Sunday, September 27, 2009

Eat 'Em and Reap


After years of graaand parties dha-ling, a little...just a little...drunkenness and total debauchery for some 30+ birthdays past, I decided to go all spiritual while travelling and spend this last 30+ commemoration watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat, just outside Siem Reap, Kampuchea (aka Cambodia). 

Secretly, I was also hoping that some...any...deep thought would arise on this auspicious day in front of this grand temple.  The meaning of life.  The source of the universe...Who am I...Who are you...(I wasn't going to be picky). 










Needless to say, the day proved magnificent...I mean anything at 5:00 AM with a sunrise is amazing, especially if it's a rare occurrence. Perusing through nature, in front of and through the magnificent ancient ruins believed to be dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu was awe-inspiring, including the approximately 30 minute rickshaw ride through the Cambodian countryside to see Banteay Srey.  (breathtaking, especially when you're in a completely open rickshaw during a heavy, heavy spring rain)

Ultimately, though, it wasn't only Angkor that made the day awesome but more the colorful characters who traversed with me...and of course, the street-side meal(s) I had that day. 

Low and behold you can actually make friends at the crack of dawn:  Wrongly assuming that I would be the only person at the Wat so early (there were in fact around a 1,000 people there), I met Holger, the German, immediately upon arrival and he kindly served as my BFF for the rest of the day.  Although funny and entertaining, his marked characteristic was to get me to eat at a $2 noodle cart across from the entrance of Angkor.  A feat unto itself. 

If I remember correctly, the meal, purely vegetarian, was Khao poun (rice noodles in a coconut base sauce).  Savory, warm,  flavorful - it hit the spot.  aaaannd....for the gastro sensitive, I was spared any "issues" post consumption.  Success all around. 


The fun part about Cambodia is that you can't eat a meal in or around any of the famous temples without a group of the most adorable children trying to sell ya something: scarves, fans, t-shirts and a whole set of very necessary miniature toy soldiers.  Yes, some travelers may not seek new little friends, but I highly recommend engaging them in conversation.  It is hilarious: they ask you where you're from and "swaziland" as a white european or "the moon" as an indian-american elicits large smiles, giggles and new found buddies.  And, you'll learn every U.S. state capital from Cambodian children who spend most of their time out of school.  [More than most Americans learn in 12 mandatory years].  These pics are two separate groups of kids who I wish only the best in health, wealth and happiness.


quote of the day:
"you take my picture, you paaay me!"
                                                                              

Upon returning to my guest house that night, I learned that my parents "harassed" the very kind receptionist and laughed heartily in disbelief when he reported that I had left my room in the wee hours to view the sunrise at a holy temple.  To this statement my incredulous family demanded that he not dilly dally and immediately connect them to my room by phone, exclaiming that their [very accomplished*] daughter would nhhhhhhheever arise that early and for a holy adventure.   Shame on you moms and pops for doubting the sanctity and maturity of your only daughter, unapparently your pride and joy!

*emphasis added by yours truly

Monday, September 21, 2009

Do I Love Her, Do I Love Her Not?


HER?  Who's Her?  Cambodia, my friends.


Since traveling alone half way around the world wasn't scary enough, I decided I would terrify the shiznit out of myself even further and go to Cambodia.  What the hell?  Yes, that's what I thought too. 

Figuring that if I was going to quit my job...during the Greatest Recession....and go aaaaalllll the way to Australia then why not Southeast Asia.  Simple enough.


But mustering the hutzpah to do it was a study in courage and self-dialogue (or as amateurs like to call it, "talking to myself").  In the end, I chose to close my eyes, take a deep breath and leap...meaning, buy the damn ticket.  (It wasn't swimming but I'm equally scared of both).

To conclude before I even start, this choose my own adventure ended in one of the best times of my life.  Taking hold of your fears, taking the jump into uncertainty, can often times lead to the most fun of your life.  And the feeling of empowerment can fill your soul like a favorite meal in your belly - sometimes you can just burst of happiness.   
                                                


So before I get to the Cambodian delicacies I thoroughly enjoyed, I thought I'd sing an ode to my beloved with a song in pictures.





and yes.  I HEART Cambodia.                                          

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Goin back to Ozzie...ozzie...ozzie

On second thought, there's a few MVP's from the land of Oz that require an honorable mention in terms of grubbin: Mani and Le Chef Cuisinier Francais.

FIRST COURSE: The Indomitable Mani


Mani (in organge kurta) and her good lookin' brood



Who woulda thunk it that I would experience fragrantly spicy, full course Bangladeshi meals Down Under. As the reigning Queen of Cuisine a la the Sundarbans, Mani not only served Dhakka staples of soft white rice and delectable fish curry, but also spiced mutton, tons of masala'ed veggies and daal, or lentils. Although I haven't mastered the great South Asian art of eating curried rice with my hands, I'm rsvp'ing to all meals served with lovin by the elegant Mrs. Mani. I'll just take the snickers and guffaws for eating like an uncouth snob using my fork and knife.






Sundarbans, Bangladesh




SECOND COURSE: Le Chef Cuisinier Francais


hmmmm...or things that make you go yuuummmmmm...
how to start describing the best apple tarte tatin (or as i heard it, "tah-tah, tohn!"). this french fruit dessert was created on the gorgeous shores of Byron Bay, Australia by what I'd like to hope were also very lovin hands. Although the very winsome pastry chef will remain nameless, his home-made caramel, apple,
sugar sweet oooh la la made me want to keep this native frenchie in my kitchen..any kitchen..for a very long time.

Although I'm a serious restaurateur, Mani and LCCF are top chef to me and I'd be happy to sit for their hearty belly-fillin, home-cooked cuisine tours les jours. Bon Appetit!

Byron Bay, Australia