LA Favorites

Skipping back in time a little and back to the states... I am not going to even try to write a comprehensive post about Los Angeles, California! What I will include here are a few favorite spots, especially those catering to the gluten free & vegan. I have been visiting LA for over ten years... I guess as long as my bestie has been living there. :) She is a great tour guide and takes good care of me.

Season Thai in downtown Burbank was our first dinner and it is an amazing option for Thai (and I think my opinion can hold a little weight - I live in SE Asia!). They can easily adjust menu options for vegan and/or gluten free.

If you are craving sushi, then I recommend Sushi Fuji. They have a great happy hour too!

My Christmas present from L - one of my favorite authors + coloring in one!

Pitfire Pizza has several locations throughout LA and has to-die-for gluten free crust and loads of scrumptious toppings. Sorry, no picture! We ate it up too fast. ;)

L models behind Lephet Thoke - a traditional Burmese salad made of fermented tea leaves.

Only the best for our New Year's Eve celebration!

The 2016-2017 transition happened here for us.

We take new year's resolutions very seriously. 

A must-try snack at The Federal is the sweet potato tater tots. Again that's sweet potato meets tater tot! Incredible! They are lightly drizzeled with maple syrup = pure perfection.

The famous tots

Another "always" stop on my LA tour is the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre. I remember watching UCB when it aired on Comedy Central in my early college days... Always a fun night of laughing.

One of my favorite days was waking up early-ish, heading to a yoga flow class at Electric Soul and then crossing the street to Lemonade, for a huge variety of fresh, healthy lunch options. Not everything here is gluten free and vegan, but MANY options are and the cheerful staff will gladly direct you to the right dishes for your palate or diet. Don't forget to try one of their signature lemonade blends too!

Yoga Happy at Lemonade

I used to come to LA to warm up and escape the Seattle gray, but now my body is accustomed to living in a tropical climate... so what used to feel warm is now cold! Hot or cold weather aside, any time is a good time for ice cream! Salt and Straw offers a few vegan options (and most ice cream is gluten free already). 

Temperatures below 80? Brrrrr!!!

Just hanging out, catching up and playing with the kitties is also a major activity when I visit LA.

Sawyer fell in love with my suitcase.

Desmond contemplates.

We visited Hugo's Restaurant, a healthy take on all the feel-good diner favorites and I tasted rye bread for the first time since giving up gluten.

The LA family at Hugo's!

My "last meal" (for this trip!!!) was at our all-time favorite Sweet Chili (more Thai!) in West Hollywood. I hope to be back to visit these friendly faces, stop in to my favorite spots and find new ones soon!

Just finished eating:
Rice is such a lovely gluten free alternative. I had a few precious pine nuts from a package from Mom, some saffron from Granada and the other ingredients (or simple subs) for this Saffron Rice recipe.

I love that many southern Indian recipes are naturally vegan and gluten free. Gujarati Pudlas are just one example. And the best thing is that they are really simple to make! Chickpea flour is easy to find here and you can use whatever vegetables you like.

Just finished reading:
Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez - Debbie tells her story of volunteering and then working to set up a beauty school in Afghanistan. Fascinating and inspiring true story which gives insight into a complex culture and complicated current situation.

The Bhagavad Gita (Gavin Flood translation) - I've picked up my yoga studies and my first course focuses on philosophy. Re-reading this classic has been my start. This translation is especially friendly and I can't wait to dig into the other books for the course and discuss with my teacher and classmates.

And I can't stop listening to:
Spoon - Hot Thoughts - I'm a long-time fan and the new album this month was like a birthday present. I think it's impossible for these guys to make a bad album. I like this one especially as I start my morning.

Conor Oberst - Salutations is another March release and Conor never disappoints. I can't wait to see him on tour this year. The interesting question is where will this be? ;) Stay tuned...

Hong Kong, Part 2

My school trip continues in this post, Hong Kong, Part 2. If you missed Part 1, then check it out before continuing here. :)

Day 6: This was our "travel" day. Disney is located on the outskirts of Hong Kong, so we rented a bus and visited two spots on the way. First up was a park and monastery. They were so beautiful and tranquil that it was hard to believe we were still in Hong Kong!

I love the contrast of the skyscrapers behind.

