eoghains gan far an far awa

the consumption consumes you

2007-10-11T15:16:00.000Z

I'm back!!!

2007-10-06T19:32:00.000Z

Aye it has been a long time, now its time to begin blogging again it would seem. No pressure now I am just going to fill this with "eoghainscrap" Much more fun. I photographed this today.

2007-06-06T05:52:00.000Z

Lago Titicaca and Copacabana pictures

2007-06-01T21:01:00.000Z

The shores of Lago Titicaca and Copacabana

2007-06-01T18:23:00.001Z

It felt pretty good to be leaving La Paz and heading to the country, La Paz had kept Kirk and I safe in her bosom for 2 weeks now and for that we were most grateful, however it was now time to move onto fresh pastures and new adventures. So onwards friends to Copacabana & Lago Titicaca.
The day started early from La Paz with a long bus journey, well I say long but I was later to realise that there were lengthier bus trips ahead, this particular one was about 6 hours from recollection. Within 2 hours of being on the road, Bang! Our first flat tyre, which I shall be honest, was welcome, it was a beautiful sunny day and I was in need of a leg stretch and of course a smoke. Met an unfortunate English guy whom had lost his entire luggage on a connecting flight and was told that there was little chance of him retrieving anything. I felt sympathy for him but relieved that my own brief encounter with lost luggage had been nothing to whinge about. Nae luck!
The bus pulled up to a very small ferry port with spectacular views across Lago Titicaca. The somewhat small wooden ferry with an outboard motor took the task of carrying our bus whilst we took a separate smaller motorboat. Up until relatively recently the gringo passengers would stay on the bus and cross onboard the ferry, this was soon seen as to dangerous after a boat sank taking the lives of a number of tourists with it. As can be seen from a photograph that Kirk had taken, the tourist bus before us had a near miss.
Copacabana was a beautiful wee toon on the shores of Lago Titicaca with a small community that seemed to flourish on tourism both from Bolivian La Pazonians and gringos. Kirk and I checked into our hotel which was situated up a hill looking over both the town and the lake, perfect and at only eight bucks a night we weren’t complaining at all. After getting some lunch in we felt the urge for our first evening to get a boat, fishing rods and attempting to make a catch. Uno problemo, no boat, no rods, fit can ye de? Well we took a wee gander down the beach and within 5 minutes a group of fine Bolivian gents offered us a boat, rods and bait to take out on the lake for a couple of hours, who’d have thought it eh. So after a short row out where we were over taken time and time again by an old lady and her grandson who were out laying nets, weaving back and forth around us the old wifey’s stood up rowing technique was flawless whilst the youngster spread the nets into the water. Unlike us strapping Scotsmen whom were moving at ridiculously slow pace in comparison. They are tough folk out here that is for sure (although very small), I thought of Aunty Jessie paddling away when I saw the old lady who must have been at least seventy odd, not quite105 though ;)). We cast our only rod and one line for the next two hours without even a bite from the deep but that didn’t seem to matter as we experienced a beautiful sunset and the sound of thunder followed by lightening on the Titicaca horizon. Bloody hell this lake is big.
Lake Titicaca lies in the Andes Mountains on the Bolivian Altiplano between the eastern and western cordillera, it is the highest lake in the world at an altitude of 12,506 feet (3810m).
Pre-Columbian culture occupied the shores of the lake from about 100 AD to perhaps 1000 AD. Within Tiahuanaco's ruins archaeologists have labelled six architectural complexes, all of which were used for religious ceremonies. The most important structure, the Kalasasaya, is near the center of the site; the Subterranean Temple lies to the east, and the enclosures of Putuni. Laka Kollu, and Q'eri Kala are on the west. The Kalasasaya, a large, enclosed platform, is the site of the famous Gate of the Sun, at the centre of which is a figure wearing a radiating headdress and carrying a staff in each hand. Settled since prehistoric times by Aymara Indians, the shores of the lake remain densely populated. Modern steamboats and traditional reed boats (balsas de totora) connect the lakeside settlements. The Aymara speaking people, called Uros, are famous for their totora reed boats. These boats called balsas are primarily used for fishing. These boats were sometimes affixed with sails, also made from reeds. The use of these boats today has now become obsolete, and are only used as a tourist attraction. (oh isn’t the internet great for lifting a history lesson)
The following morning Kirk and I went to the local market and bought some steaks, sausages, bread plus other bits and bobs with the intension of camping out on the Isle de la Sol and cooking on an open fire. The boat trip to Isle de Sol was great and coming in to the relatively small island was a spectacular site indeed at around four o’clock.
After climbing the really steep steps up the hill from the beach we found a range of hostels on offer and it didn’t take long to decide on that rather than camping with no tent. It seems the Lake has a thunder, lightning and rainstorm every night here. Wise decision not to camp in hindsight.
It didn’t take much persuading to have Zoe & Joel (I think that was there names,,,Kirk?) join us for a barbecue on the beech. An English couple from London area that had been travelling for a while now and were dead sound. No joke, we all agreed the steaks etc on the fire we cooked was one of the best meals had since away, amazing. Indiana Kirk fashioned a wonderful grill from a retaining gabion wall mesh nearby and there was much rejoicing. Steaks, bottle of wine and a glorious sunset / moonrise what more can you ask for (ok maybe the boss playing ‘The Ghost of Tom Joad’ round the campfire would have been nice.)
Sure enough it pissed down lamas and guinea pigs that night and we were stoked not to be sleeping out rough. So after some breakfast we set off round the island in search of the infamous cities of gold!!! Shite no that’s actually a cartoon set in South America I used to watch as a youngster, remember? The golden condor and alike, no, ok never mind.
Anyhoo, within ten minutes we had a fellow companion for the day, an island dog we named Senor Shep who was to be our guide and stray dog guardian.
It took us approximately 6 hours to walk round most of the island seeing excellent views on the way including a local football game, that it has to be said matched the standard of Banchory Boys club under 11’s magic.
On the return route school had obviously finished and the kids took great delight in running uphill past these two pale, non-acclimatised Scots struggling there way up. Well something I haven’t mentioned yet, Kirk was actually paler than most. After spending the last three years in Antarctica it was to be expected, however he got badly burned in Coroico and lost most of his neck, shoulder and back skin. Many times a day I would hear from Kirk “oohyah,,,,Keeper!” Aghhh, I still have nightmares as he kept them in his wee keeper box, or on occasion it sounded like Kirk was sleeping on a bed of ‘Special K’ corn flakes at night (Lol, sorry Kirk, comment at will ☺).
After the trek we made it successfully back to the port on time for the four o’clock boat back to Copacabana for the night which turned into two. To nice a place to leave prematurely it must be said, besides we had a shandy or two that night. Surely not I hear you say!

