Spring is my favorite season of the year. There is something magical that happens when it turns to Spring; the birds chirp their loving tunes, the wildflowers appear almost out of nowhere and new growth is emerging everywhere. Not too far from where I live, there is a mountain area called Running Springs. For the past 50+ years there has been a woman there named Gene Bauer, who decided back in 1958 to plant daffodils, one bulb at a time and continued to do so year after year. The result is the most magnificent display of daffodils likely in the world. She has a sign that reads:

This private garden was the inspiration of a story now known as the “Daffodil Principle”, which basically says you can make a big difference, one little thing at a time. As I reflect, I realized that International Cuisine is my way of planting bulbs. It is my hope that our journey, one country at a time, will somehow make a difference in your life and ultimately the world we live in. I thank you for being part of this journey.

At this time of year, some may find they have an abundance of hard-boiled eggs, so I wanted to share my most requested appetizer recipe; smoked salmon deviled eggs. In the spirit of trying something new, I made them to look like little chicks (or peeps, as they are sometimes called.) However, they didn’t come out exactly as planned. It seems that my recipe, which has more sour cream than mayonnaise, was lacking in structural integrity, creating a challenge in keeping the faces of the peeps intact. Nonetheless, I used salmon pieces for the beaks and capers for the eyes and even though they look a little funny, they are mighty tasty. No matter how you make them (peeps or traditional style), I do recommend making them, they are simply delicious!

Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs

This year we are having a super bloom of wildflowers out here in California.  We had one two years ago as well which is highly unusual.  Here are a few pictures of the super bloom.

If you are interested in seeing some stunning wild flowers, one of the best places to go in California is Anza Borrego.  Here is a post I did on that Super Bloom.  “Chasing Wildflowers”
Until next week,
Happy Spring!
Darlene

How did Russia get its name?

“Rus” was a medieval state that was inhabited by mostly Eastern Slavs.  However, the name Russia did not become prominent until later in history.  The country was usually called by its inhabitants, Russkaja zemlja, which is translated to Russian Land or Land of Rus.  Today the official name is the Russian Federation.

Where is Russia located?

Russia is massive.  It’s the largest country in the world in total area, with 6.6 million square miles, and covers much of northern Eurasia.  Due to its size, it is no surprise it has many neighbors; 14 in fact.  They are: Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, China and North Korea.  It also borders the Arctic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

Russia is so large it covers 11 time zones.  It has nearly every type of topography, from deserts to semiarid steeps, to deep forests and arctic tundra.  It is home to Europe’s longest river, the Volga, and its largest lake, Ladoga.  Baikal is also the deepest lake in the world and contains about 20 percent of the world’s fresh, unfrozen water.  Russia gets the prize for the coldest temperature ever recorded outside the north and south poles.  In Oymyakon, on February 6, 1933, the weather station recorded a temperature of -67.8 degrees Celsius (-90 degrees F.)  The climate is as diverse as its topography.  It has extreme winters which have helped save the country from foreign invaders.  The climate adds a layer of difficulty to daily life, yet enriches its crops and natural resources.

A Not So Brief History of Russia

Russian history begins in 800 CE, when the Slavic people migrated into the area of Ukraine.  The first United Eastern Slavic state was the Kievan Rus, established in 882.  This kingdom expanded and grew until it reached its peak in 1015 and a written code of law was established.  In 1237 the land was invaded by Mongols who destroyed most of the region’s cities.  In 1462 Ivan III became the Grand Prince of Moscow and in 1480 freed Russia from the Mongols.  In 1547, Ivan IV (a.k.a. Ivan the Terrible) was crowned the first Tsar of Russia.  1609 marked the beginning of the Polish-Russian war when Poland invaded.  The year 1613 was the beginning of the Romanov Dynasty, that began when Michael Romanov was elected Tsar. This dynasty ruled until 1917.

In between there were many significant events.  In 1648, riots broke out in Moscow over the introduction of a salt tax.  In 1647 Russia invaded Poland, a peace treaty was signed in 1667.  In 1689, Peter the Great became Tsar.  He put Russia on the world’s stage when he introduced reforms and created a standing army.  In 1703, Peter the Great founded the city of Saint Petersburg and in 1713 it became the capital of the Russian Empire.  In 1721, Russia won the Great Northern War, gaining Estonia and Livonia.  When Peter the Great died in 1725, his wife Catherine I took the reigns as Empress of Russia.  In 1736 a war began against the Ottoman Empire.  In 1762 Catherine II took the crown after the assassination of Peter III.  She ruled for 34 years and is credited for what is considered to be the Golden Age of the Russian Empire.  In 1812 Napoleon invaded Russia and his army was nearly destroyed by the harsh Russian winter.  He was ultimately defeated in 1814.  In 1867 Russia sold Alaska (almost 587,000 sq. miles) to the United States for 7.2 million dollars.  In 1897 the Social Democratic party was established which later split into two, the Bolshevik and Menshevik, parties.  In 1905 a Revolution occurred where 200 people were killed on “Bloody Sunday.”  World War I began in 1914 and Russia would fight on the side of the Allies and invade Germany.

In 1917 the Russian Revolution occurred. The Tsarist government was overthrown and the communist Bolsheviks, under Vladimir Lenin, took control in the October Revolution.  In 1918 the Russians exited World War I, giving up Finland, Poland, Latvia, Estonia and Ukraine.  Also in 1918 Tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks.  The “Red Terror” began as Lenin instituted communism.  Civil war then erupted.  In 1921 Lenin announced his New Economic Policy and the following year the civil war ended and the Soviet Union was established.

In 1924 Lenin died and Joseph Stalin became the new leader.  In 1934 Stalin’s Great Purge began.  During this horrific period he eliminated any opposition to his regime and up to 20 million people were killed.  In 1939 World War II began and Russia invaded Poland in an agreement with Germany.  However, in 1941 Germany invaded Russia and Russia joined the Allies.  In 1942 the Russian army defeated the German Army at the Battle of Stalingrad, which became a major turning point in World War II.   The war ends in 1945 with the Soviet Union controlling much of Eastern Europe, including Poland and East Germany.  Estimates are that 26 million lives were lost in Russia due to World War II, including 2 .1 million Jews who were victims of genocide.  In 1949, the USSR developed nuclear weapons and an arms race began between the USSR and the United States which was known as the cold war.

In 1962 the Soviets placed missiles in Cuba which created the Cuban Missile Crisis.  In 1979 the Soviets began the Soviet-Afghanistan war which they ultimately left in defeat some 20 years later.  In 1980 the summer Olympics were held in Moscow, however many countries boycotted the games, including the US.  In 1985 Mikhail Gorbachev was elected and instituted freedom of speech, openness of the government and a restructuring of the economy.  In 1991 the USSR collapsed and many previously controlled Russian countries gained their independence. The country of Russia was then established.  In 2000 Vladimir Putin was elected president and remains in that position today.

Russian Culture

Although all the people who live in Russia are referred to as “Russians” there are about 160 different ethnic groups.  Russian is the official language, however over 100 languages are spoken.  The Russian language uses the Cyrillic alphabet, containing 33 letters.  This old Slavic alphabet was developed in the 9^th century with the spread of Christianity.  The majority of Russians identify with the Eastern Orthodox Christian religion, but Islam, Judaism and Buddhism are also practiced in Russia.

Each city in Russia is unique and has its own culture.  Siberia reflects the challenges of the Far East in Russia with its bitterly cold winters and diverse, ethnic communities.  Moscow, Russia’s capital city is home to many important symbols of Russian culture like the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Tretyakov Gallery and their famous subway or metro system, to name a few.  St. Petersburg is Russia’s second capital and is considered the most “European like.”

Russia celebrates most western holidays including Christmas, New Years and especially Easter. Additionally, they  also have their own celebrations for Victory Day, International Women’s day including Tatiana Day (a special day to recognize women named Tatiana), Mens Day, and Cosmonaut Day, which celebrates Russia’s achievements in space exploration.  Aside from holidays, Russia also has a host of unique traditions, like how to drink a bottle of Vodka or how many flowers should be properly given to a woman.

Many families have a dacha, which is a summer cottage in the countryside where they spend time with family and friends and tend to their vegetable gardens and fruit trees.  Many dachas also have a Banya or a Russian sauna as well.  The road conditions can be challenging inside and outside the city, so tremendous care is given to dodging potholes.

Russian culture has a rich history which includes influential arts like literature, philosophy, classical music, ballet, architecture, master painting, cinema and animation.  A few of their unique handicrafts include Russian nesting dolls, called Matryoshka dolls or Babushka dolls, painted Easter eggs including the famed Fabergé eggs. Additionally, exotically painted lacquer boxes, as well as intricately designed samovars which are vessels to boil water for tea.

Russians are known to be extremely hospitable and will likely invite you to join them for a drink or a meal.

Russian Cuisine

Russian cuisine is as diverse as its vast land and cultures.  It is influenced by northern and eastern European countries, Central Asian, Siberian and East Asian influences.  Its foundation however lies with the rural population, in an often harsh climate and is considered peasant food.  Crops of rye, wheat, barley and millet, lay the basis for all sorts of breads, pancakes, cereals, beer and their famous vodka.  Additionally, a combination of fish, pork, poultry, caviar, berries, honey and mushrooms make up popular ingredients in many of their delicious dishes, along with potatoes, beets, and carrots.  Sour cream is ubiquitous and seasonings like dill, caraway, coriander and paprika are common.  Pickled products are also loved, such as cabbage, cucumbers and apples etc.

Pelmeni is considered to be the national dish, which is typically a minced meat filling wrapped in a thin dough, somewhat similar to a dumpling, and which can be filled with an array of other items as well.  It is typically served in a broth or slathered in butter or sour cream.  Other common main dishes include beef stroganoff, shashlik, which is a form of shish kabob, as well as kotlety, which are fried meatballs.  Smoked meats and fish are also extremely popular.  All sorts of desserts and pastries are beloved like pirozhki which are small stuffed buns  filled with all sorts of ingredients, honey cakes, blinis and kulich (which is a kind of Easter bread), all very popular.

