MY TRAVELS, MY THOUGHTS, MY BO

Vietnam - Day 3 Sapa

2009-06-12T01:38:00.000-07:00

I had to make a hard decision today. I knew I only had enough time for one side trip to do while I was Vietnam. I figure I should only make one to enjoy that place more instead of trying to squeeze too much into little time. So, from the choices of Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Sapa...I chose Sapa.

Halong Bay has the chill beach/lake vibe but probably super touristy. Hoi An has some cool things but more known for cheap suits and not to mention you can design your own clothes, even shoes. And Sapa is way in the north near the Vietnam/China border where you can live in the villages for a few nights. I thought it would be a good experience for my mind and soul.

Overnight trains weren't too bad. I still say China trains with the sleep cars are the best. But Vietnam was decent. Right when I arrive to Sapa, the trek into the village starts. Talk about intense. NOTE: SAPA SUMMIT HOTEL had to be one of the worst hotel/hostel/guesthouse experience ever. they really failed at customer service and character. If you ever decide to go up to Sapa, ask me about that hotel:NOTE OVER.

That's a catholic church in Northern Vietnam. Built by the French.

Random Pics of Hanoi 4

2009-06-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

Random Pics of Hanoi 3

2009-06-11T10:01:00.000-07:00

Random Pics of Hanoi 2

2009-06-11T09:58:00.000-07:00

Random Pics of Hanoi 1

2009-06-11T09:56:00.000-07:00

Vietnam - Day 2 Hanoi

2009-06-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

After feeling well rested and realizing that I was actually on vacation instead of working, I came down to the lobby of the guesthouse - Hanoi Guesthouse in the Old Quarter - and was surprised with a free breakfast. That's when I first discovered that pho was actually more of a breakfast food in Vietnam. Of course it was readily available anytime of day but the norm was to have it in the morning here. And all this time I thought the best time was after drinking.

I ventured around the Old Quarter dodging motorbikes and cars. My chinatown crosswalking skills finally paid off. Vietnam has by far the craziest unorganized but non-accidentally place I've ever seen in the world. Many people were mistaking me as a local with their random Vietnamese outburst. An old lady even grabbed my hand for me to help her cross the road of traffic. I really wasn't sure if I was helping her or she was helping me.

I finally got a call from some locals my homie Josh knew in Hanoi. That's when the food tasting began. From what I recall, we made the rounds. Mixed fruit in a cup with ice and condense milk. Yogurt with black rice. Close to boba but on a plate, sorta Hong Kong style on the third stop. Then dinner, traditional Vietnamese dinner with snails and beef on a stick. Hot pot style with crab brain as broth. Cooking thin meat and noodles. Damn was it good!

Karaoke was full. It was actually just a dudes living room turned into a business. So we ventured to a bar where the ring leader, Thinh taught us drinking games. But since no one drank, it became slap in the face game. My new friend Huyen got the bulk of the slaps. I felt sorry for her but not everyone else. But even with one Heinken, I was still sharp as a nail.

Its always a better experience hanging out with some locals. They know where to eat, how to drive in the crazy traffic, and you get to experience the daily life in Hanoi which was avoid the heat! So thanks a million guys.

With only time for one side trip from Hanoi, it came down to Halong Bay (beaches, caves, boatride, snorkeling, and overcrowded tourist) or up into the mountains of Sapa (village tour, homestay with the Hmong people, trekking into the valley, and good ole cultural experience). So tomorrow night I take an overnight train to Sapa. Oh how fun overnight trains are!

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Vietnam - Day 1 Hanoi

2009-06-05T03:45:00.000-07:00

After a week in Hong Kong, it was time to challenge the backpacking living attitude I have to the test. I gave myself one week in Vietnam because obviously, work needs to be done at home and, who knows, maybe after a month in Asia I'll need some normal American living.
I could already tell by the ghetto-ness of the airport that I was in for an interesting adventure.

As I exchange some money to DONG and became an instant multi millionaire, my Asian math skills needed a little refresher. How is someone suppose to divide everything by 17 thousand??? At least they don't love coins like Hong Kong.

At first glimpse of the town, people seem friendly but curious, traffic was heavy and loud but normal for them, and the overall vibe was that people just like to chill. So I knew I could be right at home.

First stop, pho ba aka beef pho. Simple, medium size, super quick as usually, and ghetto fab, just the way I like it. Conclusion, that was some damn good pho. I could get use to this. Damage - 12,000 Dongers aka 75 cents. I love this place.

Second stop, Hoan Kiem Lake. People exercising, old folks stretching, kids fishing, and just enjoying the view. Quite relaxing and tranquil in one ear, but cars and bikes honking in the other. Great lake but interesting contrast. Nobody told me it was a pajama party. Hahaha. Gotta see it to believe it.

