VERDICT WILL: I am always a huge fan of hot soups in Singapore. Since Singapore is a melting pot there are many varieties to choose from. Old cucumber soup is one of my favourite. When looking how to cook that meal, I am astonished for the ingredients. The dried squid and anchovies is quite pricey here in SG so for this stewed meal be on budget, we improvised. Instead of dried seafood we put on the umami taste of fish sauce. If there’s no old cucumber can be found (which we found that day) we can use carrot. And we can skip the dates too. What is the taste? I will always crave for this kind soup! It has a feast of flavours! Saltiness from fish sauce, sweetness from the old cucumber and dates, and the crunchy side brought by the peanuts! Take a spike of soy sauce with grated ginger or smashed chili! Oh my!! Please do they this at home and tag us on your social media. Please do standby for another set meal to be cooked at our Youtube channel! TARA LUTO TAYO!
ABBEY: We planned to take the train from California to Chicago and experience a cross-state railroad journey. But Kuya Victor was more adventurous. He told us that it will be a road-trip. We were all excited and headed our way on a bright morning of December 27 after bidding farewell to our family in California. First stop is Las Vegas, Nevada. We got to see Red Rock Canyon and the “busyness” of the city. It was really lit with colorful signs. You can’t help but look up. We had the night to recharge ourselves at MGM Grand and checked out to go to Arizona. Funny story is we were stopped by a State Trooper citing our violation that we’re driving too close to another vehicle. Abiding by the law we crossed another border and reached New Mexico where we spent our second night. As Filipinos, rice is staple in our meal. We were so craving for it but we settled on bowls of ramen as the rice ran out. After a good night sleep, our next destination is Texas. Here we stopped by Big Texan Steakhouse for our steak fix. And on our fourth day we pushed it to reach Chicago but detoured first to Gateway Arch at Missouri. It was a great experience. We really enjoyed; the snow-covered and long ranges of mountains, vast lands, sights on each state we passed, and flurries. We got to eat at a diner and stayed at hotels where your fellow roadtrippers were also busy unpacking/packing their things. Definitely will do it again.
Los Angeles to Chicago Cross Country Road Trip
WILL: Instead of flying, Abbey and I planned to take train from San Francisco to Chicago. But Ate Gail and Kuya Victory proposed to take a road trip. We are quite hesitant for few reasons.
It will be tiring for Kuya Victory to drive thousands of miles.
Does Boy Thor can manage the monotony of seating for hours
And finally, how about the expenses. Haha!
Kuya and Ate ensures that there will be no problem and everything was taken care of on their side, so Abbey and I decided to agree with them.
For 4D and 3N, Kuya Victor drives, Abbey helps to navigates, Thor and Ate Abigail Sings and me?, Well I am sleeping at the back of the car. Haha. I am wide awake in the late evening kasi! Hmf! Jet lag.
Our first stop is Las Vegas:
I never dreamt in my whole life that I will set foot there! Indeed the casinos, bars and restaurants have their own ways to attract customers. Well, Nevada does not only serves those glaring electric lights but they have this Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. My first time to climb a non-man made wall. Another first time? Snowball Fight! Until now, it brings a smile whenever I hear Thor’s giggles. Haha! Not in lifetime that I will be staying at MGM Grand! This is where most of Manny Pacquaio’s fight was held.
Second Stop – Arizona:
The inspiration for Lightning McQueen CARS! It feels like I am inside that Pixar’s animation! The road, the car, the warmth welcome from people and the satisfying service of Mr. D’z.
It is indeed an outskirt part of US. It seems so peaceful!
Third State – Claremore Oklahoma:
But before reaching Oklahoma, we stopped by at famous Texas Restaurant, Big Texan Steak Ranch! Gosh! The serving is overwhelming! The beef is tender and swipe some jalapeno…whew! I am drooling while writing this! Haha! Love their corn muffin too! Texas is so huge vast of land and there are harnessing the power of wind! Windmill is everywhere!
Forth and Last Stop: Missouri
Before heading ThurThor’s home, we stopped by to visit the Gateway Arch at St Louis Missouri. The design and the architecture of the arch is wonderful! I hope this kind of masterpiece will stand the test of time like Egypt’s Pyramid!
Chicagoooo!!
We were welcomed by snow flurry! And I am happy to see that but do not dare to go out.. Haha! Abbey enjoyed the thick snow on the following day.
Thank you so much Austria’s Family for planning this kind of bonding with us! We really appreciate it and thankful in spending time with you guys! Di pa lang talaga nasasagot ni Kuya ang tanong namin na “What is your lovelife before Ate?” Haha!
