#Best Lunch Buffet in Red Deer
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#Indian Food Catering in Red Deer#Best Vegetarian Food in Red Deer#Best Lunch Buffet in Red Deer#Best Butter Chicken in Red Deer#Catering in Red Deer#Buffet Red Deer
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ONF in Cafe AU
(Establishment)
A/N : 200 followers special!! This different universe from Baker Yuto
Settings : A total brand new universe where they just gather by pure coincidence. Or an alternate universe where ONF later when their contract ended, they gathered to open a cafe once Yuto return to Korea from graduating his bakery course back in Japan. Hyojin, Seungjun and Jaeyoung helped by researching how to register+open business in Korea.
Roles
Yuto : The bread maker
Seungjun : Barista
Hyojin & Jaeyoung : Chief waiter and in charge of cashier
Minkyun : Assisting waiter and more of a helper in the kitchen preparing ingredients
Changyoon : In charge of other menus such as sandwiches/bagel sandwich and dessert
Reader : could be part timer or the regular guest (bonus a fan of ONF as well)
Bonus : Minseok might occasionally drop by to visit or Minseok as another member in the kitchen (i mean have you seen his IG???!!!!!)
Headcanons
As Yuto is more of a bread lover, the cafe would be a bakery+cafe style eatery.
The menu is made and proposed by all 6 of them. Also before they start running business, the kitchen gang has already tried making food to do taste test. (Including WM family)
The menu is written in Korean, English and Japanese.
Yuto would keep trying on making the best bread so he would experiment with different options such as more milk or less flour
Hyojin would always give ideas to improvise. And members trust Hyojin's thoughts because he is such a foodie XD
Seungjun would research and practice on his barista skills.
Changyoon would do graphic design of the menu
Minkyun and Jaeyoung would go out to find spot to rent and open cafe
Once the cafe is opened, this is how they run it.
Because of ONF's nature, I personally think they will test the timing of business by doing a few around of simulations.
This would be suggested by Changyoon and agreed by the leaders
So before they opened, they really tried it out at the empty cafe and simulated with full house for 3~5 days straight. Then they are content with the current timing as below.
I also think Seungjun Jaeyoung and Yuto would keep suggesting adjustments on the timing.
Especially Seungjun and Yuto. Seungjun in the bystander view because he is the barista and Yuto sharing the perspective on what timing those outside kitchen should alert those in the kitchen. They would run timer using their phone.
Bakery closes on 6pm, tidying done by 7:15pm, head out for dinner or simple dinner by whipping up some left over ingredients.
Grocery shopping on 8:45pm or 9pm, headback for cafe for preparations if necessary
Next day 6am at cafe to do early preparations, bakery side and morning take away opens on 7:30am,
10:00am opens for eat in + buffet, they do not do dinner so closes at 6pm and repeat for every day.
They closes on big event public holidays, end of the year+new year.
(They will get quick lunch by ingredients whipped up from the kitchen. Hyojin will switch with Jaeyoung, Seungjun will switch with the part timer, Yuto will get quick bites while waiting for dough to rise, Changyoon and Minkyun will switch)
(BTW this is just reference from my weak experience working on restaurant)
There are 5 walkie talkies. Hyojin, Seungjun and Jaeyoung have 1 each, 1 at the cashier and another is at the kitchen with speakers. This is for them to communicate and alert each other about the crowd and also any food items that are running out.
BTW should we are using the Minseok as one of the member in kitchen, he did not join immediately. But he do drop by to support his hyungs and being the 2nd food taster.
His hyungs and Yuto are a bit reluctant to recruit him but, to their surprise, Minsk volunteered himself.
And oh boy his hyungs all in awe at how good this baby boy's cooking is!!!
Funny moment when Seungjun caught Hyojin eyes are gleaming with bliss after Hyojin tasted Minseok's food. And then only the other hyungs swarming over wanting to taste Minseok's cooking lol
(Hyojin already numb due to so many times food tasting lol but cos he loves to eat he still finishes all the samples. But Minseok's cooking was a breather for him at that exact moment)
Also Changyoon has an idea that putting surveys on each table and let guests to fill in. When they submit to cashier, they might get coupons (?) or maybe discounts about 83%
Or maybe some collectibles and when they got all six stickers, they get 83% discount? (its flexible)
The cafe gains popularity because of the quality and due to good looks of chief waiters and barista.
