Los Pensamientos..

From two weeks ago...


I'm in quite a reflective mood. On life and my desires. What I want to do next. Just had a late workout, had some dinner showered and now laying out just organizing life and it's many lessons. Such an amazing puzzle piece with what seems like an endless array of possibilities with regard to a life's impact. The many forces tangle and tango each and everyday to create the image we encounter each day. Do we stop and ask why we do what we do? What is the purpose of my work, my life's labor? Is it all too excessive? Should we follow the path laid for us by those around us or create the trail that will lead to what it may? Does it matter? How does desire interact with inertia? Is it simply that we shutdown at some point? Is it that we forget what passion really is? I need passion. Prem is passion. It is me. I crave an expedition deep into my heart and soul. It is here we find our collective heart and soul. By discovering yourself, only then may you finally see the truth in others. Have I discovered myself? Yes. But I am ignoring it. Trying to delay what is true. Trying to believe that the masses are correct. Society knows what I want, what I need, what will complete me. Yet, after it all, I still feel a deep sense of unaccomplishment, possible regret and most definitively a real craving for something shiny and new to pursue. Is it just that I need a change of scenery or is it my work that is the culprit. So much more later. It's hard. Life, but I know that you must make decisions and make them with your heart. The outcome will be dealt with no matter.

Photos from China..and some thoughts on the big C

Here is a link to the pictures from the trip that I have put up so far: China Photos

Annnnd my thoughts ->

So, I really wasn't sure what to expect. Would people live in abject poverty a la dwellers in India? Was the newfound wealth visible past the shiny buildings in Shanghai? Did people live better than they used to? There are many more questions here, but that should give you a basic idea of my ignorance on all things China-related. Luckily, this trip would again quench my quest for knowledge and supply me with the answers I so desired.

Speaking of which, everywhere I traveled, I saw the same thing: desire. I saw it at every level of the social strata. Life was changing for the better and at a pace that was unprecedented. I don't believe I EVER saw a car that was more than five years old. Shops, restaurants, streets and buildings were all filled to capacity with citizens of all descriptions. I felt such chaos all around, but at the same moment, a deep sense of resolve and peace in the people. The world was changing, and, finally, it was for a better future. This was the theme; it was the overarching canvas on which Chinese life would be painted.. Growth, prosperity, and fear??

Fear. Yes, even in China. Housing and food inflation, the obvious and growing discrepancy between the coastal rich and the interior poor, government graft, and a faltering political regime have many worried that the worst could happen at any moment. The good times, the golden age, could be cut short by a structure that does not want to acknowledge opposition, does not want to include the people in decision making, does not want to champion free-will. An economic collapse / political revolution are not topics that seem so far from what could possibly take place in the near future for modern Chinese. Whether it was sitting on a train, chatting with a passenger on a flight or talking over drinks at an eatery, it always came up. Ordinary people have to run just to keep up with the massive growth that is sucking away the traditional pace that captioned life for so long. So, yes, fear.

But, fear withstanding, the China dream is fast becoming the symbol of new world growth. Export driven and capitalistic (not minding the many state run operations), China found its bearings by producing for the West. Now, it, too, is transforming into the consumer society it once fed. It is becoming a center of culture, political power and economic prowess opposite to the US and Europe. It yearns for its rightful place atop the world's governing bodies and is now finding those avenues open. An amazing run that has brought countless hundreds of millions of Chinese out of poverty and into the middle class, the Chinese growth story is captivating. It was definitely one of my top reasons for going; to actually make contact with this system and see it in the flesh, and to understand if it was sustainable.

So is it?... Yes!     ?

Ha, that is the current state of the conversation. Wage growth vs. Inflation, Private companies vs. State companies, Individuals vs. Government, Interior vs. Coastal Cities, Chaotic growth vs. Stability. What wins remains to be seen?


t r a v e l  b e a u t i f u l

p r e m i n c h i n a

My Purpose:

To explore the culture, economics, tourist spots, hospitality and, most importantly, food and beverage of the unknown land of billions known as China.

