The Evolution of a Cendol Snob

Over the past few years, R. has developed a taste for cendol, the great Malaysian shaved-ice drink. But really, how much can one learn, weaned on a diet of Sanur (NYC) and Penang (Philly) cendol? Time for her first trip to Malaysia.


We may have started off with the good stuff too soon. Baba-Nyonya cendol on Melaka's Jonker Street. After this, R. was even thumbing her nose at a good mamak cendol just a few minutes later. I'd created a monster.


Up to Penang, R. was not looking impressed. "I don't think these guys even have pulot, are you kidding me?"

Down to Singapore, armed with the Makansutra guide, R. would barely give Singapore cendol the time of day. "Even Penang Road cendol is better than this stuff." Oh dear.


I was definitely troubled. I found myself married to a full-on cendol fiend. When my uncle pulled off the side of the road somewhere near Seremban, heavily travelled by lumber-lorries, I definitely had my concerns.


R. tasted. "Pulot also got. Gula ok, not gula melaka, but ok." Well, at least she was assuaged, if not satisfied. <img alt="" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005178.jpg" width="400"><br />Over the past few years, R. has developed a taste for <i>cendol</i>, the great Malaysian shaved-ice drink. But really, how much can one learn, weaned on a diet of Sanur (NYC) and Penang (Philly) <i>cendol</i>? Time for her first trip to Malaysia<span class="fullpost">.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005II100.jpg" width="400"><br />We may have started off with the good stuff too soon. <i>Baba-Nyonya cendol</i> on Melaka's Jonker Street. After this, R. was even thumbing her nose at a good <i>mamak cendol</i> just a few minutes later. I'd created a monster.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005II190.jpg" width="400"><br />Up to Penang, R. was not looking impressed. "<i>I don't think these guys even have pulot, are you kidding me</i>?"<br /><br />Down to Singapore, armed with the <a href="http://www.makansutra.com/index.php" target="_blank">Makansutra</a> guide, R. would barely give <i>Singapore cendol</i> the time of day. "<i>Even Penang Road cendol is better than this stuff</i>." Oh dear.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005177.jpg" width="400"><br />I was definitely troubled. I found myself married to a full-on <i>cendol</i> fiend. When my uncle pulled off the side of the road somewhere near Seremban, heavily travelled by lumber-lorries, I definitely had my concerns. <br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005180.jpg" width="400"><br />R. tasted. "<i>Pulot also got.</i> <i>Gula ok, not gula melaka, but ok</i>." Well, at least she was assuaged, if not satisfied.</span>

Penang, Thailand, and Singapore

And so to Market Street in Penang, home to Karaikudi Restaurant and delicious biriyani!


After lunch, we went to book flights to Singapore, and having accomplished that, it was time for dessert. My cousin led us to Ali Babur's Kacang stall. Apparently it had been some time since he'd been, as his first, loud, exclamation was, "WAAAHHHH....SO fancy!!! R. nearly lost it...what exactly was so fancy about this place? Apparently, they now have a roof and two stools - buckets, actually - to sit on. Going upscale indeed! The kacang was delicious!


A new Buddha statue on Penang.


After skipping out on Uncle Chili Bob, we decided to take a day trip across the Thai border to Betong, a not particularly inspiring town, but full of massage parlours and tasty restaurants.


So tasty, in fact, that as our food came out, the waitresses made off with my little cousin. Ok, not really, but they were very taken with her.


On to Singapore, but having landed up at the airport 45 minutes before our flight departed, my cousin that this would be a perfect time to go find some kuih - Malaysian cakes. Only took us 40 minutes to find. That left 5 minutes to spare though! R. was not pleased, but she was ok once she started chowing on some pulut inti.