So let’s enjoy a Russian meal:  

The Menu

Starter

Blini (Buckwheat Pancakes topped with Salmon and Caviar)

Soup course

Borscht (Russian Beet Soup)

Served with

Russian Black Bread

Main Course

Pelmeni (Russian Dumplings)

Served with

Russian Salad (Potato salad)

Dessert

Medovik (Layered Honey Cake)

We set the scene in the colors of the Russian flag; blue, red and white. We placed other items to represent the country, such as a pelmeni dumpling maker, a bottle of vodka with crystalline shot glasses, a bear, considered to be the sacred animal and symbol of Russia since the 16^th century.  A ballerina was placed to represent their impressive world renowned ballet, mushrooms as a beloved ingredient in their cuisine, a jar of caviar and blinis. We added a hockey stick and puck which is one of their national sports and lastly a few white, chamomile flowers; which is the national flower and the component in their world-famous tea.  To set the mood, we played classical music written by their most famous Russian composer, Tchaikovsky.

We began with a toast, a shot of vodka and said “Nostrovia” which actually is a way of saying “thank you for the meal and drinks.” Strangely in a country that toasts a lot of vodka with family and friends, they really don’t have an official toasting saying, so “Nostrovia” will have to do.  Our first course was one of my favorite dishes; blinis (little buckwheat pancakes) with sour cream, smoked salmon and topped with caviar.  It is simply a heavenly bite.

Our soup course was next with their famous borscht soup.  It is made with beets which gives its rich, red color.  Borscht is hearty and could be served as a meal by itself but perhaps with a piece of their most delicious black bread that is ubiquitous there. The soup is topped with sour cream and dill.  It is said that borscht likely originated in Ukraine but it is served and beloved throughout all of Russia.

Our main course was the delectable little dumplings called pelmeni.  These treats were made with mushrooms, since I had vegetarian guests while serving this meal.  They were served in a lovely broth, along with an Olivier salad also known as Russian Salad.  It is somewhat akin to a potato salad and was hearty and delicious. Another popular version of the Russian Salad is made with chopped cucumber and tomatoes in dressing.

For dessert, an eight layered honey cake called medovik covered in cream and berries was served.  It was scrumptious along with a cup of tea, as the tea culture in Russia is as popular as its vodka.

We ended our evening by watching Swan Lake, a ballet composed by Tchaikosky in 1875.

Until next time,

До встре́чи!
Until next time!
[da vstryé-chee]

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 as well.

How did Romania Get Its Name?

The name Romania comes from the Latin word, “Romanus” meaning, “Citizen of the Roman Empire.”  The people who inhabited the area of modern Romania were called Getae (Geti) by the Greeks and Dacians (Daci) by the Romans.  The name Romania was first used when the three regions (Walachia, Moldavia and Transylvania) of the country were united in 1859.  Transylvania, which is part of Romania, means “the land beyond the forest” and the capital city, Bucharest, is often called, “Little Paris” due to its elegant arch that was built in the time between the two World Wars.  Legend says the name Bucharest stems from the shepherd who founded the town on the Dambovita River.  His name was “Bucor” which means, “Happiness” in Romanian.

Where is Romania Located?

Romania is located in the southeastern part of central Europe.  It is the 12^th largest country in all of Europe.  Her neighbors are:  Hungary to the northwest, Serbia to the southwest, Bulgaria to the south, the Black Sea to the southeast, Ukraine to the east and the north, and Moldova to the east.  She also shares a maritime border with Turkey.

Romania is made beautiful by its rolling hills, verdant plains and foreboding mountain peaks.  The Carpathian Mountains, although not quite as high as the Alps, extend over 600 miles in the shape of an arch.  They are divided into three major ranges known as the eastern or Oriental range, the southern range, known as the Transylvanian Alps and the Western Carpathians.

The Danube River which begins its journey in the Black Forest of Germany, ends its journey of 1864 miles through Europe, in southeastern Romania.  It is the second longest river in Europe.  The Danube is an important waterway for domestic shipping, international trade and tourist cruises.  Here, the river divides into three frayed branches and forms the Danube Delta.  It creates new Romanian beaches that extend almost 65 feet into the sea each year.  The swampy delta, made of marshes, floating reed islands and sand banks, is a UNESCO Biosphere reservation and is a protected area for rare species of plants and animals.  Romania is home to 3700 species of plants and almost 34,000 species of animals, including the 6000 brown bears that live in the forest; the largest population in Europe.

The Black Sea’s wide and sandy beaches are a major tourist attraction from May to September, with a pleasant water temperature of 77 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.

A Brief History of Romania

Romania’s history is complicated and dates back to ancient history, with evidence from the carved, stone tools unearthed there, that the land was inhabited since the Paleolithic Age.  Cave paintings dating back to 10,000 B.C. were recently discovered in northwest Transylvania.  Over the centuries, various migrating groups invaded Romania.  There are five distinct periods in Romania’s history:  the Roman Period, from 3600 BC to 500 AD, the Byzantine Period, from 500 AD to 1500, the Ottoman Period, from 1500 to 1750, the Mid-modern Period, from 1750 to 1914, and the Contemporary Period, from 1914 to present day.

Romania’s post WWII history as a communist-bloc nation is more widely known.  This is likely due to the excesses of the former dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife.  For 25 years, they ruled a struggling Romania, all the while building a palace/residence of grotesque opulence.  The palace, which now houses the Parliament (but is still 70% empty,) is about four million square feet in size and has 1,100 rooms, including a bathroom plated in gold.  There was an uprising of the Romanian people in 1989 which resulted in the ousting of Nicolae and his cabinet and ultimately the execution of Nicolae and his wife on Christmas Day.  As of 1991, Romania is a republic with a multi-party system, market economy and individual rights of free speech, religion and private ownership.  In 2007 Romania became part of the European Union.

Romanian Culture

Romania is home to nearly 20 million people.  Almost 90 percent are Romanian, 7.5 percent are Hungarian and the balance are Germans, Ukrainians, Armenians, Croatians, Serbians and Turks, including a group of gypsies, known as Romas.  The main religion, for nearly 80 percent of the population, is Eastern Orthodox.  Catholics and Protestants make up most of the balance, with a few Jewish and atheists as well.  Many of the holidays celebrated in Romania are based on the Orthodox religion.  Nearly every day of the year is dedicated to the memory of a saint or martyr.  If someone is named after the saint, that day is celebrated as his or her “name day.”

The official language there is Romanian, which is a Latin based language.  Hungarian and German are also spoken and many elders understand Russian.  Most Romanians speak at least one other foreign language and many speak two or three, with English, French and German being the most prevalent.  The literacy rate in Romania is 98 percent.

The economy used to be mainly based on agriculture and still today, nearly 25 percent of the land filled with pastures, orchards, vineyards, forestries and fisheries.  Today they also produce coal, natural gas, iron ore, and petroleum.  Tourism is a growing industry as well.

The distinctive culture of Romania is a result of its historical evolution.  One way in which the people of Romania showcase their tradition is by wearing brightly, colored costumes and ornaments and performing their traditional dances at their many street festivals.  There you will also find beautiful, woven carpets, wood hand carvings and pottery.  They are also known for their intricately, decorated Easter eggs, painted glass, and painted wood icons.

Why Visit Romania?

There are numerous UNESCO sites in Romania, which include rugged stone and wood churches.  One of these churches is the tallest, wooden church in the world, standing at 257 feet tall and topped with a 23 foot cross, weighing 1000 pounds.  You will also find dazzling monasteries with hand painted frescoes.  Transylvania has no shortage of awe inspiring castles.  However, there is none quite like their most famous attraction, the spooky, Bran Castle, with its connection to Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula.

In the capital city of Bucharest you’ll find a burgeoning, metropolitan city with a vibe that is simply explained as “energetic.”  The palace built by Nicolae, the communist dictator, is now a huge tourist attraction there.

Thanks to the bucolic landscape, there is just about every outdoor activity you can imagine along its numerous rivers, lakes and Black Sea shore.

Another interesting attraction lies in Sapanta Village and is called, the Merry Cemetery.  It is famous for the elaborate, bright blue, hand painted wooden crosses that adorn the tombstones.  They are hand made and depict the person’s life in pictures and verse, with no secrets left untold.  Visitors marvel at the gentle and sometimes dark humor of the epitaphs.  It is said to be the happiest cemetery in the world.

As true in many places, it is the people who provide the best reason to visit Romania.  They are known to be incredibly hospitable and friendly.  They love to show their hospitality by offering food;  a place after my own heart.

Romanian Cuisine

Romanian cuisine  is influenced by its own food resources as well as its neighboring and occasional occupying cultures. Turkish, Greek, Hungarian, Austrian, Russian, Germanic and Slavic influences are all reflected in Romanian cuisine.  Their food is hearty and comforting, with homemade flavors built around staples like pork, chicken, beef and lamb but also combining many local fruits and vegetables into their dishes.

Soups, called ciorba, of all styles, are ubiquitous, as is the famous side dish called, Mămăliga; a polenta made from corn meal.  It is served with stews and gravies and sometimes made into bread with a dab of sour cream on top.  The soups can be a meal by themselves, as they are very filling and typically made with meat or fish.  The meat soups are often served with a hot red or green pepper that can be nibbled along with a spoonful of broth, as opposed to adding into the soup itself.  The fish soups, especially those made near the Danube Delta, use freshwater fish and are served with a side of garlic sauce.

Cabbage rolls stuffed with spiced pork, called sarmalutes, are considered to be the de-facto national dish.  Other dishes such as pork stews are made with tomatoes and wine and add to the richness of the cuisine.  Fresh salads made with tomatoes and cucumbers are always found on Romanian menus.

