tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23623699086847587822024-03-14T02:09:49.625+08:00Dave's Sketch JournalDrawing is taking a line for a walk. - Paul Kleedaveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.comBlogger171125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-61024192447124306272018-03-23T18:51:00.000+08:002018-03-23T18:52:00.687+08:00BathtubTest<div><h1>The Bathtub Test</h1> <p>While visiting a friend in a mental aslym I asked the doctor how they know if someone needs to be institutionalized. He said they use the bathtub test. They fill a tub with water and then give the patient a teaspoon, a cup, and a bucket.</p> <p>"Oh I get it." I said "a normal person would use the bucket!"</p> <p>"No, a normal person would just pull the plug. Did you want a room by the window?"</p> </div><div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p>© Copyright 2012 - All Right Reserved</p>
<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-12651694632536117112015-09-10T16:41:00.001+08:002015-09-10T16:47:26.528+08:00Traveling Around the Sun<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img 100px="100px" 1px="1px" 5px="5px" 80px="80px" align-="align-" color:="color:" float:="float:" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" height="320" left="left" line-height:="line-height:" maroon="maroon" padding-right:="padding-right:" padding-top:="padding-top:" right="right" src="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/4b230bde406011e2a9de22000a1f92c9_7.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right;" times="times" width="320" /></div></div><span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">H</span>ere's hoping you get more trips than most.<br />
<br />
...dave <br />
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<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-77237304827902788622012-12-07T19:23:00.001+08:002012-12-07T19:54:44.118+08:00Atlanta in December<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<img 100px="100px" 1px="1px" 5px="5px" 80px="80px" align-="align-" color:="color:" float:="float:" font-family:="font-family:" font-size:="font-size:" height="320" left="left" line-height:="line-height:" maroon="maroon" padding-right:="padding-right:" padding-top:="padding-top:" right="right" src="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/4b230bde406011e2a9de22000a1f92c9_7.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right;" times="times" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">I</span> often forget about the weather in the other places we've lived. Just looking through my "box of pictures" (nowadays that's the iPhone album) and discovered this one from Atlanta Georgia from a few years ago.<br />
<br />
Now I just need one from Hawaii to bring back that awesome sunshine. Nothing beats the weather on the windward site of Oahu. It's a grand place to live for sure.<br />
<br />
...dave<br />
It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day-to-day basis. -Margaret Bonnano<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-90814819656770905342012-12-04T16:59:00.001+08:002012-12-04T19:26:35.322+08:00China Stoutbeer and onion rings<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><img style='max-width:586px;' src='http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/cecdf57e3df011e2842d22000a1f9ada_7.jpg'/><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-90006707193791333532012-12-03T21:33:00.003+08:002012-12-04T19:27:17.503+08:00Lijiang musician<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><img src="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/e6223ddc3d4d11e29f1422000a1fbc0e_7.jpg" style="max-width: 586px;" /></div><br />
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<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-42632974834064563212012-11-25T17:05:00.001+08:002012-12-03T22:01:59.001+08:00Photos on the sly<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14966162@N00/8215607083/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8215607083_d3d52281d4_b.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="320" /></a><span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">T</span>his image was taken "from the hip" while walking around my neighborhood. <br />
<br />
I've been living in China now for about a year and a half. Everywhere I go I get stares. Not just a brief glance mind you, but actual turn-the-head stares. Most people in the south of China have rarely seen a foreigner, let alone a blond hair (well, dirty blond anyway), blue-eyed guy. I'm an alien from another planet. They are just mesmerized. <br />
<br />
<b>People keep staring at me</b><br />
<br />
Especially is this true when they see me at places most foreigners never go, for example the second hand market. The second hand market is a place that is dirty, smelly, and plain ugly but . . . I can find great prices there. <br />
<br />
We just got back from there about an hour ago and just to give you an example of what I mean I'll tell you a brief story.<br />
<b><br />
</b> <b>Second Hand Market</b><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14966162@N00/8218088053/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" height="298" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8218088053_b36c8c3f7f_b.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Ruth (my wife) buys her sweaters from a very kind lady there for just three dollars. They are beautiful, flowing, warm woven sweaters. You'd pay $30 to $40 for the same sweater in the states. <br />
<br />
Anyway, as she was looking at the sweaters and I stood holding her stuff, another customer asked the owner how much the pants were. When the lady told her, she balked (often the first thing Chinese customers do). Then she noticed me. She looked at me in surprise and so I told her it was so expensive because it was the best quality pants money can buy and then I winked at the owner. Of course she was happy I was helping her hold the price. <br />
<br />
Soon I discovered that the lady buying the pants was actually a mother of one of the kids I teach at a local school. So we began talking and joking with each other. After about 10 minutes of this I turned around and discovered about eight people standing there, staring at me in disbelief. I'd drawn a crowd.<br />
<br />
I tell you this story to help you understand why I need to take some of these photos from the hip. I can't just walk around and snap pictures because as soon as I walk out the door I'm on display, so I have to do it surreptitiously. <br />
<br />
In the case of the old man at the top of this post, I put my iPhone in camera mode and then used the volume button to snap the picture. <br />
<br />
Oh, and the mother bought the pants. Maybe I helped make the sale?<br />
...dave<br />
You'll never leave where you are until you decide where you'd rather be. -Anonymous<br />
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<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-4925955930624687512012-11-07T18:03:00.003+08:002012-11-08T11:41:39.127+08:00Is Travel Photography without a Notebook Computer Really Possible?<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14966162@N00/8163574530/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" height="186" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8163574530_92f6948250_b.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a><span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">I</span> just got back from a month of travel through Korea, as well as eastern and southern China. It was truly a rewarding experience. Some of the photos you see here are the result.<br />
<br />
But what I'd like to share with you is my new "lighter" travel photography workflow.<br />
<br />
First, here's the equipment, hardware and software I carry:<br />
<ul><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002JCSV6M/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002JCSV6M&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwdaveterrne-20" target="amazonwindow">Nikon D300S</a> w/MB-D10</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LEKIY4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004LEKIY4&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwdaveterrne-20" target="amazonwindow">Nikkor 70-210 f4</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007ORX8ME/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007ORX8ME&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwdaveterrne-20" target="amazonwindow">Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 </a> (my everyday walk around lens)</li>
<li>Nikkor AIS 85 f2 (sometimes left at home)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005LE6Z/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00005LE6Z&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwdaveterrne-20" target="amazonwindow">Nikkor 24 f2.8</a> (sometimes left at home)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002EMY9Y/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0002EMY9Y&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwdaveterrne-20" target="amazonwindow">Nikon SB600</a> (with slave)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00746LVOM/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00746LVOM&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwdaveterrne-20" target="amazonwindow">iPad</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003K1EYM6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003K1EYM6&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwdaveterrne-20" target="amazonwindow">camera connection kit</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007VL8Y2C/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007VL8Y2C&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwdaveterrne-20" target="amazonwindow">Logitech bluetooth solar keyboard</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004477MFQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004477MFQ&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwdaveterrne-20" target="amazonwindow">Benro Tripod</a> with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006I533/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00006I533&linkCode=as2&tag=wwwdaveterrne-20" target="amazonwindow">Bogan ball head</a></li>
<li>iPad/iPhone Snapseed (image editing software)</li>
