Description:
While its true that I notice I cough a lot when I eat too many eggplants, who can resist eating eggplant viands? The following is from a recipe I found in a Japanese cookbook, and is another way of preparing the talong (eggplant). Preparation time ~ 10 mins. Cooking time ~ 8 mins. Ingredients:
5 Japanese eggplants (about 400 g)
4 tbsp oil 1/2 small red chili, sliced thinly 2 tbsp red miso paste 4 tbsp sugar 2 tsp soy sauce 1 tbsp water 2 tsp toasted white sesame seeds (optional) few sprigs of parsley (optional) Directions:
1) Peel 4 lengthwise strips of
skin from each eggplant in alternating strips and discard. Slice each
eggplant into 2.5 cm (1 inch) rounds.
2) Place the eggplants in a bowl of cold water for 10 minutes. Drain, then pat dry on a paper towel. 3) Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the eggplants and stir-fry for 5 minutes or until they are tender. Add chili, sugar, miso, soy sauce and water and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds, if desired and serve warm.
- Feb 8, '10 3:54 PM
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Monday, August 27, 2012
Jap-style Sauteed Eggplants (Japanese Appetizers)
Cold Tofu Appetizer (Japanese Appetizer)
| Category: | Appetizers & Snacks | |
| Style: | Japanese | |
| Special Consideration: | Quick and Easy | |
| Servings: | 4 |
Description:
From the internet.
Tofu is high in protein, calcium and B vitamins, yet low in fat.
Like the potato, it has very little taste of its own, instead taking on the flavor of whatever it's cooked with.
Like the potato, it has very little taste of its own, instead taking on the flavor of whatever it's cooked with.
Preparation time is ~ 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp thinly sliced leek
10 ounces (or 300 g) silken tofu
2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
2 to 3 tbsp soy sauce
2 to 3 tbsp dried bonito flakes
10 ounces (or 300 g) silken tofu
2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
2 to 3 tbsp soy sauce
2 to 3 tbsp dried bonito flakes
Directions:
1) Soak the leeks in a small bowl of cold water for 10 minutes,
then drain. Place the drained tofu on paper towels and pat dry. Cut the tofu
block into 4 equal pieces. Divide the tofu (carefully, since its silken tofu so
its a bit soft) between 4 small bowls.
2) Divide the leek and ginger into 4 equal portions and place on
top of the tofu. Drizzle over soy sauce and serve with bonito flakes on the
side.
- Feb 8, '10 3:03 PM
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Japan (2008), A Taste of Nagasaki
I was introduced to Nagasaki
last Christmas through one of their delicacies - a "kasutera"
(originated from "Castilla") or castelle which friends Benjie
and Joy gave me.
The "kasutera"
pound cake was introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century and is still
alive and kicking today as a traditional sweet of Nagasaki.
While there may be other castelle cakes from other regions, it remains something associated with Nagasaki itself. As I've always liked pound cakes from my Sara Lee days, the kasutera for me was totally addicting (I loved the "matcha" or green tea ones) as it was light cake.
Here is a link I found which has pictures and a recipe: http://www.justhungry.com/2006/08/oyatsu_and_kasutera_castella_a.html
I was also taken with the colorful wrappings for these cakes...I've
yet to download the picture I had taken of the green tea castella I had bought
from Huis Ten Bosch. That one had a
nice wrapping to it, while the other one I gave as pasalubong (gift) and which I promptly forgot to take a picture
of beforehand. I will include it later and edit this post.
If I didn't have to go around from one station to another, I'd have bought a basket of these home with me as they were a perfect accompaniment to my very occasional cup of tea - be it English breakfast, oolong, green tea (yum, the layers of flavors!) or even milk tea which is already sweet. My weakness...*salivates*
If I didn't have to go around from one station to another, I'd have bought a basket of these home with me as they were a perfect accompaniment to my very occasional cup of tea - be it English breakfast, oolong, green tea (yum, the layers of flavors!) or even milk tea which is already sweet. My weakness...*salivates*
"Shippoku", which is the city's most famous food
is delicious full course meal that combines the cuisine of Japan, China and
Europe.
You have to have at least 1 more person with you if you plan to dine on this kind of food - it may include dishes like sashimi, fish soup, seasonal delicacies which may be boiled, fried, vinegared etc. {picture in this page taken from another site was I was unable to book a reservation at one of the recommended restaurants}
You have to have at least 1 more person with you if you plan to dine on this kind of food - it may include dishes like sashimi, fish soup, seasonal delicacies which may be boiled, fried, vinegared etc. {picture in this page taken from another site was I was unable to book a reservation at one of the recommended restaurants}
"Champon" and "Sara udon" are very
hearty Chinese dishes (and not expensive, to boot!). I had a taste of the
former in Huis Ten Bosch and this thick Chinese noodle is served as a soup with
meat, seafood and vegetables.
We had to queue for some time to get into the restaurant and I was afraid it was going to be a commercialized version, but like most restaurants in Japan, the soup turned out to be very good and filling - the perfect food to eat for a hungry tourist going around and around.
We had to queue for some time to get into the restaurant and I was afraid it was going to be a commercialized version, but like most restaurants in Japan, the soup turned out to be very good and filling - the perfect food to eat for a hungry tourist going around and around.
The also had udon
which we didn't partake of.... and I'm afraid the picture I have here is of the
packaged kind only.
"Karasumi" or dried mullet roe is a seafood delicacy prized by gourmets. No comment since I hadn't eaten or seen it.
- - May 18, '08 3:55 PM
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Restaurant Review: Spirale Ristorante (4 stars)
Spirale Ristorante: "Vale ogni centesimo!"
Italian and Japanese are two international cuisines I try my darndest to savor when I visit another place.
On 24th September 2011, after the extremely adventurous trip and butt-whomping rides through every imaginable vehicle to Camp Sabros and experiencing its soaring ziplines, my companions and I finally came back to Davao City.
Cousins who love to eat together when in the vicinity
Category:
|
Restaurants
|
Cuisine:
|
Italian
|
Location:
|
Davao City, Philippines
|
You can confidently bet your last
piece of penne pasta when it comes to my visiting Italian restaurants which
come highly recommended!
Italian and Japanese are two international cuisines I try my darndest to savor when I visit another place.
On 24th September 2011, after the extremely adventurous trip and butt-whomping rides through every imaginable vehicle to Camp Sabros and experiencing its soaring ziplines, my companions and I finally came back to Davao City.
I had promised Rina, my closest (and
therefore favorite cousin) that she and I would have dinner together, have a
talka-thon and that I'd hand over for her sweet tooth Manila baked sweets which
were probably not good for her system...hahaha!
Chiara, (who was not able to be with us in Camp Sabros) was in Spirale Ristorante already with her family. She had earlier recommended this eating place upon picking us up at the airport at an ungodly hour - with Cafe Firenzo beside it but of course they were still closed at that time. It just whet my appetite.
We made a snap decision to go to Damosa Gateway (I keep blundering and calling it Damaso, probably from the fat friar in Jose Rizal's novels) to see how good their Italian offerings were.
