31/03/2018
One of the most memorable exhibit ever, Modigliani at Tate Modern. Thoroughly enjoyed the paintings from the first the the last, a unique, talented but short-lived artist. One may argue he only did one main theme, but his creation is one of the kind, possibly one of the most recognizable style. It also occurred to me that many of his paintings are now in private collections. So this is really a rare opportunity to see the real things.
Tonight I think I will have a sweet dream.
ps. we had a very nice meal in Dishoom.
Saturday 31 March 2018
Saturday 24 March 2018
2018 weekly - Week 12
18/03/2018
Breakfast: Continental from The Westin, good valued buffet, lots of fresh fruits
Lunch: most awful Subway I've ever had, soggy and drippy chicken wrap, erg
Cappuccino from Starbucks
Late afternoon: one coconut yogurt soft ice cream
Dinner: Half dozen of raw oysters and Fisherman's stew (small) at Grand Isle Restaurant. My best meal of the day.
19/03/2018
Breakfast: Continental breakfast from The Westin. I just couldn't resist the fresh fruits! And I discovered a fantastic view of Mississippi river from the lobby and the restaurant area. Looking at fog/steam slowly rising up from the River is quite mesmerizing. Shall remember to take a photo next time.
Bumped into an acquaintance in a foreign city! It's just nice to be able to talk to someone slightly more than just the pleasantry. We ended up unwinding in Mulate's sharing fried calamaris and BBQ shrimps with root beer (for me) and virgin pina colada (for her). After that, we went to Cochon, a reception hosted by one software provider. Surprisingly I didn't see anyone I know (I had expected to know at least a couple) but unknowingly sat at the same table with a famous scientist! He came to the reception with his wife but no one else was really talking to him except us. Well, a great loss for the others. At the end of the reception, my acquaintance met another co-worker. We ended up chatting together as well and went to the evening poster session. Popcorn from the ACS for dinner.
20/03/2018
Breakfast: Starbucks coffee provided by the Westin. No hotel breakfast today. It's good to have a break.
Talks today were rather lack-luster. The weather turned out to be sunny but cool. I enjoyed my riverside walk.
Lunch: Shrimp Norman form the nearby outlet food court. It's fried shrimp with cheese sauce. I chose sweet potato fries as a side. I didn't think it's possible to get tired of fried food but I am now.
Dinner: Half dozen of raw oysters, Shrimp Etouffee and Virgin Mojito at Red Fish Grill. I sat at the bar tonight, feeling quite grown up eating alone in a foreign country. I was very well looked after by Dickey, one of the very busy bartenders. I had a great meal and finest (fried) catfish in my life (the catfish was part of the Etouffee dish.
I think tomorrow will be Asian themed food. I am now sated with Cajun/Southern food.
ps. Is it ever possible to be tired of Perfect by Ed Sheeran?
21/03/2018
Had a drink with some people from the conference between 5pm and 7pm. This is my last day in the conference. The night was getting dark and the wind was getting strong. Needed a jacket and the group parted.
Dinner:Vietnamese food from 9 Roses Cafe. My initial plan didn't pan-out as the queue was long and the restaurant is small. Waiting an undefined amount of time for a one-person table didn't sound like a tempting thing to do so I left. Wondering along back N Peters st I found a Mexican joint (Felipe's). Went in and got a taco salad with pulled pork and rice. Feeling slightly consoled.
22/03/2018
I've been looking forward to this day trip for a week. Got picked up at 7:55am from the hotel. Off we go to Bayou swamp boat ride and two plantation visits.
After one hour on the road, we arrived at Brian's for the bayou ride. Captain Brian is knowledgeable about the bayou, the nature and its environment. A true native (a cajun?) who is passionately sharing the local info. I didn't expect the bayou so calming and pretty. Too bad that we only spotted a few (baby) alligators as the weather was not hot enough (although perfect for human). Regardless, the commentary and scenery are all worth the time.
After that, we visited the Oak Alley. The whole plantation ground feels like a scene from Gone With The Wind! Not to mention the guide for our short house tour has the most lovely southern accent. Visually magnificent, historically sobering. The lunch which was included in the tour was just ok. Too salty for my taste but gave everyone a taste of cajun food.
The high note of this day trip was Laura Plantation. A creole style plantation, very different from Oak Alley, the unforgettable visit was mostly thanked to Camille, our knowledgeable, energetic and theatrical guide. The whole tour lasted about 1hr 20 min, rather long compared to others, covers thoroughly the history of the Big House and the society at the time. I couldn't have enough if not for physical fatigue. Just think about how far we human beings have come. We should all be grateful with what we've got and treat with uttermost respect and care.
