Lola's Wanderlust: August 2008

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

International gifts from Mom and Dad...

It has been Christmas in July for me! I received 4 packages and of course one from Dad and one from Mami. The packages from moms and pops included food. Mom will do anything in her power to make sure I eat...right.

It is bread from Puerto Rico (courtesy of Dad) and a bowl of bean stew (courtesy mom who sent me beans and Sazon)

YAHAHAYAYAYAYHAY!!!

This is a rare treat. Pan and Guayaba from Puerto Rico and the rare cheese that we got from the Costco in Daejeon.

Franco...all over the world....

In all my travels I find a place or a brand named "Franco's". There is a "Franco's" restaurant in Atlanta but I did not expect to find one in Daejeon, South Korea. Thanks Dad for the last name!

This was taken when I was in Venice, Italy in January 2008.

This was taken August 9th 2008 early morning in Dusan-Dong. I had not been home in over 20 hours and look a hot mess. Still I could not miss this photo op.

Monday, August 4, 2008

I take a trip to the supermarket...

Traveling to the supermarket is an adventure unto itself. Everyone from home asks me what I eat and all I can say is that I get creative and cook for myself. Thank you to all my family and friends who have sent me snacks and food from home! It is greatly appreciated.

Nearly all of the coffee here is instant

The Koreans have a love for moon pies

That love does not compare to their love of SPAM

SPAM in all its glory

Assorted pickled and mind-boggling spicy vegetables

Ritz crackers and Oreos Korean styles. The Ritz crackers come in various fillings, none that tempt me, personally.

I do not know what is worse:
Not finding avocados in Korea or finding avocados but at 6 dollars for two. I have never paid more than a dollar for an avocado and I don't plan to start now.

Instead of offering string cheese as a snack for children and adults alike Koreans offer meat sticks. Like a "gogurt" but in meat form. They are sold EVERYWHERE and mostly at room temperature...ugh.

Dried baby fish. I believe they are used to season broths and soups.

Lira & Tuti...doppelgangers

In one of my beginner classes there is a precocious student named Lira. She is silly, funny, sweet and happens to be Tuti's doppelganger (double). Sometimes the resemblance is uncanny in appearance and personality. As all things in life this is best witnessed in person. These pictures do not my doppelganger theory justice because Lira is not wearing her hair down.