Originally published June 11th 2014 It was nearly four months ago, when I was strolling down Avenida De Mayo, with my back against the Casa Rosada, and the faint sounds of chants and drums from the peaceful protesters. We were heading towards food, which isn't exactly surprising. It was food in the present that triggered this memory, a conversation about empanadas that got me thinking of Buenos Aires and all of its culinary delights. We were on what I like to call a "foot to food" adventure, because we were on our feet from early morning, to late evening, and any guilt that could have accompanied the many meals was almost non-existent. The first night was the exception as we had been sitting in a plane for 13 hours, and almost immediately after arriving I was introduced to the emperor of pizzas the fugazzetta rellena, an insane version of Chicago's deep dish pizza. This deep pan, double crusted pie oozed with cheese, ham and onions. Sharing in Buenos Aires is typical but we had not clued in right away and had ordered three separate pizzas. A slow walk back to the hotel was the only option. Every morning, in a state of lifelessness we ate our breakfast quietly in the hotel. The Savoy Hotel which is situated in the best possible location for our main mode of transportation, our feet, is a nod to a bygone era. You instantly feel a little glamorous walking into this architectural beauty, it's grand elegant lobby bar is fit for the graces of guests such as Albert Einstein and Eva Peron (Evita). The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the staff were very helpful. Just as time is predictable so were my movements in the early mornings. Like a zombie I would grab my coffee, non-decaf (which was a treat), a plate of cheese and meats and a danish. Just enough to energize me for our first stretch of walking. The first culinary highlight of the day was lunch, and by that time the scents of barbecue had started to filter onto the streets. Our lunch picks were always random, and aside from Cafe Tortoni never researched beforehand. A childlike giddiness overcame me as I would stir my piece of chocolate into my glass of steaming hot milk, the submarino, had become my new best friend. My eyes would widen in search of empanadas only to discover that sorrentinos were on the same menu. Defeated, sometimes I would have to get both. Almost always lunch would take place on a patio. And almost always we would over eat. Now dinner was an event of its own. Be prepared to eat late, (if you show up at a restaurant at 8:00 pm you are probably going to be the first ones there), and be prepared to eat. Hold the table for support as your server brings you piles of different grilled meats. Hiding any pleasure will be hard as you cut into the warm provoleta and start dishing out the rosti (potato pancake). You can not escape the feeling of sitting at a large family table during the holidays, the atmosphere is very celebratory. And when you start to wrap up you realize it is almost midnight. Heads up. no surprises, servers are great but very laid back and you will almost never be offered the bill, you must ask. If you are not travelling within a few blocks, once dusk hits taking a taxi cab is highly recommended for tourists, as it is almost unavoidable to cross certain parts of the city that are less desirable. I could not possibly convey our entire trip in one post, I do try to keep my word count at just enough so I can keep your attention. That being said, if you are heading that way let me know and I would be more than delighted to share. Need a link for a restaurant, comment below. Luv K8e. Thank you Michael Bacinello for your exceptional photographs (above in slide show) .
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"Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That is why it's called the present." Bil Keane You can call me old fashioned, I will not twinge, I will probably take it as a compliment. I also consider myself pretty modern, up to date and open minded to the idea that life will always be changing and evolving. How can you combine the past and the present to create a happier, healthier, safer future?
*Also my friends are my family, and we make a point to have frequent potlucks (who needs any other excuse to eat delicious food?). September CHALLENGE : Mail that Snail. Isn't it nice to receive a note in the mail? The time and thought it takes to write and mail a letter is so precious. I challenge everyone here to Snail Mail someone close to you, or someone you have not been in touch with, comment below when you do. Originally published August 14, 2014
Today I spent a portion of my afternoon, watching videos of Japanese Macaques, they appeared to be enjoying the frigid temperatures as they played around making snowballs, wrestling, pondering mites, and bathing in hot springs. This is how I enjoy the winter, in the comfort of my home. It is cold out, and even for me a self declared hibernator, making sure I have a few winter essentials around is paramount to my survival and sanity. I have to give myself a boost once and a while, so that I literally will not decide just to play bear and sleep through the winter. Here are a few glorious things that make the cold seem a little more manageable.
