Christmas Doughnuts in Southern Spain (A Tradition) Feliz Navidad

In Southern Spain it's a tradition during the Christmas season to eat doughnuts called
ROSCO'S NAVIDENOS. 

ROSCO'S NAVIDENOS

1 liter of olive oil
2 kg of flour
1/4 litro of Aguardiente
1/4 litro of orange juice
1/4 litro of white wine
1/4 kg of sugar
1 stick of cinnamon
150 grams of anis seeds
rind of one lemon and one orange
2 tablespoons of baking powder

Fry oil with half of the anise seeds along with lemon and orange rinds. Heat cinnamon stick in a pan and then grind it up. Add to the mixture. Strain the oil and add flour, Aguardiente, white wine, orange juice, baking powder and sugar. Once all the ingredients are mixed together knead the dough into a tight ball. Form the dough into doughnut circles. Place doughnuts on a baking sheet and bake 20-25 minutes at an oven temperature of 175 degrees.

Use the remaining anise seeds to add to hot water. The anise seeds and hot water should be like a herbal tea. Dip each doughnut into the tea then ice each doughnut with a powdered sugar icing.

Let the doughnuts cool and enjoy a true Spanish Christmas treat!

Tarifa Espana es Hermoso! (Tarifa, Spain is beautiful)

                                          An "Ancient Castle" in Tarifa

We never know in our travels what lies ahead of us especially when we're traveling solo to a destination for the first time with no exact itinerary. For me Tarifa, Spain was supposed to just be a stopover before sailing across the Straits of Gibralter on my way to North Africa's Tangler, Morocco. However when the bus from Sevilla arrived in Tarifa it was too late for me to catch a ferry to Morocco. I was fortunate to find a cozy place to stay for only 26 Euro's and the apartment was right on the beach. (Thanks to an AIRBNB host).

Tarifa, Espana (Tarifa, Spain) is the kind of place that you want to call home. It's laid back, the people are friendly, the beaches are gorgeous, there's an abundance of bakeries, cafe's, shops, and restaurants to choose from, and the weather is glorious. 

In Tarifa, the Atlantic and Mediterranean meet together, the sun shines a lot, and it's the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors. Tarifa is situated in Andalusia the southernmost top of Spain and is famous for its winds all year long. 

The Foundation for Information and Research on Marine Mammals (FIRMM) offers a 2 hour boat trip (April-October) with researchers. Passengers can watch various dolphins and whales swimming in the Straits of Gibralter.

From Tarifa, Spain there are two ferry companies that sail over to Tangler, Morocco. You can leave early in the morning, spend the day in North Africa, and sail back to Tarifa in the evening of the same day. 

When you're longing for a holiday don't pass up on Tarifa, and it's surrounding area. This part of the world is a dream place to be. Tarifa Spain is beautiful….Tarifa Espana es Hermoso!

Activities

Tarifa Kite School has an international team of professional instructors who teach kitesurfing.

Firmm (Foundation for Information and Research on Marine Mammals) offers daily 2 hour boat trips with close views of dolphins and whales. (Sailings are from April-October)

Ferry Companies (Daily Ferry Service from Tarifa to Morocco)

FRS, Calle Alcalde, 11380 Tarifa, Cadiz

Inter-Shipping, Estacion, Maritima, 11380 Tarifa, Cadiz


Tapa's (A Spanish Tradition)

Bar Restaurant Morilla
In the heart of Old Town, this place serves quality tapas and seafood

Bodega La Casa Amarillo
Nice decor, one of the most popular places to eat in Tarifa

La Burla
A simple place known for great tapas and wine

                               Beach in Tarifa, Spain

                            

AN "IRISH" HALLOWEEN

HALLOWEEN which is celebrated on October 31 in many parts of the world got it's start thousands of years ago by the Celts.

Long ago the Celts celebrated Samhain "the Feast of the Dead" when the dead revisited the mortal world and it was the end of Summer. This took place in what is now the present "Ireland."

The BONFIRE represented the end of summer. The Celts would gather together and light huge fires to ward off bad fortune for the coming year. It was believed that the bonfire encouraged dreams especially of a future husband or wife.

