YOU ARE WHAT YOU CARRY
This is a nice article from the couch surfing site. Aside from the laminated copy of the passport with the current stamp on it, I carry all of this stuff.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
From my host and evil wizard, Sauron, on day two of me being there directed at Logan: "You evil, evil man."
SWEARING IN ROMANIAN
Romanians have ultra creative swears that sound very odd when translated into English but when said in Romanian have a big effect. Some examples would be "I'm going to take your mothers (grave) cross and make skis." Or, "Fuck the carpenter who built the drawer that the condoms were stored in one of which broke and caused you to be born..." (etc - it goes on and on). Another is along the lines of "I want to jack off on my foot and kick your mother in her pussy and..." Again, it continues on and on. I had no idea they were so creative in their swearing. If the Soviets here were as creative in their building of inexpensive public housing, I might be living in a giant tree right now or some weird shit. Just like the Keebler Elves.
MOLDOVA
Diana and Sauron's friends also told me that in Cricova they have a giant underground winery. By giant I mean 200 KM of tunnels giant. Like bigger than the VC tunnels giant, though hopefully not armed with booby traps and pits with tigers.
STRANGE DRINKING HABITS
When people want to drink for a long time, they add Coke to wine. This is commonly done with red, though I have seen it done with white. I suspect this is because the price of wine is so cheap that the people basically are just trying to get the alcohol out of it.
ROMANIA MEAL TIMES
In Romania, they eat mind bogglingly late - like 8PM to 10PM, depending. Fortunately, for my dining, they have a weird time thing going on here so for me it subjectively seems that time is going by faster than it probably is. Possibly because I am having a great time. Or am getting old. Either way, it is working for me.
RESTAURANTS
In Romania, all restaurants have what they call a 'menu of the day'. In reality, this is their 'daily lunch special'. This daily lunch special is served at only certain hours of the day and generally ranges between 12-15 ROM. You can either order this special - which typically includes three small courses (soup and/or salad, meal, desert) or off of the normal menu at full price.
WHERE LOGAN IS STAYING
At the time of the writing, it is my third day with Diana and Sauron. Sauron cast an evil spell on me to pass me his cold. Sauron likes to cook for me and his cooking is pretty good - simple, wholesome dishes. Sadly, the crap you go buy in restaurants here isn't as good as what he cooks. Seriously - if there is good restaurant food here I haven't found it yet. Their traditional foods are rather bland and the same stuff as neighboring countries have. I've also tried a couple Romanian beers. They should just import more Czech and German beers. Aside from the wine, all the food and drink in Romania has been a letdown.
So far, honestly, Romania has been a bit of a letdown for me as well - aside from the people I've met. In addition to the hosts I've been staying with, the current ones also have a very large (10+?) circle of friends and I've been meeting them. Their friends seem to like to get together and talk. And drink, naturally.
One thing that Diana and Sauron have been doing that I really appreciate is keeping the conversations in English. If it goes into Romanian, they'll give me a 'Cliff Notes' version so that I can keep up on what's going on. That's really nice of them and doesn't make me feel excluded.
Because of the people here, I'm having a great time.
PEOPLE'S SPIRIT
I've noticed that there is no nostalgia for the good old days of walls and restricted travel to keep people in or secret police (AKA Communism).
PRICES
Bottle of Romanian wine, 14 ROM
Bottle of Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum, I think 40-50 ROM.
Kahlua is difficult to get here.
Showing posts with label swearing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label swearing. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Logan's Run
LOGAN'S RUN
Bert said that he believes a lot of the hits I have gotten on my blog come people looking for the movie "Logan's Run". I wanted to do a test on that and see if posting something that specifically had things on the movie Logan's Run would actually get more hits than one that didn't. Here's another picture just in case you wanted one. If you've never seen the movie, it is an oldie but a goodie. It was made back in 1976 which usually tightens the sphincter of any of the younger readers but it's not bad. I'd give it 7/10 on my scale.
WHY?
I have been asked the question a couple times "Why are you writing (this) blog?"
Simply put, there are two answers - a) for others and b) for myself. Breaking that down -
I am writing this blog for others because I am going to be doing something unusual (ie NOT sitting at home and watching TV) and it's a lot easier than sending out a whole bunch of e-mails updating people on where I am and what I'm doing. People seem to be curious about other places. Some might be planning a trip, others living vicariously through me (as they can't or won't do an actual adventure trip) and some others just like to 'see what the crazy fat bastard posted this time'. I think (hope) it has a high humor and entertainment value. Plus, it should also be a good indicator of when/if I perish unexpectedly. I don't think anyone would be able to do anything about it if it happened but maybe they'll raise a glass in my honor if they notice I've gone for several months without posting.
