Friday, September 28, 2012

Travel Stuff: Memory Card #2 - SD Card

In New York, the 50th New York Film Festival has begun. People think film festivals are a little expensive events. However, normally, many of them has some individual tickets, and the packs. Viewing a new films, and talk before your friends see them!



Now I add some information for my old topic. This is about Memory Card. Which do you need?

Normally, people use SD cards for their phones, cameras, and equipment. They are very small, and reasonable. However, here are some notes when you buy.

1. The Shape

"SD card" has three kinds. One is the common standard size, one is miniSD, and one more is microSD. If you don't have any equipment that has miniSD or microSD slots, you don't need to think about this, and just need to buy a standard one. If you have both phone and PC/Mac and you need to use different sizes, some SD cards are with the adapters. You may select them for your equipment.

2. The Class

"Class" is for the speed to write on the disk. If you buy a disk and check the package, you can find the class descriptions on it. If you use only for a photo function, normally the salesperson recommend "Class 4" cards. If you take also HD videos, you have to buy, at least, "Class 6." (This Class depends on your equipment also, please check the install guides or instructions once and select the right one!)

3. The Capacitiy

If you mainly want to take photos, I recommend to use "4GB." It has enough capacity to store your photos. You also can burn for a DVD. It's a good size to keep them. Now free online storages provided by major providers such as Google, Dropbox and Box.com are mostly up to 5GB. "4GB" does not exceed them. For Videos, I recommend "16GB" or "32GB." You can take 1 to 4 hours videos as HD.



New York is one of the world biggest cities, and it has a lot of places to visit. You also have a lot of chances to take photographs there such as in the Central Park, Statue of Liberty, and Manhattan. One of them is "Broadway", and the electrical bulletin boards are very famous.

"New York, New York"
by Frank Sinatra (1980)

For backpackers, it's difficult to find the broadway musical ticket? Yes, in fact, it's very very expensive. One good way to find a cheap ticket is "to wait." If they have a lot of empty seats on the day, they may release them for reasonable prices. Especially, this is for students, if you have both student card and ISIC card, please try to get the ticket booth and talk. They may have the rush tickets for you. (This is different from the productions and the intentions. I can't guarantee they have, or not.)

Monday, September 24, 2012

Oktoberfest: Digressions

Oktoberfest is the one of the world famous beer fests. Naturally, people are "unlimited." I'm wondering how much beer is drunken by a person in the festival.

I've got a link from my friend in Munich:
You can also try some international versions of the homepage on the upper right link.



This is a kind of digression. 

The Russian president Vladamir Putin likes "beer." Russia is the "Vodka" country. People like drinking it very much. Especially, the end of cold war term, drunken people were one of the problem, and media informed it outside of Soviet Union. Vodka is one of the important domestic industry in Russia. Manufacturing companies are a little unsatisfied with his images with beer.



I think beer is one of the staple food for students. If you are in the student dorms or live with some roommates, you may invite friends and have heavy parties.

Sometimes, "Coming of age" is topics with liquors. Please enjoy them and learn your "limit" that you break and throw out. Then you can always be happy to drink them. Especially, from now on, there are some interesting events like Halloween. Don't try the Guinness records, and save your lives!

(Recently, the Guinness released the newest version of the world record book. I'm wondering how many beer related records are on the book?)

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Oktoberfest (Munich)

Oktoberfest comes soon! It's the world famous and well-known beer fest in Germany. In fact, I had some beer crazy friends in Germany. They always drunk with sausages and potatoes. Naturally, they tended to be fat!

According to the Oktoberfest website, originally, this big festival started in 1810 for the marriage of Prince Ludwig. Then People in Munich was invited for the festivities, and enjoyed it. Now in 2012, it's the most famous beer fest in the world, and more than 5,000,000 people join it. This year is the 179th party for the beer funs. 
In Germany, a lot of small breweries are brew beer for communities. If you visit there, you may find your favorite tastes.

This festival in 2012 is from September 22 thru October 7.



They are not the real Oktoberfest scenes, but you can check a kind of crazy atmosphere in this movie.

"Beer Fest" (2006)

IMDB introduced about this, "Two brothers travel to Germany for Oktoberfest, only to stumble upon secret, centuries-old competition described as a "Fight Club" with beer games."

