Tag Archives: May

Kuala Lumpur Day 3

I was pretty excited for the evening of day three because I knew that it consisted of sipping on something refreshing while taking in some the best panoramic night views of the city and Petronas Towers. Again, using my trusty, “36 Hours Travel Guide”, we headed off to the SkyBar. The Skybar is located in Traders Hotel on the 33rd floor and is a “Top 10 Must Do in KL Attractions”.The bar is open from 10am -1am (3am on weekends), weekdays are much more low-key.

Skybar is an open pavilion with swimming pool by day and a cool, sleek, sophisticated bar by night. One travel tip that I did take from my guide was to call ahead for reservations of the couches located right next to the huge windows that align the Skybar. Why? Just look at the views below. I really wouldn’t want you to miss out on the opportunity to have a clear shot. The dress code is smart casual, also known as genius casual for Mr. B (inside joke).

I asked our waiter if people ever go for a swim in the evening and was told that yes people do indeed swim in the evening, however never quite plan on that swim. Word to the wise, watch your step as you sip on those drinks. Luckily we three didn’t see any or plan on partaking in one of those unplanned swims.

Our intention was just to grab one drink, relax and take in the views before heading off to dinner. Well we got there and were memorized by the view and ordered mojitos that were oh so smooth…Yep, this place really Harry Pottered us right on into more drinks and a pre-dinner appetizer. Well played Skybar, well-played.

Now that we got to see the towers at night, I couldn’t wait to see them up close during the day!

Could you handle that gorgeous views with a refreshing cocktail in hand?

Address:

Traders Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
50088 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia

+60 3-2332 9888

Kuala Lumpur Day 2

Day 2 we woke up, ate breakfast and headed for Batu Caves. For the trip I used places and points of interest that my Uncle recommended from his recent visit to Malaysia, as well as my, “36 Hours Travel Guide” published by Time.

Ever since viewing the photos that my Uncle sent me, I was memorized by Batu Caves, Tamil: பத்து மலை. I knew it had to be on our list to see and do. Luis was our faithful driver and tour guide, he had already seen and done Batu Caves, but decided to join us anyways. All 272 steps up and all 272 steps back down.

In doing some research I learned that, the cave is one of the most popular Hindu shrines outside India. The limestone forming Batu Caves is estimated to be around 400 million years old. Some of the cave entrances were used as shelters by the indigenous Temuan people a tribe of Orang Asli. To be honest even looking at the photos now I couldn’t get over how small the place made me feel. The cave and steps leading up to it are just massive and endless.

Fortunately because my Uncle had recently visited, he let us in on the secret that once you climb up the first set of steps you might think that you are done, but ohhh no you are not…there are three more sets to climb if you want to get into the entire cave to see it all. I wished I would have remembered to grab my Fitbit off the charger before we had left S.Korea because I know we killed it on steps that day.

Outside of the Cave there the world’s tallest statue of Murugan, a Hindu deity. The status stands 140 ft and cost approximately 24 million Malaysian rupees. Murugan is made of 1550 cubic meters of concrete, 250 tons of steel bars and 300 liters of gold paint brought in from neighboring Thailand. WOW! Again with the feeling ever so small standing below or beside this status on the steps.

In respecting the Batu Caves Temples as a religious place of worship, there is a dress code to follow. Basically anything above the knee is not acceptable. Certainly not my white shorts that match my freakishly tall white legs. I had to pay a small fee to borrow a wrap to cover my legs to be permitted up the steps of the Cave. Once I got back I returned the wrap and was given my fee back.

We took multiple photos of the monkeys that live at the Batu Caves. Let me tell you, these monkeys have a prime setup with all of the tourist in and out of the caves. These little guys look so cute, but in reality these things are crazy! They swoop down so fast and grab anything that you’ve got in your hands. Bags, cameras, food, flowers, all fair game for the monkeys. We witnessed one monkey trying to take a yellow bag from a women and her husband as they tried to leave the caves. The woman made a huge commotion while flailing her arms and yelling, “NO!”. We then saw a small child with her parents carrying food that the monkeys immediately took without any hesitations. I read afterwards that these monkeys can be quite territorial and visitors needed to watch for biting. Again I read this afterwards. HA-HA so if you are visiting now you know before hand.

Whew! That’s ALOT of steps! Do you think you’d make it up them?