Next was 10,000 Buddha's Monastery. A short hike up this hill takes you past 10,000 buddhas, which is incredible enough on its own, but every single one is distinct! We also enjoyed a vegetarian lunch at the monastery's restaurant up top.

Backpack, sunglasses, steps... this reminds me of my Camino days!

The video below gives you a peek of what it's like. This spot is a must-visit when you go to Hong Kong!

Changing completely from the tranquil and introspective moods inspired by the temples, we once again boarded our bus, this time to arrive at our destination: The Disneyland Hotel.

Complete with hedge maze. Of course.

Here's where I slept, mamá!

Detail on my bed :)

After a little rest and a lot of squealing over the rooms (students and chaperones alike), we dolled up and headed to our character dinner. Our meal was interrupted by Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Duffy (a character unique to Hong Kong Disney) and photo-taking opportunities ensued.

Group shot with Duffy

Pluto gives great hugs!

After some playtime outside in the hedge maze, we encouraged the students to settle in and sleep for Disneyland the next day. Who says a chaperone's job is easy?!? ;)

Day 7: Here we go, the first full day at Disneyland! We began with a 3 hour class, led by a teacher from Disney's Youth Education Series. The class was interactive, included going on rides (!) and focused on respecting cultures, which is a key part of Hong Kong's story.

Main Street at Hong Kong Disney!

Wait, am I back in Arizona? No, this is scenery by the runaway train ride.

The Lion King Musical

Mystic Manor - haunted house experience.

After the class we had lunch, went on rides and explored the park, staying until the fireworks show signalled closing. Many of the students stated that it was the "perfect day."

Day 8: Day 2 at the happiest place on earth. Today was our big day to dig in at the park, for the students to complete their photo challenge and to just have fun!

My co-chaperone and roomie for the week shows off her breakfast!

R2D2 and me!

Chewbacca!

Day 9: Though it was our last day, it was still a big one. We had the entire day, as our flight didn't depart until late Saturday evening. We began with breakfast at Disney's Hollywood Hotel, which included more photo opps, this time with Chef Mickey.

Chaperones and Mickey!

Group shot!

We all frolicked in the grass and sun (the temps reminded me of San Diego ~ perfect!) and then walked back to our hotel along the waterfront path.

After a little more last minute packing and a brief rest in the rooms, it was time for our 10-course lunch, complete with charger plates.

And then onto Disney Dim Sum! In this interactive class we learned how to make two different characters. It was fun to see all of the students so engaged and how everyone's creations turned out slightly different. 

Working hard

I made Chicken Little!

What 40 travellers' luggage looks like...

We enjoyed our last day on the Disney properties, but as the light started to slant in that late afternoon way, it was time to board the bus one last time and return to the airport. All went smoothly and I jokingly told my students "hasta mañana" as we bid goodbye at the Yangon International Airport. It was too true... we had school the next day!

Time to head home!

Although we were all a little tired that first week back, the students seemed genuinely delighted with their experience and I count myself as very fortunate to be able to travel as part of my job. 

Til next time!

Just Finished Reading:
Whisky Tango Foxtrot by Kim Barker. I watched the film with family over the holidays and after reading a few articles about the journalist's work in reporting in Afghanistan and Pakistan, I was intrigued to know more. The movie and book are quite different, but I recommend both!

The Elephanta Suite by Paul Theroux. This book is really three short novelas in one cover, though the thread that binds all three stories together is that at some point the characters all stay in the Elephanta Suite, a hotel room in Bombay. A fascinating peak into India and a psychological journey through the characters' experiences there. I'm passing my copy onto a friend who is going to India during spring break, but if any of this sounds interesting to you, then I think you would like this one. 

Week Without Walls 2017: Hong Kong

Many international schools take annual trips which focus on experiential education, service learning and/or introducing the students to new activities that aren't possible within the walls of a classroom. This year, I travelled with 36 tenth graders and 3 other teacher-chaperones to Hong Kong for nine days. This was a conceptual trip, planned by the art and business teachers at my school and we didn't work with a tour company or guide. These two passionate educators spent hundreds of hours organizing the experience that follow...

Day 1: It was not just another normal Friday. As school ended and we packed up to go home teachers and students were going home to rest a little, finish packing our bags and then take flight on a red eye to Hong Kong!