Also, I think in their menu, (should this is the contract ended ONF universe), they might integrate the member recommendations, it is flexible either food or drink. Or maybe both
Hyojin definitely going to recommend 2 smoothies.
Changyoon would recommend pasta and dessert
Minkyun will go for a sandwich
Jaeyoung might recommend Yuto's sourdough bruschetta
Seungjun will recommend one type of latte
And Yuto will recommend 1 or 2 breads found at bakery/buffet corner. But for menu he would give out tips like which bread type goes better with which cheese or jam
(BTW I think its cute should they use their mascot deer, shark, maltese, gorilla, cat and bread as avatar/icon that appear at recommendations!)
And on their birthday, (this could be Seungjun's idea) there will be a 83% discount sticker placed on the recommended food/drink by the member.
And since we talked about menu...
Again its a bread themed cafe, so the main would be bread, brunch and all day breakfast.
Bread type (buffet) : mini croissants, mini buns, scones, baguette, bagel, white loaf, sourdough
Bread type (bakery) : croissant, buns, garlic bread, scones, baguette, bagel, red bean bun, packed bread loafs
Let me explain about buffet first.
Buffet is for brunch+lunch, which starts on 10:30am to 2pm. Its a 90 minutes course. In that course you can pick 1 of each option of bread, salad, toppings, sides (sausages, hams, cheese and baked beans) and also random desserts.
They offer butter (salted and unsalted), 3 to 4 types of jams (strawberry, mixed fruit and marmalade), variety of paste to go with bread (mashed avocado and Parmesan garlic pesto). also Nutella
For buffet, beverage there already stocked variety of juices, warm coffee and tea (that are already prepared earlier) and fresh water
Cheese they will go for cheddar, Havarti, Feta, Mozarella and brown cheese.
Should you don't go for buffet, they have eat in cafe menu. Which are separately made set meals that comes with beverage. Like sandwiches, bagel sandwiches, spaghetti/pastas, or bruschetta with topping of your choice (6 the most)
Seungjun would prepare freshly brewed coffee, latte, tea, frappe and even smoothie.
Desserts are all simple desserts, like mini tarts and mini cupcake. For specially ordered ones would non baked stuffs that Changyoon and Minkyun made early in the morning and stored in fridge (because dont wanna clash with Yuto baking should any bread nearly sold out. Also can have more flexible timing should Yuto need help they can back up)
Initially, Changyoon will always make extra desserts by x2.5 amount, especially mini tarts or mini cupcakes at the buffet area. He is a worry wart.
BTW the bell Changyoon presented Yuto during OnDaeJeon? Its later used at the cafe lol. As the alert tool for waiters that food is done come and take it
I think on early years, at most 2 years, they are not going to do delivery or food app order service just yet.
But they will run an Instagram or twitter account for the cafe and using it just like how they are doing with they current twitter account. Promoting food and giving out random recommendations also a glimpse of their daily lifes running the cafe and bakery
I think Changyoon would upload a pic of seasonal fruit and a teaser for new seasonal dessert? And then lol it will sometimes plot twist ends up being seasonal beverage that made by Seungjun lol
Should Minseok is not a member running the cafe, the boys consult with him occasionally about adding new seasonal,time limited items.
Also Hyojin and Yuto being the photographer taking picture of the food. Oops I forgot, the pictures of food items in menu are both taken by them too!
Minkyun will bring along one of his fave part timer to do emergency grocery shopping should he needed a hand.
Hyojin and Jaeyoung will try to help customer to decide by suggesting recommendation
Also Hyojin, who would sometimes keep an eye on how customer do combination on their food and get inspiration from it then later try to propose to the team.
As chief waiters, both Hyojin and Jaeyoung would always during at the cashier, asking customers should they have any suggestions or proposal (even if they submitted the survey). Values communications and feedback between staff and customers.
