Visiting Tips //

Give yourself at least 2 hours to get a taste of the exhibits.  To be honest, you can probably spend a day in there if you want to explore every nooks and crannies.  If you're short on time, try to check online and pick out some exhibits you really want to see and focus on those first.  Don't forget to set aside some time at the end for the MoMA Store!

Getting Here //

Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York (Between Avenue of the Americas and 5th Avenue).

MoMA is surrounded by a few subway stops, but I highly recommend spending some time walking through the streets of NYC to get to MoMA. The city blocks are short and there's so much to see at every corner.  If walking is not ideal, I recommend getting a cab/Uber as the subway system can be very confusing.

bye bye nyc...hello san francisco

My next goal is to visit the newly renovated SFMOMA in San Francisco.  The brand new structure in itself is a great piece of art.

This MoMA story is the last installment of my 24-hours adventure in New York City.  It's been lots of fun sharing the different things I did in NYC with all of you!  Thanks for all your comments here and on Instagram....and thanks for following me along!

If you're curious about the other legs of my NYC adventure, click links below for previous posts:

Korea Town Beauty Shopping & Yummy Dessert @ Grace Street Cafe

The Food Edition @ Caracas Arepa Bar + Spot Dessert

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I flew down to New York City recently to meet up with my brother, who flew in from Asia for a short visit.  How short?  It's literally 24 hours in total!  We both have our must-do list - His was museums and mine was k-beauty shopping in Korea Town (read about this part of the adventure here).  But there is one thing we both want and love and that is food!  Given our limited time, here are the two spots we hit in our 24-hours adventure in the Big Apple!

~ caracas arepa bar ~

At first glance, Caracas is not one of those flashy eateries on Manhattan.  If you aren't looking for it, you most likely would have missed it during normal hours. During my first visit many years ago, there was a long wait for a table, so we accepted the offer to sit at this tiny bar in the very back of the restaurant.  I was a bit taken aback at first because it was so dark and cramped, but as soon as the food came out, all my doubts were gone.  And I've been hooked ever since...

Ordering Tips //

Do it tapas style and share among your party - That way, everyone will get to try different arepas + the delicious starters.  If you order the soup, get small for individual serving or large for sharing.

Getting Here //

Address:  93 1/2 East 7th St, New York (East Village). 

Closest subway stop is Astor Place, but if you're not familiar with NYC's subway system, I highly recommend taking a cab or Uber for convenience.

~ spot dessert bar ~

I was introduced to this East Village dessert hotspot a few years ago.  And I've been coming back to Spot every time I visit NYC because they are just that good!  The staff here is also exceptionally nice and patient even when this place gets super busy during the post-dinner hours.

Ordering Tips //

If you're coming here after dinner like we did, I recommend ordering 1 less dessert than the number of people in your party, for example, order 2 to share among 3 people.  These desserts are pretty rich and heavy!

Getting Here //

Address:  13 St Marks Place, New York (East Village).  There are 2 other locations.

Closest subway stop is Astor Place (less than 1 block from the stop), but if you're not familiar with NYC's subway system, I highly recommend taking a cab or Uber for convenience.  And if you stop by Caracas first, you can walk over here (less than 5 minutes).

~ it's all about the food ~

One of the great things about New York is the extremely wide variety of foods you get to try.  You can go super high-end or budget-friendly.  And what I love is that you also get to choose between fusion and authentic cooking or both, whatever you prefer.  

What are some of your favorite good-eats from your travels? Do share with me here!

Thanks for stopping by!

If you're curious about the other pegs of my NYC adventure, click links below to previous posts:

Korea Town Beauty Shopping & Yummy Dessert Tasting @ Grace Street Cafe

All About MoMA (Museum of Modern Art)

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I hope to bring you more hidden gems around Boston!  I love brunch and can eat it probably for all my meals.  What is your favorite local brunch place?  Do share with me!

Thanks for stopping by!

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I started going to Bliss Spa in San Francisco back in 2005.  I don't remember how I got to know about them, but it really doesn't matter because it was love at first sight!  I've had many spa "trial and error" experiences and realize that I get what I pay for - I once had an allergic reaction to an extraction done (probably due to un-sanitized tools) and once had a manicurist cut too deep into my cuticles and resulted in major bleeding.  Needless-to-say, I've since learned to be very selective when it comes to spas!

With Boston being my adopted home these days, this Bliss location has become my go-to spa.  It's relatively small, but the high-ceiling design ensures that there is plenty of natural light coming through the space, giving it a very welcoming vibe.

some tips to ensure you get the best spa experience

I know that with Bliss' pricing, it is a splurge.  Since I don't go every month, I try to "reasonably" justify the visits by dividing the cost by 3 (I usually go once every 3 months) and it's essentially one less eating-out dinner per month.  I know I'm fortunate that my budget allows for this splurge, and I think the most important thing is that you find a spa you love and your skin loves and that the place is clean, has a responsible staff and offers you amenities to substantiate what they charge you. 

With that in mind, I am sharing below the 6 things you should look out for when checking out a spa.  Being able to verify these things will help you make your "justified" spa choice and will ensure that you walk out of the place completely happy and worry-free!

my Top picks for bliss pampering

Bliss checks all of the above and that's why they have my loyalty all these years. In case you're interested in checking it out, I want to share what I like and why I enjoy going there so much.  I'll start with a few of my favorite treatments that I've been getting since day one.

Not your ordinary spa

While the facials and manicures are awesome, what I always look forward to is what I think sets Bliss apart from other spas I've visited.  I always make sure I tag an extra hour to my appointment just to be able to enjoy this little gem, which is their amazing ladies' locker room and waiting room facilities.  And here's why...

