My GF and Vista

Published on June 3, 2008 in Australia under Life

My girlfriend's laptop has 1GB of memory, and Vista. I just heard a classic quote from her today: "I think Vista plus Office equals Monster." Followed by... "I just clicked the exsomething.exe with the somethingelse.exe and hit end task. Now my desktop went black." Read more.

Arrived in Sydney

Published on Sept. 19, 2007 in Australia under Life

We have arrived in Sydney! Our flight wasn't too bad, but shortly upon arrival we realized we didn't fully organize our transportation or accommodation. Either way, we bought a phone card at the airport (which is $10 instead of $2 downtown), and jumped on a bus to downtown. Shortly we ... Read more.

Bus from Hell

Published on July 12, 2007 in Tibet under Life

Today is the day for us to part from our Hong Kong friends. We woke up and saw a deck of playing cards with a little note on them. We took out our cards and left them for them, and we headed out to the bus station. Our initial plan ... Read more.

First Day in Lhasa

Published on July 8, 2007 in Tibet under Life

We awoke early in the morning to the loud sound of cars – but easily ignored them to get a few more minutes of sleep. At 9:00am we went to breakfast around the corner from the hotel – a pseudo-Chinese breakfast place. Next we wandered to the Potala Palace to ... Read more.

The 60 Hour Train Ride

Published on July 5, 2007 in China under Life

Early in the morning, 6:00am, we arrived in Guangzhou. Can you guess what we did? We ate rice balls, of course. Maybe I should explain what a rice ball is. Although Taiwan does rice balls differently, the ones in Guangzhou are usually in a dark seseme paste/soup, and are filled ... Read more.

A Day in YanShuo

Published on July 4, 2007 in China under Life

We awoke at 8:00 and went to breakfast. At 10:00 we rented a bike (a tandum!) and started biking to Moon Hill. The traffic was pretty dense so we needed to be careful, but we enjoyed ourselves none-the-less. Half-way up the road we paused for a break and an older ... Read more.

GuiLin to YanShuo

Published on July 3, 2007 in China under Life

Our boat to YanShuo left at 9:00, so we needed to wake up somewhat early. We ate some noodles typical of Guilin, and met up with a French couple going up the river as well. By 9:30 were on our boat ride up the LiJiang. The boat ride was overall ... Read more.

A Zoo, Bears and Monkeys

Published on July 2, 2007 in China under Life

The bus arrived at about 4:00am, a little too early for Yan-Shih and I. Neither of us slept that well -- the road (highway?) was in pretty bad shape, and the bus drive drove pretty insanely. In fact, whenever Yan-Shih woke up I kept saying "I love you, I love ... Read more.

Delayed for Five Days

Published on July 1, 2007 in China under Life

We decided to rest in and woke up at nearly 11:00. We at breakfast at a nearby bao store, and checked out at 13:00. Our first stop was the bus station to try and find out where we should go. Ultimately we decided to go to Guilin, about a day ... Read more.

To China We Go

Published on June 30, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

We woke up at the ripe hour of 5:00am, and were at the airport by 5:30. By 10:00 we were in Hong Kong, and by 12:00 we were at the visa office at the Hong Kong/Shenzhen border. I've traveled this route before, so knew it wouldn't be a problem getting ... Read more.

Starting Closure

Published on June 8, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

For the last 16 months I have been living in Taiwan (if it wasn't obvious). Within the next month, that will be coming to an end. Over the next few weeks I will continue studying for the GMAT and finishing my MCSE (hopefully) -- any words of encouragement will be ... Read more.

Dying Laptop Part II

Published on May 12, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

My laptop really is on the way out. I've been quite proud of it so far, I'll admit, and have no complaints. Today I packed it around to try and find a better cafe to work from, in addition to easier access for YS to go to work. I turned ... Read more.

Playing Tour Guide

Published on May 6, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

For the last two weeks I have been touring Taiwan with Yan-Shih, my dad and Cathy (step-mom). I've finally returned to Taipei, finally back online, and ready to start studying and trying to make some money. Wish me luck. Read more.

Into the Mountains

Published on April 29, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

The alarms woke us up quite early and we wandered down to breakfast. We quickly ate, packed, and jumped in the car. Next we drove to the Confucius temple, parked nearby, and began to walk. Midway, just off the road, a flower market appeared. Cathy and my dad instinctively wandered ... Read more.

To Taiwan, Again

Published on April 28, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

We arose to a loud knocking at our door, 8:00 had come too fast. Breakfast was had, bags packed, and we checked out of the hotel. Once the car was packed we drove out to the Snake Kiln, continuing with the motif of ceramics and teapots. Cathy thoroughly enjoyed the ... Read more.

Sun Moon Lake

Published on April 27, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

Breakfast was had at the hotel (same chain) across the street. Full of energy we started our drive around the lake. First we stopped by a Wen Wu Temple, a large and well visited temple. We wandered all around, Yan-Shih thoroughly explaining the small nuances of the temple. In front ... Read more.

