jakestravels

[jakestravels]

It's my 7 year anniversary on Tumblr! 7 is a lucky number...

[jakestravels]

Europe 2024 - Day 56 - Cardiff to Bristol to Dublin to Arklow

Today I was leaving Cardiff! I said goodbye to Francesca and Ryan, and Francesca dropped me off to catch the bus back to Bristol, where I was flying out to Dublin. The trip was smooth, about two hours to the airport, and I got through security in no time!

But once you count all the time, and airport waiting, blah blah, I found myself in Dublin at around 3:30, renting a car for an excursion through Ireland. My travel partner for this portion was Amanda!

I’ve been to Dublin before, and was going to be flying out home from here in a few days, so I wanted to make tracks out of here ASAP. But traffic was terrible and by the time we were out of city center, it was already dark.

Also, add to the fact that I have never driven on the left side of the road, or with a left-hand drive car with a stick shift, so yeah, I killed the car a handful of times. Also, add to the fact that non-highway roads are narrow as hell, and there are no road lights, so it was a bit of a white-knuckle ride.

We finally made our way to an Irish country B&B in the middle of the country. It was a full estate with all the trimmings, including an innkeeper who give the backstory of the property. We had a clawfoot tub and everything!

After settling in, we headed in to the small town of Arklow, where the innkeeper had suggested we go for some good pub grub. There also happened to be a pub quiz night, and some locals invited us to play! I’d like to say we helped (at least with some of the more Amero-centric questions), but do I know who the 2014 Irish curling champions were?

Not a chance. But the beer and food were great.

[jakestravels]

Europe 2024 - Day 55 - Cardiff

Another day, another gig for Francesca.

This time we went out of the city to an old folk's home, where Francesca delighted with songs from yesteryear. It was beautiful to watch these people light up and sing along to their favorites. And the staff were into it too. I really appreciated it.

After, it was time to explore, and explore we did.

We went out to the Kenfig National Nature Reserve, and it was absolutely beautiful. See for yourself:

The nature reserve butted up to Swansea Bay, which is part of the Bristol Channel, which flows out into the Atlantic Ocean. The hike was a bit muddy in spots, but well worth it as we came upon this:

We just sat, listening to the ocean waves. It was spectacular.

We made the hike back, but realized we had spent most of the day on the reserve, so we headed back into town.

Keeping with my mission of collecting soccer scarves, we stopped by Cardiff City Stadium, home of Cardiff City FC. It was the only place to buy a Cardiff City scarf in all of Wales! Francesca had the brilliant idea to mention to the shop assistants, "He flew all the way over from America to see us! Can we see the stadium?"

And you know what?

We freaking did. One of the head security guards gave us a private tour, complete with great stories about the good ol' days when you could not give the opposing team hot water.

After, it was back to the house, where me, Francesca and Ryan spent my last night playing music and singing. Great night.

[jakestravels]

Europe 2024 - Day 54 - Cardiff

Francesca is a musician (and a pretty good one at that) and has done numerous things in Wales over her career, including being in multiple bands, acting, singing, blah blah blah.

But on this morning, it was Francesca: Volunteer as we went to the local community center, where Francesca hosts a weekly singalong for the disabled. She plays and sings, they sing along, and if they want, each person gets to solo. It was incredible. A girl named Alice, who has Down's, was designated as Francesca's interpretive dancer. And she was amazing.

I consider myself to be decent at numerous things, but when I'm at a wedding and someone asks me to dance...

Yeah, that's a no from me, dawg.

But Alice was incredible! I hope she chases her passion, because she's a natural.

The night before when we were out at the pub, we played some ping pong against a woman named Leticia, who was from Argentina, but now lived in Cardiff. She was running for a local political office, ad was trying to get more involved in the community. Francesca invited her to the community center and wouldn't you know it, she showed up! She jammed out with the rest of us, and after, she, Francesca and I went to a beautiful local community pod where local businesses are invited to participate and rent out converted containers for low prices. As we sat eating the best goat cheese and bagel I've ever had, we chatted. It was so nice to feel part of the local city.

But after that - It was cooking day!

I have been running around so much, and it's been so fun, but I needed a break. I headed to the Lidl up the street from Francesca's house to make her and Ryan some dinner.

