Part 3 - Asia, watch out, there's a Brit on the loose

So as I begin to write this I am sat in my business reclined seat on my way to Osaka, Japan. Not gonna lie it is fuckin awesome ( so American, I know, someone slap me). It happened to be that they had many seats in business available from Hawaii to Japan that I got upgraded. I'm sitting with a pillow across my stomach coz I just ate everything they put in front of me. Here's me saying "when I go to Japan, all I'm going to eat is healthy food" and now I'm on the plane eating steak and every dessert optional. I just watched two movies. Firstly Noah, and I cried my eyes out. I don't know if it's the high altitude, the fact I was so happy I got business or I'm just a sucker for animals rushing to a big wooden arc to be saved from the cleansing of the world, either way I was balling, and frankly I didn't care. I didn't have nobody next to me to judge. Only Wendy Williams (the best flight attendant ever) like lady who keeps feeding my emotions, who got to see me vulnerable. The second movie was The Prisoners. Oh sweet Jesus, not a movie you wanna watch when you going to a foreign country by yourself to stay in a guesthouse and feel quite scared already. Thankfully Wendy was there to look after me with more snacks.

Where did I leave off

So last posting I was in LA. Had a fantastic time and was heading for the weekend to San Diego. My friend Chris has a family beach house down off the island which I can't remember the name but where the military base is and all beaches. His family house was stunning and all the houses in the area were like celebrity multimillion dollar houses. Loved the architecture and feeling to this island. Anyone who has been or wants to go, there a massive bridge that crosses downtown to this island and I highly recommend going over. It's like another bubble like Celebration in Disney. My overall impression of San Diego was I loved it. The downtown area I think is the best I've seen in the US. So well kept together, right on the water and lots of things to see and do. I recommend to anyone a 4 night getaway to San Diego. The weather is perfect and a big factor that may make me consider moving here later in life. Also great restaurants, we had sushi one night and Mexican another. Both really good and they were so many more I would wanna try. Balboa park is a great day too. Lots of museums and beautiful parks. We went to an exhibit on torture. For me I love museums with shock or intriguing content, like sex, horror, but then that's just my fucked up mind. In the exhibit was over 40 torture devices that were used at some point in human existence, some of which are used today in countries that do not recognize the United Nations agreement against torture. It's quite hideous to think how brutal we were to one another in past existence. If you were a women that spoke her mind or slept around, or a gay guy, you were screwed, in some cases literally screwed.  But the exhibit did pose an interesting question, is torture always wrong? Instantly I thought yes but suppose someone had set a ticking time bomb that would kill many people, and only 1 person who set it knows where it is and is not complying. Is torture excepted in this senario? Food for thought people, food for thought,

Anyhow, had a great time in San Diego, got pissed both nights and drinks were cheap thank god. As much as $4 each, bargain!!

Hawaii

So on Sunday 22 June, we drive back from San Diego to LA, stayed the night at Michaelangelo place and had Korean food, not as good as NYC Korean BBQ but was a good end of location meal. And just quickly thank you to Chris Henry, Michaelangelo, Jude and Los for showing me around LA and San Diego. You made my trip something far greater than it could ever had been by myself. On Monday 23 June I got the underground, subway, metro, whatever you call it to the airport. And I'll say pretty simple for those who go to LA and don't have a car. Total cost $6 from LAX airport to downtown. Cheaper than a $60 + taxi. Plus there's a free shuttle from the airport to the metro. Flying standby, it's very hard to get flights to Hawaii coz they are always so damn full and on this Monday, nothing was different. The most available seats was the 2.30pm flight that I enlisted for however I was pushing it with that flight. Arriving at the gate, I saw my name on the list, I was number 2. But seats went quick and before I knew it, there were only 2 seats available. Fearful I wouldn't make it and be spending a night at the airport I was shitting bricks. It's a nerve racking game when flying standby, and at this point it felt like I was having contractions. And then 10 minutes before I see my name transferred to the seat assigned screen. I was over the moon. And on I got heading to Hawaii, I was so happy I was chatting to all my neighbors on that flight. I was that annoying person to sit next to.

