Of Omelette Pans and Savory Goodness

I'll be honest... With all the travel, holidays, Tucker, and remodeling at my house right now, I haven't been in the mood to cook. But since I haven't posted  food related entry for a while, I thought I would try to conjure up something to write about.

For those of you who may have been visiting this site for a while, you know I love to cook. Along with that, I love the gear that goes with cooking. And in my mind, one of the essential things to own is a great, nonstick omelette pan. I've have mine for over six years now, and the nonstick finish is, well, finished. No longer does it release my eggs with a graceful flick of the wrists. Now, it needs to be scraped off with that of a spatula and chisel.

But do not fret, for I have a solution! It is -- a new omelette pan! I know, I know, a bit anti-climatic. But the reason I bring this up is because I have actually had it's replacement sitting in my attic, waiting for this very moment. And the reason it was sitting in the attic was because when I purchased my original pans, Calphalon was phasing out my line of pots and pans. This allowed me to purchase a couple replacement pans at super cheap prices, knowing full well that the nonstick finish wouldn't last forever. And so it hasn't. And so, I have a new pan that's been waiting to take its place. (So here's my tip- if you like nonstick cookware, keep your eye out for bargain sales. You may not need the replacement at that time, but you can literally save hundreds of dollars if you buy it on sale/clearance.)

So to initiate my new replacement pan, I decided to make one of my favorite comfort foods. Mind you, this is a VERY basic dish.But I don't think that's a bad thing. I believe everybody has their super-easy, make in 10 seconds, comfort dish. It's along the lines of cinnamon/sugar toast, bowls of cereal, or crackers and cheese. For me, it's sunny-side up eggs on white rice with soy sauce.

Now, before you judge me, hear me out. The combination of the three ingredients in this dish come together to make what I consider an Asian simplified version of Italian carbonara. See, first you place the egg on the rice, and drizzle a bit of soy on top. They you break the yolks and mix it into the hot rice. As the yolk coats the rice, the heat from the rice cooks it into a savory goodness. As you eat it, it warms your body and fills your belly.

So now that you know one of my go-to quick fixes, tell me what you like to whip up and eat when you're having that certain craving.

A Big List

This will probably be my last post (I think) about Antarctica... and it's more for the gear heads out there.

Since I went to Buenos Aires first, I thought I would have to pack for summer and winter. In hindsight, I could have simply packed for winter and brought one pair of shorts and been fine. But regardless, here's what I brought. Also, remember that I tend to overpack, so I will try to highlight the neccessities.

Things I used:

CLOTHES:
Regular Attire
• Tshirts
• underwear, socks
• 2 pairs of jeans (only needed one)
• 3 pairs of shorts (only needed one)
• board shorts
• zip off legs pants
• Merrells Ventilator Shoes

Snow Attire
• 2 sets of Patagonia Capilene polypro top and bottoms
• Mountain Hardwear Windstopper Fleece (thick)
• North Face Windstopper Pullover (thin)
• Arc'teryx Gore-tex hard shell
• North Face Gore-tex ski pants
• North Face windblock pants
• Swix Wool Hat
• 4 pairs ski socks, 2 pair sock liners (I wore the 1 pair sock liners and 2 pairs of ski socks for excursions.)
• OR Vert gloves (awesome for photography)
• OR Gore-tex Ascent gloves (only used once, but if it had rained more I would have used them more)
• Mountain Hardwear puffy jacket (compacts into a very small stuff sack, great for being on the outside upper decks of the ship)
• Seirus Neofleece Comfort Masque (great for the cold wind)

TECH and CAMERA
• Lenovo Thinkpad T400s laptop
• 2 Western Digital 500GB external hard drives
• Microsoft Wireless USB Mouse (nice for photo editing)
• LowePro camera bag (placed inside backpack for water protection)
• Nikon D300s DSLR (primary)
• Nikon D50 DSLR (backup- didn't use it, but would still bring it next time)
• Canon SD900 point and shoot camera
• Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
• Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR
• Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX
• Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D DX
• Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6
• Nikon Speedlight SB-600 flash
• Induro Adventure Series AB0 tripod
• Kata camera rain cover
• Circular polarizers
• lens brush
• camera/laptop battery chargers

MISCELLANIOUS
• PASSPORT
• Rupert the Gnome
• toiletries
• Polarized Smith Diablo sunglasses
• contacts
• glasses
• Bible
• chapstick
• eye mask (for sleeping)
• Dry Bag (for inside backpack- not sure if needed, but a cheap insurance policy to protect my camera gear)
• large ziploc bags
• backpack (would bring smaller one next time)
• seasickness patch (prescription)
• power plug adapter (not a convertor)
• footbeds/insoles (recommended! from an old pair of running shoes for rubber boots)

