#oblong shape possibly juicy?

[dear-fuckhead]

@theshitpostcalligrapher forbidden grape??

[izvmimi]

cw: minors dni. masturbation. pathetic boy energy tbh. inappropriate use of fruit. lots of cum. extreme secondhand embarrassment. sex toy mention. fem!reader.

a/n: needy boys make do. i’m not sorry for this fic.

it’s disgustingly hot and humid this time of year, and izuku, despite his apartment sitting at a cool 68 degrees Fahrenheit, feels so warm he thinks he’ll lose his mind. 

it’s probably because he’s been fucking himself into a frenzy, the sweat from nearly an hour of pleasure-chasing sticking his curls to his forehead, fingers even stickier with repeated spurts of cum that do nothing to relieve the tension. extreme stress and loneliness - you’ve been gone for over a month on an overseas trip - combine to create the most sexually frustrated man on earth. it’s dark in the room and his brain is clouded, staring at pictures of you despite the fact that his alarm is set to pick you up at the airport in two and a half hours. his rough, scarred palm rubbing up and down his length is an awful replacement for your soft, warm, wet cunt, no matter how much lube he adds.

desperate. if you could see him now, cumming again at just the thought of putting it inside you once again after he picks you up, you’d think he was a little too whipped for you. and so what? you are it for him, after all. 

it’s 8pm, and the primal heat inside won’t abate. how many times has he cum already? he’s lost count, and now he’s wondering if he was struck with some virility quirk he hasn’t yet encountered. either way, his throat is dry, and he takes a break, bringing himself off soiled sheets and stripping them off the bed. you deserve a clean bed to spend the night in, even if he hopes he can mess them up further, this time with both of your bodies, not just his.

not bothering to put on pants in his own apartment, he deposits the messy linen into the dirty laundry and hides it away, then makes his way to the kitchen. pouring himself an ice cold glass of water that he gulps down with the fridge door still open. he wonders why and how he could still possibly be horny, and if he should jack off one more time or wait and risk getting scolded by you for trying to fuck you in the car. no matter how hard he cuts it, his imagination and his hand is simply not enough. he needs something more to quench his thirst - 

and then as he turns he sees it.

a large, oblong shaped watermelon sits on the countertop. untouched. something that his mom brought by for you two to share once you touched down. it’s elongated, and heavier than it looks, which means it’s juicy, and-

no. he can’t stoop this low.

he places the glass in the sink, and turns and it’s there again. about the thickness of your hips.

no. he cannot go this far. even if he can feel the tingle in his cock again and it’s up, yet again, waiting for his attention.

he swallows.

there’s a knife left in the sink, and his resolve breaks.

---

a couple hours later, izuku leads you into his apartment, tidied up just for you, and once the door closes behind you, he whisks you up again, just like he did at the airport, an action that makes you giggle before you demand he puts you down.

“but i missed you so much!” he makes a playful show of frowning which you just as playfully roll your eyes at before hissing for him to put you back on the ground. 

“put me down, midoriya!”

“fineeeeee,” he pretends to roll his eyes, as you put away your coat in the hallway closet. he takes the rest of your bags as you’re spending the weekend before returning to your own place, and quickly sets them in his bedroom, expecting you to follow him.

you don’t, he realizes after a few seconds.

wondering why you’re trailing behind, he goes back out to search for you.

“babe?”

and then it occurs to him, and his heart nearly stops.

he finds you in the kitchen - the fucking kitchen - and not the living room as he had anticipated, and you’ve dropped your keys on the small table in the corner and are now washing your hands at the sink.

besides you is a watermelon and you’re looking directly at it.

his belly is stricken with panic. you, however, don’t look upset or offended, just confused, and you turn off the water and shake your hands out.

“what the hell happened to this watermelon?” you ask, curiously. 

he blinks a few times rapidly, heart racing, then realizes that from your vantage point, you can only see that it no longer has a smooth contour, but rather a suspiciously symmetric pattern of indentations. however, his... accommodation is turned away from you, and -

he makes his way over to you quickly, leaning so that his back is facing the offending fruit.

“what do you mean? n-nothing happened.”

you blink, then shift him aside ever so gently, noticing that he’s not budging, and you give him a look before he moves reluctantly so that you can better inspect it.

“i need to start shopping with you more often,” you insist.

midoriya is praying to every god, every spirit, every vestige, every all might figure even, that you don’t touch it and instead go for a bathroom break before dinner so that he can toss his shame out the window.

but of course, when you start going, you’re really going.

you reach over for it and he can see his life flash before his eyes.