2007-04-25T18:22:00.000Z

Coming next......

2007-04-21T22:33:00.000Z

How this happened on the way to Cusco......

Coroico and death road foteeees!

2007-04-21T22:19:00.000Z

THE DEATH ROAD TO COROICO......

2007-04-21T22:11:00.000Z

The second weekend in Bolivian Kirk and I decided to sign up for “The Death Road” Mountain Madness bike tour to Coroico. Hailed as on of the most dangerous roads in the world that has claimed over 7000 lives. We’d be alright.
After a 2 hour bus journey to the starting pass “La Cumbre” where you begin at 4640m we mounted our full suspension steeds for the day, they weighed and looked more like motor bikes to be honest, more than a years wage for many a Bolivian I believe.
The start of the day was on asphalt where you were absolutely fleein down at top speeds with the odd gruesome uphill. After an hour and a half we hit the old road where the brown trousers came on and the fun would really start. 3 months prior to our arrival this dust track road was the main thoroughfare for all traffic going from Coroico to La Paz. Scary really, I mean trucks, cars, vans, buses, trikes, bikes, donkeys, lamas, people, the lot, all using this road hardly wide enough for a truck. Needles to say most of the lives claimed over the years were in majority from buses or trucks acting as buses laden full of people and in some cases the driver having had cerveza to many. The whole road is littered with many crosses and plaques to commemorate the poor victims. Seriously there is no way I’d get a bus up or down this road even now without all the other traffic.
The decent had some of the most incredible panoramic views I’ve seen to date with 300m drops at parts and waterfalls crashing onto the path giving a refreshing shower to speed through. Our main guide who led the group was a bit of a cocky guy from Nottingham and to be honest although annoying with his crappy jokes and loud voice he turned out to be a good guide who got us all safely down.
The majority of the trail was downhill from freezing conditions at the start to tropical burning sunshine at the finish, we all deserved a cold beer for surviving the death road. Lucky for us the Esmerelda hotel greeted us all with open arms, beers, buffet lunch, swimming pool and sauna. Agh well I think we may have to spend a couple of nights here then, especially for $10 a night including all food.
After meeting some other fine folk at the hotel Kirk, Morrisio (the son from Kirks La Paz family) and I went out to disco in Coroico. A small town maybe a bit smaller than Banchory, we ended up being invited to a local Birthday Party in a closed down club, oh yes and then of course feet o flames Fiddes got the Salsa Celtica moves out. Well something like that anyway. That night Kirk peed on the hotel room floor, you can take the man out of Antarctica eh, in his defence it may have been a delayed reaction to the fear experienced that day.

This is what happens......

2007-04-21T22:06:00.000Z

if you happen to be an Inca King and the Spanish arrive. They cut off your tongue in front of your family, then pull your limbs off with a horse. If that doesn't work they cut them off then post them to the 4 corners of SA. Bit like Wallace really. This photo depicts King Mel Gibson in his forthcoming movie 'BraveInca'.

One night I ate this meatfest in La Paz.........

2007-04-21T21:54:00.000Z

the next day I was on the pan all day. It was worth it!

Bolivia, La Paz and reunion.

