Story of My Life - Phuket, Thailand Travels

Being in Korea for a little too long can be a drag on anyone, but being able to take a vacation to a nearby country, or not so nearby is always amazing. After living in Korea for over a year and realizing how important and wise it is to take advantage of the proximity of traveling all of Southeast Asia, my next travel was to Thailand! Being stressed from the amount of work that I’ve been doing in Korea, relaxation was the number one factor to this vacation.

With that in mind, the only place to visit was the Phuket area for the main purpose of island hopping. The one must visit island where I spent most of my time was Phi Phi Island. It is filled with tourists and one of the best places to stay. They offer a handful of guides to the neighboring islands that allows for you to do the most traveling to beaches and water activities possible. The one must visit is Maya Bay, where the movie the Beach was filmed. A word of advice is to go for the travel agencies that are deeper into the island, the price is definitely a big difference.

Another thing that was amazing about Phi Phi Island is the unlimited amount of great food which is not just limited to Thai. The seafood is fresh and the amazing compliments of foreign food are included as well. It is a bit of a splurge to purchase by weight, but they are unique and meaty that is actually worth it. On another note, nothing is more fresh than their tropical fruits. The island offers fresh smoothies practically everywhere you go and fruits that are cut up and ready to eat. I practically had more than the recommended daily serving everyday.

For those who are bold enough to, try to eat what the locals do. That’s the one thing that is always on my list so going to the cheapest areas and eating things that are found on the streets is my thing. There is a slight chance of food poisoning of course, but I always take my risk. Although I expected to try something as crazy as bugs in Thailand, this trip was pretty calm in regards to food, nothing that crazy.

As for accommodation, staying at the Andaman Legacy Resort is a bit far from the main bar area so it is a bit quieter and the best part is the hotel. It’s a bit on the higher end, but still only setting you back about $60 a night. For a clean place with quick service and amazing hospitality, it is my recommendation to make to anyone. There’s free wi-fi all around the resort and they have their own pool area next to the free breakfast. It is one place that I would probably go back to, especially with the cute towel designs daily!

Heading out of Phi Phi Island, the closest big city is Phuket and spending a day or two in Phuket is recommended. It is nothing like the islands of course, but you are able to see a glimpse of Thailand for the food, culture, and lots of lady boys. Walking around for shopping (lots of bargaining) and the street foods is amazing in Phuket. Because it is not as clean as the islands, it’s not the favorite place for many, but there’s nothing more than getting the full cultural experience than in the actual cities. The one thing that I do feel horrible about is elephant trekking because of the marks that I saw, but it is now over with. I still have a passion for them, but I hope you'll be treated better! Another wonderful trip checked off my bucket list, can’t wait for the next one!

Hidden Treasures - When Pigs Fly

When Pigs Fly is a new Italian restaurant that opened in the Nambu area offering a twist to traditional restaurants. The concept is simple, amazing food paired with music. When Pigs Fly cooks up the basic Italian dishes which includes salad, pastas, and of course pizzas. They incorporate a mix of different pasta noodles, and ingredients to each dish that they make, offering something different each time. 

Although the salads and pastas are more on the cliche and common types that you can find anywhere, their pizzas are over the top. They incorporate ingredients that makes their pizza stand out. For starters, there is no one who tops a pizza with and over easy cooked egg or with actual pieces of shrimp. When Pigs Fly definitely blows the fish out of the water with this concept. 

Another great thing about the restaurant is that they stray away from skimping guests on their food. A lot of restaurants that uses seafood in their dishes use the smaller portions, smaller sizes. When Pigs Fly actually goes for the gold with meatier pieces and chunks that you can taste when biting into. There is a full blast of flavor and the choose to keep it that way. 

In addition to fresh ingredients and great food, they offer wine and special events that allows for their private room to be utilized. The facility can be rented out where they cater to small parties. The one thing that When Pigs Fly offers that other restaurants do not is a special event of music held twice a month. Their "Salon Concert" theme is used to create a new type of environment that people are not able to experience on the regular. They theme the night around two dinner sessions used to promote music of Korean performers in the area that can be enjoyed by guests of all ages.

