Smoked salmon sandwich! The best smoked salmon sandwich I've ever had.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Wieden + Kennedy - Amsterdam
Look at the free breakfast they provide. Free juices, fruits, and all that jazz. Dude, I'd buy some yogurt and make smoothies...all day, every day.
CITY POWER RANKINGS - PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
MARCH 27, 2008
PRAGUE 2.5/10
LIVEABILITY: 2/10
At first, my ignorant ass thought Prague was nothing more than a store-brand spaghetti sauce -- but now I know it's much more generic than that. Generic in the sense that it's the representation of "Eastern Europe" to most travelers. If I could describe the city in two words I would choose "Prague" and "fuck" -- not necessarily in that order. In all fairness, for some reason I arrived excited but somehow the Earth's magnetic fields pulled against me and I became a hotbed for negative energy. The sights are beautiful, but I'm talking about liveability; and for real, it's not like I live in Los Angeles so that I could see the Hollywood sign every day. Guess what though, Prague is to Eastern Europe what Disneyland is to California. It may be the most enjoyable destination of someone's trip, but the enchantment and joy is more so perceived than actualized. The city is overrun by tourists, and Prague's small size offers no escape from the camera-flash catwalk of fat Floridians and punch-worthy-drunk frat boys. Public transportation is very easy to figure out but it becomes quite the female dog late at night. Last night, I went to a hip hop joint ind it took an effort to get to and fro -- I was in a dark street and had to pretty much decide between waiting 45+ minutes for the tram or walking back through a bunch of dark alleys and empty streets. But in its defense, I had the best vegetarian meal of my life -- fried goat cheese over a bed of steamed spinach, au-gratin potatoes and a mixed green salad...all for about $7. But traditional Czech food, I found to be sucky and I always felt somewhat obligated to apologize to my tongue for subjecting it to sweet gravy and sweaty sausages (dont' be gay). I would never live in Prague (unless it was a jar of spaghetti sauce).
NIGHTLIFE: 7/10
I only went out one night. I made it out to a pretty cool hip hop joint that was unpretentious and just mellow. I was feeling rather crummy due to all the negative energy I was garnering so I just needed some salvation from all the hooplah that preceded. I would give Prague a 1 for someone like me (low key, more niche person that's into underground culture and not into the big discotechs and nightclubs) but I did witness a peculiar phenomenon: walking down the street, I would see massive heaps of people walking out to the clubs -- like 20-80 people, most of them really attractive girls, with like a 4:1 girl:guy ratio. And there were multiple groups, also. They were all young, but I reckon that if I was 21-23, it would've been a blast. But since I'm an oldie, I just can't ever see myself having a wild time in Prague unless it was a full moon and I turned into a werewolf. I'm giving it a 7 from the eyes of a young adult.
CULTURE: 2/10
Historical sites are beautiful, but that isn't necessarily culture to me. The history and beauty of Prague culture got stuck in time; and it remains locked in a plexiglass case for Japanese tourists to model in front of while doing the peace sign. What the hell happened? I mean, Einstein, Kufka, Mozart...they all passed through here before and all the city has to show for it is Bobby McFerrin (the guy that sang "Don't Worry, Be Happy") coming through for a performance? Seriously, what a letdown to hear unevolved, absent minded house music right alongside the Charles Bridge. Though there's graffit bombed trains, the style appears to have never evolved past the 80s. I give it 1 point for the hip hop joint I went to and 1 point for the activism that took place during the end of communism (a student set himself on fire to protest). I admire that notion of sacrificing your life for immortality.
There is this saddening generalization that I've come to notice through my travels --I think Eastern Europeans are doing a disservice to their country by becoming so stagnant and complacent in their placement in society. I mean, years of repression/oppression, earlier stuff from the greats, a fantasy-like landscape, communism ending not so long ago, nothing else to do....create a culture and perpetuate it. I don't know, I have this thing where if I see potential in someone or something, I always try to push it further (even at the expense of my own harmony with it). I see a lot of potential in Prague, and if I were to have grown up here, I would have tapped into all that pent up angst and uncertainty and created an outlet for it. It doesn't have to be the next party destination, but it could definitely be one of those cities that is uber cool without pretension...like Budapest.
PEOPLE: .5/10
Fuck them. Again, I think all the assholes of the Earth just google mapped "tourist punching bag" and found me, but fuck them anyway. They reminded me of the people I encountered in Ukraine, but it's unfair for me to say as much bad stuff as I did about Ukrainians. So, let's recap and contrast. Ukrainian women are eons more attractive, Czech people are just as cold and mean as Ukrainians, but their xenophobia is probably due to a lack of exposure rather than just plain spite and resentment. Democracy is new to them and they're broke people; so I'd want to punch me too if I see someone with an iPod that's worth more than their entire monthly income. As for Czechs, they're exposed to millions of tourists. And without tourism, the country's GDP would probably be lower than Applebee's 2nd quarter earnings. Yet, they still manage to be uninviting, ungrateful and (some were) just plain assholes. I don't have a bad temper at all, I really just try to make things fair and just, but old age and my trip has got me walking around with my tail between my legs. But here, in Prague, the people are so crummy and randomly mean that I was more than happy to bark back at them. Fuck them. I'm sure they're all nice if people really get to know them. And trust that I know everything's so much bigger than what you perceive, I know how to consider contextual situations, etc....but fuck them. There are plenty of people to experience, and I was glad to have left the city as soon as I could have.
