Gallimaufry#143

Just a gallimaufry of AI-generated photos, real photos and ramblings 📸

SHADOW SHOTS

DINNER - Chinese

Ma Po tofu

Ma Po Tofu is  a dish with an interesting story! It originated in Sichuan cuisine and is known for its spicy, numbing, and flavorful profile. The name "Ma Po" translates to "pockmarked old lady," which refers to the dish's supposed creator, an elderly woman with a pockmarked face.

According to legend, this woman ran a small restaurant in Chengdu in the late Qing Dynasty. Her tofu dish became famous for its distinctive taste, which combined tofu with minced pork, chili bean paste, and Sichuan peppercorns. The dish's popularity grew, and it eventually came to be known as "Ma Po Tofu" in her honor.

The pockmarks in the name are said to symbolize the appearance of the dish, with the tofu pieces resembling the marks on the woman's face. Today, Ma Po Tofu is celebrated worldwide and remains a staple in Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold and spicy flavors.

Dessert - guilinggao

Guilinggao also known as tortoise jelly or tortoise pudding, might raise an eyebrow or two, but fear not—no tortoises were harmed in the making of your dessert! Traditionally, this cooling herbal jelly was made with powdered tortoise shell, giving it its curious name. However, modern versions are made with herbs and plants instead, keeping all our shelled friends safe. So, if you’re looking to try something new and delicious, guilinggao is worth a spoonful, minus the guilt (or the tortoise)!

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Odeon of Herodes Atticus 2023

In the heart of the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a small mouse with a surprisingly big voice loves to test his vocals. Standing on the edge of a stone structure, Luigi sings opera in the bel canto style to an imaginary audience. His voice echoes through the grandeur of the Odeon, bouncing off the multiple rows of seating. As the late afternoon sky casts a warm glow over the scene, the mouse’s passionate performance breathes life into the historic amphitheater. It’s as if the Odeon is filled once again with the applause and cheers of an enchanted audience, all captivated by the tiny creature with the powerful voice.

I am imagining the AI mice transformed into the legendary Il Volo operatic pop trio. They’re belting out my all-time favorite Italian song, 'Il Mondo.' The ancient theater comes alive with Gianluca’s deep, resonant tones, Piero’s rich, expressive voice, and Ignazio’s soaring high notes blending in perfect harmony.

Il Volo 

(L–R) Gianluca Ginoble, Piero Barone and Ignazio Boschetto

              

At night, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus transforms once again into a majestic setting. 

My orchestra mouse buddies now take their place in the moonlit Odeon. 

Son#1 plays the violin in a community orchestra

Son#1, second from the left

Snorkeling in Phi Phi Island 1991