Yeah, I'm used to the spices down here. Sorry. >_>
We like to put Tony Chachere's on everything in particular.
The Travelling Thread/ The Home Town Thread
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Cafe Du Monde for beignets and coffee in the morning
That's actually one of the only things on our list so far. Good to know it's the right choice.
@Jazzy:
Oh yeah, things have definitely changed a lot since then. Katrina completely changed the landscape of certain areas and tons of businesses have shut down and opened up in their place. But dang, Tulane? Your parents are really impressive, that school is arguably the best one in Louisiana. Are they in the medical field by any chance?
Ha, my parents never went on to do anything important but I think while they were there my father studied engineering and my mother studied fine arts.
Wow, do I want to try fried alligator? I have been conditioned to enjoy a lot of cajun food like jambalaya and red beans and rice and to use generous amounts of Tobasco sauce, but whole pigs and squirrel pie? hrmm.
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Fried alligator tastes a lot like fried shrimp though I personally think it's a bit blander. And if the cook is shitty then it could come out rubbery. It's good but crawfish and shrimp are better. You get the bragging rights of eating alligators, though. Frog legs taste EXACTLY like chicken. I was honestly surprised when I tried it myself. I didn't think birds and amphibians would taste the same. =P
Forgot about the red beans and rice! Yeah, that stuff is good too. As well as our roast beef/roast beef po-boys and rice & gravy (not the gravy you might be thinking of). Though I believe the latter is more of a Southern thing rather than a Louisiana thing. Also, if you try any ice creams or anything like that, pecans are a really common topping down here. Pecan pie is worth a try.
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@Jazzy:
You could spend ages in Louisiana just sampling all of the stuff you could try here; jambalaya, gumbo, po-boys, fried alligator, barbequed whole pigs, beignets, king cake, etc. etc. We have a lot of stuff down here. =P
I know what I'm having tomorrow or some time this week, and it better be spicy! :happy:
There are some decent places for Cajun food in Houston and smaller towns along the shore near the border (Orange), but I can't imagine how much better it is at the source. I haven't found any good beignets where I'm at now though.
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@Jazzy:
We also have weird shit you can eat if you're into that such as frog legs, crickets (by the bag), chitlin, dried squid, squirrel pie, etc. =P
Huh. Never knew frog legs were considered weird.
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Huh. Never knew frog legs were considered weird.
Scandinavians have New Orleans beat on strange nightmare food by a long mile so there's nothing odd about this.
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@Monkey:
Scandinavians have New Orleans beat on strange nightmare food by a long mile so there's nothing odd about this.
Ayup. Haven't tried that Icelandic fermented shark yet though.
It's supposed to be a terrible mix of rubbery texture and penetrating ammonia smell.
But as with all of those foods, the smell is always worse than the taste.
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Well, let's see here. I was born in Chicago, Illinois for starters. Lived there till around 7th grade, and moved to the suburbs. (A town called Mount Prospect.) I did go to many towns surrounding Chicago and all that. Like Wheeling (lived there for a little bit as well - around six months), Round Lake Beach (Lived there for a short time too, and it was close to Great America Six Flags as well.), and Palatine (Went to a community college there for a little bit). These are just some examples, since I lived in that part of Illinois for many years.
I also came from a Polish family, and I'm technically Polish. (Since my parents came from Poland.) I know the Polish language, and I've been to Poland a few times when I was younger. The last time I was there was back in the summer of 1999, and that trip is the one I remember the most. I remember having a lot of fun there, and visiting family for the most part. And I would not mind going back there again. Mostly to visit my grandmother's grave. And probably go explore around too. I won't visit family though since I'm not in contact with them currently.
Besides visiting Poland, I visited some other states in the United States like Wisconsin (Went to House on the Rock there when I was younger.), Kansas (Helped some friends with some favors.), Arkansas (Have a good friend that lived there, who's also my ex-girlfriend.), Oklahoma (Went there to visit a casino with friends.), and Indiana (Went to some shopping mall there with my family when I younger.) I also lived in Gainesville, Georgia at one point. (For a few months.)
