Lol, I travel more than someone with a job. So I am on the road again, this time heading to Dallas to go see my best friend. He just moved into his new apartment and has, as he says, spent a small fortune on new furniture and stuff for the apartment. Now he is giving me his old bedroom set, which is cool it is really really nice and well I could use it so I said why not. So I rented a Chevy Trailblazer, got a good deal on it, and headed to big D. So I get there and the new apartment is amazing, it is totally beautiful and of course Kenneth is gonna do it up right. He has this all glass table that is really nice and a new Vizio flat tv. All I will say about the new bedroom set is, jaw dropping. I was just like wow, and when all I can say is wow that means I can't say much else cause it is so amazing.
So we go to the other apartment to get the other set and take it apart and oh my freaking God. That was my workout for the week. It was like 11:00 at night and cool and we were sweating trying to work on the headboard. Everything else was so cooperative and came apart using the drill. But the damn headboard had to put up a fight. We used a knife, we used the drill, we used a mallet, and ultimately we had to go to Wal-Mart and get a cro-bar. Yep we had to take a freakin cro-bar to the headboard. Even then that damn thing still wanted to fight. When we finally got it apart and loaded up we were so freakin tired. I grabbed a sheet and fell asleep right in the middle of the living room.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Spurs Win/Migraine/Spurs Win/Migraine
Ok so I haven't talked about this, but I have a medical issue. I suffer from massive migraines. Now if you don't know about migraines they are the worst, just horrible really really horrible. Many people suffer from them but mine are on the excruciating side. I usually have to go to the Emergency Room to get an injection that is how bad they are.
Well this great beautiful day I woke up with a full blown migraine. Oh my God, I wanted to die, it was that bad. I took my medications that I have at home but um let me think, it was a little late, because the dang thing was already full blown. So as usual I tried my best to make it to the ER, where I stayed for several hours while they tried to get this attack under control. That's what I call them sometimes, brain attacks, because it is as if my brain has gone to war with my body.
So finally I felt well enough to leave, and go home and rest. As you can imagine the rest of your day can be kinda shot after experiencing that kinda trauma. But, I have gotten used to recovering fast, even though this one lingered around for another day.
So I was supposed to go out and meet some friends to watch the Spurs game. The bastards all cancelled at the last minute or just didn't show up. Yes I said bastards because I was pissed, and if your reading this then next time you won't do it again.
Anyway so I went to TGIF to go hangout with Luis even though he was working. The game was great it was a complete and utter blowout. By the end of the first quarter the Spurs were up by 19 with the score 34-15. That is a royal butt kicking like I have never seen. The final score was 109-84, a 25 point smack down. Now the thing is that this was game 5 and the Jazz could have avoided elimination with a win. But I think the Spurs came out with the intent to put their collective foot on the throat of the Jazz and choke the life out of them. And that is what they did.
"THEY DESTROYED OUR WILL TO WANT TO PLAY" Jerry Sloan, Utah Coach. That is enough said!
Well this great beautiful day I woke up with a full blown migraine. Oh my God, I wanted to die, it was that bad. I took my medications that I have at home but um let me think, it was a little late, because the dang thing was already full blown. So as usual I tried my best to make it to the ER, where I stayed for several hours while they tried to get this attack under control. That's what I call them sometimes, brain attacks, because it is as if my brain has gone to war with my body.
So finally I felt well enough to leave, and go home and rest. As you can imagine the rest of your day can be kinda shot after experiencing that kinda trauma. But, I have gotten used to recovering fast, even though this one lingered around for another day.
So I was supposed to go out and meet some friends to watch the Spurs game. The bastards all cancelled at the last minute or just didn't show up. Yes I said bastards because I was pissed, and if your reading this then next time you won't do it again.
Anyway so I went to TGIF to go hangout with Luis even though he was working. The game was great it was a complete and utter blowout. By the end of the first quarter the Spurs were up by 19 with the score 34-15. That is a royal butt kicking like I have never seen. The final score was 109-84, a 25 point smack down. Now the thing is that this was game 5 and the Jazz could have avoided elimination with a win. But I think the Spurs came out with the intent to put their collective foot on the throat of the Jazz and choke the life out of them. And that is what they did.
