Grinder backpacking Asia round 2
January 14th, 2018 at 6:35:03 AM
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Is it just me or does India just seem like a sh**hole? I am really enjoying the thread though. This is the first place you have been that I have absolutely no desire to experience in person.
January 14th, 2018 at 6:47:27 AM
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Quote: MaxPenIs it just me or does India just seem like a sh**hole? I am really enjoying the thread though. This is the first place you have been that I have absolutely no desire to experience in person.
It is amazing while traveling if you go off the beaten path in a large number of countries how many areas by American standards are shitholes. A few years ago I was in Argentina and the area we were staying in in Buenos Aires seemed like the nice part of New York City. We drove, a short distance, through an area I can only describe as a shithole. Same happened in Athens. I am sure I can say the same about Chicago, Detroit, etc... We may forget in our own cocoons, that there are 2-4 billion people that live in poverty, with little hope of escaping such.
January 14th, 2018 at 2:20:28 PM
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The city is beautiful, the suburbs are crime prone, often criminally run, places with little sanitation or transportation. That is why the Zika virus was a threat only to pregnant women in the suburb that had no sewers, no sanitation, no medical care but the women in the central city area were healthy. Along come women's groups and fund raisers and suddenly everyone is afraid of microencephaly based on four cases each located in a filthy suburb.Quote: SOOPOOthe area we were staying in in Buenos Aires seemed like the nice part of New York City. We drove, a short distance, through an area I can only describe as a shithole.
But try raising such issues and you are branded an elitist misongynist. Or rely on a mapping app and you can be driving to a crime ridden street in a 'burb only a few miles from the safe address in the city.
January 14th, 2018 at 10:50:07 PM
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Maxpen I wouldn’t say it’s a shithole. It is a country heavily stricken with poverty. There are beautiful parts of the cities as well. There are some US cities that have some pretty terrible poverty stricken areas, I’ve seen them. This is going to sound corny but I’m just trying to find the beauty in the ugliness.
Soopoo I totally agree. I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth and I am well aware of it. I just try and do my best to help others whenever I can. Half the world is living in poverty, what is going on in India is inevitable.
Soopoo I totally agree. I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth and I am well aware of it. I just try and do my best to help others whenever I can. Half the world is living in poverty, what is going on in India is inevitable.
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
January 14th, 2018 at 11:01:21 PM
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Why is what is going on in India inevitable?
If they would put some real effort into some infrastructure instead of bathing and crapping in the river they might not have to live like that. How about picking up some trash and not crapping in the street. That might help as well.
I am glad you are finding beauty in the ugliness. Hoping you don't pick up some crazy ass parasite along the way. This is everything I imagined India to be, complete with cows, Cobras, and all. If you find one of the yogi dudes sitting on a stick or something. Can you please post a pic of that?
By the way, I am enjoying the thread. You are doing an awesome job of making the audience feel that they are on the trip with you.
If they would put some real effort into some infrastructure instead of bathing and crapping in the river they might not have to live like that. How about picking up some trash and not crapping in the street. That might help as well.
I am glad you are finding beauty in the ugliness. Hoping you don't pick up some crazy ass parasite along the way. This is everything I imagined India to be, complete with cows, Cobras, and all. If you find one of the yogi dudes sitting on a stick or something. Can you please post a pic of that?
By the way, I am enjoying the thread. You are doing an awesome job of making the audience feel that they are on the trip with you.
January 14th, 2018 at 11:31:57 PM
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How about a new thread for the poverty/inevitability discussion, MaxPen? I think it's a good discussion, but it's derailing this travelogue. I will split off the thread starting with your sh*hole comment above if you and PG agree.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
January 14th, 2018 at 11:32:37 PM
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It’s inevitable because there are 1.3 billion people in this country and the majority of them have no money and have no way of making any money. They are born poor, uneducated and there is no road map to get out of the vicious cycle of poverty.
I’m glad you are enjoying the thread, I try and tell a story so I am happy that it reads well. I was an English major in school so I have written many essays. I haven’t been correcting grammar and spelling mistakes because it gets too difficult on my iPhone. (Mostly I’m too lazy to do it lol)
I’m glad you are enjoying the thread, I try and tell a story so I am happy that it reads well. I was an English major in school so I have written many essays. I haven’t been correcting grammar and spelling mistakes because it gets too difficult on my iPhone. (Mostly I’m too lazy to do it lol)
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
January 15th, 2018 at 2:18:08 AM
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Good post. Nice TR.
