Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
(This is Zack – I’m in Hawaii. I’d rather NOT be sitting on my computer, so here is a random post I wrote like 7 months ago but never posted for some reason. ENJOY.)
Last Thursday was an experience.
Normally most experiences that I partake in start with some sort of drug or alcohol consumption. On this particular night however, that was not the case. My BFF Jonny invited me out to some random bar for free drinks on the house. I’ve actually become spoiled by this perk that I continually experience because of his media affiliation and me being his best friend – sounds lame, but I used to actually get offended that bartenders would ask me for money when I ordered a drink….I guess I became used to drinking for FREE.
NEWAY!
Plans changed at the last minute and I found myself on the way to a bar called Numbers, which Jonny told me was mixed (Gay and Straight). Whenever you’re hitting a club on Davie street in Vancouver, the sexual preference of the bar always comes into question. It’s all good. I’ve been at the gay bar a bunch (my BFF is gay) but I had never experienced Numbers in all it’s glory and was kinda looking forward to checking it out. We show up, and walk right into the middle of a drag show. Yes, a giant 6 foot 4 dude dressed as a chick had most of the club getting down to Lisa Stansfield.
This was the moment when I paused and made a mental note that I would never have experienced this if I had stayed in Edmonton.
After being approached and hit on by a dude in drag (who had impressive and extensive knowledge of the vast Vancouver gay social network) we made our way to The Odyssey. Same situation, however we randomly ran into a guy that I was great friends with back in Junior High. FUNNY STORY – In Christian School, he was teased all the time and accused of being gay – Turns out he was!!! – He now lives in Vancouver and apparently has become quite the fixture on the gay social scene, allowing us easy access into the bar without paying cover, and causing favoritism from the bouncers (I don’t even want to know how).
Here is some insight into gay bars if you’re a straight male. You see, It seems every time I hit one up, I ALWAYS end up hooking up with a girl (edit: BUT NOT ANY MORE CUZ I’M TAKEN). I believe this is:
A) Because the competition is slim
B) The women get hammered and horny and have no one else to give it to
C) I’m smooth (lol)
Inside, I met some chick who apparently has been a regular at The Odyssey since she was 17. She’s 34 now. Do the math.
She told me she enjoyed this place because she “fucks the strippers”.
FYI – - The “O” has a night dedicated to naked dudes in showers. I assume this is rouse the gay clientele. The funny thing is, apparently most of the dudes dancing naked are actually straight. I guess that makes sense……?
Regardless, I was turned off by her 2 decade stretched vadge and the fact that she was probably a harvesting STD factory. Our conversation slipped into oblivion and suddenly I wanted to go to bed.
I realized that Vancouver is truly a mecca where you can arrive and become anything you want to. I’ve witnessed many people escape here and find themselves. Must be the fact that we got mountains, ocean, and city all within 20 minutes of each other.
At the end of the night, I retired sober (not the norm), but was greatful for the conversations had and the people that I met.
Yesterday I ventured down to Makena beach here in Maui with my (incredibly sexy) GF and began frolicking in the waves and baking in the hot hot heat (middle of nowhere). I think that sun tanning is pretty much a white person thing to do, although here is a picture of an AZN dude getting his tan on.
There were some AZN’s at the beach, as well as tons of Hawaiians (locals) and lots of White people (like myself). I didn’t see any black people tho, because I don’t think they tan (correct me if I’m wrong). That shouldn’t stop them from coming to the beach tho! With massive waves, and baby blue skies, they would think it’s DOPE…..personally, I had an incredible day at Makena, and despite the monster (SCARY) waves, I spent most of the morning and afternoon swimming while my (insanely gorgeous) GF tanned on the sand.
By the time we left, I could feel my sun kissed shoulders and face….however, I failed to notice just how sun kissed they were…..
OK OK OK So they were not THAT BAD – but now I have to chill inside today with Aloevera smeared all over my back and shoulders. IT’S NOT FAIR. I want to go back outside again…..
Here is a picture my (sensuous and delactable) GF took of the beach we chilled at.
This is me carrying all our stuff
We had to climb this giant ridge to make it over to the NUDE BEACH.
Honestly, after spending much time in Vancouver snacking and dining in between studio days, we’ve come to the conclusion that pho is the way to go! just finished a bowl with Daniel… ughhh
Doesn’t this look simply delicious? :)
By the way, I discovered a blog dedicated to pho today… check it at: www.phofever.com Here’s some history I pulled from the site for shits and giggles… pEacccc
-AD
The Origins of Phở
Phở was born in Northern Vietnam during the mid-1880s. The dish was heavily influenced by both Chinese and French cooking. Rice noodle and spices were imported from China; the French popularized the eating of red meat. In fact, it is believed that “phở” is derived from “pot au feu” a French soup. Vietnamese cooks blended the Chinese, French and native influences to make a dish that is uniquely Vietnamese.
From North to South
The popularity of pho spread southwards starting in 1954 when the country was divided into North and South Vietnam. As the dish moved south, cooks infused it with additional ingredients until it evolved into the version that is commonly served today.
Regional Pho Variations
The origins of pho as a Northern dish that spread South explains the key differences between the Northern and Southern variations. Northern style pho tends to be simpler and is made with less ingredients. There are fewer cuts of meat and small slices of ginger are laid on top of the soup. The pho is served without bean sprouts or herbs. Instead, it is accompanied by green chilies and lime only. Southern style pho is a complex dish made from a dozen ingredients. Bean sprouts, fresh basil and saw herb are typically served with each bowl. As with the Northern style pho, green chilies and lime are used as condiments.
Pho in the United States
Refugees fleeing Vietnam in the Spring of 1975 brought with them their hopes and dreams of a better life. They also brought their cultures and cuisine, of which pho has become the most popular among Americans. Today there are more than 1000 pho restaurants spread across the United States. One typically finds Southern style pho served although a few outlets also serve Northern style pho. Typical establishments sell pho and other Vietnamese dishes like goi cuon (spring rolls) and cha gio (eggrolls).
Every week we will display photos of our experiences over the past 7 days. The shots will not have any context, so you can attach whatever meaning to them you wish.
Yikes! I have come to the realization that traveling and work (until recently) has made it difficult to accomplish much. LIKE SHEESH – I was on a role for a little while – AND NOW – I find myself sitting on a beach enjoying the echo of waves, and the rays of dark orangey-blue sun beams shooting through the clouds.
Last week was retarded.
And not in a handcap sort of way -IT WAS BUSY.
Infact, I spent a large percentage of the last 14 days working my ass off (but not in a musical way) which is why I believe I deserve some relaxation. Not that you should feel bad for me or something cuz YOU SHOUDLN’T. I am very LUCKY. But I like to think I create that luck in many cases (see a previous post).
You see dear readers….I usually try my best to give you insight into whats happening. Give you feeling of what it’s like to walk in my shoes.
I’ve just been dealing with long hours and shitty hotel internet, BUT THAT’S ALL ABOUT TO CHANGE.
Besides enrolling in Logic and Photoshop Tutorials for the next week, I hope to be surfing and sun tanning while continually updating this shitty blog with some thoughts I’ve had recently. Please enjoy the a shot of the beach that I wake up to every morning.