Sonia Marsh's Blog, page 8

I Got My Medical Clearance From the Peace Corps

Vaccinations-Photo credit-click on photo

 

I GOT MY MEDICAL CLEARANCE FROM THE PEACE CORPS

After numerous shots, blood tests, x-rays and doctor visits, I finally got my medical clearance from the Peace Corps.

It’s only been a year since I first applied to serve, but somehow, it feels like forever. As some of you may have read,my first application was rejected, and then on January 14th, 2015, I rewrote my resume and received my invitation to serve on May 14th.

On July 29th, 2015,  I finally received my medical clearance, which means, I’m good to go to Lesotho, on October 5th. This may not seem like a long time to you, but so much has happened in my life in the past year, including my divorce, finding a place to live, and passing the TESOL certificate in London.

Now I admit that patience is not one of my strengths, and I realize that I shall need to slow down in Lesotho as this is an important part of our Peace Corps training, while learning to adapt to a totally new and unfamiliar country.

When I look back at how much stuff I had to go through, it seems like it was a full-time job to get my medical and dental paperwork in order.

It’s not like I have any illnesses, or take medication of any kind, but nevertheless, I had to fix certain “problems.”

Dental Exams:

A full set of x-rays in digital format.
A detailed dental exam with measurements of the distance between the gum line and each tooth, (not sure of what the dental terminology is for this.)

Results:

I had to have one crown, which then resulted in an unexpected root canal. I was worried sick about the root canal, because of stories I’d heard of how painful it can be, and surprisingly, I didn’t feel a thing. The crown actually hurt more than the root canal.

Medical Exams:

The following vaccinations:

MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella.) When I was a child, I had the measles, and there was confusion as to why I wasn’t getting vaccinated against measles. I had several back and forth e-mails with the Peace Corps nurse explaining this.
Polio: Another vaccination
Typhoid: I accidentally got two, and paid $150 for one of these. I then worried that the Peace Corps would tell me that I was not allowed to go, as I’d had two vaccinations. I had to explain my mistake, and this also caused some delays.
Yellow Fever: I had to find a special urgent care that offers yellow fever shots. This also cost $150.
Tetanus: I got a shot, and actually, that’s the one that hurt my upper arm the most, especially during my shoulder press exercises at the gym.
HIV/AIDS blood test. I’m clear.
Tuberculosis: I came out 5mm positive, as I was vaccinated for this in Europe as a child, and they don’t seem to vaccinate n the U.S. I therefore had to get a chest x-ray, to prove that my lungs are clear. Apparently my lungs are long, so the technician had to x-ray them 3 times, and of course I’m worried about all the radiation.
Colonoscopy: I had one six years ago, and thankfully no polyps, so I’m not supposed to have another for 4 more years. Even that required a personal statement explaining the results.

Now, I’m focusing on the type of  backpack I need to buy. I was told 65-85 litres, however that’s enormous. So the researching backpacks at REI, online, and other places, and we also have a long list of items to bring to Lesotho, southern Africa. We are not allowed to leave Lesotho during our 3-month pre-service training, nor can we leave (i.e. shop in South Africa–across the border) for another 3 months after that. So we have to pack the stuff we need. The problem is, we’re not sure what we’ll need, and we’re limited to two suitcases.

I’m teaching English in Koh Samui, Thailand, with the Bamboo Project.

More about getting ready for the Peace Corps, and my trip to Thailand, next week.

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Am I Going to Live on Papa in Lesotho?

“Papa” the main dish served with every meal in Lesotho. Photo credit Beth Spencer, Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho. Click on photo.

I’m getting prepared for my 27 months in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho, in southern Africa, and it looks like I’m going to live on Papa in Lesotho. Papa even has its own special wooden utensil for mixing.

Papa, seems to be the main starch eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s bland, so you can add milk for breakfast or vegetables for dinner.

