Vacation – Yoojin Cho

Where Did August Go?

Anyone? Can anyone tell me where in the world August disappeared to?

While waiting for the answer, I shall just sit here and stare at my calendar that tells me today is August 24. I simply can’t believe it. I feel like I graduated just about a week ago. In reality, three months flew by since I walked across the stage for my diploma.

This summer, a lot has changed. I am now officially a college graduate, employed and independent (?). Making my own money, paying my own bills and driving my own car.

I’m also learning a lot. Besides the obvious of cooking for myself, multitasking and balancing time between work and free time, I’m basically learning to be a journalist.

Especially in such a tight-knit community where everyone knows one another, blending in and “getting the scoop” pose the biggest challenges. The Islanders all went to the same high school (the one and only high school on the Island, Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School) and frankly, they either return after college or stay here forever.

Surprisingly though, most people I approached for reactions didn’t resist. They were more than happy to help and be part of my stories.

Moreover, during the season my story list overflows with events, fundraisers, visitors and high-profile guests (cough, the President, cough). Though in July I did question my decision to move here, but now that I’ve realized all journalists started somewhere and small markets in a way mean the rite of passage, I’m content.

Who knows, all that may change come November, but so far, I have wonderful memories and clips. Harry Potter midnight showing… Stanley Cup’s visit to the Island… Coast Guard’s rescue boat… Sailing on Juno for Vineyard Cup… Lobster dinner that came with a story coverage… Monster Shark Tournament… and last but not least, the First Family’s vacation and a chance to be part of the prestigious White House Press Corps for a day.

June:

July:

August:

Destination: Los Angeles

Sunshine, Warmth, Food (and lots of it, too), Drinks, Friends.

All these do a perfect job describing my week in California and Nevada. For spring break, Jack and I visited our friends in Los Angeles and spent a few days in Las Vegas. Needless to say, it was incredible.

Usually after a week of vacation anywhere, I am ready to come home. This time, however, I was actually sad to hop on the red eye back to Boston.

Los Angeles rose high above my expectations. Sure it was smoggy, but the atmosphere and the weather totally won me over.

The trip involved a lot of exercise. I left dreary Boston thinking I will be laying out on a sandy beach, doing nothing and eating nonstop. The actually itinerary, however, took me hiking, biking and a lot of walking.

First day we hiked up to the Hollywood sign and spotted two celebrities – A.J. from the Office and Ravi from the League, although I was too distracted by A.J.’s adorable golden retriever to actually notice his face. But totally understandable? Right?

After the hike, we sat down for a lovely dinner at In-N-Out. After three visits in a week, I think I can proudly say I have mastered its secret menu. Let me help you out here – especially if you have never experienced the joy of biting into In-N-Out’s delicious cheeseburger.

Double-Double: Yes, for the first time in my life, I ordered a double-cheeseburger. Double patties and double cheese.
Well-Done Fries: Meaning, extremely crispy!
Animal Style: On your burger OR on your fries. I actually suggest both. Carmelized onions + cheese + secret sauce.
Neopolitan Shake: Strawberry + Vanilla + Chocolate milkshake.

My mouth is watering just thinking about it. In general though, the food in California was absolutely incredible. I consider myself a foodie – I love food; I enjoy eating; I love trying new food.

Baja-style Mexican food matched my high expectations of Mexican cuisine in general since I grew up in TX after all. English pub we tried in Santa Monica offered one of the best fish & chips I tried in the US. Even a tiny little food shack along the beach near Manhattan Beach – owned by a nice Georgia man with his homemade chicken salad recipe – was amazing.

We also biked from Santa Monica to Manhattan Beach… Long long long bike ride, but totally worth it! Sure it took all day and sure I ended up with some funny tanlines thanks to my decision to wear a blazer, but the view and simply the idea of biking right along the beach and taking in the scenery… Just, WOW.

Though LA is not a walking city, we chose the simplest mode of transportation – our legs – to see Sunset Blvd, and that wrapper up our stay in Los Angeles.

I would loooove to go back – possibly live there in the future?

(View from the Hollywood sign. Yes, it was a long hike, but totally worth it! Especially when there is a trip to in-n-out involved afterward.)

(While biking down from Santa Monica to Manhattan Beach. one day… I will be a proud owner of one of those modern, chic, fancy houses.)

(Near LAX… Alvin and the Chipmunks. Downstairs there were Sully & Mike from Monsters Inc.)

Post on VEGAS to come soon!

La Liaison – the French/Portuguese Man's Latte

We don’t know for sure where he came from. We actually don’t even know his name. But we know for sure he makes darn good latte and croissant.

While we are on the subject of small, quaint, friendly cafes – see the previous post, The Muffin Man – it’s definitely worth taking a few minutes to reflect on my delicious morning routine almost every day before class in London.

La Liaison, located right next to the Gloucester tube, is really a hole-in-the-wall patisserie with coffee, hot breakfast, to-go sandwiches and a variety of pastry.

Unfortunately, I never snapped a picture of the place, so that’s the best I could do with some help of everyone’s trustworthy friend, Google Images. Regardless I suppose the picture does portray the vibe of La Liaison quite well.

