No bananas for you!

Last week as I prepared to leave Tucuman, Argentina for Salta (en route to Chile), I thought I'd grab some bananas and yogurt for the journey! It looked like a buy 2 get 50% off. I thought I scored a deal. Alas, I somehow misinterpreted the Spanish, even though I'd asked a local if what I read was correct.  I ended up paying full price, with 2 - 1kg bags of yogurt! The lineup was huge - so when the young guy at the cash till looked at me, then looked at my bananas, and said 'no' in an I know better than you manner and shoved them under his counter, I was a bit distraught. I insisted on getting my bananas as the people behind me frowned and laughed. He eventually showed me a bar code, so I realized  he wasnt just going to refer to a binder (as our grocers would to obtain the barcode). I accepted my fate, knowing I would now travel without bananas. I went to what appeared to be a money counting stall before exiting the store, treating it like it were customer service.  I showed the lady my bags of yogurt and gestured for a straw. She politely said it wasnt possible, but then she reached down and grabbed a plastic cup, which I gratefully accepted! Seing how helpful she was, I mimicked my banana dilemma. She had a quick word with the cashier (hopefully I didn't get him in trouble; they were quite busy after all!) And then disappeared, reappearing shortly after with a produce bag around them and a barcode! She gave them to the cashier and then I was on my way!

Sunday March 9th - en route to Ampimpa

A tough ride as expected. A steady climb out of the valley, reaching high temp of at least 36, folllowed by switchback thru the mtn pass with incredible headwinds that could carry me over the cliff! I was on empty; a tamale after my carb/protein drink just wasnt enough to push me through.  When I finally reached Observatrio, we discoveredour trout farm destination was a couple miles in, via a steep rocky road.  Pretty much everyone walked their bikes up, while i used the very last of my reserves to bike up 30% of it. 

The fresh trout and empanada dinner with our host Horhay made it worthwhile, but moreso the beautiful vistas and the fact that we were somewhere no tourist would go or gain access to.

We camped out that night, I managed to get a decent sleep and only woke occassionally hearing the donkys screech across the valley.

 

The next day we would walk our bikes down back to the highway and then ride up to the peak of 3,042m - and see what the other side of the valley would bring.

Day 1 complete! Salta to Coronel Moldes. The start of our Route 68 journey.

Date sent: Tue, Mar 4, 2014 at 11:37 PM (before I got blogging again)
Subject: Day 1 complete! Salta to Coronel Moldes. The start of our Route 68 journey

Today was our first day riding. It was a pretty tiring 67km especially in the afternoon when the Sun was really strong - it hit 33 degrees. A few in the group headed on an "extra" ride to bike the hills around Cabra Corral and the reservoir. I was grabbing a shower to cool down, and get all that sunblock off, and so I missed them.  I decided to be brave and go out on my own - I went probably 10 kilometers through some incredible roads and saw some amazing country residences, but never found them. I turned back early to beat the 8pm sunset and avoid riding in the dark. It was awful - I got chased by numerous dogs while riding it was really scary and made me glad I had my rabies shot!  But nonetheless it wasn't the smartest idea to ride alone because I didn't know exactly where I was headed, I didn't have a phone, a map, money, or a watch, lights or any medicine.  Oh well, next time Ill carry emergency rocks.

We ride again for the next two days and then we get a rest day!

This may have some relevant pics from my lake ride...

https://www.google.ca/search?q=embalse+de+cabra+corral&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=rcEfU9mXCseTkQeqioGQDQ&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1600&bih=837

Attack of the llamas! Windstorm, indigineous infighting, and our 1st day back on our bikes after our well deserved rest day...

Ride 4 complete! 55km with beautiful scenery leaving Cafayete. Entered Tucuman province.

We departed at 1030 since it was thought to be an easy 55km, but we didnt end up getting to our destination until after 4pm, mostly due to flat tires galore caused by cactus needles. We now have to watch where we pull over in the shade, else regularly have to pull them out. We saw a llama en route and it sniffed all of us, but took a particular liking to Kyle, the tallest guy in the group.(see fb pics!)  Tried to do an extra ride to the ruins of quilmes with half he group but it was closed due to political tensions with indigenous ppl. Bad windstorm on the way back but it was only 3km so we survived. Will be having llama empanadas tonight and some humitas too.

