tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64975016214635339252024-03-16T03:26:04.165-07:00The Table Less TraveledAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-61598760380137378522017-06-13T15:24:00.000-07:002017-06-13T15:24:21.570-07:00Malaysia: Exploring Exotic Borneo<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thetablelesstraveled.com/guided-travel/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="1600" height="149" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lw4s_FUilGY/WUBex6XdZ_I/AAAAAAAAM6U/u6w6OqnU-v0L8FmqQYPcEzq6Y2xB8FWwgCLcBGAs/s640/For%2BWebsite%2BMalaysia.2017.06.12.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
"Look at that peeping tom," my nature guide exclaimed as we walked by one of the luxurious chalets positioned on the river front. My head swiveled quickly to catch the monkey jumping up and down on the chalet wall peering through the windows. As I laughed, we watched on, realizing that the monkey was enthralled with his own reflection on the windows.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcxtJ_8BCIE/WUBh5yL90HI/AAAAAAAAM6c/B1nu98shzrMjnW2kCQmEv23JD6bn5PcSACLcBGAs/s1600/20141107_101950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mcxtJ_8BCIE/WUBh5yL90HI/AAAAAAAAM6c/B1nu98shzrMjnW2kCQmEv23JD6bn5PcSACLcBGAs/s640/20141107_101950.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 little monkey jumping on the wall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After a few weeks exploring Borneo I'd become accustomed to events like these which would normally have seemed out of place in my concrete jungle (or...suburban jungle). I had already dined in the rainforest on tropical beaches, scuba dived in one of the best dive sites in the world, and spent sunrises and sunsets cruising the Kinabatangan River looking for wildlife...all in Malaysian Borneo. And now I was experiencing something truly fascinating and unlike anything I'd ever seen nestled deep into the rainforest at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. The journey to get there was an adventure in and of itself.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
At the crack of dawn my driver Wan picked me up in his 4x4 truck to begin the drive. As he quipped, "You can call me Obi Wan Kanobi," I knew we would get along on this 2.5 hour drive. While we drove down the well maintained roads, I questioned whether the massive tires on the truck were really necessary or whether it was all for show. Then we turned off the main road and quickly the scenery changed from small villages to thick, lush, dense rainforest. We continued on, spotting elephants, monkeys, and even a cobra (from the safety of our vehicle)! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RN5wZ70u1KU/WUBiS-ld3cI/AAAAAAAAM6g/IJl71UewKLYD3_fceRwzSX0i2jDTgM4MACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC01415.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RN5wZ70u1KU/WUBiS-ld3cI/AAAAAAAAM6g/IJl71UewKLYD3_fceRwzSX0i2jDTgM4MACLcBGAs/s640/DSC01415.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then we came to a small river and Wan charged ahead in our 4x4. Clearly...the tires were necessary. As we emerged into a clearing after a magical drive, the lights of the main lodge house flickered as if to welcome me to my home for the next few days. I was greeted by the friendliest people who showed me around the open air lodge, complete with an amazing restaurant which receives daily shipments of food (all by 4x4!) which is turned into a fascinating array of local and international dishes.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-68eYHIK-iSU/WUBi53ITQEI/AAAAAAAAM60/mFeA0BbbA1EDH_c7-2KB6Dj9kxqMBIXRACEwYBhgL/s1600/20150929_151658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-68eYHIK-iSU/WUBi53ITQEI/AAAAAAAAM60/mFeA0BbbA1EDH_c7-2KB6Dj9kxqMBIXRACEwYBhgL/s640/20150929_151658.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4x4s are for a reason!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Over the next few days I fell in love with the enchantment of the rainforest and its wildlife. Without another lodge or reserve in a 2 hour radius, the wildlife is very active and the rainforest has been well maintained. Unlike other safari style resorts where I'd stayed, this one was tucked away, a true gem hidden from the masses. I felt like I was in a secluded area, where I would wake up to the sounds of the rainforest...frogs, birds, a light morning rain on the roof of my chalet. And then I would quietly stir for a day of activities: bird watching from the canopy walk, hiking to a beautiful view over the rainforest, floating the river on inner tubes, or walking nature trails with our amazingly knowledgeable guide. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SpflKdFEYE4/WUBi60bboSI/AAAAAAAAM68/EnJ-R3kJEP04RqKQbdabB_ObYPF4-A7iwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20150929_162747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SpflKdFEYE4/WUBi60bboSI/AAAAAAAAM68/EnJ-R3kJEP04RqKQbdabB_ObYPF4-A7iwCEwYBhgL/s640/20150929_162747.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main open air lodge and restaurant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4VGXz67p3zo/WUBi9J5MgPI/AAAAAAAAM7E/GetLQDJs_rgPizLLdnliuIrcQGW809SuwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20150929_174204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4VGXz67p3zo/WUBi9J5MgPI/AAAAAAAAM7E/GetLQDJs_rgPizLLdnliuIrcQGW809SuwCEwYBhgL/s640/20150929_174204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pzo2ArW89FI/WUBi7LYocDI/AAAAAAAAM7A/AiyK_PlR-ccBQ3aHwj_UaaI-sPNwmhTJQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20150929_163506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pzo2ArW89FI/WUBi7LYocDI/AAAAAAAAM7A/AiyK_PlR-ccBQ3aHwj_UaaI-sPNwmhTJQCEwYBhgL/s640/20150929_163506.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excellent meals and tropical fruits!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFuJYE1spyo/WUBiYE3sqCI/AAAAAAAAM6s/3f9MXeTdms0v7Wc73i5tcjBcE-W3N8fMwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC01615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFuJYE1spyo/WUBiYE3sqCI/AAAAAAAAM6s/3f9MXeTdms0v7Wc73i5tcjBcE-W3N8fMwCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC01615.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kWJnv_Vg-iY/WUBjBwjcWkI/AAAAAAAAM7k/34uU2u1ES_olHRkAuZE3V4L3JVC7N1K3ACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC01564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kWJnv_Vg-iY/WUBjBwjcWkI/AAAAAAAAM7k/34uU2u1ES_olHRkAuZE3V4L3JVC7N1K3ACEwYBhgL/s640/DSC01564.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When my final day at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge came to a close I waved goodbye to my new friends at the lodge and my only solace in leaving such a beautiful place was knowing that I would return to share it with travelers on our 12-day tour of Malaysia. To this day, each and every time I return and pull off that main road, I do so with the same anticipation of my first visit...with a surprising and unexpected adventure awaiting me in the middle of the lush rainforest.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Join us on our <b><a href="http://www.thetablelesstraveled.com/guided-travel/" target="_blank">Discover Malaysia Food & Adventure Tour</a> March 7-18, 2018.</b> Read what our <a href="http://www.thetablelesstraveled.com/reviews-1/" target="_blank">travelers loved about Malaysia here</a>, and review the <a href="http://www.thetablelesstraveled.com/guided-travel/" target="_blank">itinerary and details here</a>. The tour is limited to 12 people so please send us a message at info@thetablelesstraveled.com to reserve your spot or to inquire about availability. Enjoy more photos of our trip to Borneo below.</i></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LOuKwFkV7QI/WUBiX2Rei8I/AAAAAAAAM6o/ISQXLtJVsKcnCIJggM902nxXD9c_VOqAwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC00652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LOuKwFkV7QI/WUBiX2Rei8I/AAAAAAAAM6o/ISQXLtJVsKcnCIJggM902nxXD9c_VOqAwCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC00652.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2o3Yz2kOmdU/WUBiX4fJ0QI/AAAAAAAAM6k/OJUfkIHjKzkPr9UnyLomHctIZZJEiPtZACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC01346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2o3Yz2kOmdU/WUBiX4fJ0QI/AAAAAAAAM6k/OJUfkIHjKzkPr9UnyLomHctIZZJEiPtZACEwYBhgL/s640/DSC01346.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUoTBVfRFDg/WUBi5Wi_EUI/AAAAAAAAM6w/OCVkY4xY6XMD3JCNPoGTG6V-HF-TobHiACEwYBhgL/s1600/20150926_150037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yUoTBVfRFDg/WUBi5Wi_EUI/AAAAAAAAM6w/OCVkY4xY6XMD3JCNPoGTG6V-HF-TobHiACEwYBhgL/s640/20150926_150037.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFZnyB65yQc/WUBi6WdcKoI/AAAAAAAAM64/n31MD2k9NaMOvZ1NwKRR72Yr97km454BgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20150928_090942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fFZnyB65yQc/WUBi6WdcKoI/AAAAAAAAM64/n31MD2k9NaMOvZ1NwKRR72Yr97km454BgCEwYBhgL/s640/20150928_090942.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dG9WVtExLsI/WUBi-PMV1jI/AAAAAAAAM7I/5wNtqUUxFo4nczSdr0i97i5EGSNy4x6twCEwYBhgL/s1600/20150930_070912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dG9WVtExLsI/WUBi-PMV1jI/AAAAAAAAM7I/5wNtqUUxFo4nczSdr0i97i5EGSNy4x6twCEwYBhgL/s640/20150930_070912.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JuOV5UAnPC8/WUBi-d1qk5I/AAAAAAAAM7Q/ecwnkRVqs3grQIuNG13dNTzkUOm71mkzgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20150930_074303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JuOV5UAnPC8/WUBi-d1qk5I/AAAAAAAAM7Q/ecwnkRVqs3grQIuNG13dNTzkUOm71mkzgCEwYBhgL/s640/20150930_074303.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EVD-Az_y0Rw/WUBi-X2tIVI/AAAAAAAAM7M/w3HOF1JBrFcjfDgAvoSmPHgpjqs7uPIygCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC00484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EVD-Az_y0Rw/WUBi-X2tIVI/AAAAAAAAM7M/w3HOF1JBrFcjfDgAvoSmPHgpjqs7uPIygCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC00484.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XzSspu1-45I/WUBi_qGpN9I/AAAAAAAAM7U/agSM88iclI0uj-jYbX8EV0JeI-HFuQS6QCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC01039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XzSspu1-45I/WUBi_qGpN9I/AAAAAAAAM7U/agSM88iclI0uj-jYbX8EV0JeI-HFuQS6QCEwYBhgL/s640/DSC01039.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8f-gVaf3gVg/WUBjArnUHTI/AAAAAAAAM7Y/nyMjilPXkhw5TBsADttNdCCIs-_eGTVjACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC01236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8f-gVaf3gVg/WUBjArnUHTI/AAAAAAAAM7Y/nyMjilPXkhw5TBsADttNdCCIs-_eGTVjACEwYBhgL/s640/DSC01236.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WkzPblSC46g/WUBjCLVp_xI/AAAAAAAAM7o/uc-Rz5DWGT0Q1N9fr5h2UR7LQOg5Rn_oACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC01677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WkzPblSC46g/WUBjCLVp_xI/AAAAAAAAM7o/uc-Rz5DWGT0Q1N9fr5h2UR7LQOg5Rn_oACEwYBhgL/s640/DSC01677.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com0Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia5.0194261 117.7466154-20.5026084 76.4380214 30.5414606 159.0552094tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-49777034333381255972017-04-06T10:33:00.002-07:002017-04-06T10:57:57.752-07:004 Ways to Get to Machu Picchu without Hiking the Inca Trail<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Machu Picchu has quickly grown in popularity among travelers after being voted one of the "<a href="https://world.new7wonders.com/wonders/machu-picchu-1460-1470-peru/" target="_blank">New 7 Wonders of the World</a>" in 2007. In visiting the 15th century Incan city, the first thing that comes to mind is a strenuous hike traversing the Inca Trail for 4-5 days to reach the ruins located at an altitude of about 8,000 ft. Which, to many minds, doesn't necessarily sound like a "vacation." Rarely do I consider something a vacation if there isn't a toilet.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0G1ErGGvt9U/V5HO81TipzI/AAAAAAAAGJw/74ZSDISmt1sfkV6zdd3bQUtnCC5sBJ8WACPcB/s1600/IMG_20160609_212835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0G1ErGGvt9U/V5HO81TipzI/AAAAAAAAGJw/74ZSDISmt1sfkV6zdd3bQUtnCC5sBJ8WACPcB/s640/IMG_20160609_212835.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As such, when we launched our "<a href="http://www.thetablelesstraveled.com/taste-of-peru-and-machu-picchu-tour/" target="_blank">Taste of Peru and Machu Picchu Tour</a>" some of our travelers hesitated on joining because of the common misconception that the only way to reach the ruins was by means of hiking and camping. Although there are many multi-day treks which accomplish that goal (and work up a serious appetite), we're here to set the record straight that there are other ways to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site without the need to train like an athlete beforehand.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The city of Cusco is most often the starting point for a journey to Machu Picchu. Travelers arrive to Cusco via flights from the capital of Lima. Although there are buses that make the journey, we recommend the 1 hour 20 minute flight since there are numerous daily departures on LATAM and Avianca Airlines and they are relatively budget-friendly.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B5sslIk7xbE/WOZ4Ypg0crI/AAAAAAAALgM/1OutW0C0kPwcTaDuAu5T2vZFmvLssbo1QCLcB/s1600/20160511_170940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B5sslIk7xbE/WOZ4Ypg0crI/AAAAAAAALgM/1OutW0C0kPwcTaDuAu5T2vZFmvLssbo1QCLcB/s640/20160511_170940.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LAN flight from Lima to Cusco, now LATAM Airlines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In addition to the travel options I mention below there are also alternative treks, hikes, and walks which will lead you to Machu Picchu. However, I'm assuming if you're not interested in a 4-day trek on the Inca Trail, you're probably not interested in a 32 km walk to Aguas Calientes. Wild assumption, I know. That said, here are 4 ways to reach Machu Picchu without breaking your back:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Step 1: Travel from Cusco to Aguas Calientes (also referred to as Machu Picchu village) </b></div>
<div>
We recommend transiting to Aguas Calientes at least one day prior to your visit to Machu Picchu. Aguas Calientes is a small town approximately 6 km from the ruins; it is primarily a tourist hub with hotels, restaurants, and a train station to serve travelers on their way to the ruins.</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
1. <b>Train from Cusco - </b>From Cusco you can catch a taxi to Poroy, a small town about 25 minutes away, which has a train station. The train journey is about 3 hours and 20 minutes and stops once on the way to Aguas Calientes. This route is operated by PeruRail and IncaRail.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2. <b>Bus/Drive + Train from Cusco - </b>Given that Cusco is at a higher altitude (approximately 11,000 feet), we recommend spending time in the Sacred Valley (approximately 6,000 feet) before slowly progressing to Machu Picchu and then Cusco. If you choose this option, you can first fly into Cusco, then take a taxi or private vehicle directly to Urubamba or Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. From Ollantaytambo you take the train to Aguas Calientes which is about a 1 hour 50 minute train journey.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2bKezfVn33U/WOZ5sLJM1NI/AAAAAAAALgY/9TAsCDmGgGke_AlIA7sehWKUFUvhnEWqACLcB/s1600/20160520_152430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2bKezfVn33U/WOZ5sLJM1NI/AAAAAAAALgY/9TAsCDmGgGke_AlIA7sehWKUFUvhnEWqACLcB/s640/20160520_152430.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views driving through the Sacred Valley on the way to the train station in Ollantaytambo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6aJ3CUVKFQ/WOZ6HBDrkTI/AAAAAAAALgc/wHHJHGHv_wALgBHiPeYBdLP_5UqryIOJACLcB/s1600/20160516_154239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g6aJ3CUVKFQ/WOZ6HBDrkTI/AAAAAAAALgc/wHHJHGHv_wALgBHiPeYBdLP_5UqryIOJACLcB/s640/20160516_154239.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A PeruRail train arriving in Aguas Calientes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Step 2: Travel from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Ruins</b></div>
<div>
After arriving by train to Aguas Calientes we recommend staying at least one night. The train track runs through the middle of the town so it's easy to access most hotels on foot.</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
3. <b>Bus - </b>Starting at 5:30 AM every day, there is a circuit of buses which ferry travelers on a 25 minute ride to the entrance gates of the ruins. Tickets for the bus should be purchased in advance and you can take the bus round trip to return to Aguas Calientes.</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
4. <b>Hike - </b>Okay...so this one might actually break your back a little. However, this is the only alternative from Aguas Calientes to reach the ruins. If you wish to hike to the ruins entrance gates, it is an 8 km hike from town, up a steep mountainside path.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WJimEvjcbb8/WOZ6lFDfoSI/AAAAAAAALgg/fOjpleAgz1QlG36RW3LN17tOuQb_WZI1wCLcB/s1600/20160516_055439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WJimEvjcbb8/WOZ6lFDfoSI/AAAAAAAALgg/fOjpleAgz1QlG36RW3LN17tOuQb_WZI1wCLcB/s640/20160516_055439.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for the first bus of the morning to take us to Machu Picchu Ruins!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On our <a href="http://www.thetablelesstraveled.com/taste-of-peru-and-machu-picchu-tour/" target="_blank">9-day small group tour</a> of 12 people maximum, we crafted an itinerary which gives you the best of both worlds. You get the breathtaking views looking out over Machu Picchu, with the creature comforts of some of Peru's finest award-winning lodges and accommodations. We use a combination of private transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, train travel, and the Aguas Calientes bus to reach Machu Picchu. We take the guess work out of buying tickets, securing entrance times, and all of the finicky logistics. For more information on our itinerary and whether it's the best fit for you, please email us at info@thetablelesstraveled.com or call 425.894.8976.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BER6kzT_rTg/WOZ7PatPv1I/AAAAAAAALgs/JECV4QCNCS4pzX_99QEKJsBXSEJAFRlyACLcB/s1600/20160512_132122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BER6kzT_rTg/WOZ7PatPv1I/AAAAAAAALgs/JECV4QCNCS4pzX_99QEKJsBXSEJAFRlyACLcB/s640/20160512_132122.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main square and cathedral in Cusco</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mtSG6o3YM1A/WOZ7NJo3VRI/AAAAAAAALgo/WtcTp6PMUxQ9m15Pql-mK8OElkUsR7bsgCLcB/s1600/20160513_070612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mtSG6o3YM1A/WOZ7NJo3VRI/AAAAAAAALgo/WtcTp6PMUxQ9m15Pql-mK8OElkUsR7bsgCLcB/s640/20160513_070612.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheesemakers in the markets in the Sacred Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4GwmDNP7jc/WOZ7PeNLi4I/AAAAAAAALgw/efYge9SaqNo3KHA6khr1IoE7qYU0DpOVQCLcB/s1600/20160515_150811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4GwmDNP7jc/WOZ7PeNLi4I/AAAAAAAALgw/efYge9SaqNo3KHA6khr1IoE7qYU0DpOVQCLcB/s640/20160515_150811.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visiting the Maras Salt Mines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tn8dMMAuLv0/WOZ7R8kGs5I/AAAAAAAALg0/PUo6-l4YxvctQB3hajOfXEpqB7Jn8DoSgCLcB/s1600/20160520_114113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tn8dMMAuLv0/WOZ7R8kGs5I/AAAAAAAALg0/PUo6-l4YxvctQB3hajOfXEpqB7Jn8DoSgCLcB/s640/20160520_114113.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right before we jumped on paddleboards on this serene lake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xlrjwCyjSIA/WOZ7Tv4mZaI/AAAAAAAALg4/rEIwyJZKTfIaDkwiPpFxM9nToBLtjpIOQCLcB/s1600/20160521_115836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xlrjwCyjSIA/WOZ7Tv4mZaI/AAAAAAAALg4/rEIwyJZKTfIaDkwiPpFxM9nToBLtjpIOQCLcB/s640/20160521_115836.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lesson in roasting at the coffee museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xmEQJxmrgCg/WOZ7TpSqmtI/AAAAAAAALg8/_J7waoPouzYx6o_oHbWcMNj8XeaZvPOIgCLcB/s1600/20160523_103324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xmEQJxmrgCg/WOZ7TpSqmtI/AAAAAAAALg8/_J7waoPouzYx6o_oHbWcMNj8XeaZvPOIgCLcB/s640/20160523_103324.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the best sandwiches in Lima - yum!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com12Cusco, Peru-13.53195 -71.967462599999976-13.655454 -72.128824099999974 -13.408446 -71.806101099999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-54998785956920505572017-03-08T10:23:00.000-08:002017-03-08T10:23:14.146-08:005 Tips for Using Your Cell Phone Abroad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XgAojXm39tE/WMBKUY5DDpI/AAAAAAAALTk/wahkXVT7bz4IkgS_Y_xZ6D-p4qs2Zw7wwCLcB/s1600/Cell%2BPhone%2BUse.2017.03.08.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XgAojXm39tE/WMBKUY5DDpI/AAAAAAAALTk/wahkXVT7bz4IkgS_Y_xZ6D-p4qs2Zw7wwCLcB/s640/Cell%2BPhone%2BUse.2017.03.08.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
International travel can wreak havoc on your cell phone bill.
