At first glance, “Luang Prabang salad”, one of Luang Prabang’s local signature dishes, looks rather ordinary. It doesn’t have an insane amount of chilli on top, nor does it contain water buffalo skin, fermented fish or animal paws. Called yam salat in Lao, this delicious fusion salad is made with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, watercress, mint, coriander and spring onion. Continue reading Luang Prabang salad
Khao nom kok – Lao coconut cakes
LUANG PRABANG, Laos – As you stroll through the night market, there’s a good chance you’ll end up gobbling down khao nom kok, bite-sized Lao coconut cakes. Made with rice flour and coconut cream, these sweet street treats are ridiculously tasty, addictive and easy to make. Continue reading Khao nom kok – Lao coconut cakes
10 reasons to love Bern
Bern has an abundance of enviable B’s: bears, bike paths, botanic gardens, brains, bars, beers, bridges, best quality of life and Begegnungszonen (yeah, see #7).
Of Lobsters and Men in Maine
MT. DESERT ISLAND, Maine — A charming smile helps, when trying to get onto a lobster boat. That, and a bottle of Jack Daniel’s. This winning combination is how I found myself on the Linda Sea out on the Atlantic one fine September day, clumsily trying to put elastic bands on lobsters. Continue reading Of Lobsters and Men in Maine
Facing the Cambodian Genocide
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — She looks like me, the young woman in the photo. Same roundness of face, same straight black hair that rebelliously flares out at the ends. Like me, her lips downturn slightly at the corners when faced with something serious. She’s clever, I can tell — a spark in the eyes. Her gaze pierces through the display glass into me. She’s tagged with the number 3.
The Seychelles on a Budget
The Seychelles conjures up images of white sand beaches, windswept palms and turquoise waters, a postcard perfect tropical paradise. Having spent five weeks exploring the islands, I can tell you: it’s true. It also brings to mind the ultra-luxurious resorts with a price tag that would send the average person reeling. Continue reading The Seychelles on a Budget
The Seychelles – an intro to Seychellois Cuisine at Chez Batista
MAHÉ, The Seychelles – An enormous red snapper – all 15 pounds – lords over the table, its mouth agape, under-bite protruding over the edge of the platter, sharp little teeth conveying his displeasure over his situation. He was baked. Continue reading The Seychelles – an intro to Seychellois Cuisine at Chez Batista
Iran: Persia, picnics, pomegranates & poetry
From historic silk road desert towns to modern metropolises to remnants of the glorious ancient Persian empire, Iran will amaze even the most intrepid of travellers. Continue reading Iran: Persia, picnics, pomegranates & poetry
Portraits of Northern Laos: The story behind the colours
Ten colours, ten stories. This photo essay is the first of a series of posts on the mountainous, ethnically diverse region of northern Laos.
Continue reading Portraits of Northern Laos: The story behind the colours
Coppelia Ice Cream Parlour, Cuba’s Cathedral of Ice Cream
HAVANA, Cuba – Forget cigars, rum and old cars. Forget Hemingway, Fidel and Che. If there are only two things to remember about real Cuban life, it’s this: queues and ice cream. Continue reading Coppelia Ice Cream Parlour, Cuba’s Cathedral of Ice Cream