Tropical Flavors

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A few days ago was the annual National Talk Like a Pirate Day holiday. Every September 19th it's time to celebrate the swash buckling scaly-wags of the sea. Some friends of mine got together for an excuse to celebrate with some exotic cuisine and classic pirate movies. Our food theme was more of a tropical flavor, Caribbean type culinary feel, dashed with some random extras.

While there was really no rhyme or reason, the food was still fantastic.

As seems to be my usual food assignment, I was in charge of dessert. What's a pirate theme without Rum? So I made some "rum cake" cupcakes. Though instead of rum, I substituted pineapple juice and almond extract. These turned out to be a hit. Not only were they extremely moist, but topped with a slice of pineapple, mandarin orange, and cherry, they just looked so pretty.

Of course people need chocolate, so I did classic brownies with a minty frosting. With some help from a little food dye, I turned the minty frosting into a tropical ocean blue. The taste wasn't too shabby either.

I've decided that after watching movies in beautiful tropical locations, I should see them first hand. I think a trip to the Caribbean is now going to be a must see destination.

Traveling and Marathons - I've Lost My Mind

I'm not much of a runner. Meaning that I don't run fast, I don't have great form, and I've been told I look like Goofy while running. My body is usually protesting the entire time that the whole process is just wrong and unnatural. I'm sure professional runners cringe when they see me slogging by at my slow pace and horrid form. Truth be told, I don't actually like running.

But I do it. A lot. Can anyone else relate to this situation?

The reason? I like how I feel when it's over. Funnily enough, the only reason I started running was because someone told me I was incapable of ever running a marathon. With my very stubborn nature that comment didn't bode well at all. So I spent 9 months training for a marathon just to prove them wrong. I'd never run beyond a mile before. No 5k, no 10k, not even a half marathon. Yet my first running event was going to be the full 26.2 mile distance. If you're going to do something you might as well go big, right?

So in 2006 I ran the Moab marathon in southern Utah. It took me 5+ hours, I waddled like a duck for a week afterward because every muscle in my body ached in places I didn't know existed, but I finished.

And I felt like I could conquer the world. Then I swore I'd never do one again. Eight months later I was coerced into doing a half marathon. Afterwards my running shoes were hung up permanently. Or so I thought.

Fast forward 5 years and I was starting to do some fun runs - 5k, and occasional 10k runs just to keep in shape, but also for the t-shirt. I'm all about the t-shirt. A few personal trials and upheavals later I needed to do something big - something epic and loud that would give me an invincible revitalization.

Every person needs to feel that innate inner power.






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I happened to see some advertisement about the London marathon. Huh. That could be really cool - running through the streets of London. I did more research and discovered there were marathons all over the world. Oooo, that could be the epic adventure I was looking for. Why not run a marathon in an amazing location overseas? Who does that, and what a great story to have?!

After more research I settled on the London marathon with Rome as my backup. It happened that I couldn't even get in to register for London, so the Rome marathon it became.

I spent 9 months training, wondering how on earth I ever did this before and why was I putting myself through that torture all over again. But I kept trucking along and in March of 2014 I ran the Rome marathon.

It was an adventure in and of itself, but I got an amazing medal, a great t-shirt, and even a back pack for participating in their 20th anniversary marathon through the city. For whatever reason I was not that sore afterwards. Other than the quarter sized blister on my toe, and some really sore quadriceps muscles, I felt fantastic. And how many people can say they ran the Rome marathon?

So now my weird obsession has begun. I've decided that I need to run 5 international marathons. Why 5? I have no idea. It just seemed like a good number. Heaven forbid I travel just to travel these days. Now I need to tack on a marathon. But then again, why not? It just adds to the adventure - and my insanity.

My future overseas marathon plans are as follows:

Scotland Loch Ness Marathon  - because it's Loch Ness

Athens Greece Marathon  - because it's Athens Greece

London Marathon - this is definitely a wild card as it's a lotto system to get into.

I'm in need of a 5th, and alternate London location. Any suggestions?

Sticky Toffee Pudding - Yes Please!

Sticky Toffee Pudding has changed my life.

Forever.

I had it for the first time a few months ago in London. Holy wow. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew I had to try it. It was so rich, warm, and seemed to melt in my mouth. Especially after getting caught in a very cold rainy downpour, it was heavenly.

Sticky Toffee Pudding is an English dessert that is steamed, consisting of a moist sponge cake with finely chopped dates. It's then covered in toffee sauce and served with vanilla ice cream. Could it get any better?

I found a recipe that seems authentically English. I'm kind of afraid to try it. If it turns out well, I'm in trouble. I'll make it a lot and eat it all without sharing. Not good at all. If it turns out poorly, then I'll be disappointed and wish I was back in England even more. It's a precarious line to balance.

I do know that I am changed. I know full well that I have a problem with sweets, but at least I go for the good stuff. I'm still dreaming of Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Stonehenge

My desire to see Stonehenge during my lifetime wavered when a trusted friend told me it was somewhat disappointing. Oh. I admit I felt somewhat deflated. As a result, I cut out that sightseeing trip on my excursion to  England. This last March I was there again. This time the people I was with did want to make the trek to see it.

What could I do but say yes? Might as well see it like everyone else. It was pretty interesting actually. Yes, it is just a bunch of giant stones standing in a circle. It didn't change my life, or alter my idea of who I was. But you could feel the history there. Not to mention it is beautifully situated in the middle of a grassy field, surrounded by sheep. I didn't expect that.

We were one of the last tour groups for the day, which meant we got to see it at sunset. Seeing anything at sunset automatically ups the spectacular points, but particularly here. It was freezing cold, but absolutely beautiful. And the camera shots didn't come out too badly if I do say so myself.

