A clarification: Pat is back to being normal, and being normal means an endless number of tormenting jokes not having been done/told over the past few days have come to kick Sasha in the ass in ten-folds. She liked him better when he was too drained to speak.
Before going into details of the whereabouts, we'd like to, especially Sasha, thank Abbey Mahon for making sure that our apartment hasn't been burnt down and collecting important mail - what an angel! Pat's brother Ryan thought someone had broken into the apartment, but everything is cool - and Abbey; you should stop by and say hello!
We bussed down to Rishikesh from Mcleodganj, for 12 hours, at night, on a narrow dirt road, in the mountains (serpentines), while it was pissing down rain and thundering hard. Oh, did we mention that our bus didn't have any windshield wipers? Well, it didn't. At least the bus made it on time - point A and B. That was a first.
3 hours into the trip, the bus took a break and we headed for the lavatories. In India the 'squat-toilet' (google it) is the most common way of doing one's private business - or in the open nature. As westerners, we prefer a bit of privacy no matter how tempting it is to just whip it out. Pat saw several kids pissing on the train tracks in public and immediately added this on his 'India things to do list'.
Anywho, Sasha went in to do her thing and with horror feces started to bubble up from the hole.
to be continued
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Oopsie Poopsie!
This is no laughing matter but 48 hours ago Pat was vomiting uncontrollably every 5-10 minutes for 12 hours straight. We were staying at a cheap but overpriced hotel considering the broken down toilet, planks for beds, and loose bowel colored walls which Sasha believes only contributed more to Pat's ill-being...we left them a little surprise, so I guess we got our moneys worth :)
Pat: What exactly happened I'm not entirely positive, other than I ate something I shouldn't have. I do believe it could have been a overpriced bean wrap, but I'm not positive so there will be legal recourse. Anyhow, I had a quick nap and woke up for dinner with Sasha and next thing I noticed I was getting sick...
Basically anything that I put in myself for the next 12 hours came out more north than south... The lucky bastard I am (Sasha wrote that), my beautiful, charming, kind, loving (Sasha edited some of this), and simply amazing girl friend (wife to Muslims and traditional Hindu families that we met/meet) ensured that I got the proper medical help I needed. Because I was so thirsty, I began to dream about water. I think I even pledged myself to water conservation to God if I could have a glass of water. I did look like a small ancient raisin man.
Thus, I was at the hospital 8 am sharp. The hospital that we went to was set up by the Italian government and was largely ran by a Tibetan staff. In no time, I was treated by a lovely Tibetan nurse who screamed "Relax! Reeelax!" at me every time I sat. God I love Water right now. I have to be honest, I know that I've said some cold things about the entire Tibetan independence movement, but the people here have been really kind to us and we couldn't be anymore thankful to the nurses that helped me out.
For the next couple days we have to stick around here just to make sure that we killed the bug that I got. The doctor believes it could be Amoeba - a horror story shared already by Ross, an extremely charming South African that spoke fluent German and liked to get drunk and fight neo-Nazis. After we figure this out, we'll be back on the road and enjoying solid foods/shits!
ps. photos are finally up on Sasha's Facebook after several trial and errors of multiple Internet cafes.
Love
Pat and Sasha
Pat: What exactly happened I'm not entirely positive, other than I ate something I shouldn't have. I do believe it could have been a overpriced bean wrap, but I'm not positive so there will be legal recourse. Anyhow, I had a quick nap and woke up for dinner with Sasha and next thing I noticed I was getting sick...
Basically anything that I put in myself for the next 12 hours came out more north than south... The lucky bastard I am (Sasha wrote that), my beautiful, charming, kind, loving (Sasha edited some of this), and simply amazing girl friend (wife to Muslims and traditional Hindu families that we met/meet) ensured that I got the proper medical help I needed. Because I was so thirsty, I began to dream about water. I think I even pledged myself to water conservation to God if I could have a glass of water. I did look like a small ancient raisin man.
