• Hazukashii
  • Hazukashii

Who Runs The World

On 10 Oct 2019, I depart Hawaii on a round the world hashing excursion. Original destination was Trinidad for INTERHASH. This trip was cut short due to COVID 19. Time to quarantine, and get caught up on medical stuff. Next trip . . Even more epic Læs mere
  • My Bucket List

    30. januar 2020, Salomonøerne ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    While killing time and drinking beers here on Guadalcanal today, met a woman at the bar that got me to thinking about my bucket list. I just so happened to have typed up a bucket list over a decade ago that I resurfaced. This current trip I am on will cross off several of my bucket listings . . . Sri Lanka was the first to go. Others that will be crossed off are the Pyramids in Egypt and the ruins of Athens. So with that information, I had to add a couple that have crossed my mind in the past decade. New entries include . . . Hash in over 100 countries, Hash on all 8 continents (yes, that includes Zealandia, which I have already done, so just need to add South America and Antarctica), and see Petra. Going to knock off a couple more on this trip (100 countries and Petra). So in the game of life . . . I appear to be killing it. Get some. :o)Læs mere

  • The King Solomon Hotel

    1. februar 2020, Salomonøerne ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Our accommodations for a week on Guadalcanal. This hotel has a pretty cool makeup, built on the side of a hill, with a rail car for an elevator. The stairway is also a maze of stairways that lead up the hill. We are on the top floor, so walking is quite a hike, but the car ride is like a Jurassic Park adventure ride. Very interesting. Fortunately, they had the Super Bowl on TV here, so we got to watch it in our room, despite having to go to the lobby for internet access everyday. :)Læs mere

  • Honiara H3 (Guadalcanal)

    3. februar 2020, Salomonøerne ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    I am not back to 100% yet, but for the first time since my surgery, I was able to jog on trail without having to stop to catch my breath. It has been six months now since I was on my back in a hospital bed, and it seems my body is feeling pretty normal again. My pulse has now dropped from an average in 80s, back down into the low 60s and I have started to do some upper body workouts (just 10 pushups a day, but its a start - I feel pretty droopy in the arms after six months of nothing).

    Enjoyed an exceptionally good trail in the Solomon Islands yesterday. Had the opportunity to run with the Honiara H3 up on Vavaea Ridge, on Guadalcanal. Trail was mostly up and down on dirt roads and tracks, with a pack of about 25, good fun. Circle was short and to the point, with only one song, but that is common in these parts. :) The pack was very friendly, and we enjoyed dinner with a few hashers after the circle. Great times here in the South Pacific. https://www.relive.cc/view/vQvxV7xDz96
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  • US War Memorial (Guadalcanal)

    6. februar 2020, Salomonøerne ⋅ 🌧 27 °C

    Started our last day on Guadalcanal with a 7 Kms hike around town with some new friends. Then quickly cleaned up, packed, and headed off to the airport. On the way, we had the opportunity to stop at the US War Memorial. Very impressive. Also got a look down on the landing beaches used by the Marines to assault the island on 7 Aug 1942.Læs mere

  • Papua New Guinea

    9. februar 2020, Papua Ny Guinea ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    HASHING IN PAPUA NEW GUINEA - We were focused on the Monday evening Port Moresby H3 trail, but once we arrived we noticed there was a Port Moresby Full Moon H3 trail scheduled for Saturday evening. So we walked about 4 KMs to the outskirts of town and joined in the fun. Now being a night time trail, and the safety of the streets after dark, I did not expect it was going to be a long trail. A pack of about 20 had a short ceremonial trail around the gated community, and back to the house. Awesome family hash, with the kids back in the living room, the circle was allowed a bit more bawdy banter. Good songs, good jokes, and good down downs. The track below was our hike today in Varirata National Park, which would be an excellent hash trail. Was raining on the drive out, and for the first hour or so of the hike. Then it cleared off just as we arrived at the two main lookouts. Amazing scenes of green mountains and countryside. Well worth the effort. Tomorrow we'll head out to the weekly POM H3, and get a bit more active trail in, and more good time with the pack. https://www.relive.cc/view/vQvxVNn4M96Læs mere

  • 4 Months In, and Still Going Strong

    10. februar 2020, Papua Ny Guinea ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Four months ago today I left my job, my life, and my friends in Hawaii and set out on a worldwide journey. Looks like those old Family Circus cartoons where Billy tracks all over the house on his way to do one little thing. Boarding planes 22 times, with multiple security checks (and now health checks) to visit 15 different countries (so far). Have made so many new friends, and seen so many amazing things. Incredible.

