My Mélange

Positano...my heaven on earth

Positano is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.  It is not a big city, loaded with museums, tours, hustle and bustle(though it can get crowded).  People generally come here to relax and take in the gorgeous beauty all around you.  So what is there to do....

you can lay on the beach

or walk in the surf

stare dumbfounded at the way the jumble of pastel cubed structures seem to be hanging on for dear life

or try and pick your hotel out of the crowd from the other side of town

gaze out across the water to Capri

make time to go shopping up on top

or down below

why not visit a shrine?

have lunch on the open terrace with the water churning below you

or party like a rockstar, well into the wee hours at their club

you can meander along the narrow streets

and realize there are stairs....everywhere

take a quiet pathway to discover serenity

or just gaze down the Amalfi coast, as far as the eye can see, until the cool azure water disappears into the bright blue sky and you realize that this is heaven on earth!

Where is your heaven on earth?

Postcard Positano...the arrival

view from our balcony

As I promised you last week...I bring you more Positano.  But quite honestly, I don't see how it could ever be enough.  It all started when we saw the movie Under the Tuscan Sun.  When Frances goes with Marcello to the coast to meet his family for dinner on the beach, and subsequently returns in her fabulous white dress, only to find he has a new lover....that glorious place was Positano.  So no visit to Italy would have been complete for me, without a stop here.  Most people take the boat or the bus...but we were coming from Rome and had rented a car, so feeling adventurous, we drove the 3 hours.

We drove down the Amalfi coast, just like they did.  Uh, well, we were in a SmartCar and they were in a red Alfa Romeo sports car.  Minor technicality.  Twisting and turning among the cliffs, most times I felt suspended in mid-air.  I was plastered to the car door, scared to death, while Chris was grinning ear to ear, gunning the engine and jerking the steering wheel left and right as though he was having uncontrollable spasms in his arm.  We were told to watch for the crazy Italian kids on Vespas.  They think they are invincible and pass you going uphill around a blind curve upward of 50 miles per hour.  I would close my eyes and pray for them as I heard them roar by.

along the coast, from out of the car window on the door I was clingng to

When we got to our hotel, which we had booked very far in advance, we found a delightful surprise.  The hotel had undergone construction, and we had booked the highest possible floor(which we later found out used to be reception).  As luck would have it, the top floor had been totally renovated and now contained a huge master suite with a private balcony, new tile floors and the largest bathroom in all of Europe.  The bathroom was larger than most of the hotel rooms we had occupied up to that point.  Oh, did I mention the Jacuzzi tub that was part of the deal.  And the best part...the manager gave this room to us...at the regular room rate, just because we took a chance and booked during a construction period.  So nice they were!  So here we are, enjoying the most wonderful views, in this magnificent suite, all for 150€ per night, when it normally books for 300€ per night.  As if this was not enough...this insane price includes breakfast brought to your room and served on your private balcony every morning.

our suite..basic, clean and spacious

our balcony

Just to give you some perspective on this.  Positano is a posh celebrity destination.  The Hotel Sirenuse is located directly across the narrow street from us, and rooms book there for 800-3,100€ per night..easy.  And as much as everyone raves about the Sirenuse...our room and private balcony was situated above them, so we actually looked down on them...and we had a better, more unobstructed view of Positano and the sea...at a fraction of the cost.  The rich celebs get robbed, and the poor Travel Consultant on a budget...scores a great deal!  True Story.

Hotel Sirenuse

view from our balcony, the red building in foreground is Le Sirenuse

My next post will be about the wonderful 3 days we spent and of course...more pictures!

Panoramic Paris

I am sitting here this morning, tuning into the final laps of the Tour de France.  Not so much for the cycling, I shamelessly admit, but more for the scenes of Paris. The Eiffel Tower, the Place de la Concorde, the Arc du Triomphe with the 12 spokes of the streets that shoot out like sun rays, the Seine, the Louvre and the most spectacular aerial views of Paris that are being broadcast during the race. It is so green and beautiful there.   I started thinking about some of the wonderful pictures that I have seen over the years of Paris and I remembered one of the most amazing, unbelievable panoramic shots of Paris, shot near Notre Dame, at night.  It is a complete 360˚ shot of Paris, and it left me speechless.  Click here to see it....and don't forget to tell me what you think, unless of course it leaves you speechless too! 

