Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Ryokan Seikan-so: "Charming ryokan for the budget-savvy Nara visitor "
| Rating: | ★★★ |
| Category: | Other |
In my case, one of the many delightful finds I had in Nara, Japan was this charming little ryokan. This is ideal for backpackers who want more than a dorm room, but have the desire to try Japanese-style accommodations but of the inexpensive type. Conflicting reality versus fervent wish, but no need to fear!
Like a glimmering jewel in an unassuming crown, Ryokan Seikan-so has this quite charming garden which has manicured shrubs, trees and azalea bushes - you can have a good view of this so when you make a reservation, remember to ask for a room facing said garden. Since this is located in a quiet neighborhood which is approximately 10 minutes walk south of Nara Park, you have already have a couple of good reasons to stay here.
As per usual with traditional Japanese buildings, the rooms wrap around the inner garden I waxed enthusiastic about. The con side though is that the last time I stayed here, it could be seen that the rooms were beginning to show their age. To get around this, I think of this as being "historical not-just renovated" and note that this ryokan dates from 1916.
A friendly and accommodating couple own and manage it, and since they speak English, that is another bonus, The husband was quite helpful with tips on how to go around Nara, the wife reassured me when I was a bit late for my arrival and I bet she was the one who prepared the breakfast for the following day (where I stuffed myself with rice and pickles amongst other things).
Japanese or Western breakfast is available and do tell them about your preference before turning in. Breakfast is another charge, approximately USD 4 to 8 for now.
The ryokan closes around 11 pm, so if you are thinking of drinking out all hours and just coming back very late, please reconsider. I myself sped back and had a splashing time by myself in their hot bath before snuggling into my comfy futon. (Remember to shower and wash before you wallow in their tub).
There are 9 units and the bathroom is common (typical of a ryokan).
There is a discount for children under 10 years old.
The room has an airconditioner, hot water pot with tea and a not so modern looking tv. There is no phone. The room I stayed in had tatamis of course (I don't think they have western style bedrooms).
I made my booking through http://www.itcj.jp/.
Though no reservation fee was charged, you will be asked to input your credit card details as guarantee. I paid around JPY 4,200 for my one night stay (meal excluded) charged to my credit card (Amex, Visa and Mastercard are accepted).
Since I used JR Pass, I popped out of Nara Station (asked a schoolgirl through mime and waving of arms), then went across the street and used the bus. Since it loops, do not be concerned if you take a bus going either way. Be sure to get out at the right bus stop (a sign inside the bus helps you find out where you are) and its a short walk from then on towards an inner street. There is also a map from Welcome Inn Reservation Center site to help you find your way to this ryokan in Central Nara.
Ryokan Seikan is found in:
29, Higashi-Kitsuji-cho,
Nara City, Nara Pref. 630-8327
Phone and Fax #: 0742/22-2670
Email: seikanso@chive.ocn.ne.jp
Options on how to get there:
a) 15 minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station (this is easier unless you have a JR pass which you really want to use).
b) 25 minutes walk from JR Nara Station (wouldn't recommend this if you are carrying a lot of things).
c) Loop bus 1 to Kitakyobate stop (~5 to 10 minutes) from JR Nara Station.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Tales of Singapore: “PHOOEY!”
There are a couple of perks to staying with her family. One, I get to eat to my heart’s content all her home-made scrumptious and very attractively-presented dishes. Two, Christmas means food, food food! Join the two facts together and it is a foodie’s heaven come down to earth.
The third perk is that I get to hear true-to-life stories recounted amusingly by Helene, especially those which deals with her living and adapting to life in Singapore.
While I may not get all details right nor have Helene’s gift for presenting it with flair like how she does with her numerous commercials, I hope you will get a couple of hearty giggles out of your system the way I did.
There may be some embroidery on the seams of the tale when I recall it, but please pardon the humble storyteller as it was some time ago.
*snickers in remembrance*
+++++++++++++
When Helene arrived in Singapore, she knew she was bound to make an adjustment - not only to the language (even if it was just English paired with a Singaporean accent) but also to the customs of the varied nationalities living in this island-nation. While her hubby was busy with work and other matters, she put to use her time to explore the city and see the Singaporeans interact.
