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Thursday, July 29, 2010

Event in Hanoi July 2010

Once again, i flu to Hanoi for their actual event. Before departure, TV news announced that "Hanoi - Tropical storm Souderler brought heavy rains to Vietnam's northern coastal provinces on Monday, flooding Hanoi and causing traffic jams."

It was reported the tropical storm hits Sunday night after soaking the coastal provinces of Hai Phong and Quang Ninh. In fact, all of us are worried about the heavy downpour will make the event called-off. Luckily, the storm just passed by Hanoi, and it didn't bring havoc to the city. Of course, the event was managed to complete.

Before the downpour, i rushed to the hall to monitor the set up.

There are about 50 university students volunteered to help out as our working committee taking up different tasks. I have difficulty to communicate with them, but luckily there are a few who can do translation for me.

I have a sleepless night worried about the weather condition. But, luckily the weather is beautiful. It was a beautiful Sunday. I felt relief.

I met the local celebrity& singer emcee, Mr Thanh Trung. People are crazy about him. For those who interested to know who is he, you can "google" him. But all are in Vietnamese Language.

The program started as we planned. Everything run smoothly. Thanks GOD!

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Hanoi : Seafood at the road side ( Vietnam)

After the food poisoning incident in Bandung, Indonesia, I'm very alert of my food intake when i travel, especially in developing countries.

When the local friends strongly recommended to eat seafood at the road side, i felt a bit worry due to the hygiene concern. Surprisingly, when i saw the delicious seafood served one by one in front of me, i can't resist to say "NO!".

Look at the photos i taken below, especially the crabs. My left brain stopped me eating due to high cholesterol, but my right brain insisted to eat more and more!!!

Everybody is sitting at the small tables and chairs for the mouth-watering seafood dinner. No doubt, big size like me, i felt uncomfortable, but, yet i must show my thumbs up for the fresh seafood they served.

Such a small table! Diners can throw away whatever they don't want on the floor. It's ok to do so!

I like this!! so tasty and fresh. After the meal, i felt so guilty. This is because, i think i really ate too much.

If anyone of you happen to be in Hanoi, you must try the local seafood at the road side. It's a very good experience!

Hanoi : Aota Restaurant (Vietnam)

First day in Hanoi, Boon and Van Anh brought me to AoTa Restaurant to taste the local Vietnamese food. In fact, this is what i prefer coz i like local food too.

The customers are attracted not only by the warm space, original decoration of the North Coast countryside, but also by the various delicious dishes from all regions.

Steamed rolled rice pancake+grilled chopped meat
Bánh cuốn thịt + Chả quế VND30.000

Shrim steamed pancake
Bánh trứng rồng VND49.000

Rice with braised pork and half-hatched egg
Cơm thịt kho trứng cút VND49.000

Salted fried cricket rolls
Chả giò dế mặn VND6500

Grilled meat stick with noodle
Bún chả que tre VND39.000

Steamed egg with field crab’s big legs
Trứng hấp càng cua đồng VND35.000

Address:
Aota Restaurant
31 Huynh thuc Khang- Hanoi
Tel: 04.38359118
website: aota.com.vn

Hanoi : Asia House (VIetnam)

This is a fine dining restaurant which serves Vietnamese and Asian cuisine. Upon arrival, we were invited to a VIP room at the 3rd floor, where i saw a beautiful long table with full table setting.

The food is fantastic. I personally like the tofu with salted egg, spring rolls dipped with strawberry salad sauce, pork and the steamed prawns.

Address:
Asia House
9A Da Tuong Sr., Hoan Kiem District
Tel: (4) 3941-1234
email: vkthanh@fpt.vn

Hanoi : Marina Cafe ( Vietnam)

Marina Cafe Hanoi:

Ah Khenh brought me to Marina Cafe for buffet lunch. Ah Khenh was a local tour guide who can speak mandarin. This restaurant serves local Vietnamese food.

This restaurant caters for a lot of overseas guests such as Taiwanese and Malaysian. The local friends told me that the chicken and pork that served in Vietnam are more tastier than Malaysia. So i must try it.

On top of what i shown in the photos, there are also many other varieties to choose from, i.e. grill station, steamboat ingredients, local desserts and just name a few.

I'm a small eater. Therefore, i only choose to eat something i fancy. After lunch, i ordered a glass of my favorite Vietnam coffee. What a good day when i can enjoy my coffee at al fresco.

Price :
Lunch buffet VND135,000/ pax
Dinner buffet VND 150,000/ pax
weekend buffet VND 179,000/ pax

Address:
Marina Cafe Hanoi
12, Pho Tran Vu

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

the Making of Pumpkin Dessert

I like pumpkin dessert. My mum can make a good one.

1. Select a golden pumpkin from the market.
2. Boil the pumpkin in the hot water until it becomes soft and melty.
3. Remove the skin and blend the pumpkin with a blender.
4. In the mean time, prepare hot water.
5. Once everything is ready, pour the pumpkin into the hot water and cook for about 30 minutes. Do not let it unattended. Watch out for the fire.
6. At the end, mix with sugar and also sago.
7. Turn off the fire and let it cool down.
8. Serve best when it is cold.
9. Taste better when mix with 1 spoon of milk.

Lim Moi Kui Hills, Tawau

My uncle told me that he and the Hakka Hh members like to hike at Lim Moi Kui Hill. The name of the hill seem like a stranger to me. Therefore, i joined my uncle, together with my siblings. Gona find out what is so special about this place in Tawau.

According to my uncle, there are two routes. One is easier, another is tough. Guess what! i choose the simple one which required us to take one hour to reach the summit.

There are a lot of pumpkins lying at the road side. I'm so excited to see it. Initially, i thought this was a watermelon, but in fact, that's was a huge pumpkin.

Half way towards the summit, we can view a sea of green oil palms trees, as well as partly of Tawau city. Unfortunately, we can't manage to reach the top due to the up coming soon down pour. We have to rush down the hill and back to the shelter.