Fongster8's Xanga

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:18:01 GMT

Personal Preference Or Racism?

If someone only finds certain races attractive, for example, a Caucasian woman doesn't mind dating a guy of any ethnic background except Asians because their physical characteristics just doesn't appeal to her, would that class her as a racist? Or just her personal preference?

And before you start asking, the above example is only an example and I am not pining after an unresponsive Caucasian woman!

Day 14 - Rio de Janeiro

On my penultimate day in Rio, I'd took a tour of the favelas with the renowned Marcelo Armstrong company. The tour started early with the mini-bus picking everyone up at their hotel. During the journey to Rocinha, the largest favela in Brazil, we were informed that contrary to popular belief, you are actually safer within a favela than out in the city of Rio. That is because all illegal activities such as gambling and prostitution are outlawed by the three gangs that control the favelas with the obvious exception of drug dealing.

Our tour guide explaining about the favelas.

No photography permitted beyond this point as drug dealing are conducted a few metres away.

Right next door to this favela is an expensive private school.

The local authorities and property developers are attempting to wrest control of the land where the favelas sit. It is not difficult to fathom as the land is prime real estate with magnificent views of Rio such as this one. Up on the top far right hill is the famous Christ the Redeemer.

We were also advised not to photograph the moto-taxis as they sometimes run drugs for the dealers or ferry people from the city to buy narcotics so understandably do not want their picture taken. This particular moto-taxi sailed into my shot and fired me a baleful glare as he passed.

One particular local resident has an open invitation to a couple of tour operators to view the favelas from her roof terrace. So open is the invitation the front door is left unlocked.

Heading for the exit

We were then taken to a bustling market within the favela but unfortunately photography was not permitted. I'm not one to conform to rules but I'm not stupid either so on this occasion my mobile phone stayed firmly in my shorts.

Next up was a visit to the favela of Vila Canoas where the proceeds of the tour were donated to the construction and running of this school including salaries for the teachers. All lessons provided to the kids are free.

The view from the roof terrace of the school.

Products crafted by the students on sale with all proceeds reinvested back into the school.

I let the girls play with my camera and the one in the pink wouldn't give it back!

A church within the favela

The favelas are littered with webs of cables siphoning electricity from the local grid.

Favelas have become such tourist attractions that Sheraton built a hotel right next to one to serve that very purpose. The locals do not trust the police in the belief that they collude with the drug gangs. No police ever patrol the favelas and would only venture to the border of one.

The Hippy Market in Ipanema - only on Sundays

The main roads stretching along the beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana are closed to traffic on Sundays.

Night market on Avenue Atlantica, Copacabana Beach

Day 15

My last day in Rio and it rained. And rained. And rained. So I'd decided to spend it hanging out in a Brazilian shopping mall.

The Rio Sul shopping mall was the first large shopping centre in Rio, sandwiched between Copacabana and Botafogo.

Once the rain stopped I'd meandered along Copacabana Beach for the last time before boarding a bus to the upper class area of Leblon.

Leblon

A long stretch of road runs from Leblon straight to Ipanema and continue through Copacabana. I would view the road in Leblon with its upmarket stores, cafes and restaurants as the equivalent to Kings Road in Chelsea, London.

This landmark separates Leblon and Ipanema.

Ipanema

During the progression along the road the percolating change in quality of shops and buildings are noticeable.

Copacabana

The street party that never was.

I had hoped to attend a street party in Gavea but the light drizzle earlier apparently put paid to that. So I met up with Marcel for some drinks in Copacabana to toast in my last night in Brazil. Today was also the day I'd learned about the Air France plane that had disappeared after departing from Rio for Paris. Tomorrow I will be boarding the same flight.

Day 16

The magnificent view from my hotel restaurant as I ate breakfast.

The scrum of television news crews parked at the Air France check-in desk during the search for the missing Air France plane.

Day 17

Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris as I await my connecting flight to London.

Department Store For Men & Women

For Women:

A department store opened in New York City that sold men and a woman decides to visit it in search of a husband.
At the store’s entrance, there’s a sign outlining the department store policy.
The first rule states that you can only enter the store once.
There are six floors and on each floor you can choose a husband or elect to move on to the next floor.
You cannot visit a floor more than once other than to leave the building.
The woman visits the first floor.
The sign reads:
· Men with jobs.
She moves on to the second floor:
· Men with jobs that adore children.
She moves on the the third floor where the sign reads:
· Wealthy men that adore children and are very handsome.
She thinks to herself, "that's a very good deal" yet moves on to the fourth floor:
· Wealthy men that adore children, are very handsome and help with the household chores.
She decides to move on as things are constantly improving:
· Wealthy men that adore children, are very handsome, help with the household chores and are very romantic.
The woman is about to make her purchase but can't resist moving on to the sixth floor.
There the sign reads:
· You are visitor number 31,456,012 on this floor.
· There are no men here.
· This floor exists as proof that it is impossible to please women.

