Tokyo Soul Train

Yes.
I’m about to utter those famous words that Kung and Akona (and today Ania) tell me that I always say.
I LOVE TOKYO!
And you wanna know why? Because this city has so much soul. Whether it’s chillin’ in a club in Shibuya, shopping in Harajuku checking out the Anime people, taking the comprehensive Metro system, or walking around Roppongi (which I hope I spelled right) I’m definitely coming back here many, many times in my life. I may even live here for a while because this city speaks to me. There’s something about the way the wind whips around me and guides me through the night, telling me that the city is ready for me. This is one of the cities I wanted to come to the most. Perhaps, as I close in on thirty (only a month and a half away) I’m learning how to appreciate the cities I visit far beyond what their drink menu has to offer. Then again, age has nothing to do with that. I could have been blessed with this trip at any age and at some point I think I would have changed my thinking, for change is inevitable
Since this is our last Asian destination, and my last Asian blog, I’ll have to recap what these past four months have been like for me.
CHINA: Eye opening because all of my perceptions of China were challenged and then wiped away. The people I met were so cool and honest. It may have been cold outside but there was a warmth that cannot be explained that I’ll always remember about Shanghai and Chengdu
INDIA: It made me appreciate the power of pride. There was poverty all around, let’s not even front like there isn’t. The traffic was insane, it made Mexico City’s traffic seem miniscule. A trip from our hotel to the city center and back was easily about three hours, no lie. Yet, the people that lived there were 100 percent in love with their city, and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. It reminded me of the way I feel about Philly. Yeah, it’s had a bad rep for the past few years but if you asked me if there was any other place I’d be proud to call home I’d say no and couldn’t represent Philly enough, and those that know me know I wear Philly like a tattoo. India was impressive and worth another trip.
THAILAND: Please, I couldn’t have more love for Thailand. Maybe one day I’ll properly learn how to actually speak the language ;-P
JAPAN: Once again, I loves it! It sucks that the first week was wasted on my own recovery from injuries and sickness, but that’s life. Every now and then you gotta recharge your battery in order to get ready for the adventures ahead.
I’ve got another three days here and I pray they are exciting and filled with fun, joy and life long memories. To sum it all up, Asia Rocks!

Bye Bye Thai

And so it goes once again during this fabulous world tour that we must say goodbye to the people, the music, and the cities that made up our Thailand experience. Personally Thailand rejuvenated me in ways that I cannot fully describe. My outlook is clear, my soul has been awakened and these next six months are going to be amazing. Koh Samui and Koh Pangnan will forever be highlights for me. It was different from Morro de Sao Paulo, which was definitely a beautiful island. However, it was serenity almost on the borderline of being comatose. Thailand gave me energy. I met so many cool people and saw so many amazing things. Taking that little boat from our residence in Pangan to the Full Moon Party was scary, but it’s still a memory I can share with my family when I get back. Just living life and being in this moment is empowering. I think that for a while I lost sight of what it is I’m here to do, and it’s cool. Every now and then you have to remind yourself of what’s important in life and my time in Thailand has given me that perspective. Now, with Tokyo on the horizon and a lot of media engagements to look forward to, I can move on with a smile and a lot of charisma for the ever present cameras (MTV Japan rocks!) I really don’t have too much to write about, but I know that Tokyo is going to be absolutely fantastic. Not because of media, or nightlife or any other factor that makes this experience what it is. Tokyo is going to be fantastic because I say so, and that’s all that really matters.

Bangin'

Bangin'

In Philly there used to be a word to describe something that was just really cool or superbly done. Something that exceeded your expectations 100 percent and that word is Bangin’. Well, all I can say about Bangkok is that it’s Bangin’. However, if you see me on the street and try to use this word I will kindly look at you and with a very sarcastic grin say ‘No, this isn’t 2002. Stop using that word’. It’s a pretty old term, but since our first city in Thailand is Bangkok I had to dust it off and break it out of the archives just one last time. I LOVE Bangkok, and once again I know I say that about almost everywhere but it’s true once again. I met so many cool people in Bangkok and I saw some things that made my jaw drop! I will admit though I can’t speak Thai. My Thai sucks! In every country we go to I attempt to learn how to say Hello and Goodbye. Well, let’s just say that on more than one occasion I was corrected for my poor use of the Thai language, but always politely. And the shopping? Yo, this is the first time I’ve been able to find my size at such low prices. I doubt they’ll have anything for my big ass when we get to Japan so I better stock up now before we take that flight. The clubs are so lively with people dancing and swaying happily to the music, which included Hip Hop as well as Drum n Bass, House, Techno. You name it, Bangkok’s got it. And the food? Being an undercover chef myself, it was a pleasure tasting the different flavors of Thai cooking. However on those nights after going to a bar, I would end up at a famous 24hr fast food joint that I’ve seen in every country, but I won’t name it. I’m sure you’ve been there. Yes, Thailand has made me redo my top three list. Of course you know who number one is (SYDNEY!!!!!). Number three is Cape Town and the number two spot goes to…...take a guess. Here’s a hint: CHEAP CLOTHES FOR BIG DUDES!!!! Sorry, but I gotta break it out one last time. Bangkok is simply Bangin’!

