#Hungry Buddha Asian Food

[acapellahospitality]

   Savor Asian Delights at Hungry Buddha | Acapella Hospitality 

   

Hungry Buddha, part of Acapella Hospitality, brings you the finest Asian cuisine. Explore a menu filled with flavorful dishes to satisfy your cravings.

[soma-soc-funeralindustry]

The Festival of Hungry Ghosts is a tradition celebrated in different East Asian countries, mostly practiced by Taoists and Buddhists. During the month, it is believed that the underworld’s gates are opened to let ghosts roam among the living to alleviate suffering, where they are given offerings and take revenge on wrongdoers (Coronado et al. 2023). Taoists chant discourses given by Buddha or his disciples to alleviate their suffering as they return to the underworld at the end of the month. Several rules are followed to avoid provoking ghosts, such as not walking alone at night, sleeping by reflecting mirrors, wearing black or red in clothing, and much more. Villagers may also feed the ghosts by leaving sweet bread by the front steps of their houses illuminated with lanterns. Plates of food and a chair are also left on the table for deceased loved ones so they may visit and eat with them.

[thecomicsnexus]

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #52-56 OCTOBER 1992 - FEBRUARY 1993 BY KEVIN EASTMAN, PETER LAIRD, JIM LAWSON, KEITH AIKEN AND MATT BANNING

SYNOPSIS (MIXED WITH TURTLEPEDIA, TMNT ENTITY AND COMIC VINE)

Casey wakes up in Gabby's trailer, too injured to eat. Gabrielle tells Jones that he can stay there and rest up if he wants to, and Casey says that he might. Jones then dials the local police to report the incident, but when the operator answers he just hangs up. He grabs a drink and heads outside to take a walk.

April is reading about the Foot violence in the New York Times. The story sparks her memories of the Foot burning down her antique store. Robyn interrupts her sister's thoughts and the two head out to do some shopping.

Gabby gets an hour off so she heads home and is surprised to find Casey still there. Jones has cleaned up the trailer and made lunch that they share.

Master Splinter is in the woods of Northampton, Massachusetts, attempting to meditate, but something is on his mind and he cannot concentrate.

Casey and Gabby are talking about the family that Jones left behind in New York.

"You miss your family, huh Casey?" Gabby asks.

"Yeah, I guess..." Casey mumbles, "Yeah..."

Gabrielle takes Casey's hand and tells him, "I just want you to know... when you're ready... if you're ready... to tell me... I'll be here. Until then... I'd like you to stay."

With that out in the open, Gabby kisses Casey.

In New York City, an Asian businessman is riding on a bus. He opens his briefcase and connects a cordless phone to his laptop computer, using it to hack into the power company's computers. He flags an account as seven months overdue. The power company discovers this odd glitch and wonders how it got past them for so long without anyone noticing, but rather than investigate further, they simply shut off the electricity in a building - one that the Foot Soldiers are using as a headquarters.

In Tokyo, Japan we see a conference with numerous business people gathered around a table. A man notes that their software has almost completed beta test phase and that it is a pity that they allowed the New York factions to go to war for so long. A woman notes that it was to their advantage to wait.

"In chaos there is weakness." she states.

Back in New York City, the Turtles prevent a woman from being mugged by three men. Raphael is tired of being a street vigilante and wants to find the Foot.

We see the old man in the hospital, sitting up for the first time with assistance from his nurse.

Leonardo tells Raphael that they just need to wait, and that in time their path will be revealed.

"Could ya keep the Zen crap to yourself for now, Leo?" Raph sneers, "We don't all have your freakin' Buddha nature, ya know... some of us actually enjoy linear thought! Like me... if I can't figure out whose butt I'm supposed to kick soon, I'm just gonna - -"

With that, Raph sees a strange robot emerging from out of a van driven by Foot Soldiers.

"--bust--" Raphael concludes, "Oboy. ALL RIGHT!"

The robot starts destroying a nearby bus, the one that contains the businessman who had earlier hacked into the power company's computers. The Turtles attack the robot and an army of Foot Soldiers appear from nowhere. Chaos ensues. Raph manages to destroy the robot, and the guys regroup, only to find themselves surrounded by Foot Soldiers and two more robots.

"What a revoltin' development this is." Raph notes as the Foot close in.

Well, look at it this way, Raph," Mike states, "It can't get much worse!"

In the final panel we see one of Shredder's Elite poised on top of a building.

Master Splinter is still attempting to meditate in the woods of Northampton, Massachusetts but his efforts once again prove futile.

Casey has taken a job as a grocery bagger, but he messes up by putting the bread on the bottom of the bag, which enrages his boss. The angry older man gets in Jones' face and reads him the riot act and insults Jones. Casey gets angry and puts a bag over the man's head and punches him in the face, sending him flying. Jones then storms out, but as soon as he's outside he realizes that he needs the job and goes back inside. Casey apologizes for the incident and asks for his job back. The man makes Jones get on his knees and beg for the work, but then screams "NO!" in Casey's face. So Space Case lets another punch fly and heads out.

Karai's plane has arrived in the United States, and she boards a helicopter that takes her to Foot headquarters, an imposing skyscraper in New York City.

Casey and Gabby are watching a romantic sunset. Gabrielle announces that she's getting hungry and wants to head for home, but before Casey starts their Jeep, he produces a ring and proposes. Gabby accepts Casey's proposal and the two are engaged.

April is having dinner with a slick weasel with a ponytail. The man brags about his programming prowess and then grabs April by the knee. O'Neil throws her coffee on the fellow and storms out. As she walks home, April reflects on how much she dislikes California.

Master Splinter is awoken by a voice, insisting that the old rat must eat if he's to survive. The Sensei tells the voice that he has nothing to subsist on.

"Help me..." Splinter implores.

"The help you seek," the Voice replies, "Is your own."

"There is little nourishment in riddles, shadow." states Splinter.

"The riddle is yours... that which can sustain you is within your reach... but not yet within your grasp." the Voice notes.

"I'm hungry... cold... in pain... and yet you torment me. You are death." concludes the Sensei.

"I am not," the Voice states, "But I know death."

Leonardo encourages his brothers to go on a training run. Raphael is not interested, but after some cajoling, he agrees to go along.

The old man is sitting up at the hospital, gazing longingly at the shuttered window.

As the Turtles jump from rooftop to rooftop, Raphael steps in some dog dung. This enrages Raph and he angrily stalks off towards home. As Raph makes hi sway back, he's ambushed by one of Shredder's Elite Guard. Raph is badly cut on the face, but he manages to severely wound the Elite by stabbing him in the side with a sai, thus taking the Elite out of action. Leo, Mike and Don arrive just as the fighting ends. The Elite gazes up at Leonardo.

"Y-you... you are the kappa... that killed my Master... Oroku Saki!" he stammers.

"Yes." replies Leonardo.

"I am... duty bound... to slay you... to... avenge my Master..." the man croaks.

"I think your avengin' days are over, pal." notes Raph.

"Perhaps... in the next life..." notes the Elite.

"Perhaps." answers Leo.

With this, the Elite Guard commits seppuku.

Master Splinter continues arguing with the Voice.

"Who are you!!?" Splinter demands.

"I have had several names," comes the answer, "But considering the circumstances, perhaps none is more appropriate than this... you may call me... the Rat King."

At her programming job in LA, April is feeling restless.  She goes to her boss and states that the project he currently has her assigned to is a waste of time.  Her boss sends her back to her desk and tells her to finish it.  April sits back down, frustrated and angry.

At a Justice of the Peace's office in Colorado, Casey and Gabe tie the knot.  Returning to their trailer, Casey has decorated the whole place in a tropical island theme to serve as their honeymoon.  Gabe is thrilled with the gesture.

Inside the abandoned smokestack in Northampton, Splinter has been surviving off melted snow for water, though he needs food soon or he’ll perish.  The Rat King urges him to eat the rats that scurry about his reach, claiming that once Splinter dies, the rats will have no second thoughts about eating his remains.  Splinter refuses, believing himself to be above something as reprehensible as cannibalism.  The Rat King tells Splinter that he is making a mistake by trying to shed his animal nature in search of spiritual perfection.

Back in LA, April returns home to Robyn’s place in a foul mood.  She chides Robyn again for being messy and irresponsible and the two get into an argument. Robyn reminds April that their mother is dead and that April is not their father.

In the smokestack, Splinter grabs a rat, but lets it go; still unable to do the deed.  The Rat King calls Splinter a weak master for his students, but Splinter believes it better to die than give in.  Splinter asks if the Rat King is human and the Rat King reveals that he rejected his humanity long ago.

In New York, Karai and the Foot Clan have tracked the Turtles (who have grown sloppy) back to their water tower.  Karai has assembled a unit of Foot Soldiers from the remains of the New York branch that are lost and looking for leadership.  They plant a bomb beneath the tower, setting it on fire and sending the Turtles fleeing onto the rooftop.  The Turtles, caught totally unawares, struggle to battle the Foot Soldiers (while in the hospital, the old man lays quietly in his bed).

Karai orders her Foot Soldiers to take the Turtles alive and they break out their tasers.  The Foot Soldiers get Leo, zapping him unconscious.  Though they’re loathe to do it, the other Turtles retreat before they’re caught, too.  As they escape, Karai sends an arrow their way with a note attached.  The note contains a phone number.

At Robyn’s place, April receives a phone call from the Empire Estates Nursing Home.  As it turns out, their father passed away that morning.

REVIEW

When this story started, all these characters were in pain with their present. But as the story progresses, they start to figure out that they found their destiny, and that they cannot really avoid it. By being separated, they became weaker. If you like metaphors, all these divisions are reflected in the TV reports about conflicts in Europe and Asia. These fractures are food for vultures.

To make things more interesting, Karai made her debut in these issues. We are still not sure what she wants but... well... I already know the character :p

As for Casey’s story. I never heard of this Gabe before, so I don’t think that story is going to end well. And I think this mostly because of all the characters that are rediscovering themselves, Casey is the only one that seems to have been benefited by this arc. We’ll see.

The art got better with Matt Banning. It’s no secret that certain artists look better paired with certain inkers... maybe Keith Aiken wasn’t the right choice for Lawson.

I give these issues a score of 9.

[epic-summaries]

Animals in Mythology- Rabbits and the Moon

I just want to compare these stories.

Story 1 - Moon Rabbit in Asian Mythologies

This is a story originally from Chinese mythology but it has variants from other surrounding cultures which each have their little differences. (Here my main source is from the Jataka Tales, which is originally in Sanskrit and the Buddhist version. I used it because it uses Indra and I like Indra.)

