All-Terrain Education

"A Lesson on Terrain" Yesterday a large group of us went on an All-Terrain Vehicle adventure. The bus takes you about half an hour north of Cabo, up the highway and into the desert. Yes, it is a desert. The locals informed me that the tip of the Baja peninsula receives ~10-15 days of rain per year. The landscape is what you'd picture from a movie (Once Upon A Time In Mexico, perhaps): tall cacti, browning in the sun, with ubiquitous short, dry trees dotting the ground in and amongst them. The land is dry and rocky, giving a sense of desolation (or at least dryness) but the mountains in the background lend a sense of majesty. http://cdn2.landscapehdwalls.com/wallpapers/1/desert-in-baja-california-1436-1920x1080.jpg I was told by our tour guide (Cactus ATV Tours) that some native groups still live in those mountains, similar to the 'Running People' in "Born to Run". We were also given a brief lesson in ethnobiology: the trees (whose name I cannot recall) bleed a type of sap that comes out red at the trunk and clear at the top. The red sap was used as a dye. The white sap, when rubbed into the skin, turns white and is a natural sunscreen. We were also told that, if dying of thirst in the desert, not to drink from the tall cacti. They secrete a toxin that causes nausea. The squat, aptly named barrel cactus, however, has an interior like a cucumber and can be cut and chewed to draw out the water. On our tour we didn't drive through such difficult terrain, however. The trek (on Polaris RZRs) took us to a Pacific beach, then through a dry riverbed. We were told that during the hurricane the riverbed filled and took out anything in its path. It was a fun tour, but very expensive. The insurance for the vehicles (which was only optional if you left a credit card behind) wasn't disclosed to us ahead of time, so the entire tour wound up costing us ~$160 U.S. each. Due to the semi-dangerous nature of taking a high-powered vehicle out in unfamiliar country, we rode single file and could only take it up to a speed as dictated by our guide. Understandable, but a touch limiting to those who know what they're doing. I would recommend the tour if money is not an issue or if you are a diehard vehicle sports fan. I also learned more than I expected to about local culture and biology. For those on a budget, however, I'd say the snorkelling adventure packed more bang for my buck. --James

Artistic Expression

The Met was wonderful, with something for everyone to see.
The Museum of Modern Art had wonderful moments. I thought the gift shop was awesome, though I couldn't come to any decisions on what to buy, there was just too much.

I've always seen art as a reflection of history. It shows me something about the time period in which it was created. Whether it's designed to emulate a certain style, or meant to counter certain artistic principles, art tells a story.
The thing is, I'm just not as interested in the more recent stories. I know that expression is important, and a lot happened in the latter end of the 20th century, but I still just don't get certain forms of art. I can't see how leaving a canvas completely white holds any artistic value against some of the masterpieces out there.
You can justify its importance all you want, I just like to look at something that displays some kind of skill. If I can do it myself, I don't need to look at it in a museum.

The MoMa has certain installations that fall under the category of Art with a capital A. I honestly did see a blank canvas screwed to the wall. I also saw a video of people pulling hair out of their mouths and draping it all over a guy. I did not enjoy said video.

What MoMA did have that I enjoyed: Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, Picasso, Rousseau, Monet, and Manet. I even like Pollock, and Roy Lichtenstein's "Drowning Girl" is really cool too. "Campbell's Soup Cans" and "Gold Marilyn Monroe" by Andy Warhol were crowded, but I pushed my way in front to get a good view.

They have a really amazing prints section displaying work by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec that appealed to my theatrical side and he did numerous play posters in a style reminiscent of art nouveau.

I liked the MoMA, and I think if there was an exhibit on an artist I love I would visit it again. Having said that though, I would certainly visit the Met again, no matter what their special exhibitions are.

Crowds Crowds Crowds

Alright, let's talk about the Empire State Building.

The expectation:



The reality:



Granted, there were some spectacular nighttime views:

...but even though we got up there at midnight, the crowds were still pretty intense. If you're accustomed to that sort of thing, not a big deal. If you're not, bring a lot of patience. You can pay a paltry $20 (per person) extra to skip the main line (which we did not pay) and another $20 (per person, again) to go to the upper observation deck. We had no idea if the upper deck was worth it, or if it was just as crowded up there, so we just enjoyed the view from where we were.