“At the heart of the Basotho diet is a corn-based food called papa. Papa is served almost every lunch and dinner. Papa le moroho (cooked greens), papa le nama (meat), papa le lebese (milk), papa le linaoa (beans), papa le beet root, paper le lihoete (carrots), papa le mahe (eggs); the possibilities are endless. This is because papa is a classic starch. It is a mildly flavored, completely unseasoned base to every meal.” — Beth Spencer.

My author friend Lauri Kubuitsile from Botswana, introduced me to Rethabile from Lesotho, who now lives in Paris. He then informed me about a chef from Lesotho and her cookbook. Here is a BBC video on Chef Ska Mirriam Motteane, and her goal to teach women to become chefs in Lesotho.

Click on cover to see on Amazon

I’m also reading Greg’s fascinating memoir, The Mountain School, and learning about what to expect as a primary education teacher in Lesotho. I’m so excited to meet him for lunch tomorrow in San Diego. Greg lived in Lesotho as a Peace Corps Volunteer, and as I’ve connected with other Peace Corps Volunteers and shall be asking him to answer all of our questions about his life as a primary education teacher in the Mountain Kingdom. I’m already learning about what to expect.

I hope there is more to eat in Lesotho than Papa, and Moroho.
Moroho consists of greens: spinach, cabbage, collard greens etc.  I shall have to bring some seeds to plant my own vegetables.

Click on photo to go to website.

I wonder where I shall get my protein from? Eggs? They have beef, mutton and chicken, but Papa, seems to form the main part of the dish.

Anyway, I’m getting more and more excited about this life change, and hopefully the Peace Corps won’t turn me down at the last minute for some medical reason. I’ve uploaded all my medical and dental exams to their portal, which is quite time-consuming.

If you have any suggestions as to what to bring or to plant, please let me know.

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What’s It Like to Date In Your 50s

Please click on photo to read article: 3 Reasons Why Dating in Your 50’s is Fabulous

I’ve been dating, so I figured I’d share what it’s like to date in your 50s, and don’t worry, there’s no naughty stuff here.

The best way to date in your 50s, and to not get upset or frustrated, is to treat dating as a research project rather than an act of desperation.

Why do women never seem to give up on the “Cinderella” dream, even when we’re in our 50s?

If you’re confident, and have “semi-realistic” goals, regarding what you consider to be your ideal mate, you’d better start developing a sense of humor if you want to stay sane in today’s online dating world.

Dating in your 50s, and older, is like dating in your twenties but worse.

My Observations:

Most people lie about their age, stating that they’re ten years younger in their online profile. I don’t lie about my age. I’m 57, and proud of it. I plan to continue being honest about my age even though men say they want younger women. The opposite is true as well.
Most men are fatter and older than their photos. (To be fair, I’ve heard the same comment coming from men, about women mis-representing themselves on their photos.) We don’t need to show what we looked like at 25, when we’re 65!
Most men in the U.S. think that a motorcycle or a sporty car, is the way to get a woman’s attention. Come on,  can’t you be a little more creative/different? The men I saw on U.K. dating sites had more intellectual photos, like “swinging in a hammock and reading a “real book.” OK, I don’t care for motorcycles, or fancy cars, as I don’t believe it’s your car, when I see a Lamborghini. Why are you on a free dating site if you’re so successful? I’m sure many women are attracted to your materialistic toys, but that’s not me. I’d prefer to see you on a camel in the Sahara desert, or scrubbing the elephants on a vacation in Thailand. At least that’s different, and shows that you’re unique and stand out from the rest.
Women don’t like to see a man’s photo with an ex-spouse or girlfriend clinging onto him, even if he’s tried to photoshop her out of the photo. We are good at detecting red nail polish, especially when it’s grabbing your waist.
Women especially don’t want to see you with that “boyish” grin on your face when half-naked show girls cling to your sides. That might impress your guy friends, but not a woman whom you’re asking out on a date.

Here’s my advice.

