Newspaper Article about my Trip

 I had friends (Beth Skipper and Judy Heitman) that worked on the Lion's Roar staff at SLU.  They started that journey in high school working on the school's newspaper, The Cypress Bark.  Here is an article that Beth wrote about my trip the Holy Land.  Click to enlarge.  

 

My First International Trip....Part 3 - Holy Land

 As we approached Jerusalem and eventually Bethlehem, we stopped at several other important Christian sites.  

Jordan River

Kim Wicks - a blind Korean Christian Singer.  My friend Terri worked with her for several years.  Not related to the trip.  She actually came to FBC Ponchatoula one time for a concert.  

Nazareth

The image shows 

Ain Musa

, also known as 

Moses' Spring

, located in Wadi Musa, Jordan. The site is a spring that, according to local tradition, is where Moses struck a rock with his staff to bring forth water for the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. The town of Wadi Musa itself translates to "Valley of Moses" in Arabic. 

The Arabic text "حافظ" (Hafez) is visible on a rock in the image. The spring, which is housed within a simple, three-domed structure, is a significant religious and historical site that still flows with fresh water today.  (Google Image Search AI) 

Where it all began...Part 2: Dead Sea, Massada, Cesearia, and

 Where it all began...Part 2:  Israel

After crossing the border into Israel, I remember thinking that everything was so green.  We had just left a desert and dry area and entered into a country that was blooming.  The difference was the irrigation efforts by the government of Israel.  There was also tight security crossing the border.  Even in the early 80's there was tension in the region.  

Although I did a diary while on the trip, I can't find it now.  Here are pictures of some of the main stops in Israel aside from Jerusalem and Bethlehem.  In addition to Joan and Tuck in the pictures, there are pictures of her aunt Frances Thompson.  Some of you may know her son Manny.  She was so much fun to travel with.  

Masada

Capernaum

Dead Sea

She was one of our soloists.  Can't remember her name.  

Some members of our group

Caesarea

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Where it all began...my first International Trip! Intro and Part 1`

 Where it all began...my first International Trip! 

Sitting inside the burial chamber of one of the Great Pyramids in Egypt - Age 23

.  

My travel story began over 40 years ago, when my across the street neighbors and family friends, Joan and Tuck Morse asked if I would be interested in joining them on a trip to the Holy Land.  They had gone the year before, but wanted to go back.  This was a group from various churches - I believe organized by First  Baptist Church of Atlanta.  There were also several participants from the First Baptist Church of Jackson.  This time the group was going to form a choir that would sing in Manger Square in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve.  That was an opportunity that I could not pass up.  I was in college and working at the Movie Theatres in Hammond most recently as the manager of the University Cinemas.  It was one of those things that I was so busy with school and work that I did not have time to spend money.  So, I had the money needed to take this fantastic journey.  In addition to the touring the Holy Land, the trip included Jordan, Egypt, and Vienna, Austria!  What a blessing to be able to go.  

You can imagine how seeing the sites of Jesus's life and learning about civilizations thousands of years old lit the fire of the joy, wonder, and excitement of international travel.  That fire is still burning bright over 40 years later.  

Part 1:  Petra, Jordan

Our journey to Bethlehem for Christmas Eve began in Jordan and the main attraction on Jordan is the ancient city of Petra.  It is one of the seven wonders of the world.  Called the Rose City, it is carved out of the rose-colored rocks in this valley.  To get there we had to ride donkeys and go through this amazing small gorge with the iconic view of the treasure.  

On the way Petra, in the Jordan countryside.  

Moses' Spring

The image shows 

Ain Musa

, also known as 

Moses' Spring

, located in Wadi Musa, Jordan. The site is a spring that, according to local tradition, is where Moses struck a rock with his staff to bring forth water for the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. The town of Wadi Musa itself translates to "Valley of Moses" in Arabic. 

The Arabic text "حافظ" (Hafez) is visible on a rock in the image. The spring, which is housed within a simple, three-domed structure, is a significant religious and historical site that still flows with fresh water today.  (Google AI Image Search)

 Iconic Foods from Around the World:  
The Carbonara Challenge

Carlo's finished Carbonara

As many of you know, I host exchange students and one of the things I promise them is that I will come visit them once they return home.  Of course, this is a little self-serving, but they seem to be happy and encourage my visits.  A couple of years ago, I spend three weeks in Italy mostly visiting former exchange students with a couple of days on my own.  My first leg of the trip was to Sardinia, to visit Carlo Fanciulli.

I was staying in a beautiful vacation home overlooking a bay in Olbia, Sardinia.  Carlo came over to cook Carbonaro one day.  He said he had been practicing and researching the best way to cook it.  He said it was a Roman dish and he had spent some time in Rome.  I was more than excited.  He believed that his version was the best Carbonaro in Italy.  I learned that using Guanciale was key to an authentic carbonara.  Guanciale is pork cheeks.  You can see both contestants in the challenge frying off the guanciale in the photos below.  Both said you needed to fry the meat until very crispy.  

Luca's sister in Rome:  

The other contestant in the original - non-ending - Carbonaro Challenge was Luca Toraldo's sister - see above  Since his family live in Rome and Carbonara is considered a Roman dish, every family has their designated Carbonara expert and Luca's sister is theirs.  The other most important ingredient is the cheese combination.  Carlo felt that using only Pecorino Romano was the best for Carbonaro.  Luca's sister used a combination of Pecorino Romano and Parmigianino Reggiano.  Below are the finished products:

One of my favorite travel pictures.  The joy of Food!!