Rina and I arrived just in time to greet and meet Chiara and her hubby before they left and thank them for the fun we had at their Camp Sabros. Then it was time to get into the serious business of ordering and inhaling the delicious aroma of food which came our way, even if we were seated outside.
I was tasked to do the choosing and it was difficult because I loved all the descriptions in their menu selections.
I finally settled on Pizza Prosciutto (no surprise there) and Vongole al Chorizo for the pasta side. (I was sure my stomach pets wouldn't mind the carbo load late that night).
Chiara, (who was not able to be with us in Camp Sabros) was in Spirale Ristorante already with her family. She had earlier recommended this eating place upon picking us up at the airport at an ungodly hour - with Cafe Firenzo beside it but of course they were still closed at that time. It just whet my appetite.
We made a snap decision to go to Damosa Gateway (I keep blundering and calling it Damaso, probably from the fat friar in Jose Rizal's novels) to see how good their Italian offerings were.
Rina and I arrived just in time to greet and meet Chiara and her hubby before they left and thank them for the fun we had at their Camp Sabros. Then it was time to get into the serious business of ordering and inhaling the delicious aroma of food which came our way, even if we were seated outside.
I was tasked to do the choosing and it was difficult because I loved all the descriptions in their menu selections.
I finally settled on Pizza Prosciutto (no surprise there) and Vongole al Chorizo for the pasta side. (I was sure my stomach pets wouldn't mind the carbo load late that night).
As for the flavor - I give them two thumbs up.
While it had only been recently that I had indulged in similar pizza (though oval-shaped) at Cibo in Manila, I think the arugula and prosciutto formula that Spirale slathers on their thin, crunchy-liciously crispy pizza were points ahead in being "home-made"-tasting.
The pasta was a tongue-pleaser too.
The
baby clams were tender (they ought to be) and the stewed tomatoes
coupled with the white wine sauce was just rightly thrown in together.
I usually avoid seafood-related pasta because my all-time favorite is the simple but divine arrabbiata, but this ristorante's version of the vongole was enough to make me more open-minded.
With
just these two dishes, my cousin and I were stuffed to the gills,
though I did manage to set aside a slice or two for Che (who was
already at the Ponce Suites, photos of which are posted somewhere on
this site).
I wish I had more time to stay, eat and talk with my
cousin because its certainly one ristorante I would like to do a little
more menu-exploration.
For the penny-pinching worker though,
this might be one restaurant, which although you might like to eat at
everyday - may not be that conducive to your wallet's continued health.
In comparison to Manila, where popular restaurants are more
expensive, Davao still is relatively cheaper in terms of eating places
which do give a broad variety of very fresh seafood - though I am not
completely sure about the international cuisine side.
I can't label Spirale as a very expensive place, it is also not what I would call as very affordable.
My
recommendation is that you try it at least once...and then you can save
up your money to eat more frequently here as time goes by *grin*
Spirale Ristorante
Damosa Complex, Angliongto Road, Lanang, Davao City
Phone +63 82 234-6298
- Nov 18, '11 1:35 AM
Recipe: Roasted Vegetable Salad (Italian Salads)
| Category: | Salads | |
| Style: | Italian | |
| Special Consideration: | Vegetarian | |
| Servings: | 2 - 4 people |
Description:
I love roasted or grilled vegetables, and there's a variety of ways you can prepare them or the sauce drizzled onto them.
Preparation time is about 20 minutes, while cooking time is approximately 35 minutes.
Quick enough for a veggie dish.
Ingredients:
Preparation time is about 20 minutes, while cooking time is approximately 35 minutes.
Quick enough for a veggie dish.
Ingredients:
3 potatoes, cut into wedges
3 red onions, quartered
2 courgettes (aka zucchini), thickly sliced
2 yellow peppers/capsicums, thickly sliced
4 tomatoes, halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
parmesan shavings (optional)
Dressing:
3 tablespoons EVOO
2 tablespoons clear honey
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
juice and finely grated zest (rind) of 1/2 lemon
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees Centigrade. Place all veggies in a shallow roasting tin, drizzle with oil and season. Shake tray gently to coat the vegetables. Bake for 35 minutes or until vegetables are lightly browned and tender.
2. In a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients. Pour over the roasted vegetables, tossing gently to coat. Serve topped with parmesan shavings if preferred.
2 tablespoons clear honey
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
juice and finely grated zest (rind) of 1/2 lemon
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees Centigrade. Place all veggies in a shallow roasting tin, drizzle with oil and season. Shake tray gently to coat the vegetables. Bake for 35 minutes or until vegetables are lightly browned and tender.
2. In a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients. Pour over the roasted vegetables, tossing gently to coat. Serve topped with parmesan shavings if preferred.
- Jan 30, '10 2:38 PM
Friday, August 24, 2012
Recipe: Bruschetta with Tomatoes (Italian Appetizers and Snacks)
| Category: | Appetizers & Snacks | |
| Style: | Italian | |
| Special Consideration: | Quick and Easy | |
| Servings: | 4 |
Description:
This simple Tuscan dish ought to be familiar if you like eating Italian food. Just using sun-ripened cherry tomatoes and the best quality olive oil is enough to make this dish simply delicious!
Ingredients:
300 grams cherry tomatoes
4 sun dried tomatoes
4 tbsp EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
16 fresh basil leaves, shredded
2 garlic cloves, peeled
8 slices ciabatta or other Italian bread you may prefer
salt and pepper to suit your taste
Directions:
Use a sharp knife to cut the cherry tomatoes in half.
Slice the sun-dried tomatoes into strips.
Place both types of tomatoes into a bowl. Add the olive oil and the shredded basil leaves, then toss to mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Cut the garlic cloves in half. Lightly toast the ciabatta or your preferred Italian bread.
Rub the garlic (cut-side down) over both sides of the bread you just toasted.
Top the toasted bread with the tomato mixture. Transfer to individual plates and serve immediately.
- Nov 19, '09 4:31 PM
This simple Tuscan dish ought to be familiar if you like eating Italian food. Just using sun-ripened cherry tomatoes and the best quality olive oil is enough to make this dish simply delicious!
Ingredients:
300 grams cherry tomatoes
4 sun dried tomatoes
4 tbsp EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
16 fresh basil leaves, shredded
2 garlic cloves, peeled
8 slices ciabatta or other Italian bread you may prefer
salt and pepper to suit your taste
Directions:
Use a sharp knife to cut the cherry tomatoes in half.
Slice the sun-dried tomatoes into strips.
Place both types of tomatoes into a bowl. Add the olive oil and the shredded basil leaves, then toss to mix well. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Cut the garlic cloves in half. Lightly toast the ciabatta or your preferred Italian bread.
Rub the garlic (cut-side down) over both sides of the bread you just toasted.
Top the toasted bread with the tomato mixture. Transfer to individual plates and serve immediately.
- Nov 19, '09 4:31 PM
Recipe: Raita (Indian Side Dishes and Condiments)
| Category: | Side Dishes & Condiments | |
| Style: | Indian | |
| Special Consideration: | Quick and Easy | |
| Servings: | 1 1/2 cups |
Description:
This
is a soothing yogurt-based side dish, and a good partner to any spicy
Indian dish. It can even be made with variety of vegetables -
hmm..seems to me I heard there is even banana raita! But cucumber raita
is the most familiar to me.