PG, you have to show us your score from time to time. Just say Bingo with a pic and we will get it.
PG, you have to show us your score from time to time. Just say Bingo with a pic and we will get it.
January 15th, 2018 at 3:13:39 AM
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Score? I’m guessing you’re referring to women?
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
January 15th, 2018 at 4:16:50 AM
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Yes smRt boy. But remember NO lady boy.Quote: PokerGrinderScore? I’m guessing you’re referring to women?
January 15th, 2018 at 8:52:10 AM
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Have you come across any snowglobes yet?
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication - Leonardo da Vinci
January 15th, 2018 at 10:41:07 AM
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Quote: speedycrapYes smRt boy. But remember NO lady boy.
He gets double points for that. 5 points for a 3 way with 2 ladyboys.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
January 15th, 2018 at 2:06:08 PM
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Aye yes I have, I have found that no matter where I go I can find snowglobes. I love that you remembered from previous trips that I buy those.
GWAE I swear you are all a bunch of teenagers who just saw a bra strap when it comes to these lady boys lol. You are all obsessed 🤣
GWAE I swear you are all a bunch of teenagers who just saw a bra strap when it comes to these lady boys lol. You are all obsessed 🤣
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
January 15th, 2018 at 4:31:19 PM
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Quote: PokerGrinderAye yes I have, I have found that no matter where I go I can find snowglobes. I love that you remembered from previous trips that I buy those.
GWAE I swear you are all a bunch of teenagers who just saw a bra strap when it comes to these lady boys lol. You are all obsessed 🤣
We are all sitting at home reading words. What else would we do silly?
The area you are in in India is so poor. Amazing how other parts produce so many doctors. One of the partners in my new business is from india.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
January 15th, 2018 at 4:34:23 PM
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Pg I wanted to ask the other day but then forgot. When you were playing poker what were the stakes in USD? I know you mentioned it but I can't find where you did. Well anyways, whatever it was did it play basically the same as here in that level? Seems like you could be super agressive in a game like that since people don't have any money, or are the people in the casino the people with the money?
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
January 15th, 2018 at 10:24:08 PM
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That game was in Bangkok, it is a private underground game. Trust me nobody there was short on money. The game wasn’t that big, 1.50/3.00 roughly in usd.
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
January 15th, 2018 at 11:03:11 PM
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Thanks for the ghats pics.
What an exotic locale!
In a perfect world, we could travel further; for example, in the late sixties / early seventies a girl I know did the hippy trek through India, then Nepal, and finally Afghanistan.
She lived there for months, and went nearly native; brought home a poster of an achingly beautiful hanging Afghan lake.
What an exotic locale!
In a perfect world, we could travel further; for example, in the late sixties / early seventies a girl I know did the hippy trek through India, then Nepal, and finally Afghanistan.
She lived there for months, and went nearly native; brought home a poster of an achingly beautiful hanging Afghan lake.
"What, me worry?"
January 16th, 2018 at 1:19:54 AM
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Last I left you guys I had finished the write up and was headed back to Kalika Dhaba Banaras for dinner. This is the place that I went to the first night and had the amazing chicken tikka masala. I am a creature of habit so when I find something I like I stick to it, and for that reason I ordered the chicken tikka masala again. Great idea! The flavours were just as good as I remembered them. I think I fit right in don’t you?
This is the kitchen and the second picture is of the kitchen while I’m standing on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant.
After dinner I went back to the hostel and used one of my life lines. I decided to call a friend, (how many got the joke?) we talked for over a hour until she rudely hung up on me... just kidding it’s late back home and she was tired lol. I crashed soon after as well.
Yesterday my train was scheduled to leave at 4:40 in the afternoon and it was on time until just before the arrival when it was delayed for almost a hour, not bad for what I’ve heard about trains in India. I had a few hours to kill so I found a restaurant for lunch and ordered the non veg platter. While I was waiting for the food the waiter came by and offered me some peanut brittle like stuff, I’m not sure exactly what it was but as with most things in this country, it was tasty. My food arrived and it was awesome! Butter chicken, mixed veggies, lentils, rice and a few sauces.
