How to Connect With Locals While Traveling: Eat More Local

Panama Local Market (Flickr Creative Commons / LYWang)

By Laura LaBrie

I love to sample new foods and I love to try things that are very local. Hojaldres, for instance, are Panama's equivalent to fried dough and when served with breakfast make you feel like you are getting eggs at the fair.

There is a tendency for travelers to eat at places that look clean and have a nice ambiance. Occasionally those places are fun to visit because they offer high-end foods that appeal to the tourist's tongue. But they are usually expensive and, in all honesty, don't always offer the best food.

Little local joints typically don't look the cleanest from the outside and in some cases look down right terrifying. I am fearless when it comes to trying new places to eat, but occasionally I have paid a very dear price for my bravery.

Once I stopped at a little restaurant in Mexican Rivera Maya, just south of Cancun. It consisted of two plastic tables sitting outside a tiny cement home. Two people were sitting there, but they had the appearance of being family. I figured it would be a great way to meet people and try something local at the same time so I took a seat at the red plastic table and ordered a bowl of seafood soup.

Big mistake.

The soup looked so interesting. It had fish and squid and shrimp and clams along with yucca and carrots and potatoes and right in the middle of the bowl was an oyster still in the shell. Often soups in Central America have bits of things in them that require a little work to get at. An ear of corn that needs to be picked up and nibbled or a piece of pork that is still on the bone. So I happily attacked the large sea shell and ingested its contents.

To this day I do not know if it was the oyster inside the shell or the fact that a possibly unwashed shell was in my soup that had me running to the bathroom for the next 2 weeks. Either way, the results were less than desirable.

So how do you find good local food in a manner that you can be pretty sure won't give you similar results?

Look for the crowd.

The locals don't want to get sick any more than you do.

Places that don't have a big turn over of customers have food lying around in less than ideal conditions and that makes for less than ideal conditions in your stomach. Local people know where to find the best deal with the best food for sure. But they also know where to find food that won't make them sick.

Central America is a wonderfully free place with less regulations and rules to stop people from opening their own little businesses. And that is great because it allows for a small family to open up a eatery with a minimum of fuss. That does however mean that the kitchen may be a little less than sanitary or the food may be less than fresh.

So follow the locals. Go where you see the crowds. You can even stop at someone's table and ask what they recommend on the menu. They will be excited you asked and feel honored to give their opinion.

When I lived in Mexico we used to go to a little seafood place in La Colonia (the poor part of a famous and dear-to-my-heart fishing village). It was packed most of the time. Again, there were red plastic tables. But this time there were people coming and going and talking and laughing and slurping soup everywhere.

The first time we sat down I leaned over and asked a handsome Mexican man wearing a nice button up shirt what was the best thing on the menu. He recommended the seafood soup. I'd already had some experience with sea food soup as I mentioned earlier.

But I was unafraid (well mostly unafraid) so I ordered a bowl. Again, I found a bowl with shrimp and fish and squid and clams and I think this one had octopus too. This time it was served over a huge mound of rice and topped with fresh slices of avocado and lime. I added a little hot sauce (it kills bacteria. I bet you thought the Mexicans just like their food hot) and dug in.

Splendid!

That little restaurant became my favorite La Colonia joint for the next year and a half and I got to know the owner, his brother, and many of the people who lived in the town just by stopping by to slurp down a bowl of soup.

I learned my lesson.

Follow the Crowd.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9452778

What Makes Chocolate Special and Why is it a Super Food?

Pixabay Creative Commons

By Desiree Michels

Over the past few years, cocoa has become known as a superfood with many, many health benefits. Now, as a chocoholic, I was more than pleased to discover that my favourite treat was also healthy, but I wanted to find out more. So I did some research, contacted chocolate suppliers and producers, searched the net and even asked a dietician friend. This is what I came up with.
What’s in Our Favourite Bar?

The chocolate we eat is produced from cocoa which is an excellent source of iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous and zinc. Other chemical compounds that occur naturally in the cocoa bean are procyanidin, epicatechin, flavonoids, catechins, procyanidins, and other antioxidants.

These usually won’t appear in the list of ingredients printed on the products we get from chocolate suppliers because they are not additives but a natural part of the cocoa bean.

Impressive Names. What do They Do?

Flavonoids do not refer to the flavour. They refer to the pigmentations found in all fruits and vegetables which provide the plant protection from toxins in the air and ground and also help it repair cell damage. One of the things we are urged to do, as part of a healthy diet, is to eat different coloured fruit and vegetables. This isn’t for aesthetic reasons but because of the health benefits we gain from the various flavonoids found in what we eat. Cocoa liquor contains significant amounts of flavonoids including those known as flavanols, which studies have shown can improve vascular health.

Antioxidants, like flavonoids, occur naturally in plants and vegetables and include vitamins such as A (beta-carotene), C, E, and catechins. They are extremely effective in preventing and, to some extent, even repairing cell damage caused by free radicals found in our bodies and the environment. However, research suggests that the best way to increase your antioxidant levels is by eating foods that are naturally rich in them rather than taking supplements. So we come back to our favorite treat.

