Chuseok Weekend 2018 in Macau -- Food

Korea celebrated Chuseok from September 24 - 26, 2018. These dates fell on Monday - Wednesday, which means the holiday really started when everyone got off work on Friday afternoon/evening.

For those who don't know Chuseok: people here call it "Korean Thanksgiving," because it is a time when families get together in the oldest relative's home for ancestral ceremonies--and spend time together as a family, making memories.

So it's a harvest-time national holiday spent with family (like American Thanksgiving). This is one time when it feels like the entire population hits the road. Anyone who ever got stuck in Korean traffic during this time knows what I mean.
It's common for a 6-hr drive to last 12+ hrs. Yes, it gets that bad.
Maybe that's one reason why more and more people (not just families) travel internationally during this time. Airlines know this, so they jack up the prices to criminal levels--just like American Thanksgiving and very much like Christmas time in most places.

Then, you get people like me who know all this but need to leave the country for a spell just for the sake of sanity. So I went to Macau.

If you didn't know, I already traveled to Macau before--during Chuseok 2017! It's not that Macau is my official Chuseok destination, just that it is small enough for me to explore and enjoy in a few days (the length of the Chuseok holiday). I also had a few things I wanted to do that I missed last time.

However, instead of going for the entire 5-day holiday, I only went for the weekend. Why? Flight tickets were either sold out or too expensive for a later departure date. Besides, I liked the idea of having 3 days to recover from the trip before going back to school on Thursday.

I'm ready to share my pictures and a couple videos with you. Only this time, I'm gonna do it a little differently: instead of posting by day, I've divided these posts by topics. As you can see from the title above, this one post is dedicated to the food I ate.

Hungry?

I'm sorry.

Let's start with my 1st meal in Macau (this time around).

A Vencedora

I saw this restaurant as I was googling about Macau. Yes, I already visited once, but I wanted to check if there were any secret places I missed--especially food-wise.

In case you didn't know, Macau was a Portuguese colony for 442 years (1557 - 1999). You will see Portuguese everywhere--one of the main reasons why I love Macau!

I felt triumphant when I found this place!

The menu in Cantonese & Portuguese.

Just so you know, the prices above are in Macanese Patacas (which are basically equal to the Hong Kong Dollar).

I love how similar Spanish and Portuguese are!

And just to think I can have this exposure to a Latin language by taking a 3-hr flight from Korea.

(Beef) Minchi. It tasted like home, it was so good!

Gelatina Musang Mok Yi Kei

Serradura (Sawdust pudding). It had a durian aftertaste.

Perhaps this container was next to some durian flavored-something for a while, and the durian penetrated this container. It was "meh."

Where I got the "sawdust" pudding.

Lord Stow's Bakery/Cafe/Garden Cafe/Express

Coming here was like making a pilgrimage. I can never hear Macau and not think of their egg tarts. I don't know how Portuguese egg tarts are like (I understand those are the originals), but these in Macau are the best I've ever had. Lord Stow's Bakery in Coloane is where it all started for these egg tarts in Macau. 

I didn't know this, but where the main bakery is, there's also a cafe, a garden cafe (restaurant), and an express (cafe) by the same people/brand/recipe. 

The original bakery--where you can get boxes of egg tarts.

The Garden Cafe (left) and Express Cafe (right)

That's very good to know.

I stepped into the express cafe and treated myself.

You can never eat just one egg tart. Beside is a cinnamon shaker.

The Cafe (really full when I passed by and took the picture)

Restaurante Litoral

This restaurant just happened to be about 2km from my hotel. It's also the nicest one I've ever treated myself to (alone) since I've been in Korea.

Entrance with the menu by the door.

Intro to Macanese Cuisine--in Portuguese

Same as previous, but in English

Below are 4 pages I took pictures of from the menu, so you can see an introduction of what they have and how much they cost--in Macau Patacas/Hong Kong Dollars.

Started with Caldo Verde (green soup)

Is that pork? Whoops.

African Chicken -- before

African Chicken -- after

Serradura -- without the durian aftertaste. Very nice.

