How did Thailand get its name?

Thailand is a relatively new name for this beautiful country. The name translates to “Land of the Free” or “Land of the Thai people,” who are also an ethnic group.  The translation of “Land of the Free,” is a source of pride for the Thai people as they were the only country in Southeast Asia among all the others, to not be colonized by Western powers.

Prior to the country being named Thailand in 1939, it was called Siam.  Siam comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “dark or brown,” referencing the color of the natives’ skin.  The country was called Siam once again for a brief period between 1946 and 1948 and has been called Thailand ever since. 

Formally, the Thai people call their country prathet Thai but informally they call it mueang Thai. This is a way to differentiate the place from the people and the language.  

Where is Thailand located?

Thailand is in the heart of Southeast Asia.  Its neighbors are Myanmar, to the west, Laos, to the north and east, Cambodia, to the southeast, the Gulf of Thailand, to the south, Malaysia, also to the south on the peninsula and the Andaman Sea, to the west.  If you look at the shape of the country on a map, many say it resembles an elephant’s head.  The elephant is the national animal of Thailand.

The country has forested mountains, hidden waterfalls in lush jungles, rich, fertile rice fields, plains, and a long-rugged coastline along the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. It is also home to 400 Islands with glorious beaches, most of them in the Andaman Sea.

Generally speaking, Thailand has a tropical climate.  It is hot and humid.  The best time to visit is from November to March.  March through May has the hottest weather and June through October is the monsoon season.

A Brief History of Thailand

It is believed the ancestors of today’s Thai people began migrating from southern China about 5000 years ago. They worked their way south into Thailand, Burma and Laos. It was these migrants that formed the first city states in present day Thailand.

Multiple Kingdoms were established and abolished throughout the centuries.  It was the Chakri dynasty that ascended to the throne on April 6, 1782 and has remained in power ever since. King Rama, moved the capital to the east bank of the river and it became known internationally as Bangkok (The City of Angels.)

In 1932, King Rama VII approved the constitutional change from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.  This marked the beginning of a democratic form of government in Thailand.

Democracy is never easy and since that time there have been several coup d’état attempts and martial law has had to be evoked on more than a few occasions.  Today the government focuses on economic development, and international relations. 

The people of Thailand still revere the monarchy and the king.  The motto is “Chat, Satsana, Phra Maha Kasat,” which means “the king serves as the traditional knot,” that binds the whole nation.

Thai Culture

Thailand is also referred to as “The Land of Smiles.”  The people are very friendly, hospitable, and kind. It is something you will notice right away.  But don’t be fooled by every smile.  Each smile has a different meaning as the Thai people literally smile through virtually every situation. There are at least 13 identified, distinct smiles with different meanings, in Thai culture.

The official language of Thailand is Thai, which is taught in schools, along with English.  There are a few different dialects of Thai, especially in the very southern and northern parts of the country.

About 95 percent of the country is Buddhist.  Although Thai people have freedom of religion written into the constitution, the King is required by law to be a Theravada Buddhist.  It is no surprise that there are about 40,000 Buddhist temples throughout the country. Historically, nearly all males have been a monk at one time in their life, usually before the age of 20.

The very small remainder of the population are Muslim, especially in the southern region of Thailand near the Malaysian border and there are a few Christians scattered throughout the country.

When you are greeted by a Thai person, you will likely encounter a gesture called wai . It is a beautiful and welcoming greeting where they put their hands in a prayer position with a slight bow of the head.  The lower they bow their head and the higher they raise their prayer hands indicates their level of respect for you. 

The elderly are revered in Thai culture, as is family. Cousins are often referred to as brothers and sisters and extended family often live together or very near each other.  

Prior to Buddhism in Thailand, many centuries ago, Spirit worship or animism was practiced.

Thai households still have what is known as a spirit house called san phra phum or phi houses.   Typically, they are little colorful, intricate, shrines dedicated to the guardian spirits of the land and are in the front of homes, businesses, parks, and highways.  Daily offerings are made in the form of incense, candles, flowers and even food and drinks. 

Although Thailand is developing and becoming more modern, one of its most charming features is how rituals and traditions are passed down from their ancestors.  Thais learn from a very young age to worship and respect the spirits around them.  They believe that by honoring the spirits, it will bring peace and prosperity to them and to their loved ones.  