Wrapping up our trip, a couple of days in Singapore. Good food, plenty of foot reflexology, and lots of pre-Christmas shopping along Orchard Road. All in all, an excellent effort by R. <img alt="" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005148.jpg" width="400"><br />And so to Market Street in Penang, home to <a href="http://www.karaikudi.com.my/" target="_blank">Karaikudi Restaurant</a> and delicious biriyani<span class="fullpost">!<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005II183.jpg" width="400"><br />After lunch, we went to book flights to Singapore, and having accomplished that, it was time for dessert. My cousin led us to Ali Babur's Kacang stall. Apparently it had been some time since he'd been, as his first, loud, exclamation was, "<i>WAAAHHHH....SO fancy!!!</i> R. nearly lost it...<i>what</i> exactly was so fancy about this place? Apparently, they now have a roof and two stools - buckets, actually - to sit on. Going upscale indeed! The kacang was delicious!<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005147.jpg" width="400"><br />A new Buddha statue on Penang.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005II002.jpg" width="400"><br />After skipping out on Uncle Chili Bob, we decided to take a day trip across the Thai border to Betong, a not particularly inspiring town, but full of massage parlours and tasty restaurants.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005126.jpg" width="400"><br />So tasty, in fact, that as our food came out, the waitresses made off with my little cousin. Ok, not really, but they were very taken with her.<br /><br /><img alt="kuih" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_9T848u4wxrU/SeUBJ972UcI/AAAAAAAAAEo/m_pLC5cafdo/s400/nonya-kueh.jpg" width="400"><br />On to Singapore, but having landed up at the airport 45 minutes before our flight departed, my cousin that this would be a perfect time to go find some <i>kuih</i> - Malaysian cakes. Only took us 40 minutes to find. That left 5 minutes to spare though! R. was not pleased, but she was ok once she started chowing on some <i>pulut inti</i>. <br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005165.jpg" width="400"><br />Wrapping up our trip, a couple of days in Singapore. Good food, plenty of foot reflexology, and lots of pre-Christmas shopping along Orchard Road. All in all, an excellent effort by R.</span>

To Malaysia

Our first trip to Malaysia together, I hadn't been in about 3 years, and this would be R.'s first trip to S.E. Asia.


Not quite durian season.


Down to Melaka, where literally nothing was happening, except for the eating of cendol. That's me in seat K-12.


To Klang for a smash-up Chinese meal with the family.


"We're not yet open!"


You are now!


Up to the Cameron Highlands, for a visit to the Boh tea estates.


Some R&R time at the Bukit Merah Lake Town Resort, which is also home to an animal sanctuary on an island in the middle of the lake.


No prizes for guessing who lives on Orang Utan Island. The infant care unit was a highlight. <img alt="Boh Tea" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005II076.jpg" width="400"><br />Our first trip to Malaysia together, I hadn't been in about 3 years, and this would be R.'s first trip to S.E. Asia<span class="fullpost">.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005007.jpg" width="400"><br />Not quite durian season.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005II091.jpg" width="400"><br />Down to Melaka, where literally nothing was happening, except for the eating of <i>cendol</i>. That's me in seat K-12.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005II054.jpg" width="400"><br />To Klang for a smash-up Chinese meal with the family.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005033.jpg" width="400"><br />"<i>We're not yet open</i>!"<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005034.jpg" width="400"><br /><i>You are now!</i><br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005II060.jpg" width="400"><br />Up to the Cameron Highlands, for a visit to the <a href="http://www.boh.com.my/" target="_blank">Boh</a> tea estates.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005085.jpg" width="400"><br />Some R&R time at the <a href="http://www.bukitmerahresort-taiping.com/" target="_blank">Bukit Merah Lake Town Resort</a>, which is also home to an animal sanctuary on an island in the middle of the lake.<br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Malaysia2005053.jpg" width="400"><br />No prizes for guessing who lives on Orang Utan Island. The infant care unit was a highlight.</span>

MSNYC Bike Tour 2005

My powers of persuasion must have been at their apex, as I convinced not only R. to join me, but T. to give the Multiple Sclerosis Society of New York's annual cycling event another go this past weekend.


Up East River Drive.


Through the Lincoln Tunnel.


And over the George Washington Bridge. The promise of free post-tour massages must have helped - much less complaining this time around! <img alt="duo" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/IMGP0139-1.jpg" width="400"><br />My powers of persuasion must have been at their apex, as I convinced not only R. to join me, but T. to give the Multiple Sclerosis Society of New York's annual cycling event <a href="http://jumanaidjimidjango.blogspot.com/2004/10/msnyc-bike-tour-2004.html">another go</a> this past weekend<span class="fullpost">.<br /><br /><img alt="ERD" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/IMGP0137-1.jpg" width="400"><br />Up East River Drive.<br /><br /><img alt="Lincoln Tunnel" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/IMGP0145-1.jpg" width="400"><br />Through the Lincoln Tunnel.<br /><br /><img alt="GWB" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/IMGP0151-1.jpg" width="400"><br />And over the George Washington Bridge. The promise of free post-tour massages must have helped - much less complaining this time around!</span>

Peru, Part III

Back to Lima to wrap things up.