Feast (in Sands Cotai Central)

Exploring the hotels/casinos along the Cotai Strip, I was looking for somewhere to eat Minchi again. I ended up at a buffet restaurant called "Feast." A server guided me to the buffet area and gave me a tour of the options. I asked if they knew Minchi. Apparently, I was mispronouncing it. When I showed pictures of it on my phone, then they knew what I was talking about.

Well, one of the cooks made it especially for me. I was sooo honored, touched, and happy!

My last meal in Macau was a very happy one.

Beef Minchi -- again!

This concludes the food episode. Next, I'll post pictures of pandas--both giant and red pandas.

Walk Together in Daejeon (16. Sept. '18)

I have a Korean friend--I'll call her "B." Last time B and I saw each other was when I lived in Hoengseong. That's 4 years ago! I couldn't see her at all until recently because she was very busy with her Masters. She just graduated a couple of months ago (way to go!). 

Finally Reunited

So after 4 (give or take years), B and I finally met up on the early evening of September 15, 2018, in her hometown of Daejeon. She took me back to her place, introduced me to her boyfriend, and the 3 of us cooked dinner together. We made gimbab (김밥), and they made Jjimdak (찜닭). I'd say we all did a good job. We enjoyed the food with the classic movie, Roman Holiday. Funny as it may seem, this was the 1st time I've ever seen that movie (this coming from someone who grew up watching movies from the 1930s - now, even a few silent films sprinkled in there). Something nice and lighthearted. It was just right.

B explaining how I should make gimbap.

My 1st successful gimbap! Man, I was so hungry I couldn't wait for it to be cut up.

After the cooking.

Walk Together Daejeon!

B left for church early Sunday morning. Afterward, she went to man her position as an interpreter at the hanbok booth in a festival she told me about. I was (gratefully) allowed to rest the entire morning. Around 12:30, B's boyfriend gave me a ride to the "Walk Together" Festival in Daejeon (where B was volunteering). This was the festival's 7th year. Basically, it's to commemorate the nationalities represented in Daejeon. You could dress up in traditional costumes, eat international food, play games and make crafts, and lots of other stuff for the whole family. I believe this was put together by the Daejeon International Center (If I'm mistaken, please correct me).

There were a ton of people (crowds always make me uncomfortable), but there was a lot of space too, so it was ok. Some of the nationalities represented were Filipinos, Japanese, Chinese, Mongols, Kazakhs, Ghanaians, Indians, Indonesians, Cambodians, Thai, Russians, and even Mexico (couldn't find a Mexican though, blast)!

They said, "Pose!" as though I can . . . 

In a Hanbok.

In a Yukata.

How do you tie and make this knot?

The 3 of us near the stage.

Leaving the venue. Whatcha think of the t-shirts?

I really like this funky bridge.

We went on a walk they had. There were 2 courses to choose from. Both made a 2 km circle from and back to the festival premises.

We left early so the 3 of us could have dinner together (without being rushed) before my train back to Masan.

It was a good time. Hopefully, we'll meet each other again in less than 4 years!

The Odyssey Back to Masan (25.- 26. Aug.)

Alright, you should have read about my odyssey to South Africa, now here's my odyssey back to my city in Korea.

I'll divide it into itinerary segments.

Brace yourself.

Jo'burg --> Singapore

Before the flight:
My friend and I were dropped off at the airport. Her flight was scheduled to leave 1.5 hrs before mine, so she had to check in and go through security before me. That, and I couldn't check-in to my flight yet. The counters opened after my friend went through security (at least, that's when I checked again and saw they were processing passengers). Eventually, I made it through security. I found my friend at her gate (fortunately near mine) and spent some time there with her. It's not every day you can see someone off at the airport at their gate.

I went for breakfast and some last-minute shopping. I tried getting the VAT refund but found out too late about the process. Kinda my fault for not researching into it sooner. A quick google search brought this, this, and this. You'll find more without a doubt.

The flight itself was fine. It got a little turbulent at times, but it wasn't too bad.

Singapore --> Incheon

I didn't have much--or any--problems on this side either. But I was pretty tired. In the 10-hr. flight from Jo'burg, I did not sleep. Arriving at Singapore at 6am and leaving after 8 am didn't help either.
Praise GOD, this flight went well too. I managed to close my eyes and rest/relax a few times, but not really "sleep."

