Illume

This past Sunday, Kate and I checked out Red Bull's traveling art exhibit, Illume. According to Red Bull's website, Illume:

...is the first-ever international photography competition that celebrates the world of action and adventure sports. The spirit, the grit, the edgy perfection - that's what we're here to honor. The top 50 finalists will get their work exhibited in bigger-than-life outdoor venues across the globe, providing the most dramatic compilation of action and adventure sports images ever assembled.

Installed on the Stone Arch Bridge, the giant back-lit cubes illuminated the photographs and the awe-inspired people walking around them. The bonus touch to the night was The Gotan Project playing in the background...all good stuff.

Toby from HR

One final highlight from my quick trip to NYC -- as we waited for a taxi this morning outside our hotel, I turned around and saw Toby (Paul Lieberstein) from NBC's The Office standing behind me, patiently waiting for a ride as well. I did a double/triple take, and I think he noticed -- he had a little smirk on his face when I turned to look at him for the 3rd time, and from reading 2 seconds of body language, I determined that he seemed like a nice, normal guy.

Running from the Ritz

The Ritz is awesome. I think I can easily say that my room had the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in (minus the surprisingly dream-like beds that rest above the Essen Haus in Madison, WI). Despite the luxury, I woke up early this morning to get outside for a run.

I started out across the street and ran through Battery Park, passing a line of tourists waiting to purchase their ferry tickets to visit the Statue of Liberty, then headed up along the well-manicured park that hugs the Hudson River. Surrounded by other morning runners, dog walkers, and Wall Street pit workers smoking their morning's final cigarettes, I couldn't help but feel the energy of the city and wondered what life would be like in Manhattan.

Back at the hotel, a "For our morning runners" sign rested on the entryway table and was stocked full of chilled Vitamin Water and towels. Small perk, but much appreciated and thoughtful. I guess it's that attention to detail that sets the Ritz apart from the competition.

No Sleep Till....Brooklynnnnnnn!

Heading to NYC tomorrow for a quick business trip. Wish it were next to a free weekend so I could explore, as I don't make it out there nearly enough.

I don't know my neighborhoods too well, but I do know I'll have the pleasure of staying at The Ritz and spending my time in Chelsea Market. Hopefully I'll get out for some drinks at night and a run in the morning...it's supposed to be a hot one.

Slacker

As you may (or may not) have noticed, I've been slacking lately on the dot com.

I'm pretty sure I should blame it on summer -- spending time outdoors late into the night, road trips (Badlands and Black Hills!), gardening, summer sports...you get the idea.

So in the meantime, while I continue to slack, why don't you check out my friends' blogs listed to the right, or the newest blogs that I've been too lazy to add:

My friend Kris bought an AmTrak rail pass and took off for the summer.

My friend Katie found a nanny job in Turkey and is living the dream.

Don't Reduce. Refuse

I wrote a blog post about a year ago explaining how you could opt out of receiving pre-approved credit card offers in the mail. This very same topic came up the other day, and I realized for the first time that the opt-out worked beautifully. Not only does it keep junk out of my mailbox, but it reduces waste too.

Check it out.

47th and Where?

I've lived in Minneapolis for over 3 years, and I realized today that I don't know this city at all. Kate was nice enough to give me a biking tour of south Minneapolis, and brought us to the little neighborhood pocket of 47th St and Chicago Ave for some amazing ice cream at Pumphouse Creamery.

If you haven't been, go. Now. It's that good. Now the only problem is figuring out which restaurant in that neighborhood to visit next: Cafe Levain? Pizza Biga? Ba Gu?

Adele

I saw Adele perform at the Theatre de la Jeune Lune (my new fav theatre in the minne) last night. For a 20 year old, her voice has amazing depth and personality. Think Amy Winehouse with neither the craziness nor drugs. It's the sort of voice that makes older men reminisce about their teenage years, and young girls giddy about the cute boy sitting next to them.

In other words, definitely check her out. (and don't forget to check out her MPR in-studio performance, which should be updated soon)

Yes, Another Quote

I apologize for my lack of posts lately. Perhaps I'll post more once I get an iPhone?

I liked this:

Advertising is a tax for having an unremarkable product

- Robert Stephens, Geek Squad

Far From Home Never Felt So Close

Unless you've been living under a rock (or perhaps an affluent suburb in the U.S. and don't pay attention to "news" outside of MTV), you've for sure heard of the earthquake that hit Chengdu, China recently.