Sidenote:  The photographer is Arnaud Frich and his work is downright amazing.  You can visit his actual website to view more of his exquisite work.  But be forewarned...if you've never ever dreamed of going to Paris, if you have never found a reason, after viewing his photos you will be feverishly planning your first trip!

Photo:  The Champs-Elysees, the final leg of the race, taken from atop the Arc du Triomphe, as the fog begins to lift

Easy French Crepes

One of the best treats in Paris is the crepe.  There are stands all over Paris that sell them.  They are the equivalent of New York Pretzels.  And just like pretzels...some can be good and some can be, well, let's just say it...downright merde!  Crepes can be both savory and sweet.  The savory ones are filled with cheese, meat, veggies and are treated like a meal.  The sweet ones are more of a treat or dessert.  Fillings like butter and sugar, fruit or creme de marron(chestnut puree) are good...but my all time favorite has to be Nutella.  Nutella and strawberry, Nutella and banana, Nutella and Nutella....anything with Nutella, really.  I will save some tidbits on Paris Creperies for another post.

When I returned from Paris, I missed the crepes.  I mean, really missed them.  I sought out ways to make my own.  I found an issue of Martha Stewart Living that had a recipe for Crepes Suzette, which is basically crepes with oranges and orange sauce.  Mmmm, it sounded so good.  I was so excited!  As with many things I do, in my haste I did not read thru the recipe completely.  What I though would be an easy crepe recipe, turned out to be 2 days in the process and 3 recipes for just one dish.  First the batter, than the filling, then the sauce!  By the time I was done, I was too tired to put the damn things together and no energy left to eat them. Sadly, I threw that recipe away, along with my hopes of having crepes at home.

Then Foodie Froggy came to my rescue.  Well, she wasn't the Foodie Froggy at the time, she was is my friend Anne.  And I told her of my struggle to find an easy crepe recipe...and voila, she emailed me her quick and easy crepe recipe right away!  Crisis averted!  The moment I tried it, it was amour.  Nothing could be more simple.  Everything is made in the blender, there is no beer in the batter, no waiting overnight to use it.  Martha...eat your heart out!  Here is her recipe, which should be used for sweet or dessert crepes:

8oz all purpose flour
2 oz powdered sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
zest of 1 orange
4 whole eggs
2 egg yolks
1/4 to 1/3 cup milk
pinch of salt
3-4 tbsp olive oil
3 oz melted butter

In a blender, mix all of the ingredients, except the butter.  Mix until smooth.  Add the butter, mix again.  Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Keep in mind this recipe was converted from the metric system, so the amounts are approximate.  You may find that you need to add more milk to achieve the desired consistency, which should be thinner than a pancake batter, but not as thin as liquid.

The technique:

If you want perfect, hassle free crepes, buy an electric crepe maker.  If you are like me, and realize that some of the fun is trying to find the perfect balance between the correct amount of batter and the speed and precise flick of the wrist, then use the old fashioned way.  For me, it is about the taste of the end result, not how perfect the crepe looks.  (Yes, I am aware that this is very un-French of me, as it is all about presentation).

Preheat oven to 180 degrees.  Heat a 8-10 in. non-stick pan over med-high heat.  Drop a dollop of butter and swirl to coat the pan.  Drop about 1/4 cup of the batter into the middle of the pan, pick up the pan and swirl around to create a thin, even, round pancake.  You may need to play with the quantity of batter you need to get the perfect amount.  Let cook for a few minutes and when brown, flip and brown on the other side.  Slide out of the pan onto a plate and place in the warm oven covered with foil.  The first one, is normally not so good.  So, don't be discouraged...use it as a guide as to whether you need to raise/lower the heat or correct the amount of batter.  Continue making until the batter is used up.

Fill with your favorite fillings and serve.  I have seen them served rolled or folded in quarters.  I always dust mine with a little powdered sugar.  For something extra special, you can make a separate filling like sauteed banana's and rum or oranges with Grand Marnier.  How about a drizzle of chocolate sauce or vanilla anglais.  Bon Appetit!

 

You know what my favorite fillings are, now I want to know about yours!  What are your favorite crepes filled with?  Have you ever made them at home?  Where have you eaten crepes before?