Kuala Lumpur Day 1

For Memorial Day weekend we Bees hopped a flight to visit a friend in Kuala Lumpur. It took us 6 hours in total and we flew Malaysian Air. I was a bit uneasy at first when I realized we booked with the airline, however in the end we arrived safe and sound at KUL -Kuala Lumpur International Airport. It didn’t take much time to clear customs and grab our baggage before we met up and were greeted with a welcome sign from our friend Luis.

We loaded our baggage up in the car, the car with the steering wheel on the right side I might add. We three giggled about that car the entire time we were there. For only being there for a few months, Luis quickly got acclimated with driving on the opposite side of the road from S.Korea and the US. It was comical to watch Mr. B’s reaction sitting as a passenger on the left side of the car and not the right. At times it often feels like the car beside you is going to turn into you, or you see the passenger on the left side where we are used to seeing the driver absolutely not paying attention and you think, “Oh lord they are going to crash that car! Pay attention!!” Then after your short moment of panic you remember that the driver is on the right side and not the left. whew.

It took us about 40-45 minutes to arrive at Luis’s home in Damansara. Damansara is a central commercialized hub that houses several affluent residential areas. His home was located within walking distance to two large malls and multiple shopping complexes. Very convenient! We arrived just in time to see his neighborhood in the daylight and to watch the sunset from his balcony and gorgeous tall windows.

We got all settled in and decided we needed to grab dinner and drinks. We talked about our travel plans for the duration of the trip, as well as caught up discussing whats been going on in all of our lives. It was so peaceful sipping on our margaritas and people watching from an outdoor balcony that overlooked a twinkle light lit marketplace. I just sat back and took it all in! “So this is Malaysia,” I thought to myself feeling so excited that we were actually here.

Do you have any plans for Memorial Day weekend?

Delicious Post-op

What a delicious post-op we had this weekend in Gangnam. Surprisingly after living here over three years, we’ve never really ventured out in Gangnam. Kelsey met us before our eye appointment with plans to grab lunch together afterwards.

The weather was just beautiful! A perfect Spring day! After getting an all clear on both of our eyes we strolled around the main and back streets of Gangnam, with our shades on of course. There were just so many delicious choices! Eventually we settled on Indian.

Mano is an Indian restaurant with some Korean fusion. I think the photos below say it all. Spicy and delicious! We’d defiantly will go back in the near future for more. Plus I’m lusting over their collection of Le Creuset serving dishes. Just gorgeous! (On my wish list)

We had to take Kelsey to experience the cutesy Ann House Cafe. Her only request for this weekend was to enjoy Potbingsu before leaving on her holiday to Japan. We all ordered different versions of Potbingsu, butt spoons and all. Can you guess who ordered what?

Until our next post-op adventures.

Directions:

Mano

By subway: Gangnam, outside Exit 4 of Sinnonhyun Station. The restaurant is on located on your left. 2F of 619-18 Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Phone Number: 02-568-2007.

Deliveries available: http://www.머노.com

Moboal, Philippines

Over Memorial Day we spent a wet and wild weekend on the shores of a wonderful little island of Cebu, in Moalboal, located in the Philippines. The location isn’t very touristy, it was just our style. Most resorts in the area cater to Scuba divers, so entertainment is very laid back and there are next to no night clubs. You can relish in the fact that a cold beer is less than 45 Pesos in most bars, or about 50 cents in US Dollars.

While Mr. B dove with our friend Chris, I spent most of my time snorkeling, and relaxing on a rather magical porch, sunning, reading and of course…sipping on something fruity and refreshing. Just look at the view! The sea lapping right up to our little porch, pleaseeee take me back!

On the last day of our trip we all went sight-seeing around the island, swam with whale sharks, and experienced a “natural” massage at the Kawasan Falls, and ate halo-halo the Filipino dessert made from UBE (purple yam) . Experiences I will never ever forget!

We are aching to get back to the coast again. I do believe that I am suffering from lack of the sea, sun and sand as we speak. That porch off the ocean solidified that we need to invest in a beach home someday. Ahhhh, Somedayyy. When I am in the office I feel the soft quiet pull of the salty wind and sand. So, so unbelievably ready for the summer in South Korea, how about you?

Summer = BBQ!