The Darker the Better

We all have a sweet tooth and one of our favourite confections that chocolate suppliers love to place on sweet shop shelves is creamy, decadent milk chocolate which has a lower percentage of cocoa solids than dark. However, if you want to get maximum health benefits, then darker is better!

It’s the cocoa solids that have all those flavonoids and antioxidants locked up in it. So, the higher the percentage of cocoa solids (60% is the minimum), the higher the levels of flavonoids and antioxidants.

In an increasingly health-conscious world, the demand for products with high percentages of cocoa solids (70%, 80%, and even 90%) is steadily increasing. Sweet shops and supermarkets are devoting shelf space and room for special displays to promote the many excellent brands on offer from chocolate suppliers.

So there you have it in a nutshell (a cocoa-nut shell), why chocolate is more than just a sweet treat but also a health food – but, like anything, in moderation.

History and Tranquillity in Lloret de Mar's Santa Clotilde Gardens

Flickr Creative Commons / Richard Clifford

By Desiree Michels

Drenched in history and bursting with hidden gems, Lloret de Mar has so much just waiting to be discovered, particularly if you are looking for something a little bit different. For anyone just arrived and looking to explore some of the more out-of-the-way places, the Santa Clotilde Gardens are the perfect place to start.

The Gardens in Brief

Sitting proud on a breezy cliff top, the gardens offer some fabulous views over the coastline – ideal if photography is a passion, or even if it isn’t! Perfectly manicured hedges cut into wonderful shapes line the slopes, and the stunning green staircase is set off beautifully by the sculptured marble mermaids that decorate its edges.

Blessed with refreshing breezes, the gardens are the ideal spot to escape to in the afternoons when you crave tranquillity and respite from the beach.

A Little History

Inspired by the Noucentista movement in Catalonia, the gardens were designed in 1919 by Nicolau Rubió i Tudurí, who also worked on the famous Gardens in Barcelona. Epitomising the gardens of the Italian Renaissance, Rubió combined a sense of rigidity with a refined grace to bring his concept to life.

This project was a chance for the young Rubió to branch out and express his own creativity. He put aside the Spanish-Arabic influence to which he had been exposed when he worked on the Montjuïc gardens with his teacher, Forestier, and instead set out to incorporate the spirit of the Italian Renaissance, which he did beautifully in his inclusion of fountains, sculptures and ponds. Every aspect of the gardens is a fine example of the way the artist synthesised his artistic prowess with nature’s powerful aesthetic, and today the gardens stand justly independent of their surroundings.

As you explore you will be guided by the symmetry and definitive pathways that culminate in ornamental features. Terraces and interlocking walkways shape the gardens and add to its romantic intention. For anyone with a desire to spend some time relaxing and appreciating a different side to Lloret de Mar, this place is perfect.

Where

The Santa Clotilde Gardens are located on Paratge de Santa Clotilde, 17310, Lloret de Mar.

When

From April to October the gardens are open from Monday to Sunday between 10am and 8pm. From November to January they close at 5pm, and from February to March they close at 6pm.

Cost

The gardens costs €5 per adult and €2.50 for any concessions, such as pensioners, students, and disabled people.

How to Get Back to Barcelona

Lloret de Mar is the ideal getaway for a relaxing break and, as it is only just over an hour’s drive from Lloret de Mar to Barcelona Airport, it is very convenient. Pre-book with Shuttle Direct and either I or one of my colleagues will be on hand to collect you from your hotel to drive you from Lloret de Mar to Barcelona Airport for your return trip. Our team is professional, helpful, and are always on hand to help with your bags at either end of the journey. Book with us, and you are guaranteed a stress-free, fixed-price transfer.

9 Ways To Better Maximize Your Travel Budget

Flickr Creative Common / David Wan

By Patrick Leifer

Thinking of going on an expensive getaway this year? At first glance it may seem too costly but there's a good chance it may not be as unfeasible as you had initially thought. Listed below are some tips and tricks I have picked up throughout my travels to hopefully help you save up that little extra bit of money you need for your future trip.

1. Leave one night early, cut out one night of rental costs

When traveling on a budget one very easy way to cut down on extra expenses is to leave the night before you were originally planning to depart for home. Doing this will effectively cut out one night's worth of hotel costs and if you set up a red-eye flight you can still get a whole day worth of activities in before you have to head home. Booking flights during the traveling off-season can also net you some serious savings if you wait for the right opportunities too.

2. Cut back on unnecessary meals

Another tip I recommend is that, if possible, you should agree to cut back or cut out one meal per day. If you can't do that then come prepared to make yourself a meal instead. Subtracting or substituting a nice lunch every day over a one week trip will add up to be a rather substantial amount of money saved.

3. Investigate alternatives to regular hotels

If you are really looking to travel on a dime lay out a budgeting plan in advance. What I mean by that is before you arrive make an effort to do some research on minimizing costs. Instead of a hotel maybe consider a hostel or a couch surfing website. You typically get a better cultural experience going through a housing alternative anyways.

4. Drink alcohol at home not at a bar

For those who plan on drinking a lot of alcohol and don't mind doing it at home instead of at a bar you won't regret that decision as your average drink at a bar can typically run you anywhere from $5 to $15 or even $20 whereas you can get a lot more for your money simply buying it from a store instead.

