Finally!

At long last, after slaving over books and finals and essays and projects, we are free from the burden of school.  By we, I am talking about Apt. 1, aka the Pink Girls, aka my roommates for the past year.  

Since last June, Kelly, Cindy and finally, Dorothy in September, have been with me through the good times and the bad, the tummyaches and the gym workouts, the baked goods and the Korean food cravings, the smack talk and the praises.

But alas, these good and bad times have now come to an end because we are almost done packing up and moving out to separate summers in lands far, far away.  This is starting to sound like something out of "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants."  Let's see what our heroines are up to, yes?

City gal Cindy will be traversing through the Chilean jungles, trying her hand at all sorts of great outdoor adventures like zip-lining (seen below).

Dorothy will be indulging in her inner fob-ness by scavenging through Taiwan to find all things Hello Kitty. Cheers to finding more Kittys to add to your collection!

and the always cultured Kelly Banh will be flirting away on the streets of Paris (and other European cities) with her dream man. Bring on the chocolate!

And as for me? Well, you'll be seeing my pictures pretty soon... only 5 more days!!

Arrivals and Departures

The end of the year always stirs up some bittersweet feelings in me. On the one hand, "WhOO HOO! SCHOOL'S OUT!" On the other hand, seniors are graduating, and fun moments, events and accomplishments- all gone.  College is like that, each new year is a fresh start, a clean slate, there are new things to try and new circumstances to come across.

This year, the best thing I have done was audition for LCC, my school's Asian American theatre company.  LCC is a complicated group to explain.  We basically perform one show each quarter and in these shows are usually four short scenes written, directed, and performed by group members. We also perform improv a la "Who's Line is It Anyway?"  Then, there are side projects also put together by group members and those tend to be either sketches in the form of "SNL" or video projects.

Last quarter, I had an amazing time acting as Mother Goose in a fairy tale-gone-wrong scene entitled, "Goldie Locks vs. the Three Bears" (I think you know what the story might be about.) 

 

This quarter, I was blessed enough to be involved in, not one but TWO, of LCC's main scenes.  I have written one and am directing another.  It is my first time as writer and director and I am so excited to see my work on-stage!

Our shows also have a different theme/title each quarter and this quarter's was fittingly entitled, "Arrivals and Departures."  I personally feel it will be an incredible two night of performances and one you should not miss out on!  I would never fault you for not attending my shows (especially if you don't go to LA) because we all have school and life and yada yada.  However, I never knew how happy and touched I could get until I looked out on stage last quarter and saw shiny, beaming faces of my friends staring back at me.  It was such a great feeling to know that people are supporting you, enjoying the hard work and labor that you've slaved over all quarter for. 

Evelyn even brought me flowers! Icing on the cake!

So, this quarter, if you're not so busy, stop on by the Northwest Auditorium and check out our show.  You can arrive and depart anytime you'd like but I doubt you would want to miss a single minute of the show.

 I'm down on my knees and beggin' ya to come!

LCC Spring Show: "Arrivals and Departures"

Northwest Auditorium (by Sproul Hall)

Mon. 5/19 & Tues. 5/20 @ 7-9PM

admissions: FREE!

Desert Island

We've all played that game.  "If you were trapped on a desert island with one _______, who/what would it be?"

What a no brainer.  My person would definitely have to be TINA FEY!  

This former SNL head writer turned TV star turned movie star can be my "baby mama" any day.  She's revolutionary; an amazing writer, a funny, quirky gal a combination of girl next door mixed with sexy MILF.  She can make guys fall in love with her but won't get the girls jealous because she is just too darned irresistible.  She also seems to have the midas touch, turning every project she makes into blockbuster and ratings gold.

I started watching Fey's show, "30 Rock" two weeks ago and I'm already caught up on Every. Single. Episode. (That's 34 20-minute episodes in case you were counting).  This show is so well-written, well-cast, and original that it was hard to remember a time long, long ago when it was predicted that it wouldn't be able to hold its own against a similarly-plotted Aaron Sorkin powerhouse called "Studio 60 on Sunset Strip." Now, no one remembers that other show and Tina Fey's winning awards left and right for her nuanced yet brilliant portrayal of Liz Lemon, the head writer of a fictional SNL-type sketch show on NBC. (sound familiar?)

Naysayers would argue that Fey is not really acting the part of Liz Lemon but that she actually is Liz Lemon but who cares if that's the case?  I say she's just wise for knowing what sells and tapping in on that.

So we know that Fey is great at television but what about the big screen?  People often forget that she conceived "Mean Girls," a chick flick that was actually smart as well as hilarious.  It also brought us Rachel McAdams, the term fetch, and the next surburbian cultural icon flick since "Clueless."

