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pbandjesse · 2 years

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I have my new war piercing! I did just knock my hand into it and it hurt a little but overall no pain! I'm really excited about it. And the piercer thinks I can have the hoop I want by the summer.

And today was a really nice day, even if it was a little cold compared to yesterday. I slept weird. Waking up in the middle of the night panicking about money for an hour or so. But I was able to put on a video and fall asleep and not feel to bad when I woke up in the morning.

When I got up I felt good. Excited to go to see Jess. And spend some time with James.

I had some clothes issues. I liked my outfit but I wasn't sure about shoes and the ones I planned on didn't work out and when we got to the car James ran back up and I asked them to get me my boots. And that was a good call. I should have brought a jacket or sweater. But Jess would have one I could borrow so in the end it was all good.

We stopped to get me a hash brown from McDonald's. But I had the rest of my Starbucks from yesterday so I just enjoyed my drink. We listened to a podcast and listened to music and it was a pretty relaxed drive. Only a few people stressing us out. And we got to Philly around 1130.

We got a good free parking space and went to find Jess. We walked through the farmers market. And sat on a bench and eventually figured out where she was and it was so good to see her.

She was a little stressed over parking so we walked around the block until Stella's opened and we were all calmed down.

And it was a great lunch. Me and Jess shared a salad. Jess and James shared meatballs. We all shared rosemary bread and pizza. It was an excellent meal.

James would leave us after that. They went to go meet up with Dante for a few hours. And so me and Jess had some time alone to wander around South Street.

Jess made the observation that people who hang out in South Street have a specific look. And really it's just Portland meets NYC in 6 blocks. The worst of the best dressed grunge. It is always fun to see the variety.

Our first stop was the piercing place. My appointment would be our last thing at 345. But Jess got a piercing a few weeks ago and it was very swollen and she wanted to get it checked. They would end up changing her jewelry to give her a longer bar. It was not fun seeing her in pain but she got through it and while it was still sore it apparently was like instant relief and it look way less angry. So that is very good.

In the two hours we had to waste we would go get fairly subpar drinks (she got a latte and I got a chocolate milk), and then went to look at some vintage stores that were all very expensive but still were fun.

We went to Philly aids thrift. And if we had been interested in looking through the clothes I am sure it would have been our best best in prices. But we had some laughs at things we found. Jess was funny at one point asking for a hug. She's so sweet.

We wandered in and out of other vintage shops. I wasn't interested in buying but I had fun finding treasures. I even found a pair of shoes I used to be obsessed with. And really great vintage stuff. It was fun.

I would end up buying a window decal of Bart Simpson for James in an excellent, but very very expensive vintage shop. Regardless I had a great time looking.

After we went to the anarchist bookstore we would head back to Infinite Piercing for my appointment.

They were really nice. They helped me match to the size of my inner ear piercing diamond. And soon enough I went back alone. It all was very quick. The guy was very nice and we had some laughs when I described the cartilage piercing as sounding like someone stepping on a can of soda. But this piercing was just my lobe and was quick and only felt like being pinched.

And I love it. I think it's so cute. And I cannot wait til I can wear a hoop. But at least I have this beautiful shiny diamond in the mean time. This was Jess's birthday gift to me and I appreciate it so much.

We would head back to my car after we finished there. Got the cow squishmallow for her. And she gave me the bunny she got for me. An excellent trade.

As we walked towards where she was parked we found James. I had texted them to head back towards us. And we would say goodbye to Jess before we all parted ways.

Me and James stopped at the Wawa before getting on the highway. I got a little sandwich but it was dry. Ah well. I just needed to eat something.

We had a pretty easy ride home. A little traffic. But it was okay. I was tired. We finished the podcast and listened to music. And around 630 were finally home.

It was very windy and I was cold. I was a little snippy about wanting to get inside. We did get in fast though. And I was really happy to be back.

I checked in with the animals. Took pictures of my peeps. Had a snack. Went through the makeup and lotions Jess had sent back with me. She got a bunch of samples and mini size products and she picked me some excellent stuff. I am very excited to try them all out.

Once I put all that away I got a sweater on and went to chill with James. I played pokemon for a little. And eventually went and laid down to watch videos.

James would join me. Sweetp too. And it was just really nice to chill. I am not looking forward to work tomorrow. Nursery all day. I am sure I will have fun but my feet hurt and I am tired. I hope I sleep well tonight. James has promised me an omelet before work so I have something to look forward too.

Now though I am clean and cozy and ready to rest. I hope you have a great night tonight. Wish me luck not banging my ear. I have a donut pillow that I hope will help. Goodnight everyone!!