Treat dating as a research project and you can learn something from it, I promise.
You can learn about yourself, and what’s important to you in a relationship when you date.
You can enjoy the company of another man when there’s a stimulating conversation.
You can become a journalist, and take notes for your next article or novel.
If there is no connection, dig for that one quality or quirk that you find fascinating and use it in your next novel.
You can learn to become more accepting and tolerant.
You can laugh, especially if you haven’t been out on a date in a while.
You can learn to figure out the best way to escape without hurting the other person’s feelings.
You can become friends, although I’ve been told that men hate to hear, “Let’s be friends.”
If you’re looking for love, you can move slowly and see what develops.

Here’s a video on dating after 50. They selected 6 women, and here’s the message I got from this, that rings true:

“You can learn about yourself and what you’re willing to accept.”

Here’s a 15 minute podcast on “How to Attract Your Soul-Mate.”

“If you’re thinking about getting back into dating after a long hiatus, take the time to figure out what fits for you now versus what fit for you when you were in your twenties. Be open to trying new things and moving out of your comfort zone. And, if by chance the opportunity for a passionate romance, comes you way, I say go for it!”– Karen Kanya Daley, MA/MFT

In the meantime, to all the women out there waiting for a date with the “right” man for you, why not enjoy Magic Mike XXL for therapy. I have seen it twice.

Any comments? Please share your stories or points of view. 

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Less Stuff = Freedom + Happiness

Click on photo to go to website

I’m a “happy” person so why did I buy a book called, Happier: Learn the Secrets to Daily Joy and Lasting Fulfillment, by  Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D?

Because it explains why I want to go back to Africa, and work with people who have far less than me. Here’s why:

“While levels of material prosperity are on the rise, so are levels of depression. Even though our generation–in most Western countries as well as in an increasing number of places in the East–is wealthier than previous generations, we are not happier for it.” —Tal Ben-Shahar, Ph.D.

I’ve been trying to figure out why I have become happier with less “stuff,” and why I’m attracted to living a simple life.

I don’t have a home, or furniture, except for two armchairs, a Chinese chest, and a tropical painting that inspires me to stay “gutsy.” Nothing within my control can prevent me from following my passion to ‘be free’ and experience new adventures.

Volunteering in a Mayan Village in Belize in 2009, and seeing these beautiful children, full of smiles, made me realize that happiness does not come from having stuff. Look at the small girl on the left; her parents can’t afford a pair of shoes.

The children I met while volunteering in a Mayan village in Red Bank, Belize, 2009.

Here’s what makes me happy.

Click on Photo- credit from malidoma.com

Am I being selfish in wanting to work with children in Africa? Perhaps. I realize that there are going to be many challenges adapting to a new life in Lesotho, in southern Africa, but just to feel the love and enthusiasm of the children, is enough to fuel my own energy.

I became fascinated with photo-journalist Alissa Everett, and what she has done to bring us closer to the positive side of what we don’t see in African countries, such as the DRC-(Democratic Republic of Congo.) She is truly “gutsy” and not only has she served in the Peace Corps, which is what I shall be doing starting in October, 2015, (Read more here) but she shares her stories during my interview with her.

This is her recent wedding photo with a message, I truly love.

Alissa Everett’s wedding photo credit

I realize we are all different, however, it saddens me to see people who have everything in life to be happy, and yet they’re unhappy.

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Who Has Time to Read Long Blog Posts These Days?

Click on photo to go to Nick Leffler’s post for more details

Who has time to read long blog posts these days, let alone take the time to comment?

I wish I did, but I don’t.

I only have time to read a few blog posts a week, and forget crafting detailed and thoughtful comments, the way I used to a few years ago. In fact, I’m not alone here; other bloggers have expressed the same.

Things are changing in the blogging world, and just as I was about to write, “Our attention spans have decreased,” I found a better reason expressed by Nick Leffler in his blog post:

“Attention spans aren’t getting shorter, they’re becoming more selective for good content.” 

— Nick Leffler

After all, states Nick, we’re able to sit through a 3+hour movie, so our attention spans have not decreased.