Heard there was a night market tonight. Might have to check that out. No other plans but being Dora the Explora. Funniest and super fun thing to do...crossing the street. I love it. I don't know why, but the rain has been following me everywhere in Asia. Wtf!

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Leaving Lille, France

2009-05-21T01:16:00.000-07:00

As we were heading to the airport onto our private jet (that's right, a fuckin private jet man, crazeee) to the Paris premiere, we spotted some eye catchin art exhibit goin on. The driver said every year in Lille, they display some sort of unique art around the central area of the town. This year happens to be DEVIL BABIES!

France time

2009-03-20T20:43:00.001-07:00

Off to Lille & Paris France. We stay in Lille for literally 12 hours but I'm not complaining. Another amazing crowd at the red carpet. Our driver said that this town was known for being huge tuner car fans so they came to represent by the hundreds. Though the main highlight other than the red carpet was the lunch we had in town.

The most largest and craziest piece of pork ever served to a mankind. I thought it was some sort of steak but it was actually twice as large than that and a huge thickness of fat to go with it. It was unbelievable. Of course I took a few bites of the fat just because. Incredible. So what if I just gained a few pounds on one bite of fat.

Quickly after the red carpet we jetted off to Paris to do some press and a mandatory dinner. The full team of cast and crew were invited to an unbelievable dinner french style. Of course when the menu came to pick one out of three appetizer, entrees, and dessert, I had to just get one of each. Hey, its paid for and sharing is caring.

I got to know more of the crew that were apart of the experience. Larry, pauls styist who use to tour with led zeppelin to name one of many. And john, michelle's makeup who also has a fatty resume of brillant stars.

After dinner, with one night in paris, party to the break of dawn. On vin's dime of course. Long and safe story short, we all ended up experiencing the breathtaking eifel tower at 5 in the morning. I knew this was the beginning of many long nights to come.

Off to London. Thanks j and uni. Too lucky yo be true.
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Germany Pics

2009-03-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

Thats the gothic church.

A wise man wrote this.

Crazy crowd...I like it.

My new German name.

Cologne, Germany...the conclusion

2009-03-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

I was mistaken. Its the largest gothic cathedral in the world. It sure damn looked like it from up close.

We got about two hours of free time and bobby and I ventured over there. It was pretty awesome. At first we didn't know how to get in so we snapped away on our cameras. Finally we saw the the grand entrance and we walked it. Pretty amazing. Word on the street is that saint nick aka santa claus is buried there. I can neither confirm nor deny but I believe it.

After seeing the badass cathedral. We just walked around the square and notice a good number of asian tourist. Not only asian tourist but most of the souvenior shops were owned by asians. Then I prob stumbled onto at least five chinese restaurants, in bfe germany. What a trip.

Then onward to the cologne premiere which was amazing. The town was known for their love for tuner cars and it translated to hundreds of fans. It was way bigger and way crazier than the LA premiere. It was true fans trying to peep out a hollywood movie.

The feeling was surreal. Girls screaming for vin and paul. Guys jocking jordana and michelle. And justin was just taking it all in with a good amount of his own fans. Funny thing was germany knows him very well from his blt days and questions from the press always included something with it.

It was a great way to start off this europe premiere. And just amazing on my end cuz I got to be in the middle of it all. This is by far once in a life time opportunity and I felt so blessed to experience it.

After, we jammed to a nearby airport where our private jets awaited. Off to lille, france for premiere number two. More to follow.
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Pics from the plane and Cologne, Germany

2009-03-17T05:26:00.001-07:00

Cologne, Germany

2009-03-17T05:00:00.001-07:00

Cologne, germany...the home of the largest gothic church in Europe. No shit. It sits very high and very majestic. My view from my hotel room is of the river which I have no knowledge of the name, one of dozens of bridges, and the veiw of this gothic church on the other side of the river. Its a view we prob wouldn't get much but one that needs only open eyes to enjoy.
The channels on tv suck due to the lack of German I know. But whose suppose to be watching tv anyways on a trip like this. But let me tell u, I am one of few who like and sometimes needs a tv to fall asleep. But after a long plane ride, good sleep is in order.

Last night we grubbed down on some local cusine. Brauhauswurst w potatoes and cabbage salad. And the love for mustard came in very handy. Extremely tasty and satisfying. Prob not something I would eat everyday but def did enjoy with my one full evening in germany. And to wash it all down, some local beer, kolsch. Pretty tasty but for some reason it didn't come in a pint form. Only in this wimpy skinny glass form. None the less still a great first meal.