For Men:

Opposite this department store, another department store opened that sold women. The sign on the first floor reads:
· Women that love sex.
On the second floor the sign reads:
· Women that love sex and are wealthy.
On the third floor the sign reads:
· Women that love sex, are wealthy and have large breasts.

Not a single man has visited the fourth floor.

Great Name For Toilet Paper

Friday, July 24, 2009

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 23:18:45 GMT

It's Official: I'm A Twit!

Yes, I have joined Twitter. If you wish to ~~stalk~~ follow me my username is the same as my blog.

Black Widow

Eagerly awaiting Iron Man 2!

Following a previous post that a picture of Scarlett Johannson as the Black Widow should be released to build buzz and excitement for the sequel, my prayers were answered!

Scarlett can look hot in anything.

Brazilian Trip May-June 2009

Day 12 - Rio de Janeiro

The previous night Marcel and I paid a visit to Club Nuth Lounge in the upper class district of Barra. We were informed that the club host a more local flavour as not many tourists venture to the area. Here we were introduced to the payment system prevalent in Rio bars and clubs. Standing at the back of the queue I'd noticed that the group lining immediately in front of us were American. Marcel purchasing a pack of gum from a local suddenly propelled us to the front of the queue as the local knew the staff at the door. We had to show I.D. - a colour photocopy of your passport will suffice - and then we were each issued a credit card-sized plastic with a magnetic strip.

The admission cost of R$50 was charged to the card along with each round of drinks from the bar. When it's time to leave, the card is handed to a payment booth where cash and all major credit cards are happily accepted. A receipt is given which you have to pass on to the bouncer at the door before you are allowed out of the establishment. I didn't like this system because if you lose your card and it's found by someone else, that person can charged a pile of drinks to it. Or you can amass a huge bill whilst under heavy inebriation. I'd noticed that most of the clientele that night were American college grads. So much for the local flavour.

The following day, I'd embarked on an exploration of downtown Rio otherwise known as Centro (Centre).

Praca Floriano

Performance art

The Petrobras building

Covento de Santo Antonio

The atomspheric and elegant reading room Real Gabinete Portugues de Leitura

Old Rio

The former Parliament

Pic taken with mobile phone

Vibrant Lapa where Marcel and I headed to at night.

Pic taken with mobile phone

Rio Scenarium - three floors set in an abandoned antiques warehouse.

Pic taken with mobile phone

Pic courtesy of Maarten

Marcel's friend from the Netherlands, Maarten, joined us at Rio Scenarium. Maarten had been travelling with a friend in Brazil a few days earlier. I'd met Maarten a couple of times before when I'd lived in Amsterdam.

Pic courtesy of Maarten

Pic taken with mobile phone

Day 13

After yet another late night, I'd decided to relax around Ipanema Beach where I was staying.

Coconuts

This isn't a dog, it's a horse!

Guys playing footvolley

Weather turning for the worse

A guy practising his martial arts skills with his sensei.

To surf or not to surf...?

These guys are still surfing as dusk looms.

To surf or to cycle...?

Dusk on Ipanema

Pic taken with mobile phone

Marcel, Maarten and I headed to the affluent district of Leblon for some fine dining.

Pic taken with mobile phone

Marcel and I had fish served with wild rice.

Pic taken with mobile phone

And dessert

Pic taken with mobile phone

And more dessert

Pic taken with mobile phone

When the two guys headed back to the hotel, I'd decided to explore Leblon a little and stumbled upon this shopping plaza still open at 9.30pm. Female tourists will love this place as all the stores are catered to women. There were plenty of cafes and restaurants peppered within the plaza.

Pic taken with mobile phone

A good name for a women fashion store.

Health Tips

Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it. Don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat
chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine; that means they take the water out of the fruity bits so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!

Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And remember: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body
thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO, What a Ride'."

AND.....

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than North Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat and suffer fewer heart attacks than North Americans.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than North Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine and suffer fewer heart attacks than North Americans.

5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats andsuffer fewer heart attacks than North Americans.

CONCLUSION:

Eat and drink what you like.

Being North American is apparently what kills you.

Thanks For The Warning

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:04:40 GMT

Should I Be A Twit?

