Got soaking wet today as I ran down towards the bus that I ended up missing. It's good to see some rain coming down, it always looks like rain here but never actually does anything. Hong Kong is in the middle of a drought so these steady rains are good too.
Got an english breakfast then ran back to the bus and got soaked again walking up to the flat, funny how it only rains when I'm not under a shelter. The umbrella was useless as well, ha.
Craig just bought a Tenor banjo, I'm going to check it out tomorrow, I need to clean up my 5 string soon so I can bring it back to the owner before I leave. I just picked up some fretboard cleaner.
I changed strings on my acoustic as well, pretty amazing what new strings can do for an instrument. Learning some Townes songs.
Installed the new Ubuntu linux on my laptop as well.
Going to meet Katy in about an hour when she gets out of work.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Macau Fever... (Part 3) The Finale..................................or is it?
Now for the conclusion (finally) of Macau Fever...I knew if I didn't finish it right away it would drag on for weeks..
We last left our adventurers in the security clearance portion of the Hyperjet Hydro-Plane Ferry at 8:10pm...
8:20pm: The air changes from the thick pollution of the metropolis to a pungent brackish aroma as the quintet scramble aboard their international seaworld vessel. The living quarters are cramped, especially because Dama has to deal with the great mass and density of his Janbo. The Janbo, known for his harsh and unforgiving tone, is also one of the few instruments that earth-gravity loves to grab and hold on to tightly, hoping to forever embed this forsaken implement in the earth's crust for all eternity. The vessel pulls away from the docking station and the quintet forgoes hypersleep as the excitement of the world's most densely populated country awaits.
8:30pm: Time is passed with Tane and Samje recalling a previous journey to "The Land of Cement and Casinos"
9:15pm: Arrival at the port is smooth and the four warriors emerge from the compound looking for an Armored Transport Vehicle that can bring them to the barracks. The group agrees for this to be their home base for the remainder of the mission.
9:45pm: The robo-driver of the A.T.V has difficulties understanding the programming language Tane uses and must consult numerous databases before arriving at the desired address.
10:00pm: The group finds the barracks and luckily there is a single containment chamber with 4 sleeping units remaining. Sweat soaks through Dama's clothes as he deposits his Kong$ into the manage-bot. Luckily the containment chamber comes equipped with a heat removal device, as night time temperatures approach upwards of 150 degrees. All extra mass is left secured in the barracks and the group leaves with their instruments.
10:30pm: The group acquires some local currency by handing a piece of plastic and some numbers to a group of men standing along the street. After a few seconds the men return with paper money.
11:00pm: The group locates a defensible location suitable to make a final stand should they need to. The large stone coated area has lots of movement and local organisms moving about. The group produces their music creation devices and begins their presentation. In certain instances, the large organisms would become mesmerized by the audible waves created by the trio and sometimes without warning their bodies would move in synchronization with the rhythms created. After breaking the trance they would sometimes deposit money into the instrument protection device placed in front.
1:30am: Having exhausted their supply of musical arrangements the trio returns to the barracks and secures their instruments.
2:00am-7:30am: Earth-time seems to have warped between these two destinations as recollections of the events that transpired seem inaccurate. Events occurred in various orders, sometimes rewinding and replaying themselves, some events were simultaneous, and often the realities Dama found himself in didn't correspond with what Tane and Samje experienced. Although Nibra was often on the same plane as Dama.
Entering the casinos was a very peculiar experience, often times earth-money would disappear from the quintets wallets without a trace, sometimes it was forcibly removed by the gamesman's tables, and sometimes for fleeting instants it would return to one of them, as if a long lost friend had returned and promised to bring all of the old crew back with them. Dama and Nibra were very careful with their earth money, they resisted the trance and guarded their money carefully. Tane became infatuated with a vid-robot that promised to bring him many earth-dollars. He acquired many and Dama and Nibra were able to break his trance in a caffeine induced mind battle that allowed Tane to emerge with more old friends then he thought he brought along. Samje however, would disappear and reappear, occasionally regaling us with the losses he encountered and was powerless to heed.
