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Summer Chasers

~ Sharing the Thrill of Travel

Summer Chasers

Monthly Archives: March 2012

Choices

24 Saturday Mar 2012

Posted by Summer Chaser in Travel

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Choices, Free Market

As I sit at the airport waiting for the connecting flight to New York before flying off beyond the azure main to Her Majesty’s land, I can’t help but marvel at one of the things most Americans like myself tend to take for granted.

Choices.

Looking for gas, earlier, I had the pick of either Shell or Chevron conveniently located near my place. At the coffee shop, Chai Latte, White Chocolate Mocha or a double shot of Espresso in my Cappuccino. Here at the airport, it was cinnamon-apple-walnut oatmeal, a breakfast burrito or some fruit yogurt (I went with the yogurt as my last healthy meal before abandoning all forms of inhibition once I land in the Cradle of Western Civilization.)

I remember as a kid in the Philippines, I’d go to the store near my school and ordering a sandwich was pretty straight forward. Ham sandwich or corned beef sandwich or tuna sandwich.

When I first walked into a Subway in suburban Michigan, I was hungry for a Steak and Cheese sandwich. “What kind of bread?” the chubby, gothic [teenager] asked me. “Uhhhh… what do you have?” In the 30,000 years of its existence, I had never been afforded the chance of choosing what way to cook my dough of flour and water. “There’s White, Wheat, Rye, Sour-dough, 7-grain…”

“Well… Let me try the Sour-dough.”

“Six inch or foot-long?”

“Foot-long.” It was slowly dawning on me why they called America the land of plenty.

“What kind of cheese? There’s Swiss, American or Provolone.”

Wow… I get to pick my cheese too? When in Rome… “American.”

“Veggies?”

“All of it.” I nodded.

“What kind of sauce?”

Just give me the d*mn sandwich already!

It really is such a great thing, to be fortunate enough to have all these options in front of us we can enjoy. Make no mistake, I am not taking a shot at how things were in the Philippines. I’m certain a lot has changed for the better over there since I migrated, but the fact of the matter is, I have never been so bogged down by having too many choices in any other country.

I believe that this is the result of a free market system. One that gives consumers the power to decide. I applaud businesses that have been able to monopolize their respective markets, however, it is through competition that companies can improve, renew, grow and set themselves apart. And when government steps aside and lets companies compete with each other, that is when we recieve the best value for our money. So, be glad you have choices. Somewhere out there the only option for beverage is water. Fight fiercely to defend that which allows us the variety in our lives, that is, our free market system.

Now then, all this writing and thinking has gotten my appetite complaining. I think I want something sweet. Should I get a Jamba Juice strawberry smoothie, a Smirnoff Ice or try the local restaurant’s rasberry iced tea?

European Wishlist: Germany

21 Wednesday Mar 2012

Posted by Summer Chaser in Travel

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Bavaria, Beer stein, Berlin, Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Cologne, Eastern Bloc, European Tour, Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle, Wishlist

I seem to have a fondness for anything German, especially the language. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Deutsch has a certain appeal to me that I cannot quite explain. While I can’t quite recall any memories from my childhood that might have contributed to this unusual preference, I do remember however, that while my father was alive, he spoke very highly of German automotive engineering. Not that it would be anything related. Years later, here I am, about to visit Germany.

Anyways, we tackled the United Kingdom, France and Italy. It’s time for Deutschland! Here are my choice picks for sights and sounds to see in this amazing country:

 
 
 
 
The Gothic Cologne cathedral in Cologne, Germa...

The Gothic Cologne cathedral in Cologne, Germany.

What: 
 
Cologne Cathedral 
 
Where:
 
Cologne, Germany
 

Why:

One of the most visited attractions in Germany, this beautiful Gothic Cathedral boasts incredibly unique architecture and houses the Shrine of the Three Kings, one of the largest reliquaries believed to be the traditional resting place of the Three Wise Men whose clothes and bones are within. Taking a cue from peasants and knights during the Medieval Ages, a pilgrimage to this holy place beckons.
 
 
 
 
 
The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany Deutsc...

The Brandenburg Gate. Enter Berlin here.

What:
 
The Brandenburg Gate
 
Where:
 
Berlin, Germany
 
Why:
 
It is the only remaining city gate, one of eighteen such constructed, that used to be the entrance to Berlin. Just to the north of the gate is the Reichstag Building, where the German Parliament meet.
 