And as where I currently live. I live in a town called Kirbyville, Missouri. I've been living in this location for four years and counting. My town is also very small since it seems like there is only 200 or more people living here. (According to the sign anyway.) My town is also close to Branson, Missouri. (I live there for a few months before moving to Kirbyville.) Branson is basically a tourist town, and I work at a Dollar General that's located there. (I used to work a Walmart there too, but not anymore.) I've also been to a few tourist attractions there like the Butterfly Palace for example. (I got in there for free since I work in Branson.)
Other places I would like to visit:
Europe - I mostly want to visit France. As two people that I know live there, and I knew them for a long time. One is very dear/important to me, so I plan to visit her first. While the other is a really good friend of mine. Though they live in two different parts, but that's okay. I would also like to visit some sites and all that as well. Especially a castle! Also, I would not mind visiting the U.K. either. I don't know anyone there, but it would seem like a nice place to visit. Those two are the main two that I want visit in Europe, and maybe Poland as well.Besides that I would like to visit Japan at one point in my life. I really like the culture there, etc.
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hey zeph, figure you might find this interesting http://www.chron.com/homes/article/Post-Katrina-look-at-New-Orleans-style-homes-in-6469391.php
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Hello, I'm from Alabama in USA. I'd like to visit Tokyo and meet with manga fans. Tokyo must be best city in the World. All of the Manga fans and the cosplays.
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It's funny how you never hear any good stuff about Alabama.
Would be fun to hear about the good sides of these places that got a bad reputation.
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Anyone been to the Great Wall of China?
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Avatar: Series: Neptunia; Character: Neptune; Artist: Unknown
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Japan People:
One Piece Tower - http://onepiecetower.tokyo/ Worth it?
Omgggggggggoddddddddddd I'm going to end up spending all my money on OP merch. Wish me restraint!
No, I have not. But it would be an interesting place to visit in my opinion.
Absolutely! Just wanted to ask people about weather and their experiences with crowds.
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Nope. The allure of bigger versions of ordinary things are a mystery to me.
Like the Eifel tower. Why would i stand two hours in line to go up a tower?
I guess you're not a history and nature buff
It's the largest man-made structure in the history of mankind.. The dense amount of significance and history is just awe-inspiring. Check out a documentary sometime!Hidden:
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Nope. The allure of bigger versions of ordinary things are a mystery to me.
Like the Eifel tower. Why would i stand two hours in line to go up a tower?
Alright alright, tickets, now. I'm gonna give you the Metro North Classic experience wolf. You need to grasp this concept.
Tickets. Not to JFK. To the Hartford airport, I'll pick you up bring you down to New Haven. And we buy more tickets. Train tickets this time. Ok?
Here's how this works. We stealth enter Manhattan. Got it?
Best first time experience way to do it. Better than most Americans experience it you lucky Swede.
The train goes down through coastal CT and costal NY into the Bronx and just as it reaches the island herself of Manhattan, it goes underground. Just as the buildings start to rise up.
Ok so you get off the train, still underground.
Into Grand Central Station, heard of it? Great. Now I grab you by the viking arm and take you out one of the entrance ways directly into the thick of Midtown Manhattan.
No easing into it, no preparation, no gradual approach as the buildings get larger.
Just straight into it. No foreplay.It is then you will be humble to the size of structures.
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Japan People:
One Piece Tower - http://onepiecetower.tokyo/ Worth it?
Omgggggggggoddddddddddd I'm going to end up spending all my money on OP merch. Wish me restraint!
It is definitely worth it if you are going to be in Tokyo. Maybe the crowds have lessened now, but when I went there were 30+ minute waits for some of the attractions.
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I guess you're not a history and nature buff
It's the largest man-made structure in the history of mankind.. The dense amount of significance and history is just awe-inspiring. Check out a documentary sometime!Oh i'm a history nerd. I'm actually reading a book about Chinese history right now.
But out of all the amazing and fun things to see in China, a small part of a really, really long wall seems the least fun.
Like i get that i'm the weird one here. But i just don't see the appeal.
