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<channel>
	<title>Around the World in 110 Days!</title>
	<link>http://www.iokf.com/world</link>
	<description>Journaling my adventure around the world.</description>
	<pubDate>Sat, 18 Feb 2012 22:24:59 +0000</pubDate>
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			<item>
		<title>Day 110 Back home in Chicago!!!!</title>
		<link>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=31</link>
		<comments>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=31#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 16 Dec 2006 04:30:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>jmdorfman</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Uncategorized</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.iokf.com/world/archives/31</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hello everyone.  So, I actually made it around the world!!!!  I can&#8217;t believe it.  It was definitely a bit sketchy at times.  Well, anyway, it&#8217;s back to a work for me.  In fact, I start on Monday, so I re-enter reality pretty quickly.  I must say that it is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hello everyone.  So, I actually made it around the world!!!!  I can&#8217;t believe it.  It was definitely a bit sketchy at times.  Well, anyway, it&#8217;s back to a work for me.  In fact, I start on Monday, so I re-enter reality pretty quickly.  I must say that it is nice to be back and not have to worry about my stuff or moving around or etc though.</p>
<p>Anyway, I just want to thank everyone that read my blog.  And for anyone that I spoke to on my trip, if you are ever in Chicago, look me up!  My email is jmdorfman@yahoo.com.</p>
<p>Cheers and g&#8217;day everyone,<br />
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		<item>
		<title>Day 107-110 San Francisco</title>
		<link>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=30</link>
		<comments>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=30#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 16 Dec 2006 04:24:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>jmdorfman</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Uncategorized</category>
	<category>San Francisco</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.iokf.com/world/archives/30</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Okay, here is my San Fran entry.  So I was basically here for a couple of days and essentially did nothing.  I stayed and hung out at my friend&#8217;s place.  We watched episodes of Coupling, the British comedy, saw a French martial arts film and basically chilled.  Also, I went salsa [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Okay, here is my San Fran entry.  So I was basically here for a couple of days and essentially did nothing.  I stayed and hung out at my friend&#8217;s place.  We watched episodes of Coupling, the British comedy, saw a French martial arts film and basically chilled.  Also, I went salsa dancing with another friend as well.  It was a great time after all the adventures I have been through.  <img src='http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':D' class='wp-smiley' />
</p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Day 99-107 Hawaii</title>
		<link>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=29</link>
		<comments>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=29#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 16 Dec 2006 04:20:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>jmdorfman</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Uncategorized</category>
	<category>Hawaii</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.iokf.com/world/archives/29</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hello everyone.  So my stay in Hawaii was interesting.  Hawaii attracts interesting people.  I have to say that in most hostels that I stayed in people were nice and sane.     Not necessarily so at the hostel that I stayed at in Waikiki.  Let&#8217;s see, there were three [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hello everyone.  So my stay in Hawaii was interesting.  Hawaii attracts interesting people.  I have to say that in most hostels that I stayed in people were nice and sane.  <img src='http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':D' class='wp-smiley' />   Not necessarily so at the hostel that I stayed at in Waikiki.  Let&#8217;s see, there were three very interesting people.  There was the drug dealer.  He was not in my dorm, but visited.  At point, he announces to our room that he is about to go buy some drugs, but that he is short $40 which he is obviously trying to fish from someone.  He then goes on to say that he will make a quick $1000 dollars once he sells the stuff.  He seemed fairly smart for announcing this to strangers&#8230;.not.  Then there was the guy from Alaska who was basically trying to call his ex-girlfriend every five minutes because she broke up with him.  I found out later from someone after he left that he had a bowie knife on him.  He seemed slightly unstable as well.  The phone thing might have given it away.  Next was a local girl from Oahu.  She was pretty childlike and appeared to be staying in the hostel indefinitely.  She did not want to talk about her background.  Actually, her and the Alaska guy went at it on the bunk below me one night&#8230;.  The one positive thing I can say it that they were remarkably quiet.  Anyway, on to the rest of my visit.</p>
<p>So I stayed on Oahu for all 8 days.  I heard that the volcano on Big Island was interesting and that Kiwaii (sp?) is a beautiful rainforest, but I needed to relax a bit.  So I checked out the beach in Waikiki and walked around a bit.  Here is a picture of Waikiki from offshore.  I took this while taking a boat to a submarine.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/waikiki.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_waikiki.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Waikiki from offshore" title="Waikiki from offshore"  /></a></p>
<p>And here is a higher up view of Waikiki from Diamondback, an extinct volcano crater.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/waikiki-2.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_waikiki-2.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="View of Waikiki from Diamondback, the extinct volcano crater" title="View of Waikiki from Diamondback, the extinct volcano crater"  /></a></p>
<p>Here is a view into the Diamondback crater.  It&#8217;s easier to see when flying over it in a plane.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/diamondback.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_diamondback.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Looking into the crater of the extinct volcano called Diamondback" title="Looking into the crater of the extinct volcano called Diamondback"  /></a></p>
<p>While I was there, I also took a ride in a submarine!  Here is a pic of the submarine diving.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/sub-going-under.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_sub-going-under.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Atlantis submarine diving (the submarine that I rode)" title="Atlantis submarine diving (the submarine that I rode)"  /></a></p>
<p>Here are some pictures I took while in the submarine.  The first is the wreckage of an airplane that was put in the water as an artificial reef.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/water-plane.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_water-plane.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Plane underwater used as artificial reef" title="Plane underwater used as artificial reef"  /></a></p>
<p>And here are pictures of ships also used as reefs.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/fish-ship.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_fish-ship.JPG" width="187" height="250" alt="Part of ship used as reef" title="Part of ship used as reef"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/ship-prow.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_ship-prow.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Prow of the ship used as a reef" title="Prow of the ship used as a reef"  /></a></p>
<p>You can see a sea turtle in this one just down and right of center!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/ship-prow.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_ship-prow.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Prow of the ship used as a reef" title="Prow of the ship used as a reef"  /></a></p>