Should of called the last section getting to Hawaii, anyway this is Hawaii 

So I arrived Monday evening to Honolulu around 6pm where I had booked a shuttle to pick me up. Anyone going to Honolulu, I recommend rebooking the speedy shuttle that charges $14 each way. A lot cheaper than a $40 + cab. So I arrive in Waikiki and greeted by my friend Mark and his roommate Desiree. They had just moved out to Waikiki from Arizona a week previous, so the island was new to them to which made great timing for exploring. The first thing that amazed me was the beaches. Stunning blue water, soft yellow sands, wonderful sun sets and exceptional weather makes Hawaii one of the most beautiful tropical places I have ever been, right next to bournemouth beach lol jk, love Bournemouth , my hometown. Over the following 5 days we parasailed, snorkelled, went to national parks, waterfalls and Pearl Harbor. Much to my surprise, whilst browsing on Facebook I saw that Kelly Radecky ( probably spelt wrong) happened to be there too with her boyfriend for a surprise birthday vacation. Not having seen each other in over 4 years since working at Raglan we met up at Pearl Harbor and spent a few days exploring together, jeeping by cliff edges, going in dark scary caves and exploring the island. Thank you so much Kelly, Teddy, her boyfriend, Marc and Desiree for spending time with me, taking me around and looking after me in Hawaii. The scenery is absolutely stunning. Waikiki is touristy but nonetheless beautiful but take a trip to the north shore for quieter areas that are just as speechless. Also Diamond Head, an expired volcano lol. Can't think of the right word, had my favorite views. Manoa Falls is also a great place for a rainforest experience. Hawaiian food is delicious but a lot of carbs. Everything served with rice and macaroni pasta makes it a fattening trip but definitely try kahluo pork, sure I spelt that wrong too. If you are thinking of a beach, tropical, explorative vacation, Hawaii is the place. Food you can buy on the cheap but hotels I believe can be costly. Thankfully the weather is great all year round so I recommend off season. On one other note, the island is a military station so the amount of fit guys is astonishing. Especially in Nashville Waikiki Bar. An underground country bar full of army men and line dancing with pool and blackjack tables. Girls, Waikiki is a perfect bachelorette destination for those who can afford it and like army guys. 

What's Next?

So as I said I'm on my way to Japan. Not gonna lie I am a little scares though excited. This is the furthest I have ever gone and don't speak a word of Japanese. I have a hostel booked for 4 nights and getting there should be fun using the trains. Still need to get Yen currency, I'm so unorganized lol. Better still I was having a moment aka nervous ticking session for those who know me as when I went to check in , they told me I need to have a return flight booked for immigration purposes. With just over an hour to spare I was on line looking up flights to book back. Getting my knickers in a twist I managed to cancel my first flight, which then set me off shaking with worry. Finally I slapped myself and pulled it together and had both flights booked, however the desk attendant checking baggage even questioned why I was shaking and whether I had been drinking!! Lol if only she knew me. 

So wish me luck as in 2 hours I will be arriving and not knowing a single sole lost in Japan.  Yeah it is exciting and crazy. Oh well you only live once. I'm sure my next post I'll have a lot to say, stupid shit that happens to me. Here goes nothing 

Chicago to LA

So it's Wednesday 18 June at 11.30am and currently sat in this Brazilian cafe in Koreatown in LA, sounds quite surreal but then again it sums up my diverse taste in men. Just had an acai bowl as a healthy breakfast. For those of you who have never had one or even heard of it, I recommend next time you see it, ask to try frozen blended acai. It's a Brazilian berry that is high in antioxidants frozen and is very good for you. An acai bowl is the frozen berry blended, sometimes with fruit and almond or soy milk to a dark purple/brown paste, topped with such items such as sliced fruit, granola, bee pollen, chocolate nibs and honey to name a few. You commonly find them in health cafés or juice shops so watch out, it's a great meal and helps to lose weight. Anyhow I'm sat here waiting for my friend. I'm staying with Michelangelo, just like the teenage mutant ninja turtle, to wake up and myself, michaelangelo and another friend are headed to the beach. Which beach, no idea, maybe Santa Monica or Venice. 

Chicago

Having been to Chicago twice before, I have to say each time I go I love the city more and more. It's big, clean, friendly and beautiful. I was lucky enough to stay with a couple friends that lived overlooking the river downtown in a big new high rise. This bitch (talking bout myself in a third person) loves a bougie (slang for fancy) lifestyle but this apartment and building was something I can only dream of right now. A doorman building, living on the 30th floor with apartment wide balcony overlooking downtown. In the building a giant outdoor swimming pool, indoor jacuzzi, steam room and sauna and a gym as good as a commercial gym. I was in heaven. Over 3 days, I exercised, ate and spent time with my friends and their dog frank, the most amazing dog that snores louder than my dad and cuddles more than a stuffed teddy bear. I had no intentions to explore the city as much as to relax with my friends and enjoy their luxurious lifestyle. 