"THEY DESTROYED OUR WILL TO WANT TO PLAY" Jerry Sloan, Utah Coach. That is enough said!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Cleaning Up
Well today was just a regular day, I didn't do to much just washed clothes and cleaned up. The place didn't need much cleaning or straightening. I also went and picked up my dog Georgie from Jake's. I was very happy to see him since I did miss him.
I went to the gym afterward and worked out for a couple of hours. I decided a several weeks back that it was time for me to get back in shape and start hitting the weights. Now I have yet to actually start lifting weights, but I am killing my legs. I run for about 20 min and do leg presses (I can lift about 300 lbs), and leg curls. I do several sets of pull-ups and then run some more. Well today was my first day of doing a little chest lifting. I used the machines, not ready for the free weights just yet. It was cool and I felt like I accomplished something. We shall see how I feel tomorrow.
Talk to you then.
Brandon
I went to the gym afterward and worked out for a couple of hours. I decided a several weeks back that it was time for me to get back in shape and start hitting the weights. Now I have yet to actually start lifting weights, but I am killing my legs. I run for about 20 min and do leg presses (I can lift about 300 lbs), and leg curls. I do several sets of pull-ups and then run some more. Well today was my first day of doing a little chest lifting. I used the machines, not ready for the free weights just yet. It was cool and I felt like I accomplished something. We shall see how I feel tomorrow.
Talk to you then.
Brandon
Monday, May 28, 2007
Early Morning
Holy crap, well today we had to get up early to be able to make our flights on time.
First thing first, the trip was great. I loved the play and New York was so much better than I expected. And the hotel was great, great location, good price, and the people were friendly and helpful.
So this morning I of course had the earliest flight, go figure. My plane started boarding at 5:30 am. Now if you know me you know I don't like to wake up as it is so that was going to be a test. But, I made it! My mom and I were going to try to take the subway route to LaGuardia, while cousin Lee was flying out of JFK. She also was able to take the subway with just a couple of transfers.
I don't know how but someway I made it to my gate on time with a couple minutes to spare. No problems with that flight so I got to Chicago O'hare and had a 3 hour layover. So of course that means sleep. I went down a few gates to a more open area and set an alarm on my phone and went to sleep. So imagine my shock when I wake up and with about 20 min to go find out that my gate has changed. I was like WTF, so here I go again running through an airport, like I'm on the Amazing Race. Well I made it there in time, oh and it wasn't close to the other gate.
Finally, finally I made it home to San Antonio about 3:00. I threw a load of clothes in the wash and just crashed. I did not realize how tired I was until I woke up early this morning and then went back to sleep.
Man vacations will wipe you out!
First thing first, the trip was great. I loved the play and New York was so much better than I expected. And the hotel was great, great location, good price, and the people were friendly and helpful.
So this morning I of course had the earliest flight, go figure. My plane started boarding at 5:30 am. Now if you know me you know I don't like to wake up as it is so that was going to be a test. But, I made it! My mom and I were going to try to take the subway route to LaGuardia, while cousin Lee was flying out of JFK. She also was able to take the subway with just a couple of transfers.
I don't know how but someway I made it to my gate on time with a couple minutes to spare. No problems with that flight so I got to Chicago O'hare and had a 3 hour layover. So of course that means sleep. I went down a few gates to a more open area and set an alarm on my phone and went to sleep. So imagine my shock when I wake up and with about 20 min to go find out that my gate has changed. I was like WTF, so here I go again running through an airport, like I'm on the Amazing Race. Well I made it there in time, oh and it wasn't close to the other gate.
Finally, finally I made it home to San Antonio about 3:00. I threw a load of clothes in the wash and just crashed. I did not realize how tired I was until I woke up early this morning and then went back to sleep.
Man vacations will wipe you out!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Fantasia Fantasia Fantasia
Holy crap talk about a busy day, oh man today was a busy busy day. We started out early and went to breakfast at this little shop right next to our hotel. By the way we got really really lucky with the hotel. We stayed at the Hotel Grand Union (www.hotelgrandunion.com) right down in Manhattan. It was a great value and it was clean and the location was prime. I am going to do a blog and give some advice about NY and booking travel in general later.
So after breakfast we got started. We walked and went to the Empire State building which was two blocks away. We decided not to go up since there was a long wait and we didn't want to be late for the play, but we did go inside and see the main hall.