Dinner show at Manos Morenas in Barranco, home to the fusion style music called Criolla. And great food too. Seriously a highlight of our trip, and well worth a visit. This guy was also a talent on the cajon, enough so that we were inspired to go out and buy one for ourselves to bring home.


Paragliding in Miraflores. It became clear the second time my guy failed to complete a landing that he hadn't done this much before. My 15 minute ride turned into almost 40 minutes. The folks at the Larcomar shopping centre were probably wondering why we kept hovering past.


Biggest piña colada ever. Unfortunately, it was at Pizza Hut. My concession to R. and G. after a week of culinary struggles.


Still, a great, great trip! Our last meal, some good ceviche, more steak, Peruvian wine, and pisco. That's a sendoff! <img alt="paragliding" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru607.jpg" width="400"><br />Back to Lima to wrap things up<span class="fullpost">.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="b-hbp-video b-uploaded" frameborder="0" height="266" id="BLOGGER-video-da4e0be64c9eb0f1-7640" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dw0EovWh68RzVJwPO5fg0fzSwcU_nxomvxPUxc1WUs7vA0szSYLMDfNHJQaYr0WAXQdkdM4NfVANK_lmCJHEjx7IY3A24Y9AKcisNlTPVkW01JY0qpm2XlW1GgjdNg0PMkaGtE" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe><br />Dinner show at <a href="http://www.manosmorenasperu.com/" target="_blank">Manos Morenas</a> in Barranco, home to the fusion style music called Criolla. And great food too. Seriously a highlight of our trip, and well worth a visit. This guy was also a talent on the <i>cajon</i>, enough so that we were inspired to go out and buy one for ourselves to bring home.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="b-hbp-video b-uploaded" frameborder="0" height="266" id="BLOGGER-video-fa2c30b774b5410e-11441" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzwbShQItMForYQg__mdgEpSDYoRHH6PJZ0Q79uhfksce8AQky5Jje-qjqXqkukFkWyc3zWHncvjk5-4Co-S_YwLYPjqZP1tURdb1cgcQb2dSf3ERlQYKZ8dp8mnbkthuv-spOv" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe><br />Paragliding in Miraflores. It became clear the second time my guy failed to complete a landing that he hadn't done this much before. My 15 minute ride turned into almost 40 minutes. The folks at the Larcomar shopping centre were probably wondering why we kept hovering past.<br /><br /><img alt="pizza hut pina colada" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru665.jpg" width="400"><br />Biggest piña colada ever. Unfortunately, it was at Pizza Hut. My concession to R. and G. after a week of culinary struggles. <br /><br /><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324343603860274130" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_9T848u4wxrU/SePeTFI2-9I/AAAAAAAAAEg/8SHDQh_vNAE/s400/Peru+687.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;"><br />Still, a great, great trip! Our last meal, some good ceviche, more steak, Peruvian wine, and pisco. That's a sendoff!</span>

Peru, Part II

From Lima, we flew to Cusco. At a height of more than 10,000 feet, we felt the effects immediately. None of us succumbed to altitude sickness, but the shortness of breath was pronounced. Not enough that we needed the oxygen cylinders (available at our hotel), but enough that we had to take it easy for a bit. Hilly place, this Cusco.


After catching our breath, we went for some lunch - pizza, and some Peruvian wine. Not great, but not awful.


A view of Cusco.


Tempting fate. Huge peals of thunder followed immediately.


A downside of semi-guided tours? Dinner performances. Ok, ok, the costumes were interesting, the songs were interesting, but the food was definitely only so so. R. is not pleased with my sampling of the llama and the cuy - guinea pig. But the troupe of Japanese visitors was entertaining.


Travelling between Ollantaytambo and Chinchero, we stopped in the market town of Písac and saw this curious sign in the market. Didn't try, not sure I want to.


And onto Macchu Picchu.


The swollen waters of Aguas Calientes.


Class IV and V rapids on the Urubamba River, south of Cusco.


A fine dinner at Hotel Monasterio back in Cusco.


