Foodie Alert: In N' Out Burger

One word: Delicious!

This was the first time ever trying In N' Out.  What better place to try it than in LA.  It is quite easy to find.  My selection: Cheeseburger with onions and chocolate milkshake.

I love how their burgers are small. The perfect size for me.

No one does milkshakes better than Americans. I've been to some places in Bangkok and its totally watered down or has way too much milk. Love my milkshakes thick and creamy. Yummy! Just 1 glass will make you full :)  No picture because its just a pic of their normal soda cups.  Can't see inside.

It was a bit difficult to find In N' Out in SF.  There aren't loads of outlets in the area.  The one closest is at Fisherman's Wharf.  Needless to say, it managed to solve my burger craving.  Overflowing goodness.

Website: http://www.in-n-out.com/

In My Footsteps: Road trip on Route 1 from SF to LA

Lots of people (mainly my parents) have said it was a bad idea for 2 girls to drive down from SF to LA.  Probably because it is still about 5-6hours on Route 5 and merely because we were 2 girls. Did we listen?  Not really.

Tons of travel guides will always say that the drive up or down from SF to LA has one of the best scenic drives in the US.  One downside is that all of it happens on a cliff.

Here is just a simple glance.  Basically, you are driving across all of California.

from Wikipedia

We probably only made it half way on Route 1 when the sun started to set.  For safety reasons, we decided to head inland to Route 5 or 101 instead (don't remember which).  

Preparation Guide: 

- Enough food & water

- Entertainment (music!)

- Gas

- Make sure the car is in perfect condition

If I had to make a recommendation, it would be start early.  We made the mistake of leaving SF around noon.  Here are some of the breathe-taking views. 

Foodies Alert: Mama's on Washington Square @ San Francisco

While planning for my 2 week vacation in SF, I spent hours going through various lists for places to eat.  One of them was this place: Mama's on Washington Square.  When I arrived in SF, my friend also recommended it as a really good place for breakfast food.

If you ever plan to come to Mama's, be sure that you aren't in a rush.  There is always a line outside.  I think I waited about 30 minutes.

Once you are inside, you place your order at the counter and then they will seat you.  There aren't many tables inside, as you as see from the pic below.  The shape of the restaurant is rectangular.  My friend and I were seated at the back corner sofa so we were able to get a view of the entire restaurant.   

There were 2 items which we ordered.  

1. Cornbeef Eggs Benedict 

I think it is a special that they don't have everyday because the 2 girls ahead of us heard our order and decided to change theirs. Hmmm.. not sure.  It is not an outstanding from this dish. No "ouuu aaaa" moment where your eyes twinkle with delight.  (If you know what I mean).  The corn beef was good.  However, the overall flavour was bland for my taste.  I needed to add a bit of pepper and salt.  

The perfect food means no extra seasoning. 

2. Monte Cristo

Now this was the highlight where I had an "ouu aaa" moment and fell in love with the dish.  I've never tried it before but it surely made an impression.  The easiest way to describe the dish is a mix between french toast and grill ham cheese sandwich.  It was divine.  I have to say I was reluctant about the strawberry or raspberry sauce at first.  Once you top off that bite with a bit of sauce, it was the perfect match.  This is the dish that everyone needs to order when you come here.  

Conclusion: Definitely will be back here again. 

Website: mamas-sf.com

In My Footsteps: New Year Countdown

It is the end of the year again and time to contemplate what you have done. Was this year productive? What was the highlight of the year? Or was it just another boring year passing by?

I plan to write out my New Year resolutions within today and tomorrow. There are already a few things I know I "must" do on the list. One of them is... make sure to give myself a proper vacation (like 5-7days).

In the meantime, I'm spending the rest of 2012 up in the mountains to enjoy the cool weather.

Wishing everyone a happy new year :) and a great 2013 ahead

In My Footsteps: Chillax Time

After working for 5 days, the weekends are precious. The time to unwind and let go.

This weekend I'm off to the beach about 3hrs away from Bangkok called Huahin. Here is just a small snap shot from this morning.

More to come....

Review: Dialogue in the Dark

An hour as a blind person

We live out our days working, watching movies, driving, and hanging out with friends.  We tend to forget that there are a group of people who aren't has privileged as us.  