The trio flowed from place to place; caffeine, grease, and ethanol powered their engines as they were able to rent specially designed Segways. However, acid rain at dawn hampered plans and the group took solace in a local "Grease, Sugar, 'N Sawdust"
Before their abbreviated sleep, Tane lost his battle and was hypnotized into losing all the earth money he gained, Samje battled furiously, but continued to be beaten into submission and deposited more of his money into the Black-jackoBot. Dama and Nibra spent gingerly but still lost about 25 Hong Kong "Teeners" each, which paled in comparison to the amount the other duo gave away.
Samje and Dama returned to the barracks first, Tane remained hypnotized, and Nibra became lost and had to hire an A.T.V to return him to the barracks.
11:00am: The quartet emerged from their slumber, Dama purchased food and world renowned Egg Tarts, and then caught a Hyperjet Hydro-Plane Ferry back to his home-away from homeland...Wiser from his travels and satisfied that The Lapsap Stringband had one final epic night before going their separate ways across the earth's surface. He hopes will re-reemerge in the not so distant future.
----In the days following shortly after their encounter with Macau, Tane fell ill, followed by Dama, recent reports of Samje falling ill recently have also emerged.... Dama remains in Hong Kong to this day, Tane set flight for Malaysia, Nibra returned to the NorthWest, and Samje is in the Great North East.
We last left our adventurers in the security clearance portion of the Hyperjet Hydro-Plane Ferry at 8:10pm...
8:20pm: The air changes from the thick pollution of the metropolis to a pungent brackish aroma as the quintet scramble aboard their international seaworld vessel. The living quarters are cramped, especially because Dama has to deal with the great mass and density of his Janbo. The Janbo, known for his harsh and unforgiving tone, is also one of the few instruments that earth-gravity loves to grab and hold on to tightly, hoping to forever embed this forsaken implement in the earth's crust for all eternity. The vessel pulls away from the docking station and the quintet forgoes hypersleep as the excitement of the world's most densely populated country awaits.
8:30pm: Time is passed with Tane and Samje recalling a previous journey to "The Land of Cement and Casinos"
9:15pm: Arrival at the port is smooth and the four warriors emerge from the compound looking for an Armored Transport Vehicle that can bring them to the barracks. The group agrees for this to be their home base for the remainder of the mission.
9:45pm: The robo-driver of the A.T.V has difficulties understanding the programming language Tane uses and must consult numerous databases before arriving at the desired address.
10:00pm: The group finds the barracks and luckily there is a single containment chamber with 4 sleeping units remaining. Sweat soaks through Dama's clothes as he deposits his Kong$ into the manage-bot. Luckily the containment chamber comes equipped with a heat removal device, as night time temperatures approach upwards of 150 degrees. All extra mass is left secured in the barracks and the group leaves with their instruments.
10:30pm: The group acquires some local currency by handing a piece of plastic and some numbers to a group of men standing along the street. After a few seconds the men return with paper money.
11:00pm: The group locates a defensible location suitable to make a final stand should they need to. The large stone coated area has lots of movement and local organisms moving about. The group produces their music creation devices and begins their presentation. In certain instances, the large organisms would become mesmerized by the audible waves created by the trio and sometimes without warning their bodies would move in synchronization with the rhythms created. After breaking the trance they would sometimes deposit money into the instrument protection device placed in front.
1:30am: Having exhausted their supply of musical arrangements the trio returns to the barracks and secures their instruments.
2:00am-7:30am: Earth-time seems to have warped between these two destinations as recollections of the events that transpired seem inaccurate. Events occurred in various orders, sometimes rewinding and replaying themselves, some events were simultaneous, and often the realities Dama found himself in didn't correspond with what Tane and Samje experienced. Although Nibra was often on the same plane as Dama.
Entering the casinos was a very peculiar experience, often times earth-money would disappear from the quintets wallets without a trace, sometimes it was forcibly removed by the gamesman's tables, and sometimes for fleeting instants it would return to one of them, as if a long lost friend had returned and promised to bring all of the old crew back with them. Dama and Nibra were very careful with their earth money, they resisted the trance and guarded their money carefully. Tane became infatuated with a vid-robot that promised to bring him many earth-dollars. He acquired many and Dama and Nibra were able to break his trance in a caffeine induced mind battle that allowed Tane to emerge with more old friends then he thought he brought along. Samje however, would disappear and reappear, occasionally regaling us with the losses he encountered and was powerless to heed.