    Over the next 2.5 months, will hit about 10 more countries. Then I need to take a break for a medical checkup, and some surgery (nothing serious, I have a cataract. I'm nearly blind in my left eye right now). Life is good.

    Just wait to see where we end up next.
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  • Pukpuk H3 (Port Moresby, PNG)

    10. februar 2020, Papua Ny Guinea ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    The Pukpuk H3 (a.k.a. the POM H3, a.k.a. the Port Moresby H3) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) was a glorious fun time. Although it is a Men's Hash, they do allow visitors to join in, and FP got to run with us. It was a small pack of about 12, but as many Men's hash clubs around the world have grown old and grey, their numbers have diminished. Such is the tale of the Pukpuk (local speak for crocodile) H3. The changing expat community dynamics have had a huge effect on the available recruits to keep the hash going. The pack may have been small, but it was very robust. Due to the mobility of the pack, and the available terrain, a short walking trail was executed. That was followed by an interesting circle, with excellent tucker (food), which all combined for a fun evening and another exceptional hashing experience. Somehow I managed to get awarded the Prick of the Week, guess it is due to my exceptionally wacky personality. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4534…Læs mere

  • Bayside H3 Trail #1776

    11. februar 2020, Australien ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    We hit all the wickets for our departure from Port Moresby in the morning, arrived Brisbane on schedule, and were fortunate enough to be able to check into the hotel early. After a relaxing for a bit, we took on the rush hour traffic to get to the Bayside H3. Hitting a traffic jam, that turned out to be construction, and a closed off ramp, we snaked our way through many side streets and eventually arrived at the hash on time, but 20 minutes later than anticipated. After some quick introductions, (psst . . . I forgot to mention it was their annual Valentines day Lingerie run, so they were all dressed up) we took off on a good running trail. Was a bit short, but it felt good to get a run in after 3 hours of sleep last night. Circle was a fun short affair, with plenty of charges, and they invited the visitors from Hawaii up to sing a song. They certainly got one. :) Then, a splendid dinner was served. Everyone was so friendly, we made several new friends, and a couple of them we'll see at Interhash in Trinidad. On On. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4537…Læs mere

  • Halfway H3 Trail #2015

    12. februar 2020, Australien ⋅ ☁️ 3 °C

    It was a tepid day here in Brisbane, raining off and on, but just a drizzle. We headed out in rush hour traffic again, but with no construction and no ramp closure, we zipped through town and arrived at the hash site super early. By the time we arrived, it was starting to drizzle a bit harder, and after waiting for another half hour, it had several heavy rains. There was only one car in the parking lot just moments before the run, but when we saw someone come running up and jump in, we knew that had to be the answer. I asked her what was up, she said it is after 6 now, so we can park on the street in front of the pavilion where we would be starting. So we moved closer, and although many were late, several other hashers finally turned up. Probably less than would have come on a rain free day, but they have had so little rain here for months, many said it was a welcome downpour. Then, as if G himself was looking down upon us, moments before we headed off on trail, the rain stopped, and would hold off for almost the whole time. It started to come down again as we came down the hill on the final stretch. The runners mostly finished together, but the walkers ended up taking an additional 20-30 minutes, just enough time to drink a beer and have a meet and greet with the other hashers. Once everyone was accounted for, we circled up for a round of down downs, cheers to the hares, and general announcements. After that, we lined up for a spaghetti dinner prepared by the lead hare, and it was wonderful. After much more chatter, we finally said farewell and off we darted into the night. It was a great time, with a great bunch of hashers (oh yea, forgot to mention . . . they also made it a lingerie hash, but due to the rain, the quality was not up to par with last night at the Bayside H3 :o) ).. In about 8 hours, we'll be back in the rental car headed to the airport for the next adventure.
    https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4541…
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  • Quick Layover in Bali

