TIENbeat

Summer 2011

2011-08-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

Hello my dear friends and family,

I hope this message finds you well. It's been a year since the last Tien Beat, and I've spent the last year trying to find some type of balance living and working in L.A.

Yesterday marked the fourth anniversary of our loss of Kennedy and Maggie Fitzgerald. As I am reminded of them, I can't help daydreaming about having them here. Maybe Ken would be on Zak's road trip to California and I think Maggie would have been graduating from college. It's just not fair, and it's hard to tell if I am more sad for them or sad for myself and the rest of us. Sometimes it seems so cruel that such joyous people would so consistently be associated with sadness, but I hope you will agree with this sentiment: When you lose the ones you love the most, the ones with whom you've shared countless experiences and emotions, they are a special part of every beautiful landscape, every celebration, every moment of appreciation that you will have for the rest of your life. They are forever inscribed upon the definition of who you are, and they are somewhere in the DNA of your happiness as well as your sadness.

Right now I'm living in Santa Monica, about ten blocks from the Santa Monica Pier. I've been working at the airport for almost a year now, promoting Southwest credit cards, and I just got promoted to being a manager. So, my average work week is 3 days of sales from Monday-Wednesday, 2 days off, and then I sit on the computer in the airport doing schedules and payroll on Saturday and Sunday. It's a pretty good gig. I could probably do this for a while and still make progress on the musical front. I'm in a writing stage, composing my next album, but soon I'll be recording again. I started playing bossa nova songs regularly in an adorable family owned French restaurant, and I also organize an acoustic showcase in a bar nearby.

7 years after I moved away, I'm still trying to find the right mix to make it feel like home. I have amazing friends, lots of hobbies, a good job, and I'm following my dreams, but a big part of me still misses the shore and all my friends who live elsewhere. One of these days I'll have the freedom to go where I want, whenever I want, but for now, I'm doing pretty well, and I hope you are too.

Love,
Tien

Brasil: Primeira Semana

2010-07-16T17:48:00.000-07:00

Festa Junina!!!!!! Celebrating the rural culture of Brasil (including dirty mustaches and unibrows)

Mini Tien Concert (Mic Stand: Lucas)

I'm having the time of my life. I didn't know what night life meant before this trip....seldom has the party ended before 5 a.m. I've met so many wonderful people, everyone is ridiculously hospitable and nice, and my portuguese is improving every day.

9 de Julho: (Rio de Janeiro) took the bus from GIG airport into Leblon. Called Felipe and Renato. Felipe met me at post 12 on Leblon beach. Renato picked us up, ate some Arabic food and had some mate tea. Met Felipe's family at their condo in Alto Leblon. Went to the lagoa (lake), then a Forro (traditional dance/music) club in Lapa (artsy area in Rio, lots of artists, musicians. Love it!). Learned to dance a bit.

10 de Julho: (Rio) got my cell phone working. Went on a walk, took a nap, ventured to Lapa on my own. Saw a band playing in a restaurant, met the guitar player, danced with some ladies. Came back to Felipe's place, talked with his mom.

11 de Julho: (Rio) left my keys in the condo. Went to the beach and worked out. Met Felipe. Internet Cafe, early night.

12 de Julho: (Rio) woke up super late, then took a nap in a hammock. Went to Lapa, met up with my guitarist friend Josemen, watched him play, met his friend (a capoeira teacher in San Francisco), saw a samba band, danced.

13 de Julho: (Rio/Juiz de Fora) Lunch w/ Felipe, took bus to wrong station (rodoviaria), finally got to Juiz de Fora at 8 pm. Met up with Breno, Vanessa, Veronica. Went to a gathering of Breno's medical school friends. Hung out at Republica Laje (Breno's apartment) with a bunch of folks.

14 de Julho: (J.F.) Lunch w/ Vinicius and Breno. Checked out UFJF, Breno's university. Medicina class party at Breno's, then samba w/ Breno to meet Veronica & Friends. My first strawberry Caipirinha. Dancing with beautiful brazilian girls. Sigh.

15 de Julho: (J.F.) Hung out w/ Veronica and Camila, went to the local Cristo statue and sang Backstreet boys songs. FESTA JUNINA!!! Traditional June party w/ Breno's Class. Played a couple songs, danced a lot, great party. Breno lost his glasses and wallet. It was a good night. (We found them)

16 de Julho: woke up at 4 p.m. More samba tonight?

Tien Beat - Summer '10

2010-06-21T22:36:00.001-07:00

TIEN BEAT - SUMMER '10

Dear Friends,

Today I encountered a group of children on the metro and they referred to me as "mister". Clearly I have entered the next stage of my life.

Yes, I have turned 23 years old, and the first month or so of my 24th year has been quite pleasant, thank you very much! I had a very nice trip to Maryland, during which I attended my sister's graduation from medical school, played 2 shows in Easton, ate a lot of crabs, helped my sister move to Cleveland (her surgical residency starts soon at the Cleveland Clinic), hung out in Chicago, and returned to Los Angeles, without taking a single shower (almost true).

I've moved out of yet another apartment in Los Angeles. I loved Echo Park, the culture, the music, the authentic Mexican tastes of the taco trucks, and so much more, but I did not love the smell of whatever died under the room I was renting, nor was I enamored of the fleas.

On May 14th, I graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in philosophy and a minor in theatre. I finished just short of honors with a cumulative 3.49 GPA, but I assure you, that hundredth of a point's worth of effort was well spent elsewhere, like the time I skipped a week of class with Peter to go see my favorite band Wilco play 5 concerts in Chicago. If you don't think this was a constructive activity, either you a.) don't know me well enough to be receiving this e-mail, b.) don't like Wilco, or c.) are my biological father.

Before my commencement ceremony at USC, I was a starry-eyed songwriter, ready to take over the world with music and big thoughts.

After my commencement ceremony, I have found that I am a starry-eyed songwriter, ready to take over the world with music, big thoughts, and a diploma (to arrive in the mail within 4-6 weeks). Hooray for ME!

I really enjoyed college, and I'll tell you what I got out of it when I become a huge success. That way I can describe my philosophy degree with gravitas and the dignity of retrospect, rather than regaling you with sophomoric, albeit gripping, accounts of how awesome I am at beer pong.

There are ways my life has changed a lot lately. In an effort to reduce my carbon footprint, I have built a snazzy road bike from used parts and have been using it in conjunction with L.A metro. In preparation for this noble effort, I totaled my car at the intersection of Alvarado St. and Highway 101, which was totally not my fault (according to my lawyer). Rest in peace, Sonia, 1993 Lexus LS400, a beautiful high performance machine powered by 8 cylinders of glory and hope. Remember when Garrett, Raymond, Jamie and I took you on that magical journey from coast to coast? Ever since we let that homeless man in New Orleans replace your battery with the wrong polarization, you've been a funky ride, but I've loved you just the same, if not more. You are gone but not forgotten, especially as the insurance claim is still in dispute.

Normally, at this point in the newsletter, you might expect me to say that I am curious how you are doing and what you've been up to. I certainly would like to hear those things, but I already know that, in this time of your life, your overriding emotion is anxious anticipation for my next CD(s). I approve of this emotion and I promise you it will be rewarded. We're going to be very proud of these products; every single track has surprised me with a level of enjoyment I wasn't sure was possible. Such is the wonder of playing with amazing musicians.

The next Tien CD will be done soon, the Dayplayer CD will be done less soon, and both will be released shortly or not so shortly after my return from BRAZILLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!

Sim, eu estou indo para o Brasil por um mês. (Yes, I'm going to Brasil for a month). My survival portuguese will be put to the test; I'll be there from July 9th til August 9th. My usual travel plans are in effect, which is to say I barely have any. Wish me luck and joyful experiences!!!!

Love,
Tien

Los Angeles, post graduation

2010-03-21T23:15:00.000-07:00

was mildly concerned about life, but got a job and things have stabilized a bit. Thanks to randomness...made a friend at a Dayplayer show who hired me shortly afterward to be her accounting assistant. It's actually pretty fun. Working for a production company that does commercials and music videos. Also intern at Wyman records when I get the chance.

Random random, thanks to the metro as well. Started taking the bus to and from work. A few nights ago heard a bunch of people speaking what sounded like portuguese sitting behind me. as you might know i took a semester of portuguese and I happen to be in love with Brazil. started a conversation, made friends, invited them to hang out. Breno, Renato, Evandro, Felipe, Kalen, and Paula. met up with them at their hostel and took two of the guys, Renato and Felipe, out w/ my buddies Trevor and James. Went to gold room in Echo Park. Felipe is passionate about education reform, gets along great w/ James. give him my copy of Theatre of the oppressed by Augusto Boal. He is studying theatre in order to become a better teacher. Had a great night, Renato played a bunch of brazilian songs, I played the only bossa song I know, rosa morena, sang together, I played shaker, a good time had by all. Next day we pile the 7 of us into my car and hike griffith park, eat delicious indian food lunch, play in malibu, roll through beverly hills, nap at hostel, take all but evandro out to danceism. Huge dance party, awesome DJ's, renato and felipe get some beijinhos on the dance floor, felipe disappears, he shows up later at the hostel. Had such a great time. They gave me a big brazilian flag blanket at the beach, told me I should have been born in Brazil, open invitation to visit them in Rio/southern brazil. I cannot wait. They introduced me to Roberta Sa and now I'm madly in love. Amazing Brazilian singer...her voice connects with me on a personally unprecedented level...I can't explain it. Need to learn how to speak better portuguese and how to samba!

Jan 2010

2010-01-17T00:47:00.001-08:00

"TIEN BEAT" the sporadic bulletin detailing the life of Tien

January 2010

Hi everyone!
I hope the new year is treating everyone well. I finally graduated from college, with a degree in Philosophy and a minor in Theatre. I loved USC and I'm glad I went to college, grandiose debt notwithstanding. I just moved to Echo Park, a vibrant locale near downtown Los Angeles. Plans: to get a day job, finish my latest acoustic album (Starboard Sessions) and the debut Dayplayer album. I'm really excited about both. I want to TOUR TOUR TOUR...that's the main overarching goal right now, career-wise.

I'm tempted to say that there are many things I figured out in college, like who I am, what I believe in, what is right, what is REAL...but I don't know if that is really the case. If anything I am more confused about all of those things, but I will claim that I am more at peace with their indeterminacy and impermanence. I just take comfort in the notion that my perspective on these things has grown, and will continue to grow. The more I contemplate the vastness of the universe, the brevity of life, and the uncertainty that envelops all of our actions and experiences, the more it seems I find myself in a place of acceptance, wonder, and gratitude.

Happy birthday to Maggie Rose Fitzgerald, whose presence I am so fortunate to have enjoyed, in the short time we had. Every moment is precious.

Love to all, and I'd love to hear from each and every one of you.

Best wishes,

Tien

TIEN BEAT june 2009

2009-06-21T21:59:00.001-07:00

TIEN BEAT june 2009 "the unreliably periodical account of Tien's life and musings"

This is the best summer EVER....

I've been having such a crazy awesome time with life over the past month or so. School ended well, I was on TV, I've been enjoying the outdoors, I'm working on my new acoustic CD, I had a great trip to Maryland, bouncing around the northeast, and I believe I am getting paid to go to Vietnam in a few weeks. I only wish that I could have spent more time doing everything, but there's always next time.

I've had so much fun being a human jungle gym and sedan chair for everyone's kids the past couple of weeks, but now I'm back in California, laid out on my dad's couch with a sore back, catching up on a week of unlimited blockbuster rentals.

I've also had some enlightening, intellectually probing conversations lately with old and new friends; I will always treasure those as the truly priceless moments of travel and friendship, not the sights or activities. For those of you who I missed, or didn't have the time to connect with, let's whip up some arnold palmers on the porch and chat next time...please!

"The mystery of the future will always enthrall while the wonders of the present stretch infinitely into the past"

-Tien

After the first couple weeks of school

2009-01-25T20:02:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks into the semester, here's what's going on. We officially have a new president. I will be following his actions closely, with optimism. Classes are really great, I have a monkey class, a class taught by the current state treasurer of California, a class about what happens when we do things, and a class where we're currently learning about what people think about the meaning of words. In other words, I have an anthropology class, a political science class, and two philosophy classes.

