tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-315588242011-11-27T17:34:43.107-06:00no reservations | travel blog. foodie reviews.davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.comBlogger271100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-84843513106630105322009-10-06T23:02:00.007-05:002009-10-07T00:11:42.147-05:00

after a 4 mile run around town lake, i joined my friends for dinner at jo's, a coffee shop downtown on 2nd street.why my friends suggested a coffee shop to eat, i have no idea. though i couldn't deny the opportunity to try something new and review it for you all.the food selection is nothing out of the ordinary. burgers, salads, soups, sandwiches, hotdogs are the standard you can commonly find

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-70983092597984730882009-05-25T11:52:00.008-05:002009-10-07T00:07:21.807-05:00

Generously provided by madamemoiselle Sarah P. -Merci beaucoupBargain findsPay a few euros to meet local Frechmen and see how they work Bar de Famille - cheapest beer in town! Left side on Rue de Lappe, bastille metro stopCheap pasta place called Casa Joe on Rue de Ka Roquette... the pesto est tres bon!Delicious typical French food right by the Bastille... can't remember the exact name but

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-38962722215473316442009-04-18T18:51:00.009-05:002009-04-19T02:05:20.964-05:00

living out of the suitcase is an art that allows you to live on the edge, act spontaneous, and go on a whim.  no matter your travel duration, traveling light is the backpacker's code.  the rules of packing is to follow airport security; keep it simple and travel-sized (ie: max 100ml for liquids & gels).le baggage.always pack at least 1 bag that fits in an airline's overhead cabin.  most people

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-41004324742239672892009-03-22T21:14:00.016-05:002009-10-07T00:10:14.669-05:00

wholefoods market has come to occupy my saturdays with weekly events that give new meaning to grocery shopping. combined with organic services and whole trade values, it's rather an enjoyable place to spend time at... even if it's a picnic or reading a book on the outdoor patio. WholeFoods Mkt hosted South American Pairings last saturday. i got there later than i had wanted but at least

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-25100197685775925812009-03-17T22:32:00.013-05:002009-03-19T22:14:50.672-05:00

business conduct got me 9 concert tix to the RODEO.  so i invited a few coworkers + guests and off to the carnival we went.  granted none of us were interested in trace adkins, much less country music, we went mainly for the carnival and livestock show.  we arrived at 11:30ish and left before the concert started.  we fulfilled our samaritan deeds and gave our tix away to random people before

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-90472778870079534322009-03-10T10:38:00.006-05:002009-09-03T12:17:05.577-05:00

my dept and i decided to go out for lunch with ms. speders2. provided it's a work day and we have to return to work within the hour, we were limited to diners with a 5 min driving radius. having never been to cafe express, i thought i'd try it out and add a new restaurant review while i'm at it.cafe express is a self serve restaurant. no waiters, no hosts, no need for gratuity tips. you order

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-33735694128366803472009-03-04T10:44:00.000-06:002009-03-04T10:44:00.550-06:00

you can get a taste of the spanish culture at this local houston tapas bar-restaurant even though it's operated by majority mexican. OraLE!i took KL here for happy hour (3-7p) to catch up, follow-up with KL's pharm interview, and reminisce on our spain travels, particularly Madrid's El Tigre, only the best tapas bar in the world... for the budget conscious (of course) because unlike the typical

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-33768553991989877872009-02-26T11:30:00.010-06:002009-02-26T23:14:46.274-06:00

my younger brother is finally growing up and pursuing his own adventures in australia. *sniff* first time out of the country (excluding canada). so of course, Dad would email me to help QNT56,...do you have any recommendation to do this and to be sure that [QNT56] will get to the destination alright? how did you book your trip back then?dadmy secret to landing travel deals:travel agencies usually

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-79197756557385598862009-02-21T18:15:00.020-06:002009-02-22T22:43:09.499-06:00

I hardly dine out as part of my resolution to cut back on unnecessary expenditures.  Apparently, it's been the trend lately according to NPR that more and more families are cooking and dining in given the economy.  But when my friends come to visit, I splurge a little to show them around.  Little do they know that showing them around is an opportunity for me to also learn about my Houston