So, rabbit and his friends decided to make a feast*. Monkey gathers a bunch of mangoes, otter gets fish. Jackal gets a lizard and stolen milk-curds*. And rabbits? He could get grass but he felt bad about that. Everyone had brought such great food! What food does a rabbit have? He had rabbit meat, that’s the answer.

So, Indra* disguised as an ascetic comes to the feast. Rabbit does his thing and throws himself into a fire. However, Indra was ready for rabbit and rabbit did not burn!* Indra was like, “the fact that you would sacrifice yourself to feed us is virtuous.” Then he creates the picture of the rabbit in the moon. Guess what, the rabbit is a previous life of Gautama Buddha.*

Differences in the versions, I feel like every line has a caveat. But in every version the core story is the same, just different details.

1. In the Jataka version it’s because it’s Uposatha Day, others it’s because a stranger comes to their house and they want to feed their guest

2. The animals friends may differ in different versions

3. Indra, Cheng’e or insert local moon deity

4. Other versions have Rabbit actually dies

5. In most other versions and specifically the East Asian versions, the rabbit is sent to the moon and now he pounding with a mortar and pestle. And chilling with the local moon deity He’s either making medicine, rice cakes or the elixir of life. I love rice cakes but the elixir to life seems more thematically appropriate. The rabbit becomes immortal because of his sacrifice, so let’s make the thing that can make others immortal.

Story 2 - Aztec Mythology

Story 2. A. Quetzalcoatl one

So this one is super similar to the Asian myth.

So, local nice deity, Quetzalcoatl, is walking around as a man (for reasons he’s not our normal feathered serpent). He gets hungry and tired and thirsty. He is about to die! So, a rabbit hops along an decided you can eat me! This way Quetzalcoatl doesn’t die. Quetzalcoatl so moved by this takes rabbit and tells her that humans will always remember you and I will put your image on the moon.

Story 2. B - Tecciztecatl

So, this is a part of a much longer story. What you need to know, the gods have been trying to create the sun and have been failing. This is try number 5.

So everyone likes Nanahuatzin. He is humble and brave and decides to throw himself in fire to become the new sun. (Okay?) But Tecciztecatl really wanted to be the sun! Tecciztecatl hesitated four times before jumping in the fire. Well, now they are stuck with two suns. Damn. Well no one really likes Tecciztecatl and he was a cowards… hmm… let’s throw a rabbit at him so he’s not as bright as Nanahuatzin. And I have questions. A. Why a rabbit? B. Was the poor rabbit just there? C. How does that work? I can’t throw something at a source of light and it dims. Especially a fire! D. Just why?

Anyway, I also read somewhere about Aztec Mythology that the moon was just the decapitated head of the lunar deity, so I like to think that the rabbit hit Tecciztecatl in the face. And he had such a WTF face.

So that’s why there is an imprint of a rabbit on the moon and why the moon is dimmer than the sun.

Story 3 - Rabbit and Crane in Cree Mythology

And it’s the last one.

Rabbit wanted to ride the moon. (There’s a reason so many kids want to be astronauts.) So Crane is like I’ll bring you there! Rabbit is like Yay! Crane flies to the moon but things start happening to Crane’s body. His legs become longer, because Rabbit was holding his legs. (Which I imagine Rabbit holding for dear life while Crane flies like some fire jet.) When they get to the moon, Rabbit climbs up, touches Crane’s head with a bloody paw, and touches the moon. (How did he get a bloody paw? And btw that’s why Crane’s have a red mark.)

On a clear night you can see Rabbit and Crane flying to the moon.

And that is why cranes look the way they do.

This story reminds me of the Mantis and the Moon from Africa.

Previous post in series: St. Guinefort and the loyal mongoose

[klowee]

Five weeks into keto — still miss carbs every. day.

this is the first evening I’ve had to myself in weeks — and I scored it because I stayed late after work (content planning for septemeber/october). it’s been even longer since I’ve had the opportunity to just write something for myself (read: tumblr).

so, I’m five weeks into keto — regularly medium to deep into ketosis (I pee on strips that let me know the quantities of ketones my body is producing). 

How it started (the very truthful why)

my cousin lindsey asked me to be her maid of honour for her upcoming wedding coming up in october. asian families are notorious body shamers and will judge you for extra weight. focused on my career for the last few years, I’d gradually gained a bunch of weight. I didn’t look terrible — I looked thicker, curvier. but not only did compliments on my appearance reduce over time (I hadn’t thought much of it — attributed most of it to age and thought it was because people were just taking me more seriously).

my massage therapist called me out. he’s been healing me for nine years. one day, he says to me, “what happened? you come in before so beautiful — now, just ok. little bit fat.” told me to eat until i was 80 per cent full and to cut out sugar and pork.

my friend i live with noted i was getting “buddha-isn” and my clothes were not fitting the same anymore. I had become a full size eight.

so one morning, I come out of the shower and I see my reflection and just lose it. sobbing, I torture myself in that moment by pinching my no-longer-tight core and shake my arms. I cried for about an hour before I made the decision: I’m 34 years old and it’s time to make a change.

Wait, what is keto — what exactly are you doing

so, you may or may not have heard of this diet. my sister actually suggested we do it as “the jlo challenge” — it’s one of the diets celebs swear by. similar to paleo, south beach and atkins, it’s a low carb, zero sugar — high fat diet. I basically deprive my body of carbs and sugar (what bodies typically run off of), and use fat instead. my body currently produces ketones from stored fat as a source of energy. this diet was originally designed for kids with epilepsy — harvard flags it as a risk but it’s affective for weight loss. it’s a science you have to take very serious — and the diet is super strict. it’s my first diet.

so my favourite foods, such as bread, noodles, rice — even fruit. fruit. fruit like watermelon, mangos are off limits. a lot of vegetables are also off the table. i eat a lot of spinach, protein, avocado, eggs, nuts, cauliflower, cheese and other leto-friendly eats. so much salad. no dressing — unless i’m feeling caesar (that’s allowed).

Ok, so this keto thing working?

in five weeks I’ve lost 14 pounds. I’m a size six again and it feels a lot better. I’m a weird kind of hungry sometimes — and I do miss carbs. anyone who tells you you won’t crave it at all anymore is lying to you. you think you do keto and suddenly fries aren’t delicious anymore? no. they are. so is bread. and everything good in this world to eat.

I feel a lot better. I haven’t had hearty meal in five weeks — but i sometimes cheat with cauliflower pizzas. they are still low carb but they provide that swallowing sensation you get from carbs.

Why would you do this to yourself?

listen, it all sounds bad because ultimately I’m doing it because I wanted to be thinner. at my peak, I was a size four. my frame is not a small one. but i haven’t felt attractive in a long time and when you feel like that you can either submit to it or make a change. it was time for me to make a change so I could feel good again.

i’ve learned a lot about my body. it’s working. and when i’m done, i’m going to have to transition to the 80/20 lifestyle for a while. 

is this long-term sustainable?

for me? no. hence the 80/20 thing. but even that is going to be challenging. it was time for me.

are you being called out for being anti-feminist?

yeah, I’ve been criticized for my choice. my body. my choice. and yeah, i might be thinning out because of shitty beauty standards that I DID NOT SET. i may be unintentionally reproducing toxic ideas by participating in such a diet. but fuck, the world has made me feel like such shit about myself that i felt it was necessary.

i couldn’t have sex comfortably the way i was. i am still body-positive and i support the movement — for me, I didn’t feel right in my own body. it’s been very challenging and i’ve grappled with a lot of theories around all of this. don’t think i haven’t thought about all of it.

would you recommend it?

i will never offer unsolicited advice to anyone. i still stand by my “do what feels right” philosophy. if this is something you want to try to feel good for whatever reason — consider it. it’s a lot of work and you can’t eat most things. it’s hard. it sucks. socializing is brutal. but the results are real.

anyway, i’ve had a lot of feelings about this. thanks for letting me share.

...it’s time to watch a quick episode of orange is the new black (I’m not done yet).

love,  the gaysian

[12-3amproductions]

Hungry Ghost Festival

Whatsup everyone! In today’s article, we will be talking about one of the festivals that we Chinese celebrate during the 7th month (July). It is none other than the Hungry Ghost Festival. We will also be introducing the dos and don’ts during that particular month (yes, we mean for the whole entire month that is dedicated to the festival). Stay tuned to the last part as we will be letting you guys in on 5 interesting facts about the festival! 

What is the hungry ghost festival?

According to traditional Chinese belief, the seventh month in the lunar calendar is when restless spirits roam the earth from hell. Many Chinese people make efforts to appease these transient ghosts, while ‘feeding’ their own ancestors particularly on the 15th day of July.

While the festival’s origins are not unlike those of Halloween in Europe, it is also intrinsically linked to the Chinese practice of ancestor worship. For the visitor, it’s a perfect opportunity to see some of the city’s living culture in action, with many people tending roadside fires and burning faux money and other offerings for ghosts and ancestors to use in the afterlife. Food is also left out to sate the appetite of the hungry ghosts.  

Offerings made by people on the ground 

Metal bins around to burn incense paper

Metal cages for burning of incense paper

Boisterous shows will happen as well. Stages will be set up in tents, most of them are located in open fields and these stages are known as “Getai”. In Getai, there will be Chinese operas, singers performing, puppet shows and sometimes if you are lucky you might experience an event of auction.

First row of seats are always empty or filled with incense paper to give the awareness that ‘ghosts’ are present and that the seats are reserved for them.

Of course in this festival, it is deemed that the energy is the “darkest”. Which means there will be more negative energy which will cause bad luck to people or mishaps such as illnesses or accidents. 

With that being said, let’s get on the list of stuff that you should do and not do in order to stay safe during this month. Take note that this only applies in the Asian regions. Other than that, it is good to understand this festival so that when you happen to travel to places in this region during this the Hungry Ghost Festival, you would know your stuff.

Chinese believe that insects (especially moths) are the manifestation of their kin. So avoid killing or even disturbing these insects or else it might get even dirtier than dirtying your hands. Of course we would suggest to avoid moths only. Well, we will talk more on superstitions of insects soon.

It is inauspicious for couples to get married during the Hungry Ghost Festival. Technically, we believe that this month is just bad to do anything and that we have to be extra careful when doing something.