Gotta Love Those Taxis

If there is something I will always remember about this trip it will be the time I spent in Mumbai (formerly, or currently depending on who you talk to, Bombay). The music, the food, the people. The fact that the taxi drivers LOVE to talk. Every cab I got in was always a new experience and a chance to connect with the locals. The food was amazing and truly a treat. I really hadn’t started eating Indian food until I arrived in London at the beginning of the trip, but the actual Indian food was so much better than what I had prior to my stay in Mumbai. Initially I never thought there would be such a rich culture to involve myself in, or never did I once think that traffic could be any more eye opening than it was during my time in Mexico. I must admit though, our hotel was a bit of a way from the city center, but exploring the shops and restaurants in our area was pretty cool. Lots of clothes and food vendors, even a coffee house.

Relaxation At Its Best

The island of Morro de Sao Paulo was a perfect getaway after the intense energy that is Carnaval. Being surrounded by so much beautiful scenery with my nine brothers and sisters in travel almost felt more like a vacation than part of the Smirnoff Experience. I know that my bedroom became like my own personal resort palace, as it was quiet, breezy and directly faced the sea. Looking out at the view never became boring. It served as a time of reflection as to where I am on this trip. I’d have to say, honestly, that I needed to be re-inspired. Sure, we cover nightlife and it’s the best gig in the world. But little things that I used to do back home, like go to the movies or run to the market to pick up items for another Friday Night with the fellas, are all starting to weigh down on me. No, I’m not ready to go home just yet. But I am missing home now more than ever.
The good thing about Morro de Sao Paulo was that it was the first time on the trip that I could feel free to just let my mind go and be free. Sure, there’s always work of some form that needs to be done and there are always beautiful people awaiting our arrival and the fun to begin, but this was different. It was a moment of surrealism during this year that’s been a montage of random unexpectedness. And what a coincidence that this trip comes right before the halfway point has been reached.
On the island I joked to myself by wondering if I’ll ever get acclimatised to a shifting seasonal schedule when I get back home since I left in summer and will be returning in summer and it’ll be hot in most of the countries I visit in the next six months.

Carnaval

Being in Salvador Bahia during Carnaval was a very eye opening experience. First and foremost, let’s not even front, it is a big, BIG party. Anyone that comes to Carnaval and says that it’s not one of the biggest parties you’ve ever seen is either blind or really oblivious to the thousands of people, dancing and kissing in the streets (sometimes they’re doing all of these things with you). What intrigued me the most was the fact that everyone was smiling and enjoying each other’s company. It was like a huge family gathering that spilled out into the streets and everyone was invited, ultimately making connections with each other all in the spirit of joy (allegria? Is that how you spell it Luiza?) I had a great time when we first came to Brazil back in November (Sao Paulo) but this time definitely put Brazil into a whole new perspective. Since Salvador is closer to the beach there’s an easier vibe of relaxation and a readiness from the people that just screams ‘Let’s have some fun!’.
Another big highlight from Carnaval is the music. These songs will constantly remind me of the time I spent in Salvador all the days of my life. Even though I have no idea what the song titles are I know the chorus (Na na na….Na na na NA na) and honestly I think that’s all I really need to know. The crowds on the streets were a bit pushy, but once you realize that it’s not a disrespectful push and it’s all a part of the traditional fun you start to push them right back. Mainly, the crowds are so huge and the music is infectious that people just want to be closer to the front so they can take in all the sights and sounds of Carnaval. I’ve been to street fairs before, but none of them come anywhere close to Carnaval. This has been a highlight of the tour, and I’m sure a lot of the team feel the same way.