As Nick Leffler says:

“We’re getting more selective about what we pay attention to. There’s a lot of information coming at us. It used to be just newspapers where we got our news, then came radio, then TV, then Internet, then our brains exploded.

There’s a lot of great stuff to read, watch, and listen to. There’s also a ton of crap.

Attention spans haven’t gotten shorter, they’re just more selective for good content. So if I’m not writing good content, I’ll lose my audience within 8 seconds and it’s not their fault, it’s 100% mine.”

There is presently a shift towards writing shorter (300-word) blog posts. How do you feel about that? 

There is of course an exception to this; longer, more detailed posts (about 1,000 words or more,) from experts who cover specific topics that readers are searching for.

So from now on, I’m going to write shorter blog posts, whenever I have something to share. My upcoming adventures lend themselves to shorter more frequent posts, just like we see on FaceBook.

What about you. Are you changing the length of your posts?

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Ian Mathie: A Life of Adventure, Danger and Excitement in Africa

Ian Mathie, one of my favorite memoir authors, has packed more adventure, danger and excitement during his thirty years in Africa, than anyone living a ‘normal’ life at home.

I spent a weekend with Ian and his wife, Gay, in their village about an hour north-west of London in Warwickshire. I had just finished my TESOL course in Greenwich, London, and needed a relaxing weekend.

The countryside was magnificent, and so green, compared to the drought we’re experiencing in southern California.

Ian met me at the Banbury train station, and drove me to his lovely home.

 

 

During my visit, Ian showed me the chest where he keeps several African artifacts, that make his memoirs come to life. For example, the monkey below, was the actual carving in his book Bride Price , the first book I read from Ian’s collection. It was so interesting to see the actual collecting basket which Abélé (from Bride Price) took into the forest each day to gather fruit and roots. (Scroll down to see it.)

 

Hardwood carving of a monkey – makaka – made as part of the bride price he paid for Abélé by Mputu Ngakwe.


Cooking pot made to replace the one I broke. Made in a spiral from clay taken from the river bank and baked on the fire outside my hut. It still works!


Ikobio – woven and plaited raffia mats presented by Mputu as part of ibene (bride price) paid for Abélé. Some are stained by smoke and tar from where they were stored in the rafters above the cooking fire.


baPende dancing mask made by one of the village men for me to use at Abélé’s wedding. Made from softwood and raffia, coloured with sap from a forest vine.


A comb made for me by Abélé from bamboo and palm fibres.


The collecting basket which Abélé took into the forest each day to gather fruit and roots. When she married she gave the basket to me and made herself a new one as her first married duty.


Three ndaba hoes made for me by our village blacksmith in Anéhigouya,Upper Volta (called Burkina Faso today.) Each is a traditional design and is used for different purposes from farming to well digging.


Two Akua fertility dolls, from Ghana. Made from soft wood, these are not made to last. They would be placed in their fields to encourage the yams to grow strongly and allowed gradually to rot away in the weather, returning fertility to the earth.


A pair of traditional embroidered leather slippers peculiar to the northern region. Given to Dad in 1961 as a gift of Alhaji Muhamadu Aminu, the Emir of Zaria, on the first anniversary of Nigerian Independence Day.


A traditional Hausa knife with a leather scabbard. This is the knife with which I won the goat skinning competition at the Zaria Agricultural Show in 1961. It was very blunt when first handed to me and I had to sharpen it on a stone before killing the goat and skinning it. One year ago, I interviewed Ian about his life in Africa. You can watch the entire interview below.

Ian submitted a story to the “My Gutsy Story” series. It’s a camel story at the Bilma Oasis in Niger.Ian is not only a brilliant author, but a good friend and supporter of my desire to serve in Africa with the Peace Corps.  Ian Mathie was born in Scotland and taken to Africa aged three, Ian Mathie grew up in the bush. After short service as a pilot in the RAF, he returned to West Africa as a rural development officer. Well adapted to living in the bush, Ian worked with isolated societies, sharing their hardships and understanding cultures from the inside.
Take a look at Ian’s books on his website here.