Also Seungjun will help out keeping an eye in case they miss out someone trying to call a waiter. Later after a year of profits, they upgraded to bell calling service type, press a button and they come serve you in a minute.
Initially, Hyojin and Jaeyoung would make use of walkie talkie to recite orders that they get so that Seungjun, Yuto, Changyoon and Minkyun can get them
After maybe a couple months of profit, they upgraded it to tablets. while the walkie talkie is used as mentioned above, to alert regarding to run out/sold out food items.
Also, once reached closing hours, I think they will also have a brief meeting. Especially for waiters team. I think Hyojin would guide and critique on performance.
In overall it is very warm to work with ONF but you have to keep up because they are also strict.
I can see should they know part timers birthday, they would wish them. Maybe Changyoon/Minseok will shove special dessert or pasta for them.
It will be funny that some fans went there hoping to see Yuto, Changyoon and Minkyun but they are busy, do not want to disappoint, Hyojin and Seungjun might try to call them out using walkie talkie. (only apply to the contract end universe)
Oh I had a thought, maybe not the public knows that Minseok joined? I think maybe its also Minseok's terms and conditions because he does not want the spotlight he just wanna help running the business
Also should WM family drop by to visit, the first word as they enter the door, both sides will go “Aigooooo~~~~!!!” (Refer to RTK where Oh My Girl drops by to check out ONF for TWML practise)
Should that happen, its a big day for the fans
BUT!!! I can think ONF cafe later be the hangout spot for WM family? like member’s birthday? lets go to ONF cafe! Because Yuto baked a cake specially for us!! and off they go~
I mean its a great deal, considering Yuto’s love for bread and he did not sell customised cakes. So its personalised stuff he made for those he cared about.
That is why mostly the gathering will happen after 6pm or
Maybe WM managers drop by to pick up the special cake
Also, Yuto let part timers to have leftover breads or desserts at bakery and buffet area for free. His hyungs agreed because you should not waste food. Plus freshly made bread are their selling point so they won't recycle them.
A/N : gonna stop here and should there is more, I might do a part 2~!
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Alastor and Rosie’s Cannibal Song
Alastor and Rosie strolled arm in arm after Rosie finished going to an Overlord meeting.
“Hey Alastor,” said Rosie turning to him. “Have you ever considered joining my exclusive club of socialites?”
“No, I haven’t…but do entertain me.”
“It’s mainly me and my group of ladies. We meet up for tea and coffee at this nice café not too far from here. We discuss the latest news, perhaps exchange jewelry or deserts.”
“Sounds lovely, my dear.”
“Oh and here’s the best part. My group and I have…exquisite tastes when it comes to meals. And I’ve heard about you and your slaughters.”
Alastor couldn’t help but puff up his chest in pride. “I was also a very skilled hunter in my other life. I’ve made many meals including jambalaya with venison in it. It is my favorite.”
A grin of sharp teeth stretched across Rosie’s pale face, her black eyes shining. “Have you ever considered eating the flesh of your victims?”
Alastor’s stomach growled at the thought. “I had a feeling that something was missing after I killed all those men as a human. I’ve hunted and ate deer and game many times. Perhaps I was too unsure about doing the same to other humans.”
Rosie laughed. “No restrictions now, though. This is Hell. Feel free to eat whatever…and whomever you’d like.”
Rosie handed him a blue arm of a nearby dead demon. Alastor maneuvered it into his mouth and sliced it to bits with several noisy bites. The sharp fangs effortlessly tore through the muscle and bone. The tangy taste of blood and juicy meat filled his mouth before he swallowed.
“That was quite tasty,” he remarked, licking his lips. Alastor then realized something extraordinary: there were countless demons roaming around in Hell. It was as if Hell had decided to provide him with an all-you-can-eat buffet. Not only would he have more meat to eat, but being a cannibal would also help with his fearsome reputation. Cannibalism was considered one of the worst taboos to do on Earth.
Why not add another sin to his list?
Alastor bowed and kissed Rosie on her hand in thanks. “Even in death, I learn something new every day. I’d be honored to join you.”