Next we were going to take a train or bus down to ground zero. We walked down toward the New York Penn Station and like most women my mom and Lee got completely distracted by the purse salesmen. There were several of them all around and I had successfully bypassed them, but somehow, right as we were approaching Penn Station they got away from me. Next thing I know they got two purses each.
When we finally finished we headed to Penn Station, we walked around down there for a bit and just took in the sites. I decided not to cut it close on time and just head back to the hotel and have us get ready for the play, so we did.
Lastnight we walked all the way to the Broadway Theatre so we knew exactly where it was and how far. Now of course you know we were looking nice and didn't want to walk all that way so we took a cab. Now up until this point I had them thinking we were going to be sitting up in the mezzanine or the rear mezzanine. Even after we got the tickets I still didn't tell them, I kinda pretended like we were gonna go upstairs. In actuality I got us seats on the second row, which surprised my mom so much I thought she was gonna have a heart attack.
Now the play that we went to see of course was "The Color Purple the Musical" starring Fantasia Barrino.
For those of you who know her and have followed her even a little bit you know she has got a voice. Well Fantasia did not disappoint, nor did anyone in the cast. I was utterly amazing and completely engrossing. The performances were just perfect, just perfect. Fantasia, played Miss Cellie and one of the songs just about made everyone in the theatre cry. Yes, I will admit I did. But I have to admit I was blown away by Fantasia, having no formal acting background, she more than held her own, she made her presence felt. The writer of the play captured all the moments from the movie we love and remember and even went a little deeper into the novel. It was great, it was 100% worth the trip.
So after breakfast we got started. We walked and went to the Empire State building which was two blocks away. We decided not to go up since there was a long wait and we didn't want to be late for the play, but we did go inside and see the main hall.
Next we were going to take a train or bus down to ground zero. We walked down toward the New York Penn Station and like most women my mom and Lee got completely distracted by the purse salesmen. There were several of them all around and I had successfully bypassed them, but somehow, right as we were approaching Penn Station they got away from me. Next thing I know they got two purses each.
When we finally finished we headed to Penn Station, we walked around down there for a bit and just took in the sites. I decided not to cut it close on time and just head back to the hotel and have us get ready for the play, so we did.
Lastnight we walked all the way to the Broadway Theatre so we knew exactly where it was and how far. Now of course you know we were looking nice and didn't want to walk all that way so we took a cab. Now up until this point I had them thinking we were going to be sitting up in the mezzanine or the rear mezzanine. Even after we got the tickets I still didn't tell them, I kinda pretended like we were gonna go upstairs. In actuality I got us seats on the second row, which surprised my mom so much I thought she was gonna have a heart attack.
Now the play that we went to see of course was "The Color Purple the Musical" starring Fantasia Barrino.
For those of you who know her and have followed her even a little bit you know she has got a voice. Well Fantasia did not disappoint, nor did anyone in the cast. I was utterly amazing and completely engrossing. The performances were just perfect, just perfect. Fantasia, played Miss Cellie and one of the songs just about made everyone in the theatre cry. Yes, I will admit I did. But I have to admit I was blown away by Fantasia, having no formal acting background, she more than held her own, she made her presence felt. The writer of the play captured all the moments from the movie we love and remember and even went a little deeper into the novel. It was great, it was 100% worth the trip.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
New York and Amsterdam
So today Nick and I both were flying out of San Antonio! OMG, oh my freakin God, I nearly missed my flight. I mean I was in dead sprint in the airport to get to my gate. I was lucky, I was the second to last person to get on the plane. The day just started out rough and seemed to get worse, in actuality it didn't. Probably something to do with partying and drinikng so much the night before.
Well, I was flying to New York city to go with my mom and my cousin lee to visit the big apple and go see Fantasia on broadway in "The Color Purple". Nicholas on the other hand was flying back home to Amsterdam a few hours after my flight.
It was a long day, from the hang over, to the runnning in the airport, to long flight which was, San Antonio to Dallas, Dallas to New York.
We both made it safely to our desinations, I got to the hotel room at about 10 pm. I immediately dragged my mom and Lee out. I told them 'we only got a day and a half left so we got to see as much as possible'.
They both arrived much earlier in the day and had already experienced the subway, the bus, and taken a cab ride. From the stories they told me they were not thrilled about the subway anymore. Evidently my mom fell and Lee nearly lost her purse to the closing door. So we walked and laughed and stood in awe as we got to Times Square.