And I got to watch "Baby Mama" last night.  I was wary because Fey's good at playing herself but her act could get old and how much fun could a film about two thirty-something women trying to have a baby together be?  But boy, was I wrong.  Yes, Fey's acting was a bit one-toned but the writing, the movie's theme, the twist at the end and AMY POEHLER (a close second on who I would choose to be stranded on a desert island with) made this comedy the best one I've seen in a long time.

Fey is breaking down barriers left and right and people are finally paying attention.  On second thought, maybe I wouldn't want to be stranded on a desert island with her.  I need her to continue dominating Hollywood so that I can get my weekly fix of "30 Rock."  I love Lemon!

By the by, this has nothing to do with travels but if you think about it, you would have to travel to get to a desert island. So all makes sense with the world again!

Budget Travel Tips

After turning my credit cards and debit cards upside down, inside out, and shaking out every last cent in them to pay for my summer travel study fees to Switzerland and EAP fees for Hong Kong, I am extra money-conscious these days.  

I know this year is going to be mighty expensive but I also know it will be unforgettable.  I can always find ways to make money back but time? That's precious.  Memories? That's priceless.  Justin Jones shares my pain and has some great tips on how to budget while browsing the globe.  I have cut and pasted some of his advice found in his article in the "Young Money" magazine (you know, that free one you can pick up around the corners of campus buildings)

1) Freeloading is Free

Hostels are a great way to travel on the cheap and meet some cool people, but it's even better to travel on the free. Talk to locals and try to make friends with them. If you're especially charming, you can sometimes get friendly locals to open their homes and their lives to you.  A better (and probably safer) strategy is to use a website like Couchsurfing.com or Globalfreeloaders.com.

JJ says: I don't know how comfortable I would feel about this one, especially with all the creepy people out there. But if you're traveling with tough male (or female) companions, you may want to check it out.

2) Bootleg a Tour Guide

Every major touristy locale, from the Coliseum in Rome to the Old City in Jerusalem, will have tour guides in almost every language.  Hand around until a guide speaking English comes by and slip into the group for a free guided tour!

JJ says: This one is definitely worth trying. Especially when you're tired and/or lost.  

3) Dinner Roll Reprise

When you go out to dinner, steal the dinner rolls and stash them into your pack for breakfast or for a snack on the go.  Making your own food is probably the best way to save money on the road-just don't forget to sample the local cuisine at least once!

JJ says: When I travel, I think I will definitely attempt to do this for at least half my meals.  My wallet and my stomach wouldn't be able to handle eating out everyday!

4) Night Train to Scrimpville

You should consider sleeping on the night train to save some time and money.  Or get a sleeper for just a couple bucks extra.  In addition to your ticket, you'll get a bed, and often a light breakfast in the morning.  You won't save much money with this tip, but you'll save a day of travel, which can sometimes be more valuable.

JJ says: For someone who can sleep pretty much anywhere, anytime, especially on moving vehicles, I will definitely take this tip to task.  Just be careful with your possessions!

5) Card Carrying Miser

Get an international student discount card before you leave, there are a few options to choose from, including ISE and ISIC.  These are useful for visiting museums and historical sites.  It's also worth saying you're a student, even if you aren't.

JJ says: Yea, I went to a museum in Taiwan, didn't have my card and had to pay 2x as much. Ouch!

6) Water is Free

Obvious but often overlooked. Bring a water bottle-always.  Take advantage of sinks and public fountains with free, potable water. Just remember to check if the water is actually drinkable...

JJ says: In Europe, it may just be better for me to drink their alcohol all the time. I hear it's cheaper and safer.  I mean, I don't really want to but if I must...then I guess I must...

7) Avoid Tourist Traps

This doesn't always work-if you're in Paris, you'll have to see the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, but in many cases, there are more interesting, more local things to do that will save you some serious cash.  If you see all the tourists heading in one direction, try going the other way-counter-tourism.  You never know what you'll discover, but it will probably be cheaper and interesting.

JJ says:  I'm all for being down with tourist traps!  Try having a general plan of all you want to see/do and once you've accomplished them, go counter-tourist!

Any other budget travel tips?  Share!

Venus Cafe

Unfortunately, most other colleges around the world do not have the luxury of chowing down in UCLA's scrumptious, extravagant dining halls.  So, even though UC Berkeley may not have the fortune of experiencing a delicious Sunday brunch in De Neve or Reiber, they can settle by getting their butts down to Venus Restaurant, located at the heart of Downtown Berkeley.  

With an intimate cafe-style atmosphere and artsy pictures hanging from the cozy brick walls, Venus is perfect for those hoping to spend hours catching up with old friends or just grabbing a quick, inexpensive bite to eat.

