Phuket, Thailand (Super Star Libra Cruise) - My Solo Cruising

Disappointing. Disappointed. Disappointment. Phuket shore excursion (Super Star Libra Cruise Solo Cruising) didn’t take off until after 1.00pm. Due to magic show at the poolside. Actually, magic action was inside the pool itself. All locked key locked up magician eventually emerging from water for proving his critical success factors. How did it go with me? Dang! Neh! I basically out of no choice was amongst the hundreds who seemingly were all excited, trilled and frilled. I, in fact wasn’t even aware that magic show is gonna be part and parcel of this cruise holiday. Honestly, such a waste of my time. I would have actually appreciated Phuket sightseeing. Then again? Lunch too by 12.00pm didn’t go down with me. Just two hours ago, I had tucked into breakfast, and food again? Of course, without a doubt, there were still aplenty takers for the buffet lunch. I on the other hand just nibbled some side dishes. Thank god, an hour later, the moment I have been patiently waiting arrived. Phuket sightseeing. The same procedure, the same way out of ship and the same coach driven journey (Krabi Shore Excursion).  

Krabi, Thailand (Super Star Libra Cruise) - My Solo Cruising

Thank god I slept well. I actually managed, can you believe it? Regardless of sea water rocking and shaking and me actually a person who have a problem sleeping in a new place. Thanks to my lucky stars as well I didn't throw up due ship moving left and right throughout the night. Up from bed in the morning, I showered, I tucked into breakfast and just at this juncture broadcast news (Super Star Libra - My Solo Cruising) came flashing. For informing us that we must gather at the specific section and in our respective groups for our different shore excursions we have opted for. Mine was Krabi sightseeing. Heading over to that particular section and standing alongside the rest, we were briefed on the do’s and don’ts. Particularly we must carry our passport and we must return to ship,  by hook or crook, 9.00pm. For me, I don't think the time part of it will matter because I'll just stick with whatever is scheduled for my Krabi tour and I will return with the rest. After all, what am I going to do alone in Krabi? I wouldn't dare anyway (Halong Bay Cruising). 

Super Star Libra Cruise - My Solo Cruising

Remember, I told you (Perth Australia Part 1)? The unexpected, least I expected trip to Perth (Perth Australia Part 2)? Actually, the main reason being knowledge thirsting. Of course, why shouldn't I miss out on sightseeing if I can? Sure. And after returning from Perth within a month, I took off again. Again? Yep. Me embarking on a cruise trip and one which in fact I had already booked and paired for even before heading to Perth. Guess then? Another travelling story of mine and another solo mine. Solo Nava on her own again (Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City) and my first ever full blown cruise. Three nights of sleeping on board and sightseeing during the day. Cruise by itself? Done it before, but this will be, lemme repeat myself again. A complete package instead of like those cruises included as a small fraction of the itinerary (Bangkok Thailand).   

Sambal Ayam Serai (Chicken In Lemongrass Sauce)

I love my serai, aka, lemongrass. In fact, I must proudly profess that serai one of my favourite local herbs. I think I told you before? Unless and until, I want to spend on imported ingredients which by far is only seldom or every now and then (Baked Lemon Chicken). Otherwise, its all about our easily grown, even in our small plot of land or in pots local herbs. The easiest, shall I say is lemongrass?  Most probably. So, for this sambal dish, yep, me and my sambal, do I have to say, its serai again (Sambal Udang Petai, Curry Chicken Noodles, Laksam Kelantan & Easy Chicken Kebab). Crushed or smashed serai cooked alongside a chilli based gravy and in which you will find juicy and succulent chicken pieces (Ayam Goreng Berempah, Rendang Ayam & Asam Pedas Ikan). Mouthwatering and such a pride to our eyes right? You tell me.

Vegetable Biryani

Rice? Yes rice (Baked Rice Pudding). What's with rice (Anchovies Long Beans Fried Rice) Remember, I have already told you (Turmeric Rice)? This Vegetable Biryani, I won't say will be a struggle, but as you would have noted and you will later, you need quite a list of ingredients. Nothing not within your reach or you will have a hard time buying, except maybe for the saffron strands. Otherwise, I think it will be sweep through for you. Getting the ingredients and the cooking aspect of it (Jeera/Cumin Rice, Coriander Rice, Lemon Cashew Rice & Nasi Lemak Sambal Udang). The vegetarian version. Why vegetarian or only vegetables? Personally, we don't fancy those meaty biryani. Unless maybe when we dine out. Nothing really personal as well if you are asking me. Just that, our preference. By itself a wholesome and filling meal (Tomato Rice & Dhal Rice), of course the pairing for Vegetable Biryani, can I say is endless or alongside certain types of sides? Its really up to you (Spicy Fried Wings, Lamb Rogan Josh, Vegetarian Mutton Stir Fry & Vegetable Raita). But you must believe me when I say that my style to cooking this Vegetable Biryani can be regardless as simplicity or even effortless. Rice cooker simplifying it and the aroma of Vegetable Biryani waffling in the air (Ghee Rice) when rice cooker is dong the cooking. My-my! May be a vegetarian version, but I can assure you that its rice exciting and trilling to our palates. Dang!

Devil's Curry

Another devil listing? Another devil dish? Obviously. Can you still recall my previous two devils (Chicken Devil Curry & Devilled Prawns)? I hope you can still remember. Otherwise, flip over to the recipes. I think you should before you jump the gun, thinking that this Devil's Curry is gonna be the same. No. It is not I must assure you. But still, from the same Eurasian and Portuguese family. Sort of similar (Mee Siam, Egg Vindaloo, Nasi Lemak Sambal Udang & Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal). For this round of Devil's Curry, I opted for mutton (Easy Mutton Curry). Of course, the choice is yours. Between lamb (Lamb Kofta Curry), between pork, chicken, beef and prawns. Not sure if we can use fish unless you have tried or you are willing to try (Belacan Fish Sambal)? What else should I say? Pretty much chilli based (Chilli Lime Fish, Sambal Sotong, Spicy Noodles & Grilled Spicy Prawns) and a combination of spices and herbs and vinegar, as well as dark soy sauce and black pepper (Black Pepper Crab) for the lovable and finger licking goodness of this Devil's Curry (Curry Chicken Noodle). 

Simmered Daikon

Salmon, tofu, mushrooms, eggs and daikon, or radish (Malaysian Indian Fish Curry). Don't you think these are some of the favorite ingredients for Japanese cooking (Egg Fish Roll, Grilled Salmon, Mushroom Veggie Burger & Chinese Tofu Soup). If you are asking me, its a big yes from me to you. These ingredients are generally showcased in various ways in Japanese cuisine. Either by themselves or a combo alongside other ingredients (Yong Tau Foo, Spinach Tofu Stir Fry & Winter Melon Soup) and of course, when Japanese food is a concern, we need those Japanese ingredients like dashi stock, Japanese soy sauce, mirin and sake, well, not a must if you don't fancy, but for the rest of of us who enjoy alcohol, I don't think we will have any qualms? Not me though. I love alcohol, though I find that sake is somewhat quite strong for me. Yet, I wouldn't mind a few sips and of course, why should I not add sake when its a Japanese dish in my house? For this Simmered Daikon? Oh yes. Quite a thing actually getting the Japanese ingredients which are rather pricey, but I guess if its once a while, we won't mind spending. Especially for a hardcore Malaysian who only believe in our local ingredients? Having said that, for the sake of Simmered Daikon? Soft, tender daikon in  tadbit of sauce made from the customary Japanese ingredients (Teppanyaki Salmon).