Midwest Trip: Day 2

Pics are up of day two of my Midwest adventure: Midwest Trip: Day 2



It was one of those nights where you just fall asleep and the next thing you know its 11am. Man, sleep is sooo good.

Scott/Jess took me to Culver's, which I've been told is Wisconsin's version of In-n-Out. I had my first taste of Fried Cheese Curds. They're pretty good! They taste like fried mozzerella sticks. And, I have to admit, the beef did taste pretty fresh.

Scott let me borrow his car (1992 Ford Expedition - aka "the beast") to drive into Milwaukee. I had an awesome time walking around the city down toward the lake front. It was beautiful, people were flying kites and sail boats very passing by the shore. On the way, I stopped by the Milwaukee Art Museum to check out its sailboat like architecture - beautiful. On the way back a bunch of people were gathering downtown to demonstrate against the Burmese govt. and rally for international attention. Then I took a walk down the River Walk by the Milwaukee river and grabbed some tea to finish off my downtown tour.

Tonight, I joined Scott/Jess for their wedding rehearsal dinner at a Hibachi place here in suburban Milwaukee. Ofcourse, for desert we picked up some frozen custard from Oscar's. We're now back at home and just enjoying some Wii and the thunderstorm that is passing through the country. It was awesome, I haven't heard that kind of thunder since Thailand.

The wedding is tomorrow but I hope I can pick up some Milwaukee brautwurst before I have to leave for Chicago.

Midwest Trip: Day 1

Pics are up from day one of my adventures: Midwest Trip: Day 1



I (barely) caught the 6:35am flight to Chicago after pulling an all nighter. 4 hours of sleep later, I was in Chicago.

I was on the same flight as my co-worker, Carol and we waited for our other co-worker Ted to join us in Chicago. After he arrived on his delayed flight, we picked up our rental car and made our way to Milwaukee. We were trying to catch a Brewers game that was moved to 3pm from 7pm. Given the fact that Ted didn't land in Chicago till 2:30p, we didn't think we'd catch most of the game.
Wouldn't you know, not only did we catch the game, but we came just in time for the 9th inning rally and saw the Brewers beat the Padres in come back fashion. Catching all the action from the exclusive seats in the .300 club. (pics in the album)

Afterwards Scott/Jess (who's wedding I'm attending on Monday) took us too watch Comedy Sportz. It was super fun! I need to check out the one in San Jose and plan an outting there w/ my friends.

We then went to Polaris, which was a rotating restaurant on top of the Milwaukee Hyatt Regency. It was beautiful and the deserts was out of this world. (pics in the album)

I then had my first taste of Frozen Custard. Its more like super creamy ice cream than anything. Went to a place called Kopps where it is apparently a local favorite. (pics in the album)

I'm staying at Scott's/Jess' place in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and came back to do something that I suppose is very Midwest-ish. We burned things in their backyard. I guess its their way of getting rid of yard waste and getting some entertainment at the same time. (pics in the album)

Man, this is just day 1? Can't wait for day 2!

Chicaaaaago

3 hours of sleep later here I am in Chicago. Heading out to Milwaukee
soon to catch a Brewers game.

Its a great feeling to be traveling with no particular plans what so
ever. I guess its the adventurous in me. :)
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Eh... what the hey...

Its 2:24am. My flight to Chicago leaves in about 4.5 hours. Why the heck should I sleep?

This is going to be a crazy, spontaneous trip: San Jose -> Chicago -> Milwaukee ->Chicago -> LA -> San Diego.

Stay tuned for updates/pics!

This is our world...

Japanese journalist, Kenji Nagai, 50, was shot dead on Thursday as he filmed demonstrations in the main city, Rangoon. Photo: Reuters

Check out first hand accounts from those living inside Burma. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7011884.stm

Sunday morning news

Good morning everyone.
I had a really good time this weekend at Destination:Campus - a conference for the youth and youth workers. There is so much heart and encouragement to be found amongst the teenagers of this and other countries around the world.

I was doing my daily morning scan through BBC news and there are lot of interesting news stories today. Here are a couple that caught my attention...

Burma march 'largest in 20 years' - Burma's largest anti-government protest in nearly two decades has taken place in the former capital Rangoon, led by Buddhist monks and nuns.
Up to 20,000 people took to the streets on the seventh day of protests calling for an end to the "evil dictatorship".

Unlike a day earlier, police barred a group of monks from entering the road that leads to the home of detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The rallies began last month when the government doubled fuel prices.

BBC South Asia correspondent Jonathan Head says every day the protests are growing in size - the campaign the monks began just six days ago is now openly challenging the military, urging all citizens to join in.


China Catholics throng to church - Beijing's Southern Cathedral has the kind of congregation many Catholic churches in Europe can only dream of attracting.

At Sunday morning Mass, the church is overflowing with worshippers. Those that cannot squeeze in sit on benches outside.

Here is a cool quote from that story:

I know there are problems between underground and official churches but, as far as I'm concerned, I just believe in God
Zhao Xudong
Graphic designer

Video update: 9/16/07

I'm going on an adventure!

"I am both Muslim and Christian"

I heard this story on NPR this morning. Needless to say, I was quickly captivated by the situation Rev. Ann Holmes is in.

Quoted from The Seattle Times:

Shortly after noon on Fridays, the Rev. Ann Holmes Redding ties on a black headscarf, preparing to pray with her Muslim group on First Hill.

On Sunday mornings, Redding puts on the white collar of an Episcopal priest.

She does both, she says, because she's Christian and Muslim.

Redding, who until recently was director of faith formation at St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral, has been a priest for more than 20 years. Now she's ready to tell people that, for the last 15 months, she's also been a Muslim — drawn to the faith after an introduction to Islamic prayers left her profoundly moved.

Her announcement has provoked surprise and bewilderment in many, raising an obvious question: How can someone be both a Christian and a Muslim?

Continue reading...

What do you think? Can she be both a Christian and a Muslim?

My mom would love this place

Seen in the sunset district of San Francisco.

On another note, I've added a widget to my site on the right that shows the latest and greatest photo taken by my iPhone from my daily adventures.
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Photos from Thailand!

Yup. They're up!

gallery.mac.com/danvin

There's something like 300+ photos... Enjoy!