Tranquility

It's quite peaceful here.

I get up, I walk, I eat, I chat, I potter, I find mad choons, and I go to bed.

Today I posted the Jeep on Craigslist, you can see the ad here.

Weirdly I'm a little stressed about the next few weeks, although I don't see why I should be.

Anyway.

Back to deepness.

Sold!

In my sweaty palms are $500, being a deposit for the Turd!

Even better, is that I don't have to drive it back to SFO after Burning Man - the purchasers live in/near Sacramento!

Awesome. That's a big weight off my shoulders.

Off to the supermarchet for some celebratory drinks ;)

Jesús es el Señor

I believe this means "Jesus Is Lord" in Spanish. It's painted on a church that you can see on the BART to and from downtown. I thought it was funny. Personally I'm convinced that TLB is "el Señor" but hey...

Never mind, I had to write it down before I forgot. Simple things amuse this simple mind.

Yesterday was a quiet day, more chatting on the innernet, and I put a whole bunch more of our stuff into storage. A lady rang enquiring about the turd and even mentioned the magic words - downpayment! Yee-HAR!

Apparently the lil' downturn in the US economy has kinda hurt builders and such (something about sub-prime mortgages I hear? :-)) so to save their business they're selling their house and hoping to move into an RV - that's right kids, the Turd is DEFINITELY the one for you!!

They're comin' down from Sacramento today at 5pm to take a look. Hopefully I'll have some good news later.

Today I headed into downtown to pick up my new suits. Even if I do say so myself, I look rather good in em. Must be the extra room at the front...

Annoyingly the power was out in the mall, so I didn't get a chance to check out any shirt (well I decided not too, kinda pointless shopping in the dark).

Man the turd is super clean again - I even got one of those plug-in air freshener doodads to make it smell nice. Dunno why we didn't think of that in Whistown. Ahh fresh scent, and chinese tea. Bliss.

So on the tiny turntables today a couple of bewdies for you...

Carl Craig - Sessions: Daniel's been bugging me for a while to listen to this, and I finally got around to is yesterday, and I'm glad I did. What can I really say... I mean it's Carl Craig, one of the Dee-troit masters at his finest. Listen to this one, you won't be sorry.

Aril Brikha - Ex Machina: Staying with the Detroit-y vibe.. I've been a fan of Mr. Brikha since I had one of his early releases on Transmat (Derrick May's label) many years ago (I'm never buying vinyl again by the way, every SINGLE record I have ever own has been lost or stolen....) and this laid back synthy record evokes memories of a chilled out Vegas Soul. Great tunes for sitting in the sun with friends, enjoying a lazy morning, or closin' out yer giant warehouse set...! Hands up kids!

Robert Dietz - Jaszu EP: Taking down several notches into the basement is a cool record by this guy I have never heard of. Doesn't seem like he's released much, but if this is the shape of things to come it might be worth keeping and eye on him. My faves, tracks 1 and 4. In general, this is a deep techy number with a great rolling feeling to it. Be warned... not for the shirts off brigade at all!

A few more bits and pieces coming down right now, so more annoying music bullshit to annoy you later!

Mel - buh - rne

So I'm back. My flight was super nice and relaxing. Business class was pretty empty and I actually got a decent sleep. The in house movie selection was poor but I got home without an exploding fuselage which is good.

I noticed funny things like new roads, cleaner air and smaller looking stores at first. Then expensive groceries and my personal favourite 'peak hour' which was fun. My family have been busy planning things for me to do and there's always someone to see which is sweet, although I must admit I have found things somewhat overwhelming at times. After traveling with just Leigh it's strange to divide your attention amongst so many things and already feel anxious that there's not enough time in a day. I hope that feeling fades as I re-adjust to being back.

But for the time being, I feel neither here nor there. I sit here physically but my heart and head aren't co-operating. I think, I miss, I wait.

Terry Lee Brown Junior - Terry's Cafe 11

It's rare that I post twice in one day (but let's face it I have plenty of time on my hands right now).

I've stumbled on a couple of websites which seem to have superb collections of new deep/tech/house tunes - an absolute BOON kiddies I tell you.

I was delighted to see that whilst I've been away, Mr Normal Feller (also known as the legendary Terry Lee Brown Junior) has been very busy.

If there was ever any doubt as to the master's ability, Terry's Cafe 11 is an absolute affirmation. Terry demonstrates that he is still a god of tech-house, whether on the decks or in the studio.

It's that freaking good, I'm listening to it for the second time and nearly jumping out of my skin.

Opening with a little techy burbler Terry sets the stage for a rumbling, chord-o-matic ride through everything I love about the his (and the Plastic City) sound.

I note that he has another album, "Softpack" that was released this year which surely must be on the download list shortly.