I went to the beach today and swung on the rings. This will be a regular occurrence this semester: taking advantage of the proximity of beaches. Why not do homework on the sand?

I'm at my dad's house right now...I haven't seen him in about 6 months, and it's the Vietnamese new year! Hooray!

January 2009

2009-01-07T20:45:00.000-08:00

Hello all!

I’m back at school…I haven’t been here in a while. Time to plug back into my alter-ego, the west-coast version of Tien. I’m not sure how that is different from the other me’s, but I definitely feel like I’m operating differently already. I had a wonderful holiday season in Maryland…it’s always so hard to leave.

Semester at Sea seems like a lapsed dream. It was a saga so far removed from the familiarity of my usual routines. Even when I look at the pictures, I don’t remember what it felt like to be constantly in transit. I don’t know if it ever really sank in.

I’ve been asked by several people what I learned on my voyage. I don’t think I can provide a satisfactory answer to this question. I couldn’t possibly distill my experience into any single realization, or even a handful of them. Every person I met along the way changed my perspective on the world, perhaps not fundamentally, but in a profound personal way. My most optimistic beliefs about humanity were continually confirmed, while many of my concerns became more immediate, particularly those concerning inequality and poverty.

I was provided with a limited snapshot of a diverse collection of societies within a short amount of time, and these observations will continue to inform me as I seek a deeper understanding of the world. I had an amazing time, I met amazing people, and I am so grateful for what was an unimaginably rich and exhilarating time in my life.

This semester, I plan to record my new songs, rekindle Dayplayer, do well in my classes, experience L.A., and continue my creative progress. I’ll have a degree by next December.

Here’s a picture from the plane to L.A.
Take care, and keep in touch!
Love,
Tien

p.s. FYI my new address is 721 W 32nd St Los Angeles, CA 90007 send letters!

Semester at Sea: Days 103-111

2008-12-16T09:44:00.000-08:00

Friday December 4th,2008 Day 103

Just finished reading Catfish and Mandala, a great book about a Vietnamese-American immigrant who returns to tour Vietnam by bicycle, on a meager budget. I think Vietnam has changed a lot, because I didn’t experience a fraction of the hassling he received for basically being seen as a traitor. He took this trip about 10 years ago, I think. Then again, I wasn’t out on the open road by myself and vulnerable in the same way he was. It was written by Andrew Pham.
We are nearing the end. The last day of finals is tomorrow, and then it’s Costa Rica the next day. Like always, I don’t have any plans. We only have three days. My only goals are to make it home with some cash, eat a lot of Costa Rican food, and go zip-lining through the rainforest. Maybe some rafting.
I recorded an entire song and spent probably 20 hours mixing it, but I think I have to re-record the entire thing. The guitar is just a little out of tune, and it affects everything. The foundation is cracked. I wouldn’t be able to stand listening to it.
Work study duties have pretty much subsided, so I’m free to enjoy shipboard life during the day. Sat out in the sun and read all day today, relaxing. I’ll study tonight.
For one of my classes, Teaching Science Education, our final exam is accompanied by a project, demonstrating how a certain creative activity can teach kids. My groups project is, “Making Musical Instruments”. As an example, I made a motorized whirly-chime-thing. It’s awesome.

Thursday December 11th, 2008 Day 110

Costa Rica

Day 1: Anchored in the port of Caldera. Take the tender to shore with Autumn and Erin, Erin hails a trailer-less truck and we hitchhike to Puntarenas. We catch a bus to Jaco, it’s about 2 hours away. We get to Jaco and Erin gets Quiznos. We find a Hostel and meet Edit and Chaba, the Hungarian owners. Extremely nice and awesome young couple. We walk out to the beach, there’s a reggae concert. It starts raining. Dinner at Jaco’s Tacos, first Mexican food in a while. Chimichanga. Real Avocados, or “aguacate” in Spanish apparently. Back to the hostel roof, play catch phrase all night with two Quebeckers and Michael, cool Australian dude. Another Jaco’s tacos trip, late-night.

Day 2: Breakfast, head out to the beach again. Erin and I go Zip-lining. It’s exhilarating, you strap into a harness and they take you up up up on a tractor. Clip onto the line, one heavily gloved hand straight back on the line and the other on your harness, and you glide. We go upside down a few times. So much fun. Beach for sunset, run into Cynthia. Hang out at the hostel, Katey Eleanor Kedren Danika Brittany are all staying there now. Venture into the Mega Super to buy some snacks, Sushi for dinner. SAS kids have mobbed Tsunami Sushi, they run out of sushi rice for the first time ever. SAS-fest at adjacent bar, stop by for a while, head to bed.

Day 3: Breakfast at a “soda” (local costa Rican restaurant) and order the pinto gallo, typical costa Rican breakfast. Ask for fried plantains. Definitely among my favorite foods. More beach time, catch the bus back to the ship in Puntarenas, walk around with Autumn a bit, last day in port, feels like The End. Exhausted.

Friday December 12 Day 111

We went through the Panama Canal yesterday. It was amazing, also astounding how many people died constructing it, something like 28,000 people. Had my first poetry reading, 3 of my poems from my final portfolio in poetry class. Busted my head open diving into the pool. Had my first public performance singing with a piano, sang my first song I’ve written on piano. It was great, I really loved it.

Only a couple days left. People are exchanging pictures, signing each other’s maps, etc. I finished another song, one I will perform during convocation.

Semester at Sea: Days 90-92

2008-12-16T09:42:00.000-08:00

Hot Springs, Nara
Golden Pavillion, Kyoto

Washio Kids: Gaku and Aoi

Homestay Families: Danika, Estes, Lacey, and Me w/ the Washios

Day 90: Sunday, November 23rd, 2008

We are in the middle of the Pacific Ocean right now. Yesterday, we celebrated our crossing of the international dateline with our second November 22nd. I’m not sure I’ll ever get to relive an entire day ever again. It was nice, we had a barbecue, no classes, and I played music. There was a live auction for charity and I sold myself. I was pleased to have been purchased for a significant amount. A lucky lady, and her friends if milady wishes, will have the unique opportunity for a “private serenade” at a time and place of her choosing. It was quite an experience being at this shipboard charity auction…let’s just say a lot of kids have unrestricted, unsupervised access to their parents’ credit cards.

I’ve finished a couple songs now, so it’s been an average semester of creative musical productivity for me. That seems to be my normal rate when I’m taking classes.

Here's what I did in Japan:

Day 1: Arrive in Kobe, Japan. After a bit of uncertainty, I have secured a spot on a homestay. It takes forever and a day to get through customs, but our homestay families are waiting in the terminal. I look around for my name on a card, and I find my new mom (Mika). Of course, I happen to have the most adorable family ever. She has two little kids with her, a five year old boy named Gaku (Gah-kuh) and a three year old girl named Aoi (Owie!). There are about 20 families in the terminal, and one of the Japanese ladies leads us in a series of icebreakers, including a Japanese hokey-pokey-style circular song and dance. Before we leave the terminal, Gaku and I are already playing monsters.
We go with a few other families and their SAS kids (my friends Lacey, Danika, and Estes) to lunch. It’s a self-service deep frying restaurant, so each table has a mini deep fryer and you choose your raw foods on a kebab from refrigerated displays. It’s quite good, except we always leave the sticks in for too long. We hang out on the patio for a while and then head to the Washio household. They live in a community built by Toyota. Yet they have two American cars, a burgundy PT Cruiser convertible and a silver Dodge Nitro. Interesting. We hang out for a little bit, and Gaku proposes that we go to the park. The two of us ride bikes to the local park, where all the kids are playing baseball. It’s a great park, and we play soccer for a while before tackling the obstacles around the perimeter. There are plenty of things to climb on, which makes me happy.
That night we have a pot luck dinner with three other families…Danika’s, Lacey’s, and Estes’. There are at least 10 little kids there, and we’re all having a blast running around. We do a few more kids’ song and dance games. The girls get dressed up in Kimono’s. The food is great. All cold. The Washio father (who tells me to call him “Toto”, like Gaku does) is finally off from work and joins us. He is an acupuncture therapist. He’s young and very hip for a dad, and comes bearing 3 boxes of cream puffs. How he got them here on his motorbike I don’t know, but the Washio magic is in full force. My family rocks.
When we get back to the house, he pulls out his Japanese snake-skin guitar and we jam for a little bit. We talk for a while until its time to sleep.

Day 2
We have a simple breakfast and Mika helps me find a hotel in Kyoto for tonight. Then we join Estes’ family in a park and head around to a couple sake breweries, kids in tow. Estes and I try out a bunch, and I discover what “savory” really means. I just read an article in the NYtimes a couple weeks ago about how western medicine was beginning to recognize umami, or “savory”, as one of the basic tastes that the tongue can detect, along with sweet, sour, salty, spicy. Whoa, they all start with “S”. Never noticed that.
We have lunch, then all pile into a photo booth in the mall, and head to a hot spring to dip our feet in. They take me to the train station and we say goodbye. The adventure begins.
Nobody speaks English. I’m pointing at maps trying to get to Kyoto. After I find my hotel, I eat dinner at a conveyer belt place, where the sushi is riding around the room on little dishes. If you order a dish, it zips out on a bullet train right to your table. At the end of the meal, they count the number of plates (each one is 100 yen, or about a dollar) and write you a check. The sushi is awesome.
I run into my boss, Nathan, on the corner outside of the restaurant. We had been meaning to meet up at our capsule hotel in Tokyo, but this happy coincidence leads to an epic karaoke session with the two of us, Brittany the photographer, and John the psychology professor. A night to remember, for sure. I head back to the hotel and make a couple calls before going to sleep.

Day 3
I eat a small European breakfast and head towards the Golden Temple on the bus system. When I get there I run into Brandon, Estefania, Mariana, and Marian. Out of the vast assortment of temples I have visited on my travels, this is by far the most beautiful. The temple is shimmering with gold leaf walls, it is in the middle of a perfectly reflecting lake, and the trees in the various stages of turning orange, crimson, and falling as we walk by. After this we go to a rock garden, which might have been better to go to first, but is striking still. It is part of a temple, where a rectangular yard is covered with neatly raked gray pebbles and features about 5 rock arrangements of different sizes. It is a minimalist meditation on beauty in nature’s simplicity. We go to another conveyer belt place for lunch. I split off and head for Tokyo on the bullet train. I wander around in the darkness around the station in Akihabara, a district on the east side of Tokyo, I think. I happen to run into a few SASers, who point me in the direction of my capsule hotel. It’s a funky place, the capsules are very retro, and you can hear everything that is going on in the room. It’s surprisingly spacious, enough room to roll around a bit, with a TV and old radio too. I run into Nate again.

Day 4
The four of us karaoke buddies head out at around 6 am to the Tokyo fish market in Tsujiki. They’re not throwing around the fish anymore, but the market is bustling. It’s crowded, little cargo lifts are zipping around, and there are hundreds and hundreds of fish merchants inside this huge warehouse. We go to eat sushi nearby, and it’s the best sushi I’ve ever had.
I go to Hibiya park, near the imperial palace, but apparently I didn’t see the right part of it, because it is supposed to be amazing but I thought it was bland and left. I went to Shibuya, a trendy youthful district of Tokyo. I ran into Benson and Lily, walked around with them a bit, had dinner with Benson after Lily left. We then went to Shinjuku, which was the most crowded, densely metropolitan area I’ve seen on the trip. Every avenue off of the main drag was another bustling artery of shops, neon signs, and waves of foot traffic. The red light district was interesting, with a lot of benign looking clubs advertising “live talent”, hosted by what I assume to be yakuza (Japanese mafia) members on each doorstep. We wandered into a seasonal festival/carnival, an impossibly crowded affair with loads of food/game/merchant booths and some kind of temple with thousands of paper lanterns.
I head back to Yokohama to find the ship, which sailed from Kobe without the independent travelers.

Day 5
I head back to Shibuya in the morning and live a leisurely day as if I lived in Tokyo. Coffee and the morning paper, brunch, walking around town and taking in the sights. I make it back to the ship just in time for departure.