 
 
 
 
Remains of the Berlin Wall (Potsdamer Platz)

Remains of the Berlin Wall.

What:
 
The Berlin Wall
 
Where:
 
Right in the middle of the city…
 
Why:
 
Just imagine that someone erected a wall effectively cutting off half of the city you live in. Anyone attempting to cross from the East to the West would be shot on sight. That is just a tiny glimpse of the horrors the citizens had to face during the Cold War. Though very little remains of the wall, it is a place that has profoundly contributed to modern history. It’s amusing to remember the world maps in my old elementary classroom back in the 80’s when the wall divided these into two vastly polar countries. Having been erected by the Eastern Bloc, President Reagan later challenged General Secretary Gorbachev to tear down the wall, leading to the reunification of Eastern and Western Germany. 
 
 
 
 
 
Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany.

What:
 
Schloss Neuschwanstein
 
Where:
 
Near Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Germany
 
Why:
 
Neuschwanstein Castle looks sort of familiar doesn’t it? It should be. It was the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. This castle is the global symbol of the era of Romanticism, and as such, it’d be a perfect choice for tourist couples! While you are here, be sure to get on the Romantic Road, where you will find the best scenic route in Germany with historic castles, towers, towns, some preserved in their full Medieval majesty.
 
 
 
 
Hofbräuhaus

Hofbräuhaus, where you dare not touch someone else's beer stein.

What:
 
Hofbräuhaus
 
Where:
 
Munich
 
Why:
 
Seriously? No trip to Germany would be complete without beer! And since I won’t get to visit during Oktoberfest, it would be sacrilege not to drop by the world’s most famous beer hall. They serve the beer only in one-liter glasses!
 
 
 
 
 
German Souvenirs of Choice
 

Beer Stein owned by Friedrich Kellner to comme...

Für ihn:
 
 
For guys, I would recommend a beer stein. A well crafted piece of art such as this would be well suited to embrace that smooth brew, keeping it cold enough until you pour it down your belly. Nothing else shows how serious you are about your beer than this.
 
 
 

Dirndl with cording and green apron Deutsch: D...

Für sie

For the ladies, how about trying on a dirndl? This traditional garb worn by der frauen are not just a common sight worn during Oktoberfest, they are traditionally worn in formal occasions and other such events. Perhaps I am just biased… but it *does* look good on the ladies. 🙂 
 
 

Tips and Tricks for Gaining Control of your Finances

19 Monday Mar 2012

Posted by Summer Chaser in Money

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Tags

Annual percentage rate, Clark Howard, Credit card, Credit card debt, Credit score, Savings account, Tips, Tips and tricks

Having learned the History of Money and the Basics, let me offer some tips and tricks I hope you can make good use of:

  • A simple and easy tip for U.S. residents from Consumer Warrior and Financial Expert Clark Howard is to visit www.missingmoney.com to find out if there is any money out there in your name waiting to be collected. I once found a paycheck  in my name that was never cashed just by following this simple advice.
  • Pay off your credit card debts. Collect information on your credit cards. Which cards are costing you the most every month in terms of interest? List them in that order and concentrate on paying one off. Every month going forward, pay the minimum on all cards except for the one at the top of the list, which you will be contributing all the extra cash that would have gone to the rest of the cards. Discipline yourself until this card is paid off. Once that is done, the extra cash that is freed up is then added on to pay off the next card on the list. Do not relent on this! You will be amazed at the momentum you’ve built and it will speed up your way to freedom!
  • Once every six months, call up your credit cards and ask 1) If they can raise your credit limits without you having to go through a credit check and 2) If they can lower your Annual Percentage Rates so that you could have an easier time using their card more often (which you really aren’t, but this gives them incentive to comply with your request.) Raising your limit will give you better creditworthiness and make it easier to lower your rates with the other cards. This has saved me a lot of money in the long run and has brought me closer to my goals.
Česky: Kreditní karty Deutsch: Kreditkarten En...

Credit is an important concept not only in consumeristic or capitalist modern societies, but also dating back as early as ancient Greece and Egypt.