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
1 medium or 2 small cucumbers, peeled (~300g total)
1/2 tbsp salt
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 sprig mint leaves, coarsely chopped
optional: 2 shallots, peeled and very thinly sliced
Directions:
1/2 tbsp salt
1/2 cup plain yogurt
1 sprig mint leaves, coarsely chopped
optional: 2 shallots, peeled and very thinly sliced
Directions:
Halve
the cucumbers lengthwise. De-seed them. Cut crosswise into paper-thin
slices (other recipes call for grating them). Sprinkle salt over the
cucumbers and set aside to drain in a colander for about 15 minutes.
Squeeze out as much water as possible from the cucumbers, then rinse
off the salt and squeeze again. Allow to drain well.
Place the cucumber in a small bowl. Add the yogurt, shallots, mint leaves and mix well. Serve chilled. Some like it at room temperature.
You can also sprinkle a little chili or ground cumin over the raita just before serving if you like.
Place the cucumber in a small bowl. Add the yogurt, shallots, mint leaves and mix well. Serve chilled. Some like it at room temperature.
You can also sprinkle a little chili or ground cumin over the raita just before serving if you like.
- Nov 17, '09 6:56 PM
Recipe: Oysters Bloody Maria (Other Appetizers and Snacks)
| Category: | Appetizers & Snacks | |
| Style: | Other | |
| Special Consideration: | Quick and Easy | |
| Servings: | 6 |
Description:
Preparation time is about 5 minutes. Cooking time is from 5-10 minutes also.
Where fresh oyster is plentiful..this is a dish more frequently enjoyed
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp vodka
- 1 dash Tabasco
- squeeze of fresh lime
- freshly ground black pepper
- flesh of 2 fresh tomatoes, chopped (make sure no pulp and no seeds are included)
- optional: 1/2 - 1 tsp whole grain mustard
- 6 scrubbed oysters, shucked
- lime wedges to serve
Directions:
In a bowl, combine vodka, tabasco, pepper, lime juice, tomato flesh and mustard.
Spread the mixture evenly over the opened oysters and grill under pre-heated grill for 5 - 10 minutes. Or you can serve chilled.
Serve with crusty bread or toast. Garnish with lime wedges.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Recipe: Pickled Peppers (Italian Appetizers and Snacks)
| Category: | Appetizers & Snacks | |
| Style: | Italian | |
| Special Consideration: | Quick and Easy | |
| Servings: | 4 |
Picture from the internet. Colorful Peppers!
Description:
I was obviously inspired by "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" line today.
However, I do love peppers and pickled peppers make for a delicious antipasto or pizza topping, wouldn't you agree? Delicious also in pasta sauce, or wherver you would otherwise use peppers.
Ingredients:
1 kg mixed red and yellow peppers
4 basil leaves
2 bay leaves
5 black peppercorns
2 cloves of peeled garlic
1 pint white wine vinegar
Directions:
Preheat the grill to hot. Halve and seed the peppers. Place them skin up and grill for 15 minutes until charred.
Place the peppers in a plastic bag to sweat for 10 minutes. Peel the skin off. Slice the peppers into thick strips then set aside to cool.
Gently bruise the basil leaves between your fingers and put in a sterilized jar with the peppers, peppercorns, herbs and garlic. Add the vinegar.
Seal and use within 6 months.
- Nov 11, '09 11:08 PM
I was obviously inspired by "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" line today.
However, I do love peppers and pickled peppers make for a delicious antipasto or pizza topping, wouldn't you agree? Delicious also in pasta sauce, or wherver you would otherwise use peppers.
Ingredients:
1 kg mixed red and yellow peppers
4 basil leaves
2 bay leaves
5 black peppercorns
2 cloves of peeled garlic
1 pint white wine vinegar
Directions:
Preheat the grill to hot. Halve and seed the peppers. Place them skin up and grill for 15 minutes until charred.
Place the peppers in a plastic bag to sweat for 10 minutes. Peel the skin off. Slice the peppers into thick strips then set aside to cool.
Gently bruise the basil leaves between your fingers and put in a sterilized jar with the peppers, peppercorns, herbs and garlic. Add the vinegar.
Seal and use within 6 months.
- Nov 11, '09 11:08 PM
Recipe: Capri Salad (Italian Salads)
| Category: | Salads | |
| Style: | Italian | |
| Special Consideration: | Quick and Easy | |
| Servings: | 4 |
Description:
Basically a tomato, olive and mozzarella salad, dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. This is a delicious starter, and luckily for me, the ingredients can be easily found.
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 big, big tomatoes
(actually I remember reading somewhere about beefsteak tomatoes being used, but I don't know where to get that here at my place)
- 130 g mozzarella cheese
- 12 black olives
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- basil leaves as garnish
Directions:
1. Cut the tomatoes into thin slices.
2. Cut the mozzarella into thin slices.
3. Stone the olives and slice them into rings
4. Layer the tomatoes, mozzarella, cheese and olives in a stack. Finish with a last layer of cheese on top.
5. Place each stack on a pre-heated grill for 2-3 minutes...or just long enough to melt the mozzarella. (I use the my oven toaster these days).
6. Drizzle the vinegar and olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Put into individual serving plates and garnish with basil leaves.
8. Serve immediately.
Basically a tomato, olive and mozzarella salad, dressed with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. This is a delicious starter, and luckily for me, the ingredients can be easily found.
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 big, big tomatoes
(actually I remember reading somewhere about beefsteak tomatoes being used, but I don't know where to get that here at my place)
- 130 g mozzarella cheese
- 12 black olives
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- basil leaves as garnish
Directions:
1. Cut the tomatoes into thin slices.
2. Cut the mozzarella into thin slices.
3. Stone the olives and slice them into rings
4. Layer the tomatoes, mozzarella, cheese and olives in a stack. Finish with a last layer of cheese on top.
5. Place each stack on a pre-heated grill for 2-3 minutes...or just long enough to melt the mozzarella. (I use the my oven toaster these days).
6. Drizzle the vinegar and olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
7. Put into individual serving plates and garnish with basil leaves.
8. Serve immediately.
- Nov 9, '09 1:47 AM
Recipe: Granita (Italian Desserts)
| Category: | Desserts | |
| Style: | Italian | |
| Special Consideration: | Quick and Easy | |
| Servings: | 4 |
Picture from the Internet. A Lemon Granita.
Description:
A refreshing way to cleanse the palate between courses, but since we don't have "courses" at home, I usually make this during summer.
Granitas are made from slushy ice rather than frozen solid, so they have to be served quite quickly.
Ingredients:
* LEMON Granita:
3 lemons
200 ml lemon juice
115 grams caster sugar (also spelled sometimes as castor sugar)
500 ml cold water
* COFFEE Granita
2 tbsp instant coffee
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp hot water
600 ml cold water
2 tbsp rhum or brandy
Directions:
* LEMON Granita
1. Finely grate the lemon rind. Place the lemon rind, juice and caster sugar in a pan then bring the mixture into a boil and simmer for 5 minutes or so, or until thick and syrupy.