Rosie introduced Alastor to her group of friends: a bunch of demon women dressed in fancy Victorian dresses of many colors and round ladies’ hats on their heads. Violet, Lavender, and Poppy were some of their names. For a brief moment, Alastor felt like he was back in his time period on Earth. He ate demon meat to his heart’s content. Hell-Born or sinner, raw or cooked, it didn’t matter. He used the flesh and the sinner’s hearts in his jambalaya recipes. As the sinners had previously been human like Alastor used to be, he was now a cannibal.
The thought of someday tasting actual humans in the living world made his mouth water more.
On Sunday mornings after Alastor had coffee, he would be greeted by his new admirers while he walked outside, humming a cheery tune.
“Hello ladies,” Alastor said with a tip of his red top hat.
“Hello Alastor!” they chimed, as they sat on the ground in front of a mutilated body of a demon. One woman picked up the demon’s separated arm and used it to wave at him. Alastor chuckled and strolled on.
During one moonlit night, Alastor and Rosie decided to sing a song to strengthen their bond. They were already good friends, if not that then at least compatible associates with similar tastes.
“Let’s say you’re bored and want to be full,” Rosie began as she walked next to him, umbrella in her hands and little skulls on her hat. She looked like a gaunt Mary Poppins entering a Day of the Dead musical.
“Sure, you can go about your day, dull. Or…”
She turned around, her lavender dress spinning slightly. “You can eat a little flesh fantastic with me.”
Alastor’s red eyes lit up, his hidden deer tail wagging underneath his crimson dress coat. He already loved her singing voice and graceful form. She reminded him of Mimzy, though she was less about the spotlight and more about elegance.
And speaking of which…
“Alastor!” Mimzy beamed as she walked over to him. The chubby blonde woman was wearing a magenta flapper dress with sparkles on it. Her headband had a pink feather attached to it and her necklace of black pearls was visible above her round breasts.
“Good evening, Mimzy!” Alastor smiled. “What are you doing out here, dear?”
“My shift at the jazz club just ended, so I decided to join you guys.” A pink neon sign down the street read “Mimzy’s Place.”
“Please do, Miss Hannigan,” Rosie said to her fellow friend. Alastor had introduced Mimzy to Rosie after the two sinners had reunited. “Be sure not to walk home by yourself, Mimzy. You might be dead, but there’s no need to die a second time.”
“Isn’t that right!” Alastor added with a chuckle.
“Now where was I…” Rosie pondered. “Oh right!”
She began to sing again.
“You can eat a little flesh fantastic with me.”
“Wait, flesh?” Mimzy asked, curious. “As in human flesh?”
“Why yes! I just tasted it for the first time,” Alastor said. “Apparently, it’s a delicacy down in Hell for obvious reasons. “I mean…”
He began to sing, “If you live your days in wonder, but can’t focus due to hunger…”
He leaned his face in close to hers; Mimzy blushed and didn’t even flinch.
“Just eat a little flesh fantastic with me.”
Alastor straightened back up as Rosie joined in. “For if you decide to kill a person, their body will someday rot away. But if you make haste and not let it go to waste…”
Rosie spun around a black nearby pole before lightly landing on the sidewalk.
“Then you’ll be satiated for the day!”
Alastor climbed up and leaned against the pole. “You don’t need to be Lector Hannibal, to consider the life of a cannibal.”
“Want to be robust?” Rosie asked.
“You know I must,” Alastor added.
Then they both sang to Mimzy, “Come eat a little flesh fantastic with us!”
The two tall demons strolled along as Alastor snapped his fingers. His shadowy demon imps rose from the ground, playing trumpets, drums and saxophones. Nearby demons where either swaying to the jazz beat or darting away in fear. Mimzy ran on her short stubby legs to catch up.
“Hey, wait up! Can I sing, too?”
Rosie led out a shrill bird-like call from her mouth as her eyes briefly glowed silvery white.
“My fellow epicureans, answer my call. May your gluttonous desires led the way!”
At once, several ladies dresses came out of the alleyways to join her. There were also a few male demons in elegant suits who followed them.
“Welcome to the club, Radio Demon,” Rosie grinned.