Movies and tv do not do it justice, Times Square is so much more alive and bright and vivid they I imagined. Here are the videos from our first night.
0:57 - Times Square
2:26 - Times Square
Well, I was flying to New York city to go with my mom and my cousin lee to visit the big apple and go see Fantasia on broadway in "The Color Purple". Nicholas on the other hand was flying back home to Amsterdam a few hours after my flight.
It was a long day, from the hang over, to the runnning in the airport, to long flight which was, San Antonio to Dallas, Dallas to New York.
We both made it safely to our desinations, I got to the hotel room at about 10 pm. I immediately dragged my mom and Lee out. I told them 'we only got a day and a half left so we got to see as much as possible'.
They both arrived much earlier in the day and had already experienced the subway, the bus, and taken a cab ride. From the stories they told me they were not thrilled about the subway anymore. Evidently my mom fell and Lee nearly lost her purse to the closing door. So we walked and laughed and stood in awe as we got to Times Square.
Movies and tv do not do it justice, Times Square is so much more alive and bright and vivid they I imagined. Here are the videos from our first night.
0:57 - Times Square
2:26 - Times Square
Bye Nicholas
I really enjoyed having Nicholas visit and he really enjoyed San Antonio. I tried to do my city proud and represent it well. I sometimes think I could be the spokesperson for this city.
I had forgotten about another place Nick took me in the Netherlands to eat. This place is called LaPlace (www.laplace.nl/La+Place/Openingen.aspx) and has awesome food. Its like Luby's or any sit down cafateria type place you know of, but about 200% better. The food is delicious and fresh and the desserts were astonishing. They cooked everything fresh right in front of you and it was very very healthy. One time we went I had a steak and they grilled up right there and it had all the extras with it when he was done. The reason I bring up Laplace is because I compare how much I liked that to how much Nick liked IHOP, we went there again on Saturday before we left for the airport.
Afterward we had to go to the mall and Nick had to do his tax stuff to get his cashback for all his purchases. Duty free shopping, got a love it.
Even though I was rushing ultimately at the end we got to the airport and said our goodbyes. It was a really good week and I look forward to visiting Amsterdam and more of Europe in the future, and Nick will probably be visiting the States again in several months. I just have to figure out if I am going to be in San Antonio, Dallas, or Las Angeles.
Until then DOEI!
I had forgotten about another place Nick took me in the Netherlands to eat. This place is called LaPlace (www.laplace.nl/La+Place/Openingen.aspx) and has awesome food. Its like Luby's or any sit down cafateria type place you know of, but about 200% better. The food is delicious and fresh and the desserts were astonishing. They cooked everything fresh right in front of you and it was very very healthy. One time we went I had a steak and they grilled up right there and it had all the extras with it when he was done. The reason I bring up Laplace is because I compare how much I liked that to how much Nick liked IHOP, we went there again on Saturday before we left for the airport.
Afterward we had to go to the mall and Nick had to do his tax stuff to get his cashback for all his purchases. Duty free shopping, got a love it.
Even though I was rushing ultimately at the end we got to the airport and said our goodbyes. It was a really good week and I look forward to visiting Amsterdam and more of Europe in the future, and Nick will probably be visiting the States again in several months. I just have to figure out if I am going to be in San Antonio, Dallas, or Las Angeles.
Until then DOEI!
Friday, May 25, 2007
Candelight
Well today the weather wasn't all that great. I thought about driving up to Austin, but Nick suggested we stay somewhere close in San Antonio and see some more of the city. So I obliged. I took him over to the area off of Highway 281 and then to the Quarry Mall. I also drove through Alamo Heights and all the way down Broadway. I showed him the shops and the parks and the museums that San Antonio have to offer. Afterward I took him to one of my favorite places to hangout. Or formely one I would frequent and hangout. Candlelight Coffee House (website coming) is a great place to relax and enjoy great company and conversation. It gives you all the feel of a place where someone will come up with the next great novel, hopefully me. We talked and talked and looked at the art work and enjoyed a couple of cups of coffee of course.
That night we went to one of the local dance clubs. Many of my friends were out that night and we partied and drank and danced and partied and drank and danced. We had a really good time and go so wasted. This probably contributed more than anything to me almost missing my flight on Saturday.
Until then.
That night we went to one of the local dance clubs. Many of my friends were out that night and we partied and drank and danced and partied and drank and danced. We had a really good time and go so wasted. This probably contributed more than anything to me almost missing my flight on Saturday.