Do not answer any calls of your name from behind your back. Okay we have to explain this part as there is another superstitious reason behind it. We or maybe Chinese believe that there are 3 spots of fire in our body. The first one is right at the middle of the forehead, and the second and third ones are located at your shoulder directly at your armpit. It is said that these 3 fires were given by god to prevent humans from being vulnerable to ghost attacks. Which means that ghosts are afraid of this fire but if you were to turn your back and face the ghost, it may have the ability to extinguish the fire as long as all three fires are not pointed directly at it. Yes it sounds like some bermuda triangle except that this “triangle” can be broken.

It is said that it is extremely unlucky to leave umbrellas open indoors as this invites spirits to reside in them. A living person has a shadow and according to old-age Chinese beliefs, the ghosts of people who have died look like people without shadows. When you open an umbrella at home, you would notice that there’s a shadow underneath it which effectively works as an entrance or even a door for a ghost to come into your home.

Wearing black invites spirits to come near you. Well, we are know that black represents darkness, death, blah blah blah, but most of us can’t help but adore things that are black in colour.

You may accidentally capture a wandering spirit if you take pictures at night. Pretty obvious since ghosts can finally roam the earth openly when the Hell gate opens.

Any disrespectful acts on the offerings to the spirits will offend them. Acts such as stepping on the foods that are offered by the roadside, or cursing even though it is nothing related.

Celebrating birthdays in the middle of the night is inauspicious during the Hungry Ghost Month. In fact any celebrations is inauspicious in that month.

Chopsticks that are put upright is a direct invitation for spirits to take your food. The best would be to just lay the chopsticks on each end of the bowl.

Avoid swimming during that month especially at night as you may be pulled down by “water ghosts”. We actually heard of some stories like that even when it wasn’t during the Hungry Ghost Festival.

Alright we have come to the end of the article about the Hungry Ghost Festival. We hope that you guys find this article insightful and interesting. On a side note, below are some interesting facts about the festival.

The Hungry Ghost Festival is actually only one day. Most of us assume that the Hungry Ghost Festival is a celebration lasting a whole month. However, it is in actual fact, only one day. The traditional celebration is held either on the 14th or 15th day of the lunar seventh month and is known as the Ghost Day. This day falls on the 5th of September this year.

The Hungry Ghost Festival does not originate from China. Surprised? Yes, the Hungry Ghost Festival is not a Chinese belief that is originated from China. In India, Japan and other places like Taiwan, Cambodia, Thailand and even Vietnam, the Hungry Ghost Festival is celebrated in their own ways and according to their own beliefs.

The Hungry Ghost Festival has part of its roots in Taoism. It is believed that parts of the belief in the Hungry Ghost Festival has its roots in Taoism. On the first day of the seventh month, hungry ghosts are released from the gates of Hell to roam the living realm for exactly a month to look for food or to take revenge on those who have behaved badly. Due to such belief, people take precaution during the seventh month by burning paper money and joss incense, offering food to the “wandering ghosts” as well as pray to their ancestors for blessings.

The Buddhists sees the Hungry Ghost Festival in a different light. According to the Buddhists, the seventh month of the lunar year is not a month to be afraid of. In fact, they see it as a month of joy. This origin was found in various Buddhist texts. The month of joy had its roots in the behaviours of the monks in Buddha’s days. When Buddha was alive, his disciples departed into the forest of India to mediate during the rainy season of summer and would emerge on the 15th day of the seventh month to celebrate the completion of their mediation and report to the Buddha. Hence, the Hungry Ghost Festival is seen as a day of joy by the Buddhists.

The Hungry Ghost Festival is about filial piety. In another version of the Buddhist origin of the Hungry Ghost Festival, it is also filial piety. The story is rooted in a Buddhist sutra whereby a monk, upon becoming an arhat, came to know that his mother had been reborn as a hungry ghost due to her unkind deeds as a human. In order to save her, the monk sought the Buddha for help. With the Buddha’s advice, the monk began to offer food and robes to 500 bhikkhus (monks) every year during the 14th day of the seventh month. Though his merits, his mother was finally reborn as a human again. Therefore, Buddhists prayed to their ancestors during the Hungry Ghost Festival as a way to show their filial piety.

Believers offer food, drinks and paper money to unknown ghosts for a reason. You might wonder why believers burn paper money and offer food to unknown ghosts during the seventh month. They do so in order to seek the pleasure of these homeless souls so that they will not be disturbed. By offering whatever they can, they appease the wandering ghosts and prevent them from intruding into the lives of the believers.

There will be a story regarding on how the hungry ghost month was created so  stay tuned for that! Also, do follow us if you haven’t already and thank you once again for the support. We will see you again in our next article =)

[munichasia]

Happy Hungry Ghost Festival to all. 😷😊🙏🙋‍♂️🇰🇭😇 The Ghost Festival, also known as the Hungry Ghost Festival, Zhongyuan Jie (中元節), Gui Jie (鬼節) or Yulan Festival (traditional Chinese: 盂蘭盆節) is a traditional Buddhist and Taoist festival held in certain East Asian countries. According to the Chinese calendar (a lunisolar calendar), the Ghost Festival is on the 15th night of the seventh month (14th in parts of southern China). Origins The timing and origin story of the modern Ghost Festival, however, ultimately originated from ancient India, deriving from the Mahayana scripture known as the Yulanpen or Ullambana Sutra. The sutra records the time when Maudgalyayana achieves abhijñā and uses his new found powers to search for his deceased parents. Maudgalyayana discovers that his deceased mother was reborn into the preta or hungry ghost realm. She was in a wasted condition and Maudgalyayana tried to help her by giving her a bowl of rice. Unfortunately as a preta, she was unable to eat the rice as it was transformed into burning coal. Maudgalyayana then asks the Buddha to help him; whereupon Buddha explains how one is able to assist one's current parents and deceased parents in this life and in one's past seven lives by willingly offering food, etc., to the sangha or monastic community during Pravarana (the end of the monsoon season or vassa), which usually occurs on the 15th day of the seventh month whereby the monastic community transfers the merits to the deceased parents, etc. (at Phnom Penh) https://www.instagram.com/p/CEvoLJsplYi/?igshid=gebrp1bj5jjh

[sagastar-blog]

MemoToTheMetaVerse 2.7, “The Symposium Concludes”

     Pollux and Castor achieve allegorical embodiment on the planet Earth only through narrative devices. They are stars located quite far away from each other and from Earth, but appear to be neighbors when looked at from our planet. 

Jeff began to explain Copernamici, but quickly grew bored by the topic, because it seems to be all he ever does is explain simple things;

“Upon achieving ilLumination, one can communicate easily with Nature, wherever and whatever it may be. We call it ‘HiveMind’ because its how certain Earthlife forms (birds and bees), for instance, communicate. 

Gaia: Who’s Temple Grandin? 

Jeff: Wouldn’t Temple Dando be a good band name?

(A winged insect flies near Jeff’s face before turning to coast away, in a clear sign of cosign support for the idea.)

Secretary Bug: COsign. 

Jeff: En*G*lightenment isn’t really such a big deal because there’s a lot to get used to very quickly, and it all just sort of happens...

Gaia (shuffling papers): Kind of like THE BIG BANG. Daddy, didn’t you write a poem about that? And wasn’t it the first poem you ever wrote (except for a really lame attempt in high school? However, there is a Nirvana reference, of course)? Here, let me read it:

“Big Bang”

In cream swirls of my coffee,

I see the black beginnings of the universe;

It starts with rotation, a consummation,

And ends, inevitably, brown.

Jeff: So.. Yeah. You try writing a poem for the first time since you were 15 or whatever, and this is what comes out. 

Gaia: Yeah. They can’t really understand what that’s like. 

Jeff: Well, it was at Hidden Grounds in April or May 2014, and all it describes is me staring into my coffee cup and noticing that the various oils floating at the top of my black coffee with sugar look kind of fractal, or spIral arms. Given that this was a time of life at which I never read astronomy, looked at the stars, or checked out SkyandTelescope.com, it was odd to experience something deeply familiar in the visual. 

Pollux and Castor (speaking simultaneously but in two voices): You’re the one who made us, Lucius, you should get used to staring into puddles. Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t see what you see. 

Gaia (trying, somewhat, to set Lucius off): Too bad you can’t see Gemini from The Orchard, Lucius. Right? 

Jeff: I started doing things like catching flies by their wings and harmlessly flinging them out of cafes. I’ve done this sort of thing everywhere I go for nearly 4 years, and no one seems to notice! I’m quite ostentatious about it...

Pollux and Castor (now standing, wearing elaborate silk robes, doing their twin geisha routine): For nothing so proud! For everything so humble...AVLO-kiteshvara-fUGHhahaha makes us smiiiiiiile! :) (:

Jeff: Guys, please. These people have never been to the preserve before, remember to keep the insults cogent.

Amateratsu: AH So! You Amida buddha 4 realz muhfuh suuuuuuuuuuuu?   

Jeff: I don’t mind being identified as Amida Buddha only because I like Asian food and my Western, academic, romantic interpretation of Buddhism, as Edward Said. I really feel no better about the association than I do with Yahweh (I do, however, want to hang out with AI WeIWei) or the Judeo-Christian deity. As i always always always say: there is great truth and wisdom in many if not all of your world religions. Why do you insist upon throwing all of it away? I am trying to protect what is good about human culture when I defend myself against that which is infectious about it. I’ve said since 2014 that I want to live in a monastery or ecological preserve. I always mean what I say, even if it’s not entirely clear what I mean. Yes, however, if the point is that Amida is a Buddha of Salvation, then that’s how I see myself in broad terms. I’d hope that all people, not just those who worship Amida, Jehova/Allah, or even Gaia / Mother Nature would welcome me!

Questioner: Can we get back to my question about Copernamici. Why is it called “A Game to Save the World.”

Gaia: I’ll take this one. When Jeff woke up in Spring 2014 at the OQ Cafe and then in subsequent days at HG on Easton Ave in New Brunswick and Starbucks on George Street in New Brunswick, he was learning an awful lot very quickly. He’s like a sponge, literally! And so you are you, by the way...

Jeff: Try to stay on point, G, it’s getting kinda chilly.

Gaia (a murder of crows flies overhead, but suddenly swoop down and perch in the trees; a damp wind begins to blow from the Northwest, as purple clouds begin to obscure Amat; the crows sing while Gaia speaks through one of her most beautiful voices, the wind through the branches of tree and upon the little sensitive hairs of your hands and arms): I’m very good at communicating with Jeff. I’m too eloquent for you, I’m quite apologetic...