When I worked in the telecom world we frequently had clients who ran up bills
over $2,000 a month from roaming on their vacations, and having no clue that
data was still running on their phones.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nowadays the major US cell phone carriers have international
roaming plans which vary in their offerings and cost. However, if you’re
leaning towards “going dark” and foregoing an additional plan while traveling then
here are some tips to make sure you’re not racking up bills that will cost you
more than your trip!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Understand
what you’re being charged for</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> – most cell phone bills are broken into three
parts where you’re charged for (1) voice, (2) text, and (3) data. Data seems to
be the most complicated for my clients when they talk about international
usage. If you are connected to a wi-fi network accessing the internet or apps,
then you are not using data. If you are not connected to wi-fi and you’re
accessing the internet or apps that require internet then you’re using your
data. As soon as you arrive to your hotel, connect to the wi-fi network to
limit the data you use.</span></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Turn off
your “roaming data”</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> – an easy way to prevent data charges is to turn off
the setting on your phone which allows “international roaming.” Here’s a
tutorial for </span><a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201643" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">iPhone</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
users and </span><a href="http://www.samsung.com/uk/support/skp/faq/1107630" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Samsung</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
users.</span></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Use apps
for messaging & calls</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> – there are many apps which can replace your
“voice” and “text” usage. That way, when you’re connected to wi-fi you can use
that connection (as opposed to your voice, text, or data usage) to talk or
text. Apple users can use </span><a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207006" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">iMessage</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">,
</span><a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204380" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">FaceTime</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">, and </span><a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203032" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">voice calls</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> (for iPhone5c
or later) over wifi. Anybody can use apps like </span><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">WhatsApp</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">, </span><a href="https://www.skype.com/en/download-skype/skype-for-mobile/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Skype</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">, and
</span><a href="https://hangouts.google.com/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Google Hangouts</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> which allow you to
message, call, and video call with other users who have the apps. To call
regular phone numbers (people who don’t have these apps) you can also use Skype
over wi-fi and purchase </span><a href="https://secure.skype.com/en/calling-rates?wt.mc_id=legacy&expo365=bundled" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">credits</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
(like a calling card) at a very low per-minute calling rate.</span></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Download
maps for offline use</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> – travelers commonly rack up data usage from using
their maps for directions or navigation while traveling. In the Google Maps app
you can still use the compass/orientation even if your data roaming is turned
off. Additionally, you can download maps (over wifi) for offline use while
you’re walking around. (</span><a href="https://support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Google
Maps</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> instructions for offline downloads.)</span></li>
<li><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Monitor
data usage</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> – if you decide to leave your data plan on, but want to make
sure you’re not going over the allotted amount, you can use a free app like </span><a href="http://www.mydatamanagerapp.com/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">My Data Manager</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> to monitor your
usage.</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes
to using technology efficiently while traveling. In the coming months I’ll
share more tips about the best ways to use tech tools. If you have specific
questions let me know and I’ll answer them! Shoot me an email at <a href="mailto:info@thetablelesstraveled.com">info@thetablelesstraveled.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-58186680592183747552017-01-30T13:58:00.001-08:002017-01-30T13:58:21.111-08:003 of "The World's 50 Best Restaurants" are...Where?!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Every time I casually tell people that Lima, Peru has three of <a href="http://www.theworlds50best.com/" target="_blank">The World's 50 Best Restaurants</a> (from Pellegrino's annual list), they can't believe me. And then the question usually follows jokingly, "Did they serve you guinea pig?" And then I deadpan, "Yes." Because, yes, they <i>do</i> serve guinea pig. And YES, it was one of the most savory, succulent, and delicious things I've ever eaten. Ever.<br />
<br />
When I discovered that Lima was a food haven I was well into planning our <a href="http://blog.thetablelesstraveled.com/2016/07/adventuring-in-andes-machu-picchu-and.html" target="_blank">Peru trip</a> and had heard from most people that the capital city was one that was "skippable." Well...I'm telling you from experience...if you like food, it is decidedly <i>not skippable.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
In two days, I dined at 3 of the best restaurants in the world. <a href="http://www.theworlds50best.com/list/1-50-winners/Central" target="_blank">Central</a> for lunch, <a href="http://www.theworlds50best.com/list/1-50-winners/Maido" target="_blank">Maido</a> for dinner, and <a href="http://www.theworlds50best.com/TheList-2016/21-30/Astrid-y-Gaston.html" target="_blank">Astrid & Gaston</a> for lunch the next day. Don't worry - I still ate breakfast at my favorite sandwich shop. Sandwiches aside, these 3 meals represented a huge variety of food inspiration, and creativity. Each experience was unique.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_z1JWW6AdU/WI-wTxPxK3I/AAAAAAAALLY/hDRbGKKH8wcvelSMrwk5uTP_qaofTkuJwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160524_132824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_z1JWW6AdU/WI-wTxPxK3I/AAAAAAAALLY/hDRbGKKH8wcvelSMrwk5uTP_qaofTkuJwCLcB/s400/IMG_20160524_132824.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Waiting outside of the beautiful mansion of Astrid y Gaston for lunch. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8L27tNAptfo/WI-xMs1cvJI/AAAAAAAALL8/1ZYY7QgHmyM7pbj5xEvdJb8pBbBjh4hCACLcB/s1600/IMG_20160527_122930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8L27tNAptfo/WI-xMs1cvJI/AAAAAAAALL8/1ZYY7QgHmyM7pbj5xEvdJb8pBbBjh4hCACLcB/s400/IMG_20160527_122930.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">One of the first courses at Central...I was confused about what to eat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Since dining there last year, Central rose in the ranks to #4 best restaurant in the world, and #1 in Latin America. Their tasting menu is based on altitudes, from the highest of highs in the Andes to the lowest of lows in the Amazon. They source ingredients from distinct regions of the country and create dishes you couldn't even imagine.<br />
<br />
When I went to Maido it was ranked #44 and in 2016 it was the restaurant that took the "highest climber award" on the list to #13. Unlike your inability to tell your children that one of them is your favorite, I have no qualms about picking my favorite restaurant in Lima. And although I loved all of my eating in Peru, Maido stole my heart. During the 13 course tasting menu at the Maido sushi bar I was blown away by every single serving - a fusion between Japanese and Peruvian food, better known as "Nikkei" cuisine. The most umami based flavor explosion I've ever tasted was the thinly sliced and seared steak nigiri with a ponzu-infused quail egg on top. There is so much to say about this one piece of nigiri that in reality there is nothing I can say to do it justice.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5iWDp3drfto/WI-xnqO1W-I/AAAAAAAALMQ/WSDIlLauaFY4v-ZP3fqXcaZ3vmE7IOUxwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160612_231312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5iWDp3drfto/WI-xnqO1W-I/AAAAAAAALMQ/WSDIlLauaFY4v-ZP3fqXcaZ3vmE7IOUxwCLcB/s400/IMG_20160612_231312.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0osqwwdZLk/WI-wTolhV9I/AAAAAAAALLU/eI-YpDeQAWA3ty7eAw8TrEc27ENxa5VdwCLcB/s1600/IMG_20160524_000602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0osqwwdZLk/WI-wTolhV9I/AAAAAAAALLU/eI-YpDeQAWA3ty7eAw8TrEc27ENxa5VdwCLcB/s400/IMG_20160524_000602.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5Djic4U_5c/WI-xmIQo7HI/AAAAAAAALMI/4250-rfw2oIpTn7I6DYGjdDfTkuxGIX7ACLcB/s1600/IMG_20160610_072826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q5Djic4U_5c/WI-xmIQo7HI/AAAAAAAALMI/4250-rfw2oIpTn7I6DYGjdDfTkuxGIX7ACLcB/s400/IMG_20160610_072826.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The following day I made my way to Astrid & Gaston, now housed in a beautiful mansion with its own garden used for herbs and vegetables in the restaurant's daily preparations. Perhaps it was the fact that I was easing into the routine of eating at fancy pants restaurants, but regardless, this was the environment where I felt most at ease, most welcomed, and most befriended by the hosts and servers that I felt like I was sitting in a friend's home kitchen. This is where my guinea pig fantasies became realities. It was served in a trio of tastings - all with an Asian flare.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06FCo8se2eY/WI-wwaML4DI/AAAAAAAALME/_DsyVBRgXJs3g4zaK4TWEsJTb1UXbjLxACEw/s1600/IMG_20160524_232550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-06FCo8se2eY/WI-wwaML4DI/AAAAAAAALME/_DsyVBRgXJs3g4zaK4TWEsJTb1UXbjLxACEw/s400/IMG_20160524_232550.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bfI0VFjjq-0/WI-xNV0ClZI/AAAAAAAALMU/U-gAIsBE60c1M-AHSEa0nZu93QXZoLGUgCEw/s1600/IMG_20160527_130915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bfI0VFjjq-0/WI-xNV0ClZI/AAAAAAAALMU/U-gAIsBE60c1M-AHSEa0nZu93QXZoLGUgCEw/s400/IMG_20160527_130915.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcH7__q1ZGA/WI-xMWr4T1I/AAAAAAAALMU/TwmenV1_KIMTgZwpwyJCvuqsryQkf0-EQCEw/s1600/IMG_20160602_122209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcH7__q1ZGA/WI-xMWr4T1I/AAAAAAAALMU/TwmenV1_KIMTgZwpwyJCvuqsryQkf0-EQCEw/s400/IMG_20160602_122209.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6mJbeY8m8k/WI-wqY0VfzI/AAAAAAAALME/kN_ELUWr0sgGBRmPbvW-xoYc9TIQdXeDwCEw/s1600/IMG_20160524_230225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M6mJbeY8m8k/WI-wqY0VfzI/AAAAAAAALME/kN_ELUWr0sgGBRmPbvW-xoYc9TIQdXeDwCEw/s400/IMG_20160524_230225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWz3y6sxzSI/WI-zzoABioI/AAAAAAAALMg/a48S16yAoYEP-QCcLcRGAqb2j5jOZns5ACLcB/s1600/20160524_151256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eWz3y6sxzSI/WI-zzoABioI/AAAAAAAALMg/a48S16yAoYEP-QCcLcRGAqb2j5jOZns5ACLcB/s400/20160524_151256.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">After lunch at Astrid y Gaston...full, happy, and loving Lima.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
After 3 unforgettable meals in Lima I can assure you that if you're lucky enough to get reservations (or come on our group tour ... shameless plug) it is a city where your taste buds will be delighted. Some folks have responded by saying they don't like the idea of dining in "fancy, famous" restaurants while they're traveling because it doesn't feel like an authentic, local experience. And I would beg to differ. At least in Lima, I would. As I sat sola dining in these fantastic restaurants I eaves dropped (I admit) on conversations all around me. The majority of diners were locals, who worked nearby, or had a special occasion, or in one circumstance had been trying to get a reservation for a year. They were trying food that they deemed, rightfully so, to be a modern representation of their local cultural cuisine.<br />
<br />
<i>Join us on a culinary adventure for 9 days on our "Taste of Peru and Machu Picchu Tour." Groups are limited to 12 travelers for intimate experiences. Call us for more information or to hold a spot - 425.894.8976.</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gXQ6irXgz2Y/WI-wqNKJMWI/AAAAAAAALME/5EN8A7RoJfkGSGz8Oa00T6LrO_ioIniewCEw/s1600/IMG_20160524_230838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gXQ6irXgz2Y/WI-wqNKJMWI/AAAAAAAALME/5EN8A7RoJfkGSGz8Oa00T6LrO_ioIniewCEw/s400/IMG_20160524_230838.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Fun street art in the Barranco neighborhood of Lima with the ocean in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-unzho_C8XpQ/WI-w56ZJTxI/AAAAAAAALMU/8Xnt00LiW_QOENtVHWgsNoFrAjGHAstYgCEw/s1600/IMG_20160527_114455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-unzho_C8XpQ/WI-w56ZJTxI/AAAAAAAALMU/8Xnt00LiW_QOENtVHWgsNoFrAjGHAstYgCEw/s400/IMG_20160527_114455.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com20Lima District, Peru-12.046374 -77.0427934-12.108488 -77.123474399999992 -11.98426 -76.9621124tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-68160564821123200672016-08-24T09:28:00.000-07:002016-08-24T09:37:25.026-07:00Exploring Italy's Hidden Gem, Emilia-Romagna<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"Go to Bologna," Casey encouraged as we strolled up to the 15th green under the surprisingly warm Seattle summer sun. I received news during our round of golf that "Italy" won in our poll for which country people wanted to visit on our next food tour. Being that (a) Casey is a well-traveled food lover with trustworthy recommendations, and (b) I was playing poorly, I spent the balance of the game badgering her for advice about the must-see, off-the-beaten-path places in Italy.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The name of this Italian city sounded oddly familiar even though I didn't know it. After pecking a few letters into Google it dawned on me I knew this city because...my baloney has a first name it's...from BOLOGNA. Yes, Bologna is the home of Mortadella sausage which is the root of what we know as baloney in America. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am, admittedly, not the biggest fan of baloney. Thankfully, even though Bologna, the capitol of the Emilia-Romagna region, didn't tantalize my taste buds with its namesake meat treat, there was plenty more in store from neighboring cities in the region. Parma won me over me with its Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and its Prosciutto di Parma ham. You noticed a theme, didn't you? Call a food by where it's from.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
During a hot August day, I met Alessandro from <a href="http://www.italiandays.it/" target="_blank">Italian Days Food Tours</a>. We strolled through old streets of Bologna while he picked out cured meats, cheeses, and a baguette and then navigated us to <a href="http://blog.thetablelesstraveled.com/p/my-fave-restaurants.html" target="_blank">Osteria del Sole</a>. We settled into a back deck table while Alessandro unrolled the snacks from their protective papers and gave me the history of the bar which opened in 1465. Older than 'Murica. Like...way older. They were drinking at that bar before we were even a country. I digress. While I debated whether Alessandro was going to be admonished for unfurling our snacks at the bar, he casually mentioned the bar didn't serve food so patrons should bring their own. BYOF. I can dig it. You order a bottle of Pignoletto (a local, sparkling white wine) and chow down on whatever delicious grub you've rounded up from nearby vendors.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xTMbdZLg50s/V7vlgYXB9ZI/AAAAAAAAGMk/H8d5DRi9brkZGNle4rvXwlVOLFeV-TjQQCEw/s1600/20150826_114104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xTMbdZLg50s/V7vlgYXB9ZI/AAAAAAAAGMk/H8d5DRi9brkZGNle4rvXwlVOLFeV-TjQQCEw/s640/20150826_114104.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GG9ptozIw6M/V7vlgsst5dI/AAAAAAAAGMo/cdJxtWbGVg0aXb1VGQh59ci6JcF3giO4wCEw/s1600/20150826_114629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GG9ptozIw6M/V7vlgsst5dI/AAAAAAAAGMo/cdJxtWbGVg0aXb1VGQh59ci6JcF3giO4wCEw/s640/20150826_114629.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--SmK4BaEcYM/V7vlgqk-sgI/AAAAAAAAGMs/hyHZwfMCLIQkPpAkwPaosK4wForhduY1gCEw/s1600/20150826_114656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--SmK4BaEcYM/V7vlgqk-sgI/AAAAAAAAGMs/hyHZwfMCLIQkPpAkwPaosK4wForhduY1gCEw/s640/20150826_114656.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then and there, I knew this guy was legit. Alessandro oozed excitement for his treasured Emilia-Romagna. He was the food ambassador of Bologna to the world. And he was there to teach me their ways. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As he shot a quick glance around the room he produced a small glass bottle from his pocket, asserting in a hushed tone, "This is the real stuff. Real Italians bring their own balsamico." He slowly tipped the bottle over a piece of cheese as the balsamic slowly crept out in a thick, syrupy consistency. It was nothing like the "balsamic vinegar" I'd seen at home. The sweet and sour taste of the balsamico combined with the rich, nutty flavor of the Parmigiano-Reggiano balanced each other perfectly. I mopped up every last drop of the liquid gold balsamic with bread as Alessandro contently surveyed his new found faithful follower. He didn't need any further words. Emilia-Romagna was my heaven.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CDTRJZfoHo/V7vliKQlU9I/AAAAAAAAGM0/D_PlmmHNwV8VtviETNTAD-1OZM7sPaUnwCEw/s1600/20150826_115757_002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CDTRJZfoHo/V7vliKQlU9I/AAAAAAAAGM0/D_PlmmHNwV8VtviETNTAD-1OZM7sPaUnwCEw/s640/20150826_115757_002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Days later I returned with Angela from <a href="https://www.savorseattletours.com/" target="_blank">Savor Seattle Food Tours</a> to indulge in a food excursion unlike any other. Alessandro swept us up in his world dazzling us with personal stories about families and producers as we visited a Parmigiano-Reggiano factory, a Prosciutto di Parma factory, and a farm where they aged Balsamico in Modena. We were then spoiled with a lavish pasta meal served family style with views of the vineyards, and we finished by climbing into the countryside hills to hunt for truffles.