2007-04-21T21:36:00.001Z

I arrived in La Paz at 7:30, drank a shed load of water on the flight to minimise the effects of altitude sickness following wise words from Indiana Watson. I had a feeling it was going to hit me bad because of flying from sea level to La Paz 4600m, with no time to acclimatize. No dizzy spells or immediate vomiting on leaving the aircraft so high hopes so far. Through customs with no hassle what so ever, immigration officer was a complete gentleman, bienvenida Bolivia, I give you a month visa ok, excellent muchos gracias senor.
Baggage claim carrousel numero uno, dum de dum de dum, I was pretty late on the flight so expected my bag out first. People waiting 80, 60, 50 , 40, mmmm, ant time now bags going to pop up, 30, 20 come on bag don’t let me down now, 15, 10 5, agh shite this doesn’t look good. 4, 3, no more bags popping out. A wee look down the belt tunnel, oh right the belts stopped. Shergar McShazbat!! Was really only a matter of time. So on speaking to American Airlines rep it turns out my bags are still in Miami, great they shall serve me well there. Ok, well, onto second customs now where you have to press a button that measures your pulse, if your pulse is high then the alarm goes off, fair enough. This of course pretty much means any gringo arriving at altitude, needless to say that and losing my bags my pulse sent the alarm off. The officer gave me a smile and motioned to go through, I think he realised I was a wee bit miffed about the bags and took pity on me. Fine chappy, gracias.
Through the gates and I spy a Bolivian taxi driver holding a placard saying “Fit like min Fiddes!” very odd, wow they speak Doric in La Paz amazing. Wahae! Kirk appears with bullwhip and Indy hat, Fit like en. Great to see a familiar face especially one that has been hanging with penguins in the Antarctic for 2.5 years and of course that I have no bloody idea where I was going from here. It was a relief to see that Kirk had not developed any serious signs of hibernation sickness in the S.P, I soon got used to the involuntary twitches and dawdling speech impediment. “Wahae! North East boys we are here, dum de dad a dum de da! And so on. Funny really within a few minutes it was as if we had seen each other last week.
Altitude sickness zero, Fiddes uno.
Kirk had us booked into a fine hostel in the centre of La Paz which was great but of course it was a bit steep for us Aberdonians, approximately £1.83 a night, for goodness sake eh! Agh well I suppose I can fork that out for 2 nights. Checked in then onto a restaurant at the top of a big tower block looking over La Paz, amazing view. Bueno Panorama. Again was pretty steep at £2.00 each including beers.
More water, alto sickness zero Fiddes dos!
Kirk had somehow heard about another youth hostel opening night, oh aye and it was St Patricks day after all so why not, I wasn’t tired and had been a long time since catching up with many stories to share.
How is this for a good idea the hostel was owned by 3 Irish guys and 1 Israeli, they all jointly own 1 in La Paz, 1 in Cusco and 1 in Lima. They take turns in running the 3 and usually one of them gets to travel about. Brilliant. Place in La Paz although still a building site was amazing, Spanish Colonial building with huge atrium and incredible cornicing, oak woodwork etc. What potential.
Harry Fiddes and son do South America, what do you reckon Dad? “Papa Fiddes es hijo, construccion, disenor et urbanizacion” I believe it has a certain ring to it.
Bag turns up after 2 days, just in time to move into Families house with fresh clothes,phew!
Still no signs of altitude sickness, 3 nil.

Me, Rene (Bolivian padre & Cicillia elles nino)

Kirks Bolivian family and American Nancy who also stayed there. Nancy was one of the daftest folk I have ever met, the family were lovely.

The following 2 weeks in La Paz were incredible. My Bolivian family that I stayed with Rene, Miriam and there 3 year old chica Ciccillia were so warm and of course patient with my pigeon Spanish. On arrival they made me feel so welcome in their traditional colonial house situated close to the infamous San Pedro prison (where with a little balls and ingenuity it is possible to get a guided tour of the prison by an inmate). Rene and Miriam’s house gave me my own private room with desk, couch, TV and all the mod cons. Use of the shower was precarious at times as it did share some similarities to M.Latif electrical wiring, big lever to pull with wet hands giving off a few sparks on entering and leaving the shower, ok then, I shall wear rubber veruca socks from now on.
Cicillia took great pleasure in taking the piss out of my rubbish Spanish over the 2 week stay, however I managed to impress her one day with my doodling skills over a game of magma doodle using pens & crayons. In fact the taunting became too much and I became very competitive in that game snatching crayons, spitting the dummy out and alike.
Every day I would get up at 7 and have a hearty breakfast with the family before going to school with my pack lunch. William was my Spanish teacher where I would get 3 hours private tuition then the last hour with Kirk. William was an excellent tutor albeit a bit of a stickler on the grammar. Before I came Kirk had paid for his lessons upfront and William had come in the next day pished as a fart, I made sure not to make the same error.
Most of the week days really were taken up with studying with cultural visits in the afternoon and early evening, ok a couple of jars were of course had some nights. La Paz was a really bussling city with incredibly helpful, honest and friendly people. I think tourism is still catching up in Bolivia and that for me somehow really adds to the appeal, the hassle factor from folk really was non existant, if the locals were chatting with you it was generally out of interest and not to scam or sell you something.
The altitude really does make a huge difference to you there, I made the mistake of playing football with Kirk and a bunch of Bolivians after only being there 3 days, My goodness me I thought a lung was going to fall out. Even the shortest flight of steps and you’ll be gasping for breath, makes you appreciate how fit these folk must be. Wait untill you hear about the porters on the Inca Trail though, they are strong fit folk I tell ye.

