Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Motorbikes, oh my!

How do you have as much fun as possible in the Philippines? Rent a motorbike! I didn't drive one, but I had a blast sinking my claws into Zach's back as he maneuvered around tight turns and peeled out parking lots. We rented the bikes for two days as we toured Bohol- land of the Tarsiers. 

Ready to go!
Close up of the notorious Bohol Banditos Bike Gang.
Stopped for gas and discovered another use for Coca Cola bottles.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Kawasan Falls

One of the first places we visited was a little piece of paradise called Kawasan Falls. We spent the day there swimming and playing in waterfalls. We had a great time!

In a jeepney on the way to the falls.
Kawasan Falls
Just chillin' under a waterfall.
The manager of the tables enjoying a cigarette. 

Monday, January 23, 2012

The Beach Bum Life

Over the winter break, Zach and I traveled to the Philippines islands to escape cold and rainy Chengdu. We got exactly what we were looking for- blue skies and sun, lazy days on the beach, time with friends, etc. It was an awesome trip!

We found the perfect hammock for reading by the shore.
Super tricked-out trike.
First view of the beach.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

A New Year

So, I've taken quite the break from the blog, but with all the chaos of the end of the fall semester, traveling over the break, and starting school up again over, I hope to be a little more consistent... yes, I know you've heard that before. I've sorted through the Philippines photos and will be posting them in the next few days! Please check back again soon!

Here's some photos from last night's celebration. We spent it on a friend's rooftop patio overlooking the city. Check out all the fireworks in the background! Chinese New Year was a blast!

A little too close for comfort-
don't stand too close to the edge!
Here's what a firework looks like from the 17th floor- eye level! 
Not even midnight yet!
Happy Dragon Year!

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Chun Jie Kuai Le!

Happy Year of the Water Dragon! Wishing you all the very best from Chengdu! 

This video was taken by Ben at the TaZiShan Temple Fair.
How'd you like some fireworks in your face?

Friday, December 30, 2011

Happy Holidays!

Zach and I are wrapping up our two weeks in the Philippines with a New Year's celebration tonight! I have had an amazing time here! As soon as I get back to Chengdu, I will upload our pictures and share some highlights from the trip with y'all! Looking forward to 2012!

Strikin' a holiday pose at the Shangri La- Cebu! 
Preview Photo: Motorbikes in Bohol!
(video to come)

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Trip to Computer City

Guest post here from Zach.

Last week I traveled to Chengdu's Computer City to buy a computer monitor and cord for home. When I got home I realized that I should have documented the trip. So this morning I charged up the digital camera and retraced my steps.

Computer City is a giant four story building where people sell, build, and fix computers, cameras, stereos, and more. Amazingly, there are two stores across the street from each other and Chengdu has four total!

First I went to check out the previously owned electronics in the market next door.


I walked through a mall that apparently was inspired by this scene from Blues Brothers.


After much searching, I finally found the used electronic section. It had hundreds of stores competing in computer stacking and hoarding.

Where are all the customers?

Proud computer hoarder

After awhile, I decided it would be better to buy new things, so I headed over to the real Computer City next door where they sell the exact same stuff.

Despite the abundance of electronics for sale, I could not find the cord I was looking for. When I told an employee what I wanted, he disappeared for about five minutes and returned with exactly what I needed. I can only guess he built the cord himself in back.

Probably not the same guy, but a very similar looking guy helped me find the special cord I was looking for.

Can you imagine the Best Buy salesman soldering circuits for digital cameras at his desk?

The finished product at home: