Journey through 10,000 photos (Part I)

**I'm re-editing and updating a past entry as I haven't been able to work on this project until now. I've started working on this again and hope to update in a few parts as I finish editing and reflecting on my photos.
 
As many of you know, I quit my job at the investment bank in 2013 to move on to other things. When I quit my job, my company surprisingly gave me a small amount of "retirement cash"; a mere $600 for my exhaustive work I've done for them for the past 6 years. Though I was not entirely happy, I thought I would make a good investment on it. So, I bought a SONY NEX-5R. I did not get a DSLR, or I should say I couldn't because the  "cash" was not enough to get one!  But since I know I would be traveling, this was light and high function enough it was suffice. 

Over the next year I lived in 4 countries, traveled to over 25 cities, and ultimately ended up taking 10,000 photos from July 2013~Aug 2014. To have this extraordinary journey I've been taking since I've quit my job and to have that captured on film and to be able to see them again has been amazing. Memories and emotions flowed through I went through them and I thought I had to share.

 I can't share all of them but I thought I'd put up a few of my best and favorites mainly for my personal reflection.

The photos are not picked based on the quality or rarity but based on the story that went behind the photos. Each photo has a unique and memorable story behind it so that's what I wanted to share. To those who are having a bad day or not feeling satisfied with their lives, I hope this brings some light whether it is to give you inspiration to quit your job or travel or makes you forget about it for a few seconds as you look through them. Maybe this will bring you some ideas as we write up our new years resolution of 2016!

Have a wonderful day and last day(s) of 2015 everyone and hope you enjoy! 

Mt. Fuji, Japan (July 2013) -The climb was as part of a company event, one of the last major activities with my coworkers that I worked with for over 6 years so it was really emotional for me in many ways. Climbing Mt Fuji is actually really hard, harder than a marathon in my opinion, but when I saw this view on top, it was all worth it. But as beautiful as it was, I knew in my heart it was definitely time to move on from Japan  

Siem Reap, Cambodia (Oct, 2013) It's quite unknown that each year many villages in Cambodia get washed out by the rain during monsoon reason. The organization I worked for frequently goes out to these villages to provide food and assistance to the local people. This girl is probably around 6 but she looks to be around 4 years old due to malnutrition. But she had the most strongest and gentle eyes. She is a beautiful representation of Cambodia, the country I love and miss dearly

Wat Damnak, Siem Reap (Oct, 2013) - Working at a temple for was absolutely incredible but actually the best part of it was listening to monks tell stories. You think that they give arcane, philosophical, and relgiousl stories but in fact many of them were just ridiculous and the entire point of the story was to have a good laugh. The monks were the embodiment of happiness for sure. I miss listening to them while have a can of red bull and coke.

Chinatown SF, USA (Jan 2014) - One of the things I like to do when I'm back at home in SF is to wander around Chinatown. I came here a lot when I was growing up to do groceries, have meals, or hang out with friends so it has a nostalgic feeling. Some of the alleyways really look like you're in China in the 1950s and it feels like you're lost in time.

Tonsap Lake, Cambodia (Oct, 2013) - There isn't much exciting things to do in Cambodia but the one great thing is that they have lots of festivals. The Water festival held every autumn is among the biggest. Some of our students took us out here where many locals come out to the lake to enjoy watching boat races and eat at food stands. 

Meiji Shrine, Japan (Jan, 2014) - Something about weddings at Meiji Shrine always seem to bring me some spiritual heightening and good luck. At this time I was at the shrine to pay my respects and bring me luck for 2014. And it certainly did in many ways.

Bangkok, Thailand (Jan 2014) - There are some trips that go well and others that go horribly. This one was the such the case. My plans fell through and I was horribly sick.  I was on a deck of a random B&B, sipping on beer and reading a book as I slowly saw the sun hide behind the Wat Arun. It's these little things that make bad trips into epic ones.

Wat Damnak, Siem Reap (Feb 2014) - At one of  the ceremonies for the temple, one of the younger monks glanced over at me as I shot a quick picture. It almost looks like as if time stood still, and the expression of the monk is beautiful; almost Buddha-like

(Tokyo, Japan 2013) - With a lot of attention sushi has been getting the past decade, sushi shops are popping up all over the world. I never liked any of them. I'm happy with my 15 piece lunch time sushi at a place not too far from Tsukiji Market (but just so far enough that tourists don't come here), all for a price of about $15. Now this is the real sushi that I miss

Siem Reap, Cambodia (Dec 2013) - These are the girls I taught English for the first 3 months I was there. All the girls came to Siem Reap from poorer villages to become seamstresses. By now they have finished their studies and moved on to work at factories and tailor shops. Whether they have become mothers, wives, business women, workers and wherever they are now, I'm sure that they're strong will and positive attitude has been guiding them. Afterall, Khmer women are one of the strongest people I know.

Running Streak

I've gotten horribly out of shape - probably the most out of shape since my freshman year in high school. Except this time it's not because of Freshman15 but I've been busy, really busy. And there's no affordable gyms around.