Thus, I was at the hospital 8 am sharp. The hospital that we went to was set up by the Italian government and was largely ran by a Tibetan staff. In no time, I was treated by a lovely Tibetan nurse who screamed "Relax! Reeelax!" at me every time I sat. God I love Water right now. I have to be honest, I know that I've said some cold things about the entire Tibetan independence movement, but the people here have been really kind to us and we couldn't be anymore thankful to the nurses that helped me out.
For the next couple days we have to stick around here just to make sure that we killed the bug that I got. The doctor believes it could be Amoeba - a horror story shared already by Ross, an extremely charming South African that spoke fluent German and liked to get drunk and fight neo-Nazis. After we figure this out, we'll be back on the road and enjoying solid foods/shits!
ps. photos are finally up on Sasha's Facebook after several trial and errors of multiple Internet cafes.
Love
Pat and Sasha
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Dharamsala
Well we haven't actually seen him, but he's our neighbor. No. Not Santa, but the next best thing - the Dalai Lama.
Although, the truth of the matter is that I don't frankly have much sympathy for the Tibetan struggle. I do not ignore the tremendous human suffering that has been inflicted upon these people, I simply just do not get into the game of slogans and t-shirts that are more of a fashion statement. I would also like to add that one should be highly critical of the attempts of neo-conservatives and other nutters to use Tibet to simply attack China while simultaneously ignoring the suffering of groups, like the people of Chechnya because they do not uphold to the superficial mantel of Gandhi, King, and Mandela. I believe there is an artificial notion that Tibetans are somehow superior to any other displaced people, but that is just bullshit and a cliche. If we go by the simple assumption that all human suffering is equal and must be prevented, then would it not make sense to privilege those that hold the greatest potential to be prevented? Upon that assumption, the growing strength and clot of the Chinese government would not be the settings for a potential shift in human rights policy. So, if you care more about human rights and less about t-shirts, then look elsewhere to make a change.
Any-who, this political shift in our blog (this is not to imply in anyway that Sasha either endorses this view or supported me even writing it) is reflective of the city we are in now. We're taking a break from going from one city to another in favor of just chilling out for a couple days. As a result, we're doing some reading and eating well. Our room is a couple hundred RB cheaper then most of the places we've stayed in because it isn't in a major city, so we're doing a little more stuff. I'm finally reading Said's Orientalism and, I think, Sasha is reading some Richler.
It is an interesting city to be in because there is a lot more tourists here. After three weeks of playing the game of "I spy white people outside a hostel", there's a great abundance of them here. Sadly as a result of the high number of white people we now forgo the customary "hello" and possible conversation that follows for being such a small minority. Equally so, we've not been regularly asked for either hugs, handshakes, or have our photos taken from different people. In sum, it is a little lonely to be honest. So when we return to Canada, we're undertaking a massive campaign to bring back the Seinfeld idea of having people wear name-tags so they can greet each other and say, "hello". We believe this will create a more friendly and homely Canada.
Love
Pat and Sasha
Although, the truth of the matter is that I don't frankly have much sympathy for the Tibetan struggle. I do not ignore the tremendous human suffering that has been inflicted upon these people, I simply just do not get into the game of slogans and t-shirts that are more of a fashion statement. I would also like to add that one should be highly critical of the attempts of neo-conservatives and other nutters to use Tibet to simply attack China while simultaneously ignoring the suffering of groups, like the people of Chechnya because they do not uphold to the superficial mantel of Gandhi, King, and Mandela. I believe there is an artificial notion that Tibetans are somehow superior to any other displaced people, but that is just bullshit and a cliche. If we go by the simple assumption that all human suffering is equal and must be prevented, then would it not make sense to privilege those that hold the greatest potential to be prevented? Upon that assumption, the growing strength and clot of the Chinese government would not be the settings for a potential shift in human rights policy. So, if you care more about human rights and less about t-shirts, then look elsewhere to make a change.