<li>iPad/iPhone FlickStackr (image uploader for flickr.com)</li>
<li>iPad/iPhone Instagram (for communication with other friends/photographers)</li>
</ul><br />
<b>What no MacBook? You're kidding me, right?</b><br />
<br />
I have to admit I was a little anxious this time around not bringing the MacBook. I have HDR software (Photomatix) as well as watermark software that I often use on a shoot. Could I do without these tools? (Actually I really don't have to as there are many HDR and watermark solutions for the iPad.)<br />
<br />
Anyway, I made the jump and left the MacBook and cables behind, about six pounds of stuff.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14966162@N00/8163541209/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" height="200" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8064/8163541209_8e02217347_b.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="132" /></a>But I can truthfully say that using just the iPad and my Logitech K760 solar keyboard is the way to go. It's a big weight off my shoulders, literally.<br />
<br />
For one thing, I never have to remove the iPad when going through security. Unlike the MacBook that always got special treatment, I just leave the iPad zipped up in the carry-on and go right on through. It's never an issue. (Your mileage may vary as some airports treat the iPad as a computer that needs to be run through the X-ray separately.)<br />
<br />
Another advantage is that when I'm traveling back from a shoot I hook up the iPad camera connection kit, slide in my DSLR SD card, upload what I want, and start editing with Snapseed. No need to spend hours into the night back at the hotel loading the images into iPhoto on my MacBook. Besides I have hooked up all my iOS streams. So all the photos will automatically sync up when I get back home. <br />
<br />
Of course, someone else was driving me back to the hotel which was a great luxury for me. You may not always have a private driver. However when you do, you can do editing in transit. When we got back to the hotel some 30-40 minutes later my images were already off the SD card, loaded into the iPad AND edited. It was a breeze. Now I just need to back them up.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14966162@N00/8163574986/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img align="right" border="0" height="200" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8163574986_a6849c85d6_b.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a><br />
<b>No WIFI? No problem.</b><br />
<br />
I was disappointed that the hotel didn't have WIFI. They only had a cable hook-up to the Internet. That's a drag. I had halfway considered lugging an extra router on my travels but instead came up with a better solution.<br />
<br />
I turned on hotspot on my iPhone, connected the iPad to the hotspot and uploaded my images up to flickr.com. Chinch. Since I can do this anywhere, rather than go back to the hotel I went out to dinner. Now I can have a beer and ribs at a local restaurant during the upload. I consider this my backup strategy. (For $25 a year I have unlimited storage up at flickr.com.)<br />
<br />
An added advantage was that I was less tired at the end of the day. Since I carry less stuff and don't have to stay up into the wee hours of the morning editing, uploading, and backing up, I have much more energy for shooting, which is what I like to do most.<br />
<br />
I hope my "lighter" workflow makes sense to other photographers out there. After all, the objective is to shoot more and better images. Traveling lighter can make that possible.<br />
<br />
Happy shooting.<br />
<br />
...dave<br />
Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler. -Albert Einstein<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p>© Copyright 2012 - All Right Reserved</p>
<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-91171561523118121652012-11-01T09:09:00.001+08:002012-11-01T11:08:05.073+08:00Confessions of an App Junkie<a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/14966162@N00/8143269940/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8476/8143269940_6c7fabced4_b.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">I</span> have a confession. I'm an App Junkie. <br />
<br />
I have downloaded novel writing apps for my iPad but have yet to write a novel. I have stuffed my iPad with ToDo apps, but still only use Reminders, the default app that came with my iPad. I have crammed my iPhone with tons of photo editing apps but still mostly use Snapseed. I carry over ten different iPhone camera apps, but still mostly use the default one. I've downloaded mega-magazines but never read them.<br />
<br />
Why? Why do I download all these apps when the one I already have works perfectly well? Because, and here's my confession, I have a sickness. It's called "App Hoarding" and I think it's going to kill me. I'm now looking for a support group: Apps Anonymous. <br />
<br />
<b>I Need Help</b><br />
<br />
As I say, I need help because I think this disease is going to kill me. Every time I turn on my device there are ten or more updates I need to download. It's taking it's toll. Too much time to update too many apps. Help.<br />
<br />
Actually, this is the reason I haven't started my novel, I'm too busy downloading the updates to all my novel writing apps. I could get started if I just put this project into my ToDo app. But first, I have to update all my ToDo apps. After that I'll decide which ToDo app to use to start my novel writing. Of course, by then I'll need to update my writing apps again. <br />
<br />
I'm on a Möbius strip and can't get off.<br />
<br />
<b>Too Many Apps</b><br />
<br />
What's worse is, I've run out of space to download more apps. Now I'm at a loss as to which apps I need to delete to make more room for the new apps I need to download. I'm hyperventilating. <br />
<br />
I should have gotten a bigger 64GB device with more space. It would eventually fill up with all the apps I keep downloading but at least I could postpone my app keeping decision. Yeah, that's it, I'll buy a bigger device.<br />
<br />
Let me add that to my ToDo app . . . just as soon as I figure out which one I should use.<br />
<br />
...dave<br />
Why can't I want the things I already have? - Anonymous <br />
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<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-9620085311158200052012-09-04T08:53:00.001+08:002012-12-01T08:35:03.729+08:00Fake Friends and Fallacious Facts<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14966162@N00/7926165778/"><img align="right" border="0" height="200" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8179/7926165778_34d5372ceb_b.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="200" /></a><span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">A</span>n open letter to writers everywhere.<br />
<br />
I'd guess I'm living in a very insecure society. I keep reading about you writers who manufacture quotes, interviews, and content. Are you so insecure in your craft that you have to create fiction in your non-fiction works? <br />
<br />
Or how about you writers of fiction? You're no better. After your fictitious characters have been created and wrapped inside the covers of your books, you keep on creating fictitious people who write reviews of your books. (No wonder the five star book I downloaded was so bad that I had to delete it from my Kindle.)<br />
<br />
<b>Where is your conscience?</b><br />
<br />
What is wrong with you people? Do you have no conscience? What happened to honest writing, honest reviews, and well, honest people?<br />
<br />
What's worse is that, in addition to pumping up your own fictitious reviews with five star ratings, you've gone out and trashed your contemporary's books. <br />
<br />
People! Get a grip. Get a hug from a friend and get over your insecurity. Put the book out there and let the readers decide. Stop five star inflation. <br />
<br />
And another thing, after you're finished with the fictitious characters in your book, don't create fictitious reviewers for your book. Do I have to tell you people this is dishonest? Is your moral compass so demagnetized that you can't find true north? If you must continue to write fiction, start another book. I promise you that if your first book is good, we'll buy your second book, regardless of what the reviewers on Amazon say. <br />
<br />
The trouble with the fictitious reviews and reviewers you've created is that we don't know they're "pretend" and that you're still writing fiction. Of course, if your book is terrible even though your fake friends gave it five stars, word will get around. If you're no good, it doesn't matter what you say, people will know. <br />
<br />
<b>The Challenge</b><br />
<br />
I challenge you to use all your energy and time to write the best book you can. If it's good, we'll buy it. Just make sure that your fiction stays between its covers. If it isn't any good, who knows, maybe you're not ready for prime time. Keep writing, you'll get better. Eventually you'll publish. <br />
<br />
If you are writing non-fiction, then keep it that way. The reason why the libraries and book stores separate fiction from non-fiction is that, well, we like to know what's real and what's not. It's sort of a reader's preference. You might not understand this but believe me when I tell you, if you get these things mixed up, readers will stop reading your books and articles, regardless of your association with a big magazine or publishing house.<br />
<br />
To the writers who have not yet been caught, I say: Stop it. Come clean. Write good copy. Make it interesting, absorbing, and factual. If you're good, there will be no need to manufacture interviews, facts, or reviews. You can be secure in knowing that people will read you because you write well. <br />
<br />
...dave<br />
“Come, we are men of action. Lies do not become us.” – Westly (The Princes Bride)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p>© Copyright 2012 - All Right Reserved</p>