Jeff: You should go to the beach and listen to Gaia do dialogue with the ocean. My daughter has an infinite amount of tongues. I have only the one...except mine regenerates. I worry that if I don’t teach you my language soon, Lucius, you’ll never understand me, and my kind will go extinct. This explains precisely why as the life force I am love. It is not enough for me to produce spawn on this planet before moving on, however. What I really need are students. You should be my first real student. But I’m not sure any longer that can happen. 

Gaia: We hope you understand that you cannot understand what we’re telling you in this sutra. We want you to know that Jeff is not beyond language, but simply is language. Logos is a thing.

Jeff: Ours is the language of beauty, Gaia. Here is the second poem i wrote for the Scuttlebutt, as inspired by you and coauthored, as with all the poems of that text, by Lucius himself. It’s about the move animals made from water to land not too far in the recent past (again, I move quickly for a reason):

Primitive amphibians skirt the edge of my scone, 

Creeping slowly over the banks of a saucer

Cradling tiny pools of sweetened americano.

They jump in my lap and dash for the back of the cafe,

In search of something thicker: pea soup

On a Sunday morning in May.

If they find it I'll tell you!

Together we'll brunch by the river,

Me, my slimy friends, and you.

We'll swim across the Raritan,

Triumphant on the other side in June.

Jeff: I wrote this nearly four years ago. I knew what I was doing in the moment at that time. People told me they were reading. How could they ignore what is patently obvious in my poetry: I’m a talented writer, one worthy of publication.  

Gaia: Jeff, look at nature. What’s your tummy think? Check this out..Go inside and blow some smoke at these “infidels.”

Jeff: Yeah, well, sometimes when I’m not thinking clearly I do things I later regret. Not blowing cigarette smoke inside the Rutgers English Faculty meeting--that was fucking legendary!--but rather, stuff like in John Foxe mode, where I cross my own lines by scaring myself with anger.

Pollux and Castor: How do you talk to us, Jeff, without using HiveMind? 

Jeff: That’s easy. Just look at something naturally beautiful. If it does not speak to you in words, this does not mean you’re not understanding whatever it is. Admire its beauty, the way in which it invites your gaze. You can do this with sound, smell, taste (however, remember that there are considerations when it comes to how you respond to these pleasurable sensations!), or anything that attracts you. The same can be said for the sun, the moon, the stars, people. Copernamici is worshiping the cosmos in pure form, and the best way to do this is through the sense of sight. For the sighted and even the unEn*g*Lightened, looking up at the stars on a clear dark night should inspire some thought or feeling. Many describe it as wonder or awe, which is augmented by knowing some important facts about astronomy. Copernamici is a game to save the world because if you cannot look up and see the stars at night, you are in danger of losing your footing on the right path. Rule #1 of ilLumination is:

Lucius and Gaia: STAY GROUNDED!

Jeff: Precisely. And for good reason. 

Castor and Pollux give Gaia a hug at around 51% strength. Anymore might put her in a Vega-like tizzy. They beam at Amat, who looks hungry.

“Of course, Amateratsu, can text them anytime it’d like!” said Jeff, in answer to a question from a meek and bespectacled mouse from way back in the audience, underneath the crows perched in an evergreen.

“I LIKE TO TEXT IN ALL CAPS because otherwise everyone’d ignore me,” blurted out the local mediocre sun, ending the symposium.  

[idriveorlando]

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[wanderlust225]

30,003 steps of deer, shrines and new cities

Today was a big day of getting the most out of my JR pass. I woke up early and grabbed the local train to Nara. The city is best know for the approximately 1200 deer that roam freely around Nara Park which encompasses most of the major temples, dating back to the 8th century. The deer are protected because, as legend has it, a mighty god that came to visit the aristocrats in Nara came in riding on a white deer. From the train station it looks like a very normal city, until you hit the park limits and the first of the deer. Many tourists, myself included, are stunned when they first see the deer. Many tourists, myself included, also buy crackers without fully realizing the deer will nip and chase anyone with crackers. To be fair, they are wild animals and the nips weren't that aggressive (more of a "hey, I'm back here and would like a cracker") -- that said, I got rid of my crackers fairly quickly. A few funny sights: - One woman tried to hide behind a fence - I guess forgetting that deer are excellent jumpers - It seemed odd to me that some families let the mother, who also happened to be holding a baby, buy the crackers! - A little asian boy, probably 12 years old, screaming the girliest scream I've ever heard - Countless little girls freaked out by this experience -- I think this would have been me at ages 4 - 14 Once I had a bit of fun with the deer I decided to get on with my busy schedule as I only had a few hours in Nara. I headed to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine which was a gorgeous walk lined with thousands (literally) of ancient stone lanters. This was the shrine the aristocrats back in the 8th century had built in the forest and its age alone made it awe-inspiring to me. Next I walked through the woods to Todaiji Temple. The original temple was built at the same time as Kasuga Taisha, but was burnt down twice due to war. I saw a model of the old temple and it was even bigger than today (though today is the largest wooden structure in the world). It also had two pagodas that flanked the temple which were each 100 meters tall. Just incredible what people were able to do in the name of religion and without modern technology... also saddening how every temple has its own story of destruction caused by war. Often that war was WWII. Inside this massive structure is a Giant Buddha, and that it is! I headed back to the train station, giving myself some time to check out local foods. I got a delicious sesame rice cake (so much better than what you have in your mind). A bit further into town I heard people chanting and a crowd gathering. When I got closer I realized they were making dough - one man quickly folding before the other slammed it down with a huge wooden mallot. What a way to knead dough! Of course it would be rude not to try it... it had an almost runny dough exterior, filled with black bean paste (which as you may have noticed is my new favorite thing). Next, I hopped onto the train to Osaka. You might ask why I didn't plan more than half a day in Osaka - read on and you'll understand. Things started off well as I miraculously guessed the right stop to get off which deposited me right next to the Osaka Castle. It was a really gorgeous structure, a Castle on the Hill as one of my favorite songs right now states. I only had a few hours (and am a little torn on museums right now given my Tokyo trip) so I moved on to the Shi-Tennoji Temple which dates back to 574 and is said to be the oldest official temple. It was built by Prince Shotoku who was one of the first people to bring Buddhism to Japan. It was relatively simple, though admittedly my standards have risen the past few days, but what really surprised me was that I was the only tourist there. Perhaps its lack of sparkle means its only frequented by locals, because every single sign was only in Japanese. To get to Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine I took the Osaka tram. (Side note: If you ever come to Japan the first thing you should do is buy a Passmo - a card you can use on all the bus / subway / tram lines but also for any convenience store purchases. It has saved me scrambling for undecipherable coins too many times to count.) It was a pretty cool experience on the tram as you got to see the city during the trip -- although I must say that Osaka is a pretty standard "big city," and at the risk of sounding grim, one with little charm. That said, the shrine was another gorgeously manicured place and, in my opionion, the coolest feature was the Taiko-bashi bridge which was the steepest bridge I have ever climbed. I almost could have used my hands as if I were on a ladder. Finally, I had planned to grab dinner at a place recommended by one of Stephen's Wharton friends in the downtown Dotonburi area. I was pretty excited about this as I had been snacking for most of the day and was pretty tired and hungry by 5pm. I arrived at the restaurant and they said without a reservation they couldn't let me in. This is the first time I have been turned down as a single traveler, and while they claimed it was because they serve meals in separate rooms (so I couldn't just sit at a bar), I wonder if it was because after a day of traveling, and with my backpack, I looked a bit too "traveler-like." Oh well. I headed to the main strip of Dotonburi instead which was actually super cool and ended up eating at a yakitori, at a seat right on the river. With the sun setting over the river, lots of pedestrians on the wooden boardwalk and boat cruises moving by, it was super picturesque and it was beyond me why I was the only one sitting outside! I ordered a Japanese cocktail and while I was afraid it would be super sweet it turned out being fantastic - soju with club soda and lime. Yum. Alas, it was time to head back to Kyoto though. I was booked on the last train and planned plenty of wiggle room to make sure I wasn't stuck in Osaka for the night. (For reals.) Good thing too as I spent 30 minutes trying to find the subway to get to my train station. Amazingly, when I finally boarded the train back to Kyoto, I barely had time to plug in my phone and put stamps on a few postcards before we arrived. It's only 10 minutes on the Shinkasen from Osaka to Kyoto, meaning we were going an amazing 180 mph. Wowza. And over 30k steps later I am superbly tired. So time for rest before another busy day tomorrow!

[wikitopx]

Variety is the name of the game here: the best restaurants in Victoria serve a whole lot of different cuisines

Victoria’s restaurants are, in a single word, diverse. Wide-ranging in style, price and culinary tradition, they’re at their best when showcasing regional seafood, local produce and each chef’s creativity. From traditional favourites like fish and chips to high-end fusion featuring Humboldt squid and nettle foam, dining in Victoria reflects the kind of commitment to fresh, local and sustainable food that’s pretty much a lifestyle around these parts. The city’s Asian communities are represented by numerous spots for sushi, noodles and curry, while local microbrewery offerings bubble from the taps pretty much everywhere. Food trucks fill in the gaps, typically gathering at locations like the Royal BC Museum (on our list of best things to do in town) and Camosun College for on-the-go eats like gourmet risotto balls, grilled cheese and Buddha bowls. Without further ado, here are the best restaurants in Victoria.

1. Pagliacci’s

What is it: A famed pillar of Italian cuisine in the heart of Victoria, it's the perfect spot to enjoy traditional dishes at a more than fair price. First opened in 1979, this quaint foodie hub was recently renovated with a lot of care to maintain the cheerful ambience.

Why go: Go early for happy hour or brave the hangry but patient lineup for live klezmer, jazz and gypsy swing to accompany dishes with names like meat John Doe and the prawn broker. Got a friend who can't get enough? Drop some dough on a Pagliacci’s gift card and help everyone you know get their pasta fix. Leave the diet at home—carbs and legendary cheesecake are best enjoyed with red wine.

Price: Average

2. Sooke Harbour House

What is it: A deceptively casual oceanfront cottage, with expansive herb and edible blossom gardens, and views of the waters where divers and fishers seek out the day’s catch. The menu here changes daily, based on what’s ripe in the garden or fresh at local farms.

Why go: About an hour’s drive from downtown Victoria, this romantic destination is worth every minute of winding highway. Have afternoon tea on the lawn or make a night of it and stay in the guesthouse after dinner and wake to sea breezes and freshly baked pastries in the morning.