One day I met up for lunch with Suzanne, a girl I had met over 10 years ago before I even got to Disney world and caught up over lunch at a place XOCO. Anyone visiting, I recommend it's a great lunch spot. Mexican place with unique Mexican style sandwiches, soups n salads. It's a great change from chipotle and opened my a well known chef. I met my friend Felipe after and watched the opening World Cup game at a bar with a few beers. It's such a strange but great feeling and it was at this point where since I started travelling did I really feel free to come and go wherever I wanted. It's funny how these things hit you at random points in time. It may had been the sangria and three beers speaking but I felt great!!! 

Bad Haircut

Shortly after the game, slightly inebriated, (don't even know if I spelt that right but there's no red line underneath so yay) I felt it was time to get the bush chopped, my haircut just to clarify. So the closest barbershop was directly opposite the bar we watched the football in, called sports clips! Never heard of before but a chain that focuses on sports fans to watch their favorite game whilst getting their haircut. Not giving a shit about sports at this time I just went in. Big mistake lol, obviously the concept was more of a factor than the haircut. The fading between the lengths was as straight as the last Brazilian penis that I saw, it was so wonky. However, their was a benefit of being taken to a dark back room where I was hosed down in a massage chair and then back massaged with this Daffy Duck looking device. Whilst tranquil and vulnerable, the barbershop lady asked me if I wanted to upgrade my package to an MVP. To those unaware, in American football, MVP stands for most valuable player. At this point in this dark room with a wonky haircut as she hosed me, I stuck with the $2 hooker package and scurried on my way. Having worked in hospitality most my life I still tipped well. I'm a sucker for tipped positions, but as long as I can see you've tried, that's what matters:/

That fucking baby!!! 

Another fun experience was going to see the movie Maleficent. Overall a decent movie, very Disney, fairy tale but the astonishing factor was this one family, at 9pm that had a baby in the theater. The baby continued to make noise throughout the theater, and the family didn't leave. People sat in front began to movie one by one to the front of the theater leaving an empty row. Finally one lady politely said 'I think it's unfair for everyone that you bring a child that continues to make noise." The mother replies, "why don't you just move." So did the lady as she joined the other individuals that abandoned their perfect seats for the cheap seats. Quite amused as well as annoyed, the whole baby drama did take my focus from the movie but the funniest part of the whole movie experience was when the mother, finally defeated, left the theater. A sigh of relief was present throughout the room. 2 minutes later, another baby starts crying!!!! The gasps of absolute disbelief was running wild at the disbelief that there were two unfortunate gremlins. Not even Angelina Jolie could create such a reaction as this family had. As the movie came to an end, you could see as the lights rose slightly and everyone had turned to bear witness to this unearthly creature that had given birth to these spawns of satin, and wanted to give the look of disgust just to show as a symbol of their disapproval. It's like that time when you are driving behind that slow incompetent driver, and when you finally get that opportunity to overtake, you stare so obviously with the look of death at that driver who most likely is old and decrepid and can't even see the road, just in hope that they see your sour faced look and acknowledge that they were driving bad. Gotta love the way we communicate in today's society lol. 

Overall Chicago was a great time to relax and catch up with my friends and hosts, joe, Felipe and frank and I thank them very much for having me for those few days. I look forward to seeing them in Columbus OH, in the near future.

Los Angeles

So having spent a few days in LA, I have to say I love it!! So many people in the past have said they don't like it on LA and it's dangerous. Bullshit. Yeah there are sketchy places but the key to LA is know people who live here that know where to go. It's great for a few days to go eat out, shop, beach, see the houses, and the main areas such as Hollywood, Beverley hills, Venice beach, Malibu, Santa Monica. But one thing is you do need a car. Thankfully I have had some amazing friends who have driven me around, thank you  Paul Lee, Chris Henry, Jude and Carlos, without you guy I would not had seen half as much as you have been able to show me. And thank you Michaelangelo for letting me stay with you.

I recommend going to Koreatown. Lots of great restaurants and people. From Korean BBQ to bubble tea, all the cafés here are great inside. Far more comfortable with lots of couches, the Koreans really know how to do it. 

