Saturday, February 28, 2009

Homemade Jack Off Toys Water Bottle



In the land of smile, he must be prepared for any dangerous excess joy (photo taken in a bus)


Otherwise, the U.S., they have that (W News Network. Sorry, it's in English):


Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Palm Springs Gel Nail Salon

The story of chili

I forsake my blog a bit these days. I have a little less free time, and then the "discoveries" are, over time, a little more rare, obviously.

That said, it is an essential aspect of Thai culinary culture that I still have not addressed: the chili.

Much of the Thai dishes are spicy, and when they are, ignite the palate. And it's even harder to bear because, while you're drinking 3 liters of water to try to extinguish the fire, you will see that most Thai rajoutent pepper.

But where does this idea? How can we destroy so the taste of food and replace it with a burn?

First, the chili is not in the Thai food since time immemorial. The Portuguese and Spaniards, according to their explorations of the fifteenth and sixteenth century that brought the peppers: from South America they were trying to colonize to Asia, where Europeans settled the coptoirs business.
Chilli rained and perfectly suited to the climate, was quickly installed in the culinary habits of Thai, already accustomed to "mix" the cuisines from many surrounding countries.

Interest spice in the kitchen is obvious ... The existence of "spice up something" is in itself an explanation.
But from our point of view, that parsimony is right. Our kitchen is quite attached to the balance of flavors and accommodates poorly volcanic eruption caused by a very spicy dish. It is quite difficult to understand the craze, and even addiction to that feeling.
When I talk about addiction, I'm not kidding. There comes a point where some resent more food if it is not spicy. I know a lot of Thai that are in this case, and it's a safe bet that the same is true for countries like India or Mexico, large consumers of chili. The clearest evidence in Thailand, is the fact that fruit is sold with a small bag containing a mixture sugar, salt and pepper ... Strawberries chili is not bad but a bit surprising.


Research has been done on the subject. Why is it so some people like spicy food? They came to the conclusion that the pleasure experienced when eating spicy is comparable to that which can be made when a round coaster. They call it "controlled risk". Blight of pepper is similar to the feel of a real burn but causes no damage. As the roller coaster has the feeling of falling ... without the crash. Thus, small little, the body gets used to this feeling, it will not disappear, but will no longer be associated with danger.
For a taste for chili s'aqcuiert. Children here start gradually. Primary schools for example do not serve food spicy. The habit will come with time.
Did you enjoy the first glass of red wine you drank? Probably not. This is because these complex sensations require time.

Me too it took me some time. And after spending a year here, I'm able to enjoy eating spicy dishes enough (read: very spicy according to our scale franchouille) and survive well bodied dishes (not far from the nuclear to a neophyte).
I have not lost the taste for non-spicy dishes. In fact, researchers have shown, not used numbs the tongue, it just makes the pain bearable, if not significant.
Yes, it is not far from masochism ... but this kind of atitude "strange" occurs all the time. Look at the sports addicted to endorphins, the crazy extreme sports, adrenaline junkies.
The chili is a little "extreme sport" of the kitchen. With practice, you have less fear. For many, a little from time to time is enough. For others, there is never enough.

Oh, and also with the habit of the palace, has used the rest of the digestive system. I will pass the details, but it is obvious that the disappearance of heartburn and other are significant.


Practical Advice:
" Well all that's nice. I understand that if you're used to, it hurts less, but now, I, I come to Thailand on holiday in 1 month, and I will not stay more than two weeks, so how do I do? .
not panic. Here are some survival tips.

1. Prevention:
  • Learn the spicy and non spicy dishes. There are many dishes in Thailand perfectly delicious non-spicy. In such "safe haven", it is the "fried rice" ( kaow pad gai, kaw moo pad ), the "fried chicken (gai yang ) with sticky rice ( kaow niaow ), satay skewers or " pad thai" (generally, the sauces are separate pieces).
    short, a lot of dishes. All this will be illustrated with a small pronunciation guide, comments and level of spice ... when I have time.

  • In the case of " pad thai", it can happen that is served hot (yes, each in his recipe, like the cassoulet). Then the sentence to add that it saves the "Pett Mai" (I write about as you pronounce it). It means "not spicy" and they usually will listen. However, the dish can still be very hot after that. In fact, it depends on the number of tourists visiting the area. If the restaurant is very touristy, there are chances that the kitchen is already somewhat spicy. However, the small vendor deep in the street that almost never sees "farang" will conclude the "Mai Pett" unless you want a pound of pepper in your dish.

  • Sort ... Some dishes are served with big morcaux peppers. Including greens. Even some Thai leave them apart, because they are supposed to be "infused" in the dish. And do not be ashamed, you're not the first.
2. When it's too late, and there is a fire
  • If you're in a restaurant quite touristy (a to d that they speak English pretty well and that the customer is not really local), and you have specifically stated "Pett Nai" or "Not Spicy" then return the dish ... Kindly but firmly.

  • If you do not have the heart or the ability to return the dish, then know that water provides only very temporary solace. The most effective is milk "nhom" and rice "kaow.
    Small bracket "minute scientific": The burning sensation is due to capsaicin. It is not soluble in water, drink 3 liters of Evian soothe but let the "spicy" in the mouth. By cons, casein, found in dairy products off of the neuro-capsaicin receptor to "wash" the tongue and palate.

