Sorry About the Lack of Posts

Parents are in town, no free time to blog.

Check back later in the week, I should have some fresh and skull-crushingly boring drivel.

Things I Miss About Chicago (and Most Midwestern Cities)

Cool neighborhood taverns, like Chicago's Streetside Cafe in Logan Square.
One thing that this part of California does not have is beautiful old brick corner taverns. The kinds of places that you walk quickly to on a cold night, to meet up with friends and enjoy great beer and good bar food.

Streetside is a short walk from my brother's flat. We tend to hit the place when I'm in town and want to treat him to some grub in exchange for overnight use of his couch. Last time I was there with him in February we drank some fine ales from Bell's Brewery of Grand Rapids Michigan and ate greasy fried food.

Vintage Green Lake Postcard

Hattie Sherwood Park is just west of the city of Green Lake and has been a popular swimming destination for generations.
This postcard is postmarked August 9th, 1945 from Green Lake.
Addressed to:
Mrs. W. W. S. Carpenter
210 S. Elmwood Ave
Oak Park, Ill

Text (sadly cut off by my cheapo scanner)

Dear Grandma -

I'm sorry that I forgot to write you all the time. We had fun on the mail boat ride yesterday. Will write tomorrow.

Love Jane.

(Thankfully the old Victorian home still stands at 210 S Elmwood. According to Google Streetview anyway)

Taiwan: The Sad Indian with the Lazy Eye

Not exactly sure how this came to be, but when I was walking around Taichung with some friends one night trying to find the Pig Pen (after bailing out of Taichung's most insane cabby), we saw this giant (10-15' tall) Indian 2D sculpture on the exterior of a supposed German beer garden. Odd. Insane cab driver below:

VW Splitties - DOTS

Down On The Street - mid-60s VW split-window busses. I was only able to capture two of about six I saw this weekend.

21-window Deluxe sunroof (with bonus distorted iPhone image) spotted Saturday on Poinsettia
13-window Station Wagon spotted Sunday on Coast Hwy.
So nice to see these things still running around.

A Good Day!

Another great day in Carlsbad. Under a cloudless sky we headed out to the beach (South Ponto). Celeste made us her interpretation of various foods using found objects.
Not very crowded
Hit Kotija Jr. in Encinitas for the best fish tacos (even if they are served on styrofoam).
Celeste had a beef taco plate. Hold the lettuce!
Cleaned up the dusty Electra fleet:
Later we had friends over for a summer Sconnie meal. Wisconsin-style brats on the grill.
Chop an onion, saute in butter:
Add cheap Milwaukee beer (be sure to take a few slugs from the can):
Let grilled brats simmer in glorious mixture for 45 min or so. Use beer/butter-soaked onions as toppings:
Yum!

Taiwan: Taiwan Beer!

Spend any amount of time in Taiwan, and chances are you'll find yourself with a Taiwan Beer.

It's generally served at restaurants in 600ml (~20oz) bottles and is by far the most popular beer on the island. I really like it - in moderation. The Taiwanese tend to slam the stuff (along with red wine and whiskey, at the same time), it's difficult to keep your little 4 oz or so Taiwan Beer glass less than half full. As soon as the level gets down, someone's bound to top it up. So I nurse my beer like the lightweight I am.

I brought a six pack of the Gold Medal variety back in my checked bags. And a souvenir glass that "fell into my pocket" at a vendor dinner.

Oh, and it tastes pretty good too - a dry lager. Typical Asian beer that goes well with most Asian foods. Read more about it here. I'm not feeling all that creative tonight and am about to hit the hay.