A workmate recently suggested that I should join Twitter as I always have a huge amount of opinions to express. He extolled how Twitter is perfectly suited for me. My own personal perception of Twitter is as a form of micro-blogging. And it's no coincidence Facebook redesigned its status update as a reflection of Twitter. Even xanga jumped on the bandwagon with its useless Pulse.

A couple of workmates follow a number of famous Twitters and gave me the low-down on how it all works. It might be interesting to follow certain celebrities renown for their stirring wit such as Jon Favreau and Stephen Fry.

What do you think? Should I join Twitter?

Brazil Trip May-June 2009

Day 7 - Puerto Iguazú To Curitiba

The previous day Marcel and I checked prices for flights from Puerto Iguazú to Buenos Aires and discovering the cost were pretty reasonable. However, flights between Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro were quite expensive thus scuttling that plan. So Marcel suggested visiting the city of Curitiba before flying from there to Rio. Thunderstorms pounded Puerto Iguazú in the morning sparking an upsurge in business for the taxi service and leaving us waiting an hour for a cab to the bus terminal in Foz do Iguaçu.

The scheduled bus journey to Curitiba was 10 hours. After enduring a 8-9 hour bus journey in the Philippines four years ago, I'd vowed never to travel by bus again for long distances. Considering there is no nationwide rail service in Brazil there wasn't any choice but to travel by bus.

Pic taken with mobile phone

Soon after the sun had set, the bus was stopped by a police car, one cop boarded and sat at the back as it was escorted to a police station on the highway. The bus had passed numerous highway police stations on its journey without being stopped until now. I'd noticed the young local guy seated next to me pulled something out of his bag, hid it inside the small rubbish bag planted in front of us and tied it up. My perturbed state of mind hoped that the rubbish bag will be spared the search by the police otherwise the two of us would likely be detained.

Not everyone were searched but sure enough, the guy next to me was body searched, his bag was rifled, a few questions were asked and then it was my turn. The cop fished out my camera from my rucksack and muttered something to me in Portuguese which naturally I didn't understand. His words were repeated as he slowly rubbed his thumb against his index and middle fingers. That I understood. I understood completely and inexplicably.

Pic taken with mobile phone

Prior to embarking on the trip, I took the precaution of applying duct tape to my Sony Alpha A100 DSLR to make it look tattered and unattractive to potential and opportunistic thieves. I had also done my research on scams prevalent in Brazil. One notorious scam run by the corrupt police is finding expensive electronics on tourists such as a DSLR camera and laptop, then informing them they have to pay an "import tax" which naturally the ~~pigs~~ cops pocket for themselves.

Ignoring the not so dilapidated condition of my camera, the cop continued to pursue his bribe so I'd just played dumb: continuously shaking my head, shrugging my shoulders, flailing my hands. After five more minutes of failing to communicate with me the cop finally gave up. But not before finding the ticket for my luggage stowed below in the hold and requesting that I step off the bus. Alighting the vehicle, my eyes immediately trained on to four other police officers calmly rummaging through the luggage in the hold. A huge wave of relief cascaded over me upon the realisation my travel bag was padlocked. It was my firm belief that corrupt cops would happily pocket anything they find of value among the luggage. Once I'd retrieved my travel bag the senior officer approached me and drawing upon my blank face after he spoke some Portuguese, uttered the only English words he knew, "Open your bag."

Because my bag was padlocked and required my presence to unlock it, I was able to observe the cop search through the bag with meticulous precision. Another cop approached me and asked if I could speak Spanish which I didn't. Even if I could it would not be in my interest to admit it. The reason being the cops could not be bothered trying to communicate with me as none of them spoke English so thus let me go. Returning to my seat I'd noticed the rubbish bag lying on the floor, untied. It was obvious the guy sitting next to me had retrieved his illegal possession, whatever it was.

Looking out the window I'd watched a passenger being accompanied back to the station by two cops carrying his huge bag of probable counterfeit football jerseys. Ten minutes later the passenger returned with his merchandise intact, probably after having paid a bribe to secure its release. The bus finally resumed its journey over an hour later. Arriving in Curitiba just after 11pm, Marcel and I then had to contend with a complaining taxi driver as he took us to the Mercure Hotel. The staff at the reception were extremely friendly and pointed us to a nearby place that opened late for food. We had hoped to check out the 24 Hours Street which was close to our hotel but unfortunately it was under renovation.

Day 8 - Curitiba

The weather was dreary with pockets of rain. But that didn't prevent Marcel and I exploring the city centre after a late breakfast.