Until then.
IHOP or Chacho's
So on yesterday, Thursday, I would not have thought on my own to take Nick to IHOP but he said he wanted something fresh and he also wanted a "Proper" breakfast. With Nicholas and I think many Europeans it is all about fresh foods and how often you eat them. I suggested that we go over and give Souper Salad (www.soupersalad.com) a great healthy place to eat or IHOP. He had never been to either so we went with IHOP for the breakfast. Well, remember earlier how much I told you how I liked the place in Amsterdam (Morlang), we that is about how much Nick liked IHOP. All I am going to say is that "Proper" breakfast doesn't always mean healthy breakfast.
So after breakfast we went downtown to see San Antonio. I drove around a bit and showed some of SA. Since Europe is very old and historic, Nick was curious about the history and the historical sites of San Antonio. Unfortunately living out in the NW side of town there are no real historic relics out here, it was all grass and forest. But downtown we have flair! We then went to Rivercenter mall and the Riverwalk! Whoo hooo, I love our riverwalk. We walked more of the freakin riverwalk than I have walked total since I have been in San Antonio. I showed him the Alamo, which I think he really liked and we walked the grounds a bit. Checkout a couple of videos from the afternoon:
We walked a lot and after leaving the mall area we walked over to Hemishpere park. That is when we really sat down and took a breather. We then headed back to the mall area where we parked by cutting through the Convention Center. That place is awesome and how the river flows through the open part is awesome. Then we just headed back, rather tired I might add.
You would think that would be enough for Thursday, oh but no, oh but no ba boo. We still had one more place to go to that evening and that was Chacho's. My usual Thursday night spot. We drank margaritas and I sang at Karaoke as well as some of my friends. My friends were there as well, Fabiola, Raquel, Will, Tall Chris (I know its Jones), Jason, Rey, Sean with his skinny ass, and Jake and Taryn were there as well. But mama Gnita and Toni were away playing in GA, just kidding they were out of town. I had a really really good time as I always do and so did Nick. He enjoyed meeting my friends and he and Fabiola hit it off well.
Finally after that long long day, we headed back to the apartment after 12 at night and crashed again.
So after breakfast we went downtown to see San Antonio. I drove around a bit and showed some of SA. Since Europe is very old and historic, Nick was curious about the history and the historical sites of San Antonio. Unfortunately living out in the NW side of town there are no real historic relics out here, it was all grass and forest. But downtown we have flair! We then went to Rivercenter mall and the Riverwalk! Whoo hooo, I love our riverwalk. We walked more of the freakin riverwalk than I have walked total since I have been in San Antonio. I showed him the Alamo, which I think he really liked and we walked the grounds a bit. Checkout a couple of videos from the afternoon:
We walked a lot and after leaving the mall area we walked over to Hemishpere park. That is when we really sat down and took a breather. We then headed back to the mall area where we parked by cutting through the Convention Center. That place is awesome and how the river flows through the open part is awesome. Then we just headed back, rather tired I might add.
You would think that would be enough for Thursday, oh but no, oh but no ba boo. We still had one more place to go to that evening and that was Chacho's. My usual Thursday night spot. We drank margaritas and I sang at Karaoke as well as some of my friends. My friends were there as well, Fabiola, Raquel, Will, Tall Chris (I know its Jones), Jason, Rey, Sean with his skinny ass, and Jake and Taryn were there as well. But mama Gnita and Toni were away playing in GA, just kidding they were out of town. I had a really really good time as I always do and so did Nick. He enjoyed meeting my friends and he and Fabiola hit it off well.
Finally after that long long day, we headed back to the apartment after 12 at night and crashed again.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
San Marcos and A Scandal
Wow, is all I can say. Yesterday Nick and I went to San Marcos to go to the Tanger Outlet. Ever since I told him we had one of those close he said we had to go so that is what we did. Again, wow, he told me was extremely excited about going to the Gap Outlet, but I was not prepared. He went crazy in that store, I should have taken some pictures or videos. It was like watching a kid in a candy store, he grabbed this and that and tried on this and those. He had a blast and bought a bunch of clothes. He got so worked up he even got me into it and I got a couple of things. We went from the Gap Outlet to Kenneth Cole, DKNY, American Eagle, Fossil, and I can't remember where else, but it was great seeing him so excited.
