Foreign Food - Being Open to New Tastes When on Vacation

Dog Food

What is the worst thing you ever ate? -- Mom's meatloaf? A little raw fish in your authentic Japanese sushi? Maybe when you were a kid, you ate an earthworm on a dare to impress that little red-headed girl in elementary school? Is there anything that you just wouldn't eat? - anything that couldn't make it past your lips, no matter what?

At night in the Pearl River Delta, restaurants with signs offering "fragrant meat" can be seen in almost every city in Guangdong, in mainland China. It is much more expensive than pork or beef, and has a reputation of "warming you up on cold days". It sounds delicious, and healthy. Why wouldn't any tourist want to try this tantalizing local food?

Wait a minute. What is this eclectic meat? After all, Chinese menus have a tradition of slightly odd dishes. You know, baby pigeon... goose feet... snake soup... pig's blood, even stinky tofu, but what in the name of Julia Childs is fragrant meat?

This meat is dog, mostly from Chinese dogs and other big breeds, served roasted, stewed, or sliced, with vegetables and noodles in a Chinese hot pot. Yes, I did say dogs. This is a Chinese gastronomic habit that goes back hundreds of puppy years. Most canine-loving customers are men in their forties and fifties who also like to drink potent Chinese liquor while Chinese-chowing (pardon the pun!) down on a delicious dog meat hot pot.

Even though dog dominates the local menus, cat is slightly less popular in the cooking pots, but readily available. However, for the daring tourist, a stew of cat and snake with assorted spices has the adventurous name "dragon duels with tiger". Snakes and other animals may be tasty, but dogs and cats are still at the top of the menu, with ten million dogs and four million cats sold on the mainland for human consumption every year.

Besides Snoopy and Garfield, Guangdong people also have a well-known taste for wildlife with medicinal qualities, believing that stewed turtle cures cancer, crocodile meat cures asthma, and scorpion venom aids stroke victims. Animal markets in the province sell snakes, scorpions, cats and dogs, and dozens of different species of birds and turtles, many of which are endangered, and all of which are destined to end up spending their final days in Chinese restaurants, and traditional Chinese medicine pharmacies.

The dog meat industry is very prosperous, exporting to seventeen countries including Russia, Japan and Korea. It also employs approximately one hundred thousand people, and has annual sales of almost one billion Chinese yuan.

Now, before your stomach heaves like a Taiwanese earthquake, consider these questions. Why is the dachshund shaped like a sausage? Why do we call it a hot dog? Why is the Chinese chow named after army food? And schnockers, schnoodles and schweenies, all breeds of dogs, just sound tooooo delicious. Why is the dog more noble than the pig? Who decides who is a pet, and who is an appetizer?

So, let's add some fun to Grandma's family cookbook. How about German shepherd's pie? Eskimo dog sandwich? Mexican Chihuahua taco? What's your pet dish?

Amazing Cooking!

At Benihana's Restaurant in London.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9E9HpuJQ7U&hl=en

Hotels In Japan

What springs to mind when you think of Japan? From sushi to Shinto temples, sumo to stylish gadgets, Japan remains a popular destination for western tourists.

After sorting out your flight details, with many major airports in the UK offering services to Tokyo and Osaka, it's time to decide what kind of accommodation you wish to stay in during your visit.

There are many different types of accommodation you can choose to stay in during your visit to the land of the rising sun. As well as the larger chain hotels located within the bustling city streets, there are a number of smaller establishments tucked away amongst the hustle and bustle and the neon lights:

If you fancy spending the night in a more traditional dwelling rather than the more upmarket hotels, try searching for a ryokan.

Ryokan are small inns, usually located in scenic areas on the outskirts of cities.

Typical sleeping arrangements involve futons on tatami-matted floors. These establishments also include communal bathing areas, separated by sliding doors, which use water from hot springs to give a feeling of relaxation in an Oriental environment.

Traditional Japanese meals are usually included in the price - though not all ryokan offer this service - and whilst some have communal dining areas, most will bring the meals to your room.

There are also a number of smaller versions of the traditional ryokan - known as minshuku - which are equivalent to holiday homes and B&Bs.

Facilities could consist of that of a small hotel or just a room in a family home, and often serve as accommodation in villages and towns which are too small to warrant a hotel or ryokan.