We cannot complete the Romanian cuisine without the mention of sweets.  They are famous for strudels, cakes and crepes filled with chocolate or fruit.  However, the national treasure is a classic fried dough, with sweetened curd cheese, jam and cream, called Papanaşi.  I am convinced it is worth a trip to Romania, just for this dessert alone.  (If you can’t wait to go to Romania, than be sure to check out the recipe below.)

Alongside a Romanian meal, wine is served.  Romania is the one of Europe’s top producers of both red and white varieties.  Beer is also widely loved there.  However, if you are looking for something a bit stronger, look no further than their plum brandy called, tuica.  In Romania you will find tuica sold in plastic bottles at roadside fruit stands, right next to the apples and watermelons.  Many Romanians take pride in making their own, homemade version of tuica.

So let’s enjoy a Romanian meal:

The Menu

Appetizer

Ovă Umplute (Deviled Eggs)

Main Course

Ciorbă de Perişoare (Sour Meatball Soup)

Served with

Mămăliga (Polenta)

Dessert

Papanaşi (A Fried, Cheese Doughnut, served with Sour Cherry Preserves)

We set the table with the colors of the Romanian flag; red, yellow and blue, which signify the three areas that now make up the Republic of Romania.  Small pink flowers called “dog roses” were placed, as it is the national flower.  We used a back drop of the painting by Leroy Neiman, called “The Olympic Mural” which featured Romania’s Nadia Comaneci, the first gymnast in history to score a perfect 10 in the Montreal Olympics in 1976.  We also placed fangs to represent “Count Dracula” and a wooden wine glass to represent their viticulture.  Finally, we added a cross to designate the widespread Orthodox religion there.

We began with a toast of plum brandy and said “Noroc” which means “Cheers” in Romanian.  Our first course was a deviled egg called, Ovă Umplute.  Although Romania does not take credit for creating the original deviled egg, they love them.  These treasures are made a little differently than we are used to, by adding a hint of horseradish which gives it a lovely kick.  They also add bits of ham in them, as well.

For the main course, we served a traditional Romanian soup called, Ciorbă de Perişoare.  It is a sour, meatball soup that calls for an interesting herb called “lovage.”  I had never tried this herb before and ended up growing it in my garden because all I could find was a dried lovage, or the seeds.  Lovage tastes bitter when raw but when its cooked in broth, something magical happens.  It adds a unique flavor, like none I have known.  The closest thing I can recommend to substitute for lovage, would be a combination of parsley and celery leaves.  Here is a link to the dried lovage.  Although, I think fresh is best.  This soup is hearty and perfect for a cold winter day, especially when served with Mămăliga.  I made this in the bread form, as opposed to the typical polenta.  It is made with corn meal and went perfectly with our sour, meatball soup.  We also totally recommend the bite of hot pepper along with the soup, as is their traditional.

For our final treat, we dove into the dessert called Papanaşi, which is a fried cheese, donut, topped with sour cherry preserves and cream.  I am not kidding when I say this dessert alone is worth a trip to Romania.  It is easy to see why it is considered a national treasure.

After dinner we sat down to read what was once the longest, love poem ever written, penned by the famous Romanian Poet, Mihai Eminescu.  It is called, “The Evening Star” or “Luceafarul”.   You can read it here.

Until next time,

Warmest regards,

Darlene Longacre

UPDATE: we are heading to Cuba on January 10th for a month of exploration in support of the Cuban people.   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.  I thought a repost of  Cuba was in order, enjoy and watch for new exciting recipes to follow!

Cuba gets her name from the Taino people, an abbreviation of the word Cubanacán, which means “where fertile land is.” She is a long and narrow island nation, affectionately called El Caiman or El Cocodrilo, as the aerial view resembles an alligator or crocodile. The republic of Cuba is made up of the Island of Cuba, the Isle of Youth and more than 400 small islands and cays. Cuba is located about 90 miles south of the Florida Keys and 125 miles east of Cancun and Jamaica. The Cayman Islands lie to the south and Haiti to the east. Cuba is the largest and most populated Caribbean island.

“Juana” is the name given the Island by Christopher Columbus in 1492, in honor of Queen Isabella’s son, but that name never stuck. The Taino people came to the island from Venezuela about one thousand years ago. The original inhabitants were Native America tribes, the Ciboney and Guanahatebey. In 1511 Spanish forces took over the islands and declared them a Spanish Territory. The Taino people were forced into slave labor and most died from overwork and diseases brought by the Europeans.

The Spanish then brought hundreds of thousands of slaves from West Africa to plant and harvest sugarcane and tobacco. (Cuban cigars are still world renown.) The population today is mostly mulatto (a mix of European and African descent) the balance is 37 percent white, 11 percent Black and one percent Chinese. The official language is Spanish and the dialect is similar to other Hispanic Caribbean Islands but the highly expressive use of hand gestures are distinctly Cuban.

Cuba was under the control of Spain until 1898 when the treaty of Paris was signed. The United States claimed ownership of the remaining Spanish Colonies: Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Philippines. By 1902, the Cubans were not happy with another colonial power taking control and after many protests, the United States agreed to withdraw militarily from Cuba. One of the conditions included a 99 year lease to a naval base at Guantanamo Bay. The lease was extended into perpetuity in 1934. After several dictators and coup attempts, Fidel Castro’s Revolution toppled the previous dictator on January 8, 1959, who fled the country. Castro spoke to the masses and claimed true independence for Cuba, the first time since 1511.

Cuba became a communist state, which caused some of the elite to flee. Having a communist country so close to United States (U.S.) shores became a major issue. This led to the failed Bay of Pigs and then the Cuban missile crisis, which then turned into a 50 year long embargo. (Rumor has it, U.S. President Kennedy purchased 1200 Cuban cigars before the trade embargo was enforced).

Cuba was trading with the Soviet Union and Venezuela as its major trading partners. In 1989 when the cold war ended and the Soviet Union broke up, Cuba entered a very difficult period known as the “Special Period.” The country lost 80 percent of its imports and exports. They lost their oil connection, which caused severe hardship in the ability to operate transportation, industrial and agricultural systems. This period was especially hard on the Cuban people. They were hungry and had to drastically change their way of life.

One good thing that came out of the “Special Period”, was organic agriculture. Cuban producers turned the declining availability of pesticides and fertilizers into an opportunity to shift toward organic production, which ended up having numerous environmental, social and economic gains. The government allowed 80 percent of their farmland to be turned over to workers. Once they met the government quotas for their crop, they were allowed to sell the excess to the local farmers’ market. Havanans transformed their vacant lots, backyards and even roof tops into small farms and grazing areas for animals. This change had huge positive impacts on the peoples’ livelihood as well as on their health, as chemicals and pesticides used in farming are often linked to increased cancer risks.

Like many communist countries, Cuba is officially atheist. However, many Cubans are Catholics and in 1997 the government allowed Christmas to become an official holiday, in preparation for Pope John Paul II’s visit. Cuba holds one of the highest literacy rates in all of Latin America and they have the highest doctor to patient ratio in the world. Cuba is known for sending doctors abroad when the need arises. A couple of perks to a communist society is free healthcare and education.

Baseball is the national sport of Cuba and loved there! They have special squares set up just so credentialed citizens can discuss baseball and discuss they do. They are so proud of their national team. One problem that Cuba faces is defection by their best players. They are typically paid around $2000 annually there compared to six figures and more in the U.S. Even Castro admits, that makes it hard for Cuba to compete. By the way, Fidel Castro led the country since the revolution in the late 1950s until 2008, when he passed the baton to his younger brother Raul, due to illness.

The country of Cuba has two currencies, the Cuban peso and the Cuban convertible peso (CUC). The Cuban peso (CUP) is known as the national currency. This is what the population uses for necessities. Luxury Items and most tourist destinations use the CUC. One CUC buys about 25 CUPs which often confuses tourists, by seeing government controlled item prices that they perceive as too cheap.

There is a system set up in Cuba where tourists can stay in what are called casas particulares (private houses licensed to offer lodging to foreigners.) All the restaurants had been government owned and run by employees until the economic crisis of the Special Period. Now, in Cuba the best food will be found in your casa paladares (locally owned restaurants in private homes and made legal in the 1990s.) Seating is limited and there are many restrictions for the homeowner regarding staff and such, however this is where you will savor the delicious, homemade Cuban cuisine. Eating or staying in state owned hotels and restaurants is significantly more expensive. Visitors can choose casas particulares and paldares as alternatives and a great way to benefit the people and get a true cultural experience. Just make sure they have the proper licensing, as Cubans are forbidden to host a foreigner without a license and the punishment is severe for both parties, if caught.

The Cuisine of Cuba is a fusion of the Taino; the Spanish, West African and Caribbean. The tropical climate and fertile land produces fruits and root vegetables used in many Cuban dishes. Pork is the most commonly eaten meat. There are restrictions on seafood and beef, which are reserved mainly for the tourist industry.

So let’s eat Cuban style:

The Menu
Appetizer
Tostones (Fried Plantains)

Salad
Ensalada Cubano (Typical Green Salad)

Main
Lechon Asado (Roast Pork)

Served with
Moros y Cristianos (Rice and Beans)

Sofrito (Base for Moros Y Cristianos)

Dessert
Churros con Chocolate Caliente (Fried Dough with Hot Chocolate)

We began our meal with a Mojito, a popular lime and rum drink served with mint and a Cuban toast, “Salud.” The Mojito was known to be the author Ernest Hemingway’s favorite and he enjoyed them while writing two of his most famous books there: “The Old Man and the Sea” and “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” The rum maker, Bacardi, had its headquarters in Cuba until the Revolution when they moved it to Puerto Rico. Needless to say, rum is very popular in Cuba.

