SO HAPPY AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

*EDIT*  MY MONEY IS IN AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!  I could cry! Ahem, now back to our scheduled blogging*

If somebody had told me that growing up was going to be so much stress, hassle and cleaning, I would have run away to Neverland and joined the lost boys.  I’m pretty sure that tangling with ticking alligators and pirates (the whimsical kind, not the modern kind…AK 47s are not my idea of fun) is a lot more fun that standing in a bank for an hour and a half.   Perhaps I’m wrong but it just seems like it would be more fun.  Oh how I can dream.  Regardless, I have hopefully dealt with my bank situation but I need a couple more days to find out.  A couple more nerve-wracking, sleep-reducing days.  Bet Captain Hook didn’t have to deal with this. 

Probably the biggest news of my week is that I made my TV debut this week.  My thrilling chess exchange (it lasts for one move – Ed) and eventual defeat (you lost in the aforementioned move – Ed) is being aired across Nepalese TV as we speak. 

Got to admit, it is pretty cool to be in it: not many people can say they’ve been in an advert and it will certainly be going on my CV as a talking point.  That’s about it for my week sadly…unless you want to hear about my travel plans or that I’m slowly continuing the various projects I’ve been working on?  No?

Guess that leaves me no choice then.  I guess I am actually going to have to do something constructive and travel related then.  Are you sure you don’t want to hear about every single boring detail of my life?  Wasn’t the internet made for that purpose?  Well, that and for arguing with and insulting people (Don’t be stooped.  Teh internetz wuz made 4 Memez idiot – anonymous ed).  *Sigh* constructive and helpful it is.

Five tips for travel (and even for living abroad)

Yet another catchy title that just rolls off the tongue!  Today, I’m going to give five tips that I have found to be useful, either when travelling or moving abroad.  Who knows, I might even be able to help somebody out! 

Know when to haggle:

A simple one to begin with is the art of haggling.  On holiday or when living abroad, in contrast with the UK, haggling is often expected (and can be part of the fun) but you need to know when to do it.  Otherwise, you may look a fool or worse, insult somebody.  For example, in Nepal, you would haggle in tourist shops but not regular shops.  Another example is that you should haggle with taxis but not with buses.  Different countries have different rules and knowing when to haggle may let you save some money and save some face (generally, you should take about 30% off prices given to you in Nepal I have been told).  

Even better, if you know the area a bit or know the general price of what you are trying to buy, you may realise that you are actually getting a decent price, which means that you don’t need to haggle and everybody wins.  

Ask a local or somebody from where you’re staying for advice about prices or haggling, should you need it.  This can help greatly and will assist you in the long run.  Also, remember that in some cases, that extra 10p you are trying to get off your souvenir might matter more to the seller than you…so as a friend would say ‘don’t be a dick’. 

Plan it…oh and try google map:

Yes, I know that for some people, planning your holiday is the devil but it can be useful.  For me (I’m actually an avid planner), I find it useful in maximising what I get out of my holiday.  I’m not suggesting you plan every single second in military-esque detail (says the person who does do this - Ed) or that you should spend every waking moment sightseeing but if you’re going to see one particular thing e.g. a castle, google it and you never know what you might find within walking distance (hence google maps – continuity ed).  It could save you time and money by reducing the travelling times and expenses.  Plus, some experiences actually have to be booked in advance, so it never hurts to check.  It also works with restaurants etc as well, ensuring you can try the best places to eat as well! 

One example is that when planning a day in Kyoto, I found one place (Nijo Castle) I wanted to see so I googled it and managed to find another five highly recommend locations nearby all in a near-perfect walking route: that’s me got one entire day sorted out.  Hell, I even found a place where I can get a cup of tea along the way.  With a plethora of travel books and websites, it’s easier than ever!   

Eating out:

Time to roleplay a little:  I’ll be the knight and you be the princess you’ve had a hard day sightseeing/sunbathing/sleeping and you need to have something to eat.  You take a casual walk into town to look for food but all of a sudden, you’re presented with street after street of cafes and restaurants, all trying to convince you to eat there (Rue des Bouchers in Brussels springs to mind).  Where do you go?  For me, I have a simple method of deciding:

I try to go to the busiest places and if possible, the places that are filled with locals

Sure, it might not always be possible as it is too full or perhaps it takes a little extra time to get served but often it pays off: if it’s a crap restaurant, people aren’t really going to eat there, are they?  Especially not locals who could eat at home.