One fine day, she was jauntily walking along one of the street markets in Singapore. She may still have been feeling touristy – looking agog and thrilled over the colourful, and perhaps peculiar sights that met her eyes.
But with this kind of exploratory walk, she began to feel the ferocious fangs of sudden hunger.
Lo and behold, the first thing her quickly-roving eyes caught was this stall selling rows and rows of something which looked familiar. Back home in the Philippines it would be called “puto” (rice cake). The only difference now was that these cakes were somewhat different in size and shape...and even more garishly-coloured than what she was used to.
But never mind that. After all, puto is puto..or rather - rice cake is rice cake!
Hopping quickly to the languidly lounging vendor, she pointed to one pack of the suddenly-delectable looking rice cakes and handed over the payment. With happy anticipation, she clutched the rice cakes to her chest, and with a satisfied sigh, tore off the transparent cover. She promptly began to pop one saffron-colored rice cake into her salivating mouth and was looking forward to getting a good couple of bites in before she continued her trek.
Understandably engrossed with her gustatory mission, she failed to see the horrified look the vendor bestowed upon her as he, along with other vendors stared with open-mouthed disbelief.
It was only a second later that she registered the bizarre tableau - not only was she on the receiving end of half-appalled, half-outraged looks from the people around her, she was also feeling.somewhat... unaccountably... bitter.
Before she could give a moment's thought to why she, of all people, felt some bitterness, her survival reflexes took over...and she spat out into the ground the barely-chewed contents with the speed of skilled SWAT sharpshooter, accompanied by a very emphatic and unrepentant “PHOOEY!”.
(And all this was done in front of the seller she brought her rice cakes from.)
Unceremoniously tossing into a nearby garbage receptacle the rest of the colored cakes she had just bought and spit out with gusto, she then unconcernedly continued her walk.
++++++++
It was only later that she learned about the cultural significance of such not-so-edible cakes. As it turns out, those poor, misunderstood rice cakes are decorations used in ceremonies (read that as funerals) for the dearly departed folk.
(And with an innocent-looking puto-cheese by my side, I can't help but remember this tale...PFUI! indeed *grin*)
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Common Questions: What Do You Call a Group of...?
I always forget what this and that group of animals term is...
bookmarking this for reference...
Chef Yu: "Delicious chow, fair prices, good service"
| Rating: | ★★★ |
| Category: | Restaurants |
| Cuisine: | Chinese |
| Location: | New York City, USA |
Since Chinese eateries (from the humble dumplings stand to the higher-end Mandarin gourmet restos) are quite common back in my hometown in the Philippines, I promptly forgot to take notes on the dishes we ordered. I guess I am spoiled and quite jaded with this type of cuisine within easy reach.
For the dinner, I could only remember the Shrimp Dumplings Szechuan style, and the dessert of lychees and green tea (or it could have been pistachio?) ice cream. Maybe it was the excited talk due to the reunion I had with my classmate who now lives in NJ, but at least I remembered these :-)
Szechuan-style (I like 'em oozingly spicy!) is my favorite of all Chinese styles of cooking, so I was perfectly happy as long as the spice was there and the meat was tender.
Drinks were reasonably quick in arriving at the table and the waiters were amiable while rushing about with buckets of beer even with so many people ordering food and beverages. The place was packed upon our arrival and still doing quite well when we left around 2 hours later.
Location: 520 8th Avenue (between 36th and 37th Street) in New York City.
Phone # +1 212 736-6150
Operating hours:
Monday to Friday: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Check out their website: www.chefyu-nyc.com for a list of their menu selections.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Ipar's Restaurante y Bar de Tapas: "Ole!"
| Rating: | ★★★ |
| Category: | Restaurants |
| Cuisine: | Spanish |
| Location: | Ramos Street, Cebu City, Philippines |
I discovered this restaurant by accident earlier that day when I dropped by a bank - the MBTC Ramos Branch. I saw it when I came whooshing out the door. Intrigued, as I'd never seen it in previous visits, I crossed the road, and although it was still officially closed, asked to be let in. I checked out and liked the interior. So I decided on the spur of the moment to have dinner here and ordered ahead their specialties like paella de la casa and my dad's usual lengua estofado (they may have called it estofada).
