Korean Beef Stew

The Korean beef stew popular in the Philippines is sweet with the beef so tender it's best with piping hot steamed rice. Although beef is top-quality here in Switzerland and needs barely anything else, sometimes, I can't help but crave food I grew up with. The version I share here though is not sweet but has a strong ginger flavor. 

The Balcony of Geneva: Mont Saleve

Geneva's local mountain called Mt. Saleve is actually in France.

It's what you see that resembles the Table Mountain when you're at the Vieille Ville. You get more than just the world's longest bench. You get a view of Mt. Saleve too. 

But don't fret. It's not that far. 

It's actually just about 20 minutes by bus from Geneva's city center on a few of TPG's buses (8,34, 41, 44). From the last stop, which is Veyrier Douane, you need to walk about 15-20 minutes through the village until you reach the customs border. Landmarks include a little square with a few cafes and a church. The way is marked with arrows towards "Telepherique du Saleve." It's bit of a maze crossing a railway and a parking lot but with good weather, the walk would be a leisurely one, with the cable car wires always in sight like the star in Bethlehem. 

5 Things to do in Annecy, France

Annecy and the lake named after it are located in Southeastern France, strategically situated in the Haute-Savoie department of the Rhone-Alps region. That means you get Alpine views, revel in nature's wonders gliding over its spectacular landscape, swim or do sports you fancy by the lake, hike til your legs hurt, and enjoy the pleasures of a little French town and all its former glory. 

It has its character not just because of its location but because of its rich history. It used to be the capital of the county of Geneva (no wonder Geneva still feels like a village!!!)  until it became part of the House of Savoy. Catholic bishops moved their seat to Annecy after Geneva became taken over by Calvinism too. 

I've been to France a couple of times before but it was always just Paris. Yup, yes, I wrote it. Just Paris. And I never became fond of Paris. But visiting Annecy made me realize and appreciate that there's more to France than Paris. To experience France, you must see its different regions, to taste the local cuisine, learn its history, and experience what you see in the movies - the way of life - a quality way of life. 

We visited Annecy at a time it wasn't sure whether summer was taking over or spring just wanted to stay a few weeks longer. But despite the weather, I finally understood why Genevois always say, go to Annecy. So here are my few suggestions on what to do:

Homemade Omelette Recipe

Yesterday was a non-working holiday in Geneva so I had time to leisurely cook breakfast and have it outdoors by the balcony. 

Salon du Livre 2014, Geneva

I love books but I haven't really given it much attention through the years. Perhaps it's because I often live in different places and I do not want to carry hard copies together with all my other stuff. I am also a bit of a cheapskate because I do not even buy e-books and there's plenty of reading material online. But most of the time, there is nothing better than leafing through the pages of a book. Even better if it's one of those hardbound versions.

So it was with so much delight  in my transient life that a couple of weeks ago, Geneva had its Book and Press Fair at Palexpo. Thankfully, I got in for free when I presented my student card. Gotta love Europe for student perks! (I'm done with school but had an ISIC issued. It's very useful!)

Kaempff-Kohler in Luxembourg

We had the pleasure to be hosted by the National Tourist Board of Luxembourg right before Easter. After the pleasantries at the city tourist office, we were whisked away to the closest and apparently highly recommended cafe, Kaempff-Kohler along Rue du Cure for the initial meeting for more discussions. Apparently, Luxembourgish both love their pastries and their cheese, especially with their own wine. So we were made to choose: we chose cheese and wine.

So there we were at the fromagerie- bar a vin, with our cheese board and local white wine. Unlike a true food connoisseur, I couldn't note all the types. All I knew we were in cheese heaven. But two actually stood out, the cheese stuffed with truffle (you see the striped one on the edge of the board) and a local cheese soft cheese called Kochkaese, literally cook's cheese in the tiny bowl. It wasn't one of the fancier ones in the spread but I truly enjoyed it (aside from the truffle) because it was my first time to try it and because I rarely saw it in the German parts I lived at and here in Geneva. Must really check out specialty cheese chops here too. 

How to get a scholarship abroad

Since I've applied countless times and have been a successful recipient of scholarships, it might be useful at least to someone how I managed to get one. To me, there are four basic steps: 1) know what you want, 2) research and selection, 3) preparation, and 4) application. Waiting is inevitable and of course, when selected, the pre-departure process is another post.

Max Hostel, Bonn

I had to be in Bonn over a week ago for a meeting and opted to arrive early because there seemed to be no way to appreciate the former German capital just arriving lunchtime on day 1 and leaving right after lunch the next day. After several searches, it seemed it was either upscale proper hotels for moneyed professionals or absolute student standard housing.  

With my current situation, staying at a hostel was my best option. I think the reason why I am open to hostels is because I have generally had a good time at a number of hostels. Some of them even went beyond my expectations! That's where Max Hostel in Bonn comes in. 

Bonn in Pink

I was in Bonn for a quick meeting last week and was pleasantly surprised. I arrived a day earlier than my meeting and just chose extra accommodation close to the center - walking distance from the Hauptbahnhof. Little did I know it was in Altstadt lined with cherry blossom trees in full bloom!

Absolutely "when the ordinary has been extraordinary all along" moment!

Cafe Paris in Hamburg

On one of the rare Saturdays I was out early, I had breakfast at Cafe Paris near the Rathaus of Hamburg. I was so tempted to have one of the many breakfast plates (English, American,
Moroccan, Hamburger, Vegetarian, French etc) but just opted for Croque Monsiuer and Cafe Latte. It was too much. I didn't even finish it after my colleague K came hours later.

I wish I'd discover more cafes like this in Hamburg. It reminds of me cafes one can take for granted in Prague - old world ambience, alcohol available (but why would you have it when there's good coffee?), and one can leisurely read. Well, the last part, I'm not so sure here in Germany. Table/guest turnover is quite quick.