The trio flowed from place to place; caffeine, grease, and ethanol powered their engines as they were able to rent specially designed Segways. However, acid rain at dawn hampered plans and the group took solace in a local "Grease, Sugar, 'N Sawdust"
Before their abbreviated sleep, Tane lost his battle and was hypnotized into losing all the earth money he gained, Samje battled furiously, but continued to be beaten into submission and deposited more of his money into the Black-jackoBot. Dama and Nibra spent gingerly but still lost about 25 Hong Kong "Teeners" each, which paled in comparison to the amount the other duo gave away.
Samje and Dama returned to the barracks first, Tane remained hypnotized, and Nibra became lost and had to hire an A.T.V to return him to the barracks.
11:00am: The quartet emerged from their slumber, Dama purchased food and world renowned Egg Tarts, and then caught a Hyperjet Hydro-Plane Ferry back to his home-away from homeland...Wiser from his travels and satisfied that The Lapsap Stringband had one final epic night before going their separate ways across the earth's surface. He hopes will re-reemerge in the not so distant future.
----In the days following shortly after their encounter with Macau, Tane fell ill, followed by Dama, recent reports of Samje falling ill recently have also emerged.... Dama remains in Hong Kong to this day, Tane set flight for Malaysia, Nibra returned to the NorthWest, and Samje is in the Great North East.
Sleep last night
Sleep statistics for 25 - 26 Apr (Mon).Went to bed / woke up: 1:18 AM / 9:16 AM
Total time: 7h 58mAnalysis made by Sleep Cycle.My sleep graph for the entire night:
Total time: 7h 58mAnalysis made by Sleep Cycle.My sleep graph for the entire night:
Sent from my iPhone
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Lapsap Set Finished
10-Deep Elem into Not Fade Away
11-Blackberry Blossom
11-Blackberry Blossom
12-Up Against The Wall Redneck Mother
13-Flint Hill Special
14-Stir It Up
15-Whiskey-O
16-Tom Thumb
17-Wagonwheel
18-Goin' Down South
19-Bend Down Low
20-Hey Ya
21-Foggy Mountain
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Friday, April 16, 2010
Macau Fever... (Part 2)
Now for the stunning conclusion:
6:51pm: A massive blast is heard and the blur of a vehicle slams to an instant halt in the blink of an eye. Dama throws some money towards the captain and the other three jump out and race to enter the airlock and clear security. Dama collects his earth-money change and views the countdown board from the distance. He thinks to himself, "Why is there no time showing?" Has his super sonic journey slowed time? Stopped time? No, that's crazy; it's just that the "Cut-Off" buzzer has already sounded. This name is derived from what happens if any body parts exist between the outside world and the airlock when time is up.
6:53pm: A large group of Slowpokes were entering the airlock chamber. Known for their speed and dexterity this tribe of people often travels aboard the fast vessel bound for the urban jungle. However, the entry guards tend to be very cautious when tendering fare and this can cause vast hold ups. Luckily for the quartet, they were able to hop on the coat tails of this group, literally, as the Slowpoke tribe is known for their vast coat tails. Here is a security photo of the quartet entering the airlock:
6:54pm: The quartet was safely aboard their vessel and entering hyper sleep. Just before nodding off Dama spotted his Janbo next to Samje and released a nervous sigh of relief. He had completely forgotten about it in the chaos when leaving the transport.
7:35pm: The supersonic vessel battles tidal waves and eludes pirate boats as it enters the CCA (Central Containment Area) Dama awakens from his sleep, grabs his janbo, and leaves the terminal. He emerges from the megalith and enters a busy concrete metropolis. Nibra takes off on a quest to acquire something to cover his legs, as this is the generally recognized custom of Macau. Dama, Samje, and Tane head to a special area where Dama's pocket computer can receive specially crafted radio signals. These radio waves tell Dama the earth-location of their destination in the density of Macau.