Thailand is also known for several celebrations and festivals.  Some of the most popular are Songkran aka the “Water festival,” Loy Krathongor “the Festival of lights,” Visakha Bucha which is “Buddha’s Birthday,” and they celebrate the King and Queen’s Birthdays as well.  There is also a “Monkey banquet festival,” where they literally have a feast for the resident monkeys to thank them for bringing in tourism.  Chinese New Year is also celebrated in Thailand.

Thai Cuisine

Thai cuisine is famous throughout the world.  It is not by accident, as the government of Thailand has wisely subsidized numerous Thai restaurants in other countries as an introduction to their delicious food.  It is no wonder that many people travel to Thailand simply for the food.

Thai food is known to have a wonderful balance of flavor with a combination of five tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter and spicy.  Like most countries, Thai food is different depending on where you are, having its regional specialties.  It also has many influences from southern Chinese and Indian cuisines as well as from its other neighbors.  

Some of the most common herbs and spices used in Thai cuisine are: basil, caraway, cardamom, chili peppers, cilantro, cumin, curry powders and pastes, galangal, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, onions, pepper, star anise, and turmeric.

They are also famous for exotic fruits like mangosteen, which is considered the national fruit and the stinky durian fruit, which is something you will love or hate, as well as dragon fruits, coconuts, passion fruit, bananas, lychee etc.  While traveling through Thailand you will see “NO Durian” signs in hotels, on elevators and in public transportation.

Thais use a mortar and pestle for many dishes and if you don’t have one you must get one.  You simply can’t get the proper result without one, especially when making curry paste.  The pounding of the ingredients in the mortar, releases oils from the chilies and herbs and spices that simply are not there when you use a processor or blender. I personally find the process therapeutic, as well.

Street food is ubiquitous in Thailand.  It is cheap and simply delicious.  Whether you go into an establishment or eat on the street, there are several Thai dishes one must try.  The beauty of street food is that each stall has a specialty and if there is a line, well you can be sure their food is amazing.

We went to a night market in Chiang Mai and saw the woman that was featured on an episode on Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown.”  She was very popular before the show but is now famous in the market.  Her signature style is the cowboy hat she wears.  Expect to wait a long time for her famous pork knuckle, served over rice with a sauce, pickled mustard greens, and one half of a hard-boiled egg,  It is absolutely worth the wait!

Here is a brief list of some of the must try Thai dishes:  Curries in every color, green, red and white, plus Massaman Curry, Tom Yum Soup, Pad Thai, Guay Tiew or (noodle soup), Thai spring rolls, Thai fried chicken, Beef and chicken Satay, Grilled squid skewers, Grilled or deep-fried pork, Som Tam (papaya salad), Mango Sticky rice, banana pancakes, Thai sausage, basil chicken, Thai crepes, grilled fish, ……and the list goes on and on.  

So, let’s enjoy a Thai meal:

The Meal

Starter

Som Tam Papaya Salad

Main Dishes

Pad Thai (Fried Noodles with Shrimp)

Phad Kaprao Gai (Basil Chicken with Rice)

Dessert

Kluay Bod Chii (Bananas in Coconut Milk)

We set the scene in the colors of the Thai flag; red, white and blue.  Red, represents the blood spilled for their independence, white is for purity and Buddhism, and blue is for the monarchy.  

We placed a Buddha statue, an elephant candle holder, (as the elephant is their national animal) and the national flower, which grows on a tree that is called the golden shower or dok koon.  We also placed a wooden long boat to represent the main mode of transportation.  Thai chilies, and a fresh coconut completed the setting, representing two prevalent ingredients in their cuisine.

We began by first learning Thai dining etiquette, which is a little different.  We sat on a bamboo mat with our feet tucked under our body. It is considered rude to have your feet pointing at a person or even a statue while dining.

Generally, Thai people eat with a spoon in the right hand and a fork in the left. The spoon is the main utensil, with the fork assisting in getting items onto the spoon.  A knife should never be necessary as Thai food is served in bite size pieces and can easily be cut with the side of the spoon or fork.  Chopsticks are sometimes used for noodle dishes.

We served the som tam green papaya salad as the starter.  It is one of my all-time favorite salads.  Much of the world agrees and  it has been listed on CNN’s poll of the top 50 dishes of the world.  It perfectly strikes the balance of flavors for which  Thai cuisine is famous.  The Thai chilies can be quite spicy, so when you make it, be sure to add them based on your heat tolerance.  This is a wonderful, refreshing salad that you will love.

The other dishes were served family style (all at once,) which is customary in Thai cuisine.  Rice is always served, whether it be sticky or Jasmine. Rice is extremely popular and is Thailand’s biggest export.  When you ask someone “Have you eaten yet?” you would say ,”Heaw Kaow,” which translates to “Would you like rice?”

Pad Thai is the national dish of Thailand. It can be found all over the world.  It is one of my favorite dishes especially when served with shrimp, but it is sometimes made with chicken, pork or just tofu.  You will be surprised how quick and easy it is to make this at home.  I love the accompaniments of lime, and peanuts.

The other dish was had was chicken with Thai basil and both of which we loved served with rice. 

For dessert, we enjoyed bananas in coconut milk, simply flavored with a pandan leaf, and a touch of palm sugar.  It was a wonderful ending to our scrumptious Thai meal. 

As we say goodbye to this magical country, I leave you with a brief photographic journey of our time there.  From Bangkok to Chiang Mai, we loved every minute of it.  We plan to return, not just for the extraordinary food but we want to experience the islands and more of their amazing Thai hospitality. 

Until next time,

Sa-wat-dii-kha ( goodbye)

Warmest regards,

Darlene

How did Tanzania get its Name?

The name Tanzania is the fusion of two places. The “Tan” part of the name comes from Tanganyika. This name in Swahili means “Sail in the Wilderness.”  It is believed to be in reference to Africa’s deepest body of water, Lake Tanganyika, which is also a national symbol. 

The “Zan” part of the name comes from the island of Zanzibar which means “Coast of the Blacks”, with its origins coming from medieval Arabic terms.  The “ia” was added at the end, well, just because it sounds better. 

Where is Tanzania Located?

The mainland of Tanzania is located just slightly below the equator, on the east coast of Africa.  Zanzibar is an island off the coast in the Indian Ocean.  Tanzania also includes the islands of Pemba and Mafia. 

The mainland is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east and has a whopping eight land borders.  Its neighbors are: Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.

A Brief History of Tanzania

Tanzania is home to an area that is referred to as “The Cradle of Mankind.”  It is believed to be the birthplace of humanity.  In the area around the Olduvai Gorge in northern Tanzania.  Fossils have been found that are thought to be two million years old, as well as the footprints of the immediate ancestor of humans, the Laetoli footprints, estimated to be 3.6 million years old.

About 10,000 years ago, Tanzania was populated by hunter-gatherer communities.  Different ethnic tribes began moving into the area, bringing with them different languages and techniques for agriculture, food production and later cattle farming. 

Two thousand years ago, it was the Bantu that began arriving from western Africa in a series of migrations. They brought iron working skills and introduced new social and political ideas.  Later, Nilotic pastoralists arrived and continued their stay until the 18^th century.

Trade with Arabia and Persia made the East African coast economically strong as far back as the first millennium CE.  This was when Islam was introduced into the area.  All along the coast, as well as the islands of the Zanzibar archipelago, many trading cities thrived. The period was known as the Shirazi Era, between the 13^th and 15^th centuries.  They were trading ivory, gold and other goods to faraway lands like India and China. Kilwa was one of the earliest trading towns in the world to use money.

The great Portuguese explorer, Vasco da Gama, was the first European to reach the east African coast in 1498.  By 1525 the Portuguese had subdued the entire coast which lasted until the 18^th century when Arabs from Oman established a foothold in the region. During this time, Zanzibar became the epicenter for the Arab slave trade.  

In 1873 a British fleet arrived in Zanzibar to force Sultan Barghash to declare the end of the slave trade.  Although reduced, the illegal slave trade continued.  In the mid 1800s, a German missionary was the first European to see the magnificent Mt. Kilimanjaro, and Richard Burton and John Speke mapped the massive Lake Tanganyika. 

In 1877, the Belgians arrived.  With many factions interested in the area, at a table in Berlin in 1886, Belgium claimed ownership of the Congo River area, the Germans and British focused on taking over East Africa which they partitioned off between themselves, and Zanzibar was left to the Sultan of Oman, for a short while anyway. 

The mainland area became known as Tanganyika, after German East Africa was transferred to the United Kingdom as a mandate by the League of Nations, in 1920.  It was colonized first by Germans, from the 1880s until 1919, then the British from 1919 until 1961. 

Tanganyika became independent on December 9, 1961.  Zanzibar’s Independence was in 1963 and in 1964 an Act of Union between the two countries formed the United Union of Tanzania.  It emerged as a one-party state under Julius Nyerere, whose ideologically driven policy of socialism, is still felt today.

Today Tanzania is run by the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), who has been in power since Independence.

Tanzania Culture

Tanzania is a very ethnically and culturally diverse nation, with over 120 tribes making up the population.  From the tall, colorful, Maasai warriors, to the Hadza bushman with their ancient practices and the Wameru and the Chaga farmers with their resourceful agricultural ways.  They all have their unique ways: their own language, traditions and customs, but together, they gracefully unite to form Tanzania.  Swahili is the language that unites them and Swahili along with English are considered the national languages of Tanzania.

Maasai village dance

“Hakuna Matata” is a Swahili phrase meaning “no worries,” “no problem” or ”take it easy.”  It can also refer to time as in “no rush.”  This phrase is heard often in Tanzania and was made famous to the rest of the world when “The Lion King” movie hit the theatres. 

Speaking of the “The Lion King,” Tanzania is known the world over as one of the best safari destinations on the planet.  I had the privilege of visiting and I will never forget the spectacular scenery, the people, and the amazing animals.  

Safaris are usually done with a skilled guide/driver who can spot animals you might have never noticed.  You can stand up in the jeep and look through the pop up lid.  We saw baby cheetahs, camouflaged on a rock waiting for their mother to return from her hunt.  We saw lazy lions sleeping in the sun after a nice game meal. 

We had a mock charge by an elephant protecting her baby, saw a leopard gnawing on its prey where she had dragged it high up in the treetops, and baboons positioning to steal it away. 

We saw hippos grunting and burping in pools of water, leopard turtles and magnificent birds, from pink flamingos to swooping kites to vultures waiting for their turn on a kill.  There were antelopes and zebra frolicking and one can never forget the gracious, poetic walk of the giraffe. 

Tanzania is simply a sensory overload of wild animals: the dreaded cape buffalo, elephants, lions, rhinos, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, wild dogs, hyenas, warthogs, gazelles, elands, waterbuck, dik diks, and the list goes on.

The highlight on safari is the Serengeti National Park.  It is believed the name comes from a Maasai word seringit, meaning “endless plains.”  It is home to the Great Migration which happens annually. 

Each year around the same time, wildebeests, about 1.7 million of them, along with zebras and thousands of gazelles and other plain game begin their migration.   They move in a circle which is basically a grazing pattern that loops clockwise through the National Park to the Masai Mara reserve in Kenya.  It is a truly spectacular sight. 

It was there we also witnessed the shifting sands. This a pile of volcanic, ash about the size of a football field and 20 feet high.  The sands catapult over each other due to the prevailing wind, which effectively walks the pile some 2 meters down the Serengeti every year. Markers have traced its movement since the 1960s. It is thought that if you climb onto it, it will bring you good luck and fertility.

The Ngorongoro Crater is another breathtaking location and a UNESCO World heritage Site. The crater was formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself some two to three million years ago.  It created a caldera and is one of the highlights for animal viewings in the country. 

In this crater the animals do not migrate as they do on the Serengeti.  It is a microcosm of thousands of African animals living together.  It is in this crater that we spotted the elusive rhino, one of the “Big 5”that  every safari seeker longs to see.  (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and cape buffalo)            

Mt. Kilimanjaro is another natural treasure.  It is famous for mountain climbers and hikers.  Kilimanjaro which means “Mountain of Whiteness” or “Shining Mountain” is Africa’s tallest peak and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain.  

Tanzania Cuisine

The cuisine of Tanzania is very similar to other east African nations.  Swahili cuisine is a combination of African, Indian, and Arabic influences.  The British also left their mark on customs and cuisine in Tanzania, most notably the teas, which are grown in the highland area, as well as their delicious desserts.

As with all countries, the food is quite regional.  Fish, for example, is prominent along the coast, whereas meat, is more prevalent in the inland areas.  Game meat, such as: antelope, wildebeest and buffalo, are consumed along with chicken, beef, lamb, and goat.  Pork is rare, as Tanzania is mainly a Muslim country where pork is considered taboo.  Nyama choma is simply grilled meat and is beloved.  You will see street stalls selling it all over the country. 

The national dish is a called ugali and it is a thick porridge made from maize or cassava that is served with meat and vegetable stews.  Rice is also very popular in certain areas of the country as well.