This natural disaster struck just days after a cyclone ripped through Myanmar. The big difference between these two tragedies for me, as much as I hate to admit it, is the fact that I care a whole lot more about the tragedy affecting China.

It was eye opening to realize this -- and it was immediately apparent to me -- I care more simply because I have been to China and can easily find Chengdu on a map. We met people that were traveling there. And what's more, and please correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe my sister actually got routed through Chengdu on her way to Beijing.

I think realizing this is a good lesson for me (and for everyone in this world). It's good to travel. It's good to interact with other cultures. It's good to step outside your backyard and shake hands with someone that speaks a different language. It's not only fun, but it creates more empathy in this world, and I'm pretty sure that's one thing we don't have enough of.

Happiness

This is simply too fun

Quote o' the Day

Cinco de Mayo? No, I don't like Italian.

Marketing where you least expect it. Genius.

I went to a Dunn Brothers coffee shop the other day to take a break and catch up on some email. When I pulled up my available wireless networks, I was greeted by a very effective use of free advertising.

I've got to give them credit. Not only was this mysterious "Asian Takeout" smart enough to realize that their neighbor (the coffee shop) would be full of laptop-carrying java junkies. But they had the forethought to 1) advertise in an extremely unconventional spot, and 2) have the goodwill to offer up free wifi as well. I don't know about you, but I've got the munchies.

Nothing Fake about Fakebook

This past Saturday night I volunteered for The Current's Fakebook series at The Fitzgerald, featuring Chuck D from Public Enemy, Slug from Atmosphere, and Brother Ali.

Brother Ali opened up the night with his energy-filled hit song Truth Is and got the crowd moving. After a few more songs, he walked off stage and was replaced by Mary Lucia and Chuck D. Mary interviewed Chuck D for about 45 minutes about music, politics, and just about anything. Brother Ali and Slug both performed a few more times, and then Mary wrapped up the session with both Chuck D and Slug together.

If you're not familiar with these guys, this probably doesn't mean much. But to see one of the most influential hip hop artists in history (Chuck D) with some of the area's best local music talent in an informal setting was awesome to say the least -- and the fact that MPR sponsors these events makes them that much cooler.

Art is a Gift

Make yours here.

Northwest is Now Delta* ???

I had heard the rumblings about Northwest Airlines and Delata merging, but for some reason I didn't think it would go through. That is, until I received this email tonight:

As a valued Northwest Airlines customer and WorldPerks^® member, I wanted you to be among the first to hear that we have announced a merger with Delta Air Lines. Subject to regulatory review, our two airlines are joining forces to create America’s premier global airline which, upon closing of the merger, will be called Delta Air Lines.

By combining Northwest and Delta, we are building a stronger, more resilient airline that will be a leader in providing customer service and value. Our combined airline will offer unprecedented access to the world, enabling you to fly to more destinations, have more flight choices and more ways than ever to earn and redeem your WorldPerks miles.

They forgot to add the most notable highlight of the merger to their list: more ways to screw Minnesotans over thanks to even less competition.

China, Our Travels

Most Americans, myself included, are not up to par on Chinese geography. Heck, most Americans would fail a 50 state test. So that's why I've put together a Google Map (have I mentioned before how much I love Google?) of our trip, and highlighted the various modes of transportation in different colors.

And speaking of modes of transportation, they were as diverse as the scenery. We traveled by:

• Airplane
• Train
• Bus
• Mini bus
• Subway
• Taxi
• Boat
• Personal car (it was a new Fiat)
• Bicycle
• Pseudo bicycle rickshaw
• Foot
• Zipline
  

Our path of travel, as it may not be apparent on the map:

• Flew into Beijing
• Overnight train to Xi'an
• Flight to Guilin
• Boat to Yangshuo
• Bus back to Guilin
• Flight back to Beijing
  

View Larger Map

China, The People

Mountains can be beautiful, lakes serene, and bustling cities energizing, but it seems time and time again that no matter where you travel, or what you encounter, it's the people that make the trip (and life) memorable.

