First things first, let’s talk dessert. A couple weekends ago I had a craving for a good pound cake, something with a bit of a citrus flavor. I had purchased a whole bag of tangerines at the farmer’s market planning to juice them. However, I haven’t been in the mood for cold juice.
As many of you know, our two years (actually a little over that) in Brazil will soon be coming to an end in October. Since we made the decision to move here, we’ve had on our minds the idea of a long trip to close out the end of this adventure.
South America was the logical choice, but unfortunately the cost of traveling here is expensive. Not so much once you get to a place, but the act of getting there, as in the flight costs. We had big plans to see a lot of Brazil and South America while here.
Boy, were we wrong. Going to other countries from the small town we live in costs about the same as going there from the U.S. There are still a couple places we want to visit and we hope we stumble upon some fare sales, but as far as an around SA trip, well, it became much less appealing. Considering we want to see pretty much every country in this world, however, we were not left without options.
Europe came to mind because we still have so much to see there, but we have been there the past few years. I was actually planning to go back to Ireland with my husband while he worked this year and then both of us go on to Italy this year, but once again, plans changed.
Hmmm…so where else could we go? Maybe an area overflowing with foods made of coconut milk, curries, noodles and seafood where street food and food courts are the place to be. Places with lots of culture, beautiful beaches and some unbelievably inexpensive travel prices.
Yeah, that sounds good.
Ready? We’re going to Southeast Asia and I can hardly stand the excitement!
The month of October, before we settle back into the US and all the reverse culture shock that is sure to go with it, we will be traveling to – Hong Kong, Bangkok-Thailand, Chiang Mai-Thailand, Krabi-Thailand, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur-Malaysia and Bali-Indonesia.
Oh and don’t worry, you are going with me. The blog will, of course, turn into more of a food travel blog for that month, but I plan to share my food adventures with you as much as possible. In fact, I’ll be spending my 31st birthday at a Thai cooking class complete with a trip to the market!
To top off this already fantastic news our flight just happens to come back into San Francisco a few days before the big Foodbuzz event which I am anxiously awaiting details for. I’m planning to stay on a bit longer and attend. If you are going, let me know!
Have you been to the places we’re planning to go? I’ll gladly take any advice you want to share.
This tangerine cake looks wonderful and promises to have such a bright flavor but I am most excited about your SE Asia trip! It’s wonderful that you had an opportunity to live in a different country and culture, and now you get to see even more places. Wish I could tag along! 😎
I’m excited about the Foodbuzz festival, too! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll somehow manage it . . . !
WOW! That will be such a fun trip. I can’t wait to see your pictures (especially of all the unique foods!!!)
The cake looks wonderful- love a nice slice of a pound cake every great once in a while with a cup of coffee. mmm
The Tangerine cake looks great! I love pound cake.
You’ll have so much fun in Asia! I loved Taiwan and Hong Kong. I really want to travel more in Asia – Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, etc. I can’t wait to hear about your trip.
First this tangerine cake looks delicious, and about where to go… have you thought about Australia, I’m a big fan. And they have wonderful asian food too.
Wow, what an exciting trip! We are going to India in August ourselves & also preparing for a big culture shock
Okay, that cake makes my mouth water! And let me ask this, where do they sell extracts? I havent been able to find any! Did you use the rum extract?
HOW EXCITING!! I have ALWAYS wanted to go to Thailand! I have a friend that vacations there every other year and her pictures are amazing! I hope you have an AMAZING time and Im so excited to be able to live vicariously!
Wow, awesome travel plans! That’s great!
How exciting! A trip to Southeast Asia sounds awesome and I can’t wait to follow along with you. I haven’t been to Asia at all yet.
Oh how exciting!!! SE Asia is an awesome place!
Tangled Noodle – Yes, I am truly blessed with all the opportunities that have come my way lately. I really hope you make it out to Foobuzz!
Erica – Yeah, we are excited. I’m actually a bit sad that the cake is now gone. 🙂
Alison – Vietnam was actually number one on my list, but we had to save it until next time with the Visa situation. My husband has a lot of travel coming up and can’t be without his passport. I’m glad to hear Hong Kong is fun!
Anna – Australia was on the list when we were thinking of an around the world trip, but we decided to narrow it down. We’ll make it there eventually as we have some friends who live there.
kat – Oh, wow, I can’t wait to hear all about your trip!
Stephanie – The extracts will be near the packaged coconut and the sprinkles, sweetened condensed milks, often near cake mixes and puddings. From what I can tell, the vanilla is the real deal, not an extract. I used actual rum for the cake.
Happy Runner – Thanks! We’re really excited!
5 Star – It will be my first time to the area. My husband has been to China for work, but not this area. I’m already convinced I will love it. 🙂
Sweta – I’m always hearing awesome things about it.
Lori,
That is very exciting. I would love to travel, but it will have to wait until my babies get older.
Your Tangerine Cake looks wonderful as always.
I hope you get to enjoy the Bodum Press soon…..When will you be able to use it?
Yummy! I want some of that cake 😀
Your travel plans are so exciting. I was just in Cambodia in May and it was fantastic- haven’t been to any of those other places (yet ;)), though.
How exciting! Good for you!! Can’t wait to hear about the travels!
Love hearing about your travels! Can’t wait to live vicariously through you (and your stomach) as you travel through Asia!
Such awesome news! How fun! I can’t wait to live vicariously through you!
This pound cake sounds fantastic with tangerine flavor!
I haven’t been to Southeast Asia, but it’s high on my list of places to go. I had actually started to psuedo plan a trip there, but then was in a car accident, so it went on hold. Have an awesome time!
I saw that the Foobuzz event was in San Fran, and I have wondered if I could swing it. I have enough points for the flight, so it’s more a matter of time.
Miranda – It will actually be Nov. 🙁 I did get the box though. We have things sent to my parents house so we can get them when we visit every 4-6 months & my mom let me know it arrived!
Sagan – I saw some of your posts about Cambodia. We considered that for a while, but then ended up not choosing it. I’d still love to go there sometime though.
Emily – I can’t wait to share it!
cathy – That is good to hear. I love sharing about it and I would hate for everyone to wish I would shut up about it. Ha, ha! 🙂
Reeni – Thanks! We are excited to have the trip and to have time to spend together. It has been an incredibly busy two years for my husband with work here.
Marianne- Sorry to hear about that and you having to cancel your travel plans. Hopefully the opportunity will arise again for you soon. Let me know if you make it to the Foodbuzz event. I’d love to meet you!
What a gorgeous cake–I love the flavor of tangerines. You are going to have such a good time on your trip. I traveled quite a bit in SE Asia for work several years ago and the sights and food are incredible!
I haven’t been to those places so I’ll be looking forward to your updates. Can’t complain though, because there are still so many places to discover in Italy and I’ve been here for 6 years already!