All I have to say about Terry's Cafe 10, is that I will be delighted to know how Sacred Cycles, by Pete Lazonby and a little Maurizio fit together.......

That is all for today. It's 22:30 and I'm thinking about bed!

Two Sides of a Coin

People are funny.

Yesterday, in the spot next to us there were two old ladies. Somehow they'd managed to break their rooftop satellite dish off, and asked if I could get up on the roof and have a look at it.

They'd gone a great job of ripping the dish right out of the roof and it was hanging by the wires that went inside. A quick snip and some Glad Wrap over the holes, and she'll be right mate.
I got $10 for my troubles which was fine. The first money I have earned since leaving Whistler!

It's funny how people are willing to ask for help, despite getting someone to remove our hose from their outlet before asking. Hmm. Sure it's their right to use their own water outlet, but I'm reasonably sure an extra 30 seconds wouldn't have hurt.

This morning some fat old whities in their giant expensive RV were backing into the spot on the other side. Remembering that I'd left the grill very close to the edge of our space, I rushed out and offered to move it.

When I came inside I noticed I had a missed call on my phone. On ringing the voicemail I discovered it was the campground - ringing to tell me that the new neighbours had complained that I had left "items in their spot and they couldn't back in" and that "if I didn't remove them immediately I would be charged for using two spots".

Amazing. Also given they were NEARLY BACKED IN when I moved the grill.

As I said, people are funny. Mind you it hasn't stopped them moving the 44 gallon drum that serves as a bin in front of the Turd so they can park their car though...

This morning I started some cardio work. A few intervals and such. Whilst I'm definately unfit, it's not quite as bad as I thought. At least I'm writing this from my palatial studio in the Turd, and not the emergency room.

Tonight in the kitchens of the Turd I will be making Tandoori Chicken and Vindaloo. Mm.

A little boredom kicked off a search for "Terry Lee Brown Jnr" - whilst we've been away he's been hard at work bless him - Terry's Cafe 11 so far is a ripping listen.

/out.

Bison Extravaganza, Chungs, Messy Kat, Farewell

Right then, here I am, flying solo in the Turd. Jolly good. It’s very quiet in here, but I’m pleased to report that it’s still brown.

First up, it’s BISON EXRAVAGANZA!!!

Well the first set are from the beginning of our tenure at Yosemite, and feature a showcase of grazing bison. Mmm those yellow flowers look SOOO tasty n’est pas??

It’s amazing to think that in the mid-19th century there were probably more than 60 million bison on the plains of the USA. Sadly they were hunted nearly to extinction for their skins, and to deprive the American Indians of a food source. Even though it’s more than a hundred years ago now, it’s scary to think that Americans were basically pursuing a policy of obliterating the indigenous people here. Still, I guess we can’t talk given our track record with our indigenous Australian brothers and sisters.

It’s also amazing that despite their vast size, bison are vegetarians. Who said you can’t grow up big and strong without eating meat. Apparently they’re rather dangerous – despite their size and apparent docility, more than 50 stupid tourists are injured each year at Yellowstone by bison. Good on them I say, we witnessed people behaving like absolute idiots around them.

Next up the bison from the morning of our departure from Yellowstone. They really decided to put on a bit of a show for us – there were small herds of them everywhere.

Next up the bison from the morning of our departure from Yellowstone. They really decided to put on a bit of a show for us – there were small herds of them everywhere.

As you can see in this picture, bison can swim….

They can also walk down the road as well. I’m afraid these were shot from the drivers seat in the Turd, so no National Geographic candidates here!

I have no idea how you tell the males and the females apart, aside from the obvious…. but you go under there and check, I’ll wait here.

Chungs and Messy Kat
While we were at Yosemite we ran out of food, but were lucky enough to find a brand of egg rolls (commonly known as a “spring roll” in Australiaville) manufactured by the legend himself.

Surprisingly even though they’re made from “white meat chicken” (whatever the hell that is) they were quite tasty…. even “Chung’s Famous Sweet & Sour Sauce” was pretty nice.

Mmm… deep fried goodness. For some reason Kat was having a little difficulty putting the beer in her mouth… Shame!!

I think you’ll agree with me that this is a superb look.

Farewell
Well I haven’t been posting much, as we’ve been busy basking in our last week together – Pleasanton is LOVELY (although it’s so white… the only ethnics are the ones mowing the lawns….) and San Francisco is a great place. Super relaxing.

It was weird to think that after 12 months trying to kill each other living together in a small brown box, we suddenly would be apart. Even I, with my cold robot interior, shed a few tears. Several in fact. Although that was just from the air conditioning.

Kat had her last breakfast in the Turd…

…and bid a sad farewell to our trusty travelling companions.

I think the Jeep was a big distraught, as it refused to start a couple of times after Kat left.