They grow all sorts of fruits and vegetables. The fruits are often used as desserts. Mangoes, papayas, bananas, pineapple, watermelon, oranges, limes, tamarind and especially coconut, are all popular.  Vegetables include: cassava, corn, taro, cabbage, carrots, shallots, onions, and garlic.  Squash and pumpkin are also very common.  Legumes are another staple in the cuisine and especially loved when cooked in coconut milk. 

Chapati is a very popular flat bread that is very easy to fall in love with. Mandazi is another delicious treat made with fried dough, (one of my favorites.) 

Zanzibar is known as the Spice Island and spices are used extensively in their cuisine.  Clove is what they are most known for but other spices like: cardamon, vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, turmeric and many more are grown here. 

If you would like to learn more about the island of Zanzibar and the spices, there is an article I wrote that you may enjoy “A Spice Tour on the Spice Island”, along with a cooking class I took in a small village called Jambiani, where you can get additional delicious Tanzanian recipes. “Cooking Class with Mr. Okala”

So, let’s enjoy a Tanzanian meal:

The Meal

Appetizer

Taro Chips

Main Course

Ndizi Nyama (Green Bananas and Beef Stew)

Served with

Maharage ya Nazi (Kidney Beans in Coconut Milk)

Dessert

Kashata (Peanut Brittle with Coconut and Cardamon)

This meal was served buffet style in a safari tent camp on the Serengeti.  I can’t think of a more wonderful place to enjoy a meal.  It would be fun to set up something similar at home, outside under the stars with candles and the like.

We first enjoyed our appetizer of taro chips and wine sitting around a campfire.  They call this  a “Sundowner,” where you just relax and watch the sun go down.  This is another tradition from the British.  

We enjoyed very good wine, mostly imported from South Africa. We also were impressed by the local beer in Tanzania; Kilimanjaro Beer and Serengeti Beer.  

The taro chips are delicious when served warm after frying.  Plantain chips are also often served  as a snack before dinner.

For the main course we enjoyed the beef stew with bananas and kidney beans over white rice.  The meal was made in the kitchen tent and I had the pleasure of being invited in to observe the preparation. 

The chefs wear giant chef hats while cooking and serving, which made it seem so formal even though we were out on Serengeti. 

For dessert, I chose to make one of the  favorite sweets that I discovered while exploring Tanzania.  It is called Kashata and it is basically  peanut brittle with coconut and cardamon. It comes in many shapes, sizes and flavors but this was my favorite combination.  Every time I make it, it makes me smile and is a lovely reminder of Tanzania. 

As we say goodbye to this glorious country, I leave you with a brief photographic journey of our travel there.

p.s. if you are interested in going on a safari, I would be happy to share with you who we used and all the details of our travel. Feel free to contact me anytime.

Until next time,

“Hakuna matata” (no worries)

Warmest Regards,

Darlene Longacre

New Year’s Eve traditions around the world

It is always fascinating to learn a little something about how other places and cultures celebrate special days.  New Year’s Eve, (or Old Year’s Day) is celebrated in many parts of the world, although it has many different names.  Countries in Europe call it St. Sylvester’s Day.  Malam Tahun Baru is what it is called in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.  It is called Hogmanay in Scotland and Reveillon or Wallonia in Brazil, and Portugal.  This special evening is held on the last day of the year of the Gregorian calendar, which is December 31^st, and rings in the New Year at midnight.

Fireworks are a common way to celebrate the New Year in many countries around the world.  Festivals and celebrations also include song, dance and of course, great food.

Here are some fun and quirky things people do around the world to say goodbye to the old year and bring in the new:

In Australia, people run out into the streets and bang on pots and pans.

In Denmark, they shatter dishes and plates against the front doors of friends and family.

In hope for good fortune, in Ecuador, giant scarecrows are made of paper and burned, along with photographs of the past year.

Speaking of South American countries, many believe that, your fate in the New Year is determined by the color of the underwear you wear that night.  If they are red, they will bring you love, wealth if they are yellow, and peace if they are white.

In Peru, there is a festival in a small village called the Takanakuy Festival, where at the end of the year people settle their differences with a fist fight, so they can start off the year without holding any grudges.

An easier way to ring in the New Year is practiced in Argentina, where at the stroke of midnight they take their first step with their right foot, thereby, “Starting the year off on the right foot.”

In Romania, people toss spare coins into the river for good luck.