Also a place called the Grove, an outdoor mall win lots of restaurants and market style food stalls, it's a great place to go for dinner and hang out. I highly recommend going there too. 

Overall, I live Beverley hills. I was especially excited to see all of Lisa Banderpumps restaurants. Couldn't afford them on this travel but next time. West Hollywood is extremely gay but I love the feel. The vibe of LA is similar in the fact that anything can happen. With so many celebrities and something going on every night, it's a place that has something for everyone, but on the other hand it is a lot slower and relaxed compared to NYC. The people are nice, haven't met too many new new people here but from who I have met they are nice but there is a vibe of superficial and status here. We will see tonight when I go and explore more. I did really love going to Santa Monica pier at night, I channeled my inner childhood imagination and thought I was in The Lost Boys Movie. It really is a place where you can really see any movie star, it's a fun factor.

So right now I'm gonna leave and head to Hollywood to see the stars on the ground. It's took me two different days to write this so it's actually the next day now and I just saw England lose as I finish writing this, booooo! Tomorrow we go to San Diego, very excited bout that and then on Monday Hawaii! Stay tuned

The End Of The Beginning

    

So as I begin to write this, I find myself sat on a plane en route to Chicago, second flight of the day from Charlotte. Today I left my parents after 2 long but lovely weeks with them traveling the Carolina's. It's been a great 2 weeks, having gone to Charlotte, Charleston, Hilton Head Island, Savannah and Asheville. It was a great opportunity, not only to spend time with my parents but to get my fat ass into shape. The previous month I had spent in France, the UK and Ireland. Believing these weeks were going to be my "health initiative" after a grueling 4 months bartending and lapsing in any dietary or physical exercise, it rather turned out to be the opposite, I gained a stone (14 pounds for those Americans). From a week in France eating bread and cheese, to back in Bournemouth (my hometown in England for those unaware) eating all those meals I crave whilst away in NYC. But it didn't stop there. I managed to waddle my way around Glasgow, Carlisle, Newcastle, Manchester, Belfast and Dublin and stuff my face with every bad food imaginable and drink more than an alcoholic at his prime. However I will say I fuckin enjoyed every minute of it. I had such a laugh and was great to catch up with so many people I had not seen in ages. Thank you so much to all those that took care of me and showed me around. You know who you are and will be mentioned in the credits:). Thankfully during my time in the Carolina's, I managed to regain control of my health and lose 14 pounds in a few weeks so back in the fit train.   

The Graduation  

After a great month in the UK I returned back to New York City for a week for my graduation. It was great to return for a short period, enough time to make me realize how much I love the hustle, the bustle, the vibe and the opportunity NYC has to offer.    The graduation was great. Graduating in America was one thing, but NYC! It had always been my dream to live in America but to actually graduate university in NYC was beyond a dream come true. Unaware of how the days events would play out, my parents, friends and I proceeded to Madison square garden for the ceremony after a wonderful lunch in The Park (Not Central Park, but a restaurant called the Park on 20th and 10th. I recommend to anyone visiting or living there). At the garden there were 100s of graduates flocking outside the auditorium, so many I couldn't believe, and turned out to be over 1200 under grads and grads walking that day. In our cap and gowns we marched in and listened to many speeches from top dogs at the school as well as my friend Esther, valedictorian and an amazing friend, congrats and amazing speech again. I was a little upset because in movies from when I was a kid, I had seen graduations where kids would walk up stage and collect a scroll, have their name called, family roar and I would wave elegantly at the crowd like miss congeniality, and at the end we would throw up our caps and then the movie would go to credits. But to my disbelief, this was far from the truth. Maybe in the 90's when A.C Slater (my man crush) graduated high school in saved by the bell but not today people. The only fun factor was at the end when confetti was shot at us like we had won a wrestling match against Hulk Hogan in an 80's wrestling match against Andre the Giant. I did chuckle when the back music was the same as illuminations at Epcot in Walt Disney World ( for those of you who worked we me at Disney). After we gathered with more friends at my old job Seven Bistro for drinks and apps. Thank you to everyone who joined for that momentous occasion. And sorry for those I forgot to invite :/ .   