An Interview with Elke

photo courtesy of autographedforyou.com

I am starting a special series of interviews with some selected friends who have experiences with both European and American culture.  I thought it would be interesting for my readers to get to know these friends and shed some light on the similarities and differences between cultures, countries and life. 

Elke is a good friend that grew up in Germany, but now lives near me in Poughkeepsie NY.  We have become fast friends and I am sure you be able to tell from her interview...why that is. (hint: it has to do with her favorite place to travel). She will shed some light on the German culture.   You may wonder to yourself...gee she looks alot like Elke Sommers, well...that is Elke Sommers.  This has been an on-going joke...and now this her punishment for not getting me a picture for the last 3 months. It was either that, or a picture of my Westie, so I hope she is happy with my choice.

MM:  Tell me about yourself & your family.
 
E:  My name is Elke and I am 39 years old. Born and raised in Germany, I am the oldest of three children and the only one who decided to move to a different country much to the chagrin of my family and friends. I currently live in Poughkeepsie, NY with my wonderful husband and amazing 13 year old son. My family is my top priority, so I work only part-time for a Homecare Agency. I have a passion for traveling, love to read, be around my friends, cook and bake, have picnics on one of the amazing grounds of our old Mid-Hudson Valley mansions, attend theater and musical productions and most important of all take care of my little family.

MM: Tell us about your childhood.

E:   I grew up in a little town called Arzfeld, which is part of the beautiful Eifel region with my parents and younger brother and sister. In our town everyone knew each other and there were plenty of children on our road to play with. My mom was a stay- at-home mom and because of that we grew up with a strong sense of family values and morals. We loved to play outside, in the fields or woods surrounding our home. We walked to our elementary school every day and as we got older took the bus to a neighboring town for Middle/ High School. Our town was small and save enough to be negotiated by foot. We could walk to the post office, shops, doctor offices etc. We had a playground right on our road where we spend numerous hours of the day.

MM:  Describe your personality.

E:   I am a fun- loving, outgoing person. I consider myself organized and loyal. To be fair I have to mention, that I am reluctant to big changes and have a stubborn, willful streak. People tell me I am sweet, nice and funny..Boy are they in for a surprise. I must like adventure to a certain degree because I am always up to explore new places and look at me I moved across the Atlantic(what was I thinking???)

MM:  What is one misconception about your culture?

E:     Well where to start? I guess what has been bothering me for a while now is the assumption floating around that all German woman are big. I fit in a size 4 dress and my sister is probably below a 0. My friends are all skinny and I am not sure where this rumor started. We really are not all huge, beer hoisting girls that bust out of their clothes. We come in all sizes (wee, not so wee and friggin huge).

MM:  What is the one thing that frustrated/irritated you about living in Germany?

E:   At the time I was living there the endless days of rain. I do have to say that has changed though due to global warming or El Nino. Right now I would gladly trade places as far as the weather is concerned.

MM:  What are the Germans most known for in your opinion?
E:     Good beer and food, cleanliness and most Germans are incredibly industrious.

MM:  What has your experience been with Americans?  Do German people hate Americans?

E:     Most Americans that I have encountered have a very open and friendly mentality. Germans are more reserved and private. I hope I am not stepping on too many toes here but I think Americans can be too boisterous and loud, especially when traveling and seem to lack  the thoughtfulness to leave their habits and shorts and sneakers at home when traveling to a European country. That said Germans can be incredibly annoying tourists as well. I have taken vacations with both..and was ready to run the opposite way a couple of times. German people in general love Americans. There are so many US military posts all over Germany that everybody lives and socializes with each other. English is our mandatory second language and apart from some political views or climates there is no resentment toward Americans. You can’t even find a piece of teenager clothing anymore, that does not have some English slogan on it, which does not make sense all the time and often amuses my husband and son, who are trying to figure out what it was meant to say.

MM:  What was your initial impression of the US and its people?  How is that different from what you expected?

E:    I thought everything was very contemporary. It did not seem like things were made to last. Everything appeared to have been put up quickly and I was not too impressed with the trash on the roadside on the way from JFK airport in New York City. Coming from an Old World country this was quite the culture shock. Everything here seemed so different and frankly scary to me. We have so much history and definitely less malls and shopping centers in Germany. I was completely overwhelmed and just wanted to turn around and go home. As far as lifestyles go I was shocked to see how many crazy hours American’s have to work and how fast paced and stressful life over here is. Europe is much more laid back and allows more time to spend with family.