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lermontovs · 3 years

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2021.09.05

i’m listening to nightclubbing by grace jones (because i saw it mentioned in a pitchfork article about album art) in my friend’s apartment (because i am watching her dog while she works late). today has been the most magical day for walking! but first: i woke up at 8:30 in my clothes from the previous night, surrounded by the remnants of the dumplings i’d bought from the place down the block at 4am on the way home; i had meant to go to the farmers’ market in the morning to buy bread and peaches, and to dispose of our compost, but i spent too much time lying hungoverly on my bed with my wet hair wrapped in a t-shirt 1) setting up a date with an acquaintance-of-a-friend and 2) listening to the yankees game (they were up 4-1 when i finally left, on a gary sanchez grand slam) and when i finally got my ass over to the park (at 3:30pm; it is half a block away) i found that the vendors were all packing up. so i thought about getting an indulgent coffee (either gregory’s salted caramel cold brew or starbucks’ brown sugar oatmilk etc etc etc) but it was a perfectly gray day, as the yankees commentators were saying a great day for baseball but more relevantly to me, a great day to walk aimlessly around lower manhattan instead of completing my bluebook exercises. i got a notification as i was crossing delancey street that gary sanchez had homered again and i had the unbidden thought that not only had god breathed on him, god had spat in his mouth - and i also thought that that was blasphemous, and that blasphemous would be more fun to say if it were “blasphemious.” (maybe it is somewhere, or was sometime.) i went to the sweet pickle bookstore in the lower east side which 1) sells pickles and 2) started BLASTING just like heaven as i walked in which is a moment i’ll never forget, obviously, like the time just like heaven played in that irish bar in honolulu, and i had to buy not one book but two books even though i haven’t read a book in nearly two weeks (which is uncharacteristic! but i did start school nearly two weeks ago). then i wandered westward and somehow the orioles were leading the yankees, i saw the game on a massive tv as i was crossing bowery. i walked through little italy, down mulberry, and spotted the CANNOLI KING sign (at caffe palermo, which is where i got cannoli with carl and gabby the night after sam moved me into my new apartment). that was good cannoli; the cannoli i had two nights ago (at veniero’s) was not as good imo. (also the cannoli i had at that pizza place in jersey last saturday; that was also good cannoli.) un cannolo, due cannoli. i admire italy, italians, italian-americans... i started to make my way back home, straight on west 3rd. i stopped at a vintage pop-up where i debated buying a mesh leopard print tee but thought better of it, i noted the presence of a taqueria i wanted to try (i think on 1st ave?), it was the bottom of the ninth and the yankees were down 8-7. incredibly after gary sanchez’s grand slam a couple of hours earlier, and i hadn’t walked two blocks before i got the notification that the game was over and that the yankees had lost, lol. to the orioles!!! i went home to grab my laptop and snagged a high table at the bean on 2nd ave, which is now my favorite place to work because of the high table (i don’t know why i work so much better on them but i do; they give me somewhere to put my long legs. i am not bragging; it is a fact that my legs are long.) i completely bungled the exercises i had to do because i didn’t notice that there were two columns on the page of the book i was looking at. sam’s usual dogsitting friend had fallen through and she had to work late so she texted me asking if i could take over, and i was more than happy to; i speed walked to her place in midtown, stopping for food at this build-your-own-bowl indian place (i am eating it now; i’d eat it again). it was a perfect walk, and i felt like i was dressed for it: backpack, little bag with keys + phone, sweatshirt, tennis skirt with built-in shorts so i don’t have to worry about my backpack pulling the skirt up (which is what i was worried about all of thursday). i listened to just like heaven (heard, as i mentioned, in the bookstore), dancing in the dark (heard at the bean), a little less sixteen candles (what i listened to while walking home from soho yesterday afternoon). what else should i add to this playlist that contains only songs to the beat of which i could walk 30-40 blocks on a fall day like yesterday (sunny) or like today (gray)? (the dog is doing well; i am here with him now; he is a sweetie, he got a bone from me, he misses his real mother but is tolerating me, his aunt. we get along! he’s watching me type!)

#nyc #day in the life #diary

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the-record-columns · 5 years

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June 19, 2019: Columns

The ‘World’s Hottest Pepper’

By KEN WELBORN

Record Publisher

We are blessed in Wilkes to have Farmers' Markets so readily available to us.

On Fridays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., a group of vendors gather in front of the YMCA on Hwy. 268 in Wilkesboro. Then, on Tuesdays from 3:30 p.m. -5:30 p.m., and Saturday mornings 7:30 a.m. until noon, the Farmers' Market in North Wilkesboro is held at the Yadkin Valley Marketplace on the CBD Loop in Downtown North Wilkesboro. As more and more fruits and vegetables come in, each week they should just continue to get better and better as the season progresses.

Today I want to mention a couple of purchases I made on Tuesday afternoon of last week at the North Wilkesboro Market. As I perused the various tables, I stopped and bought a bag of peaches from Tom Lowe with the Brushy Mountain Orchard at the crest of Kilby Gap on Hwy 16 South. While there we also spent a few minutes remembering his wonderful parents, the late Jane and Caney Lowe.

As I moved on down the line, I stopped to speak to Earth and Creations owner Brenda Dembowski of Roaring River, who sells an assortment of goodies, all handmade with locally grown fruits and vegetables. As we talked, I noticed a few jars of chow chow, and, knowing that I had a pot of pinto beans about ready for dinner, I inquired about the chow chow. As I picked up a pint jar, Brenda smiled and asked, "Do you like your chow chow hot?'

"The hotter the better," I answered.

She went on to say that this stuff was really hot, and I went on to tell her that, in effect, I was tougher than woodpecker lips when it came to spicy foods and she assured me I had better be.

By now I had read the label and it said "Carolina Reaper," and when I inquired about that, Brenda said it was one of the hottest peppers ever.

Now, I will confess that a very limited number of folks are aware of the ONE time I ordered something so hot I could only eat half of it. I really think I was set up, and I did eat the rest of it the next day, so nothing was wasted. However, with that episode in mind, I must confess that I began my dinner that evening with a bit of apprehension that I may have again let my mouth overload by butt, as the saying goes.

