Rest in Peace IYee
One of the saddest moments this year has been my favorite aunt passing away. My "I-Yee" was a rock for us: she was a big sister and best friend to my mom, a pillar of strength for her six children, and a beloved aunt and friend to the rest of us kids growing up.
The funeral was last month in Seattle and I couldn't attend due to starting a new job. That day, I was rather sad knowing that I wouldn't be there in person to wish her goodbye. Just only a couple of months earlier, during a Skype chat, I saw her fatigued yet hopeful face, and I knew then it would be the last time I'd see her.
When the doctor first confirmed her cancer, we were told she would only have a few months to live. She lived for almost two years more. All of us felt blessed that we got that extra time with her!
No doubt, my IYee had a tough life raising six kids in a new country where she barely spoke English with a semi-absent husband. She still managed to remain resilient and optimistic with her words of encouragement and steady presence.
My IYee had a wonderful sense of humor and a tremendously positive outlook in life. Sometimes family members would vent and share frustrations, and my IYee often responded in the most Buddhist way with "It's okay. Life is short. Love your kids no matter what, no matter how different their paths may take them." She embodied true openness and love.
Her heydays were in Hong Kong where she grew up as a teenager. As a young thriving soul, she used to cruise through the Hong Kong markets, arm in arm with her friends. She frequented the wonton noodle shops and window-shopped with curiosity. And someone told me that back then, she loved riding on the back of a friend's motorcycle, laughing and smiling with not a care in the world. I'd like to keep that image in mind whenever I think of her now.
When we received the news about her death last month, we were prepared. We had known for months that the day would come soon. Acceptance had come in and through us, and all that was left was the waiting. But still, on the day of her death last month, I cried. How can she leave us? I was then comforted with an image of her younger days when she used to ride the back of a motorcycle with her hair whipping back, the sun warm on her face. She lived her life, freely and openly with a positive attitude that touched so many of us.
Rest in peace IYee. We will miss you so much.
Postcards of Argentina (Part 2)
We were in Argentina to celebrate our 2nd year anniversary and I felt really blessed to be in such an amazing country with my hubby. On our actual anniversary date (Aug 30), we took tango lessons! How fun...and awkward as we tried to master a few steps in a 90-minute lesson. It was great fun!
Another highlight of the trip was traveling north to Humahuaca (5 hours north of Salta) to see these beautiful multi-colored mountains, slowly erroded over thousands of years. Pretty impressive.
We loved our time in Argentina with the architecture in Buenos Aires reflecting its European roots. The locals were always so generous and friendly, and the markets were alive with handicrafts and odd trinkets like knives with an eagle claw as a handle. After visiting the northeast and northwest as well as Buenos Aires, we hope to be back one day perhaps to travel south to Patagonia to visit the penguins.
Postcards of Argentina (Part 1)
When we first arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina last week, we weren't sure what to expect. Then we discovered the explosion of color in the Boca area famous for its working class neighborhood; the friendliness of the locals including those who stopped us in the street to give us directions; delicious grilled meat everywhere; and the melange of European culture found in a fascinating city like BA.
Here are some snapshots of our first week:
If you ever want to treat yourself...take a cooking class in Maine!
I treated myself this month and took a cooking course all the way up in Camden, Maine for a few days. Initially, I was nervous because I wasn't sure if everyone in class was going to be uber amazing with their cooking skills, but as it turned out, everyone in class was very humble, friendly and open to learning. Hands down, this was the BEST cooking course I had ever taken.
Reason #1: We got to pick our own vegetables from their garden to make our food. Not only was Salt Water Farm cooking school right on the water with a distracting gorgeous view, a beautiful expansive garden surrounded the building. Yes, get on your hands and knees and start picking the kale, lettuce and herbs - we have to make a garden salad!
Reason #2: The cooking class was more than just cooking techniques and knifing skills. We also discussed the importance of good organic eating and how best to buy the right products that are the healthiest for us and the environment. (mental note: remove Kraft macaroni and cheese from my cupboard - pronto)
Reason #3: The instructor Annmarie was so patient as us "type A" New-Yawkers and Bostonians in the room peppered her with questions all at once. She was so patient and she always answered with such great detail. I learned a lot! Including how to make the crust on this delicious blueberry pie.
Seriously, it was the best blueberry pie I've ever had. When we all had sat down to eat later, I was tempted to get a second piece but I didn't want to look like a pig!
So overall, the class was great and I learned a lot about seafood and cooking procedures. Did you know that you can bake a fish in the oven for just 6 minutes and then it continues to cook for a few more minutes after you take it out of the oven? all this time I've been over-cooking my fish and smelling up the apartment.
The best part about the course was that I never felt it was too complicated or difficult to replicate at home. Super easy and I can't wait to try the recipes at home.
One last note...I almost didn't make it to this course. Why? I was faced with taking a small 6-seater plane from Boston to Rockland and I freaked out. I was so afraid! Alas, good weather and a patient pilot who let me sit behind him on the plane, plus an elderly woman who held my hand saved the day and I arrived safely to take my cooking class. Yeah!
Eating a Japadog in Vancouver and other food highlights
One of my favorite pastimes when I visit Vancouver is EATING at all my favorite restaurants. I tick off the food on my "to eat" checklist during my limited days in Vancouver. Plus I pair the eating with meeting family & friends, and voila! I couldn't be happier.
1. Best Mussels Ever - Blue Canoe (Steveston, BC)
When my sister Sharon and I first tried these itty-bitty pieces of heaven last year, I demanded that we come back again. The mussels in cream sauce melted in my mouth. We were told that their seafood including their mussels are caught fresh every morning and with the restaurant right on the Steveston dock, you can't get fresher than that. The fries were also fabulous.
2. Best Value for Breakfast - "The Boss" or Dai Ban (Metrotown or Chinatown)
My mom and I have been going to "The Boss" for years, just for breakfast. Where else can you get two fried eggs, a small piece of steak, a breakfast bun, a small bowl of noodle soup & a tea for $6.50? This Hong Kong style cafe reminds me of NYC diners with the multi-page menus serving all kinds of international food 24 hours a day. To top it off, the food tastes excellent and it's mine and my mom's favorite breakfast place when I visit.
I remembered years ago when my hubby Eduardo first went to Vancouver to "meet the parents". He must've passed with flying colors because my mom pulled me aside after the first day and said "Let's take Eduardo to 'The Boss' restaurant." The rest is history.
3. Best Exotic Hotdog - the Japadog Food Truck!
Admittedly, when I heard that Vancouver now has a Japadog food truck, I found it odd. So off we went to check it out in Kitsilano, where the brightly colored truck sat on the curb. I perused the menu. Shrimp tempura nestled between 2 buns? (My niece Jadyn tried it - not too bad!) Yaki soba in lieu of the hot dog? I finally picked the one I did want called "Okonomi" with teriyaki sauce and bonito fish flakes that decorated the juicy sausage. My sister Sharon tried the Terimayo with teriyaki sauce, seaweed and mayonnaise on top. Yum!
The list goes on and on...chances are you'll get a fab meal at most places in Vancouver. Richmond is famous for their Chinese cuisine and it's also very affordable. Sushi restaurants galore - Ebisu in Richmond and Vancouver is a crowd-pleaser. I also dined at a tiny local sushi place in Dunbar with my friend Jenny and the fish was so fresh and tasty that I didn't want to leave. East is East has the best chai tea and my sister Sharon and I loved their lunch thali specials. Ahhhh....Vancouver never disappoints!