HUNGRY IN THAILAND? DISHES YOU CAN NOT MISS

December 29, 2014 · by Amber D. · in Asia, On the road, Gastronomy, Places, Southeast Asia, Thailand

One of the wonderful things about Thailand is its wonderful dishes. I don't think it would be right to talk about Thailand without introducing you to some of the foods you just have to try while you are out here. There may be some I have missed out on, but these are my own favourite selections:

1. Panang curry: a delicious (and spicy) red curry flavored with lime and coconut milk feeding the sensations.

                               Panang curry

2. Pad Thai: the famous rice noodles with egg, tamarind sauce, bean sprouts, shrimp, chicken, or tofu, large doses of chopped peanuts and coriander, all served with a slice of lime.  I recommend you squeeze it on the Pad Thai straightaway to bring out all the flavours.

                                 Pad Thai

3. Massaman curry: a sweet little spicy curry and usually with A hint of cumin, cinnamon, peanuts and coconut milk that drives my tatsebuds crazy. Usually it comes loaded with potatoes and meat such as chicken or beef.

Massaman curry

4. Mango sticky rice: glutinous rice (kao neaw moon) with coconut milk, some toasted sesame seeds and fresh mango pieces that will leave you wanting more

Mango sticky rice

5. Pad Se-ew: These fried rice noodles (fat) seasoned with soy sauce and accompanied by lots of vegetables, eggs and meat pieces are a delicacy that you must try.

Pad Se-ew

6. Pad Ga (kra) -Prao: that Arrocito with spicy meat and basil that will make you giddy with excitement...

Pad Ga (kra) -Prao

7. various chicken and pork satays: kebabs lifetime of Spain in their Thai version. Best of all: the accompanying peanut sauce I could eat by the bucketful.

chicken and pork satays

8. Tom Kha Gai: although an unappetizing color, this delicious white soup has a flavor that you will love. Mainly cooked with coconut milk, other ingredients that characterize it are the lemon grass, lime leaves, coriander leaves and a variant called galanga ginger. Ingredients usually contain chicken but you can also find seafood, mushrooms, pork or tofu. Best to accompany boiled rice so the dish isn't too overwhelming.

Tom Kha Gai

9. Som Tam: the famous still green papaya salad with huge amounts of green chili, fish sauce and sugar, which is often accompanied by ingredients such as tomatoes crab and lime juice. My favorite version is the fried papaya, the tastes are divine!

Som Tam

10. Khao Soi: the jewel in the crown of northern Thailand called Khao Soi, a dish of Burmese influence that will delight the noodles and coconut milk. This is a soup-curry crispy egg noodles with large amounts of fried onions, fried chili, curry, chicken in most cases, lime and coconut milk.

Khao Soi

Remember, Thai food is usually spicy to very spicy. And if you are not someone who handles heat well, its best to let them know that you do not want too much chilli. This is what you need to say: Mai Sai Prik (no chili) or Mai Ped (not spicy).  And you should also avoid any dish that contains the word Yum (spicy) otherwise you'll be breathing fire the rest of the day!

And if all this is not exotic enough for you ... you can always try scorpions, turtles, tarantulas and toads ...

THAILAND KRABI MARKET

Feb 1st 2015, written by Amber

Krabi town is, admittedly, not the most scenic of places but it's the starting point to explore the Andaman coast in Thailand. We were among many who ended up spending a few days in Krabi Town, waiting for our next adventure. Boats leave from Krabi and other transport to such beautiful places as Railay, Phi Phi Islands, Ko Lanta or Koh Yao Noi, so it's not uncommon for it to be bursting with tourists.

KRABI MARKET 

As a tourist spot, the dining options are many, but today I wanted to expand my knowledge on Thai cuisine. There is a night market that I have been to almost every night sinced I arrived in Krabi Town, that market is Chao Fah Night Market.

Chao Fah Night Market

Next to Chao Fah pier, where ferries take people to the islands Phi Phi, the market is bustling. Restaurants are full, and the food stalls have plenty of discounts, even for tourists. Best of all because its a coastal town,  Krabi has a wide and varied seafood selection. As they say, pictures are more than a thousand words so enjoy the video below.

Aurora Borealis

Notes from My Trip To Norway on September 24th 2015

I am dictating to one of those mobile voice applications at 2:43 am. The days been a little exhausting, and I don't really have the strength to enter anything by hand. Just about to head to bed when I saw a missed call from my friend Bianca. I'm a little worried. A call at midnight? In Norway? Something seemed off.