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@Monkey:
Alright alright, tickets, now. I'm gonna give you the Metro North Classic experience wolf. You need to grasp this concept.
Tickets. Not to JFK. To the Hartford airport, I'll pick you up bring you down to New Haven. And we buy more tickets. Train tickets this time. Ok?
Here's how this works. We stealth enter Manhattan. Got it?
Best first time experience way to do it. Better than most Americans experience it you lucky Swede.
The train goes down through coastal CT and costal NY into the Bronx and just as it reaches the island herself of Manhattan, it goes underground. Just as the buildings start to rise up.
Ok so you get off the train, still underground.
Into Grand Central Station, heard of it? Great. Now I grab you by the viking arm and take you out one of the entrance ways directly into the thick of Midtown Manhattan.
No easing into it, no preparation, no gradual approach as the buildings get larger.
Just straight into it. No foreplay.It is then you will be humble to the size of structures.
Sweet. Sightseeing with Chrissie and Zeph.
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It is definitely worth it if you are going to be in Tokyo. Maybe the crowds have lessened now, but when I went there were 30+ minute waits for some of the attractions.
Excellent. Did you buy tickets online beforehand? Seems to be a bit of a discount of you do that, so I'll probably try it.
Another question: If you've been to Japan you've probably been to Akihabara. I'm researching and I'm not finding anything in particular that says "YOU MUST go TO THIS PLACE in Akihabara". If you've been, is there any place/store specifically that you'd recommend going to? Or is the district the sort of place where you just walk around and discover?
I feel like we have a Japan travelling thread but I'm not seeing it.. if anyone could link me that'd be appreciated.
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Oh i'm a history nerd. I'm actually reading a book about Chinese history right now.
But out of all the amazing and fun things to see in China, a small part of a really, really long wall seems the least fun.
Like i get that i'm the weird one here. But i just don't see the appeal.
Well in that case I'll let you know that if you go to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, you get a ski lift sorta thing taking you to the top which seems to have a spectacular view, and then you can ride a freaking toboggan to exit
To me The Great Wall is both a magnificent and a very ugly part of human history. The fact that thousands of kilometres of wall was painstakingly built over 100 years to protect the Ming Dynasty from an army attacking from one direction.. but then they ended up being taken out from a different direction and from within. Incredible and sad. As well, the fact that the oldest parts of the wall were built over 2000 years ago is something else. I want to visit it for the same reason I want to travel anywhere, to know and understand the feeling that "something important took place where I'm standing right now."
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Excellent. Did you buy tickets online beforehand? Seems to be a bit of a discount of you do that, so I'll probably try it.
I had a travel agent buy my tickets and arrange for them to be delivered to my hotel.
Another question: If you've been to Japan you've probably been to Akihabara. I'm researching and I'm not finding anything in particular that says "YOU MUST go TO THIS PLACE in Akihabara". If you've been, is there any place/store specifically that you'd recommend going to? Or is the district the sort of place where you just walk around and discover?
Yep, I went. I think my favorite place was the Club Sega arcade. When I was there I got Sabo, Law, and Robin figurines out of a coin machine and also got to play Street Fighter… life was good. There are definitely plenty of shops that are worth exploring. If you are like me and want to go to a maid cafe for the hell of it then go to @home café. It was definitely awkward at first but my wife and I ended up having fun. One of the girls asked me if I eat cactus after I told here where I was from.
I would also recommend going to the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku. It is quite a bizarre experience and you should buy tickets well ahead of time.
Lastly, I don't know how long you are staying but when I went I also spent some time in Kyoto checking out all the temples and shrines (Fushimi-Inari at night is the best) and then spent a day in Hiroshima visiting sites and museums. Both cities are great for soaking up a ton of history and riding the bullet train makes travel easy.
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I had a travel agent buy my tickets and arrange for them to be delivered to my hotel.
Yep, I went. I think my favorite place was the Club Sega arcade. When I was there I got Sabo, Law, and Robin figurines out of a coin machine and also got to play Street Fighter… life was good. There are definitely plenty of shops that are worth exploring. If you are like me and want to go to a maid cafe for the hell of it then go to @home café. It was definitely awkward at first but my wife and I ended up having fun. One of the girls asked me if I eat cactus after I told here where I was from.