All in all, I was extremely grateful to have a generous, kind, family with amazing kids. That was the certainly the highlight of my trip. The Japanese are very modern and trendy, yet they adhere to salient traditions pertaining to respect and order. They are the 3rd largest economy in the world, and my wallet certainly noticed that we were back in a first world country. Japan is a wonderful place. They know how to rock (there were guitar stores everywhere in Shibuya!), they know how to dress (trendiest place I’ve ever been, even more so than L.A.), they know how to eat (sushi!), and they are quite friendly. I just need to learn Japanese.

November 24th, 2008 Day 92

23º 04’ 10’’ N 167º 35’ 01’’ W

Open mic last night, played my new song, “I Will Step Aside”, went well. Duet w/ Allison. Classes are going well. Started reading a book called Catfish and the Mandala, about a Vietnamese-American who takes a bike trip from California to Vietnam. Hm. It’s really well written.

Did I mention that I finally finished Chesapeake? By James Michener. Glad I read it, if you’re from the bay, read it!
I’ll be playing a concert at Coffee East on December 20th. Mark your calendars.

Semester at Sea: Day 71

2008-12-16T09:37:00.000-08:00

At sea: Enroute to Hong Kong

This moment is beyond comprehension. Poetry has returned to power. Barack Obama is the 44th president of the United States of America. President Barack Obama. After following this election process for a tenth of my life, I am immensely proud of our country for choosing an incredibly capable, intellectually curious, eloquent, and pragmatic leader to our highest office. We, a country built on the backs of slaves, have elected a man who is, at once, a historic part of the African American tradition as well as a descendant of slave owners. I am optimistic that this is a signal for the return of rationality in our public discourse. A return for the respect for our civil rights, our constitutional rights.
It’s a good day to be alive.
It’s a good day to be a young person in America, being brought into the political process in a way that promotes optimism, involvement, and hope.
This day was possible because we believed it could happen. We were told over and over again that it couldn’t. Intolerance always turns more heads than substance. It seemed like the intolerance and invective might drown out the substantive issues that remain as alarming as ever.
It turns out that the American people were ready to vote for the person who I feel is best equipped to navigate us through these troubled times. I hope that we are right. Still, even as our chances for success and prosperity rely upon the choice we have made, they also rely upon the cooperation and willingness of those who chose differently. I believe that we are capable of this feat; capable of agreeing to disagree, and capable of uniting under our common causes. This is the America I believe in.

YES WE CAN!!!!!!!

Semester at Sea: China

2008-11-16T07:05:00.000-08:00

Gui Lin

Yang Shuo w/ "Little House"

Yang Shuo

Moon Hill in Yang Shuo

Gui Lin

Quick update on my adventures in China:
Hong Kong: roamed around on the train, made my way to SoHo, went to a jazz show and hopped across the street to play at an open mic. Met some people (a girl from hong kong, a couple guys from the states, a girl from new zealand), headed to a pub in Wan Chai and hung out there until about 5 in the morning. Hong Kong stays up late! The next day I found my friends with whom I had planned to travel to Gui Lin, Yang Shuo, and ultimately Shanghai. We found a hotel and went out to the Mainland at night, stayed out too long and woke up late the next morning. Not too late though、thankfully. We made it to the airport with a little time to spare.
Flew to Gui Lin, which was very beautiful. We met the coolest tour guide, Effie, and befriended her. She took us around to a bunch of wonderful sight seeing spots and temples. The mountains are the most noticeable feature. They are narrow and skinny, and there is one range after the other, so that the horizon is filled with layers of their curious sillhouettes. Effie stayed with us after the tour to have dinner, since we were buddies now. She explained that in some Chinese provinces, it is customary for friends to offer each other meals of dog meat, and that friends commonly call each other "dog meat" as a sign of affection. So we were dog meats now, and we had a great time at dinner (an interesting restaurant that operates in a window-shopping manner), and also perusing the night market booths. She laughed at me when I got ripped off. She gleefully recited her knowledge of American curse words, gleaned from our movies.
We slept at the hotel (7 of us, Todd, Nora, Dana, Danika, Megan, Mallory, and myself. Todd facilitated most of the trip), and took a river cruise to Yang Shuo the next day, which was more rustic, and even more beautiful, than Gui Lin. We biked to Moon Mountain, a mountain with a big built-in arch. I should have asked how that happened. I'm really curious now. Bike rides have been extremely satisfying each time during my adventures. I love bikes. Now you know. I guess they have always been fun. My bike riding partners, you know who you are. Let's ride when I get back.
We hung out at the hostel that night, a lively place called Monkey Jane's. It was the kind of hostel you always hope for: Fun, friendly, interactive, and with a cool owner who has a weird name like Monkey Jane. Strange she was. I met a Chinese girl from Hunan province playing the Asian version of hacky sack, her name translates to Little House, which is funny because I always used to eat at House of Hunan after my first job doing data entry at Smith Travel in Easton (no longer in existence, not my fault I hope). Not a huge coincidence, but there I was in Yang Shuo, hanging out with the real live Little House of Hunan. There was a guitar around, music was played, friends were made, and life is good. Shanghai wasn't too exciting, it's ridiculously huge and I never really got a feel for it. Met a cute baby in a restaurant at least.

Now I'm in an internet cafe in Tokyo, I'll let you know how all this goes when I get to reflect a bit. Staying in a capsule hotel tonight, heading to the fish market tomorrow. Kobe homestay was amazing. Stay tuned, pictures coming soon.

Semester at Sea: Days 64-65

2008-11-06T20:22:00.000-08:00

My uncle from VA, hanging out in Saigon
Big ol' buddha
Central Highlands, White Elephant Waterfall
EZ Riders and friends
Biggest waterfall in Vietnam
Getting closer to the falls...

Elephant Ride in Dak Lak
Top of the World
No parachutes
Passionfruit
Rollin
Rose Gardener
Terraced Fields
Vietnamese Myth: Dragons create rain
First day of cruising
My Aunt's house in Da Lat
Phuc and An, my cousin
Saigon
Saigon Post Office

Wednesday October 29th Day 64 Enroute to Saigon/HCM City, Vietnam

We get to Vietnam tomorrow. I have a few relatives that I might meet up with, and I’ve also made friends with our interport Vietnamese student, Phuc. She said her friends would get a kick out of meeting me, not sure why, just that a Vietnamese (albeit American) kid is going around the world.
Played a little concert for one of the lifelong learner’s birthday yesterday, it was appreciated, I think. Last night was the crew talent show, that was fun, I was helping out with as stage crew, moving mics around and whatnot. Still haven’t finished Chesapeake (book I’ve been reading since summer), but about ¾ done. Finally wrote some postcards and sent them in Malaysia, some of them were from Namibia.
Can’t believe the election is so close. I’m getting very anxious.
I think I’m witnessing faculty flirting right now. Ouch…drink invitation rebuffed on account of pre-existing plans (game of bridge). Transition to eager discussion of travel plans. Off to lunch.

Monday November 3rd Day 69 Saigon/HCM City, Vietnam

Listening to “Hannah” by Ray LaMontagne. Not so much a port stay as much as a 5-day introduction to the elements of Vietnam that were already a part of me, whether I knew it or not. More than any other port so far, more than any place I’ve ever been, I was moved by the natural beauty of Vietnam, and by the friendly, sincere, generous people. The food is the best too, in my opinion. Meeting up with family members was an added bonus, along with a great opportunity to practice my Vietnamese.

Recap:
Day 1: Leave the ship with Phuc (Vietnamese Interport Student), Julien, Molly, joined by Linda and head to Wrap and Roll Banh Cuon restaurant. Clean, western style fast foody kind of joint, clean but not particularly delicious. Not bad though. Walk around a bit, drink some sugarcane juice (Nuoc Mia, awesome), go to the bookstore to get a map, head to post office. Saigon’s post office is beautiful, call uncle (mom’s cousin, out of town in Nha Trang), and Aunt (out of town in Da Lat). Contemplate heading to Da Lat (in central Vietnam), where my Aunt Nga is building a house. Only have four days left though, Dad lat is 7-8 hours away by bus.
Run into Autumn and Kim at a store. They are planning to go to Da Lat at some point, to do an Easy Rider tour (motorcycle tour). Decide that we’ll take the overnight bus together to Da Lat. Don’t know how long I’ll stay. Pho (Beef noodle soup, staple of Viet cuisine) dinner at Pho 24, with Lily, Seamus. Rejoin Autumn and Kim at Andrew’s b-day party at the Sheraton.
Fancy European restaurant on the top level. Great desserts, but not a Vietnamese experience at all. Head to someone’s hotel suite, celebrations continue, Autumn Kim and I head to bus station, run into Ben, who was also planning to go but couldn’t find us until now.
Depart on bus to Da Lat.
Day 2: Arrive around 5 am in Da Lat. Get a taxi to Aunt Nga’s hotel (house still under construction). Meet her, wash up, head to a Pho breakfast, longans (grape-like fruit with peel and a pit), and awesome coffee. Check out her house, its going to be awesome, has great views, will be done in a month. Decide that I’ll join Autumn, Kim, Ben on Easy Rider tour. Go to Peace Café (also hotel), out of which the Easy Rider tours are run. Ask for Ha.o, the easy rider guide who took Autumn’s siblings, Walker and Prairie, in years past. Eventually find him, look for Walker and Prairie’s notes in Hao’s guestbook, really cool that we will be able to have him as a tour guide. Everyone has his or her own guide, mine’s name is Hung. We will take a 2 day tour starting tomorrow morning, weave our way through the central highlands and take a bus the second night back to Saigon. Hop on the back of the bikes and take a short tour through the Da Lat area, go to a temple with a huge dragon, a cool embroidery and silk village-type mall, hike up Nuoi Ba (Woman Mountain, ridgeline looks like a woman laying down), make it ¾ of the way up, realize my travel pouch has dropped out of my jacket (credit cards, money, ship ID), so I run back down and fortunately find it in the one place I ran off the trail. Phew.
Back to Café, walk around Da Lat, go to the big shopping district, buy some coffee, tea, trinkets.
Dinner with my Aunt at Dalat House, best dinner yet. Kim is not feeling well though.
We all go to a massage parlor, turns out not to be a classy establishment.
Go back to Peace Café, walk into Da Lat, Golf 3 dance club, awesome, great electro music, grab some drinks, dance a while. Live band comes on. Awesome experience. Surf the net a while, go to sleep.
Day 3:
Wake up for tour, Kim is now too sick to go. Have breakfast, hop on the bikes, don’t really know where we’re going. Go to temples, flower gardens, coffee bean plantations, mushroom farm, rice wine factory, silk factory, “White Elephant” waterfall. Guides stop along the road to talk about history, culture. End up in Dak Lak province, by a lake (Ho Lak), take a nap. Eat dinner at the hotel with the Easy Riders, hang out and drink rice wine til evening, exhausted, go to sleep. Riding through the countryside on these motorcycles might be the coolest thing I’ve done on this trip.
Day 4:
Breakfast, hop back on the bikes
Autumn and I go for an Elephant ride (our elephant’s name is Khun). It’s really fun, our elephant driver(?) takes us around and into the lake. Visit some minority villages (there are 54 ethnic minorities in Vietnam), have a tasty lunch w/ passionfruit (so delicious, sour and sweet, looks very weird, like alien embryos inside of a big round red lemon). Hike up a hill where there are power line towers, climb to the top of one, amazing view. Go to a brick-making village. Lots of these villages revolve around one piece of industrial technology, aside from the agricultural production. Biggest waterfall in Vietnam, walk to the edge and dip our feet in. Most beautiful sight, stay for a while. Tour ends in the capital of the Central Highlands. Bid farewell to our amazing tour guides. Crispy noodles for dinner, shopping, overnight sleeper bus to Saigon, much nicer bus than on the way up, but sleeping next to stranger who has his elbow out, I keep rolling into it with my head. It’s kind of a funny situation.
Day 5:
Get back to Saigon at 4 am, take a taxi back to the ship. Catch a couple hours of sleep, after reading political news for a couple hours. Head out with Autumn and Phuc. Go to Post office, call home, call Uncle Thoang(mom’s cousin), and cousin (mom’s older sister’s daughter, An). Will meet my Uncle in 15 minutes, An at 3:30. I’ve never met An. Meet Aunt and Uncle, they’re cruising around on a motorbike, make lunch plans.
Buy some postcards, go to Ben Thanh (huge textile market), Autumn buys some silk, we get some fruit drinks. Meet up with Allison (sang with me at talent show), head to Parkson tower for lunch with Uncle, buffet style, impressive array of Vietnamese food, fruit selection. Dragonfruit, banana/rice pudding is great.
Say bye to Uncle (they live in Virginia but I haven’t seen him in a while). Phuc takes us to the Independence/Reunification Palace, walk around, tour the place. Common theme of semester at sea experience: widening perspectives bring troubled thoughts and increased awareness. This stop, in relation to the Vietnam war particularly.
Autumn goes back to the ship, Phuc, Allison, and I meet An, go to District 3 for some mango desserts. Then to karaoke bar (private karaoke rooms). Sing A Whole new world, more than words, let’s stay together, Wonderful tonight, Phuc is AMAZING at karaoke.
District 5 for fried fish dinner. Buy a “Viet Tien” shirt across the street.
Say goodbye at the shuttle that brings us back to ship. I will miss them both.