Incheon --> Masan

This is where things got interesting.

I arrived at Incheon. I thought I may have a complicated transfer, so I try to check-in to my Korean Air flight to Busan online (since I'm back in Korea, I've got data coverage again). It wasn't working. I got to an information desk, and they break the news to me: my flight to Busan was canceled.
What? Why?
Due to weather.
Huh? (Remember, I'm sleep-deprived) Ok, what are my options?
[It was about 16:00. My canceled flight was scheduled to leave at 17:15.]
The next Korean Air flight to Busan (18:20 or so) was also canceled. The next available plane left at 19:30-ish. I didn't like the odds of that one being canceled too. Also, how many passengers from the two previous canceled flights were going to make it on that one? I decided to try my luck with ground transportation since I was in the country (and it takes about 6 hours to cross it. Hence it's not so bad).
Trains? First available train from Seoul to Masan was scheduled to leave after 22:00 and arrive at Masan after 1am. Transfer trains? Not much better.
Buses? The 1st limousine bus directly to Masan was going to leave at 19:50 (it was around 17:30 by then).
Fine, I'll take that one. I did and arrived at Masan after midnight--and at home by 00:30.
Maybe I should've stayed on the flight. Again, I was too sleep-deprived to make wise decisions.

At least I was able to contact Singapore Air about that one flight (I booked the entire itinerary via Singapore Air), and they've allowed me to use that one ticket any time between now and November 11th. Thank you!
I'm still tangoing with them about the reimbursements we were promised back on our flight from Incheon to Singapore at the beginning of my trip...
I'd like to think they're coming along... please.

In Conclusion

Without much ceremonies, that concludes my odysseys to and back from South Africa.

Would I go back to South Africa? As soon as I have a travel partner--and a few friends in South Africa with time to guide me/us around.

Is South Africa safe? Not like Korea or Japan, but it can be safe. You just need to be careful and not be stupid (same goes for everywhere in the world, honestly).

If you have the chance to go to South Africa, do it--with caution. Nothing happened to me, but I was careful, and locals guided me. I hope the current situation doesn't get worse. It would be a tragedy if this country became a "no-go zone."

Lion & Safari Park in Pretoria

On the last day of my South African trip: Lion & Safari Park!

As my friend told me, There is no way you can go to Africa and NOT see any animals. So we squeezed in Lion & Safari Park on an already full day. I'm so grateful we went.

First, my friend and I went on a kind of safari through the park. We saw giraffes, lions, wild dogs, springboks, wildebeests, cheetahs, zebras, and other animals (this was about a 30 min. ride).

After that, we signed up for 2 animal experiences: petting lion cubs and petting an adult cheetah.

We (and her sister and sister's friend) entered the section with the lion cubs. I think there were about 6 or so. They were cute--and big! I forgot if they were 2 or 4 months old. Either way, they were not small, but still cute--and still a little wild. One bit my friend's hand (not hard, just enough to feel the teeth), and another growled at me (this one has some character, I see!).

Next, just my friend and I entered the enclosure with the adult cheetah. Poor animal lost her left eye. I forgot how. But she was good-humored, although impatient to be fed (dinner was just outside). It was a mission trying to get a good picture of and with her. Her trainer did a lot to help us. Finally, when she was lying on the ground, I got to massage her behind her ears, and her "V-8 engine" purr was like nothing I've ever experienced. That purr was the highlight of my day!

Below is a short video (minus the purr):

There were other things we did, but I don't feel the need to share them here or now.
This concludes my last day in South Africa.

The next and final post will be about my odyssey back to Korea--and what an odyssey that was.

Jeffrey's Bay (19.- 23. Aug.)

Well, my days in Cape Town had come to an end. They were great. I definitely want to return--but not alone. I did feel a little unsafe on my own, though praise GOD nothing happened. But for peace of mind, it would be nice to go back with someone.

Not just Cape Town, but all the airports in South Africa I've been in.