I would also recommend going to the Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku. It is quite a bizarre experience and you should buy tickets well ahead of time.
Lastly, I don't know how long you are staying but when I went I also spent some time in Kyoto checking out all the temples and shrines (Fushimi-Inari at night is the best) and then spent a day in Hiroshima visiting sites and museums. Both cities are great for soaking up a ton of history and riding the bullet train makes travel easy.
Great tips, thank you!
Added Club Sega to my list straightaway. -
Well in that case I'll let you know that if you go to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, you get a ski lift sorta thing taking you to the top which seems to have a spectacular view, and then you can ride a freaking toboggan to exit
Sounds whacky. Did ya go on that last time?
To me The Great Wall is both a magnificent and a very ugly part of human history. The fact that thousands of kilometres of wall was painstakingly built over 100 years to protect the Ming Dynasty from an army attacking from one direction.. but then they ended up being taken out from a different direction and from within. Incredible and sad. As well, the fact that the oldest parts of the wall were built over 2000 years ago is something else. I want to visit it for the same reason I want to travel anywhere, to know and understand the feeling that "something important took place where I'm standing right now."
Guess i understand that more. I suppose if one gets a sense of closeness from it it's fun.
But then again don't we all pass over places of, more or less, historical significance every day?
This hasn't really anything to do with your travels in particular. Was just a spontaneous though i had.
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Sounds whacky. Did ya go on that last time?
Never been! But not wacky at all my friend. Check out this beaut
Guess i understand that more. I suppose if one gets a sense of closeness from it it's fun.
But then again don't we all pass over places of, more or less, historical significance every day?
This hasn't really anything to do with your travels in particular. Was just a spontaneous though i had.
Travel to me isn't always all about just having fun, sometimes a little time of thought and introspection does good for ya. Like y'know, seeing something that makes you take a moment to be grateful for your life or to be inspired to help the world or change yourself for the better. shrugs That's how I see it anyway.
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Never been! But not wacky at all my friend. Check out this beaut
Seems safe:ninja:
Travel to me isn't always all about just having fun, sometimes a little time of thought and introspection does good for ya. Like y'know, seeing something that makes you take a moment to be grateful for your life or to be inspired to help the world or change yourself for the better. shrugs That's how I see it anyway.
Fun is just my catch-all term for stuff i find interesting.
It's probably not proper English. But i are foreigner, no speak so good Inglish.
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So Next year, about Mid-March, I'm gonna be going to Australia, specifically New South Wales.
I'm simultaneously super SUPER excited and a bit scared…. This will be my first time traveling outside the country and I have absolutely no idea what to expect in that regard...
Anyone have any tips/advice for a first timer leaving her come country?
Switch Friend Code: SW-1795-2519-1884 • Click Here to check out my Twitch Channel
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So Next year, about Mid-March, I'm gonna be going to Australia, specifically New South Wales.
I'm simultaneously super SUPER excited and a bit scared…. This will be my first time traveling outside the country and I have absolutely no idea what to expect in that regard...
Anyone have any tips/advice for a first timer leaving her come country?
Honestly I wouldn't worry considering it's Australia, so English speaking AND first world as heck, most of the real bumps won't exist for an American visiting there.
So as a first time it will be nice and easy, good way to break yourself in if anything.Uh I guess one tip I'd give is don't go around feeling apologetic about being American? I guess? I dunno some people still think that's a thing.
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So Next year, about Mid-March, I'm gonna be going to Australia, specifically New South Wales.
I'm simultaneously super SUPER excited and a bit scared…. This will be my first time traveling outside the country and I have absolutely no idea what to expect in that regard...
Anyone have any tips/advice for a first timer leaving her come country?
It's probably going to be hot as hell. And alot more insects than what you are used to.
And you'll probably hear the word cunt more times than you have in your entire life.