“__, how about we-?” he tries to intercept but you’ve already pulled it towards you.

the watermelon rolls.

and it leaks.

white, watery liquid, mixed with flecks of watermelon flesh, clearly leaks out of a hole, that is exactly the girth of your boyfriend’s cock, and the two of you watch it seep, until it’s dripping off the counter, and creating a puddle on the linoleum. not a word is shared between you two. by the time you finally turn to look at izuku, he is so ghostly white, you’re pretty sure you can see not only his soul, but every prior user of OFA leave his body.

stunned, your mouth moves before you can even think of what to say.

“d-did you... fuck a watermelon...?”

his mouth opens and closes like a fish, and you look away from him, and back to the incredible scene in front of you, then back at him.

you rub your eyes. “i’m not imagining this, am i? you actually came inside this fruit?”

izuku immediately defends himself with his hands raised, which is the worst possible move. “i-it didn’t feel as good as you!”

it’s your turn to open and close your mouth. izuku winces as though he’s been physically punched.

“t-thank you?” you offer, incredulous.

you’re at an impasse. one of you is fucking fruit and the other one has just found out. the good news is your pussy is better than the watermelon’s. the bad news is izuku is looking at you with fear and you can’t decide whether it is justified or not. 

all that on top of the fact that your fucking boyfriend is fucking fruit.

“babe-” he starts reaching for you, and you immediately raise a hand.

“i need a moment.” 

he looks like he’s about to cry. you stand there again, eyebrows furrowed, wondering how to proceed, and then you take a deep breath.

“explain.” your arms are crossed and you’re trying to sound gentle if not desperately confused.

“I... you...” he’s making desperate hand gestures, at a loss for words and you rub your temples. he immediately gives up.

“please don’t leave me,” he begs. “i missed you and-”

“watermelon was good enough?”

his jaw drops, and somehow, somewhere, something snaps, and you start laughing hysterically. you laugh for an entire minute straight, doubled over and clearly insane, and izuku at some point wonders if somehow this was your limit - somehow, he broke you by fucking fruit and maybe he should start running rather than explaining. 

finally, after what seems like forever, your laughter comes to a close, and you rub tears out of your eyes, and he still looks absolutely devastated - you can see him lose the strength in his legs and tears fill his because you’re gonna dump him and tell everyone that #1 up and comer Pro Hero Izuku has a fruit fetish and you almost start laughing again but try to keep it to one giggle before asking:

“did you shower?”

confused by the sudden pivot, he croaks out a “what?” you grin devilishly and step just a little bit closer.

“did you shower or am I gonna have to pull watermelon bits out of your foreskin? I can’t afford a yeast infection, Mr. Hero.”

his eyes glimmer with hope as he nods yes.

“so you’re not dumping me?”

you giggle again, then step even closer, fingers playing with the seam of his pants before you unbutton them, and he looks at you as though you are the goddess of mercy incarnate.

“no, you clearly need pussy STAT,” you whisper with a devious smile.

---

between sticky but thankfully not sugary sweet sheets, you rest atop of izuku so-desperate-to-fuck-you-he-tried-mellussy midoriya’s chest, your own cheeks flushed with lovemaking and the apartment feeling slightly too hot.

“you need to turn down the heat in here,” you whine.

“it’s at 68,” he frowns. he’s still breathing a little heavy, but finally he looks satisfied and tired out as he rests his arm around your waist. the other caresses your hair, and you think briefly about how he just caressed your insides, or rather completely rearranged them.

“it needs to be 65,” you mumble.

he sighs.

“fine.”

you let a finger trail up and down the curve of his face, then look him in the eyes.

“also, you need a pocket pussy.”

izuku reddens deeply, then protests.

“no the fuck i don’t.”

he fell into your trap immediately. “what, is the produce aisle cheaper?”

“___!”

you bury your face in his chest, laughing still.

“i have to admit the desperation’s kinda sexy... but pocket pussy for Christmas it is.”

he groans and you beam because he will never live this down, as long as the two of you live.

[irelandarthouse]

Growing Tomatoes: Planting to Harvest

How to Choose Tomatoes

Even if you don't have a lot of space, you can grow a crop of juicy tomatoes. The secret: choose a variety that matches the type of planter and support you'll be using. With more and more options available each year, here's our guide to selecting the perfect plant: in general, it's best to choose determinate (bush) varieties, which are more compact. Indeterminate types can get quite tall — up to 10' or more! however, there are also shorter indeterminate varieties so check plant tags for mature heights.

Choosing tomato varieties can be confusing because there are so many, so use our tomato chooser to help you pick the best for your garden. Our article “ learn tomato terms ” explains some basic (but important) tomato terms, such as hybrid, indeterminate vs. Determinate, and vfn (disease resistance). It’s a good idea to grow a range of varieties, including at least one or two disease-resistant types, since, of all veggies, tomatoes tend to be the most susceptible to disease.