Hope I warmed you up! Luv K8e Originally posted January 28 2014
Have you ever stared at the world map for so long all the countries start to blend and lose their borders? Have you imagined landing in the remotest desert, or floating down canopied rivers being supported by only an inner tube? What about packing a small bag, jumping in the car, no destination planned, just the thrill of the journey in your back pocket? I am a traveler, I enjoy the journey as much as I enjoy the experience; being immersed in a land with new cultures and languages. City scapes and redwoods exhilarate me, I am drawn to the surf board and the reef. The smell of Pad Thai on the busy streets of Bangkok, the smooth texture of smoked swordfish in Cinque Terra, dining under the stars in the Outback. Iconic street signs and back alley graffiti ignite curiosity. Armories and castles are lessons in history. This is your introduction to my obsession. As a young adult the idea of regret was terrifying to me, the question "what if?" induced immediate nausea. One of the items on my wish list back then was to learn how to surf. Blue Crush had just opened in the theaters and I had rushed back to see it for a second time. The combination of the power of the waves, tranquility of the sea and effort of the body had me hooked. Being landlocked was proving to be my only obstacle. So I decided that if I was going to learn, I would learn with the best. To avoid bailing out and high costs I booked my flight a year in advance to the surfing capital of the universe, Australia. I researched the east coast from Bondi Beach to Byron Bay, the alligator infested waters of Cairns and the diverse ecosystem of Fraser Island. I mapped out budget friendly hostels and transportation. A copy of Bill Bryson's In a Sunburned Country and new bathing suit in tow I was ready to become the surfer Kate Bosworth would be proud of. My pilgrimage had come to an end, and after three flights and twenty two hours of being in the air I had arrived at my surfing headquarters. Throwing on my bathing suit I hurried down to the ocean in a Utopian high, making me oblivious to my surroundings, that is, until I was jolted back to reality when I confidently strutted into the water. The unthinkable had happened, I had not planned for this, it had not even crossed my mind for a moment. I was actually terrified of the water, ankle deep in sea foam I scouted the shark nets in the distance, the jelly fish stranded on the shore, and the large waves crashing down. Anxiety quickly set into grief as I realized in the land down under I would be learning how to not fear the ocean. I did not surf. I went sea kayaking with turtles and dolphins on the East Australian Current, snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef, and white water rafted through an ancient rain forest on the Tully River. I ate kangaroo, held a Koala and avoided Huntsman spiders. I met up with one of my best friends and saw a movie in the night market in Brisbane, then ate Yum Cha in Chinatown. I walked the entire circumference of Uluru and listened to Bone Man under the night sky. I fell in love with Gloria Jean's and Lamingtons, and I still have not come across a meat pie quite like the one I had on the way to Caloundra. I did not surf, on this journey, but I sure did discover a passion that only continues to intensify with time. I signed my sister and myself up for surf camp in Costa Rica a couple of years later and not only did I stand up on the board, I got to share that experience with my sister, at the time it was meant to happen. 2014 is just beginning and destinations are already lining up, stay tuned. Share with me your travel stories and where you want to go! Luv K8eG Originally published January 21 2014
“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt I have had this on my Ontario to do bucket list for a couple years now, river tubing through the Elora Gorge, on the Grand River. I have strolled alongside this spectacle a handful of times whilst stopping for lunch in this picturesque town. When I found out this was actually a thing, I had to do this. A couple years went by though, and even a couple visits to the town (mostly off season in the fall), and I still hadn't braved the river. Now that I have a job, my days are limited. I am not sure when I will get vacation time and how I should even plan for it. So when I finally had the chance and a willing companion I dove in head first. Not exactly, but you get the idea. Our early morning exit out of the city was slow, one hour of crawling through traffic added onto the already hour and 20 minute drive to Grand River Conservation Authority. The weather was surprisingly chilly considering it was mid-August and there were clouds in the sky. What good timing. Not to be deterred we continued on our journey down the highway. Once arriving at the park ($12.00 admission for a vehicle) we snaked our