Only a few hours southeast of Hanoi, over the mountains lies a valley of green pastures, a quaint farming village and a local ethnic feel unlike many other places I’ve travelled. As much as I have a love for Hanoi, I wanted to get away for a couple days. I had already been to the … More A Valley Unknown – Mai Chau
Hanoi is one of my favorite cities in Southeast Asia. A place I could see myself settle for a period of time. Not forever I’m sure, but until whatever is in my blood decides to tell me to move on. I have now been here twice, spending just under a month in total. This time … More Street Food Of Hanoi
Well there was always this dreaded bus I’d heard nothing but horror stories about after my first trip to Southeast Asia. Luang Prabang to Hanoi. Unfortunately I missed Laos my first time around, but was on my way through and that bus route was my way out. This route is known for a 24 hour … More Laos To Vietnam – An Unexpected 36 Hours
As it always is, it’s sad to leave such a beautiful, relaxed and social place like Don Det of the 4000 islands was this time. The island slowly drifting out of sight as we made our way back to the mainland. The Bolaven Plateau awaited. Five days of cruising through rural Laos, my first sense … More Take The Ride – Bolaven Plateau, Laos
762 curves, bends at high speeds, sometimes hearing the squeals of the wheels as the minibus threatens to go up on two wheels. A bit of advice is to abstain from drinking the night before, I’m not one to get car, sea or flight sick but this ride hung over almost changed that. Not … More Checked Into Circus School – Pai, Thailand
Nam Jim Thale – Spicy Seafood Dipping Sauce Nam Jim refers to dipping sauce in Thai, and there are many different ones, this one used primarily for seafood but is great with fresh rolls as well. Traditionally done with a mortar and pestle, it can easily be done in a blender. As with a lot … More Handful Of Thai Recipes
I’ve been working in restaurants for over ten years now, most of them spent cooking, working my way from a dishwasher to a sous chef. For anyone who knows me or reads these blog posts of mine knows that when I travel my main purpose is to learn as much as I can about the food. … More Working In A Thai Kitchen
Landing back in Suvarnabhumi, an airport I’ve been inside a handful of times. I rushed outside, this time looking to embrace that heat wave that smacks you in the face once you step out. After being on the road for about six months, it’s nice to have a sense of familiarity. Where to go, how … More Back To The Land Of Smiles
Day 9 – Nothing like trying some yak meat first thing in the morning. A dish local to the Manang region, Khoo. A rice and potato porridge with fried yak meat and chives on top. An extremely simple dish, but so flavourful. A prime example of how the mountain villages make the most of what … More Breaching The Unknown – Part 4: Conquering The Pass
Day 6 – It’s recommended that once you reach Manang that a day is taken to rest and acclimatize to the elevation. Since I made it here in five days, one day ahead of the guidebooks I probably shouldn’t have left at seven in the morning to take on the most difficult and dangerous side … More Breaching The Unknown – Part 3: Tilicho Lake