~ 6 reasons I love bliss so much ~

REASON ONE // The housekeeping staff always keeps the ladies' locker room clean and neat (I mean, just look at those perfect rolls!!).

REASON TWO // An abundance of Bliss skin care and body care products!

REASON THREE // The eucalyptus steam shower (The heavenly combination of eucalyptus-scented steam + Bliss hair and body products + rainshower = Bliss).

REASON FOUR // The wall decors are to die for.

REASON FIVE // I can live in this waiting room forever.

REASON SIX // Last but not least, the amazing service from an experienced crew performed in an ultra chic and clean environment.

something unique at every bliss location

In case you're interested in visiting a Bliss on your next destination trip, there are currently 21 locations across the U.S. and internationally.  Majority of them are located inside the W Hotel.  And if you know someone who lives at the W Residence, there is a 10% resident discount (Only selected W Hotels have W Residences).  What's so cool about these locations is that each one has a little uniqueness to it.  While you can expect consistent service level, there's always an element of surprise when you walk into a different Bliss.

~In the U.S.~

~Internationally~

The Boston Bliss is located inside the W Boston at 100 Stuart St, Boston, MA, on the mezzanine level.  For other location details, visit Bliss Spa site.

I hope you've find the 6 tips in this post helpful in finding a good spa or in re-examining the one you've been going to.  I also hope that you've enjoyed the visual tour of Bliss.

What is your favorite local spa?  Would love to hear from you!  And if you're visiting Boston and would like some recommendations for estheticians at the Boston Bliss, let me know and I'll be happy to share.

Thanks for stopping by!

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My first strawberry-picking experience and it was a blast!

a picture is worth a thousand words

I start out this post a little differently than others because when I was editing these photos, the colors, the imagery, and the backgrounds were so mesmerizing that I thought I should let them do the talking first!

Strawberry-picking has been on my bucket list...yes, my list includes simple pleasures like this one because sometimes, just sometimes, we find the biggest joy in doing small, simple things.  As I was going down the row, I couldn't stop saying "wow, look at how bright the color is!" or "look how big this one is!".  And, of course, the best part is that we get to eat as much as we want to while we are picking.  I probably ate a box full of these juicy creations!  Don't worry, Tanaka Farms is an organic farm and it's very safe to eat the fruits and vegetables straight off the plants. 

What's even better is that my bestie later made some delicious chocolate-covered strawberries for all of us...see picture below for her yummy creations.

Where are some of the local farms you've visited? I would love to hear about them!

A little about tanaka farms

Tanaka Farms is a family-owned and family-run organic farm located in the heart of Irvine, California.  It's a small oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of this rapidly-growing Orange County city.  The Tanaka family history traced back to Farmer Tanaka's great-grandfather who immigrated to the U.S. from Hiroshima-ken, Japan and eventually relocated to California with Farmer Tanaka's grandfather. 

Today, the farm is a working farm and is owned and operated by Farmer Tanaka, his wife, Shirley and his son, Kenny.  Together with their team, they produce fruits and vegetables that supply their produce stand and their own Community Supported Agriculture program where they donate produce to local organizations that help feed families in need.

The farm has been practicing "responsible farming methods" since 1998.  You can read more about it on Tanaka Farms' website, but essentially, they use organic growing methods whenever possible and use OMRI approved pesticides permitted under most organic licenses.

Different picking tours are available depending on the seasonal crop variety - Strawberry in March - June, Watermelon in July - August, "Harvest" in March - August (many other crops are grown at the farm), Pumpkin Patch in October, and Christmas Trees in December.

I definitely felt and enjoyed the family atmosphere when I was there.  Everyone who works there is very friendly and genuinely wants you to have a great time.  Our guide helped us filled our boxes when he realized that we couldn't fill them all the way to the top.  Just an example of how well they treat everyone who comes through their gate.   

GETTING thERE

Tanaka Farms is located at 5380-3/4 University Drive, Irvine, California.  It's adjacent to University of California, Irvine (UCI).  Depending on the direction you're coming from, you can get there by taking 405 and 73.

The Farm shares the entrance with Strawberry Farms Golf Club - In fact, as you turn into Strawberry Farm Road, you'll see the sign for the golf club. 

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I have been "eyeing" these puffles from Cauldron Ice Cream on Instagram for a long long time.  I may have planned this visit to see my best friend in Orange County, CA just for this. Haha, just kidding.  I love my bestie and her kids!

Flavors of the Month for March include some pretty unique options - Earl Grey Lavender, Milk and Cereal, S'Mores, Vietnamese Coffee. Yum!

Cauldron uses liquid nitrogen to prepare each ice cream order, so you know your ice cream is fresh.  Sorry Baskin Robbins, I no longer want frozen stiff ice cream that's been sitting in the freezer for who knows how long.

We are very ambitious and each order our own puffle.  We probably could have ordered two and shared, but who wants to share when your ice cream can actually be called "cute"!

We opt for Earl Grey Lavender, Vietnamese Coffee and Speckled Vanilla. 

• EGL tastes just like lavender and it's not very sweet.  It's a bit strange as I'm more used to "smelling" lavender.  Nevertheless, it's a very good flavor.
• VC has a very strong coffee flavor as the name suggests.  I love how they garnish with a little chocolate "cigar".
• SV is more my cup of tea - Simple yet flavorful. 

Because the ice cream is prepared with liquid nitrogen, the flavors are much more intense and it's ultra smooth and comes in this velvety, creamy texture.

