Made in Japan, Outsourced Globally

"There is no absolute truth. Objectivity is different depending on each person's perspective," said Samir Khader, Senior Producer of Al Jazeera. He had a prominent role in the documentary Control Room. I really want to see it now, since we just saw him speak at UT Austin.


Samir Khader and Sheila Z. (thanks for the photo, Sheila)

Likewise, the Reception Weekend in Austin has no single truth. Everyone had their own truths. I have one too.

With the Austin boys - Jesse, Surya, Kirk.

It all began when I was contemplating the use of an expiring airline vouture. One day, while surfing online in Hong Kong, a strange piece of advertisement caught my eye on nomadlife. Knowing that it came from Jesse, I could expect a good show. It ends up that I really had no clue what I was getting myself into until I landed.

While I was busy backpacking through Asia, I think I mentioned my intent on going to Austin to Melanie. By the time I was back in the US, she cheerily wrote in our correspondence, "See you in Austin!"


The stunning Mel helped dress (hopeless) me in a saree. So good to see you, Mel!

Last time I saw Jesse was at an Irish pub in San Francisco with Devrim and Calgary in summer 2003. Last time I saw Mel was in Atlanta in January 2003, as we made a cross-over from an AIESEC member to alumni. Last time I saw Kirk was in Hong Kong, and it was somewhat a regret that we couldn't travel to Vietnam together. Last time I was in Austin was 3 years ago with Peter, Mel, and Adam giving KK and I a grand tour of Austin.


Peter, the shy boy has grown to become a charming man. Probably a heartbreaker too.


Adam - the best tour guide of Austin. I will always remember him as the passionate guy who looks good in orange. That, and the story of "Man Month"


Trudy's Mexican Martini - I would definitely come back again for that (and I did!)


Breakfast tacos at Juan in a Million - another good memory of Austin's fine foods.

The Austin reception crew all made their guests feel at home and showed us the best of Austin. Emir, Johnny, Eric, Phil, Agnes, Kristen, Amber, Evan, Kelly, Tran, Duylinh, Surya, Kirk, Jesse... you guys were amazing (sorry if I left anyone out). It was excellent to see old faces like Surya, Kirk, Dana, Mathis, Celeste, Angie, Trent and Dody again.

We continuously gluttoned ourselves with alcohol and Tex-Mex food. This was all done in between duck throwing contests into the kiddie pool, Power Hour, sheesha smoking, chilling at the water hole, and slaughtering of the chickens. The International Showcase had some fantastic performers of our own (wontong's wushu was amazing; the Polish group were adorable; and Surya & Kirk put Afro-beat in our blood).

What is 'Texas'?
boot shopping at SoCo (South of Congress)

sad, geriatric jackrabbit

cowboy hats

couch. leather couch.

crawfish (okay, okay. this is actually cajun crawfish from Louisiana, but it was still photo worthy and finger-lickin' good). We also had amy's ice cream - does that count as Texan?

Behold, the beauty of mother nature

Luscious green and bodies of cool clear water can be found in Austin, Texas - not your typical cowboy tumbleweed land. This is a huge deciding factor for me in categorizing favorite cities in the US - Austin gets a 9.5 in my book.

Cambell's water hole along the Green Belt has some great rocks to make a rock climber's fingers twitch.

With my recent fascination/obssession with bodies of water (glassy jade hue of Halong Bay in Vietnam; aqua-marine waves lapping the white coral beaches in Malaysia; turquoise-green Yoshino River that vividly contrasts the cherry blossoms in Japan), the Austin Green Belt quickly became one of my favorite spots.

It's no easy climb

There is an old Japanese saying - "people who like to climb high are either extremely royal or extremely stupid." I just hope I'm not the latter. (I believe we were about 40-45m from the bottom at this point)

View from the landbridge (a secret place that Kristen took us to) - perfect place for watching the sunset over beer and nuts. It's hard to see here, but we were actually sitting on a ledge that connects two cliffs (hence a 'landbridge').

While it lacks the credit it deserves, North America has some of the most beautiful natural landscapes. The sun casts a golden beam across the top of the hills.

Hello, Sunshine

While it was good to see old faces, it was also a great opportunity to meet new people, such as Mixmaster, Sheila Z, Cragnes, Tata, Tran, Drake, Emir, and Johnny.

Sheila the lush (haha) - this gorgeous girl proved that Indiana could party, rain or shine - in sickness & in health.

The excuisite Madame Agnes lassos Phil

"I've found it - the moon!"

Tata - I knew I had to meet this Guatemalan one day to settle our differences.

The amazing Tran - a wonderful host who runs on mysterious insomniac energy.

Kevin commented that I have become Dody's stalker. Indeed, I have become everyone's stalker. I am inspired by these people and dazzled by their talents. Looking forward to letting our paths cross again.