JlO and I made this our last food stop in Norcal.  Bleary-eyed and barely awake, I ordered the chicken sausage scramble with roasted potatoes and a cheery carrot bran muffin on the side

and JlO made the healthier but not necessarily heartier selection of a vegetarian omelet accompanied by beautifully tossed greens 

Both were delightful farewell gifts from our beloved Northern California.   After a fill up of some strong (ok, not really) coffee, we hit the road, Jack!  But we'll be back...

Jason Mraz Concert

After spending a lovely day in one of the coolest cities (literally, it was freezing) ever, the countdown to the concert began.  After arriving at the venue, (the beautiful antiquated Fillmore Auditorium) we found to our dismay that even though we had arrived early-two hours early- it wasn't good enough.  It seems early bird Mraz fans had already been braving the Northern California cold long before we had even arrived to the city.  The line stretched down not one, not two, but THREE blocks of the neighborhood before rounding the corner of a Taco Bell.  

Parked outside the streets were also three or four  of these eco-friendly tour buses.  Mraz' tour with friends is part of a promotion to spread some eco-lovin' ideas to the world.  

All sorts of concert-goers appeared.  It seems Mraz' appeal crosses ages, races and sexes. Young or old, punk or folk, gay or straight, everyone loves Mr. A-Z.

So with two hours on our hands, we practiced our expressions.  Here I am suffering from the cold while warm and bundled jlO smiles cozily.

Shocked because...what is this? Jason? with a ring in his hand?  Bent down on one knee? proposing to me??!  Yes, I do! I do!

 

What is this??!! The concert is cancelled??!!!!!!! DOn't EVEn!!!

In the midst of our goofiness, Mrazzzzzz himself came out with a ukulele and started serenading the audience!! He was literally an inch away from me!!!  Him and another artist, Bushwalla was all freestylin' and flowin' and when this other person waiting in line started making up these lyrics, they totally went along with it and created a stupendous tune!

The concert itself was also spectacular.  Since the place was standing room only, it was up to us and our sharp elbows to poke and prod our ways to the front. We had a pretty good view the entire night.  

Whether he was just jamming away on his guitar or partying it up with his opening acts and band-mates or signaling for a  jazz trio to pop out of the balcony, Jason Mraz live in concert was most definitely a worthy show. 

When In Rome...

I just saw the Judd Apatow comedy, "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" yesterday.  Written by and starring Jason Segal, this film was, in many ways, a fairly standard Apatow vehicle.  This means plenty of raucous jokes, sexual innuendoes (and outuendoes), objectified females and good ol' frat boy bonding.  That still doesn't mean it wasn't sweet, endearing, clever and memorable at times.  It was-but it also made you walk out feeling a little nauseous like, "I laughed a lot because it really was a funny movie but I don't feel so good about it."

Anyway, one scene really stood out to me from the film.  

No, it wasn't (*SPOILER ALERT!)

the part where Segal shows his privates a lot-and I mean ALOT.  No, it wasn't that memorable scene near the end with all the singing monster puppets. It was this one tiny clip which showed an asian couple taking pictures at their breakfast table.  The husband was snapping away while the wife posed with her forks mid-air as if about to dig into her eggs and ham.  Something kind of like this...

except dorkier cause, you know, my roommates are totally way cool.

Asians seriously have this stereotype of taking pictures of everything they see.  I notice it everywhere I go.  I see the Japanese tourists asking me to take a picture of them near Royce. I've been one of those tourists, always having to rush up to my friends because I've been left behind, snapping a shot of a cool-looking leaf (what? it was cool.)

And I know other people notice it.  Once, at a concert, a couple friends and I got caught up taking pictures of a REALLY awesome looking light (what? it was cool) and my friend Hayoung, overheard a man behind us exclaim, "Dude, what are they taking pictures of? They're just perpetuating the stereotype of Asians."  Ok. I don't even think he put it that eloquently but..WHAT??!!  

Yes, we are Asian. Yes, we do have cameras but so do pretty much 50% of the world out there. Digital cameras are being sold like candy and with an increase in standard of living, more and more people can afford to take a vacation every now and then.  Are we Asian for wanting to preserve those memories of our happy times with photos?  I was angry at that boy only because he was stereotyping Asians but as an Asian who fits that stereotype, I can't argue against it.  But you know what, that's ok. Because for every comment like that that someone makes, I get 50 more fun photos that I can look back on and cherish until I'm 50.  

In our defense, we were in San Francisco's Chinatown and Japantown. We had to fully "perpetuate our Asian stereotypes." We just had to.

Maybe this was going a little overboard.  You creepy creepster!