Halloween costumes originated when the community of Celtics would gather around the bonfire dressed in animal skins and heads. If the spirits were wandering the earth and bumped into a living Celt they though that the living Celt was a spirit too and let them go free.

The "Jack-o-Lantern" originated from an Irish myth about a man named "Stingy Jack."

The "Jack-o-Lantern" was first carved from large turnips and potatoes.

Trick or Treat first started in Ireland when the poor would go door to door to rich people's homes and ask for food or money. Later they would use that money and food to celebrate Halloween.

It is a Halloween tradition in Ireland for members of a family to get an IVY LEAF and place the perfect leaf in a cup of water, undisturbed, overnight. If the leaf is still perfect the following morning with no spots the person who placed the leaf in the cup of water can be certain to have 12 months of good health.

The BARMBRACK CAKE is a traditional Halloween cake made of dried fruit. Each cake is baked with a coin, cloth, or a ring. Every member of the family gets a slice of the barnbrack cake.

Receiving a ring means that there will be romance and happiness for the person.

Receiving the coin means a prosperous year for the person.

Receiving the cloth means a doubtful financial future for the person.

COLCANNON is a popular dish to serve on Halloween night. It is made with butter, milk, cabbage, onions,  and potatoes.
_________________________________________________________________________

Barmbrack Cake

Ingredients:

2 and 1/2 cups chopped dried mixed fruit
1 and 1/2 cups of hot brewed tea
2 and 1/2 cups of flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 egg
1 and 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup lemon marmalade
1 teaspoon grated orange zest

Soak dried fruit in the hot tea for two hours than gently squeeze the excess tea out. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 inch Bundt pan.

Mix the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking soda in one bowl, set aside. Beat egg, sugar, marmalade and orange zest together in another bowl. Add the dried fruit mixture. Then add the flour mixture to the fruit mixture. Once everything is mixed together pour the batter into the Bundt pan and bake the cake for about one hour or until it is lightly browned.

Allow the cake to cool two hours in the Bundt pan than remove the cake from the pan and allow it to cool another hour on a wire rack. Press a coin, ring, and a tiny cloth into the cake through the bottom.

Serve and enjoy HALLOWEEN!!!!!

China; The Birthplace of Tea

Tea, is one of the most popular beverages in the world and we have China to thank for that. In China tea consumption is a practice of daily life. According to legend tea was discovered many centuries ago by Shen Nung whose name means Divine Farmer. Shen Nung who was a Chinese Emperor always liked to drink his water boiled because he felt that boiled water was cleaner. While on a distant trip, Emperor Shen Nung stopped to rest. A servant began boiling water for the emperor to drink and dried leaves from a nearby bush fell into the boiling water and a brown substance was infused into the water. Being a scientist Emperor Shen Nung tried the liquid and found it to taste very refreshing. Thus tea (cha) was created in 2737 BC.

Originally tea leaves were processed into compressed cake forms. The dried teacake (called brick tea) was ground in a stone mortar. Hot water was added to the powdered tea cakes and was boiled in earthenware kettles than consumed as a hot beverage. Then in the mid 13-century the Chinese learned to process tea differently. Tea leaves were roasted which allowed them to become loose teas and brewed teas.

Tea Varieties

Black Tea, Green Tea, Oolong Tea, Post Fermented Tea, Scented Tea, Yellow Tea, White Tea


Top Tea Producing Regions in China

Anhui, China
Guangxi, China
Henan, China
Hubei, China
Hunan, China
Jiangsu, China
Sichuan, China
Zhejiang, China

China, is the birthplace of tea and tea can be enjoyed in many different ways all over the world.

Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea, Tea……….

In China, a tea house (chaguan) is where people gather to chat, socialize, and enjoy tea. 

Chinese Travel Tours
www.easytourchina.com/tour

Fishing for Answers in Fishtown, Leland Michigan

Michigan is an industrial state, there's no doubt about it but in the northwest corridor of the Great Lakes State is a stunning oasis known as Leelanau County. A combination of the Irish countryside and the Portuguese coast of Europe, Leelanau County is a vacationer's paradise.