For my mom, I had to choose between fish de encebollada (pescado de encebollada - choice white fish topped with a heap of onions) and pescador salsa verde (it looked pretty delish with its green parsley sauce). I said I'd try the latter the next time I visit.
Since my weakness is dessert, I had to order their leche flan and all I can say is that it was the best so far that I've tasted in Cebu City! ...or anywhere else for that matter...
As for the other selections, I liked their version of lengua - very tender and the sauce was worth a slurp and a dribble on my potatoes and rice. But I honestly much prefer the version in Beehive Restaurant before it got changed (different chef, different flavor) - that is for another visit and review.
Maybe it is because I use salt once in a blue moon whenever I cook - but I felt that with the exception of the lengua, all their dishes were a bit too salty.
They are not stingy with their ingredients, which by the way originate mostly from Spain (olive oil, spices,coffee) but my mom and I had to squint a little bit due to too much salt (I learned later Chef Ipar uses rock salt when cooking).
My dad and the friendly manager Ms. Vina had a nice long chat that afternoon - we were all surprised because there used to be a regal white house (more like a mansion) on the lot where the restaurant and bar stands today. But aforementioned house was still there at the back of the resto, and it seemed my dad knew or was acquainted with the old family in these parts, the Moras (?). I didn't pay attention to how it got related to the Miranda family - of which the the chef and owner of the restaurant originates from. My dad was born sandwiched between WWI and WWII, he may have rubbed shoulders with the older pre-war generation.
If you are hankering for some Spanish cuisine when in Cebu, this is worth at least one visit - not only for a taste of their food, but for the decor if you like looking around and querying about the history of the items they placed on display. If you love sweets, don't forget to taste their leche flan!
Contact Point:
157 F. Ramos Street, Cebu City, Cebu 6000
Telephone: (032) 410-7727
[Warning: This may not be updated regularly by reviewer.]
How to Get There:
If you are coming down Ramos Street from Robinson's Department Store, pass the Kan-Irag Hotel and Velez Hospital. Continue on until you see the Diplomat Hotel, which will be on the right side of Ramos Street. This is quite near already so slow down a bit until you see the Metrobank Ramos Branch on the same side of the street. Ipar's will be slightly across this bank building.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
One letter on a plane ticket
NEW YORK – There are a few bits of information to pay close attention to on an airline ticket: the flight number, gate number and boarding time. Fare basis code? Not a common concern.
But the single-letter code can make a big difference in some parts of the travel experience, even though most passengers don't pay any attention. A fare basis code further divides passengers into classes based on how much they paid and how far out they booked. There are about a dozen in coach class alone.
When you're on the plane, there's no difference in service between a passenger who has a "Y" or "Q" — a full-fare and a discounted ticket — if you're both in coach. But the codes are still important: Some indicate your trip isn't eligible for frequent-flier miles or an upgrade; others tell a ticket agent where to rank you on a standby list.
Deciphering the code
The letters airlines assign to certain levels of coach can vary widely, but a couple are universal. "Y" class is a widespread denotation for the highest class in coach among most major airlines, according to Jami Counter, senior director of TripAdvisor Flights and a former pricing strategist at American Airlines. These tickets are usually fully refundable, last-minute coach fares purchased mainly by business travelers. They're the most expensive tickets, but they have the most flexibility.
Some others that are generally used among the airlines: "J" or "C" usually indicate business class. "F" and "P" denote first class or premium.
Why are the codes there?
Airline tickets weren't always so complicated. Codes were developed as the airlines created complex systems that let them make more money per ticket.
The fare basis code is found on most e-tickets by itself, but it can also be shown as the first letter of a longer code with a mix of other letters and numbers.
