Foot and Fire

I consider myself as lucky for having been able to travel in the year 2023 in a country whose language I could not understand.  Japan has been easily navigated by me and my friend because  of the fast internet which enabled us to research ahead of time about the places we wanted to go. Facebook groups we joined shared their experiences, troubles and tips which became our prelude to Japan. I also thank the apps dedicated to make my life as a traveller easier.  But as in life, I pick up where opportunity and setbacks bring me. In my life, I do not only allow myself to diverge from the crowd, to follow my own path, but also I let myself be surprised and changed with life's many changes. Painful could be the changes sometimes.  Now, back to literal travels, I researched well but the reality sometimes is not in sync with what I expected. The bamboo grooves did not delight me in a way that I expected it. I expected it to be a...

Konnichiwa from Kyoto! This was what I felt when we arrived at Kyoto via JR train. Upon exiting from the central gate, we were greeted with what else but the towering beauty of Kyoto Tower.  Our hostel was a 7 minute-walk from the station and it became our home for 4 nights. Now we are moving out of Kyoto and I felt some kind of sadness waving goodbye to the tower which became our landmark when we went down prematurely from a bus. Haha!  The kindness of the Japanese is not a myth, in fact, it is legendary. Kyoto is a marriage of modernity with its building and all, and the heritage, the temples and gionshijo district and more. Despite our short stay in Kyoto, I can already say that the common folks are helpful and kind. They may not smile at you along the way or they may be engrossed with their phones but when you ask for help, they willingly do so. All you have to do is ask, and be not intimidated with their serious look. To give you one in...

Vermicelli Pancit canton Leftover chopsuey Mushroom Additional veges like bokchoy, bellpeppers and others Sesame oil Sauce: Worcestershire sauce Soy sauce Hoisin Premium soy sauce Vegetarian sauce Arrange vermicelli and p ancit canton in a bowl. Add hot water to soak until softened. In a wok, saute the mushroom and all additional veges with a little water but reserve the leftover chopsuey. Let cook. Add the soaked noodles without the excess water. Mix in the leftover chopsuey and the mixture of sauces. Mix and let cook. Add sesame oil and cover. Remove from fire. Serve with rice or toasted bread. Check the video of BAM-I here.

Assemble of French bread, dragon fruit, muffins, baklava, turkish delight, pretzels, white chocolate covered stick bread, macadamia, polvuron, almonds, bread dippings, cashew nuts.  Well, I know everyone have ideas on how to fill a tray, box or table with finger food but allow me to flaunt mine.  I need not tell you what food I used since the picture shows. What I am actually so excited to flex here is my wooden tray. Isn't she a beauty? Stove-top grilled lamb. Airfried potato fries, stove-top grilled corn and beef hotdogs.

Durian, anyone? We enjoyed durian locally for years until the devastating typhoon Odette visited us. Now, the fruits are slowly picking up including Durian. I ordered 10kilos from the first person who offered. So, It is understandable that I don't like throwing away this precious fruit just because it was replaced by the seller as it is still unripe. So my solution is to make some chips!  *Unripe Durian slivered or cut thinly *Salt, pepper or flavor powder (optional) Preheat oven to 190 degrees celcius for 10 minutes. For 20 minutes, airfry the Durian slices. Serve as is or with  Salt, pepper or flavor powder seasonings. Check video of Durian Chips here.