I don't use recipes (though I bet I'd be a better cook if I did), likely because of my ADHD-ness, but also, I love to create and flow. (Look at the hippie in me!) So I became inspired while I was in the store, and decided to make Vegan Shepherd's Pie in Yorkshire Pudding (Francesca is a vegan). And here are the scant photos I took:

The filling.

The loadup.

And right before the baking.

And those are all the pics I took that day, but Francesca and Ryan were very lovely in their praise! I'll take it. We had a pint at The Cottage again, and then back home for sleep.

[jakestravels]

Europe 2024 - Day 53 - Bristol to Cardiff

My time in Bristol was coming to an end! But for one final hurrah, Jarrad was taking me and Mateo to the Welsh National Rugby Team game against Fiji in Cardiff, my next location to visit.

We caught the train in the A.M., all decked out in our Welshiest. Aren't we adorable?

The game, while not yielding the result we had hoped (am I a bad luck charm?), it was still A BLAST.

It's this next part that I am most bummed about, though. I went with Jarrad and Mateo to meet up with my next host Francesca (whom I have stayed with before), as well as one of my oldest UK friends, Nikki! I met Nikki in a hostel in Brixton many moons ago, when she had just come over from Australia, not sure what the next stage of her life would bring. While I eventually left the UK, she stayed, and found her other half in Lisa, her current wife. They recently moved from London to outside of Cardiff, and had also attended the rugby game! So it was a confluence of folks that I knew!

But... somehow even though I thought I got some shots on my camera, I did not. Must have been on someone else's camera. That kills me.

We went to a few pubs, and then eventually Jarrad and Mateo had to peel off to go back to Bristol, and then Nikki and Lisa also had to leave to go back home. That left me, Francesca, and her boyfriend Ryan. We went back to her flat, stopped briefly at one of my favorite pubs in the world (The Cottage, in Splott), and then it was off for a well-deserved sleep. 'Til tomorrow...

[jakestravels]

Europe 2024 - Day 52 - Bristol

Jarrad's bestie Matteo came in late the night before from London and pretty much immediately crashed out, so today was some more sightseeing with us in tow.

We started at afternoon tea at The White Lion near the absolutely gorgeous (and designed by I.K. Brunel of previous Bristol blog) Clifton Suspension Bridge. Unfortunately we got our locations mixed up, so English tea would have to wait. But we did get some lovely shots:

Next up were some dope-ass fish & chips at the Clifton Village Fish Bar. And of course I got the homemade tartar sauce.

Next up was my first ever English Football Game! We went to see the Bristol Rovers play Lincoln City. I wanted a scarf for my collection, so I went to the club store and saw the one I wanted. "I'll take that one, please," I said as I pointed to the scarf on the wall.

"Sorry, love," she said, "but we're all out of that one."

"Can I have the one on the wall?" I asked.

She looked over at her peer, a man well into 60s (or maybe 70s, depending on the amount of beers drank.) "What do you think?" she asked.

"Why not?" he said with a smile. He got on a chair and pulled the scarf down. "Where ya from?" he asked as he gave me the scarf.

"Portland, Oregon," I replied. "We have a team too!"

"Aye, the... Timbers, right?" he said.

Jarrad and I had joked the night before about how some football guys know everything about the sport. Ask one of these guys about the third match of the year against a nobody team in 1982, and they'll tell you every dude who was on the pitch.

"That's... correct!" I exclaimed. I was shocked anyone knew it. Hell, most folks here were surprised we even had a league! "Yeah," he replied, "A Rover named Pwbulham Smithsonteshire played there.

(I think that was the name? I couldn't understand what he said.)

We went into the game, and had great seats right on the field. The security guard even offered to take our picture! How classy.

As we watched the game, I looked at Lincoln City's logo the whole time on the scoreboard. WTF is it?

Go ahead, guess.

Anyway, unfortunately despite an early lead, Bristol blew it. But hey, I got some cool shots and another scarf for the collection! So it was a win. We walked back after the game, and then went to one of Jarrad's favorite Indian restaurants in town, 4500 Miles from Delhi. Jarrad wanted to introduce me to an English-created Indian dish known as Tikka Masala. Unfortunately, according to both him and Mateo, it wasn't quite "right." But the food was still incredible!

After, we went to a lovely rooftop bar as fireworks exploded in the distance.