 

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Volunteer Teaching in Thailand With Bamboo-Project

Koh Samui, Thailand where I shall be teaching for 2 weeks. Click on photo for photo credit

I need experience teaching before serving with the Peace Corps in Lesotho, South Africa this year, and what better way than volunteer teaching in Thailand with Bamboo Project.

Since I love tropical islands, I figured why not pick a volunteer/vacation, that combines beauty, with a project to better the lives of others.

I had never heard about Bamboo-Project until recently, when Jackie, a volunteer I met with Vaughan Town Spain, mentioned she was going to volunteer teach in Thailand. We discussed the differences between the group I had planned on volunteering with from the U.S., and Bamboo-Project. With Bamboo, I can decide how long I want to volunteer, whether it’s one-week, two, three or up to twelve weeks.

The price of volunteering varies according to the length of stay, and is extremely reasonable. It’s around $590 for one-week, $790 for two-weeks and $990 for 3 weeks. It includes, pick-up at BKK (Bangkok international airport) and a stay in Bangkok with the other volunteers, before leaving for Koh Samui by bus. It also includes accommodation on the island.

Koh Samui is an island gem off the Gulf of Thailand, about 700 km. south of Bangkok and 80 km. from Thailand’s southern coast. It looks stunning to me.

The Koh Samui Anantara Bophut Resort. Click on photo to go to original website and see more beautiful photos.

 

Well enough about the gorgeous location; why did I pick the Bamboo-Project?

When I read the description on Bamboo’s website, I knew I wanted to experience this adventure.

“Spend time helping kids from poor underdeveloped communities at a poor and underfunded school The children and the school are genuinely thankful of all of the support our volunteers can give them Giving these kids the tools from which they can gain genuine opportunities of employment in Thailand’s booming tourism industry Living on one of Thailand’s most stunning islands in the Gulf of Thailand 24/7 support and advice from our dedicated team of coordinators on the island Free weekends to explore, relax or travel A guided tour of bustling Bangkok city – See more here.“

Bamboo offer many volunteer projects in Thailand, as well as Cambodia, India and Nepal. Just check out all of them here. I selected three that would interest me to share with you.

The Ultimate Elephant Experience in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Ultimate Elephant Experience gives travellers the opportunity to join two very different projects that have one common goal; to maintain the welfare of Thailand’s ailing elephant population.
The Teach and Beach experience at Koh Samui. Most of us know Koh Samui as the stunning tourist island situated in the Gulf of Thailand. A playground for holidaymakers; beautiful beaches, a myriad of seafood restaurants, buzzing nightlife and this is why we have fallen head-over-heels in love with this place. However, what a lot of people do not realise is that there is another side to the island, a side that needs help and assistance. Most government-run schools in Thailand suffer greatly from underfunding. Thailand simply doesn’t have the available money required to keep education as its priority.
Koh Samui Cat and Dog Rescue. ” The Bamboo Project™ works with and fully supports the local NGO ‘Dog & Cat Rescue Koh Samui Foundation’ who have been on the island since 1999. With over 10,000 cats and dogs been through their care they really do know what they are doing to ensure the health, well-being and future of Koh Samui’s ever-expanding Cat & Dog Population. As a volunteer at DCRS you will become immersed in the day to day running of the foundation. Whatever your skills (or lack of) you will be most welcome to join the team, get stuck into the work and receive countless licks, purrs and hugs for all your time and effort.

What’s great about the Bamboo Project:

They let you pick how long you want to volunteer (anywhere from 1-12 weeks.)
They offer accommodation, and pick you up at the airport.
Steve Williams, Co-Founder of the Bamboo-Project, answers all your questions within 24-hours. He goes out of his way to help with hotel and flights, and anything else you want to ask him.
They cost so much less than other volunteer groups in the U.S., that I’ve researched.
They are professional and have a friendly approach.
They have wonderful reviews.