Any-who, this political shift in our blog (this is not to imply in anyway that Sasha either endorses this view or supported me even writing it) is reflective of the city we are in now. We're taking a break from going from one city to another in favor of just chilling out for a couple days. As a result, we're doing some reading and eating well. Our room is a couple hundred RB cheaper then most of the places we've stayed in because it isn't in a major city, so we're doing a little more stuff. I'm finally reading Said's Orientalism and, I think, Sasha is reading some Richler.
It is an interesting city to be in because there is a lot more tourists here. After three weeks of playing the game of "I spy white people outside a hostel", there's a great abundance of them here. Sadly as a result of the high number of white people we now forgo the customary "hello" and possible conversation that follows for being such a small minority. Equally so, we've not been regularly asked for either hugs, handshakes, or have our photos taken from different people. In sum, it is a little lonely to be honest. So when we return to Canada, we're undertaking a massive campaign to bring back the Seinfeld idea of having people wear name-tags so they can greet each other and say, "hello". We believe this will create a more friendly and homely Canada.
Love
Pat and Sasha
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
In Amritsar, Punjab, the best state of all. For those who give the little people in the shadow a chance, The Golden Temple is an absolute must. It's beauty is modest and intricate - much like the Taj Mahal. What makes this temple all the more impressive is it's massive bling-bling dome.
On our train ride to Amritsar we met two Indian fellows - the names were a bit difficult to remember, so we gave them good old English names that sounded most like their real names; Rupert and Richard. They preferred it over Kumar 1 & Kumar 2.
Pat and I were planning to hang around the Golden Temple for the day but ended up at the Pakistani border to witness the Indian and Pakistani government change flags.
Will follow up on this soon, we both had an eventful but exhausting day. Time to hit the zzz's.
Love
Pat and Sash
On our train ride to Amritsar we met two Indian fellows - the names were a bit difficult to remember, so we gave them good old English names that sounded most like their real names; Rupert and Richard. They preferred it over Kumar 1 & Kumar 2.
Pat and I were planning to hang around the Golden Temple for the day but ended up at the Pakistani border to witness the Indian and Pakistani government change flags.
Will follow up on this soon, we both had an eventful but exhausting day. Time to hit the zzz's.
Love
Pat and Sash
Friday, May 14, 2010
Winkie in Pinky
That means Patrick is in Jaipur - the Pink City. It's his mother's pet name for him, and now you all know!
The hostel we are staying at is phenomenal, by far the best one we've stayed at so far. Though the owner, Devendra was unwilling to bargain, we have been tremendously content with the service. The owner has been very helpful in suggesting us places to go and our new favourite restaurant,the Mahon, and the only one we have eaten at so far 4 meals in total. To be honest, we tried to find another restaurant to diversify but we just ended up at the same restaurant in another part of town. The restaurant name was written in Hindi! Pat is in heaven becuase it's vegetarian,and it's all Dal - lentil stuff.
As I (Pat) went into the bedroom last night, I noticed a little black thing moving in my bathroom. We're not sure if it was a large mouse or a small rat, but according to one theory it was a rat because of the length of its tail. Of course I informed the owner, who in turn took care of the issue quickly and wiped of the bill for one beer and gave another beer for free. Sadly, as Sasha and myself are like 12 year-olds, we struggled with our first one, so we have a nice warm beer for the trip tomorrow. It should be noted that one King Fisher beer is 1L, so we're not entirely pathetic.
Back to Jaipur - the markets/bazaars. The most organized chaos to date. Sasha nearly bumped into a camel while walking on a side street, and that's just a fraction of what else goes on in that area. We're looking forward to our next trip back to pick up some gifts for the families and friends back home.
We appologize for making India sound like shit. It isn't at all. It is beautiful, but within that beauty there is something very challenging. You have to become used to people trying to rip you off and you have to understand there is no end to animals (and their shit) on the street. There is also more poverty than you can ever shake a stick at. Within all this, there remains a highly exciting environment and more than enough beauty to counter all the negatives. Contrary to the tropes about Indians, they are very charming, fun, and willing to have a laugh at both yours and their expense, excluding matters of cricket. So, you simply have to accept the shortcomings and understand that India is still evolving from a third world status. If you can do such, with no doubt you'll see a country unlike anything that we've (and most likely yourself too)have ever experienced in our lives.
