Historical Macau- A One Day Trip!

   

      At the tail end of vacationing in Hong Kong and while en route back to my home in Seoul, I had the chance to spend one day in Macau, a small providence close to Hong Kong and China.  I traveled from Hong Kong to Macau via ferry (1 hour trip) and once docked I found some city maps and walking tour suggestions. So instead of paying for a tour group I just took off on foot and created my own walking tour of Macau’s historic landmarks.
      Macau was Europe’s very first settlement in Asia It was founded by the Portuguese and it’s architecture, foods, and culture are still highly Portuguese-ish. It’s an absolutely beautiful city and is referred to as a “a little Europe in Asia”. The main historical attractions are churches, libraries, old congress buildings, and the town center, Senado Square. 



      I started my “heritage walk” heading towards Senado Square, the town center.  While on my way to the square, I made small detours to see other attractions along the way.


 Mainly churches and old governmental buildings.

     Once at Senado Square, I was as amazed more than the pictures had! Just the same as the other churches and Portuguese buildings scattered throughout Macau, Senado Square was beautiful. I have never been to Italy, Spain, or Europe...but I really felt as if these buildings scream European culture!!! The square has a small fountain at the middle of it, surrounded by the heritage buildings, such as Holy House of Mercy, the post office, and Leal Senado Building.

      My next stop was St. Dominic Church, very near Senado Square. It was built between 1590 - 1610, and is still used today.

       Despite all the historic site I had seen, there was still one left that I just HAD to see, the Ruins of St. Paul Church and Monte Forte. St. Paul Cathedral Church was originally one of the largest churches in Macau, however it was used during a military crisis as a storage center for war materials and there was an explosion causing the church to catch fire. The wooden church burnt, but the original stone front of St. Paul’s still stands. Walking up the stairs to the ruins....it just got more and more amazing as I approached. I understand why it is the ‘symbol’ of Macau.

    After viewing all the sites I wished to see, I spent the rest of my afternoon wandering down small tiny side streets admiring the beauty and peace Macau has to offer. I also sampled some of the famous Macanese/Portuguese food such as almond cookies and egg tarts. Both- Patrick Approved!!!

     A one day trip WASN’T enough to understand the culture in Macau, but the trip was really a wonderful experience. If I ever get a chance, I would love to visit this beautiful European city in the south of China again!

Hong Kong - Happy New Year!!!

For my 2013-2014 inter break (one bonus of being a teacher) a friend and I embarked on a trip to Hong Kong for 5 days. I had never been to Hong Kong and had assumed it was much like norther china that I have visited, but boy was I WRONG!!!
Sorry for not having a long in depth video as I tried but it was waaaayyyy to long. I could talk about all of my travels for days on end! So please enjoy the day-by-day overview I typed below!

Saturday, December 28 2012:
 Zachary and I caught a mid day out of Seoul bound for Macau. We had a short layover in China, which was actually a bit scary! We didn’t have Chinese entry visas, but our connecting flight required us to leave the airport area and actually enter Chinese territory. We were briefly stopped, questioned, and then handed over our passports which disappeared for quite some time- but we were granted entrance and made our connecting flight to Macau.
**Once in Macau we walked to the Ferry terminal nearby and caught a boat to Hong Kong, specifically Kowloon island as that is where our Hostel was. It tok about an hour to ride the ferry over and after getting lost at 9 pm at night in Hong Kong, finding the subway, getting lost again and asking many people for directions, we finally made it to our Hostel (which was originally only a block away from where we exited the subway!) After a long and confusing day, Zach and I checked in and then went and checked out the local night life of our neighborhood before having a very late dinner of Hong Kong style noodles. YUM!

Sunday, December 29 2012:
We awoke early with the plan to head to one of the popular islands within Hong Kong. Before going to the island though we explored what our area on Kowloon island was like during the day. We awed at all the local resuraunts, stores, and ridiculous amount of commercial shopping there was! We even stumbled upon a popular food market streets- Stanley Market.

**After snacking and walking in the morning we headed to Lantua Island. Lantua Island is home to the world’s biggest Buddha monument and boy was it worth the journey! We hiked up t her pedestal and was in awe of not only the beauty of the statue but also the beautiful scenery we were surrounded by. We then checked out a touristy shopping area near the monument and headed back into Hong Kong.