The warmer months always make me long for my back porch and grilling. As far back as I can remember my family always grilled. When we bought our first home, one of our first wedding gifts was a beautiful grill. It was a social thing, a neighborly thing, a lunch or dinner thing, a party thing, and just a summer thing we did, well….just because!

Korea really lets us put our grilling skills to the test. Just about any restaurant you eat at that serves meat, you will grill your own meal. Not only are we in control of our meats fate, but I guess our own fate too. Ha ha! We love the tables cut out with circular or square grills! We often joke and say when we go back to the states we need to take one with us. What a concept! To many lawsuits waiting to happen to try out in stateside restaurants I guess?

All the talk of BBQ makes me hungry! Tonight I decided on a not so typical BBQ meal. I also decided to give those little grills a night off. You are going to flip when you hear what I made!

BBQ chickpea wraps! Remember, don’t knock it until you try it! Besides the spicy awesomeness of this little wrap, and it being pretty darn healthy for you, and you won’t even miss that ol’ meat for once.

Happy “grilling” or should I say crock-potting! (Wink-wink)

BBQ Chickpea Wraps

Recipe slightly adapted from Olives for dinner

Ingredients:

(Place below following in crockpot on low heat for 3 1/2 hours, then increase to high heat for 30 more minutes).
1 (15.5oz) can of rinsed chickpeas
1/4 Cup Sriracha hot sauce (love this stuff!)
1 TB Heart smart butter
1 Small-medium chopped red onion
1 TB Sesame oil
1 TB Minced garlic
1/2 Cup vegetable broth

Optional Toppings once chickpeas are done:

1 Ripe avocado
1 Small-medium sliced tomato
Sour cream
Handful of fresh baby spinach
tortillas
Shredded pepper jack cheese

Directions:

When ready to serve, warm tortilla, I have a gas stove I find it best to place the tortilla directly on the metal grate right above the lowest setting of flame. Use tongs to flip over every once in a while. Be careful not to let the tortilla on to long, causing it to burn.

Fill up tortilla with your optional toppings and chickpeas. Enjoy!

Baked Couscous

I am such a lucky gal to have such a great husband that is willing to try just about anything that I cook for him. Tonight served as a nice reminder of that feeling. Couscous. Never have I ever cooked it, never have I ever ate it..

uh oh.

No, no… it turned out really great! Victory dance over here folks!

Have you ever had couscous? What are your thoughts? Favorite way to cook it?

Baked Couscous

Ingredients:

4 Egg whites
1 Box couscous
1 Cup whole milk
1 1/3 Cup heavy cream
1 Cup Gouda cheese, grated
1 Cup sharp cheddar, grated
1 Cup Feta cheese, crumbles
1 Small yellow onion, chopped fine
1/4 Cup fresh or dry chives
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat oven to (400 degrees) or 200 degrees Celsius. Beat eggs, milk, heavy cream, onion, and cheeses. Then once well blended, add couscous, salt and pepper. Mix again until blended in with liquid cheese mixture. Then pour into a greased baking dish. Cover with foil bake for 30 minutes. Once 30 minutes ends, uncover and bake an additional 30 more minutes, or until you get that nice brown and firm consistency.

Try paring with a nice chopped beet and yogurt salad as a side. Have fun, dress up the meal with swanky little cups as serving dishes too!

What’s cooking in your kitchen tonight?

Relay For Life – South Korea

Dear friends, Many apologize for being MIA this past week, of course I have good reason for my absence. Relay for Life! My team and I walked over 24 hours these past two days, helping to contribute to raising roughly over $35,000 dollars! Finding a cure to kick cancers bum, meeting caregivers, survivors, and new friends, give me an annual sign up, please!

This was the first year that Seoul, Korea has participated in Relay for Life. All and all I think it was a smashing success! So many participants from all walks of life. Each with a story of survival, or the care they gave or are giving, or passion to fight for the cure for others. Such selfless people with huge hearts. It might have been all the chemical in the air from the AstroTurf getting ripped up, but there was such an incredible contagious high felt by all.

Watching the survivors take their first lap really set the tone to kick off the event. Men and woman of all ages. Cancer knows no age, color, race, or boundaries. Grabbing breakfast that morning a woman approached my girlfriend Mary and I, stated she saw our shirts and had to say thank you. She stated she was a two-time survivor of cancer, always tried to participate in the Relay events each year, but was not able to this year. She shared openly shared a personal piece of her survival story with us. I cannot explain the flood of emotions that consumed my body at that point.

