Yum, Korea! 잘 먹었습니다

I was looking at my photos of Korea and noticed a lot of them were food pictures. That actually makes sense since I was always looking forward to meal time apart from all the sights, and so I've decided to whet your appetite with these culinary delights.

Soju is a distilled alcoholic beverage that Koreans consume neat. I have tried several times to get accustomed to its flavor but all those times I have failed. I just find it too strong. Luckily, there are several ways to make soju easier to take. One is 'somaek' - a combination of soju and beer. The concoction I prefer is flavored soju because the addition of a fruit slushy waters down the strong alchoholic flavor.

Me, Mark, and Reg having Kiwi soju. Love the crunchy Kiwi seeds! :)

Bibimbap is rice topped with meat,vegetables, and egg, and comes with a spicy sauce to round everything off. Mix everything and this makes for a delicious meal anyday. This one is a red rice bibimbap which I had at Busan.

As with most Korean dishes this stew is spicy especially since the main ingredient is kimchi or fermented cabbage/lettuce. I just love 'Kimchi jigae' because of the flavorful soup and the soft, silky tofu that almost melts in your mouth. It tastes even lovelier topped on steaming rice. It's the perfect comfort food for a rainy day.

Since it was summer when I was in Korea I needed to cool off with this delectable 'bingsu'. It's shaved ice with an assortment of toppings and in this case we had red bean and green tea ice cream. The combination was not too sweet and it tasted quite earthy.

Korean fried chicken. I know what you're thinking. I must sound ridiculous mentioning fried chicken in this list but this is no ordinary fried chicken. This is usually bar food but I'll be happy to have this with a plate of rice for dinner or even on its own as a snack. It's hot,slightly sweet, fried to a crisp, and spicy. Need I say more?

'Bulgogi' is marinated beef that's tender, flavorful, and succulent. It's grilled on your table and comes with a soup that's light and sweet. The meat is thin and so it doesn't leave you with a heavy feeling after eating.

Since kimchi is something Korea has a lot of, they have thought of countless ways to utilize this dish. Lo and behold one of those ways, the Kimchi pancake. Best eaten hot, the batter keeps the outer part crisp and the inside soft and juicy. The one I had at Busan had a unique special ingredient- cheese. It made the center gooey and rich. Yummy!

It didn't take long for us to notice the people in Jeju island carrying bottles which looked like oversized Yakult and our curiosity led us to the convenience store's refrigerator. We discovered the drink was banana milk, and it was beside other flavors such as strawberry and chocolate. This sweet treat certainly brings out the kid in you.

Though I'm not a fan of 'makgeolli' or Korean rice wine, I have decided to put it on the list because of the adorable way they served it to us. The beverage was in an old-fashioned tin kettle that had its matching cups.


I still have tons of food photos from Korea but I'll end this list for now, or else I'll just keep going. The best piece of advice I can give you when it comes to travel and food- get your hands on everything that looks interesting (or weird) to you. Bon appetit!

Peru: More Than Just Macchu Picchu

Amazingly beautiful, wonderfully diverse, incredibly far yet strangely familiar – that is what comes to mind when I look back on my summer getaway in Peru. No amount of research and reading before the trip could have prepared me for what I was about to see. And so after three weeks of exploring what the country has to offer, I feel an obligation to share what I have seen, felt, and experienced. After all not many Filipinos get to be on that far side of the world(I was the first Filipino most hostels and foreigners encountered). Join me as I revisit my first South American experience in Peru.

Lima: First look at Peru
I entered Peru via Lima after a total of thirty hours in the air (plus a 6 hour-layover) to find that some parts of the city were strangely like Manila. The crazy drivers and car-filled roads made me feel like I had left home and then went back. Aside from that feeling of familiarity I will never forget Lima for its coastal fog which would descend early in the morning and then eventually clear up to reveal vibrantly blue skies in the summer. The afternoons would be a perfect time to go get a view of the Pacific Ocean from the cliffs of Miraflores as you take a walk along El Parque del Amor. Here you can catch a breathtaking sunset view, a sight of oranges, yellows, and reds which Lima is known for. The historic centre is also one of the noteworthy spots to be visited. I would have wanted to see more of it as I only drove by the area on my way to the airport. It looks to be filled with very interesting architecture that is worth a visit.

Aside from the scenery one thing I will never forget about Lima is the food. As a self-proclaimed foodie I did not miss the chance to try some ceviche, one of the country’s prized dishes which is the Peruvian equivalent of our 'kinilaw'. Some items on the menu looked very familiar, such as the escabeche and bistek. If you are up for something rich a plate of aji de gallina (chicken with creamy pepper sauce) will satisfy your craving. You also need to have the fresh trucha, trout fried to delicious perfection. Most dishes are accompanied by a side of rice, potatoes, corn, or two out of those three so it’s best to put aside your fear of carbs, if you have such.