If you'd rather not sleep on a futon, there are many hotels that have facilities that combine Eastern and Western traits, whilst still offering a taste of the Orient.

There are also a number of hotels where you can spend the night in 'capsule rooms' - small bunks which include televisions and lockers in the corridors to store your luggage.

Don't worry if you're travelling in a group, for these hotels also offer a number of small rooms that have a lot more space for a little extra money.

Many hotels in Japan are located within the bustling city environments, and tend to be within walking distance of railway stations and tram stops, as well as a wide range of restaurants offering everything from traditional Japanese cuisine such as sushi and ramen noodles to modern fusion-cuisine in Michelin-starred restaurants.

5 Popular Japanese Travel Destinations

Japan's mix of traditional and modern high tech attractions entice many to these isles. With your flight, travel insurance and accommodation organised, excitement awaits!

Tokyo

If one wants to experience the buzz and excitement of a major world megalopolis, look no further than Tokyo. One could spend considerable time just sitting and people watching, taking in all the movement of this thriving city. Not only is Tokyo teeming with people, it's also teeming with things to do. Riding the subway can be quite an experience, particularly in peak hour. Platform attendants with special apparatus help to wedge every last person they can into the brimming train. The busy Shinjuku is abuzz with flashing lights, sounds and shopping. Ginza is the upmarket shopping area, while Akihabara is the place for the latest Japanese technology gadgets. Don't forget Mickey Mouse and friends nearby at Tokyo Disneyland!

Kyoto

You won't have trouble filling in a day of temple visits in Kyoto. Planning ahead might be a good idea, to see what can actually be packed in! Kinkakuji (the Golden temple) and Ginkakuji (the Silver temple) are a couple of standouts. One can dress up in traditional attire, for a photo shoot as a Geisha (or Maiko, as the young Geisha are called). You may possibly see the real thing over a sundowner, as Maiko make their way by carriage to visit clients as dusk approaches.

Osaka

Osaka is known for its industrious citizens (but then again, so is most of Japan!) and pulsating nightlife. The local dish is okonomiyaki, a thick savoury pancake topped with Japanese mayonnaise and special okonomi sauce. Eat this at a dedicated okonomiyaki restaurant and the chef will pour the ingredients onto the hotplate at your table, returning in time to turn it over to cook the other side. Osaka aquarium is definitely worthy of a visit, with its impressive display of penguins and giant deep sea crabs. Osaka Castle Park and Universal Studios Japan are other options.

Hiroshima

Hiroshima's name is forever etched into the world's mind as the sad victim of the first atomic bomb used in World War Two. A sombre but impressive museum remembers the tragedy, and encourages the world to do likewise. While Hiroshima will never forget its past, nowadays it's a vibrant city offering much of the big city appeal of Tokyo and Osaka, but without the crowds. If you've enjoyed Osaka's okonomiyaki, try Hiroshima's. The local twist includes yakisoba noodles in the mix.

Sapporo

The capital of the northern island of Hokkaido, Sapporo offers something different from its sister cities in Honshu. Hokkaido offers fresher air and fresh seafood, and can be considered Japan's version of "the outback". Sapporo is the starting point for rural adventures. In Sapporo itself, summers are commonly enjoyed in big beer gardens in the centre of town, as live music sets the scene. In wintertime, Sapporo's Ice Festival, with fantastic ice carvings, is a major highlight.

Cheap Travel Insurance is easily organised, and leaves you to fully enjoy your holiday.

Korean Recipes and Cuisine

Korean food is based on noodles, rices, meat, vegetables and tofu (known in Korea as "dubu"). Meals are usually served with many side dishes ("banchan"), as well as steamed rice, soup and kimchi (fermented vegetables, most often cabbage but sometimes cucumber or radish). Spices and seasonings are widely used, including doenjang (fermented soybean paste), garlic, ginger, gochujang (red chili paste), salt and soy sauce.

Some popular Korean dishes include:

- Gamjatang - A spicy soup made using pork spine, potatoes and other vegetables, and green onions, hot peppers and sesame seeds.

- Kimchi jjigae - A soup made using kimchi, pork and tofu.

- Kongnamul-guk - A soup made from soybean sprouts.

- Jeongol - A stew made using seafood and vegetables.