The next two days will be tough. Hoping to finally get some sleep tonight.

Attack of the llamas! Windstorm, indigineous infighting, and our 1st day back on our bikes after our well deserved rest day...

Ride 4 complete! 55km with beautiful scenery leaving Cafayete. Entered Tucuman province.

We departed at 1030 since it was thought to be an easy 55km, but we didnt end up getting to our destination until after 4pm, mostly due to flat tires galore caused by cactus needles. We now have to watch where we pull over in the shade, else regularly have to pull them out. We saw a llama en route and it sniffed all of us, but took a particular liking to Kyle, the tallest guy in the group.(see fb pics!)  Tried to do an extra ride to the ruins of quilmes with half he group but it was closed due to political tensions with indigenous ppl. Bad windstorm on the way back but it was only 3km so we survived. Will be having llama empanadas tonight and some humitas too.

The next two days will be tough. Hoping to finally get some sleep tonight.

SF in 60 hours

Although flew in much later than expected, I've made the most of my
1st night. Decided to take the local bus to get downtown. Was a long
ride. Interestingly enough, driver wasn't accepting bus fare from
anyone that day! Stopped for some snaps of city hall on route to
accomodation, which was as ghetto as it gets, on the corner of Larkin
and Ellis in Saigon town. After settling in, decided to walk down
larkin and grabbed some tamarind fish, burmese style rice, and a thai
beer @ burmese kitchen, after buying a homeless dude a cheese danish.
Then headed towards an event called sanfranola (mardi gras in SF) at
Public Works in the Mission area. Wandered all the way to the famous
Alamo square late that night for some wonderful views of SF. We'll see
what adventures I have tomorrow...

Day 2...Took the BART to Embarcadero. Amazed how many people were
lined up for $10 Porchetta sandwiches, and other street fare. Jumped
on the F streetcar; headed to the Alcatraz ferry. Spent an hour on
this little island originally used to protect the bay during civil war
era, should enemies break through the barriers / defenses at the
Golden Gate. Upon heading back to shore, decided to climb the coit
tower where I met a chap (named Joe Canada, interestingly enough). The
climb to the base of the tower was exhausting, so we went up, even
though we knew visibility would be limited with the cloudiness. Made
the trek home by foot after checking out crooked street. Took a quick
breather than headed to Nitelife, at the California Academy of
Sciences. After, walked a mile or two, grabbed the Munibus, and
stopped by the Castro district to take in the night scene, after
having wonderful pizza @ Nizario's. Then headed to Dolores/Mission
park for another stunning skyline view, before heading home.

Day 3...Joe stopped by with his bike so we could do the bike ride
across the Golden Gate, into Saucalito. Within 10 minutes, his locked
up bike was gone! Within 30 minutes, we hustled another bike for him
from some homeless guys. What an interesting morning. The ride to
Saucalito (a beautiful quaint touristy town, much like when leaving
the ferry terminals in Vancouver / Vcr Island) took about 1.5hrs, and
was 13miles. After some ice cream we took the ferry back. Biked to
Chinatown, Yerba Buena Gdns, and to Union Square. Headed to the
King/4st Caltrain terminal and caught the train to Mountainview. Biked
4miles on the Stevens Valley Trail; checking out the last bit of
nature surrounding the bay, with thousands of ducks in the marshes
protecting by the Federal government. Reached Google by 5:30, got a
quick walk through and grabbed some eats from the unlimited
cafeteria's. Left the sprawling google campus and grabbed some thai
food with some Goog techies, then grabbed the last Caltrain @ 10:49
alone, and headed for SF, reaching by 12:01am. Being a Saturday nite,
the streets were packed with partiers.

Day 4...awoke at 6am to pack, and get on the 7:15 airport BART for my
9:15am flight to LA. Bummed around for 2 hours, caught the noon
connection to Calgary, getting in @ 5:15pm. What a long day.

pics to follow!

DIDN'T do:
cable car (overrated?)
eat in chinatown
have tea at Samovar, or coffee at blue bottle
visit SF Moma
De Young museum or its tower
twin peaks
redwoods - eureka

The end of America...