My Journey:

Fly out March 2, 2011 - Fly back April 4th, 2011

Beijing 

Xi'an

Chengdu

Shanghai 

Yangshuo

Guangzhou

Shenzhen

Hong Kong

Home

What an incredible trip. Surprised. Thrilled. Happy. I booked the trip two weeks before I had left. Although such a short planning cycle, I had envisioned making this trip for far too long. I had initially booked the trip for Aug/Sept of 2o1o, but canceled due to an Emory leadership class that I decided was more important at the time. Finally, it became real. I was set myself free to be mystified by this ancient, character dependent society that, before our eyes, was transforming itself into a global power.

The timing of the trip couldn't have been better as the weather was generally quite pleasant. Yes, quite cool, but also bearable. I'm sure the summer would have been sweltering at best. There was also the annual meeting of the Communist Party in Beijing which added a bit of spice to my stay there. Finally, the tsunami and resulting nuclear catastrophe allowed me to gain a significant insight into Sino-Japanese relations.

Before I left, I had my doubts. How would I be received? Would I simply hate it and believe it to be the biggest mistake in my traveling career? Was I going to be jailed? Would I be able to comprehend hanzi and pinyin? Would there be any meaning to the trip? Was it simply going to be a polluted, mannerless wasteland of corporate communism that would suck the life out of my soul? Would I be moved? and, finally, Was there better out there? Would I regret it?

Yes, lots of questions! Although with any trip, you do go through some hard times (travel pains), for the most part, I refuted all of my worries on this trip and actually LOVED China! How could this happen, you may ask? How does a person that has not a clue about another culture, who is ill-prepared for the experience, and knows nothing of the language or which way he was to be traveling even have a chance at surviving much less thriving in this foreign, non-democratic territory? Well, it's actually pretty simple: Just eat, drink, sleep, talk, walk, dance, question, laugh, smile, love and move like the locals. Doing this, I was loved by those around me and had the best time learning so much about our Red Giant (and Giant Pandas). :)

Flowers in the Pot

The seeds are in the Pot.

They will grow more each day with sun and water.

The Sweethearts will rise from the soil via Spain.

In the pot from Barcelona.

With the soul from Turkey..

A soul that lives and breathes across the oceans.

Ready for the moment. Every moment.

Ready for air. For breath. For life.

A sweet fragrance they give.

Stars shining from their petals.

Their time will come.

The flowers are in the Pot.

Top Ten Lists : Bikinis And Bourbon

Top Ten Lists : Bikinis And Bourbon: "#10: Hamburger
Hamburger means of or from the city of Hamburg, Germany, where this preparation of meat, originally called 'Hamburg Steak', originated. In the U.S., the name was applied to the sandwich as well.
Frankfurters, by the way, originated in Frankfurt, Germany, where they were often served in beer gardens. And wieners? Named for Vienna, Austria."

Desire

Suddenly all the things I have known all my life flash before my eyes, and they mean nothing. The wants, all of the wants, disappear.  The car, phone, papers, clothes, money...the chatter and advice...all of it fades.  The needs pounding at the door do not seem to register anymore.  Food, water...I can feel the pangs no more.  Sweat dripping down my face, down my arms, down my legs, between my fingers and toes, my hair and behind my ears, running down my back; completely, absolutely drenched and, utterly lost. My breathe comes in heaves, blasting away the hope found in the before unthinkable reaches of my lungs and swallowing in all the pride I once had. So loud is this breathing...the confusion of the whys and the unimaginable meeting. The last bit of life in the now numb legs aching from run to a once perceived destiny.  The rug pulled out from under my feet by what I thought was a benevolent God...the unimaginable come true.  Everything you wanted in life, gone; all that remains, the sweet hope to have the only thing you now know you need. But it, too, tries its hardest to convince you it, like all other 'things', is just a false promise leading to another illusion. Wait for hours, hours, hours...no sleep, little food, water, can't sleep, can't eat, just a little water....there are no alternatives, nothing... but what you know you must do. You sleep with the homeless and eat with the birds, buy the ticket and get on the bus...dream of what might register in some time...but it's still unbelievable..this much bad luck, this much loss, sacrifice..emotions torn, spirit shaken, faith deeply rattled...it won't, it can't...keep going. just keep going....it must, please please please please say it must.. let it be mine.. You continue to chant the mantra again and again and again... be mine...     be mine...     be mine.... but all you can see is the darkest abyss as you inch closer to the cliff's edge.  please, be mine... be mine... be mine....legs tense, body numb, mind afloat in the sky... only one thing left to do, to take the leap in all its necessity, the time has finally come. The moment of truth announcing its arrival....

so you jump. 