<p>I also rented a car (a Mustang convertible cause they didn&#8217;t have anything cheaper) and drove around the island of Oahu!   Here are some pictures.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/drive-1.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_drive-1.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Along the more northern part of Oahu" title="Along the more northern part of Oahu"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/drive-2.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_drive-2.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="North part of island in traffic" title="North part of island in traffic"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/drive-3.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_drive-3.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Looking out south from mountain in middle east part of island to Honolulu I think" title="Looking out south from mountain in middle east part of island to Honolulu I think"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/drive-4.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_drive-4.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Looking out south from mountain in middle east part of island to Waikiki I think" title="Looking out south from mountain in middle east part of island to Waikiki I think"  /></a></p>
<p>I also checked out a couple of hula shows.  <img src='http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':D' class='wp-smiley' />   Here is a picture of the stage of one right next to Waikiki beach.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/hula-show.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_hula-show.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Stage where free hula show took place (Waikiki ocean beach right behind)" title="Stage where free hula show took place (Waikiki ocean beach right behind)"  /></a></p>
<p>And here is a short video.</p>
<div class="wpv_videoc">
<div class="wpv_self"><a href="http://www.skarcha.com/wp-plugins/wpvideo/">WPvideo 1.02</a></div>
<div class="wpv_video"><embed style="width:100%; height:100%" id="VideoPlayback" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-8063730110915119404" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" quality="best" bgcolor="#ffffff" scale="noScale" wmode="window" salign="TL"  FlashVars="playerMode=embedded"> </embed></div>
</div>
<p>Here is another video of a free hula show at the Marketplace I think in Waikiki.</p>
<div class="wpv_videoc">
<div class="wpv_self"><a href="http://www.skarcha.com/wp-plugins/wpvideo/">WPvideo 1.02</a></div>
<div class="wpv_video"><embed style="width:100%; height:100%" id="VideoPlayback" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-6447219354468600917" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" quality="best" bgcolor="#ffffff" scale="noScale" wmode="window" salign="TL"  FlashVars="playerMode=embedded"> </embed></div>
</div>
<p>This last dance is polynesian dancing at an expensive hula show, <a href="http://www.germainesluau.com/">Germaine&#8217;s Luau</a>.  It probably was not worth the price, but this video is kind of interesting.  <img src='http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':D' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<div class="wpv_videoc">
<div class="wpv_self"><a href="http://www.skarcha.com/wp-plugins/wpvideo/">WPvideo 1.02</a></div>
<div class="wpv_video"><embed style="width:100%; height:100%" id="VideoPlayback" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=4928253128633541724" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" quality="best" bgcolor="#ffffff" scale="noScale" wmode="window" salign="TL"  FlashVars="playerMode=embedded"> </embed></div>
</div>
<p>So that was pretty much it for Hawaii.  It was then on to San Francisco for me.
</p>
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			<wfw:commentRSS>http://www.iokf.com/world/?feed=rss2&amp;p=29</wfw:commentRSS>
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		<title>Day 84-99 New Zealand</title>
		<link>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=28</link>
		<comments>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=28#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Dec 2006 10:38:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>jmdorfman</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Uncategorized</category>
	<category>New Zealand</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.iokf.com/world/archives/28</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[So I arrived in Auckland sick on a Wednesday.  I was also scheduled to go on a bus tour two days after I arrived.  Fortunately, I was able to push back my bus tour a couple of days.  So, most of my time I spent lying around my hostel recovering.  Fortunately, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>So I arrived in Auckland sick on a Wednesday.  I was also scheduled to go on a bus tour two days after I arrived.  Fortunately, I was able to push back my bus tour a couple of days.  So, most of my time I spent lying around my hostel recovering.  Fortunately, my fever broke two days after I arrived.  I recovered some more until Monday morning when I caught the <a href="http://www.magicbus.co.nz/">Magic Bus</a> to start my tour.  This tour would take me through the following places: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waitomo">Waitomo</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotorua">Rotorua</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taupo">Taupo</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wellington">Wellington</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nelson%2C_New_Zealand">Nelson</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greymouth">Greymouth</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Josef_Glacier">Franz Josef</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queenstown%2C_New_Zealand">Queenstown</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunedin">Dunedin</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Tekapo">Lake Tekapo</a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christchurch">Christchurch</a>.  I would have to move everyday except for an extra day that I spent in Wellington.  It was a bit too grueling, and I would plan it differently next time.</p>
<p>So while I was in Auckland, I did take an aerial view of the city.  Here is the pic.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/auckland-aerial.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_auckland-aerial.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Aerial picture of Auckland from the skytower" title="Aerial picture of Auckland from the skytower"  /></a></p>
<p>At the first stop of Waitomo, I did the abseling (rappelling) activity.  Here is a pic.  Also, there was some nice scenery in this area (and pretty much through all of New Zealand).  There is a picture of that as well.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/abseling.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_abseling.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Looking up at the top of the absel in Waitomo" title="Looking up at the top of the absel in Waitomo"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/lndscape-waitomo.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_lndscape-waitomo.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Nice looking countryside in the Waitomo area" title="Nice looking countryside in the Waitomo area"  /></a></p>
<p>That evening, I arrived in Rotorua, and went to this traditional Maori (the original locals) dinner.  Here is a picture of their &#8220;village.&#8221;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/maori-village.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_maori-village.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Maori "village" we saw during the "traditional" dinner in Rotorua" title="Maori "village" we saw during the "traditional" dinner in Rotorua"  /></a></p>
<p>The next morning outside of Rotorua, I saw this hot springs area similar to Yosemite National Park.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/green-vulcan.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_green-vulcan.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Green hot springs area outside of Rotorua" title="Green hot springs area outside of Rotorua"  /></a></p>
<p>Here is more countryside in the Rotorua area.  New Zealand in general is a beautiful country.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/countryside-rotor-area.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_countryside-rotor-area.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="More countryside in Rotorua area" title="More countryside in Rotorua area"  /></a></p>
<p>From Rotorua onto Taupo, then onto Wellington.  On the way to Wellington, I took a snapshot of the Magic Bus that I rode so much.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/magic-bus.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_magic-bus.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Magic Bus where I spent much of my time" title="Magic Bus where I spent much of my time"  /></a></p>
<p>And here is a bad picture due to clouds of the mountain that was Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings movie trilogy.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/mount-doom.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_mount-doom.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Mount Doom shrouded by clouds" title="Mount Doom shrouded by clouds"  /></a></p>
<p>So I got to Wellington (my favorite city in New Zealand.  It reminded me of San Francisco since it had hills, earthquakes, and a seeming progressive atmosphere.) and spent two nights there, the only place I would spend two nights!  I used the one full day I had to take a Lord of the Rings tour.  The tour showed various sites where the movie was shot and explained the heavy digital editing that took place.</p>