Well, the Carolina Reaper Chow Chow was as advertised, hot, really hot; but good -it was the perfect thing to go with a good ole' pot pinto beans. As of this writing, I have eaten about half the jar, and can assure you I will not waste a bit of it. My curiosity got the best of me and I checked out this pepper and found that it is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the "World's Hottest Pepper," and by a long shot, at that. Actually, the fist time I typed Carolina Reaper onto the search bar a product called Blair's Ultra Death Sauce popped up.

Turns out that the pepper was developed by a man named "Smokin'" Ed Currie who owns the PuckerButt Pepper Company (no kidding) in Fort Mill, S.C. It has often been described as the initial bite actually being sweet and then turning into molten lava. It has been used to spice up any number of dishes, giving heat without changing the flavor of the original dish.

It is really becoming downright popular, and I've got to say, that Carolina Reaper Chow Chow is some good stuff.

Netanyahu Draws Strength from the Bible

By EARL COX

Special to The Record

Few people know that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu readily admits that he draws his strength from the Bible. Some years back Netanyahu was interviewed on CNN. Here's an excerpt: “You live in the center of a hostile world. Are you ever able to relax?” To which the Prime Minister replied: “Yes, Sir, I am. Every Saturday on our Sabbath, I have a day off. So every Saturday, I take an hour and a half to read the Bible. I draw enormous strength as well as relaxation from this quiet time.”

As Christians, we are greatly encouraged by this admission. It is great to know that the Prime Minister of Israel faithfully spends time in the Bible, since we believe it is vitally important to understand Israel — past, present and future. The divine influence of the God of Israel is the key to the history of the Jewish people and their nation, Israel.

The interview started off with the question, “Why can’t you and the Palestinian Arabs get together?” The Prime Minister answered, “The basic problem is their failure to recognize our Jewish state.” He continued, “I am prepared to make peace with the Palestinians as we did with Egypt and with Jordan. I am prepared to have a demilitarized Palestinian state existing next to Israel. And I am prepared to meet with the Palestinians without any pre-conditions.”

The interviewer added, “So you do favor having a Palestinian state?” Netanyahu answered, “Yes, but not a state that will keep firing rockets and missiles into our land. It will have to be a demilitarized, peaceful state. And of course, they will have to recognize our state.”

When asked if he would sit down and negotiate with Hamas, Netanyahu replied: “I will sit down with anyone who will recognize our state. As you know, Hamas has refused to do that. They are true terrorists who even terrorize their own people in Gaza.” He added, “I want the world to look at what we have done in the past few years to help the Palestinians in the West Bank. We have helped them in so many ways economically.”

The interviewer went on to state that Israel’s image around the world is constantly under attack and that has to be troublesome to Israel. Netanyahu stressed that there is a big difference between the world’s perceptions and reality, saying, “Israel has suffered oppression ever since its independence, and we have never had one day of real peace, yet the world continues to see us as oppressors.” He then added, “But we are a people of peace. We have always wanted peace with our neighbors, and we still do. The truth is, they do not seem to want peace with us.”

Next came the question, “How much do you fear Iran’s intentions to destroy you?” The Prime Minister replied, “We have learned from history to take seriously their calls to destroy the Jewish State."

Netanyahu was then asked, “Would you attack Iran?” He replied, “We will always reserve the right to defend ourselves. We will always keep all options on the table.” He went on to say, “Iran is the greatest threat to humanity today. It is important to the whole world that we do not allow the most dangerous weapons in the world fall into the hands of, or be manufactured by, the most dangerous people in the world.... We cannot trust Iran to be peaceful.”

“In your lifetime," the interviewer asked, "do you think you will see peace in the Middle East?” The Prime Minister answered: “I will say yes, with conviction. Not in all of the Middle East, but I think we will have peace with the Palestinians.” He stressed, “It will take a lot of courage. We are ready now, and we hope that the Palestinians will soon also respond with the same courage.”

With Trump's "Deal of the Century" soon to be unveiled, the world will have a chance to see if the Palestinians are viable partners at the negotiating table or if Israel will again "go it alone" as they did back in 2005 with the Gaza Disengagement.

Up the Mountain

By CARL WHITE

Life in the Carolinas

It was a perfect time to visit the mountains. It always seems to be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the foothills and even more so compared to the Sand Hills and Low Country.

Clear skies with a few clouds for a bit of contrast were above, and a winding county road was my path up the mountain to visit the quaint little town of Sparta.

When driving, I often listen to podcasts or CD’s that artists have sent or given me after or before an interview. On this day, I was enjoying the music of the group The Arcadian Wild, and as I grew closer to my destination, I noticed an increased sense of calm.

As I became mindful of this reality, the song Millstatt played with lyrics, “This must be where God comes to rest.” It was one of those moments when you feel yourself smiling, and life seems to balance out a bit.

Based on the never-ending request list, I’m not sure if God has a lot of time for much resting; however, I am confident that the rest of us are indeed most likely better off when we take time to rest, refuel and reflect. It may not be that way for everyone, but it is for me.

Soon I found myself on Main Street in Sparta. Sparta is one of those mountain towns that you are glad you found. If you like the idea of quaint streets, good people, great food options and a slower pace, then Sparta is a place for you to visit.

On this trip, I visited several of the shops in town including a charming used bookstore that always seems to have a good deal on something I can add to my Carolinas reference book. And with the Backwoods Beans Coffee Shop right down the street, it’s easy to be satisfied.