So I shall leave for two weeks in August, and share my next “Gutsy” adventure with you. Please come back to see how I managed to get a business class ticket for free from LAX to Bangkok.

 

 

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EatWith.com: Enjoy a Home-Cooked Meal Anywhere in the World

 

Miriam showing the finished paella with Yvonne and Sonia waiting for a delicious lunch

If you want to experience a home-cooked meal, anywhere in the world, then you’re in for a treat with eatwith.com.

It all started with Yvonne, my new friend from volunteering at Vaughan Town in Spain. She invited me to join her at Miriam’s apartment in Madrid, so we could learn how to cook an authentic paella.

We shared a taxi to Miriam’s place, and were greeted by a smiling lady who invited us into her comfortable suburban apartment and introduced us to her two small dogs. She made us feel welcome, and offered aprons with “La Cocina de Mirinda,” written on the front.

Yvonne and Sonia busy at work

 

After a nice cup of coffee, and a detailed description of how to cook paella from scratch, we were asked to participate in the peeling of shrimp. Both the carcasses and the shrimp heads were tossed into a pot to make the most important ingredient of the recipe: the stock. Miriam emphasized that the secret to a fabulous paella, is to make your own stock.

Shrimp stock with a leek for flavor

Now that we had finished peeling the shrimp, we were exhausted! So time for a delicious specialty: a smoked cheese, thinly sliced from,I believe, the Basque area. (Sorry but I cannot remember the name, except Miriam said you have to leave it out for an hour or so, before eating it.)

 

Miriam asked us to chop some red and green peppers and wash some tomatoes for a gazpacho soup, she wanted us to taste.I love that fresh cold soup which is so refreshing on a hot day, (32C) in Madrid on that day.

Enjoying a freshly made gazpacho

Time to get serious with the paella, so the toughest part of the paella preparation for me, was sifting the shrimp stock through a coffee sieve, after it had been through the food processor. This was a time-consuming process, but very important in the preparation of a delicious home-made stock as the base for simmering the bomba rice, which is the kind you need for a paella. Risotto rice does not work for paella.

After pre-cooking some chicken pieces, and peppers, it’s time to add the stock to the rice and simmer. You do not add the shrimp until the very end.

Miriam cooked the shrimp separately in olive oil and lots of sliced garlic.

Yvonne and I received a copy of the recipe to try at home, and Miriam, has been wonderful, e-mailing us other recipes for gazpacho, and following up with our travels back home. Oh, I forgot to mention, she even took the time to drive Yvonne to the airport to catch her flight after our meal, and then drove me to downtown Madrid.

This was more about sharing a cultural experience with someone from another country, than about learning to make a delicious paella.

Next time you’re in Spain, ask Miriam to share her cooking and hospitality with you. You won’t be disappointed. Here’s how you reach Miriam through Eatwith.com.

 

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Volunteer In Exchange For Free Hotel and Meals

Anglos and Spaniards performing for everyone at Vaughan Town in Pedraza, Spain

Do you like meeting people from other countries? Would you like to volunteer in exchange for free hotel and meals?

If so, Vaughan Town may be the ideal solution for you. There you get to help Spanish people improve their English for one week.

You meet 15 Anglos and 15 Spaniards for one week in a beautiful countryside hotel, all for free, but more importantly, you get to learn about other cultures.

This is my second year of volunteering and I made new friends. (Here was last year’s experience in another location.)

You truly bond, and develop friendships after sharing one week together, and you’ll want to do it again. One American, HJ, from Georgia, has volunteered nineteen times. He’s in his 70s, and has so much energy and enthusiasm to share with everyone. The poor Spaniards had trouble understanding his accent, but he won them over with his personality.

So what do you do during your week?