way down the road to the tubing rental center. They had everything that we needed: a permit to float on the river, a tube, and a life jacket and helmet. The entire package was only $25.00 plus a refundable deposit of $75.00 for the equipment. We finished signing waivers (eek), and collected all of our gear. The process was really well organized and seamless, and they even offered a complimentary shuttle to the river launch site, (we chose to walk the fifteen minutes). Once at the river our brave demeanor faded and second-guessing came into play, the launch site was a mini waterfall, well not really, but for first time tubers it might as well have been. We opted to walk a little further down so that we could gently enter the thankfully warmer-than-the-air water. What a trip! A couple white water rapids that had us clenching our bodies to the tubes, followed by lazy floating while surrounded by the most beautiful scenery. We even spotted a regal looking heron on the shore. It was both the longest and shortest hour I have every experienced. Relaxing and thrilling all in one. After changing and drying ourselves off in the very clean on site washrooms, and returning all of our equipment, we said good bye to the park and headed into town for a well deserved meal. River tubing is a lot more work than I thought it would be! I immediately feel relaxed in small towns. You can tell who the locals are, and I always envy the relaxed manner they have about them. Elora has one of the prettiest main streets in southern Ontario, and a lot of different shops and eateries to choose from. We made a quick stop at Sweet Distractions a candy emporium where I purchased the freshest Turkish delight ever. And a delightful lunch at The Cat's Meow Cafe where we both had the Alley Cat, a delicious open face tuna melt (how come I can't figure out tuna like this). I also may have left with a peanut butter marshmallow square. Elora and it's surrounding area is a wonderful place to wind down and take in the ambiance of a small town life. With unique boutique shops, cutesy cafe's, and variety of dining options it caters to the discerning city day tripper. I am looking forward to my return trip. I am always looking for small unique towns to explore, is your's one of the? Leave a comment below! Luv K8e Another quick link, I fell in LOVE with this shop and made a quick purchase while there and placed an online order when I returned home. Ephiphany! Originally published September 2nd 2015
"Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change. " ~ Jim Rohn Change is in the air. You can feel it in the crisp night air and the shortening days. Pumpkin lattes and sweaters are my new life. Just like the fall, I let go, grow and change my colours. A new job for me, a lost job for my husband. House guests (we host international students while they are learning English) and missed friends ( because time has become hijacked by work). This season is going to be all about change, about having fun in the multi coloured seasons of life. Apple Picking (well almost) at Chudleighs Apple Farm. Because of the wonderful traffic leaving the city we arrived a little later than planned but still wanted to enjoy the outdoors a bit and get into the fall spirit. With our newest addition in tow, Marzipan (cutie in training) we took a hay tractor ride around the apple orchard, and arrived back in time to shop. We left with two large bags of apples one of which were Orange Pippin, a older variety but one we hadn't heard of before. The flavours were complex and nothing like your garden variety apple, an apple crumble, jams, a pumpkin and some flowers. The Colours of Fall in Algonquin Park, is one of the best ways to witness the change of season. This spectacular show that is at it's peak for only a couple of weeks, draws crowd's from around the world. A hike up Booth's Rock which takes approximately two hours if you're in good athletic shape (I'm not but damned if I am going to huff and puff in front of an 18 year old), gives you one of the best views of this sprawling quilt of reds, oranges and yellows. And of course any drive up highway 11 will have you stopping at Webers. It's a rule. Everything will not always go as planned, and sometimes the truth is in the saying 'when one door closes another one opens.' So here I go, my fall mission is to embrace change, learn from it and grow. Like the fall leaves, this girl has to shed some weight. Hope your having a wonderful fall so far. Luv K8e P.S how do you cope with change? Any tidbits of advice? Originally published on October 13, 2015
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Katie30 almost 40 something gregarious nice girl. Homebase Prince Edward County. Always looking for the next adventure, whether in my own backyard or travelling the world. I get excited over pugs, unicorns and rainbows.
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