Lithuania 2012

Nice time in Vilnius. After more than 7 years it is fun to be back, with the only sightseeing pressure coming from the sun shining on a Sunday afternoon and the curiosity to see whether I still remember the city  - I did not but it seems it is not entirely my fault: big renovations took place in recent times.

It was also an instructive trip. I learned a lot about Lithuanian energy concerns, dismissed nuclear power plants, Lithuanian pagan traditions, national heroes and famous painters - oh yes, and Sorainen superheroes.


Once again, the gastronomic part of the trip was a big success. Biggest achievement of the trip is fishing my own 1 kg trout and eat it, instead of going for the legendary zeppelini I tasted 7 years ago. Bistro 18, run by an Irish lady, has the "best breast in town" - duck breast, that is.  Excellent wine & cheese football night - and Italy won against England.


As a wise man put it: life is good but good life is even better.

Stop-over in Frankfurt - or: how years of Ryanair made me a better person

It started when I sat in my economy class seat and there was plenty of room for my legs and a hook for my jacket.

Then I got a glass of white wine without being asked to pay for it. It came with snacks in the shape of little airplanes and it gained my heart.

I wanna fly Lufthansa from now on. 

No non-sense, they gave me wine, a newspaper, legroom and a smile in Economy class. And they did not complain that my luggage was bigger than the free. They gave me 30 minutes free wifi at the airport and a free coffee - Ok, given the total price of my ticket I know there is really no free lunch, but anyway

I wanna live in Germany

Germans are normally bigger than me, so I do not have to struggle for the right size when I go shopping - Ok, I know that given my tastes, I will still have to buy Italian fashion, but anyway 

I wanna cheer for Germany tonight.

My dear fellow Greek PIIGS, I am sure you understand that this is better also for you - Ok, Greeks have shown passion and resolve, but anyway

I wanna marry a German.

Germans always respect the rules and do not cheat - Ok, I admit that after few years in the public administration I know this is not true, but anyway

The airport shop displaying packs of Sombrero-shaped pasta at the price of 12,95 Euros finally opened my eyes and broke the spell. 

Off to Vilnius.

Malaysian dialogues

"So, you are from Brussel. How is the weather in Brussels?"
"Oh, it is crap"
"Why, too hot?" - Cultural differences

"Where are you from: Germany, Holland?" - Guess all Europeans look the same
"Where are you from: Jordan?" - Getting harder to figure out


Foot reflexology masseur: "Foot hurts here? It is the brain. You think too much" - Who am I to contradict the experts


"Do you like this Batik cloth? It is an original copy of Italian design. By the way, where are you from? - Should I tell him? 

Flat lands

A beautiful sunrise welcoming me back from Asia, a small plane waiting to take me home, a clear morning offering a great view above the low lands and over the Maas flowing into the North Sea.

The airport security checks were also pretty successful: a dangerous half litre milk pack and a certainly evil facial moisturizer seized with gusto by the acute staff.

"Do not worry, you are back to Europe" said the guy at Amsterdam passport control looking at my broken passport. And I find myself wondering about how long this will still hold true. How long before an Italian will become a stranger needing admission to a EU country?

I remember you did not eat rice

How far can one go in Malaysia if she does not eat rice? Far, very far. And happily so.

Can you eat spicy food? Tom yam soup with sea food? Can, can.
Penang style Kway Teaw? Can, can.
Steamed pow? Chicken in Pandan leaves? Can, can.
Beef rendang? Can, can.
Red snapper or pomfret? Grilled please.

Hawker food? No hesitation!

"Shall we go eat at the American restaurant? Just to relax your stomach with western food." 

Oh, for Goodness sake, no!

My fruit chapter is quite long. Fruit whose existence I completely ignored popped up on the table, straight to my mouth: custard apple, dokong, longan, mangoustine, dragon fruit, guava. 

At the end, spoiled by superb fresh mango, coconut and water melon juice, I'm not sure I'll be able to drink anymore the stuff we sell back in Europe.


My roller coaster ride into new flavours had to stop somewhere and it did.

It stopped at the encounter with stinky Durian. The - ahem - "king of fruit" is big in Malaysia but I realised I better survive without it. And it stopped again with the Cengdol and a bunch of other gummy sweets involving the use of red beans. That far I could not go. 


Luckily, besides the Cengdol, Malacca has got unforgettable pineapple tarts. Yummi!

Pulau Langkawi

Read the guide and it tells you that it is all about booze and crowds. I will remember Langkawi for its superb mango juice and for the screaming waves.

Langkawi is big folks, writes the Lonely Planet. Well, it is true. half an hour taxi ride to go anywhere. At least you don't pay more than 6-7 euros each ride. Btw, for peace of mind, tariffs are regulated, in case you are wondering.

My perfect day in Langkawi started with a walk in the bat cave and a cruise on the mangroove river, where vegetation is thick, eagles go hunting and monkeys steal your pastic bags. The visit included first feeding the fish in the fish farm, then tasting the well-fed fish in the fish farm restaurant.

A stop at the cable car to witness the beauty of the island from above was complemented by a chat with the occasional Malays going up or down with you - short ride but long enough for them to chat you up, take a photo of you and ask for the email address of this exotic tourist from Europe.

Back to base, a little roasting in the afternoon sun, dinner cooked by some Malay mama at the port and listening to the sound of the waves splashing the golden sand: one of those days you wish could not end.

Air Asia

Special mention for the "best low cost carrier in the world" (Copyright: Asia-lover scuba diving friend).

Purchased for 1 ringit (25 Eurocents), inspired by Ryanair business model, so far it managed not to become the pain in the neck the Irish carrier has converted itself into.

Air Asia gives you an assigned seat - although probably the last you would have chosen. It does not oblige you to put your handbag, computer and sandwiches all in one cabine luggage. It sells real food on board and has the best flight attendants ever: not trying to sell you lottery tickets, not making noises or trumpeted announcements and wearing jeans and cute slim-fit shirts.

Perhaps, after you have tried Ryanair, you just get happy with small things.

Malacca

"Hot" has just acquired a new meaning in Malacca (or Melaka), due to the sun hitting like a  hammer the visitors exploring this ancient and cute town.

Malacca is a pure blend of many different cultures. Our beautiful hotel is a sumptuous traditional Baba-Nyonya house. The Baba-Nyonya themselves are a mixed culture of Chinese and Malay. The stroll in Jonker walk ends with a huge Chinese Dragon hanging over the main crossroad (the not-so-photogenic Rabbit year is over).

The streets of the old town are full of Chinese heritage (temples and shops) and lead to the main square sporting a Stadthuys and a church. Climb the Fort hill and find what remains of Malacca's Portuguese and Dutch glorious past in the old days of the spice trade.

The gastronomic and shopping expeditions were also pretty successful. I totally fell in love with Malacca's pineapple tarts and I bought my own kebaya and a couple of cheongsam (qipao).
While I have no doubt that my stock of pineapple tarts will soon be gone, I am still wondering if there will be any occasions to wear Malaysian traditional clothes back in my side of the world.