23/03/2018
This morning I had a Music and Heritage tour by Keith. A clear local music enthusiast, well, New Orleans has a lot to say about music. Although I don't know much about jazz/blue/brass, I enjoyed listening to Keith's stories about local music legends. It's another way into the history and I thoroughly enjoyed my two hours with Keith.
One of our final stops was in Louis Armstrong park where we saw a park ranger leading a parade with school kids, singing and dancing together. ''I want to be a park ranger" is the theme of the song and I found it utterly sweet. For 5-6 year-olds, what could be a better way to show them a way of life through music and sharing what you know. That scene with a park ranger playing and singing with a guitar followed by a file of small children raising small white umbrellas is perhaps the most endearing thing I've seen here.
Through Keith, I got to know Professor Longhair (what a gem) and Doreen Ketchens, a living musician still playing in French quarter, road side in front of a supermarket, despite selling records worldwide. That sums up New Orleans for me. Talent, passion and dedication. New Orleans is such an intriguing city.
24/03/2018
Au revoir, New Orleans. I will take home with the steam slowly rising up from the Mississippi river in the morning, the chimes from the cruising ships late at night and the school kids following a singing and guitar playing man and realizing how far we have moved forward. It's such a pleasure to know you.
Breakfast: Continental from The Westin, good valued buffet, lots of fresh fruits
Lunch: most awful Subway I've ever had, soggy and drippy chicken wrap, erg
Cappuccino from Starbucks
Late afternoon: one coconut yogurt soft ice cream
Dinner: Half dozen of raw oysters and Fisherman's stew (small) at Grand Isle Restaurant. My best meal of the day.
19/03/2018
Breakfast: Continental breakfast from The Westin. I just couldn't resist the fresh fruits! And I discovered a fantastic view of Mississippi river from the lobby and the restaurant area. Looking at fog/steam slowly rising up from the River is quite mesmerizing. Shall remember to take a photo next time.
Bumped into an acquaintance in a foreign city! It's just nice to be able to talk to someone slightly more than just the pleasantry. We ended up unwinding in Mulate's sharing fried calamaris and BBQ shrimps with root beer (for me) and virgin pina colada (for her). After that, we went to Cochon, a reception hosted by one software provider. Surprisingly I didn't see anyone I know (I had expected to know at least a couple) but unknowingly sat at the same table with a famous scientist! He came to the reception with his wife but no one else was really talking to him except us. Well, a great loss for the others. At the end of the reception, my acquaintance met another co-worker. We ended up chatting together as well and went to the evening poster session. Popcorn from the ACS for dinner.
20/03/2018
Breakfast: Starbucks coffee provided by the Westin. No hotel breakfast today. It's good to have a break.
Talks today were rather lack-luster. The weather turned out to be sunny but cool. I enjoyed my riverside walk.
Lunch: Shrimp Norman form the nearby outlet food court. It's fried shrimp with cheese sauce. I chose sweet potato fries as a side. I didn't think it's possible to get tired of fried food but I am now.
Dinner: Half dozen of raw oysters, Shrimp Etouffee and Virgin Mojito at Red Fish Grill. I sat at the bar tonight, feeling quite grown up eating alone in a foreign country. I was very well looked after by Dickey, one of the very busy bartenders. I had a great meal and finest (fried) catfish in my life (the catfish was part of the Etouffee dish.
I think tomorrow will be Asian themed food. I am now sated with Cajun/Southern food.
ps. Is it ever possible to be tired of Perfect by Ed Sheeran?
21/03/2018
Had a drink with some people from the conference between 5pm and 7pm. This is my last day in the conference. The night was getting dark and the wind was getting strong. Needed a jacket and the group parted.
Dinner:
22/03/2018
I've been looking forward to this day trip for a week. Got picked up at 7:55am from the hotel. Off we go to Bayou swamp boat ride and two plantation visits.
After one hour on the road, we arrived at Brian's for the bayou ride. Captain Brian is knowledgeable about the bayou, the nature and its environment. A true native (a cajun?) who is passionately sharing the local info. I didn't expect the bayou so calming and pretty. Too bad that we only spotted a few (baby) alligators as the weather was not hot enough (although perfect for human). Regardless, the commentary and scenery are all worth the time.
After that, we visited the Oak Alley. The whole plantation ground feels like a scene from Gone With The Wind! Not to mention the guide for our short house tour has the most lovely southern accent. Visually magnificent, historically sobering. The lunch which was included in the tour was just ok. Too salty for my taste but gave everyone a taste of cajun food.