Rosie and Alastor then sang the duet at the same time:
“The life of a cannibal
The feeling is so wonderful
Hunt and kill, munch, munch, munch,
A few screams later, you’ve got your lunch!”
Behind them, the women danced in a line, their dresses spinning as they moved. The men in suits and top hats spun, flipped and did tricks from the poles of nearby street lamps. The red flames in the glass on top of the lamps flickered to the outside music.
“Have some style and show some class
It is us among the mass
When you’re feeling beat and want to eat
A demon can never have too much meat!”
“Eat a little flesh fantastic with us
Give in to another kind of lust
A sweet treat you are, come near or far
Our food as you bite the dust!”
Rosie smiled as she and Alastor did a Charleston dance in the front. Rosie winked at Mimzy who stood in awe of their dancing. She tried to hide her jealousy. Every time Alastor danced with someone else, the sin of envy took hold of her in a tight grip. Rosie continued:
“You can refrain and boldly exclaim
‘Eating your brethren’s not right!’”
Alastor added:
“But we know well, to maim in Hell
The blood will be shed tonight!”
Rosie blew into a bloodstained shell trumpet. The men and women dancers surrounded the trio in a moving circle, chanting “Eat! Eat! Eat!” as the jazz music sped up. Their dancing shoes tapped against the asphalt, adding to the instrumental sounds. The women took off their hats and waved them several times in the air before putting them back on their heads. The men repeated their actions shortly after.
Alastor held out his hand for Mimzy to take, which she eagerly did with a smile. The three of them danced around in a circle, laughing as Alastor’s glowing red spirits swirled around above them.
“The life of a cannibal,” Mimzy began…
“The feeling is so wonderful,” Rosie added…
“Hunt and kill, munch, munch, munch…” Alastor sang.
Then all three of them called out, “A few screams later, you’ve got your lunch!”
“Eat a little flesh fantastic with us!”
(oh- oh- oh- oh- oh)
“Eat a little flesh fantastic with us!”
(oh- oh- oh- oh- oh)
The men did more rolls on the floor and posed on the lamppost poles. Nearby, an elaborate black fountain was spraying blood into the larger basin. A lone demon kid tossed a soul coin into it.
After the men spun around on the poles, they hopped back down to dance with the ladies in the background.
The song soon ended with Rosie, Alastor and Mimzy doing happy poses on the street, Alastor in the middle between his best lady friends. As the trio bowed, audience clapping emitted from his microphone staff. Everyone cheered as they summoned long flaming spears into their hands. They twirled them around in their hands and tossed them into the air before catching them. Soon, all of them were surrounding Rosie, who posed on a pole with her closed umbrella pointing outward in her hand.
“Go forth and feast!” Rosie called.
The eyes of the men and women glowed red in hunger. Like a pack of wolves, the other demons scurried in every direction, prancing on other demons. Several of the men threw their spears at nearby demons, setting them on fire as they screeched. Nearby denizens screamed as the fancy ladies jumped onto them and sank their sharp teeth into their necks and shoulders. Blood and organic fluid soon littered the street and sidewalks. Mimzy giggled and wrote on a nearby brick wall in fresh blood. She drew a red heart with “A + M” inside it. She even added an arrow through the heart.
“Very nice,” Alastor mentioned. “A and M. That reminds me, I gotta get ready for my 6 AM announcement tomorrow. I’ll be broadcasting how to make spicy jambalaya. All natural ingredients, of course.”
Mimzy picked up a pulsing heart from inside the gaping chest of a fallen demon.
”You might need this for an ingredient.”
She gave it to Alastor, who took it in both hands.
“You’re giving me your heart, what a thoughtful gift!”
Alastor and Rosie chuckled and Mimzy smiled, too. Though deep down, she hoped he was only kidding about actually eating her heart.
Alastor took several bites of the muscle, red thick liquid coating his face. The flavor was divine.
Mimzy tried a bite out of chunk of flesh from another demon. It tasted like older pork, human flesh that had gotten a bit dry and flavorless. Alastor soon recognized the taste of demon flesh as well after eating some more.