Bendy buses are not popular in London. They are a dangerous hazard for cyclists and a magnet for fare dodgers as payment can easily be evaded by boarding near the rear of the bus (take note budget conscious tourists). In Curitiba that problem has been eradicated by these novel tubes.

Each tube has an assistant at the turnstile to collect payment before admission is granted. It almost operates like a train service.

Building Blocks

Marcel getting in the way of my shot

Federal University of Paraná

For dinner we decided to opt for junk food and dined at Pizza Hut. Although it cost slightly cheaper than in Europe, my observation of the local clientele concluded the cost prohibited those below the middle-class from ever dining at such an establishment.

Day 9 - Curitiba To Rio de Janeiro

View from our hotel balcony

Our flight to Rio de Janeiro was scheduled for the afternoon although my preference was for the morning flight as it would have meant avoiding the rush hour upon arrival. Marcel didn't want to wake up at 6am and possibly missing breakfast. Sure enough in Rio, the bus journey from the airport to Ipanema took an extra 40 minutes than scheduled. As soon as the bus reached Copacabana the unmistakeably boisterous vibe hits the senses absorbing one into the puissant atmosphere.

After checking in our hotel, we explored part of Copacabana Beach and walked the felicitous length of Ipanema Beach. The distinctive sight of bodies jogging, rollerblading, skateboarding and cycling along the designated lanes adjacent to the beaches dominate the view.

Marcel and I headed out to a bar/club at 10pm in Copacabana where I met a couple of guys from London and another from Chicago. Ever since I'd landed in São Paulo, I was mistaken for a Brazilian Japanese and it was no different here. What I found infuriating were a couple of locals making a slant-eye gesture upon meeting me. I wasn't amused and unequivocally vexed this point.

To cut a long story short, said local had attended English school in East London for two years; took me (Marcel had long departed) to an all local bar at the other end of Copacabana with live music; felt like slapping the ignorant singer for making slant-eye gesture; partied and chilled at the locals' apartment until 6am; declined their invitation to sleepover; headed back to hotel only to discover I had spent all my cash so no taxi; cannot even ride the public buses due to some reason the two way traffic all became one way in the opposite direction; so staggered 40 minutes along the entire stretch of Copacabana Beach; encountered two flirtatious transvestites; watched the beautiful sun rise; finally reached Ipanema and back to hotel; ate breakfast while watching the waves crashing and the early morning fitness joggers and swimmers; hit the sack at 8am having been up for 25 hours.

Got woken up at 10am by Marcel. Thanks buddy.

Day 10 - Rio de Janeiro

I'd managed to crawl out of bed at around 1pm as my stomach was wailing for food (the breakfast wasn't great). I wanted to see the beaches during the day and feel the hot baking sun. The temperature averaged 28-30ºC during the day for the duration of my stay in Rio and this is their Autumn.

Beautiful people are plentiful in Brazil but Rio has an abundance of the most gorgeous and fittest women in the world. Being a straight and single guy I cannot really vouch about the men but reliable sources inform me that is also the case. That's not to say Rio isn't a place for couples to visit. Rio is also romantic. But ladies, and fellahs, if your partner possesses an ascetic roving eye which you are not happy about then give Rio a miss.

Ipanema Beach

Copacabana Beach

Kids from the favelas playing football on Copacabana Beach

Kid from the favelas napping

A billboard that blows cold air at a press of a button

Pic taken with mobile phone

A local eatery, Lopes in Copacabana, that does sumptuous roast chicken

Pic taken with mobile phone

Marcel and I attended a football match at the Maracanã Stadium between Rio club Vasco and São Paulo team Corinthians where former World Player of the Year Ronaldo (the Brazilian not the Portuguese ponce) now plies his trade. The Maracanã will be hosting the World Cup Final in 2014, the second most globally watched sporting event after the Olympics.

Pic taken with mobile phone

We were seated right underneath the rival Corinthians supporters

Pic taken with mobile phone

And the taunting begins

Pic taken with mobile phone

The Maracanã makes for a rambunctious atmosphere. Everyone stood on their seats to watch the game which kicked off at 9.15pm.

Pic taken with mobile phone

Flares lighting up

Pic taken with mobile phone

The match ended 2-2. Not as exciting as the English Premier League.

Day 11 - Rio de Janeiro

With Marcel sleeping in, I'd headed to Corcovado (hunchback) where the statue of Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer) is located.