- Maeuntang - Hot and spicy fish soup.

- Bulgogi - Literally translated from Korean, Bulgogi means "fire meat". The dish consists of beef, shredded or thinly sliced, then cooked on a grill. Other meats may be substitued to create variations: chicken ("dak bulgogi"), pork ("dweji bulgogi"), or squid ("ojingeo bulgogi").

- Galbi (or Kalbi) - Beef or pork ribs cooked on charcoal.

- Dakgalbi - Similar to galbi, but using seasoned chicken.

- Jokbal - Pig's trotters cooked in soy sauce and spices, deboned, and served with a shrimp sauce.

- Samgyeopsal - Pork belly (similar to bacon), flavored and seasoned with garlic, sesame oil and salt, cooked on a grill. Slices of meat are placed inside lettuce or another leafy vegetable, along with cooked rice and ssamjang (a spicy paste). Green chillies, slices of raw garlic dipped in ssamjang and spring onion salad, are common accompaniments.

- Makchang - Grilled pork intestines, somewhat similar to chitterlings.

- Hoe - Thinly sliced raw fish, similar to Japanese cuisine's sashimi. The fish is usually dipped in a sauce, either chogochujang which is a sauce made from gochujang (red chili paste), or wasabi sauce, then wrapped in green leaves, and served on a bed of dangmyeon (cellophane noodles).

- Yukhoe - Raw beef, topped with a raw egg yolk, and seasoned with black pepper, garlic, gochujang (red chili paste), green onion, nashi pear, sesame seed and sesame oil, soy sauce and sugar.

- Sannakji - A small octopus, cut in pieces, lightly seasoned and served. The octopus pieces are usually still moving on the plate when the dish is served!

- Japchae - Boiled potato noodles with spinach, beef, onion and carrots.

- Kalguksu - Boiled flat noodles, usually in a broth containing anchovies and zucchini (courgettes).

- Kongnamul-bap - Soybean sprouts served over rice.

- Ramyeon - The Korean version of Japanese ramen noodles. Spicy and cooked with meat and vegetables.

- Gujeolpan - Literally translated from Korean, Guljoelpan means "dish of nine dishes". This is a very elaborate meal, traditionally eaten by Korean nobility, which is served on a special plate divided into eight octagonal side sections, each containing meats and vegetables of a different type and color, and a ninth center section containing small pancakes.

- Tteok - A sweet dessert made from glutinous rice flour - there are hundreds of different variations.

Ki Ga Tsukeba Anata - AmberDesho

Ki Ga Tsukeba Anata - Fandub. Original: Matsuura Aya. Singers: Amber and Anny. Yes^^ We take fandub on Aya Matsuura's song "Ki Ga Tsukeba Anata". It's not so good... But... We like this song^^ Please, enjoy))) Lyrics (full): ki ga tsukeba soba ni anata ga ita itsu made mo kare nai ai de dakishimete TAKE ME PLEASE shiawase no tochuu tte shizen sugite sukoshi zutsu zeitaku ni natteru ka mo... anata to no mainichi akogareteta ano goro wo natsukashiku kanjite masu ooki na poka wo shichatta watashi wo sarigenai koe de tsutsunde kureta ki ga tsukeba itsu mo atsui ai ni mi wo yoseta namida afureru ai no iro ki ga tsukeba soba ni anata ga ita itsu made mo kare nai ai de dakishimete TAKE ME PLEASE kuchizuketa yuugure yubi karamete jikan ga sugiteku no ga kuyashi katta daki atta fuyu no hi natsu no umi mo me wo tsubureba mabuta ni yaki tsuiteru waza to naiteru furi wo shita keredo sugu ni barechatta kanawa nai hito ki ga tsukeba "egao" sore de yuke to kuchiguse ni nando to mo naku sukuwareta ki ga tsukeba itsu mo atsui ai ni mi wo yoseta namida afureru ai no iro ki ga tsukeba soba ni anata ga ita itsu made mo kare nai ai de dakishimete TAKE ME PLEASE



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr5-cXpFBxI&hl=en

Top 10 In-Flight Meals - World's Best Airline Food

Easily the worst thing about flying is the food. Can't we all agree on that? I mean, you've currently been pushed and shoved, strip-searched and been forced to breath excessive quantities of chemically oxygen for hours on end, but to add insult to injury, now you're getting served what smells like baby poo and looks like vomit for lunch. Ick.