Most people treat Lima as nothing but an entry point into the country, but as I have discovered it has a lot to offer which leaves much to be explored.

Huacachina: A desert oasis
Need I say more about Huacachina? The word oasis perfectly describes exactly what it is. Imagine tall, endless sand dunes, where you can sandboard and take thrilling buggy rides. And then think of a green lagoon right in the middle of all that sand. I had never seen such a sight until that point and so I was thoroughly in awe. It was such an incredible view to behold.

Getting there is just as remarkable. As soon as you get to the outskirts of Lima the landscape starts to change immediately. The bustling city becomes endless stretches of sand and once in a while you catch glimpses of the coast. The white scenery is occasionally peppered with patches of vineyards. Several hundred feet of sand on both sides of the road prepare to greet and amaze as you enter the tiny village.

If you ever find yourself in Huacachina, go up the dunes and stare at the wide expanse of space; envelop yourself with the feeling of nothingness. Catching the late afternoon sun as it sets will surely give you a memory you will not soon forget.

Arequipa: Anything but boring
Imagine cobblestone streets teeming with people, quaint eateries filled with delicious goodies, shops selling colorful Peruvian souvenirs and old churches whose walls have stood the test of time. I must say Arequipa is my favorite stop throughout the whole Peruvian adventure. There is never a shortage of things to see, do, and eat. The Plaza de Armas (main plaza) in front of the city cathedral is filled with people (and pigeons). Night life is bustling and very exciting. You can do a pub crawl and get a good headstart as their ‘happy hour’ starts as early as 7:30 in the evening and lasts up until midnight! Hot and spicy grilled skewered meats called anticuchos in between bar stops make for a good snack especially on a chilly night. And when you’ve had your fill of alcohol make sure you salsa the night away. In the morning when you’re hung over, just have more food-empanadas, pollo milanesa, and tamales, to name a few. A view of the snow-capped El Misti volcano will surely give you the energy to take on a new day.

Puno & Lake Titicaca: A Natural High
Again, this is one road trip I will never forget. Travelling to Puno from Arequipa was more than just a journey. The abundance of mountains, alpacas, and vicunas kept my eyes open. There is not much to see in the sleepy town of Puno, but it was here that I had my first of taste of chifa, a Peruvian permutation of Chinese food. It’s quite fascinating and unusual to be in South America, eating food from my side of the world.

I entered the city of Puno at night and so the morning view of Lake Titicaca outside the bus terminal hostel window was my first proper introduction to the place. Literally the highest point of my trip at more than 3,800 meters above sea level, I am glad I did not get a bout of altitude sickness. The highest navigable lake, Lago del Titicaca, is known not only for its exceptional elevation but also for the man-made islands on it. Stepping on the Uros floating islands, made solely of stacked reeds, is a unique experience. You can stay on one of the islands overnight if you want to, given the weather permits it.

Cusco: More than just a stop to Machu Picchu
Here is where it gets more touristy, since the goal of most visitors to Peru is to see Macchu Picchu. This does not come as a surprise because Cusco is usually the jumpoff point to this ancient wonder. But in spite of this the town’s charm did not fail to capture me. Going to the Mercado Central de San Pedro for a hearty breakfast of chicken soup was one of my staples while I was there. Here in the bustling market you will find an assortment of cheeses, breads, fruits, vegetables, souvenirs, meats, and just about anything that can interest you. Going away from the main square will lead you to little side streets filled with little artisan shops, bakeries and restaurants. If the weather gets too cold you can warm up by getting yourself a comfy alpaca wool sweater, hat, or scarf which are available everywhere.

The nearby areas of Moray and Maras are not to be missed. The green circular terraces of Moray, believed to be an ancient agricultural experiment station, is a proof of Incan ingenuity and skill. The stories and legends behind this archaeological site are just as interesting. The terraced salt fields of Maras are not to be missed. As we were approaching them the view of the place already took my breath away. Against a backdrop of green and red from the mountains and blue from the skies is an intricate layout of white salt evaporation ponds that have been used since Inca times. Magnificent should suffice to describe the landscape.