I cannot stress enough the importance of slowing down when visiting small towns in the Carolinas. When we slow down, we reap the benefits of uncovering great treasures of all sorts and delightful interactions with locals and visitors alike.

It was great visiting with Bob Bamberg, the current editor of the Alleghany News. They have been around since 1889, and they are still publishing a newspaper today. They have seen it all, or at least most of it.

A visit to the Visitors Center and Chamber of Commerce was enjoyable. I learned a lot from Executive Director Katee Hettleman, who also introduced me to “Gertie,” the artistic interactive alpaca. Sparta is known for its Fiber enthusiasts, so much so that they now host the annual Blue Ridge Fiber Fest that attracts attendees from multiple states.

There are several events throughout the year in Sparta, so if your travels bring you to this mountain town on event days, you will get a nice bonus for your travel journal.

Good news for the people of Sparta and us guests. Within a year or so, their new Street Scape program should be finished. It’s always nice to see history preserved and protected for the future.

I look forward to my next visit up the mountain, and you never know who might be taking their rest at higher elevations.

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aupairadventures · 5 years

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The Nelsons Take Nantes (And Paris, too!)

Last month, my Mom, Aunt, and sister came to visit me here in France. Without a doubt, this experience was one of the top highlights of my year abroad. For months, I had been looking forward to this moment. In fact, from the second I landed in France last August, I couldn’t wait for my family to come to visit. I knew that they would fall in love with this beautiful country just as much as I have. The way that I feel about France is no secret, and couldn’t wait for my family to understand exactly why I feel this way. My mom and I talk frequently over the phone, and there’s always so much to share with each other and catch up on. During our chats (which are so very dear to me,) I’ve described many different things to her; I’ve told her about the peaceful river in Vertou, about the majestic castle in Nantes, or the colors in last night’s sunset. I’ve told her about my host family, about my friends, about funny stories and embarrassing moments. During our phone calls, we’ve both shared laughter and shed tears, and been there for each other through all our days, both good and bad. After months of describing what my life here looks like, I couldn’t wait for my family to experience it firsthand and turn their obscure imaginations into reality.

I felt so excited that we would all be embarking on a new adventure together and so proud of my family, especially my sister, for doing something that they’d never done before; This was the first time that my Aunt visited Paris and northern France, the first time that my Mom visited Europe, and the first time that Trinity left the United States. I love being able to say that the first time that my Mom and sister ever crossed the Atlantic ocean was to come to visit me.

To say that their visit was magical would be an understatement. When my family was here, I had one of the most perfect and happiest weeks ever. Every moment that we shared together was so special, and their presence brought a golden, rose-colored light to my world.

On Thursday morning, the day after I returned to Paris from Budapest, I went to Orly Airport to greet them. I was so excited and impatient that I could barely contain myself, and my excitement led me to practically jumping off the shuttle bus like a crazy woman, leading to me getting reprimanded by a French security guard. (Long story!)

I’ll never forget the moment when I went into the airport and found my mom’s face through the whirling airport crowd. I ran towards her at a breakneck pace and tackled her in a hug, feeling happier than ever to finally see her again. I’ll never forget how I laughed at Trinity’s reaction delayed reaction, either. We looked over to see her sipping a cappuccino at the airport Monop’ cafe, saying, “Oh! I didn’t even see you there!” before laughing and wrapping us up in a group hug.

Our first day in Paris together was nothing short of spectacular. The three of us explored the city, saw the Eiffel Tower, stood on the Trocadero, ate macarons, and saw Monet’s Water Lilies in l’Orangerie, (fulfilling a lifelong dream of my Aunt’s). I felt so happy when I looked over at my family and saw the stars in their eyes as they gazed around them with a sense of childlike wonder. I loved experiencing the city through their eyes, with a totally fresh perspective. It reminded me of how I felt when I came to Paris for the first time, and reminded why this magical place is so dear to my heart. Seeing my family being so joyous in a city that I love so much made me happier than anything, and was the best gift ever.

Thursday night, after going to the Eiffel Tower to watch the sunset and see the tower sparkle after nightfall, we went out to dinner together to celebrate our first night in France. Tucked away on a small, hidden street a few blocks away from the Eiffel Tower, we found the most amazing little Italian restaurant. While the outside might not have looked like much, the people there were so friendly and the food was absolutely to die for. The honey and goat cheese pizza, spinach lasagna, cheesy ravioli, Caprese salads, and tiramisu were so incredible that we came back a second time the following night!

On Friday morning, we took a long walk around the area, enjoying each other's company and the beautiful blue skies and golden sunshine. Trinity’s dream was to find a Brandy Melville and go shopping there, so we did just that. On our way there, we wandered through a lovely fashion district filled with gorgeous little boutiques and extremely expensive designer stores. To be honest, I have absolutely no idea where we were or what the name of this neighborhood was; all I know is that this area was absolutely beautiful.