@Monkey:
Uh I guess one tip I'd give is don't go around feeling apologetic about being American? I guess? I dunno some people still think that's a thing.
Was that ever a real thing? Like did people go around pretending to be Canadians for real
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Was that ever a real thing? Like did people go around pretending to be Canadians for real
Oh yes! Even a bit before the Bush era, there would be this worry of coming off crass as a tourist.
My dad got some comments when in UK as a college kid about how nice and quiet he was even though he was an American.
Which is quite hilarious given the reputation of Brits in the rest of Europe as tourists lol.Nowadays I'm pretty sure that's all dead, but some Americans are still paranoid. One of my professors was like that when we were in Iceland, I was like "dude it's cool don't worry lol, just be yourself".
Except for Russians, boy howdy even before 2011 they sure reacted awkwardly as hell to finding out I was American.Pro-Tip for Americans traveling to farther out parts of Europe: if genuinely concerned about coming out as American, do so then also tell them your ethnic ancestry mixture. If European yourself in part or whole this will confuse them and they will randomly choose one of the ancestrys mentioned to identify you with and ignore the other ones lol.
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@Monkey:
Oh yes! Even a bit before the Bush era, there would be this worry of coming off crass as a tourist.
My dad got some comments when in UK as a college kid about how nice and quiet he was even though he was an American.
Which is quite hilarious given the reputation of Brits in the rest of Europe as tourists lol.This needs to be quoted for emphasis. I mean how the hell did the Irish get stuck with the whole drunk label and the English having their reputation for sophistication and class. The English, if anyone, have truly terrifying drinking habits. Maybe not on par with Russia but still.
Nowadays I'm pretty sure that's all dead, but some Americans are still paranoid. One of my professors was like that when we were in Iceland, I was like "dude it's cool don't worry lol, just be yourself".
Except for Russians, boy howdy even before 2011 they sure reacted awkwardly as hell to finding out I was American.Pro-Tip for Americans traveling to farther out parts of Europe: if genuinely concerned about coming out as American, do so then also tell them your ethnic ancestry mixture. If European yourself in part or whole this will confuse them and they will randomly choose one of the ancestrys mentioned to identify you with and ignore the other ones lol.
Huh? All the Russians i've met have been super chill.
Must be alot of old bad blood with the yanks huh
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Huh? All the Russians i've met have been super chill.
Must be alot of old bad blood with the yanks huh
It's uncannily similar to Southerners finding out I'm a Yankee.
Old bad blood indeed.
i sleep poorly at night, will they see my license plate? passport?
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It's probably going to be hot as hell. And alot more insects than what you are used to.
And you'll probably hear the word cunt more times than you have in your entire life.
Also the word "mate".
Stay away from spiders as far as possible. High chances they can actually kill you or poison you badly.
"Unicorns can't see into your heart. All our dumb horns can do is glow, point towards the nearest rainbow and play rave music!"
Visit my Etsy Shop: Heart'n'Skull or Tumblr
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if any day any body wanted to visit iran i can give you some info about my country
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Also the word "mate".
Stay away from spiders as far as possible. High chances they can actually kill you or poison you badly.Oh hey it's an actual resident of the colonies.
You if anybody could guide Rin through the do's and don't's of Aussieland.
if any day any body wanted to visit iran i can give you some info about my country
So what are the must see/do things in Iran?
It's kind of a blank spot in my mind tourismwise.
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if any day any body wanted to visit iran i can give you some info about my country
What is the most beautiful city, with lots of nice old buildings?
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So what are the must see/do things in Iran?
It's kind of a blank spot in my mind tourismwise.
Just ask what the food is like and get it over with, I know you too well lol.
(I am curious too though!) -
I only lived there a year, I'm no expert!
.. and I lived from McDonalds and Dominos and instant noodles, lol..
I didn't like crocodile or kanguru meat.
"Unicorns can't see into your heart. All our dumb horns can do is glow, point towards the nearest rainbow and play rave music!"
Visit my Etsy Shop: Heart'n'Skull or Tumblr
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@Monkey:
What is the most beautiful city, with lots of nice old buildings?
