’s the accent. The locals can only understand an American accent mostly.”
That bodes well for my trip then. I had an interesting conversation with my new amigo Americano, Kevin. He’s from New Jersey, runs his own business in home improvement and frequently visits San Jose to find workers. Kevin was in town to secure American visas for a new group of labourers he’d recruited to take back to NJ. The visas are only for 12 months and as Kevin explained, the average salary in Costa Rica is $200 a month. If the Costa Ricans he hires are careful with their money in NJ, they can return home with an average $5-6,000, representing a huge amount in relative terms. Kevin invited me to accompany him to an area of bars where the locals hang out. I don’t recall the name of the area but after one drink, I’d called it a night.
Monday 3rd March 2008
After a long lie-in, longer than I had wanted, I’d walked from the hotel to downtown San Jose. It was a brisk 5-10 minute strode, passing through the small park where the trannies hang out at night except it was now frequented by couples. Even during the day, forums and travel guides issue warnings not to carrying anything of value as pickpocketing is rife. What is noticeable in SJ are that all the houses have bars on their doors and windows resembling a penal colony. It was reminscent of a quick tour through South Central in Los Angeles that I’d undertook in 1996. It is argued that crime is commited by undesirable immigrants from neighbouring countries rather than the local Costa Ricans. Anyway, heeding the warnings, I’d locked up everything of value in the hotel safe and headed downtown with 10,000 colones (around 500 colones to $1) and my mobile phone.
Pic taken with camera phone
Passing through the small park and across the road lie this building. I don’t know what it is but it seemed governmental as on my return to the hotel at dusk there were long queues stretching around the building.
Pic taken with camera phone
Plaza de la Cultura (Square of Culture) with the Teatro Nacional (National Theatre) in the background, is where a lot of folks just sit idly by and people watch.
Pic taken with camera phone
Except that I was observing thieves observing potential targets, mostly naive tourists.
Pic taken with camera phone
One of the many avenidas in downtown San Jose.
Pic taken with camera phone
A fountain
Pic taken with camera phone
One of the plazas in downtown. An ideal place to get robbed at night.
Pic taken with camera phone
One of the many queues waiting for buses.
Pic taken with camera phone
The Teatro Nacional (National Theatre) at dusk. Unfortunately, I’d missed the tour as it was late.
There really isn’t that much to see in San Jose itself. All sights can be done in one day unless “bullfighting” (just ticos playing with bulls) and a football match are included. Tourists pass through SJ either en route to other destinations in Costa Rica, take day trips outside of SJ, stay in resorts, or to receive dental treatment or cosmetic surgery.
With two full days remaining, I had booked two day trips at my hotel starting tomorrow.
Secret Affair
A married man and his secretary are having an affair. They decide to leave the office early one day and go to the secretary’s apartment for an afternoon of sex. They fall asleep and don’t wake up until 8PM later that night. They quickly get dressed and the man asks his secretary to take his shoes and go rub them in the grass. The secretary thinks this is pretty weird but she does it anyway.
The man finally arrives home and his wife meets at the door. The wife is very upset and asks him where he has been. The husband replies, “I cannot tell a lie. My secretary and I are having an affair. We left work early today, went to her place, had sex all afternoon, and then we fell asleep. That’s why I’m late!”
The wife looks at him, takes notice of his shoes and says, “I see those grass stains all over your shoes. You’ve been playing golf again, haven’t you?!”
Inadequacy
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Planning Dentally AheadMy first trip this year was so enjoyable, I’m planning a return. With
the weakening dollar and the economy hitting the skids, the time is
never better to go travelling. During my time in Costa Rica, I’d
discovered that many Americans head there for cheap dental treatment
and cosmetic surgery. The local dentists and surgeons receive their
training in the US and from trawling forums, it’d transpired that the
Costa Ricans are more patient focused and provide superior treatment.
There certainly were many locals I’d spotted sporting gleaming white
pearls and a few women flaunting their boob implants. Apparently,
savings of up to 60% can be achieved by Americans.Dental treatment in the UK is expensive and dental insurance isn’t that
great. When I was residing in Holland, the dental insurance was better
but the treatment was rather inferior. I think some work need to be
done to correct some of the poor quality jobs performed by the Dutch
dentists. Hence having dental treatment in Costa Rica has become rather
tempting and the money saved would pay for the holiday itself. Plus I
have a free flight to take with British Airways by redeeming my air
miles. Firstly, I would need to arrange an appointment with a local
dentist to see what work needs to be done. Then I would email a couple
of dental clinics in Costa Rica to check their prices for the same
jobs. Many Britons visit Central and Eastern Europe for dental
treatment and cosmetic surgery, I would rather head in the opposite
direction.Photographs to come…
The Price You Pay For Being GoodThree men were waiting to go to Heaven. St. Peter was at the gate and said,
“However good you were to your wife that is the vehicle you will get in Heaven.”The first guy comes up to the gate and says, “I never, ever cheated
on my wife and I love her.” So St. Peter gives him a Rolls Royce.The next man comes up and says, “I cheated on my wife a little but
I still love her.” He gets a Mustang and drives off into Heaven.The next guy came up and said, “I cheated on my wife alot.” He gets a scooter.
Next day the guy that got the scooter was riding along and he saw the guy who owned the Rolls Royce crying.
He asked, “Why are you crying you have such a nice car?!”
And the man sobbed, “My wife just went by on roller skates.”
They Suspect Nothing
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