  • Once you have paid off a card, do not cancel it. If you use it, pay off the debt as soon as possible. If it has an annual fee, ask if it can be waived (at least for this year.) Just make sure that once every six months, you use the card for something, otherwise, the card will automatically be closed due to inactivity.
  • If you have direct deposit through your employer, try to set it up so that a certain amount per paycheck goes into your regular bank account that you use for paying for bills and the rest into a savings account. I remember when I was just starting out during my first job in Michigan as a troubleshooter for a big company, I arranged to have $1000 per paycheck sent to my checking account which I used for paying for daily expenses. Anything I made through overtime or other means that went over that amount automatically got deposited to my savings account which I then forgot about. It’s a nice surprise that on a rainy day, I have emergency funds available.
  • Eliminate bills and expenses that you can live without. Downgrade where ever you can. I mean, do you really need 1000 channels? As the say, less is more… for you!
  • Be diplomatic and polite. You’ll be happy with the results. Not too long ago, I was remodeling my condo to have an Arabian Nights theme. I didn’t want to spend a whole lot on it, so I started browsing online to find complimentary things to add to the theme. I found two people selling a circular, fairly new Moroccan bed that went well with what I had in mind. I wrote a simple, yet polite letter to both owners asking if they would be willing to offer the beds at a lower price. I sent them a link of each other’s ads. One was adamant about her price, while the other was more receptive and lowered the cost. I got a great deal just by having a good, respectful attitude. And in the end, I get a good night’s sleep in a kick ass bed.
My awesome bed

My awesome bed.

I hope you gained something out of this post. Please send me any feedback or questions you may have. Next time, I’ll be talking about the different types of assets and why you should have at least one of each!

European Tour Wishlist: Italy

16 Friday Mar 2012

Posted by Summer Chaser in The List, Travel

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Colosseum, Europe, European Tour, Florence, Italian Wishlist, Italy, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Pisa, Roman, Rome, Rubicon, Souvenir, Statue of David, Venetian Mask, Venice

Wow, with England and France done at this point of the Euro Tour, this will probably be one of the busiest legs of the trip! There’s just soooo much to do in Italy. Every city has something unique about it that is a must-see. I can’t wait to see Rome, Venice, Pisa, shoot… I could go on and on!

 
 
 
English: A 4x4 segment panorama of the Coliseu...

The site of bloody gladiatoral duels, mock naval battles and ancient army clashes.

What:
 
Coliseum, aka Amphitheatrum Flavium
 
Where:
 
In the heart of Rome, Italy
 
Why:
 
This is perhaps the greatest work of the Roman Empire’s engineering. Built by Emperor Vespasian and finished by Emperor Titus, both of whom had the same family name, Flavius, where the coliseum derived its name from. This is a must-see during my trip, and as NWA knows well, I need to punch him in order to cross off an entry on my bucket list. 
 
 
 
 
 
English: Cathedral of Pisa (Duomo di Pisa), Pi...

The Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Duomo di Pisa.

What:
 
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
 
Where:
 
Pisa, Italy
 
Why:
 
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is famed around the world. It’s one of those pictures that says “Yep, I’m in Europe.” This bell tower of the nearby cathedral is also the source of many comedic pictures employing a bit of forced perspective by trying to push the tower upright. You can bet that we’ll be trying our hand at getting a funny shot of this.  
 
 
 
 
 
Venice

A Venetian Canal.

What:
 
The Canals of Venice
 
Where:
 
Venice, Italy
 
Why:
 
These gorgeous (and possibly smelly) canals are legendary. I  remember a couple of James Bond flicks that took place here. I can’t wait to drive down the waterways! Ooh! And I totally have to get in a gondola too (preferably with one of the cute locals.) 
 
 
 
 
 
English: The Pantheon in Rome, Italy

The Pantheon houses all the Roman gods and goddesses.

What:
 
Pantheon
 
Where:
 
Rome, Italy
 
Why:
 
Since I probably won’t get a chance to visit the Parthenon in Greece this time around, I think it would be a good opportunity to get a little taste of what I’m going to be missing out on by seeing the Roman Pantheon. The difference between the two temples is easily distinguishable. The Greek Parthenon is dedicated to Athena, goddess of Wisdom and War while the Roman Pantheon is dedicated to all the Roman gods and goddesses.
 
 
 
 
 
English: Michelangelo's David (original statue...

The Statue of David.

What: 
 
Statue of David
 
Where:
 
Florence, Italy
 
Why: 
 
Possibly the most famous statue in the world. Created by Michaelangelo. I’ve seen the duplicate at Caesar’s Palace in Vegas… but somehow, I don’t think that one’ll stand up when compared to the real thing.
 
