Travel Gourmande

A Random Thing or It Has a Deeper Meaning?

5:38 PM

Have you ever experienced a situation that has been frequently happening recently?

A friend of mine who works in the airline industry has been accidentally dropping drinks and things on the floor. Luckily, the drinks have not yet reached the laps of a passenger. It turns out, she has made future plans that are going out of her control.

A new pair that I hope will keep me company for a longer time.

As for me, all of the sandals and flip flops, 3 in total, that I have brought with me in the Philippines broke, all of which while in a public place in a span of a month. The last straw was a few days ago when the fourth flip flop that I owned gave up on me while I was in Dubai Mall.

Is this a random occurrence? Or is it telling me something?

The logical side of my brain tells me, "Yes, it's time to go shopping." Luckily, being in Dubai Mall, a quick trip to the nearest store got me a new pair. It also made me wish to be brave enough to walk barefoot in public, so I could walk all the way to my favorite shoe store.

Before my trip to the Philippines, I have been dreaming of all types of snakes almost everyday for a month. It was only later when I figured out, it was a warning about con artists I had to face during my trip.

Is there anything that has been repeatedly happening to you lately?

Did you get to solve that mystery after all, what your subconscious is telling you?
Or was it just a random thing?

Have a great week!

Love & light,

Arni

{P.S. I'm down with the flu that I have gotten during my flight. Chicken soup was such a comfort and catching up with Game of Thrones. The last episode gave my sore throat quite a shock.}

Coron Harvest: Cashew Factory

8:30 PM

Cashews. Each region in the Philippines has their own special delicacy. Cashews are known to be the best"pasalubong, " or a homecoming gift if you're coming home from a vacation in Palawan. We bought cashews from Puerto Princesa previously, but the best cashews in Palawan, by far, are the ones from Coron. The best place to buy them from is right straight from the factory of L. Escarda's Coron Harvest.

We were surprised by how popular this place is. Photos of local celebrities and media people's pictures were plastered on the wall at a small yet colorful waiting area filled with stuffed toys. By the time, we arrived one evening, the cashews were all sold out.

The Little Black Jacket

9:00 AM

When I arrived home from the airport, I found a Chanel paper bag with a black book perched on my coffee table. It is a surprise gift from a dear friend.

The Little Black Jacket is a book by Karl Lagerfeld and Carine Roitfeld. An artistic compilation of black and white photographs by Karl Lagerfeld of different accomplished celebrities; actors, models, designers, directors, musicians wearing Chanel's iconic little black jacket exhibiting their own individuality.

A Year in the Merde

3:41 PM

This is not a new book. There are already sequels to this one. I just found this while browsing books at the airport in Hong Kong, during a six-hour layover.

What is the book about?

A Year in the Merde is hilarious novel written by Stephen Clarke. It's about a year in the life of a 27 year-old British expat named Paul West in Paris. A self published, first person narrated account based on the author's adventures and experiences during his employment in the French capital.

His alter-ego, Paul, the protagonist moves to Paris to spearhead the opening of an English tea room chain in France. The novel explores his encounters with the ladies, the struggles of finding an apartment and administrative procedures while learning the skill of avoiding dog turd on the street.

Verdict:

I highly recommend this, despite the mixed reactions in Goodreads. The book is filled with snarky comments that may put off some readers, but I was craving for a funny novel.. I just bought this yesterday and I'm almost finished with it.

It's a comedic tale of cultural differences that I promise will not disappoint. I don't mind reading it again and it is a wonderful companion while traveling alone and when in dire need of a humorous friend.

The only drawback is, people thought I'm a retard for laughing out loud at the boarding gate and inside the plane on my own.

Happy Wednesday!

Love & light,

Arni

Dubai in a Nutshell

11:58 AM

Travel posts are due. I'm pleased to share random photos of Dubai, a city I have come to love. I heard it's already above 40 degrees Celsius over there right now. Despite the dry heat that will welcome me as soon as the airport's automatic sliding doors open, I'm still looking forward to come home.