Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel. Show all posts

Saturday, August 26, 2023

Taking Your Ears on a Little Trip Around the World

photo credit Ieva Weaver
Whoops, I did it again, well in this case, it was no accident but another happy opportunity to play a radio DJ once more. This was my second turn at the web-powered microphone for the Latvian online radio station tirkultura. My first time was back in February of this year, which I related on my other, comix-related blog, The Reluctant Sadist and Other Wanderings in the Comix Underground. Yes, I have two neglected blogs. Always the overachieving underachiever. 

Michael Holland (check out his show on OnoTesla - NTS) once more was my producer and studio engineer as he was for kuš! radio. This was a good thing as I needed his technical expertise and moral support to try and pull off my ambitious upgrade to my first outing. I wanted to go beyond just working through a playlist with a bit of yammer in between the tunes. I wanted to take my listeners for a trip around the world with me on a show that I called, "Wherever You Go, Well That's Where You Are". With that plan in mind, I set to harvesting golden moments I had captured on my various travels and intended to weave those found sounds together with appropriately themed songs. With Micheal in my corner, I knew all I had to do was show up with the bits and pieces and he would put the cables into the right sockets and we'd be off. Now, I did not map out each and every clip as I wanted to build the story on the fly and let our conversation lead us where it may. This loose approach did result in a few technical hiccups, which felt jarring to the point of disaster in the live moment, but on later listens actually adds to the charm and authenticity of the show I think. You be the judge, here's the show:


It was an exhilarating process stitching this crazy, patchwork sonic quilt together in the moment. I was playing mp4 video of travel clips so Micheal and I could watch them together and comment. We agreed ahead of time to let the clips, music and talking overlap to build unexpected sounds and make room for happy accidents and I think that works as much as it doesn't. All that overlapping though meant that the source materials were consumed much more quickly than I expected, so we had to do a little scrambling at the end to fill time. Here's the playlist -

01 - India_Varansai_Religious_Procession (Travel clip)
02 - On the Road Again (Willie Nelson)
03 - Morroco_Desert_Dancing (Travel clip)
04 -  Spread Your Wings (QUEEN)
05 - Bali_Ubud_Furneal_Procession_01 (Travel clip)
06 - I'm a Ramblin' Man (Waylon Jennings)
07 - Japan_Tokyo_Folk_Dancing (Travel clip)
08 - Japan_Yokohoma_Dragon_Dance (Travel clip)
09 - Niamey Jam (Nomad- Bombino)
10 - Vietnam_Ho_Chi_Mihn_Broom_Machine (Travel clip)
11 - Vietnam_Hanoi_Street_Karaoke (Travel clip)
12 - High Plains Drifter (Beastie Boys)
13 - Thailand_Bangkok_Thai_Boxing (Travel clip)
14 - Thailand_Chiangmai_Pop_Singing (Travel clip)
15 - Singapore (Tom Waits)
16 - Hong_Kong_Slyvester - (Sonny Rollins - St. Thomas) (Travel clip)
17 - Bali_Ubud_Shadow_Puppets_02 (Travel clip)
18 - The Crystal Ship (The Doors)
19 - Nepal_Gandaki_Mule_Train_on_the mountain (Travel clip)
20 - Myanmar_Bagan_Ice_Cream_Man_Rap (Travel clip)
21 - Road Trippin' (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
22 - Morroco_Marrakech_Night_Music (Travel clip)
23 - Cambodia_Siem_Reap_BATS (Travel clip)
24 - Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Judy Garland)
25 - India_Varansai_Ganga_River_Night_Ceremony
26 - Lawrence of Arabia (Movie Soundtrack)
27 - Bali_Gainyar_Ceremony (Travel clip)
28 - King of the Road (Roger Miller)
29 - Here At The End of The World (Alex McMurray)
30 - City of New Orleans (Johnny "Doc" Criner)

What do you think? Should I do some more radio shows? 