Tonight is the first red carpet premiere. It should be interesting since fans have already found out where the stars are staying and wait seemlessly outside our hotel waiting for an autograph. And quickly after the red carpet, off to france on a private jet. Yup I said private jet. Crazy right! One of many "crazy right!"that will be said on this trip. I was sorta looking forward to catching a few lines in the movie dubbed in German but gotta stay on this tight schedule.

Pics to come once I pick up an outlet converter. I did come prepared but had to sacrifice it for the team.
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Eurotrip 2009

2009-03-17T04:28:00.000-07:00

------Original Message------
From: ansonlho@gmail.com
To: Travel blog
ReplyTo: ansonlho@gmail.com
Subject: Eurotrip 2009
Sent: Mar 17, 2009 12:18 PM

Off to the land of euros. I've been blessed with an amazing opportunity to tour europe with the new fast and furios movie. I was the assistant to the director on the movie and it premieres april 3rd. But all the red carpet events happen earlier which brings me to why I'm at the airport. I'm off to europe for nine days and get to just chill and experience that high life only a few of us get to experience.
I consider myself the luckiest person this week cuz I get to hang with my homie and mentor on someone elses dime...first class literally. Of course I don't know what to expect but chances are we'll get the VIP treatment.
I'm sitting in the united first class loung with sushi and crown and coke in hand, surfing on free internet, and about to hop on a plane to germany in 1st class. Its times like these I wonder why I deserve this. What makes me so different from everyone else? I still don't know the answer but ill def soak up the enjoyment of luxury to the fullest.

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Resurrection

2009-03-06T23:52:00.000-08:00

alright, i'm doing it. i've ignored this blog for far too long. got me a bb coming soon and just a crazy year so far. i write arowanalife blog for the general public. this will be my uncensored rant and good times of life. if you stumble upon this blog, only open minds please. thanks. ans

Brazil Pics Online

2008-10-22T10:49:00.001-07:00

In case you haven't seen the pics of Brasil that Josh posted online, here is the link.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=jrb6yax.3qlqnamt&x=0&y=r9je7x&localeid=en_US
Might I suggest some itunes music for complete serenity. ENJOY!!!

Interested in Buying a Castle?

2008-10-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

Seriously! While we were in Natal, we spotted a hostel that was for sale. A hostel that was a...CASTLE!!! Draw bridge, stone everything, even a dungeon. Ok, I dunno about the dungeon but I'm sure you can designate the basement as one. So if you ever thought about buying one, it's totally possible now.

Fortaleza, Brasil...Kite Surfing Mecca

2008-10-15T21:49:00.000-07:00

It was tough leaving Natal, seriously. But the saga continues. There's more land to be discovered. Our most northern stop in Brasil was Fortaleza. I really wish I knew the state each city was in but I don't. Brasil has 26 states i think. don't quote me. Anyways, we were really fortunate to meet with Josh's co-worker's friend Carol, who graciously gave us a tour of the city. Honestly, it was a bit weird riding around in a car. So nice and convenient. The layout of Fortaleza was sooooo interesting. The city sorta had a right angle look to it, surrounded by much different types of waters. I say this because on one side, kite surfing is God there. World's championship kite surfing and there was def alotta people practicing for it. But kicker is, all the tall buildings that were built on that side have all, i mean ALL been deteriorated and crumbled down because of the wind that carries the salt. Empty lots everywhere with old building parts. So the other side is the normal side. Hotels, buildings, blah blah. The worst part is that they have this bridge half built (because the new mayor or wherever stopped it) that was suppose to connect everyone to their fatty tourist attraction, the BEACH PARK. They have this like 12 story water slide. Its called SUPER WEDGIE. naw, i don't know what its called but it should be. or RAPE ME.

Fortaleza was actually a cool city. The square of the city was sorta a cool embarcadero amphitheater with bars and restaurants feel. i guess. a perfect spot for the young people to hang out. But back to kite surfing, I actually thought about trying kite surfing before I had visited Brasil. It was just something I've always felt like doing. But Fortaleza was no place for a beginner. Trust me, I saw some guy getting dragged through the water from the wind and there wasn't a way to let go of the kite. If Chicago is the Windy City(even though it aint), Fortaleza is Chicago's drunk uncle. Long story short, I chickened out. ha!

