is the classic dry at Duke’s Bar (housed in luxury boutique hotel, Duke’s Hotel), a hidden gem in London’s bar scene. Rumor has it that, as a seasoned Duke’s Bar patron, Ian Fleming (of the James Bond fame) coined the catchphrase “shaken not stirred” here, so it’s no...
can be found at Jacques Genin, one of Paris’ most reputable pâtisseries and chocolate shops, located in the 3rd arrondissement. But don’t go asking for a lemon tart; ask for a tarte au citron instead. You’ll be received with much better service, and maybe even a...
To all my British friends: Happy Guy Fawkes Night / Bonfire Night / Firework Night! Remember, remember the fifth of November Gunpowder, treason and plot I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, 'twas his intent To blow up the...
It's hard for me to get excited about Orange County, considering I was born and raised here. Ever since I left the house, a decade ago, the only real reason for me to return is my family. Though I often complain that nothing ever changes when I come back, I'm secretly...
Istanbul’da hos geldiniz—welcome to Istanbul! Istanbul is a tale of two cities. Straddling Europe and Asia and divided by the strait of Bosporus, the former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires is the only metropolitan city that has its foot on two continents,...
Excerpts from my Study Abroad in India journal... During our month-long intensive language sojourn in Mussoorie, we were given weekends off. Every weekend, we set out to a new neighboring destination to witness a different facet of Indian society and life. One...
Halloween is officially over, and November has crept up on us far too quickly. Corner markets have now transitioned from pumpkin patches to Christmas tree farms, helping us to ease into the holiday spirit and festive mood. It's finally time to start thinking about...
and arguably, the world is the Pastel de Nata (also called the Pastéis de Belém) from Antiga Confeitaria de Belem--the purported birthplace of the eggy dessert. Think of it as one of Portugal's culinary gifts to the world. These unbelievably creamy, flaky custard...
Lights, Camera, Berlin! One of the perils of being a perpetual traveler is that you always have one foot here, and another foot somewhere else, making it slightly difficult at times to live 100% in the present. Today, though both feet were planted firmly in LA, my...
I love London. I love British culture. I love fashion. Fuse all three and you get the new exhibition--Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950--at the Victoria & Albert Museum in Kensington, London. Pardon me, while I let out an effusive scream. *unrestrained...
Berlin, often referred to as a “poor, but sexy” city is the political and cultural capital of Germany. Although it attracts a steady stream of artists, writers, and intellectuals, there is something for all tastes, interests, and budgets. After twenty years of the...