Got to know Phuc pretty well, she is extremely nice, also ambitious and fun-loving. An is quieter, very nice, will see her again I’m sure. Look forward to coming back to Vietnam, perhaps living here for a little while like I had previously planned. Easy Rider tour is highly recommended. Never got to Ha Long bay, will go next time. We are back on the open seas now, next stop Hong Kong. I absolutely adore Vietnam, and I am grateful for having some wonderful travel companions along the way.

Wednesday November 5th Day 71
This moment is beyond comprehension. Poetry has returned to power. Barack Obama is the 44th president of the United States of America. President Barack Obama. After following this election process for a tenth of my life, I am immensely proud of our country for choosing an incredibly capable, intellectually curious, eloquent, and pragmatic leader to our highest office. We, a country built on the backs of slaves, have elected a man who is, at once, a historic part of the African American tradition as well as a descendant of slave owners. I am optimistic that this is a signal for the return of rationality in our public discourse. A return for the respect for our civil rights, our constitutional rights.
It’s a good day to be alive.
It’s a good day to be a young person in America, being brought into the political process in a way that promotes optimism, involvement, and hope.
This day was possible because we believed it could happen. We were told over and over again that it couldn’t. Intolerance always turns more heads than substance. It seemed like the intolerance and invective might drown out the substantive issues that remain as alarming as ever.
It turns out that the American people were ready to vote for the person who I feel is best equipped to navigate us through these troubled times. I hope that we are right. Still, even as our chances for success and prosperity rely upon the choice we have made, they also rely upon the cooperation and willingness of those who chose differently. I believe that we are capable of this feat; capable of agreeing to disagree, and capable of uniting under our common causes. This is the America I believe in.

YES WE CAN!!!!!!!

Semester at Sea Day 61

2008-10-31T00:51:00.000-07:00

W/ Corey and Erin in Batu Ferrenghi, Malaysia

Batu Ferrenghi, Malaysia
National Mosque, Malaysia

Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

National Mosque, Malaysia

Penang, Malaysia

Talent Show, MV Explorer

Sunday October 26th 2008 Day 61 Departing Penang, Malaysia

It’s taken me a few years but I’m starting to warm up to the Postal Service (band). I’m listening to them right now, and I like it. I guess I’ve generally warmed up to electronica.

Today we leave Penang for Vietnam. I had a great time here in Malaysia. The first day I went on a field trip to see the different ethnic communities in Malaysia, the Malay (mostly muslim), Chinese (Buddhist), and Indians (Hindu). The first night I decided to take a 5 hour bus ride to Kuala Lumpur. Ran into a bunch of other SAS kids, but I split off when we got there. It’s a little more commercial than Penang, it has the famous Petronas towers, really tall twin towers, taller than the Empire state Building I’m pretty sure. Ate a late Indian dinner, bought a calling card and got everyone’s answering machines. Found a decent hotel the first night, went to a mostly vacant, but extravagant open air club/bar, went back, watched part of a movie, and slept early.

Day 2
Took a taxi to KLCC, which is the commercial area where the towers are. Walked around a mall, went to the tourist center to get a map and some guidance, got some delicious morsels from a chocolate store and headed to the monorail. Took the monorail (very nice, wish we had one in L.A.) to an area with a really old Mosque (built 1909), took a nap in the mosque, everyone was sleeping on the marble floor, open air. Walked across town, towards some other attractions. Long walk, ended up at the world’s largest open air aviary. Flamingos, Parrots, Peacocks, Emus. Fruit loops toucans. Ran into a Dutch girl I saw the night before checking into the hotel (Hetti?). Didn’t remember her, but she was nice. Met a girl from Australia, she was buying a scroll with her name painted on it by this Chinese woman. I bought one too, as a gift for someone at home. I am mosquito food. It’s hot and humid, raining occasionally. Keep walking, get to the National Mosque. Huge, beautiful, not in an ornate way, minimalist I guess. lots of unadorned columns. Overhear a Muslim person explaining his faith to some Christian Americans, talking about how they don’t have Idols (“we don’t know what God looks like”), don’t ask for a lot of money (“beware of religions that ask for money, god doesn’t ask for money”), don’t have furniture (“can fit more people in the mosque”), don’t have priests(I forget what the rationale was). Not quite as entertaining to hear about as the Hindus in India, who told lots of stories about their numerous gods, fables kind of.

Walked around, ended up in a huge market, food, clothes, everything. It was like a nice street mall with a row of booths obscuring all of the storefronts. Bought some shoes. Had some Chinese food and people watched, bought a bracelet from a monk.

Ran into a Jessica and Jackie at a hostel, surfed the internet for a while, called Corey and Erin (cousins who work in Singapore), went to a Reggae Bar, watched some Soccer, caught the midnight bus back from Puduraya station to Penang.

Day 3
Got back to Penang at 5 am, sat in a hostel surfing the net until 7 (tenders don’t go back to the ship until 7 am). We need to take tenders to the ship because it is anchored, not at a pier like in all of the previous ports. Missed the 7am tender. Walked around, came across a group of older Chinese folks in a park doing some kind of tai chi morning exercise. Joined in. Had a nice conversation with one of the ladies, then went back to the ship.

Took a nap, went back to shore, took a bus around the coast. A couple friends (Mallory, Tori, already forgot the 3rd girl’s name) hop on the bus, we go to U.S. pizza for lunch. Not bad. Continue to Gurney plaza, where I’m meeting Erin and Corey at their hotel later. Shop a while. Go to the hotel. G Hotel, pretty swank, postmodern feel with a lot of changing color glass and weird furniture. Sit at the bar and write postcards, talk with a Texan who works with semiconductor packaging. He’s worried about Korea more than China. Korea is really good at reverse engineering products and making them better. Said his business has lost 15% lately.

Meet Corey and Erin, check into the room, head to the hotel bar/lounge, also known as the G-Spot. Yup. Amazing Jazz singer, Catherine Skyes, performing with her band. Played a little stevie wonder, a little louis Armstrong, a little norah, it was great. Talked until the bar closed at 2.

Day 4
Wake up later than planned, walk around Georgetown looking for a place to eat, end up eating decent Chinese. Head to Batu Ferrenghi beach, beautiful spot, hang out, have some Tiger beer and fried bananas. Mango smoothies. I’m stuffed. Go to Penang hill, take a cable car up, see the whole city, even the ship in the harbor. Chinese folks ask to take a picture with Erin, like she’s a movie star. Tall American girls, one in a million. Probably less. Take the cable car back down, there is a girl next to me sobbing the whole time. Corey infers that her boyfriend jilted her at the top. Oh to be jilted on Penang Hill, how tragic. Head back to the hotel, download my album on iTunes for Corey, freshen up a little, head out to the Hawker market (new to me, Corey and Erin go to them in Singapore), which is basically an area full of street vendors selling food, with lots of picnic tables. The food is awesome. Laksa (Malaysian soup) stands smell terrible though, really gets to Erin. Best Chicken Satay I’ve ever had. Clay pot chicken rice. Fried egg/shrimp dish is great. Something that tastes like Pad Thai was awesome.
Go to another restaurant where people are singing karaoke. They are really serious about it, all dressed up, very focused. Sit down to have a few drinks. One thing we couldn’t figure out, there was a rack of fake flower bouquets to the side of the room, and someone would present them to certain karaoke singers, who would receive it nonchalantly, then hang it up on a hook on the stage after they were done. One guy was really into singing, jerking his head side to side and clenching his fists as he crooned. One girl sang a song with some English in it (“Oh my pretty pretty boy I love you”) and it was really catchy.
Headed back to the G-spot and listened to Catherine sing a few songs. Went back to the room, skyped Clara, who was setting up for homecoming - can’t believe Bernadette is in high school, and they’re both wearing zebra print dresses - then video-skyped the Bonaventuras – Sara was spazzing out, and saw baby Joseph for the first time. Audio didn’t work for a while, really funny to watch Matt trying to fix the computer in pantomime.

Day 5
Breakfast in the G café...head towards the Snake Temple, a Buddhist temple where they have sheltered snakes for a really long time, and they have a snake exhibit now that it’s a tourist attraction. Took us forever to get there, we have a rental car but our maps are very limited.
Finally get there, take a picture with a huge snake, watch a Chinese guy with a weird Chinese/Australian accent kiss a king cobra (“the most dangerous animal in the world is the ‘two legged snake’, not the king cobra”) Visit the temple area, head back to Georgetown, where the ship is. Had an AWESOME lunch, Chinese food with roast duck/chicken/pork, delicious rice. Best meal of the whole port stay I think. Walk around some of the textile markets. Back to the port, goodbye to Corey and Erin. I love them, it was immeasurably therapeutic and delightful to share the last two days with them. I can’t believe we were together all the way over here on the other side of the world. They are such wonderful people (and funny and hip too), I am so glad that I got to spend some time with them, doesn’t matter where we are, Malaysia, whatever, it’s always wonderful to spend time with family. Traveling with them is even cooler.

Wednesday October 29th Day 64 Enroute to Saigon/HCM City, Vietnam

We get to Vietnam tomorrow. I have a few relatives that I might meet up with, and I’ve also made friends with our interport Vietnamese student, Phuc. She said her friends would get a kick out of meeting me, not sure why, just that a Vietnamese (albeit American) kid is going around the world.
Played a little concert for one of the lifelong learner’s birthday yesterday, it was appreciated, I think. Last night was the crew talent show, that was fun, I was helping out with as stage crew, moving mics around and whatnot. Still haven’t finished Chesapeake (book I’ve been reading since summer), but about ¾ done. Finally wrote some postcards and sent them in Malaysia, some of them were from Namibia.
Can’t believe the election is so close. I’m getting very anxious.
I think I’m witnessing faculty flirting right now. Ouch…drink invitation rebuffed on account of pre-existing plans (game of bridge). Transition to eager discussion of travel plans. Off to lunch.

Semester at Sea Days 55-56

2008-10-22T20:28:00.000-07:00

SAS Temple Visit
Teaching Science to Indian Students
School Greeting by Homestay host, Pavithra

Indian Homestay, Erode, India. Ariel, Tien, Nikki, Linda, Greg
Homestay Breakfast
Yum
Homestay host Prashanth
Rickshaw Driver

In a Rickshaw with Tori, Rabbeqa, Alex
Spencer Plaza, Chennai, India
Cabin 3075, MV Explorer
Cafe Pescada, Hookah Bar in Chennai
Hookah Bar, Tien nursing injured foot from coconut tree climbing

Day 55 October 20, 2008

We left Chennai, India a couple days ago. Here’s the recap:

1^st day: Arrived in Chennai in the morning. Left immediately for a school trip related to my science education class. The first school we go to is an all-girls school. There is a warm reception and introduction, all the girls are sitting in the hall cross legged, silent, in rows. Very disciplined. High school age. We jump right into our projects. A group out front starts the air rocket demonstration. We bring our gravity-powered car materials to a flat area, get a table for a ramp. Their task is to build cars out of cardboard, straws, dowels, wheels, and see who can build the car which will go the furthest/straightest. The kids are very smart, but do not have much experience building things. They have a blast, have some great ideas, are all engaged, many name their cars lightning mcqueen or something related to the movie Cars. I also saw a bunch of “Cars” toys in the shopping malls later, guess it was pretty big here. Met a little Indian girl who was born in Detroit. They are all asking for autographs. We sing a little bit, take pictures.