After another delicious lunch, we took the metro to the Louvre, which is one of my favorite places on Earth. As I knew that they would, my family absolutely loved the Louvre and were totally in awe of its beauty and opulence. We spent the whole afternoon there, exploring all of the different collections, gawking at the impressive architecture and artwork, as well being up to no good and laughing a lot, as can be seen in the pictures below:

That night, we decided to go to the Eiffel Tower to see if it would be possible to go up to the top. We got extremely lucky with the line and only had to wait about 30 or 40 minutes total. I’m so glad that I waited to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower for the first time with my family and that I saved this special moment for them. This memory was one of the highlights of our week together. I was especially proud of my mom, who’s scared to death of heights, but was so brave and conquered her fear. While I’m not particularly scared of heights, I am very afraid of elevators, so my mom and I clung on to each other tightly while my daredevil Aunt and sister felt no fear at all, even daring to try to lean over the edge of the fence, declaring, “Look! There’s a soccer game down there!”

We decided to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower at the perfect time of day, as we got to see Paris in all her beautiful forms. We watched as the bright blue sky was lit up with golden sunlight before fading into shades of pink and purple as the sun began to set, and watched the glowing lights of the city below us come alive as the sky darkened and fell asleep. Seeing Paris from above was one of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen, and made me love this city even more (If that can be humanly possible).

We started out our last day in Paris by visiting a boulangerie-patisserie and snacking on some chocolate eclairs as we walked to Le Musee d’Orsay. This was my first time visiting this museum, and I absolutely loved it. This museum is actually housed in a former train station built in the last 1800s, making for gorgeously interesting architecture. My favorite part of the museum was the top floor because of the beautiful impressionist paintings and an incredibly photogenic clock tower.

After spending the morning at the museum, we walked to the Shakespeare and Company Bookstore and Café, (one of my favorite places in Paris,) and gawked at the beauty of the Notre Dame Cathedral, savoring our last moments in Paris before taking the train to Nantes to begin the second part of our French adventure.

Trinity and I managed to turn the usually mundane 2-hour train ride into a fun occasion as we ate pizza together, watched our favorite John Mulaney comedy special on Netflix, and tried as hard as we could to not laugh too loudly.

After a long train ride, walk from the train station to the bus stop, long bus ride, and a short drive back home, we were all so exhausted and so overjoyed to finally arrive at my host family’s house. After all the traveling I had done, I hadn’t been home in almost 2 weeks, so finally coming home felt so lovely. There’s nothing like sleeping in your own bed after being away!

On Sunday, we had an absolutely lovely morning. After sleeping in late, we went to the Vertou farmer’s market together, where we bought lots of fresh veggies, salad greens, raspberries, and some impressive looking lavender goat cheese. After a delicious lunch together at home, we got in the car and headed to Nantes to spend the afternoon showing my family the city that has become my home. I took them to all of my favorite places: Le Jardin des Plantes, la Cathedrale, le Château, my favorite boulangerie, all the little shops in the Bouffay quarter, my favorite thrift store, Place Royale, and le Passage Pommeraye. My mom said that le Jardin des Plantes was her absolute favorite place in the city because all the nature, flora, and greenery reminds her of the Berkshires, where I grew up. (I think that she enjoyed feeding the goats there as well!) It felt so special to finally show my family around the city that has become so dear to my heart, and that I have told them about countless times. Seeing my Mom, Aunt, and sister in all of my favorite places in this city made me feel like my two worlds were colliding and made me realize that now, in my memories, there would forever be a little piece of Lenox, Massachusetts halfway across the world in Nantes, France.

At the end of the day, when we arrived back to the house, my host family had just returned home from their weekend trip. As I watched my family and my host family greet each other, introduce themselves, and exchange hugs, I felt a wave of happiness wash over me. Watching my two families, two groups of people that I care so deeply about, come together for the first time was such a beautiful and special moment to witness.

That night, we all had the first of many amazing aperitifs and dinners together. My host dads (the absolute perfect hosts in every way,) went above and beyond to welcome my family and make them feel at home, for which I am so grateful. They showed my family such kindness and generosity, just as they have done for me since the moment that I met them. That week, every night during dinner, surrounded by lots of smiles and laughter, I could feel my heart glowing as I looked around the table.

That week, my host kid Mathilde, my family and I, embarked on many other adventures. We returned to Nantes to visit L’Ile des Machines, see the gigantic robotic elephant and ride Nantes’ huge, three-story carousel. On a sunny, blue-skied day, we took a lovely road trip to a little seaside town called Pornic, which is about 45 minutes away from Vertou. We had a little picnic by the ocean, walked around the charming town and visited the little shops along the way.

During our last day together, we went on another little road trip to Clisson, one of my absolute favorite little villages. I wrote about Clisson last October when I visited it for the first time with my friend Ellie, but I’ll write about what it’s like again, just because I love it there so much! Between the cobblestone streets lined with lovely shops, the creperies and ice cream stands, the picturesque river and stone bridge, the beautiful hiking trails, all the little vine-covered houses with terracotta roofs and brightly colored shutters, and the ruins of a medieval castle, Clisson is one of the most adorable places I’ve ever seen. On that sunny Wednesday, we saw the sculpture covered ground of Garenne Lemot, strolled through the forest, and walked through fields of yellow and purple wildflowers. We ate crêpes for lunch and basked in the sunshine as we ate gelato and explored the ruins of the castle. The five of us spent a magical day there, and it was a great way to bring my family’s first adventure in France to a close.

Early on Thursday, it came time for my family to take a train from Nantes back to Paris, and then catch their flight back home. We left the house before the sun had even come up and drove to the train station, my heart feeling heavy the whole time. I’ve always hated saying goodbye, and never been good at handling the emotions that come along with it. As we stood on the train platform before they boarded, I hugged them all fiercely as tears ran down my cheeks. I felt so heartbroken to have to say goodbye to them and was missing them before they had even left. However, I felt comforted by the knowledge that we had all had the most incredible time and had created so many beautiful new memories together. I am infinitely grateful for this experience and will cherish them forever. I’m looking forward to seeing my family again soon in just a few months, as I know that any more adventures lie ahead, and we have many more memories to make.