Wine cellar at 10,000 feet. Does it age differently at altitude? Slower oxidation rates?
<img alt="Andes" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru330.jpg" width="400"><br />From Lima, we flew to Cusco. At a height of more than 10,000 feet, we felt the effects immediately. None of us succumbed to altitude sickness, but the shortness of breath was pronounced. Not enough that we needed the oxygen cylinders (available at our hotel), but enough that we had to take it easy for a bit. Hilly place, this Cusco<span class="fullpost">.<br /><br /><img alt="wine" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru199.jpg" width="400"><br />After catching our breath, we went for some lunch - pizza, and some Peruvian wine. Not great, but not awful.<br /><br /><img alt="Cusco" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru309.jpg" width="400"><br />A view of Cusco.<br /><br /><img alt="fate" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru312.jpg" width="400"><br />Tempting fate. Huge peals of thunder followed immediately.<br /><br /><img alt="cuy" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru337.jpg" width="400"><br />A downside of semi-guided tours? Dinner performances. Ok, ok, the costumes were interesting, the songs were interesting, but the food was definitely only so so. R. is not pleased with my sampling of the llama and the <i>cuy</i> - guinea pig. But the troupe of Japanese visitors was entertaining.<br /><br /><img alt="Hot Wine" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru363.jpg" width="400"><br />Travelling between Ollantaytambo and Chinchero, we stopped in the market town of Písac and saw this curious sign in the market. Didn't try, not sure I want to.<br /><br /><img alt="macchu picchu" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru534.jpg" width="400"><br />And onto Macchu Picchu.<br /><br /><img alt="Aguas Calientes" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru555.jpg" width="400"><br />The swollen waters of Aguas Calientes.<br /><br /><img alt="rafting" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru568.jpg" width="400"><br />Class IV and V rapids on the Urubamba River, south of Cusco.<br /><br /><img alt="Monasterio" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru582.jpg" width="400"><br />A fine dinner at <a href="http://www.monasterio.orient-express.com/web/ocus/ocus_a2a_home.jsp" target="_blank">Hotel Monasterio</a> back in Cusco.<br /><br /><img alt="wine cellar" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru585.jpg" width="400"><br />Wine cellar at 10,000 feet. Does it age differently at altitude? Slower oxidation rates?<br /></span>

Peru, Part I

This is a trip long time coming. While at Oxford, my friend M. invited me to come London for a Peruvian concert he had free tickets to - M. had a way of getting free tickets for things. Anyways, the performer was Susana Baca, who I was already a fan of. Fast forward a few years to another Afro-Peruvian jazz concert in Philadelphia a few weeks ago, and the stage was set for a trip to Peru, with my sister G. joining us.


We got to Lima in one piece, installed ourselves into the hotel in Miraflores, and launched on a tour of the city, starting with the Plaza de Armas.


The barriadas of Cerro San Cristóbal in Rímac. Half of Lima's 10M live in similar communities.


Having some pre-dinner Pisco Sours at La Carreta, a popular steakhouse in San Isidro.


Taking a bus south to Ica. Ica is the gateway to the desert of the famous Nazca lines, and is also a major centre for the production of pisco. Unfortunately, it looked like we reached the end of the world before getting there.


Yes, end of the world indeed. Billboards for the bubble-gum flavoured Inca Kola.


The control tower at the Ica airport. If Gilligan's Island had an airport, this would fit right in.


Over the Nazca desert. This is a dry riverbed, but the lines themselves were incredible.


Sandboarding on the dunes of Huacachina. Fun.


But not as much fun as the dune buggies!


Miraflores. Down on the pier is a popular seafood restaurant. Unfortunately R. and G. are amongst the least adventurous eaters in the world, so we didn't go there. I'm not bitter. That said, the alternative was just as curious - chifa, the Peruano version of Chinese food. The food was really just ok, but it turns out there was a wedding reception on at the restaurant, and we were the only diners who weren't guests.