It's a funny stupid comedy movie. I watched this years ago. This has some unbelievable scenes. How to shot it? Some teams compete in the Oktoberfest and try to figure out themselves...? no... their instincts? or.. something like that :-)



I think "beer" is a miracle drink. When I can't eat my dinner, I rarely drink one can of beer instead of my meal. It's maybe a little strange, but it has vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates etc. People call beer "liquid bread."However, don't drink too much!

"Cheers(Drink to that)" by Rihanna (2010)

"Is drinking a culture that everyone enjoys everywhere in the world?" In fact, the answer is NO. In Islam countries, liquors are strictly prohibited. In addition, they can't eat pork for the lesson. If you are not an Islam, you are happy to enjoy. For Islam people, possibly, Oktoberfest is a kind of hell. Also if you are in the Islam area, please take care of others when you drink. It's a manner of backpackers.

Monday, September 17, 2012

Tous au Restaurant (France)

This is an extra post.

If you are traveling in France, it's very nice news here. French restaurants have decided to join an event named "Tous au Restaurant." According to Reuter News, it called "Everyone to the Restaurant" in English. This event is from Sep 17 through 23.
In France, about 1,200 eateries signed up and provide their dishes with discount prices. Some five star restaurants also joined this festival. If you have a good fortune, you can eat with about 50% discounts.

For this event, please check their homepage,
In fact, from September 23, in Munich, the world most famous beer fest called "Oktoberfest" is taken place. If you are travel through Germany from France, maybe, it's a good chance to taste both.



On your travel, maybe you have a lot of experiences. In some countries, people can drink liquors when they become age 16. Especially, European countries, the age tends to younger. In the bars. you may find some cute girls or boys.

"Tout, Tout Pour Ma Cherie" 
by Michel Polnareff (1969)

"Falling love with you." It's a common thing. However, it's difficult to inform about it. France is a passionate country. The kisses in the new year moment sometimes become topics in the world. How is the next seat of your table? Is she cute? Is he handsome?

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Travel Stuff: Money

Money is one of the most important things when we travel. If we run out of money, the travel is done.

Now people have a lot of ways to get money.

1. Cash

"Cash" is the real currency. When you decide to travel, you can exchange your money to the currency of your destinations. Also you can exchange when you arrive at your destinations. However, if you bring as cash, the fee is normally expensive when you exchange. Normally, banks charge 3~10% or more.

2. Traveler's Check

Some credit card companies such as Visa, Master, and American Express issue "Traveler's Check." You can buy it also at banks in your country. It's secure than cash. You need your signature when you use it. You can exchange it at most of local banks in your destinations. If you loose it, you can receive the replacement at banks. The exchange rate between your currency and destination's currency also better than cash.

3. Debit Card / Travel Money

"Debit Card" and "Travel Money" are similar. If your card has Visa, Master, Amex etc, international brand marks, mostly, you can use it worldwide. You can withdraw money at ATM locations also. The common of these two cards is you need to charge cash before you travel. You can't exceed more than the balance. The currency exchange rates are a little bad with fees. (In some countries, debit cards are only for the domestic markets. Please check you can use or not before you travel.)

4. Credit Card

"Credit Card" is the best way to bring. You can use this like ID in some countries. You can pay after you traveled. Normally, it has a lot of special features including the insurances, airport services, discounts etc. You can pay as you like with it all the way of your travel. You can also withdraw money at ATM locations. However, it naturally has a limitation for your use, you can't use more than it. (The exchange rate depends on the issuers with their fees.)

For Debit Card, Travel Money, and Credit card, in some case, banks or issuers limit the day use. If you need to change the limitations, contact your bank or issuers as soon before you start traveling.

Recently, people can use online banking on the Internet. You may transfer your money into your card. The conditions of money are different from countries. Please check before you travels, and find out the best way to get started.



If you are a student, you can get a lot of student discounts in your destinations. Even nightclubs, they have special discounts such as "college night," "Student Night," and "Free Admission." If you are a student, you should have "ISIC Card," and your student ID everywhere you go. They are very helpful to reduce travel costs!

Here is one song that a lot of night clubs play in the United States.

"Starships" by Nicki Minaj (2012)

In some nightclubs, people can't pay by card. You need to bring some cash. Then please take care of your wallet. Also if you have a smartphone with electrical currencies, also please take care. If you loose it, you may need complicated ways between the bank or issuer in your country and you. Normally, your hotel or hostel has a locker. Or the reception may keep your precious things.

(If you are a student who tries working holiday in countries, banks in your destination have student or working holiday features. Please ask them and select the best way for your life.)