All in all, I'm glad we went because it was a part of the City Pass, but although the view was really great, I don't know if it lived up to all the hype from the movies. If you have to choose one, I'd recommend the harbour tour for a view of the city. It's more relaxing, you get anecdotes about New York from a friendly captain/tour guide, and everyone gets their own seat from which to enjoy the view (so long as everyone on the boat obeys the sit down so everyone can enjoy the view rule).

Hint: not everyone obeyed the rule.

Tomorrow, my review of the American Museum of Natural History promises to be lengthier and more positive.

--James

And My Eyes Were Happy

Yesterday we visited the Metropolitan Museum.

We began our day by getting lost in Central Park like Macaulay Culkin. If we were to point the blame at someone for this, it would be at James. I tried to tell him we were lost and going horizontally across the park instead of vertically up it, but he did not believe me. I won in the end when we ended up at the beginning where we started, however this was not a sweet victory as we were now late getting to the museum. I've forgiven him though, especially since I've now told the world about his directional shortcomings. 

Tip: buy a map of Central Park for 2 dollars. It has helpful pictures, and I believe proceeds go to charity.

One thing about NY in August, everything is under construction. I looked at my map and tried to play tour guide, "on our left, you shall see Cleopatra's Needle" but it was covered in scaffolding, just like St. Paul's Cathedral. But we were not discouraged!

We met with James high school friend who now lives in DC, she had already been to the Met so she left the decision making up to me. Upon looking at the map (I like maps, okay?) I realized we had quite the journey ahead of us. It became clear that we weren't going to see everything in the time that we had. 

Tip for first timers: if you're interested in seeing the paintings, as I am, go to the second floor and do that first. We didn't get to see everything in the 19th and 20th century gallery.

We started in the Egyptian section, which is incredible. They have a whole temple! Egypt gifted it to the United States, which was very generous of them. This is definitely a must see, especially for those people who loved learning about mummies and Pharaohs back in school. 

We spent a good amount of time in the Arms and Armour section, which James certainly enjoyed. This is where one may expect to see full suits of armour and every kind of weapon ever used.

The next section is where I wish we hadn't spent a lot of time. We should have gone straight from Arms and Armour to the Medieval or Greek and Roman art, but instead we meandered through the first floor American wing. This would be cool for some people I'm sure, including the replica of a Frank Lloyd Wright room, but it wasn't the thing I was most interested in. I can't speak to the second floor American Wing (which apparently has Washington Crossing the the Delaware) because there was no time to see it. 

The Greek and Roman statues were really exciting, especially the head of Constantine, a historical figure I teach my grade 8 Socials class about. Hopefully this picture of me posing ridiculously beside it helps them remember facts I put on their tests.

The European Paintings gallery was my favourite. It was amazing seeing Giotto, Raphael, Rembrant and Vermeer, among so many others. I was transported back to my Art History University Class, except instead of it being on a projector it was real, and in front of me. Not even covered in glass or anything.

The 19th and Early 20th Century art was exciting too, displaying heavy hitters like Picasso, Matisse, Monet, Seurat and Van Gogh.

If I were to go back, which I've decided I will, I shall have a better understanding of what is where and what I would like to see.

All in all the Met has been a highlight for me. 

-Kim

Always Look Up

New York is a city that teaches you to look up. And I'm not just saying that because it is famous for its skyscrapers. 

Whether it is the library, a cathedral, or Grand Central Station, New York knows how to make a good looking ceiling. 

I will be sharing most of my pictures (of ceilings and other things) after I get home and am able to upload and edit the hundreds of photographs. I'm not exaggerating this; I will probably have over 1000 pictures when I'm through. 

James is going to blog later, likely recapping our adventure today. My highlights were:

-Feeling nostalgic towards my time in SE Asia as we explored China Town

-Chatting with a nice Italian man who sold us gelato

-Eating very cheap, delicious Chinese food for lunch (see below)

-People watching on the subway

-Seeing the Statue of Liberty at sunset

There were many special moments today. James will regale you with his version once he returns from his quest for dinner. 

OH YES! You may wonder why we haven't eaten a hot dog yet. Don't worry, faithful readers. Tomorrow we head to Coney Island, the birthplace of the hot dog.

-Kim

On Broadway

Well, I can cross seeing a Broadway musical off my bucket list, and I'm glad that Kim was agreeable to seeing Hedwig and the Angry Inch with me. I've been in love with this musical ever since seeing its movie iteration a few years ago.

