Just a gallimaufry of AI-generated photos, real photos and ramblings 📸
SCENES OF MALAYSIAN LIFE
Platform wait
Toothless
Toothless is a character from the "How to Train Your Dragon" franchise, which includes books, animated films, and a TV series. He is a Night Fury dragon, known for his sleek black scales and glowing green eyes.
Isn't it amusing to see the creative things people choose to decorate their cars with?
Dinner - Vietnamese stew
Vietnamese beef stew, known as bò kho, is a fragrant and flavorful dish that showcases tender beef simmered with an aromatic blend of spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, complemented by lemongrass and ginger. This stew boasts a slightly sweet and savory flavor profile, enriched by the addition of fish sauce and soy sauce. It often includes carrots and sometimes potatoes, and is typically served with French baguette or rice. Unlike Western beef stew, which generally relies on herbs like thyme and bay leaf for its flavor and is served with potatoes or bread, Vietnamese beef stew stands out with its distinctive aromatic profile and lighter, more spiced broth.
FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES
Tower Bridge 2011
After watching so many movies featuring the Tower Bridge, it felt surreal to finally stand before it, as if the countless scenes I’d seen on screen had woven a dreamscape that now unfolded in vivid reality before my eyes.
The bridge’s towering presence, so familiar from countless movies, suddenly loomed larger than life. My mouse buddies couldn’t help but feel a thrill of goosebumps.
STONEHENGE
My obsession with Stonehenge began in high school when I read Victoria Holt’s The Legend of the Seventh Virgin. The book drew me in with its vivid portrayal of ancient druidic rituals and the mystical aura surrounding the stones. I was captivated by the way the story blended history, legend, and mystery, leaving me in awe of the enigmatic monument. That early intrigue has stayed with me ever since, deepening my curiosity about the ancient past and the secrets Stonehenge still holds.
Doesn't he look great in khaki?
It's fascinating that archaeologists and researchers are still actively studying Stonehenge. While the iconic monument itself has been examined for centuries, ongoing archaeological work continues to delve into its construction, purpose, and the culture of the people who built it.
Who knows what the next groundbreaking discovery will reveal? Each new finding holds the potential to rewrite our understanding and bring us closer to the heart of this timeless enigma.
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The stew looks yummy. And you and the mice had a great time at Stonehenge! I hope to see it someday besides on the show Ancient Aliens.
ReplyDeleteI've always been fascinated by Stonehenge, too, Veronica, and was fortunate enough to be able to visit there when I was studying British literature in college. It does hold so many mysteries still to this day. The last mouse reminds me of Indiana Jones!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Love that beef stew...looks so flavourful.
ReplyDeleteSo much fascinating history in London and Stonehenge. You're very fortunate to be able to visit both.
ReplyDeleteBò kho sounds absolutely delicious! The combination of spices like star anise, cinnamon, and lemongrass must give it such a warm, aromatic flavor that makes it truly unique compared to Western beef stews. I love how it strikes a balance between sweet and savory, with fish sauce and soy sauce adding depth to the dish. Pairing it with a French baguette or rice sounds perfect!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I just shared a new post on my blog. I’d be thrilled if you checked it out here! https://www.melodyjacob.com/2024/09/transform-your-life-12-weeks-fitness-program-over-40.html
Some lovely memories and photos of your visit to England My late husband and I took our son and daughter to see Stonehenge when they were teenagers and we were all fascinated with the spectacle before us Super photos of Tower Bridge and that Malaysian stew looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteAll th best
Hugs
Sonjia.
It is exciting when you see iconic places/statues/bridges in films and then see them for real. I'm assuming that is you and your family Veronica, it's lovely to see you. The stew looks delicious. Yes Mr Mouse does look great in khaki and the gorgeous little mice look like they're enjoying themselves :-)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that Toothless decoration! We are huge How to Train Your Dragon fans in our family.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos from the Tower Bridge. Stonehenge is very impressive.
ReplyDeleteWish you a wonderful weekend
I like reading your stories. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteMe gusta el coche con el muñeco y me dio ganas d el estofado. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteWOW, Stonehenge, the London Bridge, yummy food and cute mice...purrfect!