So it shouldn't be surprising that the people we met throughout our trip fill a large portion of my memory. I'm going to continue with the list theme and bring you, in no particular order, the people that left the greatest mark:

• My sis -- Not too many people can travel with a sibling for 2 weeks straight. I think it's pretty cool.
• Xian, my sister's friend -- Xian was our official Chinese Lifestyle Consultant, Food Connoisseur, Tour Guide, and Translator. Our trip was a vacation when she was around. She walked, I followed. She ordered food, I ate. She hailed a cab, I got in. It was so easy and fun. Thanks sooo much Xian! (not that you'll see this, since China blocks Blogger, but maybe my sister can tell you about this post!)
  
• Master Director Wei -- He ran the Yangshuo Culture House, taught Jen and I Chinese calligraphy, brush painting, and taichi. He personally met us in town and got us a driver to his house. He hooked us up with 2nd row tickets to the most popular show in town. His mom(?) cooked us the most amazing meals. He's making a difference for all the lucky travelers that knock on his door.
• Chinese tourists -- What's with the peace sign anyway?
• Chinese people that like to photograph white people -- Jen and I couldn't figure it out. Over and over again, people would come up and pose with us as their friend took a photo with their cameraphone. Or, they would try to be sneaky about it and snap our photo in a semi-covert fashion.
• Chinese babies -- my friend Diana's said it before, and now I believe her. Chinese babies just might be the cutest babies out there. I'm guessing it's the adorable round faces and chubby cheeks. And speaking of chubby cheeks, all toddlers still undergoing potty training would wear these little pants with a crack down the backside, so their butts would be hanging out. It was so rediculously funny and cute -- definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
• Trinket / Beverage Sellers -- You can't go to any tourist location in China without getting attacked by a gaggle of trinket and/or beverage sellers. Who knew I could get a beer on The Great Wall?
• Old man with tangerines -- We were hiking past him and for no reason but his pure goodwill he shared his bag of fresh tangerines with us
• Seven Stars Park Cave Guide -- Our tour guide was super nice, peppy, spoke English very well, and always made a point to make sure Jen and I saw and understood everything. Why can't all tour guides be this way?
• Shady McShadester -- To the man that sold us Oreos but switched them out with bad imitation knock-offs: you suck.
• Tibetan man on the bus -- He asked our friend Xian, "Are they 'Hello'?"
  
• The Italian Couple -- If it wasn't for an Italian mother and son, Jen and I might still be stuck 20 miles outside Xi'an at the most overrated and random tourist trap on the map. We thought we'd see one more sight on the way to the Xi'an airport. Little did we know that once there, we were stuck. Can we get to the airport from here? No. Could they call a taxi for us? No. However, the local shop owner would drive us to the airport for very small fee of 100 rmb. That's not a lot of money ($14), but it was the principe -- he was ripping us off big time and he and everyone around us trying to "help" knew it. Enter the Italian mother and son duo on a personal guided tour through China. Not only were they going to the airport, but they were on our same flight. Could we offer them any money to pay for the ride? It was out of the question. Grazie mille.
• Other world travelers -- whether it was the fun couple that joined us for taichi, or the couple from Alaska that shared a Yak cheese pizza with us, or the Australian couple that we ran into unexpectedly in two different cities, or the South African couple on The Great Wall tour that told me of their wonderous year-long around the world trip, traveling throws you into the midst of amazing, diverse, like-minded, interesting, fun, and nice people. It gives me hope.
  

China, The Food (Young Joe, Chow Fat)

I have to admit, I was a little nervous about what type of food I would find in China. How would I order? Do they eat dog, or is that just a stereotype? Would I be presented a plate full of squishy things with tentacles? Raw things? Pigeon? Donkey? Would I hang my head and succumb to Mickey D's? Could I last 2 weeks on Snickers and beer?

All my worry was for naught. The food was spectacular. I'm starting to realize there's a reason why people in different parts of the world eat different foods -- because they know something we don't, and that something tastes good.