At the end of their dinner, a microphone came out, with speeches and such. Things took a turn though, when we heard the words "famous American singer" - turns out Gloria Loring was somebody's auntie and came to Lima for the occasion - and gave us all a performance of her hit single, "Friends and Lovers." Clearly, time to get out of Lima. <img alt="Chino Wong" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru059.jpg" width="400"><br />This is a trip long time coming. While at Oxford, my friend M. invited me to come London for a Peruvian concert he had free tickets to - M. had a way of getting free tickets for things. Anyways, the performer was <a href="http://www.luakabop.com/susana_baca/" target="_blank">Susana Baca</a>, who I was already a fan of. Fast forward a few years to another Afro-Peruvian jazz concert in Philadelphia a few weeks ago, and the stage was set for a trip to Peru, with my sister G. joining us<span class="fullpost">.<br /><br /><img alt="Plaza de Armas" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru022.jpg" width="400"><br />We got to Lima in one piece, installed ourselves into the hotel in Miraflores, and launched on a tour of the city, starting with the Plaza de Armas.<br /><br /><img alt="Barriadas" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru-G029.jpg" width="400"><br />The barriadas of Cerro San Cristóbal in Rímac. Half of Lima's 10M live in similar communities.<br /><br /><img alt="La Carreta" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru-G048.jpg" width="400"><br />Having some pre-dinner Pisco Sours at <a href="http://www.restaurantelacarreta.com/spanish/" target="_blank">La Carreta</a>, a popular steakhouse in San Isidro.<br /><br /><img alt="Bus to Ica" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru083.jpg" width="400"><br />Taking a bus south to Ica. Ica is the gateway to the desert of the famous Nazca lines, and is also a major centre for the production of pisco. Unfortunately, it looked like we reached the end of the world before getting there.<br /><br /><img alt="Inca Kola" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru085.jpg" width="400"><br />Yes, end of the world indeed. Billboards for the bubble-gum flavoured <a href="http://www.incakola.com.pe/" target="_blank">Inca Kola</a>.<br /><br /><img alt="Ground Control to Major Inca Kola" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru090.jpg" width="400"><br />The control tower at the Ica airport. If Gilligan's Island had an airport, this would fit right in.<br /><br /><img alt="Nazca" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru103.jpg" width="400"><br />Over the Nazca desert. This is a dry riverbed, but the lines themselves were incredible.<br /><br /><img alt="Sandboarding" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru177.jpg" width="400"><br />Sandboarding on the dunes of Huacachina. Fun.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="b-hbp-video b-uploaded" frameborder="0" height="266" id="BLOGGER-video-57a4924ecba357e5-755" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzPOVAOvwm1OiMVjX73wK5c0kFgrUYGRSAM5meNfwAKTJRYrGZT8vT_Os1eLPpW_RJ68_nhvfRaOtFztqbX1C_E5kzllajZDJH7skO9xcyBRxRbsPM0gEsYyeKe6rOsUNMnRA" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe><br />But not as much fun as the dune buggies!<br /><br /><img alt="Miraflores" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/Peru075.jpg" width="400"><br />Miraflores. Down on the pier is a popular seafood restaurant. Unfortunately R. and G. are amongst the least adventurous eaters in the world, so we didn't go there. I'm not bitter. That said, the alternative was just as curious - <i>chifa</i>, the Peruano version of Chinese food. The food was really just ok, but it turns out there was a wedding reception on at the restaurant, and we were the only diners who weren't guests. <br /><br /><object width="400"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/80JVyPHS9rE&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/80JVyPHS9rE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />At the end of their dinner, a microphone came out, with speeches and such. Things took a turn though, when we heard the words "famous American singer" - turns out <a href="http://www.glorialoring.com/" target="_blank">Gloria Loring</a> was somebody's auntie and came to Lima for the occasion - and gave us all a performance of her hit single, "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtfipeRNOrg" target="_blank">Friends and Lovers</a>." Clearly, time to get out of Lima.</span>

Having a Ball in Austria

Returned to Vienna last week for a quasi-grad-school reunion, something R. tries to organise annually - a week's festivities, including lots of wine, an evening at a Viennese Ball, and skiing. Magic! And, time for a quick stop at Julius Meinl for some Kracher.


And then to meet the team at a heuriger in Vienna. Great to see old man G. again, plus S. and L., and our man from Philly.


R.'s 2nd 18th Birthday. A recurrent theme for the week, minus the accordionist.


Sister and Brother, next day, pre-pre-ball festivities, at a heuriger in the 19th district.


Early casualty.


Pre-Ball Drinks at the just-opened Style Hotel, around the corner from the Hofburg.


Ready to make our entrance to the Wiener Arzte Ball at the Hofburg.


The Debutantes


G. meets the ladies from the Canadian Ice Capades. S. and R. are highly, highly entertained.


With S. and L.