Rue des Bouchers

Resting:

If you’re anything like me, you will try to cram as many activities into your holidays as possible.  Sleep is the enemy, right?  This is great as I am a firm believer in seeing as much of as a country/area as possible on holiday, especially as I’m paying to be there.  However, I am starting to realise the importance of actually stopping from time to time and enjoying the scenery.  You don’t need to spend every waking minute doing something.  I’ve learned that it’s quite nice to have a few beers by a harbour in the afternoon or to nap on the beach for a morning.  

Whilst I will never become somebody who sits by the beach/pool all week (nothing wrong with this, it’s just not my thing), I feel that doing this for an afternoon or so can really add to the experience and will refresh you a lot more for further sightseeing!  Especially for many working people, who go on holiday then go immediately back to work, this can be a real boon: after coming back from my holiday  home, where I spent almost every minute doing something, I was shattered then I had a full week of work to survive.  

So add in an afternoon for sitting in a park or for having a beer by the sea: it will work wonders!  You deserve it! 

Learn your food:

For me, trying new cuisine is a major part of going on holiday (or eating in general) and nothing beats finding a new favourite dish but for every one that you like, you may accidently find one you don’t.  Before going to a new country, just quickly find out about some of the local delicacies – it will give you an idea of what they are without having to try and translate them on the menu.  I understand completely that trying new food is exciting and, as mentioned, a part of the experience but there is a difference between trying congee (rice porridge) with fried pork and trying congee with curdled pig blood (A dish I almost ordered in Hong Kong but I wimped out).  

By all means, try as much new food as you can but if you draw the line somewhere, it’s worth preparing before you go to make sure you don’t end up sick.  As before, the internet is a great place to check out local delicacies and it only takes a short time to check: it may just make your trip even better!

Er...dried things I found in Hong Kong

Pick of the week

 The Lizzie Bennet Diaries - Ok, perhaps not what I would watch normally but I am enjoying this particular web series.  Essentially a web diary detailing the life of Lizzie Bennet; this modern twist to Pride and Prejudice is entertaining to watch.  Shot in front of one camera in a bedroom, the actress (no idea what her name is) does a great job of bringing to life here character and the events going on around her!  Check it out.

Music of the week

I got given an album from somebody at college last week and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the album as it was home recorded!  Check out this Nepalese band and if you don't like heavy music, I might give it a miss: Kalodin - Souls of the Dead  

Well then, enough from me.  I hope that my tips have been useful and if not, oh well!  It's not like this is a travel blog...oh...  Have a good week everyone!

One is not amused

 Have you ever been stretched?  No, there is not a typo in that question and I certainly don’t mean have you ever stretched yourself?  Nope, what I am asking is if you have ever been stretched by a device or a person that you've had little control over?  I learned what this is like this week and it was…an odd experience.  Before we go on, it was not with a device similar to this:

And it certainly was not in a '50 Shades of Grey' incident either:

Nope, this was a Taekwondo related incident.  Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m well aware that martial arts in general are physical.  The number of times I’ve been grabbed, punched, thrown or generally manhandled is in the thousands but this was different.  This was new.  This was prolonged grasping, periodically with one of my legs straddling his shoulder… in many cases, I was practically being hugged for 15 seconds.  I can handle having punches or kicks being thrown at me or being hurtled through the air like a bale of hay but this is something different altogether…I’m not used to people touching me for prolonged periods of times!  Not only that but it’s a weird sensation having your muscles moved and stretched without being in control or using my own strength.  It feels a little like I’m a marionette being pulled to full tension.  

All that said, whilst I am not keen on the idea of it, I understand why it was being done (to increase my flexibility for kicking) and will get over my un-comfort and might one day become a real boy, be able to do the splits.