Final stop: Macchu Picchu
Getting there can be as easy or difficult as you want it to be. I had no choice but to take the cheaper, ergo more taxing journey to Macchu Picchu which involved a long ride on treacherous cliffside roads and then a hike along a railroad and into the lovely forest to make it to Aguas Calientes. I was treated to a great view of mountains, rivers, and a dusky sky. It’s not as scary as it all seems; you have fellow tourists to while away the time and make the task seem less daunting. The following day after hiking for almost two hours starting 4:30 a.m. from Aguas Calientes I made it in time for sunrise at Macchu Picchu and I must say, it made me tear up. First, it was out of exhaustion. Second, they indicated in my ticket I was Canadian so that’s one less Filipino on the already short list of Filipinos on their tally. And third, I still could not believe I was on the other side of the world, facing this ancient creation that still stands today. Not too many people get that chance and for that I was overcome with a sense of gratefulness. I spent a good length of time at what they call the guardhouse, where the postcard photos of Macchu Picchu are taken. Here I just fixed my eyes on the stone structures, the mountains and rivers, trying to take in as much as I can knowing that as soon as I leave everything would be a memory.

For me Peru is a great way to start discovering South America. If it is a sneek peak into what else is there on the continent then I am in, long plane rides, jetlag, language barrier and all. The diversity and beauty is certainly something I will never forget for the rest of my life.

Morocco Madness

First time in Africa;)

Moroccan sweets

At the souk

Moroccan cats :D

Lady looks on as I sample her onion pancake

Nomnomnom

Herbs galore

Moroccan mint tea

Carpets

Menara Gardens

Oh, Roma!

Travelled alone to the Eternal City...this was the perfect solo trip ever! Okay, this is just my second solo trip ever :D Everything went smoothly, walked miles, met interesting people, and ate a lot of delicious food!

The Pantheon

I found the invisible man at Piazza Navona

I love Trastevere!

view of the St. Peter's Cathedral from the keyhole of the Knights of Malta gate. Absolutely lovely and enchanting!

What is Rome without pasta?

And Pizza?

The beautiful Trevi fountain

View from the Vittorio Emanuele monument


Get drunk with art

View of the Vatican from Castel Sant Angelo

The Sistine Chapel

Colosseo

It's Been A While...A Long While.

I think blogging is not for me not because I can't put my thoughts into writing, but because I'm usually afraid to write them down for fear of revealing too much. So I decided to make this post mostly about photos, and if some random thoughts about the images pop up, I'll share them to you.

I'll pick up where I left off...entering England to start my 2012 'big vacay.' This is what happened after that.

Here are some photos taken in Northeast England: Newcastle Upon Tyne, York, and Alnwick.

Jumping for joy at the coast

Millenium bridge shot taken from Sage Gateshead

Scone with clotted cream and jam

Staring at the hog sandwiches. Yum, yum, yum!

Still carrying my hog sandwich all the way to Yorkminster :D

Took the ghost hunt tour by Andy Dextrous. It was hilarious!

Hats, anyone?

Afternoon tea


Me and my sister


Outside Alnwick Castle. Loooove flowers ;)

Day 1: Takeoff

Armed with excitement and anticipation I boarded on the plane to Amsterdam that Friday night. After two years, I was going back to the continent that is subject to my current infatuation: Europe. I was lucky to have a very considerate couple sitting next to me. They were the perfect plane seatmates - quiet and not overly-friendly. Even with this advantage I had a hard time sleeping. Maybe it was the excitement. Maybe it was the cramped economy seat space. Or the in-flight entertainment choices. I would doze off for minutes that seemed like hours and wake up for meals and parts of the depressing but great movie My Week With Marilyn. Not even airline food or the film could dampen my spirits.


Sometimes when I opened my eyes and looked outside, I would see what appeared to be a sunrise... or was it a sunset? I lost all orientation of time and space while inside the pressurized interior. It was a confusing but refreshing feeling as well, like you're in limbo just floating. You're literally and figuratively suspended in the air with no idea to which direction you're headed. You only know the destination written on your boarding pass.


As we neared landing in Amsterdam Schiphol a feeling of familiarity welled up inside of me even if I've been there just twice prior to that moment. Looking out into the little buildings and the airport below I could hardly wait for the 'fasten seatbelt' sign to go off. And when I stepped inside the airport I felt that feeling all over again...I was a citizen of the world. I was no longer in my small bubble of Philippine comfort. I was in transit with all these other travelers from every corner of the world imaginable. After that profound thought came another: I have to buy stroopwafels.

After my purchase I proceeded to find a charging station for my Ipod. Once online I got to talk to a friend who was set to move to the U.S. while I was away on my trip. I wished him well and thought about how someday I'd like to do the same thing. I would love to live in another country for once in my life. But let's save that for another blog.