    13. februar 2020, Indonesien ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    6 hour flight from Brisbane, with less than 30 minutes to change planes. Next leg was on the same airline (Malindo Air), and the plane was flying on to KL. So they made an announcement that if you are flying to KL, just stay on the plane. So we sat back down. When everyone was off, another dude comes on and says you are on the wrong plane. So we had to walk from one end of the terminal to the other, go through another security check, walk 3/4 of the way back to where we came from, and get on a bus to another plane. Just made it, good thing there were no lines.Læs mere

  • The Monkey Temple - Kathmandu

    14. februar 2020, Nepal ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    We arrived in Nepal late last night, so pretty much straight to the hotel and sleep. Today we got organized, and by the afternoon we were ready to do some looking around. We asked the front desk the best way to go, and they offered the hotel car (with driver) to take us. Jo wanted to see the Monkey Temple, as recommended by the hashers in Brisbane, so off we went. The temple was (sorry if I sound complacent) not that interesting. It had many monkeys, and just as many dogs, but was not very well maintained (but interesting none the less). The 45 minute drive each way through Kathmandu was much more interesting. That is another story to save for another day.Læs mere

  • Himalayan H3 Trail #2183

    15. februar 2020, Nepal ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Another one of those exotic, remote hash clubs, now experienced. What an amazing time we had with the Himalayan H3 today. The start location was over an hour away, well out on the outskirts of the city in the shadows of the Dollu Monastery, and we managed to find it without complication (must be our superior trail tracking ability (not). Once the pack eventually gathered up, the hares explained that the trail was supposed to be over 8Kms. Unfortunately, after all the climbing, and false trails that the hares set, we ended up a little short. It was a bit chilly here today, luckily with the exception of a 20 minute beer stop / hash hold, we kept it moving and stayed warm enough. The remote site of the trail just happened to be in conjunction with the Nepal Sports Festival going on this weekend, and trail actually crossed over the afternoon Mountain Bike race, that finished at the beer stop. The morning had a 20Km race, and other events. Anyway, from the beer check, it was all down hill. The end had plenty of delicious tasty treats, and the usual assortment of cold beer and cider. Circle was a raucous affair, keeping the pack of 20+ in check. Somehow I managed to score the Hashit (voting was totally rigged), but that's OK, just more beer for me. :) Once the festivities were over, about half the pack stopped about halfway back to town for an On On On of local delicacies (Buffalo, vegetable soup, compressed rice, and other veggie dishes). We also washed it all down with the Nepalese version of those Korean favorites "Soju and Makgeolli (rice wine)." As the sun was over the horizon, and the temp was dipping, my ass got cold and we had to make our way back to the hotel. In the end, it was a most amazing hash outing. Many thanks to the whole H4 pack for the hashpatility and good times. If you get the chance, you should definitely put the Himalayan H3 on your bucket list. https://www.relive.cc/view/vXOnEX8Lm5vLæs mere

  • Next Stop, Dhaka, Bangladesh

    16. februar 2020, Bangladesh ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Another flight, another round of security checks . . . and after 24 flight, and probably as many as 50 security checks, one guy decided my little nose hare trimmer was dangerous, and took them away from me. It was a hazy day, but as we took off and broke through the clouds, we got to see the Himalayan Mountain Range , , , and of course, Mt. Everest. Tonight is lining up as a dinner of local delicacies, and some refreshing adult beverages.Læs mere

  • Dhaka H3 Trail #2331

    17. februar 2020, Bangladesh ⋅ 🌙 24 °C

    Enjoyed an excellent night time trail through the streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh last night. It was the annual Gispert Memorial Run, with over 45 hashers in attendance. Quite an event dodging cars and carts, while looking for paper. Trail was followed by a fun circle, and an On After party that lasted until after midnight. Good times! https://www.relive.cc/view/vXvLYMxXj1OLæs mere

  • Time to Start Exploring the Middle East

    20. februar 2020, Oman ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    After 4 1/2 months in the Asia Pacific region, a new chapter of this journey starts in the Middle East. We had a brand new A320, with not a seat empty. Fortunately we were up front, and were the first ones off . . . but it was a 5 hour flight, with no services. No water, no food, no entertainment. Lucky enough to sleep for the first hour and a half, but then sat quietly for another 3.5 hours. Muscat is wild. Like if you started to build a city from an open plot, and just laid out some excellent roadways, then built buildings where you wanted. Super well constructed, and super quiet. Gonna have to rent a car though.Læs mere