Again, another beautiful day.

[jakestravels]

Europe 2024 - Day 51 - Bristol

Had to do some grading and get caught up on a few, and then we went record store shopping! Found a few things (Wanted is still the best record store in Bristol, now in its own storefront), and then had an early lunch at Pieminister, which was quite tasty. And then a few more record shops.

But the real treat came when Jarrad introduced me to Gregg’s.

Gregg’s is a pasty chain, and has a lot of diehard fans. So Jarrad literally bought one of everything, and we tried them all, and gave them rankings. (Don’t judge!) Here are the results in order from worst to first:

DNQ) Veggie Bake (All sold out at all locations)

8) Corned Beef Bake

7) Festival Special (Sort of a Thanksgiving/Xmas affair)

6) Cheese & Onion Bake

5) Sausage Roll

4) Steak Bake

3) Chicken Bake

2) Sausage, Bean & Cheese Melt

1) Mexican Flat Bread

If you are not from the UK, you will not know/care about any of this. On the other hand, if you do know, you may likely find my choices controversial. First of all, my very favorite was not a bake/melt at all, which is what Gregg’s is known for. Second, many consider the standard Sausage Roll to be peak Gregg’s, but I found it in the middle of the pack. My least favorite, the Corned Beef Bake, had the consistency of cat food, but was Jarrad’s favorite. And finally, the bake I liked the most, the Sausage, Bean & Cheese Melt, was the one Jarrad bought as a joke and thought I would like the least.

However, through these efforts, we have come up with some empirical evidence and suggestions for Gregg’s. One, two ingredients is not enough and four is too many, and two, you need to sell sauce for your bakes. They are under flavored, and a sauce, any sauce goes a long way.

I'll expect my standard consultation fee.

Later, Jarrad took me out to a few pubs. We went to play some pool (English rules, which are BS), and I got my ass shellacked by Jarrad. Or rather, I kept losing, as in we never properly finished a game. We switched to doubles, and one of the dudes we played against tagged along with us to another bar.

The security guard joined in on the fun as well:

After. it was back to the house where we chatted the night away with Jarrad's roommate Josh.

Another one for the books.

[jakestravels]

Europe 2024 - Day 50 - Bristol

Day 50? Wow! It feels so long ago that I started.

Look at this view from my window!

Today was the big tourist day, as Jarrad had some things he wanted to show me. We took a stroll around Bristol as he filled me on the history.

Heck, I even saw an original Banksy!

We then went to Cabot Tower, the best point in Bristol to oversee the city. And beautiful it was:

After, we walked back down into the city near the docks, where I took the shortest ferry ride ever - like 60 seconds.

We then went and saw the SS Great Britain, the first ship ever built with a propellor. There was also a museum dedicated to the designer, I.K. Brunel, who was known for being a brilliant a-hole. He only lived until 53, though. But his resume is impressive.

We started in the recreated dockyard from the period, which was very cool.

We went into the I.K. Brunel Museum (part of the ticket) but had apparently gone near closing, so we had to speed run through. Then we got to tour the ship, which was so cool! We started underneath, as the ship was dry docked.

Prior to the 1990s, it had been in The Falklands for 70+ years, where it had been scuttled. But great care was taken to bring it back to life! I geeked out hard on this one. Also, they had a picture studio where you could take old-timey photos with clothing. And so we did. I am NOT ashamed.

We then finally went on the boat, and it was cool! Here's some shots.

After, we walked the river's edge. It was lovely.

Then, it was time for dinner and such. Jarrad has promised me many British foods, and we had custard creams and tea. Very British.

And then for the film, the most excellent Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping. Classic.

[jakestravels]

Europe 2024 - Day 49 - Bristol

Day 49 – Got to sleep in a bit, and then do standard stuff one does every week or two. Did some laundry, bought a few groceries, and overall stayed chill. Jarrad’s apartment is lovely, and overlooks something called “The Bear Pit,” which is a central location in Bristol. Also, he has an eye for décor! Check out my sweet digs:

We finally got out for a bit, and decided to hit up the Christmas Market, which was already going on (way too early, IMHO). But it was lovely, and we sampled so many cheeses. See the tree in the background?

Then there was this relatively new mural:

We talked about going to a pub quiz, but instead just watched comedy movies on the couch while we had a few drinks. It’s really nice to kick back sometimes!