<p>Here is the quarry where they built huge sets of the some of the cities in the movies (it does not look like much now).  The next pic shows photos of how the place looked when the sets were still up.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/quarry.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_quarry.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Quarry where sets were built and scenes shot for Lord of the Rings movie trilogy" title="Quarry where sets were built and scenes shot for Lord of the Rings movie trilogy"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/set-on-quarry.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_set-on-quarry.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Pictures of actual built sets in the quarry" title="Pictures of actual built sets in the quarry"  /></a></p>
<p>They also showed the spot where Orlando Bloom (Legolas) did a bunch of publicity shoots.  Um, so I had one taken myself.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/pose.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_pose.JPG" width="187" height="250" alt=""Publicity" shoot for Lord of the Rings" title=""Publicity" shoot for Lord of the Rings"  /></a></p>
<p>And we got to see the real boat that was used in the new King Kong movie by Peter Jackson.  Here it is (sorry, couldn&#8217;t get full shot).</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/king-kong-boat.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_king-kong-boat.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="King Kong boat" title="King Kong boat"  /></a></p>
<p>Let&#8217;s see, so the next morning, I took the ferry across from the North Island to the South Island.  Here is a picture on the ferry with Jochan (hope I spelled his name right), a guy I traveled with a little.  From the South Island, we caught the Magic Bus again.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/ferry-yochan.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_ferry-yochan.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Deck of ferry with Jochan in picture" title="Deck of ferry with Jochan in picture"  /></a></p>
<p>Now, my memory is starting to run together, but on the way to Nelson, Greymouth, or Franz Josef, I got to see these pancake rock type formations.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/pancake-rocks.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_pancake-rocks.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt=""Pancake" rock formations somewhere between Picton and Franz Josef" title=""Pancake" rock formations somewhere between Picton and Franz Josef"  /></a></p>
<p>Here are some pics in Franz Josef where there is a glacier.  I was going to get helicoptered onto the glacier, but it was canceled due to bad weather that day.  These are the pics I took walking toward the glacier.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/mountains.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_mountains.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Scenery if Franz Josef (nice white mountains)" title="Scenery if Franz Josef (nice white mountains)"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/glacier.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_glacier.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="The Franz Josef glacier from as close as I could get" title="The Franz Josef glacier from as close as I could get"  /></a></p>
<p>Let&#8217;s see, then I went to Queenstown.  I wanted to do some paragliding, but it was too windy, so no luck for me.  The next day, I went on to Dunedin.  Along the way, some people did bungy jumping.  Here are two pics of before and after of one of the guys jumping.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/bungy1.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_bungy1.JPG" width="187" height="250" alt="Standing ready to bungy jump" title="Standing ready to bungy jump"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/bungy2.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_bungy2.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Bottom of the bungy jump" title="Bottom of the bungy jump"  /></a></p>
<p>Anyway, this was the world&#8217;s first bungy jump.  According to my bus driver, business was very slow when they first opened.  So they fixed this by giving people free bungy jumps if they jumped nude.  Apparently, there were quickly long lines of naked people.  They had to cancel the promotion eventually because it was too popular, but it did help start their business.</p>
<p>Once I get to Dunedin, I took a wildlife tour and saw albatross, sea lions, and penguins!  Here are a couple pics.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/sea-lion.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_sea-lion.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Sea lion "sleeping"  (he or she opened his/her eyes occasionally)" title="Sea lion "sleeping"  (he or she opened his/her eyes occasionally)"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/yellow-eyed-penguin.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_yellow-eyed-penguin.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="A cute yellow-eyed penguin.  Not sure what it is doing..." title="A cute yellow-eyed penguin.  Not sure what it is doing..."  /></a></p>
<p>And as the bus was leaving Dunedin, we stopped at supposedly the steepest street in the world!  Here is a pic.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/steepest-street.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_steepest-street.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Steepest hill ( in Dunedin )" title="Steepest hill ( in Dunedin )"  /></a></p>
<p>From there, the Magic Bus went to Lake Tekapo.  In Lake Tekapo, sheep dogs where very important for herding the sheep before they started using fences.  Here is a picture of the monument to this effect.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/tribute-sheep-dogs.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_tribute-sheep-dogs.JPG" width="187" height="250" alt="Sheepdog monument in Lake Tekapo" title="Sheepdog monument in Lake Tekapo"  /></a></p>
<p>And here is a great shot of the mountains surrounding Lake Tekapo whilst standing near the top of one of them.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/from-observatory.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_from-observatory.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Lake Tekapo with mountains" title="Lake Tekapo with mountains"  /></a></p>
<p>I also have some great video, but cannot determine which video is which on this computer.  So I will try to update this post later with that.  *Updated* Here is the video!  Keep in mind we were pretty happy to get to the top after wandering for about 1 and a 1/2 in high winds. *Updated*</p>
<div class="wpv_videoc">
<div class="wpv_self"><a href="http://www.skarcha.com/wp-plugins/wpvideo/">WPvideo 1.02</a></div>
<div class="wpv_video"><embed style="width:100%; height:100%" id="VideoPlayback" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-3332577274774866515" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" quality="best" bgcolor="#ffffff" scale="noScale" wmode="window" salign="TL"  FlashVars="playerMode=embedded"> </embed></div>
</div>
<p>From there, I went onto Christchurch.  Here is a picture of the war memorial there as well as an interesting river surrounded by trees.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/christchurch-war-memorial.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_christchurch-war-memorial.JPG" width="187" height="250" alt="War memorial (to both world wars it looks like) in Christchurch" title="War memorial (to both world wars it looks like) in Christchurch"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/trees-christchurch.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_trees-christchurch.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="River surrounded by interesting trees in Christchurch" title="River surrounded by interesting trees in Christchurch"  /></a></p>
<p>The day after I arrived in Christchurch, I flew to Auckland.  I then flew to Honolulu the day after that.</p>
<p>At any rate, here are a couple of thoughts about New Zealand.</p>
<p>One, like I mentioned in my Australia post, I met a girl who had been sick (seemed like fever on and off, bad upset stomach after eating, headache sometimes)  for two weeks when I last saw her in Christchurch.  She seemed to be getting better, but very very slowly.  Hopefully, she is well by now.  Anyway, this just seems to illustrate the interesting illnesses a person can get going to new places and just the stress of traveling.</p>
<p>Two, New Zealand is a beautiful country and I would like to see it again sometime.</p>
<p>Three, New Zealand is kind of like a large tourist trap (it is their largest industry), and I would try to get away from this next time.</p>
<p>Four, they have lots and lots of sheep. <img src='http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':D' class='wp-smiley' />   They have lots of hills as well which would be fun to hike over.</p>