<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-80545036082957572392012-08-31T23:01:00.000+08:002012-08-31T23:02:50.892+08:00Traveling with an iPad Keyboard<a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/14966162@N00/7900538972/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8445/7900538972_7fb05299ac_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">W</span>ell, I've been using the Logitech 760 with my iPad now for several weeks, including a trip to Hong Kong. It's a winning combination. My MacBook sits alone. I love the MacBook but don't like the weight. A side benefit is that the iPad never has to come out of it's sheath for the airport xray gang. They just leave it in my pack. No problem.<br />
<br />
Even when not traveling, I carry the keyboard with me to the local Starbucks. It's light and I hardly notice that it's with me. It's so much faster to type on a standard keyboard then on the iPad's lame excuse for one.<br />
<br />
The other feature I really like about Logitech's keyboard (and I'm not getting paid for this, really) is that it's instant on. Flip the switch and start typing. Also, the onscreen keyboard disappears when using the bluetooth keyboard. What that means is that I see more of my text on the screen as I type. A wonderful feature. <br />
<br />
One other feature is that I only have to worry about charging the iPad, never the keyboard. Since it's solar and I generally have some sunlight or indoor lighting, it's never a problem. I've also typed via light emanating from the iPad itself and that works fine too.<br />
<br />
What is really strange is that even when I'm at home I usually reach for my iPad and keyboard combo rather than the MacBook. Just toss the iPad on the bed and place the keyboard on my lap and start writing. Perfect combo even at home.<br />
<br />
...dave<br />
I wonder what life would be like without an iPad? - dave terry<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p>© Copyright 2012 - All Right Reserved</p>
<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-64041880892408320332012-08-19T21:17:00.003+08:002012-08-19T21:17:36.752+08:00Goodnotes - A Perfect iPad Sketchnote app<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14966162@N00/7814743234/"><img align="right" border="0" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8288/7814743234_8623c6930f_b.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="238" /></a><span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">I</span>'ve been doing sketchnotes for conventions and business meetings for sometime. I used to call it "illustrated notes" but it was essentially the same as what has become "sketchnoting." (If you have never heard of sketchnotes, you are in for a treat. Check out Mike's <a href="http://www.sketchnotearmy.com/">sketchnotearmy.com</a> site.)<br />
<br />
<b>What kind of book makes a good sketchnote book?</b><br />
<br />
I prefer to use a regular unlined and stitched shirt pocket sized sketchbook. Here in China they are easy to find and very cheap. It cost me about fifty cents for a 3.5 x 5.75, 32 page booklet. So recently on a trip to Hong Kong I used it to take my hand written notes.<br />
<br />
But . . . <br />
<br />
<b>Why not use the iPad as my sketchnote book?</b><br />
<br />
I also carry my iPad on business trips. I'd love to capture my sketchnotes on it. I've tried many apps to capture my hand written words and sketches but so far have been unsatisfied with them. Some are too rich in function or too complex to use as a quick sketchnote jotter. For example, the pen sizes are hidden deep in multi-tap menus or the pen colors are too garish to use. Some apps crash often and others harbor hidden costs. (For example, after buying one app for a buck, I had to purchase pens for 2 bucks each.) Some apps are great at text note taking or even recording voice while typing but don't have the sketching functionality I require. I basically want a piece of paper I can capture notes on with functions that don't get in my way.<br />
<br />
<b>Why can't it be easier?</b><br />
<br />
I think I've found my answer, Goodnotes. What an awesome app for sketchnoting. There is a single bar across the top to access the pen, highlighter, and eraser. Each has three thicknesses to chose from. That's it. It's that simple. The stylus glides smoothly across the iPad surface and lays down a beautiful "fountain pen" line. Very cool. I can type if I wish but that's not my style. Instead, I sketch my text and add occasional drawings. The page above is my first salvo with Goodnotes and I love it.<br />
<br />
Here are a few of the key features I like most:<br />
<br />
<ul><li><b>Zoom:</b> This allows you to write in a box in a normal hand writing size while the app writes smaller inside the lines provided.</li>
<li><b>Auto-Advance Zoom:</b> What this means is that as you write the zoom window advances. It'll even advance to the next line when you get to end of the one above it.</li>
<li><b>Palm Rest:</b> This is so that our hand doesn't inadvertently make marks on your iPad "paper"</li>
<li><b>Shape Recognition:</b> If you turn it on it'll recognize rectangles, triangles and circles. I don't use it much but it's sort of cool if you want it.</li>
<li><b>Selective Move:</b> Sometimes I write the title of a talk or main point but later want to move an entire block of text to another area on the page (try that in your paper sketchnotes!). The selection tool allows me to circle the text and simply move it to another area on the page. Very handy.</li>
<li><b>Paper Selection:</b> Paper temples come with it (you don't have to pay extra). Lined, unlined (my favorite), and grid for both portrait and landscape.</li>
<li><b>Export: </b>Email, DropBox, Box, and iTunes. Export with or without the background paper.</li>
<li><b>Free:</b> One of the best aspects of this app is that you don't have to buy it. You can use if for free as long as you don't need anymore than two notebooks. I like try-before-you-buy apps.</li>
</ul><br />
As a practice run, I think I'll sketchnote one of the TED talks online. That'll give me a good feel of the app. It should help me see if it can keep up with the flow.<br />
<br />
...dave<br />
If you want something you've never had, then you have to do something you've never done. -Anon<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p>© Copyright 2012 - All Right Reserved</p>
<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-78048372783197722972012-08-08T12:59:00.000+08:002012-08-08T13:03:39.307+08:00Between the Classes<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14966162@N00/7737820014/"><img align="right" border="0" height="205" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7140/7737820014_cde30265cb_b.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a><span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">I</span>'ve now been teaching English in China for several weeks. I'll have to say, it's exhausting. <br />
<br />
On Wednesdays I start early at 8:45 and teach for about two hours. The kids are between 10 and 12 years of age and don't know much English. I find myself giving instructions slowly, first in English, and then if I get puzzled looks, again in Chinese.<br />
<br />
<b>Teaching dialog</b><br />
<br />
I've been teaching dialog, simple dialog, dialog they'd be most likely to use in everyday life. For example, I taught them the words and sentences they'd use when ordering a BigMac at McDonalds, and words they'd use when asking their mother if they can go out to play. After speaking the entire dialog myself, I invite of the kids up in front of the class to play one of the roles. For example, I acted as the McDonald's employee who asked them what they'd like to order. They were, well, just themselves ordering a meal.<br />
<br />
After going over the dialog several times this way, I break them into groups to practice with each other. This is one of the methods that Dr. Harry Cotton taught us in our TESOL class. (You'll notice in this post my MindMap of ALL the methods I learned in class.) It's very important to keep mixing it up, keep using different methods lasting only 10 or 20 minutes each. This is most helpful in order to keep their attention focused. <br />
<br />
<b>Involvement is key</b><br />
<br />
I interview them, randomly ask them questions, and invite them up in front to "show off" their written sentences. I also use a lot of body language, gestures, and facial expressions. This helps them stay engaged in the action.<br />
<br />
The result though is, I'm exhausted after just a couple of hours. <br />
<br />
Now, I'm on break, resting before my next class this evening at 5:30. My 5:30 session should be much easier as the kids are older and know more English. This affords me the option of giving them more opportunity to talk, so I ask lots of questions in these evening sessions. <br />
<br />
The more they talk in the target language, the more comfortable they'll feel speaking it. This is especially important for them since they will be moving to America to attend a university for their degree.<br />
<br />
…dave<br />
I don't know how I got over the hill without getting to the top. -Anon<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p>© Copyright 2012 - All Right Reserved</p>
<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-76256351150020922852012-07-15T21:44:00.000+08:002012-07-22T06:40:34.974+08:00The Marriage of Digital and Analog<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14966162@N00/7573812928/"><img align="right" border="0" height="281" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7120/7573812928_0722c0d257_b.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a><span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">Y</span>esterday I was trying to enter my friend's name into my iPhone. I located my Address Book, hit the plus sign, switched to the Chinese keyboard and waited for him to say his name . . . for the forth time. <br />
<br />
Of course, we were out talking on the street. It's nosy with horns, busses, and people. He speaks with an accent, which makes it all the more difficult to concentrate on what he's saying while trying to get the app up on my device. And whenever I start to speak Chinese it usually draws a crowd. I'll look up after a few minutes and three or more people are gathered around listening in on what we're saying. (They are always flabbergasted when any foreigner can understand and speak a little Chinese.)<br />
<br />
This all gets in the way of just getting the information from my new friend. It's a pain.<br />
<br />