I called straight back, and all was fine - thankfully. Apparently, a photo on Facebook had alerted her to an impossible, if highly unlikely event: that there were northern lights dancing in the sky at that moment. Her Uncle (who resided in Norway) were standing in his garden taking it all in from his backgarden. I put on all my clothes as quickly as I could, and me and the rest of the group bolted outside. Four kilometers cycling in the Norwegian cold and lonely night. No more no less. 4000 meters we cycled, and not another and not a soul aside from ourselves. It was a little unerving. But the aurora borealis was worth it.

AURORA BOREALIS Early evening

              The night was starry, so bright and yet so dark. The Milky Way and its hundreds of constellations only accentuated its immensity. About Hanguren is a strange glow. Very whispy and strange, like it wanted to turn green without actually going green. There were arches of white lights across the whispish green, they grew in intensity before the descending fog clouded them  

AURORA BOREALIS 

Northern lights in Voss (Norway), September 8, 2015

I remembered the words of my friend Yves, arctic guide last winter, a northern lights experienced hunter. "People often are disappointed to see the Northern Lights," he would say. Retouched photo so impossible that create expectations that the does not always correspond with reality. At least not with the reality that the casual viewer expects.

AURORA BOREALIS Coming To Dawn

When the cold became intense, and in view of the Northern Lights did not appear to grow stronger, we decided to leave. No one in the streets, but a green glow from the rooftops. Pale, strange, new. 

Northern lights in Voss (Norway), September 8, 2015

Homecoming. Four kilometers north pedaling in the shadow of Lonahorgi (1411 meters) and under some rare drawings in heaven. They was a strange tone, white as tattered night wanting gently tear the dark. At one in the morning it was not the sunset, nor even twilight. And there she was again, the aurora borealis.

My first aurora borealis was different to my expectations, perhaps because it really wasn't expected. It came without warning, and went the same way. And while it did not film the sky with green and colours, I go to bed happy because I experienced something rare and beautiful. 

IF THIS you like, you'll like ...

NEW YORK AT EASTER

Every so often I like to have a friend join me on my blog, to speak about their travels. Today I introduce you to Jay, a prolific traveler and all round top guy. This was his experience in New York in Easter. Enjoy!
                                                        

No matter where you're going in New York, its a must to start every day with a big cup filled with cardboard coffee and a bagel. Preferably cream cheese with bacon and egg. Then you look for a Starbucks to use their free WiFi from the street and update the family.

Then it's time to go for that tourists walk and head straight down Fifth Avenue. Although it's assumed this is the main avenue, New Yorkers feel more comfortable in the parallel Madison Ave. Especially those with money.

The day that I was prepared to go on Sunday March 31, Easter Day, the day that cut Fifth Avenue between Calles 49 and 57 to make way for a parade of hats. The official name of this great event is Easter Bonnet Festival.

Hats parade in New York

Dolled up Dogs in The Hats parade in New York

I backed down Fifth Avenue passing in front of Tiffany's, Abercrombie and other famous shops and up to the St Patrick's Cathedral. It's between the cathedral and the Rockefeller Center where the most crazy hats congregate. And I wanted to be among them.

Wild dinosaurs in Central Park
If you've have T. rex like leg strength, its best to explore the city by foot. No need to catch the subway, just power walk it with (if you took my advice) a good deal of New York coffee keeping you perky. So I decided to take advantage of the sunny day to go in the direction of Central Park Natural History Museum is less than 3 km. Along the way I had to stop to smile at people who greeted me. My dinosaur hat (alligator some said) caused quite a sensation. Have to say I was feeling quite pleased with myself. 

Going a little crazy with the hats.

At this time you can still enjoy the ice rink in Central Park. I devoured a pretzel while watching people skate, then headed to Strawberry Fields, a mosaic in honor of John Lennon which is also found in Central Park. I must have been fitting into the mad hatter madness quite well, because some other tourists, French, asked me in English if they were near the Dakota building. For a crazy moment I thought of answering them with a roar, but decided to be good. I confirmed that this was indeed the building where John Lennon lived. The building is horrendously noisy, and I did not know why anyone would want to live there.

Despite my face, all was going well.

                                                                 Meeting of dinosaurs

If you like good movies, and you've seen "Night at the Museum" starring Ben Stiller, at least three times, then this visit is a must. I admit I've not actually watched the movie myself, but I saw the trailer where dinosaurs came alive, and I knew the story was set in the American Museum of Natural History. So was I going to go...err, do turtles have shells?

The recommended entry is $ 20 or $ 25, I'm not quite sure, but you can enter whatever you want to pay. You could pay $3 if you like, and you will not get a odd ball stare if you do. 