Onto my other news: after three months of trying, I finally got my letter of approval for sending my wages back to the UK.  Three months of printing off documents and signing them.  Three months of visiting various banks and offices.  Three months of being told to go to the other bank or offices.  Three months of hair-tearing as I try to do the honest thing and send my money via the official channels.  Three months and it is finally over:  I got my shiny approval to send my hard-earned wages home!  The feeling of happiness was overwhelming!  Three months of sheer anxiety as I wondered if it was even possible for me to send my money home gone!  Three months of sleepless nights as I lay worrying about what I would do if my approval got rejected over!  You can only begin to imagine my relief and joy as I got the phone call then the letter…  

Then you can also imagine my feeling as this was violently torn out my hands due to circumstances that were completely out of my hands and in no-way related to me whatsoever.  I am not a happy bunny at all.  I am hoping that this has only delayed the process but I honestly don’t know.  Serves me right for trying to do the proper thing, eh?  The below GIF sums up my current mood:   

Ok, enough self-pity and rage!  I’m not a main character from a JPRG, so I can’t pull it off.  Time for the thing that has been making me bounce that little bit higher each morning and has, I’m not even ashamed to admit, has prompted the odd excited outburst from me…

I’m off to Japan

After much debate, as in several months of debate (kind of sad really – Ed), I finally decided to travel to Japan for two weeks in November with my mum.  Now, the reason I am actually mentioning this (especially as you’ve been broadcasting it continuously – Ed) is for any suggestions that you might have.  Any personal experiences or recommendations of places to visit or things to experiences are very welcome as I want to ensure that this is something I will remember forever.  I will be travelling to/visiting:

Kyoto
Tokyo
Hakone
Nikko

So send me a message or a comment if you have any suggestions and over the next few months, I will probably be drip-feeding the guide I am writing.  Then, once I have gone, I will ensure to add my own reviews of the trip, as well as document the trip itself (it is a travel blog after all…though you would be forgiven for not realizing – Ed).

Pick of the week

Jaya Travels and Tours – Ok, as travel has been mentioned this week, I thought I would mention the travel agent that The British College and I use (in Nepal).  I was first introduced to Jaya tours via The British College when they were used to book my flight home and I’ve used them for my Japan flights and my Pokhara flights.  If you send them a request, they will usually get back to you within a few hours with several flight options and then happily answer any questions you have (I usually have dozens) about the flights.  However, what really sold me on them was that they were perfectly willing to send somebody to pick up my cheque from work as I work all day!  If you need to fly in or out of Nepal, I would highly recommend Jaya Tours!  

 

Music of the week 

Going to keep this simple as I am in a bad mood.  Enjoy!:

Heaven Shall Burn - Endzeit

Linkin Park - Lies, Greed, Misery

 

Downthesun - Medicated

Ok, enough from me.  I'm off to burst a blood vessel in rage or whatever people do when they're in a bad mood.  Actually, I'll probably just have the cream cheese sandwich I forgot to take with me to work.  That sounds much nicer.

The art of entendre

Well then, my dear readers, I have been put to shame.  Out classed.  Left in the dust.  Why?  Because my sausage just wasn’t big enough!  It wasn’t meaty enough.  It was just plain small!  Misleading comments aside, I recently blogged about how, when shopping at my local market, I came across a massive pork sausage.  I also made a joke about how it was risky and potential blog suicide…

Shortly afterwards, I got an email from my sister telling me that my sausage wasn’t even that big…she then sent a picture (below) that completely dwarves my sausage…which meant that I took the blog risk for nothing.  Oh well, enjoy the picture!  I think I may have to avoid the word sausage for a long time.  Any one else seen larger?

The biggest is like my forearm!