8:10pm: The trio acquire their tickets from the Hyperjet Hydro-Plane Ferry ticketing robot, then try to contact Nibra through special radio waves emanating from Dama's pocket computer. Nibra is outside the compound unsuccessful in his quest to acquire his leg coverings. He enters the complex, utilizes the motorized stairs, purchases his ticket, and meets with the group. Samje and Tane finished their ethanol bubble water, which just so happens to have a slightly higher percentage of ethanol than 7-up, and entered security clearance.
--------That's all I've got for today, tune in tomorrow for a conclusion, maybe, it all depends on how this sickness is treating me.......
6:51pm: A massive blast is heard and the blur of a vehicle slams to an instant halt in the blink of an eye. Dama throws some money towards the captain and the other three jump out and race to enter the airlock and clear security. Dama collects his earth-money change and views the countdown board from the distance. He thinks to himself, "Why is there no time showing?" Has his super sonic journey slowed time? Stopped time? No, that's crazy; it's just that the "Cut-Off" buzzer has already sounded. This name is derived from what happens if any body parts exist between the outside world and the airlock when time is up.
6:53pm: A large group of Slowpokes were entering the airlock chamber. Known for their speed and dexterity this tribe of people often travels aboard the fast vessel bound for the urban jungle. However, the entry guards tend to be very cautious when tendering fare and this can cause vast hold ups. Luckily for the quartet, they were able to hop on the coat tails of this group, literally, as the Slowpoke tribe is known for their vast coat tails. Here is a security photo of the quartet entering the airlock:6:54pm: The quartet was safely aboard their vessel and entering hyper sleep. Just before nodding off Dama spotted his Janbo next to Samje and released a nervous sigh of relief. He had completely forgotten about it in the chaos when leaving the transport.
7:35pm: The supersonic vessel battles tidal waves and eludes pirate boats as it enters the CCA (Central Containment Area) Dama awakens from his sleep, grabs his janbo, and leaves the terminal. He emerges from the megalith and enters a busy concrete metropolis. Nibra takes off on a quest to acquire something to cover his legs, as this is the generally recognized custom of Macau. Dama, Samje, and Tane head to a special area where Dama's pocket computer can receive specially crafted radio signals. These radio waves tell Dama the earth-location of their destination in the density of Macau.
8:10pm: The trio acquire their tickets from the Hyperjet Hydro-Plane Ferry ticketing robot, then try to contact Nibra through special radio waves emanating from Dama's pocket computer. Nibra is outside the compound unsuccessful in his quest to acquire his leg coverings. He enters the complex, utilizes the motorized stairs, purchases his ticket, and meets with the group. Samje and Tane finished their ethanol bubble water, which just so happens to have a slightly higher percentage of ethanol than 7-up, and entered security clearance.
--------That's all I've got for today, tune in tomorrow for a conclusion, maybe, it all depends on how this sickness is treating me.......
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Macau Fever... (Part 1)
Pretty crazy last few days, I'll try to reconstruct the events that transpired recently (names were changed to protect the innocent) **Some events dramatized**
Monday:
Approx 5pm: Dama meets up with Tane, Samje, and Nibra to acquire food at a nearby establishment; the name of which comes from the large American bird otherwise known as the Kutrey. Tane proceeds to inquire to Dama about possibly going to the most densely populated country in the world. Of which Dama takes careful consideration over his blended yogurt/mango drink and earth-potato grease sticks.
6:10pm: Dama realizes that it would be fun to go back to Macau, a place he spent either fleeting moments under cover of darkness or later, in a rain soaked fog. Dama relays his decision to the group and they take into account their time allotment. Dama knows a fast ferry leaves at 6:50pm and explains that it will produce a more desirable outcome in relation to earth-time if they are present on this vessel when it departs.
6:20pm: It comes to light that the outcome may be unobtainable due to the great distance between the eager group and their special pieces of paper. These papers prove that they are who they are and are actually from where they were born. The feasibility of the 6:50 option heavily depends upon returning to this very location within 30 earth-minutes. Thus, the group is compelled to hire a nearby small blue carriage, knowing from past experiences that these carriages can sometimes approach the sound barrier, much to the distress of their occupants.