En route to school from my home.

Big Ass Cigars in Miami, Hannibal Style.

2007-04-21T21:34:00.000Z

Miami but nae Vice!

2007-04-21T21:12:00.000Z

After a great meal in San Francisco with Tava and her friends I was very kindly given a contact for Miami, a good friend of Tava called Richard. Because of spring break in the states every damn hostel in the city seemed booked up but I managed to find 1 online, here is a quotation from a recent online critique of the place: "What can I say -- bloody awful! Worse hostel we've ever experienced and we've been to many all over the world! Firstly we were given the option of bed linen over sleeping bags and as per usual we took the sheets, then the kitchen was absolutely disgusting -- milk in the fridge had been there so long that it had separated and full of rust, there were no cooking facilities, and TV didn't work. Then the biggest problem of all problems in a hostel bedbugs! Lots and lots of them -- we freaked out as you can imagine! Staff were completely rude and unhelpful, they would not accept responsibilty for their actions and even called us troublemakers and liars. They continued to tell us they did not care if we infected other hostels! Be advised -- for your own safety do not stay here. Damn you suckers -- we're taking you to the health board!"

Luckily for me on arrival to Miami, Richard picked me up at the airport in one of the largest jeeps I’ve ever been in, massif. The 2 of us got along straight off and I was instantly made to feel welcome in this new city. We were both hungry so went straight along to “little Cuba” for a traditional Cuban meal and a couple of Mohito’s. During the meal Richard told me he had only left the states once before and that was to go to Scotland for 2 weeks holiday. He managed to tour most of the country and because of the kind generosity shown to him he was determined to repay the hospitality. Lucky me. The offer of a free place to stay was even more appealing after reading about the hostel I was supposed to be staying at.
A few of us went ten-pin bowling after supper and then went back to his mates’ house where I then realised they were all pretty serious musicians. 4 of them sharing a house with this incredible practise room; guitars, bass, drum kits, Fender Rhodes organ, soundboards with Mac set up. Really was pretty much an in house recording studio, which even had the egg boxes on the walls to prove it.
After a jam with the lads and me playing stairway badly the offer of a bike ride was suggested, ok well it is only 2 in the morning, why not. On leaving the house it was easily recognisable that this was a pretty swanky area, wide-open streets were quiet lined with massif trees to obscure the size of the private houses each of course with private pools.
After 20 minutes of peddling we reached our 1st stop on the midnight bike tour, the infamous hotel where Al Capone was murdered, awesome place really reminded me of Spain. We all snuck in through the back terrace that revealed an enormous outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by trees and shrubs with a gorgeous bar terrace amidst the tropical growth. Fantastic. The guest sitting at the hotel bar didn’t seem to be bothered even with me acting as paparazzi.
On to the golf course now, which hailed the largest trees in girth that, I certainly have ever seen. Starting as single trunks then hundreds of single vines that hang down eventually develop into new roots, the end result is a tree made up of multiple trunks. I would hazard a guess that the largest was approximately 20ft in diameter, Jurassic Park style indeed.
A few more local sites on the way with Nic and Richard then back to Nic’s house where it was decided we would a crash. Not a bad night for the first few hours in Miami.
1st morning in Miami, Richard was working early so Nic gave me a lift down to south beach, that was of course after a wee pit stop round at Barry Gibb’s house (the lead singer from the Bee Gee’s). Pulled up the driveway to this huge mansion on the beachfront with its own private jetty and yacht. So this is how the other side live. Went round one of the back gardens (yes one of 3) and entered the in house recording studio. 2 rooms fully sound proofed with 300mm walls and separating doors. Huge plasma screen on wall with triple flat screen monitors below and many mixing boards. Mikey you’ll know all the tech stuff, all I could see was an affa muckle amount of buttons and knobs with flashy lights. Anyway, after a brief inspection, a bleather with Barry’s producer and a sneak preview of Mr Gibbs 1st country album I reckoned it was time for an American idol photo shoot, and why not. Did you know Barry’s wife was miss Scotland in the 70’s; aye the shiny teeth guy and I go way back. Staying alive!
South beach was madness and not being a great fan of the beach I didn’t stay to long. Decided against a swim for fear of being gobbled by Jaws, I know, more chance of being hit by lighting but not ready for that chance, surfing in Oz mmmmm I dinna think so.
That evening after a good old wander round downtown looking for Crocket & Tubs I donned the Miami shirt and was treated to dinner by my newfound pals. First Sushi restaurant for me, went down pretty well actually and must say I enjoyed it after all. Nae to fishy, nicely presented, muy bueno.
Early start the next day, off to see the Everglades, totally amazing, apparently no other eco system like it on the planet, shame it’s rapidly diminishing due to rapid population growth, a problem they are trying to counteract. Saw numerous species of birds, turtles and big bastard alligators. They do have the Florida panther there but he must have been sleeping. My favourite creature was a Alligator called ‘snappy’, he had a belter of a smile and kept on winking at me as if to say “fit like en min” or maybe “aye aye, ye look affa gid fer lunch”, whichever it was we got on well from a distance.
Back on the road and heading south for the most southerly point of USA, incredible series of islands on the way to cross and the 12 mile bridge where True Lies was filmed lay ahead. Stopped off at the ocean and managed to summon up the courage to go paddling up to my knees,,,whoa you may say but I hear the little shark blighters can get you in 3ft of water, call me paranoid.
All in all I wasn’t expecting much out of the Miami trip but it turned out to be incredible only for the great hospitality and friendship shown by Richard, Nic and all their friends. I managed to cram so much into a short stay thanks to being chauffeured around the place and toured to places I never would have found on my own, muchas gracias amigos.
I flew out early the next morning and due to the spring break the airport was absolute chaos. I had to scam my way to the front of the cue as not to miss my gate, much to the distaste of many behind me, “comin though!” Just as well I did because I only had minutes to spare. Miami – La Paz, South America next continent here I come. Wahae!