PROS
Easy to navigate. If you like Bobby McFerrin and other 80s pop tunes that are now taught to preschoolers, then Prague is for you. I wouldn't kill to live in Prague, but living in Prague would make me kill.
CONS
It ain't Ragu. Nor Prego. And definitely not Budapest.
PRAGUE 2.5/10
LIVEABILITY: 2/10
At first, my ignorant ass thought Prague was nothing more than a store-brand spaghetti sauce -- but now I know it's much more generic than that. Generic in the sense that it's the representation of "Eastern Europe" to most travelers. If I could describe the city in two words I would choose "Prague" and "fuck" -- not necessarily in that order. In all fairness, for some reason I arrived excited but somehow the Earth's magnetic fields pulled against me and I became a hotbed for negative energy. The sights are beautiful, but I'm talking about liveability; and for real, it's not like I live in Los Angeles so that I could see the Hollywood sign every day. Guess what though, Prague is to Eastern Europe what Disneyland is to California. It may be the most enjoyable destination of someone's trip, but the enchantment and joy is more so perceived than actualized. The city is overrun by tourists, and Prague's small size offers no escape from the camera-flash catwalk of fat Floridians and punch-worthy-drunk frat boys. Public transportation is very easy to figure out but it becomes quite the female dog late at night. Last night, I went to a hip hop joint ind it took an effort to get to and fro -- I was in a dark street and had to pretty much decide between waiting 45+ minutes for the tram or walking back through a bunch of dark alleys and empty streets. But in its defense, I had the best vegetarian meal of my life -- fried goat cheese over a bed of steamed spinach, au-gratin potatoes and a mixed green salad...all for about $7. But traditional Czech food, I found to be sucky and I always felt somewhat obligated to apologize to my tongue for subjecting it to sweet gravy and sweaty sausages (dont' be gay). I would never live in Prague (unless it was a jar of spaghetti sauce).
NIGHTLIFE: 7/10
I only went out one night. I made it out to a pretty cool hip hop joint that was unpretentious and just mellow. I was feeling rather crummy due to all the negative energy I was garnering so I just needed some salvation from all the hooplah that preceded. I would give Prague a 1 for someone like me (low key, more niche person that's into underground culture and not into the big discotechs and nightclubs) but I did witness a peculiar phenomenon: walking down the street, I would see massive heaps of people walking out to the clubs -- like 20-80 people, most of them really attractive girls, with like a 4:1 girl:guy ratio. And there were multiple groups, also. They were all young, but I reckon that if I was 21-23, it would've been a blast. But since I'm an oldie, I just can't ever see myself having a wild time in Prague unless it was a full moon and I turned into a werewolf. I'm giving it a 7 from the eyes of a young adult.
CULTURE: 2/10
Historical sites are beautiful, but that isn't necessarily culture to me. The history and beauty of Prague culture got stuck in time; and it remains locked in a plexiglass case for Japanese tourists to model in front of while doing the peace sign. What the hell happened? I mean, Einstein, Kufka, Mozart...they all passed through here before and all the city has to show for it is Bobby McFerrin (the guy that sang "Don't Worry, Be Happy") coming through for a performance? Seriously, what a letdown to hear unevolved, absent minded house music right alongside the Charles Bridge. Though there's graffit bombed trains, the style appears to have never evolved past the 80s. I give it 1 point for the hip hop joint I went to and 1 point for the activism that took place during the end of communism (a student set himself on fire to protest). I admire that notion of sacrificing your life for immortality.
There is this saddening generalization that I've come to notice through my travels --I think Eastern Europeans are doing a disservice to their country by becoming so stagnant and complacent in their placement in society. I mean, years of repression/oppression, earlier stuff from the greats, a fantasy-like landscape, communism ending not so long ago, nothing else to do....create a culture and perpetuate it. I don't know, I have this thing where if I see potential in someone or something, I always try to push it further (even at the expense of my own harmony with it). I see a lot of potential in Prague, and if I were to have grown up here, I would have tapped into all that pent up angst and uncertainty and created an outlet for it. It doesn't have to be the next party destination, but it could definitely be one of those cities that is uber cool without pretension...like Budapest.