Sadly, it is our last night with Mark. We part on the morrow, as sadly he's going back to Ireland and we cannot deny we're heartbroken. How do you replace a man who took a 26 hour bus ride because he thought it would be more interesting than a 1 1/2 hour flight or has eaten everything close to shit in the entire Indian diet? We just don't know! Mark, we love you!
We love you all
Sasha and Pat
PS. Don't shave your head unless your father is dead if you're coming to India, as you might be acosted for it, as Mark was. And he hates India just a little more each day. No worries, we love it.
The hostel we are staying at is phenomenal, by far the best one we've stayed at so far. Though the owner, Devendra was unwilling to bargain, we have been tremendously content with the service. The owner has been very helpful in suggesting us places to go and our new favourite restaurant,the Mahon, and the only one we have eaten at so far 4 meals in total. To be honest, we tried to find another restaurant to diversify but we just ended up at the same restaurant in another part of town. The restaurant name was written in Hindi! Pat is in heaven becuase it's vegetarian,and it's all Dal - lentil stuff.
As I (Pat) went into the bedroom last night, I noticed a little black thing moving in my bathroom. We're not sure if it was a large mouse or a small rat, but according to one theory it was a rat because of the length of its tail. Of course I informed the owner, who in turn took care of the issue quickly and wiped of the bill for one beer and gave another beer for free. Sadly, as Sasha and myself are like 12 year-olds, we struggled with our first one, so we have a nice warm beer for the trip tomorrow. It should be noted that one King Fisher beer is 1L, so we're not entirely pathetic.
Back to Jaipur - the markets/bazaars. The most organized chaos to date. Sasha nearly bumped into a camel while walking on a side street, and that's just a fraction of what else goes on in that area. We're looking forward to our next trip back to pick up some gifts for the families and friends back home.
We appologize for making India sound like shit. It isn't at all. It is beautiful, but within that beauty there is something very challenging. You have to become used to people trying to rip you off and you have to understand there is no end to animals (and their shit) on the street. There is also more poverty than you can ever shake a stick at. Within all this, there remains a highly exciting environment and more than enough beauty to counter all the negatives. Contrary to the tropes about Indians, they are very charming, fun, and willing to have a laugh at both yours and their expense, excluding matters of cricket. So, you simply have to accept the shortcomings and understand that India is still evolving from a third world status. If you can do such, with no doubt you'll see a country unlike anything that we've (and most likely yourself too)have ever experienced in our lives.
Sadly, it is our last night with Mark. We part on the morrow, as sadly he's going back to Ireland and we cannot deny we're heartbroken. How do you replace a man who took a 26 hour bus ride because he thought it would be more interesting than a 1 1/2 hour flight or has eaten everything close to shit in the entire Indian diet? We just don't know! Mark, we love you!
We love you all
Sasha and Pat
PS. Don't shave your head unless your father is dead if you're coming to India, as you might be acosted for it, as Mark was. And he hates India just a little more each day. No worries, we love it.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Taj and 10-year-olds
We are now in Agra (think Taj Mahal).
We got out of Kashmir with our traveling partner Mark (6ft 3", possible IRA member) nearly kicking the shit out of our houseboat owner, which resulted in possible terrorist attack upon us. We yield and left for Agra. Anywho, check out Kashmir because like Papa says "you will lav my Kashmiri country, you will lav my Dal Lake, and my sufism".
Papa is of course the heroin addict, alcoholic, Kashmiri nationalist, and lover of Allah and his prophet. We stayed at his cottage for 3 nights. Though the sites were undoubtedly breath-taking, this potentially could be the most screwed up experience of our lives. None-the-less, everyone should check out Kashmir and have one complimentary stay at Papa and his family's home, on Pat's dollar. Your junk is not included, but we're positive that Papa can recommend you to a highly regarded dealer and we're sure that one of his two deaf sons will guide you there safe and sound to the place of pick-up.
