Something Strange Is Afoot At The Circle K

This post has been a long time coming. All of my favorite signs from my time in Ulaanbaatar.

Outside the Best Dance/Circus/Strip Club on Earth!

Does Anybody Else See An Alien Crossing?

Urm.....

As To Why The Dark Knight Decided To Set Up His Practice In UB I'll Never Know

Not A Single Dent Out There Superior To This

I Dunno...I Still Don't Trust This Place

Oh My...Wonder What Goes On In The "Kitty House"

Never Been In. I Hear It's Damp and Claustrophobic

No Copy-Right Infringement Going On Here

Believe It Or Not It's An American Establshment

I Was Surprised To Find This Franchise In Operation In Seattle!

Kindly Remove The Fish's Head Before Serving

How About Some Raw Chicken With Your Soup?

His Flash Drives Can Swim!

Nothing Homoerotic About Those Outfits

One Of My Students Said It Looks Like An Angel. I Like That

They Call Him Gas Money!

Wonder If Snoop Dogg Is Aware Of His Fans In Mongolia

WTF?

This Tag Is So Cute

Yep. There're Nazis In Mongolia. Go Figure

Please Do

Seattle Circa 6/2010

Yep. That's All Guaranteed Previously Chewed Gum Courtesy of Seattle's Fine Citizens

OrcaPhat

Regarding 6/8/2010

I was really pleased to return to Seattle. A lot had changed within the year I had been away, reinforcing the feeling of time displacement I had experienced in Mongolia. When I had left Seattle there were a number of construction projects in the works. These were all finished and, perhaps due to the state of the economy, there were no new projects in the works. This gave Seattle a more finished look. I like this version better. I also saw what appeared to be some new graffiti. Murals mostly, in public spaces, perhaps an indication that street art is becoming a more accepted art form.

The weather was typical crap Seattle, overcast and pissing rain. But it's the gray skies that make the green foliage so brilliant. I swear it's greener here than Honolulu. Maybe because Seattle gets all new growth in the spring, y'know? Anyhow Seattle was looking as pretty as ever, if not more so. Such a contrast to dried out, barren Mongolia/bombed out, desolate Ulaanbaatar.

I spent the wek bouncing around town, crashing with different folk from my past and catching up. I've got friends here from different parts of my life, some from high school, some from college and others from my stay in Seattle and beyond. Everybody seemed to be progressing in life and happy with their situation so that was reassuring. I often find myself thinking of friends from the past. It's always comforting to find them well.

I don't feel it's necessary to get into the daily details of my stay. Most of my activities were of a personal interest but not thrilling enough to repot. Just know this: As I write this I am riding the train back to Madison (I love this manner of travel.) I will be reuniting with family and friends and spending the summer decompressing in the city I love. My plans for after summer remain unclear but if I do venture forth once more rest assured you will be the first to know.

- Petey Hornemann

Regarding 5/29/2010

Last day in town. Tha Chrizzla had to work early so I had the crib to myself. I slept in and took care of some intronet biz before hitting the beach, yeah! Today was the day of the wedding my cuz was attending but they had a wee bit o' free time so we hung out for a bit by the waves. I'm really glad I got to see her, such awesome randomness.

So, with all my friends occupied I spent the day alone. That's ok. All I wanted to accomplish was some sun bathing and some body surfing. I spent a few hours doing both, frying my soft belly before having it ground into beach sand by the crushing surf. I wish everyday could be like this. Later I rinsed off and waited for the sun to go down. I forgot my camera but it wasn't that great anyhow. Several others were snapping pix which kinda makes me feel like any I coulda taken wouldn't have been unique.

Once again Honolulu Int'l Airport failed to inspire. The dark interiors yielded long lines, poor service, and anxious anticipation. After a week of living it up Waikiki style I was Seattle bound for more catching up with old friends. I think this is a great way to travel. I'm truly stoked. Our plane takes off and banks west, exposing me to the south through the window. A slightly waning moon shines bright, casting eerie shadows over the glowing water. I need to spend more time with the ocean.

The flight was unremarkable save for the final approach into Seattle. Such a pretty city, early morning sun glancing off the bay waters and reflecting off shiny skyscrapers. We touched down to 45F and rainy. Fuck me, I'm wearing sandals, shorts and a T-shirt.

I was pleasantly surprised to find the light rail to be functioning; and rode it into town. Early morning on a Sunday and the train was dead. With the pleasant automated female voice and all the automatic doors it was easy to imagine a city that had outlived it's inhabitants. Robots working overtime to service a failed race.

Pix for 5/28

Regarding 5/28/2010

Just east of Waikiki Beach lies Diamond Head, a blasted old volcanic crater/fully operational military base/tourist attraction. My cousin Dormain and her boyfriend Anthony were up early and eager to get started. So at about 10am we made our way to the massive attraction to see what all the hoopla was about.

Diamond Head is a bizarrely barren place amongst all the jungle lushery. Brown grass, stunted trees, and dust remind one of Arizona. The trail is paved and full of tourists. It's kind of weird. I think we were all a bit disappointed, wanting something more challenging. The trail began in the center and climbed to the southern lip of the crater. At the top the trail moved into some old military installations including a tunnel blasted through rock, an extra steep staircase, and a strange sort of bunker with low spy ports for blazing invaders.

On top of the bunker was some kind of guard tower with a splendid view of the southern beach area including Honolulu and Waikiki. We hung out there for a bit, taking pictures and noting how shallow the water was far out to sea. Dormain observed that the lighthouse below looked like it belonged in a toy train set. We all agreed the view was worth the crappy hike.

Afterwards we made our way to what was allegedly the best Tiki bar in Honolulu. I was unimpressed. It had a country club feel, complete with overpriced uninspired food and cocktail drinking geriatrics. On the taxi ride back to Waikiki I nearly fell asleep as the 78 year old Korean driver enthusiastically described his life story and all his business ambitions. Nap time.

After a failed nap I met again with my cousin and Anthony for some drinks at the hotel bar. We vacated as soon as the awful Karaoke began. Seriously, that shit belongs behind closed doors. Unfortunately the hot tub was shut down for the night. My companions, having woken up extra early that morning were exhausted, so I left them to their own devices. I wandered around on the beach for a bit, observing all the douchey jocks and their brain dead girlfriends dance to shitty house music. Waikiki is lame at night. Scratch that, Waikiki is lame 24/7! If not for the beaches and the weather I'm not sure why anyone would live here.

As I walk the streets back to my crash site a hooker tells me to lighten up. Apparently I'm sulking. She then offers to pepper spray who ever it is who pissed me off. I want to see that. I wanna see the scrawny pink-eye slut in the yellow skimp dress pepper spray some douche-bag on the streets of Waikiki. That would be the perfect icing for this most awkward cake.

Pix of 5/27

Weird Roots

Panda Chris