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joyfilledwander · 6 years

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A marketplace is where a community comes together. People gather to buy, sell, eat, drink, laugh, gossip and connect. Around the world, so many family’s livelihoods depend on a thriving market. In America, we don’t really have an equivalent. Farmer’s markets are fun & quirky, but rarely does an entire community do their shopping at one of those. I love living in Asia and regularly experiencing market shopping. The sights, the smells, and the sounds all add to the shopping experience. I’ve been in small markets with just a few sellers and huge overwhelming markets that stretch out for miles. They are each unique to the community they serve. Here’s a few of my favorite markets that I’ve visited while traveling through Asia.

Bali’s Jimbaran Fish Market I probably love this market because it feels like my community market. I lived near it for 2 years, and would shop there regularly. Bali is full of local authentic markets & touristy high priced markets. The Jimbaran Fish Market falls somewhere in between. Jimbaran Beach, located south of Kuta & Seminyak’s famous beaches, is well known for it’s sunsets & it’s seafood. Scores of seafood restaurants line the soft white sand of Jimbaran Beach offering tables in the sand and the freshest seafood around. But the seafood restaurant style dining has never been my thing. It’s always crowded, often over priced, and doesn’t feel authentic. Down the beach from these restaurant rows and towards the airport, you can find the real thing. The Fish Market. Every morning, this is where fisherman bring in their catches from the night before. Giant tuna & massive swordfish can regularly be seen coming out of their boats. These fish are taken into the market where they are sold. Seafood restaurants from all over Bali get their seafood from this market. And so did we. I never ate more seafood than I did when we lived next to this market. But for $2-3 for a fresh tuna fillet, how you could not? We often would go buy fresh filleted seafood caught earlier that morning and cook it up at home as we enjoyed fish tacos or a seafood stir fry. Or we could pay another $1 and let the guys working the giant BBQ grill cook it up for us. The best way to do seafood on Jimbaran Beach is to head down to this market, choose your seafood [from tuna to mahi-mahi to lobster to shrimp to crabs to snapper and more] and grill it up right there at the beach and enjoy your sunset for under $5. With a fresh coconut, of course. This market isn’t just seafood. Fruits & vegetables line the walkways, and at night you can shop for clothes and household items. It really is a gathering spot for the community, and I loved being part of it.

Coconuts

Fish Grills at Jimbaran Fish Market

Jimbaran Fish Market

Fishermen

Jimbaran Fish Market

Qatar’s Souq Waqif We only spent about 24 hours in Doha, Qatar, but had the privilege of staying right in the middle of the most famous marketplace, Souq Waqif. This market is incredible, especially at night when it comes alive. At times I couldn’t tell if it was a local market or a tourist attraction, but then decided it was just both and went with it. I’ve never seen a more diverse market. Looking for local hummus & pita bread? Or how about some spices to cook with at home? Needing a finely woven carpet? Or maybe a pet rabbit or bird? Hoping to find a new outfit for a night out? Wanting to hang out with some falcons or camels? Literally all of these things can be done at Souq Waqif. It’s a massive winding marketplace that is full of cool nooks & crannies to explore. Being able to walk out of the door of our hotel and into this buzzing marketplace was simply fabulous. Even our 4 month old baby was alert with excitement. If I had a week to explore the Souq, it wouldn’t be enough time. Someday I hope to go back to Doha and take in more of it’s beauty, culture and diversity. Also, this is one of the cleanest markets I’ve ever seen in Asia!

Souq Waqif

Camels

Singapore’s Tiong Bahru Hawker Center Market Singapore is a unique spot in Asia, so of course my favorite market in Singapore is unique. To start, Singapore is so diverse. It’s a mix of modern efficiency and ancient traditions. The people of Singapore are a mix of Chinese, Indian, Malay and Indonesian. The food is a mix of all these cultures and more. While Singapore may be small geographically, nothing about the experience of Singapore is small. Most of the best [and cheapest] food in Singapore can be found at a Hawker Center, which is an oversized food court packed full of food sellers making their best dish. And it’s all delicious. However my favorite market [hawker center] is in my favorite neighborhood of Singapore, Tiong Bahru. This out of the way neighborhood is on the fringes of Chinatown, but is distinctly stylish & hipster. The architecture reminds of 1960’s art deco Miami. Independent bookstore and cozy coffee shops are hidden away in the tall apartment buildings of this neighborhood. And the Hawker Center is something special too. It’s unique round shape perfectly fits in with the style of the neighborhood. On the bottom floor, fresh flowers ooze out into the walkways. You can also shop for produce and household items as well. On the top floor, treat yourself to some delicious dumplings or Hainanese Chicken Rice, a particular speciality of the area. The painted wall murals continue the creativity throughout the whole Hawker Center, and there’s even more great street art to be found around Tiong Bahru. When in Singapore, make the effort to get over to Tiong Bahru and experience this Hawker Center. I know I always do!