Purpose Of My Blog

So I decided to write a blog for a couple reasons, firstly, to keep whoever wants to of my friends informed of my travels and stories. Secondly, as a diary to myself when I'm old to look back on. What am I going to write about? Well I hope to consist not just my worldly explorations but to hopefully teach you, the reader, new things bout other cultures out there, share the knowledge and the laughs. And on that note, anyone who knows me knows I have awkward funny moments which I'll be sure to share and highlight. As you have already heard, food is a big topic of conversation for me so there will be plenty of that too throughout.  I intend to update my blog on every flight between destinations so stay tuned. And I will also end with a coming schedule just incase you may be in the next city around the corner. This blog isn't just for friends but also new people who may wanna have a new read once in a while so tell your friends to follow my blog too, the more the merrier.  

Who The Fuck Am I?  

For those of you who don't know me too well, I'm Adam, self proclaimed British homosexual that usually resides in NYC however, after recently graduating obviously, has decided to take a few months out to travel the world whilst I'm a mere young gogetter. Thanks to my friend Allan, who has graced me with his flying benefits, I am able to travel standby for the year for a very low price for each flight. So for those of you who may think I'm a rich ass mother fucker, I'm not, I just have great friends in great places and worked my ass of bartending in NYC for the past few months to fuel my travels. 

What's Next?  

So as I eat my salty nuts (no pun intended) and as mentioned at the beginning I am heading to Chicago for 3 nights to visit my friends Felipe and Joe, and Frank, the best bulldog ever. Also we will be accompanied by Allan and to catch up with an old friend Suzanne that I used to work with at Disney 10 years ago. By the way, I'm only 28 for those of you thinking I'm an old git (for those Americans, git means bugger, bugger means twat, twat means.... Oh forget it, you won't get it). I've been to Chicago 2 times before so it's nothing new but good to catch up. Following Chicago I will be flying to LA on Friday for a week, San Diego for a weekend after that and then Hawaii for 5 nights. Very exciting stuff, it makes my bum go tight. So stay tuned for the next part to my travels across the USA. Below is my first awkward moment that happened in Charlotte, NC, thought I would share, I have no self dignity ( don't even know what dignity means but like the word and hope it fits for what I'm trying to say)   

The Fall  

Trying to get back into running, I motivated myself to run the streets of Charlotte. Excited to finally get outside and burn a few calories, I went down to the bellman and asked where's a good running route. He handed me a piece of paper with a couple runs of different magnitudes. I decided upon the over adventurous, desperate to lose weight quick 7 mile first run and stood outside in the blistering heat of North Carolina, studied the map and set off into the unknown. Comfortably I jogged through the first two blocks when suddenly a "power song" aired my headphones that set me of into a frantic out of control pace. As an avid runner I saw no danger in fast swooping speeds through city centers however after 10 years of running, with no trips or falls, it finally happened. Not just a catch yourself trip, that would be embarrassing to the average walker, but a fall blown mighty fall that was caught by my right forearm and shoulder on concrete pavement followed by my eyebrow. One man sat at a bus stop, the witness so to speak yelled as if it was the final miss of penalties in the World Cup. "Are you ok man." Yeah I'm fine I said as I pull myself up instantly out of shock, look back to smile as if to say " you saw nothing, don't embarrass me anymore than I already have." And continue to jog on. Two steps forward I see blood drip in front of me from my head and blood pouring from my arms. I stop on the spot. "Oh shit" I say to myself out loud and turn around to walk back to the hotel. The witness says "they should fix those pavements you know." I say in my mind, "shut the fuck up old man. It's bad enough as it is, I don't need a reminder." Bless, his heart was in the right place. As I walked the measly two and half blocks I had so shamefully ran of my 7 mile first run, I was welcomed with many strange gasps and awes as if they thought I had been beaten up or run over. In some instances I felt obliged to say "yeah, I fell over" just to give reason to my appearance, because falling over sounds much better than run over, I'm such a dumbass. As I reached my final destination, the hotel, an hour earlier than anticipated I was treated by well dressed people on their way to weddings. I was home. I waited outside with fear of staining their well kept carpet with blood until the bellman that only 2 minutes ago had given me directions came out and went "oh fuck, what did you do man?" in his most American accent. "Let me get the manager" he went inside and outcome the manager with a roll of tissues far greater than a teenage boy needs when masturbating rigorously for hours in his bedroom. He wiped my head like a mum does to their infant when he has a trip. In this instance it was a full grown man in a suite. He escorts me to the bathroom where I am able to witness the massacre that is my face and arm. (Only joking wasn't that bad but blood was dripping). Arming me with supplies and ointments from the hotels first aid box I went back to my room. What a first run!!  Finally landed in Chicago so off I go into the unknown. Catch up you all real soon.