That is, my tour of America.  It ended with a BANG as thunder and lightening and torrential downpours filled the night.  Many in the downtown core trembled as earlier there were reports of a tornado in nearby Springfield, MA.  The loudest bang was beyond anything I ever heard, my first thought was...it was some kind of attack...

Washington and New York were hectic...in the former, hotel availability was impossible due to the start of spring, and graduations.  TIme was tight and distances were long as we ended up staying one night in Alexandria, and on in Springfield (both in Virigina). Checked out the Whitehouse, passed by the Pentagon and Arlington Memorial, and saw the Lincoln Memorial and WWII Memorials.  In New York we lucked out and stayed at a friend of a friends Brownstone in Brooklyn.  We checked out a few clubs (White Rabbit and Sapphire), ate Philly Cheesesteaks, lotsa streetmeat (gyros), and shopped.  Hung out with Farouk and went for Korean fried chicken at a cool place just off Wall Street.  Checked out the Met museum and the Alexander MacQueen collection. Checked out Times Square and Central Park. 

In Boston, ate lotsa Chowda, crabcakes, lobster burger, and other local treats.  Checked out Boston Common, the Statehouse, visited the MIT museum, and did the Harvard Tour.  My trip lasted from May 23, 2011 - June 2, 2011.

NG

The Next Phase...

Mumbai was a blast, stayed in Bandra with Khushnam Polad  for 2 nites (and I now love this song even more! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3VjjFtU-pk ). Went to Elbo Room the first nite with Asa Kumle  (a Norwegian friend I met on the flight from Madrai to Mumbai), and earlier enjoyed having Sev Puri on the street. The three of us checked out Hawaiian Shack the next day - it was great! Retro tunes down, hip hop R&B and bollywood upstairs. Joined Khush for some Tai Chi type work out.

watched Yamla Pagla Deewana in Pune, Dhobi Ghat in Hyderabad, and Biutiful in Mumbai.  All were good!

Got into London at 7am, hadn't slept on the flight, but anyways went to Buzz Asia party at Metra (Leicester Square) with Aliza P, and didn't get to bed till 4:45am...who said adults make smart choices?  Hadn't slept the previous nite either as we were at Hawaiian Shack. Checked out London Dungeon today. Tomorrow we'll celebrate Duri and Faizal's bdays here in Surrey.

NAH

Shri Chitra Ayurhome, near Thrissur, Kerala

Last night (Friday Feb 4th), took a cruise down the backwaters from our hotel, Taj Gateway. Was feeling quesy from a day in the sun (checked out a few 16th century Portuguese/Dutch churches and walked around Fort Cochin, and learned the history of the Chinese, spice trade, etc of the region), so missed the cultural performances at the hotel. Then jumped in the car for a 2hr ride to Thrissur. We reached by 11pm and took rest.  The next day was filled with interesting experiences which I'll elaborate on at some point - a 45min medicated buttermilk treatment (which could be mistaken for water torture!) along with a coconut oil massage (had to get rid of ALL the clothes but they were so kind to fasten a kind of groincloth around me!) which involved 2 therapists massaging simultaneously. The tough part was it was on a wood bed, slightly uncomfortable at times...(Pathi is the name of the Indian tree it's from). Then had a steam treatment to wrap it up.  Quite amazing actually, all the things included with a stay at centers like these.  On the 3rd (Day 1 of Cochin), we checked out Nimmy Paul's cooking class, and got a great taste of South India thereafter (Kingfish, a GIANT prawn, 

I'm looking forward to reconnecting with the parents in Periyar in 2 days time, to go on the Tiger safari.

Sorry if that was too detailed!

Nah

Golconda Fort, Char Minar

Mon Jan 31st. update DAY 14

Checked out Golconda Fort today (google it and see some amazing images!!!!).

Only a few more days in this hectic ancient city, then it's off to the backwaters of Kerala,

a Tiger reserve, some amazing temples, ayurveda massage, and 5 star luxury! My friend who

is a Dr of Ayurveda, yoga, etc has promised private lessons in yoga and will eventually start

her own Ayurvedic resort in Dubai, inshallah. Yesterday, I met with a former classmate of my

fathers son, and his wife, who happen to be residing in Hyderabad.