Friday, September 14, 2012

Kamehameha Highway

Update: From the next post, I'll be back to my regular pace of writing, almost once a week. Added a map(9/15)



Hawaii consists of Oahu, Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii islands. Recent years, some TV shows were shot in these islands. "LOST"(ABC), Hawaii-O-Five(CBS), Baywatch Hawaii(NBC) are famous.

Waikiki Beach is the most famous beach in Hawaii. This beach is an artificial beach. People brought the sand and almost entirely made it like that. According to some internet sites, the nourishment started in 1920s. The sand was from Manhattan Beach, California. Now you can start this day trip from the beach.

Kamehameha Highway (Oahu)

(Legends: A. Waikiki Beach, B. Pearl Harbor, C. Dole Plantations, D. Haleiwa, E. Kailua Beach, F. Diamond Head, G. Kapiolani Park.)

Along Kamehameha Highway by car to north, you can feel a little old days of Hawaii. This highway is through near Pearl Harbor which has the Arizona memorial museum(World War II), Dole's broad stretched Pineapple plantations, and finally you can reach Haleiwa, a North Shore town. North Shore is well-known as the big wave. When winter comes, crazy surfers get there and try the waves. Haleiwa also has some famous cafes and ice cream shops. Also if you are a surfer, you can also try some surfboard shops. It's one of the heaven of the earth.

This Kamehameha Highway is round the eastern coastline of the Oahu, and you can be through beautiful beaches, climb to the Diamond Head, and come back to Waikiki.

I recommend to rent a car. You can enjoy this round trip as a day trip. If you are planning to get there in this winter vacation, it's maybe a good idea. Please explore yourself, and find favorite shops and places.



In fact, I'm not familiar with Hawaii much. I only visited once there in my high school days to join an event with my club mates. It was a restless travel. We couldn't do anything that common visitors do. If I  have a chance to visit, I want to try this Kamehameha Highway, and enjoy the atmosphere.

"Blue Hawaii" by Elvis Presley (1961)
(From "Blue Hawaii")

Anyway, Hawaii is one of the best places to visit in the world. Despite it annually has warm weather, also snow falls in Hawaii Island. There are some astronomical observatory on the summit of the mountains. Possibly, no one can enjoy all activities just at once.

The heaven doesn't escape. Work hard, and plan the next for the joyful activities.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Fall Travels

Did you watch the Paralympics? I think their "encouragements" were really splendid. I can't swim like the blind swimmer, I can't run like the blade runners. We should praise for the Paralympians.

Anyway, I need to learn from them. I go to a local swimming pool twice a week mostly on Monday and Thursday. I'll try some more for this summer. Try tomorrow!



By the way, fall travels are really fun for people. The summer season is gone now, but the harvests come all over the world soon. When you travel a small town, you may find a lot of delicious food at the farmer's market. If you stay at a youth hostel, or condominium, you can cook local foods as you like.

This was a topic from my friend years ago. In Hawaii, condominiums are useful for travelers. They normally have kitchens, and travelers can cook each meals as they like. Just adding some tropical fruits for their pan cakes, common breakfast turn a great deal.

In Hawaii, Aloha Festival is on going now. The opening ceremony was in September 6. After this, in some places in Honolulu, exotic events will happen until the end of September. The biggest feature of the festival is "parade" in the morning, September 22. From Ala Moana park through Kapiolani park, a lot of people watch it.
I think people can walk from Ala Moana park to Kapiolani park around 1 hour. It's a good chance to walk around Honolulu, and discover some Hawaiian culture. Near Ala Moana park, there are a harbor, the International Market Place, Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, Waikiki Beach, Honolulu Zoo and aquarium. If you have enough time, you can get the Diamond Head near the Kapiolani park.

When people visit Hawaii, one of their biggest questions is "How many ABC stores do they have in Hawaii?" ABC stores have travel stuff, gifts, and daily glossaries too. In addition, each store has different products. Just get in, and try some special stuff!



Israel Kamakawiwoʻole is from Hawaii. He loved Hawaii. This song, "Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World," is a very famous because many TV shows and films such as "Meets Joe Black," "ER," and "Glee" featured this music.

"Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World" 
by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole (1990)

In the last post, I put Jack Jonson's song. Jack Johnson is also from Hawaii.

In fact, I wanted to put a "lively" Hawaiian song, but it's not on Youtube. I couldn't find. Old songs were naturally on the Youtbe such as "My Little Grass Shack In Kealakekua, Hawai'i"(1932), "Hawaiian Wedding Song"(1926) etc. The most famous song is, I think, "Blue Hawaii" by Elvis Presley. What kind of hawaiian songs do you like?

