Jennifer J. Chow's Blog, page 20
September 16, 2019
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is iconic. I haven’t been there since I was a kid, so it was great to recently visit the theme park. Here are some of the highlights from my time there:
WaterWorld
I really enjoyed this show, loaded with stunts and explosions. Since I also sat in the “Soak Zone,” I got sprayed a lot. (Tip: The extra refreshing even starts pre-show.)
Tram Tour
Of course, I saw the back lot. Beyond the thrilling tram troubles, I liked seeing the various props used in famous films.
From “War of the Worlds”Harry Potter
I wondered how the Hogwarts world would feel like. It was fun to relive the magic by walking the grounds, checking out the Butterbeer stalls, and listening to the frog choir.
Rides
I really liked the Despicable Me ride because it has both humor and heart. You shrink down to Minion-size and get to explore Gru’s wacky dominion. Despite an hour-long wait, I also liked the Jurassic World ride. It was exciting to see the different dinosaurs and plummet down a waterfall.
Fun fact: Universal Studios’ claim to early fame came from its horror flicks.
September 11, 2019
September 6, 2019
Foodie Friday: Obanyaki
Obanyaki: mini stuffed pancakes
These puffed-up Japanese pancakes open up to reveal delicious interiors. Custard or red bean paste is often used as a filling inside the round treats. They’re quite similar to taiyaki, except without the stylized fish shape.
Though they’re often eaten for dessert, tweaked recipes make them more savory by inserting meat, vegetables, or curry. Want to see how they’re cooked?
Fun fact: They’re named after the Oban coin.
August 28, 2019
August 19, 2019
#BookReview: My Sister, the Serial Killer
5 stars
Genre: Humorous crime fiction
My Sister, the Serial Killer
Pros:
Funny;
dark humorPlenty
of great Nigerian referencesWildly
original
Cons:
Entertaining; had me flipping the pagesUnusual ending that didn’t quite meet my expectationsSome loose ends left dangling, particularly regarding the backstory
This book totally blew me away. It feels like poetry jumping off the pages.
First off, I loved the idea of the sister relationship as it involves murders. Then it’s got an amazing Lagos vibe which I really enjoyed. I love how Braithwaite is able to pull off both dark and comedic.
My only slight issue came from the off-beat conclusion, but it does make you think…
A wonderful book that I flew through because of its unique vibrant characters and community.
Find more of my book ratings and reviews here.
August 16, 2019
Foodie Friday: Lychee Ice
Lychee ice: slushie drink made with lychee fruit
I’m clinging onto the last days of summer and fighting off the heat with cool drinks like this. Lychee is one of my favorite fruits (although I do prefer the similar-tasting longan more).
Supposedly, you shouldn’t eat too many lychees at a time. I grew up categorizing Chinese foods into warm, cool, and neutral. The lychee fruit is warming.
When overeaten, it can cause negative side effects—like nosebleeds. I haven’t experienced that when eating the fruit (thank goodness!), but I still limit myself from overindulging in their syrupy sweetness.
How do you stay cool in the summer?
August 7, 2019
July 29, 2019
Joshua Tree
Who’s crazy enough to camp in a desert during the hot summer? Me, that’s who!
In order to see the Perseid meteor shower (which occurs between July 17 and August 24), I ventured away from the city lights and into the desert. A quick getaway to nearby Joshua Tree National Park ended up being loads of fun.
During the day, temperatures can soar above 100 degrees, so I opted to cool down inside the Palm Springs Art Museum (Palm Desert location). They had an exhibit on figures, and these were a few of my favorites:
Packing Peanuts Figure, 2007; Tom Friedman
Water Memory, 2015; Cara RomeroOutside, the museum even had a sculpture garden. I braved the broiling sun and captured some photos of statues that spoke to me.
Walks Among the Stars, 2006; Dave McGary
Seated Thinking Woman, 1979; Felipe Castañeda Then at night, I grabbed a camping site. I got to see quite a few falling meteors when it got dark. Success!
And here’s a pic of the Big Dipper:
A few more shots of the surrounding nature near Joshua Tree…
Jack rabbit (note: they use those large ears to cool off!)
Cholla cactusStay cool in the summer heat!
July 24, 2019
July 19, 2019
Foodie Friday: Ube Soft Serve
Ube soft serve: purple yam ice cream
When it gets hot during the summer, I turn to cool things. And what’s cooler than an amazingly bright purple ice cream? Yep, it’s ube soft serve.
Ube is a type of root vegetable (chock-full of vitamin C, thank you very much). As expected, it tastes earthy, much like sweet potato and taro. The brilliant thing (I couldn’t resist) about ube is its lovely color! The hue just makes you smile.
A lot of Filipino desserts will incorporate ube in their recipes. In fact, “ube” means “purple yam” in Tagalog.
Hope everyone is enjoying a bright and beautiful summer!