That by itself was a full day, but we actually came back to San Anton and went to Bestbuy as well to get an IPod. By the end of the day we were both exhausted, so we rented a movie "Notes on a Scandal" (good movie, good movie). After watching that we just crashed.
That by itself was a full day, but we actually came back to San Anton and went to Bestbuy as well to get an IPod. By the end of the day we were both exhausted, so we rented a movie "Notes on a Scandal" (good movie, good movie). After watching that we just crashed.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Nicholas is here!
Well Nick made it in last night from Amsterdam via New York. Nick and his mom and brother all came and hungout in New York for a few days. Mom and Thomas flew back to Amsterdam on Tuesday and Nick got here lastnight. It was good to see him and I was glad that he had a safe trip. I drove him a little around the city to see some of SA, but not much he didn't get here until 10:10 pm. We then went to one of my favorite places to eat since he was hungry, Taco Cabana (www.tacocabana.com). We ate there and just chatted for a while and caught up on things.
I had spent all day cleaning and getting my place ready for company. Not that it is normally and sty or anything, cause it is not. I just needed to straighten and clean up a bit. So that was the end of a anxious day 1 of Nick's visit.
I say anxious cause I was just anxious for him to arrive, its been a long time since I had a friend fly in to visit and hang out.
Later!
I had spent all day cleaning and getting my place ready for company. Not that it is normally and sty or anything, cause it is not. I just needed to straighten and clean up a bit. So that was the end of a anxious day 1 of Nick's visit.
I say anxious cause I was just anxious for him to arrive, its been a long time since I had a friend fly in to visit and hang out.
Later!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
I'm still here!
I am still here, I am just saving up some things to type about. Also Nicholas is going to be arriving tonight so I will have a lot of things to type about his trip here. He sent me a text letting me know that the plane was running a little late from NY. So I will be picking him up from the airport later.
Until my next blog, probably on Thursday.
Until my next blog, probably on Thursday.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Bodies and Slaves
So, Nicholas and I went to go see "Bodies the Exhibition" while I was in Amsterdam (www.bodiestheexhibition.com/intro.html). It was very very interesting. If you get a chance to see it somewhere go see it. You learn a lot about the human body, the way things are put together and how they flow.
Now if you do go see this exhibit, let me let you know right now. THESE ARE REAL PEOPLE, not mannequins, but real people whose bodies were donated for this exhibit.
While we were inside this lady was on here cellphone telling someone where she was. She said 'oh I'm over here with the fake bodies, I should have gone to Madame Tussauds (the wax museum) to see the stars'. I just about gagged, I was like you stupid idiot, these are real people, and you could do to show a little respect. I didn't say that of course but I wanted to.
Well, the place where the exhibit was was in this old, you can say, stock yard kinda place. Its not very well known in the states but The Netherlands were very very involved in the slave trade. As I was told they became one of the richest countries in the world back in the day by there involvement in the slave trade. So to the point, the place where the exhibit was held is one of the places where they used to take the slaves to show them, like at a market for sale.
(Disclaimer)
Now me myself, I am not offended or mad or hurt by what happened to my ancestors. I am not happy about it but I have accepted that it happened and I must move on toward the future. I know there are some people who are still angry and bitter, to you I say you might not want to watch this short clip. I am not making light of the past or that travesty in this clip.
Now if you do go see this exhibit, let me let you know right now. THESE ARE REAL PEOPLE, not mannequins, but real people whose bodies were donated for this exhibit.
While we were inside this lady was on here cellphone telling someone where she was. She said 'oh I'm over here with the fake bodies, I should have gone to Madame Tussauds (the wax museum) to see the stars'. I just about gagged, I was like you stupid idiot, these are real people, and you could do to show a little respect. I didn't say that of course but I wanted to.
Well, the place where the exhibit was was in this old, you can say, stock yard kinda place. Its not very well known in the states but The Netherlands were very very involved in the slave trade. As I was told they became one of the richest countries in the world back in the day by there involvement in the slave trade. So to the point, the place where the exhibit was held is one of the places where they used to take the slaves to show them, like at a market for sale.
(Disclaimer)
Now me myself, I am not offended or mad or hurt by what happened to my ancestors. I am not happy about it but I have accepted that it happened and I must move on toward the future. I know there are some people who are still angry and bitter, to you I say you might not want to watch this short clip. I am not making light of the past or that travesty in this clip.