 
 
 
Presumed course of the Rubicon

Rubicon derives its name from the latin 'rubico' meaning red. The river gets its red color from mud deposits.

What:
 
Crossing the Rubicon
 
Where:
 
Between the towns of Rimini and Cesena
 
Why:
 
As a huge enthusiast of history, particularly of the Roman Empire, I’d like to get some insight as to what Gaius Julius Caesar must have felt when he defied his enemies and crossed the red river with his legion, effectively initiating the Roman Civil War and taking him down his path of glory. The term “Crossing the Rubicon” has forever after become an idiom for “Passing the Point of No Return.” 
 
 
 
 
 
Italian Souvenirs of Choice
 
 
For La Signora:
 
 
A tasteful Venetian Mask will allow the ladies to feel like they’ve been to a Renaissance Masked Ball and bring out the charm and grace in them (we hope.) It’ll be a very elegant centerpiece reminding you of the sights and sounds of the Italian Peninsula.
 
 
For Il Signore:
 
 
Well, I know for a fact that my buddy, NWA, is planning to get a suit tailored for himself. While I have my concerns as to how much this will end up costing, I really do want to get one for myself also, so long as it doesn’t drain me of my adventure fund, that is. Besides, getting a suit tailored for yourself in Italy is like learning to woo women from Casanova himself. And if this doesn’t pan out, you could always go for that Ferrari Key Chain…
 
 
 
 

Quotes to Live By (March 2012)

14 Wednesday Mar 2012

Posted by Summer Chaser in Quotes

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Tags

49 BC, Gaul, Ides of March, Julius Caesar, Let the die be cast, March 2012, Point of no return, Quotes, Quotes to Live By, Roman, Rome, Rubicon

Tomorrow marks the Ides of March, a festive day in ancient Rome dedicated to Mars, the Roman god of war. It was during this festival that the citizens of Rome would enjoy military parades and the like. If you’re American, think of it as a sort of ancient Memorial Day. The Ides of March is also notorious for being the day that the famous Julius Caesar was betrayed and assassinated.

It is only right that we should quote Gaius Julius Caesar, the great Roman general and dictator whose influence has spread through time and through many different cultures.

Caesar, Gaius Julius.

Gaius Julius Caesar has influenced all manner of things from his eponymous salad to the Czars of Russia

Even before becoming a dictator of the senate, Caesar had achieved victories in various military campaigns in Gaul (modern day France and Germany) and at sea against pirates in the Mediterranean (the so called Roman Lake.)

In 49 BC, by crossing the Rubicon on the borders of the Roman frontier, he officially rebelled against the senate who wanted him prosecuted for irregularities during his term as imperator or governor of Spain. Julius Caesar would go on to become one of the most famous people in history… but before that, while at the Rubicon river, he was facing his moment of fate. There was an air of uncertainty as to whether he should rebel or submit. It was then that he was quoted as having supposedly said “Alea icta esto.”

“Let the die be cast.”

My friends, I sincerely believe that we have only one life to live. And while making hard choices and facing uncertainties, much like Caesar did, lead to the unknown, let us strike out and grasp that which we cannot yet reach. Let us take some risks! Let us step out of our comfort zones! Let us seek out the best in this life! Take the steps to achieve this. Alea icta esto! Let the die be cast!

Lesson #2: The Basics

12 Monday Mar 2012

Posted by Summer Chaser in Money

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Tags

Albert Einstein, basics, Candy, Cashflow Quadrant, Delayed Gratification, lesson #2, minimalism, Personal finance, Rich Dad, Rich Dad Poor Dad, Robert Kiyosaki

I once read a study where they offered to give children some candy but in this manner: If the child was willing to wait for a period of ten minutes before taking the candy placed on the table in front of him or her, the child would be given another candy. The more ten-minute periods the child could wait, the number of candies given would double. I wish I could find a copy the study online so I could link it here, but it turns out that children who could delay their gratification would later on be more successful in life. Children who could not control the need for instant gratification didn’t get very far in their lives.

Candy at a souq in Damascus, Syria.

I want candaaaaaaay! I want caaaandaaaaay!

Last week, during Lesson #1, we explored the history of money and what it actually is. The takeaway from that was the understanding that if we want to be wealthy or at least financially stable and debt free, we should be acquiring things that retain or increase its value over time and not the reverse. Unfortunately, the dollar (or any other currency for that matter) does not fall into this category.

