In every moment is a Whisper. Welcome to one man’s quest to listen

Dark nights often give way to darker days.  I woke this morning, sensing the invitation to confront the fears, uncertainties, and doubts that had dominated my sleep.  The initial response of ignoring them with a deep breath had not led to quietness.  In the silence of the night, I considered the Buddha’s quiet stance of reflection and purpose.  I could sense the conflict within.  As much...

I accepted the bowl of noodles with a heart of thankfulness.  The smells were amazing.  Visually, I could imagine what was going to follow.  My stomach growled in anticipation.  Every part of my being was excited about the experience I anticipated would come.  As I paused with thankfulness, my thoughts turned to the lady who had prepared the bowl.   Years had passed since my last visit.  With...

The invitation came from a good friend. She offered to share her experience of one of her favourite places to enjoy a meal. In advance, I decided to let go of any expectations I might bring with me. I would leave my views on cooking methods, taste and texture combinations, and styles at the door. I consciously opened my heart and...

Tekka Don is one of my favourite dishes.  Simple and direct, one might think it would be hard to have a bad dish.   The challenge lies with the ingredients and how they are prepared and assembled.  Poor-quality sushi rice, second-rate tuna, and sloppy preparation will lead to something less than worthy.  As I shopped, new packaging caught my eye – could it meet the minimum...

The sign at the spring-onion farm spoke to the enjoyment of cooking with their unique produce.  As familiar as the product is, this farm in rural Taiwan brought something unique that I could not quite identify.  The natural freshness was combined with a floral sense of spring and more.  I paused to take it in.  I closed my eyes, visualising the work and dedication that...

The construction site was quiet, eerily so in the stillness of the night.  There were no workers, lights, or any sounds of what was behind the wall.  The warning sign was clear, visually and in two languages!  While I could not see behind the tall fence, I automatically kept my distance given the stark warning and sense of vulnerability. As I walked, I wondered...

The Vietnamese lunch menu had endless options to satisfy one’s taste and eating preferences.  From sandwiches to soups, noodles, and more, from vegan to fish and meats, there was something for everyone.  I repeatedly explored and returned to the same vegetable noodle soup for reasons I could not understand.  When the dish arrived, I knew it was precisely what I was craving.  The warmth of...