(This might turn into a slight/short review of Hedwig)

Somewhat different from the style of the movie, the musical is structured as part rock concert, part "one-woman-show" (plus band). Neil Patrick Harris is not only one of the funniest people I've ever seen on a stage, he's ridiculously energetic (and ripped - I was mucho jealous of his abs!). I've always been a big fan of rock music, and at times the show feels like a lesson in rock music history (without the actual history, but the style of songs spans the genre, from ballads to punk to grunge).

Broadway is certainly an experience that I would recommend. While you can get the same level of theatricality from a travelling Broadway show (as I have many times in the past), many of the theatre spaces here are surprisingly intimate:

Ours had a gorgeous ceiling, to boot

Just be prepared to shell out major $$$ if you want to have a beer at the show. Plus side, the sippy cups double as souvenirs:

I don't know why, but staring at Kim intensely seemed preferable to staring at the camera

Further observations on NYC thus far:

-I have decided that it is impossible to get a good night's rest during a turbulent flight
-I would never want to own a car here. Driving is scary, and requires a lot of patience (including reaching a destination in a reasonable amount of time. It's a huge, densely packed city)
-The cemeteries here are the size of small towns
-"Checking in early" is a concept and not a reality
-That thing where in every movie set in New York cars are honking at each other constantly? Totally true to life.
-Nintendo World should be called Nintendo Two Storeys

Kim has some great first-day pics of some other places we saw, including free exhibits at the Public Library by Bryant Park and St. Patrick's Cathedral (currently under restoration but still quite majestic) but I am signing off for today to go hunt for a late dinner.

Coming up tomorrow: Little Italy, Chinatown and the Circle Line cruise.

--James

On the metaphorical road

So! Here we go. On our way. First leg of the race. 

James has already written about his feelings towards airports. I agree with him on some aspects, and have found if you develop a positive somewhat laissez-faire attitude, it can be a relatively painless. I tend to smile as much as possible, even when I don't feel like it. Another method of keeping positive is to imagine how much more difficult everything would be if I was trying to do it all with a small child. I don't envy mothers in airports. 

What I don't like about travel is packing. I can never shrug the feeling that I've forgotten something. No matter how many lists I make or how many times I repack, I still feel like I'm going to get to my destination, walk through the door and realize I forgot my deodorant. 

But as long as I have my passport and my credit card I should be fine. 

This is the first time both James and I are leaving Chewie for a week with other people. Granted, our dog will be perfectly well taken care of by my brother and his girlfriend, but it is still difficult for me. I love the furry butthead, even though he sometimes tries to hump my leg or eat my cereal off the counter. 

Alright, I suppose that is a sufficient enough check in for now, unless something insanely exciting happens on our journey. 

The biggest dilemma in my life currently is whether or not to buy a neck pillow for 20.00. 

Come Fly With Me

I love airports.

Now, don't get me wrong...

Any seasoned tourist can attest to the tribulations of airline travel. The lines, crappy food (usually), heavy post-9/11 security, scrambling to catch a connecting flight after a delayed one (contrasted with hours of sitting and waiting), turbulence, rude passengers, etc. The list goes on.

I'm a big fan, however, of finding diamonds in the rough, and I don't just love airports because I used to dream about becoming a pilot. No, I'm talking about three of my other favourite pastimes: writing, chatting and people watching.



There is a thrum and pulse to an airport, and at any given time you can find a cross-section of cultures. Airports have also become (at least for North Americans) the predominant means of international travel (this is both good and bad; while they have helped make the world very small, they could also assist in our doom).



Ok, I'll stop digressing. My first point is that I've always seen long bouts of waiting as an opportunity to get writing done. A good deal of the war letters from Crystal Promise were written at SeaTac on my way to visit my friend AJ.

It's also a great way to meet people. Sure, there are plenty of grumpy don't-even-look-at-me-I-just-got-strip-searched individuals out there, but I've met some interesting people at airport bars and on flights, enriching what would otherwise have been an hour or two of silence.

Ok, not everyone's an extrovert. For those of you of the opposite persuasion, there's people watching.



I'm sure there are a plethora of reasons why we people-watch. I like to make up stories about people's lives (this may not come as a surprise to most of you). I don't mean made-up names and outlandish stories of their adventures kind of thing...I mean trying to guess what their life is actually like. Invasive, or inventive? YOU, THE READERS DECIDE.

So take it from a silver-lining kind of guy. Airports can be frustrating...but there are ways to make the best of them.

