ReidaBlog

After work last summer I had a few weeks before school started and {surprise} decided to spend it on vacation in China. I had talked to Miriam and Astrid about spending a couple of days in Beijing and then flying down to Yunnan for a month or so. Nice plan but it quickly fell apart. Astrid bailed (slacker…you owe me a trip) and Miriam and I decided we’d rather hang out and party with friends.

What followed was a great two week vacation as documented by pictures from other people’s cameras.

“How you doing?”

Spent about half the time at Rickshaw and the other half at the tables outside Kai. In addition to all the new people I got a chance to hang out with some old favorites. I met up with Florian and Ralph a couple of times and hung out with my Ann Arbor roommate Bo, his girlfriend, and their friends for a night. I walked into Rickshaw one night and ran into Jeremy who is now working as an internal investment banker at Lenovo. Another time I was sitting outside Fish Nation with the gang and was getting the ‘eye’ from someone who looked really familiar - Rani my old Beijing roommate!

One of my favorite old favorites

Miriam stares down Nina

Interlude: Found out on facebook that Elena was visiting SA so put her in touch with Oliver.

Elena and Oliver at Moya (Zulu/Moroccan fusion food - yummy)

In another unrelated story: Allan and Rob were visiting NYC for a couple days and got a chance to meet them for dinner.

Cheshire Technology - OG style

End Interlude

Most days I would get up and meet Miriam for lunch. Then right to Bodi for a massage. Go with Miriam to buy nuts for Astrid (apparently if you keep her hopped up on peanuts everything stays copacetic). Finishing up with a nap until beer time.

Afternoons in Beijing

One night at Rickshaw Miriam ran into these American guys passing through Beijing. She innocently suggested that they buy a bunch of shots and then proceeds to drink them under the table.

Young Americans in trouble - and they don’t even know it.

Miriam, Hans, me, and Nina at the new bar opposite Kai.

Showing off those posing skills.

My first night back in town. I’m happy.

One night went with Miriam and Nina to check out the new Nanjie:

Yep…it’s Nanjie

Austrian tour guide.

In Beijing to “study” - I know how that works.

I noticed going through the pictures that Nina has some great cigarette poses:

Giving me the eye

Looking like a 40’s movie star

Nina and Ricky at his goodbye lunch

Look, nuts!

Paul my roommate from South Africa was in Beijing for one night, we had a good time.

He’s in this picture.

And finally since I know she loves it when I post these:

“Sorry Roger you tiger now”

That’s it for now but I’ll be landing in Beijing in 28 days.

I spent last summer working at my dream job in New York City. The last time I lived in NYC (1999) I didn’t have a great time. This summer was different. I really enjoyed myself and collected a few entertaining photos as a bonus.

I was working in midtown Manhattan but living in Astoria, which is a pretty unique place. According to the internet, Astoria is the most diverse (based on national origin) city in the US. As a result you can find little bits of culture from all around the world. For example, I was able to purchase pirated DVDs on the street from a very nice Chinese lady(legal disclaimer: note I said I was able to purchase not DID purchase - besides with the combination of fast internet access and Bit Torrent who pays for this stuff). When I asked her if the quality was good using my seriously degraded mandarin skills she told me know and showed me the much better copy I should buy instead. Education pays off again.

Mary had a little lamb…Butcher shop window near my apartment. Not just China with disturbing food.

I also meant to get a picture of a sign from the laundromat across the street from my apartment. I forgot but can share the content with you:
“Laundry Service: 0.70/pound or 0.75/pound with free pickup and delivery”

Having gone to undergrad in upstate New York it is not surprising that a lot of my classmates settled in NYC. Over the summer I got a chance to catch up with a few good friends I hadn’t seen in years. I met up with Pikula a couple of times - who lives above the actor who plays ‘PC’ in the PC/Mac commercials. I also saw Berger a few times. One of which was to see the Brooklyn Cyclones play the Staten Island Yankees. Terrible teams, great stadium.

Berger, his brother and Liberty on the ferry coming back from the game.

Besides having good friends, I also have family near NY and got a chance to visit my Grandfather which was nice.

Grandpa, Jim, and I

Since I was living in the city and not really on a vacation I normally didn’t have my camera with me but did take it when I went to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). I enjoy art but if you can’t laugh at modern art there is something wrong. So instead of signs I present: Funny Art.

In the main hall there is an exhibit of what looks like little doodles on the main wall.

My favorite

I’m not normally one of those people who says, “That’s art? I could do that.” Just kidding, of course I am. Case in point.

Can’t wait to see the search strings for the blog now that I’ve posted a penis picture.

Classic modern art.

Inspired by the previous work.

Now for the best piece in the museum:

Not impressed? Well here is the label that goes with it.