Vietnam - Day 3 Sapa

I had to make a hard decision today. I knew I only had enough time for one side trip to do while I was Vietnam. I figure I should only make one to enjoy that place more instead of trying to squeeze too much into little time. So, from the choices of Halong Bay, Hoi An, and Sapa...I chose Sapa.

Halong Bay has the chill beach/lake vibe but probably super touristy. Hoi An has some cool things but more known for cheap suits and not to mention you can design your own clothes, even shoes. And Sapa is way in the north near the Vietnam/China border where you can live in the villages for a few nights. I thought it would be a good experience for my mind and soul.

Overnight trains weren't too bad. I still say China trains with the sleep cars are the best. But Vietnam was decent. Right when I arrive to Sapa, the trek into the village starts. Talk about intense. NOTE: SAPA SUMMIT HOTEL had to be one of the worst hotel/hostel/guesthouse experience ever. they really failed at customer service and character. If you ever decide to go up to Sapa, ask me about that hotel:NOTE OVER.


That's a catholic church in Northern Vietnam. Built by the French.
 
 
 
 

Random Pics of Hanoi 4

 
 
 
 

Random Pics of Hanoi 3

 
 
 
 

Random Pics of Hanoi 2

 
 
 
 

Random Pics of Hanoi 1

 
 
 
 

Vietnam - Day 2 Hanoi

After feeling well rested and realizing that I was actually on vacation instead of working, I came down to the lobby of the guesthouse - Hanoi Guesthouse in the Old Quarter - and was surprised with a free breakfast. That's when I first discovered that pho was actually more of a breakfast food in Vietnam. Of course it was readily available anytime of day but the norm was to have it in the morning here. And all this time I thought the best time was after drinking.

I ventured around the Old Quarter dodging motorbikes and cars. My chinatown crosswalking skills finally paid off. Vietnam has by far the craziest unorganized but non-accidentally place I've ever seen in the world. Many people were mistaking me as a local with their random Vietnamese outburst. An old lady even grabbed my hand for me to help her cross the road of traffic. I really wasn't sure if I was helping her or she was helping me.

I finally got a call from some locals my homie Josh knew in Hanoi. That's when the food tasting began. From what I recall, we made the rounds. Mixed fruit in a cup with ice and condense milk. Yogurt with black rice. Close to boba but on a plate, sorta Hong Kong style on the third stop. Then dinner, traditional Vietnamese dinner with snails and beef on a stick. Hot pot style with crab brain as broth. Cooking thin meat and noodles. Damn was it good!

Karaoke was full. It was actually just a dudes living room turned into a business. So we ventured to a bar where the ring leader, Thinh taught us drinking games. But since no one drank, it became slap in the face game. My new friend Huyen got the bulk of the slaps. I felt sorry for her but not everyone else. But even with one Heinken, I was still sharp as a nail.

Its always a better experience hanging out with some locals. They know where to eat, how to drive in the crazy traffic, and you get to experience the daily life in Hanoi which was avoid the heat! So thanks a million guys.

With only time for one side trip from Hanoi, it came down to Halong Bay (beaches, caves, boatride, snorkeling, and overcrowded tourist) or up into the mountains of Sapa (village tour, homestay with the Hmong people, trekking into the valley, and good ole cultural experience). So tomorrow night I take an overnight train to Sapa. Oh how fun overnight trains are!

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Vietnam - Day 1 Hanoi

After a week in Hong Kong, it was time to challenge the backpacking living attitude I have to the test. I gave myself one week in Vietnam because obviously, work needs to be done at home and, who knows, maybe after a month in Asia I'll need some normal American living.
I could already tell by the ghetto-ness of the airport that I was in for an interesting adventure.

As I exchange some money to DONG and became an instant multi millionaire, my Asian math skills needed a little refresher. How is someone suppose to divide everything by 17 thousand??? At least they don't love coins like Hong Kong.

At first glimpse of the town, people seem friendly but curious, traffic was heavy and loud but normal for them, and the overall vibe was that people just like to chill. So I knew I could be right at home.

First stop, pho ba aka beef pho. Simple, medium size, super quick as usually, and ghetto fab, just the way I like it. Conclusion, that was some damn good pho. I could get use to this. Damage - 12,000 Dongers aka 75 cents. I love this place.

Second stop, Hoan Kiem Lake. People exercising, old folks stretching, kids fishing, and just enjoying the view. Quite relaxing and tranquil in one ear, but cars and bikes honking in the other. Great lake but interesting contrast. Nobody told me it was a pajama party. Hahaha. Gotta see it to believe it.

Heard there was a night market tonight. Might have to check that out. No other plans but being Dora the Explora. Funniest and super fun thing to do...crossing the street. I love it. I don't know why, but the rain has been following me everywhere in Asia. Wtf!

