Sao Lao

Another lunch day at school with Vietnamese egg rolls. I try to eat these greasy rolls once or twice a month. Anything more and I’ll be a big whale at the beach. No, I’m not trying to fish for compliment.

Matt Lauer and team made their way to Laos for the third day of Where in the World is Matt Lauer 2008. Here are a few clips from the Today show featuring the natural beauty of Laos, food and music, and culture. If you have never been to Laos, then this is a good time to make your plan before the country becomes too crowded with tourists. Laos is the number one destination for travel this year!

Laos on Today Show 1

Laos on Today Show 2

Laos on Today Show 3

Read the rest of this entry »

I was walking home a few weeks ago and saw a sign for new herring season. I decided to make laap herring for dinner that night since I had some herbs on hands. I used too much lime juice but it was a good meal. I tried to explain to my two aunts in Vientiane what herring taste like and took some photos for them. It’s a pity that there is no herring for them to try in Laos because for some reason I think they would enjoy the fish as much as me.

After a visit to the university book store and not finding the text book that I needed, I headed back to Leiden Centraal train station. I walked pass a Church that I had been admiring for quite sometime but never had a chance to get a closer look at the structure. I was in a hurry and didn’t have time to check out the inside of the Church since it was almost closing time.

Later, after a few minutes of fast walking I noticed a new Thai restaurant that I have never seen before. I only know of one Thai restaurant in the area about one block from the Faculty of Arts. The name of the restaurant is Sisaket and it reminded me of the name of Wat Sisaket in Laos. I checked out the menu and was happy to know that they let you do take out. Maybe I will check out the food with some of my classmates at the end of the school year or sooner.

On March 19th, I received a green light for the second phase of my Thesis. It was a cause for a celebration. After having a pancake for dinner the night before I wanted to have seafood for dinner this time. I haven’t been to Hotel New York Restaurant since August of 2006 so I decided to go there for an early dinner. I ordered half a dozen Dutch oysters for starter and then a seafood platter for the main course. The waiter gave me an olive sauce with fried shallots so I gave it a try for the first time with a couple of oysters. It was not a waste of an experiment.

Read the rest of this entry »