For ambiance, we put on “the Buena Vista Social Club”, a wonderful showcase of Cuban music performed by elderly men who have played music all their lives. Son Cubano is a type of Cuban music, as important to Cuba as the Tango is to Argentina and the Samba is to Brazil. Cuban music is often considered one of the richest and most influential regional music genres of the world. (Here is a link, you can check it out for yourself: http://youtu.be/HaerapRPS64 )

We decorated the table with colors of the Cuban flag; red, white and blue and with pictures of old American cars. Cubans are only allowed to own pre-1959 cars. It is an amazing site to see how they have maintained and restored these vintage treasures. If the day ever comes when the Cubans can sell them, I hope they won’t, as they add such charm and uniqueness to their country.

For our first course we enjoyed hot fried plantains, always a delicious treat and best eaten right out of the fryer, a popular snack in Cuba.
Next we had the main course served family style. Lechon Asado was served with white rice and black beans in a sofrito base. Together it’s called Moros y Cristianos. Honestly, I think it is the best combination of rice and beans I have ever had and I will include this recipe in my favorites. We added a simple but delicious organic Cuban salad. The salad, light and refreshing, with a citrus and garlic dressing, complemented the flavor of the pork.

The main dish, Lechon Asado, is usually reserved for special occasions where the whole pig would be roasted in the ground, covered in banana leaves. They also sell hog roasting boxes that many Cubans own and have become a popular alternative to roasting the pig in the ground. What makes the pork so wonderful however, is the marinade called Mojo. This is a blend of citrus and garlic that is unforgettable. I roasted a whole pork shoulder that I found with the skin on. It was superb!

For dessert we had hot chocolate and churros. The churros are basically fried dough rolled in sugar and served with a nice big cup of hot chocolate to dunk them in. I know we shouldn’t but, YUM!

You will notice on my cover shot is a pamphlet called “Nassau Cuba & Mexico.” This pamphlet was written by the author Zane Grey for the New York Cuba Mail Steamship Company. It is very rare and one of the prized possessions of our Zane Grey collection. We also have his diary of that trip he took. I would like to quote from the pamphlet, what he said about Havana back in 1909. “Havana is a magnificent city of white-walled avenues, of green-foliaged plazas, of gray-towered cathedrals and monasteries; and its wonderful coloring runs sheer into the blue waters of the harbor. It is bright, attractive, full of life. Tourists of all nations are there giving the city a cosmopolitan atmosphere. A walk or drive down the Prado from Central Plaza to the Malecon is one of the most enjoyable that can be imagined. Streams of carriages and automobiles, going and coming, giving an air of New York or Paris.”

As we leave this country Cuba, we do so with hope, as the U.S. Embargo has just been lifted. Recognizing that the decision to lift the embargo is controversial, as things in Cuba have not changed in decades, I see both sides of the argument. With that said, we can only hope that things get better for the Cuban people. Selfishly, I am hoping to get a chance to visit and stay with a Cuban family in a casa particular and dine with them on the incredible cuisine!

Until next week,
Warmest Regards,
Darlene
P.s. What do with all those pork leftovers? A Cuban sandwich of course. Here’s a delicious bonus recipe!

Cuban Sandwich

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 spirts.

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.

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.

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.

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 do a little something special for good luck, travel and prosperity. Happy New Year my friends!

Warmest regards,

Darlene

Finding solace in the winter solstice. During the holiday season it is easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle, worrying about spending money, getting the right gift for loved ones, how much to decorate, which party to attend, what to bake, the list goes on and on. There has also been so much tragedy in the news lately, with wildfires that have destroyed whole towns and more mass shootings, which takes its toll on the spirit of the holidays. One of our dearest friends, who has since passed, by the name of Dr. Charles Pfeiffer, would send out a winter solstice letter each year. I miss them as they were always a beautiful reminder of the commonality we share as humans. No matter what beliefs you hold, the fact remains that the winter solstice will occur in the northern hemisphere this year on December 21 at 5:23 PM EST. It will be the summer solstice at the same time in the southern hemisphere. The solstice occurs each year between December 20th and December 23rd as it has throughout time.

The solstice gets its name from “sol” meaning the sun and “sistere” meaning to stand still. In the northern hemisphere, it is the longest night of the year. The winter solstice has been celebrated all the way back to ancient times, all over the world. The ancient Egyptians believed it was the rebirth of the sun. In ancient Rome it was called, “Dies Natalis Invicti Solis”, or the birthday of the unconquered sun. This was a time when grudges and quarrels were forgotten, wars were interrupted or postponed and where masters celebrated as equals with their slaves. Iranian families kept fires burning all night to assist in the battle between the light and dark forces. The Soyal, a winter solstice ceremony of the Zuni and Hopi Indians, also known as the peaceful ones, is a celebration for purification and the beginning of the ritual of the Kachina season. Kachina is the presence of life in all objects that fill the universe and the spirits come to visit during this time. The ancient Celts celebrated the winter solstice with the festival of “Alban Arthuan”, a fire festival which translated means, the Light of Arthur. This celebration was also known as “yule” and is the birthplace for many of our Christmas traditions.

As the holiday season is upon us I thought I would share some ideas to take a break and embrace the early nightfall of the winter solstice. Take a moment to become quiet and introspective. It is in fact a beautiful time to cultivate a deeper connection to nature, family and all the things that matter most; feed the spirit and nurture the soul.

Here are some ideas:

• Make a real yule log: A log that is decorated with feathers, holly, mistletoe and pine needles and is meant to be burnt over the longest night of the year. Save a few ashes from that special log in a satchel for good luck and safety from storms.
• Stuff pine cones with your wishes, written on little pieces of paper and tucked under the scales, then they can be used as kindling for the yule log.

• Take a nature hike, with a journal, and a thermos of good soup to warm your soul. Take a moment to reflect on your life and set your intentions for the coming year.
• Mediate and do some yoga, perhaps a sun salute or mountain pose.
• Make a yule log cake. This tradition supposedly began in France when Napoleon would not allow people to burn in their fireplaces because he was concerned about disease being spread. So the French answered with a beautiful cake made to look like a log, called Buche de Noel.

Yule Log Cake

• Commit to one day of no electronics.
• Have dinner by candlelight.
• Make solstice Wassail; a hot ale with cinnamon and cloves.

Winter Solstice Wassail

Whatever you choose, I hope you will stop and take in the moment. Feel the connection of all humanity, knowing that we are all in this together. Know that you can face darkness with grace and faith, because no matter how dark a day, the sun always returns.

Happy solstice and happy holidays,
Darlene

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How did Qatar get its name?

The origin of the name Qatar is uncertain.  However, it dates back at least 2000 years.  A term catharrei, was used by Pliny the Elder, in the 1^st century AD to describe the inhabitants of the peninsula.  The Catara peninsula was depicted on a map by Ptolemy, in the 2^nd century AD.  The Capital City of Doha may have gotten its name from the Arabic word Ad-Dawha, meaning “the big tree”; a reference to the prominent tree that stood at the site of the original fishing village.

Where is Qatar located?

The small peninsula jets out about 525 feet north into the Persian Gulf from the Arabian Peninsula, making it a sub peninsula.  Qatar has a small land border with Saudi Arabia to the southwest and they share maritime borders with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iran.  Its northwest coast lies just thirty kilometers, or 19 miles from Bahrain.

Qatar is generally a barren land.  It has a dry, subtropical, desert climate, with low annual rainfall and blistering hot and humid summers.   Much of the country consists of sand dunes and salt flats, with only scattered vegetation.  There is a small range of hills in the northwest, the highest point reaching just 328 feet.  The coastline has a number of beautiful sandy beaches, the best of which lie in the north and west.  Due to the topography, Qatar is susceptible to intense sand storms.

A Brief History of Qatar

Qatar has been occupied by humans for at least 50,000 years.  Stone Age encampments and tools have been unearthed on the small sub peninsula.  It fell under the domain of numerous empires during its early years of settlement.  In 628 AD the population was introduced to Islam.  By the 8^th century it became a pearl trading center.

In 1783, Arab tribes conquered Bahrain and the Al Khalifa imposed their authority over both Bahrain and Qatar.  After a war broke out, the British installed the religious ruler, Muhammad ibn Thani-al-Thani, the head of a leading Qatari family.  In 1893, the Ottomans who expanded their Empire into the area, made incursions into Qatar.  They withdrew from the area after the beginning of World War I, in 1913.

In 1916, Qatar became a British Protectorate and Abdullah Al Thani was put into power.  The Al-Thani family has been in control of Qatar ever since.  The country is run as a constitutional monarchy.  It gained independence from Britain on September 3, 1971.  Oil was discovered in the 1940s, bringing great wealth to the country.  Oil and gas make up 85% of the GDP.  Today Qatar is one of the richest nations on earth, based on per capita GDP.  There are no taxes in Qatar and the people get free health care, education (including higher education) and a corporate tax rate of 10% as a flat tax.  Women were allowed to vote in 1999, at the same time as men.  It wasn’t until 2003 that it was put into the constitution.  Qatari women make up about ½ of the labor force, which is above the world average and among the highest in the Arab world.

In 2003, Qatar became the nerve center in the US-led military campaign in Iraq.  In 2010 Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 Fifa World Cup.  They are spending billions of dollars to get ready for it, with new hotels, buildings and infrastructure.

In recent times, there has been a diplomatic crisis due to its neighbors Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, as well as the UAE and Egypt, which have imposed an air, land and sea blockade.  They are hoping Qatar will cut its alleged connections with terrorism and distance itself from Iran.  Qatar which is known to have the best airline in the world, has to avoid these air spaces in its flight patterns.

Qatar Culture

Qatar has about 2.6 million inhabitants.  However, foreign workers, mainly from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Philippines make up 88% of the population.  Qatari nationals make up the other 12% of the population.  Its culture can be traced back to three main influences: the desert, the sea and Islam.  The desert, Bedouin culture is intrinsic to Qatari identity.  Arabic is the official language, although English is widely spoken as well.