2. Wait until its cooled, then stir in the cold water and pour into freezer container with a lid. Freeze the granita for 5 hours, stirring occasionally to break up the ice.
3. You can serve it as a palate cleanser between meal courses.
* COFFEE Granita
1. Place the cofffee and sguar in a bowl and pour in the hot water, stirring until completely dissolved.
2. Stir in the cold water and the rhum or brandy.
3. Pour this mixture into a shallow freezer container with a lid. Freeze this for at least 6 hours, stirring every 1 to 2 hours in order to create a grainy texture. You can pair it with cream when serving it after dinner
A refreshing way to cleanse the palate between courses, but since we don't have "courses" at home, I usually make this during summer.
Granitas are made from slushy ice rather than frozen solid, so they have to be served quite quickly.
Ingredients:
* LEMON Granita:
3 lemons
200 ml lemon juice
115 grams caster sugar (also spelled sometimes as castor sugar)
500 ml cold water
* COFFEE Granita
2 tbsp instant coffee
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp hot water
600 ml cold water
2 tbsp rhum or brandy
Directions:
* LEMON Granita
1. Finely grate the lemon rind. Place the lemon rind, juice and caster sugar in a pan then bring the mixture into a boil and simmer for 5 minutes or so, or until thick and syrupy.
2. Wait until its cooled, then stir in the cold water and pour into freezer container with a lid. Freeze the granita for 5 hours, stirring occasionally to break up the ice.
3. You can serve it as a palate cleanser between meal courses.
* COFFEE Granita
1. Place the cofffee and sguar in a bowl and pour in the hot water, stirring until completely dissolved.
2. Stir in the cold water and the rhum or brandy.
3. Pour this mixture into a shallow freezer container with a lid. Freeze this for at least 6 hours, stirring every 1 to 2 hours in order to create a grainy texture. You can pair it with cream when serving it after dinner
- Nov 9, '09 2:11 AM
Recipe: Chai Fruitty Smoothie (Other Beverages)
| Category: | Beverages | |
| Style: | Other | |
| Special Consideration: | Quick and Easy | |
| Servings: | up to four |
Description:
been wondering what to do with the extra chai teabags I had...and though I don't have all the fruits listed..this is one healthy way to go about it...green tea and fruits!
Ingredients:
1 medium peach, diced
1 medium apple, diced
1 cup frozen grapes (red seedless)
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries
2 chai green tea bags
Directions:
Brew Chai Green tea in one cup of boiling water, steep for 3-5 minutes.
Remove tea bags and place all the fruit in the blender and pour in the hot tea. Blend until smooth. The tea gives a great spice taste to the fruit smoothie.
been wondering what to do with the extra chai teabags I had...and though I don't have all the fruits listed..this is one healthy way to go about it...green tea and fruits!
Ingredients:
1 medium peach, diced
1 medium apple, diced
1 cup frozen grapes (red seedless)
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries
2 chai green tea bags
Directions:
Brew Chai Green tea in one cup of boiling water, steep for 3-5 minutes.
Remove tea bags and place all the fruit in the blender and pour in the hot tea. Blend until smooth. The tea gives a great spice taste to the fruit smoothie.
- Aug 7, '09 7:42 PM
Recipe: Cherry Tomatoes w/ Basil
| Category: | Other | |
| Style: | Other | |
| Special Consideration: | Low Calorie | |
| Servings: | depends |
Description:
This recipe will make enough to fill a 1 liter (1 3/4 pint) glass bottling jar.
* Bottling jars in different sizes can be bought. They have spring clips or screw tops.
* Spotlessly clean pots, pans, jar and other equipment are a must. Wash the bottling jars throroughly and rinse in hot water. leave to drain rather than drying with a tea towel which might leave behind lint or bacteria. Do not touch the jars during the sterilizing process, if needed, wrap a cloth around the jar.
Ingredients:
1 kg (2 lb 4 oz) cherry tomatoes
5 cloves garlic
fresh basil
1 teaspoon each salt and sugar
Directions:
Wash the tomatoes and prick the skins with a cocktail stick. Peel the garlic. Pack the jar with the tomatoes, adding basil leaves, garlic, salt and sugar between the layers.
Line an oven tray with cardboard and stand the jar on it with the lid closed but not sealed. Sterilize in the oven at 120 degrees Centigrade (or 250 degrees Fahrenheit) for 45 minutes., then seal and leave to cool.
This recipe will make enough to fill a 1 liter (1 3/4 pint) glass bottling jar.
* Bottling jars in different sizes can be bought. They have spring clips or screw tops.
* Spotlessly clean pots, pans, jar and other equipment are a must. Wash the bottling jars throroughly and rinse in hot water. leave to drain rather than drying with a tea towel which might leave behind lint or bacteria. Do not touch the jars during the sterilizing process, if needed, wrap a cloth around the jar.
Ingredients:
1 kg (2 lb 4 oz) cherry tomatoes
5 cloves garlic
fresh basil
1 teaspoon each salt and sugar
Directions:
Wash the tomatoes and prick the skins with a cocktail stick. Peel the garlic. Pack the jar with the tomatoes, adding basil leaves, garlic, salt and sugar between the layers.
Line an oven tray with cardboard and stand the jar on it with the lid closed but not sealed. Sterilize in the oven at 120 degrees Centigrade (or 250 degrees Fahrenheit) for 45 minutes., then seal and leave to cool.
- Jul 13, '09 11:49 PM
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Travel Checklist: Documents
In a little bag I set aside the earliest I can before a trip:
Passport (with the visa if its applicable and needed)
* Identification cards
* Money - Philippine peso, in small bills and coins
Credit cards - two at least as one is for backup
Travelers cheques - if in USD and its a corporate trip
* Tickets - plane/boat
My business cards
Photocopies of passports, credit cards, id cards - a photocopy is placed usually in each bag that I would bring
Currency of where I'm travelling to
Train/Bus Passes if can be bought in advance
* Money - Philippine peso, in small bills and coins
Credit cards - two at least as one is for backup
Travelers cheques - if in USD and its a corporate trip
* Tickets - plane/boat
My business cards
Photocopies of passports, credit cards, id cards - a photocopy is placed usually in each bag that I would bring
Currency of where I'm travelling to
Train/Bus Passes if can be bought in advance
Itinerary printout if my laptop isn't with me
Small notebook /ballpen
Small notebook /ballpen
* Those marked with this asterisk are the things I always bring..the rest would be depending on whether its a trip abroad or just plain romping around my country
| My Travel Checklist: Documents | Mar 10, '10 1:55 AM |
Monday, August 20, 2012
Kitty Trail: Japan (2008), Lodgings at Nara
| Kitty Trail: Japan 2008 -> Where I Stayed in Nara | May 17, '08 3:48 AM |
For this, I was able to book a ryokan through http://www.itcj.jp/
Inns and budget accommodations can be accessed through members of the Welcome Inns which are collaborating with the Japan National Tourist Organization. Rates range from 8K Yen or less for a single room. No reservation fee is charged though you will be asked to input your credit card details as guarantee.