**That night we used the time to explore one of the popular Market Streets near our hostel, “Ladies Market” Despite the name, it is actually a haggling street filled with clothes, bags, games, decorations, food, and souvenirs of all kinds. We ended our day with the most delicious Scheczuan food I’ve ever eaten! I have extra spicy tofu and an ice cold beer.

Monday, December 30 2012:
With our neighborhood covered and having made the journey to Lantua the day before, we wanted to hold off on exploring Hong Kong island until the following day so we decided to venture to costal area of our island and see the coastal area of our island, Kowloon. We could have taken the subway but decided to walk and check out the real streets of Kowloon. What should have been an hours walk turned into a 2 hour journey getting turned around on unmarked roads and also stopping to explore Kowloon Central Park and taking photos.
**Once on the bay area, we immediately went to the Tsim Tsa Shui area. Tsim Tsa Shui coastal area is home to the Star Avenue- a long stretch of famous asian celebrities and some western performers’ handprints and signatures. It was pretty neat, but more neat was the view of the city skyline of Hong Kong Island just across the bay.
**Later in the night, we viewed the laser show that is held every night at 8 pm. Buildings on both sides of the river shoot lasers around in the sky and also have light decorations that illuminate to music. It was cool, but I actually just enjoyed seeing all the buildings lit up at night! We explored the bay area a bit and then went for a few beers and then eventually dinner in the evening at yet another different street market in between the coast and our neighborhood. I had a Chinese Shrimp Omelet, it was sub par at best.

Tuesday, December 31 2012 “New Years Eve”!:
After 3 days in Hong Kong, Zach and I headed across the bay to Hong Kong Island to check out the worlds LONGEST escalator and hike Victoria Peak- one of the highest points in all of southern China. Once on Hong Kong Island, we quickly found the escalator. The escalator covers over 800 meters (2,600 ft) and meanders throughout all the busy side streets and avenues of the urbanized mountainside of Hong Kong Island. Running through the popular districts of SOHO and Lan Kwai Fong, I read somewhere that it is estimated that 55,000 go up it everyday! However, the escalator ends about halfway up the mountainside. From here, we hike!

**The hike was steeper and tougher than anticipated...but the view from the top was AWESOME!!! The air was so fresh, bright, and much more beautiful than my pictures describe.
**After hiking back down the mountainside, Zach and I chilled in the popular district of Lan Kwai Fong for a while and then headed back to Kowloon coastal area on our island to view the fireworks and grab dinner. The crowd for the fireworks was insanely crowded, but we sat with some really awesome Japanese people and made some new connections in a new place, which was nice. The world famous fireworks did not disappoint! It was honestly the best fireworks display I have ever seen.  For real.

Wednesday, January 1 2013 - Last Day:
Zach and I decided to do our own thing on this last day, which I actually really enjoyed. I awoke very early and set out to check out some popular attractions that I had heard of.
** First on the list was the Bird Park. This a park area where many people gather to not only watch birds, buy birds, sells birds but also many bird owners bring their own pet birds out for some fresh air. It was cute and sweet.
** Next I kept with the aviary theme and went to the Hong Kong Atrium. Much smaller than I thought, but still was able to view lots of birds like Macaws, Parrots, Love Birds, and even one called a Big Black Butthead (no joke)!!!
**Next I headed to a northern area of Kowloon Island to the Chin Lin Nunnery. Once there, I was immediately at peace. This garden and shrine tucked away in a heavily wooded area within Hong Kong was truly beautiful. So peaceful, still, tranquil, and surreal at what peace and beauty I found there. Although it is mainly a buddhist gathering point, while speaking to buddhists and christians alike I learned that the garden is so sacred for all who come to give thanks and worship.
** After the garden and having a late lunch of tofu and fried bean curd, I got lost (again) while trying to find the northern “beach sounding place”- Kowloon Bay. Ummmmm wrong!!! not a beach at all but just a place for boats to come in and out. BUT i actually really enjoyed getting lost on my own- it is a way to see and experience new things you wouldn’t otherwise.
** After a long day of “me” time, I headed to grab my last dinner in Hong Kong at a vegetarian restaurant that caught my eye while exploring the first day. I sat down with a middle aged man who recommended the Fried Tofu with bokchoy and sweet beans. It was really tasty, but even better was talking to him about his life in Hong Kong and just listening to his stories and philosophies on life. A truly great way to end my time in Hong Kong.