The primary distinction between the varieties is determinate and indeterminate varieties. Determinate varieties are bushy and compact which grow without any support, and indeterminate varieties are vining, usually large. While you can grow almost any tomato cultivar in a pot, you should choose determinate ones when growing tomatoes indoors. Here’s a list of best tomato varieties for containers, check that out. Also, read the pointers below to decide:.

Another important consideration is whether the tomato cultivar you choose is determinate or indeterminate in growth habit. Determinate (d) tomato plants grow to a certain height and then stop. They also flower and set all their fruits within a relatively short period of time. This is an advantage if the tomatoes are being grown primarily for canning purposes. Determinate plants tend to be smaller plants, and are better suited for caging, staking, or containers. Indeterminate tomato plants grow, flower, and set fruit over the entire growing season. When supported, indeterminate plants continue to grow taller and tend to get “viney” if not pruned; consequently, they will need taller stakes and cages. Some of the indeterminate cultivars can easily grow to 8 feet tall. Without support, the indeterminate plants will grow into a big jungle!.

Many roma tomatoes are resistant to early blight , fusarium and verticillium wilt, diseases that plague tomatoes. Always choose seeds or seedlings that are vf resistant. If you see a water-soaked area near the blossom end (bottom) of the fruit, your tomato may have blossom end rot, which is basically a calcium deficiency. To help avoid this problem don’t plant your tomatoes until the soil has warmed up and keep the soil evenly moist.

Your tomatoes will do much better if they are out in natural sunlight and receiving natural rainfall. If possible, try to put them in a patio or balcony location where there is no roof or overhang to block sun and rain. Patios bush out pretty thickly, so choose a container that’s at least a foot in diameter or width. Plant seeds no more than a 1/4 inch deep, and water and fertilize immediately. If you start with seedlings, create a hole big enough for the soil clump the plant arrived in, soak the hole with water, and place the seedling, soil, roots and all, in the hole. Firm up the soil around the base of the seedling, and be sure the bottom leaves are not covered in dirt. Fertilize the same day with liquid fertilizer.

How to Plant and Care for Tomatoes

Finally, remember that your tomatoes will need the right care in order to thrive. This means watering with about one to two inches of water per week, with heavy soakings once a week being preferred to several lighter sprinklings with the hose. If you’re growing indeterminate varieties, you’ll want to remove the first few side branches as they appear, a process known as “suckering. ” leave two to three main stems. Stake your plants to keep the fruit off the ground and help conserve space. As the plants grow, tie them to the stakes at a few different heights just below fruit clusters.

You can also use tomato cages to trellis your plants.

How to grow your own tomatoes. A complete how to guide on growing tomatoes, including what are the best varieties to grow in our climate as well as when and where to grow. Also included is planting and transplanting, crop care, pests and diseases (including tomato blight and aphids), harvesting, and storage.

Hundreds of choice tomato varieties abound–enough to confuse gardeners. Tomatoes come in every shape, size and color. Huge tomatoes that take two hands to carry are related to tiny grape tomatoes no larger than the top of a thumb. Purple, yellow, orange and red tomatoes all spring from the same gene pool. Perfect round tomatoes, oblong tomatoes, little marble-sized tomatoes, and huge scrunchy looking tomatoes grow around the world. Tomatoes that grow as a never-ending vine share space with tomato plants that grow in a compact, shrub form. For your summer tomato garden, choose several tomato varieties, as each variety is best suited for its own culinary responsibility, and each takes specific care and tending.

By bernie ruckdaeschel tomatoes are loved by most gardeners. At james park community gardens there are very few plots which have no tomato plants. However, this fact can present a problem if the plants are not properly cared for, like: garden hygiene, proper air circulation, watering, mulching, and fertilizing. For this reason i have changed my approach to raise tomato plants.

From containers to expansive garden plots, growing tomatoes is a popular and relatively easy way to harvest at least some of your own produce. In fact, tasty and easy-to-grow tomatoes are the most popular garden vegetable. However, tomato pests and diseases such as tomato wilt can harm your crop. Don't let those potential problems scare you away. Growing healthy, pest- and disease-free tomato plants is relatively simple. Keep your plants healthy by rotating crops, planting disease-resistant varieties, spacing plants properly, mulching, and watering at least 1 inch per week.

Via rare seeds this is a unique tomato if i’ve ever seen one. It is a cherry tomato that is black in color. Now, i’ll tell you upfront, i’ve always had great luck with cherry tomatoes. It seems that very little can take these guys down. Actually, i have to be careful when i plant them because each year i’ll have a bunch of volunteers that come back to my garden and produce very heavily.