You have to sign up at the site to be able to choose from various locations and hotels. I tried at least 4 different hotels and ryokans listed in Kyoto but was turned down since they were already fully booked.
This is how I ended up getting a ryokan in Nara for May 9, 2008 visit which was hopefully more out of the way as tourists usually just took day trips to Nara, and Golden Week had also ended by that time.
Although it was written that if you are in a pinch you could always ask for help at Tourist Information Centers (TIC) which are usually found at the airports or train stations, normally I would not recommend it especially if it is peak season.
Aside from not knowing beforehand what or where the location would be for where you will end up, the other problem is that these offices close early. You can bet that most of these TICs are closed by 5 pm already, so unless you happen to be there early, you're stuck.
I stayed at Ryokan Seikan-so in Nara. Address is 29, Higashi-Kitsuji-cho, Nara City, Nara Pref. 630-8327.
Check out http://www.itcj.jp/hdb/529002.html if you can see their pictures.
Pictures posted here are my own. But though it may be an understatement isn't the garden nice and typical of ryokans?
I was disappointed I had not wrangled a room facing the garden but since I had arrived late afternoon and would be out most of the day the next day, I reasoned it was okay as long as I could take pictures of their garden, reputed to be one of the more beautiful ones of the Welcome Inns' member ryokans.
That and the fact that I was a bit tired so I only remembered about asking for a room facing the garden after all my things were settled on the tatami mats *sheepish grin*
I arrived in Nara May 8 at 5 pm, took Bus 1 and checked in to my room.
Left Nara on May 9, 2008 for Tokyo around 4 pm.
Nara Park is a bit too big and I underestimated it.
For my Nara pictures, check out these links:
http://cuh888.multiply.com/photos/album/156/NARrA-tion_Descanso_Seikan-so
http://cuh888.multiply.com/photos/album/159/NARrA-tion_The_Inner_Garden
http://cuh888.multiply.com/photos/album/157/My_Only_Night_at_Nara
http://cuh888.multiply.com/photos/album/158/NARrA-tion_The_Breakfast_Room
http://cuh888.multiply.com/photos/album/160/Neko_in_Japan_Nr_Prk
Directions:
12 min. walk from Kintetsu Nara Sta. (half of it under arcades) or 25 min. walk from JR Nara Sta. 10 min. by No. 1 loop bus or taxi.
I don't think you should attempt to walk this if you come from JR Nara Line...as its pretty far..unless you don't have baggage at all.
Anyway, once you exit from JR Nara Station, cross the street to the other side where the buses are going towards your right when you face the street before crossing. That way you will only have 6 bus stops to pass through to reach Kitakyobate Bus stop. If you make a mistake, don't worry, as long as you get on the loop bus it just goes the longer way around.
Directions:
12 min. walk from Kintetsu Nara Sta. (half of it under arcades) or 25 min. walk from JR Nara Sta. 10 min. by No. 1 loop bus or taxi.
I don't think you should attempt to walk this if you come from JR Nara Line...as its pretty far..unless you don't have baggage at all.
Anyway, once you exit from JR Nara Station, cross the street to the other side where the buses are going towards your right when you face the street before crossing. That way you will only have 6 bus stops to pass through to reach Kitakyobate Bus stop. If you make a mistake, don't worry, as long as you get on the loop bus it just goes the longer way around.
When you step out of the bus, turn to your right and walk towards the traffic light but don't cross the street. When you reach the corner of that traffic light, turn to the left and walk 3 to 5 minutes. The ryokan is on the left side of the street.
This street is very useful since if you follow it, it will lead you to more shops and restaurants and also to Nara Park. The design of Nara streets are laid out in a grid-like pattern so its easy to navigate...its just that the distance which will get you down if you are in a hurry while walking.
++++++++
Welcome Inn Reservation Center
Head Office (9:15-12:00/13:00-17:00, Closed on
Sat., Sun., national holidays and Dec. 29-Jan. 3)
Tel. +81-(0)3-3233-3303
Narita Intl. Airport Terminal 1 (8:00-20:00, daily)
Tel. +81-(0)476-30-3383
Narita Intl. Airport Terminal 2 (8:00-20:00, daily)
Tel. +81-(0)476-34-5878
Tokyo (9:00-12:00/13:00-17:00, closed on Jan.1)
Tel. +81-(0)3-3286-6611
Kyoto (10:00-13:00/14:00-18:00, Closed on
the 2nd and 4th Tue. of each month and Dec. 29-Jan.3)
Tel. +81-(0)75-343-4887
Kansai International Airport
(Apr.-Oct.: 8:30-20:30, daily, Nov.-Mar.: 9:00-20:30, daily)
Tel. +81-(0)72-456-6025
Welcome Inn Reservation Center
Head Office (9:15-12:00/13:00-17:00, Closed on
Sat., Sun., national holidays and Dec. 29-Jan. 3)
Tel. +81-(0)3-3233-3303
Narita Intl. Airport Terminal 1 (8:00-20:00, daily)
Tel. +81-(0)476-30-3383
Narita Intl. Airport Terminal 2 (8:00-20:00, daily)
Tel. +81-(0)476-34-5878
Tokyo (9:00-12:00/13:00-17:00, closed on Jan.1)
Tel. +81-(0)3-3286-6611
Kyoto (10:00-13:00/14:00-18:00, Closed on
the 2nd and 4th Tue. of each month and Dec. 29-Jan.3)
Tel. +81-(0)75-343-4887
Kansai International Airport
(Apr.-Oct.: 8:30-20:30, daily, Nov.-Mar.: 9:00-20:30, daily)
Tel. +81-(0)72-456-6025
Kitty Trail: Japan (2008), Yen Matters
Bring cash if you plan to travel outside of the big cities.
While credit cards are widely accepted in Japan, there are some stores in out-of-the-way places and towns which only accept cold hard cash. Please do remember to pronounce "credit card" as "ku-re-jit-to-ka-do" so you can sound more authentic and understandable to them.
Yen is the Japanese local currency (sign ¥ ; currency code: JPY).
There are three types of notes and six different coins:
1K, 5K and 10K yen notes
1, 5,10,50,100 and 500 yen coins
image from the internet
Watch out - some phones are temperamental!- a surprise in this nation generally populated by ultra-polite folks!
My chosen phone in a Nara Park booth refused to give back my 100 yen after I was unsuccessful in making a call...and as I could hardly kick it in revenge as it was near a famous temple's pristine grounds, I resigned myself to a Buddha-like chant and reluctantly left.
I had not seen a lot of ATMs (automated teller machines) while I was in Japan, though of course they do
exist. I was also warned by a colleague working there to bring dough/moolah/cash in the local currency as I may have some difficulty in either getting to an ATM (also you will incur additional fees for withdrawing outside of your home country) or a money changer.
By the way, a tip for meals - for delicious meals, try to budget 1K to 1.5K yen per meal.
For ryokan stay, if you can get one at 10 to 15K yen per night, that's a good bargain already especially if it would include dinner or breakfast or maybe both if you can find it.