Then it was off to SFO. Took me freaking ages to get home, and the BART had a few crazies on it – even though it was peak our – in contrast to Melbourne, where you only get crazies during non-peak hours.

The Turd was very empty when I got home. So I cracked open some vino. That helped.

That fool David sent me an e-mail today saying…

“Hi Leigh, Is there an update on what's going on with you and my things from the motorhome?”

I swear we must live on different planets, since when we last spoke I asked him to send me a list of what he wanted…. which I have not received.

Today I helped a little old lady from next door remove and retrieve her broken satellite dish from the top of her gigantic RV. I'm such a good bloke. She gave me $10 as well.

Tomorrow I will start a little cardio training to get myself buff for Burning Man. Last thing I want is to be walking around fat, and naked.

Oh, for those in Melbourne, Princess Katherine has arrived – you may book appointments with her on the usual number.

PS - Happy Birthday to Knox whose encouragement today spurred me on to actually make a post!

Counting Down.....

Wow, I can't believe it's over... Well for me anyway. My bags are packed and in a few minutes we'll be heading to San Francisco Airport. After a quick flight to LA International, I have a not so quick stop over and then I'll be boarding Qantas Flight 94 Business Class to Melbourne.

I'm feeling pretty sad right now. Partly because I'm unsure about what it will be like being home but mostly because I'm leaving behind Leigh. It's just strange and I don't like it at all.

Babe, I miss you already and I'll be thinking of you until I see you back home. Be safe and have fun. Make sure nothing bad happens and come back. I love you, so much.

Daniel, look after him please :-)

Later, Kat

Tales from the Orient

On our second day in the city we did something very civilized and went to check out the San Fran Asian Art Museum, allegedly one of the largest collections of Asian Art in the world. And it didn’t fail to impress.

 

The third floor showcased a huge collection of Buddhist and Hindu artifacts. 

This is one of many incarnations of a Buddha, just chilling, happily.

This is a Deity, perhaps a dancing Parvati… The second wife of Shiva. At this point it had taken us an hour to go through only one of three floors so we had to take a break and head to the 'Tastes of Asia' Cafe for lunch before resuming our tour.

The artifacts, although mostly religious were exquisite. You instantly got a sense of someone’s life work going into creating these offerings.

This work of a bronze Deity is Thai.

I’m not sure where this piece is from… The collection covers art and history from South East Asia, China, India, The Himalayas, Thailand, Cambodia, Japan, Korea and Persia.

This is from China.

The Buddha Shakyamuni which dates back to 1900–1950. It’s also from China made of Nephrite.

These warriors are Japanese. They are each standing atop demons they have defeated.

I liked this piece, she reminds me a little of an Oompa Loompa. Scary little things. She is in fact a Japanese warrior, and probably a man.. Dating back to 500 AD.

Another seated Buddha.

I think this is a Korean Buddha.

This is unmistakably Japanese, however I forget what it ‘is’…  The facial expression is awesome.

Lastly another Japanese piece, a painting on silk screen of Samurai Warriors glaring at oneanother. Very cool. The last exhibit in the Museum was a collection of artifacts from the Chinese Ming Dynasty. Lots of pieces from the famous ‘Forbidden City’. Tres Cool, but no photos allowed!!!!!!!!!

We got excited when we saw ‘Imported’ Asahi. Like it might actually be imported from Japan. Alas… it WAS imported, but cruelly, from Canada! Not quite the same, but better than Coors.

A typical San Francisco day, foggy and cold. And you thought Melbourne weather was shit. I should remind you that this is the middle of summer here… Oh, and that’s Alcatraz in the background.

 

More of Alcatraz, and a Pier. It’s not that far of a swim back to shore??

Another Pier near the Fort Mason area.

Some angsty traveller I encountered. He must be Italian from the headband he's wearing to hold back his flowing locks.

Lots of boats and yachts and people swimming even though I'm sure the water is freezing.

And finally, just in case anyone was concerned we had turned into complete bums, this is tonight's dinner that Leigh arranged. I can't believe we have actually found a US city with superb food and sumptuous cuisine.

Mmmm

And this is a Nanaimo. A delectable Canadian treat we happened upon whist in Whistler. It's pretty much just chocolate, sugar and custard heaped upon a chocolate- coconut base. We couldn't find any to buy here in the States, so these ones we made ourselves. Very tasty, but too sweet.

 

Anyways, that's all for today. Stay tune for more tomorrow.

 

KAT

The Dark Knight

I was worried that all the hype surrounding Heath Ledger's performance in this film was directly related to his untimely death. Thankfully, this is NOT the case - Ledger's Joker is .. amazing.

The rest of the cast also deliver, although a minor gripe over the nearly death-metal Batman voice that Mr. Bale was doing. But hell, I'm a death metal guy, so bring it on.