PEOPLE: .5/10
Fuck them. Again, I think all the assholes of the Earth just google mapped "tourist punching bag" and found me, but fuck them anyway. They reminded me of the people I encountered in Ukraine, but it's unfair for me to say as much bad stuff as I did about Ukrainians. So, let's recap and contrast. Ukrainian women are eons more attractive, Czech people are just as cold and mean as Ukrainians, but their xenophobia is probably due to a lack of exposure rather than just plain spite and resentment. Democracy is new to them and they're broke people; so I'd want to punch me too if I see someone with an iPod that's worth more than their entire monthly income. As for Czechs, they're exposed to millions of tourists. And without tourism, the country's GDP would probably be lower than Applebee's 2nd quarter earnings. Yet, they still manage to be uninviting, ungrateful and (some were) just plain assholes. I don't have a bad temper at all, I really just try to make things fair and just, but old age and my trip has got me walking around with my tail between my legs. But here, in Prague, the people are so crummy and randomly mean that I was more than happy to bark back at them. Fuck them. I'm sure they're all nice if people really get to know them. And trust that I know everything's so much bigger than what you perceive, I know how to consider contextual situations, etc....but fuck them. There are plenty of people to experience, and I was glad to have left the city as soon as I could have.
PROS
Easy to navigate. If you like Bobby McFerrin and other 80s pop tunes that are now taught to preschoolers, then Prague is for you. I wouldn't kill to live in Prague, but living in Prague would make me kill.
CONS
It ain't Ragu. Nor Prego. And definitely not Budapest.
Predicament in Prague
I got put into a predicament here -- walking back from a hip hop joint in the outskirts of Prague at 2:00 am.
1) Wait around forever for the late night tram to come and get me, where people can creep up on me. 2) Walk home and be too tired to defend myself in case I got into some shit. I walked it.
1) Wait around forever for the late night tram to come and get me, where people can creep up on me. 2) Walk home and be too tired to defend myself in case I got into some shit. I walked it.
Best Vegetarian Meal - Prague
Really though, the highlight of my trip was this vegetarian meal. Mixed greens with a honey, nut dressing. Fried, encrusted goat cheese on a bed of steam spinach and garlicky-ass au gratin potatoes. Damn!!!!!
Czeck (pronounced like "Shit") Food
Sausages, a grilled, unseasoned chicken breast, peppers, half baked bread...all swimming in sweet gravy.
Berlin Girls
I'd tell you they were kidding, but you wouldn't believe me anyway. I met them at the bar in the gnarly artist loft. Yes, they look young.
In another picture, they showed me the German hand sign for two fingers in the vag. I would post those up, but I'd go to jail.
In another picture, they showed me the German hand sign for two fingers in the vag. I would post those up, but I'd go to jail.
Vegetarian Indian Quesadilla - Berlin
Best quesadilla I've ever had -- black beans, cheese, guacomole, roasted tomato pepper sauce, green onions, on a toasted chapati. Fuck, the food in Berlin is the best I've ever had (pound for pound, dollar for dollar)
Hip Hop Vault - Berlin
Very credible hip hop store in Berlin. They know what's up the hip hop over there.
Currywurst - Best Ever
My favorite indulgence. It's wurst, sprinkled with curry powder; that's basically it. So good, and this joint is known for inventing it.
Berlin Artist Loft
Bad ass artist loft squat in Berlin.
Never got rebuilt after WWII so it's quite gnarly outside. But inside the 5 story building was this crazy shit. Floors of lofts; with drugs being sold in the hallway, a sculpture garden in the back yard, artwork for sale, a dedicated bar on the 4th floor, a rooftop bar in the summer, prositutes walking around in tight corsets...
This must be where Jesus lived.
Never got rebuilt after WWII so it's quite gnarly outside. But inside the 5 story building was this crazy shit. Floors of lofts; with drugs being sold in the hallway, a sculpture garden in the back yard, artwork for sale, a dedicated bar on the 4th floor, a rooftop bar in the summer, prositutes walking around in tight corsets...
This must be where Jesus lived.
German Girls
This is how we ended up there, that night. We met them on the tram en route to another bar.
Berlin Night Club
Berliners know how to party. This is one of 4-6 clubs that went down in this courtyard. This is the emptiest room, in the emptiest club, at 5:00 am. There were still around 500 in this club alone.
Underground Berlin
I met Hannah through couchsurfing and she took us to this crazy ass, reggae concert. That night just wasn't for us...we got rejected from 3 places and 3 other places were at capacity.
Nunchuck Lessons
Hannah was one of the most interesting people I've ever met - kung fu expert, hip hop head, and a painter. That's hierarchy for you guys.
Hungarian Food
It was shitty...fried bread with cold, tomato/mushroom sauce and cold grated cheese.
And you're supposed to eat it with your hands. Dude, it wasn't crab legs or baby back ribs fun to eat; it was eating baby seal sashimi after a plane crash type - hands on.
And you're supposed to eat it with your hands. Dude, it wasn't crab legs or baby back ribs fun to eat; it was eating baby seal sashimi after a plane crash type - hands on.
Menza - Budapest
One of the best meals on my trip took place at Menza in Budapest. This pork thing with potato thing and this great caprese appetizer thing for like $20. Very well spent. Great atmosphere and excellent service.
