5 Most Memorable Travel Meals

My favourite thing about travelling is eating (tbh that's actually my favourite thing to do at any time) the meals I have and share with travel partners become memorable moments that punctuate each country I visit.
You can experience a culture through it's national dishes and truly connect to a place with the food it feeds you. These special meals are memorable for different reasons and I like thinking back on them and where I was in my life when I had each meal.

Fish in Venice

I was in Italy with my English boyfriend. We were in Venice and had gone to the Lido and spent the afternoon lounging in the sunshine and splashing about the very warm water. This evening, we wandered the maze like streets and found ourselves in the fish market (closed for the day) with several restaurants along the canal. We had fish stew and salmon on crustinis. It was all so fishy and fresh. Also, this was the first time I tried Prosecco and oh boy!

Wood Pigeon at a hookah bar

This was a lady date. We were in central London to experience the Icebar London, once our cool cocktails were consumed, we were hungry. Next door was MoCafe (Momo Restaurant), this cool Moroccan restaurant got us to try several new things that night. We selected our flavoured Sheesha Pipes and got down to the business of ordering food. As soon as we saw Pigeon Pastilla we knew what we were getting. Wood pigeon in a filo pastry with almonds and cinnamon. It was surprisingly, amazingly delicious.

Escargot in France

I adore snails, like actually, the little slimy, slow moving slugs are incredibly fascinating to me. I even kept a few in a DIY terrarium as a kid. But never once did I think they looked tasty. That said, I was curious as to how they would taste. The verdict; I'm a fan of garlic butter and if that means eating a snail to get it, then I can be down.

Christmas Dinner in Paris 

It was 2004, I was with my parents in Paris and I was just coming off of a full week of not being able to eat from a tasty tummy bug. The restaurant was magical and Christmasy. The air was filled with piano music and the smell of garlic and melted cheese.

Thanksgiving Dinner in London 

I was on my semester abroad in London and most nights were spent in our hostel's dining hall. The food was pretty good, but I was starting to get a bit homesick, missing home cooked meals. Come thanksgiving time, I think a few of us in the class were feeling the same and we decided to plan a thanksgiving dinner for us all to enjoy. We cooked two chickens (couldn't actually find turkey) with all the fixings. It was a group effort that took over the kitchen and dining room in our residence. It was a great party!

Moose in Newfoundland

I didn't know eating moose was a thing. But when I went to Newfoundland, it became a quest to find it, to try. When had rented an airbnb in Bauline East and had to procure our own dinner for the evening. It was the perfect opportunity! We made a wonderful picnic meal and barbecued the meat. It was lovely.

What are your thoughts about eating special meals while travelling? Do you like to try the foods of the places you are visiting or is pizza just as good anywhere you go?

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2019 Travel Wish List #travellinkup

I didn't get to travel much this year, so I'm glad I was able to get a trip to Texas in, early on in the year. After starting a new job, I promised myself I would definitely be booking a big trip for 2019. So Although I know I'll certainly be heading back to my favourite place and taking the number one spot on my 2019 travel wish list.

1. UK/Ireland

Summer 2019! Whooohooooo!

2. Iceland
Possible layover on my way to England? Yes, please.

3. Buffalo
A bit weird, I know, but someone told me that there is a Frank Lloyd Wright home in Buffalo and I've always wanted to see one in person!

4. Pennsylvania
I have a new interest in oil history and I'd love to check out the Drake Well Museum and Park in Titusville, PA

5. Portugal
Throwing a random one out there, because why the heck not. It seemed like everyone and literally their mother, went here in 2018, so call it a bit of fomo.

What are your travel plans for 2019? 

At the beginning of each month, I like to take part in the monthly travel link up hosted on the incredible blogs by Angie, Emma, Binny. You can join in too by leaving a comment below, checking out other posts on the link up, or adding your own post to the widget now until January 7th.

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Most Romantic Place in Canada: Bauline East

When I travel, I don't really think about the romance of a place. Sure I've been to Florence and Venice, Quebec City and Paris, which according to some travel websites are v. romantic places. Usually when I book a trip someplace it's usually from a pure desire to see something new and experience life in a different space. Also with an eye on the cultural food.