The museum is wonder from the start. Outside it is great, but inside it is much more. So plan what you want to see and go straight, because before you know it you've been wandering around and a few hours have already passed. And everything inside is impressive. It's full of animals (not sure if they are really stuffed animals or just models). 

There are several rooms dedicated to dinosaurs and took the opportunity to give me some pictures with them. Some were in better condition than me!

The Dinosaurs showing me up.

Extra, Extra!

This route takes little more than half a day, so you have time to eat leisurely and enter a few shops to consume compulsively. If you're not a keen shopper, like me, you can take time when your companions are buying to talk to people. New Yorkers usually are very open and love to talk.

A Victoria's Secret security talked to me at length about his road trip to Las Vegas. He also told me that he loved paella and Valencia oranges. As all conversations between men, it led to football, so I put the dinosaur cap back on. The dinosaurs do not like football! 

VIDEO OF THE ERUPTION OF THE GREAT VOLCANO PITON DE LA FOURNAISE

 VOLCANO PITON DE LA FOURNAISE 

A while back I had the extraordinary experience of being in front of the erupting volcano on Reunion Island, the Piton de la Fournaise meaning (Peak of the Furnace) . Once I had a bit of time, I sorted the material I collected, and have added some images that I captured at the time. Alas, the video is not mine but a friends, it goes a long way to show how magnificent this volcano truly is. I recall the exciting walk through a panoramic view of volcanic clouds and over stones that brought us get the prize ahead, the show of molten lava that left us speechless for hours. 

 VOLCANO PITON DE LA FOURNAISE ERUPTING

Volcano Le Piton de la Fournaise (Reunion Island)

Attending a natural phenomenon like this is not something you do every day. Few things match the volcanic eruption in Reunion Island, and it has become one of the best moments I have experienced as a traveler. And I want to share it with you. So here it is!

         

TOWARDS LE Piton de la Fournaise: VIDEO

In August 24, 2015 a new eruption of the volcano Le Piton de la Fournaise happned, I could not even imagine it would continue in October, given the recent recorded history. But the trip to Reunion Island began and the volcano's activity remained fairly stable. An expedition with Kokapat Rando, a small local agency of Reunion working in the area, after an exchange of e-mails not just offered me the chance to accompany and witness for the first time in my life a volcanic eruption directly. And the end result here it is:



I have to say that days later I tried to return to the same point but because of the volcano clouds and could not see anything. But the remainder of the island had much more to offer, so I had no choice but to forget Le Piton de la Fournaise and focus on places like Cilaos, Mafate, Langevin or coral reefs Saint Gilles les Bains .

ARGENTINA

Today we present the Argentina experience through a close traveler friend of mine. 

This comes from Paul on, Argentina inside, the vast Patagonia. 
The experiences are not exhausted in which we include here.

I could give many more examples that are not reflected here: go fishing gilt on the Parana River, camping between the mountains of Cordoba next to a babbling river, crawling over rocks to get close to an elephant seal in the Caleta Valdes Peninsula, reflect you in the liquid crystal near Gutierrez Lake Bariloche, eating mutton curanto and in the light of the stars in the middle of Patagonian plateau, go see a football match on a pitch any any city of Argentina, or polo match in Buenos Aires, see sunrise over the horizon sitting on the sand of a beach in Mar del Plata, celebrate New Year on the beach, eat a choripán on a grill alongside a road either, discuss politics on a neighborhood bar, ravioli or gnocchi Sunday 29th with friends ...

These are some of my friends experiences that I bring today. I hope anyone reading this post, some day, may be tempted to live them in person.

WHEN IN ROME

The return to Rome is always like coming here for the first time. It's overwhelming. You fall in love. And you are captivated under its spell once more. This is what happens to me every time I step into the Italian capital.

Each visit has been different in different circumstances and with different expectations. I've been alone for backpacking holiday. I have visited it working while travelling with a group of Argentine tourists. With friends. This last time, perhaps more relaxed, with my partner, we were able to enjoy Rome abstracting a little from the hectic pace. And emphasizing our inner time, and basic experiences.

Images and sounds from the crowds. Art and culture in our way. Fragrances and flavors, following our palate. And these past experiences I was able to extract some culinary tips from around Rome.

Trastevere

Start here because it is the place that we liked from the point of view of the restaurants and trattorias. Following the course of Tevere Tiber from the Vatican or to the south (about 15 minutes walk), or across central Rome from the Ponte Garibaldi right at the beginning of the Isola Tiberina, you will get to the heart of this neighborhood.