[jakestravels]

Europe 2024 - Day 48 - Prague to Bristol

The day had come to say goodbye to my Prague besties. Sad face.

I slept in a bit, got packed and hung out with Ana for bit before making my way to the airport. Next stop: Bristol, Southwest England.

I was staying with my buddy Jarrad, who had couch surfed with me before the pandemic. When I visited in 2019, he came out to Cardiff to visit me. And if you check out that blog, you will hear all about Cardiff Saturday Nights, and the lone picture I took. It's a gem.

Now, I was going to be able to visit Jarrad good and proper, since he was putting me up for a few days. Once I arrived, it was already getting dark by 4:30 PM. Luckily, it was November 5th, and I had come in time to witness Bonfire Night. So we went to a lovely hill, and me, Jarrad and his flatmate Josh watched the fireworks!

I had done so much traveling during the day, so there wasn't much time left! We had a diner, and went back t the apartment and drank and chatted. Lovely.

[jakestravels]

Europe 2024 - Day 47 - Prague

After a little bit of work in the morning for both Áňa and I, (as well as an incredible lunch of salmon and salad, made by Áňa herself) we set out to old town Prague.

I've been in this area before, but the beauty of it is always striking. It was then that Áňa mentioned (BTW, she's knows everything about this city - it's amazing) that there was a ban on many advertisements. I looked around, and suddenly realized that was a part of the beauty - there were no ads for McDonald's, Coca-Cola or Nokia taking up the landscape.

Áňa went to a book lecture for an hour, so I made myself comfortable at a cafe for a bit and did some writing. When she got back, we headed over to meet Štěpán to do an escape room! I've never done one before, so I was very excited!

We had a few minutes to kill before the room, so Áňan and I went to a nearby pub. They were having some sort of Halloween party, which felt strange since it was four days after Halloween and taking place on a Monday. The pub itself was really cool, as it was underground. But the party felt strange. It was mostly people in their 60s and above, and there was this strange cover band of three older folks singing 80s hits from the US and UK (translated into Czech) as well as some Czech stuff from the same period. It was very synth-y. But Áňa seemed to know the songs and bopped along.

I also had the worst Czech beer I've ever had here. But once Áňa told me in was made in a town known for their far-right ideologies, it made sense. I could taste the hate in the beer.

When I mentioned that I noticed some of the cover songs the band was singing didn't sound like they rhymed in Czech, Áňa gave me a great lesson in Czech music history. So while sometimes the songs would be translated in a way that kept the original meaning of the song (and therefore would not have the same rhyme scheme), sometimes the Soviet people in charge would hear an English-speaking song, and despite how much they apparently hated Western culture, would phonetically make the song sound like the original, but completely change the lyrics that made no sense. My favorite example of this was the song "I'm Still Standing" by Elton John, which was turned into this monstrosity, known as Mám styl Čendy," which means "I Have the Style of Čendy (pronounced "Chenda")." So an original song by Elton John about being able to survive after a former lover had been turned into a song about a dude who wants to impress a woman who likes a guy named Čendy, and he wants her to know that his style is as good as that guy's. Ridiculous.

The other thing Áňan explained to me later that night is that the stars were all older, because they were big hits in the 1960s before the Soviets really came down hard on Czechoslovakia in 1968. So in the 80s all of this was state-run, and so if you sang again, you were singing for the Soviets. So it made you a sellout. Áňa mentioned a female artist named Marta Kubišová who had a beautiful voice, but absolutely refused to sing for the Soviets. When the wall fell in 1989 and the Czechs were freed, she was there to sing again for the first time since the Soviets squashed them. She sang her old song known as "A Prayer for Martha."

I've translated the lyrics here:

Let peace still remain with this country! Let hatred, envy, grudge, fear, and strife cease! Let them cease! Now when your formerly lost rule over your things returns back to you, people, it returns back to you! Clouds flow slowly away from the sky and everybody reaps what he has sown, let my prayer speak to hearts not burnt by the time of wrath, like flowers by frost, like frost. Let peace still remain with this country!

It became the unofficial anthem for the people of the Czech Republic. And folks, that's the beauty and power of music.