<p>Alright, that is it for me.  So the end of my trip draws near.  I leave Hawaii on Friday for San Francisco and will be back in Chicago Monday evening.  I am fearing very large reverse culture shock.  sigh&#8230;
</p>
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			<wfw:commentRSS>http://www.iokf.com/world/?feed=rss2&amp;p=28</wfw:commentRSS>
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		<title>Day 69-84 Australia</title>
		<link>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=27</link>
		<comments>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=27#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 Dec 2006 08:37:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>jmdorfman</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Uncategorized</category>
	<category>Australia</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.iokf.com/world/archives/27</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Okay, I am finally getting this Australia update out.  So, I have to say that right away Australia and all western countries that I went to afterwards were not as exciting and sort of felt like being at home.  The reason for this of course was that I was in about 5 or [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Okay, I am finally getting this Australia update out.  So, I have to say that right away Australia and all western countries that I went to afterwards were not as exciting and sort of felt like being at home.  The reason for this of course was that I was in about 5 or 6 non-western (so total exposure to new cultures) countries in a row, and then I was thrown back to the west.  It was still interesting, but it was a different prospective that I would not ordinarily have.</p>
<p>So, I flew into <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney">Sydney</a> from Singapore.  I relaxed for about 5 or 6 days and checked out the town a little bit.  Here are a couple of pics of places / things I took while there.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/sydney-aerial.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_sydney-aerial.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Aerial view of park in Sydney" title="Aerial view of park in Sydney"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/sydney-aerial2.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_sydney-aerial2.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Another aerial view of Sydney (from SkyTower)" title="Another aerial view of Sydney (from SkyTower)"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/opera-house.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_opera-house.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Back of Syndey Opera House" title="Back of Syndey Opera House"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/governor-house.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_governor-house.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Governor's house in same park as Opera House" title="Governor's house in same park as Opera House"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/lizard.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_lizard.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Some sort of Lizard in Animal Adventure "zoo"" title="Some sort of Lizard in Animal Adventure "zoo""  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/koala.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_koala.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="A koala bear at the Animal Adventure place!" title="A koala bear at the Animal Adventure place!"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/roo.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_roo.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Kangaroo! at the Animal Adventure site (sort of looks like a rat from this view...)" title="Kangaroo! at the Animal Adventure site (sort of looks like a rat from this view...)"  /></a></p>
<p>In Sydney, I also got a haircut Asian style since I needed a haircut shown in picture below. <img src='http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   It was just styled that one time and I have not bother to since then to do it.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/new-asian-hair-style.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_new-asian-hair-style.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Asian style haircut ( I was at an Asian haircut place looking at Asian style books)" title="Asian style haircut ( I was at an Asian haircut place looking at Asian style books)"  /></a></p>
<p>So, after relaxing a while, I caught a plane to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adelaide">Adelaide</a>.  I caught a tour going from there to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne">Melbourne</a> partly along the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Ocean_Road">Great Ocean Road</a>.  I left on the tour the morning after I arrived in Adelaide.  One of the first spots was the continental divide.  Here is a pic near the top of a mountain / hill.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/con-divide.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_con-divide.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="View near top of hill at Continental divide" title="View near top of hill at Continental divide"  /></a></p>
<p>Here is another pic somewhere in the area of the continental divide as well.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/h-place-divide.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_h-place-divide.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Another pic in continental divide area" title="Another pic in continental divide area"  /></a></p>
<p>Once we got to the Great Ocean Road, at one point, we saw the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Twelve_Apostles%2C_Victoria">Twelve Apostles<br />
</a> ( see pic ).</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/thirtn-apostle.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_thirtn-apostle.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Twelve apostle "structures" along the Great Ocean Road" title="Twelve apostle "structures" along the Great Ocean Road"  /></a></p>
<p>I also took a helicopter ride in the area!  Here are a couple of pics in the helicopter.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/heli-view.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_heli-view.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Looking out of helicopter in Twelve Apostles Area" title="Looking out of helicopter in Twelve Apostles Area"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/heli-cockpit.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_heli-cockpit.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="View out front of helicopter capturing part of the cockpit" title="View out front of helicopter capturing part of the cockpit"  /></a></p>
<p>Um, and here are some kung fu poses.  The first one in along the Great Ocean Road.  The second one is further one feeding some sort of tropical bird. <img src='http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':D' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/kung-fu.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_kung-fu.JPG" width="187" height="250" alt="The classic pose from "Karate Kid"" title="The classic pose from "Karate Kid""  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/fu-2.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_fu-2.JPG" width="187" height="250" alt="Another kung fu pose (sort of) with a bird in on my hand." title="Another kung fu pose (sort of) with a bird in on my hand."  /></a></p>
<p>Then I arrived in Melbourne.  Here is a pic.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/melbourne.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_melbourne.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Melbourne pic from highway" title="Melbourne pic from highway"  /></a></p>
<p>So, when I arrived in Melbourne, the next day I promptly became sick.  I also stayed in this refurbished Victorian building.  It was so well done that I it freaked me out since a person would expect Victorian ghosts floating around.  It was also a bit interesting because I was the only person in an 8 dorm room.  So, from this, I discovered that I have no love for restored Victorian buildings.  After spending three days in Melbourne, I caught an overnight bus from Melbourne back to Sydney.  I spent that night in Sydney and flew out the next day to Auckland, New Zealand!  During this whole time from Melbourne on, I was sick.  On the plane, I thought it was interesting that I was a disease vector (although other people were sick on the plane as well).</p>
<p>Let&#8217;s see, other things, unfortunately I did not get to the Outback.  Also, I here that the west coast is pretty good to explore.  So if I get a chance to get back, I would go there next time.</p>
<p>Anyways, that was my trip in Australia.  Stay tuned for New Zealand adventures.  Just to let you know in advance, my &#8220;flu&#8221; went away, and I meet someone who was sick longer and worse than I was.
