Observations focused on the problems of an underdeveloped country, Venezuela, with some serendipity about the world (orchids, techs, science, investments, politics) at large. A famous Venezuelan, Juan Pablo Perez Alfonzo, referred to oil as the devil's excrement. For countries, easy wealth appears indeed to be the sure path to failure. Venezuela might be a clear example of that.
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There are few places in the world where you can hop on an elephant and go through the jungle and even a river. The Devil always wanted to do that, so he figured out where you can do it and went for it. That’s not me on that elephant, I am on the one right behind taking the picture.
Another item crossed off my Bucket List…
The Devil's Excrement 
November 13, 2011 at 3:01 am
It says ‘MAE KAO AGE 30’ Good camera. Have fun.
November 12, 2011 at 7:50 am
Discuss your BUCKET LIST..S.
November 11, 2011 at 8:44 pm
Wait a second…. “Orchid” isn’t a flower??
November 11, 2011 at 6:38 pm
Miguel,
I am going to guess that you are no longer in Singapore, but have taken a side trip to northern Thailand. There isn’t a whole lot of wilderness in Singapore, and the style of the baskets is identical to that used by the Thais. Plus, from Chang Mai, these elephant rides are a very common and popular tourist attraction.
November 11, 2011 at 8:39 pm
That is absolutely correct. In fact, Singapore is my last destination, in the meantime roaming around this part of the world. That picture was taken north of Chang Mai, very good! The next one will be easier.
November 12, 2011 at 4:42 am
I don’t think there is space for a single elephant in Singapore, unless it is one that doesn’t produce shit and doesn’t use its trunk to spoil anything.
😉
Miguel,
When in Singapore, try to find some Burmese restaurant if possible. It’s very different from anything else in the region and it’s also yummy.
I don’t know if there are good Burmese restaurants in Miami (there are in California), so try your luck closer to the place
November 11, 2011 at 6:01 pm
Just curious:
How many major league ball players were kidnapped in SIngapore recently, and does Ramos’s abduction temper the “optimism” you stated in your prior blog?
Just asking, because VZ politics are so retarded that what appears to clearly be white seems to be interpreted as black by the moronic masses.
In other words–are things SO bad in VZ that Stupigo can’t blame this kidnaping on the U.S.?
Or to be more specific, the (New York) Yanquis?
November 11, 2011 at 8:37 pm
As I said, I am optimistic about political change, but changing the way of life will be very difficult and I am not that optimistic about that.
November 11, 2011 at 2:27 pm
Does the elephant put you within arms reach of the orchids? Enjoy!
November 11, 2011 at 12:10 pm
nice !
November 11, 2011 at 11:05 am
I’m confused by the “tanga” the elephant is wearing. Is the elephant pushing the boat by walking forwards, or pulling the boat by walking backwards onto the river bank?
November 12, 2011 at 12:06 pm
Syd,
The “tanga” you see in the photo is to keep the elephant from leaning too far forward and tipping the basket (along with the tourists). If the elephant leans too far forward, the loop under it’s tail tightens and is uncomfortable to the elephant (sort of an elephant size weggie).
November 11, 2011 at 10:42 am
Please, do take a picture of HRCF´s “primos”
November 11, 2011 at 10:25 am
That looks pretty awesome. Enjoy your trip!
November 11, 2011 at 9:50 am
Mephistopheles,
It’s been my dream for a while now to ride an elephant through a river on SE Asia! And do try the food,please!
November 11, 2011 at 9:53 am
Food is delicious, juts never say spicy, always medium spicy, spicy means fire!
November 12, 2011 at 11:58 am
Miguel,
And even on that scale, they have dialed it down for the tourists. Try eating the same food they do!
One of the beauties of Thai food is that the less you pay for it, the better it is. The best food in Thailand is from the street vendors. The worst (still good though) is the restaurants in the upscale hotels.
Try one of my favorites: Naam Tok Salad (Spicy Beef Salad)
November 11, 2011 at 8:41 am
ONE DAMN LUCKY DEVIL
CONGRATS!
November 11, 2011 at 8:36 am
the devil is in the details 😉
November 11, 2011 at 8:26 am
Ok, me thinks you’re really enjoying yourself diablillo!
November 11, 2011 at 9:52 am
Diablillo likes to have fun
November 11, 2011 at 8:24 am
Looks like a pretty mossy area, is it?
November 11, 2011 at 9:52 am
mossy? It’s sort of like Delta Amacuro
November 11, 2011 at 4:18 pm
I meant mossie…
November 11, 2011 at 8:15 am
Wonderful Miguel.Looks exciting !
November 11, 2011 at 7:36 am
Oh, cool picture. I firstly thought it was a take of Hugo Chávez crossing a river.
Would you also please take a picture of Singapurean orchids? I once met one who had been a stewardess at Singapur Airlines, if-you-know-what-that-means.
November 11, 2011 at 7:45 am
Actually Kepler you hit the nail on the head. The back of that elephant looks exactly like he looked on TV last night. Really bloated up bad.
November 11, 2011 at 11:02 am
agree. I just saw it in El Universal. The bloating is more severe now, colouring is in squarely in the yellow camp.
November 11, 2011 at 6:32 pm
The only river I expect to see HC crossing soon is the Styx…
Kepler, I always figured that Singapore Airlines has a factory where they clone their stewardesses. They are so uniformly attractive, they appear to have been stamped out of the same mold.
November 12, 2011 at 3:51 pm
And when he crosses that river, he can sing the lyrics of the band “Styx” hit Song “Renegade”, maybe to put Cerberus in a good mood:
Oh momma I’m in fear for my life from the long arm of the law
Lawman has put an end to my running and I’m so far from my home
Oh momma I can hear you a’crying you’re so scared and all alone
Hangman is comin’ down from the gallows and I don’t have very long
The jig is up the news is out they’ve finally found me
The renegade who had it made retrieved for a bounty….
Sounds quite appropriate for hit song written in 1979!