How to Harvest and Store Tomatoes

Knowing when to harvest and how to store your tomatoes once harvested is a must. I like to harvest tomatoes when they are red but not overly ripe unless i’m going to eat them immediately. The reason i like them red but not too ripe is that they will turn to mush by the time i’m ready to use them.

Don't Crowd Tomato Seedlings

Deciding when to transplant tomato seedlings is easy. When tomato seedlings are three or four inches tall and have their second pair of leaves, it's time to take them out of their crowded containers and put them into deeper, roomier ones. (if you started seedlings in individual containers at least three inches square, simply thin out the weaker plants by snipping them off at the soil line and leaving the strongest one. ).

Mulch Tomatoes After the Soil Has Warmed

Tomatoes are in many regions among the most popular fruits grown in gardens, because with most varieties freshness is a major factor in the quality of harvested fruit. Growing conditions[ edit ] tomato plants needs acidic (5. 0 to 6. 0 ph) soil, a balance between the three primary fertilizer nutrients, and thrive in warm weather. Inexpensive ways to naturally increase soil acidity include using pine needles as mulch, and mixing either used coffee grounds or sawdust into the soil. Pine needles (and the soil under pine trees) are very acidic, and though used coffee grounds are not very acidic, they and sawdust cause a chemical change in the soil, lowering its ph. Fresh coffee grounds or a 4:1 solution of water and coffee can be used for a quick, direct boost in acidity. Tomatoes do not need high calcium content in order to produce good fruits.

Mulching can help to insure an even supply of moisture is available to the tomato plant. Try putting down a layer of newspaper 5 to 10 sheets thick between the rows (soak the papers in water first, so they won't blow away) and then cover the newspapers with dry grass clippings, bark mulch, etc. Something new in mulches is burpee's red mulch. It's a reflective material that works like black plastic to warm the soil early in the season, and it increases production of top quality early tomatoes.

Tomatoes should be set in the garden when the weather has warmed and the soil temperature is above 60°f. These conditions usually occur about april 5 in southern oklahoma and about april 25 in northwestern oklahoma. Temperatures below 50°f impair tomato growth. Before planting, remove pots or bands from the transplant root ball. Peat pots can.

Marie iannotti if you are not going to leave plastic on the soil, hold off on putting down mulch until after the ground has had a chance to warm up. Although mulching conserves water and prevents the soil and soilborne diseases from splashing up on the plants, if you put it down too early, it will also shade and cool the soil. Because tomatoes love heat, allow the sun to warm the soil in the spring. After temperatures remain warm, both during the day and at night, you can add a layer of mulch to retain moisture.

Tomatoes need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week depending on the type of soil they are growing in. If rainfall does not provide this quantity, water plants thoroughly once or twice per week. One or two heavy soakings are better than many light sprinklings. Consider using drip irrigation or soaker hoses around your plants. These methods will help conserve moisture and avoid getting the foliage wet which can cause disease. Hoses can be laid near each plant above the soil but under the mulch layer.

Weeds should be controlled by shallow hoeing. Pull weeds near the tomato plants or cover with soil. A four inch mulch of straw will prevent weed growth, conserve water and keep flat grown tomatoes off the ground. Black plastic may be used in place of organic mulches. It is particularly important that unstaked plants be mulched with clean straw, black plastic or some other suitable material to keep the fruit off the ground and prevent rotting.

[janikbesendorf-blog]

Halong Bay and Mekong Delta: a Tale of Two Water Worlds

Lush green paddy fields, lumbering buffaloes and conical-hatted farmers make up the classic image of Vietnam. Once a lesser-known tourist destination, Vietnam has become widely popular in recent years. The northern capital of Hanoi consistently ranks among the world’s top 10 destinations on TripAdvisor. Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), to the south, has transformed from a war-torn city to a thriving metropolis. Despite urban allures, centuries-old architecture, war history, and a rich culture with Southeast Asian, Chinese and French influences, it’s Vietnam’s striking landscapes that most impress.

Vietnam is known for its stunning landscapes, such as the rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai and Lao Cai.

Despite urban allures and centuries-old history and culture, it’s Vietnam’s striking landscapes that most impress.

To the south of its narrow waist, Vietnam fantails into the splendid Mekong delta. In stark contrast to the flat rice land of the delta where boats, houses, and markets float upon innumerable rivulets, canals and streams that criss-cross the scenery like arteries, is the legendary Halong Bay. Set in the northeast, the scatter of jagged emerald islands and wind-and wave-eroded karst caves topped by forests jut out of the sea at Halong – a magical spectacle in the early morning mist.