Great storyline about (among other things) making the right choices, rather than the easy choices.

I look forward to the third instalment.....

San Francisco, Backwards.

Today we headed into San Francisco to check out the downtown area, and more importantly (for me at least) to get some FREAKING CHINESE FOOD into me.

I've had an annoying headache for the last couple of days, which is seemingly connected to my sinuses, and refuses to leave. Perhaps some trepanation is on the cards.

I will (to mix this up a little) present this update in reverse order, beginning with today, and meandering backwards as I see fit, to where I see fit. Yes. I am Lord of this Blog you see.

BART, Hang Ah Tea Room, San Francisco
This morning I awoke with a ripping headache, and wanting very much to stay in bed. Still, I'm a massive trooper, so we trundled off to the local

BART station, and headed into downtown.

The sky was really smoky and dark, which made everything feel kind of weird, and today it was quite cold as well.

We popped out of the station amongst the crowds - it was kind of weird to be in a big city again, but our first impression of SF is that it's a pretty cool place.

We walked past the Apple store (and past the huge lines of idiots waiting to get in - don't get me started on queuing for appliances) and up to Chinatown.

In contrast to Vancouver’s sorry excuse, San Francisco’s Chinatown is a pretty cool place. There’s lots of typical kitschy Chinese things for the tourists, and it seems like there’s plenty of restaurants.

As promised on the Internet, a lady from the Hang Ah Tea Room handed us a menu and encouraged us to attend.

I’m not sure why we didn’t take any pictures (it could have been that I was busy stuffing my face) but it was everything I expected – strange fluorescent decor, and the slightly shabby aspect of many Chinese restaurants we know and love.

The food was great (even the stinky rice – yes stinky, not sticky), perhaps not the greatest yum cha (or dim sum as they call it here) in the world, but for less than USD25 for the two of us (and I ordered the expensive dish of Char Sui) it was well worth it.

Filled with treats we wandered the streets. It's a really nice city from what we saw - filled with restaurants and such, much like another city we know.

Lots of murals are painted around the place.

It's really good exercise - I didn't expect the crazy steep hills at all.

We walked up to the Coit Tower, got a view of Alcatraz, and looked at the worlds most crooked street.

Due to my over-mentioned headache, I was started to feel a little weary - so we headed home. Weirdly people have started to come and see the Turd in the campground (as we have for sale signs up) and some seem quite interested - and some guy saw the Jeep at the station and rang about it as well. Quite promising.

You can see our online ads here and here. Cool huh?

Oh, and if you want to see a genuinely sweet movie - then I can highly recommend the new Pixar offering - Wall-E. It's super-sweet without being too schmaltzy, and really enjoyable. I give it 4.5/5.

Sacramento, Pleasanton
Let me just say that the RV park we stayed at in Sacramento wasn't the highlight of our trip. I'd say it was comprised of around 90% permanent residents, and the "assistant manager" had absolutely no clue what was going on.

Kat spent the day cleaning the Turd. It surprisingly looks very nice. We didn't do much else as we were a bit pooped from the awful drive on I80.

The next day we headed into Pleasanton, which is a really nice place. It's a bit freaky due to the concentration of ye olde worlde houses, but seems quite affluent and quiet.

We spent the first couple of days cleaning, sorting, organising storage and all manner of exciting things. On Tuesday night we went crazy and and went out for dinner at the Agora Bistro in Pleasanton. Whilst I've never heard of a Greek AND Turkish restaurant, the food and wine was excellent (but I'm going to go with much more Greek than Turkish).

Wells, ID. Lovelock,NV. The Horror of I-80.
Wells was fine, nothing particularly special. Just a small town.

Same goes with Lovelock, although there seemed to be a high proportion of old dudes with portable oxygen tanks. Weird. While I was cooking ribs (or falling asleep on the couch) Kat nipped out and snapped a few pics of our palatial surrounds.

There’s nothing quite like a pool with no water in it.

Look at those fine vehicles!!

Just one thing to say about I-80 thought. It sucks. I’ve never seen a road with grooves in it where all the tires have worn away the surface. I don’t mean a small groove either, I mean your car sits in it like you’re a train on rails. Bumps? Forget bumps, it’s more like dodging craters. I’m surprised the poor Turd was even in one piece by the time we arrived. She’s made of stern stuff this one.

Leaving Yellowstone, Pocatello, ID
It was sad to leave Yellowstone, it’s a beautiful place, and it was strange to start the last flight of the Turd. We were treated though to many, many bison hanging around that morning, some were even swimming. When I get off my ass I will present the BISON SPECTACULAR.

Pocatello – City of Idaho State University, and funeral homes. Not sure what they do to the kids there, but….

Next Update: Bison, Asian Art Museum, Other Random Stuff