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vo_XPuh39fM/V7vkat-8iEI/AAAAAAAAGMc/21hCV5S3w6AhKjzgSd47MVBrTEvgfHDpQCEw/s1600/Alessandro%2BAnnie%2BAngela%2BParmesan%2BFactory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vo_XPuh39fM/V7vkat-8iEI/AAAAAAAAGMc/21hCV5S3w6AhKjzgSd47MVBrTEvgfHDpQCEw/s640/Alessandro%2BAnnie%2BAngela%2BParmesan%2BFactory.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hs_MDS8vUlQ/V7vmmHbEPJI/AAAAAAAAGNA/WwLG8TiOeYojBPbQvBrGhOx9R5Lqei0fACLcB/s1600/Annie%2BAngela%2BSliced%2BProscuitto%2BTasting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hs_MDS8vUlQ/V7vmmHbEPJI/AAAAAAAAGNA/WwLG8TiOeYojBPbQvBrGhOx9R5Lqei0fACLcB/s640/Annie%2BAngela%2BSliced%2BProscuitto%2BTasting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ouep2UlN_fI/V7vmpUTG7QI/AAAAAAAAGNM/gLsbSSLZDfoi-Oe8sVobPeZAH-hJO17VACLcB/s1600/Balsamic%2BVinegar%2BTasting.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ouep2UlN_fI/V7vmpUTG7QI/AAAAAAAAGNM/gLsbSSLZDfoi-Oe8sVobPeZAH-hJO17VACLcB/s640/Balsamic%2BVinegar%2BTasting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izLwPaFMiM8/V7vmpCOw3tI/AAAAAAAAGNI/vLmXaFUBN1cAo-AZy8IdlAvD2tXz9_udQCLcB/s1600/Group%2BToast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izLwPaFMiM8/V7vmpCOw3tI/AAAAAAAAGNI/vLmXaFUBN1cAo-AZy8IdlAvD2tXz9_udQCLcB/s640/Group%2BToast.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LIK90QfMkeM/V7vmmmFpkjI/AAAAAAAAGNE/6Cflum17M08jbeBvRbOL4SNlc6pwPnEHwCLcB/s1600/Proscuitto%2BAngela%2BAnnie%2BHind%2BLegs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LIK90QfMkeM/V7vmmmFpkjI/AAAAAAAAGNE/6Cflum17M08jbeBvRbOL4SNlc6pwPnEHwCLcB/s640/Proscuitto%2BAngela%2BAnnie%2BHind%2BLegs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vi9reNm9NGg/V7vmpzD6ziI/AAAAAAAAGNQ/Rnawq1jZBbgehXy-vJJ1Df0WDDEULI77gCLcB/s1600/Truffle%2BHunting4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vi9reNm9NGg/V7vmpzD6ziI/AAAAAAAAGNQ/Rnawq1jZBbgehXy-vJJ1Df0WDDEULI77gCLcB/s640/Truffle%2BHunting4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With full bellies and happy hearts, Angela and I sat silently whizzing by picturesque views on our fast train back to Florence. My mind recalled Casey's worthy recommendation as I pondered how this magnificent region had flown so far under the tourist radar, clearly playing second fiddle to its neighbor Tuscany. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In merely one year since my delightful first experience with Emilia-Romagna, it has garnered significantly more publicity. I now see it regularly mentioned on food blogs (pot, kettle, black), Instagram feeds, and travel and food shows. Our little gem is becoming more and more popular, thanks in part to passionate locals like Alessandro. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QU3BE2zet_E/V7vm8E3reTI/AAAAAAAAGNU/yHZzt5f_BMgpWs2wkkVJXeQJM990gnmkACLcB/s1600/IMG_20151103_150859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QU3BE2zet_E/V7vm8E3reTI/AAAAAAAAGNU/yHZzt5f_BMgpWs2wkkVJXeQJM990gnmkACLcB/s640/IMG_20151103_150859.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Travel meetup in London. Good to see the king of cheese-pushers. I'm an official follower - fork bracelet and all.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And although I sing Alessandro's praises (if Parmigiano-Reggiano is the king of cheeses, Alessandro is the king of cheese pushers - I can hear him now shouting, "Mangia! Mangia!"), a little piece of me is sad that this beautiful region which offered me a respite from the constant sea of tourists will soon be swarmed by the crowds. Regardless, Emilia-Romagna will remain a gem in my heart...and hopefully yours too.</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com4Italy41.87194 12.56737999999995729.6780185 -8.0869170000000423 54.065861500000004 33.221676999999957tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-64191777985792570172016-07-22T07:30:00.000-07:002016-07-22T07:30:06.490-07:00Adventuring in the Andes - Machu Picchu and Beyond<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We stopped once again, closed our eyes, and slowly inhaled
and exhaled five times as I counted on my fingers with each breath. After a
mutual check of, “good?”, “good?”, “good”, Katie and I continued on, pointing
toward the next small step or corner of shade where we could stop for a “breathing
break.” Despite having conquered the “Condor’s Pass” summit just the day before
at 14,000 feet, our bodies were taxed and pushing ourselves up Machu Picchu
Mountain, at a lower altitude, still wasn’t coming easily.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-ofVsOza7k/V5HOySUaEGI/AAAAAAAAGJA/vT9HM9wDikMZNKbx4G_A2ooSVTNtT6R2wCLcB/s1600/DSC03007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L-ofVsOza7k/V5HOySUaEGI/AAAAAAAAGJA/vT9HM9wDikMZNKbx4G_A2ooSVTNtT6R2wCLcB/s640/DSC03007.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down on the ruins from Machu Picchu Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TLtJ9rZnfow/V5HRMaN4cxI/AAAAAAAAGKM/WRymMCZ_o0kK7KYXqupSvV_ULDh2D2-rACLcB/s1600/20160516_115158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TLtJ9rZnfow/V5HRMaN4cxI/AAAAAAAAGKM/WRymMCZ_o0kK7KYXqupSvV_ULDh2D2-rACLcB/s640/20160516_115158.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My best friend, Katie, and I had long been awaiting the day to
check Machu Picchu off the top of our bucket lists. And here we finally were.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">After a 3-day trek through the Sacred Valley
we spent one night in Aguas Calientes (often referred to as the town of Machu Picchu)
before rising early for the buses which take eager travelers to the Incan
ruins.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwScXjX_ge8/V5HO6WB-SgI/AAAAAAAAGJw/-5wxNuXXv00O9fMjVwje1pNbkLpX-e6UwCEw/s1600/IMG_20160525_085925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwScXjX_ge8/V5HO6WB-SgI/AAAAAAAAGJw/-5wxNuXXv00O9fMjVwje1pNbkLpX-e6UwCEw/s640/IMG_20160525_085925.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We stood perched overlooking the ruins as the morning sun
rose over the famous site, taking every cliché Machu Picchu tourist picture we
could think of. Then our guide, Tio (uncle) Wilson, took us on a tour back in
time around the ruins. At every turn there was an architectural feat or a
design stroke of genius. At which point Katie and I pondered how we would have
survived as Incans given our near failure of our high school physics class. We’ll
just say we got “a lot of support” from Katie’s dad on our partner projects. Thanks,
Jim.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0G1ErGGvt9U/V5HO81TipzI/AAAAAAAAGJw/oaYv6Fp5EXAV1V04-ElatV8zgZf-p7DIACEw/s1600/IMG_20160609_212835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0G1ErGGvt9U/V5HO81TipzI/AAAAAAAAGJw/oaYv6Fp5EXAV1V04-ElatV8zgZf-p7DIACEw/s640/IMG_20160609_212835.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiergjCd5-o/V5HOw5jPBYI/AAAAAAAAGJw/_WHOAvds5hwm8OuIjBjrrk4EVotZ2K4IACEw/s1600/DSC02871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiergjCd5-o/V5HOw5jPBYI/AAAAAAAAGJw/_WHOAvds5hwm8OuIjBjrrk4EVotZ2K4IACEw/s640/DSC02871.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Although our day trip to Machu Picchu was fascinating, and
should be on every traveler’s list, in the end it was not the highlight of my
adventure to the Andes. Instead, my most fond memories will be the ones that
are not sites to see or places to visit, rather moments of joy and connection.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Building a bond with our new “familia” of
trekkers, tour leaders, and porters on the Lares Trek.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkdcNCLvFqQ/V5HO6neT0_I/AAAAAAAAGJw/N31QZRao614EIwVhRJAomWa9JYo-Dkm-wCEw/s1600/IMG_20160522_195509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qkdcNCLvFqQ/V5HO6neT0_I/AAAAAAAAGJw/N31QZRao614EIwVhRJAomWa9JYo-Dkm-wCEw/s640/IMG_20160522_195509.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Gently telling Katie that although she hated me
taking pictures of her suffering altitude sickness against the most beautiful
background, one day, she’d laugh looking at them and thank me. I don’t think she’s
quite there yet. One day</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">…</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IOHsVxi2LY/V5HRIyz9iRI/AAAAAAAAGKQ/Zr30vD6vHzc2N9iN8P6vGcAW8sYv0RQMACEw/s1600/20160514_105513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9IOHsVxi2LY/V5HRIyz9iRI/AAAAAAAAGKQ/Zr30vD6vHzc2N9iN8P6vGcAW8sYv0RQMACEw/s640/20160514_105513.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know...I'm an evil friend.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Feeling elated that we made it successfully up
and over the pass</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">…</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">which
we all stared up at during breakfast the second morning gawking, “THAT’S where
we’re hiking?!”</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WJahSnvahQQ/V5HRH3eBXlI/AAAAAAAAGKQ/g6HAXngsbEcHbCO1x3s1gR26YdkUeu3UwCEw/s1600/20160514_070018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WJahSnvahQQ/V5HRH3eBXlI/AAAAAAAAGKQ/g6HAXngsbEcHbCO1x3s1gR26YdkUeu3UwCEw/s640/20160514_070018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L7pKz5R-YkY/V5HOo9MvXII/AAAAAAAAGJw/Jn6PSy8m2ggaJGvHRl_XD4lZbkgyCkmQgCEw/s1600/DSC02531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L7pKz5R-YkY/V5HOo9MvXII/AAAAAAAAGJw/Jn6PSy8m2ggaJGvHRl_XD4lZbkgyCkmQgCEw/s640/DSC02531.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mgn3CLPjU90/V5HOs_mF9SI/AAAAAAAAGJw/_G-dFTy9-iwX-fp0lIXEXNC-8V7YqkXTACEw/s1600/DSC02639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mgn3CLPjU90/V5HOs_mF9SI/AAAAAAAAGJw/_G-dFTy9-iwX-fp0lIXEXNC-8V7YqkXTACEw/s640/DSC02639.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Playing hide and seek with the cutest little boy
at our second campsite as he giggled hysterically. I’m not sure why this is a
magic game</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">…</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">but it
breaks every language barrier for children.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-4fie_FCY8/V5HO95ok7hI/AAAAAAAAGJw/t6CaZDeHNGMX3Auw_oerI0DaadEZN3mMQCEw/s1600/IMG_20160620_191520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-4fie_FCY8/V5HO95ok7hI/AAAAAAAAGJw/t6CaZDeHNGMX3Auw_oerI0DaadEZN3mMQCEw/s640/IMG_20160620_191520.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Waking up to the most beautiful sunrise over a
small lake high in the Andes while llamas roamed free around us.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Llamallamallamallamallama.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MrO_Y6EZOs8/V5HO6BIR8cI/AAAAAAAAGJw/AtmAGlilLmM6ELwr9_p4BSWt3KPDYz5AACEw/s1600/IMG_20160521_134939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MrO_Y6EZOs8/V5HO6BIR8cI/AAAAAAAAGJw/AtmAGlilLmM6ELwr9_p4BSWt3KPDYz5AACEw/s640/IMG_20160521_134939.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WV_GQq3xU2M/V5HOrAPqRvI/AAAAAAAAGJw/RcgSiENdWF01Abis8eRkZcLLrw2fG2G1gCEw/s1600/DSC02607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WV_GQq3xU2M/V5HOrAPqRvI/AAAAAAAAGJw/RcgSiENdWF01Abis8eRkZcLLrw2fG2G1gCEw/s640/DSC02607.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zZAqVqzrWk/V5HO4jjqZ_I/AAAAAAAAGJw/l6Q-KWea0S09EIBZHEIiC3vxUl44xsAAgCEw/s1600/IMG_20160521_090204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2zZAqVqzrWk/V5HO4jjqZ_I/AAAAAAAAGJw/l6Q-KWea0S09EIBZHEIiC3vxUl44xsAAgCEw/s640/IMG_20160521_090204.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Struggling up the mountains as school kids
stormed pass us with ease on their daily 8 km + hike from their school bus
stops to their villages.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dL_EfrjazK0/V5HRLirDyZI/AAAAAAAAGKY/lHupXKG3ku0fxdBA87PrAKYFHJXHLi4PACEw/s1600/20160514_150042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dL_EfrjazK0/V5HRLirDyZI/AAAAAAAAGKY/lHupXKG3ku0fxdBA87PrAKYFHJXHLi4PACEw/s640/20160514_150042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Sharing these extraordinary experiences with
Katie and her boyfriend Chris, who was a happy go-lucky addition to our
traveling crew. He definitely needed that light-hearted spirit to survive an
international trip with the two of us.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fPYCPcjvOnQ/V5HOubYprlI/AAAAAAAAGJw/ywhX0pPnPusAosY-M6dZrSaRvu72tVtvQCEw/s1600/DSC02646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fPYCPcjvOnQ/V5HOubYprlI/AAAAAAAAGJw/ywhX0pPnPusAosY-M6dZrSaRvu72tVtvQCEw/s640/DSC02646.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Paying respects to Pachamama (Mother Earth) on our final day
in Lares, with a reminder from Tio that whenever life gets challenging, think
back to this peaceful, blessed, and thankful day.</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4o0H4-ud3M/V5HRLFXt5nI/AAAAAAAAGKY/F1JEfkbsh2wMGhgg7W5rSLNIvhcef4HYQCEw/s1600/20160515_095104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4o0H4-ud3M/V5HRLFXt5nI/AAAAAAAAGKY/F1JEfkbsh2wMGhgg7W5rSLNIvhcef4HYQCEw/s640/20160515_095104.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Often after the laborious part of planning a trip we most
look forward to the events, but it’s the small moments that we stumble upon
serendipitously which end up being the most memorable. Remember when you’re
traveling that not everything goes as planned all the time (unless you work
with me – shameless plug). But when things go sideways, take advantage of the
unexpected memories that may result.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;">Just ask Katie</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;">…</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;">well</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;">…</span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;">maybe give her a few months first. But I’m sure
she didn’t <i>want </i>to get sick on the
trip. But I guarantee she’ll remember the small, funny things that happened
like the mule Trueno who helped her up the mountain and her very limited
ability to speak with the horseman, Nestor, who ended up being a great
motivation with his constant smiles and happy demeanor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twkT_fUD4oo/V5HO8KmWYiI/AAAAAAAAGJw/PHe8PbkcHFkeZHDSwlm95vPumdvijq1AQCEw/s1600/IMG_20160602_120946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-twkT_fUD4oo/V5HO8KmWYiI/AAAAAAAAGJw/PHe8PbkcHFkeZHDSwlm95vPumdvijq1AQCEw/s640/IMG_20160602_120946.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0WSYX-NbseE/V5HO-MXo6KI/AAAAAAAAGJw/kHFpFwULtHIUKvm5SmLmOLp0AEIWRkaxgCEw/s1600/IMG_20160620_100707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0WSYX-NbseE/V5HO-MXo6KI/AAAAAAAAGJw/kHFpFwULtHIUKvm5SmLmOLp0AEIWRkaxgCEw/s640/IMG_20160620_100707.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FCtl0NZVR4/V5HO9QFH1yI/AAAAAAAAGJw/-WoFnSmK9T4Ib_1Lpk2aAL9arcd4Dai5wCEw/s1600/IMG_20160617_100110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4FCtl0NZVR4/V5HO9QFH1yI/AAAAAAAAGJw/-WoFnSmK9T4Ib_1Lpk2aAL9arcd4Dai5wCEw/s640/IMG_20160617_100110.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CajtWQl04C4/V5HRLewfTGI/AAAAAAAAGKY/yJns_P9mGpASk2cIKji-Bc1-yqPu9QmPwCEw/s1600/20160513_144036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CajtWQl04C4/V5HRLewfTGI/AAAAAAAAGKY/yJns_P9mGpASk2cIKji-Bc1-yqPu9QmPwCEw/s640/20160513_144036.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XWM0TYcKNeM/V5HO8enV_5I/AAAAAAAAGJw/3DizecFhpNcYFQbGlHZQlObi2hgpawMlQCEw/s1600/IMG_20160614_100943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XWM0TYcKNeM/V5HO8enV_5I/AAAAAAAAGJw/3DizecFhpNcYFQbGlHZQlObi2hgpawMlQCEw/s640/IMG_20160614_100943.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmwSUnjiwyg/V5HOvJuJqnI/AAAAAAAAGJw/uRE0fPHlumMbolsJVXoAgirCwLpEzXrvgCEw/s1600/DSC02759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cmwSUnjiwyg/V5HOvJuJqnI/AAAAAAAAGJw/uRE0fPHlumMbolsJVXoAgirCwLpEzXrvgCEw/s640/DSC02759.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AOoF0nBqsJQ/V5HOt5TQPQI/AAAAAAAAGJw/1re8TrpkyB4GzZDB8ep-JmwiltN1zZN8gCEw/s1600/DSC02683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AOoF0nBqsJQ/V5HOt5TQPQI/AAAAAAAAGJw/1re8TrpkyB4GzZDB8ep-JmwiltN1zZN8gCEw/s640/DSC02683.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sIPobkG5CU/V5HOrETXHpI/AAAAAAAAGJw/NSOBxS3tYy4afaCXl0rGOSAKoRpolcrUACEw/s1600/DSC02552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7sIPobkG5CU/V5HOrETXHpI/AAAAAAAAGJw/NSOBxS3tYy4afaCXl0rGOSAKoRpolcrUACEw/s640/DSC02552.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZEH0aYG1P0/V5HOnI4yrSI/AAAAAAAAGJw/QZyQQjGPX6kkLcbqQKwkkxSRCqEQYVmEACEw/s1600/DSC02467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yZEH0aYG1P0/V5HOnI4yrSI/AAAAAAAAGJw/QZyQQjGPX6kkLcbqQKwkkxSRCqEQYVmEACEw/s640/DSC02467.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NFkf1LTyV-k/V5HOm2lDzNI/AAAAAAAAGJw/afPPkhNqn0UjV400rIQcTb16mlK7LXlEwCEw/s1600/DSC02434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NFkf1LTyV-k/V5HOm2lDzNI/AAAAAAAAGJw/afPPkhNqn0UjV400rIQcTb16mlK7LXlEwCEw/s640/DSC02434.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com6Machu Picchu, Peru-13.1631412 -72.544962899999973-38.6851757 -113.85355689999997 12.3588933 -31.236368899999974tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-48663436648770245342016-07-14T08:00:00.000-07:002016-07-14T08:00:22.767-07:00When Should You Buy Travel Protection?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
(Originally published in The Table Less Traveled <a href="http://us10.campaign-archive2.com/?u=ef50517c935ded654dc42629c&id=df8599e382" target="_blank">Newsletter, April 2016</a>)<br />
<br />
As a general rule I forego the optional protection & insurance that comes with electronics, car rentals, etc. However, while traveling abroad I don't skimp on my travel protections. And there's good reason.<br />
<br />
Check out this <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/17/travel-insurance-101_n_4957141.html" target="_blank">Huffington Post article</a> about what you should know about travel protection. Note there are different premiums and benefits for the following coverage:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Emergency Medical Assistance</li>
<li>Trip Cancellation & Interruption</li>
<li>Baggage Delay/Loss</li>
</ul>
<br />
Many travel protection packages are comprehensive and include coverage for each of the three above categories which can make a bi difference in your premium. for example, notice that on our optional group protection plans a full coverage plan for a $5,000 trip has a $319 premium, in contrast to a plan without Trip Cancellation & Interruption (using a $0 trip cost) which has a $21 premium.<br />
<br />
When evaluating travel protection you should take the following steps:<br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Identify your costs - </b>Including the non-refundable trip costs as well as the value of items you are packing (like electronics, etc.).<br /></li>
<li><b>Determine what coverage you already have - </b>Contact your existing health insurance provider, credit card company, and homeowners/rental insurance provider to find out what is currently covered while you're traveling overseas (including pre-existing medical conditions and medical evacuation).<br /></li>