Full moon rising on my pre-plane walk around the neighborhood

We all met at the new terminal of Yangon International Airport and amidst many hugs, smiles and goodbyes from nervous parents, we gathered the students, checked in and made our way to our gate. 

The flight from Yangon to Hong Kong is only about three and a half hours, but this was our first night's sleep. Most of us dozed in and out and then...

Day 2: We arrived in Hong Kong! We collected all but one suitcase (which would be delivered the following day - the student wasn't upset, he was pysched to go shopping!), made our way through customs and sleepily boarded the bus waiting for us. It was probably only a 30 minute drive to our hotel, but I was fast asleep when we pulled up to the Intercontinental. Luckily, this amazing hotel was ready to check us in, even though it was only 7:30 in the morning. 

Checking in to the hotel

After a much-needed rest in the rooms and we wandered nearby for a late breakfast/early lunch. Next up was shopping! The students were thrilled to have some time in the mall. Shopping opportunities remain scarce in Yangon, especially for brand-name clothes and electronics can have a 100% mark-up.

Snack at the mall - this shop resembled an Eddie Bauer/Ikea with a cute restaurant.

We boarded our chartered bus once again and headed to The Peak, where we dug right into the art component of the trip, visiting Madame Tussauds wax museum and the Trick Eye Museum.

Pablo y yo - in Madame Tussauds

Chaperone shot @ the Trick Eye Museum

Chaperone selfie - we are in Hong Kong!!!

Day 3: This day was full of public transport: boat, bus and subway! We enjoyed breakfast in our hotel and then walked to the ferry dock, relying on our Chinese-speaking students to help us with directions, where we took a ferry to the other side of town. Here, we waited for another boat, which brought us across the water, out of the city. It looked like there were lots of hiking trails, but we found a bus to take us up up up where we would visit the Po Lin Monastery.

View from the little "town" back towards the Buddha

Cows relaxing in the monastery below the Big Buddha

Stairs leading up

View from the top - another opportunity to fall in love with Hong Kong!

Obligatory shoe shot for mom - not usually taken with jeans + sneakers!

On the boat ride back many students napped. They would visit the Great European Carnival on the Waterfront Promenade for dinner, rides and games once we returned to the city center. I had arranged to meet a friend, E, another international school teacher who lives in Hong Kong, so I separated from my group at the Carnival entrance. It felt strange to be away from my "Hong Kong family," but it was great to share a gluten free vegan Italian dinner with E and wander around the center. She follows a similar diet to mine and she showed me her favorite snacks, available at 7-11. Score!

Thank you E for showing me around!

Day 4: Once again, we headed out on a chartered bus, all wearing matching splash-painted t-shirts, this time to Ocean Park! Ocean Park is an amusement park-sea world kind of combination. There would be plenty of fun, but we also had a tour booked of the dolphin facility and the students were divided into small groups to work on their "polaroid challenge" - a photography assignment which would span the entire trip and take advantage of some of the amazing locations we were in.

The best view I've seen from a roller coaster :D

Lunch inside the aquarium

Behind the Scenes Dolphin Experience

Day 5: On Valentine's Day our big group broke into two groups: the advanced art students and two teachers went on their own artsy itinerary, while the business teacher, many students and I ventured back towards the airport, this time to visit Cathay City. We started with an extensive lunch in the corporate cafeteria (the nicest cafeteria I have ever seen; I would eat there everyday!). We had a special tour of the flight training center, learned all about the training process for pilots and crew and even met the CEO!

We all dressed in uniform - one of Cathay's requirements for all tours. Flight attendant and our guide in red on the side!

Inside the office building! Practice space for flight attendants in training. 

We met back up with our full group at the hotel where we had a little rest and some time to get dressed up. We celebrated Valentine's Day and our last night in the center of Hong Kong with a dinner boat cruise.

Hong Kong, will you be my Valentine? ;)

To be continued...

What I'm Listening to:

Glass Animals - How to be a Human Being - My ears haven't had this much fun in a long time!

Just finished eating:
Gluten free and vegan and only eight ingredients? These peanut butter chocolate chip muffins may become my new favorite breakfast! (Or dinner...or snack...)