The next day. On to Linz and Schloss M.


Frau M. makes incredible, incredible strudel. Outside of my own mum, maybe my favorite cook?


Sweets for the sweet.


And then, onto beautiful Bad Gastein, via Salzburg.


Where no couples are allowed?


Legendary pizzeria. It was snowing so heavily that we actually lost the group walking just in front of us. We then spied a sign for a Singaporean restaurant and very well nearly lost our minds. Couldn't find it, and ducked into the first place that looked open. Score, times two. Pizza and Men's Night specials.


Men's Night special: Fernet branca. Lose 1 point.


Catching up with the team. Snow battle casualty.


Whiteout skiing conditions.


Lovely Greek food. No retsina. Opa!


Recap of the week's festivities


And finally, R.'s 27th 18th Birthday, with Edelbrand. A tremendous week of wine, women and song! <img alt="“" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/vienna2005027.jpg"><br />Returned to Vienna last week for a quasi-grad-school reunion, something R. tries to organise annually - a week's festivities, including lots of wine, an evening at a Viennese Ball, and skiing. Magic! And, time for a quick stop at <a href="http://www.meinlamgraben.at/" target="_blank">Julius Meinl</a> for some Kracher<span class="fullpost">.<br /><br /><img alt="group" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/group.jpg" width="400"><br />And then to meet the team at a heuriger in Vienna. Great to see old man G. again, plus S. and L., and our man from Philly.<br /><br /><img alt="birthday" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/939500582203_0_BG.jpg" width="400"><br />R.'s 2nd 18th Birthday. A recurrent theme for the week, minus the accordionist.<br /><br /><img alt="“" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/vienna2005035.jpg"><br />Sister and Brother, next day, pre-pre-ball festivities, at a heuriger in the 19th district.<br /><br /><img alt="broken" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/broken.jpg" width="400"><br />Early casualty.<br /><br /><img alt="“" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/vienna2005070.jpg"><br />Pre-Ball Drinks at the just-opened Style Hotel, around the corner from the Hofburg.<br /><br /><img alt="“" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/vienna2005078.jpg"><br />Ready to make our entrance to the Wiener Arzte Ball at the Hofburg.<br /><br /><img alt="“" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/vienna2005080.jpg"><br />The Debutantes<br /><br /><img alt="“" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/vienna2005099.jpg"><br />G. meets the ladies from the Canadian Ice Capades. S. and R. are highly, highly entertained.<br /><br /><img alt="“" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/vienna2005146.jpg"><br />With S. and L.<br /><br /><img alt="drinks" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/trincken.jpg" width="400"><br />The next day. On to Linz and Schloss M.<br /><br /><img alt="strude" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/strudel.jpg" width="400"><br />Frau M. makes incredible, incredible strudel. Outside of my own mum, maybe my favorite cook?<br /><br /><img alt="alvear" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/alvear.jpg" width="400"><br />Sweets for the sweet.<br /><br /><img alt="“" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/vienna2005197.jpg"><br />And then, onto beautiful Bad Gastein, via Salzburg.<br /><br /><img alt="“" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/vienna2005239.jpg"><br />Where no couples are allowed?<br /><br /><img alt="“" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/vienna2005225.jpg"><br />Legendary pizzeria. It was snowing so heavily that we actually lost the group walking just in front of us. We then spied a sign for a Singaporean restaurant and very well nearly lost our minds. Couldn't find it, and ducked into the first place that looked open. Score, times two. Pizza and Men's Night specials.<br /><br /><img alt="“" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/vienna2005230.jpg"><br />Men's Night special: Fernet branca. Lose 1 point.<br /><br /><img alt="“" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/vienna2005249.jpg"><br />Catching up with the team. Snow battle casualty.<br /><br /><img alt="“" border="“0”" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/vienna2005269.jpg"><br />Whiteout skiing conditions.<br /><br /><img alt="greek" border="0" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/retsina.jpg" width="400"><br />Lovely Greek food. No retsina. Opa!<br /><br /><img alt="“" border="“0”" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/vienna2005283.jpg"><br />Recap of the week's festivities<br /><br /><img alt="“" border="“0”" src="http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w250/orie0704/vienna2005275.jpg"><br />And finally, R.'s 27th 18th Birthday, with Edelbrand. A tremendous week of wine, women and song!</span>