Tiong Bahru Flowers

Tiong Bahru Food

Tiong Bahru Wall Art

Hawker Center in Tiong Bahru

Bali’s Sukawati Art Market Another Bali market makes my list because, of course. This market is unique because it isn’t well known for it’s food or yummy treats, but it’s handicrafts. Ubud has made a name for itself in the art scene, but has really been overcome with tourism. If I am looking for handmade creative items from the Balinese culture, I’ll skip Ubud and head straight to Sukawati. This little spot on the map isn’t too far from Ubud itself, but feels like a different place entirely. The market isn’t limited to one building, but one long street full of shops selling their specific handicraft. From rattan bags to wooden knives to shadow puppets to home decor, Sukawati Art Market is a must see. From what I’ve heard, many sellers in the Ubud markets go to Sukawati to supply their shops, and then hike up the prices! As with most markets in Bali, you’ll still need to bargain down to get the best price [insider tip: start negotiating with half of what they offer]. I love browsing the creativity and artistry of the Balinese people. I am constantly in awe of their skills. Of course, you can still find the colorful sarongs and Bintang tank tops that are unavoidable in Bali, but at the least the experience is a little less touristy.

Beijing’s Street Food Night Market I almost didn’t include this market. But it was so unlike any other market I had ever seen, that I had to include it. Maybe market isn’t the exact right word, because it’s more of a walking street of food vendors. China is full of these. But the one we visited in Beijing truly stood out. It was right in the middle of a bustling downtown shopping area, and the bright lights of nearby billboards and shop windows illuminated the sidewalk all around us. Like most parts of China, it was packed. Stall after stall had lines to buy each dish. We tried delicious dumplings and tasty noodles. I took a million photos of the cutest steamed buns decorated to resemble animals and other objects. And then we appreciated the unknown meats on sticks and scary bugs on sticks. This is about where I stopped trying things! My husband is much more an adventurous eater than I am, so he braved the fried scorpions. While I didn’t try the most extreme items available, I did enjoy seeing how the Chinese people enjoy their street food.

Beijing Street Food Market

Thailand’s Chiang Mai Walking Street Night Market Thailand may do markets, especially night markets, better than anywhere else in Asia. Every night we spent in Thailand, no matter the city, there was always a bustling night market. It was the best place to eat and shop in town, no question. And they aren’t just for tourists, but so many locals were enjoy pad thai right alongside us. A favorite market experience in Thailand is in the northern city of Chiang Mai. Every Sunday night there’s a walking street night market and it’s always packed. There’s loads of vendors selling handicrafts, carts selling food, and even spas doing foot massage right on the street for about $1. It combines so many of favorite things…eating, shopping & massage! Surrounded by Buddhist temples, you can wander through the busy streets and browse everything from beautifully painted paper umbrellas to handmade jewelry. There’s so much beautiful artistry in Thai handicrafts. It’s a fun experience if you find yourself in Chiang Mai on a Sunday night. Maybe it’s on the touristy side of Thai culture, but it’s still a good time.

Chiang Mai markets

Do you have a favorite market experience? Have you been to any of these? What Asian market should I check out next? Let me know in the comments below!

How much do you love #shopping at markets when #traveling #overseas? Check out this list of my favorite #markets in #Asia! A marketplace is where a community comes together. People gather to buy, sell, eat, drink, laugh, gossip and connect.

#bali #beijing #chiang mai #culture #markets #Qatar #shopping #Singapore

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eugesounds · 7 years

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Phoenix

It’s a pretty nice town. We visited to celebrate my step-daughter’s graduation from Physician Assistant school and decided to build a little vacation around the momentous event. As is the norm, we did a bunch of research before we left, looking for interesting food choices and cool spots to visit. I’m happy to report that Phoenix delivered on all fronts.

We arrived on Wednesday, July 26th and stayed just north of Sky Harbor airport at the Hilton Garden Inn. We checked in and took the train to meet the graduate and her roommate at Postino Wine Cafe in the north west area of the city. It’s a really cool spot serving yummy small plates, Italian sandwiches, and cold beer. If you didn’t already know, it’s HOT in Phoenix, and hottest in July. So after a long day of traveling from Dallas and a decent walk in the heat from the station to the restaurant, a cold beer was certainly welcome.

On Thursday morning we decided to make our way to Matt’s Big Breakfast, it was one the items “not to be missed” in Phoenix. It’s a small, homey, bustling, spot that should definitely be on your list if you’re traveling through town. The thick cut, maple-pepper bacon will change your life. Real ingredients, freshly cooked, the old style diner way,... sublime.

After breakfast we made our way to the Arizona Center, a small touristy area right downtown and close enough to the school so we could meet the graduate on her final lunch break of the semester. I had been to the center years ago with an old colleague and it brought back fond memories of him and the Music Educators National Conference that we attended together.

We poked around downtown for a while and then made our way back to the hotel. I went to the pool to relax a while, and the beautiful Gracie took advantage of the time to grab a nap. The Hilton is nice, a little “out of the way” but quiet and clean with a very friendly staff. Their shuttle service to and from the train station came in handy a number of times and the cucumber, grapefruit, and lemon water in the lobby was a welcome sight just about every time we got back in from the heat.

On Thursday evening we checked off another “must” from the list. Pizzeria Bianco has been featured on the food network and is evidently a favorite of folks like Oprah and Giada DeLaurentiis. It must have been our lucky day as we basically walked in and sat down. It’s a small place, with maybe 12 tables, a giant brick oven in the center, and a 2 to 3 hour wait is evidently, not unusual. The pizza lived up to the hype; with terrific, fresh ingredients, everything in perfect proportion, and a crust that was pretty much perfect. While there, we encountered a really friendly table of folks who were having a great time photo-bombing our pictures. (File that in your memory).