At my sister's request

So, I only have two pieces items to write about, the first being linked to the Nepalese banking system.  “Oh god, what’s he going to rant about today?”  For once, it’s not actually a rant as I was finally able to submit all my documents (i.e. my documents were finally accepted) to the main bank to see if I can send my wages home.  After three months of trying, various letters and multiple meetings, it is almost over!  I almost hugged the man I was dealing with but that kind of thing is frowned upon I’ve been warned.  Alas, this may not be the end of it as on Wednesday, I will find out if I can actually send my money home (hence why the blog isn’t great today, he’s quite worried about this – Sensitive Ed).  However, my fingers are proverbially crossed that everything will be ok and that on Sunday, I will be bouncing excitably into my bank to send money home.  If not, I will probably collapse into a boneless heap of angst and self-pity, weeping inconsolably…

My potential nervous breakdown aside, I can also finally show the final picture took from The British College photo shoot and one that has actually been used in advert.  Yup, this advert has been shown in some of the major Nepalese newspapers…which is pretty exciting when you think about it.  I’m honestly surprised that this is the reason my ‘mug-shot’ has been included in the newspaper.  However, here it is:

This was perhaps the most uncomfortable shot for me to take, for two reasons.  The first is that it was unbelievably hot and I had to stand outside in the blazing sun for quite a while (He didn’t even get to put on make-up – Ed).  The second is that I had no idea who those two girls were (I do know they are ACCA students at the college but you get the idea… stop being pernickety) and that was just odd.  Now then, I don’t like people at the best of times and having to stand there and hug two near-strangers was an odd and unique experience.  Having to smile and pretend that somebody I don’t know is somebody that I would hug was kind of difficult but thankfully the two girls were absolutely lovely which made it that much easier.  That said, I almost sprinted up the stairs once the photographers said that it was over…need to work on this socially awkward thing.

Pick of the week     

Ukiyo-e Heroes – Ok, it’s another kickstarter project for me but I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it (and it came at an appropriate time).  What Jed Henry and David Bull do is turn beloved video game characters into a Japanese art form: either though digital print or by traditional wood print.  Either medium look amazing but the woodprints are hand carved using the traditional Japanese technique.  I’ll be the first to admit they are expensive but it is such an interesting design and art style that it is worth the price for such artwork!  These days, I tend to freak out at paying much money for anything but I think I will have to invest in a couple of pieces for my future homes…now just to decide which I want!   

Music of the week

Hmm I had no idea until it suddenly struck me: Soil - Redefine!  Enjoy!

Ok, I will try to post some characters from my anime at some point - to make up for my poor post this week.  Hopefully I will also have something more interesting to write about next week.  Also, I'll be planning my Japanese trip soon so might include some stuff on that as well!  

Needs more Canadian...

Ok, so walking up the stairs to my office, there is a large hall covered in adverts, advertising the British College.  I round the corner each morning and come face to face with a group of 4 larger than life models who are all grouped together in one of those ‘we’re so happy to be friends and to be here‘ poses.  Now then, I’ve done this every morning for the past 6 months and I have seen the same sights…until now.  Imagine my horror when I am casually walking up the stairs on a sleepy Monday morning to turn that corner and see one of the models eyes glowing.  Yup, that woke me up pretty quickly.  Turns out somebody poked holes in the picture and it captures the morning sunlight perfectly. 

So, woe is me, I am ill this week and so, it will be a shorter post than normal (don’t you say that every week? – Ed): generally concentrating on catching up with what has happened in the past week.  Plus it’s been one of those weeks where lots of small things happened which can’t really be expanded too much but that are still worth mentioning.  However, I have decided to use today to unveil some information on one of my projects, something that nobody other than me has seen…so don’t say I’m not good to you (you’re not…if you were, you’d have had a regular post - Ed).  However, that’s at the end, so read on!  Never thought this blog would turn into a platform for me revealing everything that I’ve kept close to my chest. 

My TV Debut

Ok, so onto my first piece of news:  I am going to be featured in a television advert that goes across Nepal.  Actually it isn’t my first time on TV but it’s my first time acting on TV.  I even got makeup put on and everything…for the ad…not just for fun *cough*.  You see, the college is having a major advertising drive and part of this, we will be advertising on the major TV networks in Nepal and as I am a western face, I was recruited.  After getting my make-up on and having my hair made pretty, I was then escorted into a dark room with a well-lit corner where my first ‘acting’ opportunity waited…

I was to lose at chess.  My first acting opportunity (other than dancing around half-naked in a towel during a school rendition of Grease) I was to lose, in one move, at chess.  Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t expect it to be an amazing role, but I always hoped it would be a zombie or a murder victim or at least win (perhaps not appropriate for a college advert – Ed).  That said, it was fun sitting there and being told how to look defeated and that I should shake my head like this and not like that (although the guy who smiled at me when he beat me had a smile that said ‘I’ve won, now I will eat you’) and amazing to watch how they arranged all the different sets with lighting and such.  Altogether, an amazing way to spend a Thursday afternoon…plus I’m sure it’s going to be a great chat-up line in the future:

Me: ‘Hey, did you know I lost at chess in a Nepalese advert…so do you want to take my king?’