Dialogue in the Dark is a great example of how 'normal' people can experience what is it like to be blind.  We use our eyes everyday but forgot how really important they are.  I wish I had 20/20 vision, on the other hand, just being able to see with the innovation of prescription eyeglasses is already more than I can ask for.  Just imagine what it would be like 200 years ago. 

Before you enter the exhibition, the personnel will ask you to take off all objects reflecting light along with any valuables.  (There is a locker provided).  After that, you will be given walking sticks.  

I would actually recommend doing this with a few friends.  At least you can share the experience.  Plus, it can be quite scary at first when you enter the rooms.

Then someone will walk you through a pitch dark hallway and you will be greeted by your guide.  The entire experience takes about an hour.  The guide will take you through various rooms where you can experience things that we usually experience in daily life as a blind person.

Dialogue in the Dark does various exhibitions around the world so check out the one closest to you!

Go to their website for more information:

Website: http://www.dialogue-in-the-dark.com/

In My Footsteps: 24hrs in Shanghai

It's coming towards the end of the year and my travel schedule is packed again.

Today I'm off to Shanghai for a whole 24HOURS!! Wow! Yep, I was bored of my bedroom so decided that it would be an interesting experience to change to a 5 star hotel room instead. :) truth is: I have an early business meeting the next day and really want to be back home asap. Hence, 24hours.

You can say that I'm spoilt when it comes to my business travels.... The pictures say it all.

Time for some bubbly and light reading before take off.....

Then a lovely chauffeur to take me to my hotel. It doesn't get better than BMW series 7 plus wifi in the car!

Finally reach the hotel for the night. Instead of the usual welcome drink, I got welcome tea... Chinese-style. Still need to finish off some work so I'm hoping that I'll get a few hours sleep before I head off to early morning meeting.

Won't have time to do any sightseeing but I'll try to do the best I can. Luckily, I should have time for sightseeing when I come back next month.

In My Footsteps: Early Morning Workout

Wakie Wakie... It's gonna be a bright sunny day :) 

It's been a long time since I've been working out of any sort and even longer since I've been to the park.  Today is a new day.  Woke up early and went for a morning stroll.  Managed to cover 4.5km which isn't bad for my first day back.  

Luckily, I was able to capture the sun rising over the lake.  Beautiful isn't it?  

What do you do after a morning stroll?  It's time for breakfast!

I love this coffee place.  It is actually in a market located in front of the park.  You get fresh roasted coffee and its inexpensive too. I'm having an iced cappuccino. 

Next is the food department.

Not exactly sure what its called but its basically fried eggs.  Healthy and filling too.  It has sausages, mince pork, carrots, corn, and other stuff that don't know what they call in English. Sorry :(

The market has lots of places where you can get breakfast along with fresh produce and other ready made dishes. 

Location: Suan Luang Rama IX Park, Bangkok, Thailand

In My Footsteps: Muthi Maya @ Khao Yai

My Weekday Getaway

As you can probably notice from my previous posts that I was in Khao Yai.  The highlight of the trip wasn't only the view but a 5-day stay at the luxurious Muthi Maya Forest Pool Villa Resort (all expense paid too!).

Muthi Maya is actually connected as part of Kirimaya, another luxury resort with golf course. The main difference between the 2 resorts is that  Muthi Maya consist of only pool villas. *Big Happy Face*

When you enter the room, you will find 1. dinning area with pantry, 2. a daybed waiting for you to lounge, 3. main bathroom area with a Jacuzzi, 4. large patio with private pool and 5. small sala to sunbathe by the pool.

Price: est. 22,000THB or 700USD per night (this is their published rates)
Website: http://www.muthimaya.com

In My Footsteps: Sunset @ Khao Yai

Another Lazy Sunday

Khao Yai (big mountain) is one of my fav places to go especially during the winter because of its cool weather. Even if it's summer now, the breeze is still cool.

Hope you love the view like I do ^_^ it's breathtaking

Wednesday Blues

It comes like clock work. Everyday at 5pm......
Prep yourself with an umbrella, and stock your car with food and water because it's gonna be a long wet journey home.