Sign at the ticket office

Waiting for the cog train

Cog train to the top of Corcovado

Christ the Redeemer

A chapel sits beneath the statue

View from Corcovado

Passengers posing

Next up was Pão de Açúcar otherwise known as Sugar Loaf. Two buses were required to reach this spot. I'd much preferred to catch the bus than the taxi as it allowed me to see more of the city and experience how the locals commute. To reach the summit of Sugar Loaf two cable cars are required.

The first ascends 215m to Morro da Urca.

I'd waited until the sun began to set...

Then boarded the second cable car ferrying passengers to Pão de Açúcar

View from Pão de Açúcar

Rio at night

Healing Touch

An elderly couple was watching TV when a TV evangelist came on air to pray for the sick. The evangelist said, "For those of you who are sick, I want to pray with you so that you can be cured of your sickness. Place your right hand on the part of your body that is suffering from disorder, and raise your left hand."

The husband placed his right hand on his privates, raised his left hand, and closed his eyes.

His wife saw what he did, and slowly whispered, "Honey, this prayer is to heal the sick, not to raise the dead!"

Nice Neigbour

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:00:17 GMT

Brazil Trip May-June 2009

Initially I wasn't going to embark on this trip but factors at work contributed to a change of mind which I am grateful for because the experience of this holiday was amazing and exhilarating. Having visited nearly all the countries on my to-see list in Asia - with the exception of Laos and Nepal - my attention turned to Latin America. Costa Rica whetted my appetite last year and this opportunity to launch my first foray into South America was eagerly seized.

There were much personal apprehension about visiting Brazil due to reports of high crime coupled with my not speaking Portuguese. Latin America is nothing like Asia. Where my physical chameleonic appearance afforded me the luxury to blend in with the locals in Asia, it would be worthless here. The fact that I would be travelling with a friend from Holland and that he is also an experienced traveller, having gained mileage in several Latin American countries negated my unfounded fears somewhat.

Day 1 - São Paulo

Arrived late afternoon. My Dutch friend, Marcel, had arrived two days previously and was waiting for me at our hotel. After collecting my receipt from the pre-paid taxi booth, I'd jumped into the cab only to discover that the driver was illiterate so cannot read the address of the hotel. Eventually, he understood the name of the hotel and got me there.

It had been two years and nine months since Marcel and I last saw each other. The last time was during my leaving do in Amsterdam. He definitely has changed during that period but playfully lamented my physical features have remained the same. It was late evening so we headed out to dinner where I tucked into steak, beans and rice.

Pic taken with mobile phone

The Brazilian national fizzy drink

Day 2 - São Paulo

Art exhibition within a shopping mall dedicated to the great Formula 1 driver, Aryton Senna, who hailed from São Paulo and who was killed in the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994.

São Paulo Museum of Modern Art.

Liberdade - essentially Japantown in São Paulo. The city has the highest Japanese population outside of Japan.

A Japanese restaurant in Liberdade.

Graffiti art in Liberdade

Stopping for a coffee inside this quaint cafe in Liberdade.

One of the many pictures adorning the wall.

Museum of Japanese Immigration in São Paulo

Public phone booths

A paulistano (São Paulo local) posing for the camera

São Paulo Cathedral in downtown

Day 3 - Foz do Iguaçu

We took a flight with the national budget airline, Gol, to Foz do Iguaçu which is the nearest city to the Iguaçu Falls on the Brazilian side. It is a small city with a population of around half a million so there isn't that much to see.

Day 4 - Foz do Iguaçu

Bus heading to the Iguaçu Falls. Upon arrival at the National Park and after paying for admission you are ferried on another bus to the Falls.

First sighting of the Iguaçu Falls

The National Park is also home to the giant ant eaters. This one made a grab for my bag. And then attempted to snatch a woman's handbag.

The Devil's Throat - mouth of the Falls - straight ahead.

You can get very wet on the walkway. My camera got completely drenched.

The ant eaters like to congregate in the food court area for obvious reasons. There was a hilarious moment when a screaming girl was being chased by a pack of ant eaters after sniffing food in her bag. Cornered, she threw something out of her bag and ran off while the ant eaters tore apart a packet of...popcorn!

The Devil's Throat. The Iguaçu Falls are truly a Natural Wonder of the World...easily eclipse the Niagara Falls for sheer majesty.

Day 5 - Puerto Iguazú

We took the bus to the border with Argentina, cleared Immigration and waited for another bus to transport us to Puerto Iguazú, a much smaller town with a population of around 30,000. Puerto Iguazú is the closest town to the Falls on the Argentinean side and is a lot more charming.