We met Štěpán at the escape room. Although I've never done one, I obviously know the basic premise of how they work. There was only the three of us, so we knew we'd have to be speedy in order to complete it (I learned later that 31-32% of groups our size succeed). But also Štěpán and Áňa are incredibly smart people, so I knew we would CRUSH IT.

And crush it we did! Admittedly we went 8 minutes over and had a snag or two, but I'm calling it a success! We had to solve a schoolhouse murder from 1958, so after we were done, we got a pic:

After, we went to a lovely restaurant for dinner.

And then it was back to the house, where we watched the original 1964 Western known as Limonádový Joe aneb Koňská Opera, AKA Lemonade Joe. And it was ridiculous. I loved it, and with just a bit of translating from Štěpán, I was easily able to follow along.

You're welcome.

[jakestravels]

Europe 2024 - Day 46 - Karlštejn

We all woke up a little late due to the late night before, but today’s plan was to visit a castle some 15 miles out of Prague. We finally got rolling around 1 PM, and after a few delays on the train, got to the town of Karlštejn and its castle by about 2:45.

Seems like a while to go such a short distance, but there is a lot of train upgrading happening, and also there’s lots of stops through Prague, which is a good-sized city. Even without the delays, it would have taken an hour and fifteen minutes. But as soon as you leave Prague proper, the landscape just turns into picturesque countryside, with cute little towns every few miles. I just gasping at the towns and rivers, saying things like “Ooh!” and “Ahh!” and “That’s so pretty!” and “Fuck my life – I’m dropping everything about who and where I am, and coming here to live as a hermit.”

We made the walk to the castle off the train, and I commented that in the 36 hours every time Áňa would say, “Oh, it’s like an 8-10 minute walk” it always turned out to be about three times that. She is incredibly smart and speaks multiple languages, but I’m not sure her time-telling and orientation skills are up to par. ;)

We took a guided tour of the castle, but unfortunately due to the tour guide's very rapid English that was not spoken quite well enough and in stone rooms that echoed like crazy, I started getting a headache pretty quick. But it was worth it. Look at this ish:

After the tour ended, we took a few more snapshots outside before being hurried off the premises. (It was Sunday and closing time.)

We went back into town, where we all split our meals at a nice restaurant so we could all try everything! Then it was back to the train.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: What a beautiful country. But it's made all the more beautiful when you have good friends you can spend it with. Once back at the house, I was coerced to show an old video of me in a play (don't bother looking online, you'll never find it).

Another great day.

[jakestravels]

Europe 2024 - Day 45 - Prague

Áňa and Štěpán came back from their party at like 3 in the morning, but I certainly didn’t know, as they were super quiet and I was dead to the world. I’m always too warm when I sleep, but they left my bedroom (my OWN bedroom!) window open for me, and it was nice and cool, so I slept GREAT.

But I was surprised when I arose and they were there! I hadn’t seen them in 5 years, so it was so good to see them. I had also forgotten how hilarious they both were. I always love hanging out with them.

Áňa already had some plans for us, as we were going to take some local walks and see their neighborhood, which I did not get to do much of the last time. So we went to this area known as “The Gardens” that was once sort of an area designated for poor people owned by the government so that they would have a place to live for very cheap. (This was before Soviet occupation.) The area still seems to be lower-income, but many of the homes are original from some 100 years ago, and the other interesting thing is that only one road led into the area (though lots of other ways to walk in) so as Áňa commented, “I’ve lived near this for a long time but didn’t know anything about until Štěpán showed me.” And also due to the fact that it sits in the middle of three crisscrossing rail lines, it really is shut off to the rest of Prague. Štěpán explained that the government has perhaps been wanting to take it back, maybe sell the property off for development, which would be sad indeed! As we walked by a fence in the area, I was met with this nightmare fuel:

“Yeah,” said Štěpán, “It’s some old lady and we have no idea why she does it.”

I do. To make me terrified and question my sanity.

I mentioned my quest for local soccer scarves, so after that we went to one of the football stadiums in Prague where I got me a scarf, and then it was off to lunch. My favorite thing here in Czechia is Svíčková, and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT. It’s tough to explain exactly what it is, but it’s meat in a sweet gravy, which is made sweet through the reduction of vegetables. But it’s the dumplings that are the highlight. It's bread, potato and onion put together with spices, and DAMN. It’s so good. Though I do worry about the scale, because there is no way that it isn’t fatty as hell.