Dropping ice cream on the floor is what they do in Switzerland.  (We are not sure how this tradition emerged.)

In Puerto Rico, people throw buckets of water out of their window to drive away evil spirits.

In Turkey, they smash pomegranates. The more pieces it breaks in to, the more good luck will come.

In Belgium, even the livestock get in the spirit as they are decorated and paraded around town with bells ringing.

Columbia believes that if you carry around an empty suitcase, travel will come your way in the New Year.

Many places including Bolivia, like to bake a coin into their sweets.  Whoever finds it in the treat will have good luck for the next year (and hopefully not a broken tooth.)

In Spain, they eat grapes, one for each chime of the church bell at midnight.  It is believed to bring good luck for each month of the coming year.  The grapes enjoyed along with some Cava of course.

In Finland, they cast molten tin into a bucket of water and then predict what’s in store for the coming year by the interpretation of the resulting shape.

In the Philippines, they turn on all the lights to ward off evil spirits.  They also wear polka dots, as anything round is considered to bring luck and prosperity in the New Year.

In Japan, the Buddhist temples strike the gong 108 times to expel 108 human weaknesses. The Japanese also have a tradition of eating soba noodles on New Year’s Eve, the long noodles represent longevity.

In Brazil, everyone wears white to scare away bad spirits and in Chile they sleep beside their loved ones in the cemetery.

Lentils and black-eyed peas are popular in many places to welcome in a full year of work and money.  In fact in Texas, black eyed peas are called Texas caviar.

Pork in many forms is another way the New year is celebrated, pigs root their food in a forward motion, so pork represents looking forward in the New Year.  My sister makes pork and sauerkraut every New Year’s day. 

Also in the United States, watching the giant crystal ball drop in Times Square (formerly called, Longacre Square) in New York City is a favorite at midnight, along with a toast of champagne, a kiss, and singing the Scottish classic called Auld Lang Syne which means, “old long ago.” According to Scotland.org, “The song is about love and kindness of days gone by, but it also gives us a sense of belonging and fellowship to take with us into the future.”

However you and your loved ones celebrate this New Year’s Eve, be safe, and why not do a little something special for good luck, travel and prosperity.

I would love to hear how you celebrate the New Year, Please do let me know in the comments below.

Happy New Year my friends!

Warmest regards,

Darlene

Craving even more?  Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world so you don’t miss a thing,  it’s free,  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook ,  Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.

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Winter Solstice wishes is a fun little thing to do for the winter solstice.  Get yourself some pine cones preferably on a wonderful nature hike.  Get some little pieces of paper to write your hopes, dreams, wishes and intentions for the coming year. Tuck them in the pine cones. Use them to get your fire started with your yule log for a wonderful way to celebrate the winter solstice.

This year in 2021 in the northern hemisphere the winter solstice will take place on December 21, at 10:59am EST.  Since it is the longest night of the year, it is a perfect time for some reflection and of course winter solstice wishes.  What will your wishes be?

I had to smile when I came here to update this post from 2019.  I am updating this from my airbnb in Zagreb, Croatia.  My husband Dan and I decided to sell our home in California and most of our belongings to follow our dream of traveling the world. We left in April of 2021 and have added 10 more countries to our travels. This is what I wrote back in 2019.

“A few years ago, I started this tradition and since that time I have traveled to over 21 countries.  I think setting an intention and then working to make it happen goes a long way to making your dreams come true.

This year, it is my hope to go on permanent travel, entering a new and dreamed about chapter in my life.  I look forward to sharing my journey with you.”

So, fair warning wishes and dreams do come true! 

I know life has not been easy for many during this world wide pandemic. My wish is that it ends soon and life can get back to some semblance of normal.  The winter solstice tradition is one I love as it is a time to let go of the past and darkness and move toward the light.  It is also a time where we as humans no matter where we are in the world, share something together, the changing of a season.  

I wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season.  May all your wishes and dreams come true!

Until next time, 

Hvala (Thank you) in Croatian for following along.

Darlene 

If you are looking for more ways to celebrate the winter solstice, be sure to check out “Finding solace in the solstice”.  There you will find some more recipes and ideas. Please let me know how you plan to celebrate the solstice in the comments below.

Craving even more?  Be sure to join the culinary and cultural journey around the world so you don’t miss a thing,  it’s free,  You can also follow me on Instagram, Facebook ,  Pinterest and youtube to follow along our journey.