HIGHLIGHT - All trip we've been talking about seeing a soccer game in Rio. But we found out there was a game happening here. THAT NIGHT. WHA! CEARA was playing ABC NATAL. Carol's brother's friend Ruggero is a die hard fan and agreed to take us. From what they described, it was kinda like the Panthers against the Lions. An average team vs a weakass one that would never sell out the stadium. But it was guaranteed to have scores. So GOOOOLLLLL for us! Home team CEARA won, 3-1. It was sick! Why? Because even though it was a normal game, these die hard fans treat it like its the World Series. Pitch for pitch, in this case, pass for pass, they were into it 100%. old guys were cussing like crazy over a simple bad pass. People would start ripping out hair when a player misses an opening. i loved it and at the same time i feared for my life. if i were to cheer for the wrong team only because i might have witnessed a great shot, will people give me the crazy eye? naw, they'll just say konnichiwai! honest! (squint eye look and all, its nuts,but thats another topic for next time) it was a very successful and rememorable game for me and i'm glad we saw it.

Here's some clips of the game.

Fortaleza, Brasil - Soccer Match: CEARA vs ABC NATAL from Anson Ho on Vimeo.

Doing Laps

2008-10-15T13:39:00.000-07:00

Exercise is always so hard to do while you are traveling. Luckily, this 1 star place we stayed had a sweet swimming pool. A perfect chance to get my workout on.

Swimming Some Laps from Anson Ho on Vimeo.

Short Buggy Sand Dune Video

2008-10-14T16:01:00.001-07:00

Doesn't really give it justice but imagine it crazier with dips, dives, and more screaming. I probably would have lost the camera had I tried to film the good stuff. I guess you'll just have to come here to Brasil yourself to try it out. Enjoy!

Natal, Brasil....Sand Dune Paradise from Anson Ho on Vimeo.

Natal, Brasil....Sand Dune Paradise

2008-10-14T09:35:00.000-07:00

Natal was a dope spot. It had night life, it had beach life, it had city life. I could tell this is where lots of Brasilians come for their vacation. Some key moments that happen to us. We finally found the legendary ACAI SUPER BOMBA. Now to this point, we had been eating a lot of ACAI, the food or fruit or something that Opera just recommended for her food of the year. Its rare and expensive in the states, but its everywhere in Brasil. The food is grown from the Amazon and its suppose to give natural energy. A friend I met, Elena, from Manchester United had told me I must try the SUPER BOMBA. And I did. GLORIOUS!!!

We also found our German friend Ulf. This guy is adventurous. Someone you look at and say, damn, I shoulda been like this when I was a little younger. He's been using couchsurfing and hospitalityclub to stay at places throughout Brasil. Its websites where people offer a couch or a room for free. Its like a backpackers community of trust and openmindedness to meet new people and invite them to stay in your city for cheap with the local experience. Pretty cool huh!

Natal became a highlight of the trip instantly. I had seen pics online of the sand dunes in this area of Brasil but this was our chance to experience it first hand. We rushed through Recife just so we could make sure we had enough time to go on the buggy tour. The buggy tour consist of us renting a driver and his buggy car and for him to drive as crazy as possible through the sand dunes, while we hold on for dear life and scream and yell all day. No jumps involved, but definitely the scariest drops and face driving EVER! I remember there was one drop Black Tyson (our driver's nickname), almost a 90 degree face of the sand coming down, where he accelerated all the way down. He was doing donuts everywhere and climbing up sand walls only to drive right back down. They were the type of thrilling rides where you wonder, how on earth came someone stay inside the buggy while you do this. I guess it added to the excited. One moment that stood out was a drop where you couldn't see the other side. It caught us all by surprise. So much that, the other couple that we were on the tour with, finally came out of their shell, and started to yell and swear at the top of our lungs with us. It was the funniest moment of the day because the old guy we were with didn't say a word until that drop. I don't know what he said in Portuguese but I'm sure it was a bunch of words starting with F and S and probably I'll Kill YOu Tyson!

We also met some Brasilians from Sao Paulo on the trip that were very friendly. I swear, when you meet people who are also on vacation, you can have nothing but good times. After Black Tyson hooked it up, we hung out with them in our final hours in Natal. The lack of portuguese and spanish proved to make the conversation even more interesting. It was like playing that game Sharades (is that how you spell it). 2 words, sounds like, shaped like, sound effects. Crazy. They either thought I was weird or just pure entertainment. They asked us to look them up when we get to Sao Paulo. Hopefully there will be time.

Pics of the SUPER BOMBA. NATURAL BABY!!!

Here's our friend Ulf. We found all-u-can eat fish for dinner. NICE!

Sand Dunes and Buggy

New friends from Sao Paulo

Recife, Brasil...short but sweet.

2008-10-13T22:30:00.000-07:00

Our next stop was Recife, Brasil. Everyone suggested, including Lonely Planet, to stay in the Olinda area because it was more laid back and artsy. As again, we arrived at night. Never ever a good idea to a place we've never been and a language we barely speak. But this was the first time we took the long distance bus during the day. It proved to be a shitty trip, like grey hound from sf to colorado but crowded like the 30 Stockton going through Chinatown. Lucky us, we had front seats where we see the most action and get zero naps in.