...to the digusting, hopeless, and gut-wrenching moments we experience in life and the incredible sweetness that all of these moments together, hopefully, come to produce in the end. We find life only when we have come close to death and love only when we have experienced great loss.

Once devoid of hope, I have found my all. Thanks.

Sleepless in Dallas

AAhhhh. I am unable to sleep. Can't stop thinking about Istanbul...about all of the Turks enjoying Victory Day, running the Nike Human Race over the Bosphorus Bridge, singing and drinking and dancing to the best music ever (Turkish). I really can't stop thinking about the Fragrance (as I will now call her). I got home at midnight last night (Aug 30th), went to bed at 1am, and woke up at 4am...just tossing and turning. Asking myself why I left...why didn't I just stay. I know reality though. It isn't that easy. It takes time for these things to work themselves out as it takes time for everyone to adjust. I shed tears when I think about what I left behind. I am soooo excited about the future, but that's just it...it is the future. I guess I am a bit greedy at the moment. It's as though I need to smell, hear and see her to sleep now..to function really. I put a little of the perfume she gave me around my neck and on my pillow to see if it would help and, actually, it did. Everytime I took a whiff of that intoxicating Fragrance, I felt much more relaxed. Some things I am doing to help me relax: sending emails, uploading pictures of the trip to facebook, listening to some songs that remind me of our relationship, replacing the wallpaper of my computer to a picture of her with these beautiful flowers we picked up at the Polat Renaissance Hotel in Istanbul (after we got bumped off our flight), and writing about it every second I get! (like now :)

I feel so lost at the moment. As though the engine of my boat is elsewhere. The fuel is missing. I'm pretty sure all of this will change once I hear from her, see her..the most special Fragrance. Maybe then, I'll get some sleep, drink some apple tea, have some Turkish Delights (the ones she bought me at the airport) and, finally, be boosted by all of this.

I'm still so confused as to how I am here in Texas though...everything that has happened over the last 36 hrs is lost on me. It feels like an absolute blur. My bags packed, little sleep, very very sorrowful goodbyes, being bumped, then another last night, then more sorrow, then the actual departure to jfk...then movies, music, food, a few hours of sleep, crazy man next to me always complaining about blah blah blah, then jfk, wait wait and wait, and finally a tiny plane to dfw and then wait an hour on the ground with my bags and finally the family picks me up..then trying to not sound as though I'm disappointed, explaining my stories to deaf ears (how terrible a thing when no one really cares...)..then I see the emails and am excited for a few hours..then off to bed but not really and no real sleep..now it is the 3oth..the human race is today..I want to run it, but I have no energy...no one is running around here.. bummer...ok, eat some food, get some sleep... got woken up by a phone call...now I'm here. Uploading pics, again, to facebook and writing this post on my blog. Still in a state of confusion...aahhhhhhhh. Help?

Keep it a secret then. The future is bright. We have been blessed by God, our relationship can't be described..how beautiful it is. That's it. Just don't dilute it. Keep it within ourselves and our best friends, if that, and continue to work on growing and establishing a better way to communicate across the world. Eventually we will meet again and dance through the streets again and embrace each other again...feel that existential high. Que rico siento! Hold onto the things we have so tight. Keep the memories we have so close. Keep our eyes even closer. Mi amor, yo veniendo! muah. - to my Fragrance and my inner self; to anyone who has someone so very special across the world.

We Made It!

Well, after these 4 weeks, it looks as though both Jb and I have avoided the Greek and Turkish jail systems, all of our limbs are fully functioning, and we still have a little (very little!) cash in our pockets. From the bustling city of Istanbul to the fairy chimneys and caves of Goreme to the magical waters and ruins of Olympus and on to the Blue Cruise from Olympus to Fethiye with 13 crazy French/Aussie/Portuguese/American passengers to Saklikent and Pammukale and then to Selcuk and Ephesus and off to the Greek (Party) islands of Samos, Mykonos, Ios, and Santorini and finally back to the enormous, cultural capital of Turkey, Istanbul, we have survived and even picked up some souvenirs for you guys!