American Idol auditions in Miami, i got a chance.

2007-03-21T22:09:00.001Z

Miami.
All I can say at the mo is, this is me getting some beats down in Barry Gibb's (from the Bee Gees) House. You may ask how I ended up there well I shall tell you later.

Currently in Bolivia La Paz now. Absolutely amazing place, very good people, El panorama es muy lindo. Spanish lessons, 4 hours a day and studying lots. Staying with a lovely Bolivian family, so got to get my Spanish better so I don't sound so retarded. Uno, dos, tres, quatro,,,,,,,, hasta luego amigos.
Lots and lots to tell but nae time at the mo, gotta get on. Muchos besos to you all.

San Fran,,,,,Here comes the sun, fit fine.

2007-03-21T21:28:00.000Z

Pleasant flight. On approach to San Francisco International airport, it seemed apparent from looking outside that I would have no use for my fleece, jacket and scarf in this town. Time to get the Hulk pants on and sunscreen out I think. Sure enough, I was looking down the barrel of 5 days averaging 20-27 degrees, what hardship.
Came out of the train station, up escalators and looked around, street performers, musicians, trams, old fella’s playing chess & not a jacket in sight. This is going to be a good few days I suspect.
Hostel was large, great location, friendly atmosphere and clean. First night went for a long walk through Chinatown, where the streets were vibrant with markets, restaurants and tacky San Fran souvenirs. The long hilly street lead me into little Italy next to Washington Square where I stopped for a pizza, huge portion, muchos cheapos. On the way back I past a pub called the Edinburgh Castle and of course had to investigate, turned out to be a guy from Greenock who owned it. Alan ended up giving me a couple of pints on the house before making my merry way home to the hostel, the hot weather and walking had taken its toll for the day. (Oh yeah and the free pints).
Was feeling brave the next morning and decided to take a run down Market Street to the Golden Gate Park. Pheewww! Bad idea almost had a stroke on the way. Decided to walk the last mile through Haite street which is full of interesting spots. On approach to the park there was a number of people with placard boards demanding a proper inquest into the 911 investigation. I had thought that there was going to be clashes of arguments and shouting but was very tame. I learned that there was also an anti war demo on Golden Gate Bridge earlier in the day, with a group called think pink? The bridge was a good distance from where I was so I gave it a miss, plus I didn’t have anything in pink.
The Golden Gate park is apparently one of the biggest urban centre parks in the world, 5 miles from the entrance gate to the beach. I also think it sells the most dope than any other city park, on walking 15 mins to hippy hill I must have been offered “hey man, want some weed dude?” 15 times, “Nae thanks min I dinna de at”. Hippy Hill is basically a larger version of the hill in Kelvingrove park (well kind of,, nae neds of course), hundreds of folk sitting around taking it easy, down at the bottom of the hill was a group of approximately 50 musicians and dancers, all performing together, lots of bongos. I decided to take a wee seat, eat my sandwiches made at breakfast and enjoy the free show. During the show, I saw what looked like a Vietnam vet in a wheelchair drunken dancing and screaming (kinda like Tom Cruise in born on the 4th of July, but scarier), a wee fat guy with a wooden samurai sword practising his version of the ancient art (maybe it was the star wars kid), a small dog the size of a rat getting stood on right next to me even after my attempts to warm the clumsy oaf (quite a yelp the wee fella gave), when 30 minutes had past a man behind me obviously had nominated himself as the park timekeeper and would yell the current time followed by Huraaaaaa! (and much laughter) and much more.
It would seem people park in the park in San Fran. Sure why not eh.
At the hostel I met a really sound Swiss guy and Ozzy girl so was great to hang out with new chums. I was a bit worried the 1st night I arrived as there was a gaming conference next door and it seemed everyone in the place was a Gamer Nerd, “hey man wanna play some Doom”,,”errrrr anyone got Pro Evolution Soccer”, apparently that’s not for a true gamer, if only they new, poor cretins. One guy Jeff, nice guy, but a bit strange for the whole time I stayed in the hostel he sat with his shades on in the lounge playing some crazy role-play game on his laptop. I was sitting there one night minding my own business and all I heard from Jeff was “Shit I gotta get me some crossbow bolts” or ‘Dammit, Zargon cast a spell on my army of Zorg”, ok Jeff nice talking to you, you take care now.
Homelessness seems to be a pretty bad problem in San Francisco, most of the beggars are pretty polite though and not threatening at all from what I saw. Plenty of poor folk who really should be in some form of mental care, especially those who are veterans.
Myself and the Ozzy girl Anna went on a big cycle ride which was brilliant, hired the bikes in the morning for $15 and then took off round the south beach, best way to see the city, but be warned there are some steep hills. Over the Golden Gate bridge in the afternoon, blazing sunshine, reach mid point of the bridge and free wheel all the way down, superb. Hit the other side and again free wheel all the way down to this gorgeous wee town, late lunch break. It took us a few hours to get to where we were and the clock was ticking to get the bikes back, fortunately for us there was a ferry leaving at 4 o’clock, nice and plenty other cyclists had the same idea. Only took about 20 mins to rocket across the bay and got real close to the infamous Alcatraz which was great, welcome to the rock, whersh my shlippersh mish money penny.
That night after a quick bite to eat I was totally shattered and in bed by 10, light weight. Also to make things worse I had a repeat of my experience in Nigeria, head band Sam, Mr Red Head. Bright red burnt forehead with white line where head band was, real cool Fiddes, real cool.
Hasta luego.

