The Mysterious Shellfish

 If there's one thing I've learned from a few embarrassing encounters with food, it's this—if something looks too intimidating to eat, it's best left alone.

As I hesitated over a plate of strozzapreti topped with clams, mussels, and an intriguing, unusual-looking shellfish at a seaside restaurant in Rovinj, the passing waitress caught my uncertainty. It sat there untouched, the kind of shellfish that often gets discarded on the side of plates of the uninitiated.

“Ah, this one,” she said with a knowing smile. “Let me show you how it’s done.”

She guided me with clear, practiced ease. "See that fleshy bit at the joint? Give it a pull."

I did as she instructed, tugging hesitantly until, to my surprise, a small hole appeared.

“Now insert the tip of a knife into the hole and give it a twist,” she encouraged. I grabbed my knife, inserted the tip into the opening, and with a slight twist, the shell popped apart, revealing the briny, meaty interior—denser than a mussel, richer than a clam.

We were intrigued. You think you've encountered all the seafood the Mediterranean has to offer, only to be reminded of how much remains undiscovered.

Back in Malaysia, curiosity got the better of me. I messaged the restaurant on Facebook, asking what the shellfish was. They replied with the following image, explaining that it was a Kunjka or Noah's Ark clam—so named for its resemblance to a barnacled relic. Native to the Adriatic, it was rarely seen on menus beyond the region.

Translated from Croatian using the image feature in Google Translate.

image source - https://www.skitopisi.com.hr/

 One of the greatest joys of traveling is the thrill of uncovering something completely new and extraordinary—an experience that lingers in your memory, enriching your world and perspective.

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Lost in thought

Portal

Dinner—Northern Thai

Khao Kha Moo 

 Khao Kha Moo is a popular Thai dish consisting of braised pork leg served over rice. The name roughly translates to "stewed pig's leg with rice." It’s a flavorful and hearty dish known for its tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork and savory, aromatic broth.

Tom yam

Nam Prik Ong

Nam Prik Ong—a flavorful and aromatic Thai chili dip that is a specialty of northern Thailand. It combines the savory taste of minced pork, tomatoes, and spices to create a hearty and mildly spicy dip. It’s typically served with fresh vegetables and rice, making it a popular dish for communal eating.

Tod Mun Pla

Tod Mun Pla—aromatic fish cakes that are packed with flavor. These fish cakes are often served as a snack or appetizer, but they can also be part of a larger meal.

Fiery sky captured from my balcony

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

The World’s Oldest Working Mechanical Clock – Salisbury Cathedral, c.1386

This mesmerizing tangle of iron gears and ropes is more than just a beautiful relic — it’s believed to be the oldest working mechanical clock in the world, dating back to 1386. Housed in Salisbury Cathedral in England, this clock has no face and no hands. Instead, it once rang a bell every hour, marking time with sound rather than sight.

Built entirely of iron and powered by descending weights, it uses a verge and foliot escapement — a brilliant bit of medieval engineering that predates the pendulum. What you see here is raw, rhythmic precision from a time long before electricity or springs.

Forgotten for centuries and rediscovered in 1928, this clock was lovingly restored and still ticks today — a living heartbeat of history, over six centuries strong

During my mom's funeral Mass, our parish priest shared a beautiful reflection, comparing life to a jigsaw puzzle. 

"Life is like a jigsaw puzzle. Unlike the puzzles we might buy in a store, we don’t get to see the full picture in advance, and we can't check the box for guidance. Each piece represents a moment, a decision, or a person we encounter. Sometimes we find pieces that fit perfectly, bringing clarity and satisfaction. At other times, we struggle with pieces that don’t seem to belong, causing frustration and confusion. Throughout it all, there’s a greater design—a picture that only God knows in its entirety. We trust that each piece, however small or seemingly insignificant, has its place and purpose in the grand tapestry of life. And only God, and God alone, determines when the puzzle is complete—when death, the final piece, falls into place."          Rev. Fr. Aloysius Tan

What a beautiful and profound metaphor! Father Aloysius' words encapsulate the mystery and faith intertwined in life's journey. It's such a comforting reminder that, even in times of confusion or struggle, there’s a greater purpose and design beyond what we can see.

Mom lived a long and full life, reaching the ripe old age of 103. In her final years, as dementia took hold and she no longer recognized us, she often questioned why her journey was so long—why God had not taken her sooner. Yet when the time finally came, there were no tears at her funeral—only joy and gratitude that she was at peace at last, reunited with Dad in heaven. Her journey was long, sometimes painfully so, but now she is whole again, free from confusion, and finally home.