The high note of this day trip was Laura Plantation. A creole style plantation, very different from Oak Alley, the unforgettable visit was mostly thanked to Camille, our knowledgeable, energetic and theatrical guide. The whole tour lasted about 1hr 20 min, rather long compared to others, covers thoroughly the history of the Big House and the society at the time. I couldn't have enough if not for physical fatigue. Just think about how far we human beings have come. We should all be grateful with what we've got and treat with uttermost respect and care.
23/03/2018
This morning I had a Music and Heritage tour by Keith. A clear local music enthusiast, well, New Orleans has a lot to say about music. Although I don't know much about jazz/blue/brass, I enjoyed listening to Keith's stories about local music legends. It's another way into the history and I thoroughly enjoyed my two hours with Keith.
One of our final stops was in Louis Armstrong park where we saw a park ranger leading a parade with school kids, singing and dancing together. ''I want to be a park ranger" is the theme of the song and I found it utterly sweet. For 5-6 year-olds, what could be a better way to show them a way of life through music and sharing what you know. That scene with a park ranger playing and singing with a guitar followed by a file of small children raising small white umbrellas is perhaps the most endearing thing I've seen here.
Through Keith, I got to know Professor Longhair (what a gem) and Doreen Ketchens, a living musician still playing in French quarter, road side in front of a supermarket, despite selling records worldwide. That sums up New Orleans for me. Talent, passion and dedication. New Orleans is such an intriguing city.
24/03/2018
Au revoir, New Orleans. I will take home with the steam slowly rising up from the Mississippi river in the morning, the chimes from the cruising ships late at night and the school kids following a singing and guitar playing man and realizing how far we have moved forward. It's such a pleasure to know you.
Saturday 17 March 2018
2018 weekly - Week 11
13/03/2018
Feeling quite exhausted today. It's been unstopping for me, meetings, work, evening classes. So busy that I have to skip my favorite fitness classes. I feel terrible that I can't go to the gym as often as I could. Next week I am out of the country again for a week. No gym but hopefully more fun.
Watch this space.
14/03/2018
Got up at 5am this morning for a 7am meeting but caught this news at dawn break. A world-famous local, I may not understand his academic achievements but hugely inspired by his determination and will of steel in life. You almost forgot the tremendous amount of challenges he had to go through every day for most of his life in order to do anything simple, because Hawking made it look so effortlessly. I also forgot how capricious his life must have been, thinking that he would go on just like many of us.
But, it's the intensity, not the length that matters in life. Farewell, my fellow local. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Feeling quite exhausted today. It's been unstopping for me, meetings, work, evening classes. So busy that I have to skip my favorite fitness classes. I feel terrible that I can't go to the gym as often as I could. Next week I am out of the country again for a week. No gym but hopefully more fun.
Watch this space.
14/03/2018
Got up at 5am this morning for a 7am meeting but caught this news at dawn break. A world-famous local, I may not understand his academic achievements but hugely inspired by his determination and will of steel in life. You almost forgot the tremendous amount of challenges he had to go through every day for most of his life in order to do anything simple, because Hawking made it look so effortlessly. I also forgot how capricious his life must have been, thinking that he would go on just like many of us.
But, it's the intensity, not the length that matters in life. Farewell, my fellow local. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.
Saturday 10 March 2018
I cook - Pasta carbonara
I must have started the first draft many years ago on pasta carbonara but last night, after a long tiring week of work, I made a version of this pasta classic which wowed both of us. Onion powder is unconventional but it adds a savory note to the dish, discreet and yet satisfying. I decided to write this recipe down.
Pasta carbonara, my way
- bacon/pancetta/ham strips, sufficient for two
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 yolk
- garlic powder (3 shakes)
- onion powder (1/4 tsp)
- 1/2 cup of grated cheese (parmasen, pecorino or cheddar)
- plenty of freshly ground black pepper
- tagliatelle for two (or Fettuccine). I prefer broad pasta for carbonara but spaghetti is the tradition.
- extra grated cheese to serve
Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water.
In a heatproof bowl, mix together 2 eggs, 1 egg yolk, garlic powder, onion powder, 1/2 cup of grated cheese and black pepper. Set aside while you grill the bacon.
Fry bacon (or meat of your choice) in a pot with some olive oil. When the bacon strips are lightly browned on the edges, turn off the heat and pour off excess fat.
When the pasta is cooked, drain the pasta (save the pasta water and the pot) and stir into the bacon pan. Coat the pasta with the bacon flavor and transfer the pasta into the egg mixture. Position the bowl on top of the pot which cooked the pasta. Whisk the pasta and eggs and let the gentle heat thicken the sauce. If the egg mixture remains watery after a few minutes, turn on the heat at low under the pasta water pot and keep on whisking/stirring until the sauce is thickened.
