Long Weekend, Here I Come!

For the long weekend, Pem and I are hoping to take a day trip up to Baltimore! The last time I was in Baltimore, I was probably around 12 years old and my parents took me to see the famous National Aquarium. We lunched at a Fells Point restaurant where my nascent attempts at veganism ended abruptly after realizing my only option on the menu was a plain salad. Then we ended the day with a drink at a nearby pub. Though the bartender was happy to serve me my Shirley Temple on the rocks, as we left he called out after us, "You can come back when you're over 21!".

Now four years past that age, I'm eager to re-discover the city (especially the Hampden area) and check out the funky American Visionary Art Museum. Any recommendations from folks more familiar with B'more? 

(image above and other cute prints found here on etsy)

By Way of Halong Bay

While in Hanoi for work, I managed to steal away for a night to see Halong Bay. Already a UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong was also officially named one of nature's world wonders while I was there - I couldn't pass up such an opportunity to go! I was lucky enough to have another visiting colleague to explore with and that made all the difference. Another key player to the whole experience was the tour cruise we booked with - Paradise Cruises. They are fantastic and highly recommended.

And without further adieu, some pictures! As always, these pictures cannot capture the wonder of the experience. Looking out from the top deck watching as your boat slowly approaches the rising karsts and the only sound you hear is the soft puttering of the engine - it truly is unforgettable.

 

 

 

Hello Hanoi!

What a place! Every city I've traveled to has its own unique charm, but Hanoi really was spectacular. 

Hanoi streets are always bustling with motorbikes and the sidewalks are crammed with well, more motorbikes actually. But where there aren't motorbikes are open-air, streetside cafes where you can enjoy local favorites such as fresh and fragrant bun cha, pho bo or banh mi pate and wash it all down with a bia Hanoi. 

 Ladies wearing the traditional Vietnamese Non La will pass by selling fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs. 

While taking a post-lunch walk, you will discover tiny pagodas tucked away onto small side streets, only immediately identifiable by their ornate, colorful entryways. 

 

While roaming the streets you may tuck into an art gallery...

...or even see Uncle Ho Chi Minh...

While I'd love to say that this was my everyday routine while I was in Hanoi - truth be told - I was in the office or in my hotel room most of my stay. But over the two weeks I was there, I managed to visit a few of the "must-see" tourist attractions, including the infamous "Hanoi Hilton"- the French-built prison was initially intended for Vietnamese prisoners and then eventually was used for captured servicemen (including POW John McCain) during the Vietnam War.

Finally, some other pictures while bopping around the city on my last weekend...

 

My two weeks in Vietnam flew by far too quickly but really just a taste is all it takes. I hope to be back soon! 

Next up - photos of the hauntingly beautiful Ha Long Bay...

Let's Roll!

Though I was in Vietnam for work, I was lucky enough to visit Ha Long Bay for my first weekend. How could I be so close to one of the newly announced natural world wonders and not see it?

While there are plenty of pictures of the actual scenery coming soon, I first wanted to share a delicious recipe for fresh spring rolls. We got to assemble and enjoy these on the roof deck of our boat, while soaking in the incredible sunset sweeping over the bay. It was a surreal experience and these tasty rolls made it all the better!

FRESH SPRING ROLLS

The original recipe has been adapted for vegetarian sensibilities :-) I haven't specified exact measurements since the original recipe is all in grams, but exact measurements aren't particularly needed here!

Ingredients:
Spring Rolls
- Cooked rice vermicelli noodles
- Omelette, sliced into thin ribbons
- Fresh mint and coriander, leaves only
- Fresh ginger, thinly sliced
- Fresh lettuce, torn
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Thinly sliced chili pepper (optional)
- Rice paper

1. Place an individual sheet of rice paper onto a plate and lightly brush the entire surface with water (only one side of the sheet)
2. Spread a thin layer of noodles across the diameter of the rice paper. Repeat with the omelette ribbons.
3. Layer the torn lettuce and herbs on top. Sprinkle with the ginger, sesame seeds and, if you like, sliced chili.
4. Carefully wrap one end of the rice paper around the fillings, and then slowly roll towards the open end of the rice paper. You can leave the ends open or tuck them in like a burrito.

Dipping Sauce
- Water
- Sugar, to taste
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon juice, to taste
- Minced mint and coriander
- Rice vinegar, to taste
- Sesame oil

1. Combine the minced garlic, herbs, lemon juice, dash of rice vinegar and sugar in a small dish, and add sesame oil and water to taste. This was adapted from using fish sauce - if you prefer fish sauce, the ratio is 1 part fish sauce to 5 parts water.

Some variations I'm dying to try include using curried tofu instead of egg and making a spicy peanut dipping sauce. To me, the fresh herbs and ginger are key, but really the possibilities are endless!

Postcard from Vietnam

Cat on a Hot Temple Roof

Last Saturday I returned from a three week trip (2 parts business, 1 part holiday) to Southeast Asia. I was a little worse for wear after the twenty hour flight but feeling very happy after a week with my parents in Bangkok. It also helped that Pem was waiting to greet me at Dulles arrivals. Now more than a week later, I've finally recovered from jet lag so it's back to the blog for me (photo editing and blogging will always triumph over unpacking and doing laundry)! 

I've got a whole bunch of pictures to post, from Vietnam especially. What a host of wonderful, special and occasionally baffling experiences even two weeks will bring you there! But before I get into all that, I have something delicious to share first. Every traveler knows that you get to the heart of a place through its food!