Isadora Duncan : A Dance of Passion, Tragedy, and Legacy

While exploring the beautiful coastal town of Opatija, I came across this striking sculpture of Isadora Duncan, a legendary pioneer of modern dance. Seeing her immortalized here, in a place known for its elegance and cultural history, made me reflect on her incredible yet tragic life.

 Isadora Duncan (1877–1927) was an American dancer who became a pioneering figure in the world of modern dance. Rejecting the formalities of classical ballet, she embraced a natural, free-flowing style inspired by Greek art, nature, and deep emotional expression. Her innovative approach to dance was considered radical at the time and paved the way for modern dance techniques.

image source - https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=21336909

Duncan’s personal life was marked by tragedy and turmoil. In 1913, her two children, Deirdre and Patrick, tragically drowned when the car they were in, driven by their nanny, rolled into the River Seine in Paris. The nanny, unable to escape, also drowned, and the children were trapped inside. This heart-wrenching loss profoundly affected Duncan.

Duncan’s first marriage, to Parisian architect Romano Romanelli in 1906, was short and unhappy. The marriage was strained and ultimately ended in divorce after a few years. Duncan found herself dissatisfied with Romanelli’s more traditional views and their inability to connect emotionally.

She later married Russian poet Sergei Yesenin, who was 18 years her junior, making him her second husband. While Duncan and Yesenin shared some initial political sympathy, their views diverged. Duncan, though sympathetic to revolutionary ideals, was focused primarily on art and personal freedom, while Yesenin, initially a supporter of the Russian Revolution, grew increasingly disillusioned with Soviet politics, particularly with the harsh political realities and the suppression of artistic freedom under Lenin and Stalin. This difference in political outlook, combined with Yesenin’s struggles with mental health issues and alcoholism, contributed to their troubled marriage.

Yesenin’s infidelities were another source of scandal. He had several public affairs during their marriage, further straining the relationship. His behavior, fueled by his inner turmoil and excessive drinking, was erratic, and rumors about his numerous liaisons were widely known. These factors contributed to their eventual divorce in 1923. After their separation, Yesenin’s condition worsened, and he tragically committed suicide in 1925.

Duncan’s own life ended in tragedy in 1927. While in Nice, France, her long scarf became caught in the wheel of a moving car, leading to her death at the age of 50. Despite her early death, Duncan’s legacy as a revolutionary figure in dance endures, influencing artists and dancers worldwide.

image source - https://www.facebook.com/LostSanFrancisco

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Rain-kissed reflections and tiny rubber duck guardians

Watching over the world from their rooftop perch.

JAPANESE DINNER AT AN IZAKAYA

At my age, I can’t handle big portions, but I love the joy of small bites—dim sum, izakaya, and tapas—where I get to savor a variety of flavors in one meal!

An izakaya is a Japanese casual pub or gastropub where people gather to drink and enjoy small, shareable dishes. It’s similar to a tapas bar in Spain. Izakayas serve a variety of alcoholic beverages, such as sake, beer, shochu, and highballs, along with dishes like yakitori (grilled skewers), sashimi, tempura, edamame, and karaage (fried chicken).

Izakayas are popular for after-work gatherings, socializing, and unwinding in a relaxed, lively atmosphere. Customers typically order multiple rounds of food and drinks while chatting with friends or colleagues

Kenkou sarada (fresh Salad topped with avocado, corn & cold toufu)

Aji ichiya boshi (grilled Japanese salted horse mackerel)

Gyu Teriyaki (grilled beef with teriyaki sauce)

Yasai Kakiage (assorted vegetables fritter)

Hiyayakko (Cold tofu)

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

A Forgotten Landmark: Remembering the Zagreb Synagogue

While wandering through the streets of Zagreb, my husband unexpectedly came across this memorial plaque on Praška Street, near the Zagreb Cathedral. This unassuming sign marks the site where the Zagreb Synagogue once stood—a grand place of worship built in 1867, only to be demolished between 1941 and 1942 during the fascist rule of the Independent State of Croatia. Today, what was once a significant cultural and religious landmark has been replaced by a parking lot, but this plaque ensures that its memory endures.

An interesting fact is that this synagogue was considered one of the most significant architectural landmarks of Zagreb before its destruction. Designed in a Moorish Revival style, it stood as a symbol of the once-thriving Jewish community in Croatia. Today, there is no synagogue in Zagreb, and this plaque serves as a reminder of the community's lost heritage.