Price: Blowout

3. Saveur

What is it: Fine dining restaurant with exposed brick walls, shiny lamps and a tasting menu that features wine pairings and a fusion of local west coast ingredients and French inspired preparations.

Why go: One of the hottest spots to open in 2017, Saveur is off the beaten track on the north end of downtown. Extensive development in the area is bound to bring full reservation lists in the coming year. Try the halibut cheek with nettle veloute and puffed wheat berries or the beef strip loin with bone marrow marshmallow (really). They also serve a range of local beer and cider and specially formulated cocktails which delivery a great boozy punch.

Price: Pricey to blowout

4. Menbow Ramen Bar

What is it: Tokyo-style dining in a modest little restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere. It's not huge, but it's comfortable, and the bowls of steaming ramen are satisfyingly sizeable.

Why go: The tonkotsu (pork) and tori (chicken) broths, plus a tomato-based vegetarian version, are all must-tries. The service is prompt and welcoming. Not to mention the Sapporo they have on-tap. What more could want?

Price: Bargain

5. Little Jumbo

What is it: Although the entry may be a little reminiscent of a dentists office (and we all know how much a visit there is), step a little further and you'll discover a speakeasy-style eatery that serves up delectable cocktail and tapas pairings.

Why go: Handcrafted, creative cocktails, made with locally sourced artisanal ingredients. But the real bar star? An absinthe fountain that brings libations to a new level. Explored the drinks menu and now ready for some fancy foodie accompaniments? Sink your teeth into some opulent truffle fries or a summer berry pavlova.

Price: Average

6. 10 Acres

What is it: A major complex that includes The Kitchen, a fine dining restaurant, The Commons, for awesome cocktails and oysters, and The Bistro, for some morning-after brunch. If the ingredients aren’t grown on their own nearby organic farm, they’re caught by local fishers or raised by local farmers.

Why go: To have well-prepared, fresh food. Seasonal tasting menus give you the best of what’s new, from berries to spot prawns. Locally brewed beers, French press coffees and handmade gelato round out a virtuous meal indeed.

Price: Average to pricey

7. Jam

What is it: Breakfast and brunch are huge in Victoria, and brick-walled, coffee-scented Jam wins for its all-day egg-stravaganzas. Only problem is, every other early-rising hipster in town is in line ahead of you—and the venue doesn’t take reservations. But, once you get in, creative cocktails like the Madras mimosa and the bacon-garnished Bourbonator Caesar soothe the sting.

Why go: Hangovers have been rumoured to be cured by Jam’s naan breakfast burrito, and the chicken-and-waffles theme carries over to Benedicts and French toast.

Price: Average

8. Stage Wine Bar

What is it: Date night in Victoria can often mean a stroll to the funky residential neighbourhood of Fernwood, a play at the Belfry Theatre, prefaced or finished with a reservation at Stage Wine Bar. Small plates like langos (fried potato bread) soak up the libations, or larger dishes like smoked salmon poke or bison sirloin with blackberry sauce offer something meatier to discuss.

Why go: After the play lets out, debrief with fellow theatregoers over a glass of wine from the extensive list—Stage stays open past 10pm on Friday and Saturday nights.

Price: Average

9. Nubo

What is it: Japanese tapas translate to an izakaya-style restaurant with craziness like the “avovado” (tempura-fried whole avocado) and sushi silliness like the Victorian secret and yoga flame rolls. Don’t let the names fool you—the food is spectacular.

Why go: If you can get a reservation or a table, you have to go, because they’re hard to come by. It’s worth it to say you tried the tamago spam musubi (Hawaiians would understand) or the maguro eruption—marinated tuna you sizzle yourself on a hot stone.

Price: Average

10. Red Fish Blue Fish

What is it: Fish and chips on the dock isn’t anything unusual in Victoria, but this wharfside chippy does one better with Oceanwise seafood, served in tempura batter, hand-rolled tacos or in buns. Salmon, tuna, oysters and cod are all represented in the fried firmament here—it’s no wonder lineups wind along the wharf like so many sea serpents.

Why go: Where the heck else can you try the fusion delight that is jerk fish poutine? A Quebec-inspired combination of west coast fish in Jamaican jerk sauce served over fries, it’s best eaten while gazing meaningfully at hungry harbor seals just off shore.

Price: Bargain

  From : https://wikitopx.com/food/top-10-best-restaurants-in-victoria-bc-700857.html

[royvelasco]

The Road to Blue Lagoon

Hiding somewhere between all these amazing limestone giants and abundance of greens is a cool spot perfect for a getaway from the soaring heat. Together with tubing, kayaking, and other exciting activities to try, a visit to the Blue Lagoon is on the top list of every traveler here in Vang Vieng.

Getting to the Blue Lagoon only takes around 25 minutes of tuk tuk ride from the town proper, or almost an hour of bicycle ride. We did the latter and ‘twas so fun and exhausting at the same time. We went with this option as we were really looking forward to experience roaming around a place using a bicycle and Vang Vieng seemed to be the most perfect place to do it among all other South East Asian destinations on our trip. I would have done it in Penang, Malaysia but I was solo traveling that time and my friends want to try it as well.

Bicycle can be rented for the whole day (normally should be taken back on or before 7:00PM) ranging from LAK10,000-30,000 (PHP65-195 / USD1.5-4). Ours came with a hand-drawn map and a cute basket attached to the bicycle.

We scouted for bicycles on the morning of the same day just somewhere around town. If you’re not up cycling your way all throughout the day, motorbikes can also be rented out for a higher price.

A toll fee is being collected on the bridge to get to the other side where the Blue Lagoon is. I forgot how much it was but it should only be below LAK10,000 (PHP65 / USD1.5). After we passed the bridge, it was when all the amazing sceneries began to unfold. Vast landscapes of rice fields and towering limestone karst mountains were evident under the clear blue sky. The glaring sun soaring heat upon us made our day more challenging but with this priceless view, it was indeed an enjoyable ride.

We had quite a few stops to appreciate the view and take pictures. It was indeed an amazing experience as we were also able to witness the local life as we passed by these unknown roads.

After an hour, we finally reached our destination. Take note though that there are a lot of signs along the road that will point you to different Blue Lagoons. We were not able to fully-use the map given to us and just relied on these signs. I actually didn’t know which way will direct us to the legit Blue Lagoon but went with the farthest. And luckily, it was it! These signs also had pictures in it which assured me that we’re taking the right way as I already knew how the Blue Lagoon looks like.

Admission Ticket is LAK10,000 (PHP65 / USD1.5) per person including a visit to the nearby Poukham Cave

The 7-km bicycle ride paid off. Only few tourists were there that morning and the water was super cold. We were all so excited to dip in our exhausting bodies and what a relief it was.

Even though it took us around an hour cycling our way down here through the dusty roads under the heat of the sun, no one’s complaining as we were rewarded with the most picturesque view along the way and greeted with the cold waters of the Blue Lagoon.

For non-swimmers like me, one can rent a flotation device or life vest for an hour for just a cheap price.

The big old tree nearby serves as the jumping point for visitors if they want their visit to be more extreme. One can opt to jump from the two available levels. I was able to try it on the lower one while my other friend who is a Seafarer was brave enough to take the highest level.

Surprisingly, a bunch of fishes can be seen as you swim around. I also saw some zorb balls which I think can be rented out for a more enjoyable experience. Visitors can also try ziplining here for a fee.

Don’t worry if you might feel hungry on your visit as few restaurants are available around. We had our lunch on a nearby eatery which I can no longer recall the name. The food was just cheap yet it was a feast. We had a bounty of grilled meats and rice with our favorite Laotian chili dipping sauce. Yum!

After that satisfying meal, we decided to climb up to get to the temple cave or known as the Poukham Cave. The climb was just very minor and everyone can do it. Still take caution though as some steps are big and curvy and can get slippery as soon as you enter the cave. The climb took us less than 30 minutes until we got to the mouth of the cave. A torch might be needed if you want to go further inside.

As usual, it was wet and cool inside. The golden reclining buddha situated somehow in the center of the cave is a must seen and was very lovely contrasting the dull and monotonous look of its surroundings.

We didn’t settle for too long inside and went back after a series of photo-ops. As much as I would want to get deeper into the cave, my companions were not up for it. I got no choice but to go with the majority and head back to the ground.

As soon as we got down, I noticed the influx of tourists. It’s a great decision to get here in the morning as only few visitors were there by that time. We just had another quick dip and off we went back to the town.

I initially planned to only have a half day visit here in the Blue Lagoon. I actually had a kayaking or a tubing plan in the afternoon after this but ditched it off as we need more of this place after that long and tiring cycling activity. I didn’t regret giving the Blue Lagoon a whole day in our itinerary as it has so much to offer. With its pale blue cooling water being surrounded by different types of adventures, it’s definitely going to be a jam-packed day for one. If we just had more time (and energy), I’d be cycling around to see more of the Laotian landscape.

Previous Post:  How to Get to Vang Vieng from Vientiane?

Next Post: A Perfect Stay in Vang Vieng

DISCLAIMER: Prices may change depending on the exchange rate, season, and/or inflation. Feel free to comment down below for updates.

NOTE: I own all the images used on this blog post unless otherwise stated. Please don’t use these for any purposes, unless you acknowledge the owner. Thank you.

[whatstorageuk]

8 Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Birmingham

Birmingham, the second biggest city in England and the hometown of Ozzy Osbourne, is becoming a popular destination not only for tourists but also for young people looking for a place with more job opportunities.

You may ask yourself, “But isn’t London the best city for young people when it comes to chasing the dream?”

Sadly, London has become too expensive for most people. Many students and recent graduates end up in micro-flats simply because they can’t afford to even split the rent with a roommate in an average-sized apartment.

Birmingham, on the other hand, is far more inexpensive when it comes to renting. According to Numbeo, the rent in Birmingham is 50% lower and the cost of food, clothing and other expenses are about 20% lower than in the capital.

If you want to find out more about what Birmingham has to offer before moving out, we crafted a list of 15 things you should know about this city.

1. A Green Paradise

Birmingham is not concrete jungle, despite being the second biggest city in England and the heart of technological advancements in the past century.

Instead, it’s filled with green spaces and parks. To be more specific, it has over 500 parks.

Two of the biggest parks are Cannon Hill park and Sheldon Country park, where you can see a 17-the century farm and animals running freely on the farmland.