DIDN'T USE/NEED
• water bottle (bottled water was available everywhere in BA, and the ship had it readily available)
• 2 books (too much other stuff to do)
• fleece neck gaiter
• black leather shoes (Buenos Aires is pretty casual)
• dress shirts
• tshirts (brought too many)
• sunscreen (bought some there, didn't use)
• flip flops
• laundry detergent
• hand/foot warmers (I didn't need these, but I know people who used them)
• mini-power strip
• earplugs
• binoculars
• DVD movies/shows
• camera grey card
• neutral density filters (torn on this... didn't use it, but not very heavy, would consider bringing again)

Puppy Parenting

Although it still weirds me out a little when people refer to me as Tucker's "daddy", I've now been a puppy parent for almost three weeks. Having never had a dog before, it's been (continues to be) an experience. I anticipated a lot of work in raising the little guy, but I still underestimated it. And from what I've gathered, he's a well behaved puppy. But a puppy nonetheless. Which is a good thing about 90% of the time.

Some random things I've been experiencing so far.

1. My sleep schedule is completely screwed up (early to bed, early to rise makes Spencer a sleepier person than he already is).

2. I really do feel like a parent. Putting him to bed is like putting a child to bed. He can be dead tired, but as soon as it's time to sleep, he gets uber hyper and wants to play. It's hilarious and exhausting at the same time. For example, as soon as his four little paws touch my comforter (yes, he sleeps on my bed. Please don't judge me.), he starts digging. I don't exactly know why, but he'll have a burst of intense digging, with intervals of rest, then he'll start again. This is usually coupled with the laps around the tv room and my bedroom.

3. I think of myself as a person with a lot of patience. But there are definitely times where those limits are pushed. It's humbling. And makes me hope that this will simply make me even more patient when I have kids some day.

4. I'm a sucker for puppy eyes. Sometimes I look into the dark pools of melancholy when he's sitting there, and it breaks my heart. For example, right after he's played with his siblings (a friend of mine has his older sister and litter brother) and they have gone home, he looks for them. You can tell he misses them. Reading his eyes kill me everytime.

5. I love the way he sleeps. I don't care if you're not a dog person. Watching him sleep (and dream sometimes) and seeing how cute he is... as my brother says "you just want to eat him up!". (Hopefully he doesn't mean figuratively. Of course, we are Chinese. I kid, I kid.)

6. I have become that guy. That guy who not only picks up the poo, but carries it for another mile. At least I've been trying to fight becoming the guy who only talks about one thing: his dog/child/car/job/etc.

7.  It's been fun watching him grow up. This past week he started responding to his name. Plus he's gotten to know B and I. He now comes over and sits at our feet, or rests his head on our leg, just so he can be petted or held. It's very enduring (he's actually came over as I was typing this and laid down).

8. After reading the previous 7 items, he's made me sappier too I think.

So that's where I am with the puppy raising. Overall, Tucker's been a blast. And for the times he's not, I've been trying to remind myself to enjoy his time as a puppy, and that all this work is to make him an awesome adult dog later...

Lessons Learned

Since I've been back for a couple weeks now, I thought I would share some tips I've learned on this trip... For those of you who may stumble upon this blog because you're interested in going to Antarctica, feel free to drop me a line. I'd love to share more info with you.

All right, here we go.

1. I am an over-packer. This isn't a new lesson, but I still make the mistake every time. For this specific trip, I fooled myself because I thought I had to pack for hot and cold climates since I was heading to Buenos Aires first. In reality, if I had packed 1 pair of shorts, 4 tshirts, and my cold weather gear, I would have been fine. People on the ship don't care if you wear the same thing everyday. Just make sure to shower.

2. Be prepared to get wet. Since it's summer down in Antarctica, it may not get cold enough to snow. Plus, when riding in the zodiacs, you can get wet from spray as well.

3. In concert with #2, bring gear to protect your camera from the wet. I used a Kata Rain Cover when taking pictures. Although there are a few little nuisances, overall it worked pretty well in the rainy whether. For the budget minded, here is a simple substitute I learned on the ship- for DSLRs, it can be as simple as poking two holes in the bottom of a ziploc bag, running your camera strap through the holes, and placing the camera inside. Then when you need to take a picture, simply "unzip" the bag so your lens has an opening to take the picture.