MM: I am proud to be German because...

E:   I love my country, it is truly beautiful. So many nice places to visit and incredible history to learn from. We had some dark times in our history and came back, compassionate and humble.

MM:  What is your favorite German dish to make?  Maybe a signature dish?

E:     You will be surprised it is not Sauerkraut. It is Rotkohl(red cabbage)my favorite German vegetable and homemade spaetzle(Bavarian pasta)

MM:  What is your favorite German food?
E:     I love Sauerbraten and Jaeger schnitzel

MM:  What is your favorite American food?
E:   Believe it or not I am a sucker for a good hamburger.

MM:  Who taught you to cook?

E:   I need to give credit to my mom for that. Though she seldom had me at the stove doing the actual cooking I was always in the kitchen around her and observed and memorized.

MM:  Who is your favorite historic German person and why?

E:   That is a hard one... Have been out of school for too long. I admire Ludwig van Beethoven. He was the most amazing composer and his music still inspires people all around the world.

MM:  Favorite Museum?
E:   Smithsonian museum in Washington D.C.

MM:  Favorite artist?
E:   Van Gogh

MM:  Favorite music/musician?

E:   My favorite 2 men are both very much into music. So I get to listen and enjoy a wide variety of different styles (some I like more then others). I like to listen to Andrea Bocelli and his American counter part Josh Groban .

MM:  Favorite movie?
E:   I really liked the movie Chocolat and The Notebook.

MM:  Favorite book/author?

E:  'Wish you well' by David Baldacci. I also am a huge fan of John Steinbeck and Barbara Kingsolver. I love to read and it would take me a while to list them all so I will spare you further details .You have some amazing literature and writers in this country.

MM:  Favorite historic monument?

E:   It has to be the “World War II” Memorial in Washington D.C. It is very impressive and well designed. I was impressed by most of the monuments in Washington DC and Arlington Cemetery. We had the benefit of enjoying all of this while we were living in Virginia for 8 years.

MM:  Favorite restaurant in Germany, why?

E:   A little restaurant called “Alte Abtei” in Pruem a town about 20 minutes from my parent’s town. You get very good traditional German dishes there with great presentation and the ambiance is very nice.  It is family owned and you can have a good time as a group there or have a romantic dinner for two.

MM: Favorite area of your country?

E:   I love Bavaria. The country side is gorgeous, the mountains (Alps) are very impressive and you can visit King Ludwig’s castles (the Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World is modeled after one of them). Another amazing place to visit is Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a walled city about 3 hours outside of Frankfurt dating back to the medieval times.

MM:  What is your favorite drink?

E:   I like girlie drinks, like Pina Coladas or Fuzzy Navels. But I also treasure a good glass of wine.

MM:  If you could have dinner with one person dead or alive who would it be..why?

E:   Brad Pitt because he is cute. Just kidding!  I would like to talk to Princess Diana of Wales. I think she was a wonderful person and had so much to give.

MM:  Which languages do you speak?  Which was the hardest to learn?

E:   German and English. They are equally hard to learn. German grammar is a nightmare but English can throw you for a loop too. It was a challenge but I love to learn new things.

MM:  What are your favorite things to do in your country?

E:   Visiting with my family and friends and of course traveling. Remember I am a “nomad” at heart.

MM:  How does the German diet compare to the diet of the Americans?

E:   We eat a lot of food with gravy's and sauces. Some of our dishes can be heavy but our lifestyle is more active and we eat our big meals mainly for lunch and have a small dinner. I find our food very well seasoned and our desserts less sweet then Americans. Just like in America we have regional cuisine and some things I like and some I don’t.

MM:  What is the biggest stereotype about German people?

E:   That Germans are rude, cold and not very welcoming, and it is a far cry from that. Also our diet consists of more then just Sauerkraut.

MM:  What is the biggest stereotype that the Germans have about Americans?

E:   I guess a widespread conception is that Americans view themselves as better than anyone else in the world and therefore can do whatever pleases them.

MM:  What is the biggest similarity between the German & American culture?