I had street desert after lunch. The silver one is like a gulab jabun but decorated. The other one I’m not too sure, it was crunchy and tasted good which works for me.
Overflow area, I guess I was the overflow to the overflow area.
This was the doorway that I stood in.
I got a couple of good videos while the train was moving but imgur won’t let me upload them.
I took a tuk tuk to the hostel and had lunch before I was allowed to check in. I had the Dum Aaloo which is curried potato. It was ok but nothing special.
I’m now waiting for my turn with the washing machine as I have yet to do laundry in Asia. I’m not sure what my plans are for today, I booked an extra day in Agra to nothing much but maybe laundry. Tomorrow I will be going to the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort before moving onto Jaipur. That’s all for today, later!
This is the kitchen and the second picture is of the kitchen while I’m standing on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant.
After dinner I went back to the hostel and used one of my life lines. I decided to call a friend, (how many got the joke?) we talked for over a hour until she rudely hung up on me... just kidding it’s late back home and she was tired lol. I crashed soon after as well.
Yesterday my train was scheduled to leave at 4:40 in the afternoon and it was on time until just before the arrival when it was delayed for almost a hour, not bad for what I’ve heard about trains in India. I had a few hours to kill so I found a restaurant for lunch and ordered the non veg platter. While I was waiting for the food the waiter came by and offered me some peanut brittle like stuff, I’m not sure exactly what it was but as with most things in this country, it was tasty. My food arrived and it was awesome! Butter chicken, mixed veggies, lentils, rice and a few sauces.
I had street desert after lunch. The silver one is like a gulab jabun but decorated. The other one I’m not too sure, it was crunchy and tasted good which works for me.
Overflow area, I guess I was the overflow to the overflow area.
This was the doorway that I stood in.
I got a couple of good videos while the train was moving but imgur won’t let me upload them.
I took a tuk tuk to the hostel and had lunch before I was allowed to check in. I had the Dum Aaloo which is curried potato. It was ok but nothing special.
I’m now waiting for my turn with the washing machine as I have yet to do laundry in Asia. I’m not sure what my plans are for today, I booked an extra day in Agra to nothing much but maybe laundry. Tomorrow I will be going to the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort before moving onto Jaipur. That’s all for today, later!
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
January 16th, 2018 at 2:15:24 AM
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I can't imagine how dirty their washing machine must be. Your clothes might get dirtier.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
January 16th, 2018 at 3:53:29 AM
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Lol it’s a washing machine at a nice hostel, you’re crazy GWAE lol. I don’t stay in dumpy places.
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
January 16th, 2018 at 5:24:18 AM
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How much was the hostel? Can you have a private room with own washroom? (Why I need my own washroom? Because I can offer private and free shower to German girls. Note: they must be naked. Warning: No ladyboy.)
January 16th, 2018 at 6:57:43 AM
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The offers are usually made when the girls are clothed. With PokerGrinder the girls immediately get naked; when I make such offers the girls immediately slap my face and utilize knee caps and say something about 'geezer'.Quote: speedycrapBecause I can offer free shower to German girls. Note: they must be naked.
Anyway, lets all allow the poor guy and his cell phone to continue their adventuresome travels.
January 16th, 2018 at 6:57:47 AM
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Haha I think I’ve paid between $8-$10 per night depending on the hostel. I’m not sure on the price for the private rooms as I never look to book them myself.
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
January 16th, 2018 at 7:43:31 AM
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Quote: PokerGrinderLol it’s a washing machine at a nice hostel, you’re crazy GWAE lol. I don’t stay in dumpy places.
does a nice hostel even exist? I have never been in one so I honestly have no idea. I just assume they are all dumpy.
In all seriousness, the people that you see in these hostels; are they rather normal people that are just traveling cheaply or are they usually very poor who are basically drifters?
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
January 16th, 2018 at 8:07:21 AM
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Obviously PokerGrinder is the expert on this and it depends on what country you are in.
In Australia the word 'hostel' can refer to a 300 room establishment with its own cafes, its own travel board and dozens of employees. It can also refer to a place that accommodates only a few guests at a time. Tremendous variation. Family travel is becoming even more popular in European and Australian hostels.
Its not just solitary vagabonds but a great deal of "activity" can take place when everyone is young, adventuresome and traveling on the cheap.
