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

Gallimaufry#142

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

The pulse of the city

Spotted this rather unusual sign, especially since restroom use is typically free in Malaysia.

Dinner - pork chops

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

The Grand Place, Brussels 2019

Every two years in August, the square is transformed into a vibrant floral tapestry. Nearly a million begonias are arranged into intricate designs over 1,800 square meters, reflecting themes inspired by cultural and historical motifs. This tradition, which began in 1971, showcases Belgium's horticultural artistry and draws visitors from around the world. The event is accompanied by live music and light shows, making it a must-see spectacle in the heart of Brussels.

Flower Carpet 2024

image source - Xinhua/Peng Ziyang

I like to imagine that my AI mice buddies might have a role in crafting the Grand Place's flower carpet.

JUST A RANDOM THOUGHT

I love pineapple on pizza—roll your eyes if you must.

I enjoy the sweet and savory combination, which adds a toothsome twist to the traditional flavors.

The debate over pineapple on pizza is one of the most divisive topics in the culinary world. It's a clash between those who swear by the sweet and savory combination and those who believe it’s a culinary abomination.

Proponents of pineapple on pizza, often fans of the Hawaiian pizza, argue that the sweetness of pineapple perfectly complements the salty, savory flavors of ham, cheese, and tomato sauce. They appreciate the contrast in textures and flavors, making the pizza more exciting and less predictable.

On the other hand, traditionalists and purists argue that pineapple has no place on a pizza. They contend that the sweetness disrupts the balance of flavors and goes against the authentic Italian roots of pizza-making. For them, pizza should stick to its original Mediterranean ingredients, like mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and perhaps a few select meats or vegetables.

The debate has reached such a level of intensity that it has sparked countless online arguments, memes, and even declarations from public figures. In 2017, Iceland’s President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson famously joked that he would ban pineapple on pizza if he could, further fueling the controversy.

But hey, the best pizza is the one you enjoy, pineapple or not, agree?

 Now don’t get me started on durian on pizza!

What’s your favorite pizza combination?

Gallimaufry#141

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

TONY TONY CHOPPER RIDES WITH FOOD PANDA

Walking to where our car was parked, I noticed something perched atop a food delivery box.

My sons recognized them as a pair of action figures from the beloved anime series One Piece. The spiky character is none other than Tony Tony Chopper, the reindeer doctor of the Straw Hat Pirates. 

It was a quirky sight, seeing Chopper, in all his forms, hitching a ride on the back of a motorcycle. It felt like a little piece of anime magic had spilled over into the real world, turning an ordinary food delivery box into a moment of fandom joy.

Dinner - Fusion Dim Sum

*Dim sum for dinner? Absolutely, because why not! And yes, I'm diving into some fusion dim sum too—cheese on tofu? Let the food purists roll their eyes!

*Traditionally, dim sum is enjoyed during breakfast or brunch, especially in Cantonese culture. It's a social meal often shared with family and friends over tea, usually served in small portions like dumplings, buns, and other bite-sized delicacies. The practice of enjoying dim sum in the morning is rooted in its origins as a light, early-day meal to complement tea drinking, known as "yum cha" (drinking tea). However, the appeal of dim sum has grown globally, and now people enjoy it at any time of day, including dinner.

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Lucerne 2019 

In the charming town of Lucerne, where the historic Chapel Bridge stands proudly against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains, humans love to walk their dogs in the evenings. But if you care to look closely enough, you might just bump into Elsa the Mouse and her dapper pet snail, Sir Escargot, enjoying their own little evening stroll. 

Lugano 2022

Have you ever noticed how tricky it can be to capture photos of benches with breathtaking views? When you’re sitting on the bench, you’re naturally facing the scenery, but the photographer can’t position themselves in front of you because it’s often a water’s edge or a sheer cliff. And even if they could, the backdrop behind you wouldn’t be the stunning view that the bench is designed to enjoy.

Isn't it amazing how AI can creatively solve this age-old dilemma of capturing the perfect photo on a bench with a stunning view? In real life, when you sit on a bench facing a breathtaking scene, the photographer is often limited by the landscape—usually, it’s a water’s edge or a cliff—making it nearly impossible to get both you and the view in the same frame. But with AI, it’s a different story. It can position the mice on the bench so they’re enjoying the view while simultaneously turning them to face the camera, all without sacrificing the beautiful backdrop. 

JUST A RANDOM QUESTION

Me, wide awake at 4:00 AM despite counting sheep

I’m curious—do any of you have trouble falling asleep? And if not, do you find your sleep gets fragmented or interrupted? I’ve been wondering how many hours of sleep most people actually average.

I’ve been having trouble falling asleep lately, which is new for me—never had this issue before. I suspect it might be an aging thing, but noisy neighbors have definitely been a trigger! I recently discovered CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) on YouTube and am now trying to practice it. It’s a method that helps address the thoughts and behaviors that might be keeping you awake.

Has anyone else faced similar challenges or tried CBT-I? I’d love to hear your experiences and any tips you might have for dealing with sleep issues.

Looking forward to your insights!