For the past couple months, I have featured (mostly) recipes from different countries, and so far we’ve been to Mexico and Morocco (well, kind of). This is a new project I started to highlight flavors from around the world, and honestly, to give my content some focus and consistency.
As July is coming to a close, it’s time to decide where we will go for August. And I’d love to hear from you – my readers! Continue reading
I have decided to start a new project for this blog that will represent my love for food, culture, and travel. Join me as I take a trip around the world to explore the flavors and words of different countries.
While I would love to actually take this trip, for now it will be completed from my own kitchen.
My goal is to focus on one country every month and cook, mix, and read as many dishes, drinks, and books that I can. You’ll probably see 2 – 3 posts each week (more if I have the time).
For the month of May, I’ve decided to travel to Mexico, since Cinco de Mayo will soon be upon us and I’ve recently learned that there will be special events in Philly highlighting Mexican culture.
But, I haven’t yet decided where I’ll go after that and I need your help. Which countries should I visit for the rest of the months of this year? Let me know in the comments below on my Facebook page.thanks for your help!
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In many parts of the world summer is ending and the weather is getting cooler. This is one sign that fall is upon us or just around the corner. It is a time of change that expresses itself in an explosion of color, mostly red, orange and yellow.
What better time to take a road trip to experience the way your country or the world changes. You could take walk around your city park, a drive to your state park and pair that with a refreshing hike or cross state lines to compare how nature changes across the country.
If your bold and have the time and money make this comparison around the world. For trip ideas check out Fodor’s or the Travel Channel.
What are your favorite places to visit in the fall?
Safe travels.
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Photo Nicolle Morales Kern
How easy would it be if you could travel and not worry about expressing yourself in another language? If the prospect of creating new sounds and words doesn’t appeal to you, then maybe travel is not for you.
That may sound harsh, but the whole point of traveling to a different country is to experience a new country and culture and this includes the language. A key aspect of understanding a culture is through language and if you expect tourists coming to the US to speak English, you should be willing to try at least some expressions in the local language.
Exactly for this purpose there are plenty of phrasebooks that can prepare you for your trip. It cannot be expected that you’ll be fluent in the local language, but the important aspect is to make an effort. At least be able to greet people, know food phrases and directional phrases. Most locals might switch to English when they notice you’re from out of town, but they will appreciate that you made an effort.
You might prefer online phrase books, for example through Rough Guides,that can easily be downloaded or a pocket guide, available through Lonely Planet, that you can easily take along wherever you go. Of course, these are not the only places to get phrase books that can also be found at your local book store or library.
If you prefer to learn a language more fluently, check out my article on where to learn languages.
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If hostels are not you’re desired method of travel but you still have a budget to stick to, another alternative is couch surfing. In 2009, I published an article that took an in depth look at what couch surfing involves.
Basically, you register an account with the site that connects you to people around the world who are willing to let you stay on their couches during your stay in their city. In return, you let them (and others) sleep on your couch when they need it.
While I have never engaged in couch surfing, friends who have traveled in this way only have great things to say. A great advantage is having someone locally who can point you in the right direction for the best places to visit, eat and party.
On your next multi-state or – country journey, try couch surfing and enjoy a whole new world.
Safe travels.
>The first Monday in September (this year September 6) marks Labor Day, a national holiday dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. We also mark that day as the unofficial end of summer.
Around the world, labor day is traditionally celebrated on May 1 and is also known as May Day and is characterized by dancing around the maypole and other ancient customs associated with the celebration of spring.
One event happening on Saturday, September 4 in Philadelphia is the Red Bull Flugtag. At 1 p.m. 34 teams will show and test their homemade flying machines by soaring off a 30-foot high flight deck. This is the first time that Flugtag (= “flight/ flying day”in German) will be in Philadelphia and it will be interesting to see the designs dedicated to human-powered flight.
Location: Camden Water Front, Pier 1
1 Cooper St, Camden, NJ
Gates open at 11 a.m. and the first flight is at 1 p.m.
Most of all this event is FREE and vendors will be on sight selling food and beverages, including beer.