Here in the U.S. there are so many factors that deny your money a chance to grow unless you convert it into something else. For the average person who is employed, he or she is taxed upon earning that paycheck (Income Tax). Taxed again when spending that paycheck (Sales Tax). Taxed again when saving that paycheck (Taxes on Earned Interest). Inflation will also come into play and diminish the remainder of the money you have managed not to spend. Oh and don’t forget the so called Death tax (Federal Estate Tax). In the future, we will discuss how to legally pay as little in taxes as possible.

Now before we go any further, as a disclaimer, I don’t pretend to be a professional in this matter. I am not licensed to give out money advice nor do I do this to make a living. I am simply sharing what I’ve learned and what has worked for me. I challenge you do to your own research on what I am sharing. Please feel free to email me your thoughts, questions, or (constructive) criticisms.

Okay, with that out of the way, you may be asking “So, what can we do to be financially stable?” The basic concept behind the answer is simple. Collect assets and avoid liabilities.

Cover of "Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Ri...

Written by Robert Kiyosaki.

As I’ve learned from the lessons of Robert Kiyosaki and his series of educational books and games (Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Cashflow Quadrant, Rich Dad’s Guide to Investing, et al,) assets are things that gain or retain value and put money into your pocket and liabilities are things that lose value or take money away from your pocket.

Sounds simple enough that any kid could do it, right? Well, you’d be surprised at how many people out there can’t grasp this commonsensical attitude. People still dive into debt for an expensive car, not realizing that it is perhaps one of the fastest things you can own… that loses its original value.

This really isn’t anything you don’t already know. Similar to my recipe for losing weight, in order to gain control of your finances, two things or some combination of both must happen:

1) You make more than what you spend.

2) You spend less than what you make.

English: Albert Einstein Français : portrait d...

Professor Albert Einstein, theoretical physicist.

Today’s world can seem overly complicated, but as Einstein has reputedly said, “Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius — and a lot of courage — to move in the opposite direction.”

So try and keep things as simple as possible that still fits your needs. Try to trim off the fat. Cut off the bills that you can live without. Live beneath your means. Don’t play the ‘Keeping up with the Jones’ game, as it is a never-ending game with no clear definition of when or how to win. Sell off some of your stuff. Downgrade what you can that isn’t essential. Learn to embrace the minimalistic way of life. Collect experiences, knowledge and memories, not appliances, cars and things. But most of all, if there’s just one thing you take away from all of this, I hope you’ll remember the study I was telling you about earlier, before we began the lesson. Learn to delay your gratification… Don’t take the candy just yet!

I hope you learned something new from all this. Next time, I’ll give out some tips on what you can do to gain control of your finances. Until then, have a happy Monday!

Image

Guacamole Lettuce Wraps with Sun Dried Tomatoes

10 Saturday Mar 2012

Tags

Avocado, Guacamole, Lettuce, Lettuce Wrap, losing weight, Mushroom, recipe, recipes, Sun Dried Tomatoes, Tomato

Guacamole Lettuce Wrap with Sun Dried Tomatoes

Starving but want something healthy? Try these! Fresh, organic guacamole with some mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes.

So I’ve been losing weight pretty steadily. It’s just been a matter of focusing on two simple things.

1) Spend more calories than you take in.

2) Take in less calories than you spend.

For the most part, I’ve simply stuck to eating organic, healthy fruits and vegetables during the week and combining it with light exercise. During the weekends, I either visit a good restaurant or I have a little bit of meat and sweets to satisfy my sweet tooth.

One of my favorite dishes these days is the Guacamole Lettuce Wrap with some sun dried tomatoes.

It’s pretty easy to prepare. You’ll need:

2 Avocadoes
Some lime juice
Some salt and pepper
Some chipotle chili powder
Some minced garlic
Some chopped up red, green, and yellow peppers
Some chopped up onions
2-4 Lettuce Leaves
A handful of white mushrooms
Some sun dried tomatoes
 

Now then, I mash up the avocadoes and mix in the ingredients, except for the mushrooms and onions which I caramelize on a frying pan.

After caramelization, I toss them in with the guacamole and spread thickly on the lettuce leaves.

Voila! The perfect summer dish! Simple, easy, and done in minutes. Enjoy your meal!