A real standout in Leelanau County is Leland (Fishtown). Leland is the kind of place where you can fish for answers you're seeking and feel disconnected from the stresses of a high tech, fast paced society. Leland has pocketfuls of idyllic spots to just relax and recharge. Upon your arrival to Leland head to Neadows Bay Beach on Lake Leelanau for a swim and sit on the sandy beach and just daydream. The lake is so calm and soothing that you might just decide to hang out at Neadows Bay Beach the rest of the day. However there's the mighty pure and unsalted Lake Michigan on the other side of town and Lake Michigan is a real crown jewel. 

On Lake MIchigan you can hang out at either North Beach or Van's Beach. Both beaches are ideal for swimming, walking the shoreline, or just sitting down and reading a good book.Smack in the middle of North Beach and Van's Beach is the famous Fishtown with its weathered fishing shacks that house an array of shops. In Fishtown you can watch the fishermen dock their boats with the day's catch and book a ferry ride with Manitou Island Transit to the rugged North or South Manitou Islands.

                          The weathered fishing shacks of Fishtown are historic                                      

                              Carlson's Fishery is the very best for fresh & smoked fish

In Fishtown Carlson's Fishery is a dream come true for jerky, pate, smoked fish, and whitefish sausage. A few yards away is the Village Cheese Shanty which pleases crowds with its awesome sandwiches like the Lake Effect, North Shore, Orchard, and Third Coast. Dam Candy Store is the perfect place to splurge on sweets such as ice cream and taffy.

                             The Riverside Inn has lodging and an outstanding restaurant

Whether you choose to spend a day or more in quaint Leland; the beautiful scenery, fresh air, and sweet nature will calm your mind and free you from stresses. Soon you'll find that you've finished fishing for the answers you've been seeking and you can melt away any anxieties and relax, renew, recharge and reinvent a whole new you in one of the most idyllic and historical fishing villages in the United States known as Fishtown Leland.


DINING:

Bluebird Cafe and Restaurant
102 River Street

The Cove
111 East River

The Riverside Inn
302 East River

Sisson's Main Street Specialties
203 North Main Street

Village Cheese Shanty
199 West River Street

LODGING:

Falling Waters Lodge
200 Cedar Street

Leland Lodge
565 Pearl Street

The Riverside Inn
302 East River

PAMPERING:

Studio 22 Salon and Spa
203 North Main Street

SUMMER READING:

Good Old Books
305 River Street

Leelanau Books
109 Main Street

Leland Township Library
203 Cedar Street

Espana Tapas (Tapas in Spain)

The Spanish have many wonderful things to boast about and one of them is their extraordinary tapas. Eating tapas in Espana is the best culinary experience in the world. 

TORTILLATAS DE CAMARONES (SHRIMP FRITTERS)

1/2 pound small shrimp, peeled

1 1/2 cups chick pea flour

1 tablespoon chopped parsley

3 scallions, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon sweet pimenton

a pinch of salt

Spanish extra virgin olive oil

In a saucepan combine the shrimp in water. Cover the saucepan and bring the shrimp to a boil over high heat. When water starts boiling lift out the shrimp with a slotted spoon. Set aside the shrimp let them cool and then refrigerate the shrimp. Also set aside one cup of the boiling water that the shrimp was boiled in and allow the water to cool down.

Combine chick pea flour, parsley, scallions, and sweet pimenton in a bowl. Add a pinch of salt and the cooled cooking water used earlier for the shrimp.

Mix well then cover and refrigerate for one hour. Remove shrimp from the refrigerator and mince finely. The shrimp pieces should be the size of coffee grounds. Remove the batter from the refrigerator and add the shrimp to the batter. 

Pour olive oil into a heavy sauté pan and allow the oil to heat over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the batter into the oil. (This is the fritter) Continue adding 1 tablespoon of the batter into the sauté pan but don't overcrowd the fritters. Cook each fritter for one minute on each side then remove the fritters with a slotted spoon. Arrange the fritters on a large platter and serve!

B U E N   A P E T I T O

Stowe, Vermont U.S.A. (Then & Now)

I'll never forget the first day that I came to Stowe, Vermont. There was a feeling of acceptance so I knew it was meant for me to stay, so I cherished each day that came my way in sweet quaint little Stowe and had the grandest summer of them all.   Adrianna

June 29, 1989 is a date that will always be significant to me because for many days Stowe, Vermont was beckoning for me to come and I finally followed my intuition and boarded an Amtrak train to Stowe, Vermont on the 29th of June and was blessed with the most beautiful and memorable summer of my life.

