Wooster St, Soho, New York City

“Hey kid, you just get off school?” A pleasant ginger at the steps of 76 Wooster St in the Soho district of New York City greeted me.  I smiled and dug through my backpack and nicely corrected, “Off work, yes. I just got off work.” Can’t blame the guy. I do have a face of an 20 year-old, and what 25 year-old woman wears a grungy green backpack to work? Pulling out $5.00 to throw in the donation box I peeked up at the large sign hanging above me. “IMAGINE PEACE love john & yoko”

76 Wooster St is like many others in the neighborhood, a building of history. Most famously, the building is rumored to have been one of Andy Warhol’s reclusive hideaway spots.

Today it’s housing the exhibit of John Lennon’s personal artwork. From October 7-10^th you can peruse, and purchase Lennon’s art depicting him as a husband, father, political activist, and lastly, a musician.  While Yoko Ono has all the originals, you can purchase hand printed copies of all these lithographs, serigraphs, and copper etchings ranging from $200 up to $21,000. Naturally, no one was approaching me and my grungy green backpack, in hopes I’d be buying… nonetheless the staff was helpful, knowledgeable, and seemed eager to talk John Lennon and The Beatles.

This romantic exhibit and peak into John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s love story is a “Visual tribute for John Lennon’s 71^st birthday.” The no frills space entertaining the event is perfect for Lennon’s simple, to the point, tribute to his wife Yoko, and son, Sean. Mostly hand sketched, the drawings chronicle Yoko and John’s life together. From simple black and white sketches of their faces and Lennon’s infamous smirk, to full on, almost pornographic images of their sex life (all of which were imagined by Lennon) the exhibit is a look into Lennon’s prolific and romantic sides.

Walking through the exhibit, listening to Beatles and Lennon tunes, you get a great sense of the man. His love for Yoko, his political stance, and refreshingly, his humor; has you leaving inspired and feeling like a child of the 60’s.

The patrons exploring the exhibit were just as entertaining. I stopped to people watch as they appreciated, commented, or searched. A girl in a Beatles shirt and her boyfriend who resembled a young John Lennon lingered  in the “Erotic” section.. The woman who was getting her hair done next door, clearly had money, and asked about prices of the pieces instead of appreciating them. A Euro trash couple speeding through and making obvious comments. She wore a fur vest and he had bobby pins holding his bleached hair out of his eyes… An older lady, a true Beatles fan, who was there to check out the newest released piece, “On Cloud Nine” which depicts Yoko and John with a guitar, sitting on a cloud. The only sketch where you’ll find John’s guitar. Everyone there was on their own agenda.

I propose bringing your lover a long for the journey so you can make puppy eyes and bask in the romance John has visually portrayed. On the other hand you may leave pouting and demanding your partner start drawing their feelings.

This free exhibit recommends a $2.00 donation that will help benefit Citymeals-on-wheels  and if you donate $10.00 you get a free poster. If you’re in NYC this weekend stop in for a look into John and Yoko’a intimate life together.

Working at a posh hotel in downtown San Diego, I encountered a few. Tommy Lee is just as big of a mess in person as you’d think and the members of LMFAO are just as obnoxious as their songs. I can say that LL Cool J is really a cool guy, such a smoothie, and all around, nice person. Ladies do love Cool James.

All that aside, I didn’t put much thought into the celebs that would be hanging in the West Village and stopping in for food at my new place of employment, Corsino. This Italian wine bar and cantina usually attracts gay men, dining ladies, and entitled foreigners who take their own seat on the patio and don’t tip.

A couple of Sundays ago, Corsino got a little celebrity love when the legend Philip Seymour Hoffman walked through the door and waited like every other normal human for a table on the patio. He was with his family: a normal looking, attractive, wife who has the look of a good mom and three ginger kids, one of which is a clone of Philip himself.

This is a celebrity encounter that is really worth appreciating. If someone is that amazing of an actor, he gains my instant respect. The moment I knew of Philip’s presence I let out more than a few fist pumps and whispered my excitement, “BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR EVER!”

I was definitely the most excited about our celebrity guest and although I did not serve him, I sure as hell was around to assist in whatever his table needed. Getting his clone ginger son some crayons, bussing his table, doing all the non-verbal check ins a good server does to watch over a guest’s dining experience without disturbing. I was around and then… he spoke.