While tourism prevails, the essence lies in its architecture and character of its people. Choose any small trattoria, those who place 2 or 3 tables on the street. Flee the large terraces overlooking the river, which are made for the tourists.

One of those places you want in the streets of Trastevere, is La Scaletta. We arrived at this trattoria wandering around without any recommendations, and guided only by instinct (and a delicious sauce scent coming out of the kitchen). Now I see that also recommended in the gastronomic guide Housetrip (which you can download in PDF to take it with you to enjoy Rome).

My recommendation: artichokes in any of its versions, linguine al pomodoro e polpette (photo) or spaghetti alla carbonara di tonno.

Central Rome



It is true that you can find exceptions: in front of the Trevi Fountain, there is a very economical pizzeria selling huge portions at a great price. But next door there is an ice cream and gelatto as rich as uranium. 

Usually a few meters, "just around the corner" you'll find, economic and more authentic options.

For example: a few meters from Piazza Navona is fotografiadísima dei Coronari street (beautiful), and you will find the local Pasta Imperiali. A unique, cheap and curious place: pasta take away, fast food or pasta, but to your taste and fatto in casa. Choose pasta and sauce you want and you take your portion made at the time for very good price.

My recommendation: all'amatriciana typical Roman bucatini or spaghetti alla vongole.

Of course you will find all the options of "food stalls" portioned pizza, sandwiches, ice cream, hot dogs, hamburgers, and so on. But my recommendation is that you follow where your "nose" takes you.

Well we found a tiny trattoria near Lungo Argentina, I think it was calle dei Barbieri. You can not miss it: checkered tablecloths, 2 tables on the street, another 4 in front shelling, iron cartel and a fat and friendly waitress who carried in her apron the "decorations" of all sauces on the menu. Unforgettable abbachio (lamb) with sage and coda alla vaccinara which is a local version of oxtail.

Here are some recommendations for eating in Rome, following my own palate. I hope you serve for enjoying the Italian capital and its flavors.

ICELAND TRAVEL: MY LIST OF PLACES TO VISIT

Topping my "to do list" and hopefully soon become a reality is a trip to Iceland. Based on friends experiences, and a good deal of research, I have my list of places to visit when the time comes, which I am happy to share with you. I am attracted to Icelands nature and powerful, and a muted respect to the people who are able to live in the end of the world.




Tourism Natural Iceland
* Namaskard Geothermal Area: a place where the energy of the center of the earth touches the surface. Splashes of water and mud mix at a hundred degrees. Solfaratas that permeate the air with their scent. Fumaroles that reveal the geothermal activity. A show.


* The Godafoss (or waterfall of the Gods) waterfall is one of the most impressive jumps of water in Iceland. It is located in the north of the island, between the town of Akureyri and Lake Mí½vatn.

* The Skógafoss waterfall is 25 meters wide and falls from 60 meters high in the middle of a cliff, the neighboring village of Skógar.

* Skaftafell National Park is the country's and Europe's largest. The park, equivalent to more than 12% of the country, is a must see ...

* ... The Vatnají¶kull glacier is the largest in Iceland and one of the largest in Europe. It has an area of ​​8,100 km2, and comes to have 1,000 meters thick. It is amazing to think that beneath the vast ice sheet, several volcanoes are hidden. This place is contained in the record books as it has been declared the most visible place in the world as can be seen from here the highest mountain in the Faroe Islands ... 550 km away!

* Pingvellir, close to the capital and only site that was declared a World Heritage Humanidadpor UNESCO in 2004. Its scenic value is enormous, but it is also a very important geological point because here two tectonic plates (the American bind and Eurasian) that separate each year 1 mm and whose encounter can be seen with the naked eye.




Tourism Iceland

* Reykjavik calls me to visit. I have read much of its colorful houses, its clear light, quiet streets, which I hope will soon walk it. I have pointed some things to learn about in the capital: the central cemetery (more public park than cemetery), the Catholic Church, its main street. I climb to the Hallgrímskirkja church and from there enjoy the panoramic views. I want to sit Tjí¶rn to see the lake and watch the birds in the center. I want to hang out in pools of natural hot springs at least once.

* And of course I want to experience the flavors of Iceland. The "gravlax € ?? (Raw salmon with fennel, mustard sauce, honey and cream), lamb raised outdoors and absolutely natural. I do not know if I will encourage the œhákarl € € ?? (Rotten shark meat usually remains buried up to six months before being consumed) or "hrútspungur € ?? (Made from ram's testicles pickled in whey). However, I would love to test the seal meat or whale, that's normal for these latitudes. And I would not leave the island without trying the Icelandic Pilsur: nothing more than a hot dog, but something you must have because its quite famous here.