</p>
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		<title>Still here&#8230;</title>
		<link>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=26</link>
		<comments>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=26#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Nov 2006 19:09:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>jmdorfman</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Uncategorized</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.iokf.com/world/archives/26</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I have been traveling a lot in New Zealand, so I have not had time to update.  Once I get to Hawaii where I will be in one spot, I should be able to update then!

]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I have been traveling a lot in New Zealand, so I have not had time to update.  Once I get to Hawaii where I will be in one spot, I should be able to update then!
</p>
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		<title>Day 67-69 Singapore</title>
		<link>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=25</link>
		<comments>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=25#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 Nov 2006 04:13:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>jmdorfman</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Uncategorized</category>
	<category>Singapore</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.iokf.com/world/archives/25</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Okay, here is my Singapore post which I am posting on the same day as my South Korea post, so look for that under this post.
Right, so I was only in Singapore for two days, so I did not see much.  I would say that the two things that stood out to me was [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Okay, here is my Singapore post which I am posting on the same day as my South Korea post, so look for that under this post.</p>
<p>Right, so I was only in Singapore for two days, so I did not see much.  I would say that the two things that stood out to me was the diversity and Singapore fast rise in living stands.  There are three distinct ethnic quarters which seem to indicate diversity.  They are the Little India, Muslim Quarter, and Chinatown.  I have pictures below.  As for Singapore&#8217;s fast rise, a local was telling me it was mainly architected by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_Kuan_Yew">Lee Kuan Yew</a> of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People%27s_Action_Party">People&#8217;s Action Party</a>.  He runs a very tight ship however.  Opponents tend to get exiled.  Let&#8217;s see, I went salsa dancing a little here as well which was pretty good.</p>
<p>Okay, so anyway, here are the pics.  You can see for the most part that Singapore looks pretty modern.</p>
<p>Little India<br />
<a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/lit-india-street.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_lit-india-street.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Street in Little India" title="Street in Little India"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/lit-india-temple1.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_lit-india-temple1.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Temple in Little India" title="Temple in Little India"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/lit-india-temple2.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_lit-india-temple2.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Another temple in Little India" title="Another temple in Little India"  /></a></p>
<p>Muslim Quarter<br />
<a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/muslim-q-street.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_muslim-q-street.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Street (sort of ) in Muslim Quarter" title="Street (sort of ) in Muslim Quarter"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/mosque.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_mosque.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Mosque in Muslim Quarter" title="Mosque in Muslim Quarter"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/another-mosque.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_another-mosque.JPG" width="187" height="250" alt="Another mosque in Muslim Quarter" title="Another mosque in Muslim Quarter"  /></a></p>
<p>Chinatown - Unfortunately, it was raining when I was in this section, so pics are not as good.<br />
<a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/chinatown-street-building.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_chinatown-street-building.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Street corner in Chinatown" title="Street corner in Chinatown"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/chinatown-superheroes.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_chinatown-superheroes.JPG" width="187" height="250" alt="Building in Chinatown with Superheroes on it!  You can't go wrong with this." title="Building in Chinatown with Superheroes on it!  You can't go wrong with this."  /></a></p>
<p>Here is a pic of the tall buildings area in Singapore.<br />
<a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/tall-buildings-singapore.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_tall-buildings-singapore.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Tall building area in Singapore" title="Tall building area in Singapore"  /></a></p>
<p>And that is the end of this post.  Next I will blog about Australia and I actually leave for New Zealand this Wednesday.  My trip is actually starting to come closer to the end&#8230;
</p>
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		<title>Day 63-67 Seoul</title>
		<link>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=24</link>
		<comments>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=24#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 12 Nov 2006 03:38:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>jmdorfman</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Uncategorized</category>
	<category>South Korea</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.iokf.com/world/archives/24</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Well, I arrived in Seoul in the early evening and made it without much trouble to my hostel.  Navigating the streets in Seoul can be tricky.  The main streets are labeled well, but then the small streets and the millions of narrow walkways are not really labeled.  For instance, my guide book [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Well, I arrived in Seoul in the early evening and made it without much trouble to my hostel.  Navigating the streets in Seoul can be tricky.  The main streets are labeled well, but then the small streets and the millions of narrow walkways are not really labeled.  For instance, my guide book just had a map with this small &#8220;roads&#8221; with no labels.  To get to a place, directions might be take the second right after this major street or after a certain landmark.  Buildings are numbered by when they are built in a district, so the house numbers are not very usefull either.</p>