“Can I get a double shot of espresso with a glass of ice on the side, a panna cotta for my wife and two scoops of vanilla gelato for the kids?”

Not exactly the cool first words one would want to hear upon meeting Philip but hey, I was his waitress.

After delivering the desert and giving them a minute I went back to check in on the kid’s progress with their gelato. I asked the kids if they were enjoying the gelato as they scarfed it down and of course, ignored me.

“That’s alright, ignore me, I know you’re busy, I understand.” I jokingly remarked as I refilled Philip’s water and he actually laughed. Not a fake little “Ha” you usually give cheesy servers when they make awkward jokes at your table, but an actual laugh that carried on for a few seconds.

I was on top of the world. Ecstatic.I made Philip Seymour Hoffman laugh. The legend himself. Maybe it was a stupid joke over some vanilla gelato but it was a stupid joke that Philip thought was funny.

Maybe next time Philip dines at Corsino we’ll get into a heated discussion about what the hell is wrong with politics in this country while I serve him the Cavatelli but for now I’ll settle gelato talk.

Beautiful parks, diverse neighborhoods, museums, shopping, and thousands of things to do; NYC is not lacking in personality.  What it is lacking in is… umm, maybe I should ask Carrie Bradshaw. Where are all the men? Did Carrie and the other ladies of “Sex and the City” successfully sleep with and date all the men in Manhattan?

Let me be specific. NYC is not lacking in the gay, taken, douchey, or creepy foreigner, man department. Where are all the single, straight, normal, men? Brooklyn? I dont get it.  Who are the women in Manhattan dating and where are they meeting them?

I know it cannot be at the bars.  My encounters with men at the bars have been as follows: a pushy foreigner  who took my phone, called his, and has had a constant one-way, texting relationship with himself for the past two weeks. No answer means I’m not interested, that is not a cultural difference. Another encounter last night with a guy led me to actually apologize in advance for using a cheesy clique. “You’re barking up the wrong tree buddy”. His persistence continued so I actually had to say, “I’d rather drink alone.” My favorite of all happened last week:

guy: “Hey do you know how to play chess?”

me: “Umm, I use to play on the computer about 10 years ago, I’d need a refresher though.”

guy: “Conversation over”

Dang, there goes that. He could have been the one.

Do people meet on subways? Everyone looks miserable on the subways but that doesn’t stop people from constantly sizing one another up. Ipod in, miserable face on, eyes open, check. The best is when eye contact is made with someone while either party is doing the scoping. It’s like a silent “Oh Haaaaay”. Do people ever pursue or do they watch their soul mate walk off the train at W 4th?

When polling the ladies of New York on where they meet men I’ve had a few different answers and non of them have been very exciting. “Through friends, online, through work,” or “not in Manhattan.”

Hmm… interesting. It seems the ladies of ‘Sex and the City’ were spinning lies.

I enlisted the help of a friend who insisted that if I made some moves, things would work out. Mallary promised a spot to sleep in her Chinatown apartment, possibly a job and more importantly a Summer of fun and NYC discovery. All these promises were confirmed via text message because Mallary has been busy opening a restaurant. Written word and smiley emoticon is all I need. Sold. Flight booked and here I am.

The living situation in Mallary’s Chinatown sweatbox goes as follows: Mallary and I sharing her room/bed, Mallary’s roommate Mary in her own room and add ons Drew and Caitlin on an air mattress in the kitchen. Add 98% humidity and you have one sweaty, fun, hostel, in the middle of China.

standing in the kitchen/ Drew and Caitlin's bedroom

Mallary's room/its the size of a closet/ is a closet/ the place I sleep too

Waking up to Asian’s spitting and cursing at each other over parking, has become my favorite alarm clock.  Mallary put it  best, “Strangely comforting.”

Chinatown hostel above a dumpling restaurant

The past couple days have been a whirlwind of “WTF am I doing? I feel so alive! This is amazing!” and “Oooh, whats that?” Mallary forgets I’m in straight tourist mode as I continue to bring my camera on our runs….  Of course I need a picture of Jay Z’s house across the water in Brooklyn, and who cares if I have to use extra zoom on my camera to get the Statue of Liberty, I’m in NYC!

