Monthly Archives: August 2012

Cirque du Soleil

Life, , ,

Somehow I managed to make it to 23 years of age without ever having set foot in a circus, or zoo for that matter (but that’s a different story). I recently was given some tickets to go to see Cirque du Soleil.

It was a great show. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, in wonder and amazement like a child. I covered my eyes when I thought the tightropper was going to fall. I was hypnotized by the rhythm of the six simultaneous hula hoops circling the gymnast’s body. And I was charmed by the romance of the unicyclist and his flexible companion. It was crazy, funny, and it ruined me for all other circuses. I loved it!

Tobs & I (cue: “Reunited and it feels so goood”). Hooray for mirror pictures!

The gymnasts were so talented. I briefly wondered if they were overqualified for Olympic gymnastics.

Watch this video of 19 year old contortionist/hula hooper Elena Lev perform in Cirque du Soleil Alegria.

This is super beasty, and is what I think of when I hear “rhythmic gymnastics.” No shade meant for the talented Olympiads, but this kind of work must require one heck of a training regime.

Great show. I highly recommend it!

Good [Ethnic] Food: Nigerian & Indian

Good Eats, , , , , ,

While in New York, I was impressed with the diversity of the people around me. There are some amazing culturally authentic pockets tucked away. My adventure buddy, Bukky, had the idea to meet up with some of her family and try out a Nigerian restaurant called the Buka Lounge.  I usually only eat Nigerian food at my house and at Nigerian parties, and I have never been to a Nigerian restaurant. I had been to scared to try Houston’s Fingerlicking restaurant (I have no idea why because I’ve heard mostly good things.)

I ordered: Goat meat pepper soup and a side of akara.

I love my mother’s goat meat pepper soup because it’s the right amount of spice; just enough, not too little. I was pleasantly surprised to find this pepper soup was very similar to my mom’s cooking, only a tad spicier. I had to keep my glass of water near by, but the burning around my lips let me know I was eating authentic Nigerian cuisine.

The akara and the sauce (it wasn’t quite stew) were delicious together.

Here are some other meals at the table:

Great dinner, great company.

————-INDIAN FOOD————

On another day, we tried Indian food. I already love Indian food, so I ordered Tiki Masala with Jasmine rice and a side of Naan bread. Delicious!