E:   We are both western cultures so many of our beliefs are similar. The same goes for daily routines and loyalties.

MM:  Biggest difference?
E:   Family values and work ethics.

MM:  If I could change one thing about Germany or German culture what would it be?

E:   History. I would love to rewrite history and change some of the world views of Germany and its people to the rest of the world.

MM: If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?

E:   I want to go back to Italy. I also am interested in traveling to Thailand. We have traveled extensively in Europe and went to Africa for our honeymoon.

MM:  Up to this point, where has your favorite place to travel been?
E:     Italy. Hands down!!!!

MM:  What culture do you wish to know more about?
E:   Asia.

MM:  Of all my accomplishments, I am proudest of...
E:   Being a mom and learning to live comfortably in a new world and fit in.

MM: I think being German is wonderful because...
E:   We are  proud and industrious people with a strong sense of loyalty and analytical minds.

Thank you Elke for your time and your honest, heartfelt answers!  I hope my readers enjoyed getting to know you as much as I have.

Paris after dark

One of the most beautiful and magical times in Paris is after dark.  The city is still full of life, but it takes on a wonderful glow, especially all of the monuments and museums the city is famous for.

Like the Tour Eiffel...

Notre Dame...

The Hotel de Ville...

The bridges of the Seine...

Even the cafes look more cozy and romantic...

So, next time you are in Paris, make sure you save time to set out for a stroll when darkness falls and the city is bathed in evening light.  Pick an area and walk up and down the banks of the Seine for a free light show you will never forget.  Grab an outside table at a cafe for a late night snack or cocktail. And if your tootsies are too sore from all the walking you have done during the day, don't worry!  A relaxing boat ride is a great alternative.  It's a great way to while away an hour and see great views of the river.  I prefer the smaller Bateaux Les Vedettes du Pont Neuf.  The commentary is live and the boats are smaller, creating a more intimate tour. 

Paris at night...c'est magnifique!

A Cameo Appearance

 

There she is, tucked away in someones jewel box.

A cameo.

Trapped in the dark satin lining. Wasting away, dying to break free, until one day she sees the light and her keeper has the perfect occasion.

She lives again and is now the star of the show.

She began as a shell, washing upon the shores. Picked up by ancient Greeks and Romans.

Who were they imagining?  Was it their fantasy girl, their Mom, sister, wife? How did they come upon this craft of carving beautiful ladies portraits into a seashell?

This tradition still lives on. Broaches, rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets are intricately created by generations of Italian carvers using a bullino, a little carving tool or small drill introduced hundreds of years ago.

There he sits, the artist, hunched over his muse, slowly carving away until a pearl necklace or the wave of her hair appears.

Perched on a chair, next to the window, taking advantage of the strong Italian sun beaming through the window, he carves.

Perhaps, this shows off her best features, in her natural light, much like the beautiful model being photographed in the studio with the strategically placed spotlights.

Hold her up to the light and see her beauty radiate from within. Fragile in their make-up, yet strong enough to stand the test of time.

Like many women I know.

Whether old or new, they offer us timeless beauty. Even Napoleon wore one to his wedding and founded a school in Paris that taught cameo carving.

Who do we think of when we wear these gems? A great Italian Matriarch who watched over her large family, an ancient mythological goddess, a biblical character, or is it just a tribute to all the women who have come before us?

My mom has one that will become mine... someday.

Though the portrait is not an exact replica, the eyes and soul will speak to me.

The rings are my own. One a delicate, hand carved antique acquired at the Mercato di San Lorenzo in Florence Italy; the other a chunky, more modern, machine carved version that is set in marcasite.

I wear them proudly for different reasons. To represent the beauty of women in general.

Perhaps each ring represents all of me.

The antique, being who I was and where I came from and the modern, who I will become and where I am going.

Perhaps the newer ring, will become someone else's antique lady in waiting, tucked away in the satin lined jewel box.

Until one day she makes her own cameo appearance, she sees the light and life begins again.

Photo:  antique and new cameo rings from my jewel box, sharing an oyster shell.

And the answer is....Positano

Thanks to all who guessed!  Nurse Terry was in the right neighbohood.....but it was KC who hit the nail on the head!  It is Positano!  Boy, you smarties always amaze me...I didn't think anyone would get it based on those pictures!  I thought I would have to pull out the easy clues....but you got me!