We ended up staying at D'Olinda Pousada. The sweetest part of this place was the free breakfast and the outrageous lunch (in a good way). The best was the breakfast cuz it wasn't just cheese and bread like we've been having EVERYDAY at all the other places. Finally, we had variety...and it was glorious. fruit, meat pies, eggs, sausages, and PIZZA. damn, all this for breakfast. crazy right.

The area of Olinda was amazing. They definitely have an unique artistic way of living. It was so fun walking around checking out the colorful houses, the graffiti art everywhere, and all the shops with their works. Most stores also had their giant puppets they use for Carnival. these bigger than life characters were surreal and somewhat cool and scary at the same time. And of course, like every city we've been to in Brasil, they claimed that Recife had the BEST carnival celebration. Its awesome because it shows how much pride they put into this yearly event.

HIGHLIGHT of Recife was def going to the Black Tuesday concert. After finding out from Josh that Recife was like number one murder capital of Brasil and walking through the ghetto at night looking for something called BLACK TUESDAY was def a highlight. Only because it proved all doubts wrong and turned out to be a successful and funfilled night. We found the concert in this enclosed square with a catherdal as the background. pretty sick. the concert had some hip hop (or as they call it in brasil, hippy hop), folklore, african drumming, the works. the crowd was mainly students and people who were there to smoke and chill.

But as written in the title, Recife was short but sweet. We scheduled out the rest of our trip in hopes to see a real soccer game back in Rio, so only 2 nights in Recife and moving on up the coast to Natal next.

Here's some pics of these puppets.

Here's a video of one dancing.

Recife, Brasil - Carnival Puppets from Anson Ho on Vimeo.

Just a Quick Update

2008-10-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

For those who actually read this blog (val), just letting you know i'll be finishing up my stories when i get back to the states. i only have a few days left here in brasil and i'm trying to eat and do as much as i can. i have all my stories written down and ready to go for the rest of the trip, so no worries. i'll write them out at home where the internet is fast and free instead of paying 4 or 5 reals an hour. but quickly, thanks to all the wonderful people i've met along the way and opening up your hearts to us. thanks for sharing your laughter and smiles. and also guiding us along the way. i truly wish i had more time here to experience more of this wonderful country...but its so f##!ing huge!!!

Maceio, Brasil

2008-09-28T07:19:00.001-07:00

Maceio def had to be on the top 3 highlights for this trip so far. I was sort of on the offbeaten track of any backpacker and also a last minute decision both Josh and I agreed on. Our destination that we had in mine was Natal, Brazil but from where we were, it was a long bus ride. So, with the help from meeting and befriending a new friend off myspace, we thought Maceio was a good spot to check out.

Our first experience there was arriving at 7 in the morning from an overnight bus. Josh took this relaxer pill for the bus ride so it didn't quite wear off yet. It was funny. We then spent a few hot morning hours trying to find a place to stay. Little did we know, there was some sort of lawyers convention happening in Maceio so places to stay were limited. But finally after checking in, we thought it would be perfect to hit the beach and take a nap and just do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! After spending a rememorable experience trying to order french fries (now we know how to say it in Portuguese, Batata Frito) and a family of 15 helping us figure it out, we realized this wasn't a common backpacker town and we were in for an experience. But joyfully, hours later, we were invited by locals to play with them in some beach volleyball. Now watching so much olympics and just being inactivate in sports this whole trip, it was great playing 2 on 2, 3 on 3, beach volleyball for hours. Of course we were rusty but let me just say that when Josh and I finally got paired together on the same team, we were unstoppable. Everybody kept claiming it was China vs Brazil. And China got the gold! It was fun times people because our new friends started to open up and attempt to speak english when we couldn't speak portuguese. or espanol for that matter.

day 2. I finally got in contact with Poi, my myspace friend and she agreed to come out and meet for some ice cream. She brought along her little brother who probably looked like Winfield was he was young. oh wait, he was skinny was he was a kid. I treated them to some ice cream and sat and got to know each other. She's a university student studying journalism and has a passion behind the camera. AND I found out she's half Chinese. WAHT!!!!! crazy. so instantly, we had something in common. or so i thought. she loves christian heavy metal and is just a sweet girl. she graciously invited us to her house the next day to meet her chinese father. and since we didn't have plans, like we ever do, we said sure, why not.