The rundown
The good news: The better code you have, the better your chance of not getting bumped. You also might receive more frequent flier miles if you're in the top tiers. The bad news: The main way to improve your code is to pay more. Most leisure travelers wouldn't think of forking over double or triple the usual fare for a refundable ticket or more perks. But there are ways to avoid hassles without paying through the roof.
One way to prevent bumping with a discounted ticket? Check in early. In addition to ranking by price, airlines also prioritize passengers by check-in order. Get in the habit of checking in online 24 hours before your flight. You can even check bags online through most airlines, and just drop them off at a counter when you arrive at the airport.
But fare classes aren't just important when it comes to keeping your seat. Fare classes are also key if you want to upgrade your ticket. Generally, "Y," "B" and "M" are the only coach fares that are upgradeable. You can search by fare class directly on most airline websites.
If building up frequent flier miles is important to you, avoid auction tickets on sites like Hotwire and Priceline where you name your own price, or don't see all the flight information before you book. Those tickets, like Hotwire "Hot Rates," are often ineligible for frequent flier miles. The cheapest tickets doled out to certain travel agents also aren't always eligible, either. It's important in these cases to always read the fine print, because whether you're going to the next state or around the world, you may be out of luck.
On the other end of the spectrum, Counter said passengers with the highest-ranked fare basis codes are eligible to get more than the standard miles, sometimes 150 percent, for their flight.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Guitarra 2010
| Start: | Aug 23, '10 |
| End: | Aug 27, '10 |
| Location: | Philamlife Auditorium, Manila, Philippines for the concerts |
Lectures, masterclasses, workshops and concerts will be imparted by a roster of Filipino and international guitarists/artists. Premieres of works for solo guitar and guitar ensemble by Bayani de Leon, Angel Peña, Agustin Castilla-Avila will also be heard during the festival.
Frankie's Beach
The only good thing seemed to be my knowing three friends who were celebrating their birthdays on August 23 and greeting them.
And...finding out before the clock chimed midnight, that another friend was celebrating his birthday on the morrow.
The rest of the time, aside from a heaping pile of work which has become "expected" on a Monday, I got pinged for information about a good friend and classmate's father's wake in Cebu, I received news about an online buddy's friends and his relative's dying young and unexpectedly (it was, as he called it a "triple whammy")...and last but not the least, I got asked by my teammates living abroad about the Hong Kong tourist hostage crisis in the Philippines which they were seeing on television, where people's lives were meaninglessly lost.
Today was indeed a day of birthdays and death - two sides of the coin all being brought home to me without frills, in all its unvarnished truth.
In a bid to find some balance...and between all of this "another manic Monday" refrain, I scrolled through pictures of towering mountains, rolling verdant hills, creatures of God, blushing blooms, and last but not the least, beaches I had visited.
With the beach and mountains less than half an hour's drive away from my parents' house, I sometimes think of my hometowns. I say it with an "s" because not only did I grow up in Cebu, but the first 9 years of my life I spent on the island of Mactan where the beach was less than 5-minutes walk from our gate.
I guess there is nothing like death flitting airily about one's shoulders through mediums such as tv, text messages and social sites to make one inevitably reflect on one's mortality and how judiciously the time is spent in the passing years.
One such scene I looked through earlier is the picture I included on this post.
{the enlarged version of this picture can be seen if you click on it}In the midst of this concrete jungle I now call home, I take refuge in my mind - half-remembering halcyon days I spent in the past and idly wondering about the people who live and the people who leave.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Filipino Animation/Cartoons fans: An Update on PICCA Fest 2010!
Here's a brief rundown of what is in store for PICCA Fest 2010. Brief pa lang yan.
The Second Philippine International Cartoons, Comics, and Animation (PICCA) Festival will unfold in four full days on October 22-25, 2010 at the SM City North Mall, University of the Philippines (UP) Film Center and UP College of Fine Arts.
