Holy Maria - our lady of coffee?

Posted in Discoveries, On the caffeine trail, Seoul, Travel talk with tags , , , , , , , on November 20, 2008 by Cate

Concept cafes can be found all over Seoul - and around the world. And they are high on my blogging list of ‘must visit’. The concept itself can be something as simple as books. Or as novel as religion.

On a walkabout last week, just outside the subway station at Cheongdam-dong (where Seoul’s elite meet), I found ‘Holy Maria’ gift store. So I took at look inside to see if there was anything worth buying for my beloved mum, and also because I have a curious nature.

Then I smelt an aroma - freshly brewed coffee. In a natural sequence of events, I had to follow my nose up the winding spiral staircase towards the heavens, and find that coffee.

And find that coffee I did. Behind glass doors I found Holy Maria: icons, jewellery, and adoration, all tucked within a cafe.

by Cate

by Cate

I just had to sit amongst it all. Holy Maria’s cafe is a quiet tranquil place, it has no designer chairs or knock me out decor to talk about. But it has Maria, peaceful, compassionate Maria, looking over as you try not dwell on past sins.

by Cate

by Cate

Tranquility aside, the coffee is not up to celestial standards, nor uplifting, if anything insipidly weak.

by Cate

by Cate

Did I get my rosary out and pray, did I find any new relevelation to my life? No only a novel concept cafe dedicated to those with stronger convictions than mine.

Caffeinated Traveller

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Baskin Robbins Korea - Thank you!

Posted in South Korea, Travel talk with tags , , on November 19, 2008 by Cate

It’s funny how things turn out. My recent post on the Dunkin Donuts upbeat ‘palace’ in Seoul must have impressed Baskin Robbins head office in Korea. They kindly linked my post onto their staff website.

So to the people working hard at Seoul’s head office, a big THANK -YOU! I don’t know how much you could read or understand, but it was nice to be noticed.

Your morning donut is on me; a nice glutenous rice concoction.

by Cate

by Cate

As for me, I’ll stick with a simple old fashion green tea thingee.

Caffeinated Traveller

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NZ, not just mountains and rings: Kiwiana

Posted in Discoveries, New Zealand with tags , , on November 16, 2008 by Cate

Kiwiana can best be described as all things kitsch and unique to New Zealand. To understand the New Zealand psyche, you really have to understand and accept kiwiana. You don’t have to appreciate it, that takes sacrifice - a sacrifice in all things beautiful. But you do need humour to accept it.

 

stuff.co.nz

stuff.co.nz

Kiwiana icons can generally be found in New Zealand’s rural heartland. A lot of these icons have been around since the 60s if not earlier. Some are strangely strange, others are works of art.

Unless you are travelling through the small rural centres and provincial towns, you will seldom come across these icons. True there can be a certain a glare factor when you see some of them. But here’s the deal with them: each icon tells a story, one of history, culture, significance and pride to that area. Some of them told in bronze, others told in kitsch. Humour often underlies the icon and story. A humour that enables us laugh at ones self, not to take life too seriously, and have a ”get over it” attitude. This all in essence, forms the kiwi psyche.

These icons may not enrapture you, but some travellers I know simply enjoy them for what they are.

by Joe May

by Joe May

And that is the point of them. Have look, a laugh, and go about your day. Don’t take them too seriously.

If you are curious and want to know more, you can visit Wikipedia’s kiwiana . And enjoy the eccentricities.

I really think some tour company should provide visitors with a Kiwiana tour programme. I’d be at the top of the list. How about you?

Caffeinated Traveller

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Are you a tea addict like me?

Posted in On the caffeine trail, Seoul, Travel talk with tags , , , , , , , on November 14, 2008 by Cate

I have become a tea addict recently - caffeine and non caffeine brews. I haven’t given up on the coffee, it’s just hard to find a quality cup around my neighbourhood.

And that old cliche goes, when in Rome…..So when in South Korea, one should drink tea - green tea.

by Cate

by Cate

 There is something to be said about drinking green tea from delicate porcelain cups. Although my pinky does not go up when I raise the cup to my lips, I can still act out the elegant lady role.

Tea cafes (sounds much better than tea shops) are also high on my list of haunts. These are just as popular as ordinary cafes. Sometimes it’s fun to wander around the narrow backstreets in Seoul’s Hongdae district and drop in to a cute cosy place. Here is where the teas are yummy, suiting the tastes of the younger clientele. You may not be supping from a fine piece of china, but the charm of the surroundings, ensures you feel every bit of a lady. Or a gent.

by Cate

by Cate

My favourite blend for the winter months - non-caffeinated fruit infusion Ruby Tang by TEAse. A mix of blood red oranges, and other citron flavours.

After writing this post I’m craving a fruity infusion.

Caffeinated (and non caffeinated) Traveller

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A window into my Seoul: Streets lined with gold

Posted in Seoul, South Korea with tags , , , , , on November 12, 2008 by Cate

 Right now, at this moment, throughout Seoul, the streets are lined with gold - ginkgo gold. Autumn is on its way out, brief it may have been. But its gracefully departing, leaving the streets full of gold.

by Cate

by Cate

Ginkgo trees are common throughout South Korea. Emerald green in summer, their pungent smelling fruits drop early autumn, and golden leaves glow during late autumn. It’s a romantic setting, even fun for the children playing in the fallen leaves.

But it’s particularly attractive to the photographer:

by Cate

by Cate

 

If you thought for a moment that Seoul only consisted of grey concrete, smog and dullness - guess again. The magic of autumn transforms this city into a pot of golden hues.

by Cate

by Cate

I know winter is on its way once these trees take colour. But for now, until the last leaves drop, Seoul is a gorgeous city to be visiting.

Caffeinated Traveller

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