ABOUT ME, BRIEFLY


ABOUT THAM CHEE WAH, BRIEFLY

I have redefined retirement at age 23. I have a lifestyle where I do the things I like, with the time I have and still get paid for it. I designed my freedom these two decades, traveling to more than 40 countries. I run a successful business doing consulting works as a Corporate Writer, Corporate Emcee, Event Producer and a Workshop Facilitator. I am also a talk-show host on an Internet Radio station with two programs "A Course In Miracles for Work-Life" and "Freedom Speaks". Life is Healthy, Rich & FREE! You can design this lifestyle according to your willingness. I hope mine will inspire you to achieve that freedom too.

Friday, November 11, 2011

The World Eats - Honolulu, Hawaii

Waikiki Beach with colorful surf boards, Honolulu, Hawaii
One of my pastimes when I travel, either alone, or with someone, is to be able to spend time sitting in a cafe or restaurant - eating.  Just that.  Eating.  And watch the world goes by.  No rush, not trying to get to somewhere.  Just sit and eat.  Enjoy!

There were times when I was so tired, especially after traveling for sometime in a country, going from one place to another.  One such places that took my breath away is USA.  It is such a big country, and to get from one city to the next, took us long hours of waiting for flights, transiting at different airports, getting on and off planes.

One year when I was in the USA, I was so ambitious, I tried to cover as many places as possible.  We got on a Korean Air, after a few hours transit in Seoul, we had a one-day stopover in Chicago.  Then, took a flight to Orlando via Atlanta.  After playing our hearts out in Disneyland and Universal Studio, we took a flight to Birmingham via Cincinnati.  After one week in Birmingham, we took a flight to Honolulu via Atlanta.

That time, I did not know the flight time from Atlanta to Honolulu was 11 hours.  It was almost like the flight time from KL - London.

With all the flight hopping and really enjoying ourselves everywhere we were, when we arrived in Honolulu, all I looked forward was a cozy and good restaurant to chill out.  We found several great eateries in Honolulu.  One that we will never forget is The Cheesecake Factory.  It is situated closest to Waikiki Beach.  Walk down the main street, you won't miss it.

In fact, The Cheesecake Factory is also located in Birmingham, Alabama.  But somehow, this one in Honolulu seem to entice me more.

True enough, the menu is dripping with creative Mexican, Latin America, Japanese fusion food.  The drinks are very refreshing and very summer.  While sipping the drinks, you will know you have arrived in Hawaii.


Tropical Smoothie, a refreshing drink in Hawaii

Spicy Ahi Tempura Roll USD11.95

Fresh Raw Ahi Tuna with Green Onion, Spicy Soy Sauce, Ginger and Garlic. Wrapped in Nori and Flash Fried Tempura Style.

The Cheesecake Factory tantalizing restaurant menu.

Peter and I having the best time in Honolulu, sat, ate, drank and watched the world went by.  The best part is that the tables are placed next to the main street.  So, there were hives of activities while we dined.

White Chicken Chili - the sauce has all the right spices, the taste is out of this world.

The White Chicken Chili is a generous bowl of chicken, White Beans, Roasted Green Chiles, Onions and Garlic, Spices and a Touch of Cream. Garnished with Steamed White Rice and Fresh Salsa.


The facade and its name sound more like a delicatessen than a restaurant.  But don't let it fool you.  The food and service are a class to be reckoned with.  This restaurant is packed.  You need to wait for a table if you did not make reservation.



Tuesday, November 01, 2011

The World Eats - Ubud, Bali

My friend regularly jokes about the "daunting" pastime that I have when I travel - fine-dining on my own.  She couldn't fathom the idea of someone eating alone in a restaurant, she would rather starve than to dine by herself especially in a fine restaurant that serves appetizer to main course to dessert.  I have never asked her why.  It is not my concern if someone chooses to look at things differently. 

For me, eating is a pleasure - my pleasure.  Taking time to eat, to savor and taste local dishes are the closest you could get to knowing a country's culture and its people.  The spices and ingredients come from the land they so love.  The ground where they could smell it when the rain soaks up the breath of the earth.  The soil where their ancestors have laid their hands and feet.  For centuries, this is the land where they toil and sweat for the continuity of life.  So, when I eat, I am enjoying the land's abundance.  The aroma and the fragrance from the food carry with it the gratefulness and the joy that they too had served the land and served it well.

These are some great places to eat in Kuta and Ubud, Bali.

Made Restaurant in Kuta, serving authentic Indonesian dishes, esp gado-gado.


Warung Aja in Ubud, where I learned to make lemongrass drink.
Bebek Tutu from Warung Aja in Ubud
The best pork BBQ in Bali, available in Ubud

One serving of pork BBQ with condiments Rp25,000
Bebek Bengil (Fried Crispy Duck) at Dirty Duck Restaurant, Ubud

Dirty Duck Restaurant, Ubud

Coconut cake with Ginger Tea at Dirty Duck

Warung food, delicious, local and good price. Total meal price Rp14,000