day 3. it was a task to meet up with Poi. she gaves us directions. where to get off the bus but when we got there, the phone conversation was hard. its always the hardest on the phone to communicate because at least in person, we can use hand gestures. so finally after waiting for an hour for her, i called again and put the lady selling batata fritos next to me the on. we finally met up and we were starving. she brought along her younger sister this time. we ate and went to her home. I wasn't sure what i was feeling because i thought maybe her dad would be weirded out that her daughter is bringing home some Gringoes.
so we met and started talking... in cantonese. he was from guangdong. thick accent, kindly like my gung gung. i think Hoi shan, near Toi shan (bad spelling there). He had lived in Brasil for the last 55 years. His first wife had past and remarried to a Brasilian. I told him about Josh and I traveling and our experiences of brasil up to that point...then all of a sudden, he gets up and goes to the back. he comes back with another chinese dude. it was his friend he brought over. and this guy was funny, full of energy, typical chinese guy, talkative and joking. Spoke cantonese i could understand. Josh and I were having a great time. THEN all of a sudden, they invited for us to stay for dinner. Josh and I were taken back. We didn't know if we should or not, but being the chinese hopsitality people they were, they insisted. So we agreed and they went to work. And from there, the story gets crazier and crazier.

long story short, they grew their own vegatables, made their own noodles, and was a house of half chinese people, and the other half, portuguese kids. The dinner table was so fun and interesting. check out the video and pics. the experience we had was amazing. from having ice cream to waiting on the corner for an hour to chowing down to our first chinese meal in brasil the RIGHT WAY with bombass chinese food. It was amazing....

chatting

the dinner (might be sideways)

Poi and her brother and sister

Group shot

Meeting Chinese People in Macieo, Brazil from Anson Ho on Vimeo.

Maceio, Brazil Part 2 from Anson Ho on Vimeo.

F#$@ Bush, Like Obama

2008-09-28T06:41:00.000-07:00

I know I said I would continue with my Maceio trip but this is too good to wait. We finally checked into a pousada (guesthouse) that had decent cable tv and have been catching up on the news. For instance...Niners won last week-wha what! JT BABY! Stock market crash and bail out situation. I've been reading it online but seeing and hearing about it makes it all come to perspective. How much more will go wrong with Bush in power? 5 more months of this idiot. Why do we want poor tax paying citizens bail out rich money grubbing companies? I'm so confused. A devestating news that Paul Newman past. It only makes me appreciate the choices I've made in life, traveling and seeing the world and different cultures as much as I can. Def never regret traveling. And some latest news about the prez debate that just happened.

I didn't get to watch it but have been watching the post game wrap up stuff. i love how fox news is so on John McCains old dry and saggy nuts. Um, were they the same news channel that declared Bush the winner over Gore or something. CNN has been looking at both sides and showing both McCain and Obama's flaws and positives about the debate. Overall, there has been a feel of a strong passion around the world for Obama to be the next prez. Not just Brasilians, but many travelers I've met on this trip and talking about their countries feelings about our elections. And trust me, the world is watching our elections. If world politics is a large part of our new prez and changing what Bush has destroyed and corrupted, shouldñ't that say something. Though, sadly, I know how the voting works in the US. And I know for a fact that my vote WON'T count because California is already a democratic influenced state. It comes down to a few states, let alone a few communities that will decide this election. Very sad, but very true. Why should such a powerful and influentual country have such a flawed election system? No f!@#ing clue. I can only shake my head and hope that people make the right decision. A decision that will help yourself and this country.

I would just like to leave you with this video we shot in Salvador, Bahia, Brasil with a local we were chillin with. And on my next trip to the computer, I'll tell you my Maceio story. GO NINERSSSSS!!!!

F!@# Bush, Like Obama from Brazil from Anson Ho on Vimeo.

Some Pics to Follow the Stories

2008-09-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

Catching Up

2008-09-23T09:24:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone, its been tough to get on the internet only because I try not to use my time to surf the world wide web but since I've been having a great time and moving along up the eastern coast, i'll try and catch up a bit.

I left off in Salvador, a city in the state of Bahia. Its more of the traditional Afro Brasilian cities in Brasil but people have warned me about the poverty there and the crime. But just like Rio, with common sense, nothing happened. After our tuesday night town party and after sleepin in BO hostel, Josh and I gave ourselves the city walking tour. In the day time, Salvador is amazing. Cobblestone roads, rich historical monuments, and friendly people (other than the beggars).

We debated on taking a samba class or an afro drumming class. And since Salvador is about 80% African ancesty, we opted for the drumming class. BUT, funny thing was, we arrived late to the class. We stopped to eat at a local spot and lo and behold, the guy running the joint was a Chinese dude. So I had to stop and talk to him. Straight up Cantonese. We chatted for a bit, feeling good about my cantonese flowing. He said he had been here in Brasil for 50 years now and all 3 of his children married Brasilian. It was interesting that the cantonese people were here too. I think its just common all over the world for cantonese to settle. It was fun learning about his history and having all his workers stare at us while we spoke Chinese.