Besides the motorbike accident, the hospital visit, the refugee situation and my slugfest with the motorbike owners (along with the police ride), we made it alright. That isn't to say we weren't depressed after running 7k with our bags across Mykonos only to be shutdown at the port and watch our ferry release its ropes 30 seconds before we got there or not ever getting picked up at our hotel or ferry in Greece or paying out of our rears for ever disco, club, ruin and toilet? (yes, toilet) out there. But we counterbalanced those pay-me-now situations with our own lawless instincts developed in the backwaters of Texas (i.e. walking through a swamp literally in the Roman ruins of Olympus to avoid going through a tollbooth or walking into other hostels and having breakfast or evening acting like a local by cartwheeling or dancing in the street to make some extra cash, etc.).

Overall, it was one of my better trips with all of the adventure, partying, cultural exchanges and excursions, and, of course, the donner kebap! (lots and lots and lots of donner and souvlaki..many times a day or night if you catch my drift) That isn't to say that I didn't spend the most money I've ever spent on a trip or regretted using an overpriced travel agent help us poor backpackers to stay at equally overpriced hotels (budget: $3000, reality: $6000, ouch!) Lesson learned here folks. Do NOT use a travel agent if you have half a brain. The mistakes are a part of the joy of traveling. At least when you make mistakes, you can blame yourself, and if you do something great or see something unique and fabulous, you can thank yourself and adjust your travel plans accordingly.

So let's see...adventure, partying, cultural yoohoos, and, oh yes, the most important event on the trip...the women! Turkish women are amazing. They have this exotic flare to them, belly dance and cook a great meal to start. Of course, I am speaking from my experience here with my "fragrance"...your results may differ, that is if you have results. ha.

Ok, so, yes, if you need any guidance, Mr. Amor is here for ya. I got the lay of the land backwards and forwards from Istanbul to Constantinople..wait a sec...Istanbul is Constantinople! right right. Yeah, but regards, I'm your man.

Mama loves you babies! t r a v e l b e a u t i f u l , prem

Live from Istanbul

I can feel the end coming closer, by the second, as the wind brushes through the blades of grass in the park close to the Aya Sophia. Four weeks of bliss. Four weeks of pain. Four weeks of discovery. Four weeks of sickness. Four weeks of love. I have lived all of those at one point or another. Luckily, this time around 'luck' is now on my side (most of the time). Love is now the word in the air. Full-fledged, passionate, can't-stop-thinking-about-you, I'll-do-anything-to make-you-smile, you-are-my-only-one, dancing-in-the-streets, sleepless, exhausting, energizing, fulfilling, sweet sweet L-O-V-E love. I won't mention a name. Simply a fragrance.

Paolo Nutini's Musical Journey

New Shoes...
Jenny Don't Be Hasty...
Last Request...

:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kg_KCsi6aw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogepRpymMT4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFrKBrlZYPY


this guy is really the best.

Feist - 1234... tell me that you love me more

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3vIv1EwO5A

how can anyone not like this song? it makes me smile :)

A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini

Just finished reading the novel on the plight of two women in Afghanistan; really, I am shocked, profoundly moved by the material. Really puts into perspective the meaning of equality. How twisted it may get when placed infront of different looking glasses; how interpretations of ancient doctrines dictate every inch of a woman's freedom and force it deep into the soul, unexpressed and deeply repressed. The inherit right of a male to beat his woman as if another animal in his herd. Any machismo thoughts in my head quickly dissipated when I saw how soon the ideas of reputation and honor are pushed into a girl's life (and how they are not in a boy's). She gets married at 15? to an oaf who basically pays for her? pays to beat her? because her real father does not want to see his bastard child, harami, wow. mother hangs herself b/c she has been outkast to the woods. finally, she is executed because she killed the man that beat her everyday and was in the act of murdering his other wife? wowee.