After much frustration, I pulled out my paper notebook, handed him my pen, and asked him write it himself. In an instant I had captured his name and phone number. Later, when I had more time, I entered his information into my phone.<br />
<br />
<b>Is There a Better Way?</b><br />
<br />
All this got me to thinking. There are advantages to pen and paper. After all, it is an ancient and successful method for recording information. No wonder the iPhone wasn't invented earlier. Pen and paper were working just fine.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/7594799616/"><img align="left" border="0" height="281" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8281/7594799616_b04e6fe1ae.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210" /></a>Of course, I do need my digital device. It's got my dictionary, calendar, address book, audio recorder, class notes, and a host of other great tools like google maps, which helps me get home before dark. But it became clear to me that I needed to carry both the iPhone and the notebook. <br />
<br />
Or do I? Is there some way to marry the two? Could I somehow carry one device that solves both my digital and analog needs?<br />
<br />
What if I glued or pasted a piece of paper to the back of my iPhone? Nah . . . too barbaric. <br />
<br />
How about affixing a small clipboard with epoxy to the back? No way! Come on, think of something brilliant. <br />
<br />
What if I cut out the back of my iPhone cover and slipped a piece of paper into it's edges? Nope. Close but looks like a hack job.<br />
<br />
Okay, what about this? What if I buy an iPhone bumper and slide a thick piece of paper under its edges? Bingo. Now you're talking. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/7594625094/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="for submission to CraftGawker.com by daveterry, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8431/7594625094_06e1d5be49.jpg" style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px;" width="210" /></a><b>BackNotes for the iPhone</b><br />
<br />
Now, when I need to capture something quick, I'm ready with my new BackNotes app.<br />
<br />
This is the perfect solution for travel too.<br />
<br />
If I can't turn on my phone during take off or landing but still need to record something brilliant before I forget it. I'll use BackNotes. <br />
<br />
If I need to know the flight number, gate, or hotel reservation number, I'll simply print my itinerary on a piece of stiff paper and slip it into the back of my iPhone. <br />
<br />
Now I can approach the gate with confidence. While all the tech jocks are fumbling with their digital apps, I just flip my phone over and access my information. BackNotes to the rescue. It's faster than the average app.<br />
<br />
Hey, you can get BackNotes too. It's FREE! And you don't even have to visit the app store.<br />
<br />
…dave<br />
Avoid strangers. Introduce yourself.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p>© Copyright 2012 - All Right Reserved</p>
<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-4038064037346405712012-07-13T18:25:00.000+08:002012-07-17T09:11:07.303+08:00Have Keyboard, Will Travel<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" align="right" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&npa=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=wwwdaveterrne-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=tf_til&asins=B007VL8Y2C" style="width:120px;height:240px;" ><br />
</iframe><span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">A</span> new keyboard for the iPad has been developed by Logitech. It's just what the engineer ordered. <br />
<br />
It's perfect for travel. It's light (13oz), uses no batteries (solar powered), works via bluetooth for both my iPad and iPhone (switch between them with a button press), and fits in my carry on (it's just 6"x12"). <br />
<br />
So now I can leave my MacBook at home and simply carry my DSLR, a couple of lenses and my new image processing station: the iPad & keyboard. <br />
<br />
This is a big deal. The lighter, the better. I <i>never</i> bring check on bags. (I'm a <a href="www.onebag.com">onebag.com</a> kind of guy.) I only bring what I can fit in a carry on. So the lighter iPad with keyboard travels well.<br />
<br />
<b>What about Apple's keyboard?</b><br />
<br />
I did try Apple's keyboard for a few weeks but in the end I returned it. It chews batteries like a junk yard shredder. Besides the weight of the batteries in the keyboard itself I had to carry extras. There is no indicator on the keyboard that tells me when power is low. So carrying extra batteries was necessary. I never knew when it would fail me. <br />
<br />
Pairing (the initial syncing of the keyboard with the iPhone) sometimes took a while and that sucked even more power. Plus, sometimes after shutting it off and turning it back on again, I'd have to re-pair with my device. Life is too short. Sometimes I'd forget to shut it off and it would run the batteries down. It had no auto-shut off features. But that's all history now. (I had the 2007 version. I think the newer 2009 version now has auto power down.)<br />
<br />
<img src='http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/electronics/detail-page/B007VL8Y2C_K760_iPAD_lg.jpg' border='0' width='280' height='240' align='right' style='margin:5px'><b>Tactile feel</b><br />
<br />
I simply can't touch type with the iPad keyboard. My wrists get heavy hovering over the screen. For a hunt-n-peck type guy, I guess it's fine. But my mom made me take typing in school. It was so embarrassing. I was the <i>only</i> guy in the class and I got a lot of ribbing for it. Most of the guys were muscle jocks out back in the auto shop turning wrenches under their hot rods. I didn't endure all that ridicule to hunt and peck on my iPad keyboard. No way. <br />
<br />
With this new keyboard I can touch type as on the MacBook. And I never have to worry about buying or replacing batteries. I get a good feeling knowing that I'm not adding more batteries to an already clogged environment. That's a good thing. Oh, and one more thing, it'll recharge via outdoor or indoor light. Fully charged it'll last three months in total darkness.<br />
<br />
The only thing I would have liked to see is backlit keys. I've really gotten used to them on the MacBook. They are so handy in low light. But you can't have everything.<br />
<br />
I think my new keyboard will be turning heads. It's really pretty cool. Eat your hearts out you muscle jocks.<br />
<br />
...dave<br />
You can't have <i>everything</i>. Where would you put it? -Stephen Wright<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p>© Copyright 2012 - All Right Reserved</p>
<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-24797394236597842792012-07-03T09:19:00.002+08:002012-07-21T14:27:34.040+08:00How To Take Pictures That Everyone Wants To See<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14966162@N00/7491187616/"><img align="right" border="0" height="281" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7491187616_989f0e7e59_b.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="186" /></a><span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">W</span>hat do you take pictures of on your vacation? Yourself in front of monuments we've seen a hundred times? Your kids at Disneyland with Tiger eating ice cream cones? <br />
<br />
(I once met a woman who's goal in life was to travel the world alone taking pictures of herself in front of every world monument. She simply wanted to prove she'd been everywhere. When she returned home for a few weeks between trips she'd show hundreds of pictures to jealous friends. I would NOT want sit through that event.)<br />
<br />
If you wonder why everyone clears the room when you pull out your photo book or your travel blog, this post is for you. <br />
<br />
<b>Why are they bored with my pictures?</b><br />
It's because they've seen it all before, just with different people. Everyone takes the same old pictures. Actually, now that everything is digital, you could create an around-the-world photo album with you posed in front of the worlds greatest monuments without ever leaving your house. (hummmm...not a bad idea for a website, but I digress.)<br />
<br />
<b>Where to start</b><br />
First off, go ahead and take that picture of yourself in front of the world famous building, waterfall, or mountain. Go ahead, I'll wait for you. Done? Okay, great, now that that's over, promise me you'll never show it to anyone. <br />
<br />
Now let's get started with some great travel photography. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/5663401588/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="50th State Fair by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="50th State Fair " height="267" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5308/5663401588_7073ea1362.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Here's a few guideline, a sort of checklist you can print out and put in your pocket as a quick reminder while on location:<br />
<ul><li><b>Travel with one lens.</b> If you carry too much equipment you'll tire quickly and will miss the shots that matter. Rather than carry a huge zoom, get a modest zoom with the widest aperture you can afford. Personally I carry just two very light fixed lenses, a wide angle and a portrait lens. It's because they both take awesome pictures in low light (One lens is f2.8 and the other is f2.0.) and they are so light I hardly notice I have them with me. Yes you can pump up the ISO for slower zoom lenses in a pinch but the quality of your pictures will suffer It's better to use lower ISOs and "faster" lenses. Not only will the pictures look sharper normal size but they will be fantastic if you should enlarge them later. (If you only want to carry a point-and-shoot get one that has the best lens you can afford.)</li>
<li><b>Vary your scope. </b> Instead of using your zoom or changing your lens, walk around some. Get a feel for the area. Use your feet. Take close ups (hands, clothes, patterns and designs). Then stand back and take that wide angle shot. The results will be so much more interesting in a photo book or on your website. </li>