This years theme: “Content Creation, Animation Gear Up to Build a Nation”
Take a load of these:
INTERNATIONAL TALKS
“Creation and Production of Anime” by Mr. Tatsutoshi Nomura and Ms. Emi Matsumoto of Japan
“How to get into Canada Animation Industry” by Trevor Bentley and Mauro Caselese of Canada
“How the Chinese Government Supports the Creative Industry” by Liuyi Wang of People’s Republic of China
“Comics in Southeast Asia through the Years” by John Lent of the USA
“Indie Comics” by Gerry Alanguilan and Carlo Vergara of the Philippines
“Women in Cartoons” by Filipina cartoonists
“Comics on Web” by Zach Yonzon of the Philippines
“The Potentials of the Gaming Industry” by Jeff Agala of Canada
“The Magic of Voicing for Animation” by Pocholo Gonzales of the Philippines
"Preserving Your Artworks Done on Paper" by June Dalisay
And also
“The Guiyang Initiative: Revolutionizing Animation Software” by Johnny Lau of Singapore
PICCA is expecting more than 20 foreign delegates from USA, China, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Israel, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Pakistan.
CARTOONS AND COMICS EXHIBITS
Group Exhibit: “Slices of Life: A Tribute to Larry Alcala” by the Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas, the 33-year-old organization of cartoonists from major Philippine newspapers and magazines co-founded by cartoonist-educator Larry Alcala who was also its first president.
Student Comics Competition Exhibits
Photo/Video Documentation of “Pintado” Body Comics Painting Contest
“Kakaiba ka, Kababaihan”, an Exhibit by Filipino Women Cartoonists and Illustrators
“24 Hour Comics Challenge” Winners
ANIMATION SHOWINGS WITH PRODUCTION NOTES
Showing of “Dayo” (The Outsider) and “Urduja”, the first two animation feature films in the Philippines
Showing of works by Nomura and Matsumoto
Showing of works by Tuldok Animation, an NGO composed of young people dedicated to social advocacy through animation
Showing of samples by Atomic Animation, Canada
Open forum will follow
COMICS COMPETITION
“Francisco Coching Awards” Comic Creation Competition, dedicated to the dean of comics illustrators, open to PICCA members
“Hugo Yonzon Jr. Awards” Caricature Competition or Caricathon, caricature-marathon, professional and student categories
Kiddies On-the-Spot Comics Drawing Competition
“Comic Challenge 24 Hours” online, done
“Pintados: Comics Body Painting Contest”
ANIMATION COMPETITION
“Animation Jam” a 24-hour animation creation contest between different multi-media schools (PICCA members) to be held simultaneously in different venues
"Lupit Mo, Pro!" Animation Competition for Pros
BOOK LAUNCHES
“Lansangan” (Street) a graphic memoir by Piya Constantino
“SKP Color Folio”, a compendium of graphic arts by cartoonists
“Mwahaha” a humor magazine relaunch
THE PICCA TRADE AND SHOWCASE
žBooths
Animation Producers/Studios: Seventoons, Holy Cow, Creative Voices
Schools: College of St. Benilde, iAcademy, Mapua University, Far Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities, Far East Asia Technological Institute
Publishers: Yonzon Entertainment Syndicate (YES), Vibal Publishing, Sacred Mountain, Core, etc.
Mainstream and Indie Comics Creators
Gaming Companies: Anino
Organizations: Creative Media Professionals Guild of Asia and the Pacific, Komikon, Instituto Cervantes, Game Developers Association of the Philippines, Animation Council of the Philippines
Exhibits
Francisco Coching
Alfredo Alcala
“KOMIKS: Yaring Pinoy”
“Comics of the World”: Spanish, French, Russia, ASEAN representations
Animation
Watch short animation clips from India, China, Philippines, and Turkey
Note: booths and panels still available. List of participants here is as of August 21, 2010 only
WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS
Character creation, storytelling with comics for children
PARANGAL (HONORING) AT PASASALAMAT
žThe “Oscars” of the comics sector where peers give recognition to peers for outstanding works and positive contribution to the growth of the craft and to the richness of Philippine culture.
An elegant evening for honorees and supporters of PICCA. Semi-formal affair.