Hosseini's writing style, the way the plot leaves you at a loss for words, and the notion that this is reality in many locales around the globe leave me speechless, confused as to what i can do... if anything.

I really do hate this feeling, but see the brick wall that we all see; this is a culture, a religion, a LARGE part of the world. can you change all of that simply for the sake of some Afghani women?

i really hope so.

Significant videos...

The Journey Home to Texas

Culture shock in the greatest... back in big D in front of a television watching/listening to some Police and U2 dvds that I bought in Arequipa, Peru. On my VIAO uploading pictures from the trip on to Picasa, checking my Gmail, and updating my profile on Facebook...ha. The life of connection has begun again. My cellphone is to the left side of the computer along with a glass of red wine, Malbec from Argentina. Such is the life we lead in the US of A eh?

Just a thought on why the world's other inhabitants tend to abhor Americans and America. Passing through the airports of this country is a nightmare. I was basically strip-searched twice this trip at the same airport, for the same flight! It was an embarrassing experience, especially since I had to hurry up and catch a flight that was leaving in 15 min. The hassles one has to endure to enjoy the American experience are starting to outweigh our messages of freedom and personal choice. The American dream/product is becoming tainted and appropriate reactions and emotions can be seen in anyone that encounters it.

Safety is one thing, but our core message should not suffer. We are the beacon of light and direction this world has come to look up to; let's not lose that position, as I see we are on the road to that end currently.

Also, why are we so loud, ignorant, and cocky as a population?? Learn languages (and accents) my friends, treat other cultures with respect, and take the time to interact with other world citizens...we are the ambassadors for our country, our message. Take the time to learn the world; it can only benefit us all.

I've got more to say, but I'm going to leave those messages for a different post.

Lastly, borrowing a quote from my friend, Gil which I just happen to like...

DREAM -> CREATE -> ACHIEVE

Night / White Water Rafting

Note: writing after 2.5 hrs of sleep, realistically I´ve done that this entire trip...

Last nite, a group of four backpackers, Prem, Danielle, Gemma, and Trace, all staying at The Point embarked on a nighttime adventure on the Chili River about 20 min from Arequipa; a simple rafting trip turned complex. The great thing about the trip was saying to your friends that you hit the rapids at night...something quite unique.. especially during a full moon. Clear sky, big bright moon, snow capped mountains in the background, and the roar of the rapids through the serene nighttime setting...very good combination for a very good story; that indeed was the case.

Two of the girls, funny Irish, on the expedition, as I will call it, had actually been on the river during the day...they had so much fun that they signed up again for the night assuming the only difference would be the lack of light and telling their friends, as I said before, that they hit the rapids at night. I initially assumed the same thing, as did the rest of the crew.

Well, one look at the river and opinions changed quickly. The river had swelled considerably more than during the day due to the gravitational pull of the full moon and the effects of the hot sun on the snow-cappers mountains all day. This baby was intense.

Frigid waters, freezing nighttime temperature... luckily we had wetsuits, helmets, and a small ¨waterproof¨coat, joy. The expedition began with class two rapids, then class three, and finally class four. We fell over two times in total... the first time being the worst. The raft slammed into a large rock going down a class three and tossed both Gemma and I off into the water. She lost her shoes and was getting sucked under the water and away from the raft. I instantaneously felt the frigid waters put immense pressure on my lungs and the pull of the water dragging me down the river. Thank God for quick reactions, I pulled my breathing together and caught a rope attached to the side of the boat. Even with that good luck, the water was so cold, the situation seemingly dire, I was terrified in a lot of senses.

It´s experiences like that which pull people together and make men out of mice. Our group of four clung together, screaming ¨Full Moon baby!¨and ¨Special!¨every chance we could (mimmicking our guide, Marco). We ended up finishing quite a bit faster than anticipated, roughly 1.5 hrs instead of 1.75 hrs. All of us shaking uncontrollably, hands and feet numb, mentally jaded...still working out what just happened and what could have happened. Hot chocolate served...trying to button my pants for 5 minutes with no luck, put on my tights for more than that.