So, arriving late to the drum class didn't stop us from getting my jam on. This was def one of the highlights of the trip so far. I mean, I've been hearing the locals jam and the music in Brasil just makes your body move. Those beats were always just in my head. So we started off with simple beats. Then everyone split off to different instrumentals, bass drum, bongos, a few snare-like drums and the teacher accompanied us with his bells. We played some samba, and some others. But for a beginer class, we were def jamming.

After the class, we packed up and headed to the bus station for our first over night bus. Its been a while since I've taken an overnight bus. The closest was the overnight ferry in greece with Val. Of course it was painful but with my wetnap bath and donut pillow, in the end, we saved money and time since we traveled during the night. A backpacker's best option!

Right now we're about 11 days into the trip and I have to tell you about our next city Maceio. The random town we picked to go to which turned out to be INCREDIBLE. I'll try my hardest to post some pics cuz we got some good ones.

Salvador is Offfffffff the HOOK

2008-09-16T20:19:00.000-07:00

Just made it to Salvador. And when I mean just made it, i mean it the way where everything just went lucky. Arriving to a new city at night sucks beyond all suckage. Long story short, didn~t have a place to stay , took the bus into the center of town where tuesday nights are suppose to be the all out "town party". as we got off the bus and looked for some places to stay at 8pm, we assumed the bus dropped us off at the spot where the map said. instead, it missed by a good few blocks. but me, compass savy traveler, directed us to the center of town, didn~t realized this. luckily, and i mean luckily, a policeman stopped us cuz us GRINGOES with huge backpacks on were walking right into the center of the "ghetto". so instead the policia escorted us to the right place. Man, I hate arriving at night.

We found a place quick style and already was hearing the music calling us from the streets. I would describe it as a block party in the middle the the town square but all of a sudden, a brasilian drum group came by the square with loads of followers. we joined the crew and marched down through the town dancing and chatting with the group along with about 50-70 other followers. all in all, it turned out to be a great night. even though i~m about to sleep right next to some strangers in the hostel room where the BO is massively strong. instead of complaining, i loaded up on beans tonight to add to the brew.

i must say, writing and getting onto the internet is a chore but always fulfilling. instead of describing the rest of Rio, i~ll list my highlights of it. starting with the greats ones in my head now.

el misti workers taking us to lapa for crazy fun. street partying, drumming, drinking, ending the night at our first funk party. def funk partys are off the hook in Rio.
visiting santa teresa and riding the old cable car with new friends karen (santa cruz) and carolina (colombia)... in the RAIN!!!!
watching Linha de Passe in straight up portuguese. but it never stops me.
finding a restaurant which had awesome northeast brasilian cuisine...so good, we ate there again the next night and josh somehow got deep fried frog!
rain, rain, rain! always rain when i travel. oh well, makes things more interesting.
christ the redeemer and suger loaf view which u saw in the pics
beaches, beaches, and beaches
acai (ah-sah-E), the drink of choice in brasil
and finally, finding a chinese family with a quick stop food store and chatting with them in chinese about RIO and their lives here.

all in all, its been going great. trying to figure out how to upload some video, cuz i got some good ones. but we have been missing out on some great pic opportunities just cuz we wanna play it safe. and safe is always good. GO NINERS BABY!!!!!!!JT!!!!

Quick Pics of Us

2008-09-16T08:34:00.000-07:00

Wassup everyone. Just using a new friend's "Karen from Santa Cruz" computer to upload these pics for you to see. ENJOY!!!

Made It to Brasil, Already Loving What I See

2008-09-12T16:35:00.000-07:00

So after a lay over in DC and about 18 hours of traveling, I made to it Rio safely. I must say, checking in online at United probably saved me at least an hour in line. so fyi to all, always check in online when you can.

anyways, i found josh at the airport since he arrived 2 hours earlier than me. luckily, he picked the right terminal to find me, so i already knew our traveling skills were back in action. of course, we hit the beach instantly after we checked into our hostel, el misti (awesome place, great staff, great people, kinda crazy uncontrollable music, with triple tall bunks). we went to cobacabana and ipanema beaches where everyone and everything i read about was right, beautiful sand and beautiful girls. there was a term in the lonely planet book about the brasilian girls, fio dental (dental floss). in other words, thong th-thong thong thong. sisco was playing in my head. soccer circles, footvolley (volleyball with your feet) and lots of sunbathing filled the beach atmosphere. surely nothing you can complain about. and for some reason, i was totally incline to try something new on traveling, getting a hanna tatoo. i was considering maybe investing in a real one, but i thought i would try out a temp one to see if i liked it. (pics will follow once i figure out how).