<li><b>Compare plans & read the fine print!!! - </b>The coverage you need varies from your neighbor. For example, your neighbor might be sky-diving and need coverage for extreme sports while you may have concerns about work or family life that could necessitate cancelling your trip last minute. Not all plans cover both and it's critical to know what yours does - including definitions of "reasons for cancellation", "travel partners", and activities where medical is covered in the event of an accident.</li>
</ol>
<div>
At The Table Less Traveled we prefer working with <a href="http://www.travelinsured.com/agency?agency=52960&r=http%3a%2f%2fwww.thetablelesstraveled.com%2f" target="_blank">Travel Insured</a>, which has over 25 years in the travel protection industry. We offer <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54bf69d0e4b026697bdd8d72/t/5730c3da8a65e2444c1a623f/1462813658785/Group+Insurance+Plan.2016.05.09.pdf" target="_blank">optional group plans</a> on our small group tours and individual coverage when journeying on custom itineraries. It's easy to get a <a href="http://www.travelinsured.com/agency?agency=52960&r=http%3a%2f%2fwww.thetablelesstraveled.com%2f" target="_blank">quote online</a> in minutes or call us for a custom quote.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hChVYXSUZF4/V2zRDXPoCQI/AAAAAAAAGEE/9ufhGflzJVIlar8LIRdIcUfKLdpX8CR7wCLcB/s1600/Travel%2BInsurance%2BGuide%2BFull%2BPhoto.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hChVYXSUZF4/V2zRDXPoCQI/AAAAAAAAGEE/9ufhGflzJVIlar8LIRdIcUfKLdpX8CR7wCLcB/s1600/Travel%2BInsurance%2BGuide%2BFull%2BPhoto.png" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-64111954517313225302016-07-11T17:00:00.000-07:002016-07-11T17:00:01.027-07:00A Trusted Traveler Program Better Than TSA Precheck<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
(Modified from the original article published on The Table Less Traveled <a href="http://us10.campaign-archive2.com/?u=ef50517c935ded654dc42629c&id=0dcda8fb4c" target="_blank">Newsletter, April 2016</a>)<br />
<br />
TSA Precheck, they say. Skip the lines, they say. $85, they say. WAIT - $85?!<br />
<br />
In a confusing exchange between programs through the US Customs & Border Patrol and Canadian Customs & Border Patrol, it turns out the best option is to apply for <b>NEXUS which is less expensive and which automatically enrolls you in Global Entry and TSA Precheck. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Nexus is essentially Canada's equivalent to Global Entry and with it you receive expedited processing when entering the USA and Canada, in addition to TSA Precheck privileges. All for $50.<br />
<br />
View the Department of Homeland Security's chart below which details the differences between the programs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.dhs.gov/trusted-traveler-comparison-chart" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="566" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qw3tmYLGlWQ/V2zNaVzeJGI/AAAAAAAAGD4/d3xxyzyRFug5TIYp_KWm8-hg254mThEMwCLcB/s640/TSA%2BPrecheck%2Bv%2BNexus%2Bv%2BGlobal%2BEntry.2016.04.06.PNG" width="640" /></a><span id="goog_478338196"></span><span id="goog_478338197"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It is important to note that in order to apply for Nexus there are a limited number of <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/nexus/enrollment-centers" target="_blank">enrollment centers</a> where you can visit for an interview, so check before applying whether you will be able to access one of the centers. <br />
<br />
For people living in <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/nexus/enrollment-centers/washington" target="_blank">Washington</a>, there is an enrollment center in Seattle, however the waiting period for an interview can be months. There is also an enrollment center at the Blaine border crossing which typically has shorter wait periods. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-59694972816390910912016-07-05T08:00:00.000-07:002016-07-05T08:00:08.088-07:003 Must Pack Items for International Travel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
(Modified from an original post on The Table Less Traveled <a href="http://us10.campaign-archive2.com/?u=ef50517c935ded654dc42629c&id=b63811cf17" target="_blank">Newsletter, March 2016</a>)<br />
<br />
Let's just be honest...travel is amazing and wonderful and sparkles and unicorns and whiskers on kittens. But if we're being really honest there's also the side that's tiring, uncomfortable, and annoying. For me - that's packing and preparing for travel. But there are a few things that are always, without a doubt, going in my travel bag...and that makes it a tad bit easier.<br />
<br />
Over the years I've tried lots of travel-friendly products which help me build custom packing lists for clients. Here are a few of my favorites that I would never leave home without!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ae-436tRBEk/V2zHMSTdS1I/AAAAAAAAGDk/rsWwYiC0H1EGDeHbMC6lfaiQthcXcJhyACLcB/s1600/3%2BMust-Have%2BItems.2016.03.08.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ae-436tRBEk/V2zHMSTdS1I/AAAAAAAAGDk/rsWwYiC0H1EGDeHbMC6lfaiQthcXcJhyACLcB/s640/3%2BMust-Have%2BItems.2016.03.08.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Inflatable Travel Pillow - </b>I'll admit I used to make fun of people with travel pillows...and then I became one. My favorite <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0054IHCAO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0054IHCAO&linkCode=as2&tag=thetablestra2-20&linkId=CECOGZ44E7ORNKCT" target="_blank">Eagle Creek pillow</a> deflates to a compact size, you can remove and wash the cover, and it's far more comfortable than airline pillows.<br /></li>
<li><b>RFID Blocking Wallet </b>- You've certainly heard about the risk of identity theft through RFID. This <a href="https://articulatelifestyle.com/?rfsn=235508.c384fc" target="_blank">Articulate wallet/purse</a> is my favorite tool for storing my passport and cards while on the go. It has multiple compartments and has interchangeable straps. There is also a men's wallet available.<br /></li>
<li><b>Compact Backpack - </b>It's a pain to carry a backpack on the plane in addition to your other luggage. Having a backpack that folds up has been a life saver on hikes, in markets, and on day trips. My favorite is the <a href="http://www.eddiebauer.com/product/stowaway-packable-daypack/82302377/_/A-ebSku_0232377100__82302377_catalog10002_en__US?showProducts=&backToCat=Backpacks&previousPage=&tab=gear&color=100" target="_blank">Eddie Bauer Packable Daypack</a> which has lots of pockets and *bonus* you can secure zippers to other zippers and hooks using an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001HN6CW4/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001HN6CW4&linkCode=as2&tag=thetablestra2-20&linkId=LHJSLIIUWU2QN6KF" target="_blank">S-biner</a>.</li>
</ol>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-29929248974723587122016-07-01T16:00:00.000-07:002016-07-01T16:00:05.608-07:004 Restaurants in Italy Not to Miss!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
(A similar blog post was originally published by our friends at <a href="https://utrip.com/" target="_blank">Utrip</a> on their <a href="http://blog.utrip.com/2016/01/best-culinary-destinations-italy-table-less-traveled/#.V2yg7vkrKXI" target="_blank">blog</a>. Utrip is an online travel planner that uses your interests and budget to sort through millions of options to deliver you a personalized itinerary in minutes.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--SnMXxuWRrM/V2yinhJLDVI/AAAAAAAAGCc/oe_E_B-DEnQniWlZ9vjsKxUR9NvoAqKYACLcB/s1600/20150831_144444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--SnMXxuWRrM/V2yinhJLDVI/AAAAAAAAGCc/oe_E_B-DEnQniWlZ9vjsKxUR9NvoAqKYACLcB/s640/20150831_144444.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Wait<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">…</span>this
is <b><i>fresh</i>
<i>made </i></b>pasta, right?” I asked as
the waiter shot me a look of severe discontent. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubcVq3mr6EI/V2yirrLyzLI/AAAAAAAAGCw/gIiYrg1ldvou149gPDs1fbNnm42HL1DiwCKgB/s1600/Handmade%2BPasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ubcVq3mr6EI/V2yirrLyzLI/AAAAAAAAGCw/gIiYrg1ldvou149gPDs1fbNnm42HL1DiwCKgB/s640/Handmade%2BPasta.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since when did I become such a pretentious eater that boxed
pasta seemed so abhorrent? Oh<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">…</span>since spending 3 weeks indulging in excellent food from the North to South of Italy. I had
officially been ruined for all the Barillas & DeCeccos of the world. After
witnessing Italian nonnas (grandmas) laboriously rolling fresh pasta and lingering over fragrant sauces it was no wonder I was
appalled by food from a box and a jar!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After settling for his unequivocal reply of, “yes”, I took a
deep breath, a sip of wine, and replayed my trip through Italy as I prepared
for my last meal before jetting off. As an avid traveler Italy was one place I
had been hesitant about visiting<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">…</span>not
because I was concerned that I wouldn’t like it, but because I was concerned I
would love it too much and never want to leave.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j6ONUj4xT_Y/V2yimK9PZhI/AAAAAAAAGCM/gk0snXozJJEJOgwEzd6mwnuOgbFQVMlfACKgB/s1600/20150818_125814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j6ONUj4xT_Y/V2yimK9PZhI/AAAAAAAAGCM/gk0snXozJJEJOgwEzd6mwnuOgbFQVMlfACKgB/s640/20150818_125814.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And without a doubt, Italy lived up to all the expectations in my
mind. From the first peek of the rolling Tuscan countryside through the
airplane window, to winding around the cliff side
roads on the Amalfi coast on a Vespa, to this quaint little restaurant in Florence where I
was eating my final fresh pasta dish, Italy took my breath away.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PVbACYsc7qo/V2yitt3HlfI/AAAAAAAAGC8/3B90xpn3MFMCmNWtsQtLmmWeYDRJuYGIQCKgB/s1600/Positano%2BCliffs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PVbACYsc7qo/V2yitt3HlfI/AAAAAAAAGC8/3B90xpn3MFMCmNWtsQtLmmWeYDRJuYGIQCKgB/s640/Positano%2BCliffs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICENSReMHTM/V2yirI1jUmI/AAAAAAAAGCs/Mlzv2MRVLzMNIE3fnIInCHGCewrHmqKOACKgB/s1600/Conde%2BWinery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ICENSReMHTM/V2yirI1jUmI/AAAAAAAAGCs/Mlzv2MRVLzMNIE3fnIInCHGCewrHmqKOACKgB/s640/Conde%2BWinery.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is something so special, so enriching, so passionate,
so simple about the way Italians live. And food is a cornerstone of the Italian way of life. On my first night in Italy I made friends with a group of
locals who invited me over for a barbecue. I stood awe struck in their
Renaissance-period kitchen as one of them nearly apologized to me because,
“this olive oil isn’t very fresh<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">…</span>it’s
nearly 8 months old since their family is preparing for the olive harvest this
year.” Old olive oil?! Is that even a thing?! At home I drizzled whatever EVOO
I could find in my cabinet, purchased from who knows where, who knows when. And
that was just the beginning of my education in the way Italians eat, drink,
love, and live.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZoH36nesPA/V2yimQj5jJI/AAAAAAAAGCU/DfoWPylFTC8vCemPjfjL6dGg822FrugOwCKgB/s1600/20150823_142658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZoH36nesPA/V2yimQj5jJI/AAAAAAAAGCU/DfoWPylFTC8vCemPjfjL6dGg822FrugOwCKgB/s400/20150823_142658.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I quickly came to find that traditional Italian dishes are surprisingly simple and that the rich aroma
and flavor comes from using extremely fresh ingredients. Italians take great pride in this matter. While learning how to cook in a Tuscan kitchen, the chef asked me, “Do you like lemon thyme?” Then followed with, “Great, let’s go
pick some,” as we trotted out of the kitchen where a few pots of fresh herbs
grew. I felt like tapping my Staples’ ‘that was easy’ button.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUFFJtOGeSg/V2yimQiEW4I/AAAAAAAAGCQ/il003W7Rdd0l5olrRWAlJIuHfNwdi_wtgCKgB/s1600/20150827_184507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NUFFJtOGeSg/V2yimQiEW4I/AAAAAAAAGCQ/il003W7Rdd0l5olrRWAlJIuHfNwdi_wtgCKgB/s640/20150827_184507.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S7n_lMXpdSg/V2yiqZvjVZI/AAAAAAAAGCk/7_7EniNsU8MxJWgJnrjrYG00fKiw0MdSwCKgB/s1600/Charcuterie%2Band%2BCheese%2BPlatter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S7n_lMXpdSg/V2yiqZvjVZI/AAAAAAAAGCk/7_7EniNsU8MxJWgJnrjrYG00fKiw0MdSwCKgB/s640/Charcuterie%2Band%2BCheese%2BPlatter.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a tour operator for <a href="http://www.thetablelesstraveled.com/">international culinary trips</a>,
my sole purpose in Italy was to uncover places where any person would fall in love with Italian cuisine<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">…</span>places
that I would be overjoyed to share with other like-minded foodies. With
some help from my friends at Utrip I was well connected with local Italian
experts who paved the way. And among some of my favorite meals were these
4 gems I highly recommend you check out on your next visit to Italy:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Fried Pizza at </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Pizza-della-Masardona-38755589910/?ref=bookmarks" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">La
Masardona</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> in Naples</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Fried (you’re noticing a theme</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">…</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">aren’t you) Calamari Salad
at </span><a href="https://utrip.com/plan-travel/italy/venice/ristoteca-oniga/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Ristoteca
Oniga</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> in Venice</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Cacio e pepe at </span><a href="http://www.trattoriacacioepepeprati.com/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Cacio e Pepe</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> in Rome</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Arugula salad & tagliolini magnifico at </span><a href="https://utrip.com/plan-travel/italy/florence/trattoria-gargani/" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Trattoria
Gargani</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> in Florence</span></li>
</ol>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-42697959663010268552016-06-29T07:30:00.000-07:002016-06-29T07:30:38.788-07:00Custom Travel - What You Want, How You Want It<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
(Modified from an article originally published in The Table Less Traveled <a href="http://us10.campaign-archive2.com/?u=ef50517c935ded654dc42629c&id=91115c8347" target="_blank">Newsletter, February 2016</a>)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-EX8wCXG0U/V2yfd7qhJCI/AAAAAAAAGCA/XP5ZJCRnJNIemAIIKEbnkN2LMPzCsQ2tACLcB/s1600/Custom%2BTravel.2016.02.04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_-EX8wCXG0U/V2yfd7qhJCI/AAAAAAAAGCA/XP5ZJCRnJNIemAIIKEbnkN2LMPzCsQ2tACLcB/s640/Custom%2BTravel.2016.02.04.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.8px;">"Thank you for helping us put together a great 3 week itinerary in Italy. You took away the uncertainties of planning a visit to a country we have not been to before and replaced it with a well crafted itinerary that was most enjoyable and memorable. The printed itinerary you gave us was basically our bible while traveling through Italy and in it we had all the necessary information for directions, contacts, etc. Thank you again."</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.8px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 20.8px;"><a href="http://www.thetablelesstraveled.com/reviews-1/" target="_blank">-Alan L. & Janet J.</a></strong></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Planning a trip can be overwhelming - where should you go? When? How do you get there? Let us take the guess work out of your trip. We'll work through a series of questions to find out exactly what you're looking for and once we've designed your dream vacation then we will work our magic - booking everything for you and getting you access to exclusive experiences. We have expertise in a variety of worldwide destinations from South America to Asia and beyond.</span></div>
<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #0070c0; font-family: "Pontano Sans"; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 2px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 1em 0px 0.5em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; text-transform: uppercase;">
GUIDES & LOCAL EXPERTS</h3>
<div style="background-color: white; color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.701961); line-height: 28.8px;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">On your private trip you choose whether you'd like to journey solo or be led by our expert guides. Either way, we're available 24/7 during your trip in case of emergency; needing a restaurant recommendation classifies as an emergency in our food-loving world. </span></div>
<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #0070c0; font-family: "Pontano Sans"; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 2px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 1em 0px 0.5em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; text-transform: uppercase;">
WORLDWIDE DESTINATIONS</h3>
<div style="background-color: white; color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.701961); line-height: 28.8px;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">Despite having group journeys in a limited number of countries, we provide custom itineraries to many more destinations. Let us know where you want to go and we'll put it together for you or recommend experts in the region. </span></div>
<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #0070c0; font-family: "Pontano Sans"; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: 2px; line-height: 1.2em; margin: 1em 0px 0.5em; text-rendering: optimizeLegibility; text-transform: uppercase;">
save time</h3>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.701961); line-height: 28.8px;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">Your custom trip will be priced as an all-inclusive getaway which includes accommodations, regional transportation, guided activities, and travel planning services. You don't have to worry about making payments throughout your trip for hotels, drivers, etc. since everything will already be taken care of. All you have to do is enjoy your trip!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.701961); line-height: 28.8px;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.701961); line-height: 28.8px;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;">For more information on customized itineraries, contact Annie (that's me!) at info@thetablelesstraveled.com.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.701961); line-height: 28.8px;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.701961); line-height: 28.8px;">