As for the puffle, it is based on a childhood favorite of mine growing up in Hong Kong called the egg waffle.  Its Cantonese nickname is "little eggs" (鷄蛋仔) and it is THE most popular street food among the Hong-Konger's.  It's a must-eat for me every time I go home!

The original way of making "little egg" is using a sweet, egg-rich batter cooked in a sizzling hot special two-sided pan with little round cells that gives it its signature mini puff's.  See a story here by That Food Cray to see how it's made.

The "little egg" puffle takes my mom down memory lane and the liquid-nitrogen ice cream keeps my bestie happy.  And I am just excited that I get to finally try this yummy goodness.  We are all in a happy place.

Getting Here  Cauldron Ice Cream is located at 1421 W.MacArthur Blvd, Suite F, Santa Ana, CA.  It is part of a strip-mall type of shopping center, next to an urgent care medical clinic.  If you see the 7-Eleven, then you have gone too far.

Have you tried Cauldron or something similar? Do share with us!

Thanks for stopping by!

Life is somewhat back to normal after a few hectic weeks of packing and moving.  Looking at my recent Instagram posts...I think I've been just a tiny bit obsessed with snacks and the view from our new home.  Can you blame me? Especially those irresistible sweets!

From top left:  1) Breakfast of champions 2) Sharing some Clarins love 3) Can't say no to pistachio dount 4) Mesmerizing sunset view from our new home 5) Georgetown Cupcakes - Need I say more? 6) Spring forward...the tulip season is here

Hope you're having a great weekend! And Happy Spring!!

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Shopping at Kikki.K in Hong Kong was a great experience (you can read about it here), but what I love more is how their journals carry a positive message that we can always find something good or something we can be thankful for all around us.  When life throws us a curve ball and we feel like nothing's going the right way, these little notebooks and journals remind us that maybe the glass is just half full.

My Happiness Is...

Is It Just Me?  Sometimes it really feels like nothing is working and everyone is driving me crazy...have you ever felt that way?  I use this little notebook from time to time to help calm me down. 

Glass Half Full  A recurring theme among Kikki.K's collections is the idea that life is a glass half full.  Kristina, the founder, had a rough start on her business, but with support from her family and a positive attitude, she kept going and turned her dream into reality.  This little book of happy things is an example of Kikki.K's message - It's a space for writing down happy thoughts, things that make us smile, things that remind us of the happiness around us - in big and small doses - we sometimes look past.

I Am Thankful For...

Keeping a Gratitude Journal  Sometimes life gets crazy and stressful and I find myself complaining about things more than ever.  I really don't want to live my life like this, so I google around and start reading about gratitude journals.  It's a small and simple lifestyle adjustment that I'm willing to try.  Since then, I've been starting off my day with a gratitude journal entry.  This quiet moment allows me the time to slow down and appreciate all the great people I'm surrounded with.  It's a great way to start the day with a smile on my face.  I know this concept may not work for everyone at first glance...but do give it a try for couple weeks and you'll see the transformation.

More Than Just A Journal  Kikki.K's gratitude journal is a little different or should I say a little more than just a journal.  It gives me space to develop a holistic approach before I dive into writing down my daily gratitude thoughts.  An example is the reverse bucket list - Writing down what I've already accomplished in life, what makes me happy, and what I'm proud of.  It's a small switch in mindset - The result is a positive energy that fuels even more creativity, ambition, and curiosity.   

Stay Consistent  For the gratitude entries, there is one tab per month and pages for entries within each monthly tab.  It helps me stay consistent in keeping my entries.

Small Reminders  I also enjoy reading the little reminders at the bottom of these pages.

Inspirations  And finally, the inspirational quotes throughout this journal serve as encouragement that even when life gets tough, there is always something we can be thankful for. 

This one is my favorite. 

Writing Down Those Random Thoughts...

This fruity-themed notebook is in the same collection as the "My Little Journal of Happy Things".  It's great for writing down those random thoughts or blog ideas that pop into my head from time to time.  All the cute images/graphics make it fun to use this notebook, too.  

Don't Lose That Great Idea  I have a habit of keeping a notebook with me most of the time, so that I can write down the thoughts as soon as they come to mind.  When I'm done with my yellow Moleskin, I'll start using this cutie.  And staying true to Kikki.K's positive message, words of encouragement are spread throughout this notebook. 

Thanks so much for letting me share with you my love for stationery and, more importantly, some of the lifestyle changes I've gone through.  I'm always looking for ways to improve myself...would love to know some of the things you practice to live life to the fullest!

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Weather Channel app is reporting "1°...feels like -22°" in Boston...Brrr!!!!!!  But even the chill can't take away the ultra charming side of this historical city.  Here are some recent snapshots in my adopted hometown.

From Top Left:  1) Making a grand entrance on Commonwealth Avenue.  2) Boston's beloved ducklings - Statue in Boston Public Garden celebrating the children's book, "Make Way for the Ducklings".   3) Snow-covered Boston Public Garden (Founded in 1837).  4) Acron Street - Boston's most-photographed street in the historical Beacon Hill neighborhood.

Sometimes our great travel moments happen when we're not really looking.  Kikki.K was one of those for me while spending time in Hong Kong.  I was actually looking for another store in the Times Square mall when I came across the boutique.  And since I'm a huge stationery fan, I had to go in there!