5. Scrutinize hotels and try to find the best overall deal

With hotels and tourist venues always looking to remain filled be on the lookout for coupons and other deals when it comes to anything from flights to hotels to sightseeing. One trip may appear cheaper than another but with the right deals the more expensive option may actually cost less once you factor in the savings too. Going with that train of thought it never hurts to scrutinize hotels in order to find the best deal for you. If you are the kind of person who is fine with a 1 star hotel then don't bother compromising with a 3 or 4 star where you will end up having to pay more for things that don't really matter to you.

6. Find connecting flights

If possible try to find cheap connecting flights in the country or countries you are visiting instead of using the train. Under certain circumstances it will not only save you time but it can also save you money depending on where you are looking to go.

7. Consider renting a car if it turns out to be cheaper

Try substituting a car rental instead of taking lots of taxi rides. For obvious reasons it will definitely be cheaper. Also when vacationing try to maximize your efficiency by visiting places in the same area at the same time. Additionally, budget out your rental car for only as long as you absolutely need it because otherwise it can burn a hole in your pocket pretty quick. One thing I recommend is segmenting off a part of the trip to only seeing things that are necessary with a car and then returning the vehicle after you are finished.

8. Travel with others

Always travel with companions. Not only is it safer but it is cheaper too. Being able to split the costs with someone else will make your budget drastically more manageable. Cramming a few extra people into a hotel room may not necessarily be fun but it is most certainly one of the best ways to cut down on costs.

9. Don't load up on luggage

Be extra efficient when packing luggage. Having to carry around excess luggage bags is not only a nuisance but it is also costly depending on which airline you are flying. For shorter trips try cramming everything you can into one carry on. It takes some skill and practice but once you get the hang of things it will make airports transitions much less stressful too.

If you would like to see more articles like this feel free to check out http://www.dreamland.news. It is a site dedicated to bringing happiness right to your doorstep from all around the world.

Additionally, if you have a story that is inspirational, heartwarming, or happy in nature and would like to have your voice heard please click on the "Idea Submissions" link on Dreamland's homepage.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Patrick_Leifer/2289667

Himalayan Full Moon

Himalaya (Flickr Creative Common / Bernard Goldbach)

By Andrea Scarsi 

It is midnight, and full moon on the Himalayas, and the cold kills. I cannot adapt to the climate. The wooden walls of my room are a miserable shelter and my feather sleeping bag is too warm and transpiring. I am sweating in it and the slightest air current makes me shiver. It is my mania to avoid anything synthetic. I decide to go down to the hot springs. A small one is nearby, in the center of the village, tiled with large flat stones and bounded by a circular wall of smaller ones, about an arm's length. The diameter is approximately five meters and there's never anyone; they all go to the biggest one at the village entrance. That hot water spring welcomes you when you arrive, after crossing an endless rope-bridge teetering over a sacred river descending loud and rushing into a deep gorge. When you walk over it, stunned by the noise, you see the road carved into the mountain on one side and inviting warm waters on the other. They're very hot indeed, contained within a single masonry construction. All the rest is wood.

The air is very cold, the moon triumphs, and the pitch darkness is the backdrop with thousands of pulsating stars. I take a deep breath and feel like dying. I go, alone in the street, shaking in my yak-wool jacket and pulling my local hat down to my ears. I can see the fumes of the baths from afar, inviting, and I already breathe the delicate scent of sulfur. All around, above the dark shape of the houses, the giant profiles of the mountains. I leave my slippers out and enter the circle. Heat and humidity are very pleasant and revive me. It's a dark outdoor place, surely revitalizing for my skin and numbed lungs. I take off my jacket to sit on hot plates, and enjoy the night, moon, loneliness, altitude, and finally heat. What a place, what an atmosphere, what an unknown and unimaginable magic. I would stay naked but you never know how many eyes are watching you hidden in the dark of night. There is too much moonlight to sleep. All around is peace, but inside me there is always something that grinds deep and makes me always feel uncomfortable. Time stops and so do I, in unstable balance, crushed by the night that does not move. I close my eyes and listen to the sound of water flowing beneath me.

I hear the sound of footsteps and see Rita arriving. She takes off her slippers and approaches, sitting down beside me. She feels cold too and presses against me for a few minutes. We look into each other's eyes; silence is too dominant to say anything, we're both pure perception pierced by reflected moon rays. We fill a pipe and smoke it slowly, savoring the taste, the burning fire and thick smoke coming out of our dragon's mouth. It's becoming more and more magic this October full moon. It's getting hotter and bit by bit we strip off our cloths, until we're finally naked, reckless and heedless as always. Her skin is white, faintly silver, her curves slender and delicate, her eyes bright and smiling and a cascade of black curls cover her shoulders down to her breasts. Her pubic forest dominates, undisputed and inviting, and we get lost in a sublime tangle of love. A bit timid, a bit hesitant, I come inside her. She's happy. We lie embraced over our clothes. The night is softer now, gently enveloping, and after an infinite time, comes an endless dawn. The ritual is complete, in the Valley of Gods.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9461314