It’s small. There are maybe two tables inside the cafe. But people are always stopping by, reading newspapers outside or chatting up their friends in front of the shop.

I first stopped by for an emergency dose of caffeine when I realized I could no longer stay awake in one of my classes. Ever since, picking up a small latte and a croissant became a ritual. More importantly, however, I only paid about 3 pounds for both the coffee AND the pastry. Considering the exchange rates and the high cost of living in the UK, what a feat!

I thought the coffee from La Liaison was always high quality. Though served in rather small portions, with foamy milk, what a perfect way to wake up and start the day.

Along with the coffee, I would always get the chocolate (or sometimes plain) croissant, too. The mysterious French/Portuguese man told me he made them fresh every morning, and yes, I totally believe him.

On top of that, the English Breakfast. If I remember correctly, it was only 3 or 4 pounds. For those not familiar with English Breakfast, the dish consists of eggs – sunny side up, sausages, bread, ham and beans in tomato sauce.

Wait, beans in tomato sauce?

Right. We never really encounter those in America. Next time you’re at a grocery store, stop by the tiny little British section most likely in the far back corner of the store and pick up a can. It’s absolutely delicious.

In fact, I concluded my journey in London with English Breakfast and a latte from La Liaison. I couldn’t think of any other way to leave the city I fell in love with so quickly.

Besides all those delicious goodies, the best part was probably the friendly French/Portuguese man who always greeted me with “Oh, hello beautiful!” with a slight French accent. Let it be a cheesy cliche, but I loved it!

Also, note that is how I came to call him the mysterious French man.

The “Portuguese” part followed soon after though, when I saw him cheering for a Portuguese football (soccer) team.

Confused? Me too.

Why I Miss Traveling…

Of course there are hundreds (or thousands) of perks of being home – home-cooked meals, easy communication, cozy bed, lovely friends and just the comfort of knowing that you’re close to people and place you love.

But then…Why do I miss traveling so much?

After spending four months away from familiar buildings, faces, food and culture, I was initially happy to be back in my comfort zone. Now that I have resumed an endless cycle of work-eat-sleep, however, I would love love love to return to unfamiliar territories.

First and foremost, I miss exploring. I am not the type to just take off one day and venture out to mysterious neighborhoods, but as long as I have my map, I’m more than happy to take the winding narrow sidestreets.

Oh, I don’t know. How else would you find Waffle-bob Squarepants in the middle of Brussels?

Or these mega-cool Star Wars & Star Trek postage stamps in Madrid?

Besides discovering unique antique stores or tiny family-run restaurants with only three tables, meeting great people and making new friends also make me happy, fulfilled and content.

I may or may not stay friends with everyone I meet on the road, but at least for the brief few days you’re stuck with them in small hostels or extreme-euro dance clubs, everyone is simply BFF(aeaeaeae…).

Aside from incredibly friendly and wonderful hostel owners – Giuseppe, Andrea and Mabri, etc. – I remember having great conversations with and sometimes having awkward/hilarious encounters on streets with a Dutch kid, a Norwegian couple, girls from Wisconsin, crazy Brits on a bar crawl in Berlin, a couple from Texas… Oh, and of course, a BU ALUM! What a small world.

Regardless, transitioning from having nothing in common except for being in foreign countries together to being friends even for just 10 minutes. I miss that kind of interaction with people. The one where strangers just stare at you and bump into you on the T is no fun.

I also missing walking down the street and simply admiring the gorgeous architecture. Granted Europe is certainly a lot older than North America, the beauty of its buildings, churches, houses and schools is incomparable.

London Eye… (I know it’s not Gothic or romantic or whatever, but it’s pretty!)

Vatican City…

Trevi Fountain…

Notre Dame…

And of course, the scenery beats everything, too. The beaches, the river, the park…

The view from Sacre Coer…

Cefalu…

Nonetheless, something MORE beautiful than the coastline and architecture is food. Seriously, one of the best parts about traveling to new cities was trying out new dishes.

I had the opportunity to devour, er, I mean, savor, the best Bratwurst, the Currywurst, the freshest clams, the best pasta, the most delicious prosciutto, the white Sicilian pizza, the English breakfast, the richest Guinness pie… Ah, the list goes on.

Additionally, these fresh ingredients are all available at amazingly low price at markets – even including high-quality wine, cheese and meat.

Often I could have a full 3-course dinner for under 5 euros. Of course, it’s nothing fancy. It’s rather delicious sandwiches from a stand run by two brothers, then gelato and a glass of sangria. But those affordable items from friendly owners and chefs were so much better than five-star, $50 per dish food.

For example, a loaf of baguette, a big wheel of cheese and a huge basket of strawberries cost me 3 euros total in Paris, and don’t you worry, they were DELICIOUS.

Arancine, a fried rice ball with cheese or ham or even curry, is Sicily’s signature food. Big enough to serve as a whole meal, Arancine definitely counted as one of Sicily’s charms. And the best part… Only 2 euros. What? I know.

I would certainly hop on the plane and travel around if given a chance. I mean, why not? All these great food, architecture and people await.

Maybe, if I’m lucky, in the next five years or so, I’ll be able to afford (both time and money) to embark on a brand new adventure. Australia sounds just fine. Or the Middle East.