Son#2 takes the challenge
Key features of yakiniku:
Grill-it-yourself style:
Diners grill their own meat on a charcoal or gas grill built into the table. It's interactive and communal, making it perfect for friends and family.
Types of meat:
Beef (gyūniku) is king, especially cuts like short rib (karubi), tongue (tan), and sirloin (rosu).
Pork, chicken, and offal (horumon) are also common.
High-end yakiniku restaurants may serve wagyu beef, known for its marbled fat and tenderness.
Seasonings and dips:
Meat is usually lightly marinated or served plain with dipping sauces.
Common sauces include tare (a sweet soy-based sauce), ponzu (citrusy soy), and sesame oil with salt and garlic.
Side dishes:
Rice, kimchi, lettuce for wrapping meat (similar to Korean BBQ), miso soup, and various pickles.
Salads and cold noodles (reimen) are also popular accompaniments.
Origins and influence:
Yakiniku was heavily influenced by Korean cuisine, especially after World War II.
While it's now distinctly Japanese, some yakiniku restaurants still serve Korean-style banchan (side dishes).
Dining experience:
You order raw meat from a menu and cook it to your preference.
Many places are all-you-can-eat (tabehoudai) or à la carte.
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Yes! St. Nicholas is the historical figure who inspired the legend of Santa Claus. He was a Christian bishop in the 3rd and 4th centuries, known for his generosity and kindness, especially toward children and the poor. Over time, his story evolved, blending with folklore and traditions from different cultures.
So, while Santa Claus is a more modern, commercialized version, his roots trace back to the real-life St. Nicholas.
Interestingly, did you know that in France, Saint Nicholas is accompanied by Père Fouettard, which translates to "Father Whipper"? His role is to punish naughty children while Saint Nicholas rewards the well-behaved ones. Père Fouettard is often depicted as a sinister-looking man dressed in dark robes, carrying a whip or a bundle of sticks. His legend dates back centuries, with various tales explaining his origins, including one where he was a repentant butcher forced to assist Saint Nicholas as punishment for his crimes.
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Monitor lizards can get quite large—some species, like the water monitor (Varanus salvator), can reach lengths of up to 2-3 meters (6-10 feet). They are impressive reptiles and definitely among the larger lizards in the world.
ZONGZI SEASON IN FULL SWING
Spotted this vibrant stall at our local pasar malam (night market) prior to the Dragon Boat Festival on May 31st. There were so many delicious varieties of zongzi to choose from, all beautifully wrapped and full of festive flavour. 
Amid the stacks of zongzi, the tiny mouse helpers worked their magic—carefully wrapping and tying each one with delicate precision.
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The Manduševac Fountain is most famous for its romantic tale. According to local legend, a beautiful young girl named Manda would often draw water from the spring. One day, a weary soldier stopped by the fountain to quench his thirst, and as he drank, he and Manda fell in love. Over time, this love story became intertwined with the fountain, and the spring was named Manduševac, a blend of "Manda" and "voda," which means water in Croatian. The fountain, therefore, has come to symbolize both the heart of Zagreb and the timeless connection between the city’s past and its people.
But the Manduševac Fountain isn't only known for its romantic associations. During the period of witch hunts, the fountain was also said to be a gathering place for witches, known as "coprnice," who were accused of practicing dark arts. The fountain became part of Zagreb's eerie folklore, where some legends claim that it was cursed by a local witch. According to one tale, the curse caused the fountain to dry up, only to be restored once the curse was lifted, allowing the waters to flow once more.
This connection to witches has only added to the fountain's mystique. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of how the spring was once used in rituals and dark gatherings. Today, the Manduševac Fountain still stands as a central symbol of both romance and mystery, bridging the gap between love stories and the darker, more haunting legends of the past.
Despite its ancient origins and the eerie tales attached to it, the Manduševac Fountain remains a beloved landmark in Zagreb. It is often featured in themed tours, such as the "Witches of Grič and Their Scary Tale" tour, which explores the haunting history of Zagreb's Upper Town.
Though it's now mostly a decorative fixture, the fountain still holds a special place in the city’s life. It’s a popular spot for photos, particularly for couples, who visit the fountain to capture the magic of the love story that has endured for centuries.
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Served at roadside stalls or high-end restaurants, nasi lemak proudly holds its place as Malaysia’s national food.
Ipoh's famous caramel custard might seem like an unlikely addition to a kopitiam menu, especially considering its fancy French roots. Originally a crème caramel or flan from France, this dessert made its way to Malaysia during colonial times when Western influences started mixing with local food. A kopitiam is a traditional Chinese coffee shop, known for its no-frills atmosphere and simple, comforting food like kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and, of course, strong local coffee—often referred to as kopi.
Unlike the polished and upscale vibe of a fancy cafe, kopitiams are unpretentious, often small, bustling spots where locals gather for casual meals and drinks. In the early 20th century, Chinese-run kopitiams in towns like Ipoh, a booming tin-mining hub, began serving these Western desserts alongside their everyday offerings. What's ironic is how a dessert with such an elegant French pedigree ended up in these humble, laid-back settings. Over time, the locals gave it their own twist, and today, caramel custard is a beloved treat in these cozy shops, served with smooth custard and rich caramel sauce. It’s a perfect example of how global flavors can find their way into the most unexpected places, turning a once-fancy French dessert into a cherished local comfort food.
The cloisters of Salisbury Cathedral are a stunning example of medieval craftsmanship. Built in the late 13th century, they are the largest cloisters in England (58m x 190ft square) and feature beautifully arcaded walkways surrounding a tranquil garden. Originally, the central space was likely a simple grassy square, but today, it is adorned with a grand tree and carefully managed as a garden.
The cloisters serve as a peaceful retreat, offering breathtaking views of the cathedral’s towering spire—the tallest in England. They also house the Chapter House, which contains one of the four surviving original copies of the Magna Carta.
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