[2011] Czesky Budejovic, Czech Republic

On our way back from Czesky Krumlov we went to Czesky Budejovic and took a tour of the original Budweiser Budvar brewery. 

We also made a stop on the side of the road to have a fondue picnic. The linseed fields were just so beautiful. We got some good photos in. I think Matt and Hayes look like they're in an album cover of an emo indie band. 

[2011] Basel, Switzerland

I am currently living in a city that sprawls across 3 countries. I was confused for the first few months, not knowing which country we were driving through. I also cannot seem to figure out what the proper name for this city is. It has so many names; is it Basel, Basle, etc...? I guess it's not so bad when you consider the fact that Switzerland has 7 different names in comparison. Interesting country, I tell you.
Although not many people have heard of this Swiss city, it is the third biggest in the country and is really quite beautiful. Some may have heard of Basel through Art Basel, the biggest annual art fair, where all the contemporary artists works are sold and traded. I've yet to live through one, but have heard that Brad Pitt comes yearly and can easily be sited around town. I am so excited to people watch when the time comes.
In the meantime, here are a few pictures from my wanderings around town.

[2010] Daejon, S. Korea

Ali Babba's was our go to place in Daejon. Ali is from Tunisia, works for some tech company in Daejon as an engineer and then owns this restaurant as a hobby. He just loved to host and cook food. He told us that he started cooking to impress the ladies, which was obvious because he was still quite the ladies man.
Ali Babba's is a whole evening affair because he is the only person in the kitchen, so you sit back relax wait for the yummy saffron rice and kafka over some hummus and beers, and then finish off with some free sheesha.  Ali was selling the establishment to some ladies, and it was starting to change as we were leaving Korea, so it may not be the same now, but man oh man nights at Ali Babba's were the best!

I don't have any good photos here, but here's a blurry one that was a TNSC event in Feb 2010. Miss you all!

[2010-2011] Nice, France

[2009] Hiroshima, Japan

Highlights
1. Hydrofoil ferry from Korea to Japan
2. All the FOOD; sushi, ramen, etc
3. Hiroshima memorial park
4. Cherry blossoms
5. Hiroshima Museum of Modern Art
6. Taking photos of everything, b/c it was all so beautiful

[2008] Paris, France

Whenever I think of Paris, the song Aux Champs Elysées pops into my head. Does that happen to anyone else? This trip was my first time in France and it was everything I thought it would be an more! Cheesy? Well of corse! This trip was filled with savoury crepes (fromage, a must in them) and we made sure to try fondue.We went to the same crepe place in the Latin quarter by our hostel EVERYDAY, sometimes twice for a sweet one too. I must go back next time!

 Besides the cheesy food and wonderful crepes, I really enjoyed the architecture and art. I had just spent about 2 weeks in Italy and was starting to get tired of the Renaissance art. Blech~ Sorry Renaissance Art, but you are not my favourite style!  The Rodin museum and garden were a breath of fresh air to me. How expressionful and beautiful...

On the flip side, I found Le Louvre to be disappointing. It was just too busy, and huge!! It was a little stressful trying to see all the masterpieces in the time we had alotted for the visit. On top of that, the Mona Lisa, was tres tres underwhelming. The crowd of pushy rude people lined up to see it may have added to this fact. I must say though, DaVinci's paintings are stunning!

We missed out on the Centre Pompidou and Musee d'Orsay because of time, so I definitely want to make another visit to just walk through these Art museums.

I can say with confidence that this is where I started to appreciate art...Thanks Paris!

[2008] Yoengdoek, S. Korea

Seafood!!!!

During the crab season in Korea, tons of Koreans travel to this area to eat delicious crab for a good price. I was lucky enough to go two years in a row and I am salivating just thinking about the delicious fatty crab legs.

We went to a market where there were tons of different vendors. You walk up to the one you like and ask for a certain type of crab and they sell it by basketfuls. (You know the baskets you use for shopping at the grocery store.) You then pay the vendor for the crabs and they carry up the baskets to the second floor. This is where the affiliated restaurant steams your crabs for you. You pay about 5 dollars per head. You also have the choice of getting some rice cooked inside the crab shell with all the yummy gooey stuff.

I don't really see myself going back to Korea during this time, so I'll just have appreciate the fact that I've already been there twice. If you are living in Korea and you like seafood---GO!!! GO NOW!!!!