Thursday, January 2 2014: Off I go!
**Hong Kong was great- better than I expected. It was such a rich mixture of city, nature, peace, and beauty. A true gem in the south of China. **

Grabbed a famous Egg Tart and a Milk Tea from a small bakery on my way to catch early ferry back to Macau where I will spend my whole day exploring that area before I fly out to Seoul. Check out my next blog (soon) on my day in Macau! 

Peace and Love, Always!
-Patrick

Link to my FB photo album:
https://www.facebook.com/patrick.conn.9/media_set?set=a.10202604213563572.1073741846.1144020019&type=3

Kimchi What Now?

 

 Hey everyone!!! For this blog entry I think it is about time I spoke about something that symbolizes Korea and is a true "only Korea" aspect- Kimchi.

I have always had an adventurous palate and have never been one to shy away from sampling foods that are new, foreign, multicultural, and even bizarre. Before moving to Korea, I had had some experience with Korean cuisine via some of my close friends that I had in America. Not only were some of my close friends Korean-American, but also my boss of Korean decent. In relation to this and because of my yearn for new experiences, I had long ago sampled the Korean staple food- Kimchi. Kimchi is pickled cabbage covered with hot pepper sauce and it is the most popular dish in Korea. Health Magazine named it one of the 5 healthiest foods in the world, and also claim that the average Korean eats 40 pounds a year of it. How is it possible to eat 40 pounds of cabbage a year? Well, many people Koreans eat it for breakfast lunch and dinner as it is seen as a staple side dish.

Kimchi is high in fiber, low in fat, and packed with vitamins that kill bacteria. Koreans are very prideful about the health impacts of kimchi
There's nearly 200 types of kimchi, but the basic ingredients are cabbage, salt and hot pepper sauce. You can also make it with onions, spices, etc. I have actually always enjoyed it and eat it at least 5 days a week as part of my school's lunch, and often at least once on the weekend either at home or at a restaurant.
 

Not only is it served as a side dish, but it is also incorporated into main dishes such as soups, pajeons (veggie pancakes), and many types of stir fries. I personally LOVE my kimchi hot and my favorite kimchi dish is Soondubu Chigae (soft tofu and kimchi stew)

Soondubu Chigae, my favorite!

Miyeon and I, making our kimchi ^_^

Kimchi has been around for nearly 3,000 years, so it’s a strong element of their culture. People even say "kimchi" when taking a picture, not "cheese." Most importantly, the process of making kimchi is an annual event in which the entire family participates in making kimchi before the winter comes and a lot of the cabbage crops go bad. This happens around early November. A few weekends ago, my good friend Miyeon and I took part in a Kimchi making event. IT was quite fun! Although it wasn't traditional family style, it was still a god experience. And I got to take      home 5 KG of free kimchi! Huzzah!!!

In times past, kimchi used to be stored in stone pots underground, after making our kimchi we were able to see the process in which the pots are made. This is after the molding but before they are fire baked and glazed.

And this is after they are baked and glazed.

 

추수 감사절 !! (Happy Thanksgiving!!!)

Wow, is it already December? And is Christmas only 23 days away? It certainly is, but you know what American Holiday just happened? Thanks-to-the-giving!!So as my fellow American readers will know, I traditionally celebrated Thanksgiving with my family, close relatives, and maybe some friends or two enjoying the historical important day of Thanksgiving having a large feast with Stuffing, potatoes, veggies, and not to forget the pumpkin pie!

 But ya know, each culter has their own version of Thanksgiving. As this being my second “American Thanksgiving” in Korea, I have grown accustom to celebrating holidays with my newly found family in Korea. However, I also have come to celebrate Korean holidays as well. If you have followed my blog, you would know by now that there is also a Korean Thanksgiving known as Chuseok (추석)

Over the years, I have observed both Chuseok and American Thanksgiving, and here are my most noticeable differences/similarities between the two:

There are many differences and similarities between Thanksgiving Day and Chuseok. First, People eat a lot of food during both holidays.
*On Chuseok, Koreans eat Songpyon, which is rice cake steamed on a layer of pine needles. Also, eat various pan-fried dishes and newly harvested fruits and rice.