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Leaving Lille, France

As we were heading to the airport onto our private jet (that's right, a fuckin private jet man, crazeee) to the Paris premiere, we spotted some eye catchin art exhibit goin on. The driver said every year in Lille, they display some sort of unique art around the central area of the town. This year happens to be DEVIL BABIES!


 
 
 
 

France time

Off to Lille & Paris France. We stay in Lille for literally 12 hours but I'm not complaining. Another amazing crowd at the red carpet. Our driver said that this town was known for being huge tuner car fans so they came to represent by the hundreds. Though the main highlight other than the red carpet was the lunch we had in town.

The most largest and craziest piece of pork ever served to a mankind. I thought it was some sort of steak but it was actually twice as large than that and a huge thickness of fat to go with it. It was unbelievable. Of course I took a few bites of the fat just because. Incredible. So what if I just gained a few pounds on one bite of fat.

Quickly after the red carpet we jetted off to Paris to do some press and a mandatory dinner. The full team of cast and crew were invited to an unbelievable dinner french style. Of course when the menu came to pick one out of three appetizer, entrees, and dessert, I had to just get one of each. Hey, its paid for and sharing is caring.

I got to know more of the crew that were apart of the experience. Larry, pauls styist who use to tour with led zeppelin to name one of many. And john, michelle's makeup who also has a fatty resume of brillant stars.

After dinner, with one night in paris, party to the break of dawn. On vin's dime of course. Long and safe story short, we all ended up experiencing the breathtaking eifel tower at 5 in the morning. I knew this was the beginning of many long nights to come.

Off to London. Thanks j and uni. Too lucky yo be true.
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Germany Pics

 
Thats the gothic church.

 
A wise man wrote this.

 
Crazy crowd...I like it.

 
My new German name.

Cologne, Germany...the conclusion

I was mistaken. Its the largest gothic cathedral in the world. It sure damn looked like it from up close.

We got about two hours of free time and bobby and I ventured over there. It was pretty awesome. At first we didn't know how to get in so we snapped away on our cameras. Finally we saw the the grand entrance and we walked it. Pretty amazing. Word on the street is that saint nick aka santa claus is buried there. I can neither confirm nor deny but I believe it.

After seeing the badass cathedral. We just walked around the square and notice a good number of asian tourist. Not only asian tourist but most of the souvenior shops were owned by asians. Then I prob stumbled onto at least five chinese restaurants, in bfe germany. What a trip.

Then onward to the cologne premiere which was amazing. The town was known for their love for tuner cars and it translated to hundreds of fans. It was way bigger and way crazier than the LA premiere. It was true fans trying to peep out a hollywood movie.

The feeling was surreal. Girls screaming for vin and paul. Guys jocking jordana and michelle. And justin was just taking it all in with a good amount of his own fans. Funny thing was germany knows him very well from his blt days and questions from the press always included something with it.

It was a great way to start off this europe premiere. And just amazing on my end cuz I got to be in the middle of it all. This is by far once in a life time opportunity and I felt so blessed to experience it.

After, we jammed to a nearby airport where our private jets awaited. Off to lille, france for premiere number two. More to follow.
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Pics from the plane and Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany

Cologne, germany...the home of the largest gothic church in Europe. No shit. It sits very high and very majestic. My view from my hotel room is of the river which I have no knowledge of the name, one of dozens of bridges, and the veiw of this gothic church on the other side of the river. Its a view we prob wouldn't get much but one that needs only open eyes to enjoy.
The channels on tv suck due to the lack of German I know. But whose suppose to be watching tv anyways on a trip like this. But let me tell u, I am one of few who like and sometimes needs a tv to fall asleep. But after a long plane ride, good sleep is in order.

Last night we grubbed down on some local cusine. Brauhauswurst w potatoes and cabbage salad. And the love for mustard came in very handy. Extremely tasty and satisfying. Prob not something I would eat everyday but def did enjoy with my one full evening in germany. And to wash it all down, some local beer, kolsch. Pretty tasty but for some reason it didn't come in a pint form. Only in this wimpy skinny glass form. None the less still a great first meal.

Tonight is the first red carpet premiere. It should be interesting since fans have already found out where the stars are staying and wait seemlessly outside our hotel waiting for an autograph. And quickly after the red carpet, off to france on a private jet. Yup I said private jet. Crazy right! One of many "crazy right!"that will be said on this trip. I was sorta looking forward to catching a few lines in the movie dubbed in German but gotta stay on this tight schedule.