First you meet your fellow Anglos, who have signed up as volunteers, for cocktails at the Eurobuilding 2--headquarters to Vaughan Town School–in Madrid, on the Saturday evening before the program starts.
You leave on Sunday morning by bus to one of the locations you have selected to volunteer at. I chose Pedraza, this year. A 13th Century village in Segovia.

Town Square in Pedraza

Watch my quick morning walk to the town square.

 

You meet the Spaniards on the course at the bus in front of Eurobuilding 2
Each Anglo has to sit next to a Spaniard, and your one-to-one conversation begins.
It takes one and a half hours to get to Pedraza from Madrid.
At the hotel, you settle into your room and have lunch and Marisa (our program organizer) has a schedule set our for your daily meals, (you get to choose each course) and the program of the day.
During your scheduled one-to-ones, you speak to a Spaniard, (English only) and you can either walk around town, go to the local cafe in the old town square, or stay in the hotel lobby.
There is of course siesta time after lunch, until 5 p.m.
After your siesta, you start your English conversation again;, either one-to-ones, conference calls (to help Spaniards practice speaking on the phone) or practice presentations or plays for the evening entertainment.
Entertainment starts at 8 p.m.

Watch the Vaughan Town entertainers in the video below.

Dinner at 9 p.m.
Games, drinks at the bar, dancing, and staying up all night if you’re under 35-year-old.

A wonderful experience, and I got some amazing tips about other places and things to do from fellow Anglos. More on that in other blog posts to follow.

Any questions? Feel free to ask in the comments section.

 

 

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Have You Tried “Eat With”?

Paella photo (clickable website)

I’m in Spain volunteering with Vaughan Town, and met a lady from Israel who asked me, “Have you tried Eat With?”

“No, what is that?” I asked.

She told me that eatwith.com, is an Israeli startup website, where you pick a city you’re visiting, and connect with locals who cook a special meal for you in their home.

There are cities all over the world, where you can join a host who will cook a meal, and before you decide on where and what you would like to eat, you can read the reviews.

I shall be with my new Vaughan Volunteer Anglo friend, Yvonne, learning how to make an authentic paella in Madrid. We start at 10 a.m., and finish at 2 p.m. Miriam, our Spanish hostess, will not only explain how to make paella, (I’ve heard that each Spaniard has their own specific recipe) but we shall also learn about local history. I think this is well worth the 38 Euros for a special lunch with wine in a typical Spanish home.

Miriam says:

“Since I was a girl I have loved to cook. I always helped my mother and she taught me traditional dishes as well as the importance of making all the components of a dish from the beginning – sauces, bread, pasta and jams – all home made. Later I start to cook international dishes, and now I feel like I can cook any dish from any part of the world. I love to try new cuisines and it is the second best activity to actually traveling – trying food from all around the world and sharing it with fellow global flavour travelers.”

Here is an example of a retired teacher in Paris, Claudine, who has invited people to “eat with” in the Montmartre district, for 48 Euros. Here is what she offers”

“Spring seems on its way and my Parisian dinner in Montmartre will ,as usual, start with appetizers – homemade like”goujeres” (cheese puffs) or vegetable clafoutis and a couple of “verrines” along with a glass of red or white wine. I may then offer one of my favorite veal casseroles, sometimes cooked in a Moroccan style with the most fragrant spices like saffron, cumin, cinnamon and tumeric and served with semolina or simply sauteed veal cooked in wine and cream and served with a casserole of seasonal vegetables – peas, carrots, fennel, celery,..sprinkled with parsley, chives or chervil – one of the subtlest herbs , to my mind. 

Then, of course, there will be cheese: a creamy Camembert, but also Roquefort, sheep milk blue cheese- or matured Comté – cow cheese from the east of France. As dessert I will be serving my chocolate “fondant” – a most decadent chocolate- cake served with a salad of the sweetest fresh oranges or with strawberries, now that their time has come.”

I checked and there are places all over the U.S. as well as Europe to try authentic cuisine.

I shall let you know how the paella tastes, and what I learned about Madrid, Spain and Spanish cooking.

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