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?
Thursday, 24 January 2008
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.
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.
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.
Monday, 7 January 2008
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.
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.
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.
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