We went to another school later, a bigger school, all grades, coed. Welcome reception is long, drawn out, they are all chanting/singing forever and we just want to get started. Rocket display out front. We try to do our car thing in the hall but there are too many kids. They swarm us, incredibly eager to participate, but there are just too many children. We struggle to get some kind of order established. I give up and start handing out balloons. This starts a frenzy. Eventually we get rid of enough of them to have some resemblance of a lesson. I end up building a car myself and having them watch. I’m huddled in a corner with little Indian kids almost falling on top of me. We finish, have tea and cookies with the principle, and back to the ship.

Danika and I go exploring. Take a bicycle rickshaw out of the port. Get ripped off. Get in an auto rickshaw (little taxis with three wheels) after some intense negotiation…Selvam our driver turns out to be a pretty nice guy. Takes us to an empty restaurant (its early for dinner here, 6:30 pm. Most people eat after 7:30, or much later) and we invite him to join us for dinner. It’s really good. Chicken tandoori, lots of dips and breads, no utensils. He takes us to an ATM, meet some really friendly people in line, they all do this weird head nodding thing. We go to a tourist-trap shop (they pay off the rickshaw drivers to bring us there) and get mildly ripped off. Stuff is cheap anyway. (50 rupees to the dollar, a full meal costs around 100-200 rupees)

Left for my homestay that night. We are taking a sleeper train to Erode, a more rural area. It’s not too bad, its basically a train full of bunk beds. Everyone is gross and sweaty.

Day 2

Arrive in Erode, get off the train half-asleep. A minibus takes our group (12 people?) to our host family, a couple of doctors. Turns out they had to perform an emergency surgery and wont’ be there. Their daughter (Pavithra) and son in law (Prashanth) will show us around. They have a breakfast feast ready for us. The house is huge. It becomes apparent that Pavithra is one of the most amazing people I’ve ever met. Our conversation quickly moves into philosophical, religious, social, cultural realms and I am stunned by her contemplation of these issues. She is a Hindu and describes wonderful stories about the Hindu Gods, and the significance of these stories. Her husband is the Indian equivalent of a Merchant Marine, a very cool guy. Doesn’t talk as much. They are in a “love marriage”, in contrast to the prevalence of arranged marriages.

Their family started a grade school in the area over 10 years ago, and Pavithra used to teach there. We visit and interact with some of the kids. We go to a organic farm and see sugar being made, walk around. I climb a coconut tree and it rips a layer of skin off the ball of my foot. This is inconvenient.

We go back to the house, they take me to their parent’s hospital, and I get my foot bandaged up. It’s ok. Back to the house for a huge awesome Indian lunch. Nap time. We go out shopping, it starts raining, we buy some saris (traditional women’s dresses), jewelry, stop by a food market, head to another house, and have dinner.

Day 3

Join up with the rest of the homestay groups in Erode. We are paraded around to a couple different schools, I’m over it. We don’t interact much, and there’s a lot of time-killing. At one school, they have a program to entertain us with students doing traditional dances. Then its our turn to present something. We have nothing prepared. I sense impeding doom. I’m right. The 40-some of us attempt the electric slide, Macarena, and the national anthem. All are abhorrent. My foot hurts. A bunch of our events are canceled because our train schedule has changed. They take us in a huge circle and back to the last school. We eat dinner and head back to the train. Another overnight leg back to Chennai. The first day was worth it.

Day 4

Sleep for a few hours on the ship after we get back. Call Rabbeqa (girl Garrett did a homestay with a year ago) and meet her at Spencer Plaza, huge shopping mall. We head to the food court for lunch, and are joined by two other SAS girls who happen to stop by. I don’t really know them. Alex and tori. They tag along. We shop. And shop. And shop. We go to a Diwali festival market, where we meet Rabbeqa’s boyfriend, Hanan. I’m over all the shopping. It is incredibly humid and hot. We go to a rooftop Hookah Bar, and all get “Mickey Mouse” drinks (coke floats). They are shooting some kind of music video there, or setting up for a concert. I borrow the Indian Emo rocker’s guitar and play a song for the girls. We go back to Rabbeqa’s place, we are going out to a club tonight. The SAS girls go back to the ship to get ready. I hang out in Rabbeqa’s family’s apartment and use her computer. Her dad is bed-ridden from a stroke. She has servants. Hanan gets mad when he finds out I’m at the apartment. Silly. The girls eventually get back (late) and we head to the club. It’s fun, the music is good, I dance on my bum foot, Rabbeqa’s friend Tousif is being rather forward with Tori, I’m falling asleep. We get back to the apartment where we are all spending the night, I play Rabbeqa’s guitar for a while, sleep on the top bunk way before everyone else falls asleep.

Day 5

Takes forever for people to get going in the morning. It’s afternoon by the time we get out. Rabbeqa, the girls, and I head back to the mall. Hooray. We have an awesome lunch at the food court, then head back to her apartment. It’s time to say goodbye. Take an auto-rickshaw back to the ship, but can’t get to the gate because of the political rally. Thousands of people dressed in yellow and huge banners supporting some politician. Rickshaw driver tries to rip us off, starts yelling at us. Not a great note to leave India on, these rickshaw drivers are a huge hassle. They never want to agree on a price and drive like maniacs. I guess everyone drives like a maniac though, thankfully no students got seriously injured in traffic. It’s happened in the past.

Ship departs Chennai. I have a lot of cloth. Lots of cool silk, tapestry products. Maybe our cabin walls will be a little less barren now.

Didn’t really explore much on my own in India. Maybe that’s for the best, India is a whirlwind and who knows where I would have ended up. I need some alone time though, I’ve been constantly surrounded by people and accommodating the slow pace and consumerism of certain female travel companions. Have a few half-songs in the pipeline. Miss home a lot. Miss certain people, rather. I could live in any of these places, if I could bring them with me.

Day 56 October 21, 2008 Enroute to Penang, Malaysia

We get to Malaysia tomorrow. I’m getting really excited/nervous about this election. Can’t believe it is so close. Also very excited about seeing Erin and Corey in Penang.

Trang turns 26 tomorrow. Every year her proportional age advantage of me seems more inconsequential. When I’m 50 and she’s 55, we might as well be the same age. That will be strange. Maybe I’ll have a kid that is older than one of her kids, and my kid will tease her kid. Turnabout is fair play. Of course they’ll make up afterwards and raid the fridge for ice cream. Unless it’s Trang’s house. She probably won’t have ice cream. And then her kid will be like, man I bet Uncle Tien would have ice cream right now. And she would be right. I would have it just for the kids, because I’ll be 50 with great abs and that means you can’t have ice cream. But when you’re a kid you should have ice cream sometimes. That’s just what I believe, Trang. Make your house as boring as you want. I don’t care. Actually, Trang usually has delicious Mochi at her pad so this whole rumination is probably improbable. If you don’t know what Mochi is, you need to find your closest trader joe’s and enlighten yourself.

Tonight we have the FIRST EVER Semester at Sea CAMPUS-wide Theatre production!!! Which means, a bunch of student written skits about race, ethnicity, globalization, stuff like that. It’s for my race and ethnicity class. I wrote a skit about customer support/outsourcing, I’m singing a version of “I heard it through the grapevine” about Namibia, and I’ve been doing all types of random stuff, making powerpoint slides, posters, the kind of stuff that really engages me. Writing papers, not so much. It’s going to be a mess, but it should be entertaining.

Semester at Sea: Days 37-44

2008-10-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

Indian School in ErodeWine tour in Stellenbosch, South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa

Train to Simonstown, South Africa

Day 37 Thursday October 2, 2008
Recap of my week in Cape Town:
Friday: Arrived in Cape Town in the morning. Beautiful port, table mountain, a huge plateau, looms behind the city. We are docked at Jetty 2 of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. There is a mall right across the road, we walk in, very posh and upscale, we have lunch there at a chain restaurant named Mugg and Bean. It’s good, the dollar goes pretty far. $1 = 8 Rand. Went to the aquarium, saw a bunch of stingrays getting fed by scuba divers, saw some penguins. Accompanied by Danika, Ginny, Kate, Kristen. Dinner at Green dolphin, live jazz. Head to Long Street, bar district for the night, go to a bunch of clubs. Predictable scene, not my thing, entertaining but I’m over it.
Saturday: Breakfast with Kristen at a pancake place. Going to Robben Island, Nelson Mandela’s former prison. Meet up with Kelly, cool SASer I haven’t met, she hangs out with us. Rickety old boat takes us to the island, used to take the prisoners there, it’s a 45 minute boat ride and quite rocky. Still tired from late night last night. Saw Nelson Mandela’s cell. Quite jarring to see how recent these injustices were, the specter of Apartheid is still palpable. Back to the ship, take a nap, dinner w/ Kelly at Mitchell’s, then a SAS trip titled Jazz Safari.
We hop in a van, our tour guide directs us to two Jazz musicians’ homes. The first is an older saxaphone player named Robbie. We eat curry with his family and he plays with JJ, a young keyboardist. They play whatever comes to mind. I brought my guitar, eventually I play a song, we jam. We talk about the Jazz scene, apartheid, colored townships, family, music, life. He’s a really cool guy, awesome at the saxaphone.
Then to the second musicians home, more experimental jazz, its cool though. Younger guy, plays everything, guitar, piano, indigenous instruments. It was a cool trip.
I get back to the ship and go out for a bit, run into Julien and Jess at the local Irish pub. No matter where you go, there’s an Irish pub it seems.
Sunday:
Stellembosch

Monday
Blue orange for breakfast. Lots of milkshakes on this trip. Today is Mango. Train back to ship, meet Yolanda, South African, friend of a friend of Kate’s from the states. Takes forever to find her, meeting her at the mall but accident has caused terrible traffic. She tries to take us to a drum café but its closed. She drives the wrong way down a one way street. Her friend Winston can’t follow her driving. She takes us to Canal Walk, a garishly costumed mall. Eat at a Native American themed restaurant, Spurs, with her and Winston. Winston has two young children, is wary of violent culture influence of America. Very nice fellow, works with educating kids in his spare time. Both he and Yolanda work for Water Conservation department of SA gov’t.
Yolanda takes us to Long street. Again, not my scene, not any of our scenes, we sit in an Irish pub/club “Dubliners”, watch drunk people dancing and laugh at each other. Regardless of poor venue selection, its nice to hang out with her, doubt she gets out much, she’s very cool.

Tuesday
Train to Simonstown (south of cape town, halfway to cape point, southern tip of the continent/cape peninsula) with Virginia and Alan. Eat at The Meeting Place, we share our meals, everything is good. Trying to get to Cape Point. Taxi drivers at train station don’t want to take us, tell us it’s a 4 hour drive and try to overcharge us. Its really only 35-40 km away. By the time we figure this out its too late. Companions need to go back to Cape Town for a field trip. I stay, because Simonstown is awesome. Reminds me of Maryland, Annapolis particularly. Naval base there, quaint, beautiful views. Book a room at a hostel and rent a bike. Rode to Boulders, a penguin viewing beach. Ride back to Simonstown, around town, up the hill, meet a Londoner and chat for a while, bike back, walk around. Encounter a church service, walk in, black south Africans wearing star badges standing in a circle. I join, we sing and dance for an hour and a half, they discuss church business in some other language for half an hour. At the end they explain, they are the Zionist Christian church and they are trying to establish a congregation in Simonstown. They want me to come to their song practice the next day, but I never made it, feel a little guilty. Eat pizza at Pescados, sleep in the hostel.
Wednesday
I wake up early, eat my left over pizza, start riding my bike to Cape Point. Not sure how far it is, and it’s quite hilly. Takes me two and a half hours, amazing views around every turn. I am riding through families of baboons, eyeing me curiously. Finally make it to the point area, hike up to the lighthouse, out to the point. Almost the Southernmost tip of Africa. Quite amazing. Sit there for a while. Interesting how people just go up, snap a picture, and leave. Some don’t even look for themselves. Uh oh. Storm coming in from the west. I hightail it back to my bike, I won’t beat this storm though. Luckily the rain doesn’t fall too hard, but I haven’t had lunch, legs start cramping up really badly. My legs die, but I’m near a phone so I call the Fitz’s to see whats up. Tough it out the rest of the way back, I’m drenched though and I don’t have any spare clothes. I ride the train to Kalk Bay, have lunch in a boxcar restaurant, Kalk Bay Expresso. Had another pancake dish, which are pretty much the same thing as crepes. Popular around these parts. Walked to Fish Hoek to buy socks. Train back to Kalk Bay, supposed to be livelier than Simonstown, but not really anything going on here either. Find a place to stay, take a shower, and walk around looking for a dinner spot. Olympic Café is packed, I decide to try my luck there. A nice couple from England invite me to eat dinner with them, I was hoping someone might. Carol and Alan. Carol recently moved to South Africa, Alan is her former coworker from London. We talk about SAS, Alan’s kids, Carol’s niece, music, politics, life. We exchange info, Carol picks up the tab, I promise to send Cd’s her way. Walk over to the “Cape to Cuba” bar/restaurant, owners obsessed with Cuba, décor is all Cuban. No one in the bar. Make friends with bartender, 22 year old named Rodwell. Hang out with him until he cashes out, then go to a local sports bar, meet his brother and friends, watch football, talk for a while, they walk me back to the guest house, will keep in touch hopefully. Glad I met some nice people, no regrets after all, even though I missed my meeting with Mark from the singing/dancing church thing. That would have been cool too. Next time I’ll be sure to get people’s numbers so I can call for changes in plans.
Thursday
Went back to the Kalk Bay Express for breakfast, chatted with waitress, Kim. Likes her husband, most of the time. Don’t know how that came up. Has two kids, very nice lady. Take the train back to Cape town, meet a mother and daughter, Sam and Alaska. Alaska really cute lively 5 year old, reminds me of Sara Jane. She wants to be a rock star, I give her mom my info (she sent me an e-mail the same day). So wonderful to meet them.

