Idyllic dreams.

Plant a seed. Watch it rain then shine. Together, we'll grow.

[yellowhatjen]

One hike at a time

13 February 2015

Who knew that I would describe hiking as a hobby? Although it may be slightly too early to say, since we have just been on two hikes so far (the third one cancelled due to chilling winds over the weekend).

After some gentle advertising from my boyfriend, I decided to give hiking a go. Three weeks ago we headed to Mount Namsan (his suggestion) after enjoying a lazy brunch at Venzamas (my suggestion). We parked at Sambulsa Temple (Three buddhas Temple), excitedly found some natural hiking sticks and decided to conquer Geumobong Peak! I was in an adventurous mood - full of energy after our belly-bursting brunch. 

The last memory I have of hiking on a mountain dates back to when I was ten years old, it was a junior school trip to the Lake District. We spent the day at Catbells, and three distinct episodes have stuck with me - participating in a treasure hunt, enjoying a picnic on the grass, and lastly, a classmate tripping and rolling part way down the mountain (as far as I remember he wasn't seriously hurt from the incident). To say I was a bit nervous about this hike is putting it mildly. I was on guard and on edge whilst clambering up the narrow winding paths and rock faces. I had half expected (hoped for) an easy and gentle sloping path that would lead us nicely to the summit. Instead, what greeted us was an adventurous and exciting (a bit intimidating to begin with) climb, which I found myself to quite enjoy.

We didn't make it to the top this time, since it had began to drizzle and we didn't fancy slipping and sliding our way back down to the bottom. But we will be back. Here's to more scenic and safe mountain hikes to come!

[yellowhatjen]

Ovenless baking

12 February 2015

Three words - rice cooker brownie. I've heard of using a rice cooker to bake cakes before, but never have I ever tried it - until this afternoon. The only non-oven baking that I have attempted was a "cake-in-a-mug" zapped in the microwave (the result was not even worth mentioning).

So...after an eventful morning we were in need of a pick-me-up (pick-us-up?) and decided that chocolate was the answer, melted gooey chocolate. We bust out a pack of Beksul brownie mix, poured in some water, mixed it around and dropped in some extra dark chocolate pieces for safety measures. We set our "Cuckoo" cooker to the steam function - 20 minutes x 2 + 5 extra minutes, (the boyfriend had read online of somebody baking their brownie for 45 minutes - therefore he insisted we follow suit.)

Forty five minutes later (with a few peeks in between) we had a perfectly soft looking chocolate cake sat in our cooker pot. Desperately fighting the urge to dig in right then with our spoons, I suggested we give it a chance to cool. I went back to check on it after an hour or so and was happy to discover that our cake-like creation was looking more brownie-like and with a hardened crusty top too! I am so proud that we managed to wait until after dinner to attack these.

Not bad at all for our first attempt.

Due to today's success, I have already shortlisted a number of cakes that we will be trying out soon - sans oven.

[yellowhatjen]

A stagnant blog space

11 February 2015

One thing that really bugs me is that I often come up with topics and ideas to write about but almost never end up putting pen to paper fingers to keyboard.  I can mostly blame my incessant habit to think, rethink, over-think (and then think some more) about every single thing I actually have any interest in pursuing - instead of simply, well, doing it. 

So, today will be as good as any day to properly bring life to this small nugget of virtual space that I have bagsied.

Towards the end of last week I reached (what hopefully is) the end of my on-and-off job hunt of five months (more on the job seeking saga later). Despite having already signed on the dotted line, the cynic in me is nagging to hold off celebrating until I receive the physical brand spanking E2 visa stamp in my passport. If all does go well then until Spring 2016 (at least) I will be situated in Gyeongju City, South Korea. Come visit.

[yellowhatjen]

Post number one.

No real reason for this space other than a sad notion. With age comes memory loss. Here’s to documenting anything and everything, which holds meaning to me.

Let’s start from here.

Home for the summer this August. I excitedly took a solo trip to London and thoroughly enjoyed the sights, tastes and vibes I was very much craving. As it was my first time staying in Greenwich (and egged on by the perky sunny morning), I took to a stroll towards Greenwich Market. After browsing a few quirky stalls and shops I decided it was time to take a nosy peek around The Queen’s House. Upon approaching the low, narrow door I was somehow reminded of Alice's Wonderland. I meandered up the winding staircase and wandered along HRM's hallway and chambers. I didn't much care for the art work exhibited but was fascinated by the grand fireplaces and ceilings.

It’s only been a few months, but I miss England already.