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!
Sunday, 11 May 2008
Saturday, 10 May 2008
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’!
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.
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