A Trek With the Llama!

I was just reminded of the exciting uphill trek I took last year with the calmest, yet stubborn llamas I've ever been in contact with. His name was Damien.

A fellow freelance writer colleague of mine emails today to tell me that one of the other writers on our trip to Taos has suddenly died of heart ailment while in Greece. Though I didn't know the fella, I was saddened by the thought of his family having to endure some pain during a season of birth celebrations, giving and festivities.

In part, this post is in tribute to an almost 60 year old that found life exciting and didn't mind sharing a black haired llama with another writer.

3 miles uphill, 85 degrees, a gourmet lunch, willow or aspirin trees, steamy streams and a lesson on Taos' history of flagellation was quite the excursion for my first press tour. 25 journalists embarked the hike at the bottom of the foothills with sweatshirts and utter excitement knowing that our llamas would gracefully and without complaint, use their stature to carry our gourmet meal. We were advised of not being able to "potty" during the entire trip (up and down); I quickly reverted to that trained thought of being at the beach (a Cuban thing). I felt slighted when not even 1/3 of the way up, about 4 llamas came to a complete halt to release themselves (almost as if they had silently convened and agreed). We stared a bit in shock, especially since we knew they were transporting our food! This is why I always bless my food before eating.


At the height of the trek, we stopped in an open field, very reminiscent of Julie Andrews' mountain top cantatata of "The Hills Are Alive" in The Sound of Music. I didn't dare twirl around, but I did stand still for a quiet moment and took it all in. It was beautiful. A reverent spirit is what I connected to. Nothing but 100+ foot trees to obstruct my view of the simple looking sky. The llamas were unleashed and each one, independent of the other, went their way and ate grass. Us food mongers, attacked the table Stuart had prepared for us. Munch. Crunch. Bite. Eat. Swing at the mosquitoes. My food blessing was honored! Thank God!


Do you know where Aspirin comes from? Well I tasted the white powder directly from its source. A pretty and unassuming Willow tree field could cure an ailing village. Ick. It was very whimsical, the story telling that is, but I felt better after having licked my finger. Bayer was smart, but don't give him too much credit. Somehow the Romans had their hands in a lot. They used the tree's juice to feel better too!


We finally made it all way back down. A few piddle stops for the animal, couple of photo ops and a song or two for entertainment. It was all good. I ate well, which is paramount to much else. I learned something new which keeps me smart and I worked off the endless amount of Pepperidge Farm cookies. Next time you're in Taos and you want to spend a really nice Saturday, call Stewart of Wilde Earth Llama Adventures. He'll hook you up!

Oh yeah, and thank the llamas. They seem lazy but are probably more loyal than your in-laws! (get your ass up!)

Bajan Style and Rowdy Drivers

The Barbados report begins with a long exhale of "aaaahhhhh". I'll spare you another travel horror story in consideration of the superb BTA guide we had. I can't speak for other islands such as the Caymans, but Barbados is something to talk about. I went in with the expectation of seeing something different, a bit more destitute, but after learning that Tiger Woods rented out the entire Sandy Lane resort for his multi- million dollar wedding, my impression changed. Why didn't we stay there???

I'm from Cuba and boast the best beaches in the world, like Varadero, but I'll say the picture of Crane Beach I posted here 2 weeks ago, does not do any real justice to what I really saw! Here is the "mushroom" rock located a bit south of Bathsheba beach. I was dubbed an eco-thief for collecting a beautiful heart shaped rock from there. The safari trip through the island was guided by some crazy guy driving a 10 seater Rover who knew the island all to well and demonstrated some sexual agitation with his super descriptive mentions of termite hives and other neat things. Uh hello, I don't need to know how desperate you are! Go get you some and stay on the path of instruction! I'm becoming a professional cook so I was taking fine note of the cuisine. Flying fish for days y'all! Scrawny little things used as bait elsewhere in the Caribbean is an everyday meal. Too good.
Between that and a decadent seared tuna with bok choy, I started thinking that maybe British influence hadn't completely implanted itself. To say the least, these press tours are over indulgent. Fine dining, bottomless cocktails (I probably should have had atleast ONE!), wild excursions and little sleep, make for a great 4 day getaway weekend. If only realistically I could afford to stay at the hotel next door. "The House" was the face of eco-beach chic and laid back Euro flare. I'm almost ready to be married (note to an unnamed man). Brits LOVE to relocate there permanently and don't talk much. Bajans extend themselves in a surreal manner. Talk about "found customer service as lost in the US"--pull out my chair for a trip to the loo, place my napkin on my lap, whispers of "would you like red or white wine" in my ear and escort me down the single step...a bit much for a self-professed almost celeb. Not to mention the $50 bottle of Barbadian Rum and champagne in my suite upon arrival. Yeah baby!

En breve, fine men, cool weather, great food, over the top service, snorkeling with turtles and coconut milk remind me that life in Atlanta, Ga can get better!
(Sandra, Jen, Me on Catamaran snorkeling trip)


My official story to be published in Odyssey Couluer is due on Monday so I've got to get to writing. You'll have to pick the mag up in Barnes-N-Noble in Feb. in order to get more details!

No thanks to US Customs and Immigration, the champagne I was gifted will be the source of toasting to love and happiness when J gets here on Sunday!

"Ma'am...I'm waiting for the tip you were going to give me"....

Bajan Limbo Queen!

That's right! You heard it right... I won a limbo contest at a Rhythm and Roots show while visiting Barbados! Up against four other women, I shook my rump, lowered my back and walked away with gorgeous blue topaz necklace as the prize!

It felt great winning by applause of about 400 ppl. Not to mention I was not the least bit nervous on the bright lit stage or intimated by the other women. After all I shook what momma gave me, Cuban style! Yay Me! I will say, had my sis been there, she would have shut me down!

I LOVE FOOD!

I'm back in check with a project I'm working on but am not at super free disposal to discuss in much depth. It relates to food! Yes, that vital thing we all need in order to keep moving along, healthy.

While in France one year ago, I had some of the best food ever (outside of my mother's kitchen)! It was delicioso! Not being afraid to try anything new, I successfully attempted this warm fresh fruit & berry concoction a few months ago. Here is a picture of the version I had in a small village restaurant in Vallency, France. The combination of the acidic berries, crunchy apples, wine and sweet touch of honey (I think) made it a perfect way of ending an expected savory lunch entree. My version, was mostly of berries in a reduction sauce and I won't tell you the secret liquor I used! It was D-E-L-I-C-I-O-S-O!!



My first posting here was about my trip to Taos, New Mexico. I think I briefly touched on the incredible fine dining I experienced in those 5 days. I must eat well when traveling. It's a requirement--kind of like the 3,000 thread count sheets! Understanding my press tours involve local merchants and business owners upgrading their service (even if temporary), especially if they're looking for editorial coverage, I still embraced and thoroughly enjoyed the delectable dishes served. Here's another picture of this lamb dish I had. The plating was gorgeous. Full of mint flavor chutney, the succulent slab didn't stop me from eating the 6" inch brownie! Check them out.


So, I'm not a professionally trained chef, but I am damned good cook! Ask my friends (all of which has asked for recipes) & the sorry boyfriends that ate my heartfelt menus--LOL. Thanks to my mother (and sometimes father), I have nurtured an incredible talent for on the fly cooking of very flavorful foods, without any inhibition. I'll feed myself or 30. Though Cuban is my specialty, I delve into others. I like to call it "Kitchen Chic in ???? (can't say what that last word is). I'm going to start posting some of my recipes here in the next few weeks. For your enjoyment and commentary!! Maybe some of my peer girlfriends won't be to intimidated by the process.