Keep smiling,

OK HW


Friday, June 24, 2022

Walking the Wall - Part One

 

Do you still have dreams? Are you actually trying to make those dreams come true? I have a bucket list, which could also be called a "dream list" and I've been neglecting it for too long. Most of the items are travel or hiking related, so the last couple of COVID-19 years have made those dreams more difficult to achieve. I've also added other kinds of  personal goals like artistic/creative endeavors and simple experiences (particualarly shared with friends and loved ones) to capture all of the ways I would like to fill my life with whatever time I have left on this old swinging sphere. One of my top hiking dreams is Hadrian's Wall in northern England. It's not a particularly difficult or long trail running 84 miles from Bowness-on-the-Solway to Wallsend, but the history of the Wall and the fact that the route runs coast-to-coast captured my imagination. I love paper maps and find they make it easy to daydream about walking a path like this or following a coastline or climbing a mountain. The Hadrian's Wall Path looks quite inviting to me when laid out on the kitchen table, with a city on either end (Carlisle and NewCastle) and that big, beautiful, bulge of green landscape swelling in between, belted by the ruins of the Wall. While I do appreciate learning about history, I am not a history buff, so I'll spare you my fumbling to provide what so many others have done better. The barest of facts are; the Wall was built by the Romans some 1,900 years ago, which they maintained for about 300 years before leaving one day without a word of goodbye and left the Brits with a huge resource of cut stone block ready for repurposing as churches, homes and pubs, which is why the wall is mostly missing now save for some short sections in the middle. I'll stop there and point you here for the official facts. 

A photo taken of me by a fellow hiker somewhere in the middle fun bit of the trail.

It had been more than three years since I last embarked on a long distance, multi-day hiking adventure, that being the week I spend hiking in Nepal to the Annapurna Base Camp in March of 2019. I'm not getting any younger, so I wondered, do I still have what it takes to put the pack on and go the distance? I make an effort to stay fit by walking or running everyday, watch my diet, etc, but you never know until you get out there and give it a go. Besides physical fitness, long distance hikes are also a mental game. I've seen more then one hiker mentally surrender on a difficult stretch and the result is the same as a twisted ankle. Game over. One aspect that I crave from the challenge of a hike like this is to push myself and see what I'm made of. There's only so much planning that can be done and it's impossible to plan for everything, so when it comes down to it, you have to show up and put one foot in front of another (in this case about 257,000 steps!). When it comes to planning and deciding on what kind of experience you want to have, I'm of the mind that you should understand yourself and punch your weight. In other words, if you don't enjoy tent camping (particularly in a country known for it's rain) and physically aren't prepared to carry a heavy backpack loaded up with camping gear, then don't do it. It's not a competition, there's no medals handed out at the end. It's your time and money, so plan for the experience that you want to have. You win if you show up and do the thing, however you wish to do it. Some folks will camp out, others will drive and stop at certain historical sites, some will hike but use a baggage transfer service; whatever ticks your box. 

Of course I'm smiling, it's the start of the trail!
I planned to hike the full length of the trail carrying my full backpack (clothing, rain gear, food, water, etc) from end-to-end and stayed in accommodation along the way, so no camping. I set a six day itinerary, averaging fifteen miles a day. In hindsight, I would have divided the path into seven days, which would have allowed for more time to enjoy historical sites and have chats with the locals, but also would have left me less tired at the end of the day. 

Lesson Learned - Stop planning hikes like I'm still thirty years old and slow down and smell some roses, or sheep shit or whatever there is to smell along the way.

Another Lesson Learned - I over estimated my capacity to eat snacks, particularly trail mix and wound up carrying a 700 gram package of nuts  the entirety of the trail unopened, besides some other items. The Hadrian's Wall Path is never far from a village or town, so it's easy to buy snacks along the way, in fact many locals set out snacks and drinks along the way with an "honesty box" system, basically if you take anything, you pay for it. I always skipped these as I was always carrying more food then I needed. 

So which direction to go? Walk east or west? After doing some research (this blog was particularly helpful - https://whatsdavedoing.com/hadrians-wall-guide/ ), more than one experienced hiker recommended heading east towards Wallsend, primarily because the prevailing winds would be at your back. I heeded that advice and don't regret it, but take note of my experience, which was, I hiked into a westerly wind for most of the trip! Some westward hikers (both older Americans) happily pointed this out to me on the windiest days, trail trolls. In response, I would urgently point out to them a suspicious-looking bump on their face that looked like melanoma and they should get checked as soon as possible. Happy trails trail troll! 