Anyway, if I had a to-do list when traveling to Iceland it would be neverending. There's so much to see, and all so different.
I'm probably leaving out many interesting things, but I hope that only leaves room for my discoveries when I finally set foot on that glacial space at the end of the world. 

ROAD TO NORTH CAPE: THE DRYING OF FISH

A few minutes ago I remembered the trip to the North Cape I had last year. When reviewing the images I had of that trip in my Flickr gallery, I stopped at a series of photos where there were fish drying outdoors.

Leaving Honningsvåg, we hit the coast and one of the revolts of the route appeared one of the many triangular wooden structures that would set outside. Fish were hung there to dry in the air, straight out of the sea, and just gutted. They are cut in two and hung separately: the head in "clusters" and the body and tail individually.

The fish remain three months drying in the sun and then the process is finished indoors. In those first months, the fish (mainly cod but also other species), loses 80% of water, nutrients and flavors are concentrated giving pieces of the highest quality. 

Once off the bus, we saw these extended "stairs" on a small hill near the water. In that corner some fishing boats, small pier, a reservoir for the final drying, a minimum clustered office. Quite a production unit for one of the most famous products of Norway stockfish or dried fish. We walked between the structures, we went down to see the fish well. No expected strong smell, we were just accompanied by the gentle breeze and the sound of birds in the sky.

The pieces laid for drying are aimed at two distinct markets: the European and American.

ROADMAP TO VISITING MALAGA CULTURE

Malaga, known as the "capital of the Costa del Sol", runs the risk of being typecast as a purely seaside resort. But Malaga is much more: it is history, nature, gastronomy and, of course, culture at the highest international level.

More and more visitors are left captivated by the many attributes of this beautiful city. From the Citadel and its Arab remains, the Roman amphitheater at his feet, its museums, its tapas route, his contagious joy in the streets.

There is sun and good weather throughout the year, so you can visit at any time. Much more if it is on special dates (Carnival, Easter, the fair in August, when it gets cold in Northern Europe). 


Hotel Ibis Malaga Avenida Velazquez

Because I know the service of the Ibis hotels by having stayed in them in Girona, in The Hague and on a couple of occasions in one of those offered in Madrid, I decided this would be ideal for me.

Also, I chose the one that is in the Avenida Velazquez, one of the entrances to the city and the closest to Malaga airport. This is the closest to the Heat , the Automobile Museum and the recently opened Russian Museum. It is also located within walking distance of Congress Center so it is ideal for those who come to participate in meetings; direct access to the shopping area for those who come to Malaga for leisure.

And of course, because being 10 minutes from Pablo Picasso International Airport, it is the perfect alternative for those in connection or who have to take a very early flight or very late (in addition to a minimum fee you have the option of a late checkout until departure time of your flight).



La Térmica


La Térmica is a center of contemporary cultural creation and production, a nursery of talent and a meeting point for artists. It's a great space gained to history where they work and expose all representations of art. A space for creation, learning and entertainment spaces featuring unique approach where the most varied art forms, enjoy live music, shows, conferences and a wide range of activities covering all areas of culture.



The building of la Termica construction began in 1906 in order to house the House of Mercy but even before opening its doors, it suffered many changes to its structure and purpose. They are over 100 years of history in a building that has managed to be recycled and given new life without losing the charm of its tiled corridors and high windows.

Malaga Car Museum

Automobile Museum
With five years of existence this museum has gained an important place in the cultural offer of Málaga. There you can take a tour through the history of the various means of mechanized transport. With truly amazing painting copies from the beginning to current trends: great classic cars from the late nineteenth century to current examples of tuning of ancient specimens.

In this space there is more, since there is also a collection that reflects the fashion at different times, meeting rooms, banquets and exhibitions.




Russian museum malaga

Russian Museum
This building complex has a long history in Malaga and which hosted for decades the tobacco factory so it is popularly known as La Tabacalera.

This museum has been possible thanks to an agreement with the prestigious Museum of St. Petersburg who gives part of his collection to be exhibited in Malaga, the first based in Western Europe of the Russian State Museum.

The State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg, opened in 1895 by decree of the last Tsar Nicholas II and located in the city of the same name, is home to the largest collection of Russian art in the world. Driven by the czars from the s. XVIII, the collection includes over 400,000 works that illustrate each of the periods, trends and genres of Russian art.

Malaga subsidiary has a permanent collection of Russian authors from different times and temporary exhibitions. Also it has 3 auditoriums, art workshops for adults and children and a broad agenda of cultural outreach activities.