<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.701961); line-height: 28.8px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.701961); line-height: 28.8px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-76112786180150793652016-06-25T09:00:00.000-07:002016-06-25T09:00:06.843-07:00Travel Tip: Checklist to Prepare for International Trips!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
(Originally published on The Table Less Traveled <a href="http://us10.campaign-archive1.com/?u=ef50517c935ded654dc42629c&id=0b71384fa9" target="_blank">Newsletter, January 2016</a>)<br />
<br />
The last few days before I leave for an international trip are always a blur...there are so many things to do and so little time! To help my guests prepare well in advance I've created a quick checklist to help smooth out all the pre-trip "to-do's" from getting your official documents ready to downloading books for the plane! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bly1WNcRTRk/V2yXobuP-aI/AAAAAAAAGBw/iMq33ouXslsZuNi11-pR07SfTeJfQMr0gCLcB/s1600/Pre-Departure%2BChecklist.2016.01.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bly1WNcRTRk/V2yXobuP-aI/AAAAAAAAGBw/iMq33ouXslsZuNi11-pR07SfTeJfQMr0gCLcB/s640/Pre-Departure%2BChecklist.2016.01.01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
You can <a href="http://static1.squarespace.com/static/54bf69d0e4b026697bdd8d72/t/576c9bc36b8f5b241e32bf22/1466735564073/Pre-Departure+Checklist.2016.06.23.pdf" target="_blank">download the list</a> from our website for easy printing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Pre-Departure Checklist</h3>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
Months before you go</h4>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Check your passport expiration date. For U.S. Citizens - passports must be valid for six (6) months after the return of your journey and should also have sufficient blank pages for visas and immigration stamps.</li>
<li>Check the <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html" target="_blank">U.S. Department of State's website</a> for country-specific information like visa requirements, local laws, and travel alerts & warnings.</li>
<li>Visit a doctor or travel pharmacist 4-6 weeks prior to departure. Give your doctor your itinerary and history of vaccines. Ask for routine vaccinations and prescriptions as necessary (including a backup supply of antibiotics). For more information visit the <a href="http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list" target="_blank">CDC</a>.</li>
<li>Purchase travel insurance and trip cancellation protection.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<br />Weeks before you go</h4>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Purchase baggage or clothing needed for packing. </li>
<li>Register for the U.S. Department of State’s <a href="https://step.state.gov/step/" target="_blank">Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)</a>. </li>
<li>If you are planning on using your cell phone, talk with your carrier to find out the best
international plans that will suit your needs. </li>
<li>Designate and alert an emergency contact about your travel plans.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<br />Days before you go</h4>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Review the local weather.</li>
<li>Notify your banks of your travel plans and itinerary for international use of your credit cards and
ATM cards.</li>
<li>Make two (2) copies of your important documents such as passports, credit cards, and driver
licenses. Leave one copy with your emergency contact and store another copy in a safe place
in your luggage (separate from the actual documents). </li>
<li>Pick up any prescription drugs and necessary medicines. </li>
<li>Download books/shows/movies to electronic devices.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-7128649627014144832016-06-23T18:05:00.000-07:002016-06-23T18:05:11.166-07:00New Heart of Italy Food Tour for 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
(Originally published in The Table Less Traveled <a href="http://us10.campaign-archive1.com/?u=ef50517c935ded654dc42629c&id=db48529c88" target="_blank">Newsletter, December 2015</a>)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/N8BDPFDXIq0/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/N8BDPFDXIq0?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
I'll never forget my first glimpse of the rolling Tuscan hills bathing in the afternoon sun, or my first taste of mozzarella cheese being made hot and fresh right before my eyes. And I definitely won't forget our hidden escape to <a href="http://www.borgoconde.it/en/" target="_blank">Borgo Conde</a> wine estate in Emilia-Romagna where I plucked grapes off the vines and enjoyed my spoils while meandering around the picturesque property.<br />
<br />
In partnership with <a href="https://www.savorseattletours.com/" target="_blank">Savor Seattle Food Tours</a> we are launching a 9-day <a href="http://www.thetablelesstraveled.com/heart-of-italy-food-tour/" target="_blank">Heart of Italy Food Tour</a> where you will eat and drink the best Italian foods in their native regions. Reserve your spot quickly since our first tour to Italy on September 17-25, 2016. is limited to just 12 people to keep your travels intimate and personal.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-40597703299397004322015-02-10T01:17:00.001-08:002015-02-10T01:19:03.233-08:00New Year, New Adventure<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
January is always a big month for me. It signifies the start
of a new calendar year and a new year of my life (I'm a winter birthday baby).
It also happens to be the same month I've started many life-changing journeys –
<a href="http://blog.thetablelesstraveled.com/2011/01/comfort-at-home.html" target="_blank">studying abroad</a>, my <a href="http://blog.thetablelesstraveled.com/2011/01/dream-versus-reality.html" target="_blank">Round the World trip</a>, <a href="http://blog.thetablelesstraveled.com/2012/03/in-perfect-world.html" target="_blank">living in Israel</a>, and <a href="http://blog.thetablelesstraveled.com/2014/02/unexpected-abu-dhabi.html" target="_blank">interviewing with Jauntaroo</a>. And 2015
maintains the trend as I announce the launch of my new business, The <a href="http://www.thetablelesstraveled.com/" target="_blank">Table LessTraveled</a> (familiar name, no?!).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5Y0RkXfWmk/VNnLWGa-3AI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/S3KhAYqwWaU/s1600/The%2BTable%2BLess%2BTraveled%2Bfor%2BWeb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5Y0RkXfWmk/VNnLWGa-3AI/AAAAAAAAE_Q/S3KhAYqwWaU/s1600/The%2BTable%2BLess%2BTraveled%2Bfor%2BWeb.png" height="178" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I started this blog 4 years ago my goal was to share
with others amazing and transformative experiences that would inspire them to
strike out on their own journeys, be it travel related or otherwise. Every one
of us has a dream, a passion, something that makes us tick, drives us forward,
and livens our spirits.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My dream is to give people unforgettable travel experiences
where they are immersed in local culture, learn about different ways of life,
and have a whole heck of a lot of fun while doing it. Oh, and I forgot to
mention have a whole heck of a lot of good food too. I've worked with local contacts to build
activities with insider access that is unlike any other. Whether you're dining
in a local's home, getting up close and personal with monkeys on a river
cruise, or meandering your way through colonial towns, you can rest assured that
we have scouted the best experiences off the beaten path.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_-_bgbDHQY/VNnMHkbFlFI/AAAAAAAAE_c/-0T9EILItkk/s1600/2015.02.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5_-_bgbDHQY/VNnMHkbFlFI/AAAAAAAAE_c/-0T9EILItkk/s1600/2015.02.10.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Journeying with The Table Less Traveled can either be done
in a <a href="http://www.thetablelesstraveled.com/guided-travel/" target="_blank">small group</a> (limited to 16 people) or on a <a href="http://www.thetablelesstraveled.com/private-travel/" target="_blank">custom private itinerary</a> built
specially for you. Our first destination highlight is Malaysia and Singapore
where you can check out the exotic island of Borneo to hang with orangutans, hike
through the oldest rainforest in the world, or scuba dive at some of the best
dive sites in the world. On the peninsula you have the opportunity to view
iconic buildings like the Petronas Towers and Marina Bay Sands and learn about
immigrants and their impact on the iconic Southeast Asian food scene.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3t45MsYDFM/VNnMTUewg6I/AAAAAAAAE_k/XtpoEi45-Io/s1600/DSC_9118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j3t45MsYDFM/VNnMTUewg6I/AAAAAAAAE_k/XtpoEi45-Io/s1600/DSC_9118.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Adam Lai</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last fall I traveled to Malaysia and Singapore for 6 weeks to build partnerships with local experts, find experiences that are unique and interesting, join forces with awesome guides, and discover the best local cuisine (tough job), all with the goal of helping you make the most of your travel adventures.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yu9yc82cpw8/VNnMdxulvSI/AAAAAAAAE_s/VVoXAvhs3KI/s1600/2015.02.10%2B(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yu9yc82cpw8/VNnMdxulvSI/AAAAAAAAE_s/VVoXAvhs3KI/s1600/2015.02.10%2B(2).jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a tough job...but somebody's got to eat it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_mus0cxw3nA/VNnMd4hRpDI/AAAAAAAAE_w/PUxW_GRDXHo/s1600/2015.02.10%2B(3).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_mus0cxw3nA/VNnMd4hRpDI/AAAAAAAAE_w/PUxW_GRDXHo/s1600/2015.02.10%2B(3).jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Please visit <a href="http://www.thetablelesstraveled.com/">www.thetablelesstraveled.com</a>
for more information and to submit inquiries.
This blog (now <a href="http://blog.thetablelesstraveled.com/">http://blog.thetablelesstraveled.com</a>)
will continue to be a forum for sharing my personal stories, with the hope that
they inspire you in big ways and small ways to live out your greatest dreams.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I challenge you to identify what your dreams are.
Sometimes committing those visions to yourself is half the battle. And of course if your dream is to travel to
<a href="http://www.thetablelesstraveled.com/" target="_blank">Malaysia or Singapore</a>…well…you know which dreamer to call. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-24474285513162440912014-10-30T11:09:00.001-07:002014-10-30T11:13:07.328-07:00Flashing Lights<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Snap, snap, snap! You
would think our table was with Kanye West circa 2007 with all the flashing
lights we had. Oh no, this wasn't
Hollywood…it was a food blogger potluck.
After paying our respects to the mouth-watering spread of dishes in the
form of food photography, we dug in. I was lucky enough to snag an invitation
to this food-lover meet up with bloggers arriving to Kota Kinabalu (KK) from
Brunei, Kuala Lumpur (KL), and the surrounding areas. I was introduced to these fellow food lovers
by my new, wonderful friends from <a href="http://www.sabaheats.com/" target="_blank">Sabah Eats</a>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mda_mz4JBdw/VFJykwrX37I/AAAAAAAAEfM/hK1Vnw8FbOQ/s1600/DSC06266%2BEdited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mda_mz4JBdw/VFJykwrX37I/AAAAAAAAEfM/hK1Vnw8FbOQ/s1600/DSC06266%2BEdited.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJ61WLHdz_k/VFJ1XAZqmlI/AAAAAAAAEfo/oK8RTeNosOk/s1600/DSC06259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJ61WLHdz_k/VFJ1XAZqmlI/AAAAAAAAEfo/oK8RTeNosOk/s1600/DSC06259.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EmmC3k956jA/VFJ7y5L0mFI/AAAAAAAAEhg/aQFux8dpYNU/s1600/20141023_215448%2BEdited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EmmC3k956jA/VFJ7y5L0mFI/AAAAAAAAEhg/aQFux8dpYNU/s1600/20141023_215448%2BEdited.jpg" height="202" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dhk-7UsAb5Q/VFJ6icjIMPI/AAAAAAAAEg4/oD5g4WLZBuQ/s1600/20141023_204127%2BEdited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dhk-7UsAb5Q/VFJ6icjIMPI/AAAAAAAAEg4/oD5g4WLZBuQ/s1600/20141023_204127%2BEdited.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the last few months I have been following Sabah Eats' <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sabaheats" target="_blank">Facebook</a> &
<a href="http://instagram.com/sabaheats" target="_blank">Instagram</a> accounts, lusting over their daily posts of the best food finds in
the state. Their pictures are so
enticing they’ll make you want to hop the next plane/boat/train to Malaysia to
try it for yourself.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Joanne, Adam, and I became fast friends after I reached out
to them and told them I wanted them to take me to their favorite local
eateries. We bonded over heaping bowls of noodles, dark soy sauce squid, and a
plethora of other dishes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2MreMNK68M/VFJ1SLkHDAI/AAAAAAAAEfg/FupQzW1_Sro/s1600/DSC06188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S2MreMNK68M/VFJ1SLkHDAI/AAAAAAAAEfg/FupQzW1_Sro/s1600/DSC06188.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_52uEFs0Tk/VFJ1DBOYbbI/AAAAAAAAEfY/Z2GD4EWZB5I/s1600/DSC06189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d_52uEFs0Tk/VFJ1DBOYbbI/AAAAAAAAEfY/Z2GD4EWZB5I/s1600/DSC06189.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Famous Adam and me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The duo started Sabah Eats after moving back to KK from KL
and were intrigued by all the differences in food, even between East & West
Malaysia. Additionally, Joanne is an
extraordinary baker. The first time we
met she left me with a package of her chocolate-chip, almond cookies and I fell
in love with the bite-sized wonders. I.
Can’t. Stop. Eating. Them. 24 cookies in 48 hours is just unacceptable…even on
vacation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYe9crba4zo/VFJ4XSWkhTI/AAAAAAAAEgA/mnn_3uPM0OY/s1600/IMG_20141024_220910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYe9crba4zo/VFJ4XSWkhTI/AAAAAAAAEgA/mnn_3uPM0OY/s1600/IMG_20141024_220910.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cx-AAsTMxqU/VFJ4ZZXBKqI/AAAAAAAAEgI/UESUD4w3bNc/s1600/IMG_20141024_063045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cx-AAsTMxqU/VFJ4ZZXBKqI/AAAAAAAAEgI/UESUD4w3bNc/s1600/IMG_20141024_063045.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sabah Eats' newest venture - their free guide to all things food in Sabah!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9H_KjNlVL8/VFJ4tMOgq1I/AAAAAAAAEgg/XRVlgx8muz4/s1600/IMG_20141031_010834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M9H_KjNlVL8/VFJ4tMOgq1I/AAAAAAAAEgg/XRVlgx8muz4/s1600/IMG_20141031_010834.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roti canai - I could eat this all day and all night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With our common love of food as our anchor, we have shared
some memorable meals including a “noodle tour of KK”, a blogger tasting at “the
coolest café in KK”, and a personal tour of the Gaya Street Sunday Market. Where, it needs to be mentioned, I almost
decided to stay in Malaysia forever because I fell in LOVE (again) with two
adorable puppies!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8rigaiswng4/VFJ4nEVI-GI/AAAAAAAAEgY/Zl9fx5RaZoY/s1600/IMG_20141027_024552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8rigaiswng4/VFJ4nEVI-GI/AAAAAAAAEgY/Zl9fx5RaZoY/s1600/IMG_20141027_024552.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The adorable Joanne and me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ICpBsKYnZg/VFJ6DjewgDI/AAAAAAAAEgw/bZleRqtretU/s1600/IMG_20141026_112032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ICpBsKYnZg/VFJ6DjewgDI/AAAAAAAAEgw/bZleRqtretU/s1600/IMG_20141026_112032.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxTSZAkSh3U/VFJ1Xyd8GxI/AAAAAAAAEfw/04qsubyiRb8/s1600/IMG_20141021_161225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SxTSZAkSh3U/VFJ1Xyd8GxI/AAAAAAAAEfw/04qsubyiRb8/s1600/IMG_20141021_161225.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noodle tour!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MeUkgqbX-0/VFJ6pQ4pcUI/AAAAAAAAEhA/uPIrMYDl7HM/s1600/20141026_080426.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2MeUkgqbX-0/VFJ6pQ4pcUI/AAAAAAAAEhA/uPIrMYDl7HM/s1600/20141026_080426.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hUTWwu4hua8/VFJ6shC4atI/AAAAAAAAEhI/PRmqhZB-mME/s1600/20141026_090530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hUTWwu4hua8/VFJ6shC4atI/AAAAAAAAEhI/PRmqhZB-mME/s1600/20141026_090530.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tea break at the Sunday Market</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2gbxeAfEDqM/VFJ7BUShDVI/AAAAAAAAEhQ/54-v3JZGvC0/s1600/20141026_090917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2gbxeAfEDqM/VFJ7BUShDVI/AAAAAAAAEhQ/54-v3JZGvC0/s1600/20141026_090917.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gCrqB2MHzPM/VFJ7TB4zCSI/AAAAAAAAEhY/To0q40CUAPI/s1600/20141026_093808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gCrqB2MHzPM/VFJ7TB4zCSI/AAAAAAAAEhY/To0q40CUAPI/s1600/20141026_093808.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Check out those mangosteen y'all - my favorite fruit in the world!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N0SGG3EOjK4/VFJ4k7CPOqI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/_B_Ko_IDWT0/s1600/IMG_20141026_194349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N0SGG3EOjK4/VFJ4k7CPOqI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/_B_Ko_IDWT0/s1600/IMG_20141026_194349.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melting my heart!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My thought for today stems from my newly found
friendships. Spending time with these
two wonderful people has been extremely inspiring. They are deeply passionate about their work,
creating community, sharing their talents, and helping others to achieve their
goals. Not only have they helped me with everything from research to marketing
but I've also witnessed them consistently offer help to others. And because of this mentality, they have
developed a strong following and success for themselves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adam & Joanne’s enthusiasm has propelled me forward to
worker harder on my own projects, and it has minimized my fear of failure. Surrounding
yourself with inspiring people is an important part of believing that you can
achieve your goals. If you do not already have a support network I encourage
you to seek out people who have common interests and goals. It’s easier than it
seems…when I reached out to “info@sabaheats” I had no idea who was on the
receiving end of my request to meet, but it resulted in an invaluable
connection.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-70684502198111266842014-10-21T13:23:00.000-07:002014-10-21T13:23:06.301-07:005 Times to Eat Malay Food<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
I asked Bernadette, “Wait, there’s an American Embassy in
Kota Kinabalu?” after she casually mentioned that it was just around the corner
from the hawker stand where we had breakfast.
