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When I came across this image it brought back many memories for me as I miss the beauty of Tibet China. The landscapes of Tibet are simply startling and out of this world!!

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When I look at this picture it reminds me of just how cold it was in the mountains at times. The fresh air felt good in my lungs and it never tasted of pollution. I remember well my snowshoeing adventures inside the mountain passes here. The exercise kept me very health and strong.

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The view of the valley below was taken from the Reting Monastery; it sits up in the mountains at 13,500 feet above sea level. The valley below is extremely beautiful and if you look really carefully, you can see the winding river that is also supplied by the melt off of snow.

The image below is yet another breathe taking look at one of the many villages that lay scattered throughout the mountains of Tibet China. Heavy snowfall in some areas is very normal.

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This photo that was shot of Lake Yamdrok Tso is really awesome. Notice how in the background the mountains almost kiss the shy. The clouds add a startling quality of beauty to this already amazing image of Tibet's extremely beautiful scenery.

This is a very beautiful look at the inside of a Monastery; its very warm and pleasing to the eyes. An almost instant feeling of inner peace transcends upon on you as you kneel in the center of this room.

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It's a great place to rekindle your inner child and to find the oneness in the self.

Speaking of children, they're truly wonders of Tibet! They are very interested by those that come from the outside world. Once they get to know you, they also become curious and like to ask a lot of questions. Which is cool; because although you may be teaching them, they're also teaching you too?

 

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This Snow Leopard in the photo below is considered to be very rare wonder of Tibet China. It's an awesome animal and one of many very rare animals that can be found in Tibet China.

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This is my final image of a place that I have come to love and respect and is very awe inspiring. The picture speaks for its self. I'll let you be the judge though.

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Thank you for allowing me to share some of the wonders of Tibet China with you the reader. I hope that it has brought you some form of hidden joy.

So the concept is very much practical to the typical Filipino - you can way enjoy getting a full meal or a delectable coffee/cake meal without getting broke. The place is also big and inviting enough to get a group of friends to chat or whole parties to celebrate. Plus, after enjoying great dining in Nezz 74 Café, you can hop around Obrero St. with all the bars and restos it has to offer.

I didn't believe the account of my sister was credible. But who wouldn't say no to a free meal, eh? My sister, a down-to-the-core Lachi's fan, always tells me that the restaurant serves the best meals in Davao. It is also the supplier of cakes for most of the coffee shops in this city. It is located in the suburbs - away from the bustling downtown area. When my sister and I went there, the place is kind of underwhelming. It was very small and simple looking of a place, very typical of a Filipino karinderya.

I was wrong…very, very wrong …

When I had my first taste of their Unforgettable Spare Ribs, it was heavenly bliss. The spare ribs are soft, juicy, and flavorful - you can eat it to the bones. Every bite of the spare ribs and you'll enjoy your heart out. I could write a novel of how great the eating experience was, but it all goes down to how my feet were fleeting under the table. The meal only costs Php 93.00 (converted to dollars that would be barely USD 3.00!!!). My sister ate a Mozzarella Cheese and Tomato Chicken and that one is also not to be missed. I enjoyed the evening bonding with my sister - talking about our dreams in life and the depressions being swallowed by the plate full of viand and hot rice.

The spare ribs were really unforgettable…

My sister and I also had a couple rounds of dessert. We had their delectable Sylvanas - creamy, crunchy, and the right amount of sweetness. We also had some of their cheesecakes that melt in your mouth and not in your face! We also had their symphony cake - music to the mouth with the combination of chocolate, chiffon, and nuts.

As we waited for a taxi outside to get home, it was interesting to find that they were a lot of people who waited outside the little restaurant. They were waiting for their turn to eat the Unforgettable Spare Ribs, since Lachi's have very limited seats. Even writing this review right now makes me crave for the unforgettable again…

Oh my, my mouth is beginning to water again…I am now a certified head-over-heels for Lachi's.

The coffee shop offers hot and cold coffee, beer, fraps, cakes, pastas, and other meals - so you have a lot to explore. You should check out there banana coffee - which after drinking makes you feel that you have eaten a whole bunch of bananas! My friends and I tried on some of their cakes (Mango Cream Cheesecake, Blueberry Cream Cheesecake, Cheesecake on Oreo, and Tiramisu) which cost from Php 60.00 - Php 120.00 (converted to dollars that would be barely USD 1.00 - USD 4.00 each!). But never mind the price, each bite is heavenly and it complements well with their hot coffee (I had some Café Americano at that time). I shall say it was all bliss, happiness, joy, fun, love, and extreme exhilaration for me. I love fine dining with the camaraderie of your greatest friends on the table…

Fantastic story, isn't it? Every one of us must have had at least one experience like that. No, not about broken hearts or failing grades (but it's very relatable!), but about our superstitious selves defying the limits of reality and common sense.