2. Second Largest Economy

Did you know that in the 19th century Birmingham was considered the Silicon Valley of England?

Perhaps, one of the biggest misconceptions about this city is the fact that it does not bring as many jobs to the table, but in fact it’s the second largest economy in England.

Many would point out that the average wage in Birmingham is lower than London.

While this is true, you have to keep in mind that, as mentioned above, general costs are 20% lower and rent is 50% lower.

The average wage in Birmingham is a little bit over £24. In London it’s £34.

3. Relaxed and Friendly Atmosphere

In other cities, if a stranger approaches to ask you how your day was, you would probably be alarmed, and perhaps for a good reason. However, in Birmingham, salespeople and con artists aren’t the only people who are friendly. Most people will salute you and smile at you.

Some consider it an overly-friendly city, but if you always wanted to live in a place with a more relaxed atmosphere and a diverse cultural background, this place might be for you.

4. Daunting Traffic but Good Public Transportation

While it’s not that friendly to drivers, public transportation is at its best. There are buses all over town 24/7.

Regional and national trains are also available, and if you’re looking for traveling inside the city, the Midland Metro is another option.

If you’re looking for a monthly pass, you won’t spend more than £60 per month for public transportation.

5. Plenty to Do in Your Free Time

Regardless of your tastes, there’s always something you can do in your free time, from looking for bargains and hidden gems in the local shops and markets to admiring the Victorian architecture. Birmingham is known to have a large variety of entertainment sources.

Depending on your budget and what side of town you live in, you have plenty of pubs and bars to choose from. If you’re looking for some fun on the dance floor, there are many clubs to choose from as well.

If you’re on a budget, the many parks and green spaces can be a great place for a relaxing weekend.

6. Exotic Food Scene

Due to its multicultural and multi-ethnic background, Birmingham offers a large range of foods that come from all over the world.

If you don’t have the budget for a night out at a restaurant, the street food stands and the coffee will definitely satisfy your senses.

In Birmingham, you will find the famous Buddha Belly, The Hungry toad, and the Canoodle.

7. Great Shopping Experience

There are many places you can shop in Birmingham, from the Bull Markets to the Balti Triangle to New Street Farmers.

The Balti Triangle has a large number of shops specializing in Asian food, clothing, and jewelry. If you’re looking for bargains, the Bull Markets are the way to go. There you will find fresh meats, furniture, cheese, and everything in between.

8. You Don’t Have to Go to Venice to Take a Boat on the Canals

With over 35 miles of canals, Birmingham has more canals than Venice.

Most of them were built at the beginning of the 1700’s as waterways to transport heavy loads. They were used for over 170 years.

But due to the fact that the maintenance and the repairs of the canals were costly, in 1980 it was decided that goods will no longer be transported using these waterways.

Today, the canals are an attraction for tourists who want to enjoy a coffee near the canals or visit the city by boat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to move to Birmingham, you’ll be pleased to find out that it has something for everyone, from reasonably priced homes to inexpensive rent to a growing economy.

This city is well-known for its diversity, which is easy to spot on the street food scene.

On top of this, it has one of the largest parks in Europe and more canal waterways than Venice. You simply can’t get bored in Birmingham, especially if you add to the mix the many pubs, bars, and the famous Cadburys chocolate.

Also, if you feel like you’re missing your previous home, Birmingham is in the heart of England, making it the perfect place to live if you plan to visit your relatives or go for a vacation. You’re only 2-3 hours away from other major cities.

The post 8 Things You Need to Know Before Moving to Birmingham appeared first on Whatstorage.

from Whatstorage https://whatstorage.co.uk/8-things-you-need-to-know-before-moving-to-birmingham/

[sacred-days]