So how do you choose between Halong Bay or Mekong delta? Here’s the lowdown on the exclusive culture, cuisine, and activities along the two water worlds.

Halong Bay or Mekong Delta: Things to Do and Where to Stay

Halong Bay or Mekong Delta? Lose yourself in the Halong Bay

‘Ha Long’, or the ‘Bay of Descending Dragons’, in northeastern Vietnam.

‘Ha Long’ or the ‘Bay of Descending Dragons’, four hours from the capital of Hanoi, is a spectacular seascape sculpted by nature in the Gulf of Tonkin. With over 1600 islands – most of which are uninhabited, there are several large caves located within the islands for you to discover. The biggest of these is a wooden cave, formerly known as the Grotte des Merveilles. Cannon Fort, on the Bay’s largest island – Cat Ba, offers one of the best views in Vietnam. From here you can survey astounding panoramas of Cat Ba’s jungle-clad hills rolling down to the karst-punctuated sea beyond.

Explore pristine beaches and lush, tropical islands at Halong Bay.

The best way to enjoy the many wonders that pepper this north-eastern Bay is by boat or cruise ship. Opt for the Indochina Junk Halong Bay tours and enjoy a luxury Halong Bay cruise aboard the Dragon’s Pearl – a traditional Vietnamese boat modeled on ancient wooden Chinese junks. For some romantic elegance, plump for the one-cabin L’Amour (Princess) Junk. With numerous venues at which to relax and rejuvenate as you drink in the stunning UNESCO World Heritage vistas of Halong Bay, the Stellar and Bhaya Cruises are also great options. Or venture to the idyllic La Han Bay on the Ginger Cruise for an intimate sailing experience amid breathtaking panoramas.

The best way to enjoy the many wonders that pepper Halong Bay is by boat or cruise ship.

Experience the beauty of this most acclaimed tourist spots in Southeast Asia as a guide shows you hidden lagoons, forested islets, stunning limestone cliffs and secluded bays, like the Bait Tu Long where you can swim and kayak. The sugar-white coastlines of Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches Beach) and Soi Sim offer some unique barbecue experiences. Listen to the sweet melody of birds, winds and waves, as the crew delivers an array of succulent and grilled seafood under a blue sky! If you fancy a fishing excursion, visit the scenic fishing villages at Cua Van, Ba Hang, Vung Vieng and Cong Dam. The locals are very sociable and willing to guide you on how to row a sampan, spread the net, bait a hook….

Enjoy a cooking demonstration on your cruise ship.

Take a small boat and head out for the many islands scattered around Halong Bay

Kayak amid the limestone karsts of Halong

Sundowners on the bay can be stunning affairs!

Enjoy panoramic views of the Bay from the shore.

Begin a new day with Tai Chi sessions onboard, amid the early morning spectacle of Halong Bay. Getting yourself pampered at the spa when you are out at sea could also be an excellent treat. Make sure to book in advance.

If you choose to stay on shore, check in Hotel Novotel Halong Bay set on the coastline of Bai Chay beach, which provides great photo ops with panoramic views of the Bay.

Halong Bay or Mekong Delta? Discover the Magic of the Mekong Delta

To catch a glimpse of the fifteen million people who live in the wetlands, you need to join them on the river.

The Mekong Delta is a bustling hub of activity.

The comma-shaped flatland stretching from south of Ho Chi Minh City, to the Gulf of Thailand is intertwined by land and water that provide the perfect conditions for growing rice – bestowing the Mekong Delta with the rightful title – ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam. With its alluvial-rich soil, the Delta also nourishes the fruit basket of the country as lush orchards overflow with mangoes, papayas and dragon fruit, and plantations brim with bananas, coconuts and pineapples. With over 1,000 recorded animal species and new species of plants, fish, lizards, and mammals discovered in previously unexplored areas, including the Laotian rock rat that was thought to be extinct, the Delta has been dubbed as a ‘biological treasure trove’.

At the floating market in the Mekong Delta, you can buy everyday articles or exotic goods.

The Delta is famous for its lush green rice paddies, which you can explore on your tour.

How about a ride in a traditional bullock cart, the local way?

The Delta is famous for its fresh, tropical produce which you can sample at the floating market

With everything revolving around the waterways, the Delta is a world afloat. To catch a glimpse of the fifteen million people who live in the wetlands, you need to join them on the river. Hop onto the Bassac Cruise from My Tho, but before you do, a visit to the ancient southern architectural gem reflecting a mixture of Chinese, Vietnamese and Angkor (Cambodian) building styles with elaborately carved oblong and horizontal net like panels – the Vinh Trang Pagoda (in My Tho itself), would be worth your while. Bricks and mortar aside, the temple will be memorable if you can arrive when the monks are chanting, in the morning.