Oh Yeah, and I got married, sorry I didn't have time to send out the invites but it was a last minute affair, you understand I'm sure. We get on affa well an isn't she an affa bonny lass, fit fine.

Chicago Blues coming from the LAP'. (Finally)

2007-03-21T21:07:00.000Z

Plenty of snow again on arrival, greeted also by a fierce chill from the wind bounding off Lake Michigan, this must be the windy City then. Long train journey into Downtown Chicago, then through onto Diversey, just south of the city centre. Area is littered with wee coffee shops, pubs and canny shops. This is isn’t so bad, maybe just as well I couldn’t get into the downtown hostel.
Chicago International Hostel welcomes you, was on the main placard. Stoned, 20 year old guy behind the check in desk listening to John Foggerty, “Hey man, whhhats up?” “Yo! Man how the f%@k do you say your first name” Nice enough chap but not filling me with confidence about my new abode.
Sure enough the place was actually a bit of a shithole, bit manky and not very trusting about the security of the place. Agh well all I need is a place to lay the head and leave my stuff.
Great city Chicago though, really friendly vibe and lots to be seen. Famous for its Blues & Jazz I was determined to see some of the real McCoy. Was recommended by various folk about a place called “Kingston Mines”, however, was not convinced by the sources. Had a beer one evening and got chatting to the bar staff, was told that the Kingston Mines place was pretty cheesy crap and not the real Blues of Chicago. In fact the bar lady described it as “yeah, go there if you wanna get date raped”. Enough said, I decided not to pry any further but took their word not to go there.
So on to their recommendation, which sounded great but also, had its own perils afoot. No.83 bus to the west side which I’m told is the slightly less desirable area of Chicago. No wallet, cash in shoe, muggers 20 bill in pocket, call me John Paranoid. Hopped of the bus and to be honest the place seemed totally fine, a bit like Drumchapel. 10 minute walk round to the wee pub called “Scarlets”. Totally brilliant, the place has been old by an Italian family since the 50’s who moved over. On entering, the place was wall to wall with old photographs of performers whom had played there in the past, low ceilings and a long bar with the stage adjacent to end of bar. Really sound bar staff who, realised quickly I was a newcomer, maybe it was the map case flapping in my face. Anyway the night was great listening to both really talented old timers and young folk playing traditional blues. Generally it was one at a time, guitar and their own vocals. At the end three guys played together, harmonising one another,. Absolutely fantastic. Bus ride home at 1:00 was fine, nae hassle.
Most of the days were spent wandering around the city centre and Diversey. Great city for walking, the river is fantastic to walk along and was disappointed not to see it turn green for St Patrick’s day, 2 weeks early for that. The atmosphere I found a wee bit more relaxed than in NYC, everyone seems in less of a rush but again the place is enormous. Saw many a good gallery and had plenty of wee coffee shop experiences. The trains slither around skyscrapers on raised industrial platforms, you can hear them all over as they clank and creak.
That’s really about it for now, looking forward to San Francisco; I hear they have some fine weather preparing for my arrival. Hope you are all well, viva Alba.

Chicago Blog in progress

2007-03-10T23:50:00.000Z

my head is a bit warped at mo with the hot spells in San Fran. :)

Niagra Falls from the Tower

2007-03-09T03:17:00.001Z

Toronto, sna & a big muckle water fall.