Looking back at the awesome sight of 6000 plus meter snow-capped mountains staring down at the river through the bright moonlight...glad I pushed myself even further that night, leaving more fears behind and gathering more confidence in the human spirit... It was a great trip...definitely unique and most importantly, ¨Special!¨

Observations Abroad

Still in the same internet cafe in La Paz...I´ve decided to note some of the observations I´ve made along my journey through these impoverished lands, Peru y Bolivia.

The sights, smells while traveling... people in the countryside are used to harsh weather, sun up to sun down work, and terrible odors stemming from feces in the streets and around homes. I´ve found it is much more natural for an individual to pull their pants down and relieve himself-herself in the streets, whether for urination or hard feces, without toilet paper or any cleanup process, than to wait it out and find a public baño. This leads to long bus rides sitting next to women and men that smell like poop, literally. The most noziating (sp?) smell on the plant!

The cocaine... the nightlife around both of these countries gets very tangled up in hard drugs, mainly cocaine. The upper classes that go out to discotecas (only they can afford them) will find bathrooms, backrooms, or the bar to sniff up a line or more of coke, halla as it is referred to here. It is very out in the open. Conversations at lunch might be centered around where to find the best halla. In Bolivia, halla is thought to be the most pure in the world besides in Colombia. Regardless, it just needed to be noted considering this would definitely not fly in the states or in most western countries. Maybe we have a jaded view of halla or maybe they do, who is to say.

The food... I´ve found that the national food of both Peru and Bolivia has to be rotissarie (sp?) chicken with fries; ok, it might not be the national food, but the stuff is eaten everywhere!

In La Paz

Currently, I´m sitting in an internet cafe, Dungeons, on the main avenida here in La Paz, the capital city of Bolivia. It has been a wild few days here already. Marches and protests were all over the streets yesterday pushing for education reform in favor of the maestros or teachers. Thousands of students along with the teachers participated in the marches, culminating in a large showing around the congressional / presidential square in full view from Pres. Evo Morales window.

Funny enough, I decided to participate myself after doing some alpaca shopping in the witches markets. Met two boys that were protesting and asked them loads of questions regarding their positions on certain topics brewing in the countries newspapers. As we were marching, a news reporter for Canal 4 news stopped us and asked each of us individually why we were marching. When the mic arrived, I paused and noticed that the group of students / teachers around me had stopped marching and wanted to hear what the gringo had to say. Here it is:

¨Soy de Estados Unidos. Marcho con mis amigos y creo en sus resons para marchando¨

The reporter just smiled, shook my hand, and said, ¨mirar canal cuatro para las noticias¨. I never got to turn on the tv, but as the story goes, I was definitely all over the news!

Quite an interesting start to La Paz indeed. Oh and this morning I woke up and there was snow all over the ground! Like 3 or 4 inches worth! Coming from Dallas, the summer to be specific, seeing loads of snow on the ground invigorated me...prepared me for another day of craziness.

It Pays to be Slim

Who pays the added costs associated with high rates of obesity? Most health insurance in America is purchased by employers, who negotiate a single rate to cover all of their employees. That might imply the employers (along with their slimmer workers) subsidize health expenditures on the obese. But Bundorf found otherwise. In the working paper “Incidence of the Healthcare Costs of Obesity,” published last year by the National Bureau of Economic Research, Bundorf and co-author Jay Bhattacharya, also a health economist at Stanford, compared the wages of obese and non-obese workers, taking into account whether or not the subjects had employer-sponsored health insurance.



They found that non-obese workers earn higher cash wages than their obese colleagues—but only in workplaces that offer health coverage. They concluded that employers are likely to be offering lower cash wages to obese workers to compensate for the higher cost of insuring them. In other words, the cost of being overweight is borne by the employee rather than the employer.



American.com

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Interesting Quote

"Studying life through a camera’s lens turns us into detached observers
reluctant to tear ourselves away from the role of clinical voyeur to
take action against the very inhumanity we witness and record."  New York Times



I take this to mean that because we surround ourselves with mere copies of life, the real thing, we are reluctant to act on the emotions drawn from those copies and lack the strength to change what we wish to see changed in life.



The quote comes from an interesting article on the film "Passio" which is debuting at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York.

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Green Tea - Slate Mag

Can green tea save your soul?

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