Most of these are stereotypical things most Britons don't actually do. But whatever, they were all for kicks!
1. Wear silly hats
They're actually quite pricey but walking around the streets of Britain with feather cocktail hats is quite amusing.
2. Afternoon tea
You probably won't eat dinner after tea, sandwiches, scones, and cakes. But it's worth it.
3. Go punting
With strawberries, cream, and Moet & Chandon champagne of course - just be sure to pack an extra change of clothes. Things could get wet.
4. Snog (yes, I used the term, snog) in a Phonebooth
Shag if you can
5. Participate in a London Street Party
Apparently bars and clubs close at 3AM. What are drunk teenagers supposed to do after that? Have a London Street Party!
6. Pimms o'clock
Drink pimms in the Summer. Preferably in a pub called the Red Lion or the Royal Oak (there's one in every town)
Friday, August 14, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
My Biggest Travel Fantasy
Duffel bag in hand (small enough for carry-on)
Sunglasses on
Passport? *Check*
Credit card? Money? *Check*
Get into a cab and go to the airport.
Where am I going?
DESTINATION UNKNOWN.
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.
Buy ticket. I'm off.
Sunglasses on
Passport? *Check*
Credit card? Money? *Check*
Get into a cab and go to the airport.
Where am I going?
DESTINATION UNKNOWN.
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.
Buy ticket. I'm off.
Damn, if only I have a passport that allows me to enter most countries in the world, I really would.
Friday, August 7, 2009
The City of Dreaming Spires
"And that sweet city with her dreaming spires,
She needs not June for beauty's heightening"
- Matthew Arnold, Thyrsis
She needs not June for beauty's heightening"
- Matthew Arnold, Thyrsis
Greetings from Oxford, home of the greatest university in the world, the most gifted poets, scholars, and intellectuals... And at least for a month, also my home. I'm taking summer tutorial classes wherein I have an hour and a half one-on-one session with my professor each week and present to him an essay I've been working on (somewhat like a dissertation).
Oxford is amazing. I love this city. I live in a huge near the city center, London is an hour and a half away, and I have a few friends who are also here. But living condition and social scene aside... the city is beautiful. My favorite time of day is around dinner time when the sun gives the buildings a gold shine when it hits them:
Thoughts and observations:
- I don't like English cuisine (fish 'n chips, bangers 'n mash, pie) - if you can even call it a cuisine
- BUT I like their English Breakfast, afternoon tea w/ scones and amazing clotted cream
- Kebab vans and stalls are widespread here, and they're seriously not too bad
- I thought British guys would be cuter
- They take their class systems seriously (i.e. being called a "Chav" is a huge insult because it means you're from the working class who wears sweatpants/hoodies, and live in council housing)
- The weather is crazy and summer never comes (it's supposed to be summer now but it rains almost everyday)
- English people go to tuck shops, get sandwiches/baguettes to go, and eat while they walk
Monday, July 20, 2009
Manila Club Scene: Embassy Superclub
In Manila, many clubs have come and gone. Absinthe? This, as well as Ice, Temple, Bed Space have all gone out of the window. Alchemy? 3 rooms gone to waste. Warehouse? Heard the crowd isn't that good anymore. Jaipur? Same story. Bottom line, clubs just don't last!
But then again, there's always an exception to the rule: Embassy Superclub.
I've been going to Embassy since high school. I revisit the place every time I go back to Manila. Why? It never disappoints.
Superb Service. The waiter was always on his toes.
Confesion: I love how they're always armed with a lighter :)
But then again, there's always an exception to the rule: Embassy Superclub.
I've been going to Embassy since high school. I revisit the place every time I go back to Manila. Why? It never disappoints.
Superb Service. The waiter was always on his toes.
Confesion: I love how they're always armed with a lighter :)
Embassy Fly
Great music! Awesome transitions and song choices.
Great music! Awesome transitions and song choices.
Most importantly, I was with good company
WORK IT!
I don't know how it does it but Embassy makes EVERYONE dance
I don't know how it does it but Embassy makes EVERYONE dance
Good vibes till closing time
(Which reminds me the only thing I hate about it, it abides by Fort's curfew)
(Which reminds me the only thing I hate about it, it abides by Fort's curfew)
Cafe Ysabel
Located a few blocks away from Greenhills is a haven for gastronomists:
Aside from being established in a 1920s ancestral home, the restaurant is famed for being home to the cultinary institute of reknowned chef, Gene Gonzales.
I went to the restaurant last week with my grandmother and this was what we ordered:
Two much for 2 ladies? Guess what? We finished every single one of them. The waiters probably thought we were barbarians. Holy shit, the food was so good. PLUS can you believe the whole meal - including a glass of wine each - only cost us a little over Php 1600 (USD 33)?!
It's now officially my favorite restaurant in Manila. I can't wait to go back!
P.S. I recently discovered that apparently Mr. Anthony Bourdain himself visited the restaurant as well – dammit, the man beat me to it.
Café Ysabel
455 P. Guevarra Street
San Juan, Metro Manila
(632) 726-9326
cy-reservations@cacschef.com
http://www.cafeysabel.com/
Aside from being established in a 1920s ancestral home, the restaurant is famed for being home to the cultinary institute of reknowned chef, Gene Gonzales.
I went to the restaurant last week with my grandmother and this was what we ordered:
• Menu •
Lavash (Iranian) bread
~ • ~
Crisp smoked fish wantons in salsa verde
Pan Fried gooseliver with lightly tossed greens and apple-ginger tatin
~ • ~
Braised lamb shank
~ • ~
White wine
~ • ~
Crème brulee
Tea
Lavash (Iranian) bread
~ • ~
Crisp smoked fish wantons in salsa verde
Pan Fried gooseliver with lightly tossed greens and apple-ginger tatin
~ • ~
Braised lamb shank
~ • ~
White wine
~ • ~
Crème brulee
Tea
Two much for 2 ladies? Guess what? We finished every single one of them. The waiters probably thought we were barbarians. Holy shit, the food was so good. PLUS can you believe the whole meal - including a glass of wine each - only cost us a little over Php 1600 (USD 33)?!
It's now officially my favorite restaurant in Manila. I can't wait to go back!
P.S. I recently discovered that apparently Mr. Anthony Bourdain himself visited the restaurant as well – dammit, the man beat me to it.
Café Ysabel
455 P. Guevarra Street
San Juan, Metro Manila
(632) 726-9326
cy-reservations@cacschef.com
http://www.cafeysabel.com/
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Hi, I'm Lady Bellini
Hey beautiful! Lady B here.
I’m a traveler.
I’m an adventurer.
I’m a dreamer.
In other words, I’m a female Anthony Bourdain wannabe (He always leaves the shopping part out anyway)
Get ready to eat, shop, and live the good life.
Cheers,
Lady B
I’m a traveler.
I’m an adventurer.
I’m a dreamer.
In other words, I’m a female Anthony Bourdain wannabe (He always leaves the shopping part out anyway)
Get ready to eat, shop, and live the good life.
Cheers,
Lady B
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