Garosu-gil

There are plenty of things going on around here lately, I can't wait to share them with you. But first, I have a confession to unload today. Remember my no to cold coffee-drinking challenge? I was able to abstain until October 26 then...Epic FAIL. Boo! At least I tried. I was able to make it for more than three weeks.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped and supported my fellow countrymen who were victims of the Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. As a Filipino, I will forever be grateful to all of you who've been there for my country.

Anyway, a week ago, we were in the beautiful city of Seoul. I believe in the law of attraction. I think a post I made about Seoul a few months ago worked its magic and we ended up staying in the Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu district. Two words to describe how I feel about the area? I'm in-love!

We chose to stay near Garosu-gil (meaning tree-lined street). The studio apartment we booked through AirBNB was perfect in every way. When we arrived, the place was immaculate, furnished with IKEA and equipped with all the basic necessities. It was just a 3-5 minute walk from the trendiest and hippest street in Seoul. Proximity is one of the factors we consider when traveling to save time and energy.

Photo taken from AirBNB (Julie & Karen Sister House in Gangnam-gu)

Garosu-gil is a change of pace from the other districts in Seoul. I am totally smitten over the artsy cafes, quirky names of establishments, cozy wine lounges, unique shops of local designers and the Ginko trees lining the whole street. It is also known as Little Europe. It has a romantic vibe.

I like how South Koreans put a lot of effort into the aesthetics of their shops!

Cork for Turtle, Mug for Rabbit. The first floor is a coffee and cupcake shop. The second floor is a wine lounge. 

Aren't these pigs adorable? I wanted to bring them home.

We spotted a Korean model/celebrity having a photo shoot who kept waving to the public in between takes despite the nippy weather. I wonder who could he be?

Despite the language barrier, we were able to communicate effectively and got the right stuff we ordered during our whole stay. The food in every place we ate were delicious. The people are very friendly, gracious and respectful. The photo below shows our first official lunch in Seoul. 

We were so lucky to be in Seoul on the first day of snow. Wohoo!

We shared a mug of hot chocolate in Coffeesmith while watching the snowflakes fall. It was breathtaking! 

According to the locals, Coffeesmith is a landmark in trendy Garosu-gil that is a see-and-be-seen cafe.

They say pizza is popular in Korea. So we ordered a margherita in Sognare. Yum!

Garosu-gil at night. It's so full of life!

We capped our first night off with chocolate muffins from Paris Baguette. They say Koreans have an affinity for pastries and anything French-y.

During this trip, we decided to ditch the palaces and museums and focus more on the local culture and lifestyle. We are probably going to see them next spring should our schedules permit it. Stay tuned for more of our Seoul-ful adventures!

Be a traveler, not a tourist!

Most of the photos were taken using a Canon 550D 

Treasures

Last Saturday, we attended Stephanie Lopez's opening night for her artwork called Treasures at the Boston Gallery, a space for works of contemporary Filipino artists.

The artist works with sculptural forms. She previously used terra cotta and galvanized iron wire as sculptural media. But this time Steph bended, twisted and curled soft pliable wires to make animal-shaped forms and gathered stone chips, mother of pearl and China crystals as embellishments to create jewelry-like pieces. These animals can be found under the list of endangered species here in the Philippines which are truly treasures worthy of our care and protection.

Tarsier
Aluminum and stainless steel wires, stone chips, China crystals, acrylic sealer
31.25 in x 22 in x 8 in
2013

Seahorse
Aluminum and stainless steel wires, stone and shell chips, China crystals, acrylic selaer
16 in x 13 in x 9 in
2013

PawikanAluminum and stainless steel wires, stone chips, China crystals, freshwater pearls, acrylic sealer
12.5 in x 3.5 inx 12 in
2013

Luzon Bleeding Heart
Aluminum and stainless steel wires, stone and shell chips, China crystals, round agate, acrylic sealer
11.5 in x 9.5 in
2013

Green Humphead Parrotfish
Aluminum and stainless steel wires, stone chips, China crystals, round agate, acrylic sealer
15 in  x 9 in
2013

Visayan Spotted Deer
Aluminum and stainless steel wires, mother of pearl, round agate, China crystals, stone chips, acrylic sealer
23 in x 15 in x 8 in
2013

Me with the artist

Steph's art is a demonstration of her talent, hard work and commitment to her craft. I'm proud to say that she also happens to be my cousin. Our moms are sisters. 