ReplyDeleteI think Toothless is so cute!
ReplyDeleteYou had some great travels! Both of these places are ones I'd love to see in person.
Such a beautiful post. I love your story about Stonehedge. Wonderful photos. That stew looks like something I would love. I love lighter foods. Thank you and have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a nice trip back in the day. And the mice retraced your steps ;)
ReplyDeleteThe stew does sound delicious and different.
ReplyDeleteI recognized the Tower Bridge. It was rather surreal when we walked over it a few years ago, too. So much history. So many stories.
Beautiful photos of Stonehenge.
ReplyDeleteThe mice are cute.
The food looks delicious.
I wish you a good weekend.
Greetings Irma
Veronica, your article is a true pleasure to read! I loved how you blended personal memories with details about the culture and food from different parts of the world. Your description of bò kho made me want to try it! Also, your fascination with Stonehenge and Tower Bridge is contagious! I can’t wait to see what other stories you’ll share. 🏰🌍
ReplyDeleteAI's are wonderful once again. The bridge is an amazing one and to see it in reality is very different from seeing it in a photo.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the great photos of your travels. The Tower Bridge is fascinating as well as the secrets that Stonehenge holds as to how it was constructed.
ReplyDeleteDear Veronica, thank you for your nice comment to my USA-travel-report!
ReplyDeleteI would love to try this Vietnamese beef dish, it sounds delicious! Maybe we'll get to visit Vietnam in our lifetime - there's hope.
We were at the Tower Bridge at a very similar time - you in 2011, me in 2010. I only looked at it "from below" though. I was also at Stonehenge, but that was a long time ago. I was there around Easter 1977 (on a language holiday in England) and then again in the late 1980s. On my first visit, we were allowed to touch the stones - and I read that until 1984 there was even a music festival between or near the stones: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stonehenge_Free_Festival
(That might not have been such a good idea... Apparently the fences were put up shortly after my first visit in 1977. After that, the music festival was no longer allowed to take place quite so close to the stones.)
In 1988, I found the visit to Stonehenge horrible - there was awful weather, the area was overcrowded and everything around the stones was cordoned off. When we came to Britain in 2010, we preferred to see Avebury, there is also a stone circle there (which runs right through the middle of the town... but I'm not sure whether there aren't already precautions in place to protect the stones there...) If you're interested in my 2010-England travel report, here's the link: https://rostrose.blogspot.com/p/england-2010.html
(Sorry, back then I did the whole report "in one go")...
Your mice are cute as always, I find the archaeologist mouse in khaki particularly adorable 😊🥰😍
Hugs and all the best from Austria, Traude
Everything was again beautiful and interesting to see and watch. Wish you many beautiful moments as well. Greetings from a raining Netherland.
ReplyDeleteYour Indiana Jones in khaki is quite funny. 😆
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend, Veronica!
Passing by and seeing what's new.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice Sunday.
Janice.
Nice pictures of Tower Bridge and Stonehenge.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice week end :-)
How lovely to see London through your camera lens. All wonderful photos and I especially enjoyed the one with you and your sweet family with Tower Bridge in the background. The Vietnamese dish looks delicious and something I would enjoy. I also like very much your adorable AI mice. I have only seen Stone Henge from a distance and would love to see it up close. If I ever get back to England, it will be the first place I visit. Have a great weekend my friend!
ReplyDeletebeef stew and rice look yummy.... love it
ReplyDeleteGorgeous places :D
ReplyDeleteI see the trip was a success!
ReplyDeleteOh I would love to go to Stonehenge, the British Isles, Scotland ... maybe someday?
ReplyDeleteThe Stone Hedge is one of the many mysteries that captivate me. Hope to visit someday. Your pics are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI have visited Tower too. Nice photos from London. I have not visited Stonehenge. It must be wonderful for you to bee there. I guess the mice enjoyed the visit too :)
ReplyDeleteHave a nice week, Veronica!