See the elaborately carved Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho.

Hop into a traditional boat and explore the many channels around the Delta.

Dried fish is a popular snack for the local people at the Delta.

How about a rest stop during you cruise?

Read about the floating life on the Mekong Delta

To enjoy countryside scenery and river life, board a smaller wooden sampan (boat), hopping off to explore scenic villages every now and then.

Continue exploring the Mekong landscape with a stopover at the Thot Not Bird Sanctuary, a magnificent 1.3-hectare area overgrown by huge bamboo and home to thousands of resident storks, snowy egrets, and other avians. At the quintessentially Vietnamese ‘craft village’, small communities work together to manufacture products such as knives, rush mats, bamboo bird cages, ceramics, rice wine, and dozens of other commonplace and unusual articles. Visit a bamboo-knitting hamlet in Thot Not or a carpentry craft town in Chomo. Or visit the local coconut-candy factories in Ben Tre, the ‘Land of Coconut’. Sold throughout the country, and also exported to other Asian countries, Australia, Europe, and North America, the keo dua or coconut candy of Vietnam is world famous.

Farming in the Mekong Delta

Fishing on the Mekong Delta

Local farmer at work in the countryside

Boats in the Mekong Delta

To enjoy countryside scenery and river life, board a smaller wooden sampan (boat). Encounter monkeys and scampering macaques that dangle from ancient temples and parked vans around the villages. Then stretch your legs and hop on a bicycle for a short ride along narrow village lanes, past fruit orchards, never ending water canals, hundreds of rickety bridges and small ferry crossings and all those locals waving at you and greeting with “xin chao” as you pedal by. Taste fresh fruits, like the juicy yellow-fleshed sapodillas when you arrive at the home of a tropical fruit farmer and amble around his orchard – this is traditional hospitality at its truest!

While cruising down the meandering Mekong, stop at smaller sampan boats that serve as cafes and you may just be rewarded with the best noodle soup you’ve ever tasted!

Board the Mekong Queen, a wooden, motorboat and sail to the enormous Cai Rang floating market early in the morning. Witness the lively panorama around as hundreds of sampans bump and jostle to trade everything from sugar cane to pigs, and mountains of fruit. It is quite possible to stop at smaller sampans serving as cafes, and enjoy an iced cup of coffee, soft drinks, or a Vietnamese noodle soup for breakfast.

Sample some local fare at the floating market

At the floating market on the Mekong Delta

Vendors get together at the floating market

Cruising leisurely down the river

Stay at the Victoria Hotel Can Tho. Set within magnificent gardens and colonial style architecture, it is situated on the banks of the Hau River – known for its charming sunsets and peaceful scenery. Alternatively, located on the banks of the Bassac River crossing, the handsome Indochina-inspired Victoria Hotel Chau Doc offers the ever-changing scenery of the fascinating Chau Doc region.

Food Fare: What to eat at Halong Bay or Mekong Delta

Whether you choose Halong Bay or Mekong Delta, do make a trip to Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City, as Saigon is now called, is rated by Forbes magazine as one of the top 10 street food havens in the world!

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its freshness. Not a place for curry lovers, the noodle dishes and stir-fries here are light, citrusy, and loaded with herbs. While North Vietnam food has more Chinese influence –fresh, light broths, with mainly noodles, South Vietnam food is sweet and spicy with more colorful and heavy broths accompanied with rice.

Vietnamese noodle soup or Pho, from the North

Known for its abundant seafood, the Halong Bay Market offers some truly unique food experiences that would satisfy even the pickiest tourists. Enjoy the famous dipped squid; feast on the Halong grilled oysters served with cold beer; or slurp the sweet, sour, spicy, salty (all in one salver) limuloid.

As the largest city in the Mekong Delta that still retains a small town feel, Can Tho is an excellent place to experience the food of Vietnam’s deep south, including many local specialties like the Sa Dec and My Tho noodles – hugely popular thanks to their sweet taste, chewy and distinctive flavor; or the noodle made from sliced flour cooked to perfection with duck meat and with a pinch of ginger fish sauce in Ben Tre.

A typical meal at the Mekong Delta

Read more about the food of Vietnam.

When to go to Halong Bay or Mekong Delta

Although you can travel to Halong Bay all year round, the best time to visit the region is during spring (March-April), and fall (September-October) when the weather is cool.