I went to the Newcastle waiting lounge after checking out the small museum at Schiphol. By that time the excitement had tripled as I thought of seeing my sister again and good old Guelder Road where her little flat was. I was hoping for sun but wasn't expecting much from British weather.


Once seated in the plane I discovered I had more legroom than usual and then saw I was near the emergency exit. The attendant explained the responsibility of being in that seat to me and my seatmate. When she was gone, the guy seated next to me said in a Geordie accent, 'You want to do it?', referring to opening the emergency exit. And I told him, 'Hopefully, I won't have to.' After that was an awkward silence which usually infiltrates small talk between strangers.


But my curiosity and newfound confidence (it seems to come out whenever I'm on trips) prompted me to ask him if he was from Newcastle. He answered that he was. I found out that his name was John and that he lived in NCL all his life. He had just come from a trip to Texas to visit friends. When he saw my passport he noticed that I had quite a few stamps and so I asked him which places in Europe he'd already visit. To my utter shock he said he hadn't explored his own continent yet. I felt like he was wasting an advantage that he was born with. He didn't need a visa and it wasn't that expensive to go around yet he hadn't done it. So I ended up telling him about my previous trips and the countries I had been to. It felt strange that I was selling his own continent to him. He had been to Asia once but that was basically the extent of his travel experiences. The talk went on until the plane had landed. It was a great way to start my trip to Newcastle, and what made it even better was the fact that the sun was shining! I was ecstatic.


But then came the dreaded immigration check. I have no worries except for one, which is the cause of my anxiety: my hands. They get really dry in cold weather and that makes my less readable prints even difficult to read on the machine. I had no problems except for that. So after rubbing my fingers on my chin or behind the ear (where there's bound to be some oil) I passed immigration check and proceeded to get my luggage.


I was surprised to see that John was waiting for me on the other side even after I spent quite a time at Immigration. I was so ready to go through the doors that say 'no return beyond this point' and thinking to myself, hey, i don't mind. My sister hadn't arrived yet but John's parents were already there to pick him up. I told him that he could go and I'll be alright and so we said our goodbyes. Soon after that I saw my sister walking to me and we both got so excited. I swear at some point we squealed like little kids in delight. I looked over to the side and saw John was still there with his parents. He saw that I was with my sister and I waved goodbye.


We got into the car and my sister right away relayed her story about how she forgot to pull up the handbrake and her car slowly rolled into another car (haha!) Luckily the damage wasn't that big. It was my first time to experience my sister's driving in the UK (she didn't have a car yet when I first went)and so a simple thing such as sitting on the left side was fascinating and disorienting to me at the same time. We chatted nonstop and I forgot how hungry I had gotten. I was at my destination and I was soooo happy. YES!!!

I looked around and was beaming at how familiar everything was. Oh, I remember that pub. Right, that was where we had Indian food. Hey, the Sainsbury's has gotten bigger. And when the car pulled up in front of the house, I felt I was home again.
When I went inside I immediately recognized that familiar smell, the smell that would stay in my suitcase and clothes until I go back to the Philippines. I was immediately introduced to my sister's Greek flatmate, Oz. He was very nice and friendly and I felt like I knew him well from all the stories my sister told me.

I sat down in the living room as my sister prepared my Indian lunch. It was already noon. I couldn't resist going on Facebook and putting a shoutout, of course making sure I added my location. As the sun's rays streamed through the window I couldn't help but take a look around. I was back. Almost a day ago when I got on that plane the adventure had already started and it was right before me. I couldn't wait to find out what would happen.

About Travel Blogging and Why I Haven't Done It

The last time I blogged here was January, trying out Blogger from my Itouch. I thought I'd be able to blog as I travel, write and recall each moment of my trip. It was a brilliant and fairly easy idea that I was really excited about. But alas, nine months since that time I haven't written a single thing about one of the best trips of my life. Come to think of it I haven't been able to write too much about the trips prior to that as well. And now I ask myself: Why? While you're on vacation you get caught up in the whirlwind of activities and sights especially when you've got only a few weeks. And when you're making your way home you're just exhausted and inflicted with a bad case of post-vacation depression.I blame both. They're the reasons why I haven't been able to share the amazing things I've seen and experienced during my trips. And now that I've been bitten by the writing bug I want to share the adventures I've had in places I last visited, my encounters with the people I met, and the experiences I've had that will never be forgotten. I'm pretty excited! I hope you enjoy reading and discovering as if you got on the train with me to London, had couscous at a rooftop restaurant in Morroco, and got oggled at in Rome. It's going to be one happy ride so hop on and hang tight.

Trying out blogging from my Itouch

I just downloaded blogger for my iPod touch. This will come in handy for when I travel this March. :)