<p>That evening, I went to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insadong">Insadong</a> shopping street / area and walked around.  First, I will say that Seoul is big for shopping.  I typically do not like to shop, but Seoul tempted me. <img src='http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   There are at least 6 distinct shopping districts / markets.  There is a huge market I did not even have a chance to get to that has everything from what I hear.  There is another market for asian medicine that seems fairly large as well.  There was a market for musical instruments!  Everything from amps to drums to acoustic and electric guitars to violins, flutes, etc.  See blurry picture.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/korea-music-market.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_korea-music-market.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Blurry picture of part of musical instrument market" title="Blurry picture of part of musical instrument market"  /></a></p>
<p>There was a clothing district where they had custom tailors every 500 feet it seemed.  In fact, I bought a custom tux with tails!  It cost for pants, tailcoat, shirt, cumberbund, and bowtie and shipping to the US $400 dollars US which is more expensive than India or China, but I am guessing the quality is better.  Lastly, there was an electronics market!  I guess prices are fairly inexpensive, but you have to haggle.  Someone was telling me that internet prices are now competitive with their prices, so they have suffered a little.  I did not get a chance to go here either.</p>
<p>Okay, so anyway, back to talking about the first shopping street that I went to, Insadong.  Especially during the early evenings, Insadong has a bit of a mysterious feel I thought.  The shops are usually warmly decorated with lots of stained wood and warm incandescent lighting.  There are more touristy things in this area.  Fine pottery, traditional clothing and other things.  Here are two pics and a video.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/insadong.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_insadong.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Insadong street picture" title="Insadong street picture"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/typical-narrow-street-korea.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_typical-narrow-street-korea.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Typical narrow sidestreet off Insadong Street" title="Typical narrow sidestreet off Insadong Street"  /></a></p>
<div class="wpv_videoc">
<div class="wpv_self"><a href="http://www.skarcha.com/wp-plugins/wpvideo/">WPvideo 1.02</a></div>
<div class="wpv_video"><embed style="width:100%; height:100%" id="VideoPlayback" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-903836757114717297&#038;hl=en" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" quality="best" bgcolor="#ffffff" scale="noScale" wmode="window" salign="TL"  FlashVars="playerMode=embedded"> </embed></div>
</div>
<p>Apparently at one point, they were also giving out free hugs in this area as well. <img src='http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':D' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/insadong-hugs.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_insadong-hugs.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Free hugs on Insadong!" title="Free hugs on Insadong!"  /></a></p>
<p>So other things I did included visiting a famous reconstructed palace area,<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyeongbokgung">Gyeongbokgung</a>, that also had a folk museum.  Here are a couple of pics from that.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/korea-castle-entrance.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_korea-castle-entrance.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Entrance to Gyeongbokgung" title="Entrance to Gyeongbokgung"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/korea-in-castle.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_korea-in-castle.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Towards the center of Gyeongbokgung" title="Towards the center of Gyeongbokgung"  /></a></p>
<p>Old style military procession</p>
<div class="wpv_videoc">
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<div class="wpv_video"><embed style="width:100%; height:100%" id="VideoPlayback" align="middle" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=-200369874639833029" allowScriptAccess="sameDomain" quality="best" bgcolor="#ffffff" scale="noScale" wmode="window" salign="TL"  FlashVars="playerMode=embedded"> </embed></div>
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<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/korea-castle-in-folk-museum.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_korea-castle-in-folk-museum.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Scene from classic village in Folk Museum" title="Scene from classic village in Folk Museum"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/korea-old-style-dress.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_korea-old-style-dress.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Old style dress shown in Folk Museum" title="Old style dress shown in Folk Museum"  /></a></p>
<p>Also went salsa dancing in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hongik_University">Hongik University</a> area at a place called Dalia, I think, which was nice.</p>
<p>Also, went to hilltop with nice view of Seoul.  Here is a pic.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/soeul-overview.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_soeul-overview.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="View of Seoul from tall hill with tower" title="View of Seoul from tall hill with tower"  /></a></p>
<p>Some thoughts on Seoul.  People were generally quiet, but friendly.  I guess this is because the people (more the older generation) have been very serious about building up their country which was devastated after WWII.  In fact, they only recently went to a 5 day work week (I assume it was a 6 day work week before).  That is how they have built up their economy so much.</p>
<p>Another fact is a lot of people follow <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confucius">Confucius</a>&#8216; teachings.  To very crudely summarize, he was for moral fiber and gave a hierarchy (husband head of family, etc).  This has had an affect on Korean culture on where woman stand.  It looks like the younger generation of women are starting to pursue careers, etc, but the older generation of men might disapprove of this&#8230;  Here is a quote from Confucius to finish off this blog. <img src='http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':D' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<blockquote><p>
When A Country</p>
<p>When a country is well governed, poverty and a mean condition<br />
are things to be ashamed of. When a country is ill governed,<br />
riches and honor are things to be ashamed of</p></blockquote>
<p>Well, that seems about right, I guess&#8230;  Okay, see y&#8217;all in my Singapore post!
</p>
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		<title>Day 55-63 China</title>
		<link>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=23</link>
		<comments>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=23#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Nov 2006 13:53:27 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>jmdorfman</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Uncategorized</category>
	<category>China</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.iokf.com/world/archives/23</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ah China is a bit different then India.  China is definitely not as conservative and not as poor (at least Shanghai compared to Bangalore).  I can say that Shanghai was a great city except for the pollution which was not as bad as India, but was still bad.