6:30pm: The quartet reach their village and scramble to reach their individual residences and acquire their necessary components for international travel as well as their highly glossed wooden noisemakers. Their rocket chariot needs 10 minutes to warm up its afterburners before it can return, thus, the group knows it needs to be prepared for reentry by 6:40. If this occurs,they will be present at the entry gate before the fast boat leaves. Dama takes off to his flat to grab his identity book. Nibra runs to the village washer-woman in hopes of donning a clean pair of trousers, rather than is multi-day old board shorts. Samje and Tane run to acquire their documents and the noisemakers.
6:35pm: Dama sprints to his mansion on the bluff overlooking Pui O, passes three levels of security, and enters his vast abode. He throws off his crocs, imitation Billabong shorts, and "Urban Man" shirt (Dama likes to dress down on occasion). He then dresses in a Ralph Lauren polo shirt and D&G Trousers. Dama still wants to maintain his casual fashion sense, but still give the impression that he's a man of fine taste.
6:38pm: Dama races back to the launchpad, down the hill and across the bridge. He grabs his Nexus 1 cellphone, newly imported from The Union of 50. This one is refered to as "Nexus 3" though, he always buys everything in threes; Nexus 1 and 2 remain carefully locked away. The wonderful device shows a holograph of Samje getting suited up for his supersonic journey back to the place the quartet started their epic journey less than two hours previous...
6:45: Delays with the supersonic fabric coating cause the carriage to depart late and hopes of the four dwindle to nothing as they race "Fi-dee, Fi-dee" towards their destination.
Will the unrelenting quartet arrive at their destination unscathed and on time? Will Dama almost forget his noise making Janbo in the trunk of the supersonic carriage? Does Nibra have pants on?
----These questions answered and more next time in the stunning conclusion of "Macau Fever"----
Monday:
Approx 5pm: Dama meets up with Tane, Samje, and Nibra to acquire food at a nearby establishment; the name of which comes from the large American bird otherwise known as the Kutrey. Tane proceeds to inquire to Dama about possibly going to the most densely populated country in the world. Of which Dama takes careful consideration over his blended yogurt/mango drink and earth-potato grease sticks.
6:10pm: Dama realizes that it would be fun to go back to Macau, a place he spent either fleeting moments under cover of darkness or later, in a rain soaked fog. Dama relays his decision to the group and they take into account their time allotment. Dama knows a fast ferry leaves at 6:50pm and explains that it will produce a more desirable outcome in relation to earth-time if they are present on this vessel when it departs.
6:20pm: It comes to light that the outcome may be unobtainable due to the great distance between the eager group and their special pieces of paper. These papers prove that they are who they are and are actually from where they were born. The feasibility of the 6:50 option heavily depends upon returning to this very location within 30 earth-minutes. Thus, the group is compelled to hire a nearby small blue carriage, knowing from past experiences that these carriages can sometimes approach the sound barrier, much to the distress of their occupants.
6:30pm: The quartet reach their village and scramble to reach their individual residences and acquire their necessary components for international travel as well as their highly glossed wooden noisemakers. Their rocket chariot needs 10 minutes to warm up its afterburners before it can return, thus, the group knows it needs to be prepared for reentry by 6:40. If this occurs,they will be present at the entry gate before the fast boat leaves. Dama takes off to his flat to grab his identity book. Nibra runs to the village washer-woman in hopes of donning a clean pair of trousers, rather than is multi-day old board shorts. Samje and Tane run to acquire their documents and the noisemakers.
6:35pm: Dama sprints to his mansion on the bluff overlooking Pui O, passes three levels of security, and enters his vast abode. He throws off his crocs, imitation Billabong shorts, and "Urban Man" shirt (Dama likes to dress down on occasion). He then dresses in a Ralph Lauren polo shirt and D&G Trousers. Dama still wants to maintain his casual fashion sense, but still give the impression that he's a man of fine taste.
6:38pm: Dama races back to the launchpad, down the hill and across the bridge. He grabs his Nexus 1 cellphone, newly imported from The Union of 50. This one is refered to as "Nexus 3" though, he always buys everything in threes; Nexus 1 and 2 remain carefully locked away. The wonderful device shows a holograph of Samje getting suited up for his supersonic journey back to the place the quartet started their epic journey less than two hours previous...