“I’m just gonna pretend it was pork,” Mimzy said, uncertainty in her face.
“Come on, we all know you enjoyed it,” Alastor teased, playfully pinching her cheeks.
“There is one thing that is better than flesh,” Mimzy declared.
“And what’s that, dear?” Rosie asked, wiping her bloody mouth with a lacy handkerchief.
“Spending time with my lovely friends!”
Mimzy gave Alastor a hug and Alastor flinched a bit. He took a deep breath and briefly hugged her as well. Rosie knew not to touch Alastor, so she opted to stand supportively by his side.
Alastor then pulled the two smiling women close to him, happy and in his element. It was something that he agreed with as well, somewhere within his blackened heart. Despite doing things for himself and manipulating people for his amusement, there was something…freeing about being with fun-loving friends he could put some degree of trust in. The sounds of music pulsed like vibrant lights in a sea of darkness. Music had been his oasis, his escape on Earth. Even in Hell, it still tugged at his heartstrings and reminded him of innocent times long ago. It was almost like a beacon of hope…hope of even greater things ahead.
For the first time in a while, Alastor’s smile was genuine and relaxed.
“Now that’s what I call entertainment!”
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Monday
We had such a fun weekend - nothing extra special or crazy, just some fun time together. The mister had an issue with his big, desktop Mac which meant he had to make a trip out to the Green Hills Mall to the Apple store. He’s never had an issue with any of his various Mac-this and Mac that and quite frankly, he’d rather hear that he has a heart or liver problem than that his Mac is sick. But it is and they had to do some sort of emergency transplant on it. While he mourned in the Apple store I picked up a little MAC of my own.
I bought a lipstick and an eye shadow and then picked up some cookies for Mickey at a bake sale outside William-Sonoma. He seemed pretty sad about his computer and cookies almost always cheer people up, right? I purposely bought peanut butter-chocolate chip because I don’t like peanut butter cookies. If I’d bought any other kind they would have disappeared while I waited on that bench.
Anywho, after his appointment with the Apple doctor we strolled around a bit (I made him explore every inch of The Container Store) and then grabbed some lunch. After lunch we decided to catch a matinee of the movie The Peanut Butter Falcon. Mickey liked it, I’m on the fence. I thought it was going to be a feel good movie, and it kind of was...but not really. For me there were way too many BS moments in the film - those moments when you spend so much time ticking off the many ways a particular thing could never happen that you almost lose the flow of the movie. I’m always ready to suspend belief for a really good piece of fiction, but sometimes those niggling questions need to be addressed. Still, it was a lot of fun to kick back and watch a flick with my favorite date.
Now, all of that was fun - we had a great time. But the chef’s kiss on this day was when that wonderful man o’mine volunteered to do the grocery shopping. He didn’t complain when I made a long list, put asterisks by everything I had a coupon for, loaded him up with said coupons, and waved goodbye. Grocery shopping is a chore that has been mine since the tender age of 18. That chore means that you also need to plan the weekly meals, anticipate anything that may run out (that means keeping count of everything from toilet paper rolls to ketchup), watch your budget, hunt it all down, unload it and put it away, and then do it all over again and again and again. The mister knows I consider that drudgery and he loves grocery shopping (how weird is that?) so he volunteered to at least do the hunting and gathering part. That was the best part of my Saturday. He came home with steaks to throw on the grill. That wasn’t on the list, but I make the guy eat so much chicken and fish that I won’t begrudge him some red meat occasionally. So we ended the day with a delicious dinner and even a few sprinkles of rain. We spent Sunday puttering. Mickey drove out to the fairgrounds to pick up his prize money and all of our photos. I poked around in the gardens and harvested another bunch of green peppers. We are overrun with green peppers.
I may as well mention, while I’m on the topic of gardening, that I am stressing about my pumpkin crop. I know that I squandered valuable time and planted way late. I may or may not have even a single pumpkin to pick for Halloween, probably not. But I could have plenty for decorating for the remainder of fall. Worst case scenario is that I’m just growing a tasty buffet for the deer. Right now I have healthy vines and plenty of blooms, however...I don’t have enough girl blooms. The boy blooms are ready to go, they’re loaded with pollen and looking for romance. But after searching under a bazillion leaves and checking bloom after bloom, I found just one girl. Oh dear.