The Arabian Peninsula is one of the last places in the world where falconry is still actively practiced.  In fact, this 5000 year old tradition was introduced by the Bedouin as an effective means of hunting.  Today the practice is a national heritage and passed down from generation to generation.  In the famous Souq Waquif there is a falcon hospital where falcons can be bought and sold for thousands of dollars.  Some birds are even issued their own passports to prevent them from being taken out of the country illegally.

Camel racing is known as the “sport of sheikhs” and is big business in Qatar, with races held on nearly every Friday.  Today the riders are robotic jockeys and some of their best camels can cost more than luxury cars.

Poetry and storytelling remains an integral part of the Bedouin culture.  Nabati poems, which are a source of local tribal pride, are regularly broadcast on Qatari TV and radio as part of their cultural heritage.  By the way, Qatar is home to Al Jazeera, a very popular news station, worldwide.

Qataris are very proud of their maritime traditions, which are based around pearl diving, fishing and boat making.  Their folk music lyrics are closely associated with the sea, describing pearl diving, the hoisting of sails and rowing.  These folk songs are normally sung together, as the traditional sailors would have sung them.  Each year there is a dhow festival that celebrates not only the boats but all aspects of the old sailors.

It is Islam, however, where most of the cultural traditions are found.  Traditional dress for example requires modesty by both males and females in the public realm.  The thobe, is a long white robe typically worn by men, along with a head covering, known as the gutra, which is held in place by a black rope called an agal.  Women wear a black robe called an abaya and a head covering called a shayla.

The Islamic month of Ramadan is widely revered in Qatar.  Fasting is required during daylight hours, so all the restaurants are closed during the day.  About 67% of the population of Qatar are Sunni Muslims with a few Shiites as well.  Islamic instruction is compulsory of Muslims in all state-sponsored schools.  Despite Islam being the state religion in Qatar, they do have freedom of association in their constitution.  Both Muslims and non-Muslims are tried under the unified court system which incorporates both secular law and Sharia law.  The Islamic holy days of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are national holidays.

Why Visit Qatar?

Doha, the capital city, is the highlight of this quickly growing nation.  It is home to a spectacular modern skyline, one of the best Museums of Islamic Art in the world, plus a fine traditional souq with a burgeoning arts and culinary scene.  Being one of the richest nations on earth, here you can find the finest of everything.

As Qatar prepares to host the FIFA 2022 world cup, they are building at a stunning rate, adding new parks, buildings, high speed rail and gigantic stadiums.  Watching the sunset over the sand dunes will make you feel as though your Arabian fairy tales have come true.  Whether you are sand dune bashing or sleeping out in the dessert with camels, experiencing an authentic Bedouin meal along with traditional music is a dream come true, and you can find it all in Qatar.

They also have a stunning waterfront promenade called the Corniche, which lies on the Doha Bay in an elegant crescent shape.  The Corniche is a beautiful place to walk and see their famous dhow boats.  The Qatari people pride themselves on their Arabian hospitality.

Qatari Cuisine

Qatar has very little arable land, so most all of their food must be imported.  The sea provides for locally caught fish, which is always plentiful and is prominent in their cuisine.  As the country has become world class, nearly every conceivable type of cuisine can be found there.  However, they pride themselves on keeping the local traditions and foods alive.  The cuisine is heavily influenced by the cultures of the peninsula, as well as India, Iran, the Levant and North Africa.

Machbus is considered to be the national dish, as it is for its neighbor, Bahrain.  Machbus can be made with chicken, seafood, or meat.  Mutton served with yogurt is another staple, as is ghuzi, in which a whole roasted lamb is served on a bed of rice and nuts.  Goat and sheep are also very popular meats in the cuisine.  Dates are grown locally and are often served with a cup of Kazak tea or coffee as a means of showing their hospitality.  Pork and alcohol are forbidden in Qatar, unless served in an international hotel. The best places to experience an authentic Qatari meal are in Souq Waqif or Katara.

So let’s enjoy a Qatari meal:

The Menu

Starter

Warak Enab (Stuffed Grape Leaves)

Main Course

Harees (Beaten Wheat and Chicken)

Khubz Arabi (Arabian Bread)

Dessert

Esh Asaraya (Sweet Bread with Cream)

Served with Karak Tea (Spiced Tea with Milk)

We set our table with a small carpet, placed on the floor, with cushions.  It is customary to sit on the floor in a cross legged position to eat a traditional Qatari meal and to use only the right hand.  It is believed that eating in this sitting position, aids digestion, and the movement of reaching for the food and going back to a straight posture, helps with arthritis.

We decorated with a statue of an oryx, their national animal that lives in the desert there.  A picture of a falcon  was placed to signify their national bird.  Dates were added, as they are the national fruit, along with pearls to represent their pearl diving heritage and a little can of oil, to symbolize their great wealth.

Our first course was stuffed grape leaf bundles, filled with sweet, lamb meat, herbs and spices.  With one bite we were immediately transported to the region.  Stuffed grape leaves are a loved tradition in many of the countries surrounding Qatar.

For the main course, we had harees, which is a hearty, beaten wheat and chicken dish, quite similar to the dish we had for Oman, called madrouba, (which was a beaten rice and chicken dish.)  The harees are seasoned with ghee and toasted coriander.  It is a true comfort food and each heavenly bite was scooped up with the Khubz Arabi (Arabian bread).

For dessert we enjoyed the sweet bread and cream dish called esh asaraya.  It was topped with pistachios and was a lovely, sweet end to our Qatari meal.  We enjoyed our dessert with their Karak tea; milk tea with a hint of cardamom; a true delight.  Coffee and tea are always served to guests in Qatar and when you are finished, you simply shake you cup from side to side to let the hostess know you are satisfied.

As we say goodbye to this little nation of Qatar, I leave you with a quote from their tourism board.

Qatar

“A land that understands, a traveler can never be a stranger, just a friend not yet met.  That ultimately everyone is on their own journey, seeking the warmth of a friendly embrace, unique experiences, new stories to share.  Where a meal is not a meal unless it is shared.  A land rooted in ancient cultures, authentic soul, where past learning informs contemporary vision.  Progressive spirit ignites new futures.  A land offering enlightenment, invigoration and inspiration through its warmth of soul and spirit of vision.”

Until next time,

Shukran (That’s “thank you”, in Arabic)

Darlene

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How did Portugal get its name?

Where is Portugal located?

Portugal is located in the western most point of Europe and lies on the west coast of the Iberian Peninsula.  It shares its northern and eastern borders with Spain, the only bordering country.  The Atlantic Ocean lies to the west and south, providing a stunning coastline loved by locals and tourists alike.  Portugal is divided by the Tagus River, which separates the rugged north from the rolling plains of the south.  The landscape in the north contains the mountains of the Iberian Peninsula.  The country of Portugal also includes the nine islands of the Azores, and two islands, well off its coast, named Madeira and Porto Santo that was once a home of Columbus.

A Brief History of Portugal

It is said that Lisbon is one of the oldest European capitals, founded 400 years before the Roman era.  It was inhabited by Celtic and other tribes as well as Phoenicians-Carthaginians, along the coast.  The Romans took over the area, known as Lusitania which is why speakers of Portuguese today are known as Lusophones.

The Romans began to occupy the area in 140 BC and made it famous for mining and agriculture, especially for the production of sweet wine.  The name Lusitania comes from the Roman god, Lusus, son of Bacchus, who was the god of wine.  After the fall of the Roman Empire, a Germanic tribe took over the Iberian Peninsula and established the church in their kingdom.  The church remains an important part of Portuguese culture.  The peninsula was later invaded and occupied by the  Arab Moors for more than 800 years.  After the partial Reconquista, Portugal finally became a kingdom, independent of Spain, in 1279.  The borders that were established then still remain the same today.

During the Imperial Era from 1279 until 1578, Portugal made many discoveries through its strong naval power and established colonies all over the world.  Brazil was one but also Mozambique and Angola in Africa, along with many others on several different continents.  Portugal became a world power and one of the most important empires of the time, with Spain being one of Portugal’s biggest rivals.

After the death of King Sebastian I, the empire went into decline.  Portugal then engaged in numerous European wars, including the Restoration war which resulted in fending off of the Spanish King who was trying to take over Portugal.  In 1755, Portugal lost much of its wealth with the destruction of Lisbon by a powerful earthquake.

Portugal had a good relationship with the British Empire and when Portugal refused to give in to Napoleon, which resulted in military attacks, the British helped Portugal restore their independence in 1812.  There were many problems that arose until 1910, when the First Portuguese Republic was established which brought about the King’s resignation. The republic was ended in 1926 in a coup d’etat that resulted in a military dictatorship.

In 1933, there was a second revolution called the New State, established by Salazar.  His motto was, “Proudly Alone.”  His belief in nationalism and isolation saved Portugal from taking part in both World Wars.  Salazar always tried to maintain Portugal’s colonies under his rule and many Portuguese had to fight in those colonial wars.  This eventually led to the end of his dictatorship on April 25, 1974, when a peaceful military coup d’etat took place.

Portugal was then led into democracy (which remains in effect today) when elections took place, in 1975.  They became part of the EU with the guidance of Portugal’s most popular politician who became Prime Minister of Portugal. His name was Jose Barroso. Portugal has become a diversified and increasingly service-based economy since joining the EU.  Its last colonial hold was Macau, which was given back to China in 1999.

Portuguese Culture

There was a strong influence from the country’s geography, its history and its culture.  The cultural heritage stems from the people, having been part of its colonies in Africa, South America and Asia, and its tribal history.  Many more cultural influences come from being a global empire in the 15^th and 16^th centuries.

Portugal is famous for their exquisite, hand painted tiles.  They are used to adorn interiors and exteriors of houses, churches, palaces and other buildings. Originally of Muslim origin, the production of tiles began in the 15^th century but reached its peak in the 18^th century, with their famous blue and white tiles.  The train station in Porto tells the story of the city in grand style, with the use of these tiles.