The Mekong Delta reveals its best during the dry months – December to May when the sky is crystal clear, the land is lush and the water is calm. But if you are a fruit lover, June to September, although hot and humid, could be just as good with the greatest variety of tropical fruits available.

Best time to Visit Vietnam

Halong Bay or Mekong Delta: The choice is yours!

While the picture-perfect bay, towering limestone karsts and secluded islands of Halong attract a lot of tourists, Mekong offers personal, exploratory and cultural experiences with historic relics and temples, rice paddies, and vibrant floating markets and villages on the river.

Cruising in the Halong Bay

Cruising in the Mekong Delta

Sapa in the Tonkinese Alps of northern Vietnam

Lush deltaic landscape in southern Vietnam.

So back to the question – Halong Bay or Mekong Delta? It really depends on your taste. Halong Bay with its ethereal beauty of karst scenery, emerald isles and spectacular seascapes at every turn, is one of the foremost attractions in Vietnam. Additionally, Hanoi, the point of arrival and departure for Halong, offers interesting and unique cultural experiences in Vietnam as does the the hilly region of Sapa nearby.

So, Halong Bay or Mekong Delta – which should you choose? While picture-perfect Halong attracts a lot of tourists, Mekong offers personal, exploratory and cultural experiences with remains of Viet Cong bunkers, ornate Khmer pagodas and Buddhist temple, stilt houses, lush rice fields, vibrant floating markets and villages on the river. Visit the Mekong Delta for a classic Southeast Asian experience, and if you wish to see Cambodia, you could get there via boat from the Delta. Or cruise the emerald waters of the ethereal Halong. Whether it is Halong Bay or Mekong Delta, they will remain etched in your memory for a lifetime.

Whether it’s the Halong Bay or Mekong Delta, our destination experts are happy to help you customize your private tour to suit your specific interests. Get in touch with us today for your tailor-made itinerary!

PLAN YOUR VIETNAM VACATION WITH US

The post Halong Bay or Mekong Delta: Which cruise is perfect for you? appeared first on Enchanting Travels.

[johnsimon]

Location: 76 Carmine Street, New York NY 10014

Cuisine: Japanese Omakase

Cost: $$$$

Overall: A mind-blowing culinary treat that is sure to satisfy your foodie curiosity.

Anime and Manga fans know Toriko as a popular series in which the titular character is on a quest for the ultimate feast. For us, Toriko is a fascinating new eatery in Greenwich Village, featuring Omakase style service with a focus on Yakitori or skewered meats. An Omakase style service leaves your entire meal in the hands of the chef. The meal is usually divided into courses and each course is presented individually, allowing guests to finish one dish before trying the next. At Toriko, you start by selecting one of the levels of Omakase. The lowest level has the least number of dishes and the highest has the most. We chose one of the higher levels to sample as many of their items as possible. The decor is modern and industrial in cool tones. The best seat in the house is in the center main dining room, where diners can witness meal preparation and even briefly engage with the friendly chefs. The meal begins with an assortment of small bites and continues in that fashion leading up to the final entree and finally a dessert course. The food arrives at a reasonable pace and with each course, the waitstaff and chefs offer suggestions to enhance the flavors presented.

Seasonal Amuse Bouche

The first course is a selection of small bites to entice the palate. The bites consist of a slice of chicken liver mousse, smoked salmon over sushi rice, a morsel of grilled chicken in spicy sauce and snow crab over a shredded turnip. Our favorite of the bites was the chicken liver. The mousse is served with thin crackers for dipping. The texture was rich and creamy with just a hint of sweetness.

Fish Cake Chawanmushi

Chawanmushi is a popular egg custard dish. Toriko serves the custard with a fish cake and fresh salmon roe. The custard is light and surprisingly fluffy. The salmon roe added a pop of fishy oceanic flavor.

Toriko (Skewers)

Toriko is a popular street food all over Japan. Similar to kebabs marinated meat is served on skewers. For our dinner service, we enjoyed several pieces of chicken Toriko. Each skewer featured a different part of the chicken from the basic thigh to the heart, gizzards and even the wing.

Chicken Meatball

The chicken meatball is not any other meatball you’ve seen. It is an oblong shape and coated in a lightly sweet glaze.

Fried Tofu & Okra

In addition to the McNaughton of meat, we were treated to a few non-meat items. The fried tofu is filled with Mozzarella cheese and is a crispy cheesy bite. Despite our usual aversion to tofu, we found this delicious. The texture was crisp yet chewy like a toasted marshmallow but savory.

The okra was served with a generous helping of Katsuobushi or dried fish flakes. Steam causes these flakes to dance and move. If you act quickly you can capture this Instagram-worthy moment, movement slows and eventually ceases once the okra is cooled. The dancing flakes also provide a briny saltiness to the mild okra.