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Just ask what the food is like and get it over with, I know you too well lol.
(I am curious too though!)i think the food is good for americans isfahan and shiraz has alot of nice old buildings and one of the best places in my opnion is ruins of perseplois
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i think the food is good for americans isfahan and shiraz has alot of nice old buildings and one of the best places in my opnion is ruins of perseplois
I have read about Persepolis before. Would be wonderful to check it out sometime
And I will be off to Andaman Islands in coupla weeks. I could click some pics of something there if required if anybody got any specific requests?!
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i think the food is good for americans isfahan and shiraz has alot of nice old buildings and one of the best places in my opnion is ruins of perseplois
Wolfwood is from Sweden, a part of the world with really bad gross food. So he is very excited to try all the foods from other places.
Is my theory!–- Update From New Post Merge ---
@xan:
I have read about Persepolis before. Would be wonderful to check it out sometime
And I will be off to Andaman Islands in coupla weeks. I could click some pics of something there if required if anybody got any specific requests?!
Take a boat to North Sentinel island and give us a trip report :3
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[QUOTE=Monkey King;3541932
Take a boat to North Sentinel island and give us a trip report :3Lol it's actually my honeymoon trip and as romantic as it sounds, I don't want to have an arrow go through my heart during that time [emoji16]
Sent from my XT1068 using Tapatalk
“When you’re accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression."
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@xan:
Lol it's actually my honeymoon trip and as romantic as it sounds, I don't want to have an arrow go through my heart during that time [emoji16]
North Sentinel island is cool, because no matter what vast economic, cultural, religious, historical, racial, linguistic, and other such differences that may exist between all of us and our different countries?
One read about that place and the rest of us all seem like space age robot Jetsons people united in a one world government of uni-culture.–- Update From New Post Merge ---
reads on wikipedia
"the island is about the size of Manhattan"
my god there is something poetic about that, the place most core in world culture and the place the least, roughly the same sizei want to believe there is somehow a north sentinelese with a big bushy mustache, gold cross chain, and white beater, standing around flipping pizza dough where little italy would be, no rhyme or reason for it, just some cosmic surreal magic, the true balance that allows the world to function
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@Monkey:
Wolfwood is from Sweden, a part of the world with really bad gross food. So he is very excited to try all the foods from other places.
Is my theory!Dunno, i think i see myself as more of a loveable protagonist of a food manga.
Also the cooking is more fun than the eating. The excitment for the world is all the same though.
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@Monkey:
Wolfwood is from Sweden, a part of the world with really bad gross food. So he is very excited to try all the foods from other places.Is my theory!–- Update From New Post Merge ---Take a boat to North Sentinel island and give us a trip report :3
i dont think coming iran is good idea if you dont like hot places iran has cold and snowy places and jungle places but most of it is hot and dry(espicially south) i live in shiraz its hot and dry as well
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I do wonder who'll be the next king of the hill foodwise. I mean the nordic kitchen held the prestige throne these last five years.
And before that the mediterranian food held the title. And before them there we're the Japanese and Texmex.
Would be fun it Eastern European food made a big splash soon. Like their traditional food but in a new way.
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Would be fun it Eastern European food made a big splash soon. Like their traditional food but in a new way.
Yes, that would be cool if that happened! (Family is from Eastern Europe - Poland.)
And I agree it is good food indeed. Though I like to have variety in my foods, my plan right now is to focus mostly on French and Polish cuisine. (I love to cook and all that ^^)
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I do wonder who'll be the next king of the hill foodwise. I mean the nordic kitchen held the prestige throne these last five years.
And before that the mediterranian food held the title. And before them there we're the Japanese and Texmex.
Would be fun it Eastern European food made a big splash soon. Like their traditional food but in a new way.
It's greatly dependant on what value it holds for fastfood. Food that can be cooked with french fries and consumed with mayo/hot sauce is usually the food that becomes the most popular and the one the corporations will try to make money from.
The little food I've had from the eastern european kitchen has been poorly suited for that. What we call 'polish' (sausages) here in Chicago are less polish than taco bell is mexican.
 