There is no doubt that folklore -- especially superstitious beliefs -- still pervade in our daily lives. Christianity has not curbed it; science has not shattered its so-called integrity; and technology, while an exact medium, has only contributed even more to the permeation of the paranormal phenomena. There are all sorts of “CSI”s of the strange kind happening on television, and legends of the aswangs and engkantos are enhances its popularity by catering to the younger set in the form of literature and film. They are not just, and no longer, "old wives' tales", so to speak.

To say that superstition is a force of nature would be an understatement. It is deeply rooted in our culture, for they say that a nation rich in culture is equally rich with its treasure trove of magnificent mythos. From the time of oral tradition when our ancestors worshipped all sorts of pagan divinity; to the influx of the Malay, Indian and Chinese settlers when we not only shared our goods but also our popular beliefs; to the conquistador era where lands that have not been "Christianized" have been deemed wicked and nefarious; and up to this day and age, superstitions formed and swelled like a raging tide that seeped to the fertile shore.

A plethora of superstitions can range from the mundane to the otherworldly, from the relatively benign to the extremely dangerous, from the practical to the downright absurd. Some can bring you luck, like wearing polka-dot patterns on New Year's Day; others a precautionary measure, like eating lightly on dinnertime to avoid having bangungot. A number of them have truth in itself -- as it has been proven that animal howls are a sign of impending catastrophe, because our creature friends have sharper-developed senses than those of the homo sapiens'. While there are certainly many that is known for their sheer entertainment value -- perhaps to scare children from being incorrigible?

Whether we are aware of it or not, we Filipinos are superstitious. There is no extent to how many superstitions have been associated to everyday activities. It is almost instinctive in us to observe such. Superstitions have easily eased its way into the collective consciousness, creating a socio-cultural norm to which all must take heed. Even modern society has accepted and adhered to time-old traditions, with the observance of feng shui (which traces its roots in superstition) by urban dwellers seeking the blessings of Lady Luck. And a majority of people would much rather avert to anything "13" in nature, and consider "8" favorable -- from constructions, table arrangements, business dealings, and even on certain TV game shows!

The question is: Why are we compelled to believe superstitions? They aren't necessarily true, and nothing bad will actually happen if we don't follow them -- some things in life are purely coincidental. We don't know why we believe in such, so there's no harm in believing them anyway, right? What's wrong with a little ace on your sleeve?

Well, that's exactly the case. Superstitions stem from a fear of the unknown, so in order to counteract the evil attributed with the unknown and to appease the gods, our forefathers have conceptualized these nifty words of wisdom. This is definitely a testament to the aphorism "What you don't know can only make you stronger." Attempting to rationalize the irrational will only cause serious brain damage, so if I were you, I'd rather leave it as it is and let the legacy live on. Imagine the Philippines without her unique beliefs and practices -- then our country would have been a staid landscape of grim-faced people! Superstitions and folklore are what makes Filipinos an interesting study. Beyond the power of religion and constant change, we still uphold the customs and practices undeniably ours, giving us a keen perception of things and a higher sensitivity towards others.

Bathala must surely be smiling down at me right now...

Tapas, is how the Spanish call their wide variety of appetizers. Small snacks the Spaniards love and that can be eaten at any time of the day.

At times people have a wrong concept of tapas and think that they are only eaten at night. That is actually not right and the Spanish enjoy this traditional way to serve food during the whole day. In Madrid for example, Spain's capital, but also in Barcelona, Marbella or Sevilla and basically everywhere in Spain's bars and restaurants, you will have the chance to try this delicious food morsels. In your next trip to Spain, enjoying the sunlight the country has to offer, you will for sure try them accompanying a delicious glass of Rioja wine.

Where Do Tapas Come From?

The tapas tradition was born in Andalusia. Especially in this region of the Iberic Peninsula, the cuisine meshes together all the flavours of the Moorish influence with the Spanish traditions. It is said that the tapas are derived from the Muslims. If you have ever visited Morocco for example, you will have noticed that in the restaurants usually you will be first served a small “trial portion” to start your lunch. In Spain, the first tapas were simple pieces of bread. You will smile hearing that they were put on top of your glass of wine in order to prevent flies to fall into your precious grape juice. That's how it started. Clever people!

Tapas are usually served as a starter, but many Spaniards enjoy them during the whole day and sometimes their lunch or dinner will consist of them. The act of having tapas is called “tapeo”. A group of friends or a family will go out together and while conversing they will order their favourite tapas. Usually different tapas bars do have a specialty and will be known for it.

Examples Of Tapas, And Preparing Your Own

Creating tapas there are no limits to your fantasy. Some bars will offer more than 30 different types of this delicious food snack. If you ever go to Spain or to your local Spanish bar you will be able to purchase single portions but usually half and full serves of the tapas of your choice. They are served both hot and cold. Example of tapas dishes are: cured ham (jamón serrano), ham from Andalusian pigs fed on acorns (jamón iberico), olives, calamares, prawns, snails, tortilla, different cheeses (especially queso manchego), fresh anchovies, meatballs, marinated meats and salads.

Why not enjoying also tapas at home? There are various cookbooks teaching you how to best prepare them. Try them with your loved ones; you will be enjoying part of the famed Mediterranean lifestyle. Enjoy!