Pics to come once I pick up an outlet converter. I did come prepared but had to sacrifice it for the team.
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Eurotrip 2009

------Original Message------
From: ansonlho@gmail.com
To: Travel blog
ReplyTo: ansonlho@gmail.com
Subject: Eurotrip 2009
Sent: Mar 17, 2009 12:18 PM

Off to the land of euros. I've been blessed with an amazing opportunity to tour europe with the new fast and furios movie. I was the assistant to the director on the movie and it premieres april 3rd. But all the red carpet events happen earlier which brings me to why I'm at the airport. I'm off to europe for nine days and get to just chill and experience that high life only a few of us get to experience.
I consider myself the luckiest person this week cuz I get to hang with my homie and mentor on someone elses dime...first class literally. Of course I don't know what to expect but chances are we'll get the VIP treatment.
I'm sitting in the united first class loung with sushi and crown and coke in hand, surfing on free internet, and about to hop on a plane to germany in 1st class. Its times like these I wonder why I deserve this. What makes me so different from everyone else? I still don't know the answer but ill def soak up the enjoyment of luxury to the fullest.

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Resurrection

alright, i'm doing it. i've ignored this blog for far too long. got me a bb coming soon and just a crazy year so far. i write arowanalife blog for the general public. this will be my uncensored rant and good times of life. if you stumble upon this blog, only open minds please. thanks. ans

Brazil Pics Online

In case you haven't seen the pics of Brasil that Josh posted online, here is the link.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=jrb6yax.3qlqnamt&x=0&y=r9je7x&localeid=en_US
Might I suggest some itunes music for complete serenity. ENJOY!!!

Interested in Buying a Castle?

Seriously! While we were in Natal, we spotted a hostel that was for sale. A hostel that was a...CASTLE!!! Draw bridge, stone everything, even a dungeon. Ok, I dunno about the dungeon but I'm sure you can designate the basement as one. So if you ever thought about buying one, it's totally possible now.

Fortaleza, Brasil...Kite Surfing Mecca

It was tough leaving Natal, seriously. But the saga continues. There's more land to be discovered. Our most northern stop in Brasil was Fortaleza. I really wish I knew the state each city was in but I don't. Brasil has 26 states i think. don't quote me. Anyways, we were really fortunate to meet with Josh's co-worker's friend Carol, who graciously gave us a tour of the city. Honestly, it was a bit weird riding around in a car. So nice and convenient. The layout of Fortaleza was sooooo interesting. The city sorta had a right angle look to it, surrounded by much different types of waters. I say this because on one side, kite surfing is God there. World's championship kite surfing and there was def alotta people practicing for it. But kicker is, all the tall buildings that were built on that side have all, i mean ALL been deteriorated and crumbled down because of the wind that carries the salt. Empty lots everywhere with old building parts. So the other side is the normal side. Hotels, buildings, blah blah. The worst part is that they have this bridge half built (because the new mayor or wherever stopped it) that was suppose to connect everyone to their fatty tourist attraction, the BEACH PARK. They have this like 12 story water slide. Its called SUPER WEDGIE. naw, i don't know what its called but it should be. or RAPE ME.

Fortaleza was actually a cool city. The square of the city was sorta a cool embarcadero amphitheater with bars and restaurants feel. i guess. a perfect spot for the young people to hang out. But back to kite surfing, I actually thought about trying kite surfing before I had visited Brasil. It was just something I've always felt like doing. But Fortaleza was no place for a beginner. Trust me, I saw some guy getting dragged through the water from the wind and there wasn't a way to let go of the kite. If Chicago is the Windy City(even though it aint), Fortaleza is Chicago's drunk uncle. Long story short, I chickened out. ha!

HIGHLIGHT - All trip we've been talking about seeing a soccer game in Rio. But we found out there was a game happening here. THAT NIGHT. WHA! CEARA was playing ABC NATAL. Carol's brother's friend Ruggero is a die hard fan and agreed to take us. From what they described, it was kinda like the Panthers against the Lions. An average team vs a weakass one that would never sell out the stadium. But it was guaranteed to have scores. So GOOOOLLLLL for us! Home team CEARA won, 3-1. It was sick! Why? Because even though it was a normal game, these die hard fans treat it like its the World Series. Pitch for pitch, in this case, pass for pass, they were into it 100%. old guys were cussing like crazy over a simple bad pass. People would start ripping out hair when a player misses an opening. i loved it and at the same time i feared for my life. if i were to cheer for the wrong team only because i might have witnessed a great shot, will people give me the crazy eye? naw, they'll just say konnichiwai! honest! (squint eye look and all, its nuts,but thats another topic for next time) it was a very successful and rememorable game for me and i'm glad we saw it.


Here's some clips of the game.

Fortaleza, Brasil - Soccer Match: CEARA vs ABC NATAL from Anson Ho on Vimeo.

Doing Laps

Exercise is always so hard to do while you are traveling. Luckily, this 1 star place we stayed had a sweet swimming pool. A perfect chance to get my workout on.


Swimming Some Laps from Anson Ho on Vimeo.

Short Buggy Sand Dune Video

Doesn't really give it justice but imagine it crazier with dips, dives, and more screaming. I probably would have lost the camera had I tried to film the good stuff. I guess you'll just have to come here to Brasil yourself to try it out. Enjoy!


Natal, Brasil....Sand Dune Paradise from Anson Ho on Vimeo.