4. Some people used thicker ski gloves, but I found thin but warm ones made photography much easier. I used these OR Vert gloves and they rocked.

5. If you're going on a cruise, try to socialize with your fellow passengers of all ages, backgrounds, and demographics. I know that's hard for introverts, but it's much more fun when you know the people you're with. Plus, it'll help pass the time on the Drake faster.

6. Try to do something different. Go camping. Go kayaking. Do the Plunge. It'll make for a cool story later, and make your life much richer now.

7. I know I mentioned that I tend to overpack, but one thing I am glad I brought was my computer and assorted gear. I was able to organize and edit my pictures during my free time, as well as type up my blog entries. In addition, I brought 2 external hard drives so I could back up my photos.

8. If you have a video feature on your camera, use it. I find myself looking at the few videos I took during the trip, and wish I had more. As a bonus: if you have a tripod, use it for the video. Mine look like I was still on the Drake Passage even though I was on solid ground.

9. I love photography. But at some point(s) during the trip, take a moment to look around without looking through your camera's viewfinder/LCD display. Savor that moment. Remember the crispness of the air, the size of the glacier, the humor of watching the penguins, and the beauty that surrounds you. This is why you came to Antarctica.

Unneccessary Stress, Excessive Sweating, and Answered Prayers

Sometime during this trip, Naomi, Carol, Greg and I traded travel horror stories. When my turn came, I realized that I didn't have any horrific stories to share. But of course, as luck would have it, I was just a little early. My story materialized when it came time for me to come home to Seattle. But instead of using my regular paragraph style narrative, I thought I would use a different approach to share what has become my travel horror story. And like all good stories, there is a happy ending. So here it goes.

AR= Argentina Time, E/PST= Eastern/Pacific Standard Time. AR is 5 hours ahead of PST.

5:45 AM AR: Wake Up on the Orlova
8:00 AM AR: Disembark the ship to head to the airport. Quark was unable to confirm my ticket over the phone, so I need to do it in person. Also, apparently I am listed on the 11:20 AM flight, not my purchased 2:05 PM flight.
8:45 AM AR: Get to the airport and wait in line for the ticket counter. Once at the counter, I received good and bad news. The good: I am checked in for my original 2:05 PM flight. The bad: Not only is my luggage overweight (aka pay a fine), but I need to check my backpack as well. Note my backpack contains fragile, non-checkable items, such as my laptop. To "remedy" this, the ticket counter guy gives me a plastic bag, and tells me to put my breakable items in it to carry on the plane. The now empty backpack is then checked. To recap: checked 2 overweight bags and 1 empty backpack. Carrying on- 1 camera bag and 1 plastic bag of computer gear and fragile gifts. Questions arise: 1) How come none of this was a problem coming down to Ushuaia? 2) Why couldn't I keep my backpack if they are going to give me a plastic bag to carry on anyway?

9:30 AM AR: I've paid my overweight luggage fine and my airport exit tax. I head back to Ushuaia to kill some time, get a tshirt, and meet friends for lunch before coming back to the airport.

2:05 PM AR: Depart Ushuaia as scheduled. BTW, it was a pain in the neck carrying that plastic bag all over town.

6:00 PM AR: I arrive at Buenos Aires International Airport and pick up my luggage. I proceed to the international terminal to check in at the United ticket counter for my 10:00 PM AR international flight. My scheduled trip home has a layover in Dulles (Washington DC), then catching a connecting flight to Seattle.

6:30 PM AR: After waiting in line, I finally reach the United ticket counter and am told my BA to Dulles flight is delayed 4 hours because a winter storm has hit the Eastern seaboard of the US. DC is snowed in. This is when my travels really get interesting.

6:33 PM AR: The following conversation (summarized) ensues:
The United Guy (UG): Uh oh. You'll miss your connecting flight in DC to Seattle. And since you have an award (frequent flyer miles) ticket, I can't assign you to a different airline to fly home.
ME: Ok, I can handle that. I'll catch the next United flight on standby.
UG: No, you can't fly standby. The flights are full for the next two days. I can only book you to DC, where you will need to purchase a ticket home to Seattle.
ME: Excuse me? First off, why can't I fly standby?
UG: The flights are full.
ME: Um, okaaay. So I need to purchase a ticket to Seattle? United can't find another way to get me home?
UG: That is correct.
ME: So let me get this straight. You are saying that I need to purchase a last minute (literally) ticket to Seattle 4 days before Christmas?
UG: Yes.
ME: (thinking to myself) WTF?!?