The concept is simple: an hour or so of music that allows for you to "set the mood" for a special night or just to enjoy as a luxury hobby. Followed by that is a dinner of a set menu that the restaurant offers and stirs up fresh. There is nothing better than being able to enjoy a live performance in a romantic setting with a menu of Italian goodies. Be sure to call the restaurant ahead of time to make reservations for these events because they do go fast since it is just priced at $49 a person. The service there is amazing, with a manager that speaks English, catering to the foreign community, encouraging all guests to attend and enjoy their facility. 

Address: Seoul Seocho-gu Seocho 3 Dong, 1446-11 Hyundai Superville 101
서울 서초구 서초3동 1446-11 현대 슈퍼빌101호
Phone: 02-523-5277

Restaurant Review - VivaPolo

VivaPolo is an Italian restaurant in Garosugil of Sinsa-dong that creates an urban touch to their dishes. Their creativity revolves around their pasta dishes where a whole crab is served on top of a plate of spaghetti. VivaPolo is one of the fewest restaurants in Seoul that serves up a tomato meat sauce. The most common in Korea is a cream sauce which is available at VivaPolo as well. The suggested dish is a seafood bread bowl where cream pasta is served inside a baked bread by removing the inside. 

Dishes range from the price of $16-20. Portions are considered to be small in size, but are extremely filling. It is the one recommendation to be made for anyone looking for a full on Italian meal in Korea with dishes full of flavor.

Straight from exit 8 of Sinsa station on line 3, take a left when you reach Tous Le Jours bakery on the corner. Go straight along the famous Garosu-gil shopping street until you see Viva Polo on your left. It is upstairs on the corner after walking about four or five blocks down.

Korean Traditional Eat - Kalguksu Noodle Soup 갈국수

Kalguksu is a traditional Korean eat that is usually enjoyed as a seasonal dish. There are many different takes on this traditional eat. It basically consists of wheat floor noodles that are made in a chicken broth usually. Additional ingredients of cucumbers and a handful of other vegetables are added in and the soup is topped with a meat of your choice. The popular consists of seafood, beef, and chicken. 

Depending on how are you consuming this dish, it can be served as a single serving per person or it can also be served with a bowl of soup over an open fire shared between a table. Ingredients are then added as you consume, to your liking. This is rather important for those who are eating beef because leaving the beef in for too long can result in an overcooked and extra chewy slice of meat. Many people strain away from this by cooking their beef slices as they eat. If consuming beef, it is recommended to go with the beef base broth which provides a better enhancement to your taste buds than the common chicken broth. 

Story of My Life - Sokcho Travels

Sokcho is a must visit for those who are looking for a clean and clear blue water beach in Korea. Located in the northeast region from Seoul, it is a bit of a hike to get to, but definitely worth it. With buses running from two of the main stations in Seoul, the travel is roughly three hours. It is a good rest to have after a long day of tanning and body surfing.

 Although Sokcho is far from Seoul, there are a number of tourists and foreigners that visit the area. In addition to the physical appearance, you can distinguish the locals from the rest by beach habits. Koreans are usually hiding from the sun, in every way possible, so there are a number of tents scattered around. In addition, although bikinis are recommended for the beach, Koreans will jump into the water fully clothed. An alien feeling to us, but you will see some locals in bathing suits and swim wear, with minor influences from foreigners.

With all the peculiar habits of Koreans that we are not used to, there are a handful of benefits as well. This includes the drop off menus as you tan for delivery services of all kinds-fried chicken, pizza, full meals-the best is McDonald's. If you thought New York was convenient with cold drinks and icecream, McDonald's in Korea has someone walking around to take your order and deliver it, everything but cones that is. I wouldn't get too picky since I can still order an Oreo McFlurry with my full value meal!

For those looking for an authentic meal in the area, seafood is the big recommendation. Seafood includes king crab, there are a number of restaurants serving up fresh crab, as well as a variety of other seafood (fish, octopus, squid, conch, and more) that is cut up and served fresh when you order. Talk about good sashimi! There is also a bunch of other dishes which includes the Squid Sundae (squid roll), Potato Pancake, and Naengmyeon 냉면 (cold noodle).