But since I have a bit more time now with no more classes and less hours in the office, I decided to start running again. Nothing too crazy, around an average of 3 miles but I've made the goal to run everyday until Jan 1. It's kind of my running streak I'm experimenting on. So far it's been great to be back on the trail again albeit the cold and the thick fog everyday. Too bad I'm not losing any weight since I'm eating well during these holidays!

Some beautiful sights along my running route :)

Christmas

I think it has officially become a tradition that I celebrate Christmas at my friends' place. I've been called the "Christmas refugee" which is quite fitting as I'm always unable to go home during this time... and I'm incredibly grateful that I don't have to spend this festive day alone in misery (even though I don't really celebrate it)

Tuuuurkeeeyyyy

Eggnog :) - oh my this got me tipsy

Opening the bubbly and enjoying some pudding

Chocolate Mochi Cake

As some of you may know, I'm unable to eat too much gluten.
I certainly don't have celiac disease but since I mainly grew up on rice all my life, I would probably collapse if there was nothing to eat but pasta and bread. I need my rice people!

In any case, since I was invied to a Christmas event I decided to make the infamous chocolate mochi cake. For those who are not familiar, it's a cake made not with flour but with mochiko, or glutenous rice powder. It's a popular Japanese/Filipino inspired Hawaiian dish.

However, it's widely eaten throughout the Japanese American community and I got this recipe from a friend which he most likely found it in his family or church/temple recipe book.

I love it because it's moist, buttery, and most of all it's rice so I can eat a lot of it (which is dangerous).
The only thing is that Europe is really cold and VERY dry this year. I made the mistake of making it the day before and left it out to cool overnight, which ultimately made the cake a bit crumbly. I highly recommend to add some butter and milk to keep it moist and to make it the day you serve them.


Ingridients 
Dry Stuff

• Mochiko or Glutenous Rice Powder (you can find them in an Asian speciality store or online)  2 cups 
• Sugar 1.5 cups 
• Baking soda 1 Tbsp
• Salt 1 tbsp
• Cocoa powder 3 Tbsp 

Wet Stuff

• Vanilla 1 tbsp
• Butter 1/2 cup (or around half a stick of butta) 
• Milk 2 Cups (or you can replace it with evaporated milk; just use less sugar! If you look online there are also recipes that use coconut milk which is even more good! )
• 2 eggs

The recipe is easy. Set the oven at 175C. Just mix the dry stuff and wet stuff separately and mix it all together slowly in to a smooth batter and stick it in the oven for 50-60min. Yum!

MOCHI ケーキ

実を言うと、私大の炭水化物好きなのですが、体質的に小麦粉を消化するのが苦手らしく大量にパスタやパンを食べた次の日は寝込んでしまうぐらいひどい時も・・・味的には大好きなのでついつい食べ過ぎてしまうということもあるようです　；＾＾　食い意地が張ってるので仕方ない。

そんな体に優しい米粉を使ったケーキを作りました♪

アジア文化の影響が強いハワイでは米粉（上新粉）は日常的に使われていて、このレシピは母親がハワイ出身の友達から教わったもの。その名も「モチケーキ」。日系コミニュティー ではハワイだけでなく西海岸を中心によく作られててしかも超簡単！ポットラックや持ち寄りの集まりには必ず出てくる一品：


材料
Ａグループ
上新粉　２カップ
砂糖　１．５カップ
ベーキングソーダー　大さじ１
塩　小さじ１
ココアパウダー　大さじ３

Ｂグループ
バニラエッセンス　小さじ１
バター １２０ｇ
牛乳　２カップ（練乳・ココナッツミルク使用もＯＫです。練乳を使用する場合は砂糖を減らしてね）
卵２個


作り方は本当に簡単でＡグループとＢグループの材料を別々に混ぜて、それからＢをＡに少しずつ足して混ぜていきます。それから陽気に流しこんで１７５℃のオープンに５０-６０分ほど焼くだけ。

ブラウニーと蒸しケーキの間ぐらいのモチモチとした食感になります！

Potluck

For a city that has one of the highest rent and property prices in the world, I'm very lucky to say that I live in the university dormitories. I have my own room with my own bathroom as well in a modern building which I'm so thankful of. I also have 5 other roommates but as it always happens, we rarely sit down together as we all have differnt and busy student lives. Among us are PhD students, nurses, statisticians. So it was a very nice teamwork of us that we finally got together to celebrate our holidays.

We're 3 Swiss (all from different places), 1 Greek, 1 Mexican, 1 American/Japanese so we had quite a variety of food.

I think my norimaki came out pretty nice don't you think? 

Fondue

One of the greatest things about Switzerland is of course, the fondue.
Fun fact: Did you know that the fondue was a creation by cheese-makers less than 100 years ago so that people would consume more cheese? I'm not sure if that is the greatest scheme to sell cheese or an absolute success business story but either way, the Swiss love the fondue. Every household must have a fondue kit and it's an essential event during the winter.