Shanghai felt pretty safe except when [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ah China is a bit different then India.  China is definitely not as conservative and not as poor (at least Shanghai compared to Bangalore).  I can say that Shanghai was a great city except for the pollution which was not as bad as India, but was still bad.</p>
<p>Shanghai felt pretty safe except when I was trying to get a cab late at night from the airport.  This one guy tried to get me in an unmarked &#8220;cab&#8221;.  They may have delivered me to my location, but I pretty sure they were illegal cabbies.  So, I said, no, I was going with a metered taxi.  I managed to get said taxi which they ran ahead to &#8220;refer&#8221; me I believe to try to get a commision out of the cabbie (they argued a bit in Chinese which I could not understand).  Since this cabbie was official and was willing to give me a ride, I took it since there was not another cabbie around.  He delivered me to the hostel safe and sound (whew).</p>
<p>The next day, I slept in and then took a walk on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bund">Bund</a>, the waterfront area.  Here are two pics looking to the other side.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/skyscapers-with-tv.jpg"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_skyscapers-with-tv.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="View out from the Bund next to river of Shanghai skyscrapers" title="View out from the Bund next to river of Shanghai skyscrapers"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/shanghai-skyscrapers.jpg"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_shanghai-skyscrapers.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="Another view from the Bund to the sky scrapers on the other side of the river" title="Another view from the Bund to the sky scrapers on the other side of the river"  /></a></p>
<p>Anyway, the next morning, this guy and I went to Fuxing Park where people do Tai Chi and other stuff in the morning!  Here is a pic and a video of this.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/taichi.jpg"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_taichi.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="People doing Tai Chi in Fuxing Park" title="People doing Tai Chi in Fuxing Park"  /></a></p>
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</div>
<p>This evening (Friday), some of us went out to a jazz club that was interesting, but ended shortly because it took forever to get everyone out.  <img src='http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':D' class='wp-smiley' />   Large groups have much inertia.  From there, it pretty much turned into taking taxies to various places and not finding this other club that we found out later had moved.  Sigh, great fun&#8230;.</p>
<p>Saturday, I went to the old town area of Shanghai with Ed (his picture is coming up).  Here are some pics of the old town.</p>
<p>More touristy / renovated areas of Old town<br />
<a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/shanghai-oldtown.jpg"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_shanghai-oldtown.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="Old town touristy area" title="Old town touristy area"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/park-with-gold-fish.jpg"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_park-with-gold-fish.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="Gold fish in pond of park in old town area" title="Gold fish in pond of park in old town area"  /></a></p>
<p>More &#8220;real&#8221; area of Old town<br />
<a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/old-town-real.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_old-town-real.JPG" width="187" height="250" alt="More "real" area of Old town area" title="More "real" area of Old town area"  /></a></p>
<p>Around that time, we ran into Tess (in upcoming picture) and we all went to see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuyuan_Gardens">Yuyuan Gardens</a> (great park) in Old town.  Here are some pics.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/shanghai-park.jpg"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_shanghai-park.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="Pic from Yuyuan Garden in Old town" title="Pic from Yuyuan Garden in Old town"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/shanghai-park-2.jpg"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_shanghai-park-2.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="Another pic from Yuyuan Garden in Old town" title="Another pic from Yuyuan Garden in Old town"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/park-with-dragon-statue.jpg"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_park-with-dragon-statue.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="Cool dragon's head and tail (follow the top of the wall) in Yuyuan Gardens" title="Cool dragon's head and tail (follow the top of the wall) in Yuyuan Gardens"  /></a></p>
<p>Here is a semi-candid pic (haha) of Ed, from Ireland, (in forground) and Tess, from St. Louis teaching english in China (forget which city).  I probably spent half of my time with them for a couple of days till they left town.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/two-people-walking-with.jpg"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_two-people-walking-with.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="Tess (in white shirt) and Ed" title="Tess (in white shirt) and Ed"  /></a></p>
<p>That night, people from the hostel went out again.  We went to a different jazz bar.  Then we ended up at this all Chinese club called K-Club that was playing what I want to say is typically Chinese techno music.  It was quite a novelty and therefore, great fun.</p>
<p>Other stuff, visited Shanghai&#8217;s large shopping district.  Here is a pic.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/shanghai-walking.jpg"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_shanghai-walking.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="Pedestrian shopping area of Shanghai" title="Pedestrian shopping area of Shanghai"  /></a></p>
<p>Here are some more pics.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/arial-shanghai.jpg"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_arial-shanghai.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="Aerial view from Jinmao Tower" title="Aerial view from Jinmao Tower"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/hotel-shot.jpg"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_hotel-shot.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="Looking down center of massive hotel in Jinmao Tower.  You can see all the levels of the hotel..." title="Looking down center of massive hotel in Jinmao Tower.  You can see all the levels of the hotel..."  /></a></p>
<p>Oh, and I went to Hangzhou, an area famous for its beauty about 3 1/2 hours from Shanghai.  Here are some pics.</p>
<p>Famous temple there (forget name).  There is a buddha inside that is 4-5 stories tall!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/hangzhou-temple.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_hangzhou-temple.JPG" width="187" height="250" alt="Famous Temple in Hangzhou with very large buddha" title="Famous Temple in Hangzhou with very large buddha"  /></a></p>
<p>Here are are some pics of the famous West Lake in Hangzhou.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/hangzhou-lake-2.jpg"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_hangzhou-lake-2.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="Pic of West Lake in Hangzhou" title="Pic of West Lake in Hangzhou"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/hangzhou-lake.jpg"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_hangzhou-lake.jpg" width="250" height="187" alt="Another pic of West Lake in Hangzhou" title="Another pic of West Lake in Hangzhou"  /></a></p>
<p>Lastly, I decided not to get a tuxedo in India because I read on the internet about dubious quality.  It said China was better, but they needed a week.  I did not have time to check right away, so I could not get a tuxedo&#8230;</p>
<p>So, that is all I have time to post.  I just arrived in Australia and am still 2 countries behind in blogging!  Sigh&#8230;</p>
<p>Until the next blog..