2007-03-09T02:50:00.000Z

Arrived in Blizzard conditions again. I like snow. Four inches on the runway. No tractor required this time to get to terminal. Airport coach downtown, dropped off nae far from the Hostel.
Canadiana, Backpackers Inn. Great place, I recommend it. On arrival was instantly made to feel welcome, no blanking from fellow hostellers like in Boston. I checked into my room, *43, the Celine Dion room, pure class, I had hoped for the adjacent Brian Adams room but I was confident that Queen Celine shall keep me snug and embrace me in her bosom. 1st Roommate, Fergal from Wexford, Ireland, nice fella.

Hostel was buzzing with a really good atmosphere, folk from all over; Canadians, American, Dutch, Danish, French, Mexicans, Spanish, Oz, Kiwis, Chileans, Scots, English, Irish, Guatemala. Excellent mixture.
So after a couple of days looking round the city and making new friends I decided to catch the Greyhound to Blue mountain ski resort. Early start and on the bus by 7:00. Arrived at Blue mountain Inn by 10:00, on the slopes by half past. Great days skiing with perfect conditions, tried snowboarding in the late afternoon early evening where they floodlit the pistes in the dark. Boarding was amazing fun, was on my arse for a good two hours then started getting the hang of it. Brilliant fun, thought it would be a nightmare being a novice again but to be honest it was excellent, got a real kick out of seeing a relative improvement as the evening passed.
As part of the Hotel package I got, ski pass, ski / board hire, room, dinner and breakfast, rather good I thought. After a full mixed grill from the set menu I shared a couple of Guiness and watched Elvis sing the night away. Aparently he was one of the best impersonators in N.America. Not convinced. I had some tips on my boarding from these two boarder bums, so funny, every 2nd word was awesome, narly or radical. Of course I had to try the lingo. Ken this, that it totally narly min like.
Snowed all through the night and the news had said there was crazy storms all over N.America, saw hail stones the size of golf balls, nuts. Morning however, blue skies fresh powder, Awesome dudddde! Where’s my board! After a wonderful day at it got the bus back which was so crammed a few of us gents had to stand all the way back, which was annoying as the old arse and legs were hurting pretty bad. Agh well can’t complain really.
Saturday morning early start again and hit Niagra around 9:30. Joe Joe tours, very nice lady but damn could she talk. Horsing down the motorway in a A-Team van with Born, Christina & Tracy, Joe Joe nattering at the speed of light. Very interesting really, all about the Niagra history and Geography, did you know that the 5 great lakes in N.America contain 25% of the earths fresh water supply. That’s a whole lotta water Joe Joe. The conditions at the falls were perfect, crystal clear skies but affa chilly. The whole river was completely frozen over, icebergs up to 3 metres high next to base. Water was frozen on the steep walls like stalactites in parts, thundering noise of the water crashing down on the riverbed creating a mass of vapour at the base. You could feel the freezing mist hitting your face even from the elevated position.
We took a birds eye view from a miniature cn tower. Amazing. The falls have retreated 7miles in 35,000 years. It is believed that the falls retreated at a rate of 3ft a year but now this has slowed down to 3cm due to hitting harder rock and less water going over. USA & Canada both have an agreement where equal amounts of water is diverted before the falls to generate hydro power. 4 of the great lakes are split 50 50 with US & Canada where one is owned by US solely, Lake Michigan. I won a bet later that night with Candian Ben, he had to walk through the snow barefoot for a while. Moral of the story, know your borders.
Went out clubbing for the last night after playing numerous international drinking games. Disco Inferno where all danced as though know one was looking, unfortunately they were, we ended up creating a circle around us where onlookers watched horrified at our international school of bad dance moves, oh yes, Scottish Jen (Fae the Kingdom of Fife) and I even introduced Disco Gay Gordon’s.
Last day Sunday taking it easy and getting stuff booked up for Chicago. Coffee and Pancake breakfast, plus one can of irn bru. We found a wee shop the previous day which sold cans of the stuff, there was much rejoicing. “Aw man it tastes llike bubble gum”, no it doesn’t you silly, silly person. Last night was a grand curry meal with my new found friends, really good and really cheap, about the same price as home, but in dollars, great stuff. Back later to the hostel where I ended staying up really late with a Saudi Arabian, Spaniard and Guatemalan, solved the world’s problems of course, which was nice.
Early enough rise and said my cheerio’s, there were hugs, there were laughs, there were tears. Mad snow falling again, seems the case whenever I fly now. Arrived at the airport with plenty of time to kill,,,, or so I thought. When checking in you have to give your address you shall be staying at, ye know cause that is going to prevent any national catastrophic acts of terrorism. Anyhoo, numbnuts here forgot to write down the Hostel address, if I hadn’t panicked I could have just said the Hilton or something, anyway I didn’t. So had to go and faff about getting a phone card and trying to call US to get address of place, turned out ok but just a bit of running around from terminals to terminals. Will not be ill prepared again.
No problemo through immigration, only thing was the officer couldn’t believe I quit my job, rented house and travelled off to see the world. Complete alien concept to him. “You quit yer jab!” “Yes officer I quit my job” “You quit yer jab!” “Yes officer do you never fancy doing the same.” Oh know, that was bold, eek here it comes. Phew, he had a sense of humour and laughed saying he really couldn’t imagine doing it. Finger printed, photographed, slap on the arse. “Welcome to the US of A, enjoy your stay, and have a nice day.”