Onward to Sun Moon Lake

Published on April 26, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

Yan-Shih and I ate breakfast on our own, my parents deciding they just wanted to eat the hotel “free” food. Once we arrived my dad and Yan-Shih left to pick up the car, whist Cathy and I chatted and eventually waited by the street. Just when we were starting to ... Read more.

Taipei Tour Guide

Published on April 25, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

Early in the morning Yan-Shih and I took the bus to the hotel, knocked on the door, and wandered across the street to a breakfast plane. Quite a bit of food was ordered, enough for them to sample, and soon we were off. Yan-Shih needed to check in with her ... Read more.

Busses Really Do Hate Me

Published on April 24, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

Yan-Shih and I waited for the big green bus, yet she needed to go teach. Waiting alone the bus came, and I asked to a girl behind me, in my crap Chinese, “does this go to the --” “airport” she replied. I jumped on and started the journey. Tonight my ... Read more.

Taiwanese Opera

Published on March 20, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

This weekend Yan-Shih and I went to CKC Memorial Hall and saw my first Taiwanese Opera. I was expecting to see big ladies singing at the top of their voices, but instead there was much dancing, "sword" play, and great costumes. Although I went mainly to appease Yan-Shih, I actually ... Read more.

Curry Valentine's Day

Published on Feb. 14, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

Yan-Shih and I love curry, there is no denying it. We prefer the hot spicy kind, Indian Curry, not the more mild variety from Thailand and Japan (although some Thai curry can indeed be spicy). So, for Valentine's day Yan-Shih and I went to a nice little curry restaurant, drank ... Read more.

On Being Cheap

Published on Feb. 9, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

Today is February 9th, and it represents several things for Yan-Shih and myself. First, we consider February 9th as our official unofficial holiday. Second, February 14th is Valentine's Day. Third, February 15th is my birthday. One thing you might not know is that the two of us are extremely frugal, ... Read more.

The Palace Museum

Published on Feb. 3, 2007 in Taiwan under Life

The Palace Museum, ranked as one of the five best museums in the world, has just finished renovation. Since we live in Taipei, there wasn't an excuse in the world why Yan-Shih and I shouldn't see the exhibition. From start to finish, the entire experience is marked by the feeling ... Read more.

Goodbye Girlfriend, Hello FedEx

Published on Jan. 7, 2007 in China under Life

The day was quite bittersweet. I dropped Yan-Shih off at the border so she could take her flight back, and I, dropping my head below my shoulders, took the subway back out to the hostel. For the next few days I would be trying to conserve money, just awaiting my ... Read more.

Umpa Lumpas

Published on Jan. 6, 2007 in China under Life

Back in Guangzhou, things don't seem to be too bad. Yan-Shih woke me up again, wanting to brush her teeth. She kindly let me sleep after that, although I couldn't. At some point I decided to stop trying to fake sleep, and played some rummy. While in Guangzhou, we had ... Read more.

Yea, We Missed The Train

Published on Jan. 5, 2007 in China under Life

Oh, no. Our train from Shanghai leaves at about 4:30pm, so we intended to leave Hangzhou between 11:00 and 1:00 (the train ride is about two hours). I woke up around 9:00am, packed, and woke Yan-Shih. She got out of bed, prepared a little, then picked up the train tickets. ... Read more.

DQ in the Heaven on Earth

Published on Jan. 4, 2007 in China under Life

Hangzhou, indeed, is a beautiful city. While I don't know how many people live here, the city seems much smaller than anything we have seen so far. The people move slow, cars are limited, and it isn't nearly as busy. Our hostel is located right on the West Lake, an ... Read more.

Heaven on Earth, Here We Come!

Published on Jan. 3, 2007 in China under Life

Six hours later we woke up, ready to start the day. We checked out of our room, and first found an Internet coffee shop place. One of my primary reasons for coming to China was so that I could mail my passport to New Zealand and get a visa in ... Read more.

Like a Sardine

Published on Jan. 2, 2007 in China under Life

I will need to get used to writing '2007', but I think it will be a great year. At least the year has started wonderfully! After waking up (Yan-Shih woke me up, yet again), we packed our things, cleaned up the room a little, and left the ghost guest house. ... Read more.

Hello 2007

Published on Jan. 1, 2007 in China under Life

Somewhat early in the morning Yan-Shih woke me up, "my hair itches." "Whaaaat?" "I want to wash my hair, and need to go to the bathroom. I'm scared. Can you come with me?” The thing about where we are staying is that, indeed, it could have ghosts. The building looks ... Read more.

Earthquakes and My Girlfriend

Published on Dec. 28, 2006 in China under Life

David (the Irishman) woke up first, since he needed to go to Hong Kong that day. I woke up second and started packing my stuff. The staff was apparently quite sad to see me leaving, but wished me the good luck traveling, and said I should come back again (I ... Read more.

Out Shopping

Published on Oct. 29, 2006 in Taiwan under Life

I must take a few moments to send a congratulation to my girlfriend, who just finished taking the GRE. She is in the process of applying for her PhD in the States, and so the GRE is thus required. Interesting, as we walk along the streets, I am routinely asked: ... Read more.