Kikki.K's founder, Kristina Karlsson, founded the brand because she wasn't able to find her beloved Swedish stationery designs in Australia where she was living.  Also, she was at a crossroad between continuing her un-enjoyable career and creating her own dream career.  She of course chose the latter.  Kristina's story is quite inspirational and many of her products are drawn from her own journey and experiences.  It's definitely worth watching her short 4:36 minutes video.  Even if you don't like her products, you can still learn a few valuable life lessons from her.

a Cozy space for exploration

Kikki.K's boutique has minimalist style. Nevertheless, it's open, warm, and very welcoming.  The dim and soft lighting makes it a very cozy space. 

Each collection is neatly showcased on the shelves while little display table encourages everyone to touch and feel the products.  If you have lived in or visited Hong Kong, being allowed to open the packaging and touch the products before buying them is rare.  I'm happy that Kikki.K is showing the Hong-Kongers a more interactive shopping experience.  I also want to say that the store associate was so nice and easygoing, which added to the great experience.

can I have everything please?

I have a hard time deciding what to buy, or should I say, what not to buy here.  Luckily, Kikki.K does ship to the U.S. via their website.  They also ship to the U.K., Singapore, Sweden, New Zealand, and of course, Australia.

I end up purchasing a few journals.  You know that saying, "don't judge a book by its cover"?  Even though these journals already have super cute covers, there's so much more on the inside pages.  Also, each journal has a different focus or purpose, but the overall theme is always about finding happiness in places you'd least expect it and appreciating more of what surrounds us everyday.  Here's s snapshot and I'll be talking more about each journal in the next post!  Be sure to check back in this week.

hong kong store location

The Hong Kong store I visited is located on the B2 level (second basement level) at the Times Square shopping mall in Causeway Bay neighborhood.  Using MTR (Hong Kong's subway system), get off at the Causeway Bay station.  The Island Line (blue) stops at this station.  Look for bilingual exit signage pointing toward Times Square.  The station is connected to the mall via underground walkways.

Thanks for stopping by!

Are you also into stationery? What are your favorite brands?

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During this past visit home, I played tourist for a little bit.  The Duddell Street Steps and the gas lamps is one of those places I've actually never been to even though it's right in my own backyard! 

Scandalous past of the duddells

Duddell Street was named after the brothers George and Frederick Duddell.  George emigrated from Macau to Colonial Hong Kong in 1841.  His scandalous story began when he became the owner of the first opium monopoly in Hong Kong.  He secured a beneficial friendship with an important law enforcement authority, which essentially allowed him to make loads of money from buying lands for cheap.  At one point, he was the third largest land owner in the British Colony and his properties included many of the plots around Duddell Street.  Why a street would be named after what we would considered today as a criminal is beyond me, but I suppose Mr. Duddell was an influential figure during his time in Colonial Hong Kong, having ties with the high society.

The Last Four Gas Lamps Standing 

The Duddell Street Steps and Gas Lamps collectively play an important role in preserving Hong Kong's British Colonial past.  While the granite Duddell Street Steps were built between 1875 and 1889, there is no official record of when the four gas lamps located on each end of the Steps were installed.  The only information we have today is that these lamp belonged to the "two-light Rochester" models produced in 1922 by Suggs & Co..  What's also unique about the lamps is that these are the only 4 remaining gas lamps in Hong Kong as all other gas lamps in the city were replaced by electric lamps after WWII.  

Declared Monument 

The Duddell Street Steps and gas lamps have been declared as a monument by the Hong Kong Antiquities and Monuments Office.  According to its website, once a place has been declared as a monument, the Office has the power to protect the monument, which includes prevention of unauthorized alterations.  Happy to know that this piece of Hong Kong history will be preserved for generations to see.

Guarding a Piece of Hong Kong's History 

The two pairs of gas lamps each located on one end of the Steps.  It's as if they are fiercely protecting this piece of British colonial history of Hong Kong.  This part of town used to be less-populated, but it has since been taken over by high-rise office buildings and now becoming a popular tourist destination thanks to the "Bing Sutt" Starbucks located off the middle level of the Steps (it's one of the specially-designed Starbucks around the world that reflects part of the local history.  Will share this in another story).  

Witness To Many Made-For-TV dramatic scenes

I remember, as a child growing up in Hong Kong, I watched many local TV drama shot on these steps.  The usual storyline is either two lovers quarreled, with one person running away and onto the steps, and then made up in the rain (a must for dramatic effect) or a young man who has been through hardship sitting on the steps with his head down (and possibly beer in his hand) and then getting a much-needed prep talk or a big "wake up" face-slap from a friend or an elder. 

Here's an example - Rain.  Lovers' quarrel.  What did I tell you?

some travel tips

MTR vs Taxi  I highly recommend taking the MTR (Hong Kong's subway system).  Everything is written and announced in English and Chinese, so it's very easy for non-Chinese-speaking visitors to use as well.  It's also the cleanest & most modern subway system you'd ever see.  While taxi's are convenient, many taxi drivers do not know the English names of Hong Kong's streets, so it may become an unpleasant experience.

Direction  From MTR, get off at the Central station.  Two lines stop at this station - Island Line (Blue) and Tsuen Wan Line (Red).  See here for a map of the MTR system.  Look for bilingual exit signage that indicates the exit towards "Landmark", which is a shopping mall.  Once inside Landmark Mall, locate the Gucci store on the ground level.  Exit the mall at the ground-level doors near Gucci.  Duddell Street is a tiny street perpendicular to the street you're on and entrance to the street is on the other side of the road from where you stand.  Once on Duddell Street, walk to the end of the road and you'll see the Steps. 

hong kong's unique history

I hope you'll spend a few moments to visit Duddell Street if you are ever in Hong Kong.  It's definitely a special part of Hong Kong's British colonial history and another example of the city's unique "east meets west" melting pot culture. 