Posted by Summer Chaser | Filed under Food

≈ 2 Comments

European Tour Wishlist: France

09 Friday Mar 2012

Posted by Summer Chaser in Travel

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Arc de Triomphe, Champ de Mars, Eiffel Tower, France, Languiole, Louvre, Mona Lisa, Musée du Louvre, Pari, Paris, Souvenir


I’m definitely more of an anglophile, so I don’t have a whole lot planned to do in France for this leg of the Euro tour. Franky, (*snicker* Frankly – get it? Franc… nevermind…) I’ve heard a lot of negative stereotypes about the French. That, being the rudeness towards and dislike of [ignorant] Americans, and general distate of English speakers. Not to mention their strict, martinet sense of etiquette. While I tend not to discriminate others as I have had the awful experience of being discriminated against, the pragmatic side of me has set down a low expectation; one of caution, so that if France exceeds the expectations, I can be pleasantly surprised and report here on the misconceptions, if any, of said stereotypes.

All in all, I promise to enter their borders with an open mind.

Despite my (admittedly) conservative attitude towards what to expect, here are the few things I wish to do in the City of Love:

 
 
 
Français : La Tour Eiffel, vue du Champ-de-Mar...

Is a caption really necessary?

 
What:
 
Eiffel Tower
 
Where:
 
Champ de Mars, Paris, France
 
Why:
 
For years since its construction by Engineer Gustave Eiffel, this has been one of the most prominent symbols of France. Movies often feature the tower to establish the fact that it is taking place within the country. You simply can’t go to France and not take a picture near the famous tower. Also, I can’t wait to eat at one of the restaurants on the lower levels of the elegantly tall, La Tour Eiffel. That would be quite an experience!
 
 
 
 
The Arc de Triomphe (Arch of Triumph), at the ...

Arc de Triomphe by night

 
What:
 
Arc de Triomphe
 
Where:
 
Place Charles de Gaulle, Paris
 
Why:
 
This Iconic French Monument is a remembrance/tomb for those who died in the French Revolutionary War as well as the Napoleonic Wars. One thing I can appreciate from the French is the trait of not bowing down (anymore) to any King or Monarch. Liberté, égalité, fraternité for all!
 
 
 
 
English: Richelieu wing of the Louvre museum F...

Louvre Museum, home to many famous works

 
What:
 
Louvre Museum
 
Where:
 
Palais Royal, Paris
 
Why:
 
It is perhaps the world’s largest and most visited museum. Oh come on! Don’t you want to see the Mona Lisa with your own eyes!? I sure do! Even waaaaay before Dan Brown (Damn you! >.< ) made the museum a highlight of his novel, I sat in my classroom dreaming of the day I could see the famous paintings (printed in black and white on my workbook) in full color with my own wide-eyed amazement. I know Leo da Vinci won’t let me down! 🙂
 
Must-see exhibits are The Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, The Winged Victory and Madonna of the Rocks.
 
 
 
 
 
French Souvenirs of Choice:
 
 
For the Monsieur: 
 
 
Languiole Pocket Knife. It’s small enough and comes for different functions, you could even get one that looks like a cheese knife. Might as well buy some cheese. France should be the best place to shop for cheese, considering they have hundreds of different varieties…
 
 
For the Madame or Mademoiselle:
 
 
France being a leader in the world of fashion, I figure it would be smart and trendy to stick with this category for gifts. However, I’m down to two choices and can’t seem to decide what to get the ladies in my life. Perhaps you can help a guy out? Should I be getting a Parisian Pocket Mirror or a French Shawl? I will probably end up getting both, but let me know which would YOU prefer to receive? Merci!
 
 

El Morocco: An exotic Adventure near San Francisco (Restaurant Review)

07 Wednesday Mar 2012

Posted by Summer Chaser in Food, Travel

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Bellydance, Bellydancer, El Morocco, Fadil, Harira, Moroccan cuisine, Morocco, Restaurant, Restaurant review, review, San Francisco, Zahara

She winked as her graceful body hazed by, whirling and turning like a desert dervish. The explosions of colors swept right by my eyes leaving little trails of dazzling light. She was wearing devilishly red silks and satin harem pants, a crimson flower playing in her long curls. Her skirt rebelled around her, its golden beads flickering in the light of a dozen lamps, each with their own shade and variety and temperament. Her hands weaved and waved a thousand ways, while her hips jerked from side to side in motions too mesmerizing for my thoughts to comprehend. Her feet glided as if she were dancing on the water of a desert oasis. 