</p>
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		<title>Day 50-55 India</title>
		<link>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=22</link>
		<comments>http://www.iokf.com/world/?p=22#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 29 Oct 2006 11:36:12 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>jmdorfman</dc:creator>
		
	<category>Uncategorized</category>
	<category>India</category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.iokf.com/world/archives/22</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Hi everyone,
So here is my account of Bangalore.  First, it took me two days to get to Bangalore since I had to fly through three connections (Tel Aviv - Amman - Delhi - Bangalore).  Once I arrived in the airport, I took a pre-paid taxi to my hostel.  The pre-paid taxi is [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p>So here is my account of Bangalore.  First, it took me two days to get to Bangalore since I had to fly through three connections (Tel Aviv - Amman - Delhi - Bangalore).  Once I arrived in the airport, I took a pre-paid taxi to my hostel.  The pre-paid taxi is more expensive, but is a bit safer for a clueless foreigner that sticks out. <img src='http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> </p>
<p>So, the first thing I noticed about Bangalore is the traffic is insane.  People say China has bad traffic, but that is nothing compared to this.  Basically, the lanes mean nothing.  There are a lot of autorickshaws (small taxis that are sort of like covered tricycles powered by a gocart engine, could probably hit 35 miles an hour I would guess) and mopeds as well as cars and buses.  At stop lights (they do obey those when they are operational), mopeds weave around cars and bunch up as much as possible.  While traffic is moving, people honk all the time to warn anyone just ahead of them (like when a bus is bearing down on a moped).</p>
<p>Almost simultaneously, I noticed the horrible pollution.  In particular, the autorickshaws spew out blue exhaust when they excellerate.  Basically, when traffic is present (which is often), there is a light blue cloud of smoke on the road.</p>
<p>Secondly, India is probably the cheapest place I have been.  My hostel effectively cost just over 2 US dollars a night.  Of course, the water pressure was horrible for a shower (water sort of dribbled out).  Bangalore actually has a big problem with water.  Their water table has dropped 120 meters.</p>
<p>Third, Indians really do rotate their heads side to side (like a clock face rotating back and forth) all the time!  The best I could figure, they sort of do it to indicate that they are finished speaking and waiting for an answer or unsure of the answer they are hearing.</p>
<p>So, due to all the excitement in Jordan and Israel, I relaxed the day I arrived and the next day.  After that, I went to visit Mohatma Ghandi Road ( or MG Road for short ).  Bangalore is described as the IT capital of India, and MG Road is are where the more upscale shops and such are located for the people riding the IT wave.  I felt a bit more comfortable in this area as people did not give a look indicating their wonder at how rich they thought I was (cause I was a westerner) which they did in other areas.  Actually, I did not take any taxis at night or to very unknown areas just in case they would take me someplace to unload my &#8220;riches&#8221;.  <img src='http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif' alt=':D' class='wp-smiley' />   Having said that, everyone I met was very kind.  When there is such a difference in the exchange rate though, I naturally get a little nervous.</p>
<p>Bangalore also has some gardens which I drove past a little.  Unfortunately, I did not really take any pictures of the MG Road or gardens area as it seems few people have digital cameras in India and it would be a bit conspicuous.</p>
<p>But I did take a lot of pictures when I went on a tour to several sites including the city of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mysore">Mysore</a> with the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mysore_Palace">Maharasha&#8217;s palace</a>.  Here is a bit of a rundown of the tour with the pictures.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/bangalore-shot-from-bus.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_bangalore-shot-from-bus.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Shot out of bus in bangalore early in the morning at start of tour" title="Shot out of bus in bangalore early in the morning at start of tour"  /></a></p>
<p>Here are a couple of random pics as the bus traveled to Mysore and back.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/random-shots-to-mysore-1.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_random-shots-to-mysore-1.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Random pic on way to Mysore" title="Random pic on way to Mysore"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/random-shots-to-mysore-2.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_random-shots-to-mysore-2.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Random shot 2 on way to Mysore" title="Random shot 2 on way to Mysore"  /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/random-shots-to-mysore-3.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_random-shots-to-mysore-3.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Random Shot 3 on the way to Mysore" title="Random Shot 3 on the way to Mysore"  /></a></p>
<p>Here is a picture in Mysore.  If you look down the road, you might get a little idea how the traffic works (or doesn&#8217;t) <img src='http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   Although it is not as bad as Bangalore.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/town-shot.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_town-shot.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Pic in Mysore" title="Pic in Mysore"  /></a></p>
<p>Here was a Hindu temple that I saw.  Unfortunately, I could not take pictures inside.  When I went inside, people were praying and doing religious stuff.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/hindu-temple.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_hindu-temple.JPG" width="187" height="250" alt="Hindu temple" title="Hindu temple"  /></a></p>
<p>Here is another Hindu temple that I saw.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/nother-hindu-temple.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_nother-hindu-temple.JPG" width="187" height="250" alt="another Hindu temple" title="another Hindu temple"  /></a></p>
<p>This is a fortress I saw on the way to Mysore.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/old-fortress.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_old-fortress.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Old Fortress on way to Mysore" title="Old Fortress on way to Mysore"  /></a></p>
<p>Below is some sort of Hindu cow / bull god out in the country.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/some_cow.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_some_cow.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Bull / Cow god" title="Bull / Cow god"  /></a></p>
<p>This is the Maharaja&#8217;s palace in Mysore!</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/maharaja-palace.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_maharaja-palace.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="The Maharaja's palace" title="The Maharaja's palace"  /></a></p>
<p>And here is a couple on the tour that I met.  They &#8220;adopted&#8221; me as their son.  For instance, I ate dinner with them on the tour, and they refused to let me pay.  Two of their children go to college in the US.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/indian-couple.JPG"><img src="http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-content/images/_indian-couple.JPG" width="250" height="187" alt="Couple I met on tour to Mysore" title="Couple I met on tour to Mysore"  /></a></p>
<p>So lastly, I have to say that the food in India was excellent!  I did not have that much, but I can saw the curry was amazing.  I also had a dosa ( a fermented rice pancake folded with vegetable filling.  Delicious.</p>
<p>So that is it for that!  I will try to get out my China entry soon &#8217;cause I know I am behind. <img src='http://www.iokf.com/world/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />   I am actually in Seoul right now and will be leaving for Singapore in two days.</p>
<p>G&#8217;day mates.
</p>
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