Thanks for letting me share this special spot in my hometown with you! What are some of your favorite hidden gems in your hometown?

FROM THE ADVENTURE SERIES

Santorini, Greece

[Clockwise from Top]  Santorini's signature blue dome // One of the many churches on the Greek island // Exploring the town of Oia // Looking at the town of Oia from afar

Barcelona & Sitges, Spain

[Clockwise from Top]  Rooftop at "La Pedrera", one of the many Gaudi creations throughout Barcelona // Visiting the seaside town of Sitges // Exploring the Montjuïc Castle, an old military fortress dated back to 1640 // Up close & personal with local architecture in Sitges

Isla Grande, Rosario Islands, Colombia

Recharge on Isla Grande, a tiny island off the coast of Cartagena, Colombia

Maui, Hawaii

[Clockwise from Top]  Relaxing at Andaz Maui // On our way to some famous Maui food-truck-coconut-shrimp actions // Poolside at Andaz Maui // Enjoying the most scenic 18 holes at the Wailea Golf Club

Newport Beach & MOnterey bay - California

A weekend getaway at Newport Beach, California // Admiring the tranquility of Monterey Bay, California

Thanks for letting me share my favorite "blue skies" with you! 

What are some of your favorite "blue skies"?

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"Practicing yoga is not about becoming flexible...it's about finding your inner peace."

This was one of the first things, Sara, our Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga teacher, said to us at our yoga retreat on the Canary Islands.  I've taken yoga classes in the past and I tend to focus on getting the poses right.  I suppose I've been treating it as a sport rather than an experience.  I'm super thankful for having Sara as our teacher and for her guidance in helping me reset my attitude toward yoga practices.

practicing along with nature's soundtrack

Morning Sunshine  Every morning, we are greeted by the warmth from the rising sun, sound of the waves, and a clear blue sky.  My favorite poses are the ones where we would lay on our backs - Instead of staring at a popcorn ceiling at a gym or yoga studio, I'm looking at just pure blue, and the sensation going through my body is incredible.  During the whole trip, even though I wake up much earlier than I'm used to, I do not feel tired at all.  I feel the complete opposite - Very energized and awake for the rest of the day.

Evening Soundtrack  For our evening session back at the Lotus Lodge (the main hub of the retreat), we are greeted by the sound of the giant palm trees swaying in the wind and the changing colors of the sunset sky.  When I close my eyes now during my practice at home, I try to re-live these sounds and imagery as they have been such an important part of this experience.

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

The kind of yoga we practice is called Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.  We learn a sequence of moves while paying close attention to our breathing and our posture (called the "bandha").  What's more important is that we also learn to pay close attention to how our body feels as we move through each pose.  I'm definitely not an expert as you can tell from my very novice poses in photos below.  Sara's Facebook page is a good resource if you're interested in learning more - Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Fuerteventura. 

The "Victorious Breath"

The one thing I will always remember is the "victorious breath" that Sara guides us through.  It is a critical component in this yoga practice.  The key is to change from our usual chest breathing to breathing with our diaphragm.  Chest breathing (chest moving up and down) is often caused by emotional and physical stress and results in shallow breaths that ends up delivering less oxygen to the body.  On the other hand, when we breath with our diaphragm, our lungs expand and release waste more efficiently.  Our body, as a result, receives more oxygen.  I never notice how I breath before Sara pointing out that most people do chest breathing in today's society.  It still feels weird to breath without using my chest, but I can feel the difference when I do.  If you're interested in reading more about this, here are some resources - Livestrong, BreakingMuscle

Another key thing is to over-emphasize the sound made as air flows through the throat.  It takes me a while to understand the power of this small adjustment.  Especially during meditation, this heavy throat sound becomes very soothing and helps me stay focus during the session.  There are many You Tube videos that demonstrates this technique, here's one with KinoYoga

About the Lotus Lodge

Lotus Lodge is the main hub of this yoga retreat.  Most of the guest rooms are located in this main lodge and we do all of our group activities here - eating our meals, practicing in the evening, just hanging out.  It is run by AzulFit - A company that specializes in wellbeing trips where participants get to treat themselves to a healthy and relaxing vacations in awesome locations (The Canary Islands-Spain, San Diego-California, Santorini-Greece, and Cornwall-England). 

Lotus Lodge is not a big fancy place, but it feels surprisingly cozy and welcoming.  We often sit in the living room or outside to read, to chat, and sometimes to nap.

my first taste of vegan meals

The food at the Lodge is something else.  Valeria is our all-in-one personal host for the week and her vegan cooking skill is A-MAZING.  I don't follow a vegan diet, but Valeria is just that good.  She makes every dish so tasty that I often go for seconds.  And she makes me enjoy my food that much more because she makes everything with so much passion and so much love.

Her most popular dish that week was her Banana Pancakes (so good it deserves capitalized letters).  Notice I have no photos of them - As soon as Valeria set her pancakes down, they were ALL GONE within seconds.  No joke. 

nameste

It's very hard to summarize the 10-day experience in one post and it's even harder to verbalize the sentiments, the emotions I've experienced and the connections I've made on this retreat. 

I can leave you with something Sara said to us that has really struck the cord with me - Have compassion for yourself - Short, sweet, but very powerful.

Thanks for letting me share this experience with you!

Have you also had a good experience at a yoga retreat? Do share with me!