Waiting for a bus to the Iguazú Falls in Puerto Iguazú (nearest town on the Argentinean side). Works of art right beside the bus stop.

Upon arrival and admission, one is transported to the Falls by train.

Walking trail to the Devil's Throat of the Iguazú Falls.

First sighting of the Falls

The Devil's Throat, mouth of the Iguazú Falls

One gets even more drenched on the Argentinean side as the view is closer but it is well worth it!

I could stay at the Iguazú Falls the entire day just immersing into the serene and tranquil sounds of the flowing water.

National Park officers keeping watch

On the Argentinean side, inside of ant eaters there are hordes of butterflies.

Marcel being attacked by one!

Birds are the other wildlife to inhabit the National Park

Relaxing in a cafe

Day 6 - Puerto Iguazú

We decided to stay another night in the town as Marcel was suffering a massive hangover from drinking too many caipirinhas at the town's only nightclub, Club Libre. A stage was being erected in the centre for live music on a Saturday night.

Night time in Puerto Iguazú

Pic taken with mobile phone

Just like in Brazil, Argentineans love their meat. Ribs, steaks, sausages and chicken being flame-grilled.

Pic taken with mobile phone

We ordered ribs! On a sizzling hot plate!

Pic taken with mobile phone

Washed down with Argentinean beer!

What I discovered was that all the savoury foods in both Brazil and Argentina contain a higher level of salt than I am used to. My blood pressure was sure to be doubled! No, make that triple due to the huge amount of gorgeous women since my arrival in South America!

Heading back to our hotel.

The Blonde Guy

An Irishman, a Mexican and a Blonde Guy were doing construction work on scaffolding on the 20th floor of a building.

They were eating lunch and the Irishman said, "Corned beef and cabbage! If I get corned beef and cabbage one more time for lunch, I'm going to jump off this building."

The Mexican opened his lunch box and exclaimed, "Burritos again! If I get burritos one more time I'm going to jump off too."

The Blonde Guy opened his lunch and said, "Polony again! If I get a polony sandwich one more time, I'm jumping too."

The next day, the Irishman opened his lunch box, saw corned beef and cabbage, and jumped to his death.

The Mexican opened his lunch, saw burritos, and jumped too.

The blonde guy opened his lunch, saw the polony and jumped to his death as well.

At the funeral, the Irishman's wife was weeping. She said, "If I'd known how really tired he was of corned beef and cabbage, I never would have given it to him again!"

The Mexican's wife also wept and said, "I could have given him tacos or enchiladas! I didn't realise he hated burritos so much."

Everyone turned and stared at the Blonde Guy's wife. She said, "He made his own bloody sandwiches so fuck him."

Barbie Table Football

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 13:26:01 GMT

What Is Wrong With Xanga?

I'd tried uploading photos from my Brazilian trip and almost immediately they appear as "image not found". Reuploading several times produced the same results during the last few days. I also noticed that all my photos uploaded and posted before 2006 are no longer there! WTF is going on?!

Maybe it's time to move on. As my blog has become more travel-related and a lot of xangans I know or subscribe to no longer blog, I'd been thinking of migrating to another blogging site with the emphasis on travel. Three sites have piqued my interest: Travelblog.org, Travelpod, and GetJealous. Now all I have to do is decide. Will you join me on my new adventure if I decide to pursue it?

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:49:43 GMT

iPhone 3GS or Nokia N97?

So the contract for my current mobile, the Sony Ericsson K750i, expires at the end of the month and I'd been thinking whether it's time to upgrade to a smartphone? The two in question that have piqued my interest are the new iPhone 3GS and the Nokia N97. Both will be released later this month and both don't come cheap.

Apple have finally updated their latest iPhone with enhanced features that are standard on most mobiles: 3 megapixel camera (but still no flash), Bluetooth, MMS capability, cut, copy and paste. But it still cannot play the standard AVI format so it needs to be converted into MP4 which can be a hassle. There would be no allowance for spontaneity to dump a film or TV show onto the iPhone for viewing at the spur of the moment.

The Nokia N97, however, can play the AVI format. And it is equipped with the excellent Carl Zeiss lens on their 5MP camera. It even has a keyboard that slides out though that might add unwanted thickness to the handset. And I doubt the Symbian OS is anywhere as sleek and reliable as the Apple OS.

Or I can forget paying a premium and a higher monthly tariff for either handset, and opt for the new Sony Ericsson W995 Walkman phone which I can get for free on my current tariff plan. The W995 is equipped with a 8MP camera. Decisions, decisions...

Let's Hope It's A Prototype!