An image of the synagogue in 1906

image source - wikipedia

Saw these in my Airbnb rental—little reminders to stay motivated! ✨

Grič Tunnel: Zagreb’s Hidden Underground Passage

Tucked beneath the charming streets of Zagreb’s old town, the Grič Tunnel is a fascinating piece of history that has transformed into a unique attraction. Originally built in 1943 during World War II, this 350-meter-long tunnel served as a bomb shelter for civilians. After the war, it was largely forgotten until the 1990s, when it briefly became famous for hosting an illegal underground rave called "Under City Rave."

At the time, Zagreb was still recovering from the Croatian War of Independence, and the city was under blackout restrictions at night due to the conflict. Despite this, the abandoned tunnel became the site of one of the biggest and boldest underground parties in Croatia’s history. Thousands of young people, looking for a way to let off steam, packed into the tunnel, dancing to electronic beats under dim, flickering lights. 

The event was totally unauthorized, and when authorities found out, they shut it down. But by then, the Grič Tunnel had made headlines, and the once-forgotten passage was suddenly a symbol of resilience and rebellion. 

This unexpected moment in history helped put the tunnel back on the map, leading to its eventual restoration and reopening in 2016 as a cultural attraction!

 Today, visitors can walk through it for free and experience its cool underground atmosphere. 

 Some visitors hear whispers and feel sudden chills—echoes of history or something lurking in the shadows? 👻

Sharing these stunning images of the Grič Tunnel decorated with artistic light installations, sourced from the internet. The tunnel frequently transforms into a creative space for exhibitions, festivals, and immersive experiences.

Legendary rave party that took place in the tunnel in 1993

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Kacang putih

Stumbled upon this kacang putih seller in my hometown—such a wave of nostalgia! Back in my school days, there was always a kacang putih seller outside the school gates, serving up crispy treats in cone wraps torn from Yellow Pages. For those who don’t remember, the Yellow Pages was a thick business directory before the internet took over, and its pages were often repurposed as snack wrappers!

 

Modern-day kacang putih vendor in a local mall

In Malaysia, a kacang putih seller is someone who sells a variety of crunchy, spiced snacks, often made from legumes, nuts, and flour-based ingredients. The term kacang putih (literally "white nuts" in Malay) originally referred to steamed or roasted chickpeas but has since expanded to include a wide assortment of traditional Indian snacks.

Origins and History

The kacang putih trade in Malaysia has strong roots in the Indian community, particularly among the Tamil population. The trade is believed to have started in the 1940s in Buntong, Perak, where Indian migrants turned to selling snacks as a livelihood. Buntong remains famous for its kacang putih industry today.

Types of Kacang Putih Snacks

A kacang putih seller typically offers:

• Murukku – A deep-fried, crunchy, spiral-shaped snack made from rice and urad dal flour.
• Peanut varieties – Roasted, spiced, or honey-coated peanuts.
• Fried peas & lentils – Spiced green peas, chickpeas, and dhal coated in a crispy batter.
• Broad beans – Fried and lightly salted or spiced.
• Tapioca chips – Thinly sliced and fried, sometimes with chili or turmeric seasoning.

Where to Find Kacang Putih Sellers

Traditionally, kacang putih was sold by street vendors pushing carts, setting up roadside stalls, or selling from small shops. Today, you can find them in:

• Night markets (pasar malam)
• Roadside stalls
• Indian sundry shops
• Some supermarkets, where pre-packed kacang putih is available

Modern Adaptations

While kacang putih sellers have adapted to changing times by offering pre-packaged snacks, some still maintain the traditional method of selling from carts. There are also wholesalers in Buntong supplying these snacks nationwide. Some sellers even take orders online and deliver in bulk.

There’s something special about getting them fresh from a street vendor—just like the good old days!

Dinner

Lemon grass pork

Tofu with minced pork

Spinach with century eggs and goji berries

Strolling through our pasar malam (night market), I was instantly drawn in by the smoky aroma of sizzling seafood on the grill.

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

The Loggia of the Church of the Holy Cross, Rovinj

Tucked away in Rovinj, the Church of the Holy Cross features this beautiful loggia, a serene spot overlooking the Adriatic. This historic site adds to the town’s charm, complementing the legendary tale of St. Euphemia, whose sarcophagus was found mysteriously drifting at sea nearby.

 It is said that the sarcophagus remained for a while in this church before being moved to its final resting place. An inscription on a pole at the foot of the church, set up on a rock by the sea, bears witness to this event

Read more about the fascinating story of St. Euphemia here: The Church of St. Euphemia Mystery.