<li><b>Vary colors and shapes. </b>This is a fun thing to try. If you enjoy staying in a place for a few days instead of madly dashing place to place, make a themed photo challenge for yourself. Shoot only images in the next hour that are red, or that are square, or that have water. Later you'll have a very interesting page of pictures that everyone will enjoy lingering over. </li>
<li><b>Vary your subjects. </b>Take pics of buildings if you must but be sure to also take pictures of people doing things. Even common things like sweeping, polishing shoes, or taking care of the monument grounds Take close ups of their work (they most often will welcome that) and then later get a closeup of their tools, hands in action, or garb. Often they will invite you to do this if you show sincere interest in their work. </li>
<li><b>Smile. </b>Smiling is the universal language. It's infectious. Smile even when you are not taking pictures. People in tourist areas notice you even from a distance. If you apply a plastic smile only when you approach them they will be less likely to accommodate. Enjoy the journey, enjoy the people, and you'll get better pictures. </li>
</ul><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/14966162@N00/7491188650/"><img align="right" border="0" height="186" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7109/7491188650_869054e0f9_b.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281" /></a><b>When things don't go as planned . . .</b><br />
Not everyone will allow you to take pictures of them. Every day will not be perfect weather for photography. Not every trip will yield eye-popping images. Set your expectations low, be happy when things turn out better. <br />
<br />
If it rains, keep shooting but exclude the sky and you'll get great saturated colors. If some people are not accommodating, look for others or put the camera away and just chat with them at the local coffee shop. You might later get a good shot later or at least an interesting story to tell. You can always shoot a picture of your own slice of chocolate cake and cup of coffee at the outdoor cafe. <br />
<br />
I hope these suggestions will increase the quality of your next set of travel photos. I'd be anxious to see them. <br />
<br />
Have more suggestions? Comments welcome. <br />
<br />
...dave<br />
When you look like your passport it's time to return home.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><p>© Copyright 2012 - All Right Reserved</p>
<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-12375003330853597082012-06-26T08:55:00.001+08:002012-06-26T09:18:22.077+08:00Back to Blogging<a href='http://www.flickr.com/photos/14966162@N00/7444443208/'><img src='http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7444443208_04be684280_b.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' align='right' style='margin:5px'></a><span style= "color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">T</span>hanks to all of you that have subscribed to Dave's Travel Blog. It's great to have travelers join me, even if only vicariously.<br />
<br />
Oh, and don't be bashful about adding your comments when something strikes you as funny or insightful (hmmm . . . maybe this is why I rarely get comments). To comment, just press the little <b><i>Comments</i></b> icon above the big letter and tell me about your favorite posts, or . . . not so favorites. If you do blast me, no worries, just be constructively specific. If there is something you'd like to suggest, go ahead and say it. Want more pics? More vids? More words? Say so Or is there a post you have a question about? Just ask. <br />
<br />
<b>Teaching in China</b><br />
I've decided to do some teaching here in China. I'll share any helpful information here for those of you thinking about teaching in a foreign country. Even though some of it may be specific to China, there will be helpful information to those of you wanting to teach elsewhere. <br />
<br />
I will say this, China is cracking down of those scuzzy "backpacker passing-through-want-a-be-teachers." Specifically American guys with the wrinkled shirts, baggy cargo pants, and three-day beards. If you don't have a BA in education and specifically are not TESOL certified, it's very hard to get a working VISA. You can get a student VISA, attend school and work, but be prepared for a heavy schedule. You'll need to attend your Chinese classes AND be reliable at work. Otherwise the school will report you and the government may cancel your VISA. <br />
<br />
The good news is that more schools are improving to keep up with the ever increasing development here. The model above is what our area will look like in two or three years. More and more people want to learn American English. It's the IN thing. <br />
<br />
I'm really looking forward to this next chapter of life in China. I've sort of been on autopilot this past year and focused on the language. Now I'll see what's it's like teaching rich Chinese kids to prepare for their move to the United States. <br />
<br />
<b>Subscribe</b><br />
For those of you loyal to the blog, thanks so much for subscribing to the Kindle edition (see the right sidebar). I promise to update here at least twice a week. For those of you non-loyal readers, and you know who you are so I don't have to mention any names, come back and visit more often. Hey, why not subscribe to the Kindle edition and get it delivered to your iPad, iPhone, or Kindle device? Look at it this way, It's cheaper than insomnia pills. <br />
<br />
...dave<br />
I always wanted to be somebody but now I realize I should have been more specific. - Lily Tomlin<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p>© Copyright 2012 - All Right Reserved</p>
<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-50153305291570164112012-03-19T23:34:00.002+08:002012-03-20T00:18:08.202+08:00Some Vacation Time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6996809065/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Napa Valley California - Rutherford Hill Winery by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="Napa Valley California - Rutherford Hill Winery" height="132" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6120/6996809065_c8c09411f5.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">W</span>e are winding down our month-long vacation to California. It's been about a year now living in China as expats so it was good to see the fam.<br />
<br />
Here in California we've enjoyed the food, wine, cheese, and family fun. But we are looking forward to seeing our friends back in China. We wonder day-to-day what they're up to so it's time to get back in the saddle again. <br />
<br />
We have Chinese school to join, work to find, and six months of rental money to pay. Yikes! Maybe it would be better just to stay here and live off the folks. <br />
<br />
I can't think of anything we would have done differently. On this vacation we spent quite a bit of time with the family. We had a family reunion that included games (including a word search of family names), a wild photo booth (complete with crazy costumes), and shared stories. It was great to have all the family in one place so that we could visit together. My cousin even flew up from LA and my uncle drove up from central California. It was a blast.<br />
<br />
We didn't really go many other places but rather stayed around the house making day trips to the food stores (love Trader Joes), visited some malls (mostly to visit with people), and took a trip to the wine country (Napa Valley). Ruth did fly to Hawaii to see her mom and friends for a week but I didn't get to go. That was tragic.<br />
<br />
It's always great to be on vacation. You can live simply, see great stuff, and have fun everyday. Why can't non-vacation life be this way?<br />
<br />
Note to self: Make each day <i>feel</i> like a vacation.<br />
<br />
...dave<br />
Vacations are what you take when you can't take what you've been taking. <br />
<br />
<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p>© Copyright 2012 - All Right Reserved</p>
<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-3996894110173665492012-01-09T19:40:00.000+08:002012-01-18T08:20:52.254+08:00Give a Listen to the Erhu<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<iframe align="right" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/34776720?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=80ceff" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="270"></iframe><span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">T</span>his is my favorite Erhu(二胡)player. Here he's playing a slow song but sometimes he plays a fast tempo tune that makes good use of his right foot cymbal and left foot wood block. <br />
<br />
He's awesome. <br />
<br />
To a western ear the songs seem to go on forever but if you listen closely you can recognize a sort of improvised melody weaving through the song. At least I can when <i>he</i> plays.<br />
<br />
Most of the street players aren't much good, but he's the exception. On a sunny day it's a pleasure to stop briefly and "give a listen." (By the way, this is literally how you say "Can I listen" in Chinese: "Please give me a listen.")<br />
<br />
He's there every Saturday and Sunday morning from 10:00 to 1:00. I place a few bills in his can. He's worth it!<br />
<br />
Click on the picture and have a listen.<br />
<br />
...dave<br />
A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence. -Leopold Stokowski</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p>© Copyright 2012 - All Right Reserved</p>
<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-9460040414748330992012-01-07T22:17:00.000+08:002012-01-07T22:50:30.431+08:00Moped Madness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6652702089/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="moped repair by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="moped repair" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6652702089_ac221dec64.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">Y</span>ou'll never see this in America, a guy welding out on a busy thoroughfare. <br />
<br />
We needed some work done on our mopeds. Shops that tear down a moped and do the work on the spot are just down the road from us. They use the already dangerous sidewalk as their workbench. Pedestrians simply walk around the tools and moped parts laying in the way. It's all part of living here. (OSHA would have a field day.)<br />
<br />