I am writing this blog for myself because, I believe, first and foremost it will provide a record of where I've been and what I've done. Anyone who knows me well knows that my memory isn't all that great. I'd like to have a record and pictures to look back on to see where I've been, what I've done, who I've met and all that. I think it also takes care of some of the creative urges - who hasn't wanted to write a book at some point in their lives? The bad thing about writing a book is that it's usually (unless you're Steven King or some such) a labor of love that takes several months or years and won't sell enough copies to make you any money. Print is dying anyhow. So, this is my 'creative work'. Would I be writing it if a film crew was following me around on my trip? Don't know - we'll have to try it out.
TV SHOW REVIEW
A Cook's Tour aka Anthony Bourdain No Reservations. It seems to have switched from the first title to the second starting with season 3. Probably because the first title wasn't all that snazzy. With the show itself, it's OK. I don't really recommend it all that highly. I've only been watching the ones of places I'm intending to travel. He has a different take on traveling - he is going for the food. I can respect that. As an example, when he went to Egypt, he did not go to the Pyramids. No big deal there but it does show he isn't really a 'typical' tourist. It's an OK show but there are better.
ELECTRONIC SMOKES
A bus driver told me about this recently. The Blu brand is $70 but I heard they have one at 7-11 (convince store) for $10. I might just check it out. The ones by Blu have the end light up and you get to breath out ionized air that looks like smoke. The charging unit is apparently shaped like a packet of smokes. Brilliant - it's a nice idea. I really don't know if I want to spend $70 - or even worse, carry more electronic shit. Something to think about. It would probably be a big improvement for health.
SWEARING
Anyone who knows me (or has been in my presence) knows that I consider 'swear words' as 'just other words'. I firmly hold to the belief "There are no bad words, only bad intentions." In other words, if you say "Well, mutherfucker" when something goes wrong, I don't see that as bad. If you call someone a "Mutherfucker" then that is bad - or at least showing you probably don't like them. For our foreign readers, it totally depends on voice inflection here. If someone says "mutherfucker!" in surprise when they see you - they probably aren't calling you a name, they are just using that to express surprise and possibly joy at seeing you. Yes, the English language is just that fucked up.
Anyway, I was hanging out in Bollo's coffee shop as I have for the last few months talking to a buddy. Some guy I've never seen before (with a slight British accent) comes over and asks me to watch my language, he was there with his nine year old son. Everyone looked to him in surprise (like 'where did this come from?').
I completely failed my 'quick witted' skill at this point - way too many answers jostled for position. Apparently, the look on my face gave away the game as he backed away repeating "Be cool, just be cool" like a mantra. Soon after, he and his son left. Hopefully for good.
Here are some of the answers that jostled for position in my mind:
"Have you heard of 'freedom of speech'?"
"Who the fuck are you?"
"I feel really sorry for your son. If you are such a domineering asshole to complete strangers, his life must be a living hell."
"He's nine. I'm not saying anything he hasn't heard before."
"You ever see Deadwood on HBO? I swear so little I couldn't get on that show."
"Fuck off you sanctimonious asshole."
"Are you anyone important or can I tell you to fuck off now with impunity?"
And so on.
I know that America was founded by prudes but holy cow. Sanctimonious is such a good word, here is the definition for those not familiar with it.
I have no problem with people who don't want to use swear words but if you don't want to expose your kids to it you'd better be home schooling them. And keeping them inside the house. And not letting them have access to any media such as TV's or the internet. Don't run around telling others how to speak - that's just not right.
THURSDAY TOOTH
Dune: "The tooth! Remember the tooth!" What a wacky bit from the movie. Anyway, I've got to say I am not looking forward to this Thursday - the big dentist day. It's the last (hopefully) medical thing I've got to get done while I'm here in the states. The last three times I've been there, I've gotten 'jerked around'. By that I mean they looked in my mouth, maybe taken an Xray and said "We can't do anything about that." or "I'm not a good enough dentist to pull a tooth." If I get any of that shit this time, I'm going to walk out and have it pulled in some other country. Sick of going in there to wildly inept dentists. Pretty much, if you need anything more complicated than a cleaning, stay away from the 'free' American dental system. It's rubbish.
FRIDAY TJ
On Friday, we have the wacky TJ coming out to visit again. In addition to getting in on the game Friday, I believe he'll be interviewing me on the various Call of Cthulhu modules to get some story and my opinions on them. Yes, we'll put up that as a podcast in the Silhouette podcast as well. I'm not sure what day TJ is staying till, but it will be a good time.
Bert said that he believes a lot of the hits I have gotten on my blog come people looking for the movie "Logan's Run". I wanted to do a test on that and see if posting something that specifically had things on the movie Logan's Run would actually get more hits than one that didn't. Here's another picture just in case you wanted one. If you've never seen the movie, it is an oldie but a goodie. It was made back in 1976 which usually tightens the sphincter of any of the younger readers but it's not bad. I'd give it 7/10 on my scale.
WHY?
I have been asked the question a couple times "Why are you writing (this) blog?"