  • As you are probably all red and crying, my final advice is: watch your fingers. If you happen to have some spice on it and you rub your eyes, you'll remember it clean for a while.

  • Be patient ... The feeling dissipates rather quickly, in fact after 5 minutes, usually (but they seem looooooongues).
That's all for Today
I hope this will help you appreciate even more your future stay in Thailand!

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Happy Acuarium Pearls 2010

Thailand Travel Council. 3: A year already Clothing

Many things are very cheap in Thailand ... Among the bargains you can do in Bangkok, there are the clothes.
Shops, markets and "malls" offer all styles and prices, the more expensive (the same brands at home ...) to the ridiculously cheap.

Tips, so for maximum enjoyment.

1. Where to buy?
As I said, places are many. However, after a thorough investigation (for purposes of this Blog, of course), there are some places worth visiting, especially because of the high concentration of stores. Necessarily more convenient for the traveler planning a little tight.

  • MBK: station BTS National Stadium. A multi-storey mall, filled with small shops selling everything from t-shirts to evening dresses through the computer, leather goods and cosmetics. We get lost a bit easily, but there really good deals, especially for souvenirs.

  • Platinum station BTS Ratchatewi "then take a tuk-tuk and said" Platinum "(easy). Only 5 floors of clothes, bags and shoes. Frenzied buyers: providing a Valium beforehand.

  • Siam Square: Siam BTS Station (a contrast to Siam Paragon). A network of small streets which is what comes closest here to our "shopping". Clothes better than MBK and Platinum. More "fashion designers". The prices are really lower than at home.


  • Chatuchak (JJ) Station BTS Morchit. The "weekend market" (ie open only on weekends. Outside, the tiny covered walkways, it is better aprentas early morning to cool. Immense, labyrinthine, everything ... Is JJ just take time, because the organization is medium followed by section. Good place to buy clothes "relax" ...
2. What to Buy?

Here, it depends a lot of You, however, some tips: Do not take a ton of t-shirts and light clothing in your luggage. Allow room for just bring back and buy them on-site as and when needed. It is a good way to renew that part of the wardrobe on the cheap.

The girls here also find shoes and evening dresses for a good price. Not necessarily finish "indestructible" but we found pairs at 10 € which will bear very casual use.
What's great is the choice offered in this price range.

For men, it is unfortunately a bit more difficult. The men here are not big fans of fashion (and the warm climate offers fewer opportunities clothing). So we find here t-shirts, shorts, and shirts.
In fact, for men, I would recommend the solution "tailor" (see below)

WARNING: Thailand is also the kingdom of the copy. Know that our customs are particularly sensitive about this, and even more when it comes to French brand. In addition to the forfeiture, there is the risk of fines rather heavy. Do not buy "fake" (Dior, Louis Vuitton and others). It is sometimes frustrating, we would have bought the product if there was the horrible gold Chanel logo added to "do gender." It remains highly seller for many other nationalities. For us, it is avoided.

3. Negotiate?

Yes ... The price of clothes can be traded here. Less if you're a tourist, but a bit anyway. In general, Paut happen to have at least 10% discount, especially if you take several items.
To request a reduction ', say' Mai dai Lott? ".

4. The other solution: tailor-made.

As in most Asian countries, Indian tailors are dozens of shops on the main streets of major cities. In Bangkok, there are mainly surrounding neighborhood of Nana, Silom and Sathorn.
As a tourist, difficult to choose the good among the multitude. The best tailors are actually a bit hidden and focused on local customers. It will be almost impossible to find. Nevertheless, some tricks can make better use of cutters for tourists ", and get something very good for a good price, generally less than the ready to wear home.

  • Think about what you want before you come. They are very good when it comes to copy an existing design. Dresses, jackets, pants, blouses. Anything is possible, and if you come with a photo, the result will be better. "Worse" if the store that sells the dress of your dreams (at an astronomical price) will return. Take this, make a copy and return it to the store after your trip ....

  • For men, take your "favorite shirt". You can easily make duplicate, with the "bonus" of custom finishing.

  • Visit several shops before you decide. Ask lots of questions, make sure they are attentive to details that you provide. This is a sign that they will really you ask. In short, play competition between the many tailors around.

  • For shirts and suits, are, again, insistent. The first tissue that will be shown are the cheapest. Where they will do most of margins. Even if you like, do it hard. They keep their finest fabrics deeper into the store. That's where the matter becomes interesting for you, because in general they will not change the price of the shirt, even if the fabric is better. FYI, a man's shirt should be less than 1000 Baht (20 € ... yes yes ...)

  • level timing, they can work very quickly, if necessary, but we must always count as an intermediate step of "fitting" (fitting). Or 2 "fitting" for the more complicated things like suits or dresses. Look in your travel schedule if it sticks.
The problem of the custom is that once you've "tasted" is hard to find clothes ready to wear suit you. Especially if, like me, you're not quite "standard".

short, a little preparation and reflection corresponding to a prior to travel can really be paying.