In fact, I believe that the sidewalks were built to <i>cause</i> injury. Uneven and broken tiles pieced together without cement rock when you step on them. Even special yellow tiles installed for blind people are more treacherous than just walking in the street. The tiles are slick, especially when wet. Spill some oil on them and there is no way to walk down the sidewalk without doing a face plant. It's insanity.<br />
<br />
Anyway, were was I? Oh yeah, a friend and I went down to the local moped repairman, who sits in an open roll up doorway. We explain that the kickstand doesn't support the bike correctly and my key ignition is spinning freely and needs replacing. On the spot, within 30 minutes, he welded stops on the kickstand (he just used bolts he had laying around in a bin), and replaced all four key locks on my moped. If I needed these repairs done in the States it would take a week and cost a fortune. But here in China, it was done while we waited and it cost us just $7, labor and parts included. Amazing. <br />
<br />
When we arrived in China back in April I bought my moped at the second hand market. I just went down to the market, gave the guy 272 bucks and drove off. No license, no tax, no registration. Easy. But theft of the bikes is high. So to crack down on this the government has instituted a new program: all mopeds must be registered by January 1st. <br />
<br />
This is a crazy process, especially for foreigners. The paperwork required: original purchase receipt, moped ID card, passport, VISA, local police office registration, proof of residency, etc. is a pain and complex. In addition, the form I had to fill out after handing over all this stuff was in Chinese. What's worse, my passport is in English (duh, it's from America!) so the guy typing all the information into the computer couldn't read it. I stepped around the barricade and helped him get the information into his computer. Eventually after two hours I had my license plate, personal ID card, and stamped numbers on my bike frame.<br />
<br />
Yet, while riding down the road the other day, a cop flagged me down. Said that we are not allowed to have two people on the moped. Of course, everyone rides with two people on their electric bikes. I didn't argue. Ruth got off, I paid the $3 fee, and drove off. Ruth had to walk the rest of the way. <br />
<br />
Go figure.<br />
<br />
...dave<br />
No matter how cynical you get, it's impossible to keep up. - Anonymous</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p>© Copyright 2012 - All Right Reserved</p>
<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-61699505155944725962011-11-21T06:38:00.001+08:002012-01-09T19:23:22.881+08:00丽江 Lijiang<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6342596228/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Lijiang China (old town) - Entrance by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="Lijiang China (old town) - Entrance" height="132" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6114/6342596228_af870054bf.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">W</span>e took a few days and went to Lijiang, Shuhe, and Baisha with some friends from America.<br />
<br />
Lijiang old town is a beautiful place to see in China. The small town has streams running under cobble stone foot bridges and through the town square. Shuhe is similar and a little less crowded. It's just a bus ride (or taxi) of 20 minutes out of Lijiang. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6349080314/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Baisha China - old men playing Chinese chess by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="Baisha China - old men playing Chinese chess" height="132" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6234/6349080314_537ac22050.jpg" width="200" /></a>The area has grown since we last went in 2008. Most of the attractions (Tiger Leaping Gorge, Snow Mountain, etc.) have doubled in price. For example, we were surprised that just to get into the Snow Mountain park it cost 180 RMB (about $30) and then another 105 RMB ($15) to go up the mountain. That's $45 dollars US to see some snow!<br />
<br />
We skipped it. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6345325309/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Shuhe China - by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="Shuhe China -" height="132" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6036/6345325309_7a05c31a6e.jpg" width="200" /></a>Instead we walked around the towns and talked to the local people. We snapped pictures of old men playing chess and listened to local music on fascinating instruments. Overall it was a better experience for us. Besides, the tourist sights were crowded with people. Taking a little local bus and visiting with the locals was much more enjoyable.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6346090708/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="龙余湖 Longyuhu China - Mr. Li by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="龙余湖 Longyuhu China - Mr. Li" height="200" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6101/6346090708_5fc4a004cf.jpg" width="132" /></a>We looked up a friend we knew in Lijiang and he took us to a fantastic dinner meal that evening and again to his sister's place for lunch the next day. He runs an English Tour company that will take you to various local places. If you don't know any Chinese (and even if you do) he's a great tour guide. He does day and multi-day tours including hiking, horseback riding, sight seeing, and shopping. Eric is a local Lijiang resident and speaks perfect English too. One of the best I've met. We met up with him in 2008 and again on this trip. He's a great host. (You can reach him at <a href="http://www.lijiangprivatetour.com/" target="_blank">www.LijiangPrivateTour.com</a>)<br />
<br />
<br />
We enjoyed talking with Mr Li in 龙余湖 Longyuhu. He had been in the Chinese army for some years back in the 50's and had a lot to talk about. He lived in a very modern looking stone house with an old tractor in front of it. I asked if I could take a picture and he was very agreeable. He asked me if I'd like to come inside, so we stepped into his entry area and snapped this picture. His town was at the base of Snow Mountain. The weather was perfect and the people friendly. One old man was squatting over a pile of boards, pulling out nails and straightening them. Our visiting friends talked with him while I snapped pictures. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6346052630/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Shuhe China - Snow Mountain by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="Shuhe China - Snow Mountain" height="132" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6120/6346052630_e4bd90bb30.jpg" width="200" /></a>Further up the road we found some horses grazing under the backdrop of Snow Mountain. On our last visit we rode for four hours and only paid $15 dollars, and the ride included a Naxi meal. This time they wanted $30 for an hour. No tours were around for miles. Some of the horse handlers were sitting in the shade playing cards. So we tried to get a ride for less. We told them that the horses were not doing anything anyway. No riders, no money. We asked for a discount. <br />
<br />
But the woman in charge was not going to hear of it. She was firm and wouldn't give up a penny. She complained that we'd only make the horses sweaty and that would mean more work for her later, when she had to wipe them down. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6348651282/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="deer meet by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="deer meet" height="132" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6108/6348651282_9838fe3c58.jpg" width="200" /></a>It seems that folks here just don't understand the meaning of tourism. They are still stuck in an old mindset. The government gives them a subsidized job to tend a store or tour center. They sit around and gamble playing cards or mahjong and smoke and visit among themselves. They don't care if anyone comes to buy or not. In fact, tourists are an irritant. Free enterprise is still unexplored territory. The ones that "get it" are doing well (like our friend Eric above).<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6357733503/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="丽江 Lijiang China - Maya Restaurant by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="丽江 Lijiang China - Maya Restaurant" height="132" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6041/6357733503_3119c710a7.jpg" width="200" /></a>On the way back to our inn in old town we passed some guys skinning and cleaning two deer. They had started when we left the town earlier that morning. Here, late at night they were still at it. They skewer the fresh meat and season it over an open fire. It smelled great but we had already enjoyed some goat meat prepared the same way. Good stuff. Besides these were just snacks. We were looking for something more substantial. And we found it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6348341595/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="丽江 Lijiang China (old town) - North side by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="丽江 Lijiang China (old town) - North side" height="132" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6104/6348341595_5222717d44.jpg" width="200" /></a>Not too far from the water wheel of old town Lijiang was an East Indian restaurant. He had just opened up a week ago. He served us chicken, beef, and vegetable curries with soft, fresh pitta bread, and then later cheesecake and brewed coffee. It was enough to feed the four of us, and it cost just $30 US. I recommend his place if you are visiting Lijiang. He didn't have his website up yet but the restaurant is called "Maya Cafe." Check it out. You'll be glad you went!<br />
<br />
We finally made it back up to our inn on the hill and watched the moon come up over the city. We opened a bottle of imported wine and talked of our experiences of the day while sitting on our veranda. <br />
<br />
Travel is such an exhausting endeavor.<br />
<br />