In those days college kids like myself could land a summer job as easy as downloading an app these days. Within one day of arriving in Stowe, Vermont I got a job working at an adorable bed and breakfast. Not only did I get to live in the bed and breakfast and enjoy an array of job duties but I also got to work with the most adventurous and coolest guy ever. There were lots of interesting guests that I got to take care of that summer too and being in beautiful STOWE was absolutely magical.

I've been back to Stowe time and time again. Each time I return that special magic is still there. Stowe, Vermont has a way of captivating people and making them want to stay and in the summer you couldn't ask for a better place to be than Stowe, Vermont. 

S U M M E R  in  S T O W E

Back in 1989 Ben & Jerry pints were only $2.49 each and they only had five ingredients. These days Ben & Jerry is still one of the most beloved ice cream companies in the country and you can't miss the factory tour in nearby Waterbury. (It's awesome)

Back in 1989 the cows outnumbered the people. These days the people outnumber the cows but there are still plenty of cows hanging out around Stowe, Vermont and thank goodness because what would summer be without ice cream?

Back in 1989 the Grand Union was the supermarket that everyone shopped at. The supermarket is still there but now it's called Shaw's.

Back in 1989 the Stowe Recreation Path was completed and now locals and tourists enjoy the path for biking, roller blading, and running. The Stowe Recreation Path meanders through some spectacular scenery and is one of the most beautiful paths in the country.

Back in 1989 the hills were alive with music in the meadow at the famous Trapp Family Lodge and now the music in the meadow is still much alive at Trapp Family Lodge.

Back in 1989 Mount Mansfield was the highest mountain in Vermont with awesome hiking and Mount Mansfield still remains the highest mountain with lovely peaks and great hiking trails.

There's just so much to do in Stowe, Vermont in the summer and that's when Stowe is in its glory. The days are long and warm, the activities are non-ending, and the scenery is always breath-taking. Stowe, Vermont in Lamoille Country is a very special place and once you discover it you'll yearn to go back again.

STOWE VERMONT, THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO GO:
Auto Toll Road
Ben & Jerry Ice Cream Factory Tour
Bingham Falls
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Edelweiss Mountain Deli
Edson Hill Manor
Gold Brook Covered Bridge
Lake Champlain Chocolate Shop
Lake Elmore
Little River
Long Trail
Mount Mansfield
Smuggler's Notch State Park
Stowe Farmers Market
Stowe Mercantile
Stowe Mountain Golf Club
Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe Theater Guild
Top Notch Resort & Spa
Trapp Family Lodge

******************************************************************************************

SUMMER 2015 in STOWE VERMONT

Music in the Meadow at Trapp Family Lodge (Runs throughout season)

Old Fashioned Fourth of July (July 4th)

Stowe's 7 Mile of Sales (July 3rd -5th)

Stoweflake Hot Air Balloon Festival (July 10th-12th)

Stowe 8 Miler (July 12th)

Stowe Lacrosse Tournament (July 18th-19th & July 25th-26th)

Stowe Antiques Car Show (August 7th-9th)

Stowe Brewers Festival (August 14th-15th)

Annual Race to the Top of Vermont (August 23rd)


A SUMMER IN STOWE VERMONT IS EXTRAORDINARY!

                                      Moo Moo Moo…see ya in Stowe!

Mark Twain and Traveling!

                                            Mark Twain

Today of all days I stumbled across a little shop in a little beach town owned by a well travelled woman. This ladies shop was filled with items from various countries and within a few moments the lady and I started discussing our favorite subject "TRAVELING."

We talked for a good half hour about all the benefits of traveling and before saying our goodbye's the lady shared a quote by Mark Twain the famous writer about his viewpoint on traveling.

Mark Twain:

"Travel is fatal to prejudice and bigotry and narrow mindedness and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired  by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."