6:45-8:00 PM AR: I leave "helpful" UG and find an internet cafe. I attempt to purchase a ticket home from DC to Seattle (a steal at $680 US for a last minute biz class ticket). I click the on "Purchase Ticket" button. Error. $#&%!

8:10 PM AR: I go back to UG and have him book me to DC. I figured I could speak the language in DC and there are many more domestic flights options Stateside.

8:45 PM AR: I'm checked in, go through security, and settle into waiting for another 3-4 hours before boarding.

1:15 AM AR: I'm at the gate, and after mulling it over, decide to approach the United gate lady. The following conversation (summarized) ensues:
ME: Hi, I'm trying to get home to Seattle. I'm missing my connecting flight in DC due to the delay. Is there anything you can do to help me?
United Lady (UL): Well, the flights to Seattle are full until Christmas, but I can put you on standby for the 1:30pm EST flight.
ME: Really? Thank you! (thinking to myself) I'd like to smack United Guy aside the head. HARD.

11:00 AM EST: Touchdown in Dulles. Run to catch a shuttle to another terminal for immigration and customs. Time until Seattle flight boards- 1.5 hours.

11:30 AM EST: Through Immigration and Customs. Pick up luggage, running to the United Ticket counter to check my luggage for the standby flight. Starting to perspire a little bit. Time left to board- 1 hour.

11:45 AM EST: Arrive at the ticket counter, and am told that I am in the wrong line to check baggage. Plus, I only have 5 minutes left before they can't accept luggage anymore. I look over at the other line, and it would be a 30 minute wait. Sonuvabeech.

11:47 AM EST: My lowest yet proudest moment happens. I ask everybody in the other line if I can cut to the front. In a show of great grace and Christmas spirit, nobody objects. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

12:00 PM EST: Bags are checked. Running to security with my backpack and camera bag.
12:15 PM EST: Finally through security. Running to the shuttle to go to the another terminal. Again. Oh, I'm starting to sweat now. Time left to board- 15 minutes.
12:25 PM EST: Aboard the shuttle in between terminals when it stops for what seems like a decade to let a plane by. Time left- 5 minutes.
12:35 PM EST: Arrive at the gate, sweating profusely (which is pretty rare for me). Looking at the reader board, I am the third name on the standby list out of 15 or so people. I approach the counter, winded and sweaty, and give the gal my name. She then says the sweetest words I have heard in 48 hours. "Don't worry honey. You've got a seat on the flight." HALLELUJAH!

4:30 PM PST Loading the car with my luggage. I'm finally home. (A long, grateful sigh ensues.)
So there you have it. My travel horror story, with a happy Christmas ending. And after 37+ hours of traveling, I was home with my fanastic and much missed girlfriend, my brother visiting from Miami, and my new puppy Tucker. What a way to wrap up my Big 5Six trip.

Cruising Back to the North

These last two days, we've been heading north in the Drake Passage. The days are slow, and spent with chatting with new friends made on the voyage, eating the fine meals prepared by the kitchen staff, and going to the outside decks to see the waves crash and watch the various birds glids in the tailwinds of the ship. The Drake Passage has a reputation for being one of the harshest sailing conditions in the world (Have I already said that? It sounds familiar.). But apparently, our ship lucked out. According to the expedition team, we had better than average conditions while at sea. (Although Ronaldo my roommate may disagree. Once again he was bedridden these past two days of the Drake.)

To pass the time again, I decided to go around and take some pictures around the ship... some random sites aboard the Orlova.

Also, last night a few Russian members of the crew performed a celebratory event for us. There was dancing, homemade bread, and one giant leap by a certain Zodiac driver. I missed the historical reason for the dancing, but tradition is tradition I suppose.

Tonight is the final night of our cruise. Tomorrow, us passengers will dock in Ushuaia, and scatter to the various countries and cities that we are from. So as a treat, a member of the expedition team collected pictures of the trip from whichever passengers wanted to submit them. He collected these pics (and some videos) and compiled them into slideshow. There were some amazing photographers on our trip, as was evident by the fantastic pictures. And the best thing of all is that we each recieved a copy to keep as a souvenior. I'm already looking forward to watching it again.

Happy New Year!

I hope that today marks the beginning of the best year of your life yet... May 2010 be filled with blessings, laughter, family, friends, and large bowls of delicious ice cream/gelato/helado.