July | 2012 | Life with Sparkles

From the monthly archives: July 2012

two years ago….

By sabinecheng On July 24, 2012 · In Thoughts, Travels

Seoul - Night

Two years ago I decided to take a teaching position and moved to Korea on my own. As hard as it was for me at the time (which you can see here), it was one of those priceless, eye-opening experiences that I wouldn’t change. I still remember the day that my Visa application was approved and I was purchasing my one-way plane ticket. I remember thinking “wow, am I really doing this?” And everyone around me asked “why? why would you leave everything behind?”

The first night there was the hardest. With no ID, cellphone, left alone in a dirty apartment with no language capabilities and not knowing anyone. I really felt alone that evening. For the first time, I was really experiencing loneliness. I told myself…you can enjoy this moment because you did so much to get here or you can just ruin this whole experience for yourself.

That evening I made my first purchase (which was a huge one) – I bought a vacuum. And that was the start to my temporary life there…. As time went by I met so many great people and accomplished so much on my own with the little Korean that I knew (see here).

Although I didn’t stay the whole contract period, I manage to really reflect and reassured myself. I always knew that I was independent but this really confirmed it for me. Ironically, at a time when I was stripped from my family, friends, that special someone and a stable career….I still had a great sense of me.

Two years have passed – and lots have changed. Now when I look back at the photos all I do is laugh and smile to myself because it was such a great experience and I really wouldn’t change a thing.

Oh..how I miss the street food……

House of Nanking – San Francisco

By sabinecheng On July 20, 2012 · In Chinese, Food Sparkles, San Francisco, Travels

A fellow food blogger recommended House of Nanking for dinner with great reviews. We decided to visit on our last night which was a Thursday evening. We got there at approximately 9pm to a line up of people outside. For a Chinese restaurant, I didn’t see many Chinese patrons which made me wonder. But with [...]

It was an indecisive battle with so many choices so the owner came by and said “I will make my favorites for you.” With only three of us she explained that three dishes would be enough since the portions are large.

Goji Berry Tea

As soon as we sat down we were served with Goji Berry Tea. It was a nice blend with a hint of sweetness. I also saw many others order the Blossom Tea (a tea flower that blossoms in the cup as it steeps)

Popular tilapia fish soup

This was my favourite of the night. It isn’t on the regular menu but if you ask they will have it. They deep fry a tilapia fish and then boiled it for the white soup base and then add noodles, mushrooms and wonton to complete the soup. I loved the flavour. There were hints of basil and the stock had a rich fish taste. It came with a whole fish so it was definitely hard to finish.

Popular Beef Tenderloin Stir-fry

The beef was very tender and had a sweet and salty flavour. Goes so well with steaming hot white rice.

Chinese Veggie Stir-fry with black bean fish

This dish was a bit oily but the overall taste was great. They stir-fried the veggies with black bean fish so there was lots flavours and texture.

The restaurant is quick and inexpensive with great portions. If I had another night I would have gone back for dinner again and tried the tiger prawns with mushrooms. All the dishes were flavourful and consistent. Definitely worth the wait if you want traditional Chinese with a hint of fusion.

San Francisco – Was that a month ago?

By sabinecheng On July 20, 2012 · In Holidays, San Francisco, Travels

I can’t believe it’s been a month since I took off for a quick 4 day trip to San Francisco with my family. Days were filled with sunshine, good eats, sightseeing and lots of wind. It was a much-needed time away after weeks and weeks of planning and coordinating last-minute details for my big day. [...]