Portugal and Grilled Sardines

Surrounded by the sea the small picturesque country Portugal is famous for it's fresh seafood. The Portuguese love eating sardines especially "grilled sardines." During the summer months "grilled sardines" are enjoyed throughout the country. Over in Lisbon the Portuguese just celebrated St. Anthony's Day from June 12-13 and "grilled sardines" were the snack of choice. 

When the Portuguese fishermen bring in fresh caught sardines from their boats some of the sardines become canned to be exported to other countries and the others stay right in Portugal ready for traditional grilling by the Portuguese.

GRILLED SARDINES (Portuguese Style)

25 sardines, fresh, cleaned heads and tails left on
1 cup coarse sea salt
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
dash of black pepper
lemon wedges

Rinse the sardines in cold water, than drain and dry with paper towels. Sprinkle 1/3 cup of salt on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange sardines on top of the salt and sprinkle with 1/2 of the remaining salt.
Arrange more sardines and pour remaining salt over the top of the sardines. Cover the sardines and refrigerate for an hour. 

Preheat a grill to the highest temperature. Rinse the salt off the sardines and blot dry them with a towel. Brush the sardines with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and a dash of ground pepper.
Grill the sardines about five minutes on each side. The sardines should be lightly charred on both sides.

Remove sardines from the grill and place on a platter. Serve the sardines with some lemon wedges.

Once you're ready to eat your grilled sardines be certain to remove the head, tails, and bones of the sardines!

BON APETITE!

"Pastel de Nata" in Portugal

The Portuguese like their "pastel de nata." Pastel de Nata are an egg tart (custard) pastry dessert that can be found throughout Portugal.  PASTEL de NATA were created by Catholic monks in Lisbon near the early 18th century. 

Highlight your visit to beautiful Portugal with some PASTEL de NATA!

                      Pastel de Nata














\

Dreaming of Portugal

When I arrived in Lisbon, Portugal on the 23rd of April it was love at first sight. The architecture, the food, the lovely language, and the amazing Portuguese people were just a few of the things that made me want to stay in Portugal for as long as possible.

I'm dreaming of returning back to Portugal but in the meantime I have pictures to remind me of that short but wonderful visit to one of Europe's finest countries.

Although Portugal may be small in size it has charming villages, a cosmopolitan city, captivating mountains, some of the best coastline in the world, quaint fishing towns, incredible tasting porto, fresh seafood, and so much more.

I'll be back soon with 5,000 words to describe all there is to know about Portugal.

Obrigada!

The ABC'S of Solo Travel

Having recently returned from a solo journey through Morocco, Portugal, and Spain I feel so blessed that things ran so smoothly.I've learned a lot from past mistakes and now I feel that I've become quite the expert when it comes to traveling solo.

Here are a few suggestions to make your travels as easy as
A, B, C……

1) Always keep your passport in a safe place.
2) Travel light, it makes things a lot easier.
3) Learn some basic words and phrases of the country you are visiting. The locals will appreciate it.
4) Book rooms through Airbnb. Hostels are great but staying in someones personal residence makes you feel more at home. Airbnb has countless listings of places to stay throughout the world.
5) Eat meals at simple non tourist restaurants. You'll be rewarded with good food at reasonable prices.
6) Explore the bakeries and food markets in the region you're visiting for tasty treats. You can snack on local favorites and experience culinary wonders.
7) Keep a journal. It's a nice way to have memories and share your experience with other people.

HAPPY TRAVELS!

A Quick Journey Through Morocco

If you have the luxury of spending a month or two in Morocco you'll be able to really immerse yourself in one of the most fascinating countries on the African continent. So much to see and do even a week or two is a marvelous way to experience a truly amazing country.

Get Inspired and take a trip to MOROCCO:

M O R O C C A N   CO U S CO U S

2 cups water, 1 cup couscous, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion, 1 shallot, chopped, 6 cloves of garlic, chopped in quarters, 1/2 cup golden raisins, 1 tablespoon butter, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 cup slivered almonds, 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes dipped in olive oil

Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan and stir in the couscous. Cook about 10 to 15 minutes until couscous absorbs all the water. Set aside.

Heat the olive oil in a skillet and add the yellow onion, shallot, garlic, and then the raisins. Once gently cooked add the couscous to the raisin mixture with the softened butter. Place in a bowl and add the slivered almonds, sun dried tomatoes, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix one more time and serve the dish on separate plates.