Jay Z's pad... That's an automatic song change: "Empire State of Mind"

Statue of Liberty. There it is!

I’ve jumped into the city headfirst, as usual. Since my friends who live here actually have lives, I’ve done most exploring on my own. Learning the subway, exploring the distinct neighborhoods and of course, learning my way around has kept me busy.

heading out to explore

I’ve even managed to score a serving job at an Italian Cantina in West Village. Asssssssssa! Back into the industry and hopefully back into the tip money it brings. Not bad for 4 days in the big, bad, city.

NYC may turn into the sweaty, summer romance I’ve always dreamed of…

Sunset my first night in NYC , on my way to meet the fabulous New Yorker, Rachel Klein

http://www.islapalenque.com/island-intern

The only way this opportunity would be any better is if they’d hire me to do this permanently. My last gig consisted of me living on an island in South Korea. I love the island life and I think Isla Palenque will be a bit warmer.

All those competing for the internship are required to create a video on why they should become Isla Palenque’s island intern, post it to youtube and promote yourself to gain votes and views.

10 finalists will be selected on April 12:

1 based on youtube views

4 with the most votes on Isla Palenque’s website

5 will be hand picked by a panel of experts: http://bit.ly/gipKMM

The second phase of the contest consists of a skype interview and a writing assignment (Deadline April 25). This is where I plan to dazzle my interviewers with my shining personality and writing ability.

I am competing with around 100 amazingly talented  and eager people. For those of you have been watching the contest, I think we can all agree that there are more than a dozen solid choices.  Let me tell you why I stand out among the rest:

Experience in the Hotel world

I am lucky enough to have been part of Se San Diego’s opening team 2 years ago. http://www.sesandiego.com/ I was in there months before the opening walking around the property in my hard hat and beginning to understand all the work that goes into opening a luxury hotel. I was 5 star service trained and as part of the front desk team, I conducted tours of the entire hotel. As a Se Experience Consultant I was your first impression of Se San Diego. I will be a perfect ambassador for Amble Resorts and will easily guide clientele with poise and a sense of humor.

Here I am with my fellow Se Experience Consultants

Se San Diego lobby

A huge global network

My youtube video is being viewed all over the world. Through my independent travels I have collected a wide, diverse, network. Views have flooded in from: U.S.A, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Germany, Thailand, Philippines, India, Argentina, Ecuador,  Canada, and South Africa. I have the tools and network to expand Amble Resort’s audience.

Networking with students in Delhi, India

I have already learned so much

Since my journey to become Isla Palenque’s island intern has begun, I have been introduced to some really amazing people with a great messages worth sharing.  I have always been a huge promoter of eco-tourism but haven’t shared my message with the world the way I should.  I have always been involved with non profits that benefit people. Through my work with The International Rescue Committee (IRC) http://bit.ly/f9fjWy and The Aja Project: http://ajaproject.org/, I have connected with Refugees from all over the world. Working with people is amazing but I now know I need to expand my work and focus on saving the earth we all live on. The Experts judging the contestants all have great messages to share and in my attempt to network, I have learned a lot about what I can do to promote eco-tourism and create awareness. I have also stepped up my social networking game, expanded my knowledge, and am learning better marketing strategies every day.

Aja Project student art show 2008

The passion

I eat, drink, and sleep this internship. I am online all day, everyday, promoting myself, and learning how I can better promote travel,and sustainability. I may not have 3,000 views or 3,000 votes but my network is real people from all over the world. I have made my social presence  known via Twitter, Facebook, and even got a shout out from my online travel writing school MatadorU:http://matadornetwork.com/radar/u-student-amanda-throckmorton-competing-for-isla-palenques-intern-contest/

I have attended a “Leave no Trace” workshop: http://www.lnt.org/ to gain ideas on how to promote outdoor ethics and teach the world to cut down on our carbon footprint.

I want to use this internship to promote a company in which I admire and want to see succeed. I have experienced  firsthand how hard it is to open a Hotel in today’s economy and I want to help Amble Resorts. I have bright ideas for eco-friendly activities and just need the opportunity to share them.

This internship will provide me with the tools to promote myself as a travel writer, eco-tourism advocate, and independent woman traveler.