Serve the pasta with extra grated cheese and black pepper on top.
Pasta carbonara, my way
- bacon/pancetta/ham strips, sufficient for two
- 2 whole eggs
- 1 yolk
- garlic powder (3 shakes)
- onion powder (1/4 tsp)
- 1/2 cup of grated cheese (parmasen, pecorino or cheddar)
- plenty of freshly ground black pepper
- tagliatelle for two (or Fettuccine). I prefer broad pasta for carbonara but spaghetti is the tradition.
- extra grated cheese to serve
Cook the pasta in a pot of boiling salted water.
In a heatproof bowl, mix together 2 eggs, 1 egg yolk, garlic powder, onion powder, 1/2 cup of grated cheese and black pepper. Set aside while you grill the bacon.
Fry bacon (or meat of your choice) in a pot with some olive oil. When the bacon strips are lightly browned on the edges, turn off the heat and pour off excess fat.
When the pasta is cooked, drain the pasta (save the pasta water and the pot) and stir into the bacon pan. Coat the pasta with the bacon flavor and transfer the pasta into the egg mixture. Position the bowl on top of the pot which cooked the pasta. Whisk the pasta and eggs and let the gentle heat thicken the sauce. If the egg mixture remains watery after a few minutes, turn on the heat at low under the pasta water pot and keep on whisking/stirring until the sauce is thickened.
Serve the pasta with extra grated cheese and black pepper on top.
2018 weekly - Week 10
07-08/03/2018
One of the greatest pleasure in life is to work with like minded people who appreciate your work and are not shy to say so. You know what's even better? That the same people happen to have great manners and the same interests as you off work.
Thank you, Z!
One of the greatest pleasure in life is to work with like minded people who appreciate your work and are not shy to say so. You know what's even better? That the same people happen to have great manners and the same interests as you off work.
Thank you, Z!
Saturday 3 March 2018
2018 weekly - Week 9
27/02/2018
I tried the new gym for the first time, after an almost month long break. It really feels good to be back. Now fitness classes make me feel alive and a sense of purpose, not to mention refreshing my mind and relaxing my brain. I had a new instructor in a new class today. Feeling a bit challenged right now physically but I am sure I will improve in a few months.
On the snow side, it seems that most of UK apart from where I live is covered with snow today. Oh well, it's a blessing as the road traffic doesn't get affected too much here.
Tomorrow we are treated with fish & chips at work.
28/02/2018
Well, it turned out that snow decided to visit us today. We probably got at least two inches of snow at home and three inches worth at work. It pretty much snowed through the whole morning and stopped at 1pm. The temperature dropped to -6C when we went home, possibly the coldest temperature since I arrived in this region.
The fish & chips arrived fine though. Quite an experience to have F&C looking out at the snow.
02/03/2018
It's a record. We have had snow fall every day this week. Quite something to remember as I don't remember we had such a sustained snow fall before. The main roads are well gritted so commuting is fine. Lucky for us, I know.
I've tried the new gym a number of times this week. I like it very much so far. The new gym has much for space for exercising, classes and changing. So far I am also satisfied with the quality of classes. They are all new to me and I've been enjoying different challenges. Did I tell you that it has underfloor heating in the changing room? Heaven especially on a sub-zero day like this week.
I tried the new gym for the first time, after an almost month long break. It really feels good to be back. Now fitness classes make me feel alive and a sense of purpose, not to mention refreshing my mind and relaxing my brain. I had a new instructor in a new class today. Feeling a bit challenged right now physically but I am sure I will improve in a few months.
On the snow side, it seems that most of UK apart from where I live is covered with snow today. Oh well, it's a blessing as the road traffic doesn't get affected too much here.
Tomorrow we are treated with fish & chips at work.
28/02/2018
Well, it turned out that snow decided to visit us today. We probably got at least two inches of snow at home and three inches worth at work. It pretty much snowed through the whole morning and stopped at 1pm. The temperature dropped to -6C when we went home, possibly the coldest temperature since I arrived in this region.
The fish & chips arrived fine though. Quite an experience to have F&C looking out at the snow.
02/03/2018
It's a record. We have had snow fall every day this week. Quite something to remember as I don't remember we had such a sustained snow fall before. The main roads are well gritted so commuting is fine. Lucky for us, I know.
I've tried the new gym a number of times this week. I like it very much so far. The new gym has much for space for exercising, classes and changing. So far I am also satisfied with the quality of classes. They are all new to me and I've been enjoying different challenges. Did I tell you that it has underfloor heating in the changing room? Heaven especially on a sub-zero day like this week.
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