Esther, My Sweet
Just one of the sweetest girls I've ever met. Just a really good, insanely good vibe.
If there was a game called, "Quick, pick the girl that you think would be the best wife" I'd probably pick her.
If there was a game called, "Quick, pick the girl that you think would be the best wife" I'd probably pick her.
Budapest
If you ever have to choose between Budapest or Prague...take Prague!
Budapest doesn't have as many travelers or tourists. So you know, that means less frat boys.
Budapest doesn't have as many travelers or tourists. So you know, that means less frat boys.
20 Hour Train Ride - Sofia >> Belgrade >> Budapest
On the train I met and befriended an Aussie named Robb. Totally became good friends shortly after.
But also there was this interesting, older American guy in the room next to me. Just your regular American dad type buy. But....he works in Iraq as a biochemist, teaches at a University in the states (that I won't disclose), studies the results of chemical warfare, worked on the John McCain camp, and is in the middle of Bulgaria. He showed up with a Bulgarian woman but left the train alone. And on top of that, he was speaking in fluent German to some guy at the train station. But then he had to catch a train to middle-of-nowhere, Hungary.
For real, I think there's more to him than he revealed
But also there was this interesting, older American guy in the room next to me. Just your regular American dad type buy. But....he works in Iraq as a biochemist, teaches at a University in the states (that I won't disclose), studies the results of chemical warfare, worked on the John McCain camp, and is in the middle of Bulgaria. He showed up with a Bulgarian woman but left the train alone. And on top of that, he was speaking in fluent German to some guy at the train station. But then he had to catch a train to middle-of-nowhere, Hungary.
For real, I think there's more to him than he revealed
Budapest Opera House
I wanted to do something cultural before I go out and get absolutely schnitzel faced.
I left after the first act. Dude...sung in Italian and the super titles were in ...Hungarian! To me, it was mass confusion.
I left after the first act. Dude...sung in Italian and the super titles were in ...Hungarian! To me, it was mass confusion.
She Made Me Feel Like Shit - Train Station, Sofia, Bulgaria
She really did. I was sitting across from here while waiting for the train to Budapest.
I had a McDonald's breakfast sandwich and so I was eating it. She saw me and then decided to bring out her packed meal. In between two pieces of white bread were cut up, uncooked pieces of hot dog meat and mayo.
It sucks, I think of the distribution of wealth in the world and it makes it hard for me to believe that people are inherently good. Rather than making me feel grateful for what I have, it made me feel worse for the things others don't have.
Is this life?
I had a McDonald's breakfast sandwich and so I was eating it. She saw me and then decided to bring out her packed meal. In between two pieces of white bread were cut up, uncooked pieces of hot dog meat and mayo.
It sucks, I think of the distribution of wealth in the world and it makes it hard for me to believe that people are inherently good. Rather than making me feel grateful for what I have, it made me feel worse for the things others don't have.
Is this life?
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
GUIDE TO LOS ANGELES - A Couchsurfing Promise
Hey Vickey,
Thanks for everything. As promised, here is a list of places to go/things to do when you go to
Helpful Information
- www.going.com – very cool site to see what’s going on, and who’s going.
- Flavorpill.com – kind of cool, artsy stuff do in NYC and LA.
- Yelp.com – real reviews on restaurants
- Juxtapoz.com – go here to see art show openings. Very cool stuff that you will LOVE.
LOS ANGELES
What to do (must sees). I’ll also give you a day trip you can do and just a list of things you may want to check out. You can look in the tourist guide books for the big stuff, but if you want to get a sense of what the city really has to offer, look no further than me!
DAY ONE
Abbott Kinney Blvd - it’s a small strip of boutique shops and artsy stuff). It’s only a few blocks off the boardwalk, worth checking out if you ride a bicycle; not worth walking to. You may see Owen Wilson or other celebrities hanging out here, but you may have to look carefully.
- If you really like hamburgers, you can get an expensive (but one of the best hamburgers at My Father’s Office…$15 for a burger but it’ll be the best you’ll ever have. It got listed, many times, as the country’s best burger). If you want a better option, look for a Tommy’s Burgers (on Lincoln and
- Cool bars around there are The Otheroom – very beautiful people (Abbot Kinney), any on
If you have enough energy, you can go to The Getty Museum (right off the 405 north). It’s free to get in ($6 parking) but you’ll see a lot of classic art, the architecture and views are amazing. You can watch the sunset there. Or go there first, and watch the sunset at the beach…you need to watch the sunset over the
If you can do this whole thing on a Sunday, make sure you go to the Santa Monica Farmer’s Market. This would be a great, relaxing day. Bergamot Station in
Silverlake/Los Feliz Area
Go to the Silverlake area (off of
Bars – the cheapest/coolest you can get
- The Drawing Room – cheap drinks
- Good Luck Bar – affordable drinks in a good location
- Big Foot Lodge – cheap and it looks like the inside of a cabin
- The
If you go there, you MUST go to WACKO book store (it’s on Sunset or
The Farmer’s Market (on 3rd and
NIGHTLIFE WORTH DRIVING OUT TO
I know George likes to chill and not really dance so I’m not going to list night clubs. I can find out what the hottest clubs are for you, but I really only know the underground places
The Little Temple Bar – go there on Thursdays for The Rootdown – really the only underground hip hop joint left in LA. You’ll LOVE the music here.