Eat, Eat, Eat……the cuisine in Morocco is some of  the finest in the world

Hike the Atlas Mountains

Take a camel ride with a guide through a small portion of the Sahara Desert

Ski at Oukamden, one of the only ski resorts in Morocco

Explore Marrakesh and absorb all the amazing sights

Pick a beach to relax on the Atlantic or Mediterranean or both

Visit the Imperial City of Fez

Don't miss Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco

Check out a Hammam, a public steam bath that is part of the Moroccan culture. A Hammam can be found in almost every town in Morocco. It is located near a Mosque since it is customary for Muslims to wash themselves before praying.

                                            

The Delights of Morocco

Moroccan Mint Tea is the traditional tea of Morocco that is enjoyed throughout the day. It's a symbol of family, friendship, and hospitality. The North African country of Morocco has some of the most delightful cuisine in the world. Cuisine is not the only star attraction in Morocco. Nature beckons to citizens and tourists alike who can enjoy the desert, mountains, valleys, and sea. Morocco's landscape is very unique. Bordered by the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas, Morocco is blessed with very pleasant beaches.

The Orient Desert Express train will leave you with fond memories. The 305 kilometer train journey offers panoramic views of the famous Sahara Desert. Ride a camel and experience what "real transportation" is in Morocco.

So much to see and so much to do in the country of Morocco. Start with a few cups of Moroccan Mint Tea and begin your journey through the diverse country known as Morocco.

M O R O C C A N   M I N T    T E A

1 tablespoon gunpowder green tea
5 cups boiling water 
3 tablespoons sugar (for sweetness)
1 large bunch of fresh mint leaves

Put the gunpowder green tea in a teapot and pour one cup of boiling water in the teapot. Swirl gently allowing the tea to mix with the hot water. Strain and discard the water, reserving the tea leaves in the pot.

Next add the remaining four cups of boiling water and let the tea steep. Stir in the sugar and mint leaves.

Set out some glasses and pour the Moroccan Mint Tea.  

Serve and enjoy!


Next: A Delightful Journey Through MOROCCO

Valentines Day in Venice (Romance in Italy)

VALENTINES DAY in VENICE….how ROMANTIC….

The Valentines Day celebration derived from Christian & Roman traditions. In 498 AD Pope Gelasius proclaimed February 14th to be the feast day in honor of Saint Valentine; a Roman martyr who lived in the 3rd century,

ITALY is the country of romance and Venice, Italy is truly one of the most romantic cities in the world.Romance shines throughout Venice especially on Valentines Day. Hold hands with your loved one and walk the narrow cobblestone streets of Venice, than take a Venetian gondola boat on one of the canals.

It never hurts to know a little bit of Italian…..

hello- ciao

goodbye-arrivederci

please-per favore

thank you-grazie

I love you-ti amo

V  E  N  E  Z  I  A

BEST GELATO

Boutique del Gelato

SIGHTS:

Piazza San Marco

Basilica di San Marco

Gallerie dell' Accademia

Rialto Market

San Rocco

Palazzo Ducale

Palazzo Grassi

Giardini Pubblici 

RESTAURANTS:

Acquastanca

Anice Stellato

Bentigodi di Chef Domenico

Da Marisa 

I Figli delle Stelle

La Zucca

Osteria Enoteca San Marco

Osteria Orto dei Mori

Tiziano

Trattoria Corte Sconta

PLACES TO STAY:

Ca' Nigra Lagoon Resort

Hotel Al Ponte Mocenigo

Hotel Danieli

Murano Palace

Pensione La Calcina

Palazzetto Pisani Boutique Resort

San Clemente Palace Hotel and Restaurant

POLAND: Krakow to Gdansk

An Eastern European country Poland has lots of culture, history, and scenery to absorb. Whether you travel its landmass from north to south, or south to north you'll be enriched with it's diversity and remarkable people.

