Embracing the Unconventional: My Journey from Conformity to Adventure in Buenos Aires & Delicious Gluten-Free Sorghum Graham Crackers

In Singapore, my homeland, life often felt like a meticulously drawn blueprint. Most people comfortably navigate within the established social norms, and for a significant part of my life, I was no different. I found solace in blending in, content to be just another face in the crowd rather than seeking to stand out.

Structure defined me, in every sense of the word. Raised in a conventional and traditional family, my decisions were invariably filtered through the lens of societal expectations and the desire for approval from those whose opinions I valued most. Looking back, I realize I spent years seeking validation in every conceivable corner, from family to acquaintances.

I consistently did what was expected. The concept of an adventurous streak felt entirely alien to me during my formative years. My unwavering belief was that conforming would ultimately lead to happiness. I measured my words with precision, spoke diplomatically, studied diligently, and secured a contract with a prominent international bank months before even graduating from university. In the eyes of others, I was doing everything “right.”

Then, a pivotal moment arrived. Approximately one and a half years into a long-distance relationship with Juan, whom I had met during our university exchange semester in Mannheim, Germany, I made a life-altering decision: I wanted an adventure. I wanted to take a chance on love, on a completely different life.

This was an unprecedented act of daring for me. The idea was so far outside my established comfort zone, so “out-of-the-norm,” that many acquaintances cautioned me against it. Even my closest loved ones repeatedly questioned if I was truly sure this was the right path. But what defines “right,” anyway? What metrics truly determine if the life we’re living is fulfilling, or if our choices are inadvertently disappointing others?

Ultimately, I tuned into the undeniable truth in my heart: I had to do this, with or without external approval. In April 2010, after receiving my annual bonus, I tendered my resignation. I packed my entire life into two large Echolac suitcases, boarded a Malaysian Airlines flight, and somehow, found my way to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Stepping off the plane at Ezeiza International Airport, barely 24 years old, I was a whirlwind of excitement and nerves. My heart pulsed with a potent mix of hope and fear. I had no clear vision of the future, but for the very first time, I had made a choice solely for myself, unburdened by the need for external validation. This was my adventure, and I was ready to embrace the unknown.

A New Chapter: Six Years in Buenos Aires and a Journey of Self-Discovery

Fast forward to September 2016, and I find myself still here in Buenos Aires, more than six years later. I can confidently say that the woman I am today is significantly wiser, undeniably bolder, and far less rigid than the girl who first arrived. Each step on this incredible journey, which we call life, has gently chipped away at my deeply ingrained structured nature. In its place, a newfound flexibility is blossoming, a delightful attribute I’m still actively getting to know and appreciate.

We are, after all, a unique tapestry woven from our origins and the rich experiences we accumulate. Singapore, the cherished island nation where I spent my first 24 years, instilled in me the importance of adhering to societal confines. Argentina, however, has unveiled an entirely contrasting philosophy, encouraging me to explore beyond those lines.

Recently, during a chat with my dear friend Jane, she observed a profound change in me. She noted that I’ve become considerably more relaxed, now tending to “go with the flow,” a stark contrast to the more guarded and less open person I was just two years prior. Interestingly, another friend, Isadora, echoed similar sentiments within days of my conversation with Jane. These independent observations served as powerful affirmations of my ongoing transformation.

I’ve also started noticing these changes within myself. I am far less concerned with the judgment of others, instead focusing my energy on my work and the positive impact it can potentially have. My actions have become more intentional. I’ve learned the invaluable lesson of saying “no” to things that don’t genuinely add value to my life, and conversely, dedicating my time and energy to pursuits that truly resonate with my soul.

This journey has also sparked a deeper curiosity and a spirit of experimentation. As I allow myself to learn about life without being uptight or overly critical, I’ve experienced significant personal growth. This evolution is mirrored in my artistic endeavors, both as a writer and a photographer, where I feel a newfound freedom and creativity.

During a visit home in May, my brother offered some truly wise advice: “Your art is a sum of your experiences in life. So go out there and live life as much as you can.” These words resonated deeply, reaffirming the path I’m on.