Salar Jung was quite something - the largest private collection in the world! Unfortunately the jewels

(which easily rival the Crown Jewels of England) were not on display. Also visited Char Minar which is

in the old town - very polluted, impoverished, and noisy (moreso than other parts of town, if that's possible)

Thurs Jan 27th India update DAY 10

Arrived in Hyderabad the night of the 23rd. It's mostly been shopping,
facials, etc for mum. But yesterday was Republic Day so we spent the
day at the boys hostel setup by Gulamhussein Bapa (my dadabapa's
brother), which about 6yrs ago was taken over by AKES. It's an amazing
place, where so many underpriviledged kids from Gujarat, Nagpur, AP
etc have had their futures brightened. They have big plans for the
site, which is on some very valuable land, as across the board land is
appreciating rapidly in India, perhaps coinciding with their high
inflation rates. We also visited a new colony, called Green Estate
Cooperative, (built on the site of the Hyderabad 2006 Deedar, where as
many as 150,000 murids participated) where about 800 Ismaili families
will eventually reside. Traffic is intense especially in the Char
Minar area which I haven't yet made it to on this trip. We did make it
to Hussain Sagar Lake, where a large Buddha is erected. Will visit
the magnificent Nizam's Jewels (Salar Jung Museum) tomorrow.

In Pune I got an opportunity to attend a wedding which was great! I
also visited some local hill stations, including Mahabaleshwar and
Paanchgani. Visited the Fidai (boys) hostel in the latter which was an
amazing place with a lot of history. Spent some time with Doorstep
Schools, an organization that ensures transient families who work on
construction sites still have access to education for their children.

I am ready to get out of Hyderabad and can't wait for back water
houseboating, the Tiger Reserve visit and the rest of South.

Pune -city of schools and military

Hello all, 
I am back in Pune.  Just visited the Aga Khan Museum which is magnificent but sadly under resourced or mismanaged or both. Specifically all the wonderful photos of Gandhji and related artifacts are falling apart, and some pictures even rest on the floor.  I have to prepare for a wedding reception which I got an impromptu invite yesterday.

I left Toronto Jan 16 9pm, landed in London 9am, departed 1hr late at 11am, and reached my hotel in Mumbai at almost 3am on Tuesday Jan 18, 2011. Departed for Pune on the 5pm train after some napping, wandering with a NY girl I met, and a McAloo Tiki, Paneer Wrap, and Fanta float. Yesterday after sorting out my cell phone, I visited Doorstep Schools, an innovative program to ensure all youngsters, even those who live at construction sites, have a chance at an education. On the way back I performed the pilgrimage to my alma matter (sorta), Pune University.  Oh, how it has changed!  I then went to Royal Orchid Central for dinner over ghazals, then to Dhuaa, a late nite shisha joint where the many students in this town spend their late nites.

Hopefully will share more from Hyderabad.

Naheed  

Chicago...story in pictures!

 

What a great city!  Definitely worth a visit.

 

The architecture, history, culture, and cuisine all make this a world class city.  Blues music, the skyscrapers, the Bean, the Stock/Commodities Exchanges, the Chicago Cultural Center, skating @ Millenium Park, the L train, Grand Lux Cafe, the malls of the Magnificent Mile, etc were all fun to check out.

Here are some picture hilites.

Northern Pakistan 2007

Let me know what you think!

 

Taken with a basic digital camera.

 

We can see the treacherous road conditions, the dedication to the Imam, and the vast beauty of the region.

 

 

 

profile on the AKFC site

Just found myself on slide 32
http://www.akfc.ca/join-us/international-development.html#IMM

Mozambique's history in brief

Independence in 1975 (after 11yr war to boot the Portuguese)
75-92 Civil War
83 Socialism's failure acknowledged
86 Samora's (Prime Minister) plane crashes suspiciously
95 many displaced persons (internal and external) returned home

Angola
Also gained independence in 1975
30 yr civil war ended in 2002

Watched Avatar last night at Club Naval (the more expensive extension to Pemba Beach Resort, where ironically, there's no beach). The movie brings up some important discussion topics relating to refugees, colonialisation, resource use, etc. Sadly with Africa, the wars for independence have not been as quick as in Avatar!  Will we continue to pilfer the world's resources and plunge places into war by placing profits over people?  Tonight at Russell's they're playing Brothers, which I've seen, but will attend anyways to pass time.