See the show:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="363" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/33581473?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=80ceff" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="580"></iframe><br />
<br />
Music: De Ushuaia A La Quiaca and Pampa by Ronroco.<br />
<br />
(See the photos: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/sets/72157628122297436/show/">Lijiang photos</a> on Flickr.com.)<br />
<br />
...dave<br />
Happiness is not having what you want. It's wanting what you have.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p>© Copyright 2012 - All Right Reserved</p>
<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-2963947279657040832011-11-08T07:53:00.000+08:002011-11-08T08:29:40.477+08:00Seeing is believing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6115577487/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="new cool glasses by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="new cool glasses" height="200" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6115577487_3cbdc67eee.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">A</span>ll in all we really do enjoy life here. There is pressure for sure. Crazy drivers and rude people. I guess you can find that anywhere. Over all, life is slower here.<br />
<br />
Yet, some of the events we see everyday here are so strange that to describe them would make you think I was just making stuff up. They are just too weird to the American mind-set to absorb.<br />
<br />
For example, we often go shopping in a high-end mall nearby. We can buy anything from photo equipment (Nikon pro cameras) to imported furniture from Thailand. There is even a jewelry floor of jade, diamonds, silver, gold, etc. Well, you get the idea.<br />
<br />
Last week I paused in front of the photo store while a woman held her five year old son over a trash can to pee. When she saw me (a blue-eyed stranger) she turned toward me to stare. The result was that the aim of her boy and subsequent stream was diverted to the store glass behind the trashcan and then cascaded onto the floor.<br />
<br />
The concept of small children using the bushes, public planter boxes, or even the store entry stairs for a toilet is beyond me. Yet, no one here seems to be the least bit bothered by this custom. Last Saturday a <i>10 year old kid</i> used the Starbucks planter box seating area! It was not more than 20 feet from the entrance. His mother stood by checking her phone messages. Ten minutes later another kid used the planter box as a runway for his toy airplane, ran it through the "water" and flew it over his head.<br />
<br />
I know you think I'm making this stuff up, but I swear to you, this is an everyday occurrence. In fact, every kid not potty trained wears "split pants" that is, pants with the crotch un-sewn. It's always open. The kid does not wear diapers. This is convenient for the parents. When the kid has to go, they hold the squatting kid in their arms over the closest gutter or sidewalk plant to relieve themselves.<br />
<br />
And I used to complain about lazy dog owners walking their pets in the park.<br />
<br />
...dave<br />
Build a bridge and get over it. - Anon</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p>© Copyright 2012 - All Right Reserved</p>
<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-61196531618635061502011-10-30T21:41:00.001+08:002011-10-31T13:53:22.018+08:00Thailand Goods<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6294319621/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Thailand Trinkets by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="Thailand Trinkets" height="132" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/6294319621_af77637323.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">W</span>e are not trinket people so I was a bit surprised when we unpacked our bags after the trip to Thailand. Look at this stuff, and that's not all of it. Missing are a couple of blank journals I bought (see below). <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6294319613/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Lertsark Bangkaew's Elephants by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="Lertsark Bangkaew's Elephants" height="197" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6238/6294319613_b287cf0c4a.jpg" width="200" /></a>One day we went out looking for local artists. Lertsark Bangkaew paints these funky, quirky elephants. The oil originals are about $60-$100 whereas the prints are only $6. Each year he changes his style. This is a 2009 style, which I like. (You can check out his page by clicking on: <a href="http://th-th.facebook.com/lertmoreebangkaew">Lertsark Bangkaew's studio</a>.) <br />
<br />
It's great to have the time and be able to chat a bit with the local folks. We learn so much more about the country when we spend time with them.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6294319605/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Blank sketch journals by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="Blank sketch journals" height="150" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6228/6294319605_a83febbee1.jpg" width="200" /></a>Good inexpensive journals are everywhere in Thailand. The leather one (on the right) you see here was $9 and the cloth one was $6. I waited until the last day before we left and took all my change to the very sweet lady selling leather goods on a folding table on the sidewalk. She gave me a big discount (at least I think it was a big discount) on this leather refillable journal. The pages are tied in through the back. After I'm done with the current paper inside I can reload it with watercolor paper. The snap closure is great because it protects the pages as I slide it into my travel pack or backpack. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6294319657/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="San Francisco in Chiang Mai Thailand? by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="San Francisco in Chiang Mai Thailand?" height="132" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6111/6294319657_61abf8804f.jpg" width="200" /></a>Ruth picked up the cloth runner you see above from the "Long Neck Village" lady you saw yesterday. In this small way we give them some income. They live in extremely poor conditions, in tiny huts and mud floors. Buying these items provides some food and shelter and keeps the young girls off the streets. It's a very sad situation for them. While we were there we taught two of the kids some English words. I was amazed at how sharp they both were. They pickup the sounds quickly and imitated me perfectly. Perhaps the next generation will have a chance at better living conditions. We wanted to stay longer to share with them some positive things but had to re-join the rest of the tour group. Next time I'll come better prepared.<br />
<br />
We have many great memories of our trip to Thailand. Most of the people we met were friendly and seemed happy to meet us (more than can be said for the foreigners we met yesterday). They were always ready to help despite the pressures they felt of the oncoming flood.<br />
<br />
We look forward to returning someday.<br />
<br />
...dave<br />
The happiest asks directions, even though he knows the way.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p>© Copyright 2012 - All Right Reserved</p>
<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-35300208951994047352011-10-29T13:35:00.001+08:002011-10-30T00:13:07.895+08:00Package Tour<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6290887400/" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Elephant Snack by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="Elephant Snack" height="142" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6091/6290887400_7cfa487157.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snack Time - sugar cane sticks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">I</span> am embarrassed to admit this, and I normally wouldn’t do it in a public blog but I feel compelled to warn you. And before I tell you what there is to be so embarrassed about, I have to tell you that in all our foreign travels we have never, ever done this. Never. <br />
<br />
But this time we succumbed and . . . are you ready for this? We booked an all-day <i>package tour</i>. <br />
<br />
It’s so humiliating I know. I hate to even admit to it. We take great pride in avoiding the camera wielding busses of sunburned tourists in tank tops and way-too-much-skin-showing shorty shorts. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6290320591/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Hut by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="Hut" height="132" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6037/6290320591_d190c3846b.jpg" width="200" /></a>The tour guides of these mass tours cart you around like cattle, chained to one another, and dump you off in trinket shops of overpriced “hand crafted” stuff. You wander around zombie-like stuffing shinny things into your pockets, buying things produced and replicated in every trinket shop across the country.<br />
<br />
Not us. No way. We ain’t doing that!<br />
<br />
But yesterday we gave in, we folded under the heavy pressure of sameness and joined a clan of eleven foreign tourists. <br />
<br />
And you know, it wasn’t all that bad. The free lunch was bland, the requests for tips was endless, and the sights were definitely “touristy” but other than that the pain wasn’t that severe. We made it through the day.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6290826078/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC_2236 by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_2236" height="132" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6036/6290826078_f430eeae38.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long Necks Village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We did meet a rather interesting crowd of tourists in our van. Some from China, others from America, one from Australia. What was most interesting to me was that even though we asked lots of questions of all of them, no one asked us any questions in return. In fact, after asking a simple question like: “Where are you from?” They simply gave us a one word answer and went back to eating their lunch. Come on people! Interface! Talk! What’s wrong with you? Why would you travel the world and not even get to know the folks sitting right across from you at lunch?<br />