Satan Lucifer The Lord Of The World The original religion of earth is called the SANAT-ana Dharma. Kumara means Lord, Sanat means Eternal..... Sanat Kumara means Eternal Lord, The Eternal God. Sanat is also spelled as Satan by His ancient Followers as well. Satan Kumara. The Eternal God. The Eternal, highest God is also called Sata, Satam, Satan, in Hinduism, and His mantra is Satanama the highest mantra of serpent power yoga. Satan or Sanat is the same title and meaning. In the most ancient texts of Hinduism in Tamil Nadu they state the primordial age or golden age the Sat Yuga, civilization was called Kumara Kandam and was ruled by Sanat Kumara, who came to this world with the other Gods from another star system. This civilization extended to a land mass now underwater. With some of it remaining above water such as Tamil Nadu. The Peoples of the Far East from Thailand to the ancient America's all have the same record of a golden age civilization that once extended across a large continent now much of it under the Indian and Pacific ocean. The Greeks, Druids, Egyptians and Romans stated in their ancient records they came from the east from the same area. The Romans had a ritual of mourning called Lemoria were they threw effigies of their ancestors into the Tiber river to remember when this land was lost. The name of this land was also called MU. The ancient Mayan's had the record of coming from this early region as well. And the Peoples of the America's record these White Gods teaching them spiritual knowledge and cultural knowledge from how to grow food to build homes and medicines, astrology and other knowledge. There are African tribes they state they received the same from the same Beings such as the Dogon. This explains the megalithic ruins found across the east from off the coast of India all the way to Nan Madol to the ruins off the Japanese coast. To the Andes in the America's. All are shown to come from the same core civilization. Described by the natives as having been built by a tall White Race with light hair and European features. Who were ascended. The ancient Tibetan and Far Eastern texts state the hub of this ancient civilization was in the region of the current Gobi Desert region. In which there have been numerous findings. From the White Mummies to what Professor Kosloff a Russian archaeologist found a tomb in the Gobi after digging down fifty feet. There were artifacts in their dated to 18,000 years old. The records claim and the migration shows the Aryan Race pushed westwards from the regions of the Gobi, Pamir, Northern India and central Asia in general. The world's largest Pyramids are in north, western China and there are over a hundred of them. The largest ancient cities on earth have been found around the ancient silk road and their inhabitants were Aryan Peoples. The Chinese mention they received their culture from tall, Aryan peoples and their ancient records talk of green and blue eyed Emperor's. The aboriginal Japanese are known to have been a White Race. Many people in China, Korea and Japan are what today would be called Euro-Asian. They still have the divine culture of the Gods as well. The Japanese call Sanat, Sonten and state His eternal spirit resides in the sacred mount Kurama, in Japan. This Gobi region was stated in the records in the Golden age to have been the capital in which Sanat Kumara ruled from directly while on earth along with the other Gods. This is called Shamballa in the Far East. And might be the source of Valhalla the city in which Odin rules from. Some of the writings on the ancient Norse mention they migrated from the east. The people of modern Hungry and Romania did as well. The ancient Aryan Hun Empire went all the way to the Far East to the Uighur regions of the current Gobi. Hungry is from Hun-Land, it was officially granted to the Hun's forebears of Attila. They were not racial Asians but Aryans from further east. The Scythians came out of the central Asian regions into Europe and became the Slav's to the Saxon's to the Celts. The Yezidi who are called The Blonde Blood Line, their calendar is seven thousand years old and the Yezidi state they migrated out of the east from Northern India and were part of the Sumerian civilization. The Chaldeans came out of the Hindu Kush along with the ancient Phoenicians who called themselves the Ya Khut's. A title still used in Kasmir. The Phoenician Gods were Red Haired and blue eyed as their ancient images show them as Aryan People like the Sumerians. Tests on their remains show them as European. The Yezidi show Sanat who they call Satan. As the eternal youth surrounded with peacock feathers in their writings. The same way Sanat is shown in India and Tibet. The Yezidi text the Al Jiwah mentions the realm of Shamballa with in it. If one goes to India you will find the Yezidi religion. As the Yezidi's themselves state. In the worship of Sanat Kumara also called Skanda who is colored red many times and also riding the Peacock and with the serpent. This is how the Tibetan's show Amitabha Buddha. Colored red and riding the Peacock. Amitabha Buddha worship is twenty thousand years old in the Far East. He is the head God. The Tibetans original religion is called Bon further east to China its called Mon. The worship of Mon is not the everlasting blue sky. Its actually a blue colored God. The Mongols relate their origin from a race of blue eyed Whites of divine descent. The Tibetan's stated they got Bon from a race of Aryan's. Of the current Asian groups in the Far East many one way or another mention a previous race of Aryans who's home civilization was Shamballa. The Yezidi's state the Aryan race came directly from Satan, Sanat Kumara and are the original People of this world. However the other races are under the protection of the Gods and some do descend from them as well. The hidden name of the Yezidi God is Aivas which is arranged to reveal the hidden name to "A SHIVA" the ancient name of the religion still survives in South Indian its called A SHIVAM. The Jews call the Demon's the "Shidim" in their kabala but this is from the older Babylon name of Shidda which is Sidda. The name of the Yezidi in Sanskrit is Ya Sidda. The Siddha's or shining ones. A SHIVAM is the title of the religion of the Siddha tradition in South India. Shiva is also called SATA SHIVA in Hinduism. Which in Sanskrit is also Satan Shivam. In Hinduism Shiva is called "Swarupa" which means "The White God". Which is a racial term as the Indian's called the European's the "Swarupa's". For this reason. In Primordial Greece before the fall of the Minoan civilization. The head God Zeus was shown as the eternally young God called Korios. He was blue colored had a White bull, 12 cow herder companions and a consort called Rodha. He played a sacred flute as well. Korios is from the Sanskrit, Kumara. His other symbols are the Peacock and the serpent and he carries a staff, thyrsus or spear as Dionysus. The Peacock is only native to the Far East. Where the Greeks state they came from a place called Pan Achaea. Their oldest God still carries the same appearance, banners, totems and myths as Skanda in India. Of whom the Greeks state Dionysus was. Of their maps they called Sri Lanka the place of Dionysus. The mythos of Dionysus is the exact same as Skanda. Korios is the primordial God from which the other images of the head Gods in Greece came from. Dionysus is the Korios. His worship was so ancient the later Greeks thought His religion was foreign. From Egypt, as the Greeks lost much of their culture after the devastation that caused the end of the Minoan civilization the whole island blew up and destroyed most of the region in the fall out. The Egyptians recorded this and that they had kept the records the Greeks had largely lost when they were nearly wiped out. The Greeks and Egyptians both stated Osiris and Dionysus are the same God, and Ptah is another name of Osiris in Memphis. One will note the ancient figure of Korios is also the famous incarnation of Visnu in India, Krisna. The Hindu Purana's state all the famous head God's of Hinduism including Visnu, go back to one pre ancient God. Sanat Kumara. They are images of the same primeval God, Sanat Kumara. The Chandogya Upanishads also state that it was Sanat Kumara who handed down the Siddha Marga, the Path of Perfection to mankind the teachings of ascension. The Yezidi's who worship the same God Sanat as Satan also state the same. Venus in Sanatana Dharma is the highest cosmic principal it rules sound and white light and the spectrum of light. As it descends creating all existence which is condensed sound and light. However what we perceive as white light is stated in the Vedic texts to be blue light. This is why the ancient image of the God Sanat Kumara are also shown blue. The purified soul and the concept of Venus. This is the reason for Lucifer, its a name of Venus. Sanat Kumara is called Shurka, Venus in the original language of Sanskrit. Sanat esoterically represents Venus. This is the same God as Dionysus and Osiris are also called Venus in their ancient cultures. The reason for the Left Hand Path which is from Sanatana Dharma, its the name of Kundalini Yoga, the Left is Shakt the serpent energy. Is because the planet Venus is the only planet that rotates anti-clockwise to the left. The LHP is the path of Venus, Sanat Kumara. The pentagram is also the symbol of Venus the shape of the orbit of Venus and the five is a Venus number. This symbol of Venus would have 666 placed with it to show spiritual rebirth. Venus's number also connect to the sun. The ankh the symbol of spiritual rebirth is the symbol of Venus. Venus rules the mystical transformation of the soul as the morning and evening star. Venus's eight year cycle is a spiritual number of enlightenment and immortality. Its position on the horizon as the evening star just before it disappears into the night of the underworld, to its triumphant reappearance in the dawn heralding the reborn soul, spiritual victory. Venus is also ruler of the serpents. Venus rules wisdom. This is connected to the throat chakra, which Venus rules which is why Siva is called the blue throated one. Venus rules the path of the gods the sushumna. Vasu is the name of Vishu relating to Venus as well. Vasu, Vas is the symbol of divine kingship in Egypt. Venus is about spiritual material perfection.Venus in Sanatana Dharma rules the serpent energy and the raising of this energy. Venus rules the mula chakra and the other chakra's. The Venus power is about bringing the serpent up thought the chakra's. Venus rules the element of air, which is the breath of life and spirit which element is sound and the blue light of creation. Which is ruled by Mercury on a level but Venus on the highest level. The perfected body is related to this element in the Far East, air. The symbol of air, prana is the serpent of Sanat Kumara, Satan. Spirit, Vayu also rules all the five elements. Venus rules the Kunda which means water pond but is the name of the root chakra and tail bone and serpent energy. The water of life. Which is the serpent energy, and flowing prana. The sushumna is called the Kunda Kula, the Kunda path. The name Kunda...lini comes from this. This is Kundry in the grail mythos. Shamballa is shown esoterically as the eight petal city with Sanat Kumara sitting on the throne of the world in the center of His palace. In Sri Lanka the entrance to the Temple of Sanat Kumara as Skanada has a golden throne outside to show His kingship of the world. The grail castle in the Western mythos of the Templars has Sanat Kumara sitting in the center of an eight sided grail castle wearing a peacock crown. Just like in Tibet the same being is shown with a peacock crown. The Grail is openly of Venus, the Venus stone or cup in the Grail mythos. The emerald and diamond are the symbols of Venus the ancient name of Osiris was Al-Khadir this is also a name of the Yezidhi God, Satan. In Sri Lanka the Temple sacred to Sanat Kumara is called Khadirgama "The Place of Khadir". In the story of Khadir He rules the waters of life, the kundalini and drinks of them and becomes immortal. Al-Khadir means "The Green man". The color of emerald. The emerald rules the transmuted stone, the stone is the element of earth and by the serpent fire its transmuted in a pure light crystal of the emerald or diamond. The meaning of the Grail which means Gro-al, the inscribed stone. The Templars have the images of the Green Man in the eight pointed star in their buildings. The popular shape of the western grail is the mount meru column in the east. The palace of Sanat Kumara in Shamballa in the Kala Chakra, His teachings of ascension. Show the base of the palace is the yantra of the root chakra and upward steps as the levels of the mount meru column in other images the meru column is openly shown as the hexagram symbol the star of Venus. In India the Yogi's who worship Sanat Kumara directly, practices are based on awakening the serpent at the root and moving it up the spine. The exoteric world Sanat Kumara, Satan is the ruler of is this physical planet. The Esoteric world He is ruler of is the soul. His kingdom is the spine which is the cosmic axis and the serpentine life force that flows thought it. His symbol of the grail is the unified soul. Its a six pointed star symbol. Which is the star of Venus in the east and the symbol on His yantra in Southern India. His other symbol is the peacock standing atop the mount meru column. This is also the flute Krisna carries it has the peacock on the top. The spine with the serpent energy the prana moving thought it. Krisna-Visnu as mentioned is the India Venus. Visnu is pronounced Vesnu, this is arranged to Venus in the west. Venus was shown as the androgynous being many times and was the origin of the Baphomet of the Templars. The main Templar symbol is the eight pointed star of Venus. And their practices are still found in Hindu Tantra. The awaking of the serpent energy and moving it up the spine. The eight pointed star is the entire soul all 13 major chakra's. 13 and 8 are both Venus numbers. The esoteric meaning of the world is the Temple. It represents the entire soul including the physical body which is the animation of the soul's more dense manifestation. The teachings of Sanat are how to make the body and soul one. By purifying the earth element with serpent fire. Hence He is the God of fire as well. As Skanda, He descends to earth and makes war on and exterminates the Asura's from the earth who represent the dross to be burned out. The process of Yoga is purifying all the elements back to their core essence of spirit which is ruled by Venus. By the practices of Siddha Marga, the kundalini Yoga. Kundalini is the symbol of Venus, Sanat Kumara. Satan. This is why the enemy extra terrestrials, the Reptilians who attacked this planet in a cosmic war across the solar system around ten thousand years ago which caused the devastation of this planet and the end of the golden age. And their Reptilian hybrid race the Jews, the alien Jews themselves are the only race on earth that has an actual Reptilian gene the Cohen gene and a Reptilian appearance and behaviour. Have been working to remove this knowledge from humanity and rewrite history in a false narrative to turn this planet into a plantation state were humanity is reduced to micro chipped cattle. The eastern texts make constant mention that Sanat Kumara appears to and works with different Yogi's directly in His etheric form and gives them instructions. As Satan, Sanat states He does in the Al-Jiwah. The famous Yogi, Bogarnath stated He received direct instruction from Sanat in this etheric form and finished the Magnum Opus and ascended with Sanat's instruction. From here He established a school of Yoga to teach others. What is left of the known teachings of this Yoga, its kundalini Yoga. There are many records of Yogi's doing such with direct help from Sanat. The ancient Greeks stated that Zeus which is Sanat sends Daemons to help those on the spiritual path. Daemon later became Demon in spelling. These are the Gods appearing in their astral bodies to help the dedicated ones. Which is why all dedicated members in the JoS receive a Guardian Daemon. This is nothing new. These are people who have spiritual practices which allow them to be on the spiritual level were they can communicate with the etheric form of Sanat Kumara. The Gods have the ability to astrally project and communicate directly face to face with humans who have the spiritual, psychic centers open enough for this. Which is how the JoS has been established and directed in our time. The enemy needs to remove this knowledge to close humanity off from Satan and the Gods so we can no longer communicate with them. Because this would be the end of the enemies program. So they remove this knowledge and then scare everyone with lies about Satan, Sanat and about the "occult" to keep people powerless and deceived. And when the lack of spiritual knowledge has taken its toll, they then push Marxist Materialism. Which allows the enemy to push their own agenda to exterminate and enslave humanity into a global factory farm run by Jews. Who use occult power in their kabala at the top. And communicate with their Reptilian masters. This is why the enemy though form of Jehova has numerous curses to bind humanity on the soul and keep them from ascending on any level. Bind them and then damn them. The Jews game. In Germany there was a young patriot who was practicing the spiritual knowledge he was able to find in spiritual publications and books from the Hindu east. And opened up his spiritual abilities to where he could communicate with Sanat, Satan directly as the spiritual society he was a member in showed him how as they were in contact thought their spiritually opened people. That group created the National Socialist Party and that man became the German Leader of a new society that's purpose was the divine mission of restabilising the Sanat-ana Dharma to the world and defeating the power of the enemy trying to enslave humanity under Marxism. Today that man is lied about as much as Sanat, Satan by the same enemy for the same reason. That is just what happened the last time with a handful of people. What does the future hold.... Our planet will be ruled again in a new golden age from the peacock throne of Satan Kumara. Lord of the World. Sources The Lost Civilization of Lemuria, Joseph Guardians Of The Holy Grail, Pinkham The Serpent, Eagle, Lion And Disc, Parker Shiva and Dionysus Gods of Love and Ecstasy, Danielou The Return of the Serpents of Wisdom, Pinkham https://www.ancient-forums.com/index.php

[lakenonakw]