Now, it was time to meet up with my friend and her family. We made the arrangements that I'd fly into Port Elizabeth (P.E.), and they'd pick me up at the airport. From there, we'd drive down together to their vacation home in Jeffreys Bay. I stayed with them for 4 days. I had a lovely time with them, going along to different outings and other things throughout the days, each day. I won't go into details, just know it was a good time.

Panoramic view from their main porch. Whoa.

The view from my bedroom window(s). Nice!

I don't remember ever seeing this plant before.

I have seen this one before.

Chicken Braai at their vacation home. (*mouth watering*)

I've seen plenty of buildings with this kind of "straw" roof.

Cute kitty in a store!

Port St. Francis, the smallest private-owned harbor in St. Francis, South Africa

On our final day there, we went on a cruise all over the community. Never thought I could board a boat to get to know a neighborhood--outside of Venice!

Friend's family, boat captain, and boat.

One of several bridges we went under.

Friend's family's vacation home, without giving away too many details.

On Thursday, August 23rd, we all made our way (back) to Pretoria. My friend and her parents drove (taking the bulk of the luggage along). Her grandparents and I flew to Jo'burg then drove to the one grandmother's house in Pretoria. Towards the evening, the grandmother took me to the friend's home (that was a lovely house/neighborhood too!). It's sad to think that I could only spend 1 full day there before having to depart for the airport, making my way back to Korea...

Lucky and Lost Tour (18. Aug.)

On August 18th, I went on the Lucky and Lost 1-Day Essential Tour, from Cape Town to the Cape of Good Hope.
If anyone has the chance to go down to Cape Town for a few days, make sure you leave one day for this tour. You won't regret it.
By the way, I am not getting paid for this post (but I won't turn down money, just sayin').

I made a video of the pictures and videos I took on this tour. There are two group photos included--neither of which I took. Our fantastic guide, Diana, took them for us and sent them to each one of us. I'm just trying to give credit where credit is due.

Before I put up the video, I wanted to give you a short run down of what's in it.

Bo Kaap

The colorful neighborhood of Bo Kaap was our first stop. There's a lot one can say about Bo Kaap, but I'll leave one link here.

Penguins!

Our second stop was Boulders Penguin Sanctuary. Yay for seeing African Penguins roaming free within (and without) their own little space!

Cape Point Nature Reserve & Cape of Good Hope

Cape Point Nature Reserve is enormous!
Diana served us some Cape Malay food for lunch. Vegetarians and vegans, it was purely vegetables and made with you in mind!
We reached a point where we had to decide between 2 hiking trails: either up to Cape Point or down to Cape of Good Hope. Four out of five chose to hike down to the Cape of Good Hope. I don't know about the others, but what settled the deal for me was the prospect of better scenery and fewer tourists.
We met with Diana and the one who didn't join us at the bottom, as she said she'd pick us up from there so we wouldn't have to hike back up.

Wine Tasting

We were taken to a wine farm in Noordhoek for some white wine tasting. We were given the option to not participate (although I'm sure the others judged). Since I don't drink at all, I didn't want to taste any wine. Besides, my sense of taste ranges from good-ok-bad. I suck at identifying flavors. So then, while the others tasted four kinds of white wines, I had hot chocolate (I feel like a child, a happy child--which is hilarious, given that I was probably the oldest in the group, minus the guide)! It was nice.
So glad I was understood and respected!

Chapman's Peak (Drive)

This was such a beautiful and scenic drive!
I feel bad to have included my pictures, given they don't do this place any justice whatsoever. But I needed something for this part of the video.
Diana also gave us some Cape Malay dessert. I cannot remember what it's called, but it was delicious.

From here, Diana drove us back and dropped us off at our respective hostels. Good times, indeed.

Alright, here's the video.

Friday Break (17. Aug.)

Considering that I had been on the go since I hit the ground (or since arrival on Monday), I decided to make Friday, August 17th; a chillax day.
I had been sleeping for over 7 hours each night, but I still felt exhausted by 19:00 or 20:00 each day--then again, I was on the go and walking more than I had in Korea for a while.

On this "chillax day," I had my laundry squared away, checked out the aquarium, and shopped like I hadn't shopped since I've been in Korea.

First off, I packed very little for South Africa (about 3 outfits for a 2-week trip).
I did this on purpose for two reasons:

One, it's winter in South Africa. All I need to do is layer and wear the same clothes a few times (if they're ok) before tossing them into the dirty laundry bag.