In the grand scheme of things, most airlines even now have not figured out how to give their guests a decent food. It appears like it shouldn't be that challenging, right after all, right? It's just warmed up food. Nicely, there are at least a couple of airlines out there that have got it right, with delicious and wholesome meals that also taste excellent. Oh, and they appear pleasing too! Because, we all know, as soon as you open that gross tin container and take your bun out of a plastic bag, you've pretty much lost your appetite altogether, right?

So in the interest of sparing your belly, here are the best 10 best rated airlines for very good in-flight meals.

Cathay Pacific - This Hong Kong airline is often remarkably-ranked for just about almost everything, and its meals are no various. Each and every Cathay Pacific plane is outfitted with toaster ovens and rice cookers, so points are all prepared fresh new, and they continue to keep a rolling stock of fresh fruits and snacks obtainable throughout every flight to keep your tummy content. They also serve a selection of superb wine vintages and champagne. Mmm.

Singapore Airlines - This airline has been lauded for its customer support and neatly-dressed flight journey attendants, but the food is also stellar. They have employed a panel of international chefs (such as British star Gordon Ramsay) and wine consultants to create their menu, and even in economy class, you're treated to meals like sauteed prawns with steamed asparagus and Singapore noodles.

Turkish Airlines - Bet you didn't know Turkey had its own airline, but they do and the food is outstanding. From options like their fresh new Mediterranean salad to the Hindu meals served on flights to India to the fresh new cheeses and option wines - you won't go hungry on a Turkish Airlines flight.

Emirates - Your tummy will thank you for flying with this Dubai-based airline, which provides entrees such as smoked tuna and lamb marinated in Arabic spices and served above fresh broccoli. For a snack, they'll bring you cheese and crackers and for dessert a special sticky date pudding. And this is all in economic system class. In addition, the wine list on board any Emirates flight is a astonishing mix of French, New Zealand and Australian vintages.

Malaysia Airlines - This airline employs a specially-trained chef to generate all of their menu choices and they have won many culinary awards, such as a Skytrax Signature Dish award for their Satay and the Favourite Airline Food award from Smart Travel Asia. Among their offerings? Black pepper lamb shank, North Atlantic baked cod and an Australian cheese plate.

Air France - Is it any unexpected that the French national airline would be excellent for food? Even now, Air France manages to capture a tiny of the French culinary tradition of excellence in their own on-board meals, which variety from steaks to standard French meals, all served with a fresh new bread basket. If you are a premium economy passenger, you are also taken care of to a 24-hour t buffet of deliciousness that consists of mini-sandwiches and Haagen-Dazs® ice cream. Yay!

Thai Airways - If there is any airline you want to fly first-type, it is Thai Airways, which features you a option of 22 diverse meals, which can be selected by way of an on the web ordering program prior to your departure. Um, wow. Economic system passengers don't get the shaft even though, possibly, with selections like shrimp in Thai dressing with asparagus tips or beef Rendang with white rice and peas. Sounds great to me.

Japan Airlines - How about sushi on your flight? Japan Airlines' Executive menu (shown above) attributes dishes like tuna or squid sashimi, braised bamboo shoots, Soba noodles, although their economic climate course garlic tomato chicken or Soba noodles aren't as well shabby possibly. And everybody gets complimentary mineral water and free-flowing snacks on long haul flights.

British Airways - This one particular was a surprise to me, but as it were, BA has become relatively nicely respected for their meals. A standard financial state course food on a extended haul flight journey consists of a clean Greek salad with feta cheese and chicken with boiled carrots, potatoes and veggies. But the real stars are the "Club" class meals, which function fresher elements and silver service, as properly as entry to a complete-service snack bar stocked with mini-sandwiches, wraps, salads and even on-request hot meals.

Virgin Atlantic/America - Virgin America has been consistently voted as 1 of the ideal airline meals in the U.S., and its worldwide partner, Virgin Atlantic, features a comparable volume of top quality with their airline meals. How about a bagel with raspberry cream cheese, a tapas plate or a turkey Caprese sandwich? A champagne cocktail or a Hornitos margarita? Not only that, but you can order all of your meals from a touch screen at your seat. Um, yes please!