The Evolution of a Creative Soul: From Food to People Photography

My photography, too, has undergone a significant transformation over the years. It once revolved almost exclusively around food, a safe and structured subject. However, in recent months, I’ve felt a gentle but persistent pull towards photographing people. This shift represents a deeper dive into storytelling, an attempt to capture the essence of human connection.

Just as I hope my written words convey a narrative worth hearing, I dream of using light and composition to tell compelling stories about the subjects in my photographs. I yearn to capture those fleeting, special moments at events, encapsulating a millisecond with the snap of a camera – a moment that can be framed and cherished for a lifetime. My deepest desire is to freeze intense joy, profound emotion, or any significant feeling in a single, powerful shot, allowing it to be relived and shared.

This may sound like an ambitious goal, but as I’ve learned on this journey, everything begins with a single step. This past week, I took a significant leap in that direction by attending my first class on photography for weddings and social events. The initial session stretched for a full four hours, an entire 60 minutes beyond its scheduled duration, yet I left the classroom buzzing with inspiration and excitement for this new phase in my development as a photographer.

I feel it in my bones that I will improve my craft, and that the work I produce will one day resonate deeply with people’s hearts. There is indeed a long road ahead, but I am making my way, one purposeful step at a time. This entire journey, from leaving Singapore to embracing new creative challenges in Buenos Aires, has been about trusting the process and believing in my evolving capabilities.

A Taste of Adventure: Delicious Gluten-Free & Vegan Sorghum Graham Crackers

Speaking of new discoveries and embracing different paths, I wanted to share a recipe for these incredibly crispy graham crackers. They are made with high-fiber sorghum flour, making them not only naturally gluten-free but also entirely vegan. I baked a batch a couple of weeks ago, and they were such a hit that Juan devoured them almost immediately. These crackers are a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly special, reflecting the simplicity and authenticity I’ve come to cherish in my new life.

I absolutely adore the beautiful light brown color that sorghum flour imparts to these crackers. The addition of maple syrup and ground cinnamon infuses them with a wonderfully deep and comforting flavor, reminiscent of classic graham crackers but with a unique, wholesome twist. Best of all, you can whip up these delicious homemade graham crackers in just over half an hour. Imagine, fresh, warm, wholesome crackers ready in no time – how awesome is that for a quick, satisfying treat?

To embark on making these delightful sorghum graham crackers, begin by pre-heating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). While the oven heats, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silpat. This step ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: sorghum flour, tapioca starch, sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Give them a good whisk to ensure they’re evenly distributed. Next, incorporate the softened coconut oil. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender, mix until the concoction resembles coarse, uniform crumbs. This crumbly texture is key to the crackers’ eventual crispness.

Now, it’s time to bring the dough together. Stir in the maple syrup (or your preferred liquid sweetener, such as honey if you’re not strictly vegan), vanilla extract, and one tablespoon of water. Work the mixture diligently until it forms a soft, pliable dough. This might take a few minutes of kneading by hand to achieve the right consistency.

A quick tip for achieving the perfect dough: if your mixture feels too wet and sticky, simply add an additional teaspoon of tapioca flour at a time until it’s workable. Conversely, if the dough appears too dry and crumbly, add an additional teaspoon of water at a time until it comes together smoothly. Patience here is key to a beautiful dough.

Once your dough is ready, lightly dust your work surface with tapioca starch, or alternatively, roll the dough between two sheets of parchment paper. Roll it out to a uniform thickness of approximately 1/2-inch. Then, using a knife or a pastry cutter, cut the dough into small, evenly sized rectangles. Carefully transfer these dough rectangles to your prepared baking sheet.

Before baking, take a fork and gently prick three lines of holes into each rectangle. This not only gives them the classic graham cracker look but also helps prevent them from puffing up excessively during baking. Bake the crackers for 14 to 15 minutes, or until their edges achieve a beautiful golden brown hue. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.

It’s crucial to let these delicious sorghum graham crackers cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes after removing them from the oven. They will be delicate when hot but will crisp up beautifully as they cool. Once slightly firm, transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Then, bite into these homemade delights and savor the crispy, wholesome goodness!

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