I’m back at the waterfront now, our ship will be departing in about 3 hours. There will be a local township choir performing aboard at 6 pm. I enjoyed my stay in Cape Town, I’m getting better at knowing when to travel with others and when to be alone, though they recommend not traveling alone at all. I guess it’s not so much being alone that I find necessary, but just staying far away from the SAS crowd. Maybe a small group would be OK. I did all of the big things that I wanted to do (except maybe skydiving), and I met some really cool people towards the end. Now, 12 days to India. I think I have my recording equipment figured out though, maybe I’ll get some more tracks done.

Day 41 October 6, 2008
The schoolwork is starting to get intense. I’m going to have a classroom concert soon, maybe invite about 30 people. Should be fun.

Day 44 Thursday October 9 7:08 pm
Lat 13º 3.8 E
Long 064º 13.49 E
Speed 21 knots
En Route to Chennai, India.

We stopped at Mauritius the other day for a fuel stop. I had classes/work all day so I didn’t get to see much of it. Industrial port area, buncha smoke stacks. Can’t imagine living on an island all of my life. Guess we all live on islands of different sizes.
On the MV Explorer, the student body is divided into “seas”, according to which hallway you live in. For example, I am part of “yellow sea”. There are 10 seas in all. Today we had the “sea Olympics”, with seas competing against each other in events from hot dog eating, to volleyball, to sudoku. My events were the Workout Relay and Jeopardy. I think there were about 20 events, and it took all day, but the Yellow sea emerged victorious. Hooray!

Semester at Sea: Days 17-30

2008-09-27T07:17:00.000-07:00

Day 17 Friday September 12, 2008 (Salvador, Brazil)

Hung out with Pedro all day, had some potatoes with butter for breakfast, played guitar in the courtyard with the crosses overlooking the lower city. Met up with his friend Tiago (another one) who works at Ritmo, the music store where I met Pedro. Pedro is in a few reggae bands, won’t get to see him in concert though, bummer. Walked around a bunch, went to an internet café and set up a facebook account for him. Ran into Steven (roommate) and went to go buy a Gilberto Gil CD. According to Pedro, Gil is the minister of culture in Brazil. His CD of Bob Marley covers, awesome, been listening to it all day. Said goodbye, went back to the ship, Captain’s barbecue, watched “Walk Hard: Dewey Cox story” in my room with a bunch of people, leaving Brazil, went out on the front of the boat and replayed events of visit in my mind, watching the immense collection of city lights slide away. Very windy, felt like my hair should look like a mess but I don’t have any.

Lat: 15º 31.43S Long: 030º 51.52W

Back to classes today. Read some Elizabeth Bishop poems about Brazil. I like them, simple, understated, complex moods come across through few words. Indian singing is really fun as usual, starting to sing some more in minor keys, really haunting. Friend and I did yoga on the deck. Losing another hour tonight. Writing a song on piano.

Day 18 Saturday September 13, 2008

English is the official language of Namibia. Not there yet, but learned about it in class. 1 percent consumes 50 of the resources. From what I hear, mostly desert. Should be interesting. Still meeting cool people that I haven’t noticed before. Need to write a poem in the next 44 minutes (midnight deadline). Losing an hour every night, doesn’t bother me too much. Haven’t gotten sick or anything, it’s been smooth sailing so far.

Day 19 Sunday September 14 2008

Found myself to be stressed out today. Decided to be a little less studious and enjoy the trip. Balance. Got a nice e-mail from Bernadette. Played trivial pursuit. Made progress on the song, wrote a poem last night for class.

Salvador Skip, skip. The off-beats pluck and bounce. The revelers cheer and dance into traffic. Blue plastic chairs idle, misaligned, startled by your chance, unexpected touch. Inside, an ancient ritual, with blessings from a plump man wearing a fedora. Incense smelling of roasted bark creates clouds sliced by his divining branch. He waves it and taps our faces, muttering nonsense, and I've no sense of what is required or if expectations will dissolve. I kneel beside your chair with urgency and you look confused. One, two, three, the room is pulsing decorated by my worthless, common, wonderful words. It was the incense, or the reggae, or maybe I was run over, not looking. Does it matter what it was? Our will, a blessing, or chance.
Day 20 Monday September 15, 2008
Smack dab in the middle of the Atlantic now. Open mic tonight, play a few songs.

Day 21 Tuesday September 16, 2008
Open mic was awesome, played a couple songs, well received. No classes today.

Day 22 Wednesday September 17, 2008
Boat rocking moderately today. Barely caught breakfast. I was craving for wings yesterday. I don’t even particularly like eating wings. Midterm for Race & Ethnicity class will be a 53-person play, professor (Kesho) just enlisted me to be the producer. I don’t really know what that means. Besides responsibility. Can’t seem to run away from myself.

Day 23 Thursday September 18, 2008
Listening to Ben Harper at work. Couldn’t get to sleep last night, caught about 4 hours before breakfast this morning. Time changes are getting to me I guess. I’ll be in Namibia tomorrow, visiting Peace Corps Volunteers. Maybe I’ll do that someday. Don’t really have any close friends yet. Talk to my roommate a good amount when we are both in the room, but he’s got his coterie of friends and I usually roam around doing my own thing. This seems to be a common pattern in my social history lately. Had dinner with two lifelong learners last night…forget what their names were but this is their 9th trip around the world w/ SAS. They told me about Crazy Harold, who holds the record with 22 trips. He’s since passed, but apparently he was an ex-merchant marine who only left the boat to buy a newspaper at each port.

Day 24 Friday September 19, 2008
Latitude 22º 46.12S Longitude 012º 57.59E

1:41 AM We are just off the coast of Africa, cruising at 14 knots, pretty slow so that we get there at the appropriate time I assume. I’m eager for this temporary reprieve in time loss and class. Big day tomorrow! Visiting Peace Corps at 1300.
6:14 AM Got up early to see our approach to Namibia. I can see the first lights from the coast, and sunrise should be happening in about half an hour. Hi there Africa!

Day 25 Saturday September 20, 2008
Walvis Bay, Namibia.

Yesterday I was exhausted after getting barely any sleep, getting up to see sunrise, and staying up. Eventually went into town with a bunch of friends, then came back to meet w/ Peace corps volunteers. Talked with Lucy and Megan, work with local NGO’s, work with kids, very cool people. Makes me want to do peace corps. Visited kids that Lucy works with, at Catholic AIDS mission nearby. Awesome kids, singing, dancing, playing soccer, drawing. Played a round of fire on the mountain. Made a friend named Marlene.

Went to see Lucy’s flat. Spacious, has a cat, they are coming home in December, both lonely. At night went to Bonaroma, nice restaurant here in Walvis Bay. Felt like a high roller. 1 us = 8 namibian dollars. Great dinner, one of the girls got sick, went back to ship, it was a great night all in all.

Today hung out with Julien and her Namibian friends, Martin and Thomas, dock workers and nice people. Showed us around, met them in Swakopmund, beach town about 20 minutes from here. Eventually went to the beach, watched beautiful sunset,

went to a couple clubs. One was a small bar “Casablanca sports bar”, “shabeen” felt very out of place, Enigma was the other one, more like a normal dance club. Lots of dudes, few ladies, lots of dancing, some SAS kids, fun but wiped out now.

Day 29 Wednesday September 24, 2008
Back on the boat. Conflicted about Namibia experience. In a constructive way perhaps. Troubling through the luxury of privilege. Not so much guilty, but maybe the alienation of feeling like an outsider. I didn’t travel with a group very much, so I felt like an observer most of the time, enlightening experience but lonely. Most dudes I met were hard working, desire education, think gov’t is corrupt, seemed to be happy that Americans were in town. Afrikaaners seemed like mostly nice, spoiled rich kids from the states.
L-R: Thomas, Julien, Martin, Tien
Martin was my favorite, I am so glad I met him, he drove us around and was just a genuinely nice person. He liked my t-shirts and wants to send me some money to send him some from the states. “They are nicer material and you can see muscles”.
Went four wheeling and sandboarding yesterday.
Leaving Namibia

Day 30 Thursday September 25, 2008
We get to Cape Town tomorrow morning. I have to wake up bright and early, I’m going to a local school to build paper rockets with kids. Going through a strange phase, feel like keeping to myself, when you introduce yourself to people enough, you start to lose track of who you really are. You can only describe yourself in the tangible things that obscure your actual personality…what you do, where you are from, what you are studying (how much money are you going to make? –indirectly perhaps). So I’m trying to reconnect with myself I guess. To worry less about the impression I’m making, enjoy my own rhythms and perspective instead of worrying about others’.
There is some strange expectation that everyone is going to date someone on Semester at Sea. Suddenly I find myself worrying about it, whereas I’m usually very live-and-let-live about the whole dating situation. There must be something in the water though because there are some romantic situations afoot that have emerged unexpectedly. Really strange the way I interact with women after I know that they are attracted to me. You can tell by the scientific manner in which I describe such things that I’m far too cerebral about matters of the heart, but in any case, I feel like I become a cross between Kermit the Frog and Inspector Gadget whenever I have a crush. I don’t know what that means, but something in my gut tells me that it’s true.
I’m trying to convince myself to stop thinking about such nonsense, and just refocus on savoring this ridiculous journey while it lasts.

Semester at Sea: Days 11-15

2008-09-11T06:58:00.001-07:00

Day 11 (Friday Sept 5, 2008)
Woke up to sounds of crew banging on doors and yelling.

It’s Neptune Day.

Which means: King Neptune has decided we must be initiated in order to cease our land loving ways and become true shellbacks.

Which means: We go up to the pool deck, where the crew, dressed up in togas and aluminum foil helmets, spills mysterious rancid-smelling fish juice over our heads, one by one.

For the willing, a head-shaving ritual, in which I participated. Brazil in two days.