I have to reign in the misty eyed vibe I’ve got going in this post, end by lighten things up with some of the fun lap theme’s that our team participated in. These include the bubble lap, the beach party, children’s character, and red white and blue pride.

Keep calm and relay on!

Can’t Handle The Heat…

Then stay out of the kitchen, as the old saying goes. Well bloggers I’ve got a confession! Up until very recently the kitchen and anything surrounding the subject of the kitchen, such as cookbooks, utensils, basically anything kitchen related, made my anxiety kick into full gear. It was sort of the unknown and that was frightening to me.

I was the type of girl that enjoyed the idea of cooking. I loved to stroll around the kitchen department thinking how it would be awesome to whip up a little of this and that with a little of that. The idea of things is always so much nicer in your head, right?

I guess I was fairly spoiled growing up. Someone was always around to cook me something…even my little baby sister. He-he-he. Hey! She enjoyed it! REALLY! I swear she did.

Well, these days, with many (oh so many) failed attempts and a few victories under my belt, by gosh I think I’ve finally caught the hang of it! (Or at least tonight, I feel that way)

I’ve been using Skinny Taste by Gina, she hasn’t really lead me down a dark alley yet. The recipes are very easy to follow and they are not only healthy, they are DELISH! You know it’s a good thing when Mr. B says, “I don’t think I could have made that any better myself”. You know my little Chef Ramsay. Oops, i totally forgot Mr. B tends to read and post on our blog. So, mmm scratch that last line and insert my tough, strong, throw a meal together with the bare necessities manly man.

If you like a nice spicy linguini and shrimp fra diavolo, this recipe is for you!

Taken directly from Skinnytaste: (We love the spice, we threw in a lot more crushed reds)

Ingredients:

3 tsp extra virgin olive oil
6-7 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
2 lbs jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined*
salt and fresh pepper to taste
1/4 cup celery
1/2 cup chopped onion
35 oz crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (or to taste)
1 tbsp capers, drained
8 fresh basil leaves, rolled and sliced thin
12 oz whole wheat pasta

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

While the water is heating up, heat 2 teaspoons of the olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Stir in the garlic and cook until golden, about one minute. Add the shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes to brown but not cook through; sprinkle with salt to taste.

Transfer the shrimp to a plate, leaving garlic in the pan.

Add pasta to water and cook according to package directions for al dente.

Pour the remaining teaspoon of olive oil and add the celery and onions; cook 2 minutes then add the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and crushed red pepper and bring to a simmer.

Lower the heat and let it simmer about 8-10 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook another minute or two; remove from heat. Add the capers and serve in a large bowl over pasta topped with fresh basil, fresh black pepper and Parmesan cheese on the side.

See, easy peasy! Try it out, throw in a nice glass of wine too! Afterwards show Gina some blog lovin and post your reviews.

Dive On Into Memorial Day

2012_05 Memorial Day Korea Scuba Dive

2012_05 Memorial Day Korea Scuba DiveMay 31, 2012Photos: 150

Memorial Day! The “unofficial” beginning to the summer months! This is the day the pool opens. Gone are the worries that wearing white pants are judged. This weekend kicks off friendly Pennsylvanian neighbor lawn wars too.

Memorial Day weekend has always been one of my favorite long weekends of the year to look forward to. Not only because it gives me time to reflect on our past and current heroes, but because I get to celebrate my very own hero, my husband!

Typically, in the past this weekend meant going to the beach, eating my weight in ice-cream and fresh fruit, sand in my shoes, fireworks, long bike rides, and the smell of bar-b-que in the air.

This weekend always represents the little taste of summer before it really actually begins.

Just because we’re in Korea doesn’t mean we let the Memorial Day weekend festivities go by without getting out and enjoying ourselves.

Saturday we packed up the car and were some of the only crazies on the road at 4AM, bound for the (East Coast) Sacheon beach.

Lots of diving, cooking out, toes in the sand, and laughs all around.

Did you know Monday is also a significant Korean holiday? Yes, it’s Buddha’s birthday.

Traffic…

Traffic…

Oh yeah, LOOK more traffic…

6 hours in the car…Need we say more? Ah well, totally worth it! Wonderful weekend with great friends!

How was your holiday weekend? How do you typically spend it?