So last summer when a good friend and I decided to meet in St. John's, Newfoundland (a half way point between Toronto and the UK). We spent a few days in the city doing a whistle-stop tour of the major tourist sites and some more hidden spots (totally fell in love with this place). As an added treat after spending time in the big city, I booked us into an Airbnb off the Irish Loop in an area called the Bauline East. We rented a vehicle and hit the road, taking a leisurely ride to our one night jaunt.

We knew we were staying in an old Newfoundland barn, a structure big enough to store supplies, hay and a cow for the winter, now renovated to comfortably sleep two with a seating area and small kitchenette. But when we arrived we were both hit with the romanticism of the colourful structures on the property, the proximity to the private cove, and the general setting and peacefulness of it all.

As we cooked our moose meat burgers, steak, scallops and roasted veggie meal--a veritable feast--on the barbecue provided, we kept turning to each other and asking, "Can you believe this?"

After our gourmet dinner overlooking the cove, we sauntered down to the beach where George (the super friendly host) had arranged a fire pit for us. It started to lightly rain, but we persisted and out lasted the weather as the moody clouds rolled in but rained no more. We made friends with our bunky neighbours and sipped Newfoundland blueberry-partridgeberry wine (I wouldn't even change this detail of our night if I could relive this experience). Eventually the fire died down and we slipped back to our barn for a deep slumber.

The next morning we awoke to gorgeous bright light and sounds of sea birds and waves hitting the rocky shore. For breakfast we sipped warm hugs of tea and munched on fresh summer fruit on our tiny porch facing the water and the August morning sun. It was here that I declared, "I've found it! This is where I'm going to come when I write my novel."

We were slow to pack our bags and did it quite begrudgingly, I might add. We drove further along the Irish Loop and did some sight seeing in the area while seriously discussing cancelling our flight back to Toronto and spending the rest of our lives in this precious barn. I would have done it too, if we weren't heading to the wedding of a dear friend back in Ontario.

Given an opportunity I would return here any day, just looking for an excuse...hang on, let me grab a pen and get started on that book!

At the beginning of each month, I like to take part in the monthly travel link up hosted on the incredible blogs by Angie, Emma, Polly and guest host Bejal at Be-Lavie. You can join in too by leaving a comment below, checking out other posts on the link up, or adding your own post to the widget now until August 7th.

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The Missions of San Antonio

Remember The Alamo! That's what everyone kept saying to me when I told them that I was going to San Antonio, Texas. So I obviously knew it was a thing (and a thing to check off my bucket list), but what I didn't know was that there are a whole bunch of churches from this time period with a similar heritage that are worthy of checking out along with The Alamo (and dare I say, even better than?).

'What are the Spanish Missions of San Antonio?' I hear you ask.

That's an oddly specific question, considering I didn't actually tell you what they were called yet. And why are you interrupting me, I was about to tell you about them.

The Spanish Missions were a series of five colonial era walled estates set up in what is now downtown San Antonio following the river to the southern edge of the city. They were established in the 18th century as an extension of the Spanish Government and Catholic Church to convert the local indigenous tribes to Catholicism, teach them the Spanish ways, and help them. 

Today 4 of the 5 missions still serve as active churches and are run by the Archdiocese of San Antonio and the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park.

The Alamo

Set up like a museum and proper historic attraction, there are videos to watch, text panels to read, and history actors to interact with all to learn about the bloodied and varied past of this Spanish Church. Although I definitely found it interesting, but I didn't so much feel emotionally connected to this history. It might just be that I didn't know enough about it to feel that connection, much like I would expect a Texan to have to same reaction to visiting the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City; interesting history, but difficult to connect with the significance of it all.

Mission Conception

It is possible to walk or bike the 10 miles of trial that mostly follows the San Antonio River from The Alamo to Mission Espada, but when I'm being a tourist, sometimes the fastest route is the best route. Borrowing Selena's car for the day, I was able to visit all 4 remaining churches and not get sunburned or tired.