Firecracker – go there on Saturday nights for live, “free” (improvised) jazz downstairs, underground hip hop/funk/soul upstairs. It’s in the heart of
Rooftop bar at The Standard (Downtown Los Angeles) – check it out for the most beautiful view LA has to offer at night. I would only go for one drink because it’s pricey and the people there are pretty fake. Not your crowd at all. But the view is amazing.
All those bars in Silverlake/Los Feliz are great to go to. As you can see, it’s my favorite area in LA and it’s the cheapest you’ll get.
FOOD – rules of thumb and specific places to eat at
In-N-Out Burger – the best fast food burger that’ll make Big Macs taste like dog diarrhea. If you want to eat vegetarian, get the “grilled cheese.” Whatever burger you get, make sure you get it “animal style.” Those aren’t listed, but it’s on their secret menu. If you’re going to break your vegetarian habit just one time, this should be it. They’re only found in
Sushi – the best sushi outside of
Japanese Food – go to Little Tokyo for them, but my favorite place is a Ramen shop called Santouka, that’s found in the Mitsuwa Japanese Grocery Store (you can drive here if you’re in the
Hawaiian Food – also, you can go to Rutt’s Hawaiian Café if you’re in the
Mexican Food – this is usually everyone’s favorite food here. If you see those little taco trucks on the side of the road, go there and get yourself some tacos/burritos! Carne Asada is marinated steak. Al Pastor is marinated pork. Those are your best bets. Just look for a bunch of Mexicans eating there – the more you see, the better, more authentic, and cheaper it is. White people are usually scared to go here, be careful when you go late at night, but in all honesty...people are just people. Don’t be scared of anyone.
Roscoe’s Chicken n Waffles – though I don’t really consider this a real soul food place, it’s very popular amongst black people that don’t really want to get real soul food or white people that want to be cool and go someplace “ghetto.” It’s a little pricer than you’d expect but they’re known for their fried chicken and waffles. It’s a good combination that’ll give you a stomach ache after. People really just go here just to say they go here. If you want real soul food, look for an M&M Soul Food, it’s a lot cheaper, but they’re all located in the ghetto. If you go to Roscoe’s I’d recommend the on Sunset and Gower (Hollywood/Silverlake area) or the one on Pico and
Chinese Food – you can get this anywhere, but the best Chinese food can be found in
Pinkberry – I know
Really though, let me know what cuisine you’re interested in and I can recommend anything to you.
MUSIC – you can’t leave
The Troubadour (
The
The Avalon/El Rey Theatre/Orphean Theatre/The Music Box – good bands usually come through here. The place is a bit bigger but you can still at least see the performers. A lot of cool indie bands perform here. The Avalon spent a shitload of money on reengineering the acoustics of the place so the sound should be good.
Walt Disney Concert Hall – designed by the same person that did the Guggenheim (Frank Gehry). Beautiful to see, even if you’re only on the outside. Classical music performances here but, if you can, get “student rush” tickets for cheap. You have to go a few hours before, on the day of the performance and ask for these tickets. $40-100 tickets can go for as little as $10. If you don’t have a student ID, just make a fake one, you’re a designer!
Spaceland/The Echo (Silverlake area) – Good places to catch indie and hip hop also. Spaceland is free on Mondays. Good LA acts usually come through here first before they even make it to the Troubadour and then worldwide status. For example, Sea Wolf, The Postal Service, Rilo Kiley all made it through here, first. (download their songs to get a taste).
Let me know what you think or what you’re thinking of, I can suggest more stuff or tell you what not to do.
The big tourist places to check out are:
-
-
-
- LACMA (
- MOCA (
-
- The Getty Villa (ancient Greek art, up on
-
Etc. etc…I don’t want to go into it too much but you catch the drift. Remember Vickey, these are only places where I would take you and George. Just real “under the radar,” underground stuff that a lot of
Peace,
Roe
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
MARCH 17, 2008 - THE BURDEN OF BEING A WRITER
On train....Sofia, Bulgaria >> Belgrade, Serbia >>> Budapest, Hungary
Writers are just as lame as they are burdened. Maybe one begets the other; of which I'll explain later but right now I really just want to talk about the burden.
I've noticed that since I really started to invest in my writing that the more I write, the more my writing becomes relevant and the less relevant I become. I mean, I think everyone wants something interesting to say -- but writers, more or less out of obligation, take it one step further because they actualy have an audience. Oh my, it's such a redeeming predicament to be in; and my audience's eyes and attention validate me more than anything else.