We turned the corner and a giant KFC stared me in the face. I laughed hysterically as we crossed over to
the local fruit stand, picking up some “soursop” which I had never tried. It’s a new favorite – a great substitution
for <a href="http://www.thetablelesstravelled.com/2011/08/why-did-chicken-cross-road.html" target="_blank">mangosteen</a> since the season is over.
It’s a blend of tangy and sour with sweet and juicy…the perfect
combination!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bDY8myA2Ltk/VEa9RKdDooI/AAAAAAAAEc4/7KhAvkaqSCw/s1600/20141021_110216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bDY8myA2Ltk/VEa9RKdDooI/AAAAAAAAEc4/7KhAvkaqSCw/s1600/20141021_110216.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soursop fruit (the green things...not the flowers)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
We took it back to Bernadette’s house situated just outside
the city, surrounded by tall coconut palm trees and other fresh fruit trees
(papaya…yummmm) in her yard. My dad will love her trick to keep the birds from
picking the fruit – she covers them with plastic bags. I wonder if that would
still work for his bear problem?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--vsmfnUrVLc/VEa9RSmyXDI/AAAAAAAAEc8/tmmae3BKScU/s1600/20141021_114454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--vsmfnUrVLc/VEa9RSmyXDI/AAAAAAAAEc8/tmmae3BKScU/s1600/20141021_114454.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot the bags?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Bernadette is a close childhood friend of my auntie’s and a
total gem. She embodies the Malaysian spirit, always laughing, smiling, joking,
and generally enjoying life. In just one day she’s made me feel completely at
home again in Malaysia; constantly concerned about my well-being and making
sure my stomach is sufficiently full. She even remembers details about my
favorite dishes (noodles, soup, roti canai) and drinks (teh tarik) from five
years ago when we first met!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qI6fWWRMdVQ/VEa_EAmdlcI/AAAAAAAAEeA/OoJWMoamE9M/s1600/C360_2014-10-22-03-35-31-980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qI6fWWRMdVQ/VEa_EAmdlcI/AAAAAAAAEeA/OoJWMoamE9M/s1600/C360_2014-10-22-03-35-31-980.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIYziVy1KjU/VEa_ER_MZuI/AAAAAAAAEeE/Ms22z_UU958/s1600/C360_2014-10-22-03-27-42-244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CIYziVy1KjU/VEa_ER_MZuI/AAAAAAAAEeE/Ms22z_UU958/s1600/C360_2014-10-22-03-27-42-244.jpg" height="400" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How sweet it is to have teh tarik again! It translates as "pulled tea" and is a combination of black tea and sweetened condensed milk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
For breakfast we chowed down on Gon Lo Mein, translated as
dry noodles to mix (so I’m told…my aunt will correct me if I’m wrong! <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> ).
It’s a perfectly savory dish topped with barbecued pork and green onions. In
Malaysia there aren’t a lot of “breakfast foods” as we traditionally know in
the good ‘ole US of A and typically morning meals consist of the same types of
food eaten throughout the day. The first time in Malaysia I thought it was a
little strange but it’s actually now my preference, even when eating at home.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_V7RK68DMc/VEa8JedvuxI/AAAAAAAAEcM/SUwGtZ66KJ4/s1600/IMG_20141021_161225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_V7RK68DMc/VEa8JedvuxI/AAAAAAAAEcM/SUwGtZ66KJ4/s1600/IMG_20141021_161225.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJAOy5-uz5Y/VEa8DuKtB0I/AAAAAAAAEcE/CmyrD77O5ck/s1600/Behind%2BCamera%2BMalaysia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJAOy5-uz5Y/VEa8DuKtB0I/AAAAAAAAEcE/CmyrD77O5ck/s1600/Behind%2BCamera%2BMalaysia.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--I4iMhSLaPA/VEa9Pyd82cI/AAAAAAAAEcw/bnX6E9ge56k/s1600/20141021_105959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--I4iMhSLaPA/VEa9Pyd82cI/AAAAAAAAEcw/bnX6E9ge56k/s1600/20141021_105959.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our breakfast spot outside the city</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
To continue my culinary affair in Kota Kinabalu I was taken
by a local chef, Adrian, to the Lido night market to test some of the curry
& soups typical to the area. Afterwards we had “supper” at a nearby stand
that specializes in a type of all-pork soup that is famous in Sabah. Let me
clarify that “supper” is like 5<sup>th</sup> meal for Malaysians.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
1: Breakfast (morning hours)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
2: Lunch (noon-ish)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
3: Afternoon tea with snacks/pastries (3:00-ish)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
4: Dinner (7:00-ish)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
5: Supper (10:00-11:00-ish)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
6… I like the way you roll, Malaysians.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ciaKygmaWn0/VEa9VbgPGtI/AAAAAAAAEdI/T6zVC-gxoPU/s1600/20141021_170930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ciaKygmaWn0/VEa9VbgPGtI/AAAAAAAAEdI/T6zVC-gxoPU/s1600/20141021_170930.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Night market preparations</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7I-GpnDD2w/VEa9XB4AtqI/AAAAAAAAEdQ/1K-o4IA1oHU/s1600/20141021_221932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7I-GpnDD2w/VEa9XB4AtqI/AAAAAAAAEdQ/1K-o4IA1oHU/s1600/20141021_221932.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0aNO4cRYiLI/VEa81vNSmYI/AAAAAAAAEcg/JbTvPlMi1WA/s1600/2014-10-22%2B03.30.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0aNO4cRYiLI/VEa81vNSmYI/AAAAAAAAEcg/JbTvPlMi1WA/s1600/2014-10-22%2B03.30.57.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zIrwFIt7Rkk/VEa9Xx6RzmI/AAAAAAAAEdc/3y65WICFSsA/s1600/20141021_222051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zIrwFIt7Rkk/VEa9Xx6RzmI/AAAAAAAAEdc/3y65WICFSsA/s1600/20141021_222051.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp4QNa_JKYU/VEa9XaFDNrI/AAAAAAAAEdU/ZukqG103tA4/s1600/20141021_223258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hp4QNa_JKYU/VEa9XaFDNrI/AAAAAAAAEdU/ZukqG103tA4/s1600/20141021_223258.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheer happiness!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
While Adrian and I discussed food, local dishes, and his
love of working in the kitchen he told me, “You can do anything you want in a
kitchen…you can yell at what you want to yell at, you can cook what you want to
cook, and you can cut what you want to cut. (Referring mostly to plates, crabs,
and fish, in order). If you work in an office you can’t throw your computer at
a wall.” True dat, Adrian. True dat.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
My thought for today is that Adrian didn't actually “pick”
his career. His father told him he should go to culinary school after high
school and as an obedient son, he did. After beginning to work in the field he
found his joy in his work and now sees his long hours under the restaurant roof
as part of what fulfills him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Although we may not all have the careers we “choose” or the
luxury of “cutting what we want to cut”, it is possible to find joy in our
daily work if we look for it. I challenge you today to think of at least five
things (‘cause it’s a round number, but mostly because it’s the number of times
Malaysians eat in a day) that bring you joy in your job. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-79010666671679880702014-10-10T17:16:00.000-07:002014-10-10T17:16:09.066-07:00The Happiest Place on Earth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yesterday as I
crossed the finish line at the Lisbon half marathon I was thrilled to be done
running. And then one minute later (literally) I realized my driver's license
had fallen out of my cell phone running case when I was eagerly receiving my
finishers' medal. I retraced my steps and tried an English-Spanish combo to
explain to security, race officials, and police that it was missing. I was
exhausted but much more concerned about losing my backup ID at the beginning of
a two month trip. Eventually I gave up and decided there was no point crying
over spilled milk.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gvtirc8AXks/VDh0BuXXtGI/AAAAAAAAEak/0kOnvUvZnMM/s1600/2014-10-11%2B01.58.03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gvtirc8AXks/VDh0BuXXtGI/AAAAAAAAEak/0kOnvUvZnMM/s1600/2014-10-11%2B01.58.03.png" height="400" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The starting line. Photo courtesy of Vanna Saelao</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2FxQBcTg8Ek/VDhuw-KqZPI/AAAAAAAAEZ8/2iIo1Y_S5vc/s1600/Race.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2FxQBcTg8Ek/VDhuw-KqZPI/AAAAAAAAEZ8/2iIo1Y_S5vc/s1600/Race.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Immediately after the race - sad face for lost ID. But I FINISHED!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b9f000WR4jI/VDhuw3dR1MI/AAAAAAAAEaA/7wBiJWTZpmI/s1600/Race%2B-%2BBeers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b9f000WR4jI/VDhuw3dR1MI/AAAAAAAAEaA/7wBiJWTZpmI/s1600/Race%2B-%2BBeers.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating - it's over!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPNJmptt6z4/VDh0DulfNpI/AAAAAAAAEaw/n12Vv1rP7FQ/s1600/2014-10-11%2B01.59.56.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sPNJmptt6z4/VDh0DulfNpI/AAAAAAAAEaw/n12Vv1rP7FQ/s1600/2014-10-11%2B01.59.56.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We wore our medals around town like CHAMPS! Photo courtesy of Stephanie Lock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After taking an
extremely necessary shower we headed out for an afternoon of sightseeing,
picture-taking, and the best dinner I've had so far in Portugal. We sat
upstairs in a quaint little restaurant (<a href="http://www.thetablelesstravelled.com/p/my-fave-restaurants.html" target="_blank">Belém 2 a 8</a>) in Belém while two waiters
scurried around serving the entire restaurant. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_dG-au1o_0/VDh0EXDCLYI/AAAAAAAAEa8/NKc6_X5FgHU/s1600/2014-10-11%2B02.00.40.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_dG-au1o_0/VDh0EXDCLYI/AAAAAAAAEa8/NKc6_X5FgHU/s1600/2014-10-11%2B02.00.40.png" height="400" width="398" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Vanna Saelao</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The service wasn't
fast but we were in no hurry and we enjoyed the slower pace, removed from the
hustle and bustle. Our waiter, Fernando, was in great spirits and didn't seem
to mind letting us six girls linger into the late evening hours, sipping wine
and oohing and aahing over the delicious entrees. My black pork (pig...figures)
was cooked perfectly, crispy on the outside and succulent and tender on the
inside. Even though my plate was delicious, the most surprisingly tasty dish
was the breaded, grilled octopus. I've never tried octopus that was so tender
and flavorful without being chewy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hl3AIMpqPHA/VDh0jYffxXI/AAAAAAAAEbI/zZMB00b3IVw/s1600/DSC05448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hl3AIMpqPHA/VDh0jYffxXI/AAAAAAAAEbI/zZMB00b3IVw/s1600/DSC05448.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chestnuts on the street...I'll pass next time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3mUtJ1XRIvw/VDh0i-6m09I/AAAAAAAAEbE/HAIpFAHaHxQ/s1600/DSC05460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3mUtJ1XRIvw/VDh0i-6m09I/AAAAAAAAEbE/HAIpFAHaHxQ/s1600/DSC05460.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meat pie for me, egg tart for her. MUST eat these in Belem!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To work off our
indulgent dinners we hiked back up the hills to our apartment. This morning we
continued the walking (my legs are sufficiently sore now) on a tour to Sintra,
"the home of princes and princesses". I don't think that's an
official tagline, but I saw it on a marketing pamphlet and it stuck. It
resonated with me as I walked through the grand palaces and imagined what it
would have been like to have lived in these extraordinary structures centuries
ago. Plus, Palacio Nacional da Pena
looks a LOT like Disneyland. So I didn't
need to imagine much. I love Disney.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSpbKWQlR98/VDh10p2dGVI/AAAAAAAAEbg/Rpg8bGVQOAw/s1600/Palacio%2Bda%2BPena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSpbKWQlR98/VDh10p2dGVI/AAAAAAAAEbg/Rpg8bGVQOAw/s1600/Palacio%2Bda%2BPena.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of everplaces.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nz2lp7yli64/VDh0nS7J07I/AAAAAAAAEbU/ReHbfnuw5Yo/s1600/DSC05596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nz2lp7yli64/VDh0nS7J07I/AAAAAAAAEbU/ReHbfnuw5Yo/s1600/DSC05596.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When entering the
gift shop, we were immediately drawn to the kids' costumes and our dress-up
session had our tour guide dying with laughter.