Information on the best time to visit the Russian Museum in Malaga. On Sunday afternoon, starting at 16:00, admission is free.

Centre Pompidou next trip malaga

Pompidou Centre Malaga
Another major cultural spaces offered Malaga is the subsidiary of the Pompidou Centre. Located at the start of Pier One, leisure center located outdoors at the Port of Malaga and just 300 meters from the beginning of Calle Larios, this cultural center is set to become the scene of major events with art in the city.

The "Cube" is the visible sign of the museum, below street level are 6,300 square meters of exhibition. The basic background starts with more than 80 works by artists such as Pablo Ruiz Picasso, Frida Kahlo, Rene Magritte and Alberto Giacometti. From May arrive temporary exhibitions including one on the work of Joan Miró and dance are announced.

Information: Centre Pompidou Malaga. On Sunday afternoon, starting at 16:00, admission is free.

These options, we must add many other spaces and museums internationally Malaga to visit. Among them, I want to highlight some that I have visited personally and consider essential to include a cultural visit to Malaga.

* Carmen Thyssen Museum
* Picasso Museum
* Pablo Picasso's Birthplace
* CAC - Center for Contemporary Art in Malaga
* National Museum of Airports and Air Transport.

There are also many other smaller museums that add to the heritage of the city: Music Museum, doll house, the Bullfighting Museum, Interpretation Centre Gibralfaro, etc.

A wide offer worth considering to complete a visit to the most cultural side of Malaga.

NEW YORK NEW YORK

When you organize a trip to New York surely it includes a wide range of activities and visits. Because New York is has almost everything, or at least that's how it seems. What you learn just by walking down the street, is its cultural institutions.
For New York is best at giving you a big dose of whatever you seek. Want a medieval monastery? You got it. Want breathtaking views? You got it, you want to relive a movie? You can. Want mythical visits? There are here. The most varied cuisine. Shopping for all budgets. Nature and architecture. Luxury and street art. Monuments and landscapes.

And if art attracts you, New York is your place.
Sometimes I wonder: What museum would I recommend? And while New York has many (many) large, medium and small museums, I have a special fondness for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I have visited there many times and never get tired of it.



From these visits, including break I did last October during a short trip to New York, I will leave these tips that I hope will help to organize your own experience.
* ... Go early or late. The Museum is open from 10 to 17.30 hours (Friday and Saturday until 21.00 pm) its recommend being there when the doors open. The bulk of visitors come to mid-morning and early afternoon. Some days, especially in spring and summer, there are so many people it can be overwhelming. But go first thing you'll have more space and time to enjoy the art work. And, whether it's early morning, and the afternoon waiting for the sunset, you'll have two great moments .


Visit the terrace. As you can see in the pictures from the gallery that accompanies this post, from the terrace you have the whole Central Park at your feet. And behind the green, the profiles of the buildings in Midtown are picture perfect. It is not easy: it crosses the halls of African art, modern art then, and eventually find an elevator that goes up to the 5th floor where access to the terrace (open from May to October). The terrace shaded small bar and seating area are great to enjoy the scenery. You can stay as long as you want and ...

* Free or almost. The "official" cost of entry to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is $ 25 per person. It is a value "suggested" by law as public museums may not necessarily charge a certain amount. What to do? Simply, when you walk through the imposing main hall and you approach the counter box office, you give your credit card and say, "five dollars" that's it. Nobody will ask for an explanations, nor pull a face. You are simply using your right to pay what you consider fair. They will give you the receipt and a sticker you with MET on the shirt and on. 

The entrance to the MET entitles you to also visit The Cloisters, a magnificent set up with several pieces of medieval European monasteries and cloisters, reconstructed in the heart of New York. You can read his story (and see some videos of the work).




Follow your taste.  To see 'everything is virtually impossible. There will be so much that you could not see it all if you spent a whole week inside its walls. You will find an impressive collection of religious carvings. But, in my opinion, you should not miss:

Egyptian Art galleries. You run out of words to describe it. The Mastaba of Perneb built 4300 years ago and bought the Egyptian government in 1913. The Temple of Dendur, gift from Egypt to the United States in 1968, for his collaboration to save the monuments of Abu Simbel. The room where it is located has a glass wall overlooking Central Park. It is the ideal place to sit, watch the Egyptian temple and reflect on the passage of time and the immortality of art.

The Charles Engelhard Court not particularly impressed me for its collection (American classical sculpture), but for its monumentality and space. Another good place to kill time watching the people go by.

Columbian Art rooms are essential. It really is an impressive collection that rarely able to see gathered in one place.