Day 12 (Saturday Sept 6, 2008)
We will be arriving in Salvador tomorrow morning. I think I will be exploring with my roommate and his friends. I fear I have been a little antisocial the past few days, evidenced by lack of any established “crew”, but I guess I’ve been trying to avoid societal overload. Classes are going well.
Really excited about the churrascurias (brazilian all you can eat barbecue)! Always a hit in the states, can’t wait to have the real thing. Had our pre-port meetings, lots of warnings about excessive drunkenness and pickpockets. Lots of advice concerning the wonders of pepto bismol.
Now the fun really begins.
Day 13 (Monday Sept 8, 2008)
Lat 12º 58.2 S Long 038º 30.8W

SALVADOR, BRAZIL

Had the perfect day. Hung out with crew at a bar in Rio Vermilho last night, and met a bunch of Brazilians. Vanessa, Veronica, Maucha, Luana, Tiago, Michel, some other folks. Struck up conversation and had a great time. Talked to Maucha most of the time, she is from out of town, in Salvador for a student movement against current president Da Silva. Talked about capitalism, Obama, and various other things. Had brazilian barbecue earlier in the day, acai fruit bowl (awesome), caju juice (from the cashew fruit), frutarosca (fruity mixed drink) with kiwi, was the best at the bar. Agreed to meet Veronica and Vanessa today at 8 am to go to the beach. Steven came with, Tiago also showed up, awesome because he speaks pretty good English and has a car, and happens to be one of the friendliest person I’ve ever met. Vanessa and Veronica only in town for a couple days, not from Salvador. Veronica and Tiago having a fling, very cute. Went to a couple sightseeing places, a run down building, a big jesus statue, a lighthouse/fort, then went to the Baja beach. Swam to a canoe anchored pretty far out, got buried in sand, said hi to some other SAS folk that were there. Played guitar, listened to my cd in Tiago’s car, cruised around for a while. Then went to get lunch at a fast food place (sandwich hall?). Then went to Tiago’s beach house, very cool, danced in the yard to music playing from his little Renault. Broke open coconuts and drank the juice. Creo dance very explicit. Will go back out with them tonight.

Day 14 (Tuesday Sept 9 2008) SALVADOR

Missed my kindergarten trip this morning. Oh well, so exhausted from past two days. Yesterday was the perfect day, really can’t imagine a better way to experience Brazil. Alas, now our friends must return to work and school, so I will resume my touristy wanderings. Last night we went back to the bar, but it was boring, Monday nights are pretty slow, but then we drove for a while to another place, a vibrant streetside samba joint with some afro-brazilian spiritual (condomble) vibes. Tiago’s childhood friend Alex was with us, along with Vanessa and Veronica. Alex looked like Roger Federer. Had an amazing night.

I’ve learned a lot from our Brazilian friends. I thought I lived for the moment, but they really exude a genuine love for life. Tiago’s generosity and hospitality were astounding. And the girls, they were beautiful, caring, and sincere in everything that they did.

Day 15 Wednesday September 10, 2008

Yesterday went to mall and grocery store. Generic. At night, walked into upper city (have to take a huge public elevator to get there from port) with huge SAS group. Drum corps in the street, lots of dancing. Broke off with Jackie, Mallory, and Andy to find something else. Lured into a nascent concert, danced all night. Met Tomas and Mustache, Tomas from Salvador but lived in LA for 12 years. Mustache his strange old friend.

Went to Itaparica island/beach today with Jackie. Took ferry, happened across Tierney and Becca, took a cab to the beach. Raining on and off, no one at the restaurant besides us. Had some drinks, played a little guitar, Marcelo our waiter. We walked into the forest trying to get across the river to resort with lots of hollering (later found out to be club med), couldn’t cross, came back to find a bunch of SAS staffers at the restaurant. Went swimming, played frisbee in the water. Very shallow, waves break 200 yards out at least. Hoping to find a churrascuria tonight.

Met Pedro tonight, amazing guitarist in guitar store. Knows all the musicians in Salvador. Walked around, sang with one of his friends, Ana, at her concert. Faked Stevie Wonder tunes. Ran into Lobo, the guy we saw playing the first night, playing in front of a café. Ended up at a bar, walked home with two SAS kids, almost got mugged on the way back by a street urchin with a cement block, but luckily a taxi driver came up to shoo him away. Didn’t really know what to do, kind of scary. Will meet up with Pedro tomorrow morning.

Semester at Sea: Days 4-10

2008-09-04T07:44:00.000-07:00

Day 4 (Friday, August 29)

700 students swarmed the ship today. Previous sense of tranquility is gone. Stood in a hallway all morning directing students to the registration room. Got away to find some postcards, found out they were made in the U.S.A. Appropriate to the stifling commercial nature of Nassau. Went to generic Senor Frog’s bar last night, like a Semester at Sea party, lots of SAS kids. Met some nice people today doing hallway duty. Roommate is Steven Newman, cool guy, comes from a musical family in Malibu, plays guitar, we get along great. Bought a couple of side trips today, a homestay in India, a service project and a bicycle ride in Brazil, something cool in Namibia too but I forget. Stuff I couldn’t do on my own mostly, except for the bicycle ride, doing that for fun and to meet people. We should be leaving Nassau soon.
…
21:46
25º 23.4N 076º 5.13W

Rumor is that Hurricane Gustav has rerouted us towards Puerto Rico. Does seem stormy outside. All students crammed into auditorium for a meeting with the Dean (Jack), said that a quarter of the ship is from CA. 76% female, student body. 1015 total passengers. Over 300 different colleges, 20 different countries. A little nervous with constant introductions and first impressions, trying to relax and just be friendly. Going to go play guitar in the lobby.
…
We’re not going to Puerto Rico, just going 75 miles off course to get around tropical storm Hannah, so we’ll pick up the speed to make it to Brazil on time.

Day 6 (Sunday, August 31, 2008)
Today was my first day of classes. “Towards the Interior: Poetry and Short Fiction” and “Indian Singing Ensemble”. Poetry teacher a youngish 30-something professor who gave us interesting readings, where poetry meets prose, I forget the author’s name. Never seriously written poetry or short fiction before so I’m excited. It will support my creativity, songwriting, for sure. Indian Singing class was also a rich experience, very energetic, expressive professor, had a 20 year apprenticeship with his music teacher, a spiritual experience singing the pentatonic scale and learning Indian solfege. Both were great. Signed up for two more trips today: Jazz safari in Cape Town and a homestay in Kyoto. Jazz Safari, will meet S African musicians and play music with them, go to jazz club with them. Get along great with roommate. Played a little concert in the piano lounge last night, very fun. Dvd guy was videotaping. Will make it a regular thing. Also had first day of work study job today, not a bad gig, sit around and do homework, occasionally go to help professors with A/V equipment. We actually did stop in Puerto Rico to fill up on gas, greeted by U.S. coastguard. Feels like I’ve been on this trip for weeks, in a good way. Every day is full of activity and interaction.

Day 7 (Monday, September 1, 2008)
Had a Science Education class today, we built towers out of straws with professors’ kids and talked about how to engage students. Then struggled to stay awake during a class with a lot of powerpoint.

Day 8 (Tuesday September 2, 2008)
Lat 08º 11.69N Long 050º 39.76W

I’ve been playing music every night at 10, regular jam sesh, lots of talented musicians on the ship. Enjoy all of my classes, challenging to keep up. Haven’t gotten bored yet, been at sea for four days straight now, but still very busy every day. Lots of group interaction, helps me learn. Only the one traditional lecture class. Invited to swim with sharks in S Africa. We’re traveling down by the east coast of S America now. By French Guiana I think. Sometimes it feels like all I do is sit places or go to the next sitting place. However, that, like the food, will heighten my appreciation of port experience.

Day 9 (Wednesday September 3, 2008)

It’s a good morning. I’m feelin it today. Whoo! We cross the equator in 2 days. Global studies class is very disconcerting, asking, “What are we going to do about China?” Built little cars with the kids in science class today. Ours was pretty awesome. Cardboard with wooden axles, plastic wheels, two spoons for weight. Rolled halfway across the ship. We were team Triumph.

Poetry class, my first prose-poem, modeled after Robert Haas’ “In the Bahamas":

He laid on his stomach, face sideways in the sand. His respite, interrupted by a taste of the afternoon tide. The briny sting persisted as he walked back to their suite. She called from the hallway, "Do you mind if we get a cab? We could walk, but it's humid today." He filled a green plastic mug with tap water. "It’s always humid." he said, under the hum of her blow dryer. He rubbed his beard by the window, the pastel collage of hotels fading like a dusty postcard.

notice how i used a past blog to inspire the last line?

Lat: 3º 23.3N Long: 42º 38.0W

Had a nice crowd in the piano lounge tonight, I’m out of CD’s! Thoroughly exhausted.

Day 10 (Thursday Sept 4, 2008)
First time doing yoga this morning. 6 am on the pool deck. Feel great, tired though from lack of sleep. Will cross equator today. First time seeing hash browns in the breakfast line…much preferred to the usual diced potatoes. Croissants were superduper as usual.

Semester at Sea: Nassau, Bahamas

2008-08-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

Day 1 Semester at Sea
Depart Norfolk, VA for Nassau, Bahamas. Matt, Peg, and Berna toured the ship with me. Couldn’t believe There are 22 work study students like me. There are three Jessicas. Crew is very nice, mostly from Philippines and Jamaica. Had a jam session with another guitarist (teacher’s son named Matt) and a pianist (videographer named Garrett). Transformed my radio into a guitar amp in my room and played for a while before going to sleep, boat rocking but I feel fine.

Day 2(Wednesday, August 28):

Lat 28º 52.44N Long 076º 16.78W

En route to Bahamas. Woke up to see interminable ocean landscape rushing by my window. My room is 3075 (3rd deck, starboard, right around the middle). Worked out a little bit after breakfast, can’t believe I’m out here. Students are all very nice, made some friends already. Work study task of the day was to make magnetic name cards for all the student’s cabins.
...
Played some songs for friends, talked to Jack (exec dean) during dinner, feels my pain for USC/SAS situation, lives in Corvallis, wants me to play music for faculty. Wrote the book on study abroad programs. Cool guy. Work study assignment is determined, I am assigned to A/V assistant (3-4 hours every day at sea). Task is to help set up projectors for powerpoint, assist with A/V for events. Supervisor is Nathan (27) former SAS student, very chill, from PA, lives in D.C.
Ship noises are consistent with constant earthquake. Rattling in the library. Sea legs are fun, running from side to side, similar to drunk legs. Miss some people, but awestruck by surroundings and situation. Arrive in Bahamas tomorrow.

Day 3 (Thursday, August 28th)

25° 4' 60N 77° 20' 60W

Thanks to my friend Krista, I now know how to say “Hello”. “How are you”, and “Good, thank you, and you?” in Estonian. Also working on my Spanish…new phrase of the day is “Por su puesto!”, which is “Of Course!”
…
We’ve been in port at Nassau for a few hours now…swam in the ocean, very blue, very salty. Bought a shot glass, honing my bargaining skills. Came back to ship at 7:45 pm to help parents aboard for the parent tour. About to go out again tonight, can’t be out too late because our day starts at 7 tomorrow morning. Nassau is super commercial…subway, burger king, starbucks, total tourist trap, but enchanting in its pastel welcome.

August 08

2008-08-23T21:20:00.000-07:00

First off, this is really cool:my first interview and music review.

I've had an incredible summer. Now that my various odd-jobs seem to have concluded, it's full speed ahead to my big trip around the world. Semester at Sea begins on Tuesday, August 26th, from Norfolk, VA. (For the full itinerary click here).

Over the course of the summer I am proud to say that I am a battle-tested waiter, a competent live sound engineer, and I can musically entertain happy hour patrons for up to four hours. Both of my concerts in Easton were sold-out and so much fun. The second one featured a full band, which I was lucky enough to temporarily assemble while I've been in Easton. I wrote a couple new songs, which I'll try to post as soon as possible.

For the duration of my trip, I'll be posting my Tien Beats on my blog, at http://tienbeat.blogspot.com .

Best wishes while I'm away...take care of each other, especially in memory and in honor of Kennedy, Maggie, and Christine...gone for over a year now but not forgotten by those whose lives they touched.

Love, Tien

June 08

2008-06-07T17:53:00.003-07:00

Tien Beat, June 6 2008

Hi everyone!
Summer is well under way now, and I'm finally settling into my rhythm here in Easton. This is the first summer I've spent here since I went to college. I'm enjoying it immensely.

As soon as I got home, I started an internship at Coffee East, which has become a venue for surprisingly amazing acts. It's really strange and awesome to have so much talent coming through our little town, and I get to mix the sound for them. I've never been a sound guy before, but I learned pretty quick after a trial period involving a lot of eardrum-piercing feedback. A couple of cool bands you should check out: Carney, Judd & Maggie, Catie Curtis. I guess they stop by while they are playing in D.C., Baltimore, or Annapolis...they are all national acts and its a great internship because i get to rub elbows with people doing what I want to do.

