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Hanoi is a city steeped in history. Previously having a reputation for being unfriendly to foreigners, Hanoi is now welcoming them with open hands - perhaps too open? As with many other Asian cities, one has to always be wary of being taking advantage of by locals.
That being said, Hanoi has much beauty to offer; in the middle of the city is Hoan Kiem Lake, which as you can see, is remarkably pretty, with the town in the background. While it looks like the photo was taken maybe 50 or 60 years ago, it was only taken in 1999. Many people talk of the "colonial charm" that Hanoi retains, as it was in conflict during the modern architecture movement.
Many travellers are drawn to the Old Quarter, where they can immerse themselves in the French colonialist influence which is still very prevalent. Shopping is good, but it is recommended to pay with cash, or if you are paying with a credit card, to watch your card at all times.
You cannot miss taking a day trip to see Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, labelled a natural wonder of the world. And if that's not enough recommendation, Tomorrow Never Dies, one of the James Bond films was shot there, as well as Indochine. Thrill at the idea that you perhaps stood on the very spot that Pierce Brosnan did!
While Hanoi has alot of charm, there are also things to be aware of as a traveller. Beware of:
i.) Children selling you chewing gum. Politely refuse them; to buy from them is only encouraging their parent's exploitation of them
ii.) "Massage" offers
iii.) Local buses that won't tell you the price till your bag is already on the bus
iv.) Motorcycles on the sidewalk. They're crazy!
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Being born and bred in Kuala Lumpur, it seemed fitting that I should write my first post on KL (as it is affectionately known), in the interests of sounding worldly and well-travelled.
Kuala Lumpur is a city of diversity. If you are familiar with the recent tourism campaign which ran the slogan, 'Malaysia, Truly Asia', you're probably thinking, "If it didn't work that time, what makes you think that angle will work now?" But think about. Not only have you got Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Miscellaneous peoples, but you have Malay, Chinese, Indian and Miscellaneous food too! Sure we have all that stuff here too - but it's the price that just brings out the flavour of the food.
Eating out in KL is a whole new ball park. For those of you who are adventurous, and have a strong constitution, I would strongly recommend eating at one of the many street vendors, or mamak stalls, that you find in KL. Here is where you brush shoulders with the local, and get a real feel of what being Malaysian is all about.
And it's not just the food that's cheap. Kuala Lumpur is a shopping oasis, with everything from designer wear to "designer wear". KL sports numerous ridiculously sized shopping malls, such as Mid Valley Megamall, Suria KLCC and the most recent Times Square, which sports an indoor amuesment park. Bukit Bintang is also an excellent destination, whether you're a tightass or whether you like to flaunt a bit of Louis Vitton.
If you're interested in the more illicit goods Malaysia has on offer, then head down to Chinatown on Petaling Street, and hone those bargaining skills. Who really cares if the dubbing is off, and the subtitles are in Chinese, and people's heads keep appearing in the middle of the movie, when you paid AUD$5 for it?
One of the more important phrases you need to know is, "Berapa?", which means, "How much?". That will get you pretty much anywhere you need to go. Check out Lonely Planet for useful information like what sort of electrical plugs are used, and how big the population is.
Beware of:
i.) Street vendors with a tank of live frogs out the front.
ii.) Taxi drivers who don't run the meter.
iii.) Hawkers who insist it is the genuine article.
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Remember the good ol' days? When big clocks were hot, when bitches who were slapped on the behind thanked you for the opportunity, and when hip hop was about drugs, sex and - money? Who was it that decided that hip hop actually had to say something anyway?! I am rallying support for the revival of the ancient art of hip hop, when guys with mikes just got up there and acted abosolutely, totally, and ridiculously stupid.
"Yeah, stupid like a goddamn fox, stupid like an octopus. Stupid like one of those educated science chimpanzees what wears glasses," reads the bio of Aussie hip hop group, Bluejuice. Now that's the kind of stupid I'm talking about.
With a bit of ska, bit of punk, bit of this, bit of that thrown into the mix, the band are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Nary will a word be spoken about the Iraq situation, or our *cough*dis*cough* honourable Johnny Howard. No siree bob, this is just fun for the sake of it. And if you ask me, that's the best kind.
Supporting this kind of maniacal debauchery seems like the perfect thing to do on a Friday night, so dig deep, pull out a $20, and go to the Bluejuice album fundraiser at Hopetoun this 12th of May. And you won't leave home empty-handed, as every ticket-holder gets a free copy of the album upon completion!
Need more info? Head here to the band's website, listen to some tracks, read some reviews, all that jazz.
Otherwise Hopetoun is located at 416 Bourke Street, Surry Hills. Don't forget, Friday 12th! Look in your hearts people!
Broken Glass, Beatless Hearts - their latest album
Remember what rock n roll used to be like? The genuine, gritty stuff? They were gods of their time, and they commanded their instruments as such, and live, they swayed the mass and ROCKED HARD!
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I don't know what it is about the Sandringham, but there must be an air about it that attracts people who we knew once - you know who I mean, the one who sang that song with that tune, the one that goes na na na na na....
Sarah McLeod made her name as lead singer of the rock group Superjesus, but since then has been pretty quiet. Yet not so quiet that we could forget about her - she is not just a singer, she's a personality, and she certainly has alot of charisma to go around.
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Paolo Mojo is the kind of DJ that refuses to be put in a box. "I've never understood this 'genre' bollocks," he says. "To me the best DJs always select the best bits from a wide range of sounds and put them together in a way that just makes sense to people."
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Here is something for the girls - and guys who have an artistic sensitive side to them. Fashionanarchy is launching Australian Victims of Fashion Week this Thursday night - and before you think "spoiled, stupid little stick figures with poofy lips" in the immortal words of fashion designer Edna Mode from The Incredibles, think again.
Fashionanarchy is a performative showcase of local designers; this is not just skinny girls walking down a catwalk. This is a show. Expect the unexpected, and maybe leave the little cocktail dress at home. The string quartet themselves will be wearing nothing but their lingerie (well, maybe this is for the guys too). [ Click here to read more ]
Getting tired of McDonalds music? Craving something with a bit of soul, bit of feeling, bit of a raw edge? Then I've got just the prescription.
Tomorrow night, head down to Kink Bar at Hotel Bondi, where Club Mojo will be showcasing two young bands hitting it up old-school. Ooh La La are a band from our very own Inner West, who profess to have a passion for early boogie, soul, and early rock n roll. I for one am loving the local flavour. Any chicks out there should definitely head out to this; what's cooler than dating a guy in a band?
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Now this is one that definitely cannot be missed. This Saturday 22nd April, get yourself down to the Newtown RSL for an event so reasonably priced, it puts Crazy Clarks to shame!
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Comment by rachel
on Paolo Mojo Album Launch