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-62846637040801722612009-02-11T23:46:00.012-06:002009-02-22T23:00:21.140-06:00

being there and back again, i've noticed 3 professions that help most backpackers earn monetary income given if you have the qualifications. 1 being bar tending. a common misconception is that you need to have a bar tending license in order to qualify and apply for a bartender position. surprise, bar tending schools have tricked you into enrolling into their alcohol "classes". fact is, a bar

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-28056522293097688802008-11-12T23:05:00.022-06:002009-02-22T22:41:53.758-06:00

In an effort to support the McCombs School of Business and The University of Texas at Austin (UT) and their study abroad initiatives, here are my 2 cents from my own study abroad experiences*. Everyone who's been abroad and back can tell how amazing and fun it is and encourage you to do so as well. So I'll avoid such repetition and focus on two factors that people ask me after deciding to study

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-43237502829754922142008-08-18T20:00:00.015-05:002009-02-22T22:42:57.651-06:00

Austin, Texas, USADowntown Austin, Congress Bridge, Town LakeAfter a mini campus tour of The University of Texas to the incoming Fall 2008 exchange students, this post is for you all so you can take full advantage of what Austin has to offer.1. Of all my exchanges, I've never been in a campus with a wealth of green as UT. Enjoy the nature at the 6 pack, main mall, turtle pond, and sanchez

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-64582227048295519212008-06-04T05:11:00.010-05:002009-02-22T22:44:33.284-06:00

Vienna, Austriasuggested time: 3D2N1. the cakes at cafe gloriette on top of the hill at schon brunn are delicious. though not the original sacher torte recipe, it tastes supreme to all i've tried. a variety of assortments all each for 3.50euros, not to mention a breathtaking scene of vienna.2. the canetti cafe-restaurant on top of the u-bahn station, urban-loritz-platz (U6), serves up exquisite

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-29674728134814163232008-05-05T06:25:00.005-05:002009-02-22T22:44:43.431-06:00

Alicante, Spainsuggested time: 2D1NAlicante is a small city known for its beach resorts. When most foreigners travel to Valencia for their beaches and nightlife, the Spanish escape to Alicante to relax and destress. There's not much to do otherwise, Alicante is a easy going and laid back city.After Valencia, I trained to Alicante to meet Donna, my friend from my Hong Kong exchange. We planned a

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-49473242140040099062008-05-03T09:33:00.006-05:002009-02-22T22:44:57.091-06:00

Valencia, Spainsuggested time: 2D1N or 3D2N (if during fallas)And Easter begins... When I booked my flight for Easter vacation flying into and beginning in Valencia. Little did I know that I was going to be there during fallas, a four day pyro-maniac celebration of beautiful skyscraping paper-mache and cardboard sculptures. Of course all the hostels were booked and my only option would've been

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-44102055333484470842008-04-20T11:34:00.009-05:002009-02-22T22:55:02.075-06:00

Hong Kong Christmas was the most culture shock that I experienced. Growing up, Christmas symbolized a holiday spent with family and in good company. Not that every store closed on Christmas day helped any, but still… Christmas is when all my brothers would fly in from California, when the whole family was united. Since my older brothers started to make their own living, we rarely saw them.

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-56106946177477275432008-04-20T11:34:00.008-05:002009-02-22T22:54:43.621-06:00

When I first heard that Hong Kong is the best place for shopping, I was skeptical. After all, how much more exciting can shopping be? I've been to Barton Creek Mall, the Arboretum, Houston and Dallas Galleria; the creme de la creme of shopping. Or so I thought...What they meant was Hong Kong provides the best shopping experience. At first it bothered me that the associates followed me

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-87397349981707495352008-04-20T11:33:00.006-05:002009-02-22T22:56:27.605-06:00

From my job searches and interviews, highlighting my studying abroad experiences have proven to be a strong attribute distinguishing myself from other candidates. Studying abroad reflect desirable qualities employers look for like good interpersonal & cross-cultural communication skills, flexibility, the ability to cope with ambiguity, and quick learning to adapt to new environments. Bringing