It’s been a new adventure to travel with 5 girls in a foreign country
since I’m typically solo on the road. While
on the train back from Sintra I was reflecting on all the moments I've had with
these wonderful ladies. It’s been such a
joy to share our Lisbon travel adventures and everything has seemed effortless
and fun. </span><span style="color: #222222;">I've</span><span style="color: #222222;"> laughed harder than </span><span style="color: #222222;">I've</span><span style="color: #222222;"> laughed in a long time, </span><span style="color: #222222;">I've</span><span style="color: #222222;"> eaten, </span><span style="color: #222222;">I've</span><span style="color: #222222;"> gotten lost, </span><span style="color: #222222;">I've</span><span style="color: #222222;"> played, </span><span style="color: #222222;">I've</span><span style="color: #222222;"> eaten
some more, and the best part was sharing those moments with friends.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj1Ysp8zmRY/VDhxkYPXy5I/AAAAAAAAEaQ/qoQnVJ0eYis/s1600/10-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj1Ysp8zmRY/VDhxkYPXy5I/AAAAAAAAEaQ/qoQnVJ0eYis/s1600/10-10.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Vanna Saelao</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2v0LpezNF1M/VDh0CcSdzNI/AAAAAAAAEas/X2pmziLj3pI/s1600/2014-10-11%2B01.59.03.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2v0LpezNF1M/VDh0CcSdzNI/AAAAAAAAEas/X2pmziLj3pI/s1600/2014-10-11%2B01.59.03.png" height="398" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Vanna Saelao</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My thought for the
day is that although I can enjoy journeying alone, I realize how enriching it
is to travel with somebody else. When an
experience is shared, stories are made, conversations last longer (or should I
say “exist” since I don’t <i>normally</i>
converse with myself), and the moment itself is extended. Appreciate and enjoy the person(s) with whom
you share your journey and your life; these people enrich your everyday
experiences and give more meaning to your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com3Lisbon, Portugal38.7222524 -9.139336599999978738.6231754 -9.3006980999999787 38.8213294 -8.9779750999999788tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-48768262841940895462014-10-06T19:29:00.000-07:002014-10-06T19:38:20.615-07:00Running, Walking, and Pub-Crawling through Porto<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
I definitely smell like feet. Like not just a little bit of me, all of me. I don’t know where it’s coming from exactly but I have a pretty good idea that the root cause is my running shoes which I (not strategically) packed in a plastic bag right after going for a run before hopping on the plane in Seattle. I’ll spare you the details but I don’t think freshly-worn athletic shoes make for a great smelling bag, nor do they have a great effect on any of the items in said bag.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m really reconsidering that mini-Febreeze I saw in the Target travel aisle and thought, “meh…I won’t need that.” The guy next to me on the train is also wishing I hadn't been so dismissive of that genius 3 oz bottle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86YT_aNyDDE/VDNNRoqTtfI/AAAAAAAAEZk/xavf4qv5CFU/s1600/Porto%2BTrain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86YT_aNyDDE/VDNNRoqTtfI/AAAAAAAAEZk/xavf4qv5CFU/s1600/Porto%2BTrain.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Playing I spy...solo traveler version.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m currently on my way back to Lisbon from the northern city of Porto to meet my friends who land this evening. Porto is a magnificent city placed right on the Douro River; it’s most famously known as the home of port wine, of which there is plenty to be had. And of which, I had plenty. The city itself is picturesque and beautiful. It’s a mixture of old and new with cobblestone roads and walkways winding in every direction up their river-side hills. The streets are littered with university students pouring out of bars, tourists wandering aimlessly, and locals sipping coffee and lounging at outdoor cafes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nxJzSGhVq8/VDNIdwpFzFI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/WM5bjkhKnxw/s1600/DSC04994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nxJzSGhVq8/VDNIdwpFzFI/AAAAAAAAEYQ/WM5bjkhKnxw/s1600/DSC04994.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The view from my Airbnb apartment in Porto.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gIIfre0HeLk/VDNKYP8g5lI/AAAAAAAAEYc/ejtkl0y9P7g/s1600/DSC05030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gIIfre0HeLk/VDNKYP8g5lI/AAAAAAAAEYc/ejtkl0y9P7g/s1600/DSC05030.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDtIrputdE8/VDNKdWoQ3dI/AAAAAAAAEYk/2pZolYxAAV4/s1600/DSC05025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDtIrputdE8/VDNKdWoQ3dI/AAAAAAAAEYk/2pZolYxAAV4/s1600/DSC05025.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A79QM7XvvMI/VDNK2QNUpOI/AAAAAAAAEY8/eyAsTJu1q9Q/s1600/DSC05057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A79QM7XvvMI/VDNK2QNUpOI/AAAAAAAAEY8/eyAsTJu1q9Q/s1600/DSC05057.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bygqsyt-B6k/VDNMPq9Gk_I/AAAAAAAAEZQ/wNnNltBXQ_I/s1600/DSC05169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bygqsyt-B6k/VDNMPq9Gk_I/AAAAAAAAEZQ/wNnNltBXQ_I/s1600/DSC05169.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Port wine caves at the Calem winery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P_B1TOhe_lU/VDNMXQZKmMI/AAAAAAAAEZY/0W6N96JzPYo/s1600/DSC05176%2Bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P_B1TOhe_lU/VDNMXQZKmMI/AAAAAAAAEZY/0W6N96JzPYo/s1600/DSC05176%2Bed.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This city has seen a boom of tourists in the last few years and it’s clear they've taken advantage of the popularity. The people in Porto seem a little jaded by this; not necessarily amused or intrigued by the influx of strangers to their beloved city. Half the locals I crossed paths with were less than pleased with questions, my interest in the city & the food, etc. Not that they were rude, they just weren't friendly. And the other half of the locals were <i>overjoyed</i> by my interest in their city and all the wonderful things it has to offer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEnDpk_z3XI/VDNKhGEQfiI/AAAAAAAAEYs/IWQmazHu3u8/s1600/DSC05052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aEnDpk_z3XI/VDNKhGEQfiI/AAAAAAAAEYs/IWQmazHu3u8/s1600/DSC05052.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Ze bota in Porto - awesome food, but less than friendly service.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQ1_u_7LeoU/VDNK3FecbaI/AAAAAAAAEZE/UQ0G8RhXCkw/s1600/DSC05075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wQ1_u_7LeoU/VDNK3FecbaI/AAAAAAAAEZE/UQ0G8RhXCkw/s1600/DSC05075.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Oh city bus tours, how I love you so!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ekf8J81EZM4/VDNK0-lAeBI/AAAAAAAAEY0/jo-7mYXEees/s1600/DSC05077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ekf8J81EZM4/VDNK0-lAeBI/AAAAAAAAEY0/jo-7mYXEees/s1600/DSC05077.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">A personal bus all to myself again!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One such local was named Rui, the tour guide of the pub crawl my good friend recommended. I think Rui and I hit it off at the beginning of the tour when I made it clear I was more concerned about finding food than I was about the first drink on the stop. So it goes when you’re not 22 anymore. I did, however, enjoy the night-long journey around town – dipping into cute bars and stopping finally at a night club (gasp) – how long has it been since I did THAT?!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLE6ov9bzqg/VDNHjy6kK9I/AAAAAAAAEYA/ln67APSM0qo/s1600/Porto%2BPub%2BCrawl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qLE6ov9bzqg/VDNHjy6kK9I/AAAAAAAAEYA/ln67APSM0qo/s1600/Porto%2BPub%2BCrawl.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">New friends on the pub crawl. Sandwich in hand.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite my lack of initial interest in a pub crawl, I ended up going because: (a) it was highly recommended, (b) I wanted to meet some friendly locals & tourists, and (c) life is short. It ended up being a great experience; I made some great travel connections and new friends.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;">Thought of the day is a simple one and a classic…carpe diem.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;">When the next random opportunity presents itself to you, instead of asking “why?” ask “why not?!”</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.3333320617676px;">And also – always say yes to Febreeze.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-80131914083171104612014-09-30T03:10:00.001-07:002014-09-30T03:12:51.604-07:00What Dreams Are Made Of<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cuban sandwiches…dripping juices from a heaping pile of pork
fat, grilled to a perfect golden color, oozing cheese out the sides, so
beautiful my mouth is watering, and…all of a sudden, a vegetarian pasta mush
(wahhhhhh) is dropped on my tray in seat 24G on Lufthansa flight 491. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fictional
food from my in-flight movie: 1</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Real
airplane food: 0 (sorry, Lufthansa)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>The Hundred Foot
Journey</i> and <i>Chef</i> are two movies I've
seen recently that spoke to me. It’s
like somebody knew that I would watch them (pardon the narcissism), needing
that extra push, needing the motivation of watching somebody else’s failures
turn into successes. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both movies follow a traditional, feel-good story line and the videography in both is truly sensational.
The food is beautiful…no, not just beautiful…breathtaking. And it told a story; it evoked emotion. I could smell it, I could taste it, I could
feel it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The characters are endearing and lovable. Their struggles
are real and genuine. Their failures
remind me of my own and their successes are those which I dream of. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After spending a sufficient amount of time dreaming about
what I want out of my future, I decided (with a significant push from loved
ones) that it’s time to take action.
Only a lucky few can dream their dreams into reality. Others have to take action to bring them into
reality. As I take off on yet another
travel adventure, I’m excited to see where this journey takes me as I research
and plan for a budding business circling around food, travel, culture, and the
love of sharing my passion with others.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My quarter-life crisis has turned into a third-life crisis. And although being a few years older makes me
feel as though I've wasted time, the truth is that these years have helped me
hone in on a path and a direction. I've
moved from having a wide vision of what I want to something more specific which
allows me to take action. My thought for
you today – what are your dreams? And
how are you refining your path to fulfilling them?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The following are random photos from my layover in Frankfurt. :)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYaaQ21tpl4/VCqAth60IuI/AAAAAAAAEWs/4TMSamsOLnA/s1600/DSC04883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CYaaQ21tpl4/VCqAth60IuI/AAAAAAAAEWs/4TMSamsOLnA/s1600/DSC04883.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's official - a new era of travel. First stamp in my new passport!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_OHpfjDvpM/VCqAuAyA7qI/AAAAAAAAEWw/_sdYjnpKh2I/s1600/DSC04897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i_OHpfjDvpM/VCqAuAyA7qI/AAAAAAAAEWw/_sdYjnpKh2I/s1600/DSC04897.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1h3mWjQwAC4/VCqAvSIYcwI/AAAAAAAAEXI/r35lbSbmoaY/s1600/DSC04899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1h3mWjQwAC4/VCqAvSIYcwI/AAAAAAAAEXI/r35lbSbmoaY/s1600/DSC04899.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Condiment udder?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gY5ep9KQbfI/VCqAvoqIZAI/AAAAAAAAEXA/VMnhJJAAThk/s1600/DSC04914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gY5ep9KQbfI/VCqAvoqIZAI/AAAAAAAAEXA/VMnhJJAAThk/s1600/DSC04914.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I do not suggest the ramen at the airport...but I was starving.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BbuKm710jyM/VCqAuDGKPaI/AAAAAAAAEW4/JnLlSxXrCUY/s1600/DSC04867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BbuKm710jyM/VCqAuDGKPaI/AAAAAAAAEW4/JnLlSxXrCUY/s1600/DSC04867.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oktoberfest! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com2Frankfurt Airport (FRA), 60547 Frankfurt, Germany50.0379326 8.562151800000037849.9563211 8.4007903000000379 50.1195441 8.7235133000000378tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-38163228163116173962014-02-04T00:12:00.000-08:002015-01-05T14:28:40.411-08:00Unexpected Abu Dhabi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<em>With a happy heart I return home to Seattle. I didn't clinch the title as <a href="http://www.jauntaroo.com/" target="_blank">Jauntaroo</a>'s "Chief World Explorer", but I would bargain I gained just as much as if I had. My journey to the top 5 candidates of this worldwide search opened my mind to possibilities that I once only dreamed about...which I now see as realities that are within reach. There's so much to say about this whirlwind experience, but for now please enjoy the "article" about Abu Dhabi which I wrote after our 2nd day...</em><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Beep, beep, beep, beep…click...ksssschhhhhhh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like I was standing in a scene from <i>The
Italian Job</i> as I watched the sales person in the perfumery at Emirates
Palace crack open the large vault, exposing exquisite bottles of perfume draped
in gold casings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He extracted the
bottles and removed the glass stoppers so I could smell the indulgent
essences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was floored when he quizzed
me on the price of one bottle of perfume – a shocking 500,000 UAE dirham or
approximately 60,000 USD!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could
understand the lofty price after he tipped the bottle upside down and a shower
of tiny sparkling diamonds trickled down like a snow globe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was just the tip of the “opulence
iceberg” in Abu Dhabi, a spectacular city mixing modern luxury with ancient
cultural traditions.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zrdHJUVuf_0/UvCcOkxk2-I/AAAAAAAACWY/Fgc2a1bm6HQ/s1600/DSC03863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zrdHJUVuf_0/UvCcOkxk2-I/AAAAAAAACWY/Fgc2a1bm6HQ/s1600/DSC03863.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Emirates Palace Hotel</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The lavish hospitality in Abu Dhabi has far exceeded my
expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beyond the spectacular
food, first-class amenities, and gold encrusted ceilings lies the true spirit
of this city…its people. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every person
whose path I have crossed has been genuinely warm, welcoming and hospitable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hard not to fall in love with a city
where people are eager to show you their culture and make you feel like a part
of their world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YhjSGpqz50M/UvCb81kaReI/AAAAAAAACWA/WEn7iqm6w20/s1600/DSC03938.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-klROAS3_6L4/UvCcdcEHw-I/AAAAAAAACW8/2DqqavHZkQc/s1600/DSC03933.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wkmTsaCWYpY/UvCd-mOtzXI/AAAAAAAACXc/AB441XwQbDQ/s1600/DSC03945.JPG" height="208" width="320" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YBjWPAyhAfs/UvCfd9hLprI/AAAAAAAACYg/lsM7xDCiyMM/s1600/DSC03947.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bZ30QKBKblI/UvCfcrpDMfI/AAAAAAAACYY/jODOufSaSVQ/s1600/DSC03956.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our first adventure into the hearts of the Emirati people
was a trip to the Falcon Hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we
walked into the facility there were 3 domineering, fabulous looking creatures
perched on their owners’ arms, waiting to be admitted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when I say admitted…I truly mean
admitted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This facility is a
veterinarian’s dream – outfitted with every possible amenity to make sure that
these fabulous birds of prey are healthy, beautiful, and well maintained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hospital had an ICU, surgery room, a
malting cage, a stock of feathers for feather transplants, and the equivalent
to a falcon nail salon – complete with special lotion and laughing gas.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Errrr…perhaps there isn’t normally laughing
gas in a nail salon. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NqXVNM75M4/UvCcNhuNmII/AAAAAAAACWQ/nwn_3mKbPO4/s1600/DSC03878.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdFPP2c9N8U/UvCcMJyCOXI/AAAAAAAACWI/jzOhs9AscKc/s1600/DSC03885.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jaT7v3tCJoU/UvCcXdzdfaI/AAAAAAAACWk/wj_fhlHRBkA/s1600/DSC03892.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3moR_eaN5Fo/UvCcXSX-7UI/AAAAAAAACWo/yIGl0TK3zhs/s1600/DSC03898.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SYiI6NvqhGY/UvCcZBgqr0I/AAAAAAAACWw/mlxjY32mYNQ/s1600/DSC03908.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0WSeEtNcEmg/UvCcde0SsMI/AAAAAAAACXA/3dhDlTs2ukQ/s1600/DSC03911.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s no surprise that falcons are treated with such great
care; they are the pet of choice in Abu Dhabi and there are over 33,000 domesticated
falcons in the United Arab Emirates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was intrigued by the falcons, to which I had admittedly never given much
thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once I had a falcon resting on
my own hand, I was captivated by its brilliance and I instantly understood why
Emiratis are fascinated with these grand creatures.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Outside the “Palace walls”, so to speak, awaited the Arabian
Desert with rolling hills of the finest sand and activities like dune bashing
that had me on the edge of my seat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
hopped in a 4WD SUV and were egging on our driver as he took us on the ride of
a lifetime - up to the peaks of dunes and then slip-sliding down the other side
as we narrowly escaped a few barrel rolls that had my heart racing and my
throat sore from screaming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QQjQwoieqU4/UvCd6pSyzyI/AAAAAAAACXI/XnQdwLSu-MM/s1600/DSC04050.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_zVJ7WVcT6A/UvCd9cH5nZI/AAAAAAAACXQ/ADdIudEu0q0/s1600/DSC04062.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ozh7nLF06OU/UvCeC_bI5xI/AAAAAAAACXg/hu4yc4lyW2I/s1600/DSC04075.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ElKT6Qicpi8/UvCeETXJsTI/AAAAAAAACXo/wl64VZf-z1o/s1600/DSC04082.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As the perfect contrast to the wild desert drive, we were
dropped off at the peaceful Arabian Nights Village where even Bedouin tents
have been outfitted to exude luxury.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
red carpeted walls and softly lit lanterns were so inviting I was ready to
crash but the belly dancers and buffet dinner beckoned. Since when have I been
known to pass up a buffet?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-THXNGn71KXg/UvCeewdvVtI/AAAAAAAACX4/MCk8I4h6oFE/s1600/DSC04214.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qs9LG08jNQ4/UvCeRbvVE1I/AAAAAAAACXw/z_oP4b7ZdH8/s1600/DSC04238+Cropped.JPG" height="174" width="320" /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Abu Dhabi has been an adventure beyond my wildest dreams and
my only wish was that I had more time to explore this city decked out in
superlatives – the fastest roller coaster, the largest carpet (with 2 billion
knots), the first gold ATM, and the list goes on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But to me, Abu Dhabi will always be the most wonderful,
most unexpected journey.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YNK12wSpnjY/UvCfGLm01-I/AAAAAAAACYI/3lg-H8RM4Zc/s1600/DSC03982.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--SrSqKJ5A3g/UvCfGlaWGCI/AAAAAAAACYM/zneerIynqAE/s1600/DSC04293.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GQjKHOLJP50/UvCfBselgyI/AAAAAAAACYE/naO6vkf2EHY/s1600/DSC04164.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<br />
<br />
<i>And for those of you who aren't yet tired of voting for my application videos time and time again, you can find them <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeVAo0OwgEM" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pdsAT6ziX_w" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-83484193810043073372012-08-26T07:04:00.001-07:002012-08-26T07:04:30.573-07:00For the Love of Money<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ironically, as I was on the subject of "money can't buy
happiness" <a href="http://www.thetablelesstravelled.com/2012/08/boodle-boxes.html" target="_blank">last week</a>, I happened to read the next chapter of my book
"The Happiness Project" whose topic was <i>Buy Some Happiness</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The author, Gretchen Rubin, is on a yearlong
quest to find what makes her happier and she says, "Money satisfies basic
material needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a means and an
end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's a way to keep score, win
security, exercise generosity, and earn recognition...It buys time - which can
be spent on aimless drifting or purposeful action. It often stands for the
things that we feel are lacking: if only we had the money, we’d be adventurous
or thin or cultured or respected or generous.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I agree with her that money alone can’t buy happiness, but
it <i>can help</i> buy happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
author says “Money, spent wisely, can support happiness goals of strengthening
relationships, promoting health…having fun.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To me, money does indeed buy things that make me happier – a gift that I
can send to a friend for their birthday, a plane ticket home to spend time with
my family, covering transportation costs of extensive travel, buying food that
gives me so much joy and pleasure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The author also mentions that, “When money or health is a
problem, you think of little else; when it’s not a problem, you don’t think
much about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both money and health
contribute to happiness mostly in the negative; the lack of them brings much
more unhappiness than possessing them brings happiness.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Preach!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whenever I feel like I have a sufficient amount of Benjamins stashed