Lazy Sunday by the beach

Good morning :) Rise & shine

In My Footsteps: Bollywood

Pre-Travel

Since I'll be jetting off to Mumbai tonight, thought that I'll give you guys a preview of this to see.  Depending on the hotel wifi, I might be able to upload some stuff.  If not, then wait til I get back.  (I'm only there for a little bit more than 48 hours... maybe around 55hours?!?)

I've been to Mumbai numerous times but never as a tourist. Always work related (hence the 55hours).

Bollywood is usually what is referred to the Indian Film Industry in Bombay. (Its a really big one too!)  Since Bombay = Mumbai, I'm calling this my BOLLYWOOD trip.

So, let's prepare for bollywood dance!!

In My Footsteps: Bollywood (Gateway of India)

Gateway of India

Although I didn't get to do any touristy stuff this time because it was a super short trip, didn't want you guys to miss out so I thought that I'll just post this photo from my last visit there.  

Gateway of India & Taj Mahal Hotel

That time I took a ferry from the Gateway to see Elephanta Island.  Behind the Gateway is the Taj Mahal hotel and looking out to the Arabian Sea.  There were some terrorist attacks at this hotel a few years back but the hotel is now renovated and back to normal.  

Don't worry, I'll be back to India soon enough...... tentative schedule is in about 2 months. 

In My Footsteps: Bollywood Day2 (China Man in India)

Considering how heavy Indian food can be, I changed my last meal to be Chinese.  This is authentic Chinese too! Not the Indianized version (luckily).

All signature desserts from the entire menu!

Banana Fritter

This is definitely not for people who are coming on a budget.  Although if I had to compare, I still prefer Din Tai Fung.  However, I had the best roasted Peking duck..... quak quak.  The chef comes to your table and slices the duck in front of you. Yummmm. The pancake for the duck was too thick for my liking. I had to double on the meat, veggies, and sauce.  Reason for no pics on the duck? I was too engrossed in watching the chef and when the food was set on the table.  Total wow! It is my first time where the chef personally comes to do it in front of me.... and then well, it went straight to my stomach. Oops!  There was also Jumbo chili crab, xiao long pao, lamb dumplings and hot sichuan soup. Yes, it was a really big fest :P 

Only remembered to take the dessert pics. :X  

Egg tarts, fresh fruits, banana fritter, jasmine tiramizu, coconut icecream, mango pudding, homemade chocolate

Location: China House @ Grand Hyatt Mumbai

In My Footsteps: Bollywood Day 1.5

In each country, there will be at least 1 unique McD item on the menu. But India is a whole different story. Everything (food related of course) is Indianized.
No beef, only chicken, with multiple vegetarian options, and lots of spices.

This is indian's answer to your typical BigMac=Maharaja Mac

Enjoy!!

In My Footsteps: Bollywood Day1

First Indian meal

Only managed to take these because I ate the others immediately or they served us individually. Indian food is an intense and very heavy meal.
Intense = lots of spices & strong flavors
Heavy = it's all about the curries and naan/roti

Naan is my favorite (located on top right). Butter, garlic naan....oh my! How many breathe mints will I need?!?!

Not sure what the big pic on bottom left is called. Also good. Made of crispy roti and has masala and fresh onions on top. It's a starter.

The 2 pics on the top left and bottom right are Indian desserts: kulfi (condensed milk ice cream with fuloda) and rasmali (spongy milk thing with fresh milk and pistachios). Super sweet but yummy:)

In My Footsteps: Bollywood 0.5

Getting on the plane!!! Although I'm gone only for 55hrs, it's a long 55hrs. Mumbai here I come :P

Ouu just look at the amount of people waiting to board. Luckily, I'm taking business class! Yippeeee bigger seats and better meal!

In my footsteps

One of the best places in Bangkok to just take a break from the chaos outside. It is actually where I sometimes escape to get away from all the traffic too! (You know how bad Bkk traffic can get)

No Filters!

Royal Bangkok Sports Club has been established for over 100 years. Its a members only club though :( The club has full sports facilities along with horse race track ( think they are having one today) and a golf course. I don't play golf so can't tell you how many holes it is. ><

Isn't the view lovely? Lots a greenery and wide open space. The concrete jungle is GONE!