Portugal is also known for the introduction of Manueline Architecture, a style that featured elements inspired by the sea and by symbols of Royal power, such as armillary spheres, which is the national symbol featured on their flag.  The Jeronimos Monastery and The Belem Tower are good examples of this architectural style but Manueline style buildings and features can be found all over the country.  Baroque and Romanesque styles also abound.

Fado is a type of music that has was named by the World Heritage as part of Intangibles. The history of Fado dates back to the 1820’s and 30’s however some believe it may have much earlier origins.  It is a form of song that is characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics.  The Portuguese word saudade which means longing, symbolizing a feeling of loss.  Fado performers were typically sailors, bohemians and courtesans who not only sang but also danced.  Today, it is performed as just song, without the dance.  In recent years, Amalia Rodrigues, known as the “Queen of Fado,” is credited with making Fado popular throughout the world.  Taking in Fado is very popular with tourists, especially in Lisbon, and why not?  It is an important part of Portugal’s culture.

Portugal has no official religion, as the church and state were formally separated during the Portuguese First Republic in 1910.  However nearly 81% of the population is Catholic and important traditions have a significant bearing in Portuguese society and culture. The official language is Portuguese, considered a Romance Language. A direct descendant of Latin, however many speak English, French and Spanish as well.

Why Visit Portugal?

The country itself, with its long coastline and most of the cities and population living along it, make Portugal one of the prettiest countries in the world.  Each city and village has immense history as it is considered to be the oldest in all of Europe. Lisbon. the capital, has become a vibrant modern city, and to deal with its extremely hilly street levels, has installed elevators downtown to transport people up and down some 45 meters.  The lifts are disguised inside buildings on the low end of the city, so it is good to learn where to find them.

The architecture and signature black and white tiles and cobble stones, that line the streets make it picture perfect.  It is home to 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites.  One of them is the oldest, continuously operated, University in the world, established in 1290.  In Lisbon, you can find the oldest operating bookstore in the world.  Bertrand Bookshop, was established in 1732.  It was destroyed in the great earthquake of 1755 but has been in its current location since 1773.

Portugal is also known for exceptional surfing with 364 days of surfing each year.  Home to the largest wave ever surfed, it was an incredible 80 feet high.  Portugal is also the largest cork producer in the world, supplying nearly 70% of the world’s cork.  Needless to say, they are not happy with the screw on caps that have recently become popular for wine.  They are innovative however, making cork into belts, purses, shoes and the like.  There is a beautiful monastery near the town of Sintra that is made from cork.  The whole town of Sintra is a UNESCO site and simply like a fairytale that should not be missed on a trip to Portugal. It is filled with castles, palaces, churches and parks that date back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

Did I mention the wine, famous for Port and Madeira, as well as Vinho Verde, my personal favorite?  You will also find bottles of ginja, a liqueur that people make themselves from ginja berries (sour cherries) and store in bottles.  The country is a wine-lover’s paradise.  A trip down the Douro River Valley, where most of the wine is made, is popular with tourists.  Of course, the Portuguese people are friendly and welcoming and are probably the biggest reason to visit, although the food is a close second.

Portuguese Cuisine

The cuisine get its roots from ingredients obtained through trade routes established centuries ago.  Bread, rice, spices, pastries, sausages and seafood, especially cod, remain the staples of many Portuguese meals.  It is often referred to as peasant food, although it is now becoming a gourmand’s destination.  The Portuguese get the credit for introducing tempura to Japan, tea to the British and hot chilies to Asia.

Many of their pastries are made with sugar, which started arriving in the 15^th century, originally from the island of Madeira and later from Brazil.  A visit to a Pasteleria is a must.  Interestingly, the pastries are made with lots of egg yolks, to include their most famous pastry, Pais de nata.  It is said that the nuns used the egg whites to starch their habits and preserve wine, so they had an abundance of egg yolks, with which they masterfully crafted into pastries.

The sausages are also famous and butcher shops all over are stuffed with cases filled with an array of sausages, along with legs of cured ham.  Chourico is a spicy sausage, used in many soups and stews, like their famous caldo verde.  Morcela, a blood sausage, is also extremely popular.  You will also find assortments of delicious cheeses, many made from sheep’s milk that are prepared using an ancient method of coagulating the milk with thistle flower.  Olives and olive oil are also exceptional products coming from Portugal.

Spices from all over the world are also used in their cuisine but it is probably the abundant use of seafood, that is most renown. The Portuguese are one of the top countries in the world when it comes to seafood consumption.  It is said that there are over 1000 Portuguese recipes that use salt cod as the main ingredient.  Sardines are also loved.  They even have a month long sardine festival that is held each year when they are the most abundant.  A couple of other dishes that should be mentioned is bifana, a pork sandwich that is a specialty, as is francesinha, a sandwich covered in a hot thick tomato and beer sauce.  Oh and their beer is highly regarded too.  They will tell you Super Bock is the best beer in the world.

So let’s enjoy a Portuguese meal:

The Menu

Starter

Peixinhos da horta (Fried Green Beans)

Soup Course

Caldo Verde (Portuguese Kale Soup)

Salad Course

Salada de Polvo (Octopus Salad)

Main Course

Bacalhau a Bras (Salted Cod with Eggs)

Dessert 

Pais de Nata (Egg Custard Tart)

We set the scene in the classic blue and white dishes for which they are famous.  We placed several ships to represent there impressive naval exploration. They have a history of great explorers, like Ferdinand Magellan, the first person to circumvent the globe and Vasco de Gama, who discovered the sea route to India.  Bartholomew Diaz, was the first to sail around the southern tip of Africa and others who discovered new lands like Brazil, parts of Africa and the Far-East, claiming them for the Portuguese Empire.  A can of sardines was set in place, as was an olive branch, a cork, a cross and a good bottle of port wine.  We put on some soft Fado music to complete the mood.

We said Saude which means Cheers, and toasted with a taste of port.  We began our meal with fried green beans, that were battered.  This is the original tempura that was introduced to the Japanese, which the Japanese later embellished.  The name Peixinhos da horta, literally translated means, little fish from the garden.  The name comes from the end result of the fried beans resembling slender, fried fish.  We loved them as our first course.

Next, was the famous caldo verde or Portuguese kale soup.  It is literally my husband’s favorite soup and therefore had to be included in the meal.  It is hearty and the flavor superb, especially with the chucks of chourico and linguisa sausages.

Next we enjoyed the main course, Bacalhau a Bras, a salted cod with eggs and potatoes.  This recipe was given to me by our guide in Sintra named Lidia.  After many inquiries during our trip to Portugal, this was the dish that nearly everyone told me to make as the main course for the Portuguese meal.  It  is lovely and the combination of flavors; comforting and delicious.

It was served alongside a octopus salad, as octopus is another much loved seafood.  This Portuguese version was excellent with red onion, sun dried tomatoes, coriander and lime.  I could eat this everyday!

Lastly, we just had to indulge in the famous pais de nata, the famous egg custard tart, that was sublime, and went perfectly with a shot of espresso called um bica, literally a shot of only 2-3 ozs.

As we say goodbye to this beautiful and intriguing county, I leave you with some Fado lyrics, which cannot be explained but must be felt and experienced.

Is both mine and yours this Fado

Destiny that tides us (together)

No matter how much it is denied

By the stings of a guitar

Whenever one hears a lament

of a guitar singing

one is instanly lost

with a desire to weep

Oh people of my land

Now I understand

This sadness which I carry on

Was from you that I received

And it would seem tenderness

If l let myself be soothed

My anguish would be greater

My singing would be less sadder

Oh people of my land

Lyrics by Mariza, an international Fado star

Until next time,

Abrigada (thank you, in Portuguese)

Darlene

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How did Poland get its name?

The full official name is Rzeczpospolita Polska which translates to, “The Commonwealth of Poland.”  It is believed that Poland (Polska) gets its name from the Polans, a tribe that inhabited the basin of the Warta River back in the eighth and ninth centuries (in today’s western Poland.)  The name Polans is believed to come from the proto-Slavic word “pol’e” which meant field or plain.  The name of the tribe is usually referred to as “people of the fields.”  In the tenth century rulers of the most powerful dynasty, the Piasts, formed a kingdom which was called Polonia, the land of the Polans, Poland.

Where is Poland Located?

Poland is located in central Europe in both the northern and eastern hemispheres.  She has a border on the Baltic Sea to the north.  Poland has many neighbors which include the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad to the north, Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine to the east, Slovakia and Czech Republic to the south and Germany to the west.  Poland is quite large, ninth largest in all of Europe.

Poland was aptly named as a people of the fields or plains because much of the land is exactly that.  It is a low-lying country with 91% of the land 300m above sea level.  Much of the Polish plain is used for agriculture.  Despite it being lowlands, the country has a versatile natural environment.  In the north, on the Baltic Sea, it has spectacular sandy beaches and busy harbors.  Glaciers have formed lakes and low hills.  In fact, small lakes dot the whole of northern Poland, especially in the region known as Masurian Lake District, where there are more than 2000 lakes.  This is also the area where the only primeval forests remain in Europe.  There are mountains along the southern border.  The Carpathian Mountains is where the highest peak is found, called Mount Rysy.  This area offers wonderful hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter.

A Brief History of Poland

The early history of Poland is akin to the game of thrones.  In fact it may even be more fascinating.  The history dates back to the tenth century where the first documented ruler was Mieskzo I from the Piast dynasty.   He is responsible for bringing Christianity to the region.  The first coronation took place in Krakow in 1025 and the Kingdom of Poland began.

There were many wars and uprisings throughout Poland’s history.  There was a time during the 16^th century considered to be the Golden Age.  The territory of Poland greatly expanded with the forming of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.  They ruled nearly one million miles of territory.  Poland attracted many refugees escaping from religious persecution, as they had a policy of religious tolerance.  It was during this time that the capital of Poland was relocated to Warsaw from Krakow to be more centrally located.  It was sometime in the mid-17^th century that the commonwealth went into decline.  The Swedes invaded Poland and left the country in ruins.  In the 18^th century, Poland gradually fell under foreign influence.  The rulers of Russia, Prussia and Austria invaded Poland and partitioned its territory.  Poland was literally wiped off the map from 1795 until 1918.