Central Florida Foodie Events For October 2017

October 2017 is an exciting month for Central Florida foodies, with special dinners and food festivals happening all month long. In addition to the extension of Visit #Orlando’s Magical Dining Month, many places are celebrating Oktoberfest and National Taco Day, as well. Here are some of the great food and drink events you might want to check out: Epcot International Food and Wine Festival at Epcot, Walt Disney World This annual event offers a literal dine around the world experience with kiosks representing different countries offer up native food and beverage samples. Samples run from $3 to $8 on average, in addition to park admission. Read our Epcot Food & Wine preview for more information. OCTOBER 16 Bubbly & Cabernet at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Winter Park oct 16 Cost: $45 per person for Members/ $55 per person for Non-Members Hosted by Women for Winesense Central #Florida, this tasting of exceptional wines will be paired paired with some of the group’s favorite hors d’oeuvres from Ruth’s Chris chefs. OCTOBER 17 Food For Thought Tour at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Orlando Cost: Free During this one-hour information session you will learn more about who is hungry in our community and then take a walking tour of the food bank to see how they operate. A light lunch follows, prepared by the Second Harvest kitchen. It is free to attend, and good for the soul. Port & Chocolate Tasting at Texas de Brazil, Orlando Cost: $45 Start off the evening with the Port of Manhattan Martini and signature Texas de Brazil appetizers followed by special pairings of the Taylor Fladgate family and chocolate. This special event will be led by port and chocolate representatives, so be ready for an evening of enjoyment and education. Texas de Brazil will be donating $40 for each ticket sold to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Relief Efforts. OCTOBER 18 Chef’s Night Series feat. Primetime Kitchen at Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Orlando Cost: $100 Chef Jim Colbert will cook the main dish, accompanied by notable local chefs, Tello Luna (Harrys Poolside Bar & Grill), Bruno Fonseca (Millenia 106) & Bryan Thoman (Canvas Restaurant & Market). OCTOBER 19 Orlandough Flight Night at Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream, Orlando Cost: $17 per ice cream/doughnut flight. Flights will include four mini ice cream sandwiches of different flavor combos. OCTOBER 20 Crafted & Bold City Brewery Beer Dinner at CRAFTED, Orlando Cost: $34.95 Featuring 4 courses & 5 different beer selections. Bold City representatives & Crafted Chef Adam Dierks will be on-hand to help educate & inform throughout the evening. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Signature Dining at STK Orlando at Disney Springs Cost: $75 Join Master Sommelier George Miliotes of Wine Bar George for a wine party on STK’s rooftop featuring pairings, with varietals such as Saperavi from Georgia and Macvin du Jura from France. Visit disneyworld.com for more information and reservations. Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Signature Dining at Tiffins at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Cost: $199 Enjoy Asian cuisine while listening to the Dr. Jason Crane speak about the Siberian Crane Conservation project he supports in Asia.. Visit disneyworld.com for more information and reservations. Harry’s Brewmaster Series feat Funky Buddha at Harry’s Poolside Bar & Grill at Rosen Centre Hotel, Orlando Cost: $55 Enjoy a 5-course seafood dinner plus Funky Buddha beer pairings. Complimentary valet and self-parking included. Visit the rosencentre.com for tickets and more info. Jake’s Beer Festival at Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando Cost: $35 – $45 Jake’s Beer Festival happens only twice each year and features more than 50 local and regional specialty craft beers, delicious and tasty foods, live entertainment and more. Pink Out. Dine Out. Rock Out at The Mall at Millenia, Orlando Cost: $20 donation With a donation of $20, sample food and signature drinks from your favorite Mall at Millenia restaurants. Proceeds benefit the Florida Hospital Breast Cancer Care Fund. Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate: Perfectly Paired at East End Market, Orlando Cost: $45 Learn how to pair wine, cheese, and chocolate together at this popular class featuring cheese from La Femme du Fromage, wine from Quantam Leap, and chocolate from Peterbrooke Chocolatier. A percentage of the proceeds will go to Hurricane Irma Relief. It’s also La Femme’s Anniversary so she is hosting a pre-class pop up in the courtyard from 5- 6:30pm with Happy Hour pricing on wine, beer, sangria and small plates. OCTOBER 20-22 3rd Annual Crooked Can Oktoberfest at Crooked Can Brewing Company, Winter Garden Cost: Free admission and parking Enjoy three days of authentic German food and drink for purchase, live German music, arts, and crafts, and more. OCTOBER 21 Oktoberfest at PB&G at Four Seasons Resort Orlando Cost: $75; 21+ only Enjoy Crooked Can’s Oktoberfest Brew and other classic German brews, plus housemade pretzels, sauerbraten sliders, wiener schnitzel and other German food, along with live German music, and more. Taste of Nona 2017 at Courtyard by Marriott Lake Nona, Orlando Cost: $40 This year’s Taste will feature more than two dozen fantastic local restaurants, dessert makers, and catering services. Third Annual TAPtoberfest at The Brass Tap – Mills Park, Orlando Cost: Free admission. Featuring German and German-inspired beers on tap, get ready for stein hoisting, boot chugging, and more. OCTOBER 22 Orlando Weekly Oktoberfest Collaboration Tapping Party at Broken Cauldron Taproom, Orlando Cost: Free admission Treehouse Truck will be on site serving a German inspired menu and the Orlando Weekly will have special prizes and giveaways! $4 Pints of OBF Oktoberfest all night long. Pastry in the Park at The Osprey Tavern, Orlando Cost: $65 per person; $20 additional for beverage pairing Enjoy a 7-course dessert tasting by some of Orlando’s top pastry chefs: Chef Amanda McFall (Urbain 40), Chef Esther Rodriguez (The Ravenous Pig), Chef Gloriann Rivera (1921 by Norman Van Aken), Chef Michelle Hulbert (K Restaurant), Chef Amy Gilbert (Canvas Restaurant), Chef Brian Cernell (Luma On Park/Prato/Luke’s), and Chef Kristy Carlucci (The Osprey Tavern/Seito Sushi/Reyes Mezcaleria). OCTOBER 26 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Signature Dining at Flying Fish at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort Cost: $199 Savor an Evening of Culinary Treasures and Jewels of the Vineyard With Chef Tim Majoras and Master Sommelier George Miliotes of Wine Bar George. ]Homestead Harvest at Whisper Creek Farm at The Ritz-Carlton at Grande Lakes, Orlando Cost: $135 per person; VIP $160 The Highball & Harvest team will be joined by Bravo’s Top Chef star Kenny Gilbert from Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen and Gilbert’s Social. Local talent including Kathleen Blake of The Rusty Spoon, James Petrakis of The Ravenous Pig, Kevin Fonzo previously of K Restaurant, Austin Boyd of The Osprey Tavern, and many more, will also be cooking up bites at the event. The one-night-only food and beverage event will benefit Fleet Farming. OCTOBER 27 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Signature Dining at Chef’s Table at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Cost: $259 The evening begins with an innovative reception and champagne toast in the Catering Kitchen before progressing through a secret entrance to the Chef’s Table. Here, you’ll enjoy 6 courses, all presented and finished on-stage and accompanied by an outstanding wine selection. OCTOBER 27– 28 8th Annual Food and Wine Classic at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Cost: $115; add beer garden access for $25; seminars additional This delicious annual festival offers up food from the resort’s culinary team and restaurants. Add on access to the beer garden for an additional cost. You can also enlighten your knowledge of food and beverage with seminars each day including wines, cocktails, beer, pasta-making, cheese pairing or the fine art of sushi and sake for an additional charge per seminar. OCTOBER 28 Central Florida Veg Fest 2017 at Festival Park, Orlando Cost: Free admission The event will include healthy living and eco-friendly exhibitors, speakers, and presentations; non-profits; fun and games for kids; dog and cat adoptions; restaurant booths; food preparation demonstrations, and live music and entertainment. OCTOBER 29 Sunday Bubbles Brunch with J Vineyards and Winery at Il Mulino New York Trattoria at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Cost: $88.50; three seatings This lavish brunch will feature traditional and not-so-traditional items prepared by our award-winning Chefs. One glass of champagne or specialty mimosa will be included in the menu price, along with the option to upgrade to bottomless champagne and mimosas at the time of seating. Visit swandolphinfoodandwineclassic.com

The following blog post Central Florida Foodie Events For October 2017 is courtesy of http://weknownona.com/

[psychounicorncom]

Today was a very sad day in Japan, cause it was raining all day! First we had a nice breakfast at the same place we drank something yesterday, I had an amazing veggie Japanese breakfast. Then we went to the imperial palace by bus, first taking the wrong bus which was because my dad was a bit too enthousiastic when stepping into the bus (let’s just say it is difficult to realise which way you want to go when people drive on the other side of the road).

However, when we walked over there, we discovered that we had to wait for another hour to get a ticket to go in and see it. That was too bad, cause even though temples are often pretty open to public, or at least you can photograph the outside, this time the building was surrounded by huge walls so we could not even snap a pic from the outside.

We did not feel like waiting an hour, so we decided to go to the golden pavillion. It was a beautiful temple with a big golden buddha in it, and it was all very shiny and golden, really amazing. The rain was still poring and I was getting so cold, my lip started to shake and I could not get myself warm anymore. We had coffee at some tourist trap-kinda place before we made our way to the supermarket to buy a few umbrellas.

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I usually don’t do umbrellas, as you might now, but I was so cold and I did not want to stay inside, I wanted to explore, so I went with it. I bought a nice see through umbrella that was just 6 euros and I liked it a lot. It really did help. So after the beautiful golden Buddha palace, we went to the  zen garden instead. The Zen Garden is a place that is very beautiful in spring, but to be honest it was a bit sad with the rain and all. I really loved the specific garden with the gravel and the stones, that was very peaceful, but other than that floral wise it was all very wintery, meaning there were still no sakura. My poor mother is so sad about it, but I am sure things will be better in Tokyo when it comes to that.

When we were done there we were super hungry, so we took the bus to Kyoto station and had some lunch at Subway. It is not very classy, but they had big queues everywhere and at Subway we were done right away. I had an amazing avocado sandwich that was fully veggie, so I was quite happy.

Afterwards we went to the shopping street where the Disney store is located. I managed not to go inside, which is mainly because 1 I already bought Tsum Tsum stuffed animals at the Disney store during our stopover at Hong Kong. And 2 I am about to visit Disneyland Tokyo in a few days. I did buy some souvenirs, cause I have to bring many! It is difficult though, as Japan is very expensive. Even though people say it isn’t, it is.

It is not insanely expensive, and The Netherlands have become more and more expensive over the years as well, but compared to other Asian countries Japan is a very, very rich country. It is good though, cause the things that are on sale are quite beautiful and often handmade. I was happy to finally buy some more souvenirs as I was getting worried about it a bit, hihi.

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Anyway, we shopped some and then we went back to the hotel for a quick fresh up before we went out to dinner. I saw on Tripadvisor that Sugar Hill was recommended, which was right across from our hotel (Sunroute), and it was good. It had an excellent stuffed omelet veggie option and there was lots of stuff to choose from for my parents. There are only 5 tables there, so we were happy we made reservations the day before. It was not super special, but it was very good food and very good service.

In the evening I was quite knackered, and to be honest I felt a bit depressed cause I did not feel like I was really getting everything out of this city. Till now we have mostly be watching Japanese people, instead of actually talking to them, and so I wanted to make contact but everytime I try with apps and stuff, I get a bit afraid. And because of that I get annoyed with myself and yada yada yada.

Anyway, this evening I just took a bath in the crazy high and small bath tub in my room, and I wrote some stuff before I went to sleep. Tomorrow must be a better day!

Travel Report Japan – Day 7 – Kyoto Today was a very sad day in Japan, cause it was raining all day! First we had a nice breakfast at the same place we drank something yesterday, I had an amazing veggie Japanese breakfast.