But f*ck it. I’m on vacation.

We went back to the flat, and changed for the ballet! Áňa and Štěpán already had plans to see Romeo & Juliet at a gorgeous and recently beautifully renovated theatre, and offered me a ticket. I love the theatre, but admittedly I’m not much of a ballet guy.

Of course it certainly helped that I knew the story, and as I have always said, Mercutio is the best character in the piece. The second act specifically was excellent, and the dancer who played Juliet was quite exceptional. Unfortunately since I’m traveling I didn’t exactly have a suit on me, so while Áňan and Štěpán looked great, I felt quite underdressed. Luckily there were a few others (mostly kids!) who were also underdressed so I didn’t feel like a complete moron!

But culture time was over. My beloved Ducks were playing a big football game against Michigan (Boo!) and I’ve missed every game since I started traveling, but I was NOT going to miss this one, especially since it was being played early enough that I could actually watch it at a decent time here. So I switched my least annoying shirt for my most annoying one and with the help of Áňa, found an Irish bar that would play it. I was desperately hoping there would be some Michigan fans to poke or at least Oregon fans to commiserate with, but it was just me. But they put that s*it on the biggest TV in the room, so I felt like a king. And guess what? We whupped their asses. Sco Ducks!

Then it was back to the house, where we stayed up until the wee hours of the morning chatting and drinking beer. Great effing day.

[jakestravels]

Europe 2024 - Day 44 - London to Prague

I woke up and packed, and headed out. I was flying out at 4 PM, and wanted to wander a bit and maybe hit a few vinyl stores, something I haven't done much on this trip.

As I was heading to the tube station, I snapped a picture of this billboard that had been confusing me for days. Look at #2 - WHY would you advertise that you had meat WITH artificial ingredients? Who wants that?

Oh. I'm just a dummy. Still, seems misleading. Not the cleanest copy.

Then I went record hunting. I started on Carnaby Street:

Mostly outdoor markets, and the vinyl "stores" that were supposed to be there must have been stands? That... weren't?

Next stop: Notting Hill. I remembered several stores from here from the last time I was here. I also forgot that Notting Hill has that stupid movie, so apparently I passed by what looked like a normal-ass bookstore, but with tons of people taking pictures in front of it? Is that like a thing in the movie? Was the movie good enough to make the trek to this store?

Anywho, I walked through the market in that area, and I did spot this:

So cool. History made right there. That's crazy. (FYI my favorite book of all time might be 1984.)

And on I walked! I finally had a bit of luck at one record store, but otherwise it was a bunch of strikeouts. But hey, I got my steps in!

It was time to head to the airport. I headed back to the St. Pancras station (It still looks like "pancreas" to me) and again, was in awe of its size and bustle.

I got to the airport plenty early, and had to wait and and a half before knowing what gate I was supposed to go to. Because (London) Luton is an off-brand airport primarily for low-cost airlines (and home base for EasyJet), the gates are spread out because people queue up to walk to the plane, but that meant tons of seating, so I set up and had some lunch. I always say this, but some of the food is the US is so ridiculously expensive! I got this Spanish-made chorizo at the store for £1 ($1.30). It was muy delicioso!

And fresh-made bread is like $1 everywhere in Europe. It's great.

The flight (and airport experience) were amongst the best I've ever had. Going through security took like 5 minutes, I didn't have to take off shoes or remove electronics and liquids from my bag. It was great! Someone should have a website that just tells you for every airport. If I know I could keep my liquids wherever I wanted instead of the stupid baggie, well, that would be just great.

The flight was nice and painless as well, especially because while I did get a middle seat, it was in an exit row, so bonus!

I arrived in Prague at around 8:15, and headed to my friends' flat. I met Áňan and Štěpán (pronounced "Anya" and "Schtep-awn") back when they Couchsurfed with me in 2019. They were out for a Halloween party for the whole night and possibly staying the night, so I hit up a local pub, and called it an early night. Can't wait to hang with them! They are wonderful people!

[jakestravels]

Europe 2024 - Day 43 - Walthamstow

Euan has three roommates, and they live in a pretty neat three-story flat. They let me have the living room to sleep in, so to say thank you, I chose to make them a full-on American BBQ meal. And it took most of the day.