Marvel released a still from the upcoming Iron Man 2 film: Mickey Rourke as villian Whiplash in Iron Man 2. Let's hope the weaponry is a prototype (obviously based on the Iron Man technology) before progressing to a more polished armour. Let's face it, it looks complete shite.

The excitement barometer is bordering on minimal. What will ramp it up is a photo of Scarlett Johansson in her skin-tight Black Widow costume. Why don't the marketing department release that instead?!

Asia Trip January 2009

Finally, the last of the pics before I start working on the Brazilian ones. I know, I know. It took me long enough.

My birthday was spent at Disneyland Hong Kong which is rather small. Especially compared to the behemoth that is DisneyWorld in Orlando.

Lion King show

High School Musical...run!

Fireworks before closing time

En route to the Monastery of 10,000 Buddhas

Chinese New Year at the IFC shopping Mall

If you were a first time visitor to Hong Kong arriving on a Sunday and stumbled upon this, you would be forgiven for thinking that hordes of homeless people camp out on the walkways outside the IFC.

In reality, nearly the entire Flippina (correct spelling) population in Hong Kong have their day off on Sundays. They consist of mostly domestic workers (maid & babysitter), menial workers and prostitutes. Yes, some prostitutes attend church and no, I do not know any and if you must know, this information originated from reliable sources. After attending church in the morning, the pinays mostly converge into Central on Hong Kong Island to socialise and catch-up.

Pic taken with camera phone

I'd always wondered why Central was the preferred destination and now I discovered the answer. I'd stumbled upon this plaza housing Flippino businesses specialising in postal service, money transfer, Flippino entertainment, fashion and just about everything else. And it was heaving. The experience felt like being trapped in a shopping mall full of women clothing stores during the sales. Luckily I'd managed to escape unscathed for the bright lights of Lan Kwai Fong.

Sexual Position

Laura and Bob decide to try a 69er. Bob didn't know what it is so Laura decided to show him. She tells Bob to lie on the floor and she sits on top. Laura is about to start when she farts.

"Oops, sorry", she says and tries again.

When Laura farts again, Bob jumps up and storms out. Laura yells, "Where are you going?"

Bob replies, "I'll be fucked if I'm hanging around for another 67 of those!"

Finally Graduated

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:22:54 GMT

Air France Plane Debris Found

The Brazilian Navy recovered a tail section of Flight 447 that crashed over the Atlantic in addition to 24 bodies already found.

What most of you don't know is that I am keeping a contiguous tab on the unfolding events because my return flight was the exact one but on the following day of the disaster. All it takes is a change in weather conditions and it could well have been my flight that disappearred from the radar instead. There were some understandably anxious faces when my flight hit some strong turbulence shortly after takeoff.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Sat, 30 May 2009 17:34:36 GMT

Oi!

That´s Brazilian Portuguese for ´Hi`. I´m currently in Brazil, Rio to be exact. I´d already been to Sao Paulo, Foz do Iguaçu, Puerto Iguazu in Argentina, Curibita and now Rio. My first night in Rio was spent hitting a bar/club with his friend at 10pm; met a couple of guys from London & Chicago; went with two locals (friend had left) to a bar with live music where I was the only foreigner; partied at one of the locals´ apartment; staggered 45 mins (had spent my cash) along Copacabana Beach to Ipanema back to the hotel, watched the sun rise and encountered two flirtatious transvestites on the way; reached my hotel; ate breakfast; hit the sack at 8am. I love this place!

I don´t know when I will be posting entries on the Brazilian trip as I still haven´t finished posting the Asian trip!

I will reply to your comments from my last post when I return.

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Sun, 17 May 2009 15:27:25 GMT

D'oh!

It's been two years since I'd last logged into my Flickr account and when I did, there was a message from an Australian travel company requesting permission to use one of my photos for their travel brochure. Obviously, it was way too late to grant that permission... oh well.

Asia Trip - 14th-26th January 2009

Yeah, still at it...

Picture taken with mobile phone

At Carnegie's Bar (also one in Hong Kong) watching the inauguration of Barack Obama. A proud American bought champagne for everyone in the bar. Luckily for him it was a slow night, there were only about 12 customers.

Girl band performing in public

All girl dance crew

One of Taipei's famous restaurants, Din Tai Fung.

"Ticket number 24, your table is ready."

"Ugh, your ear-grating voice is giving me a headache."

The staff can speak Japanese and Korean as huge numbers of them flock for the dumplings. The universal English is spoken too.

Chefs preparing and steaming Din Tai Fung's world famous dumplings.