A few highlights:

• Hot Pot -- Think Chinese fondue, but with water instead of oil. Take loads of thinly sliced lamb, fresh greens, mushrooms, ginger, dough, potatoes, fish balls, noodles, and tofu and cook them together in a pot of simmering water in the middle of your table. Add beer, friends, and dipping sauces, and you're guaranteed a good meal.
• Peking Duck -- We were honored to eat duck number 1,150,325,487, and we have the certificate to prove it. Since 1864, Quanjude has been serving its famous Peking (roast) duck. Order your duck, and they wheel out a silver cart and carve it for you on the spot. Duck breast, skin with fat, and head are all presented. Take a few sprigs of spring onion, dip the duck in a dark, thick, amazingly tasty sauce, and wrap it in a small rice-based tortilla. Mmm, mmm good. Bonus entertainment comes when they fill up your tea pot. Instead of a basic pour, it's more a perfectly arched jet of water.
• Street Food -- From sweet sticky rice treats to skewered lamb kabobs rolled in cumin and rosemary, you could find just about everything from a street vendor.
  
• Dumplings -- How can you go wrong? Mash up a bunch of pork, beef, tofu, shrimp, or your favorite choice of protein, add some vegetables, and wrap them in a bun and steam or pan fry to your liking. Yum.
• Donkey Pancakes -- Braised donkey in a pita pocket. Who knew?
• Red Bean This, Red Bean That -- I don't know if red beans are naturally sweet, or the Chinese just picked them to use in pastries and artificially sweeten them. But honestly, I don't really care. From red bean lattes to red bean scones, we were pleased.
  
• Home Cooked Goodness -- We were fortunate enough to stay at the Culture House in Yangshuo, home of Master Director Wei. And let me tell you, he deserves every bit of the title "Master Director". At night we sat down at a large dining table with the 8 or so other travelers staying in the same house. An older woman (perhaps Wei's mother?) would bring out heaping dish after dish until the lazy susan in the middle of the table couldn't hold anymore. The food was by far the best we had the enitre trip. Since we were in the south, the ingredients were fresh. The sauces were perfect. Jen fell in love with the dumplings. I obsessed over the stuffed peppers and ginger pork. I would go back to China simply to learn the cook's secrets. You think I'm kidding.

China, The Highlight Reel

Shortly after our trip started, Jen and I decided to keep a list of highlights and anti-highlights (memorable moments, but not in a good way).

A number of these probably won't make sense unless you've been to China or were on our trip, so feel free to ask if you'd like further explanation... (and many of these will link to photos once I have them uploaded, so you'll have to check back later)

Highlights

• Flight to China and getting bumped to business class for no apparent reason
• Personal tour guide / lifestyle consultant / food orderer: Xian
  
• Water show at Grand Goose Pagoda
• Hot Pot
• Pot Stickers
• Grandma's cookies
• Buying Chinese Rolex
• Red Lantern Hostel
• Seven Sages Hostel
• Sweet Sticky Rice
• Chinese babies' butts
• Old man Mao outfits and glasses
• Forbidden City
• The Italian couple
• Western breakfast
• Western toilets
• Eastern clean
• Terracotta Warriors
  
• "Are they 'Hello'?"
• Megaphones
• Guilin Seven Stars Park: tour guide, peacock photo, man with free tangerines, Bill Clinton podium, ink blown painting, golden rat, temple(s)
• Guilin Backpackers Inn
  
• Yangshuo
• Biking in countryside outside of Yangshuo
• Not getting followed up Half Moon trail by old ladies selling water and coke
• Master Director Wei and his Culture House
• Chinese Calligraphy, brush painting, and taichi lessons from Master Wei
• Fresh banana and lemon yogurt smoothies
• Home cooked Culture House food
• Impressions Liu Sanjie light show, with door-to-door service and 2nd row seat while paying less than face value of ticket
• Yak meat, Yak cheese pizza, Yak cafe
• The Great Wall
• Ziplining down from The Great Wall
  
• Donkey Pancakes
• Peking Duck
• Jasmine tea
• Full body and foot massage
• The Summer Palace
• Wu-Mart
• Dried Fish
• Red bean latte, scone, and pastries
• Signs written with poor English grammar
  

Anti-Highlights

• Fake Oreo switcharoo
• Deer Park
• Last-minute flight booking
• Counterfeit 100 yuan bill
• Chinese Rolex breaking. Twice.
• Pearl Market aggressiveness
• Dried persimmons
• Flight delay and cancellation
  
• Mr. Bond coffee
• The bus ride to The Great Wall
  
• Flight back home in economy where nothing worked (no movie, no dimming of lights, lack of food selection)
• Being hassled everywhere to buy cheap crap