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Showing posts from December, 2010

Prospero Año Nuevo

We thank THEE for the year gone And pray to THEE to bless the new one ............(0 0) .---oOO-- (_)-----. ╔═════════════╗ ║ Happy New Year 2011 ║ ╚═════════════╝ ----------------------oOO ........|__|__| .......... || || ....... ooO Ooo

Souvenir Shopping in Asakusa

It's fun shopping in Asakusa though the prices may not necessarily be cheaper than in the Omotesando district. There are hundreds of stalls on side streets and on the main alley leading to Sensoji Temple. But it's hard to get close to some stalls  (like the cookie shops) on Sundays when it seems a third of Tokyoites are congregating in the area. No wonder the cookie stalls are mobbed. Check out these goodies which are wrapped so attractively. Who wouldn't be thrilled to receive a box of these freshly baked treats? The cute knick knacks above are cell phone accessories or possibly something you can put into your key ring or hang from the handle of your handbag. I like the miniature wooden Japanese dolls best though I didn't buy any. These cloth made dolls are beautiful to behold. Note the price for each doll - from 2,000 yen to 5,250 yen or US$24 to $64.00 at $1 to 82 yen. Behind the dolls are paddles with two feather shuttlecocks. There are also many kimono

Merry Christmas

Join the triumph of the skies With angelic host proclaim: "Christ is born in Bethlehem" Hark! The herald angels sing "Glory to the newborn King!" Merry Christmas * * * Photo by Charie

Parkside Grille - Portola Valley

The table is set with poinsettias Appetizer: Ahi tartare in wontons with chile soy glaze Appetizer: Homemade mushroom infused mini meatballs Appetizer: Grilled chicken satay Choice of Entrées : Chardonnay poached river salmon in citrus beurre blanc with garlic mash potatoes and braised Delta asparagus Grilled organic hanger steak, Dijon butter, fingerling potatoes, arugula Blue Lake string beans Dessert: chocolate cake or gelato with homemade biscotti Great Christmas party under the redwood trees. Enjoyed my salmon in citrus beurre blanc. It was really flavorful. A friend who had the hanger steak said that though it was delicious, the meat was a little tough. Everyone enjoyed the appetizers. Another entrée selection was the wood roasted oven breast of chicken. It was hard to steer the group to the table to start lunch. They lingered a while longer in the bar area where the appetizers where spread out over the counter. For dessert I had the chocolate gelato with homemade biscot

The Christmas Holidays in Tokyo

A glittering tree at the Swarovski boutique in Omotesando, the Rodeo Drive of Tokyo Inside Omotesando Hills Mall A jewelry store in the Ginza district Sparkling lights and banners herald the new year Christmas trees line the main street in fashionable Ginza Happy Holidays to passengers at Narita Airport *  *  * Images by Charie

Hungry in Tokyo?

The art of plastic food display reaches its zenith in Japan. No other country in the world has such a wide array of the most delectable plastic dishes (and not limited to Japanese food only). Surrounded by Japanese restaurants, this window display announces an Italian pizzeria in Asakusa. Italian food has an affinity to Japanese or Asian cuisine as noodles = pasta. What differentiates them is the sauce.  At this noodle restaurant close to my hotel in Hanzomon, you need to get an order ticket from a machine with instructions in Japanese. So I took the menu and compared the Kanji characters of the combination dish I wanted for dinner with that of the machine but nothing matched. I narrowed down my choices by the price indicated on the menu but still couldn't find a match. So finally I gave up and stood by the counter until the chef was free to help me. He was very accommodating as he had seen me figure things out for a few minutes but as he had a steady stream of customers, cou

Balay ni Charie Celebrates its Fifth Year

Kids on their way to their classroom One of the most heartwarming experiences I've had while visiting the Philippines has been meeting grade school kids through the Balay ni Charie School Supplies Program . According to Room to Read , "World change starts with educated children". And how do we keep economically disadvantaged children in school? Balay ni Charie helps children stay in school by providing them with the tools they need, namely: pencils, pens and paper. While we take these items for granted in more prosperous countries, many children in the Philippines can barely afford to buy the school kits necessary to succeed in their studies. With the generous support of friends and family, Balay ni Charie was able to reach out to 600 kids at Conrado Barrios Memorial School in Roxas City, Capiz last November. We are looking forward to helping more children for many years to come. Grade school kids at Conrado Barrios Memorial School For more on Balay ni Charie, visit h

Early Morning at BayBay Beach

Mantalinga Island in the distance The best time to take a walk along BayBay Beach in Roxas City is early morning when the rest of the city is still fast asleep. Except for annoying stray dogs, the beach is yours to enjoy. (The city really needs to address the burgeoning population of stray dogs as they often scare away would be strollers.) Low tide. No fishing today? *  *  * Photos by Charie View Larger Map

At the Roxas City Fresh Market

Pan de sal and mamon are my favorites Sinigang and ginisa mix for that special flavor Red egg with tomatoes and onions, yum! Time for a little chit chat Sorbete, ice cream, ice drop - there he goes Nothing like a camera to bring out that smile! Thanks, guys. Tricycles are so handy Colorful outdoor stalls Fresh produce and my favorite, melanzane (eggplant)   *  *  * Images by Charie