I felt like a Roman Centurion
An eastward plan put the trail's start at Bowness-on-Solway, a small coastal village on the Southside of Bowness Firth about twelve miles west of Carlisle. Instead of staying in Solway, which has few accommodation options and what is there is a bit expensive, I decided to stay in Carlisle two nights. which allowed me to take a bus (the 93 on Stagecoach Bus) to the start with just a daypack. I felt just like a Roman Centurion waiting at the bus stop that morning, eager to begin my quest! I noticed another hiker with an impressive sized backpack also waiting for the bus. This was Steven, a friendly Scottish fellow from Glasgow area, who turned out to be my first trail friend of the hike. He was camping along the way and had an open itinerary, stopping where and when he felt like it. I admired that approach, but it is not my way and I was glad for the confirmed bookings I had made. Steven and I hiked together on and off that first day, sharing a lunch break and discovered we are both widowed, so we had more than the hike in common.  
 
You shall not pass! 
It's not the first time that a chance encounter with the right person at the right time on my travels and I saw it as a good omen for the journey. Although we never did see each other again, we kept in touch throughout the hike and I hope to catch up with him again one day. The weather that first day was cool and mostly kind, with only a little rain, which we avoided stopping for lunch at park shelter next to the Greyhound Inn. I munched a snickers bar contemplating the memorial statue of King Edward the First who died there from dysentery in 1307. My Scottish friend said, "Good riddance" showing the strength of that grudge. 

The day's hiking was mostly uneventful, other then one stubborn sheep that block the trail. Despite her efforts, I found away to continue on! The trail ran through farm fields and along quiet roads following where Hadrian's Wall once was. The walking was easy, even relaxing and I settled into the rhythm of my stride, meditating with each footfall grateful to finally be back on the trail.

End of part one. Much more to come!

OK HW







Friday, August 14, 2015

The Skinny Buildings of Japan - 8/13/15

On a side street in Numazu, Japan
I am still digesting my trip to Japan. Everyday that I was there was filled with too much detail to process in real-time. Going back through my photos I found a series of shots that I took of skinny buildings. Real estate is a premium in Japan, so buildings are slotted in on the slimmest lots. 

Somewhere in Tokyo, Shibuya maybe?






The Japanese are also masterfully efficient users of space, so I'm sure these buildings, though compact, have fully functional interiors.

Shinjuku, Tokyo






I fell in love with this brick apartment building, though not as skinny as the others, I couldn't resist the Smart Car tucked in so cozy.  

SakeStand - Shibuya, Japan






Sorry to say that I did not get to sample any Sake from this marvelous SakeStand. Notice the umbrellas; yes it did rain a lot while I was there, but that didn't slow me down. 

The skinniest building in Tokyo












The skinniest building in Tokyo is a slight wedge of a noodle restaurant, perched somewhere in Harajuku. The place is so small that the kitchen spilled out the back door into the alley behind the place. No, I didn't eat there either. Next time.

The Littlest Bunker
The last place is the "Littlest Bunker in Tokyo". When I saw this joint I fantasized about owning a hideaway like that. Some tiny place to hang-out and listen to music and read books between trips to the conveyor belt sushi restaurants or noodle stands.

I love Tokyo and Japan!

OK HW 

Sunday, July 26, 2015

Dreamtime - The Japan Trip - 7-25-2015

It has been a lifelong dream of mine to visit Japan and hike Mt. Fuji. With my fiftieth birthday falling this year, it seemed appropriate to finally get this dream trip done. Besides, who knows how much longer I'll be in good enough shape to hike a mountain. I diligently saved (and hacked) as many frequent flyer miles as I could and managed to score a business class pod; Washington DC direct to Tokyo. The trip last two weeks and I did indeed hike to the Top of Mt. Fuji, spent time in Lake Kawaguchiko, Numazu and Tokyo. In the following weeks, I'll be posting about different parts of the trip, but for now, I want to share some photos from the trip. Here's the link.
Photos from the Japan trip on Flickr.

Enjoy!

OK HW


Japan Summer 2015

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Deer Corpse - 1/20/15 - Image-a-day

This shot wasn't taken today, it was taken in Mississippi on my "Red Clay Walk". I was about a mile into my walk when I spotted something in the ditch. Upon closer inspection I found it was a corpse! My overactive imagination pulled me instantly into "Mississippi Chainsaw Massacre". The scene a lone, lost person on a desolate country road finds a body in a ditch then the sound of a revving chainsaw and strange laughter... Luckily, it was just a deer carcass, dumped by some thoughtless hunters. I always wonder why so many hunters and fishermen litter and despoil the countryside and shores, yet talk about "loving nature".