The same could be said of going to see the African Art, but by its cultural relevance and hermetic meaning. 



Of course you have the painting rooms where you will meet Goya, Rembrandt, El Greco and others. Of course worth a visit. And if you left a little bit, I recommend you stick your room to 165 and you'll hit a Roman house in Pompeii as it was up to a minute before the Vesuvius began to throw ashes in the year 79 BC.

* Re walking. As a final tip, I recommend you walk back to Midtown. Remember that the Metropolitan's on Fifth Avenue, in one side of Central Park. You can return winding through the park or along the sidewalk to the south. A curious and slow walk where you will discover one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the Big Apple, will pass in front of the Central Park Zoo (can spy on goats and poultry) and reach the end of the park to bump the Apple Store or play around in Fao Schwartz.

From there, you will have a short walk to get to your hotel and end a nearly perfect day. You're left to organize the rest of your day in New York. Although perhaps later you in any other idea for this too. For now I suggest you take advantage when you find a cheap flight to New York and you launch to visit the Big Apple. You will not regret.

EGYPTIAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

Today I want to add my little bit. I wanted to share this video of some of the artifacts that can be found in some of the rooms.
It would be impossible to see the entire collection of the Museum, as it has over 120,000 pieces. This is a great heritage that is a privilege not only the Egyptians but of all mankind.

SOUTH AFRICAN SENSATIONS

What I most liked". South African sensation.


This is a question I get whenever I return from a trip and I'm never able to answer: "What did you like best?". I stumped. It's impossible to choose just one thing, one place, this has been a journey of so many facets. So they wait, baited breath, expecting me to say "ok here's the best thing about the trip" But for me, travel is not linear: when I travel I involve all the senses and means "the best bit" may not be a place itself the smile of a girl who greeted me from afar, or smell a meal that came through the open door of a house, or the cold wind hit me in the little part of my face that wasn't covered with clothing, or the expression of the girl who sat under that sign in that city that I never knew the name, or the feeling of happiness I felt when I got on the rickety bus and saw the asphalt moving under my feet. The best bit...as I said before, is often too numerous to pin down.

A week ago I returned from South Africa. It was a short but intense journey. We saw and did so much that the nine days seemed one month. I almost didn't sleep. I barely had time to write. The good thing about slow travel, is that the information can be processed bit by bit. That works for me, that works for me just fine. 

So this is the closet I can come to "the best parts of the holiday" more like "what I liked most of South Africa". Purely subjective sensations which reappeared days after I was back home in London. 

1. Tickling feet

In Durban we met Nono, a local. As we talked I asked him to take me to walk through a township and was keen to meet people and talk with them. He made me a counterproposal: "If you're interested, I can take you to know the school that directed my mom 13 years ago." A schoolhouse full of South African children, a place that no "tour" could take? I accepted right away. 

The next day we met and went together. The school / dining room is located in the township of Chesterville, in a territory that belongs to the Church in the area, and gives education and food to nearly 100 children between 2 and 6 years, almost all of them children of unemployed or very young mothers. At the first sitting that we went to two years. Most of the kids were asleep, except two who looked at us with curiosity. I approached them, I sat on the floor and started to tickle one's feet. He laughed out loud. 



 

2.The sea


I never thought I'd be so eager to get to the sea when I was in Durban, but knowing it was around the corner made me a little giddy. We rented bikes and went for a walk along the promenade. I was unprepared, and without a swimsuit. So we arrived at the beach and decided to go down, and just touch the sand with our feet. 

We walked a little further and reached the coast: you can't be on the beach and do not put your feet in the sea - you just can't. The water was lovely, but I was in street clothes. So I only walked a little further out, stopping to admire the view. Many people were bathing, families, men, women, and all fully dressed. So after a few moments thought I submerged my whole body, and swam with the most uncomfortable clothes, but somehow it was still very enjoyable. 




3.The Indian-African market





South Africa has a high number of people from India, and it shows. The market was full of spices and saris. At the same time, however, there were women who did the typical African braids and men selling giraffe carvings. A nice mix. The two women in the photo caught my attention. The first, by chance. I was taking a photo of the colorful decorations and she went and sat right there in the empty space of my picture. 



The second I saw her from afar, I loved the color forming composition to the back wall. I approached her, shyly at first (did not want to be a bother), and asked how long it took make that fabric. "One hour," he said. I asked if I could take a picture working. She smiled and nodded.