FROM THE CANARY ISLANDS SERIES

I've been exposed to food with a Portuguese influence since I was little because my mom was born and raised in Macau, a Portuguese colony in Asia.  We'd spend our summer vacations there and I'd be eating my three favorite things almost everyday - Grilled bacalhau (cod fish), caldo verde (potatoes and kale soup), and pastéis de nata (custard tarts).  On our first day on Fuerteventura, The Canary Islands, we ventured to the neighborhood around our hotel.  When we came across O'Fado Restaurante Portugues, I was beyond excited!  

The Owners - Two Kind Souls

O'Fado looks empty when we arrive during lunch hours.  We hesitate just a bit because of that, but I'm so glad that we've decided to go in.  Americo and Helena make up the husband and wife team here.  I start chatting with Americo and realize he's Portuguese, so I share my childhood stories about Macau with him.  He is super nice and friendly, always have this slight smile on him, and seems happy to bump into someone who knows a little about the Portuguese cuisine. 

The Atmosphere - A Small Taste of Portuguese Culture

The atmosphere is very relax, with soft Portuguese music playing in the background and wide windows allowing loads of sunlight to come through.  Portuguese tile art can be seen adorning some of their walls, along with personal touches like a painting of a Lisbon cable car.

The Food - Serving Up Authentic Portuguese Dishes

Although O'Fado does not have caldo verde on the menu, I still enjoy my dishes - Grilled fresh fish and their version of the acorda alentejana.  

The grilled fish is great - Simple seasoning with mainly olive oil sprinkled over the fish and is garnished with a salad and the Canary Island's famous wrinkly potato dish.  Fish at its freshest and simplest...Add a dash of fresh lemon juice, I am in heaven.

The acorda alentejana is a soup-like dish cooked with garlic, coriander, olive oil, vinegar, eggs, along with sliced bread.  Americo explains that this is a staple in a Portuguese family meal.  I love garlic, and the strong garlic flavor in this soup is right up my alley.  The taste of olive oil is also very prominent.  Overall, another simple yet flavorful dish.

My friend orders a vegetarian dish and it's just called grilled vegetables.  We assume it would be served in slices on a plate.  Well, when the dish arrives, we collectively let out a "wow". 

The veggies are cooked just right, with a sprinkle of salt over them.  And even though it's a plate with just veggies, the pieces are cut into thick chunks.  My friend has a hard time finishing her dish.  Our other friend has ordered what she calls a "normal dish" - She jokingly says that she now feels left out as her dish does not have the wow factor like ours.

Needless to say, we're pretty full by now.  We ask Americo for the check and he surprises us with a full plate of pastéis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts) along with a whole bottle of Portuguese port wine, on the house!  It's nothing fancy, but it's a very thoughtful gesture for sure.

Highly Recommended

I ask Americo and Helena for a photo because I just love their hospitality and their food so much.  And Americo stops us for a moment, grabs his heart-shaped pillow and says, "'we need to add this" while his signature smile is all over his face.  The next night, as we walk by O'Fado, Helena waves hello and comes out to chat just briefly.  She knows we have already dined at a different place, but she's not concerned about that and just wants to say hello to us.  Just amazingly kind people.

O'Fado on Fuerterventura...Highly recommended.

Getting Here

One thing to note is that the address for O'Fado listed on websites such as Trip Advisor is incorrect.  Unfortunately, I do not have their exact address.  It is located in the town of Antigua on Fuerteventura, the second biggest island among The Canary Islands. 

Below is a visual guide based on two properties that are listed correctly on the web - the Barceló Fuerteventura Thalasso Spa Hotel and Fado Rock Steak House.  We will use the Barceló Hotel as the starting point (follow green arrows).

1) From Barceló , turn right at the first cross street that you will see on your right side.

2) Walk along this tree-lined street.  Walk two blocks of this street.

3) At the end of the second block, you will see O'Fado on your left side, right at the corner.

4) For reference, O'Fado is: a) Next to Great Wall, a Chinese restaurant.  b) Across the street from Fado Rock Steak House (Has an outdoor patio).

Thanks for letting me share this food find with you!

What are some of your favorite food finds from your travels?

FROM THE CANARY ISLANDS SERIES

I am one of those super organized travelers who plans out the entire itinerary in advance, googles all the local attractions (and their historical significance), and has a daily schedule that maximizes the 18 waking hours we have everyday.  So when my friends asked me, at the last minute, if I wanted to join them for a trip to the Canary Islands, I surprised myself by saying "yes".  I said "yes" mostly because I knew it wouldn't be easy to find a travel companion for another trip to this island chain off the cost of Africa.  Plus, it's living the island life for 1.5 weeks...why not?

Islas Canarias, as it is known in Spanish, consists of 7 major islands.  We were on the second largest island called Fuerteventura for a yoga retreat.  The retreat was absolutely wonderful with daily beach yoga, homemade meals, massages and just pure relaxation.  And we met some of the kindest, warmest people who traveled to or moved there from around the globe.  Saving that for another post.  Fuerteventura's landscape is mostly very dry, covered with volcanic materials, except this one part of the island where you will find its famous sand dunes and its endless white sand beaches.   

Parque Natural Dunas de Corralejo (Nature Park of the Dunes of Corralejo)

Preservation  The sand dunes at one point were at risk of being spoiled by hotel developments.  The local government recognized the significance of the dunes to the environment, to the culture, and to the tourism industry, so a national park was established to preserve the area, so that everyone would get to enjoy this natural wonder for generations to come.