In all seriousness, Kashmir is beautiful and the vast majority of people are some of the most charismatic and kind people you'll ever come across.
We are now in Agra, and it is hotter than Mother Africa. The city is calm because it's no longer tourist season here in contrast to the other places we've been so far. SIDE NOTE: driving in India is like playing Mario Kart but instead you can win driving backwards and you'll have to watch out for the cows. Today, we got up at 5 am to witness the sunrise at the Taj Mahal. It is a truly remarkable achievement for the era and is one of the few places that belong on Pat's 7 wonders of the world, which includes the most wonderful and missed of all, Cafe Myriad.
Watching Pat in a heated and failed negotiation with a 10 year old over 30 INR (about 75 cents CDN) for a t-shirt with the Indian flag printed on was wonderful. After the failed break-down, he proceeded to the neighbouring store where he purchased it for his desired price of 75 INR ($1.50 CDN) and then informed the little 10 year old shit (Pat writing) what a fabulous deal he got. Screw You Kumar (Pat still writing).
Sasha got a wicked deck of cards (erotic statues of Kajuraho), in a respectful and no hassle fashion. Very satisfied.
Love love love
Off to Jaipur tomorrow, the Pink City awaits us!
ps. post cards coming your way soon.
We got out of Kashmir with our traveling partner Mark (6ft 3", possible IRA member) nearly kicking the shit out of our houseboat owner, which resulted in possible terrorist attack upon us. We yield and left for Agra. Anywho, check out Kashmir because like Papa says "you will lav my Kashmiri country, you will lav my Dal Lake, and my sufism".
Papa is of course the heroin addict, alcoholic, Kashmiri nationalist, and lover of Allah and his prophet. We stayed at his cottage for 3 nights. Though the sites were undoubtedly breath-taking, this potentially could be the most screwed up experience of our lives. None-the-less, everyone should check out Kashmir and have one complimentary stay at Papa and his family's home, on Pat's dollar. Your junk is not included, but we're positive that Papa can recommend you to a highly regarded dealer and we're sure that one of his two deaf sons will guide you there safe and sound to the place of pick-up.
In all seriousness, Kashmir is beautiful and the vast majority of people are some of the most charismatic and kind people you'll ever come across.
We are now in Agra, and it is hotter than Mother Africa. The city is calm because it's no longer tourist season here in contrast to the other places we've been so far. SIDE NOTE: driving in India is like playing Mario Kart but instead you can win driving backwards and you'll have to watch out for the cows. Today, we got up at 5 am to witness the sunrise at the Taj Mahal. It is a truly remarkable achievement for the era and is one of the few places that belong on Pat's 7 wonders of the world, which includes the most wonderful and missed of all, Cafe Myriad.
Watching Pat in a heated and failed negotiation with a 10 year old over 30 INR (about 75 cents CDN) for a t-shirt with the Indian flag printed on was wonderful. After the failed break-down, he proceeded to the neighbouring store where he purchased it for his desired price of 75 INR ($1.50 CDN) and then informed the little 10 year old shit (Pat writing) what a fabulous deal he got. Screw You Kumar (Pat still writing).
Sasha got a wicked deck of cards (erotic statues of Kajuraho), in a respectful and no hassle fashion. Very satisfied.
Love love love
Off to Jaipur tomorrow, the Pink City awaits us!
ps. post cards coming your way soon.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
We're sorry Kashmir
Pat's mother told him not to be rude and he is sorry. I told him so.