4. Bunny Chow 



Bunny chow has to one of the spiciest dishes I've encountered in my life. I was asked mushrooms and potatoes, but you can get it with all kinds of meat. At first glance, it just looks like stuffed bread. But the bunny chow origins have a story. They say the dish was born in a corner of Durban in the 40s during the apartheid Indians were not allowed to eat in certain restaurants and cafés, then the workers in the local resturants devised the dish to serve food to their compatriots without anyone noticing. They simply "emptied" bread, hiding food inside, then was handed through a back door or window. 



5.The sound of the  sea



I would often go to the Cape of Good Hope, the southernmost point of the South African continent, and listen to the sound of the sea for several minutes, without getting bored. I found that standing on over that huge chunk of Earth, was amazingly zen.



6. Mandela


Cell where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned


South Africa-aniko-Villalba-30 bus in which Robben Island, the "island prison" was used during apartheid.



Nando was imprisoned with Mandela and told us how was life in prison.

Though I never knew him personally, as I followed Mandela's life path, I felt the presence of his-story. I entered the house where he lived, and went to the cell where I was imprisoned nearly two decades of his life, I heard the story of the South Africans who felt as if they were imprisoned with him, and I heard people call him "papa" ("father") with a great deal of love. I also understood how important the word "reconciliation" is in South Africa. When I returned home and saw the movie Invictus (highly recommended) and I could not help but mourn the loss of a great man. I am relieved to have met and known others who also devote their lives to humanity.

HAITI - FOLK SONG

These were the photos by Richie Thomassen, shot while he was there. Enjoy!

Wongolo-Creole

wangol o' ou ale
ki le ou a vini wem anko? ou ale 
wangol o' ou ale
ki le ou a vini wem anko? ou ale
ki le ou a vini wem anko? 
peyi-a chanje,
ki le ou a viniwem anko?
peyi-a chanje,
ki le ou a vini (or pase) wem anko, ou ale.

Wongolo - English

Wangolo (could refer to Angola/Kongolese ancestor)
Wangolo, you're leaving,
when will you come and see me again.
When will you come and see me again?
The country is changing, (or our situation is changing)
When will you come back and see me again ?

A TRIP TO JAPAN IN PORTRAITS

I brought back many unforgettable experiences from my trip to Japan, long held desired that are now part of my passport, and memories of this places. And in those moments I lived, occupying a special place with people that I met, which were often just shooting chance encounters.

Each portrait paints a moment unique and unforgettable. Brushstrokes that are colourful and multifaceted as Japan and compelling as the destination. As always I will clarify, that my shots are not "professionals". These are photo's any traveler can achieve, with wonderful exotic cameras or just a simple handheld. 



I was suprised by the variety and different ways of serving Japanese cuisine. Far from what little we know of it here. And the excellent service was a bonus that only made the dining experience even better. Here a waiter in a restaurant where we ate Kyoto "live" squid.

The contrast between tradition and modernity, always present and healthy living. Heres a passing high-speed train linking Tokyo Kyoto.

Here our beloved guide Ryoko, saying goodbye in Kyoto when we went to Tokyo. I think that was relieved when "this blogger woman" got on the train.

Japan is the future, today. In the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation Miraikan in Tokyo, we could see what awaits us. I present to ASIMO, the robot interacts with visitors: walking, playing soccer, tells jokes and even dancing moonwalker!

Harajuku is the coolest neighborhood in Tokyo. Its streets are small designer shops, art galleries and, above all, a "human fauna" very special. Here trends are generated.




Daily life. The Tokyo Metro: massive, efficient, timely, impeccable, it's  a good place to see a slice of the Japanese lives around you.


                 





Metro employees are very friendly, but nobody speaks English. To buy a ticket from a machine is "mission impossible" and when you approach a booth you need to use make use of some sign language. But eventually we got our tickets. 

Here is another example of he coexistence of two different worlds in Japan today. Will one ever understand the world that the other inhabits.

Centuries of tradition at a glance. A maiko of just 18, a few months of learning and a lot of nerves in her first appearance before the guests in a very special dinner. They say, that she has the classic, perfect beauty of a future geiko (geisha).


                             



That same night, geiko Yachiho taught me one of their games and had fun for a while together.


Visiting Kiyomizu Dera Temple, you can bump into monks and tourists alike. In Kyoto.

                



The famous district of Akihabara, Tokyo, you find the manga / anime universe. In the corners you'll usually find girls touting coffee dressed as "sexy maidens" they tend not to like having their pictures taken.





Japan has been a incredible experience. Being in the thick of modernity and while witnessing traditions preserved, has been so enlightening. Almost as if on a wheel where everything spins around it, but the core remains the same. I will carry these memories, and treasure them.