Check me out and click the “thumbs up” to vote: http://bit.ly/endllT

Check out Isla Palenque: http://www.islapalenque.com/

Yippee! I thought as I returned Chris’ call. I was picturing myself running around in a flowery field while a photographer was taking pictures to use for an up-and-coming magazine spread on “The World’s Most Interesting People”.

That was not the assignment.  The assignment was to drive around to “select businesses” and try to buy tobacco products to see if they’d card me. If the teller asked for I.D, I’d give them a green card. If the teller did not ask, I’d hand them a red card. So basically I was paid to Narc.

I watched a 12 minute training video on how to properly execute this. I was not allowed to say “Ha ha, got you!” when handing out a red card. Like I would anyways, my first 5 stores were in Vallejo.

I was given a list of stores, a route, and a log sheet.  I would go up to the register, ask for a specific brand of cigarettes and depending on the cashier’s response, I’d hand them a green or red card instead of my ID or cash. If the cashier received the green card I’d ask for their name to record on the log sheet. I’d also record the time I was at each location. Simple enough.

Log sheet and green/red cards

Being a little pessimistic about the assignment I dressed myself in a dress with a bow in my hair, trying to look as underage as possible.  I did not want to get shot because an unstable 7-11 cashier didn’t appreciate their red card.

I was obviously a little nervous at my first store. Luckily, I look 17 years old. After cashier Maribel asked for ID, I handed her a green card instead. She lit up with excitement! This is when I knew 7-11 must have some incentive for these cashiers receiving green cards.

By store 10 I was in my groove. While I do say that handing out green cards to all the multicultural 7-11 employees did feel a bit odd, I was beginning to feel less like a Narc and more like the 7-11 Angel.

“Great job Rakesh!, Congratulations Cheryl!”  I’d sing their praise and glide out the door, before they had the opportunity to thank me. Sometimes I’d shoot them a little wink and a smile.

By hour 4, the enthusiasm faded and I was ready to be done with this “kinda fun” assignment.  I had driven a full circle- Fairfield to Vallejo to Benicia to Vacaville to Suisun and back to Fairfield. I was exhausted and bored.

I wanted to hand out a red card, just to see what would happen. The danger of it intrigued me. The opportunity never presented itself and by hour 5, I finished. 24 stores and 24 green cards. Really? My day as a Narc started out dangerous and ended as tedious and boring.  I think I’ll retire.

As I type in the computer room of my parent’s house on an ironing board I’ve converted into a desk, I can’t help but compare Lady Gaga and I. (obviously)

Here we are, Gaga and I, both turning twenty-five. Quarter of a century.Gaga has a couple of Grammys, a few hit albums, some catchy songs and millions of  fans.  I mean, she’s Lady Gaga. She can crawl out of an egg, douse herself in blood, rock meat dresses and people will still buy her albums. She’s an artist. She’ll  be celebrating her big two-five at the Staples Center in LA.

I will be turning twenty-five unemployed and living with my parents. Things could be worse, I could be turning thirty, unemployed, living with my parents.

Comparing myself with Gaga is silly, I know. She was born with talent and I was born, well, I was born this way

Being born this way has had its benefits. I’ve done some traveling, exploring and have connected with people all around the world. While my birthday twin Gaga is connecting with millions of people through music, I’ve made bonds with hundreds, personally.

Lady Gaga with fans in Japan

A few of my "fans" in India

Gaga has millions of fans who know her music and I have around 700 Facebook friends who know me.

Gaga sings on National Television while I sing to 10 friends in a Karaoke bar in South Korea. You can have the world stage Gaga, they’re not ready for this rocks in a blender voice.

Lady Gags on American Idol

Singing to my boss in my America sweatshirt

I will be able to travel, inspire, and explore different cultures in a way that Gaga will never be able to. She will never have the luxury of living her life as a normal person, only a superstar. (poor Gaga)

So Happy Birthday to Lady Gaga and myself. While she will be celebrating with thousands of people, publicly, I’ll be celebrating by personally “liking” all my Facebook birthday comments.

Here's to 25 years young!

Those who  travel to Japan always rave  about it. The cleanliness, the food, the culture, and the people are amazing! I traveled to Japan in the Spring of 2006 and while I did enjoy it, it definitely wasn’t one of my favorite places in Asia. This perhaps, was due to the fact that it was the end of my Semester at Sea voyage, I was broke, it was raining the entire time, and I had just found out my grandfather had passed away. All of these factors definitely contributed to my somber mood.