Despite this oppression, the nation continued to exist as a cultural community.  Poles engaged in armed resistance.  They fought with Napoleon organizing the November and January uprisings, both of which failed.  The outbreak of World War I gave Poland a chance to regain its freedom which she did when the second Polish Republic was established on November 11^th, 1918.  The freedom however did not last long.  On September 1, 1939 Poland was invaded by Nazi Germany and World War II began.  Six million Polish citizens died during the war.  After the war ended, Poland fell under Soviet control until the fall of the Soviet Union.  The first elections of the Third Polish Republic were held in 1989.  At this time Poland began to transition from a communist state to a capitalist one.

Today the ethnic makeup of the nation is very different from what it was prior to World War II. Today it is almost mono-ethnic with Poles making up 97 percent of the population.  Prior to 1939, Poland was a multi-ethnic country with a third being minorities.  Due to the atrocities of the Soviet and German genocides, changing around the borders after the war, along with ethnic policies of the communist government, Poland’s minorities were almost completely wiped out.  The Jewish community, of over 3 million, was almost completely eradicated.  Today the Jewish population in Poland is estimated between 6000 and 10,000 souls.  The total population of Poland today is about 38 million with 15 to 20 million Poles living elsewhere.  The language they speak is Polish and considered to be one of the most difficult languages to learn.

Poland now has a new constitution which was signed in 1997.  They are a member of NATO and the European Union. Perhaps Polksa has finally found her way to peace, stability and happiness.

Polish Culture

Since the creation of the country back in 966 and through the adoption of Christianity, it is no surprise that belief in God has been a mainstay throughout time.  Today the majority of Poles, 90 percent, are Roman Catholic. The balance make up other Christian religions, such as Eastern Orthodox and Protestants.  There are still some small Muslim and Jewish populations as well.  Today, freedom of religion is guaranteed by the constitution.

Since the country is mostly Roman Catholic, its most important holidays include: Easter, All Saints and Souls Day and Christmas.   On All Saints and Souls Day, observed on November 1^st and 2^nd respectively, Poles reunite with family members to honor the deceased and place candles and flowers on their grave sites.  Easter is a special time of year for religious observances, as well as the return of spring.  City centers come alive with festivals and markets upheld by unique traditions of coloring eggs and burning a giant doll.  The doll is called  Marzanna and represents the incarnation of the old Slavic goddess of winter, plague and death. To protect themselves they partake in an old fashioned witch burning, followed by a drowning of the doll to ensure a timely arrival of spring and a good harvest.

Advent marks the beginning of the Christmas season.  Poles often use this time to fast or at least give up a favorite food.  People clean their homes and decorate for Christmas.  Once again the city centers come alive with lights, Christmas markets and cheer. Christmas Eve is more important than Christmas Day in Poland.  It is known as Wigilia and a time for a feast after the first star in the evening sky is seen.  After dinner, gifts are exchanged and people head off to midnight mass.

Men and women’s folk costumes are brought out during the holidays and other celebrations such as Independence Day, National Day and weddings.   The costumes called stoje ludowe are brightly colored with each region having a unique style.  A careful observer can even tell from the type of head coverings where a woman is from and her marital status.  Folk dancing and music is a treasured part of the culture.

Why Visit Poland?

Poland has six different seasons, which include the four normal ones. They also have one called “early spring” and another called “early winter.”   Poland has great biological diversity with something special to offer during each season.  There are 23 national parks and the most primeval forest areas are under legal protection.  The bio-variety of the flora and fauna is astonishing.  There are 75,000 species of plants, 39,000 micro-organisms and fungi (it is no wonder foraging for mushrooms is a favorite national pastime) and around 33,000 animal species.

The numerous lakes make for wonderful kayaking, sailing and fishing.  Some of their most cherished animals are: the white tailed eagle, a symbol of Poland since the beginning, white storks, which are considered good luck if they nest on your home before they make their way to Africa in winter, bison, the largest mammal in all of Europe, which lives in the primeval forests of Bialowieza, and around 600 gray wolves that are under legal protection and live in the remote and forested areas of eastern Poland.

Poland is home to “The Black Madonna,” their holiest relic.  The Black Madonna is housed in the Jasna Gora Monastery.  She is famous for her darkened skin and two scars on her cheek.  Many miracles have been attributed to the Black Madonna which is why thousands flock to pray in the presence of this icon.  It is said that the Black Madonna came from the table used by the Holy Family or a copy of the original panel, painted by Luke, the Apostle. The dark tones of the skin are attributed to a legend that involved a fire in which the icon was the only thing left unscathed, except for the discoloration of her skin.

Poland is home to numerous UNESCO world heritage sites.  They range from spectacular medieval castles to protected ancient forests, as well as the infamous Auschwitz Birkenau Camp (Nazi concentration and extermination camp.)  The old towns of Krakow and Warsaw are big draws, as well as the world’s oldest salt mines.  There are so many wonderful things to see and do in Poland or you can just stop and sit on a park bench to hear Chopin playing in the capital city of Warsaw.

Polish Cuisine

Polish cuisine is as interesting as its past and highly influenced by her neighbors and others who invaded Poland.  It also is influenced by the Roman Catholic rituals of feasting and fasting.  During fasting time, meat is not eaten, so many meatless dishes and fish dishes, have become part of the Polish cuisine.  Cereal grains are probably among the most important dietary staples, which include barley, buckwheat, wheat and rye.  Their national drink, vodka, is made from distilled rye.  Other very important agricultural staples include: potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms, beets, carrots and cucumbers.  Dill pickles are famous from Poland.  Sour cream is served with just about everything and the diet is heavy in dairy, butter and cheese, especially sheep’s cheese.

Meat is also important in the diet, with pork being the most consumed meat, along with chicken, beef and duck.  The polish cuisine also loves pickled and smoked fish, especially herring.  Of course one of their most famous foods is kielbasa, also known as Polish sausage, with each region having their own specialty.

The Poles eat their main meal of the day around 4:00 pm and it is called obiad.  It usually begins with any one of their amazing, hearty soups.  White and red borscht soups are ubiquitous, as are others made from mushrooms, duck blood and clear broths.  Meat is often served as the main course and it could be their famous stew called bigos, also known as Polish Hunger’s stew or golabki.  This has cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat or golonka, fresh ham and is served with horseradish.  We of course cannot forget the famous pierogi, which is the most well known Polish food outside of Poland.  It is a dumpling filled with an array of fillings.  The Poles also love sweets and dessert is often served at the end of the meal with coffee or tea.  Cake is the most beloved dessert in Poland and comes in every imaginable flavor and texture, from cheesecake to pound cake,  They love them all.

So let’s enjoy a Polish meal:

The Menu

Starter

Bialy Barszcz (White Borscht Soup)

Main Course

Pierogi (Dumplings Stuffed with Sauerkrat and Mushrooms)

Kaczka Pieczona z jabtkami (Roast Duck with Apples and Potatoes)

Dessert

Kremowka (Papal Cake)

We set the scene with the colors of the Polish flag; red and white.  Red corn poppies adorned the table, as that is the national flower.  A cross represented the country’s religion, as well as a candle with the national emblem of the white eagle.  A few staple agricultural ingredients completed the scene.   We played Frederic Chopin softly in the background, as he is one of the most famous Poles, a composer and virtuoso pianist from the Romantic Era.

Our first course was the white borscht soup known as bialy barzcz.  I fell in love!  Potatoes are what make it white but it has flavors that hit every note of the palate.  I especially loved the kielbasa with fresh horseradish, as well as fresh dill.  This is a lovely soup that I will make often, especially on a cold winter day.

Next was the main course, a whole, roasted duck presented on a large platter with apples and potatoes.  The potatoes were cooked in the duck fat during roasting and the apples were the stuffing….. need I say more.

Alongside the duck the famous pierogi was served.  The famous Polish dumpling was stuffed with mushrooms, onion and sauerkraut.  It was boiled, then fried in butter and served with sour cream.  Simply scrumptious!

For dessert I made the cream cake called kremovka.  It is now known as the papal cake because of Poland’s most famous citizen, Pope John Paul II, now Saint Pope John Paul II, said he loved it!  Born as Karol Wojtkta, he and his school friends would stop at Hagenhuber’s Bakery where he would enjoy his favorite dessert.  This has a creamy custard filling in between puff pastry and is sprinkled with confectioners’ sugar.  A heavenly treat indeed!

After dinner we watched the movie “Schindlers List.”  The movie is an eye opening saga of a very difficult time in Poland during Nazi occupation, and how just a few people can make a world of difference.  If you have not seen the movie, I highly recommend it.

As we say good bye to this most unique and interesting country, I leave you with a few Polish proverbs:

Necessity is the mother of invention

When it’s your time, you have to go

and

What one thinks when sober, one says when drunk…

Until next time,

Do zobaczenia (“See you later” in Polish)

How the Philippines Got Their Name?

In 1543,  the Spanish explorer Rudy Lopez de Villalobos, gave the islands the name “Felipinas,” in honor of the Crown Prince Felipe (Phillip), who later became King Phillip II of Spain.  Prior to this, Magellan named them “Archipelagoof St. Lazarus” but that name never caught on.  The Chinese called them “Ma-yi”, which meant, “Land of Gold” because they bought gold in Mindoro.  A Greek map maker called the islands, “Minolos”, on an ancient map.  The Americans called them the “Philippine Islands” and then, upon independence in 1946, they became officially known as “The Republic of the Philippines.”

Where are the Philippines Located?