The owner of a Fort Liquordale hostel knows there are zillions of 'hook ups' amongst the various guests but is also aware of quite a few marriages that started out with pool side meetings of people from different countries but all sharing a similar outlook on traveling on the cheap when young.
In Australia the word 'hostel' can refer to a 300 room establishment with its own cafes, its own travel board and dozens of employees. It can also refer to a place that accommodates only a few guests at a time. Tremendous variation. Family travel is becoming even more popular in European and Australian hostels.
Its not just solitary vagabonds but a great deal of "activity" can take place when everyone is young, adventuresome and traveling on the cheap.
The owner of a Fort Liquordale hostel knows there are zillions of 'hook ups' amongst the various guests but is also aware of quite a few marriages that started out with pool side meetings of people from different countries but all sharing a similar outlook on traveling on the cheap when young.
January 16th, 2018 at 8:08:23 AM
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Hostels are a well thought of method to allow travelers to sleep inexpensively.
Not to hijack the thread, but my buddy has hiked the Camino a couple times in northern Spain, and he showed me pics of the hostels along the route dedicated solely for the use of pilgrims: inexpensive, clean, safe.
Not to hijack the thread, but my buddy has hiked the Camino a couple times in northern Spain, and he showed me pics of the hostels along the route dedicated solely for the use of pilgrims: inexpensive, clean, safe.
"What, me worry?"
January 16th, 2018 at 9:05:51 AM
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' ext time ple@se ask. ThaNks. If the price is within reach,I like to try.Quote: PokerGrinderHaha I think I’ve paid between $8-$10 per night depending on the hostel. I’m not sure on the price for the private rooms as I never look to book them myself.
January 16th, 2018 at 5:15:52 PM
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Pg, I am enjoying your pics. Can you add some pictures of each hostel you stay in as well?
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
January 16th, 2018 at 5:39:39 PM
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I can just give you the name of the hostel and you can look it up on Hostelworld. They have pictures. This hostel is called Zostel Agra.
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
January 16th, 2018 at 6:09:11 PM
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I just checked, nice airbnb.
January 16th, 2018 at 6:20:06 PM
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This thread is a great diversion. Thanks and keep up the great work. The Red Sox signage gives away that you're probably an American tourist that might be fooled.
Looks like you are having a blast.
Looks like you are having a blast.
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You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
January 16th, 2018 at 9:51:49 PM
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Quote: PokerGrinderI can just give you the name of the hostel and you can look it up on Hostelworld. They have pictures. This hostel is called Zostel Agra.
That is a lot nicer than I had pictured.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
January 16th, 2018 at 10:30:25 PM
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Yes but I don’t wear the hat most days so I just look like a random tourist. I don’t want them thinking I’m an American lol.
See GWAE I told you the hostels are nice.
See GWAE I told you the hostels are nice.
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
January 16th, 2018 at 10:45:17 PM
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Where are pics of the Taj Mahal? Are you going there?
January 16th, 2018 at 10:53:07 PM
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I went this morning, pics and write up later. For now I’m spending the day laying in the ☀️
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
January 17th, 2018 at 12:44:22 AM
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Quote: PokerGrinderFor now I’m spending the day laying in the ☀️
Ewww, so overcrowded they couldn't find a toilet?
"What, me worry?"
January 17th, 2018 at 2:44:23 AM
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Um I guess laying is slang for pooping?
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
January 17th, 2018 at 6:01:04 AM
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Quote: PokerGrinderUm I guess laying is slang for pooping?
Nope.
No idea what V thought you were talking about.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
January 17th, 2018 at 6:09:39 AM
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assuming that thought was ☀️=expletive deletion.
"So as the clock ticked and the day passed, opportunity met preparation, and luck happened." - Maurice Clarett
January 17th, 2018 at 8:18:05 AM
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Think about Frank Zappa's warning from an Eskimo mother to her son: "Don't you eat that yellow snow."
"What, me worry?"
January 19th, 2018 at 12:33:04 AM
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It’s been a really busy couple of days, I’m at the Amer Fort just outside of Jaipur having lunch. I plan on updating this thread when I get back to the hostel tonight. Btw hostel is Blue Beds in Jaipur, really nice place. My room has a couch.