I’ve mentioned before how cooking in another country can be difficult – all it takes is the lack of a crucial ingredient or two, and all of a sudden your carefully planned meal can be not-so-great. Example: I could not find molasses, a crucial ingredient for a good BBQ sauce. I’m sure it’s somewhere or at a specialty market, but I don’t have the time to run all over London trying to complete my collection. Also, the BBQ sauce here is little more than brown sauce mixed with ketchup, so I had to be innovative.

Now one of the things I do love about Europe is that they still consider chicken wings to be the dumbest part of the chicken, so they sell them at stupid low prices. Bonus! So all in all, here’s what I made (and a few things bought):

Slow roasted pulled pork two ways: w/ homemade BBQ sauce and honey mustard - Kalbi plum sauce chicken wings - Roasted Irish potatoes in butter w/ shallots and garlic and onions - Mac & Cheese with onions and fried shallots - Cole slaw - Apple pie.

I headed to the store for supplies, but halfway through made sure to stop for my first British fish & chips this trip.

More chips than fish, really. Anywho here's some of the food:

When all was said and done, it was pretty damn good! Euan and I had a few beers and chatted a while into the night - he had to leave at 2 AM to catch a flight, so he headed to sleep as did I. But it was great to see him!

And that was my Halloween, Luz.

[jakestravels]

Europe 2024 - Day 42 - London

Today was London Tourist Day for me, so I started off at one of my favorite museums in the world, the Imperial War Museum in London. And like all public museums in the UK, it’s completely free! Their exhibits are well researched and well presented. I spent quite a few hours there!

I also thought I’d show you how long I’ve liked this museum:

(TBD)

After that, I headed to Trafalar Square to go to the National Gallery.

I went to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. It was not quite as great, as it was more packed than I had ever seen, many of the wings were closed, and while there was a Van Gogh exhibit, it required paid tickets and none were remaining for the day. Dang!

After, I hot up a few record stores, and then went to meet up with Euan and one of his roommates for dinner. And in typical fashion, I forgot to take pics. Sigh! Maybe next time…

[jakestravels]

Europe 2024 - Day 41 - Sarajevo to London

I was leaving Sarajevo today, and heading to my next location of London! In a certain way it was more of a layover, as I’m heading to Prague next, but a three-day layover in London saved me significantly on airfare, and it gave me a chance to go to a place I haven’t been to in quite a while.

Of course I woke up about 90 minutes earlier than I needed to, meaning not enough time to do anything significant except scroll on my phone, or just get up and go. So I did the latter. There was a light sleeper in the room, so I did my best to remain quiet. But it’s always at 7 in the morning when you realize the sounds of zippers and plastic is louder than any other time of the day.

I walked to the bus stop, and crossed the bridge of the river that flows through Sarajevo. It was a very peaceful morning.

I needed to travel the 6 miles to the airport, which meant a one-hour bus ride. I got so see a good chuck of the city as I went to the other side of it to the airport. After a short walk through a neighborhood, and I was there! And man, is this place tiny…

One of the things I love about certain European airports is their drop-off points known as “Kiss & Fly.” You get like a max 3 minutes to make out, and then it’s off you go!

The flight was pleasurable, and I took a little nap and started on a book I found at the hostel. I don’t read much anymore, and certainly not the kind of book that you can use to prop a door open. But I got engrossed in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I’m pretty sure the writer was a bit autistic based on his prose, but so far, it’s been a riveting read.

Before I knew it, I was in the London Luton airport, located 30 miles north of London. I had to take a few trains to get me into Walthamstow, a suburb of England to meet up with my friend Euan. Euan and his dad visited me via Couchsurfing before the pandemic, and so I returned the favor! I came into St. Pancras station, and it was really beautiful.

By the time I got to Euan it was mid-afternoon, and I was worn out from a full work day’s worth of travel, so I stayed close by. I checked out some pubs (unsuccessfully I might add – I always used to love British pubs because you could just chat someone up at the bar!) but apparently Covid changed their world too, as seats at the bar are non-existent.

I headed down High Street, once apparently one of the longest markets in the world (because it all goes down just one street) but most of the vendors were closing up. However, I did get something I’ve been craving for a hot minute – some Chinese food.

And that was the night! Sorry, not all blogs are exciting. I’ll try better tomorrow…