Here in the Philippines, you can buy yen from BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) Main branch at Ayala Ave, Makati City. I bought mine there and at BDO (Banco de Oro) Makati but had to make a reservation a day or two beforehand as it's not readily available in the latter.
There are also some foreign currency exchange companies (e.g. Czarina Foreign Exchange) which do offer yen, but again you have reserve beforehand.
Don't do your shopping for yen currency at the last minute! I thought it would be the same in Cebu City where I would just say I wanted to buy USD $2K and get it the same day ...but here in Manila, the last 20K Yen had to be picked up by Tuesday when I called BDO on Friday.
Supplement your financial resources with atm, credit card and traveler's checks - though I cannot vouch for the latter item as I am unsure if it is accepted in places outside of the main cities like Tokyo and Kyoto.
You can also bring USD and have them exchanged at the airport or the bank you may come across which does this service.
- May 17, '08 3:35 AM
Japan (2008): Staying in Osaka
Cat at the front or Osaka Station
OSAKA
I finally managed to snag a reasonably-priced place to stay in this city where Yakuzas are found. Although it was terribly daunting to me at first thought. This would be my first train transfer in both JR station and local/subway, and the inn I was to stay at was a bit difficult to get to...plus my luggage suddenly got heavier due to some cakes I got at Nagasaki plus other pabaon from Benjie.
I chose this inn because Frommer's had listed it under "Inexpensive".(Between you and me I would think this term would apply for 4K Yen and below but it was more in this case).
My first choice, which was Hotel Il Monte had mistakenly said in another site that it was fully booked already, so when I tried the hotel's main site and they replied they had a room, it was already too late since I had booked elsewhere in my zeal to have a roof over my head.
The site for this in case you are interested is http://www.ilmonte.co.jp. There is an English translation page there somewhere. Its near to the Osaka station too.
The name of the hotel I ended up in was Family Inn Fifty's Edobori.
The address is 2-6-18 Edobori, Nishi-ku, Osaka 550-0002.
The con is that there was no closet (but there are hooks on the wall). But it was quite clean, had the usual bath and large containers for shampoos, rinses and body washes, had a double bed, wall-mounted TV, and air-conditioning. Toothbrush, toothpaste and slippers were provided.
Photo of my bathroom during my stay
To reach this place: you have two choices, take the bus from Osaka station or try the subway by changing subway lines in Osaka station.
I think Osaka has one of the more user-friendly train stations as it was easy for me to follow the color-coding to transfer from the Midosuji Line to the Honmachi Station, then transfer to the subway Chuo Line, getting off at Azawa Station.
I seriously doubt the 7 minute walk though, as I think it would be 10 minutes or more...plus since there is more than one exit, you have to be careful to orient yourself. It's location, though a bit far for some first timers is okay though, especially if you want to be nearer Universal Studios Japan and the Osaka Aquarium as it is near the bay area.
Another plus is there is an eat all-you-can continental breakfast (knowing me, can you doubt the deciding factor, regardless of whether it was difficult to travel to this place?) with all the pastries, breads, coffee, milk, juice, tea, jam, butter, eggs you can carry in your stomach. Sorry, but I have no pictures during my breakfast since I was all focused on stuffing myself for the long trek ahead.
Amenities include free use of computers in the lobby, and these have internet access. Be careful, you might end up with the one with Japanese characters keyboard hehehe!
Visit http://www.fiftys.com where they have undoubtedly better marketing material than what I have posted here. Aside from picking up this inn's name from the travel book, I also used http://travel.rakuten.co.jp/en/ to book my reservation for this hotel since it is Japan's largest online hotel reservation company for those on the lookout for budget and moderately-priced accommodations.
I did lose about 15 minutes of walking around before I could find this hotel. Armed with a map, I was able to navigate transferring from the JR line to the subway line running near this inn's vicinity...and I really thought I could make it with enough time to check in and go back to see a bunraku which was extended due to public demand and which had its last show at 4:30 pm.
Alas, by 4 pm I was still walking around the streets looking for this as the tall, fair and handsome policeman I came across could not speak English and could only point to the park which thankfully was on the map I had. Hmph...gwapo sana, walang English word naman.
Since I couldn't read the kanji for the high school building, hence my miss, but luckily with a look at the compass and a question to a lady passing by, I figured enough to find this..lucky too as it was starting to sprinkle little raindrops on my head. And with my extra bag slung over my already drooping shoulders I thankfully recognized the building by the picture I saw of it.
I finally managed to check in without too much difficulty (clerk again had not much English on hand), and they just had to take a photocopy of my passport, and off to my room I went.
I unpacked, washed, took a cat-nap and with darkening skies still ventured out to try my luck again.
Arrived in Osaka May 5, 2008 at 2:45 pm, left for Kyoto on May 6 at 1:30 pm.
*************************************************************
Directions & Transportation:
*From JR Osaka station
Take the bus No.88 to Tosabori-2choume (about 10 mins). 1 min. walk from the bus stop.
*From Higobashi station (subway Yotsuhashi-line)
10 mins. walk from the station
*From Awaza Station (subway Chuo Line)
7 mins. walk from the station.
*From JR Shin-Osaka station
Take the subway Midosuji Line to Honmachi Station.
Change to the subway Chuo Line and get off at Awaza Station. 7 mins. walk from the station.
*From Kansai Int'l Airport
Take the Nankai Rapid Express Train to the last stop, Namba Station. Change to the subway Sennnichimae Line and get off at Awaza Station. 7 mins. walk from the station. The total travel time will be 65 mins.
*From Osaka Int'l Airport
Take the Airport bus to Osaka station. From the station, follow the direction above. The total travel time will be about 50 mins.
-May 17, '08 2:40 AM
Kitty Trail: Japan (2008) Research Material for Travel
I didn't have time but I wanted to make the most out of my first trip to Japan.
1. Frommer's Japan 8th edition - I brought this on the trip with me as most of the material I had read from this helped me decide on which hotels, ryokan, spots to visit. Very useful as it listed schedules of opening/closing of shrines etc, which bus number to take, how to get to a hotel etc.
2. Fodor's Exploring Japan 6th edition - the first Japan travel book I bought, it has lovely photographs and walks described in it and I love shiny thick paper on which it is printed. I also brought this on the trip, although details were not as extensive as Frommer's in getting from one place to another. However, I recommend you buy this also if only to enjoy the pictures and descriptions they have of the different cultural aspects of Japan
3. DK Eyewitness Travel Guides: Japan - colourful pictures, but had to leave it behind. Their "Traveller's Needs" section on Where to Stay, Where to Eat, Shopping in Japan, added to my knowledge gleaned from Frommer's and helped me give me a more clear picture of what to expect. Thinner than Frommer's (it was the thickest) its a good read and a nice addition to one's collection.
4. Lonely Planet: Kyoto City Guide - some people I met along my trip told me they liked Lonely Planet travel books the best. Although I found the maps too cute for my eyes (sign of creeping age), it does have good information on where to prioritize in visiting. But I like my travel books to have good photographs even if they turn out to be bulky and that was what was lacking in this tome.