Mission Conception, established in 1731, was my favourite of the missions--the interior still has beautiful remains of fresco paintings and is an impressive looking structure.

Mission Jose

Mission Jose was the second mission built, in 1720, after The Alamo. This mission became known as a major social and cultural centre. Some of the compound walls are still standing and on the day of my visit there was a funeral taking place in the church and so I was unable to see the interior. The main visitor centre is located at this mission with a chockablock full gift shop.

Mission San Juan

Quite honestly, Mission San Juan (1731) was the most boring because I could see all I could access from the parking lot. On a bluer skied day, I could have taken some nice pictures of the white stucco building, but that's about it.

Mission Espada

The southern most mission of the five missions and my other favourite is this tiny gem, Mission Espada (1731). That exposed stone and brick! That lush moss! I mean, just look at that doorway!

Although the historical perspective of these missions is outdated, I just like looking at old buildings in original settings. If you're looking for something more to do than just The Alamo, the other missions are certainly worth a gander.

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What I learned in Texas

I still have posts from Newfoundland that I want to do, but writing about Texas last week has got me on a kick. I really did enjoy my time there, but I do feel a bit ripped off weather wise. It was overcast and cool most days. This Canadian was not prepared for the single digit temps so far south. Not prepared mentally or vestment-ly.

I learned that Texas isn’t always hot and this lead me to take note of other things I learned in Texas. 

1.Longhorns’ horns are longer than I had imagined 

Thanks to the rodeo being in town, I got to meet a real-live longhorn cattle. I was massively impressed by the length of the horns and equals parts not understanding how they function with such large things jutting from their heads.

2. I don’t hate country music as much as I thought I did

Part of the rodeo was a concert of Brett Eldredge. I have never heard of him or his music before, but I did find myself clapping along. I particularly like his one about whiskey. True story.

3. Friends are important 

Bathroom selfie in the wine bar Selena took me to right after I landed.

Now this one I did know, but it’s good to be reminded of this every once and awhile. My 2018 is including more self-care and as I’m figuring out what that means exactly to me, I know that carving out time to spend with friends is good for my soul and I need more of it.

4. Cactuses are super cool

I’ve seen them on tv before, but never really in actual life. Like in the wild. Even on my trip to Las Vegas, I didn’t come across too many cactus in the city, but in Texas they were all over. Each time I saw one, I was delighted (clapping and giggling like a child!). They are sooooo weird! How are they a thing?

I’m realizing now that I did see some in the desert in Bolivia, I remember a particular moment when Eimear touched one thinking it was a normal soft plant and we laughed at her silliness. Cactus are prickly! (Yes, I said cactuses)

5. Sweet tea is the nectar of the gods

Seriously, no wonder childhood obesity is such a problem, I would be a fat kid too if I had sweet tea growing up. How is this not a thing in Canada!! 
Hot Tip: Don’t want it too sweet? Mix unsweeted tea with sweet tea to taste. Damn! So good!

6. Texas has a distinct gastronomy

I didn’t particularly think of Texas having a distinct food pallet. I had assumed portion sizes were going to be giant because America, and I wasn’t wrong there, however I was still introduced to some great food. Texas BBQ is now my most favourite thing. 

Barbecued meat? Good. 

Beans? Gooooood. 

Creamed corn? Gooooooooooood. 

We need more Texas BBQs in Ontario.  I also had actual Texas Tex-Mex which included breakfast tacos, tamales, and other delicious Mexican inspired foods.

Also did you know that The Phoenix Saloon in New Braunfels is the home of chili powder?!

7. Everything is soooooo spread out

One of the best reasons about visiting places where friends live, is having access to some home conveniences, like a car. No need to rent, take a bus, or waste money on cabs. 

San Antonio is VERY spread out. A car is a must! A big thank you to Selena for letting me borrow her car!!

Have you ever gone somewhere with preconceived ideas and were immediately humbled by how much you really didn't know?

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