I did think the cities were amazingly high-tech. The transportation, efficiency of everything, bars, internet rooms, and 4 story porn shops-crazy!   I loved Kyoto. Picturing old Japan really brought me  into my favorite book at the time,  “Memoirs of a Geisha”. As I walked through the cobblestone  streets under cherry blossom trees, I enjoyed MY idea of Japan.

Geisha crossing the street in Kyoto, Japan

The Japanese didn’t’ strike me as the friendliest and didn’t stand out as particularly welcoming. No one initiated conversation with me; in fact, I felt most avoided eye contact. The friendliest they got were after a few bottles of sake while stumbling home at 2am in their business suit.

Is being super friendly and welcoming to foreigners really all that important? No, absolutely not. After seeing the character of the Japanese when faced with such crisis, I will completely retract any negative idea I’ve ever had of them.

We can learn a lot from the Japanese on how they deal with disaster. Instead of whining, and finger-pointing, they are showing a true sense of community by pulling together. No one is grabbing media attention in attempt to prove they’re the hero; instead they are working together in attempt to help.

There have been no reports that I have come across on looting or taking advantage of situations which would  benefit individuals. In a time of utter disaster, they are still focused on the collective good.

The Japanese are graciously accepting aid, not expecting it. In a television news report, a reporter tells a story of a woman who is blown away by the help from a foreigner. “You came all the way from England to help?”

While no country deserves disaster, the Japanese are a good model in times of crisis for the rest of the world to follow.  I would hope that if this type of “end of the world” disaster were to happen again, we would react like we’re Japanese.

I sat, staring at the post.  Damn. It has been 6 years and people are still “LOL-ing” about my tumble-down a cliff and into the water at my hometown lake, Berryessa.  A long day in the sun and a loose grip on the swing led me to fall and roll down the side of a rocky cliff and onto the shore.  My friends stared in disbelief as I flopped my scratched and burned body into the murky water.

This incident provided a great conversation topic at school come Monday and apparently still serves its purpose as one today.

I know I will never live this down in the eyes of my peers but I have conquered my fear of the rope swing thanks to my bravery and determination at the Kuang Si Waterfall in Luang Prubang, Laos.

Kuang Si rope swing

I arrived at the waterfall with a group of 5 others on a tour I found in the Old Quarter of Luang Prubang. Once I weaved my way through trees and across the path to the crystal blue, pools of water and feasted my eyes on the rope swing, I knew right away that this was the place to over come my fear.

The oasis  is something close to what I picture of heaven.  Cascading waterfalls, clear blue water, and green, lush, trees. It looks like the playground of angels and fairies. There’s no way I’d fall off a rope swing in heaven.

After taking a dip in the cool, brisk water, I watched from the shore as others climbed their way to the rope swing, grabbed a hold and swung into the water. The approving audience, clapped and cheered as person after person flew through the air with ease.

Soon enough, I mustered up the confidence to give it a go. As I carefully maneuvered my feet around sharp rocks, slippery algae and tree roots, I found myself standing on the thick branch which acts as a bridge over the water. Here I am, legs shaking from nerves and an audience of strangers awaiting my big moment. I am happy to be standing in front of strangers and not my pals back home.

slowly making my way to the rope swing

I began to crab walk slowly on the wet branch, using the wooden steps nailed to the tree to prevent myself from slipping into the water. Once I reached the swing, I knew I was fully committed.

It was in this moment where I went over the steps of rope swing success:

1. Test the rope

As I grabbed a hold of the rope, I gave it a tug to make sure it was sturdy and secure enough to hold my weight.  Then, I looked up and inspected the branch, it wasn’t going to snap.

2. Estimate the best place to land in the water

We’ve all heard of people landing on rocks and breaking limbs. I located possible hazards in the water (rocks, shallow spots, swimming people) and calculated which way I’d have to swing to avoid them.

3. Grab tight and HOLD ON!

I tightened my grip on the rope and tensed up my arms, in order to hold my weight as I kicked out away from the tree. As I flew through the air a kick of adrenaline rushed over me. I was doing it!