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

London 2012 is the Finalizing Term Now.

London Paralympics is now the finalizing term. According to media, the closing ceremony of the London 2012, Coldplay plays some songs. In Olympic Games, many artist performed and sang on the closing ceremony. I'm wondering what happens on September 9.



In this Paralympics, Oscar Pistrius is one of the targets of media. He was on the Olympic games also, and in this Paralympics, he was on the field.

When he was beaten by Alan Oliveira(Brazil), everyone thought it was an interesting race. According to media, many people thought the taller blades yielded the problem of the race.

Now I'm thinking about that. Paralympics Games are a little different from Olympic Games because all of participants are disabled people. Their measures of the problems are naturally different. Therefore, people can't say who is the number one of the games. Therefore, "to joy and respect each other are the most significant thing."

In my thought for this problem, it's a very glad thing for people because they cannot compete like Paralympians, but can compete like "Olympians." The technologies make disabled people as common competitors. This also is a very important for all disabled people because it means they can join as ordinary people in societies.

I think this news might make some people happy. What did you think about this?



People think everyone is disabled people for love. Even people are in love, they are always are interested in others.

"If I Had Eyes" by Jack Johnson (2008)

Disabled people also love people. Some handsome are very nice and "hand some." Kids are also curious for everything, and they sometimes lose their sites... Thinking about these, everyone is a disabled person, isn't it?

Monday, September 3, 2012

Travel Stuff: Cameras

Do you bring digital cameras for your travel? Recently, people use their "cellphones" instead of them. Then they can store your "memories" in your Dropbox folders etc.

Now things I write here is a little "classical" topic. However, please mind these if you bring a camera on your travel.



I have some digital cameras. One is on my smartphone. It has only a 2 mega pixel camera function. It's good for daily reminder, but it's not good to cut up scenes on my travel.

"Nightclub #1"

"Nightclub #2"

They are not cool. I used "night mode" with the flash. However, I can't read the letters even the brand of the beer. I also took some photos with people around there. However, it was not good for my camera's abilities.



What should we learn from these?

1. Pixels

If the camera doesn't have enough pixels, the images become very rough. Especially, they don't have flash functions, the images become too bad. If you print the photo and share with your friends, I recommend to have more than 6 mega pixel cameras.

2. Flash

My phone has a flash. I took "Nightclub #1" with the flash, but the image became like that. Naturally, my phone is not a substitute of a digital camera. I should not say anything for these problems. Now iPhone and most Android phones have fine flashes. However, I recommend you to check how your phone's camera work before you start traveling.

3. Battery

If you buy a compact digital camera for your travel. Please take care of your batteries. Mostly, you need to bring your battery charger and it's OK. If you leave from the outlet for a long time on your travel, it's good that you bring one extra.



For the batteries, I have a bad experience. I have "Canon Powershot A590IS." Why I bought this was very simple: I can buy AA battery everywhere in the world. Normally, I use some rechargeable batteries with this.

When I traveled in Los Angeles years ago, I ran out of my batteries. Then I went to "99 cents shop" to buy some Alkaline batteries, and bought. I replaced them and kept taking some photos. However, after I took only 10 or 15 photos, the batteries were gone. I also tried other replacement, but the same thing happened.

Finally, I needed to get a glossary mart, and bought some expensive butteries.

Here is one lesson: Don't believe in stuff in 99 cents stores much.

Naturally, we can buy and take advantage of a lot of stuff from 99 cents stores. However, they are not always useful. On the contrary, it may demand other expenses on our travel.



Well, now people have smartphones. Like the Prince Harry's naked photos in Las Vegas, everyone can be a paparazzi and take. Recently, Justin Bieber suffered from a paparazzi on the highway in Los Angeles, and arrested for speeding.

"Paparazzi" by Lady Gaga (2009)

Adrian Grenier, an Entourage actor, shot a documentary named "Teenage Paparazzi" in 2009. This was aired on HBO in 2010. This documentary is a little showy, but has some surfaces of paparazzi. We can understand how they think and do.

When you are on your travel, you may encounter celebrities and take their photos. However, if you don't respect their privates, they may confiscate your camera. Please be careful when you take photos.

(Without these, you may not take military related buildings, and equipments. Some of them are strictly managed. I heard a topic about Heathrow Airport in London. When a traveler just took a photo near the  restricted area, the security guard confiscated his camera for the reason. )