The famous dumplings. There are Din Tai Fung branches in Japan, China, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia and California. I'd tried the one in Hong Kong but the dumplings do not taste as good as the originals in Taipei.

Chicken soup, dumplings, vegetables...more yet to come.

What a great name for a clothing store.

Ice Monster desserts!

My two favourite foods - fruit and ice cream - what a fantastic combination!

These booths are peppered around the city for you to drop your purchase receipts to enter a draw. The prize money is donated to a charity of your choice.

Wistaria Tea House, a Taipei historical site.

One of the tea rooms

And another.

The first step in brewing tea.

The art of making fine tea...notice no tea bags in sight.

The cups and tea pot need to be cleansed with boiling water after each round to ensure a fuller and uninterrupted flavour.

A dog constructed of mobile phones at Taipei airport.

A dog constructed of green bottles at Taipei airport.

Older Women Are So Reasonable

After being married for 30 years, I took a careful look at my wife one day and said, "Thirty years ago we had a cheap apartment, a cheap car, slept on a sofa bed and watched a 10-inch black and white TV but I got to sleep every night with a hot 25 year-old girl."

"Now I have a $1,500,000.00 home, a $65,000 car, nice big bed and plasma screen TV but I'm sleeping with a 55 year-old woman. It seems to me that you're not holding up your side of things."

My wife is a very reasonable woman. She told me to go out and find a hot 25 year-old girl and she would make sure I would once again be living in a cheap apartment, driving a cheap car, sleeping on a sofa bed and watching a 10 inch black and white TV.

Kid In The Wrong Place

Thursday, May 07, 2009

Thu, 07 May 2009 15:53:18 GMT

Wow

Has it really been a month since my last update?

I wonder if I will ever get back into the groove?

Asia Trip - 14th-26th January 2009

Taipei

National Concert Hall

Girl practising her dance moves outside the National Concert Hall.

Tutor teaching her pupil how to tango outside the National Concert Hall.

Dance crew warming up outside the National Concert Hall.

Dance crew rehearsing outside the National Concert Hall.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall - he was the leader of the Chinese Nationalists who fled to Taiwan after their defeat by Mao's Communists.

View from Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Statue of Chiang Kai-shek

Inside the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

Car used by Chiang Kai-shek.

View of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in the background.

Longshan Temple - built in 1738 and dedicated to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy.

Interesting character sitting outside Longshan Temple.

District of Ximending - accessible via Ximen MRT. Ximending is the Taiwanese equivalent of Shibuya in Tokyo.

Street food in Ximending.

If you have been to Shibuya, you know what to expect in Ximending. If you haven't, the area is mostly populated by hordes of teenagers.

I'd noticed this stand-out guy just planted on the spot for about an hour. Is he an undercover cop on the lookout for paedophiles or is he a paedophile? Directly across him stood two men also stationary in acute observation.

The fashionable youth of Taiwan follow the trend set by the Japanese.

Dusk in Ximending

Taipei 101 - the tallest skyscraper in the world.

Outside Taipei 101

Inside the shopping mall of Taipei 101

Locals sleeping the food court in the basement of Taipei 101 shopping mall.

Top floor of Taipei 101 shopping mall.

On the whole I'd found Taipei 101 rather disappointing.

Advertising crisps.

Shopping district near Taipei 101

What A Lawyer

The Salvation Army realized that it had never received a donation from the city's most successful lawyer. So a Salvation Army volunteer paid the lawyer a visit in his lavish office.

The volunteer opened the meeting by saying, "Our research shows that even though your annual income is over two million dollars, you don't give a penny to charity. Wouldn't you like to give something back to your community through the Salvation Army?"

The lawyer thinks for a minute and says, "First, did your research also show you that my mother is dying after a long, painful illness and she has huge medical bills that are far beyond her ability to pay?"

Embarrassed, the Salvation Army rep mumbles, "Uh... no, I didn't know that."

"Secondly," says the lawyer, "did it show that my brother, a disabled veteran, is blind and confined to a wheelchair and is unable to support his wife and six children?"

The stricken Salvation Army rep begins to stammer an apology, but is cut off again.

"Thirdly, did your research also show you that my sister's husband died in dreadful car accident, leaving her penniless with a mortgage and three children, one of whom is disabled and another that has learning disabilities requiring an array of private tutors?"

The humiliated Salvation Army rep, completely beaten, says, "I'm so sorry, I had no idea."

And the lawyer says, "So...if I didn't give any money to them, what the fuck makes you think I'd give any to you?"

If You Have Swine Flu