Friday, May 18, 2007
The View
Ok, so out side of Nick's place there is this street market. Its pretty awesome they sell all kinds of stuff there. There was this guy directly downstairs from his window who has working his booth for years. I believe Nick said his father also used to work the booth. This guy sold soda's and Capri Sun and cheese and cheese and cheese. He sold a lot of cheese. Next to him to the right was a guy who made crepes right there for you as you waited, he also had many toppings to put on your crepes. The videos show the view from above and the view as we walked through. Ik hoop u van hen houdt.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
European Shanequa
Ok so this is from a few days into my trip. Nicholas has this fascination with some of the ghetto names and terms people use in the U.S. especially us black folk. Shanequa is his favorite, mine is Bonquisha, I swear my best friend Kenneth invented that one. I think I actually spit up my soda the first time he said Bonquisha. Well, we were at a little cafe right down from Nicholas' place. I don't remember the name of this place but it is on Kinkerstraat, that is the street name, straat is street. Nick lives down the street on a side street called Ten Katerstraat, pronounced (ten cot.er.strot). I just like saying that, but you have to say it fast. You know me just recording anything, I am going to get shot one day.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Europe Videos
Ok, so now I am going to start uploading my videos from my Europe trip. I call it my Europe trip because I went to Amsterdam, Brussels, and Frankfurt. I had a lot of fun and my host was the best. I tried different foods, some willing, some I had to be just about forced to try. One of my favorite places though was this restaurant called Morlang in Amsterdam (www.morlang.nl). I fell in love with this panini sandwich they have there.
I also loved, yes you can make fun of me, Burger King. At the Burger King (www.burgerking.nl/main) in Amsterdam there was this sandwich that had jalapenos on it that was just delicious, and is not that Mexican Salsa sandwich on the menu now. That sounded so gay, just delicious. Anyway I also tried the famous Tuna Pizza. I was different not something I would think to put together but it is extremely popular over there, just like putting mayonnaise on fries. They think its weird that we put ketchup on our fries, go figure.
Well here is a video of the Atomium (www.atomium.be) it is located in Brussels. I think the website is correct it is astonishing. I just stood there looking at if for a few minutes almost in disbelief. We didn't get to go up inside it but I was more than pleased I go to see this beautiful creation.
Until my next blog, later. And yes there are more videos coming.
I also loved, yes you can make fun of me, Burger King. At the Burger King (www.burgerking.nl/main) in Amsterdam there was this sandwich that had jalapenos on it that was just delicious, and is not that Mexican Salsa sandwich on the menu now. That sounded so gay, just delicious. Anyway I also tried the famous Tuna Pizza. I was different not something I would think to put together but it is extremely popular over there, just like putting mayonnaise on fries. They think its weird that we put ketchup on our fries, go figure.
Well here is a video of the Atomium (www.atomium.be) it is located in Brussels. I think the website is correct it is astonishing. I just stood there looking at if for a few minutes almost in disbelief. We didn't get to go up inside it but I was more than pleased I go to see this beautiful creation.
Until my next blog, later. And yes there are more videos coming.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Darn Tickets
Well, I was all set to drive to Luling, Texas today to go take care of my darn speeding ticket. Something told me to call and ask them some question, I don't know what. Well thank God I called, the lady was like you don't have to drive all the way out here. She said I still had another 30 days to take care of the fine, well smack my tush, I just about did a back flip. In light of my present situation I was very very happy that 1) I didn't have to waste all that gas and 2) I have more time to take care of this stupid ticket. I just have to keep on pushing forward. Man oh man life can really throw you some curve balls.
Amsterdam Trip (Finally)
So everyone has been going on that I have yet to post any pics or videos from my 2007 trip to Europe. So here are some pics from the trip.
My Birthday
My birthday this year was a blast it was just amazing. I was gonna just sit at home and do nothing, but my friends wouldn't let me just do that. First we went to Chacho's on Thursday, which was fun as usual. Then I went out clubbing on Friday night and you know how that is in San Antonio. Then on Saturday we had a dinner at this restaurant called Ajuua out on the patio, which was so much fun. Later that evening Will took me to the Spurs game and we got to sit courtside right next to the Spurs bench. We also got to go up to the Time Warner suite which was also very fun. Here are a couple of videos from my birthday get togethers.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
