If you’ve ever watched a show on the Travel Channel called Bizzare Foods hosted by Andrew Zimmern, you would know that durien is one of the few things he cannot ingest. The reason is that durien is an acquired taste. If you are not used to it, then it’ll stink in your mouth, literally. Southeast Asia is home to this exotic, strange fruit. If you ever stop by Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia or Thailand, make sure you pick up a durien to test your taste buds, and if for the first time you don’t vomit, then I guess you’ve acquired more of a taste for ‘bizzare foods’ than Andrew Zimmern himself.
Aug 102009
Aug 052009
If Paris, London, Beijing, and Tokyo are the major capitals of the world, then America’s New York City pars no lower than any capitol. With the graceful statue of Lady Liberty holding tightly the red flames of American desire, New York is the world’s capital city for finance and business. Home to Wall Street, the Big Apple, and the World Trade Organization, NYC is probably the most important city when it comes to business. However, famous as it is for the endless possibilities and promises New York holds, they are not the only things that bring fame to the city. From the ever-so famous subway stations to the ever-so high skyrises, NYC is one of the most developed cities in the world. It’s the epitomy of American success. With businessmen, doctors, lawyers, and corporate managers browsing the streets, there is no better place that can better describe America in its glory. In addition, because New York is probably the first true melting pot of American culture, where people of all descent, from England, Ireland, Germany, China, Japan, and other countries come together to form a nation greater than the ones from which they come, it is truly a culture that one can appreciate. Along with the night markets and the Asia-like streets filled with bustling people, NY offers a place where many can truly call home. From the entrepreneural spirit of the businessman to the hopeful innocence of the college graduate to the dreams of an immigrant fresh off the boat, NYC offers everything anyone can hope for.
Jul 302009
Baggage charges in my opinion are one of the most outrageous fees assessed by airlines ever. Recently I have been flying with many US-based airlines and they all charge for baggages. So far I have been making a list of those who don’t charge and they include Jet Blue and Southwest Airlines. The problem with the fees is that it encourages people to take their baggages onto the airplane as carry-on luggage, which not only delays the time it takes for people to get on and off the plane, it pushes takeoff time even later and can adversely impact the whole flow of traffic on the runway. Even before the baggage fees were being charged, there was already very limited space in the compartments for storage. Now there is even less. If you are not the first ones on the plane, don’t expect to get a compartment by your seat. What problem does this cause? It will make the flight experience even more terrible, not to mention the quality of service offered already…
Jul 232009
“If geography is the mother of history, then Africa is the mother of humanity.” This is a quote that is often used to described the motherland of Africa – the place from which all humans derive. Our ancestors and predecessors were all evolutionary descents of Prime Apes found in Africa. Africa, particularly Ethiopia, is thus a place of great cultural significance, not only to humanity, but also to the history of the world. If you want to visit a place that is as important to humanity as the very oxygen in the atmosphere that we breathe, be sure to visit Ethiopia. Here, the people are friendly, the culture is immense, and the food is great. In Ethiopia, hospitality means everything to its people. For example, if you are a fan of ‘Bizarre Foods’ hosted by Andrew Zimmern, you would know that in his visit to Ethiopia, he experienced hospitality first hand. After buying a chunk of meat from a seller, the seller himself ate half of what Zimmern bought. Why, you might ask? Because it’s hospitable. Ethiopians are even kind-hearted toward animals. In the country, there is a person called the hyena man, who buys meat to feed the hyenas in the night. Out of hospitality,however, he tends to go very close to them to feed them – it’s also a matter of respect. Further, with cultures such as story telling and the birth of humanity fresh on the tongues of the Ethiopians, it’s hard to miss culture when you’re in such a cultural place. In addition the foods there are amazing. Raw meat with a red, brownish sauce that – what else is better than food in its original state – not messed with by any means of cooking, and it’s safe to eat! So, if you plan to visit the motherland of humanity, visit Africa and Ethiopia!
Jul 222009
Over several thousand years ago, in a land long seperated from the rest of humanity, there existed a people who called themselves the Aboriginies. They were a peaceful people who held faith in a religion called Dreamtime and practiced the art of worshipping their ancestors, holding true to the values of their predecessors. The Aboriginies resided (and currently reside) in the Northern parts of Australia. Often called the Downunder land, Australia had been almost completely shut off from the rest of mankind and is still very isolated today (only in terms of distance). If you should ever visit the Downunder land, be sure to tour the lands that bore its original peoples. With all the original customs and traditions still held true, one of humanity’s oldest, the Aboriginies are very rare today. If you want to experience culture first hand, be sure to visit Australia. But, there’s not only that, Australia has much more to offer, from the lifestyle of the people on the mainland, to the foods they eat, to the things they do. Stay connected to read our ongoin series of Australia!
Jul 202009
If you’ve ever been to Seattle, or just heard of it, then you probably know that it’s often dubbed as the Rain City. Holding true to it’s name, Seattle experiences rain in all four seasons, and more often than not in three of the four. However, as gloomy as it may sound, there is hope under the umbrella. For those who don’t know, Seattle is a city of great diversity and cultural experiences. For example, every Spring, there is an international film festival, where people gather to experience culture through the art of video. In addition, when comes Summer, Seattle hosts what is called a ‘Summer Festival,’ where the night markets resemble those that are often found in Asia, which is a nice change once in awhile in such a developed nation. Furthermore, every spring also, there is a festival called Folk Life that takes place in Seattle. It’s a festival of culture through appreciation of music and food. So, as far as the nickname of Rain City, Seattle’s not that boring of a place, so come, check it out!