The Philippines is an archipelago of islands located in the western Pacific Ocean.  She sits on the eastern Asian border between the Philippine Sea and South China Sea.  Her neighbors are Taiwan and China to the north, Vietnam to the west and Indonesia to the south.  It is made up of 7,641 islands that have three main geographical divisions, from north to south, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.  The capital city is Manila but the most populous city is Quezon City.  Both cities are part of Metro Manila.  Metro Manila is the considered to be the most densely populated area of the world, with 55,446 people per square mile.  Every ten years the Philippines experiences a large magnitude earthquake and in 1991, Mt. Pinatubo erupted, creating the largest mushroom cloud the world has seen.  Its eruption ejected ten billion metric tons of magma and 20 million tons of sulfur dioxides into the stratosphere.

A Brief History of the Philippines

Today the Philippines is an archipelago but it is believed that during the Ice Age, they were connected to mainland Asia by a land bridge, allowing humans to walk from there to Asia. The earliest people were hunter-gatherers.  Somewhere between 3000 and 2000 BC, people learned to farm.  They grew rice and had domesticated animals.  They traded with China from the 10^th century on, and by the 12^th century, Arab merchants arrived and introduced Islam.  In 1521 Magellan discovered the Philippines and claimed them for Spain.  The conquistadors and friars converted the Filipinos to Catholicism.  They built schools and universities and created a feudal system.  In 1762 the British captured the Philippines for a brief two year period.

In the 19^th century a nationalist feeling was starting to grow, influenced by a writer named Jose Rizal (a national hero).  In 1898 a war broke out between the USA and Spain.  The Americans defeated the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay.  Despite trying to become independent, the Philippines were handed over to the Americans as part of a peace treaty.  Another war broke out between the Filipinos and American forces in 1899 and lasted until 1902 when the Filipino leader Aguinaldo was captured. The USA wanted to Americanize the Philippines but never quite succeeded.  The USA promised the Philippines their full independence by 1945.

In 1941 Japanese troops invaded the islands and by May of 1942, the Philippines were entirely in the hands of the Japanese.  In October 1944 American troops returned to the Philippines and recaptured Manila in February 1945.  The Philippines became independent on July 4, 1946.  Manual Roxas was the first President. In 1965, Ferdinand Marcos was elected president and was reelected in 1969 however, extreme poverty and inequality created a Communist insurgency in the countryside.  Marcos declared martial law in 1972 and his dictatorship was exceedingly corrupt.  He was forced into exile in the late 1980s.  You may recall the discovery of thousands of pairs of shoes that his wife Imelda, left behind when they fled to Hawaii. Today there is museum housing over 800 pairs of her shoes.  After Ferdinand’s death, Imelda returned to make two unsuccessful bids for the presidency.

Today the Philippines is still poor but things are getting much better. They have a population of 103 million people and a growing economy.

Filipino Culture

There are an estimated 175 languages spoken in the Philippines.  Most of them are classified as Malayo-Polynesian.  Among them there are 13 indigenous languages, spoken by nearly one million people.  Today the official languages are Filipino, (also known as Tagalog) and English.  Spanish was spoken by 60% of the population in the early 20^th century.  The Philippines has a fusion culture where east meets west.  Despite the western influences, the old Asian culture of Filipinos has been retained and is clearly displayed in their daily lives.  It unfolds in their music, dance and literature.  Their culture embodies what is known as “bahala na”, a general sense of “whatever will be, will be.”  Christianity is very important and practiced by about 80 percent of the population, while Islam is the religion of about 11 percent.  Christmas is one the most loved celebrations of the Filipinos.  Families and friends gather on the 24^th of December for “Noche Buena”, a Spanish term which means “Midnight Meal” to welcome in Christmas Day.  New Years is another much loved holiday when they wear dotted clothes and prepare round fruits on the table to symbolize prosperity.  Their annual calendar is filled with festivals, many of which include costumes and rituals from the nation’s pre-colonial past.

Filipinos love sports and enjoy watching and playing games like basketball and American football, as well as boxing.  There national sport is called arnis, a form of marital arts.  The basic social unit of the country is family.  The family unit includes aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and other outside relations, such as god parents and close friends.  This results in massive gatherings, filled with music, singing, food and laughter.  The Filipinos are known throughout the world to be a friendly, happy and a fun group of people.  They are also amazing caretakers.  Many have trained to become nurses and have moved to the USA to send money home to their families.  They are known as “Overseas Filipinos”, with over three million in the USA and over a million in Saudi Arabia.

They love to shop and the Philippines is home to three of the world’s largest malls.  The mall is also a good place to escape the heat and humidity of their tropical climate.  The Philippines has a diverse climate but suffers from torrential rains during the Monsoon Season, which can also bring about deadly typhoons.

Why Visit the Philippines?

The first reason to visit the Philippines would be to enjoy the Filipino people, known to be some of the friendliest in the world.  Second, would be the stunning beauty of their over 7000 islands; immaculate white sandy beaches and pristine turquoise waters.  Every conceivable water sport is practiced in the Philippines.  The Tubbataha Reefs are a UNESCO world heritage site and some say it is the best diving site in the world.  There is an underground river in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, where you can take an hour long paddleboat tour through the cave and see one of the Seven Wonders of the World.  On the island of Bohol you will find the 1260 hills that look like chocolates and may also see tarsiers, one of the cutest and smallest monkeys in the world.  Siargao Island is known as the surfing capital of the Philippines.  In Sagada, a mountain province, you can find hanging coffins in Echo Valley, where the locals believe the dead should be placed in steep crevices so they can be closer to the gods as they journey to the afterlife.  The Batad Rice Terraces are a site to behold but getting to them is not all that easy.  The rice terraces are also a UNESCO site.  Vigan, on Llocos Sur, is a whole town (and another UNESCO site) known for an exceptionally well-preserved 16^th century trading town.  The list of incredible destinations goes on and on, but I did I mention the food?

Filipino Cuisine

Filipino food is often referred to as the original fusion cuisine.  Hints of Spanish, Western, Chinese, Japanese and Pacific Islander flavors, are all a testament to its rich cultural heritage.  But it should be noted that they have flavors all of their own, that are quickly becoming world renown.  They are specifically known for the acids and sweetness that many of their dishes impart.  Adobo, for example, means “marinade” and whether it is for chicken or pork, it is considered the national dish.  The meat is drenched in a mixture of soy and vinegar and just might be the best you have ever tasted.  Pork is the meat of choice in the Philippines, with dishes like the famous lechon that is famous for the crunchy exterior of a whole, spit roasted pig, dipped in lechon sauce which consists of vinegar, sugar and a touch of liver.  Even the late, cuisine adventurer, Anthony Bourdain, considered it the best he had ever tasted.  Also the delicious pork longganisa, is a sausage made with ground pork.  Lumpia is a spring roll and ubiquitous there as an appetizer or snack.  They are served fried or fresh and stuffed with vegetables and sometimes minced meats that will make your palate sing.

Fresh seafood is abundant there, as are tropical fruits of every variety. The Philippines are the largest exporters of coconuts, papayas and mangosteen.  Bangus is considered to be the national fish, also known as milkfish.   Mango salads are topped with tart calamansi juice, similar to a lime or lemon.  Mangoes are the national fruit and are known to be the sweetest, most delicious, mangoes in the world.  Bagoong is a fermented fish sauce that imparts its umami flavor to many dishes and is native to the Philippines.  Sinigang is a delicate soup that is made with fish, seafood or meats, cooked in a sour tamarind broth, with fresh greens.   Ube is a purple yam and is officially a craze on social media platforms with its health benefits and beautiful lavender color.  Ube is often used to make ice cream and for their beloved halo-halo dessert but is also enjoyed boiled and baked.  One of the most interesting and traditional dishes is balut, which is a boiled, fertilized duck egg with a half-formed chick inside.  It is believed to be an aphrodisiac.  Needless to say there are so many delicious and unique choices to try and enjoy in the beautiful Philippines.

So let’s enjoy a Filipino meal:

The Meal

Starter

Lumpiang Ubod  ( Fresh Spring Roll)

Main Course

Adobong Manok (Chicken Adobo)

Pancit Bihon (Rice Noodle with Pork)

Dessert

Ube Ice Cream (Purple Yam Ice Cream)

We set the scene with the colors of the flag: red, white and blue.  We placed mangoes on our table and a picture of a Philippine, an eagle with the same name (Their national symbol and the largest eagle in the world.)  A string of pearls was added, as it is the national gem and where the largest pearl ever was discovered, weighing a whopping 14 lbs.   Palm fronds were used, as Anahaw leaves are used as a roofing material on the humble abodes called, bahay kubo or nipa huts, that still dot the rural country sides.  A yo-yo was included because it was invented by a Filipino and means “comeback” in the Llocono language.  Lastly, white flowers topped off the décor, representing the national flower, called Sampaguita, also known as the Arabian Jasmine. Its aroma is simply intoxicating.

We began with the famous lumpia (spring roll) and I chose the fresh variety.  We absolutely adored this appetizer.  It was made with a light egg crepe and then filled with shrimp, pork and ubod (hearts of palm.)  It was topped with a peanut sauce and the result was delicious.

For the main course, which was served family style, we had the famous adobo.  It was truly the best chicken I have ever had.  It was served with rice, which is typically served with every meal in the Philippines.  We also enjoyed another beloved dish called pancit bihon.  Pancit means “noodle” and was introduced by the Chinese.  This rice noodle dish was stir fried with pork and vegetables.  It was flavored with soy and fermented fish sauce.  This is a quick and easy dish that I plan to make often.

For dessert, I just had to make something with that purple yam, called ube.  I made a scrumptious ice cream that was as tasty as it was beautiful.

After dinner we set up our karaoke machine and sang while enjoying a San Miguel beer which began their operations in the Philippines in 1890.  Karaoke is considered the national pastime of Filipinos.

I am blessed to have Filipinos as extended family and relish every opportunity to indulge in their exquisite cuisine and family gatherings.

Until next time,

Paalam (Goodbye or Farewell in Tagalog)

Warmest regards,

Darlene