  • Oman H3 Trail #2318

    22. februar 2020, Oman ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Excellent shiggy trail out in the desert here outside Muscat, with the Oman H3. Good turn out with a pack of over 30, taking on this uneven trail of ankle breaker rocks and terrain. Circle was entertaining, with cold beer here in this dry town. The hash always prevails. Hash cash was (~$2.50 US, and for another $2.50, you can get food. What a deal). https://www.relive.cc/view/vdOR7Ko98r6Læs mere

  • Quick Layover in Istanbul

    24. februar 2020, Tyrkiet ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C

    What a journey, starting with a 1:30 am wake up, 2 am departure from the hotel. 2:20 arrival at airport in Muscat, Oman. We did depart on time at 4:30 am, and actually arrived a little early in Istanbul. We had a hard time getting our funds sorted, and ended up just grabbing a quick snack, then boarded our plane to Cyprus.Læs mere

  • You Just Can't Make this Sh*t Up

    24. februar 2020, Cypern ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    So, after our early morning start, we get to Istanbul for a short layover, and then off to Cyprus. As we were flying in, we crossed over the Turkish mountains covered in snow, and then as we got over Cyprus, all we saw was green green grass of amazing farm lands. We arrived in Nicosia (the Turkish side of Cyprus), and had a little trouble finding our rental car company. We finally track the guy down, and it is a fly-by-night cheapo rental operation with a guy working out of a briefcase. The first car he was going to give us, ended up not having the right paperwork, and he said we needed to drive an hour to the north side of the island just to get a piece of paper. Jo very astutely said, what about one of these other cars. So after a bit of looking, the dude offers us another car with the right paperwork, and that saves us a lot of time and frustration. So we discuss that we are going to be traveling down to the southern side of Cyprus (the Greek side), and he explains that we have to get to a certain boarding crossing by 2 PM, and then buy insurance, to go to the other side. Did I forget to mention that the gas tank was on empty? So we finally get the paperwork done, and off we go. Found the first gas station, and filled up, no worries. Then we head to the specified boarder crossing, and get there in time, and make our way through. The paperwork was a bit off, as the said our rental was a white car, but really was a gold/brownish color, but he let us through anyway. We then made our way through the city, and finally got on the freeway. Nice. We had booked basically an AirBnB type apartment not far from the hash site. We rolled into town, and pulled up where we thought it was, and the address did not match any buildings. So after 2 hours of asking various people (even people who lived right next door to where we eventually found it), we could not lock it on. We finally went to little cafe and had a beer, and got on the internet and did some more research. We found one picture of the balcony, and determined we had been there right from the start. So we went back, and got the run around from the neighbor, who we think was in on the scam, and another guy shows up, opens up the room, and it is a mess. Nothing like the pictures, trash all over, beds not made, etc. So I just told them, refund our money, or we'll take it back to the online service he used, and file a complaint (still waiting). Then we just take off to find the hash, which was starting in 30 minutes. We finally found it despite the directions, just in time to change clothes and get the chalk talk (with the Larnaca H3). The trail was actually really good. Although at the start the hares explained that it had poured down rain this morning and washed away the marks. So we basically had a lead hare take us around the intended trail. No matter, was really good. We had lots of shiggy, good conversation, and we ran past a private zoo that had Kangaroos, Camels, goats, horses, and all the assorted other animals. The pack had all gathered at the finish, where there was some good food (due to a birthday) of fried chicken and sausage rolls. The circle was pretty much your standard read from the script affair, but as the sun was setting, it started to get really cold. We did not last long after that, and headed for the car . . . since we still needed to go out and find a hotel for the evening. The good news is, we found one close by, got checked in, ordered a pizza, and then got hot showers and warmed up. Sleep tonight will be amazing for sure. Tomorrow we drive back up towards the Turkish side, but will not have to cross the boarder. Wednesday will be back down near Larnaca, and will be a similar pack as tonight. More in the next post.

    https://www.relive.cc/view/vAOZBK8gkoO
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