Coolest thing about it: I get to play music here too...I opened for Catie Curtis, and I'm opening for Mark Bryan (of Hootie and the Blowfish) this Wednesday. If you're around, come check it out! Coffee East at 8 pm. It's a really exciting opportunity for me.

I'm looking for gigs to make a little money playing music...I just got one at a hotel near here and bluffed my way into a 2 hour set, even though I don't know 2 hours worth of songs. I will by Wednesday! I hope.

I'm also going to be a waiter/prep cook at Key Lime Cafe. I'm saving up some money for Semester at Sea next semester. Did I mention that? I'm going around the world on a boat in the Fall. Expect some particularly colorful Tien Beats starting August 26th.

I'm actually standing in the back of the coffee house right now behind the sound board...better get back to work. Hope all is well! I'd love to visit all of you east coast folk while I'm here, send me a line.

Love,
Tien

April 08

2008-06-07T17:53:00.001-07:00

Tien Beat April 08 updates on life

I have two weeks left of classes. This semester really blew by. It has definitely been the hardest semester academically, but I should be okay. Last week I wrote papers about theories of morality, the metaphysical nature of ideas, and johnny rotten's impact on the punk movement, all while finishing my first solo acoustic CD. I slept all weekend, pretty much.

For the past couple months I've been busy recording this CD, which most of you have heard about. I ended up calling it "Patience Finds EP", named after a song I wrote that is basically about the idea that the best things in life are worth waiting for, as many have surely said. There are seven songs on the CD, five of which I recorded in my room, singing, playing guitar, and playing a little violin. I had a couple friends add their voice or their guitar playing to it, and I recorded a couple of the songs live in my friend's room.

I also reserved a coffee shop near campus in order to host a CD release concert on April 18th. I invited a friend from songwriting class, Courtney Fortune, to open for me. After going home for spring break and learning that Kentavius Jones, a songwriter from Easton, was going to be in L.A. during the concert, I also invited him to play.

The concert was amazing. Two of my friends from my band, Dayplayer, joined me for a few songs. My drummer, who has been living in Oregon, drove down with his friend just to play in the show. My fraternity brother, who is a sound engineer, mixed the sound all night. My friends sat at the merchandise table selling my CD's. A middle school friend from Easton, who I haven't seen for at least six or seven years, showed up out of the blue. Courtney opened up with some relaxed jazz tunes, Kentavius started rocking with his brand of soulful, funky, rock, and by the time I looked up in the middle of my set, the crowd was full. After we played the last song, we received a rousing standing ovation. It was incredible.

All of my CD's are gone now, so I need to make more. I'm selling it through my website, which is http://www.tien-music.com . I also submitted it to a service today to put it on iTunes. you can listen to most of the songs at http://www.myspace.com/tienmusic ...I'm trying to make it easy for everyone to access my work, so let me know if you are having any trouble getting to it. I'm really proud of these tunes! Maybe I can score an opening gig for a touring band sometime soon. That would be awesome.

So now I need to focus on the home stretch and try to do well on my finals, not to mention an incredibly time consuming final concert for my a-capella group, which is also releasing a CD, our first studio album, "Take Root". I have two solos on the CD, Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now", and Stevie Wonder's "I Wish". For those of you who enjoy collegiate a-capella, this will not disappoint.

I am going on Semester at Sea next semester, which will bring me to the Bahamas, Brazil, Namibia, South Africa, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, Japan, Hawaii, Costa Rica, and back to Florida. Needless to say, I'm pretty excited. When I get back, I should have no more than two semesters at USC before I graduate.

I will be in Easton for the majority of the summer, working to save up money for this trip, and playing music whenever I can. I look forward to being able to visit all of you east-coasters...I miss you all so much! I hope everyone is well, please let me know what you've been up to and how you've been.

Congratulations on the new Fitzgerald home, and infinite measures of gratitude to the Mitchells for their unbounded generosity and all-around awesomeness. I can't believe how amazing my friends and family are.

To everyone, thanks for your continuing support, and if there's anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to ask.

Love,
Tien

March 08

2008-06-07T17:52:00.000-07:00

I've been RECORDING recording RECOrding for the past couple weeks, getting some music together for my demo cd. I'll have some advance copies when I come home. I'm playing at Easton's venerable AVALON theatre on March 19th. 6:30 pm. I'm flying back east on saturday, going up to Vermont with Uncle Chris, and coming back to easton for next week, my spring break.

Can't wait to see y'all maryland folk! L.A. is only tolerable because I've been playing loads of music...my songwriting class had a showcase at a local coffeehouse and it was really successful. let's pack the avalon!

love,
tien

January 08

2008-06-07T17:44:00.003-07:00

It's a new year, a new beginning, a new apartment, new major (philosophy), and pretty much a new outlook on life.

This new outlook includes an intention to avoid overlooking what really matters in life, and enjoying the moments that come and go so quickly.

It's a reminder to seek balances between work and play, short-term and long-term considerations, being social and being alone, order and chaos.

My classes are proving to be quite interesting; I think I made a good choice in studying philosophy. I'm taking Contemporary Ethical Theory, History of Western Philosophy, my Junior Writing course, a Geology class about Planet Earth, and Songwriting 2.

One of these pictures is the library I'm sitting in right now, studying (USC Doheny library)

and the other one is the beach where I went rock climbing after a camping trip this weekend (Point Dume, I didn't take this but i promise it really is this beautiful)...

Too bad I have to live in the 'hood.

Hope everyone is well, put March 19th on your calendars, I'll be back in MD playing in the Avalon that night.

Love,
Tien

December 07

2008-06-07T17:44:00.001-07:00

TIEN BEAT: a periodic account of thoughts and notable happenings in the life of Tien.

I've been back in Los Angeles for a week, trying to get everything in order for next semester, finding a place to live, talking with my academic advisors and all that. Maybe I haven't told you yet, I decided to delay Semester at Sea until a later term. The plan is to go to school this spring, chip another bunch of courses off my graduation requirements, work to save up some money for the trip, and reconnect with my life on the left coast. Sounds easy, right?

One thing I realized during this brief visit is that my friends at USC are amazing, especially my band, a-capella group, and fraternity. Not only are they doing great things but they have also been very supportive of me. All of that good stuff means that I must continue my involvement while I'm at USC, even though my course load is going to be really intense. Looks like I'm going to be really busy, come January. Busy is okay as long as it's stuff I am passionate about.

I'll be back in Maryland either Wednesday or Thursday, and I hope to see a bunch of you high school buddies that I haven't seen in a while. Happy birthday Ross! I'll be up in Vermont for the Fitzgerald Holiday Spectacular from roughly December 20th til 28th; hopefully I'll have time to see everyone before I go back to USC in the beginning of January (school starts on the 14th).

Looking forward to:
playing with Dayplayer
singing with the Trojan Men
expanding my mind with philosophical explorations
being creative
my new apartment/loft/roommates
Christmas in Vermont
seeing old friends
meeting new friends

Random Thoughts:
One of the coolest things about my extended stay in Maryland has been getting to know my two little second-cousins-once-removed, Alexander and Calvin, aged 3 and 1, respectively. I didn't even know they existed until a few months ago, and now they are two of my favorite people. Alexander loves dinosaurs. Calvin drools profusely and with aplomb. I'm pretty sure Alexander speaks better Vietnamese than I do. Anyway, you get the point, I love them for all the reasons that we all love babies. I'm really excited to meet Annabelle Margaret Maggs, the newest member of the Fitzgerald clan.

I met my philosophy advisor for the first time, and he recognized me from when I used to street perform in Santa Monica. Well, it took a little while to affirm that it was me, since it was a while ago. He said he remembered seeing an Asian kid perform who had an nice voice and looked like he was in high school. I'm pretty sure I'm the only one out on 3rd street pulling that gig, but who knows, maybe I have a doppelganger.

Being nice to strangers is important. A little girl blurted "Hi!" to me when I was in the mall today, and after returning the greeting, I felt like the world was a better place. Sounds very idealistic, but honestly, I've never met a happy cynic. Really, I think they're all alcoholics.
But there's always hope!!! <-idealism

Dayplayer was written up in an online magazine ... this was pretty exciting for me, we've already gotten some messages on our myspace page as a result.

That's all for now, have a wonderful holiday, sending my love to all of you,
Tien

October 07

2008-06-07T17:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

After spending three years spent toiling away in L.A., it's amazing how my adolescent angst towards my hometown has become nostalgic admiration. Maybe it was just high school that was a drag, and not so much the locale; it seems like every day is a rediscovery of how beautiful nature can be, how kind people can be, and how therapeutic it is to be surrounded by majestic trees, the serene shimmer of the bay, warm smiles, and the much appreciated absence of textbooks, alarm clocks, smog, gang-related shootings, non-gang-related shootings, etc.

Regardless, I miss my dear friends at USC, especially the activities related to the Spoon Drawer, Trojan Men, Theta Xi, and Dayplayer. From what I've heard, you're all carrying on in accordance to your high standards of excellence. Either that means that I've left a self-sustaining legacy of brilliance and greatness, or I'm expendable and obsolete. Legacy, it is.

Anyway, I'm appreciating life, and I'm just trying to enjoy every day here in Maryland, because who knows when I'll get to live here again?

Love,
Tien

August 07

2007-08-28T07:13:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,

Over the past week, it became clear to me how important you are in my life, and that I should do a better job keeping in touch. If you know what I'm up to, and I know what you're up to, we can continue to be involved in each other's growth and well-being. I care greatly about all of you, and there are so many events that I've missed over the past few years. So many times, after hearing stories of friends going to concerts, traveling, graduations, and so forth, I've thought, I wish I had known about it, I would have flown over for that in a heartbeat. I keep getting all these free flights because I get stuck at the airport so much (so far on my way home i've been stuck in D.C. and Fort Lauderdale for a night each), and I'd love to make it back for exciting and important as well as random and trivial moments in your lives.

OK, so here is a reflection on what is going on with me, a newsletter of sorts, something we will affectionately refer to as:

TIEN BEAT august two thousand and seven

My fall classes at USC are starting in 4 hours, and I will be sitting in my first class as a philosophy major. As I mentioned before, I got stuck in D.C. and Fort Lauderdale for the past two nights, so currently I'm sitting in an aisle seat on a Boeing 737. These are the kinds of situations that no longer stress me out. I have no control over the chaos of air traffic control, and though I may miss a few classes, I can spend that time reading a book, writing a song, or meeting someone. Why invest energy in self-destructive anger? Time is too precious to be yelling at flight attendants.

Something deep inside me has shifted as a result of our immense loss, and my recent ruminations/discussions have led me to an unwavering conviction in Plan A. Plan A is the life that I want to lead. Plan A involves short term and long term goals. Plan A is a philosophy. Plan A is never taking a day for granted.

Plan A (to be revised and expanded continuously as desired)

1.) Love. Recklessly. Generously.

2.) Create inspiring and insightful music that will reach millions (I have this posted on a big poster board in my room)
Side note: give me your address and I will send you cd's of any music that I create. If you haven't yet, check out the websites for my band, Dayplayer, and my Solo page. Dayplayer will have a demo done by Christmas.

3.) Travel. What's all this jazz about Semester at Sea? Anyone else curious, envious, and willing?
Side note: I visited the overseas office today and they do not offer a semester at sea program or a vietnam program. Yet. Can you believe that? It took the receptionist a few minutes to realize that I wasn't taking no for an answer, but I have an appointment with the director tomorrow to talk about this small flap in my plans

4.) Learn. All of these philosophy classes will probably make my mind explode. I will share these brain busting revelations in future editions of "Tien Beat"

5.) Save the world. This is a daunting task, so I'm going to partially delegate it to Barack Obama. I'm working on his campaign now; I hope that you'll do some research on what he stands for, and when you realize how amazing he is, I hope you will get off your butt and vote.

6.) Support all of this with work that supports my growth and my spirit

That's a lot to do. Let me know what you're up to. Let's support each other in this awesome adventure, this unbounded opportunity, this wonderful, yet transient, gift of life. And, of course, never ever hesitate to call me. (213) 369-1969. Please forward this to whoever you think would like to receive it!

Love,
Tien