Kashmir is the most beautiful place one can imagine. Pat and I have both been around to some of the most beautiful cities in the world, but we've never seen anything quite like this. We're surrounded by misty mountains and the breath-taking Dal Lake. The family we are staying with are too nice, but keep on trying to make us stay in Kashmir for an additional 3 weeks... but that's cool. Just chasing the dollar. Before our flight to India, I made somewhat of a promise to Pat that I'd stop eating meat during our time in India. This hasn't worked out. The mutton lamb is to die for. Sorry Pat. It's okay Sasha, I can tell you're in meat heaven.
Kashmir is the most beautiful place one can imagine. Pat and I have both been around to some of the most beautiful cities in the world, but we've never seen anything quite like this. We're surrounded by misty mountains and the breath-taking Dal Lake. The family we are staying with are too nice, but keep on trying to make us stay in Kashmir for an additional 3 weeks... but that's cool. Just chasing the dollar. Before our flight to India, I made somewhat of a promise to Pat that I'd stop eating meat during our time in India. This hasn't worked out. The mutton lamb is to die for. Sorry Pat. It's okay Sasha, I can tell you're in meat heaven.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Live from Kashmir and other dangerous zones
The following are all lies
1) Patrick has a beautiful tan
2) Sasha doesn't look like she just bombed a Moscow subway
We're having a great time here in what the Indians call "Paradise on Earth". We can actually see the sky, unlike Delhi. Delhi was a grand time and we saw lots of penis. And of course, plenty of historical sites and such. India has been treating us well so far and we're starting to get use to the smell of piss and curry. A lovely mix indeed. Our main concern above all else though is to get a copy of Cosmogramma in the earliest movement. Clearly, I (Patrick) wrote that.
Love you all
Sasha and Pat ;)
1) Patrick has a beautiful tan
2) Sasha doesn't look like she just bombed a Moscow subway
We're having a great time here in what the Indians call "Paradise on Earth". We can actually see the sky, unlike Delhi. Delhi was a grand time and we saw lots of penis. And of course, plenty of historical sites and such. India has been treating us well so far and we're starting to get use to the smell of piss and curry. A lovely mix indeed. Our main concern above all else though is to get a copy of Cosmogramma in the earliest movement. Clearly, I (Patrick) wrote that.
Love you all
Sasha and Pat ;)
Sunday, May 2, 2010
safe and sound pt 1
We are in the Netherlands and not high! That's a first for most tourists! We tried to squeeze in a quick visit to any city outside of Amsterdam. Of course, this is not implying that we were going to do such a thing... maybe a tranny for Sasha, but nothing more! And for Pat... a tranny too. Instead, we'll have to settle for over priced airport food and sleepiness. But what the hey, we'll be in India in no time. .
Anyways, we love you all and happy birthday to Chloe
Anyways, we love you all and happy birthday to Chloe
Saturday, May 1, 2010
On leaving Christendom
Hello,
So, today we're leaving to India. Sasha is in the process of backing her bag for the fifth time, so perhaps she'll just give it one more go and she'll be done. You can never be too sure you've backed 20 pairs of underwear. I, on the other hand, am most concerned with whether or not I have a sufficient amount of Van Morrison. Speaking of music, I present to you the top five travel songs:
1) The Kinks - This time tomorrow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONd4qSs5B5k
2) U2 - I will follow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2BqLlVHlWA
3) Yo La Tengo - From a Motel 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apTwaiAyyPI
4) The Replacements - I will dare
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73lTuBI7ve0
5) Arrested Development - People Everyday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w7Odo9X3uU
So, today we're leaving to India. Sasha is in the process of backing her bag for the fifth time, so perhaps she'll just give it one more go and she'll be done. You can never be too sure you've backed 20 pairs of underwear. I, on the other hand, am most concerned with whether or not I have a sufficient amount of Van Morrison. Speaking of music, I present to you the top five travel songs:
1) The Kinks - This time tomorrow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONd4qSs5B5k
2) U2 - I will follow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2BqLlVHlWA
3) Yo La Tengo - From a Motel 6
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apTwaiAyyPI
4) The Replacements - I will dare
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73lTuBI7ve0
5) Arrested Development - People Everyday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w7Odo9X3uU
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