There are a few rules and traditions associated with eating fondue and I thought I'd share a few of them from what I learned from other Swiss. Just note that traditions change from house to house and region to region so don't take in everything I say!


1. Hold off on the bread
The fondue takes a little bit of heating up to do so the night starts off with some apero: a few pre-drinks and platters of munchies like pickles, salami, and bread. Don't overeat the bread. Fondue is definitely a filling meal so don't overeat and over indulge yourself before the big event. Even better, hold off on eating for that day.

2.  With fondue, it's always white wine
It's often forgotten that fondue is made out of 3 ingridients: cheese, broth, and yes white wine. Did you know Switzerland also produces wine? Although, that's like a Swiss secret because it's rarely exported and it's mostly consumed 100% domestically. That doesn't mean Swiss are alcoholics, but we make just enough to enjoy for themselves and not really intended for worldwide marketing.

Of course, you're welcome to drink any alcohol while enjoying a nice pot of fondue but white wine actually helps to dissolve the heavy cheese so I would highly recommend that you stick to the wine ;)

* Also a note for those who are allergic or not big alcohol drinkers that fondue does contain alcohol and the wine is just warmed with the cheese, not to boil so there is a little bit of alcohol left albeit not very strong. But just something to note as one of my friends who is allergic to alcohol was not feeling well after feasting on fondue

3. Fondue is heavy
Fondue is like magic. It brings so much joy and excitement as the melted cheese starts to fill the room and starts to boil. But don't forget that you're eating big globs of cheese and especially for those who are not used to eating large quantities of them, it will get to your digestive system. Especialy the first time eating fondue. So don't gobble up the fondue, eat it slowly and take your time

4.Follow the rules
Swiss people are clean people. There are a few etiquette rules when it comes to fondue.
1) No double-dipping - once you dunk your break piece in, take it out and eat in one go. Don't re-dip it agai
2) Twirling - don't let the cheese stretch out to your plate. When you dip and take out the cheese from the pot, twist it a bit like you do with sphagetti
3) And most importantly, don't drop the bread in the pot! The consequences differ per region but most likely you will have to take off your clothes and run around the house (or neighborhood) naked. For girls, you have to kiss everyone at the table. In any case, you will get a round of shaming 

5. What happens when you reach the end of the pot?
The end of the pot is what we call the "golden" part, literally! It's slightly burned and hardened. If you're at a restaurant, you can ask the server to have it "religieux" (literally means "religious", not sure where this name came from) and they'll scrape the bottom for your for a delicious post-fondue snack. Yum!

 

And just sharing a few more pictures from our delightful fondue night :)
Can't beat this tradition

Food Obsession 2: Manche/Rampon

最近ハマってるスイス・フランス食べ物第２弾。
以前行ったディナーパーティーで食べたランポンサラダ。日本語ではマーシュと呼ばれているらしいけど日本ではかなーりマイナーな野菜。それに比べてこの地方のフランス・スイスではレタスやほうれん草と並んで普通に売ってます。食感は食感がシャリシャリしてて、少しナッツのようなあと味。スイスでは温泉卵を載せて黄身をとろーりと混ぜて食べると美味♪　あたし面倒ななのでクリーミーなフレンチドレッシングも合います

スイスのスーパーで年中売っているので機会がある際はぜひお勧めです☆

Feuerzangenbowle

When my boss first sent me this invitation with this title, I absolutely had no idea. I just knew that there was going to be drinks and food. No one was able to give me a concrete explanation except for the fact that it's become a tradition of my German boss to host this every year around the holidays.

I was lucky enough get a ride with that boss to go to his house, along with an Austrian colleague so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to do some digging on the details of this "event".

Apparently, "feuerzangenbowle" turns out to be a drink which literally means fire + clippers (tongs) + punch. Much of it had to be actually "demonstrated" to be seen but these were the details I was given:
- It's usually sold in German-speaking areas everywhere at Christmas markets
- It's like malted wine (hot wine) but stronger and better
- There is a movie with the same name that made it popular. It's shown during holiday season on TV every year and every German knows this.

I finally found out why it had to be "seen".The base is made of red wine and spices, exactly like hot wine. Then there is a sugar "bowl" (literaly looks like a cone ball) that is soaked in rum (VERY strong rum) which is then lit on fire. The strong rum ignites the fire and the sugar is slowly melted on top of the hot wine. The end result is spiked and sweet version of hot wine.

 
Of course, there were German foods aplenty. I had my share of potato salad, obatzda (Bavarian cheese butter), various German breads, pudding, meatballs, and chicken roasts. Yum and yum! It was especially special as it was kind of like Thanksgiving - which I have now realized that I've missed spending with my family 10 years in a row!

Obatzda....incredibly amazing with bread

Dessert made by my colleagues: apple crumble, blueberry cheese cake, and cinnamon apple spice bread