Ugh. I feel so horrible. I haven't been posting in LTC for the longest time ever! I had an absolutely horrible week and I'm still bawling my eyes out at everything that has happened. Now enough complaining about my life. I want to talk about... food. 'Cause we all know that food makes EVERYTHING better. Oh, and to make things even better, should we talk about both food AND travelling? Almost everyone wants to travel one day (including me) and for some of us, one of the top reasons for travelling is for the delicious food that we'll get to taste on our little adventures. So which countries out there have the best food ever?

France

France has everything from champagne to cheese to bread and even snails. France has it all. French food is versatile and awesome. They have every taste, every meal, to fill up every stomach. By the way, many of the world's famous chefs have studied at France.

Italy

I believe there's only ONE country in the world that can actually compete with France in terms of food and that's Italy. I personally adore Italian food more than I like French food. Their pizza, gelato, pasta, risotto, tiramisu cakes, wine... Italy has some of the world's favorite foods. No one can pass over Italian food like it's nothing. Just a little taste of Italian food will feel like food heaven.

India

Indian food is one of the more exotic foods on my list. Ever since my parents took me to Indian restuarants as a kid, I've absolutely fallen in love. Indian food is spicy, sweet, tasty... everything. You have not lived until you have tried Italian food. There are a whole variety of Indian food to try out, but one thing defines it all: their delicious spices that literally make your taste buds shudder in delight.

Mexico

Ah, Mexican food. I've got to confess that I haven't had my share of Mexican food until last year. Seriously. I don't know how I survived without the spicy, pure deliciousness of Mexican food. Tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas... Though I've never been to visit Mexico, I've been told that their street food is also to die for.

Turkey

The best part about going to Turkey for food is that EVERYTHING, and I mean everything, tastes good. It doesn't matter if you eat a meal that costs, like, a penny (an exaggeration, but you know what I mean), it'll taste good. Besides, Turkey is surrounded by three seas, which means there's a full variety of fish to taste. Mmm. Oh, and how can I not mention Turkish delight?

Did you notice that I haven't put much Asian food on my list? Well, Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Chinese food is great. They're amazing, in fact. But, as an Asian, well, I've kind of grown tired of Asian food (not Indian, though. I could never get tired of Indian food). But for those of you who want to have a taste of Asian food, you should definitely visit Japan, Korea, Thailand (definitely try ALL the Thai fruits as well. Yum.), and China.


-Barista Mia-

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Since the age of five, I have had this wildest thought revolving around my head. The thought scared me, made me shiver. It is an idea many have dreamed of, yet few have actually pursued.

The thought of traveling, walking across globe, taking on the world.

What are nine reasons to explore the Earth?

1. The universe outside the world you are used to.

European explorers were so lucky. Back then, they never knew where they were heading, or what awaited them on the other side. That gave them a sense of pure curiosity and an overload of excitement.
That is the thing about the term "wanderlust". It's a desire to travel, because travelling brings you to a different dimension, to a realm you never thought existed. Seeing things you never see in your daily life, inhaling a different kind of breeze, feeling an unfamiliar ambiance. It just feels right, perfect.

2. The chance of falling in love.

Michelle Phan, Youtube's greatest make up guru has the hottest boyfriend on the face of the Earth. Do you know where she met him? In Paris.
They say there are so many fishes in the sea. What if your fish is from another ocean? The Atlantic Ocean, perhaps? Travelling gives you the chance to open your book to many kinds of people, the chance to open your heart and fall in the crazy but magical hands of love.

3. The adventure that awaits you.

Adventure. That is the very tempting word that lurks behind every traveller's heart. Going to the jungles of Australia? Clubbing in Las Vegas? It's all about the different adventures you get yourself into.

4. The language for your tongue. The knowledge for your mind

The most multilingual people are travellers. Why? Wait. Do you really need to ask why? Of course it's because of the different countries they've gone to visit. Well, that is something you won't learn in any of your language classes. Because real education is in the field. And the world is your field.

5. The FOOD, duh!

From the most sophisticated French and Italian cuisines to the street foods in Macau, you can't miss anything out. The exotic foods you taste on your travels will be some of your best memories.

6. The freedom you want to experience.

Being out in the world is like being a little fish swimming the depths of the open ocean. You know it is dangerous, but at least, you are free. As the wind paces towards your face, you can raise your hands up and move with the beat of life. You are free.

7. The break you deserve.

It doesn't matter how your boss held you behind for so long, it doesn't matter how long you worked so hard in class. You can finally leave all your work for a moment, forget all your problems and pain as you walk across the globe. Why? Because the skies are your deadlines right now, that's why.

8. The inspiration that you will meet,

Travelling the world means opening your eyes to a whole new set up. It gives you a different perspective. But what's more important is the inspiration your heart will create as soon as you've stepped out of your comfort zone. Inspiration is everywhere, you just have to find it.

9. The memories that will stay forever.

Happy memories. The visions that we never get tired of playing over and over again. Looking back, reminiscing,  gives you this absolutely beautiful feeling because memories are spells bound to stay in your heart forever.
Also, do not forget to take pictures and videos. Lots of 'em. As Nicholas Sparks said in Safe Haven, "You'll take a lot of pictures and only regret the ones that you didn't take."


-Guest Barista Czarina-

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Dreaming can sometimes suck. It can make things seem so distant, and far into the future. But there are some things you don't have to wait too long for- like visiting your most desired locations, depending on where you want to go. With the right mindset, you could be surfing on the coast of Spain or photographing the insanely beautiful architecture in Florence.

The trick is to stay positive and be practical. Firstly, where do you want to go and realistically, would you be able to travel and survive there for a week or two? Commonly, the more popular tourist locations tend to be pretty pricey so maybe it's a good idea to choose somewhere other than a major city (I'm not suggesting somewhere entirely remote, unless you are into places like that), you're also more likely to catch a glimpse of the traditional lifestyle. Sometimes, living more like a local and being on a tighter budget actually allows you to appreciate a place on another level, and brings with it a sense of excitement, as opposed to going all-inclusive and only really seeing the hotel/resort and not much more. There are few things in this world more exciting than exploring the streets of a beautiful, foreign place.

The main costs you will need to take into account are travel- initially getting there and back as well as transport once you are there; accommodation and finally; living costs (food, drink, etc). I think I'd be speaking for most here when I say it would be difficult to spend every night sleeping on a feather stuffed king sized mattress in a five star hotel close to the city centre. Some of you might be a little repelled by the idea, but youth hostels are always an option. They are extremely cheap, and you're likely to cross paths with many interesting fellow travelers. If you don't like the idea, two star hotels aren't a bad way to go either. I mean, they are no five star hotels (obviously) but most are perfectly clean and possess all of the bare essentials. They just lack the fanciness of more pricey accommodation. Anyway, if you're likely to be exploring, it shouldn't matter if your hotel room is a little plain. As for buying food and drinks, simply ensure you don't go overboard spending your stay lingering in extravagant cafés. Many locations have wonderful street food, so use it as an opportunity to expand your palate. Finally, flights. Unfortunately this requires a bit of organisation and responsibility, but it's all worth it. The best thing to do is to plan and book these beforehand, so long as you are sure you want to go and will have saved enough by then. Flights are often more expensive in the summer, and closer to the time so keep this in mind when booking. You might be able to save a little if you don't bring excessive luggage.

Hopefully your dreams of exploring the globe won't be mere dreams forever. Just remember that it's not impossible so long as you are motivated!


-Barista Ria-

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