Many things drove me to begin writing in a blog...scratching a writer's itch that hasn't been scratched in years, sharing and reflecting on what I have tasted, been tasting, want to taste and will taste in this life, caving in to my loving wife's pleadings to do some writing and a secret, egotistical belief that I can, in fact, write as well as, if not better than many of the bloggers out there acknowledging, however, the presence of a lot of thoughtful, entertaining and inspiring talent in the bloggers' world. I think I've led a fairly interesting life powered by just enough curiosity, an active imagination and (in my mind) an enviable sense of humor.
Why tikim? Because I've believed that the best way to enjoy life is to take a dip and at least take a nibble, a sniff, a taste, if not truly gobble it up and live in the moment. The allusion to food and taste is not coincidental. I like food. I like to eat and to cook, to try new flavours, to watch others eat, cook and enjoy. I like making connections to places through food and food culture. Travel is not complete without tasting and (hopefully) enjoying the local delicacies, prepared in authentic settings, using authentic ingredients.
But tasting is not just about food but, more broadly, about life. Having been around for some 46 years, I've had the benefit of tasting and trying other things and other adventures...bungee jumping in New Zealand, scuba diving in Tubbataha, going to market day in the little towns of the Luberon in Provence, riding a Ducati Monster in the hills of Rizal or just taking pictures of my children in the perfect light of day.
So I embark on this blog...another adventure, another bite out of life...maybe a new flavor..tikman natin.
