The World Through a Chinese Boy

Photos: Italy

johnnythemainlander — Sat, 11 May 2013 14:28:00 GMT

Sabah--A More Peaceful "Beachy" Holiday

johnnythemainlander — Sat, 11 May 2013 14:23:00 GMT

SUNSET PARADISE

This is going to sound cliché.

Stress? Too much pressure from wherever you are right now? Just want to tear up all the paper in front of you and make a wild escape to a sunset paradise, with pure beaches, soft white sand and swim in between colorful fishes in a marino world underneath the water? Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia, would be your ideal destination.

As one of the less well-known costal city with all the things Koh Samui, Koh Tao, or any other Kohs can provide, Kota Kinabalu is where you can avoid all the drunken foreigners and crazy wild teenagers taking their grad trips and ruining your lovely alone time by the beach. Located on the east tip of Malaysia, cheap, direct flights can get you there everyday of the week and you can truly loosen the nerves you have been cracking for a long time.

The city is mini. Mostly are hotels and shops. But that's not why we come here for. Taking a boat that runs all day from the port, you can easily get to any of the three gorgeous islands--Gaya, Manukan and Sapi, in the "Tunku Abdul National Park". Plenty of good facilities can be found here with not that many people cramming the beach. Snorkeling is a must-do. With countless beautiful sea creatures only steps away from the shallow water. And one mistake I made was not bringing a waterproof bag for my camera or cell phone. Did not realize that until the Chinese family next to me took gorgeous photos and tried to show off to me.

The only that is truly annoying about this place is the pricing of alcohol. Because Malaysia has a large Muslim base, alcohol is strictly controlled and the government put up the tariffs so high that it almost seems ridiculous to buy a beer here. At least the delicious and fair-priced sea food everywhere made up to the disappointment. Tiger shrimps the size of your hand, with a special butter style cooking. The richness of the milky flavor gives the seafood an interesting but delicious twist. Crabs are so cheap here that you would regret if you did not order like 20 of them. Some random fishes that you have never seen are also available for some adventurous try-outs. At least as a Chinese like me, nothing excites me more than eating something I have never seen hahaha.

Oh did I mention? Kota Kinabalu also has one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. So next time you feel like a "beachy" but more chilled and spiritual holiday, put Sabah on your list!

PEACEOUT!

Photos: Farewell Vancouver/别了，温哥华

johnnythemainlander — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:19:00 GMT

"The Most Beautiful Place On Earth!"

Understanding a Culture through Food - "Grazie!"

johnnythemainlander — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:13:21 GMT

Summer, is a familiar, joyful term for Italians living along the coast of Mediterranean. The sun, heat and the salty ocean breeze always manage to beautifully enlighten the mood of anybody, who happens to pass by.
Nothing compares to wandering around a small, delicate Italian town surrounded by gorgeous chapels and peaceful residences, with the background of a majestic mountain range. The beautiful beaches and the friendly people of Imperia, Liguria have made me extend my stay.
Following a stoney path down the hill, I encountered a lively neighborhood with a street filled with friends, families and lovers dining underneath the sunset. The sweet tone of Italian language and the smell of "fungi", tomato sauce, mozzarella and tortellini broke down my resistance and opened up my appetite.
"Benvenuto!"
The middle age woman wearing a pair of shell-made earrings greeted us with a big sunny smile.
The warm mediterranean air and the near-tropical climate gave Liguria a good condition for growing olives, wine grapes, herbs, garlic, zucchini and artichokes. Also due to its shared border with France and the long coastline mixed passionate personality of the locals, the cuisine in this area naturally has a homey, down to earth flavor with an interesting influence of French cuisine.
Within 10 minutes, antipastos came. A thirty percent done capriccio, dipped in fresh olive oil and south-east italian vinegar and a bruschetta with goat cheese & mashed Fava beans. All very local ingredients and you can tell right away that this is from an Italian housewife in the countryside. Then the main dishes, a spaghettini with Mediterranean shrimp, tomatoes and basil leaves with a spread of bread crumbs on top, and a slow-baked pasta with mascarpone(an italian cheese made from heavy cream) and sausage. The originality and simplicity of these dishes truly drew my heart along with my stomach away.
The italian hostess, constantly running in and out of the kitchen serving families and chitchatting with them. Laughters, joy and the soft, appreciating sound of "Grazie" surrounded the restaurant. At that point, I felt like that this is not simply a restaurant but a kitchen and a dining room for this village.
These people live with heat and passion, always facing the optimistic side of the sun. They build their homes and families with acceptance, kindness and more importantly, a big smile. Life and the cuisine here are simple and pure, but everything about them, are genuine.