Much more on this fabulous destination coming soon....

Where in the world.....

I am sure some of you are familiar with the Today Show, in NYC.  Every year Matt Lauer takes a trip around the world and he gives clues to his locations...and the rest of the cast tries to figure out where he is.  The segment is called, Where in the World is Matt Lauer?  Well, I love a guessing game as much as the next guy, so I have created a little one of my own. 

I am posting pictures with a few clues....and I want you to play along and guess where I am!  Fun.. right!  Here goes....

It is on the water....

And there are some Palm trees...

And even a beach...

there are narrow, steep, steps that lead everywhere...

and the roads twist and turn and hang on by a thread...

and the beautiful bougainvillea are always blooming...

there is even some nightlife, like this bar that gives 'on the rocks' a new meaning...

So, where am I?  I have a few other pictures and clues up my sleeve, but these will be dead give-aways...so I want to challenge you first!  Don' t worry...if you don't get it first time 'round..I will post the other clues and pictures!  You can have as many guesses as you want.  Good luck and thanks for playing! 

Getting to know me

I always see these memes out there, where people tag other people and ask them to share 3 things, 5 things, 8 things, secret things etc etc..about themselves.  Instead of doing memes or tagging someone else, I just figured I would be direct...and tell you a few things that you don't know about me.

1.  I was a cheerleader in High School.  3 years of football and only 1 year of basketball.  I didn't really like basketball, so I stuck with football.  It was so much fun, but pretty hard.  Try-outs were nerve-wracking and nail-biting..and I was never a 'popular' kid in school, so that made it so much harder for me.  We didn't do all these fancy acrobatic tricks or go to competitions like schools do now, although I could do a split (oh, how I wish).  Ours were more cheers, jumps and routines set to music.  To this day I still remember a few of my routines..to Van Halen's Jump, Eddy Grant's Electric Avenue and Prince's I would Die 4 U. 

2.  NO LAUGHING!  Yes, I must stress that before I tell you this one.  I used to play the accordion!  I wanted to take the flute, or the clarinet...and be part of the school band.  Yet my parents, for some cruel reason that I have never tried to uncover and have spend years avoiding the question, decided that the accordion would be better.  It came in handy at parties when I could play the polka for my German family members. NOT. Later, after my Grandfather died and left his Hammond organ to my Mom, I ditched the accordion and opted to play the organ.  I took lessons for years, but never made it to school band.  We did not have an organ or accordion player in our band.  Come to think of it...does any school have these people in the band???

3.  I won an Award from President Ronald Regan.  I was involved in the Junior Grange as a kid.  One year, with the help of my father, our grange members planted hybrid poplar trees in an effort to explore alternate energy sources.  It had something to do with the poplar trees being converted into gas-a-hol and then the trees rejuvenated themselves very quickly and could be used again.  The President found out about our experiment and awarded each of us a commendation.  I guess I was just one step away from 'An Inconvenient Truth'

4.  I am 9 years older than my sister and my parents chose me to be her Godmother.  I was so excited that I would get to hold my little baby sister at the Baptism...I blathered on for weeks about it!  Until I got the Chicken Pox!  Imagine my chagrin when my Mom told me that I had to stay home and that I couldn't go to the Church.  My Mom said that my cousin would 'stand in for me'...and that technically I would still be her Godmother.....but try to tell that to a crying 9 year old!  I was crushed for days after.

5.  About 10 years ago, we picked up and moved across the country and landed in Walnut Creek, California.  Both cars loaded, we drove in February and took the Southern route to avoid snow.  We planned to drive up the coast of California and camp near the ocean, but as luck would have it, it was an El Nino year and the storms were so severe that much of the coast had been washed away!  We drove through heavy blinding rainfall..the kind that seemed like sheets laying on top of your windshield.  We arrived safely and stayed for about 18 months, before I decided to come back.  During that time, I felt like I was on a big vacation, we did so much. San Francisco, Monterey, San Diego, Napa Valley, Calistoga, Lake Tahoe, Mendocino and Sausalito...just to name a few.  Maybe I was just 'testing the waters' for a move across the Atlantic.  To Italy or France maybe....