2010 Parangal Nominees: Tony Velasquez, Clodualdo del Mundo, Izzy Izon, Elena Patron
CARICATURE FOR A CAUSE
The Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas will hold caricature sessions to raise funds for colleagues in the arts in need
COSPLAY SHOWS
Cosplayers do anime and game stars, plus Filipino folklore denizens. Competition: Open and for PICCA members only
PICCA BIG PARTY!
To toast its growing base of card-carrying members, PICCA will hold a party featuring the country’s popular and indie bands: Sponge Cola, Gorgoro, Indio, and more. There will also be raffle of art materials, comics, and original works.
PRE-EVENTS! PRE-EVENTS! PRE-EVENTS!
To make a stronger statement for PICCA, there are several events leading up to the main PICCA Event. These are:
“Komiks in Real 3D”, a group exhibit by distinguished Filipino sculptors and mixed-media artists, doing works inspired by comics. Exhibitors are multi-awarded artists Junyee, Bobby Feleo, Freddie Cacnio, Seb Chua, Pete Jimenez, Paul Quiano, Glen Ramasta, and Merlito Gepte.
Oct. 1-15, Arts in Taguig City
Oct. 1-15, Arts in Taguig City
“Komiks Yaring Pinoy” showcasing the works of Filipino comics artists in the past 60 years.
Starting September 12
SM Southmall, SM Manila, SM North Annex
OUR PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS
Presentors: Mango Comics, SM Malls
Sponsors: Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Panda Travel Service, Derwent Art Supplies, Design Plus, SFX Production
Media Partners: Philippine Daily Inquirer, People’s Journal
Event Partners: Samahang Kartunista ng Pilipinas, Seventoons, Holy Cow Animation, Creative Media Professionals Guild of Asia and the Pacific, University of the Philippines (UP) College of Mass Communication and Film Center, UP College of Fine Arts Alumni Foundation, Japan Foundation, Instituto Cervantes, Francisco Coching Foundation, Arts in Taguig City, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), Comic Quest.
Member/Participating Schools (as of Aug. 21 only): Ateneo de Naga University, College of Saint Benilde, Cosmopolitan Institute of Information and Technology, De La Salle University Dasmarinas, iAcademy, Far Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities, Far East Asia Technological Institute, Lyceum of the Philippines, Mapua University, University of Makati
Participating Organizations: Animation Council of the Philippines, Game Developers Association of the Philippines, Komikon, Creative Voices
EVENT MANAGEMENT: Yonzon Associates Inc., PICCA, Inc.
Our thanks: Maria Montelibano, Joy Buensalido, Tony Tuviera, Atty. Lily Gruba, Oscar Chong, Danny dela Cuesta, Lynett Villariba, Architect Ed Padilla, and dozens more
Looks loaded?!!! There are more!
The Egg: Interior Shadows
August 22, 2009Beijing, China
One of the many rooms in the many floors on the Egg.
No chick, no yolk...just light coming through from the glass windows...
Taken at the National Center for the Performing Arts.
Camera used: Kodak V803 point and shoot
{click on the photo to see a larger version}
Friday, August 20, 2010
The Book List
I've just noticed that I've not really read those I've been meaning to read for some time now, being immersed in some other kind of books and stories...but I'm glad I've still gone through a bigger percentage of them than what is being said by BBC.