I love how you shared a mix of travel, food, and history! The way you described Stonehenge and the Tower Bridge felt so real, and now I’m curious to try Vietnamese stew!
ReplyDeletesweet post have a nice day:)
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have views of my blog from Vietnam, which I admire, I have never eaten anything from Vietnamese cuisine. I love seeing your photos from your travels. I also find Stonehenge fascinating, it's a mystical place that should be loved by historians and archaeologists, as always your mice are very sweet!
Hugs
Beautiful are the Stonehenge , you have a way to the camera Veronica.
ReplyDeleteGreat post i see you include Tower Bridge too I like the AI also gives it a boost :-)
ReplyDeleteHave a gallimaufrytastic week 👍
Your travel photos are outstanding. Such grand old buildings. You've had many wonderful journeys, my friend. That's a nice photo of your family. And that Vietnamese beef stew looks delicious. I like how it's served with rice or a baguette.
ReplyDeleteHappy October!
~Sheri
Beautiful photos of your travels and the wait at the platform.
ReplyDeleteDearest Veronica,
ReplyDeleteLovely Vietnamese food and you made me smile as you have walked in our footsteps at the Tower.
Fond memories.
Just got the power back on after almost 5 days due to the nasty Hurricane Helene.
Hugs,
Mariette
Hello,
ReplyDeleteI have seen the Tower Bridge, your photos bring back some happy trip memories. I like the Stonehenge photos, I missed seeing . The food looks delicious. Take care, have a great day and a happy week ahead!
Love your pic from the archives of your family near Tower Bridge.
ReplyDeleteYou are the queen of AI and travel photography!! I visited Stonehenge back in the 80's. It was like multiple bus transfers from London and then we had only 30 minutes there and then had to go back or wait a long time!!
ReplyDeleteI loved seeing your images from England, both of you and your family and all the cute AI images. I;d love to see Stonehenge someday!
ReplyDeleteI too was fascinated by the Tower Bridge when we visited London last fall for a short 3 days, so we definitely need to return! We didn't make it to Stonehenge so that too may be on another trip. That stew looks wonderful
ReplyDeleteI love the flavors of Vietnamese cooking. You little mice in London are cute.Lovely photos from your travels.
ReplyDeleteNice post
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a child we always stopped at Stonehenge if passing. It fascinated me, and back then you could walk amongst the stones and touch them. A lot of people even took picnics to eat amongst the stones.
ReplyDeleteIt is a pity that it can't still be seen close up, but I can understand why with the need to preserve it.
Lucky you that you visit Stonehenge. Have you felt something different there?
ReplyDeleteLovely gallimaufry, dear Veronica!
Happy WW and a fabulous October!❤️😘
Those mice are always adorable but the traveler on in the first and last photo are amazing. Cars in Asia are just different. Here people don't really decorate their cars like that.
ReplyDeleteHello Veronica,
ReplyDeleteI am stopping back to say thank you for linking up and sharing your post.
The Mice images are cute! Take care, have a great day and happy week ahead.
...Veronica, you see are a world traveller, it's nice to see where you've been!
ReplyDeleteA bridge I'd love to explore. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteOh the food. You know how much I love your food.
Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday, Veronica. ♥
Another fabulous gallimaufry, Veronica! The Vietnamese stew looks delicious, and the Tower Bridge is indeed impressive! It's a wonderful feeling to visit places we've seen in the movies, isn't it? Great that you made it to Stonehenge - a most fascinating place I'd love to visit one day. The archaeologist mouse fits right in. ☺
ReplyDeletePreciosas fotos de su visita a Inglaterra. Las del puente me encantan. Que felices se ven los ratoncitos en Stonehenge. Gracias.
ReplyDeleteBuen octubre Verónica.
Un abrazo.
It's nice to be able to see a slice of Malaysian life, here. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAs always it nice to trip along with you (and the mice). Thank you for these sights from Stonehenge and London. :)
The scenes from Malaysia and your travel photos are always fun to see. How to Train Your Dragon is such a fun story. I even have it as an audiobook, and we listen to it during our roadtrips.
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend, Veronica!
-Soma