Two Down, Two To Go

The Shanghai event has come and gone so fast it almost feels as if it never happened. Unlike Moscow, which marked the inauguration of our year-long experience, Shanghai was something we had been looking forward to for such a long time that after it was over it seemed more like a dream than Moscow did. Not that the Shanghai event sucked or anything. I truly enjoyed the drum battle with Tom Middleton and The Lab. Anything that can expound on the true elements of Hip Hop will always be enticing for me. I was also pleasantly surprised by Hard-Fi, whom I had never heard of prior to the Shanghai event, but then again most artists I’ve been exposed to during this journey have been new to me, which is just another aspect of what makes this experience so cool. And speaking of cool, anyone who was in attendance at the Shanghai event will definitely remember one thing - the cold. We were fortunate enough to be in China during a period in time when they were having one of the worst winters in over a decade. On the night of the event it was snowing, which I was told is a sign of good luck in China. If that’s the case then the Smirnoff Ten should be incredibly lucky for the next eight months, because it snowed quite heavily during the weekend of the event.
Inside the event were more innovative ways of enjoying nightlife. One of the bars featured a cocktail list, which had the honor of being the longest in the world. There was a Martini Bar, which featured a nice relaxed lounge type feel and the stage area was always alive with people dancing, jumping and shouting along with the music. Where the Shanghai event differed from the Moscow event was mainly with the amount of people. I can remember being in Moscow, moving through the crowd at a very slow pace or just avoiding the most concentrated crowd areas at all costs until they died down. That wasn’t really a problem at the Shanghai event. Most of the time the crowd was evenly spread out either at one of the bars, at the Birch Forest or at the stage area. At no time did it seem overwhelming with people. It was a good crowd and a good vibe throughout the night. But damn if it wasn’t cold!
I’m looking forward to seeing what the Paris event will be like. If the one in Moscow will be mainly remembered for its frenetic energy and large crowd, and the one in Shanghai will be remembered for it’s musically engaging, spacious charm then I wonder what Paris will have to offer? Whatever it is I’m sure it will be original and unexpected. And I can’t wait to see it.

Who Do? Chengdu, That’s Who

Ah, the beautiful room on the 27th floor of my apartment complex. It has such a pretty view of Shanghai. The ever present skyline and chilly air call out to me like ‘Ben…come on. Let’s see what the city’s got to offer. Now, I’ve heard this voice before. It’s sexy, deep and rich with an urban drawl filled with distinct promises of satisfaction (Just like…SYDNEY!!). But I had to shut this voice out because I was in my room working as hard and as fast as I possibly could. Luckily there was a slight reprieve when I, along with the rest of The Smirnoff Ten, were whisked away from cold, foggy Shanghai (I was scared on the flight because we flew out on the foggiest of foggy mornings, all the while I’m asking myself ‘How is the pilot going to see in all of this fog?’) and were relocated to Chengdu. From what I had heard this would be a more ‘traditionally’ Chinese city. Automatically I had visions of living in a village where I’d be forced to learn Chinese, but I was sadly mistaken.
Chengdu ROCKS! And yes, once again, I know I say that about every place I go, and I’m sure I’ll say it again for the remainder of this trip. However, this was the first time I would be out and about in China, and what I found in Chengdu is memories and friends I pray will last a lifetime. Of course, this is China, so yes it was cold. And in my efforts to be cute, I bought a “winter” jacket in Sydney. But not just any jacket. It’s a somewhat warm denim jacket that does absolutely nothing for my warmth and well-being. I’m normally cold, and too cheap to buy another jacket. But at least I look good (big smile!)
All jokes aside, the ten of us were teamed up with Chengdu locals to show us around the city. My partner was a sweet, short young lady named Lily and she has to be one of the coolest people I’ve met on this journey so far. And the bonus prize…she’s a hip-hop head! Woo Hoo!
On the first night we all went down to Jinli Street, we ate together for the first time in the New Year and then headed off with our partners for a traditional Chinese experience. Lily showed me the art of paper cutting, which I haven’t done in about 20 years. We both exchanged our artwork, and I keep mine in the front pocket of my very useless (but it makes me look good) denim jacket. I know I’ll always look at it and think, “Hers is so much better than mine”. Afterwards we all headed to a club called A + where we attempted to dance the night away, yet there was no dance floor. So we sort of all just bumped and boogied next to each other for a few hours and then went back to the hotel.
The next day we went back to Jinli Street for an interview with Chengdu Weekly. Lily was there, as was Akona’s partner Britney, who was one of Lily’s friends. Afterwards, the four of us left to get ready for the big Smirnoff Party later that night. Once again, in my continuous effort to be flyyy and not warm, I bought another thin ass jacket for the party. Somehow this one kept me warmer, or maybe that’s just what my mind told me in order to stop sneezing. And party we did, all of us decked out in white and silver. I’d have to say, the Smirnoff Ten are a bunch of stylish, sexy people. And creative (see John’s costume in the pics for more information on that). The party was a spectacle of models dressed in white, a sexy singer, an awesome DJ and a guy on stilts. Wow! It was like a prequel for the Shanghai even in two weeks time. I had fun and was once again reminded of a time when I first met these people only a few months ago and fell in love with them. Shout outs to Sharon who was always ready with a smile (and a megaphone). She was so cool and so receptive. Chengdu was cool at the highest calibre.
And on the next day we left. And I did not want to leave my traditionally Chinese paradise because I knew back in Shanghai there would still be that voice calling me. How long will it take before I give in and listen?