What NOT to do When You're Jetlagged

Anyone who's traveled overseas knows that jetlag is miserable. After being up for 24-30+ hours without any quality sleep, then dealing with the adrenaline and excitement/ stress of being in a new country, you tend to get a little . . . loopy at times. I've been to Europe 6 times now and have learned some valuable lessons on what NOT to do again. So take my advice and steer clear of these few tips if you can avoid them.

1. Don't plan to see any type of theater show where the lights are going to be dimmed on the first night of your trip. Even though you may feel awake and wired, when those lights go down and you sit still you'll nod off without even realizing it. And you miss out on parts of the show and in retrospect will have little memory of it. - Learned that tip in Prague.

2. Don't take two red eye flights in a row. I know it's often the cheapest option but it's not worth it on your body. Splurge for the extra price and a good night's rest. Or just plan to be extra miserable. - Trip to Paris. In my defense, it was my first trip overseas and I didn't know any better.

3. Don't lose track of your footwear on the plane rider over. It's a bit stressful and embarrassing to ask the people around you to search for your shoes. - My most recent trip to Italy.

4. Don't plan to drive for four hours on the other side of the road as soon as you arrive. It's disorienting enough with a clear head and a good night's rest. - Yup; picked that useful tidbit up in Ireland.

5. Don't sprint through airports to catch your connection. While it's not always avoidable, it's not fun to do especially when jetlagged. Tripping is kind of inevitable (especially when running in flip flops) not to mention the people watching you run past. - Happened on a connection through Germany.

6. Don't travel with a Dudley/ Debbie Downer. Everyone's ornery when they're tired, but especially when THAT tires. It's hard to refrain from screaming, ditching, smacking, hating, etc., your travel companion when they complain about everything. - Trip to England. He barely survived and I developed a twitch.

7. Don't arrive and go straight to sleep. You'll never get over the jetlag if you do that. Stick with their time zone and force yourself to stay awake until its bed time at your destination. You'll thank me for that. - Luckily I was given this tip so I never experienced what happens when you ignore it. I don't want to know.

Confessions of a Sherlock Holmes Junkie

I am a Sherlock Holmes nerd. I admit it. I'm a sucker for any kind of mystery story, but especially one including a fantastic detective named Sherlock. I've read all the stories multiple times and own the entire collection. It won't be too shocking to learn that when in London I had to stop at the infamous 221B Baker Street.

In case you weren't aware, there is a Sherlock Holmes Museum and souvenir shop complete with workers dressing up from that particular time period. Of course I was in heaven. Now this is a throwback to the actual stories, not the numerous TV shows. I was giddy walking through Sherlock's London "flat" (aka the museum) and seeing all the little bits and pieces from his many detective cases that I've read so many times. Totally worth waiting in line! And I might have done it twice . . . in 24 hours.

Plus I had to get a picture with a man in uniform from Scotland Yard. And he had an English accent. I'm a succor for those. There's no shame in admitting to this kind of nerdy-ness, especially since I know I'm not the only one out there. After traipsing through the flat and taking many pictures I obviously had to buy a souvenir from the ridiculously expensive shop next door. All I could afford was the 4 pound refrigerator magnet. At least it's something.

Now that you know I'm hooked on the books, I've also become hooked on a few of the film adaptations. Movie wise I love the Guy Richie films starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Jude Law. They are a fantastic duo that bring alive the characters in a very well written storyline true to the books. I'm itching for them to make a 3rd movie.

Then there is the BBC series entitled Sherlock, starring Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch. I can't get enough. It sucked me in from the first episode and I've re-watched the entire series so many times it's embarrassing. What can I say? I have a problem.

African Safari - My Big Dream

I have wanted to go on an African Safari for a long time now. I have planned it a few times - to go for a milestone year in my life. Sadly it just hasn't seemed to work out yet because of finances. But it's still a giant item to check off on my bucket list.

There's something appealing about seeing these incredible animals out in the wild in their own habitat. Plus seeing them wandering around with Mt. Kilimanjaro in the background has to be a life changing experience. At least I would hope so.

My current timeline for accomplishing this ultimate trip is in 2017. That will be a significant birthday marker for me, and it gives me three years to save up. If possible, I also want to ride an elephant while in Africa.

As I've mentioned this big dream of mine to people, many have had the same response for me.

 

 And it really ticks me off.

 

"Just go to the zoo. The animals are all there and you'll save yourself a lot of money."

 

 

I'm not riding an elephant at the zoo. It's NOT the same thing. Just like seeing these animals in the zoo is NOT the same thing as seeing them in the wild. Riding in a windowless jeep through the plains while watching these animals grazing and running all around you doesn't compare to seeing them cramped in cages. Are you really going to tell me that's the same thing? If so, you're an idiot in my book and we can't be friends.

 

In looking at different places, that are tourist friendly, I came across this Big 5 marathon package deal. You spend a few days traveling out through this animal reserve doing the safari thing and bush walks, and then one of those days you run a marathon.

Running through this wild animal reserve.

 

There are no barriers between you and the animals. It's all wide open spaces. It does look like they have a few patrols spaced out through the course with heavy duty ammo to keep you from getting eaten. If these live animals are not a good motivation to run then what is?

In the end you just have to run faster than the person behind you. Survival of the fittest.

 I know it's kind of a sick, weird, insane type of extreme event that has a ridiculous appeal to me, but I'm sure I'm not alone. The idea of running with (not from) these exotic animals in their natural African setting sounds kind of amazing.