On Friday morning I went on a small “hike” with the grad-to-be and her roommate. The North Mountain is a favorite for locals who want a relatively quick, but steep climb. It took about 30 minutes at a brisk clip to reach the top and it was worth the effort. The early morning temps made it bearable and I hung in there pretty well for an old guy, keeping up with the 20 somethings pretty much step for step. The view from the top was great, with the city below shining in the morning sun, and the distant mountains on all sides awash in blues and browns. It was an unexpected bonus and pleasant surprise added to this trip.

On Friday evening we attended the graduation ceremony and much to the surprise and glee of everyone, our graduate received the Outstanding Scholar Award for finishing tops in her class! She is a great kid who has a bright future and she’s worked super hard to achieve her goals. Afterward we trained out to Tempe and had dinner on Mill Street. It’s a huge college town (Arizona State University) but this area is a bit too grungy (if not downright dirty) for my taste. Dinner at the Mellow Mushroom was fun though and the evening was a nice celebration of our grads accomplishments.

On Saturday afternoon we attended the Real Wild & Woody Beer festival at the Phoenix convention center. It was a comedy of errors that led us there, but in the end we both loved it and had a super time. It’s a Conference and Trade show with 65 of the Southwest’s best craft brewers handing out samples of over 350 beers. I’m not really a “beer guy”, but I must say we had a blast trying lots of crazy ales and sampling some yummy food. The Blueberry Basil Brew was surprisingly good and I had never had pork rinds before (when in Rome?).

As fate would have it, we saw the folks who photo-bombed us at the pizza place! They were actually brewers from THAT Brewery and The Shop Beer Co. so we had a good laugh and more “selfies”. THAT Brewery’s wooden keg aged brew was one of the only ones I had twice, super yummy. We met lots of fun folks (who’s not happy and outgoing at a beer festival?) and really had a great time. Afterward we made our way to another spot on “the list”, the Cafe at Phoenix Public Market.

It’s listed as “a casual urban cafe offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner” but it’s just as much a cool “hang” for those in the know. Almost all of the ingredients are local and served fresh, sourced directly from the adjacent farmer’s market. It’s a “health-focused menu” but it’s not pretentious. The portions are hearty, bread is baked in-house, and the wood rotisserie adds a nice aroma in the place. Gracie and I are still talking about the Rainbow Salad and Cubano sandwich we shared. Again, if you’re in Phoenix, do yourself a solid and check this place out. Get a chocolate chip cookie to go, they’re really super.

After sleeping in a bit on Sunday, we walked to a place called Speedy Street Tacos just around the corner from our hotel. It was pointed out to us by the shuttle driver Nor, on the way in. “There are many locations,” Nor said, “but this one is best. It looks not so good, but it is good”. We decided to give it a try and we’re so glad we did. The stand looks like a run-down, single-family house at best. There’s no seating inside, just a few wooden tables bolted to the ground at which, should you choose, you stand in the shade and eat. When we arrived in the afternoon the cook was tending the outside grills, stoking the “Mezquite” charcoals and turning the beef and chicken like a boss. We decided to try a combo of beef and chicken in 4 tacos and 2 quesadillas... to go. The pico and the red and green salsa/sauces were super fresh, and when we got back to the hotel we enjoyed quite the spread. Nor was right.

After the good eats we hired a Lyft and made our way to another item on the list, Whozitz & Whatzitz about 5 miles north of the hotel. Though it had an amazing amount of goofy curios and trinkets, it was much smaller than I had envisioned and wound up having only slightly more interesting items than what you’d find at a typical beach town or boardwalk shop. On the way out we spotted a “psychic bookstore” in the same plaza and decided to pop in. It was exactly what you’d expect; incense, new-age music, “psychics” giving readings at several tables, and a vast array of crystals and healing potions. I did score a few sticks of nice incense and a great smelling candle though, and it was fun to eavesdrop on the “Madam Marie” readings.

On Sunday evening we met the graduate for one more celebratory meal at Oregano’s, an old fashioned, mom and pop, Italian restaurant. The wait was long, but the food was good and the decor was fun to peruse. Sinatra memorabilia, black and white photos, vintage signs, and old “family” movies on well placed TV’s make the atmosphere very homey, especially for a kid from south Jersey. If you’re looking for hearty portions at decent prices, this is your place.

On Monday morning I took one last dip in the hotel pool as Gracie was packing up to leave. The pool is small but clean and I had it to myself every time I went. After we checked out and stored our luggage we headed to breakfast at a cool place called the Fair Trade Cafe. It’s an eclectic, hippie joint serving good coffee and decent sandwiches close to our next destination, the Heard Museum.

As fate would have it, there was an extensive Frida Kahlo and Diego Garcia exhibit happening and I was happy to have the opportunity to take it in. The show was fantastic with over 30 iconic paintings and 50+ photos of the artists, their friends, and families. It was the perfect cap to a terrific week in Phoenix. Gracie is not a fan of the heat, but she was a real trooper hoofing it all over the city. It’s back to the grind for us now, with a mad dash toward fall and the end of another eventful year. Recharged and ready!

Bunches of pictures posted here:

https://www.instagram.com/eugesounds/

#phoenix

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