And Now… Old Man Winter

I’m not sure I can truly express how different it was for me being in Sydney (still can’t stop talking about her) for Christmas, walking around in a T-shirt and shorts and then coming here to Shanghai where it’s cold. As soon as I got out of the airport I felt a familiar sensation. It was winter. The air was crisp and it had a certain aroma, just like back home. Coming from both South Africa and Australia, where it’s their summer, to be placed back into the correct season of my birthplace was confusing for me. With Christmas decorations still up and that certain chill in the air, I started to really get excited about the festive holiday season. Of course, since it was January 5, that meant that the season was over. Still, for the first few days I found myself getting prepared for Christmas based solely off of the familiar feeling of cold anticipation. Alas, Christmas was over. I was in Shanghai and I had no clue about how to speak Chinese.
I’d have to say the first week was pretty tame. We met a guy named Mike who took us around Shanghai, and then we ended up at a place called The Shelter later that night. And they played hip-hop! And no, not like the trashy stuff that floods radio stations around the world. This was straight up, 100 percent hip-hop. And the Chinese people were really into it. Now, I remember one night in Sydney (there it is again) where they played hip-hop at World Bar and a club called Hunter Bar. Other than that, there really wasn’t too much hip-hop being played. For this to be the first night out and to be exposed to something that I love in such a pure way definitely made me want to know more about Shanghai. Unfortunately, I had work to do. The South Africa video loomed over my head like a cloud and whispered a song of latent diligence like a back-up singer. But for the next eight months I’ll be on my grind like coffee beans with my Smirnoff Ten work.

Sydney’s Cousin Mel

Oh how I loved Sydney. Most people would say ‘Hey what’s so special about it? It’s just another big city with great nightlife.’ To those people I say, ‘You fools. Sydney’s not just another big city. It’s THE nightlife city!’ But it wasn’t just about all the bars and clubs I went to. I saw a performance at the world famous Sydney Opera House which featured hip-hop and acrobatics. It was intense enjoyment provided by the Tom Tom Club (not the group that sang ‘Genius of Love’). After attending a show at the Oxford Art Factory on Oxford Street I met two of the coolest cats (Rob and Will) and through the almighty power of the Internet I know I will always know them. Sydney for me was life affirming. Yes, you can meet cool people. Yes, you can still be surprised and, yes, this trip is a once in a lifetime experience that will show me things I never knew would entice me. Everyday is a new adventure.
And then, I went to Melbourne. The saddest part about being there was that a lot of people were taking advantage of the Christmas season by going on holiday. Many of the restaurants and clubs were closed, not due to reopen until January 7th… Three days after I would be leaving for China. Boo. Another thing that sucked was the fact that I damn near went bankrupt in Sydney. By the time I reached Melbourne I had about enough for water and a pack of noodles each night. Just kidding, but it felt like I had to find a way to make my money stretch. I’m not gonna lie and say that I didn’t enjoy Melbourne. The vibe was a lot more laidback than Sydney. It’s a cool town, dedicated to nights of good times with good friends and good music. If I had known this prior to my ever-ready attitude in Sydney I probably would have stayed in my room a little bit more to save money.
The bars I will remember most are St Jerome’s, the rooftop bar at Cookie and E55, which I found by accident while walking down Elizabeth Street. But I’d have to say that the highlight was New Year’s Day, when all ten of us were reunited for the huge SummaDayze festival. It was HOT, literally and figuratively. Being from the North American East Coast, New Year’s Day mainly means sleeping in after the New Year’s Eve party, in my warm bed. The January temperatures are nowhere near what I would normally experience in Philly, so being outside and having fun was something I pray I’ll get to experience again. And for it to be the first day of a brand new year is only an indication of how much more exciting life will be in 2008 and beyond.