away I feel free, more giving, more open to opportunities or adventures that arise,
and generally less worried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my bank
account starts depleting and I see more withdrawals than deposits, I feel
anxiety, uncertainty, risk-averse, and quite frankly more like a hermit.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’m thankful that I was raised in a family where I was
taught the value of a dollar, and taught about hard work and dedication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as I’ve aged (just a bit), it’s been
harder for me to manage the balance between working and playing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday, as I lied on the beach soaking up a
“play now” break, I was reminded of the beauty of working hard to achieve your
goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the satisfaction and
happiness that comes from knowing how much effort you’ve put in to receive something
you truly cherish.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scZFuUqaEi0/UDooJmeGqLI/AAAAAAAAAvo/yJAwwRl9ZKs/s1600/IMG_1171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scZFuUqaEi0/UDooJmeGqLI/AAAAAAAAAvo/yJAwwRl9ZKs/s400/IMG_1171.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the Tel Aviv beaches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A young boy (maybe 9 years old), approached us on the beach
with a backpack slung over his arms, resting on his stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beads of sweat trickled down from under his
bucket hat as he asked my boyfriend if we’d like to buy some lemonade from
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I dug around for the equivalent
of 75 cents for a small cup of lemonade, the boy shared with my boyfriend that
he’s saving up money to go to Brazil for his Bar Mitzvah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart melted and I wanted to buy the whole
thermos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He trotted off looking for his
next prospective customers, targeting the women in the area – smart kid.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">As he walked away, marching in the heavy sand under the hot
Israeli summer sun, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of happiness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If this was my son, I would be so proud of
his efforts, dedication, and hard work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m sure by the time he’s 13 he’ll have enough money for that trip to
Brazil – and can you imagine how proud and happy he will be?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJnFuakTwrU/UDon_x7ERjI/AAAAAAAAAvg/Iuth-q1qZ0w/s1600/IMG_1175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJnFuakTwrU/UDon_x7ERjI/AAAAAAAAAvg/Iuth-q1qZ0w/s400/IMG_1175.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutest kid ever.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This young boy was a needed inspiration for me to remember
that creativity and hard work can launch you towards achieving your goals a lot
quicker than sitting around and thinking about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s very few and far between that somebody
stumbles upon the luck to become wealthy, successful or accomplished without shedding
some blood, sweat and tears.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today is a reminder for you that not all things come easily,
and not all things should come easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Buckle down, go to work, and focus on accomplishing your goals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t let the fear of hard work stand in the
way of your achievements.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On a totally unrelated note (although I could stretch it by
saying I used money to buy the ingredients), I made <a href="http://www.thetablelesstravelled.com/2012/08/pita-pizzas.html" target="_blank">Pita Pizzas</a> again the
other night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know why I hadn’t
thought of using pitas (abundantly accessible here) for pizzas instead of trying
to labor over my own dough, but now that a friend suggested it – I can’t stop
making them!!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thetablelesstravelled.com/2012/08/pita-pizzas.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YXw3tEtGI-s/UDD9qhlGX9I/AAAAAAAAAu4/uBD5XUcC8wM/s320/DSC03163.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-89730019257550786172012-08-26T07:02:00.000-07:002012-08-26T07:05:44.324-07:00Pita Pizzas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.thetablelesstravelled.com/2012/08/for-love-of-money.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YXw3tEtGI-s/UDD9qhlGX9I/AAAAAAAAAu4/uBD5XUcC8wM/s400/DSC03163.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A Middle Eastern twist on a fan favorite! This recipe is once again an estimate - from the quantities to the temperatures (I don't think the dials on our mini oven actually work because it's either cold, or hot). But this is extremely simple to make, and since it's pizza you can be creative with your toppings!<br />
<br />
To start, I sliced a few pitas in half and opened them like sandwiches. I love thin crust pizza so this is perfect for me - without the work of making dough. I spread a thin layer of red sauce (recipe below) on each side and then drizzled a bit of olive oil on top. Then I added a thin layer of shredded cheese - I think it was Monterey Jack cheese but I couldn't exactly tell. I added the toppings, and threw them in the oven. My best guess is to put it on a 'broil' setting - I just did it long enough to heat the toppings and make the pita crispy. <br />
<br />
<em><strong><u>Toppings</u></strong></em><br />
<br />
Pizza #1 - chopped spicy salami, sliced mushrooms, and tomatoes.<br />
<br />
Pizza #2 - sliced tomatoes, feta cheese, and right before the pizza was done cooking I pulled it out and added fresh basil before letting it cook for a minute longer<br />
<br />
<strong><em><u>Red Sauce</u></em></strong><br />
1 part tomato paste<br />
1 part finely chopped tomatoes (and all the juice and seeds)<br />
fresh, finely chopped basil<br />
a dash of garlic powder<br />
oregano<br />
-- Mix all ingredients together. If it looks too thick, add more fresh chopped tomatoes. --<br />
<br />
I love pizza, and now that I have an easy way of making it, this is going to be a dinner regular! Plus since they're small, you can have make a few with different toppings. <a href="http://www.thetablelesstravelled.com/2012/08/for-love-of-money.html" target="_blank">Enjoy</a>!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-61097865603823332152012-08-19T07:31:00.000-07:002012-08-19T07:31:02.681-07:00Boodle Boxes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I know that money isn’t supposed to buy happiness….but I can’t
contend the fact that I was OVERJOYED when I received a pile of goodies that my
mom sent me with a friend of mine who travelled to Seattle recently. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve spent the last week noshing on honey
roasted cashews, Mentos, sour Jelly Bellys and cinnamon gum, while savoring my
Sour Patch Kids and Mint LifeSavers till the bitter end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, I keep reminding myself of my
childhood Halloween habit where I’d save my best candies for last…and then they’d
go bad after a full year of looking forward to the sweet chocolate outside and
that smooth peanut butter filling of my beloved Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMTO-IGoM4g/UDD3M00Gd4I/AAAAAAAAAuc/FBQt9NMwtWk/s1600/IMG_1148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jMTO-IGoM4g/UDD3M00Gd4I/AAAAAAAAAuc/FBQt9NMwtWk/s400/IMG_1148.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new goodies from home!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Along with my munchies, Mama Bird packed a new t-shirt
(thank goodness – I think I’ve sweat through all of mine here), a Platypus
water bottle, deodorant (see aforementioned sweating), tea tree oil, my beloved
Target chapstick balls, and other fun things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The original intention for this “boodle box”, as we refer to it in our
household (a term adopted when my brother started at West Point – families are
encouraged to send new cadets little goodies and treats to keep their spirits
up), was to exchange my broken Kindle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, when I found out there was going to be a “transport of goods”,
I figured I would throw in a few other requests of things I’m hard pressed to
find in Israel.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh_qchnxwVo/UDD2-jbouSI/AAAAAAAAAuM/BxHg4R5TwTE/s320/IMG_1154.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new t-shirt and my goodies! So excited!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">After spending a week enjoying my new goodies and playing
with my new toys, I’ve realized that although this is an indulgence for my
materialistic side, I believe boodle boxes also bring joy for another
reason.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the same kind of joy you
get when you give or receive a gift.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
me, it’s not JUST the fact that I have a fancy new water bottle which fits so
nicely in my purse, but it’s that my mom spent the time and energy to find
something that she knew I’d like.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D0gQVbCsEEQ/UDD3G6ZcAHI/AAAAAAAAAuU/0cCIYEPX_G8/s320/IMG_1157.JPG" width="320" /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A while ago I read the book “The Five Love Languages”, which
came highly recommended to me by multiple people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The author talks about the different ways
that people intend and perceive love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Giving gifts is one of the five ways people express love, as a sign of
their thoughtfulness and care for somebody else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t have to be a big, fancy gift like
a car or a TV, it can be something small and meaningful like a hand written
card, a person’s favorite candy (mine is Sour Patch Kids!), or flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not the size or the cost of the gift
that matters, it’s about the thought and care you put into it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today I challenge you to find a small, inexpensive, yet meaningful
gift to give to someone you love and care for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After all, it’s the little moments in life and the small gestures that
bring great joys and memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-18319634360714393122012-07-31T15:44:00.001-07:002012-08-01T03:11:14.126-07:00My Best Friend's Wedding<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was elated to hear that on a late Saturday night, way past
my dad’s bed time, <i>both</i> of my parents were making the 40-minute jaunt
down to the airport to pick me up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I
was even more excited the next morning when my mom realized that she’d
accidently bought 2 more packages of bacon when we had 1 already stashed in the
fridge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5RMQUub9g4/UBhM-5E3h_I/AAAAAAAAAno/cTZRGKe99B0/s1600/IMG_0805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5RMQUub9g4/UBhM-5E3h_I/AAAAAAAAAno/cTZRGKe99B0/s320/IMG_0805.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once it hits your lips....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>That</i> was the beginning of what seemed like a very
quick trip to the U.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started my
three weeks in Seattle, surrounded by friends and family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather gods blessed the beautiful city
and gave us gorgeous, sunny weather almost every day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the perfect time to catch an M’s game
with my lovely ladies, where I got my first ever foul ball!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Notice….it says ‘got’, not ‘caught’…if I had
stuck my hand out for that ball it would have drilled a hole right through my
palm (or my head – I’m not great with hand eye coordination).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dW6aWfO8LgY/UBhPxSy6B3I/AAAAAAAAAoI/Rd7pwmPfAQc/s400/IMG_0818.JPG" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The weather maintained for a fabulous Mother’s Day BBQ with
my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even though Dad stands
strongly by his belief that Mother’s Day is a ‘Hallmark holiday’, he still slaved
away on the grill, perfectly cooking my brats and chicken…uhhhhh I mean “Mom’s
brats and chicken.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put myself to work
in the kitchen, and played head chef as I bossed around all my cousin
‘sous’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ended up with quite the
feast, including this delicious <a href="http://www.thetablelesstravelled.com/2012/07/corn-salad-with-chili-lime-dressing.html" target="_blank">corn salad with chili-lime dressing.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thetablelesstravelled.com/2012/07/corn-salad-with-chili-lime-dressing.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6qVubMc-J0/UBhQZ2pKYXI/AAAAAAAAAog/kIK-ocEM9zY/s400/IMG_0864.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corn salad with Chili-Lime dressing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qjhlsd6nkyc/UBhQCBhu1kI/AAAAAAAAAoY/TSioevQuPJI/s1600/IMG_0858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qjhlsd6nkyc/UBhQCBhu1kI/AAAAAAAAAoY/TSioevQuPJI/s400/IMG_0858.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad grilling - don't worry about the creeper in the window...it's just my cousin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-__PB0FIkJiA/UBhP7kGOp3I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/r1Wgmu2QpS0/s1600/IMG_0857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-__PB0FIkJiA/UBhP7kGOp3I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/r1Wgmu2QpS0/s400/IMG_0857.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R: Me, Momma, and Auntie Janet on a beautiful Mother's day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rb1zLkMqIxs/UBhQf4-pMhI/AAAAAAAAAoo/efqTcxaNR8A/s1600/IMG_0861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rb1zLkMqIxs/UBhQf4-pMhI/AAAAAAAAAoo/efqTcxaNR8A/s400/IMG_0861.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dig in!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">From Seattle I jumped down to San Francisco to visit my
brother and his girlfriend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
forgotten how lovely the smell of fresh brewed coffee was until the aroma
lifted me off the air mattress in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We spent one day scouring the city for goodies and snacks as we walked
to the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We ducked in to an <a href="http://www.vengaempanadas.com/" target="_blank">empanada shop</a>, and gathered delicious <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/saigon-sandwich-san-francisco" target="_blank">banh mi sandwiches</a> for “lunch round 2”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After I removed the peppers from my sandwich,
the remaining juices still sufficiently seared my insides. Those little suckers
packed a punch, but the sandwich was delish!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0ZekZtWnas/UBhSHMNQw7I/AAAAAAAAAo8/Rct4KuHP9Os/s1600/IMG_0905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W0ZekZtWnas/UBhSHMNQw7I/AAAAAAAAAo8/Rct4KuHP9Os/s400/IMG_0905.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxIybOCx8e4/UBhSJs-EPGI/AAAAAAAAApE/h4cTeelEn-U/s1600/IMG_0911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxIybOCx8e4/UBhSJs-EPGI/AAAAAAAAApE/h4cTeelEn-U/s400/IMG_0911.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YT9AsOdjONY/UBhSTisbDiI/AAAAAAAAApM/JishFdO9yU8/s1600/IMG_0910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YT9AsOdjONY/UBhSTisbDiI/AAAAAAAAApM/JishFdO9yU8/s400/IMG_0910.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Empanadas!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The following day, we really did look like “hunters and
gatherers” as we decked out in costumes for the Bay to Breakers race as “the
three blind mice.” (Although I guess mice aren’t really ‘hunters’…just ‘gatherers’).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyway, any day that I get to wear a costume
is fun for me, but it’s not the average day that my brother allows me to draw a
pink nose on him with lipstick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFrpFhZzE4c/UBhSbDkvHFI/AAAAAAAAApU/nipW9kOMX4I/s1600/IMG_0923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HFrpFhZzE4c/UBhSbDkvHFI/AAAAAAAAApU/nipW9kOMX4I/s400/IMG_0923.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-oqgFFx6E8/UBhTAmMC0VI/AAAAAAAAApg/ARhtx1jDDVw/s1600/IMG_0919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h-oqgFFx6E8/UBhTAmMC0VI/AAAAAAAAApg/ARhtx1jDDVw/s400/IMG_0919.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4bDiXV17lE/UBhTNpraA7I/AAAAAAAAApo/Rzb-fWHOWhg/s1600/IMG_0955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k4bDiXV17lE/UBhTNpraA7I/AAAAAAAAApo/Rzb-fWHOWhg/s400/IMG_0955.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mice refueling with Korean BBQ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After a fun filled weekend, it was on to Arizona for “the
main event” – an honorable walk down the aisle at my best friend’s wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had been looking forward to this wedding
for over a year, and was so excited to be reunited with my two best friends, Jess
and Katie, and a new little addition to our crew – Jess’s adorable 8 month old
son, Carson (the cutest baby ever).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rHYWMM9oN8w/UBhUfTcQ8dI/AAAAAAAAApw/XkvIjj6tAjo/s1600/IMG_0963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rHYWMM9oN8w/UBhUfTcQ8dI/AAAAAAAAApw/XkvIjj6tAjo/s400/IMG_0963.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The three of us met in middle school – where you kept your
friends close, and your best friends closer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
:)</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come since
the days of overalls and braces, and yet it’s refreshing to know we still have
the same friendship that has endured the years and the distance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">We laughed as we shared old memories – class projects we
worked on together, crushes on boys whose names we hadn’t thought of in years,
embarrassing stories, and nerdy rituals like our beloved “friendship notebooks”
which we circulated between the three of us in high school instead of passing
notes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We even called out each other’s
home phone numbers in unison – a testament that we were raised in the years
before cell phones and text messaging (and perhaps also a testament that we
talked on the phone too much).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TtekX1YOVU/UBhWSettnWI/AAAAAAAAAqM/blyZxAi6goc/s1600/IMG_0892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TtekX1YOVU/UBhWSettnWI/AAAAAAAAAqM/blyZxAi6goc/s400/IMG_0892.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High school...wow SOMEBODY went to Mexico for break!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ySU9LvorFPc/UBhUoMP8W_I/AAAAAAAAAp4/RYH50lKaG8Y/s1600/IMG_0880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ySU9LvorFPc/UBhUoMP8W_I/AAAAAAAAAp4/RYH50lKaG8Y/s320/IMG_0880.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nerdy but sweet - friendship notebooks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">On the day that I watched Jess walk down the aisle, I witnessed
a new chapter of our lives unfold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
felt truly blessed to be standing next to a beautiful woman, who’s stood by me
ever since we were little girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
brings me great joy to be sharing my life journey with wonderful friends – both
the milestones, and the little moments. (Photos courtesy of <a href="http://www.jasonandannaphotography.com/#/page/5224/weddings/" target="_blank">Jason + Anna Photography</a>)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BigxiURg1jg/UBhZsffZQwI/AAAAAAAAAro/yY4TKHsj1Nc/s400/Jess+Wedding+6.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqYEt8DXK4c/UBhZlidMTQI/AAAAAAAAArI/08S6ldEklW4/s1600/Jess+Wedding+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqYEt8DXK4c/UBhZlidMTQI/AAAAAAAAArI/08S6ldEklW4/s400/Jess+Wedding+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OlI6M7mlINE/UBhZoMpvgoI/AAAAAAAAArQ/Z21-wXfqqpY/s1600/Jess+Wedding+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OlI6M7mlINE/UBhZoMpvgoI/AAAAAAAAArQ/Z21-wXfqqpY/s200/Jess+Wedding+3.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kiqPUxOhiHw/UBhZpXzI_pI/AAAAAAAAArY/dlLdMn1kO_w/s1600/Jess+Wedding+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kiqPUxOhiHw/UBhZpXzI_pI/AAAAAAAAArY/dlLdMn1kO_w/s400/Jess+Wedding+4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g7bNLaGbsbA/UBhZqlPDtJI/AAAAAAAAArg/_xt_e4OTDAw/s1600/Jess+Wedding+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g7bNLaGbsbA/UBhZqlPDtJI/AAAAAAAAArg/_xt_e4OTDAw/s400/Jess+Wedding+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3av2yCN5T9E/UBhZtSJHMNI/AAAAAAAAArw/gviz6G03zds/s1600/Jess+Wedding+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3av2yCN5T9E/UBhZtSJHMNI/AAAAAAAAArw/gviz6G03zds/s320/Jess+Wedding+7.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ykcRaP-fvLw/UBhZu7YTlkI/AAAAAAAAAr4/q4GW4gC2WqU/s1600/Jess+Wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ykcRaP-fvLw/UBhZu7YTlkI/AAAAAAAAAr4/q4GW4gC2WqU/s400/Jess+Wedding.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today I ask you to take some time to appreciate your
friendships that have stood the test of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Life is a beautiful adventure, but it’s even more wonderful when you
share the journey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6497501621463533925.post-1211510023816179272012-07-31T15:41:00.001-07:002016-06-23T18:48:42.543-07:00Corn Salad with Chili-Lime Dressing (from home)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6qVubMc-J0/UBhQZ2pKYXI/AAAAAAAAAog/kIK-ocEM9zY/s1600/IMG_0864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6qVubMc-J0/UBhQZ2pKYXI/AAAAAAAAAog/kIK-ocEM9zY/s400/IMG_0864.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong><em><u>Ingredients:</u></em></strong><br />
<br />
Fresh corn on the cob, boiled<br />
Cherry tomatoes<br />
Yellow peppers<br />
Orange peppers<br />
Fresh basil<br />
Fresh chives, finely sliced<br />
Crumbled feta cheese<br />
<br />
<strong><em><u>Salad:</u></em></strong><br />
<br />
Cut the corn off the cob, chop all ingredients and mix together. Top with chives and crumbled feta cheese.<br />
<br />
<strong><em><u>Chili-Lime Dressing:</u></em></strong><br />
<br />
Mix together:<br />
1 part fresh squeezed lime juice<br />
1/2 part honey<br />
A drizzle of olive oil<br />
A dash of garlic powder<br />
A few shakes of crushed red pepper flakes<br />
<br />
Add extra ingredients to taste.<br />
<br />
Toss the salad and dressing together. It makes the perfect fresh, summer salad with a bit of kick. <a href="http://www.thetablelesstravelled.com/2012/07/my-best-friends-wedding.html" target="_blank">Enjoy!</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04731945262785782846noreply@blogger.com3