6:45: Delays with the supersonic fabric coating cause the carriage to depart late and hopes of the four dwindle to nothing as they race "Fi-dee, Fi-dee" towards their destination.
Will the unrelenting quartet arrive at their destination unscathed and on time? Will Dama almost forget his noise making Janbo in the trunk of the supersonic carriage? Does Nibra have pants on?
----These questions answered and more next time in the stunning conclusion of "Macau Fever"----
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
I'ma goin' home
Booked my ticket back to the US today. I'll be arriving in Burlington at 10:06pm on May 7th, so that's about 30 days from now.
Katy and I just got back from a nice, but rainy camping trip to a place called Tai Long Wan on Lantau Island, not the other one in Sai Kung or the other one on Hong Kong Island.
I had a great Easter with Katy's family last weekend, I stay over in Ma On Shan Saturday night, then went to church service Sunday and hid Easter eggs for the kids. After we went to lunch and then saw How to Train Your Dragon. Then I caught the bus back to Lantau and met up with James and Nate and we took off to Central and then over to Lamma Island to the place we played music at last year. We took the last ferry back at 11:30
Monday we went back to Lamma to play at the same place again, it was pretty great both nights, i'll upload some pictures soon.
Tomorrow I'm going into the city to pay for my ticket since I booked it through a travel agent, deposit money, bring my iPod in, and swing by a music store for strings.
Katy and I just got back from a nice, but rainy camping trip to a place called Tai Long Wan on Lantau Island, not the other one in Sai Kung or the other one on Hong Kong Island.
I had a great Easter with Katy's family last weekend, I stay over in Ma On Shan Saturday night, then went to church service Sunday and hid Easter eggs for the kids. After we went to lunch and then saw How to Train Your Dragon. Then I caught the bus back to Lantau and met up with James and Nate and we took off to Central and then over to Lamma Island to the place we played music at last year. We took the last ferry back at 11:30
Monday we went back to Lamma to play at the same place again, it was pretty great both nights, i'll upload some pictures soon.
Tomorrow I'm going into the city to pay for my ticket since I booked it through a travel agent, deposit money, bring my iPod in, and swing by a music store for strings.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
The big list of Hong Kong peculiarities...
This list has actually been in the works since last December and even before. I've never just went ahead and published it, but reading through it now it's pretty good. It's not finished, but maybe in another 3 months I will have finished the second half, anyway enjoy!
This started off being a list of what I liked about Hong Kong and has evolved into something else, including random observations, things I dislike, and things that I find interesting/funny being a Westerner/Gweilo in Hong Kong
Supersize the amount of bags you give me!
Want a coffee for takeaway (to go)? You're getting it in a bag. Want a milk shake or chocolate (hot fudge) sundae? Here's your mini bag to out it in! It's weird they do this since they started charging ~.07 cents for bags at grocery stores back in July in order to become more Eco friendly.
1/12/09
One is December 1st, 2009 and the other is January 12th, 2009. Don't ask me which is which my brain doesn't know what to write. I try to make it look like both when I write them...
This started off being a list of what I liked about Hong Kong and has evolved into something else, including random observations, things I dislike, and things that I find interesting/funny being a Westerner/Gweilo in Hong Kong
- Bus seating
This is probably the same everywhere in the U.S. I'm just a country boy and I don't really ride any public transportation in New York, but it's funny here when riding on packed buses, everyone just sits on the aisle seats and doesn't push in unless you ask no matter how full the bus is
- Mcdonalds bagging
Supersize the amount of bags you give me!
Want a coffee for takeaway (to go)? You're getting it in a bag. Want a milk shake or chocolate (hot fudge) sundae? Here's your mini bag to out it in! It's weird they do this since they started charging ~.07 cents for bags at grocery stores back in July in order to become more Eco friendly.
- Picking up after yourself
- Left side of the road...
- Day/Month/Year? or Month/Day/Year? I don't even know anymore.
1/12/09
One is December 1st, 2009 and the other is January 12th, 2009. Don't ask me which is which my brain doesn't know what to write. I try to make it look like both when I write them...
- 1950s glasses...
- Pccw everywhere!
- "Brown sugar"
- Mindless jibber jabber
- Cheap non marked up computer parts...
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