Christmas?

It still really doesn’t feel like Christmas. I’m not sure if it’s the fact that the weather is much better or because I’m not with my family, but it really doesn’t feel like Christmas. And I should know, because I love Christmas. I’m not even sure how appropriate these remarks are for this blog, but all I can do is be honest.
As far as life in Sydney goes, I have absolutely no complaints. Akona and I met some really cool people here and have been enjoying all that Sydney has to offer Truth be told, I’m a little worried about going to Melbourne because I’ve heard so many mixed opinions. On one hand everyone is saying ‘There are so many more bars in Melbourne than in Sydney’ and then you have others that say ‘Melbourne isn’t as much fun as Sydney’. I really don’t know who to believe. It’s like I’m in a tug of war between two different types of people, and no one is really wrong or right. Still, in any event, I’m pretty sure that the nightlife is enjoyable. I can only think of two times when I was disappointed with a party I was at, but those times were definitely few and far between, and more towards the end of my Sydney experience. The fact that all of this is taking place during the holidays is weird for me because I know that next year I’ll be looking back at this time and saying ‘Damn….I miss World Bar’.
Every morning I wake up I’m ready for whatever the day in Sydney has in store for me, and I welcome the opportunity to meet new people. I can tell there has been a change in my personality since the beginning of this journey, and I welcome more change because those that remain the same never grow and never learn. There’s nothing worse than becoming complacent and thinking ‘this is the best version of myself that I can be’. I know that original nightlife is the core of what we’re exploring but for me it’s about becoming a better man and constantly learning so I can become the best man I can be. I pray I achieve that goal all throughout 2008 and beyond.

Christmas Sweat

You know, being from a city that normally sees temperatures in the low 20’s (Fahrenheit, of course) with snow and people bundled up drinking hot chocolate it’s been a culture shock to watch TV here in Sydney and see commercials for ‘Christmas On The Beach!’ with people running around in bikinis and thongs. Back in Philly the only people running around in thongs right now are strippers, and they’re all indoors. What can I say about Sydney other than I LOVE IT!!!!
But then I was reminded by Thai Ben and Akona that I say that about every place we’ve been. Hmmm. Could it be that the world is just so cool, or am I confused about what love really means.
Whatever the case, I’m having the time of my life here. It’s December and I’m walking around in T-shirts and shorts. This is like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. The nightlife is like WHOAH! I’ve been to a few different bars so far, one of my favorite would have to be the World Bar in King’s Cross. They serve their drinks in tea kettles. What? Original drinking, I’d have to say yes. So I guess it was almost like being home because there was a tea kettle, and I would definitely be drinking tea because winter in Philly can get pretty cold.
We have a lot of work to do here in Sydney, as well as put together a Christmas party within the next week. Can it be done? Of course it can.. And what better city to have a Christmas party than here in beautiful, always alive Sydney Australia? I was a little reticent to come here because the only thing I knew about Australia was that it produced a few celebrities that are huge in America (whose names I may or may not be able to say, but you know who they are). I had no idea that it would be so vibrant. It was a treat to go to a show at the world famous Sydney Opera House, and it was a Hip Hop show at that. This city has definitely been one that’s surprised me the most.
On a more personal note, this has been the part of the trip that I’ve been dreading, Christmas without my family. It’s the first time I’ve been out of the country during the holidays but I know that everything at home is cool. My parents miss my superb Christmas decorative skills but I’d have to say that taking this time off to experience the other side of Christmas (on the other side of the world ironically) will always be something I’ll remember. Next year when Christmas comes around I can say ‘Oh yeah, last year I was in Sydney for Christmas….and it was hot in more ways than one’. I may have to move here. And yes, I know, I say that about every place I go to.