The Kumkuat Korner

Macau reminded me very much of Hong Kong and Las Vegas at the same time. Where Hong Kong used to be governed by the British, Macau was governed by the Portuguese.  The primary language is Cantonese and Portuguese. Even the dialect sounds like some weird fusion of both Cantonese and Portuguese. You can see the influence of the Portuguese everywhere. The buses, the streets, the restaurants and the buildings. It's everywhere. Many buildings and businesses had Macanese names that showed their Portuguese and Chinese roots How did the Portuguese get Macau you ask? Around the year 1535, Portuguese merchants quickly settled and somehow took over as a Portuguese colony. The Ming Dynasty literally LEASED Macau to Portugal because it was a great port for trading. 200 years later Portuguese arm twisted  forced made a treaty from China agreeing to let Portugal keep sovereignty over Macau. China was, during this time, unstable and the Portuguese government knew that and use...

I haven't really traveled anywhere this month so I thought I would write post about things that interest you guys. I received a private message from a friend who always reads my blog about dragon fruit. What does it taste like? Why are they white? More importantly, how does one peel the fruit? I will be writing a step by step process of dragon fruit and what it taste like. I will also try to incorporate a video (Still trying to figure that one out.) So what about you? Is there a topic you'd be interested in reading about? Send me a message or write a comment below with any inquiries. As always, Zai Jian!

Me, Martin, Pati, Valeria and Andrea after passing through inspection. I know it's been a ( LOOOOOONG ) while  since I've been to the Forbidden City but I just felt like THIS post needed so much BACKGROUND information. More of the amazing rich history that is needed to understand the pictures. And that required more time. So I hope I have done justice these pictures as I take you on my trip to the Forbidden City Palace. You're probably are wondering, "Why is it called the Forbidden City?" Well, that's because back in ancient China, only the Emperor and all of his court people could live in the Palace, and because of this, no one, I mean,  NO ONE,  could leave nor enter without his permission. If they did, you would be severely punished. More than likely with your life. Anyways... Meridan Gate before the Gate of Supreme Harmony The first thing you notice about the Forbidden City are the massive walls that surround the ...