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-68587140201123901942008-04-20T11:33:00.005-05:002009-02-22T22:56:04.121-06:00

Today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. In celebration of the fullest and brightest moon of the year, colorful paper lanterns decorate the city. As the sun sets, the on campus dorms prepare activities for everyone to enjoy: games, food, riddles. My neighbors and I walked around with lit paper lanterns among the festivities.Tonight would be the fire dragon festival in East Tsim Sha Tsui. My friends

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-29470669179329687112008-04-20T11:31:00.004-05:002009-02-22T23:01:07.682-06:00

Since arriving to Hong Kong, I traveled to Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Philippines, Beijing, South Korea, and Taiwan; a good portion of east Asia.The best part of studying at Hong Kong is traveling outside Hong Kong. Hong Kong is centrally located in East Asia making it convenient (and cheap) to experience the diverse Asian cultures.Given the university school structure, lectures are once a

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-62725379210839054602008-04-20T11:30:00.003-05:002009-02-22T22:57:50.599-06:00

Halloween weekend, and my friends and I are going to Ocean Park - Halloween special. I'm not a Halloween fan; my worst fear are freaky clowns. But my friends rave that it's the best theme park special event of the entire year, so I had to go and see it for myself.The gate opens at 6p, so here we are meeting up at 5p at Wan Chai MTR station. We wait in the long line of other fanatics as bus

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-69766415485186593172008-04-20T11:29:00.002-05:002009-02-22T22:58:17.343-06:00

Hong Kong. Shopping heaven. Food Paradise. That's exactly what my friend told me to describe Hong Kong. Being the international city that it is, Hong Kong has every food imaginable. Hong Kong has everything imaginable from Ethiopian to Nepali Restaurants. You crave it, they have it.Street foods is one of Hong Kong's signature icons. Mong Kok and Temple Street are the best places for street

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-1155337746874106862006-08-11T18:05:00.001-05:002009-02-22T22:58:54.199-06:00

[Number] 3. See the World According to the American Council on Education, 93 percent of undergrads who wanted to study abroad never did. If you're one of them -- or if you got a taste of travel and want to do more -- now's a great time to do it before a career, mortgage, kids, and other responsibilities loom large in your life.Not only is it fun, travel can be life-shaping -- and the independence

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-1154728774546034782006-08-04T16:59:00.001-05:002009-02-22T22:59:11.779-06:00

i've never really delved deep inside myself to find the real reason why i continuously travel. in the mean time, i've thought of many explanations--excuses--as to why i can't stay put. the real reason requires profound self reflection that costs a considerable amount of time and thinking that i'd rather spare myself in this draining texas summer heat. after reflecting on my numerous experiences

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-1154550463267082412006-08-02T15:26:00.001-05:002009-02-22T22:59:20.676-06:00

there are so many scholarships available that you won't even know where to begin. they range from $100USD to 6 digit awards. everyone's first inclination is to apply for the large amounts worth $5000USD and above. but i'll tell you from first hand experience that the larger awards are the most competitive because everyone and their mom applies for them. and due to the immense competition of

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-1153789757493563702006-07-24T20:07:00.001-05:002009-02-22T22:59:45.218-06:00

after you've figured out where you want to go, now's the time to save up enough money to live your life to the fullest while abroad. there's no point and isn't worth travelling on a budget because you'll end up selling yourself short of oppotunities and experiences just because you couldn't afford it or because you were stingy with the money. remember, this is the best time of your life. so

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31558824.post-1153704493146297272006-07-23T20:17:00.001-05:002009-02-22T22:59:54.532-06:00

where would you like to vacation/travel/live if money wasn't an issue?you now have your destination. for me, at this moment in my life, Hong Kong is my home for 28 Aug 2006 - 31 Dec 2006.so when's the best time to go?first, research your destination. find its cultural celebrations, holidays, festivals and try to plan around them to really have the opportunity to experience your host country to

davinhcihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661303474240098231noreply@blogger.com4