Had an interesting meeting with AKF this morning, to discuss cooperating on initiatives relating to supporting silversmiths, craftspeople, and farmers producing cash crops like sesame. Would be great to see continued collaboration.

rant

weekend was fun as i live in the cool part of town now (the beach) and went snorkeling which was great; i'll go back this weekend.  however i haven't had running water for a week which is kinda annoying, and then this AM my power credit got used up, just to make life more difficult (I assumed it was just the usual power outage, but at 6am the guarda was rapping on my window to wake and inform me).  Then my empregada (cleaner) had to leave town as her niece died (i think; am never sure with the language barrier), then my security guard had to go to the hospital as his sister was in a traffic accident and got transferred to the provincial hospital here in pemba.  All sorts of crap to deal with!  So didn't reach work until after 9:30am.  as for the motorbike i was trying to buy last week, the goddamn place couldn't accept my visa, mastercard, or debit, so prob have to go to the bank machine and draw 5 times, if they have the cash that is. And I probably get stupid exchange rates.

Re: pics - from my phone

I swear, it was the Kenyan National Bug

pics - from my phone

1) The annoying beach boys - perhaps a good way to practice my golf swing
2) Can u imagine the fallout if it said 'white supremacy'! (Mombasa)
3) I guess in Kenya also 'summer never ends' (Summer Slam is every Friday) (Mombasa)
4) at a public washroom near Nairobi train station. dammit, i wanted to wash my chicken.
5) Pemba beaches are beautiful, but outside the beaches the lack of trash collection system is terrible. Sadly, a homeless guy dived in (scared me) seconds after I took this shot.
6) if interested, i have a contact in NBI

a reef? right in front of my house?

I'm going to be bored outta my mind on wkds. They're like a never-ending beach vacation!

This wkd was good as this Sunday AM did some amazing snorkeling!
Cost me $6 (a tip)! The reef is right in front of my place during low tide! Cut up my hands and legs a bit on the coral

as it comes right up to the surface. This was more fun then those expensive touristy trips - like when I snorkeled in Bahamas in 2009 or scuba'd in zanzibar in July. It was just so effortless - no prep required, just grab the snorkel and 15mins later you are enjoying the ocean.

On prev wkds I'd wonder town and pass time with the Ismaili community including

my roomates and their friends and wondering town. Now that I live on the beach,I'm constantly harrased
by beach boys, but I'm kinda in the coolest part of pemba. On Sunday's,

U can hardly see the beach in front of me its so crowded!

Since coming back to Pemba on Tuesday I've had a bad on and off cold - probably due to being around sick people, the climate change from Nairobi, and due to going from a/c to scorching heat in Pemba. Somehow found some Cogoni Jivan Sanjivani in Mombasa whilst shopping for spices, so a little addicted to that along with my little vicks inhaler as some of you always see me with.

a love hate relationship.

I'm glad to be back in Pemba. A new house, a refreshed mind, a/c in the office. The hot weather is not so different from Mombasa. I can get used to the sun setting at 5pm.

But alas. No water in the new place. It's being resolved I am told. We will see.  Nothing reminds us how fortunate we are than having to use buckets of water - for showering, washing dishes, washing your face, brushing your teeth, etc.  And spending a whole afternoon trying to buy a motorbike - after asking them to prepare it yesterday,  I arrived today just before their two hour lunch break - they insisted I come back. Finally it was ready - but the municipal office, I found out, closes at 3pm. And a Swiss friend insisted, since police here don't hesitate to shoot, evident by the riots in Maputo only a few months earlier, I don't try to get away with riding without proper registrations!

So what was Kenya like? Spent some time on the beaches, visited other AKFC Fellows, visited 94yr old bapa (enjoyed learning about the family history in East Africa), attending JK, visiting First MicroBank Nairobi, trying to arrange a meeting with CARE, checking out the restaurants and night life, and seeing Kenya by train (Tsavo). The mild weather in Nairobi was brilliant. I can definitely say it's a city I could live in - but that's easy to say being based in Pemba!