Bostonia & Brothers

2007-03-04T20:28:00.000Z

Boston, arrived via Amtrack NYC - Boston. Walked up from the south station to Nine-Zero Hotel on Tremont st, Booked in with the concierge. "Can I take your bags sir" yes please that'll be all. Walked into my 4 star room courtesy of Rod and started pissing myself laughing, the place was amazing. Really plush. What a brother I have. :)
Met Rod and Tony down at the foyer for complementary drinks and sophisticated chat of course. Only away a week but so good to see you bro.
So, Saturday night things got messy all on a bit of a sesh up mission. Went for a gorgeous meal at an Italian restaurant where even the staff sat down and had there meal next to us as it was quite late. Friendly bunch. Then onto some Irish Americano pubs. Roddy was delighted to be ID'd, some places wouldn't even accept a European driving license, what a joke. I mean at 18 you can buy a gun, get married & join the military, but oh no you can't have a beer that would be terrible.
Anyway great old craic of a night, kilted up and of course met a guy from Paisley whom became quite annoying to be honest. He’s getting married over here and loves Boston, fair play.
Tony had fallen earlier after receiving a rather large whiskey from some kind woman so the Fiddes Bro’s strove on but after getting more than our fill we stumbled home in the early hours.
Knock! Knock! Knock! AGHHHH, bloomin room cleaners @ 10am on a Sunday, “are you nuts go away erghh!” Anyhoo, 12 o’clock came and food subsistence was calling.
Walked across Boston common which was beautifully frozen over with abiddy skating about, lovely day, grand breakfast, lots of coffee.
Another meal on Sunday night after looking round the city. Goodbyes to Rod & Ton, I have a funny feeling it won’t be to long before I see them again, reckon they may have a wee trip to South America. Which is nice. ☺
Youth hostel no more 4 star treatment for me. Oh my goodness, Dad you snore, BUT I have never heard anything like this guy sleeping below my bunk. I really thought at moments that he was dying, Jaesus! Had a few moments where contemplated giving the smothering pillow treatment or full metal jacket soap bar in sock. Refrained.
Breakfast had a great chat with a Korean Lawyer whom was in my same dorm, he agreed that John snorer was a royal pain in the arse, once of course I explained what that was.
Dashed to the Subway after breakfast 2 changes then bus to airport terminal. About 3 inches of snow fell over night and still was falling so was a bit worried about delays or cancellations. As it turned out we were only delayed by 30 mins so nae bad. Runway however, had to wait about an hour whilst the plane was sprayed all over with green de-icer chemical, never seen that before. The plane was about the same size as my old school bus from Strachan to Banchory, great, unfortunately good old Hazel wasn’t behind the wheel. Neither was Alan Duncan on the plane letting loose any ferrets or hitting anyone, which was a relief. Happy memories never the less.
So touchdown in Toronto, Ontario and we shall see what delights Canada has to offer. Plenty I am sure.
All for now friends, miss you all but having an amazing time in these early stages of my travels. Lang may your lum reek.

NYC walks.

2007-02-21T17:33:00.000Z

Guggenheim Museum / 5th Av___Graffiti & Pigeons / Brooklyn

EOG KONG!

2007-02-20T01:11:00.000Z

2007-02-20T00:15:00.000Z

This is my Brooklyn living room with all the mod cons.
And this is out on the balcony of the office I worked in Manhattan on my 1st day, great view.

2007-02-18T16:16:00.000Z

Arrived in NYC all safe and sound. First day, doing some CAD work in downtown Manhattan with the most amazing view over the empire states building, was rewarded with a night of beers and food. Pict left looking across the east river from Greenpoint Brooklyn.
Huge fall of snow in New York on arrival, plane had to be towed to gate via tractor. Damn freezing here so winter woolies are a must, don't think I'll be breaking out the kilt till further south.
I'm Staying at Luke's apartment in Harlem, not far away from downtown,,,which is nice.

2007-02-06T23:24:00.000Z

Before leaving a wee stroll up Scolty Hill was necessary for nostalgia of course. Chilly, sunny day with nae biddy aboot, Magic. Views across both Feughside and Deeside. Happy days. Muchos días felices para Silvers.

Ok so cheesy as it may be,,,,me cheesy,,,,never. I had to go out and buy a Scotland strip from 1978 World Cup Argentina, well a remake of course. Fine set of collars on it I'd say. Seeing as there may not be room for the kilt i need something to wear from the
motherland.
Maybe these posts shall become a wee bit more interesting when I actually leave the country,,,mmmmmm, ye never know I may have something interesting to say.

Lone ramblings out.

2007-02-05T22:34:00.000Z

1 Week to go before leaving Alba for a couple of years or so, exciting times I must say. Oh faithful 'Big Horn' (left) you have indeed served me well in 2006, but alas it is time that we part and I regret to say that it looks like you may soon be heading for the rusty gates of 4x4 eternity. I wish you a safe journey.

Slainte mhor agus a h-uile beannachd duibh