Journey to Jager: Pura Vida

I may physically be in Claremont, but my mind is in Costa Rica.

Yep, Matt and I have chosen are honeymoon destination!

[Photo Courtesy ISL]

We wanted something both memorable and relaxing with a bit of tropical thrown in. Who thinks of honeymoon and doesn't immediately think of basking on the beach with a coconut in hand? That is precisely what I think of: a hollowed-out piece of fruit with a straw and something frozen, boozy delicious.

Some well-deserved relaxation time together is at the top of our list, along with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Zip-lining across the rain forest, sleeping among the sloths and monkeys, lounging in a hot spring near an active volcano... yep, I'd say these are pretty extraordinary encounters. I can't wait to enjoy them with ole Matthew.

[Photo Courtesy Desafio Adventure Co]

With my mind on vacation, it's hard to remember all that still needs to be done for that thing that happens before the honeymoon part ;) Right now we are in a bit of a waiting period with several things that need to happen next. 1 - waiting to decide on the save-the-date and invite design until we get our engagement photos (I am so excited I have been checking at least several times a day... even Matt keeps reminding me they said it would take at least two weeks). 2-slowly searching for bridesmaid dresses that are within a reasonable price range. Hard to know what's too expensive, what's a good deal, and what is being made in a crappy factory. It's hard. And 3 - booking a caterer and figuring out the cake situation. Yum yum.

I had a blast talking about all things wedding with my dear friend and Alpha Gam big, Momma Heather, yesterday at dinner in Rowland Heights. We indulged in discussion about engagement photos, guest lists, and dresses as we satiated our hunger with fantastic Chinese food from Little Shanghai. Like many amazing Asian Food finds, it was tucked away in a little shopping center food court. You really have to know it's there to find it. That's how you know it's going to be good. I had heard that their xiao long bao, soup dumplings, were good and I was not disappointed.

The flavorful, broth and pork-filled dumplings were juicy and comforting. The scallion pancake and dan dan noodles we ordered were demolished in record time. Matt and I even stole bites of Momma Heather's order of pork buns. The portions were massive, the dough was moist, and the filling was tender and deliciously tangy.

[We take eating very seriously]

They were all out of the pan fried buns, but that just gives me another excuse to come back (to try those and investigate what the woman referred to as "Chinese tamales," these adorable little packages wrapped up neatly in little green leaves). Food adventures to be had...

Momma Heather and Matt also obliged my sweet tooth and a craving I've had for a while. Called Zero Degrees, this custard shop in City of Industry (just down the road from Little Shanghai) is known for its Asian-fusion style desserts. One of the most popular combos is the matchata, a delicious blend of matcha green tea and freshly-made horchata. The cinnamon and earthy flavor of the matcha powder blend perfectly. You can also opt for an addition of boba. Next time I'm going for the boba....

[Matchata gives you wings]

In addition to the matchata, I was eyeing a concoction they call the chamango. For my disney lovers, it's basically a dole whip ladeled on top of mango ice cream with the most delicious addition imaginable (at least for me). The chamango is swirled with a Chamoy sauce, topped with tajin, Tamarind candy, and a slice of lime. My taste buds are watering just thinking of that sweet and sour goodness. I indulged further and got a Tamarind straw to top it all off. I regret nothing.

[My kind of dole whip]

The rare coordination of all three of our schedules made for a really fantastic night out on the town with people I love. And it's really fun to be able to share my engagement/wedding journey with those I care about most. I'm loving this engagement life :)

... And I can't wait for those engagement photos to come in!!