A White Sand Desert  We step out of our parked car.  We try to look toward the end of the beach where it would meet the ocean, but we can't see the water at all.  The white sand beach is miles and miles deep.  At one point, I stop and look around - I feel like I am in the middle of a desert where all I can see is white sand in all 4 directions.

Watching a Light Show  There was also a nature light show, too, as the moving clouds continuously shift the sunlight across the sand, making it seems darker at times and brighter in certain spots.

Nature's Painting  When the ocean finally emerges, the view is just spectacular.  The water is a true turquoise color, pinned against a blue sky and white sand.  It's perfect harmony of colors that just brings a smile to your face.

Just Us & The Dunes  The sand dunes cover such a large area that you can come across parts of the beach that still seems unspoiled by human traffic.  The sand in this particular spot is so fine and so pure that it feels like walking with a pair of soft fluffy slippers.

Mutual Respect  The most amazing thing is how unspoiled this natural wonder is. At times, we were the only 3 people within a few miles radius.  There is also a mutual respect by the locals and visitors alike to keep this beauty as clean as possible. I don't recall seeing any trash at any part of the sand dune. 

Incredible.

Some Travel Tips

Getting Here  I will use Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real (aka, "The Bahia") as a starting point because you'll find it on the map and it's considered a major landmark among the locals.  From there, head south on Av. Corralejo Grandes Playas toward FV-1 (this is a major highway).  Continue on FV-1 until you start seeing sandy beaches or sand dunes on both sides of the road.

Keep Driving Pass the Crowd  Most people stop at the first sight of the sandy area.  Don't get me wrong - We did just that and the area was lovely, but it was very crowded and the sand seemed a bit dirty from all the traffic.  I recommend that you continue driving down FV-1 to get to the more remote part of the sand dunes.  I'd say it's about 1.5 - 2.0km from the first sand dunes sighting.  Visually, you'll notice less and less cars parked on the side of the highway.  And, yes, your parking spaces are simply each side of the road.  Because we came from the north, we parked on the opposite side and had to across the highway - Please be careful as cars are going at full speed since it is a highway.

Bring On The Sun Protection  Sand reflects about 15% of UV radiation, according to the World Health Organization, in addition to the UV levels you are already exposed to by being in the sun.  And since the sand dunes is an open area with just sand, extra sun protection is essential.  Must-haves for you are sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, and some moisten wipes.  And don't forget to reapply that sunscreen.

FROM THE CANARY ISLANDS SERIES

Seoul is an absolute food heaven for those who love to eat, like myself.  It's also hard not to think about food all the time while walking around the city because every corner you turn, there is something to eat!  Many of our food finds are chance encounters while some are recommendations from Korean friends.  Either way, I'd be happy to go for seconds at any of these places we've come across.

MILKY BEE

The long line at Milky Bee never seems to disperse.  And one taste (and look) of their ice cream explains it all!  You can choose from their visually-pleasing rose gelato in a cone or their signature milky ice cream series.  Whatever your final choice is, you won't be disappointed. 

I opted for their top 2 item on the menu called the Honey Combs - milky ice cream with a piece of honey comb + drizzles of honey.  My mom opted for the rose gelato on a cone with yogart + strawberry flavors.  The ice cream is ultra smooth and has a delicious whole milk flavor.  It reminds me of the Japanese milk-flavored chewy candies I had as a child in Hong Kong.  The gelato is equally tasty.

The rose gelato is gorgeously done and my mom keeps saying it's too pretty to eat!  3 to 4 people behind the counter feverishly work on each rose petal creation.  I watch them for a while and truly appreciate their patience and dedication to making every cone the most perfect one.  Every time I see such passion in food-creation, it makes me enjoy it that much more.  

My second try of another Milky Bee signature - The Milky Bee Original.  This time it's just the milky ice cream without any toppings - I want to taste the pure flavor of their milky creation.  I am in ice cream heaven.

Pricing 

Milky Ice Cream Series:  Small 3500 - 4800 Won / USD $2.99 - $4.10.  Large 6300 - 7600 Won / USD $5.38 - $6.49 (Photos showed small)

Rose Gelato:  2 flavors 5500 Won / USD $4.70;  3 flavors 6000 Won / USD $5.12 (Photo showed 2 flavors)

Getting There 

Milky Bee is located in the Myeongdong neighborhood, also known as the beauty district where every street is filled with retail stores of all the popular Korean beauty brands. 

The exact address is "11 Myeongdong 8 ga-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul", with "8 ga-gil" being the street name.  Be careful not to confuse this with a perpendicular street called "8-gil".  The actual cross street is "10-gil".  If your app has trouble locating it, try searching for Creto Hotel Myeongdong or The Grand Hotel Myeongdong first.  Milky Bee is on the same street, about a 5-7 minutes walk from these hotels, in the direction toward the hustle and bustle of the beauty district.

Using Seoul Subway System - Easy & Straightforward

You can also take the subway.  Exit at the Myeongdong station on Line 4 (lighter blue).  Seoul subway system is very easy to use, from using ticket machines to locating stations on maps.  Multiple languages, including English, are available.  If you buy single-use ticket, you have the option to obtain a 500 Won refund after exiting your destination station.  There is a refund machine where you can insert the used ticket.  Location of this machine varies by station, so you will have to spend a few minutes looking for it.  It's not a big amount, but money is money!

The official tourism site has an extremely helpful and detailed page showing you everything you need to know about using the subway.  Go here for info on maps, basic fare, ticket machine, gate, refund, etc.. 

