two days in the orient. . .

So it is tuesday. I have been in Singapore since sunday night, and I love it. Since before I left I have heard it been called, "Asia Light", or "Disney world with less asians," but honestly I couldn't see it, and then I decovered it last night. Dave and I were on our own after the rehearsal (which was chaotic but more on that later) so we got dropped off at a local destination called Riverfront Pointe. We headed to a brewpub for a really over priced drink. The alcohol here is really ridiculously expensive. A bad beer is anywhere from $5 to $10 dollars. I have already paid over $11 but that was at a cheesy mexican joint. A pitcher of margs was $74! hah. so anyhow. . Riverfront was a total ex-pat hangout. Just a bunch of white meatheads all puffed up. The bars were cheesy and the clientel were worse. I cannot believe how bad I wanted to get the fuck out of there. The walk out brought us through a slew of more ridiculous bars and clubs with more of the same, all enshrouded by this wild canopy of colors and shapes. The "Disney World" I had heard about. I have to say though, this is just one area of Singapore. The rest is not like this at all. We actually had to seek this area out. So far, I have encountered nothing but very pleasent people, with a great quality of life. Dave and I have sought out Hawkers, these little food battle zones of cheap authentic food. Incredible! I have eaten great local food for around $3 sing. About $2.50 us. That is what I came here for. Not crappy pub food or shit mexican! For a ton of money too!
I am really glad this is my first Asian experience. I wish I had more time but I have to remember. I shouldn't even be here. John bought me this ticket, so helping with the wedding is part of my duties. Plus, I have been swimming in his olympic size pool daily and working out also. It has been a great vacation so far. Tomorrow night we head to Sentosa, a little island, south of Sing, for cocktials with the entire wedding. Should be a great time. Dave and I have had what we jokingly call, "Max and Dave's great gay adventure." ha ha. It cracks me up everytime. We have been just basically been exploring singapore via train and bus. Walking through shops and taking in whatever we encounter. Today we found a super high end music store, packed with $6,000 gibsons and rare Fenders! All this in the bottom of a random shopping center called Katong shopping center.
The shopping centers are VERY different from what we are used to as Americans. They are more like office building with tightly packed in little boutique business's, specializing from everything from bad Chinese knockoffs to +$5,000 indian rugs. Very surreal. . .
It has been not a big deal at all intaking all the cultures abound in Singapore. Indians, Singaporian, Japanese, Chinese, and ex-pats, all packed in here. I love it. Walking down side streets with all the cultures meddled together is incredible. I am like a kid in a candy store. The food is my favorite so far. So many little food shops, all with there own unique style. I love it. We are off for Indian tonight. yum. Two nights ago we ate crazy indian food off banana leaves, all washed down with over priced heineken beer. Laughing and carrying on with great friends. So much fun. . . so far, not looking forward to returning. ha ha. We'll see on Monday. I am outta here. .. more later. . . Peace. .

First travel across the seas. .

Whew. I just finished a 14 hour flight to Hong Kong. 14 hours, 4 movies, and two meals, locked in a big tube, at 33,000 feet above the ocean. Man. . . . but I am here in Hong Kong. . kind of. .

I really wish I had a layover here in this great city!! I am bummed to be just hanging out in the airport. Kind of like picking up a beautiful guitar, but not being able to play it. Or sitting behind the wheel of a '65 Vette, yet not having the keys.

Being honest, I have always been a bit scared of the unknown. Travel definitely hits a nerve. That I'll be disoriented, or be taken advantage of, or get lost of something. Like most experiences in life though, once I am in it, it is just what it is. Granted, I have not really done anything yet, as I sit in the airport, but I thought I would be nervous arriving, and not know where to go. Quite the opposite. Everyone here has been very open to my lack of knowledge and helped me to my gate. Most of the signs are in english as well. . . whoa. . . the announcer lady over the intercom has a crazy lisp? How did she get this job? ha ha. That is wild.

So I have just a few more hours till I get to singapore and hang out with my friends. I am stoked to see them. whoops. . time to board. I'll be back. . . - M