Real quick...I'm on a train to Budapest, from Bulgaria just entered Serbia, sitting along in my 2nd class bunk and have 18 more hours till arrival. I'm going to make myself a little cocktail to chillax and maybe make this entry a little more interesting)
Dude, so anyway, as much as I appear to not give a fuck about what people think of me, I do have to weigh it, at least. Ok, what I'm saying is I don't give a fuck what people think of me so long as I stay relevant to the people that matter to me -- my audience. So, with that burden, I push myself to extremes and throw myself into ridiculous situations so that I'll have a story to tell. For example, when I had my surf accident I had three main thoughts after it happened:
1) Am I going to die?
2) I am going to be ugly.
3) This is going to make for a good story.
And with this Europe trip, I thought:
1) Fuck, I'm scared.
2) I am going to have a unique experience
3) I (as a writer) will produce an intimate read.
4) I (as a person) will lose my relevance to the reader.
Distance = Rate times Time
But whatever, I do it because I am granted (and grateful for) an audience. The hell, I'll exploit myself for a good chuckle or rolling of the eyes, right? This whole trip has been totally fun, adventurous and challenging; and I've already reached a lot of milestones in my self-development. Best bars, days in solitude, (after spending time in Turkey) letting go of the notion that all men with well-developed mustaches have shetland pony penises and earn their living in erotic entertainment. By the way, the last one did wonders for my self-esteem. And hopefully I'm making for a good story.
But that's the burden of a writer, and at the end of the day, all I will have is a collection of good stories. But the lameness of it, it's everywhere. It's in me thinking my thoughts and observations on life warrant, so much attention, that, it's worth people sidestepping their own thoughts to acknowledge mine. Writing is as lame as me, staring out the fucking train window right now, hoping to find inspiration through the thicket of trees or the grayed water. It's in my losing my job and spending the severence package in snow, sweaters, mayonnaise...on people's couches, not on people's minds, and not in people's pants VERSUS going to Thailand as an American citizen, that speaks Thai and loves Thai food...stumbling through sand, surfing in warm water, swimming in women Everyone I've met has said, "What the hell are you doing here in Bulgaria/Kiev/this shit when you can be in Thailand?"
I usually reply, "Shit, I live in Los Angeles, near the beach..you know those palm trees?"
slight pause...
"They're EVERYWHERE."
Though, they all make valid points and their arguments are seamless. I guess I try too hard, too often. To be me, I guess. I mean, for at least a good chunk, times and life have been difficult. So when they follow up with, "Why would you submit yourself to this? Why would you leave Los Angeles and come here?" To that, I answer,
"I'm here because I'm a writer."
Now tell me, how lame is that?
Writers are just as lame as they are burdened. Maybe one begets the other; of which I'll explain later but right now I really just want to talk about the burden.
I've noticed that since I really started to invest in my writing that the more I write, the more my writing becomes relevant and the less relevant I become. I mean, I think everyone wants something interesting to say -- but writers, more or less out of obligation, take it one step further because they actualy have an audience. Oh my, it's such a redeeming predicament to be in; and my audience's eyes and attention validate me more than anything else.
Real quick...I'm on a train to Budapest, from Bulgaria just entered Serbia, sitting along in my 2nd class bunk and have 18 more hours till arrival. I'm going to make myself a little cocktail to chillax and maybe make this entry a little more interesting)
Dude, so anyway, as much as I appear to not give a fuck about what people think of me, I do have to weigh it, at least. Ok, what I'm saying is I don't give a fuck what people think of me so long as I stay relevant to the people that matter to me -- my audience. So, with that burden, I push myself to extremes and throw myself into ridiculous situations so that I'll have a story to tell. For example, when I had my surf accident I had three main thoughts after it happened:
1) Am I going to die?
2) I am going to be ugly.
3) This is going to make for a good story.
And with this Europe trip, I thought:
1) Fuck, I'm scared.
2) I am going to have a unique experience
3) I (as a writer) will produce an intimate read.
4) I (as a person) will lose my relevance to the reader.
Distance = Rate times Time
But whatever, I do it because I am granted (and grateful for) an audience. The hell, I'll exploit myself for a good chuckle or rolling of the eyes, right? This whole trip has been totally fun, adventurous and challenging; and I've already reached a lot of milestones in my self-development. Best bars, days in solitude, (after spending time in Turkey) letting go of the notion that all men with well-developed mustaches have shetland pony penises and earn their living in erotic entertainment. By the way, the last one did wonders for my self-esteem. And hopefully I'm making for a good story.