Wagyu Beef

We could have eaten tons of this magnificent beef. The outer layer had a beautiful crisp sear and the inside was juicy and tender.

Chicken with White Rice

Near the end of each meal is the final entree. The options are simple. Chicken and rice or chicken ramen. The chicken and rice are served with some of their delicious chicken bone broth. We treated the broth like a light gravy and poured some over the rice.

Chicken Ramen

The chicken ramen was superb, served traditionally with a soft boiled egg, fresh noodles, and veggies.

Cocktails

Toriko has an extensive global wine list as well as an assortment of specialty cocktails. We enjoyed the Shochu Sour a mixture of Shochu, Sudachi and lemon juice. The rim is dusted with Shichimi adding a peppery smoky flavor. Shochu is a distilled Japanese liquor and Sudachi is a Japanese citrus fruit with an intensely sour flavor.

For guests who would rather curate their feast, Toriko also offers an ala carte menu of items. This option is best for picky eaters or groups with mixed needs. However, to truly enjoy a one of a kind experience we recommend the Omakase style tasting service. For the tasting menus, everyone at the table must participate. Preferences and allergies are discussed with your server before the first course, ensuring that everyone will be satisfied and no one is served dishes they won’t be able to enjoy. Best of all with the tasting menu guests are seated at the chef’s table and can witness their meal being prepared by Chef Manabu Asanama (MIFUNE New York) and Sous Chef Irene Sy. Chef Shinji Odahara is the head chef in charge of overseeing the process. Chef Odahara is a master at traditional Yakitori with over 25 years of culinary experience. As a whole, the evening was an unforgettable success that more than satisfied our daring appetites.

For more information on Toriko NY, visit toriko-ny.com.

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Toriko NY (Review) #food #foodie #foodporn #eeeeeats #japan #ny #nyc Location: 76 Carmine Street, New York NY 10014 Cuisine: Japanese Omakase Cost: $$$$ Overall: A mind-blowing culinary treat that is sure to satisfy your foodie curiosity.

[dianehoffmaster]

The weather here in Georgia is warming up and the pool opens in just a few weeks.  I am looking forward to BBQs, pool parties, and (of course) some fresh watermelon.  Georgia actually grows a lot of watermelon down in the south of the state.  Even though the fruit is local, I still need to know how to choose a ripe watermelon or it won’t be as sweet and juicy as it should be. If you plan on picking up a whole watermelon this summer, make sure you follow these tips before you buy!

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How to Choose a Ripe Watermelon

I am a huge believer of buying locally sourced produce.  I know, however, that it isn’t always possible.  Any produce that is grown close to home will travel less and most likely taste better. If you don’t happen to have a local source of watermelon, I say go ahead and buy it anyhow. It is a deliciously sweet treat with very few calories.  I have a number of watermelon recipes that I enjoy but eating it right off the rind is my favorite way to eat it!  For the ripest watermelon, try these easy tips:

Pick It Up:

Big or small, a ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size. That is because it will be particularly juicy!  This is the same method I use for finding the perfect apples.  A heavy fruit will yield lots of juicy flavor.

Look for the Yellow Spot:

Watermelons grow in the garden for quite some time before they are ripe.  They develop a pale spot where they rest on the ground. When this spot is creamy yellow, it’s ripe.

Knock on it:

With your knuckles, knock on the watermelon. Yes, people may look at your a bit oddly but a lot of people know that this is how you choose a ripe watermelon!  A ripe one will have a deep hollow sound when you knock on it. If the sound is dull and flat, choose a different one.

Make sure it is uniform in shape:

An odd shaped watermelon may have been exposed to a lot of fluctuations in water levels.  Too much water or too little water definitely affects how a watermelon grows!  Choose one with a classic oblong shape for the best flavor.

Watermelon is a great summer fruit when you can find a ripe one.  You can grill it, infuse it into your water, cook with it, and even make some delicious smoothies out of it.  Get creative and buy plenty when it starts coming into season in your area.  Get a watermelon knife to make slicing easier.

Learning how to choose a ripe watermelon can be tricky.  You may need to go through a bit of trial and error.  If you have a farmer’s market in your area, try buying them from there.  Farmers know their produce and can give you a few pointers.  They also don’t usually bring unripe produce to the market to sell!

What are YOUR favorite watermelon recipes? Try some of these!

Watermelon Salad Recipe with Basil and Feta

Easy Watermelon Mojitos with Fresh Mint

The post How to Choose a Ripe Watermelon for a Sweet and Juicy Treat! appeared first on Turning the Clock Back.