* On Thanksgiving Day, Americans eat turkey, mashed potato, pumpkin pie, and many
other dishes.
* On Chuseok, Koreans gather, and do marry-go-round circling together with the friends and family.
* On Thanksgiving Day in New York, there is a big parade with over-done floats and famous people. 

* Common thing about Chuseok and Thanksgiving Day is that (some) both thank God for giving well harvested food. If farmers didn’t work hard, we wouldn’t have much food.
* Speaking of food, both Korean and American Thanksgiving center mainly around food these days. Whether it be Songpyeon (rice cake with pine needles) for Koreans, or Turkey, potatoes, and pie (for Americans) almost al families and friends gather around the table for good times and good food!

* On both holidays many people visit their ancestor’s and remember those who are no longer with us. 
I’m sure there are MANY MORE differences/similarities, but this is a Reader’s Digest version :)

Traditional American Feast

Traditional Korean Feaat.

So, how did I spend my “American Thanksgiving? Well, for the past two years, whilst living abroad in Korea, I have celebrated Thanksgiving with a new tradition- that being with my ‘family’ of fellow expats (and friends) here in Korea.

This year, I celebrated with 3 of my close American friends as well as my (BEST KOREAN FRIEND). I hosted a potluck pastry at my apartment for all of us to bring on r of our favorite traditional Thanksgiving dishes. I brought to the table sauteed veggies and salad while my friends provided a cheese and fruit appetizer plate, mashed potatoes ( my favorite), gravy, sautéed chicken (for the meat eaters) and of course Apple pie and don’t forget the wine! :)



Everyone chipped in, made their dishes at home from their own recipes, and it was a very nice, long, and relaxing afternoon enjoying each other’s company and great spirits. 
Although it wasn’t the Thanksgiving I grew up with as a child and young adult, it was certainly enjoyable and one for the memories! 




Our yummy sides, Salad, Potatoes, Chees$Fruit, and Turkish Pastries.

The best Korean Chingu I have made in my years here, Miyeon <3

Sarah and will preparing their potaoes and fruit plate! :)

행복 빼빼로 데이!!! (Happy Pepero Day!)

Hey Everybody! I apologize for my month long Hiatus from blogging, but I found that I was starting to view my blog more as a chore and something that I MUST do. I noticed this after about 3 entries into my switch from written entries to the video entries. Why? Well the answer is simple- I wanted my videos to be as perfect and artistically pleasing as well as informing which required me to do a lot of editing, photo hunting, and sometimes having to scratch an entire nights worth of work because I either A- forgot to mention something really important to me while speaking thus having to RE-DO the entire project, or B- I just plain didn't like it once I was finished. But I'm actually taking an initiative to start blogging more frequently. However, for those of you that have grown accustom to my lovely face and poetic speaking voice...that will only be for special entries or when I am feeling especially creative. From now on, to assure more up-to-date entries I will be doing more written blogging. I hope you all can take the time to read!!!!! ^_^

Anyways, today is November 11th. Any normal Autumn day back in North/South America, Europe, and most of Asia.  However, here in Korea it can only mean one thing- PEPERO DAY!!!!


Pepero day 빼빼로데이 is a holiday made up by the entertainment company, Lotte, in 1994 and is a day for giving pepero snacks to good friends, lovers, family, and of course Teachers! It is on 11/11 every year because it resembles the stick cookie-like treat! The Pepero snack come in 6 flavors- Chocolate, White Chocolate, Strawberry, Melon, Almond, and Nude (plain). Taste-wise I think it is pretty good and is a nice go to cookie snack. My personal favorite is a toss up between Almond and White Choco! 



  One reason why Pepero Day became so popular is because of how cheap and fun it is. Pepero can be bought in a single box and split it up into several smaller packets for mini gifts. Because it is so popular every supermarket, small grocer, and literally EVERY convenience store creates huge displays of boxes to give as gifts all over the shops!  They have many designs~ hearts, flowers, houses, boxes that can contain another gift inside, boxes spelling out L-O-V-E, and other "cute" stuff.


Anyways, this being my second year in Korea I was well prepared for Pepero madness and went to school with my stock of Pepero for my kiddies. And of course, the favor was returned all day receiving boxes and packages of the sweet and simple treat. HAPPY PEPERO DAY!!!!