OK HW

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Selfie with Dad- 1/19/15 - Image-a-day

I've missed a few days of posting images on here because I was in Mississippi visiting my Dad and Step Mom for the weekend. I took photos everyday, but had no internet access as my Dad doesn't have internet service and my cell phone had no coverage, so I was off-the-grid. It's always a bit strange for me to visit my Dad in Mississippi as it's not a homecoming for me as I never lived down there, but my Dad's side of the family has deep roots there, so I have a lot of connections there, just few memories. Culturally, I don't fit in, but I always enjoy how friendly most people can be there and the simple, country life. I love my Dad and Step Mom Betty and was grateful to spend some time with them. They start each day with prayers and gratitude for their lives and the people in it, and I think that's a beautiful way to start a day. I'm still learning from my Dad.

OK HW

Monday, January 19, 2015

Red Clay Walk - 1/18/15 - Image-a-day

I went for a walk while I was in Mississippi. My Dad lives out in the country, so it was easy to step down a side road and get a couple of miles. The ditch along the road exposed the red clay which my wife always loves to see, so I grabbed this self-portrait for her.

OK HW

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Spring Water - 1/17/15 - Image-a-day

On Saturday I went with my Dad and his neighbor Frank to a natural spring well to gather water. My Dad swears by this water to keep him healthy. We brought a couple of dozen two liter jugs to fill. The water flows freely from a white PVC pipe coming from the ground. The water tastes sweet and pure.

OK HW

Friday, January 16, 2015

Dawn Flight - 1/16/15 - Image-a-day

I saw the sunrise from an airplane window this morning. Clear weather is a traveler's friend. Heading Mississippi-way to visit my Dad for the weekend. 

OK HW

Saturday, February 25, 2012

We're All Just Meat Flying Through the Air

Air travel isn't what it used to be. There was a time that people would get dressed for a plane trip. A time when the airlines treated their passengers with respect and actually cared about customer comfort. For the most part, those days are long gone. There's a restaurant here in my new home for the day, Newark Airport, called Gallagher's that specializes in steaks. They show off the uncut slabs, proof of the quality. It just looks creepy to me and also struck me as an apt metaphor modern air travel. OK HW

Airport Layover Art

Janet's making good use of the long layover by making some art. OK HW
Waiting for a flight that will take us back to Ireland. Right now we are in sunny Newark, NJ for the day. Originally we were to fly out of Norfolk around 1:30 pm, but that got cancelled and we wound up on the 6 am flight instead. I' ve already managed a 2 mile hike around the terminal. OK HW

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Image for July 26, 2011 - Pink Cadillac

I actually took this Sunday, not today, but it's too good not to share. I spent part of that day rolling around in fine retro style in the back of this limping pimp wagon on a tour of Virginia's wine country. It was all to celebrate a friend's 40th birthday (who's name will remain a secret in case he wants to pass younger). There were six of us crammed into the well-worn cabin of this relic from a Barry White fever dream. There was a bar and phone and even a cassette deck in the back there! All was great until the brake light came on and the tour company thought better then to risk a limo full of paying customers on the mountain roads, and sent out a replacement mini-van. It was fun while it lasted.

OK HW

Thai-Mex in the Mountains of Virginia

I shot this weird little shrine in a Thai-Mex Restaurant in the mountains of Virginia off 151. Was just in for a quick beer while waiting for some carry-out pizza. The menu in this place was intriguing with smells from the kitchen to match. Next time...

OK HW

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Image for 7-4-11 - Happy Birthday America!

I spent the weekend down in Nags Head, NC with friends. It was a classic Fourth of July weekend; hot, hazy and lazy. The beach was covered in tourist. The pelicans glided through the hot air. Occasionally, a pod of dolphins cut through the waves. We ate, we drank and we napped. It was a fine time. Unfortunately, we had to drive back today,  so no fireworks at the beach, which was a slight drag. Any hope to catch some here at home was dampened by a heavy storm front. Happy 235th Birthday America.

OK HW

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Mountain Sky




On the road, heading to Mississippi.
--Sent from my Virgin Mobile!
Location : lat=35.658, lng=-81.993


--
Sent from my Virgin Mobile

Monday, May 23, 2011

Image for 5-22-11 - No Pregnant Women!

So what would have a "No Pregnant Women" icon on it? Anyone? Ah, come on, take a guess.

OK, here's a hint; I brought it back from Scotland.

OK HW