| The BBC estimates most people will have only read 6 of the 100 books here. (Actually, am quite surprised by this statement.) |
| Instructions: |
| 1) Look at the list and put an 'x' after those you have read. |
| 2) Add a '+' to the ones you LOVE. |
| 3) Star (*) those you plan on reading. |
| 4) Tally your total at the bottom. |
| 1 Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen X+ |
| 2 The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien X+ |
| 3 Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte X |
| 4 Harry Potter series - JK Rowling X+ |
| 5 To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee X+ |
| 6 The Bible (all the way through) X |
| 7 Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte X |
| 8 Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell * |
| 9 His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman |
| 10 Great Expectations - Charles Dickens X |
| 11 Little Women - Louisa M Alcott X |
| 12 Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy X |
| 13 Catch 22 - Joseph Heller * |
| 14 Complete Works of Shakespeare X |
| 15 Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier * |
| 16 The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien X+ |
| 17 Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk |
| 18 Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger * |
| 19 The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger |
| 20 Middlemarch - George Eliot * |
| 21 Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell X |
| 22 The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald |
| 23 Bleak House - Charles Dickens |
| 24 War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy X |
| 25 The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams |
| 26 Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh |
| 27 Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky * |
| 28 Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck * |
| 29 Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll X |
| 30 The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame X |
| 31 Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy X |
| 32 David Copperfield - Charles Dickens X |
| 33 Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis X |
| 34 Emma - Jane Austen X |
| 35 Persuasion - Jane Austen X+ |
| 36 The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe - CS Lewis |
| 37 The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini |
| 38 Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres |
| 39 Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden X |
| 40 Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne X |
| 41 Animal Farm - George Orwell * |
| 42 The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown X |
| 43 One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez |
| 44 A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving |
| 45 The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins |
| 46 Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery X |
| 47 Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy X |
| 48 The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood X |
| 49 Lord of the Flies - William Golding X |
| 50 Atonement - Ian McEwan |
| 51 Life of Pi - Yann Martel |
| 52 Dune - Frank Herbert X |
| 53 Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons |
| 54 Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen X |
| 55 A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth |
| 56 The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon |
| 57 A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens X |
| 58 Brave New World - Aldous Huxley X |
| 59 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon |
| 60 Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez |
| 61 Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck * |
| 62 Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov * |
| 63 The Secret History - Donna Tartt |
| 64 The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold |
| 65 Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas X |
| 66 On The Road - Jack Kerouac |
| 67 Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy * |
| 68 Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding |
| 69 Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie |
| 70 Moby Dick - Herman Melville X |
| 71 Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens X |
| 72 Dracula - Bram Stoker X |
| 73 The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett X |
| 74 Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson |
| 75 Ulysses - James Joyce * |
| 76 The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath |
| 77 Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome |
| 78 Germinal - Emile Zola |
| 79 Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray |
| 80 Possession - AS Byatt |
| 81 A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens X+ |
| 82 Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell |
| 83 The Color Purple - Alice Walker X |
| 84 The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro X |
| 85 Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert X |
| 86 A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry |
| 87 Charlotte’s Web - EB White |
| 88 The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom |
| 89 Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle X+ |
| 90 The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton |
| 91 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad |
| 92 The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery X+ |
| 93 The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks |
| 94 Watership Down - Richard Adams |
| 95 A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole |
| 96 A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute |
| 97 The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas X |
| 98 Hamlet - William Shakespeare X |
| 99 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl * |
| 100 Les Miserables - Victor Hugo X |
| Total as of today = 44 and counting :-) I'll update this once I get through the others I've marked. |
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Leek and Tuna Salad
1 baby cucumber (approximately 100 g), washed
2 tablespoons thinly sliced leeks
2 large basil leaves, shredded
400 grams fresh sashimi-quality tuna
black sesame seeds (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoons ginger, grated
Ginger Dipping Sauce:
1 1/2 teaspoons grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon dark soy sauce
Directions:
1. Place the leeks in a small bowl of cold water and soak for 5 minutes. Drain, then pat dry with paper towels. Shred the cucumber into thin, long strips. Set aside.
2. Combine the shredded basil leaves and sliced leeks in a bowl. Add half of the grated ginger. Toss well to combine. Dice the tuna and combine with the earlier mixture.
3. Prepare Ginger Dipping Sauce. Divide the ginger between 4 small sauce bowls and top with dark soy sauce to taste.
4. Divide the tuna mixture into 4 equal portions. Place each portion on a serving dish. Sprinkle with black sesame seeds if you prefer. Garnish with reserved shredded cucumber and serve with the Ginger Dipping sauce on the side.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Friday, August 13, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Friday, August 6, 2010
on the ATC hot seat for 5 seconds
ATC, Philippines
And before my battery succumbed to an unwilling shutdown, here's one last shot of me emulating an overworked and stressed ATC, albeit a still-smiling eye-bagged one!
Not because I was the one sitting, I assure you....LOL