행복한 추석 (Happy Chuseok) 2013

Hey everyone! So as you may have noticed, it had been about a month since my last entry.... me so sorry. But what can I say? As I have stated in my previous blog entries life in Korea is so ordinary. I eat, sleep, work, socialize, and everything else that involves normal day living. It isn't so much about exploring and getting "oo'd and aa'd anymore...because everything  that once was noteworthy is now my daily life! ^_^

Anyways though, something that I wrote about last year at this time was the annual Korean holiday of Chuseok!


추석 (Chuseok) is a major holiday in Korea celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar. Similar to the American Thanksgiving, it is a harvest festival held around the Autumn Equinox. As a celebration of the good harvest, Koreans visit their ancestral hometowns and share a feast of Korean traditional food such as songpyeon and rice wines such as sindoju and dongdongju.  Although Chuseok itself is a single day, the holiday period includes the day before and after, involving an array of traditional activities. Early on Chuseok morning, the family gathers together to perform traditional ancestral rites. A feast of traditional Korean foods is prepared for the memorial service, after which everyone enjoys the festive meal and exchanges gifts.

Super delicious Songpyeon (sweet steemed rice cakes) I learned how to make this as part of my cooking class with my kindergartners ^_^

A typical feast for Chuseok. I enjoyed similar food, but without a korean family but rather with my expat family.

During Chuseok, nearly all (young) Korean people leave the city in order to return back to their family's hometown for the holiday.  While families enjoy festive meals, cultural activities, giving one another gifts, playing games, drinking ^_^, and other memorable moments. The non koreans living here enjoy their 5 day weekend (since Chuseok is celebrated over the course of 3 days followed by Saturday and Sunday)
So how did I enjoy my second 5 day Chuseok Thanksgiving? Oh just with a trip down to my most favorite city in Korea, Busan. I actually visited Busan last Chuseok as well. Each trip was different and had it's own high points. This....is my Chuseok 2013 experience. Enjoy!

The Philippines- El Nido!

Hey everyone!!! Well it's a bout 2 weeks overdue, but I got back from my vacation to the Philippines! Wow Oh my gas range was it ever amazing! 

Like I stated in my post before my vacation, my friend and I went to El Nido and Puerto Princessa, smaller (but still popular) beach towns on the western Filipino island of Palawan. We began our vacation with one night and a 1/2 day in Puerto Princessa. It rained the first two days...but that didn't deeter our moods and stop us from having a good time. On the afternoon of the 1/2 day we caught a van to El Nido- the true paradise of Palawan. Once we arrived there after a 5 hour rainy journey through the mountains in a hot stuffy van...we were NOT DISAPPOINTED! ^_^

The water was so crystal clear blue/aqua green, The beaches long and white,and the inland was so tropical and lush. I spent the 5 days there with my friend (and fellow young travelers we met there). The other travelers were from thailand, a Filipino couple on their Honeymoon, and actually 2 Native Korean girls and 2 fellow English teachers working in Korea. None of us knew each other but when we all met we clicked very nicely :) 

We all spent 3 of my 5 days in El Nido together swimming, island hopping, snorkeling, beach time, exploring the inland via scooters, and of course fun nights out. Seeing both the smaller islands, corals and tropical fish, and also the inland were each uniquely beautiful. It was so amazing to be able to experience such natural beauty. And the native people there were so genuinely kind and open. Surprisingly they spoke good english and I got to chat with a lot of them and hear their stories/share mine. Exploring the quiet and quaint streets, restaurants, and cheap massage parlors was so nice when getting such hospitable and kind service. Good and cheap food eaten- Veggie Banana Curry, Avocado Tuna Salad, THE BEST Calamari and grilled Squid, and the list could go on Also, my friend and I went to the market every day bought loads of whole pineapples, mangos, bananas, dragon fruit, and avocados which we snacked on during our trip. So juicy and good! OMG!!!

Banana Curry

Not only did I spend time enjoying the adventure, cuisine, and nature...but also had some good reflecting time. Ya know, the people there have so little...yet they are so happy. They live simple honest hard working lives and slowly take every moment of the day in and appreciate their world.. It was a gift to see how truly simple their lives are...and what I am going to strive to start doing- cut down my consumption of goods, and see everyday as a gift thus enjoying it as much as able.

I highly recommend every spirited traveler to visit El Nido to experience the tranquility and peacefulness of it's beaches and the people who call it home.

As always, Peace and Love.