Dumplings? Dumplings! November 30, 2008
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It’s been a while since I had the chance to do any cooking. I’ve been so busy with my day job that I hardly had time to do other stuff.
My sister has been craving my dumplings, which I used to do often. I myself have been planning to make some but I kept having to put it off due to work, but finally tonight I decided to make time and make some. Here’s the finished product. I usually make them from scratch and use my hands to knead and form them. But recently I came across a gadget (although manual) that helped me create a finer dough. I’ll be sending them to both my sisters. I had my mom taste it tonight and she said it was really good. I tried it too, and yeah, it’s good alright!
My next plan is to experiment with fillings. I miss this! Another thing I miss is baking. But then, that will take up a lot of free time so I guess I have to do it when I’m not so busy.
When I was making the dumplings it relaxed me. My hands were full of flour so I couldn’t answer or read my Blackberry messages. My back was turned from the TV so I can only hear what’s going on. There’s something soothing about the repetitiveness of the process. The only thing missing is aircon… it’s hot downstairs! That’s why I don’t get to cook as much also. I hate sweating.
The dumplings I cooked are healthy and low in fat. It’s also a one-dish meal when I cook it in broth with veggies in it. One of these days I’ll make more hehehe I was so happy with the outcome I had to take a picture… my first dumplings using my new gadget! Looks good huh? 
Trip to Hong Kong November 5, 2008
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The last time I travelled out of the country it was 8 years ago. I can’t believe it’s been so long. I went with G, Darren and Gabby. Since my last trip was before 9-11, I noted that there have been a lot of changes. For one, I didn’t expect to have to take off my shoes. It was a bit embarassing to ask Darren to be my Prince Charming and help me put back my shoes on. Hehehehe
One thing I did notice was that at the airport, there were these security guys who check our docs and usher us to where we should go. Well, when Caucasians pass they bow and smile and greeted them good morning. When it’s locals, they were not smiling and weren’t very friendly. It’s ironic, that when we’re in another country, they were nicer to their locals.
Which brings to mind a memory. I remembered this one time years ago when I was in Sangandaan with an American friend of mine. We had trouble getting a taxi, they kept passing us by without stopping. A policeman noticed and asked my friend “do you need taxi?”. He hailed one and the taxi driver had no choice but to stop. We had our ride, but it really made me feel bad. I’m the one paying this guy’s taxes but he’s serving the foreigners!
Anyway, back to my trip, I had a good time. I had so much fun bonding with Gabby, and spent time with my sis and bro-in-law for fun. They did enjoy making fun of me for my snoring… according to them, if G is classical music, and Darren is rock, I’m heavy metal! hahahaha!
Unfortunately I didn’t get to buy much of anything. Everything was expensive and we noticed that a lot of the items being sold at the night market are available at 168 Mall. Actually I didn’t get to the night market because my feet were killing me. I was faced with the reality that I better lose weight if I want to travel a lot! Good thing the hotel we stayed in (Royal Plaza Hotel) is adjacent to a mall. My sister bought me a pair of Crocs… and ended up buying a pair for herself and Gabby too. It was cute seeing all 4 of us walking around in Crocs with different colors hehehe. The fast foods were great though. Love the dimsum, the asado… yummy! Servings were big too! I don’t want to know how much weight I gained during the 4 days. I wish I brought home some frozen wontons!
On Day 2 we spent the day at Disneyland. My first time. I didn’t take enough pics because I was too busy enjoying myself. It was October 31, so the place was decked with Halloween stuff. The castle of Sleeping Beauty was also lighted with different colors and Halloween pictures. There were several shows and rides, and even though my feet hurt, I kept walking! I didn’t get to take pics with Mickey and Minnie because the line was a mile long and it was super hot! I got sun-burned even! I was told it would be cold, definitely HOT! I missed only one of the shows (Winnie the Pooh). I didn’t get to do Space Mountain either. The others though we were able to go. By the end of the day my map was in tatters! I did get to take pics with Jaffar and Captain Hook. I guess it’s because it’s Halloween, all the bad guys are out. I didn’t see Malificent for picture taking, only on a float at the parade. That character gave me nightmares when I was young. By 7:30pm we watched the Glow in the Dark Parade, and at 8:30pm, the fireworks display. We left at 9pm and it was another long walk back to the bus. During the ride back to the hotel, Gabby just said “A-yee can I take a nap?” When I said yes, she leaned against my arm and went out like a lamp.
On Day 3, Darren and Gabby went to Ocean Park while me and G walked around at Tsim Shah Tsui. Food was good! I realize that I’ve changed a lot. Years ago I’d have bought on impulse, but I’m more practical now. Ok, I gotta be honest, I love gadgets now hehehe
On Day 4, we lazed around the hotel then went malling again. We left for Manila on the 6pm flight. Travelling is so convenient now. But no more playing cards on the airplane. I used to ask for them whenever I go abroad and have a collection of different playing cards. Gabby is a good travel companion and a trooper. She does get makulit when she’s hungry. She’ll keep telling you she’s hungry hehehe Mana na naman sa akin?
After coming back to Manila, I regretted not buying this Esprit bag I saw, I hope I see it in one of the local stores here. Another one is the Twilight movie companion. I went to National Bookstore yesterday and found out it’s not available! 
Aside from that, I’m ok. There were things I saw I could have bought, but when I think of my overflowing bedroom and apartment with things I hardly need, never mind na lang!
While there I loved drinking sugar cane juice, they have it in bottles now by Coca-cola, wish they have it here too. It’s dilluted, not like the freshly squeezed ones we used to buy at Ongpin when I was a kid. Those you buy by bringing your own bottles and they fill it up, have to drink it same day or you see fungus floating and the drink smelling like something died in it! Me and my father used to love that drink!
I hope to go back next year with my brother, we’ll see though. Because there’s also my dream to go on a cruise. 
One thing about this trip that is priceless, spending time with family again. For those days I realized I am no longer a “damong ligaw’.