4. Release before you begin to swing backwards

After having watched many people hold on for too long and swing back into the tree, I knew I ‘d need to release sooner than later.  I let go right as I reached the rope swing’s full extension.

5. Watch your landing

Since I am no professional rope swinger, I knew I had no reason to get fancy.  I dropped my arms to my sides, straightened my back and slightly folded my knees to ready myself for impact.  As I splashed into the cool water, I knew I had taken a rather conservative yet safe, landing.

I stayed under water long enough to fist pump and comprehend my accomplishment before rising to the surface. Playing it cool, I swam to the shore and perched myself on a rock, waiting for my legs to stop shaking from excitement.

Th Sisavangvong

Luang Prubang’s Old Quarter provides all the action and resources needed to fill one’s diary.  When strolling down Th Sisavangvong Street surrounded by like-minded falangs (foreigners) the solo traveler will come across cafes, tour companies, Internet stops, and countless tuk tuk drivers resting in their rides, waiting for their next fare.

What to do:

There are tons of Wats to visit while touring Luang Prubang so in order to not wat yourself out, head over to Mount Phu Si where you can explore the Royal Palace Museum and take a peek at Wat Pa Huak, That Chomsi, and Wat Tham Phu Si. The steps up to the top will be worth the view. At sunset, people eager to chat and photograph the city below may offer good company to explore the Hmong Night Market.

When you’ve soaked in everything that the Old Quarter has to offer, a trip to the Kuang Si Waterfall is a must.  Tour companies along Th Sisavangvong will be offering 2 trips a day (11:30pm/1:30pm) to the waterfall 32km out of town.  A tuk tuk ride alone will cost more money than joining an organized group through a tour company. Plus, this is a good way to see the magnificent, crystal blue oasis while meeting new people.  Kuang Si can be a day trip in itself. Make sure you try the rope swing while you’re there. If you do one thing in Luang Prubang, this should be it.

On your return to Luang Prubang, you may be given the option of stopping at a “traditional Hmong village”, opt out. The village serves more as a showcase than as a glimpse into the life of the Hmong.

the ropeswing at Kuang Si waterfall

Other sights and activities around Luang Prubang can all be handled and organized for you by the tour companies around Th Sisavangvong. Walk up and down the street to price each company. See what they’re offering and if there are any trips you can join with others.  There seems to be a lot of groups who are in need of one more to fill up the trip and lower the cost for all.  In attempt to join a group on the river, I signed on for a white water kayaking trip. The “white water” included a few tiny rapids on a mostly calm river. The landscape is beautiful but Luang Prubang is not the best place in Laos to get your adrenaline kick. Other trips include: touring the Pak Ou caves, elephant treks, river rafting, or even renting a bicycle to see the city.

Where to shop:

The Hmong Night Market is arguably one of the best in South East Asia because it is open every night (5:30-10pm) and bargaining is possible. No hassling to buy, endless options, and even food; the night market is the place to buy your Laos souvenirs.  Every night a section of Th Sisavangvong shuts down and tents go up, full of T-shirts, bags, sweatshirts, artwork, and local-made jewelry. There is even an alley offering cheap baguettes, bbq, vegetarian options, and beer.  Always crowded, this is a great place to dine with expats and travelers on picnic bench set-ups.

Vegetarian stand at Hmong Night Market

Where to sleep:

When choosing accommodation, travelers will have their pick. The old quarter is on the peninsula of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. French style villas with competing owners make it possible to haggle down prices during low season. If a quiet place near the Mekong is what you’re after Silvilay/Silichith Guest House tel: 212758 offers warm water, comfy beds and is only a 2 minute walk from Th Sisavangvong.

If interested in the nightlife, guest houses a long the Nam Khan tend to keep their gates unlocked after midnight curfew for those stragglers who found the pubs serving a little later. Also, Spicylaos Backpackers just west of Old Quarter is Luang Prubang’s first backpackers and offers cheap rooms, free wi-fi, lockers, a pool table, and even a TV. Spicylaos is a great place for those who travel alone. It maintains a social atmosphere and  has a common area used for mingling and drinking a little later than citywide curfew.

Expats will often clear the rumor that midnight bowling keeps the party going. This is no longer the case so your best bet will be a journey to the local club (any tuk tuk driver will know and gladly take you).  This interesting club is full of young locals and serves until 1am.