However, since I really wanted to get to know Kyoto more (in fact, if I had more money and vacation leave balance, I'd have stayed here for 1 week) so there was a lot of information here about the city that was on top of my list. It is also very useful for the budget conscious traveller as it mostly lists those which are on the average to low-cost establishments and lodgings.
5. Lonely Planet: Japanese phrasebook - its a small, handy book very useful for tucking in your bag and in case of emergencies I was prepared to do more than just windmill my arms about. I was prepared to emulate a Japanese accent and struggle through my anime-related Japanese vocabulary. I didn't get to use it very often since I was lucky in Osaka to meet a nice guy who played travel guide, I only got to use it more when I was in Gion, Kyoto by myself during eating.
- Watashi wa Firipin-jin desu (I am a Filipino).
- Watashi no tomodatchi (my friend).
- Kyoto/Tokyo/Nara e ikimasu (I am going to <insert place here>) - very useful at train stations coz I had to ask sometimes where the transfer was to be done.
- Eigo ga hanasemasu ka? (Do you speak English?) I sometimes used Eigo ga wakarimasu ka? (Do you understand English?)
- Sumisasen, wakarimasen (Excuse me or sorry, I do not understand) - the most abused word for me everyday was Sumimasen and Hai (yes).
- Kore was ikura desu ka? (How much does this cost?)
- Nanji desu ka (What time is it?)
- the numbers for 1 to 100, 1000-10,000
- days and months
- counters - but in my case more of bottles (hon), books (satsu), floors (kai), people (nin), time (ji), minutes (fun/pun)
- ku re jit to ka do (credit card) - I learned this in Huis Ten Bosch when I was trying to ask them if they would accept credit card, and they just looked at me when I said "credit card, ok?"....but them I had the bright idea of fudging it by pronounciation...so when I said "ku-re-jit-do-ka-do, hai?"...that solved the problem. *wink*
- Takasugimasu (It is too expensive).
- Nani ga o susume desu ka? (What would you recommend?)
- and the usual up, right, left, down, below, north, south, east, west, near, far...etc.
I also placed in my laptop some pdfs of other Japanese-language audio books like Pimsleur, and some kanji and Japanese phrasebooks.
- May 16, '08 3:37 PM
Kitty Trail: Japan (2008), Getting a JR Rail Pass
| Kitty Trail: Japan 2008 -> Getting a JR Pass |
Makati City, April 25, 2008, Friday - It has been a crazy week. Workload has upped so I've only spent a small portion of the witching hour to research about my upcoming trip.
I've been hearing about the
Links you can check out for more detailed information:
If you plan to travel extensively in Japan
to see many different places and must engage in long-distance journeys,
then you can save money if you purchase a rail pass as train fares in Japan are nothing to sneeze at.
For example, a round trip reserved seat ticket on the Shinkansen (Bullet train) fromTokyo to Kyoto could cost (well at least at the time of this writing and trip) around 26K Yen, or approximately USD $250!
For example, a round trip reserved seat ticket on the Shinkansen (Bullet train) from
Yes indeed, it is almost 3 "lapad" as we say here in our dialect. One "lapad" is 10K Yen.
For those who are unfamiliar with the Cebuano dialect.."lapad" means "wide" and since the Yen
bills are not scrawny looking bills but are fat and wide..hence the
term..or that is how I would interpret it.
In my case, my plan of travel was from Fukuoka , to Nagasaki , then back to Fukuoka , to Osaka , Kyoto , Nara and then to Tokyo ..or whatever else I could squeeze in my tight schedule.
(Oh dear, and I have to work for 2 days while on this trip!).
Where to buy?
You cannot buy the pass in Japan ,
it is only available outside of the country.
There are also regional
rail passes available which you can use if you want to concentrate on exploring a particular
place..examples: JR Kyushu Rail Pass, JR East Pass, JR Hokkaido Rail
Pass. Since I didn't buy them, I cannot vouch if they can be bought in or outside of Japan.
Check out the JR websites I have listed for the different distributors per country where it may be applicable in your case.
JR Railway Timetable
Who is eligible?
To use the pass, you need to be a foreign tourist visiting Japan for sightseeing with temporary visitor status.
What other benefits?
Although I did not take advantage of it, having a JR Pass also entitles you to a discount 10% upwards for room rates at the hotels of the JR Hotel Group. I wanted to try Hotel Granvia in Kyoto ,
Nara Hotel in Nara etc. but after computing it, it was still quite
expensive since I would be the only one paying for it in my solo trip.
Where can you use it?
You
don't need to worry anymore about computing and buying individual
tickets, and you can reserve your seats at JR Trains for free (WARNING:
on Golden Week, the problem is more of who gets to reserve first).
Look
for the special reservation counter called “Midori-no Madoguchi” or Reservation Ticket Office, recognizable by its green sign.
You
are entitled to unlimited travel on all JR train lines including the
Shinkansen as well as most JR buses and the JR ferry to Miyajima.
Picture from wiki. Kodama Train.
The
pass cannot be used for the Nozomi Super Express (the fastest). You
can only use it on the Kodama (slowest) and the Hikari (limited
stops)....but hey, I figured if the difference is less than 30
minutes...I can sacrifice some time for the wait.
My Rail pass.
As for me…I've finally been able to get the Japan Rail pass today.
I acquired it from Universal Holidays, Inc. at Hotel Nikko Dusit Thani, near SM Makati. JAL also offers them though I could not get through their telephone lines.
How much?
If you look at the JR website, you will see that the 7 day pass is worth 28,300 Yen. It is already a bargain for long distance travel. I had to travel back fromNagasaki passing Fukuoka again, on the way through Hiroshima and onwards to Osaka .
If you look at the JR website, you will see that the 7 day pass is worth 28,300 Yen. It is already a bargain for long distance travel. I had to travel back from
For the 14-day pass it costs 45,100 Yen.
21-day pass is also available. Remember you get the most value by the
distance you travel, and not the frequency of use.
For fellow
Filipinos, if you get it from Universal Holidays, you can pay in
Philippine pesos or US dollars, credit card or check or cash.
Exchange, Refunds etc.
Exchange, Refunds etc.
After paying for your rail pass, you will be issued a voucher (Exchange Order) which you will exchange for the pass itself once you reach Japan
and visit your nearest JR station. There is a list of stations and
their hours that you are given which handles the exchange. Upon
exchange, you must specify when you will start to use it.
You have 3 months to exchange the pass from the date of issue of the Exchange Order. If you do not use the Exchange Order by changing it for theRail Pass
You have 3 months to exchange the pass from the date of issue of the Exchange Order. If you do not use the Exchange Order by changing it for the
Handling
fees will be deducted. I think you have 1 year from the issue date for
the refund. If you already exchanged it, you can return the pass for a
refund if it is before the stamped starting date. But hey, why think of
that? Think of how useful and handy it is, just waving it like a magic
wand when you go through train stations at the polite train officials.
I finally was able to meet up and talk personally to a very nice and helpful lady, Universal Holidays Inc. Marketing Manager Christine Manalang. I had emailed the travel agency earlier this week asking about JR pass and one thing led to another, and next thing I know, I was interviewing her on tips on where to go inJapan .
