1. Dinner after the first day
After wrapping up my first day of work, the team decided to head out for dinner at a Filipino restaurant called Pamana, right there in the heart of Makati. The menu was a colorful array of dishes, many of which were entirely new to me. Though I'd had a taste of Filipino cuisine during my visit to Cebu, this was like diving deeper into the culinary treasures of the Philippines.
We ordered a variety of dishes, and it was a flavor extravaganza. Each bite was a delightful surprise, and it was fascinating to see the contrast between these dishes and the familiar fare back in the Netherlands. You see, Dutch cuisine has its own unique charm, but it tends to be more straightforward.
In the Netherlands, we have some iconic dishes that practically define comfort food. The most famous are:
AVG'tje (Aardappels Vlees Groente): This is the undisputed champion of Dutch comfort food. The name might sound a bit technical, but it's essentially a straightforward and hearty plate of goodness. You've got your meat, which could be anything from a juicy pork chop to a tender slice of beef, nestled alongside perfectly cooked potatoes and a medley of vegetables. It's the kind of meal that's open to countless variations, each with its unique twist, depending on regional preferences and family recipes.
Stamppot: Ah, stamppot – a quintessential Dutch classic that warms
the heart and the belly. The most popular versions are "Boerenkool" (kale) and "Hutspot" (a mix of mashed carrots and onions). To prepare it, you boil potatoes until they're tender, add the vegetables, mash it all together, and serve it up with a hearty helping of gravy and a generous slice of meat. It's the kind of meal that instantly transports you back to your grandmother's kitchen.
Snert: When winter comes knocking on the Dutch door, you can bet that "snert" will be simmering on stovetops all over the country. This thick pea soup is the epitome of Dutch winter comfort food. It's loaded with split peas, vegetables, and often chunks of pork or sausage, making it rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. Some say it's not
just a soup; it's a warm, comforting hug on a cold day.
Bitterballen: If you're looking for the perfect Dutch snack to pair with a glass of beer, look no further than bitterballen. These crispy, golden-brown balls are typically filled with a mixture of ragout (a creamy, meat-based sauce) and bits of beef or veal. They're often served as appetizers in Dutch pubs and are an absolute must-try for anyone visiting the Netherlands.
Poffertjes: For something on the sweet
side, poffertjes are a Dutch delight. These tiny, fluffy pancakes are typically served with a generous dusting of powdered sugar and a dollop of butter. They're a favorite at fairs and festivals, but you can also enjoy them at pancake houses or make them at home with a special poffertjes pan.
So, you can imagine, the culinary journey from the Netherlands to the Philippines was like hopping from simplicity to a symphony of flavors, and I was savoring every moment of it.
2. Second day at the office
It was the first day I had to venture to the office solo, navigating the bustling streets of Manila on my own. Luckily, my condo was conveniently located within walking distance of the office, which made it a practical choice, especially considering the morning traffic could be a real headache. Even in the early hours, Manila's tropical climate was already making its presence felt, and carrying a backpack in that heat was an experience that would surely take some getting used to over the coming months.
The day started with the usual morning meeting where everyone at the office tells what their plan is for today and if there are any insecurities. After I was told how to login on the website to be able to post these blogs so that everyone is able to read them. I also had to edit the photos that we took yesterday to make them more appealing to put online. This was also a first for me and something I hope to get better at along the way.
The app that is used is lightroom. Color grading, a technique often associated with filmmaking, is becoming increasingly essential in the world of real estate photography. It's all about enhancing the visual appeal of a property by adjusting colors, tones, and lighting to make the space look inviting and appealing to potential buyers. While I had some experience with basic photo editing in Lightroom, diving into the world of color grading was uncharted territory for me.
The first step was, of course, selecting the right photos. Real estate photos need to showcase the property in the best possible light, quite literally. I had to carefully go through the images I had captured, looking for shots that highlighted the property's key features while also considering the overall aesthetic appeal.
Once I had my selection, I began the process of color grading in Lightroom. This involved tweaking the white balance, adjusting exposure, and fine-tuning the colors to create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere. I found that paying attention to the details was crucial – from ensuring that the walls had a consistent color tone to making sure the outdoor landscape looked inviting through the windows.
תגובות