But that's the burden of a writer, and at the end of the day, all I will have is a collection of good stories. But the lameness of it, it's everywhere. It's in me thinking my thoughts and observations on life warrant, so much attention, that, it's worth people sidestepping their own thoughts to acknowledge mine. Writing is as lame as me, staring out the fucking train window right now, hoping to find inspiration through the thicket of trees or the grayed water. It's in my losing my job and spending the severence package in snow, sweaters, mayonnaise...on people's couches, not on people's minds, and not in people's pants VERSUS going to Thailand as an American citizen, that speaks Thai and loves Thai food...stumbling through sand, surfing in warm water, swimming in women Everyone I've met has said, "What the hell are you doing here in Bulgaria/Kiev/this shit when you can be in Thailand?"
I usually reply, "Shit, I live in Los Angeles, near the beach..you know those palm trees?"
slight pause...
"They're EVERYWHERE."
Though, they all make valid points and their arguments are seamless. I guess I try too hard, too often. To be me, I guess. I mean, for at least a good chunk, times and life have been difficult. So when they follow up with, "Why would you submit yourself to this? Why would you leave Los Angeles and come here?" To that, I answer,
"I'm here because I'm a writer."
Now tell me, how lame is that?
CITY POWER RANKINGS - SOFIA, BULGARIA
SOFIA, BULGARIA 9.2/10
Liveability 9.5/10
I'll tell you what -- I'm sitting at one of the major squares with a beer in my hand right now. It's about 77 degrees farenheit, the sun is Soviet strong (with the identical lack of progression) and the breeze is cucumber calm right now. How easy is it to live in Sofia? Just as easy as it is enjoyable. Due to recent developments in my travel plans I have only 484 hours to experience this city. Having experienced 24, I can confidentily say that this is my favorite city --- above NYC (so long as it's on a Western salary). Public transportation is available, thethe pizza here isa about $.90 for a huge ol' slice of geometric proportions, and...you can buy tofu! I'm staying at a dope one bedroom apartment (no living room but sizebale kitchen, downataris den that can be a living room/2nd bedroom and a decent bathroom) that costs 300 Euros a month. Hly shit is it affordable. It has those booze quenching kiosks that are found in Ukraine, you can drink in the streets....all that stuff is found here. I had a cnice lunch at a nice place (I'd say the equivalient of The Ivy in terms of ambiance and food quality) where I had a hugle ol' tasty Czech beer, Caesar salad (done properly but the dressing still had mayo), and a half rack of tender fall-apart with a fork for $8. Including tip. Thankfully, not includig diarrhea. I can easliy live here for 2-3 years.
Nightlife 8.5/10
Late night last call. Went to the coolest bar I've ever been to. You have to be in the know to experience the underground scene, which makes things that much more exclusive. I was also in a mainstream joint and they were playing some bonafide hip hop and the girls can groove. Big point off for a lack of live music. But you konw, to be fair, I really can't say shit like htat because it's not like any city I go to is going to have as large a market as NYC or LA. Also, the town is so enamored with hip hop that they missed the boat on Indie.
Culture 9.5/10
Hip Hop is big here in Sofia. I can say that pound for pound, it's bigger here than I've ever witnessed anywhere. They play it in shoestores, grocery stores, pharmacies, etc. I can hear it squeeling out of the most random earplugs on the bus; and of course, where there's hip hop, I can easily assimilate. There is some dope street art to be found everywhere; and some of them actually carry a message. There are a lot of youngsters around; but they don't wreck shop or anything. The skate and bmx culture is reminscent of Venice Beach.
People 9.3/10
Soviet beauty with Soviet attitude, but there is definitely a middle ground where you still get the cuteness and you get a people that speak English! In all fairness, I've been traveling through Budapest with an Aussie cat and he mentioned that the city is very un-English. It's just, to me, after going days in silence and NO interaction with strangers in what-the-fuck's-your-problem Ukraine; anything beyond "no" is a Shakespearean sonnet. And as hard as they appear, they are all very, very helpful people. They're not as warm and inviting as I found Turkish people to be, but they are edgy and have a certain coolness to them. Teenagers are everywhere but they're not rude or thuggity. The girls are pretty but the guys aren't anything special. Game the fuck on!
PROS
Drink kiosks, drinking in public, totally affordable, nearby mountains where you can go snowboarding (whole deal for $40), HIP HOP culture! Still unappealing to Westerners...which I find to be a GREAT thing. It's a great, small city to call home for a few years.
CONS
Soviet corruption. Lack of upward social mobility. Food can be more diverse.
Liveability 9.5/10
I'll tell you what -- I'm sitting at one of the major squares with a beer in my hand right now. It's about 77 degrees farenheit, the sun is Soviet strong (with the identical lack of progression) and the breeze is cucumber calm right now. How easy is it to live in Sofia? Just as easy as it is enjoyable. Due to recent developments in my travel plans I have only 484 hours to experience this city. Having experienced 24, I can confidentily say that this is my favorite city --- above NYC (so long as it's on a Western salary). Public transportation is available, thethe pizza here isa about $.90 for a huge ol' slice of geometric proportions, and...you can buy tofu! I'm staying at a dope one bedroom apartment (no living room but sizebale kitchen, downataris den that can be a living room/2nd bedroom and a decent bathroom) that costs 300 Euros a month. Hly shit is it affordable. It has those booze quenching kiosks that are found in Ukraine, you can drink in the streets....all that stuff is found here. I had a cnice lunch at a nice place (I'd say the equivalient of The Ivy in terms of ambiance and food quality) where I had a hugle ol' tasty Czech beer, Caesar salad (done properly but the dressing still had mayo), and a half rack of tender fall-apart with a fork for $8. Including tip. Thankfully, not includig diarrhea. I can easliy live here for 2-3 years.