--James

The Kim That Never Sleeps

We have mocked up our itinerary. It is a bit insane the amount of things we intend to take in in a matter of a week. I hope that I don't pass out from exhaustion or over stimulation. New York has many people, and many lights. My little small town brain may not be able to take it all in. I'm already excited. I'm hoping adrenaline keeps me going when I am sleep deprived.

Here is our itinerary. I've written it in red, white, and blue to commemorate our american adventure.

Friday, Aug 15 DAY OF NO SLEEP Fly there: 1:42pm Homeà2:18pm Seattle, 6:10pm Seattleà9:10 Salt Lake City,12:35am Salt Lake Cityà6:59am NYC

Saturday, Aug 16 DAY I TRY NOT TO FALL ASLEEP IN PUBLIC PLACES Arrive: 7am  Walk around Midtown, Nintendo World, Bryant Park, NY Library 4pm: Check in 7pm: Hedwig and the Angry Inch Maybe we will meet Neil Patrick Harris!

Sunday, Aug 17 DAY WE TRY NOT TO GET LOST Day: Little Italy and China Town Eat all the Chinese food, ever. 7pm Circle Line Cruise

Monday, Aug 18 DAY WE RISK OUR LIVES ON VERY OLD ROLLER COASTER Coney Island WARRIORS, COME OUT TO PLAYYYYYY!

Tuesday, Aug 19 DAY OF KIM SAYING "THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL" Day: The Met 7pm Yankee Stadium Baseball Game

Wednesday, Aug 20 DAY WE GET OUR ART ON Morning: Top of the Rock 10:30am Museum of Modern Art Night: Empire State Building

Thursday, Aug 21 DAY OF NERDINESS 10am Museum of Natural History Night: Random Play I had a prophetic dream that I meet Daniel Radcliffe, perhaps we see his play?

Friday, Aug 22 DAY WE GET HOME AND SLEEP FOR SUBSEQUENT THREE DAYS Fly Home: 7:00amà10:07am Seattle 12:20pmà1:07pm Home

-Kim

My Life is a Series of Movie Quotes

Until James and I exit the plane on August 16th, my only real experience of New York is through film and television. The following shows and movies come to mind when I think of certain areas of The Big Apple:

Manhattan: Friends and Seinfeld 

Coney Island: The Warriors (CAN YOU DIG IT?)

The New York Library: Ghostbusters

Brooklyn: Saturday Night Fever

Central Park: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

Any place fancy: Sex in the City

-Kim

Start Spreadin' the News

Why 'Hot Dog Blog', you ask?

Well, one of the first things Kim and I discussed when we talked about New York was the legendary street food, (I know, there are delis and Italian restaurants too, but bear with me, here). We thought it might be fun to eat a whole swack of hot dogs on the trip, discuss them, photograph them, rate them, digest them, etc. They were invented on Coney Island, after all, which is a part of our itinerary for this journey.

We'll probably keep this travel blog for other adventures, and at some point we'll regret the moniker 'hot dog blog' in a manner similar to the Goo Goo Dolls, but for now we feel like it has a ring to it.

Next question. Why New York? Kim offered some fun suggestions, delving into our similar pasts, but I'd also like to offer the following reasons:

 -It's a cheaper first vacation than somewhere off continent

-We have heard good things

-The American Museum of Natural History



- NEIL PATRICK HARRIS IS PLAYING HEDWIG



-Did I mention Coney Island?

I just found out they have burlesque shows there. Should I try to convince Kim to go to one with me?

I could go on and on but I'll probably just wait until we have a proper itinerary, lest the list become tedious. For now, welcome to the blog and we hope you enjoy how we document our journey through one of the biggest symbols of Americana. (formerly Dutchicana)

--James

Ladies First

Ladies should always go first, therefore I shall have the honour of composing the first post on "The Hot Dog Blog".

As one might guess from the title, this blog is of the serious variety. Only serious subjects shall be presented.

Hot dogs. What are they? Why do I find them so delicious? Exactly how many hot dogs can I eat on our trip to New York?

I hope to answer all of these questions--and more--on this blog.

It shall chronicle the Adventures of James and Kim. Two young whippersnappers on their first "real" vacation together. Having dated for a year and a half now, J&K have dreamed of their trip to New York since they started calling each other "babe" and "hon". Having both studied theatre in university, the decision of where to go on their first adventure together was easy. NYC. City of Lights. City that Never Sleeps. The. Big. Apple.

I'm going to take a picture, of myself, holding an apple, in New York. Oh yeah, I'm going to be that tourist. Beware New York, we're coming.

-Kim