MYEONGDONG KYOJA

The Myeongdong Kyoja came highly recommended by a friend's spouse, who's Korean.  Their signature item is their "kyoja", aka dumplings.  The restaurant began in 1964 and officially became Meyongdong Kyoja in 1978 in order to distinguish themselves from the copycats.

We actually passed by this place on the first day without noticing it - That's how unassuming it is.  And their menu is simple with only 4 choices - Kalguksu (A traditional Korean chopped noodle that comes with dumplings), Kongguksu (Another traditional Korean noodle dish served in cold soy milk broth), their signature dumplings steamed without broth or noodles, and a spicy noodle dish.    

We really want to order all 4 dishes, but knowing that there's no way we could finish that much food, we went for the Kalguksu (chopped noodles).  

Both me and my mom let out a "wow" after our first bite.  The noodles are chewy.  The broth seems thicker than what I am used to, but it is tasty.  And the dumplings may be on the skinny side, but they are super yummy and the skin is made so thin that it must require some skills to make the dumplings without breaking the skin.  All the flavors are just right.  We vow to come back for a second visit.  

Getting Here

Myeongdong Kyoja has two locations.  The one we visited is located at "29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-su, Seoul".  The cross street is "8-gil".  The other location is just up the same street.  The entrance may appear to be a tourist trap kind of place at first glance, but look here for some photos of the entrance to help you locate the restaurant.  If using the subway, exit at Myeongdong station on Line 4 (lighter blue).

Know the Drills

One thing that maybe surprising is that the waiting staff will ask you to pay immediately after they have taken your order.  Each dish is 8000 Won / USD $6.83.  Also, try to go before or after the usual lunch and dinner rush hours.  We did that and waited for a few minutes for a table.  Otherwise, the wait can be 45 minutes. 

BEANS BINS

I was poking around as my mom was shopping in a Myeongdong store.  I somehow walked into what I thought was an alleyway, but it turned out to be an entrance to a small hotel.  Then I looked up and saw this hidden gem. 

The coffee was just ok, but I didn't come here for that.  I came for these lovely and giant shaved ice dessert.  Just look at those giant mochi's with sweet red bean filling.  To die for.  The Korean dessert trend is becoming pretty popular in selected parts of the U.S. such as Southern California.  Boston is still trying to catch up with one store opened, so needless-to-say, I am in food heaven here, yet again.

Another place I'd recommend is Caffebene.  It's a popular chain in Seoul that serves similar giant shaved ice desserts.  There's one in Myeongdong as well.

SEOUL'S STREET FOOD CULTURE

Another Korean friend told me that my visit to Seoul wouldn't be complete if I didn't try the street foods...and so we did.  If only I could eat more, but here are a few that we tried and they were soooo good!

The Sweet Red Bean Bread  Homemade pastry with sweet red bean paste filling.  It was so toasty and every bite is filled with the sweet taste of red beans. The cute fish design just brings a smile to our face.  Also, the wife of this lovely husband and wife team always keeps a smile on her face and we all know how a smile can be so contagious!  I love the Japanese version of this tasty treat, but the Korean version is just as good.  There are similar stalls around Seoul.  This particular one is located on our way to Namsangol Hanok Village.  Price: 1000 Won / USD $0.85.

Grilled Squid  It's almost grill-to-order as the inventory at this stall disappears quickly with the beauty shopping crowd in Myeongdong.  The chef coats each squid skewer with a secret sauce as it is being cooked on the grill.  The combination of the grilling action and this secret sauce sets off this aromatic fragrance in the air and that's what drew us to this stall in the first place.  Price: 1000 Won / USD $0.85.

The Egg Bread  I couldn't resist this stall with their stacks of eggs as I love eating eggs.  I assumed it's some sort of seasoned boiled eggs, but as I pick up my piece, I realize it's a close-to-over-and-easy egg on top of a piece of bread.  And as I bite into it, Oh My God, it's a combination of the saltiness of the egg and the sweetness of the bread.  I tried to get a second one, but one is already so filling and I have to save space for other good stuff.  Location: Myeongdong, across from the large Nature Republic store (The one with green vines on the outside wall).  Price: 2000 Won / USD $1.71.

The Waffle Ice Cream Sandwich  Not exactly a cultural food, but both me and my mom have a sweet tooth, so naturally we are drawn to this stall.  So was the little boy standing behind my mom (in the photo) who, after seeing my mom holding two of these delicious monsters, talked his mom into buying him one.  The stall-owner is super nice - There are already-made waffles, but my mom asks him for the fresh ones he's making and he kindly offers them to us.  A mix of sweet waffles and ice cream, who doesn't love that?!  Location:  Myeongdong, near TeenieWeenie.  Price:  3000 Won / USD $2.56. 

The Juice Stand  Finally, some refreshing and freshly-squeezed juice.  I'm usually not a huge fan of grapefruit, but for some reason, the grapefruit juice from this stand is so sweet (no sweetener added) and I totally love it!  I also love how this comes in foldable plastic bags that can be carried easily even if there's no trash can in sight.  I devour the first bag and order a second one.  The stall-owner chuckled at the sight of me sucking up the juice in 20-seconds time.  Location:  Myeongdong, near Banila Co.  Price:  I can't recall, but probably between 1000 & 3000 Won /  USD $0.85 -2.56.  

Going Back for Seconds

There are so many other street food stalls and local food choices.  What we tried was just a fraction of them.  I was telling my friend that I spent most of our time shopping for K-beauty on this trip...and we'd have to go back just for a food tour.  I hope you've enjoyed this intro to Seoul food culture and maybe I'll bump into you on my next journey there!

Let me know your thoughts!  

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Thank you!