Nonetheless, Sokcho is a must visit, being that it is one of the top beaches in Korea. It is easy to plan and have a one day getaway without knowing any English. As a heads up, there aren't as much coffee shops as there are in Seoul so be ready!

Street Food Yum - Takoyaki Balls

A street version of the Japanese Okonomiyaki pancake, these squid (sometimes other seafood) pancake-made batter balls are topped with the flakes and sauce that will have you going bonkers. You can simply pop them in your mouth and have a Okonomiyaki-like pancake to go. Prices vary in the number of balls that you want, an average box of eight for three dollars or fourteen for five dollars. Definitely can't go wrong with that!

Takoyaki balls can be found all around town in Korea as a quick pick me up to eat. Ewha (the women's university), Kongdae (by the Konkuk University station), Gangnam, and many other centers of attractions. For those who are looking for a more filling meal, the Okonomiyaki Pancake is available in some locations as well. The pancake is usually topped with udon noodles, a filling meal for just $5.

The best thing about these Takoyaki balls is the way it is made. A batter is poured onto the circular cooking platform and the filing is added. It is then topped with more batter and as it cooks, a bubble will start to form. Keep in mind the batter pours everywhere. Once halfway cooked, two sticks are used to cut and pull the flat shaped filling into a ball like popper. It is something you have to see to believe. Descriptions does not work for the amazement of the technique. 

Street Food Yum - Shredded Squid

Squid is a popular street food yum in Korea that comes in all different styles; some are soft, some fried, some grilled. Depending on what you are craving, you will find a kind to satisfy your taste buds. I randomly chose what I thought to be a grilled squid but instead it was a flat slice of squid that was slapped on a press pan. After lathering on some peanut butter, cinnamon and a bit of sugar, this squid is then placed though a machine that slides it through while simultaneously cooking. 

I thought it was a weird combination at first to have peanut butter, cinnamon and sugar on something that is supposed to be a salty snack but this baby was delicious! It is the right combo for someone with a sweet tooth like myself who is in love with peanut butter also. For just five dollars, it was not enough to keep me going because it was just that addicting. If you are not so big on the sweet salty combo, be sure to try out the other squid snacks!

Korean Traditional Eats - Korean Pancake (Pajeon)

The Korean pancake which includes the popular seafood and kimchi pancake is a party appetizer in Korea. It is a dish shared between a group which can come before a meal or as a dish with soju. In addition to the popular seafood and kimchi pancake, there is also the option of a bulgolgi beef and vegetable pancake.

Most pancakes are usually made with a bed of vegetables which include scallions, onions and eggs. Meat and other ingredients are then added to the sautéed goods until almost cooked. A pancake mix is then added to the pan of stir fry and cooked until the pancake is golden brown with a bit of extra crispy bites.

The one thing I love about this pancake appetizer aside from the crunchy exterior and soft interior is the size of the pancake. There is a reason as to why you must share the dish between a group of friends because it is almost impossible to finish between two.

Street Food Yum - Hotba

Fish on a stick is an extremely popular Korean street food yum and no, I am not speaking of a whole fish with the head and fins on a stick. Fish meat and other types of seafoods are actually broken down until its textures becomes like that of mashed potato. This batter is then formed into different shapes and sizes prior to being deep fried.

When purchasing from a street food cart, the Hotba is usually made of fish paste or cuttlefish. Depending on the cart you are purchasing from, the combo varies. The most common forms of fried fish sausages includes the fish paste with a sesame leaf, shrimp tempura, crabmeat, plain, and of course, one with a hot dog. My favorite combination is one with shrimp tempura or plain. Be sure to lather some ketchup on top and eat it fresh! 

This cheap eat us usually a dollar or two, maxing out at three dollars and can be found in most street vendors. The best one I have had by far is the one that only serves fried cuttlefish sticks in Myeongdong. They even have a few guts standing around making the actually stick there as you order!