Her: ‘So you’re a loser on TV as well as real life?’

Me: Sobs ‘Yes’  

I think even as bad as chat-up lines are, that is just awful and I don’t even think it makes sense…but who cares right? 

Semi-naked Canadian

Next thing is after at least 2 years, I finally spoke to my Canadian friend/nemesis Matt face to face.  Well, on Skype at least but pretty sure that still counts.  Arranged by his girlfriend, who had me wake him up, I then also saw Matt topless for the first time in around in two years as well.  Despite the half nudity, it was amazing to catch up with him after so long: chatting about travel, anime and our lives.  Probably the best way I’ve spent a Sunday evening in a long time…plus I even got to see Canadian donuts bought specially by Brandi during the phone call (I really have a craving for a good donut).  I really need to make sure I don’t leave it so long again and I will need to travel out to see him soon…despite a 30h+ travel time.

Taekwondo and my unfortunate incident

For those who missed it on facebook, I started to learn an awesome new kick…but that’s not what you want to hear, is it?  Fine, stop pressuring me!  I’ll tell you!  I got kicked square in the testicles…are you happy?  One minute fine, the next smacked in the groin!  I was being taught a fast defensive kick when he misjudged slightly and PAIN (HA! - Ed).

Ok, stop snickering…I also participated in the lesser known cool-down ritual known as Thriller…I’ve added a real-life reconstruction of my instructor and I going through the cool-down ritual.

Ok, so know that I have driveled on about my week, it is time to reveal some information about the project I’ve been working on.  Now, I realize I’m hardly important and it’s not like I’m unveiling a new series of Firefly but it’s important to me so please keep sniggering quiet; arms in the vehicle at all times; and feedback constructive or at least funny! 

Where the Wolves Wander

Ok, so I’m not going to reveal too much to begin with but what I will do is slowly drip-feed more information as time goes on, hopefully one day even being able to reveal some artwork/footage in the future.  This is one of the first things I wrote and I’m continuing to add to it.  

 

Brief outline:  A part of the world has been destroyed and corrupted by the greed of its inhabitants.  This one continent has long since been cut off from the world; a seemingly impassable mountain range rose up by the continents destroyers in one last act to try and redeem their mistake, splits the lands and along the coast is cut off due to storms and whirlpools. 

Due to this, the desert continent has remained ignorant of the outside world but has survived in villages along the one main river that disappears underneath the mountains.  The story centres round a 21 year old man whose village is killed by a corporation who seemingly looks after the rest of the world.  Him and his future lover vow to get revenge but end up taking a path that will shape the future.  Along the way, ancient powers are eventually unleashed from those who did the damage making amends. 

    

A small group of outlaws go against a massive corporation after they instigated a massacre in their village.  This group, having all met up, returns to Azriels mansion where they begin training in their respective areas, as well as some general areas.  This then leads to them all becoming assassins but also a mercenary group that hires to people in need.  They do this to gain allies and support in taking down the company.  They slowly expand this school taking more people in... 

Detailed Map:   The world will be made up of six continents, the largest island split, four large islands and one group of islands.  Each will have a different theme and there will be a section of the story for each continent (This may be extended depending on the number of series).  These continents are as follows (in order):

1.      The Desert - Sable

2.      The Greenland – Terra firma

3.      The Jungle/swamp – Republic of Hanzole

4.      The tropical islands – Islands of rayliossa

5.      The Ice continent - Forbordia

6.      The Urban - Limbo

Main Organisations

Freedom for hire

The group of mercanaries that are made up of Vincent, Marie and the others.  They start of small, hiring out to help those in need but with the main goal of over throwing the company.  Eventually, they amass recruits and supporter

The Company

The main ‘bad guy’ organisation who are slowly taking over the world and are perpetrators of violent take overs.  To have a proper name added

The Hands of Justice

The main organisation of assassins who remove those in rule or in business that are a threat to the order of society.  They do not choose who replaces these people as they work only to keep the country people safe and do not want to alter democracy.