Although both were the best I had ever tasted, the edge went the one that use both types and cheeses (Luca's sister).  It made the flavor not as bold and more balanced.  The one using only the Pecorino Romano  had a stronger flavor.  Of course, I told Carlo his was the best.  He was anxious to hear the results.  I hope he doesn't see this post.  :)

As I have said before the meals in the homes of exchange students and my family are my favorite food memories.  The food always seems to taste better at home - especially if you don't have to cook it.  :)

The table of food at Luca's.  

The challenge continues...

This past summer I visited a former exchange student who is currently living and working out of London - Marcel.  It so happens, his girlfriend is from Rome.  So guess what - she prepared her version for dinner one night.  It was another one of the best I have ever had.  It is difficult to choose the best of the best.  Unfortunately, I can't find my picture of her version.  I did get a picture of her and Marcel with the berry cake she made.  Simple, but delicious.  That's Italian food! 

A Carbonaro Recipe that is close to what each did:https://www.recipetineats.com/carbonara/

Check out my page of food and travel finds.    https://southtangifoodie.blogspot.com/p/amazon-food-and-travel-recommendations.html

Iconic Foods from Around the World: London

 I recently traveled to London to meet up with a couple of former exchange students living and working there.  Like I try to do in most places or countries that I visit, I wanted to eat the iconic food for the city, region, and/or country.  As many have said in the past, England and London did not have good food.  I did not find that to be true.  Perhaps they mean that the food is bland (compared to south Louisiana) or one note (same thing over and over).  Although both are true in some places, I found that the current food scene is exciting in London (many ethnic choices) and the iconic foods have added some twists that make them more flavorful and exciting.  Here is what I found.  

Dinner in a Pub

My first meal was a traditional pie (savory that include meat) in the White Horse Pub in the exciting Carnaby area of London.  The atmosphere was jovial and the bar scene was hoping.  Pubs all over London were hubs for people to gather after work.  Most of the time, the scene spilled out into the street area - making these pedestrian areas buzzing with laughs and conversation.  Although I did not participate in the fun, it was stimulating to be around - so much youth and energy.  

I was seated in the quiet dining area and choose a traditional meat pie with the fixings. 

The crust on this pie was amazing - so crispy and large.  That is a bone sticking out of the pie.  I chose the pie that have a variety of beef cuts - much like a beef stew.  As you will see later, the sides of mashed potatoes and carrots are very common.  They must use a lot of potatoes and carrots in this country.  :)

English Breakfast

To experience an English breakfast, Marcel picked a popular corner cafe - Regency Cafe  Although there was a line, it moved quickly.  As you can see from the plate below, the main item that sets it apart from something we may have is the baked beans.  I'm not sure the reason for the beans, but I'm sure there is a reasonable explanation.  Perhaps it is for the fiber and protein.  I did have to ask for butter and preserves for the toast.  

Afternoon Tea

Another tradition from England that travels well is the Afternoon Tea.  There are several places in our area that offer an afternoon tea that I am sure is very similar to the one I had in the London.  I chose a more affordable option at the British Museum.  Entrance to the museum is free and it includes several famous treasures including the Rosetta Stone.  At their cafe, they offer an afternoon tea, which although less expensive than some was about $50 per person.  The offerings are pretty standard and some places offer options for to-go afternoon tea with the components in a box that can be taken home or to a park.  

For the sandwich level, almost all of them include one that has "coronation chicken."  This chicken salad include some curry and raisins making it a very tasty sandwich filling.  This is an example of how influences from around the British empire have influenced the cuisine.  I love scones (middle level) and these were very good - not the best that I have had, but pretty standard with the clotted cream (much like butter) and strawberry preserves.  At almost $100 for this spread, it did seem to be less value for the food and more for the experience.  

Sunday Dinner

One tradition throughout the UK is something called Sunday Dinner.  A version is served at almost all restaurants and cafes on Sunday.  It usually involves some type of meat with potatoes and carrots (here they are again).  I had it on my way to a concert at Royal Albert Hall at the Queens Arms pub - once again a bustling place of conversation and drinks.  I was lucky to find a seat.   It was located in the Kensington area of London - one of the riches areas in London.  Mine included sliced roast beef, roasted potatoes and carrots.  I can't remember what the green vegetable was.  One of the characteristics of this meal is the inclusion of Yorkshire pudding (the puff pastry on top).  Although called a pudding the consistency is more like a bread or pastry.  It's purpose is to eat with the beef gravy made from drippings.  It was a very enjoyable part of the meal.  

Also, at this meal I wanted to have one of the most traditional desserts found in the United Kingdom - Sticky Toffee Pudding - and boy was this a good one.  It includes a side of caramel like sauce and ginger ice cream.  Yummy!  Needless to say, there wasn't any left when I finished.  :)

Final Dinner in London

Can you guess the iconic meal I have not yet talked about??  Yes, it is Fish and Chips.  As I looked for places to have it and there were many options.  Some included only haddock while others included both haddock and cod. I chose the North Sea Fish Restaurant.   I had the cod and Marcel had the haddock.  Also, a common side dish to this meal are mushy peas.  Since I like peas I enjoyed them - they just needed some salt for my tasted.  In addition to a cocktail and tartar sauce, many restaurants also include a curry dipping sauce to be used with the fish and/or the fries.  Another example of trying to bump up the taste of the traditional English food.  We both enjoyed using the curry sauce.  

Continuing to Enjoy...

I had one other foodie moment during this trip and that was to stumble upon the Neal's Yard Dairy shop in the Borough Market area of London.    I bought some English Cheddar to bring back home.  I've been enjoying it with some preserves I bought at Fortnum and Mason.  The picture is not mine.