we rounded out our first day by hitting the night life in Lapa where we heard a funk party was going on. we ended up checking out some other bar which had some vibe that we could handle instead. the funk party was saved for day 2. anyways, it was a brasilian rock band and another band that did interperative dancing which at first sounds WEIRD but turned out to be a rockin time where we danced with the whole club, joining hands at times til 3 or 4 in the morning. it almost felt like a close gathering at a wedding or something. but it was just really everyone drunk off their asses. and of course being jetlagged and all, we slept in til 2 the next day. but by far a great way to start our trip to Brasil.

next post will be the rest of our trip in Rio including a list of highlights so far. We~re trying to figure out our way now to Salvador in the next state up called Bahia. DUDE, Brasil is huge. If we could take a bus to save money, you know I would. but a 26 hour bus ride just wasn~t in the plans. Peash.

2 DAYS TIL LIFT OFF

2008-09-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

I just checked off another thing off my list of must needs before Brazil. My yellow fever shot. I can't be giving these brazilian people my yellow FEVER!!!! I totally thought i already had that shot before since the Navy made me immune to everything, polio, anthrax, hot girls. but i checked my records and no go. i never really had problems with shots. i guess its part of the military training to deal with pain.

true story, when i joined, we had to walk down this gauntlet of med people with these futuristic guns filled with drugs. my closest comparison would be those guns from demolition man . seriously, i would take one step, get shot in both arms, take another step, shot again, and repeat. it was down to a science. like all of a sudden, we all became these badass killing mofo's, turning us into steroid using Ivan Drago from Rocky. but instead we just got treated like bitches for the next nine weeks getting spit on and yelled at when they were drunk or high.

but anyways, everyone's been asking me if i'm excited. and, of course, its the obvious question but i never really get excited to see a new place until i actually step foot. until i don't have to think about money, or clients, or watching the season premiere of Entourage (i better tivo that shit), then i get excited. stepping out of the airport in some strange but not strange world gets me pumped. new faces, new cities, new food, bring it on. my Survivor/Amazing Race show has now began.

so, am i excited? fuk yeah. its brazil... but mentally, i'm still stuck in america. in bush's regime. i may be going into the unknown but thats what i like. this is my school. i am excited, trust me. But you should be asking if brasil's excited to have me.

Just Letting my Mind be

2008-09-03T23:50:00.001-07:00

I know, I know, I think we can all TALK our ears off about how stereotypical asian americans are portrayed in hollywood...corrections, asians(same same but different). but lets be real, unless china teams up with japan and korea and takes over the US tomorrow, like charging from each coast and borders and shit, then the yellow face is just another what I like to call, "keep the accent, lose the face" kinda guy. you can't call it success until you've failed. so fuck it, fight the fight.

So, in a weird sort of way, i want to go back to the old days when i was innocent and still riding my bmx bike EVERYWHERE cuz it was my ride and just share some moments that i hope my children see someday too. ha. I'm naming my top 3 glorious moments in american cinema history from back in the days. (at least whats on youtube) happiness can only last for a moment. after that, its finding the next one.

NNNNUUUUUMMMMBBBBEEEERRRRR 3!

NNNNUGGFUUUMMMMBBBBEEEERrrrrrRRRR 2!

NNNNUUUUMMMmmMMMMBBBBEEEERRRRR 1!

My First Blog EVER!!!!

2008-09-03T18:09:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhhhhhh yeeeeeaaaaaaahhh!
I've never done a blog before so bare with me. I thought it would be cool to finally start one as I'm getting ready for my travels through Brasil. Also this could be a place to share videos and whatnots to friends and family who don't use myslowassspace and facebook. I'm not even sure what this blog is capable of but who cares right. But I would like to thank my old buddy Kim because I bookmarked her blog like years and years ago cuz she always post great recipes. So why not have people bookmark this one for off the wall videos. Wait, does this site let me put up videos. hahaha.

So if you didn't know, in the beginning of the year I got to work on Justin Lin's new hollywood movie, Fast and Furious. Yes,yes, the fourth installment. But lemme be the first to tell you, shit is dope! I got the privileged to be Justin's assistant and experience the glamor of working on a BIG BUDGET hollywood movie. I met great people and learned a lot about the industry. Now I shall attempt to post the trailer they just released as well as a few pics I took. Enjoy!

Left to Right - Bobby, Me, and David
Night shoot outside the club. Justin made us dress up. And so we found this bike from Akira!

Just another day at work.

Lexus IS 350 I think. The one of many cars I got to drive.

This is McAdoo. Justin saved him while we were shooting down in Mexico.