Simply put, there are two answers - a) for others and b) for myself. Breaking that down -
I am writing this blog for others because I am going to be doing something unusual (ie NOT sitting at home and watching TV) and it's a lot easier than sending out a whole bunch of e-mails updating people on where I am and what I'm doing. People seem to be curious about other places. Some might be planning a trip, others living vicariously through me (as they can't or won't do an actual adventure trip) and some others just like to 'see what the crazy fat bastard posted this time'. I think (hope) it has a high humor and entertainment value. Plus, it should also be a good indicator of when/if I perish unexpectedly. I don't think anyone would be able to do anything about it if it happened but maybe they'll raise a glass in my honor if they notice I've gone for several months without posting.
I am writing this blog for myself because, I believe, first and foremost it will provide a record of where I've been and what I've done. Anyone who knows me well knows that my memory isn't all that great. I'd like to have a record and pictures to look back on to see where I've been, what I've done, who I've met and all that. I think it also takes care of some of the creative urges - who hasn't wanted to write a book at some point in their lives? The bad thing about writing a book is that it's usually (unless you're Steven King or some such) a labor of love that takes several months or years and won't sell enough copies to make you any money. Print is dying anyhow. So, this is my 'creative work'. Would I be writing it if a film crew was following me around on my trip? Don't know - we'll have to try it out.
TV SHOW REVIEW
A Cook's Tour aka Anthony Bourdain No Reservations. It seems to have switched from the first title to the second starting with season 3. Probably because the first title wasn't all that snazzy. With the show itself, it's OK. I don't really recommend it all that highly. I've only been watching the ones of places I'm intending to travel. He has a different take on traveling - he is going for the food. I can respect that. As an example, when he went to Egypt, he did not go to the Pyramids. No big deal there but it does show he isn't really a 'typical' tourist. It's an OK show but there are better.
ELECTRONIC SMOKES
A bus driver told me about this recently. The Blu brand is $70 but I heard they have one at 7-11 (convince store) for $10. I might just check it out. The ones by Blu have the end light up and you get to breath out ionized air that looks like smoke. The charging unit is apparently shaped like a packet of smokes. Brilliant - it's a nice idea. I really don't know if I want to spend $70 - or even worse, carry more electronic shit. Something to think about. It would probably be a big improvement for health.
SWEARING
Anyone who knows me (or has been in my presence) knows that I consider 'swear words' as 'just other words'. I firmly hold to the belief "There are no bad words, only bad intentions." In other words, if you say "Well, mutherfucker" when something goes wrong, I don't see that as bad. If you call someone a "Mutherfucker" then that is bad - or at least showing you probably don't like them. For our foreign readers, it totally depends on voice inflection here. If someone says "mutherfucker!" in surprise when they see you - they probably aren't calling you a name, they are just using that to express surprise and possibly joy at seeing you. Yes, the English language is just that fucked up.
Anyway, I was hanging out in Bollo's coffee shop as I have for the last few months talking to a buddy. Some guy I've never seen before (with a slight British accent) comes over and asks me to watch my language, he was there with his nine year old son. Everyone looked to him in surprise (like 'where did this come from?').
I completely failed my 'quick witted' skill at this point - way too many answers jostled for position. Apparently, the look on my face gave away the game as he backed away repeating "Be cool, just be cool" like a mantra. Soon after, he and his son left. Hopefully for good.
Here are some of the answers that jostled for position in my mind:
"Have you heard of 'freedom of speech'?"
"Who the fuck are you?"
"I feel really sorry for your son. If you are such a domineering asshole to complete strangers, his life must be a living hell."
"He's nine. I'm not saying anything he hasn't heard before."
"You ever see Deadwood on HBO? I swear so little I couldn't get on that show."
"Fuck off you sanctimonious asshole."
"Are you anyone important or can I tell you to fuck off now with impunity?"
And so on.
I know that America was founded by prudes but holy cow. Sanctimonious is such a good word, here is the definition for those not familiar with it.
I have no problem with people who don't want to use swear words but if you don't want to expose your kids to it you'd better be home schooling them. And keeping them inside the house. And not letting them have access to any media such as TV's or the internet. Don't run around telling others how to speak - that's just not right.
THURSDAY TOOTH
Dune: "The tooth! Remember the tooth!" What a wacky bit from the movie. Anyway, I've got to say I am not looking forward to this Thursday - the big dentist day. It's the last (hopefully) medical thing I've got to get done while I'm here in the states. The last three times I've been there, I've gotten 'jerked around'. By that I mean they looked in my mouth, maybe taken an Xray and said "We can't do anything about that." or "I'm not a good enough dentist to pull a tooth." If I get any of that shit this time, I'm going to walk out and have it pulled in some other country. Sick of going in there to wildly inept dentists. Pretty much, if you need anything more complicated than a cleaning, stay away from the 'free' American dental system. It's rubbish.
FRIDAY TJ
On Friday, we have the wacky TJ coming out to visit again. In addition to getting in on the game Friday, I believe he'll be interviewing me on the various Call of Cthulhu modules to get some story and my opinions on them. Yes, we'll put up that as a podcast in the Silhouette podcast as well. I'm not sure what day TJ is staying till, but it will be a good time.
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