The Arms of Hell

The Fragmented group from the assassins who believe that they should run the countries and control the world to keep it safe.  Whilst they are not necessary ‘evil’, they have a looser method and moral ethics than the Hands of Justice and end up clashing with them, the company and freedom for hire.

Pick of the week

Harvest moon:Back to Nature - Farming?  *Spit-take* Farming?!?  Hmm I don’t get enough opportunities for spit-takes in my life...probably a good thing but oh well.  Where was I?  Oh, yes!  FARMING?!?!?  Yes farming!  I’ll be honest, when I first heard of it or even think about it today, I’m the same.  A game about farming, essentially about doing chores, should not be this much fun…and yet, it’s more fun than you could ever have guessed.  Back to Nature is the first Harvest Moon game I have played and I have now played many…but I keep coming back to it because it is just that good.

You take control of your little sprite and right at the start, you are given a farm in some weird way…though most often inherited off a relative and your new life begins.  There is a sense of panic as you stare across your fields which have boulders, weeds and logs haphazardly strewn everywhere.  No matter, you roll your sleeves up and start clearing a small space so you can plant your first crops and care for them until they can be sold and you can buy more crops and the process repeats, with the crops switching for each season.  However, it’s not as simple as that…you need to plan: do you go for the crops that take ages to grow but have a huge payout?  How about the crops that only need to be planted once and can be re-harvested?  Sadly, they don’t sell for much though…  

As you play, the complex layers begin to appear as crops are not even close to being the only aspect of this game.  You have different animals to take care of: from a horse to cows to chickens to your ever faithful dog.  Do you keep them inside and spend money on feed?  Do you leave them outside and risk bad weather or marauding dogs?  Perhaps you should spend more time gathering the local flora to sell or mining some ore to upgrade yours tools?  Hell, how about a nice evening fishing?

Even the weather has to be brought into the equations with rain giving you a nice day off from watering all your crops but with a hurricane meaning lost buildings or destroyed crops.  Winter, of course, means no farming and more time spent with the many other activities.  Unless you have a greenhouse, of course.  Which brings me to another aspect of this layered game: the buildings.  You can, as you may have guessed, upgrade your farm whether by adding a barn (or increasing the size), building a bigger house or adding a kitchen to your home so you can cook.  Yes, you can freaking cook!  You need to eat of course, otherwise you may pass out and wake up late.

Finally, onto the second half of the game: the village and its inhabitants whom you will interact with on a daily basis and slowly shape the lives of.  A main part of the game is meeting and befriending the inhabitants of the village and these are perhaps the most charming collection of characters that you will ever meet: from the friendly mayor to the sharp Karen to the Fat Gourmet.  It is one of those rare games where it is genuinely a pleasure to meet most, if not all, the characters involved.  By befriending the villagers, you unlock events and new items and even more villagers, which continues to increase the depth of this game.  Finally, you can eventually marry the girl of your dreams and start a family which becomes a village event and then a yearly celebration. 

The only real complaint I can think of (for some people) is the repetition as you are doing the same thing most days but even this can be a pleasure.  You actually see the progress of the time and effort you put in via your crops or a clear field or a friendship: something that can be lacking from many of todays games.  Even more impressive?  It came out in 1999 and is over a decade old…and you know what?  It’s a hell of a lot more replayable than most modern games.  Keep an open mind and try it out…you might be surprised!          

Music of the week 

Hmm not sure who to pick this week...so I will go with Hypocrisy - Eraser.  A brilliant band and pretty damn good live as well!

 

Well then, that's it for me...I am going to curl up on the couch with a sandwich and watch the final episode of Smallville...woo!  Then tomorrow I can finally start Game of Thrones so I can finally see all the boobs see what everyone is talking about!  Until Friday people!