Category Archives:Top Tens

On his eponymous TV show, Jerry Seinfeld once exclaimed: “Florida is where people come to die!” Catching sight of his retired parents’ horrified faces, he quickly backpedaled: “Not you!” Well, not you, either – Florida, despite its fame as a haven for drunken co-eds (Palm Beach), families (Orlando), and retirees (anywhere), has plenty of things to offer any traveler who doesn’t fit in those demographics.

Photo by Eva Sandoval

As I’ve written several times on this blog, I grew up in Citrus County, Florida.  You will notice several themes to this Top Ten – wildlife (Florida is home to a great percentage of the world’s endangered manatees), history, and, of course, Things to Put in Your Mouth.  Read on for a list of things to do in Florida that don’t include the cartoon mouse or senior citizens in thongs.

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Last week, I wrote this post: Top Ten Pastries to Put in Your Mouth in the United States. Writing it was a bittersweet experience, as it made me both hungry and nostalgic for my native shores.

Oh beautiful for spacious skies... blub blub blub.... Am-m-m-merica....

It also made me swell with pride to read the comments the post generated; fellow foodies reminding me of all the other fantastic baked goods originating from American shores. A Top Ten of American pastries simply isn’t big enough, therefore I bring to you, the sequel: Ten MORE pastries to put in your mouth in the United States.

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We’ll come right out and say it: we had an incredibly hard time coming up with just ten items for this Malaysian edition of tripwolf’s new Things to Put in Your Mouth series. Malaysia – a Muslim country in Southeast Asia – occupies a peninsula pointing towards the South China Sea, as well as a slice of the island of Borneo. Oft-invaded and colonized, Malaysia has become multi-ethnic and pan-cultural, reflecting influences from India and China as well as the Nyonya, native Malay, and indigenous Bornean peoples.

As in much of Southeast Asia, rice, noodle, and seafood dishes are staples of Malaysian cuisine. Coconut milk, fruit, and ice are prominent  in desserts. Chinese and Indian dishes are widespread with tweaks to utilize local ingredients and suit the local people’s cultural preferences. Case in point: Malaysian Indian food is known to feature banana leaves and seafood, while Malaysian Chinese cuisine often eschews the pork base of traditional Chinese dishes because the majority of Malaysian people are Muslim; find, instead, chicken-based and halal Chinese dishes. Enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables all year long, as Malaysia does not have four seasons.

Ready to drool? Here’s an assortment of Malaysian dishes to whet your palate. Warning: the photos and descriptions below may cause you to grab your credit card and book a plane ticket.

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The Japanese word for summer is 夏 (natsu). The Japanese word used to describe hot climate is 暑い (atsui).

Please use these vocabulary words in a sentence: During 夏 in Japan, people say “暑い!!” a lot.

The reason 暑い is such a popular word during the 夏 season is because throughout Japan’s central islands, the weather is. So. Freaking. 暑い. With temperatures hovering between 21 and 35°C (69 – 95ºF) – not to mention crippling humidity – you will hear the word “暑い!!!!” cried/moaned/squealed over and over and over again. 暑い. 暑い!!!! It’s so 暑い you practically squish in your shoes as you walk to the train or the izakaya. Sweat clinging to every garment. Long, stifling nights. Can we travelers and sweat-soaked residents get a little relief already?! Here, tripwolf’s favorite ways to beat the heat during a blistering hot Japanese summer.

This is your mini Japanese lesson for the day.

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I’m away from Italy right now; a Rainbow Tour of sorts in which I hit three countries in three weeks. It’s a series of trips chock full of pleasurable business, and you’re all invited. Read More »

Chances are if you’re reading this blog, you might be planning a spot of travel, in which case, you might be heading for some jet lag – known in medical circles as desynchronosis, known in your life as a major vacation-harshing buzz. Here, ten tips to minimize the unpleasant effects of the travelers’ scourge. Give them a try – remember, it takes about one day of precious vacation per time zone crossed to recover from jet lag.

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Survey says: go to Tokyo for the nightlife, head to Kyoto for the old-school Japan fix, but hit Osaka for the food. Come hungry; the city isn’t dubbed “the nation’s kitchen” for nothing. Here, a top ten list of Osaka- region culinary specialties you simply have to try.

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Last week I got to go the Faroe Islands, a trip which I had won at a tbex competition. Before going, one of my colleagues asked me: “So, is that a place people actually go to?” Well, now I can say, yes and it is, it’s fantastic!!   The weather was bad (as expected), there where lots of sheep (as expected) and the landscapes where simply stunning (also, as expected). And here’s a bit about what I learned during those 3 days that surprised me!

Exploring the Faroe Islands and it’s secrets. Foto: Lea

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Diving – there’s nothing else like it.  Exploring an underwater world gives us a new perspective no matter where we are, and for some, it’s an addiction they’ll never give up!  Here is our list of the top ten spots around the world to dive (in no particular order.)  Depending on your level of effort and ability, most of these places are prime for snorkeling as well!

(Got pics of your own dives? Add them to the tripwolf galleries!)

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Photo by Lea

Radhanagar Beach (Beach #7), Havelock Island, Andaman Islands, India

In my opinion, the most gorgeous beach in India.  A wild bus ride brings you to Havelock’s northern coast, and heart-melting sunsets.  There is a small snack bar, and a man selling coconut water. What more do you need?  There is a resident elephant as well. We were warned that the tides can be dangerous, but usually waves are small, just swim with caution as you would any where new.

Photo by antkriz

Kadidiri, Togean Islands – Sulawesi, Indonesia
The crystal-clear beach of Kadidiri is unparalleled – just walking into the water, you’ll be surrounded by clown fish and see them clear as can be, no goggles necessary.  This beach is a bit removed from the rest of the resorts on the island. Jungle and beach come together at the shore.

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