Jeem Asian Restaurant
“Improper handling of pooled eggs; Food not protected from potential contamination during preparation, storage, display; In-use utensils improperly stored; Improper hot holding temperatures (< 130?F); Thermometers not available or used as required to evaluate temperature of potentially hazardous foods; No certified PIC by accredited program, nor compliance with Code, nor correct answers; Physical facilities not properly installed, maintained, clean; unnecessary persons not excluded from establishment; Improper methods used to prevent bare hand contact with ready-to-eat foods; Food contact surfaces not maintained, clean, sanitized; Inadequate hand washing facilities; and Raw meats, poultry, aquatic foods not stored away from ready-to-eat foods,” according to King County Food Protection program (10/25/2005).
Jul 172009
Over 5,000 years ago, in a land called the Center Nation of Nations, there existed a people who struggled to create knowledge, culture, and identity. In the region of present China today, the people strived to define their existence and sought meaning to their lives. Though they came from different regions with different backgrounds and a different history, they decided to bind their fates together and create a nation greater than any that existed in that time. Over the many years, the country experienced civil wars, feudal wars, and treachery; prosperity, unity, and common nationality. There were ups and downs, good times and great times, bad times and horrible times, but the common nationality survived and thrived on to the 21st century. The nation today is called China, with Beijing as the capital. With a large demographic of people of different ethnicities, China is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Though they are all of Asian descent, they come from different regions and have different histories. However, the unity of nationalism and idealism bond them together, a bond strong enough to survive the test of time. China today is one of the most influential nations in the world. It boasts a population of over one billion and ranks as the third or fourth largest nation in the world (refer to the territory debate). With many places to visit and many differnt cuisines to try, it is one of the most traveled to countries ever. From the province of GuangDong to ShangHai to Beijing, each region has its own histories, specialties, and places to see. The Capital City of Beijing is home to China’s imperial palace and the imperial guard. If you ever visit, make sure not to miss it. In addition, with the Great Wall surrounding the whole nation, spiritually protecting it from invaders and foreigners, China is the perfect place to go to for an experience of history and culture. In addition, cuisine is as important to the country as any other aspect. With each region specializing in a differnt type of food, China’s cuisine is very robust and plentiful. From the Thousand Year egg to Chow Mein to Fried Rice to Wonton Soup, come experience it all. And, why not equip yourself with a little knowledge before you head out to China. Here’s a start!
Xie Xie – Thank you
Ni Hao Ma – How are you?
Duo Shao Qian – How much (price)?
Good luck! – Hao Yun
When total imports exceed exports for a certain country, an economic problem is identified. More imports than exports mean that more money is leaving the country than coming in. Less money moving around domestically is the root of a weak economy. If the difference between imports and exports is too great, then the gross domestic product (GDP) within the respective nation will fall too. In Rwanda, it is the case where imports exceed exports. In 2003, approximately USD 245,800,000 left the country while only USD 73,330,000 went into the country. Although money is usually exchanged for goods in trading, the major commodity imported into Rwanda is food, which is consumed by humans. Once consumed, the asset is worth nothing in the country’s net worth. Yet, Rwanda’s gross domestic product (GDP) is still growing. Therefore, even though Rwanda relies on imports more than exports, it’s still making money and the economy is still gradually growing.
Whereas in the United States of America, our amount in imports exceed exports by approximately USD 250,000,000,000! That is why the United States Dollar is currently worth less compared to other currencies like the Euro, a monetary unit used in the European Union.
However, as of 2003, an estimated 60% of the population is still in poverty and it is a problem that must be resolved in a timely manner. Although industrial and GDP growth is present in Rwanda, we believe that the economy in Rwanda could still grow quicker. There are two primary methods to a quicker growing economy. Firstly, foreign investment can be a solution for economic growth, but it isn’t feasible in Rwanda as discussed in the Introduction. Another method for economic growth is to bring money in the country, but not from exports. Rwandans could find higher paying jobs outside of the country and bring the money home. With enough people doing so, the economy will grow quickly. But with strict immigration laws in most developed nations, it seems impossible to get jobs elsewhere. However, it’s not! There are many occupations coming out of places like Panama and Liberia especially in the cruise line industry. Cruise lines employ most of its crew from under developed countries to keep costs down. And it is allowed to do so, as ships aren’t registered in a developed country like the United States of America with many pro-labor laws. In conclusion, even with Rwanda’s trade problems, there are many solutions for economic growth.
Jul 152009
Known as the Technology Capital of the World, Tokyo, Japan is a essentially a look into the future of humanity. With the many skyrises and condominiums, highrise roads and subways, Japan is the most advanced nation in terms of social technology in the world. It is ahead of the United States by as many as 15 years. There, you can experience the envisioned future a decade and a half years from now, if you are living in the United States. Tokyo by night is like a whole new world, much like the State of New York, except better. The lights are more glamorous, the buildings are advanced, and because they’re so compact, they elicit an emotion of hope for the future. Further, Tokyo is a much valued city in terms of wealth. Along with America’s New York and Britain’s London, it is one of the three capital command centers of the world economy. Wealth is one of the primary factors that drive technology, such as the train. If you ever decide to visit, be sure to ride the Shinkansen Train, which won 23 awards. With speed and safety the main priorities of the train, it is among the best in the world.
However, technology and wealth are not the only two factors that drive Tokyo. Culture is as important as advancement to the city. As the heart of Japanese culture, Tokyo offers a rich, unique experience. From the Kobe Beef (served in Tokyo and other cities in Japan) to the famous sushi to the many fresh seafood dishes, Tokyo offers a wide variety of food. Further, manga, anime, and many other now world famous arts and drawings are seen in Japan, their place of origin. If you ever visit, be sure to experience the anime conventions, they are a must for fans!
Japan is a much different experience than any other city today. With technology thriving, capital expanding, and culture growing, Japan is a must-visit city.