D and I stand at a shiny stone countertop, fluorescent lights ablazing above, slowing sipping our midday pick-me-ups. Espresso for him, and hot chocolate for me. Our daily post lunch routine. Before us, waitresses in identical uniforms parade around in their almost too-short dresses, braided ponytails swinging back and forth, the clicks of their heels matching the rhythm of their steps. All hot, leggy young things. All the right curves in all the right places. A quick scan of the room…
Prayers for Valparaíso: City on Fire
Sunday April 13, 2014 My heart broke when I woke up this morning. Valparaíso is on fire. Just yesterday, I was strolling climbing through its hills, taking in the tranquil scenery of the Pacific Ocean, breathing in the salty ocean breeze, sampling cakes from the dozens of pastry shops around town, snapping pictures of the colorful houses and steps. Taking beautiful pictures is easy there when it’s such a photogenic city. Just yesterday, we happily left in the later part…
[Santiago] Cheap and Delicious Market Foods
D and I have been in Santiago, Chile for a little over a week now, and we already have a favorite place to eat! We’ve returned to it again and again ever since stumbling into it our second day here. In fact, we no longer even ask each other where to go for lunch, because we both just know now. Mercado Tirso de Molina is a small marketplace (yes, it’s small compared to the overwhelming La Vega next door) with produce…
The Ultimate Guide to Koreatown – the Coolest Neighborhood in Los Angeles
After almost a decade of living in/around Los Angeles, I still haven’t made up my mind on whether I love or hate the city. However, I have come to the conclusion that Koreatown just may be the coolest place in LA. If you are looking for a night out in downtown Los Angeles… let’s say the kind of night where you eat good food, channel your inner rockstar, and maybe even chat up a cute girl (or guy)… and if…
My Favorite Chinese Foods (and a stinky one)
For years, I’ve told people that I don’t like going out for Chinese food. “But you’re Chinese!!” Well yes. I love Chinese food but I like my mom’s cooking. I’ve been lucky to have been spoiled with authentic home cooking all my life, so many Chinese restaurants just don’t cut it. D also loves Chinese food, but neither of us can cook like our mothers. So whenever we went out to eat, guess what we ate a lot of? The past…
Santiago, Chile: First Impressions
“Wow, kinda a dump,” I thought as I peer out of the the taxi window. It’s just after 6:00 am and we are driving into central Santiago from the airport. To be fair, it is dark out and the streetlights cast an unnerving glow unto the old buildings and empty streets. We finally made it to Santiago, Chile! Our first destination of our 3 months stint in South America. D and I sit in the back of the taxi heading…
That Day I Quit my Job to Travel the World
I seem to have gotten myself into quite a pickle at work. I am sooo nervous, more nervous than I can remember ever being my whole life. My hands are clammy and sweaty, even as I continuously wipe them down on my jeans. My heart’s threatening to jump right out my chest. And you know the expression “scared shitless”? Yeah… no idea where that came from, for I had the exact opposite problem (but ok..TMI). For today was the day…
Packing Tips: Mix & Match for Light Travel and Style
I’m gonna assume I’m not generalizing when I say that it is very difficult for girls to cut down in clothing. In order to whittle down the amount of things I’m putting in storage, I had to also seriously re-assess my (overflowing) closet. I admit I did have a hard time donating/selling most of my clothes. And I’m having an even harder time coming to grips with the fact that some of my most beloved clothing items (like that shimmery…
10 Things to do in Downtown Los Angeles (on a walking tour)
Sometimes on a weekend when D and I find ourselves without any plans, we ride the train up to downtown Los Angeles. We mainly go to eat at one little Mexican stand called Rodolfo’s. Rodolpho’s is situated smack in the middle of the bustling and ever so colorful Olvera Street, a charming little brick-lined alley inducing visions of old Mexico. It also has an interesting history of being the oldest part of downtown Los Angeles. Olvera Street is conveniently located…
Birthday Wishes for Dad (and when parents are unsupportive)
This is a sensitive topic that many bloggers don’t really talk about. But my blog is my space for any of my weird/random/personal musings, and I don’t hold too much back. My father is not an easy man to understand. I’m not sure whether it’s due to just being born that way, his upbringing in China, or his life experiences, but he is extremely pessimistic. He often doesn’t see the upside or light in any situation. I try hard to think if it’s…