<br />
Our tour guide was wonderful. She was personable and funny, and spoke great English. I bailed on the rafting ride after she didn’t directly answer Ruth’s question: “Have the guys ever tipped over a raft?” Her indirect answer was: “I can hold your camera for you.”<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6285960113/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Room in Chiang Mai Hotel by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="Room in Chiang Mai Hotel" height="132" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6035/6285960113_66c8479ec3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vieng Mantra Hotel - Chiang Mai</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We saw elephants, oxen, and long-necked people but alas, no lions, tigers, or bears. The elephants, up close and personal, were friendly and seemed to take a liking to Ruth. One rocked back and forth as she stroked his forehead and touched his trunk of sandpaper and wire hair. I love their big brown eyes and long eyelashes. They "look right into your soul" said our tour guide. I think she means they seem to sense your mood, like a loyal dog. The trainer had gone back into his hut so I asked Ruth to back away a bit. I always visualize the worst and imagined the elephant's trunk wrap around her and put her down his cavernous gullet in one large gulp. I'd hate losing my travel partner.<br />
<br />
There was one interesting woman from Australia who has traveled the world several times . . . alone. Yep, that’s right. All by herself. She makes all her arrangements via the Net, package tours and all, and then proceeds to enjoy them, all by herself. Initially, she didn’t really say much to us. Eventually, she warmed up . . . a little. Then she talked about herself.<br />
<br />
When the van came to pick us up in the morning and the door slid open, everyone just sort of stared at us. No warm greeting. No welcome. Not even a ‘hello’ from the dark interior. It didn’t start out well and and really didn’t get much better either.<br />
<br />
Yeah, I’m embarrassed to say we succumbed to a <i>package tour</i>. <br />
<br />
I’m going back to traveling alone with Ruth. She’s the best partner and we see and do so much more.<br />
<br />
...dave<br />
Do I <i>look</i> like a people person?</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p>© Copyright 2012 - All Right Reserved</p>
<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-42556013012913051902011-10-28T08:39:00.000+08:002011-10-28T09:05:46.319+08:00Room with a pool<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6285963551/" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Thailand Chiang Mai Hotel by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="Thailand Chiang Mai Hotel" height="132" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6105/6285963551_cc1fdf070a.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pool view from our room balcony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">W</span>e didn't see any lions, tigers, or bears today. Instead we saw paintings of them. We visited the local artists and enjoyed hearing and watching them work. <br />
<br />
One guy paints nothing but stylized elephants, cute mother and baby elephants, almost cartoon looking, in every color of the pallet. Each year he changes his style so I could actually see his technique change from year to year. He does't allow photographs in his store for fear that some will take pictures and sell his work themselves. "You I trust" he said "I can tell you are a good person." Well, I'm glad someone finally noticed.<br />
<br />
In another art store we met a girl who's husband photographs models and then digitally adds creative elements. The results makes the models look very fairy-like. Very interesting stuff. Not the kind I'd hang on my wall but creative nonetheless. She also is a photographer who shoots nature flowers in arranged patterns. He father carves wooden elephants which she displays in the shop. I really enjoy talking to the local artists. They give me creative ideas.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6285964009/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="pano-pool by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="pano-pool" height="136" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6285964009_a892f8ab6a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pool Panorama with iPhone Pano app</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Near the elephant artist we found a place that makes fresh pizza in a real pizza oven. We sat at a picnic table under the garden trees and ordered a mozzarella and spinach pie, local beer and Coke. <br />
<br />
We headed back to the hotel so i took advantage of the beautiful pool and cooled down during the hottest time of day.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6286478770/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Relaxing at lunch in Chiang Mai by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="Relaxing at lunch in Chiang Mai" height="132" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6052/6286478770_762745368e.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">colorful eats</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At 6:00 PM we walked about a third of a mile and visited the night bazaar. Even at 6:30 PM all the shops were not yet open but there were still too many to visit in a lifetime. Every craftsman is represented there. We saw leather belts, purses, and wallets. There are artists working in oils, pastel, and charcoal, some painting from pictures left behind by tourists, There are sculptures of wood and brass. Beautiful linen and silk cloth, stitched or dyed in rich patters. Jewelry of silver, jade, and gold hang from endless stalls along the narrow sidewalks and in closet booths in warehouse-sized buildings. I passed a bar pumping out rock music. Noisy foreigners were gathered around a huge wood table, all talking at the same time and toasting the day's adventures.<br />
<br />
We rode a Tuk Tuk back to the hotel, took another dip in the pool, crashed in the room and dreamt of all the stuff we didn't buy.<br />
<br />
...dave<br />
Life's Tough. Get a helmet. - Anon</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p>© Copyright 2012 - All Right Reserved</p>
<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2362369908684758782.post-36266194712400783352011-10-26T11:23:00.000+08:002011-10-26T23:47:07.667+08:00Chiang Mai - Thailand<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6281639019/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Sandbags by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="Sandbags" height="132" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6046/6281639019_0c561f5c4b.jpg" width="200" /></a><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="color: maroon; float: left; font-family: times; font-size: 100px; line-height: 80px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 1px;">D</span>ue to the Thailand flood the tickets getting out of Bangkok were skyrocketing. The tickets were twice and sometimes three times what they are normally. People were bagging their doorways to prevent the inevitable waters from rushing in when they finally reach Bangkok. The government says it will come, but according to the vendors they are not saying when or just how much water will flood their stores.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6281388413/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Chiang Mai Temple by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="Chiang Mai Temple" height="131" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6220/6281388413_99529b0e3b.jpg" width="200" /></a>Meanwhile, because we didn’t book a return flight we had difficulty finding a flight out. We had talked about going to Chiang Mai, just north of the city but didn't make any plans before this. We found a reasonable flight at a ridiculous time and got up at 5:00 AM to catch it.<br />
<br />
Chiang Mai is a tropical place with elephant and lion wild parks. We see them advertised everywhere. Tuk Tuk drivers hound us to hire them to take us there. We decline and decide to do a walkabout in the city square.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6281915666/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Chiang Mai Tuk Tuk by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="Chiang Mai Tuk Tuk" height="142" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6113/6281915666_c95e3a9cbe.jpg" width="200" /></a>Not realizing just how big it is, we spend three hours looking into all the small craft shops. Eventually becoming week from the heat and miles of walking we find a small air conditioned Starbucks-like coffee shop and plunk down 75 boht (about $2.50) for a 6oz cup of mocha coffee. Yikes. But without it I would have had to crawl back to the hotel on my hands and knees.<br />
<br />
When I did finally make it back, I collapsed in a sweaty heap on the bed, clothes and all, and slept for hours. I’ve never been so exhausted. After several hours I was resurrected to life, tripped into the hot shower, and returned to the horizontal position. I slept another eight hours.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daveterry/6279839300/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="The Black Coffee - Chiang Mai by daveterry, on Flickr"><img alt="The Black Coffee - Chiang Mai" height="132" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6231/6279839300_c4fc3c47f0.jpg" width="200" /></a>Did I mention I was exhausted?<br />
<br />
This morning I'm feeling much better. We found a place that serves American Breakfast: eggs, bacon, rolls, banana bread, and of course, endless coffee (via IV drip if you prefer). <br />
<br />
I think I'm ready for the lions, tigers, and bears. Oh my!<br />
<br />
...dave<br />
My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it. - Mark Twain</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><p>© Copyright 2012 - All Right Reserved</p>
<a href="http://travel.daveterry.net">travel.daveterry.net</a></div>daveterryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04367790429159340198noreply@blogger.com0