And for much more than just a moment, I was there, inside the tent of some wealthy caravan trade prince, the guest of honor, feasting… laughing… Living!

El Morocco

El Morocco

What: Moroccan Restaurant
Where: 2203 Morello Ave. Pleasant Hill, CA, USA
Phone: 1(925)671-0132
Open: Tues – Sun 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Price: $29.95 for a 5 course feast or about half that for à la carte entrées.
Be sure to: Mention if it’s your birthday, they’ll give you a red fez to wear!
Try the: Lamb braised in Honey Sauce with Almonds, hold the raisins. Magnificently gratifying!
Web: www.elmorocco.net 
 

I hope you enjoyed my little narrative. That is exactly what it feels like when I’m over at my friend Fadil’s Moroccan restaurant located in the pleasant hills of, well, Pleasant Hill.

I have a lot of respect for Fadil, who was a musician before he became the proprietor of this amazing establishment. He is truly a magnificent host and unlike most restaurant owners, he is at El Morocco every night greeting its guests at the door, initiating the party for anyone celebrating a special occasion, and introducing the guest bellydancer of the night. Did I mention the bellydancers!?

Almost every night at around 7 pm and again at around 9 pm, a special guest bellydancer comes out to the dining area to place the guests under an exciting, sensual trance (appropriate for all ages, this is a family restaurant!) as they dance to the tune of lively and exotic Middle-Eastern music. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a captivating performance from my friend, Zahara, who performs here occasionally. Please don’t forget to tip them (In the Middle East it is customary for the male to kneel before the bellydancer while placing the tip on her waist. Warning, she may continue to bellydance making a game of it as you attempt this.)

Zahara

The enchanting Zahara, an award winning professional bellydancer based in the San Francisco Bay Area, performing at El Morocco.

As you are sitting there enraptured by the show and awaiting your 5 course meal, you get the feeling that you’re inside a giant tent at a banquet held in your honor. The low tables are brass, round, Moroccan designs accentuated by a peregrine candle lamp. There are expensive Persian rugs and carpets all over the place as well as Moroccan poufs, which are round leather seats, to emphasize the festivities going on around you. As you sit (or lay) there, surrounded by a motley of vibrantly hued pillows, your supper binge begins…

Dining Table

Exotic dining table at El Morocco.

The servers bring out a basin and wash your hands in refreshingly warm water. Any meal such as this that you can eat with your hands must truly be deserving of your attention!

The 5 course feast starts off with some Harira, a traditional Moroccan soup with tomatoes, lentils, herbs and heartily spiced for flavor. Dip it in bread or drink it off the cup, here you are the sheikh!

Afterwards, you are served with a selection of choice Moroccan salads, including a mix of tomatoes, green peppers, parsley and eggplant puree with cabbage slices to use as scoops.

Next up, comes out the Bastilla, a flaky dough pie baked with Chicken, eggs and almonds and served sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar. Scoop up bite sized pieces with your hands and experience the sensation of flavors you never knew existed!

I hope you’ve built up some appetite, because at this point comes out the main course. You have an ample list of options to try your taste buds on, including chicken prepared in unique ways, lamb braised in honey sauce and topped with almonds, couscous which is a very fine cracked wheat served with meat or vegetables, or how about some hearty shish kabobs to fill your belly?

Time to eat!

Time to eat!

If that’s not enough for you and you’re feeling really adventurous then perhaps something unique such as Cornish hen braised with onions, lemon juice and green olives? Or why not braised hare in a lemony tomato sauce served with olives?

Ah and finally, for dessert some scrumptious Moroccan pastries with freshly brewed mint tea.

A delectably mouthwatering dinner, spellbindingly entertaining belly dance performance, loads of laughter and fun, and all for about thirty dollars. No wonder I feel like a king whenever I’m at this gem of a food and show palace!

Just being here has inspired me. I really need to add Morocco on my bucket list of places to travel to for my quest.

Thank you Fadil, for running such a wonderful place. You can bet your red fez I’ll be back often!

Let the vibrant lights, foreign sounds and exciting smells of El Morocco take you far, far away!

Learn to belly dance (or just get a better view!)