WIELICZKZA SALT MINE
www.wieliczka-saltmine.com

One of the few cities in Central Europe to withstand its medieval buildings during the "WAR" days, Krakow is filled with many sights to explore. There is Old Town, Wawal Castle, Wawal Cathedral and the not to be missed Wieliczka Salt Mine. Built in the 13th century the mine has been in operation for over 700 years and is a whirlwind of chapels, galleries, monuments, statues, tunnels and lakes all carved out of rock salt by the miners. There's even an underground sanatorium where people with allergic diseases are treated overnight. Not far from Krakow are the Carpathian Mountains with their majestic high peaks. The resort town of Zakapone that is popular in the winter for skiing and hiking in the summer is a nice place to spend a night or two.

ZAKAPONE
www.zakopane.com

A port city on the Baltic coast and one of Poland's oldest cities Gdansk has interesting sights such as Neptune Fountain, Gradowa Hill, Royal Chapel, and the Great Armoury Hall. One of the most popular streets in Gdansk is the quaint Ulica Mariacka. Here you'll find cafe's, jewelry shops, residential buildings, and a Gothic style hotel called Kamienica Gotyk. From Gdansk you can easily explore the various seaside towns along the Baltic Sea.

Each country around the world is known for it's cuisine and Poland is no exception. The Polish are known for a multitude of dishes; beet soup, duck blood soup, mushroom soup, sauerkraut and kielbasa, meat loaf, pierogi, stuffed cabbage rolls, buckwheat, cucumber salad, makowiec (poppyseed swirl cake), and sernik (cheesecake) are some of the dishes that Polish people enjoy eating.

STUFFED CABBAGE ROLLS

12 cabbage leaves
1 pound ground beef, cooked
1 cup cooked rice
1 15 ounce can of tomato sauce
1  teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup chopped green pepper

Cover cabbage leaves in boiling water and let them stand in the pot till they become limb.

Drain the cabbage leaves.

Mix together the cooked ground beef and rice, onions, green pepper, garlic powder, pepper and
1/2 the can of tomato sauce. Put a 1/3 cup of the mixture in each cabbage leaf roll tucking the sides. Place seam side down in baking dish. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls.

Cover and Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Once the cabbage rolls are cooked you can serve them with some sour cream or plain yogurt.

Chopin & Poland

Simplicity is the final achievement. After one has played a vast quality of notes and more notes, it is simplicity that emerges as the crowning reward of art.   Frederic Chopin

C H O P I N'S   W O R K S:  (A MUSIC GENIUS)

Ballads, Chamber Works, Etudes, Impromtus, Mazurkas, Minor Works, Nocturnes, Piano Concertos, Polonaises, Preludes, Rondos, Scherzos, Sonatas, Variations, Waltzes

Zelazowa Wola, a small village located in east-central Poland is where one of the world's most famous composers and pianists was born long ago on March 1, 1810. His name?

FREDERIC CHOPIN   

The home that Chopin was born in is visited by many people who want to view the "dworek" a little manor house. The house is surrounded by a natural park at the banks of the Utrata River.

A monument of Frederic Chopin designed by artist Josef Goslawski in 1955 was unveiled on July 13, 1969 and is adjacent to the birth house. It's astounding that for such a short life (Chopin died at the age of 39) he was able to compose so many works that have and will be enjoyed for centuries.

Not far from Zelazowa Wola is the Hotel Chopin, a full service hotel and spa with a very reputable restaurant. It's a good place to dine before heading back to Warsaw.

HOTEL CHOPIN
hotelchopin.pl/

Zelazowa Wola is less than an hour to Warsaw. A visit to Poland just wouldn't be complete without a short or long stay in Warsaw. This vibrant city is Poland's largest city and is also the capital of Poland.
Warsaw is often regarded as one of the most livable cities in all of Europe. Chopin grew up in Warsaw. Some of the top attractions in Warsaw are the Fryderyk Chopin Museum, Clock Tower, Lazienki Park, Old Market Square, and Krakowskie Przedmieskie. Chopin's music continues to be performed by talented musicians throughout Warsaw.

FAMOUS COMPOSITIONS BY CHOPIN:

Ballade No 3 in A-Flat Major Op 47
Nocturne in E Flat Major Op 9
Prelude No 4 Op 28
Waltz in D-flat major, Op 64                 

POLAND has a lot to offer…there's more to share in my next post!