Treasures will be running from August 10 -27, 2013.

Photos taken using iPhone5

Treasures information from Steph's write up displayed at the Boston Gallery

Bacon Crisp

Bacon. This is the main reason why I'm having trouble becoming a vegetarian. But, I only have some once in a while.

I made these tasty little morsels yesterday as an afternoon snack. I got the recipe from an old blog post of Ms. Janis Snell of Navy Bean. Instead of using Ritz Simply Socials, I used Fita biscuits.

           

         

I just wrapped a slice of bacon with each biscuit, sprinkled grated parmesan cheese and baked them for 2 hours for 250 degrees F. You need to bake them long enough for the grease to dry up.

     Like the Tofu Stir-fry I made, these Bacon Crisps were gone in a flash.

This recipe is great for parties especially during cocktail hour.

Hong Kong Hours

Warning: This is a photograph-infested post. 

I enjoy traveling to major cities and among them is Hong Kong. It's where East meets West. I've been going back and forth to this cosmopolitan city since 2003 and every time I go back, there's always something new to try, shop, eat and marvel at.

Victoria Harbour, at night.

A few tips when visiting Hong Kong:

• Get a free map at the airport when you arrive
• Purchase a round trip Airport Express train ticket, it's a lot more cheaper or you can always opt for the city bus
• Buy an Octopus Card
• Exchange your moolah at Foreign Exchange Counters with signs that say "No Commission". 

Our favorite area is Causeway Bay situated in Hong Kong Island. There were times we've stayed at Shama Service Apartments, Butterfly on Morrison and Alisan Guest House depending on our length of stay and of course, our budget.

I'm sharing snaps of our visit to this beautiful and modern city last February 2011.

We've stayed at Butterfly at Morrison

There are so many cute cafes and coffee shops in the Causeway Bay Area and we'd always like to try something new:

at the Causeway Bay Station (MTR)

During this trip, me and my friend Rhea decided to meet up. She was traveling with her brothers and soon-to-be sister in law. Mike and I took them to Stanley Market. It's a street market located in the picturesque village of Stanley with an interesting array of little shops selling silk garments, sportswear, art, costume jewelry and souvenirs. It's a bit touristy though however the area is really nice and there are also a lot of cafes and restaurants by the bay. We also took them to Victoria Peak.

Every time I get the chance to visit, I hoard useful items in H&M and Ikea because we don't have this shops yet here in Manila. We always make it a point to eat at our favorite Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao branch in Times Square. We do have this resto in Manila but because we discovered this first in HK, we feel a bit sentimental. We like this better than Din Tai Fung.

Mike's favorite Beef in Chili Oil Noodles

My favorite Xiao Long Bao

Mike and I decided to explore the city by foot. We walked the streets of the Wan Chai District and ended up in Sheung Wan.

The old Wan Chai Temple at Queen's Road East

We've always wanted to see the infamous Nam Koo Terrace in Wan Chai which is said to be haunted so we passed by Ship Street and climbed the steps to take a closer look at the old house.

It’s hard not to be spooked as you make your way up the deserted, shady steps leading to the house.

It is said that during the occupation, Nam Koo Terrace was used as a military brothel or comfort house for the Japanese soldiers from 1941 to 1945. Local women were raped and tortured inside the house. 

Hong Kong Graffiti

Pizza Express also has a branch in Ship Street

After that hearty meal of stuffed mushrooms and pizza, we went back to exploring the city by foot with occasional stops for drinks and window shopping.

One of Hong Kong's night life area

Mike at Hollywood Road

This is also the city where you can find really high escalators and red taxicabs. 

I also recommend stopping by at these places:

- Pacific Place
- Lee Gardens
- Fashion Walk
- Windsor House
- Victoria Park
- Victoria Harbour
- Avenue of the Stars
- Disneyland
- Ocean Park
- Mong Kok Ladies Market
- Jardine's Crescent
- City Gate Outlets
- IFC Mall

- Nathan Road

Hong Kong. Live it! Love it!

{Image 1 via Pinterest and Info of Nam Koo Terrace via Wikipedia}