Lesson # 1: Understanding What You Have in Your Hands

05 Monday Mar 2012

Posted by Summer Chaser in Money, Travel

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

finance, gold, Gold Standard, lesson 1, Precious metal, Richard Nixon

I was recently talking about the difference in the value of money, comparing the pesos in the Philippines with the dollar here in the U.S. Ever since immigrating to the ‘Land of Milk and Honey’, it has been a non stop learning experience for me. Getting culture shocked was simply the beginning. Today, I have been through numerous ups and downs, thicks and thins, and summers and winters than I care to recount. I’ve had businesses succeed as well as fall apart, properties fall under on the one hand and incredible bargains sealed on the other.

I think I am very fortunate to be where I am standing today, almost entirely debt free. A fully paid for residence, no more car loan payments, and very little in the way of credit card balances. I mention this, not because I want to brag (though I assure you, I am quite vain and proud, bordering on arrogance even.) Rather, it is my objective to share with you the summation of the lessons I’ve learned about money and finance from my humble virtual platform with the sincere intention that you can make good use of this knowledge and avoid the pitfalls I blindly walked into.

That brings us to lesson number one, understanding what you have in your hands.

You see, understanding is key. If you want to become a doctor, you have to understand medicine and the ways your body reacts to it. If you want to become a lawyer, you must understand the law and how it affects the people around you. Want to be an engineer? You had better get a good understanding of physics and mathematics. If you want to be wealthy, or at the very least, financially stable, the first step is that you must have a good grasp of what money is.

Go ahead. Take your paper currency out and look at it. Have you ever asked yourself why a printed piece of paper has as much value on it as what it says?

A gold-standard 1928 one-dollar bill. It is id...

A United States Bank Note printed in 1928 indicates that the bearer of this certificate or note is entitled to gold from the U.S. Treasury equivalent to the amount of one dollar

For thousands of years, majority of civilizations have used some type of precious metal to be their form of money. In most cases, this was usually gold. Money was necessary, simply because bartering was cumbersome. Trading chickens for bread, for example may work just fine for some, but what if the baker was allergic to chickens? No trade between the two commodities could occur unless a third commodity came into play that the baker would accept in place of chickens. That is essentially why money was invented. It had to be compact, valuable, divisible, durable and universal. Gold fit these criteria perfectly and so, it has and probably will always be a valuable form of money.

Gold Key, weighing one kilogram is used to acc...

Gold or Aurum is still highly valued up until today

Early paper money, China, Song Dynasty

Early Paper Money from the Song Dynasty

What about paper money? Well, that came from the Chinese Dynasties during the Middle Ages. During long caravan voyages, instead of carrying around precious gold that could be stolen or lost, a merchant would approach his family bank, turn in or deposit his wealth and receive a sealed certificate. He would travel to the next city, present his certificate and withdraw the same amount minus a small fee. This would prove to be a much more practical way of doing business.

It was from here that paper currencies evolved. Merchant caravans would bring the practice further and further west. The Islamic sheiks closest to China began to adopt the practice. Jewish pilgrims would carry this further west into Europe.

I remember once, I saw a very old British Note. It said on it “Bank of England. I promise to pay the bearer of this note on demand, a sum of ten pounds.” That is what it essentially was, a certificate indicating that you had that much gold in the bank. So, for my fellow Americans, the dollar that you and I carry around, used to give you the ability to walk up to the Treasury office and exchange that $100 bill or note for $100 worth of gold. But that all changed.

In August 15, 1971, President Nixon took the U.S. off of the Gold Standard. That meant, that you could no longer change your paper money to the pegged rate of $35 per ounce of gold. It meant, that the dollar was no longer backed by how much of this precious metal our government held. The dollar was merely backed by promises of what its value is worth.

In short, my friends, the cherished time we trade for the paper money that becomes less and less valuable as more and more of it is printed out is a plan doomed to end… well, NOT in your favor. Sooner or later, people around the world will not continue to accept it, since it isn’t supported by anything of value (other than the promise that we will continue to credit it, and from what I’ve seen lately… a really poor job of debt management is being done.)

Regardless of whether you believe any of this, the lesson underneath it all is, instead of collecting something that is losing its value… start collecting assets that retain or increase value over time.

To achieve my goals of seeing at least 80% of the world and to be able to live anywhere it is currently summer, I have aimed at having a residence that I can easily rent out for a profit, portable freedom businesses that generate trickles of income, stocks and other paper assets that provide dividends regularly, and commodities such as gold and silver that retain or increase their value especially as paper currencies become worthless. And in the doomsday scenario where the dollar should ever fall apart and a new chicken currency arises, I would still be able to survive by charging my renters for chickens…

Food for thought.

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