Nightlife 8.5/10
Late night last call. Went to the coolest bar I've ever been to. You have to be in the know to experience the underground scene, which makes things that much more exclusive. I was also in a mainstream joint and they were playing some bonafide hip hop and the girls can groove. Big point off for a lack of live music. But you konw, to be fair, I really can't say shit like htat because it's not like any city I go to is going to have as large a market as NYC or LA. Also, the town is so enamored with hip hop that they missed the boat on Indie.
Culture 9.5/10
Hip Hop is big here in Sofia. I can say that pound for pound, it's bigger here than I've ever witnessed anywhere. They play it in shoestores, grocery stores, pharmacies, etc. I can hear it squeeling out of the most random earplugs on the bus; and of course, where there's hip hop, I can easily assimilate. There is some dope street art to be found everywhere; and some of them actually carry a message. There are a lot of youngsters around; but they don't wreck shop or anything. The skate and bmx culture is reminscent of Venice Beach.
People 9.3/10
Soviet beauty with Soviet attitude, but there is definitely a middle ground where you still get the cuteness and you get a people that speak English! In all fairness, I've been traveling through Budapest with an Aussie cat and he mentioned that the city is very un-English. It's just, to me, after going days in silence and NO interaction with strangers in what-the-fuck's-your-problem Ukraine; anything beyond "no" is a Shakespearean sonnet. And as hard as they appear, they are all very, very helpful people. They're not as warm and inviting as I found Turkish people to be, but they are edgy and have a certain coolness to them. Teenagers are everywhere but they're not rude or thuggity. The girls are pretty but the guys aren't anything special. Game the fuck on!
PROS
Drink kiosks, drinking in public, totally affordable, nearby mountains where you can go snowboarding (whole deal for $40), HIP HOP culture! Still unappealing to Westerners...which I find to be a GREAT thing. It's a great, small city to call home for a few years.
CONS
Soviet corruption. Lack of upward social mobility. Food can be more diverse.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Some Random Club in Sofia
Mainstream club that played KRS ONE, Run DMC, Rakim, Q-Tip, Ol Dirty Bastard.
Unheard of! People here really embrace hip hop culture. The girl closest to the camera, by the way, is byooooooteaful.
Unheard of! People here really embrace hip hop culture. The girl closest to the camera, by the way, is byooooooteaful.
COOLEST BAR I'VE EVER BEEN TO
Obvious enough, I'm all about underground culture and random, obscure places. Sofia is home to a lot of crazy, truly really rarely, hidden bars. Surely enough, I entered what I deem to be the coolest (fucking) bar, ever. I was mad skeptical at first when Vickey and George started leading me down this weird passageway...
"Like, what the fuck? Looks like this is where convicted sex offenders live. Am I going to get raped?"
"Fuck, ok, be gentle."
"Holy shit, can I live here?"
...turns out the bar is truly hidden. And as you can see, it is only lit by candlelight. We were sitting at the bar, but right behind is a big, open room with a big upper deck. So you can see everyone while you're chilling, but it was mad eerie and loungy. I wanted to take more pictures, but the bartenders (these cute little girls) didn't allow them. The music was rare grooves, soul and breakbeats. The drinks were stiff.
This doesn't exist in the States. Fuck, this was the most impressive place I've ever been to. And again, only people in-the-know are privy to this. All word of mouth, no signs, no audible noise from the outside. Definitely a first date spot.
"Like, what the fuck? Looks like this is where convicted sex offenders live. Am I going to get raped?"
"Fuck, ok, be gentle."
"Holy shit, can I live here?"
...turns out the bar is truly hidden. And as you can see, it is only lit by candlelight. We were sitting at the bar, but right behind is a big, open room with a big upper deck. So you can see everyone while you're chilling, but it was mad eerie and loungy. I wanted to take more pictures, but the bartenders (these cute little girls) didn't allow them. The music was rare grooves, soul and breakbeats. The drinks were stiff.
This doesn't exist in the States. Fuck, this was the most impressive place I've ever been to. And again, only people in-the-know are privy to this. All word of mouth, no signs, no audible noise from the outside. Definitely a first date spot.
Vickey and George
We smoked a jizzay at this park before we went out. It was schwag but it got me a headchange so that was dope.
Either way, in large quantities, you can get it for like $1/gram. Let's bake some edibles!
Either way, in large quantities, you can get it for like $1/gram. Let's bake some edibles!
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