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
January 19th, 2018 at 1:49:22 AM
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Lets play: How many health code violations can you find in the pictures.Quote: PokerGrinderLast I left you guys I had finished the write up and was headed back to Kalika Dhaba Banaras for dinner. This is the place that I went to the first night and had the amazing chicken tikka masala. I am a creature of habit so when I find something I like I stick to it, and for that reason I ordered the chicken tikka masala again. Great idea! The flavours were just as good as I remembered them. I think I fit right in don’t you?
This is the kitchen and the second picture is of the kitchen while I’m standing on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant.
After dinner I went back to the hostel and used one of my life lines. I decided to call a friend, (how many got the joke?) we talked for over a hour until she rudely hung up on me... just kidding it’s late back home and she was tired lol. I crashed soon after as well.
Yesterday my train was scheduled to leave at 4:40 in the afternoon and it was on time until just before the arrival when it was delayed for almost a hour, not bad for what I’ve heard about trains in India. I had a few hours to kill so I found a restaurant for lunch and ordered the non veg platter. While I was waiting for the food the waiter came by and offered me some peanut brittle like stuff, I’m not sure exactly what it was but as with most things in this country, it was tasty. My food arrived and it was awesome! Butter chicken, mixed veggies, lentils, rice and a few sauces.
I had street desert after lunch. The silver one is like a gulab jabun but decorated. The other one I’m not too sure, it was crunchy and tasted good which works for me.
Overflow area, I guess I was the overflow to the overflow area.
This was the doorway that I stood in.
I got a couple of good videos while the train was moving but imgur won’t let me upload them.
I took a tuk tuk to the hostel and had lunch before I was allowed to check in. I had the Dum Aaloo which is curried potato. It was ok but nothing special.
I’m now waiting for my turn with the washing machine as I have yet to do laundry in Asia. I’m not sure what my plans are for today, I booked an extra day in Agra to nothing much but maybe laundry. Tomorrow I will be going to the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort before moving onto Jaipur. That’s all for today, later!
Technically not a health code violation: In the first picture we have PG eating with his unwashed hands right after playing with a ladyboy. (-;
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
January 19th, 2018 at 1:52:33 AM
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Whats wrong with cooking on a dirty stove thing, wearing dirty clothes, and sitting on a dirty stool. Seems safe to me.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
January 19th, 2018 at 3:26:05 AM
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First off Axel I wash my hands and used hand sanitizer between the lady boy and dinner lol.
GWAE they were cooking with clean pots and pans, who cares if the stone stove is clean. I’ve worked in restaurants that were less sanitary than this place lol.
GWAE they were cooking with clean pots and pans, who cares if the stone stove is clean. I’ve worked in restaurants that were less sanitary than this place lol.
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
January 19th, 2018 at 3:56:49 AM
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Quote: PokerGrinderFirst off Axel I wash my hands and used hand sanitizer between the lady boy and dinner lol.
GWAE they were cooking with clean pots and pans, who cares if the stone stove is clean. I’ve worked in restaurants that were less sanitary than this place lol.
Yeah but when you see if It is different. The whole don't look behind the curtain thing. I am sure I have eAten spit but as long as I don't see it then I am fine.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
January 19th, 2018 at 4:47:01 AM
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Trust me you would never eat out again if you knew how your food was prepared and where it was prepared.
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
January 19th, 2018 at 4:51:40 AM
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Quote: PokerGrinderTrust me you would never eat out again if you knew how your food was prepared and where it was prepared.
Yeah ain't that the truth. I watch that show how is it made and they did sausage. That was pretty gross. I don't want to watch blogna being made.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed.
I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
January 19th, 2018 at 8:52:04 AM
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I secondQuote: PokerGrinderTrust me you would never eat out again if you knew how your food was prepared and where it was prepared.
January 19th, 2018 at 8:52:41 AM
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I am noisy,how is your score?
January 19th, 2018 at 9:57:49 AM
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Quote: PokerGrinderTrust me you would never eat out again if you knew how your food was prepared and where it was prepared.
I know quite a few Indians through work, and one took me to a few genuine Indian restaurants on Long Island where they don't provide cutlery unless on request. Indians eat with one hand and do their nasty business with the other and they are careful not to mix the two (engrained into their culture).
I really don't see any problems with acquiring low level pathogens. It's how we resist illness. A few different buggies on our hands builds immunity.
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You want the truth! You can't handle the truth!