Two, so I'd be forced to buy clothes.

My laundry bag was kinda full, and I barely had anything clean left.
That, and it rained all day the previous day. Did I mention I was out all day and got stuck/lost in a hurricane-/typhoon-type deluge? This was after getting back from the World of Birds.

I did shop for clothes, but that was later this same day. Funny enough, even though I did buy clothes, they were not for right then and there (mainly knee-length shorts).
More on that later.

As far as laundry was concerned, the hostel staff and a roommate helped me find a laundromat. I was so glad they'd have my clothes ready by that afternoon AND have them delivered to my hostel. Yay! Isn't it beautiful when things turn out without you having to do anything?

Two Oceans Aquarium

Two Oceans Aquarium

I'll share the rest in video format.

Considering South Africa borders both the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans, is it really any wonder why they chose the name: "Two Oceans Aquarium"?

My lunch: Fish and Chips (with rice) at Ocean Basket

Dessert menu

Baklava Cheesecake (waaaay too sweet)

Shopping

Oh man, did I shop and buy a ton!
In all honesty, I think I did a year's worth of shopping (or more) on this trip--but most of said shopping was done on this day, at the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre. However, the store I spent the most was at Woolworths. Oh my word, I felt like I was back in the States. It was great! I'd say Woolworths is like Macy's in the States, but cheaper (especially when one factors in the exchange rate).

There's no need to go into how much I spent or on what. Just know that if you want to spend money, Cape Town (or South Africa in general) is the kind of place where you can spend your hard-earned cash and feel pretty good about it--and this is coming from a quasi-stingy woman.
But do be careful. South Africa is not as safe as Korea (or many places in Asia). Practice the same level of caution you would in the States, UK, or any Western country. Try to avoid making yourself a target as much as possible.
You've been warned.

Sightseeing Cape Town Bus Tour, Day 3: World of Birds (16. Aug.)

For my last day on the sightseeing bus, I decided to take the free canal cruise (you can get a free canal or harbor cruise with your premium or deluxe package. I already went out on the harbor, so I decided to take the canal cruise).

After that, I wanted to take on the mammoth of sandwiches, known as "The Gatsby."

Next, I went to the District Six Museum. I could've had a guided tour, but I missed it and was on too much of a time constraint to wait on the next one. Whoops.

Later, I got back on the bus, riding the blue route. I got off at the World of Birds park. Finally, I returned to the hostel.

Canal Cruise

Before I made it to the canal cruise, I had to walk behind the aquarium. Then, I saw the seals, just there doing whatever seals do.

Oh, hello there.

I'd like to do the same.

Caution heeded.

Is this a showdown?

360-degree view of where you wait to board the canal cruise. 

I had a while to wait.

A South African native, or so I've been told.

Front-row seat on the boat. I was the only passenger.

Whoa, I can see this is definitely a loaded community. 

A family having breakfast along the canal.

The Great Gatsby (sandwich)

I've watched YouTube videos about this sandwich and I really wanted to take it on. I ordered the half Gatsby. I had half of that for breakfast (around 9:30) and had the 2nd half for dinner (around 17:00). That sandwich was my entire day's meal. The Gatsby is no joke, let me tell you!

Behold, the half steak and eggs Gatsby.

After 1 bite. How do I hold and eat this thing?

Sheesh . . . I've met my match.

I had the Gatsby at a place called "Mariams Kitchen" on Heerengracht Street. It's a Halal restaurant, so I felt secure (food-wise) on the premises (thanks guys!). 

First Arabic numbers clock I've ever seen.

Walking off the meal

District Six Museum

The main hall of the District Six Museum 

I'd like to go back for the guided tour. I think I missed out on a few things.
Good thing I didn't miss the blue route bus to World of Birds!

Entrance to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

I thought I was going to spend Friday morning there with one of my hostel roommates, but those plans fell through.
That's fine. Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is yet another reason I need to return to Cape Town.

World of Birds

Nah, I gotta use the video. There are too many pictures.

In a nutshell, that was my third and last day on the sightseeing tour bus.