When I did get to see her today, not only did she talk to me about where to go, she also was so kind to give me even the rarer brochures and map about Japan...and unexpectedly, when I mentioned about finding some foldable bags, she also gave me a souvenir bag...*wheee*
Ok, next problem: yen
I finally was able to meet up and talk personally to a very nice and helpful lady, Universal Holidays Inc. Marketing Manager Christine Manalang. I had emailed the travel agency earlier this week asking about JR pass and one thing led to another, and next thing I know, I was interviewing her on tips on where to go in
When I did get to see her today, not only did she talk to me about where to go, she also was so kind to give me even the rarer brochures and map about Japan...and unexpectedly, when I mentioned about finding some foldable bags, she also gave me a souvenir bag...*wheee*
Ok, next problem: yen
Note:
Any information posted on this blog may change or may not be applicable
anymore as time passes. The author recommends that readers check out
the official websites of Japan
“Cat's Nine Tails-Tip for Travelling in Japan"
Are
you caught somewhere in between a wannabe backpacker and
sky-is-the-limit traveler? If you are looking for some special creature
comforts that won’t cost you a pretty penny when trotting around
Japan...this may help....
I’m a thrifty cat (read that as financially-challenged). Meow!
But
as typical with felines, I like my comforts which make feel all warm,
fuzzy and curled into a snug ball. I will absolutely turn up my
wrinkled nose on something dirty, unsafe and downright uncomfortable
digs and cuisine designed to snobbishly appeal to the
gustatory-challenged denizens of the underworld.
Thrills
from rock-bottom ticket prices, humongous discounts (squeeze them like
you would squeeze blood out of stones!) and tales shared by fellow
travelers who don’t want to break their precious piggy banks – sounds
familiar to my twitchy ears. Another way to do that would be to
increase your monthly revenue, but really, I digress.
I
took advantage of some circumstances thrown by destiny, used a
smattering of logic, employed some dexterous interviewing methods and
voila - I’m off to Japan with a tight grip on my travel wallet.
Here are some notes I scribbled down in my trusty travel notebook for this particular journey.
1) Take advantage of the train system.
Japan
has one of the most reliable train systems in the whole world. You can
practically set your puny wind-ups on it if your clock keeps lagging
behind.
Picture from the internet. Shinkansen.
As
a foreigner visiting Japan, you can buy a JR Pass for either 7, 14 or
21 day duration. The poor locals would be green with envy as they eye
the JR Pass you nonchalantly wave at the train officials whilst you go
through one JR station after another. I managed to visit at least 12
towns scattered all across Japan in two weeks time due to this pass and
saved money.
There are exceptions to the use of this train pass. It still works to your advantage if you don’t mind skipping the Nozomi train, the faster version of their shinkansen. It
also does not work on local train lines excluded from the JR network,
but the latter is still the most extensive one in place.
2) Keep an eye out for airfare promos in the off-peak seasons.
Most people flock to The Land of the Rising Sun in spring – gasping in delight when faced with a bevy of beauteous sakura blooms. Therefore, you can expect eyebrow-raising prices during springtime - hotels, airfare, restaurants etc.
Picture from the internet. Autumn scene.
Try
going in Autumn. Fall or autumn is actually one of the best times to
visit – the climate is not too cold in early to mid-fall and the autumn
leaves elegantly worn by the trees is a stunning backdrop for either
your memories or the pictures you might take.
3) Experience life the local way, stay in a ryokan or even a minshuku.
There
might be some inconveniences if you are used to business, boutique or
luxury hotels, but the experience might do you a catnip heap of good.
Instead
of thinking of your physical comfort, ponder on what your soul need may
need. We all need a jolt now and then so break away from your usual
preferences! – as long as you think your knees can survive rising
creakily from the fluffy futon set on the tatami-covered floor.
4) Patronize the 24/7 convenience stores. Hello, konbini!
If
you’re on the run....uhm...if you are on a tight schedule - sitting
down to dine-in restaurants may mean trading off precious time one
could use to take in the breathtaking sights.
Picture from the internet. Shinkansen.
If
your aim is a leisurely meal, all very relaxed and meditative-like…then
you really should not be reading this article…because this is not for
you. Shoo!
5) Ask the locals where to eat.
The
best-tasting food is usually known by these old-timers. First-time
visitors may get shunted off to the tourist traps if you just rely on
group tours.
You
don’t need to cry a river over your credit card’s usage when eating in
Japan. Tis true though that the most inexpensive meals here tastes even
better than a higher-costing meal you may have back home. They do so
well in presentation, that even if the taste may not be superlative,
the appearance itself can bowl you over.
I
guarantee that you can survive on a couple of days on a diet of freshly
baked breads and cakes from their quaint cafes and bakeries. I did that
and here I still am.
Sometimes
it may pose a problem if you don’t speak Japanese, but you can always
flourish your trusty pen and paper and show off your heretofore-hidden
talent at drawing stick figures and strange edible animals or
vegetation.
6) Get itineraries from friends who may have visited the place before.
Talking to friends who have tried a place wins hands down over reading just a travel book.
Your
friends most likely will know your likes and dislikes and take that
into consideration, saving you a bunch of problems. Their personal
experiences may not always be applicable in your case, but you can
always learn a lesson or two.
7) Learn how to express “Please” and “Thank you” in Japan’s national language or local dialect.
Pair it with a winsome smile - or even a gap-toothed grin!
Even
if you innocently and atrociously mangle the pronunciation, it is quite
heartwarming how saying aloud these words will result in genuine smiles
from these polite folks who appreciate your effort in taking the time
to learn a little Nihonggo.
If
you are game enough, try to learn some more phrases! This puts you a
step closer to understanding their particular idiosyncrasies and unique
culture.
8)
Remember Murphy’s law? That “Anything can go wrong, will go
wrong!” reminder? Your well-defined plan may fall victim to this and
get derailed.
But....! Don’t fret.
Relax! Meow! Chill! An upbeat attitude most often ends up working out in your favor.
There
were occasions when only a stubbornly positive attitude in the face of
a formidable-looking long flight of stairs with no elevator in sight
saved me - leading to an adventure which became a blessing in
disguise. Get lost and take a chance in turning left instead of right
the next corner and you might just enjoy the sight and discover a
treasure off the beaten track.
If
you are female and traveling alone, don't worry overmuch. Japan is
generally very safe, chances are low that you will be mugged just
because you gaily traipsed by a dark corner. I’m not saying it won’t
happen, and you have a responsibility to think also of your safety
when not in your country - its just that it will most likely happen in
other Asian cities than Japan.
9) Look for the best in people. Look for the best in yourself!
Travel
by yourself once in a while instead of the usual group you hang out
with. You get to rely on yourself in the process. You may
inadvertently discover a brilliant facet heretofore undiscovered that
will be to your advantage.
I
would recommend Japan as an immensely suitable country to travel alone
if you want some adventure, but at the same time, if you want some
assurance that you will get back home in one piece, so its really a
must-try!
Definition of some terms used:
Shinkansen – bullet train
Ryokan – a type of Japanese inn, that originated way back in the 1600s
Minshuku – Japanese guest house, similar to bed and breakfast
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