The girls have a little fat bottom like you see on that future bloom. That little bottom becomes a pumpkin. And that’s the only one I have so far. What the heck? Tick tock, pumpkin plant! Time is wasting! I feel like I need to post a guard beside that blossom to watch over it day and night. Geez. Well, lesson learned - no messing around next summer, plant earlier and pray for girls. And that, folks, is the fast-paced life we’re living here in Mt. Juliet. Don’t try to keep up with us, we’re quite the jet setters.
More tomorrow!
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Sariska Tiger Reserve, located less than two hours from Jaipur, is one of the few tiger reserves unknown to many travelers. Ask your friends to journey with you to Sariska TR and you will see many raised eyebrows, as if you had just discovered a new species.
Inasmuch as extraordinary experiences are often considered truly elegant, we went on a weekend drive with local and expat friends who now call Delhi home. The idea was to enjoy a nice weekend together. But little did we know what we were getting into as none of us had never been to this relatively undiscovered place. Although all of us had passed by travelling between Delhi & Jaipur.
There was only one camp that had really caught my eye some time ago and I’d been following their Instagram closely. So, I decided to get in touch with the owner of Utsav Camp, Luv Shekhawat. My first question was “I am planning to bring a small group of friends who are gay/gay-friendly. Are you okay with that?” In a very sincere tone, he replied with the best ever line “We are all humans. Everyone has preferences. Who am I to judge how you should live your life? This is your home. We do not discriminate based on caste, religion or sexuality”. This conversation was over the phone, but it almost left me in tears. I wished all hotels in India would openly welcome gay people just as Utsav Camp does. Currently, The Lalit is the only luxury hotel to welcome the lgbtq+ community openly, with the tagline #PureLove.
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Back to glamping (glamorous camping), Utsav Camp is an eco-luxury tented accommodation, very boutique with only 10 tents located on the non-touristy side of the reserve. We started off from Delhi around 8.00AM in a twelve-seat coach and arrived at the camp around 1.30 in the afternoon. In fact, the staff were all waiting to welcome us with red tilaka & rice, which is considered a welcome and expression of honor.Welcome drinks were served, check-in procedure expedited, and off we went to our tents where our bags were already waiting for us. A tasty vegetarian buffet lunch was served. Luv had planned a nature walk through the village and on to the rugged mountain terrain, reconnecting with the wilderness where the nomadic goat herder could be seen, and the Indian blue bull running in the wild. After walking for 2 miles, we climbed up to one of the rocky plateaus and were delighted to see the tea sundowner set up just for us with cookies, biscuits, masala chai and other black & green tea. Wouldn’t you know, one of our group even brought a little wine to celebrate the sunset?
Oh, these urban souls now really understood the sheer exhilaration pure air as we watched the sun go down, gentle, cool breeze wafting by.
We walked back along the road to our camp, coming across more shepherds herding goats toward home. We all had a bit of chat and learned a bit of the technique of chopping tree branches to feed the herd. Perhaps we were planning for our retirement pastime.
Our evenings were about getting to know each other better aside the bonfire with a few of our favorite libations, local snacks, and a sumptuous buffet.
We went on one morning safari, where we encountered deer, antelope, wild boar, and monkeys while enjoying the serenity of the jungle. We were not fortunate to see the tiger, leopards & the striped hyenas but the sighting has been good lately.After breakfast, some of us decided to go explore a small, nearby village. It was a pleasant stroll, where the kids were playing while the ladies surrounded the hand pump washing clothes. But one thing we saw on every face was a big fat, happy, welcoming smile when they saw us.
One late afternoon, Luv took us to a nearby lake for bird watching followed by yet more tea and snacks set up along the lake. We spotted about 29 species of bird including the great white pelican, bar-headed goose, northern shoveler, pied avocet, black-tailed godwit etc. to name a few. A nice place for beginner birders. Quiet and less crowded.
It was a fantastic weekend getaway from Delhi, not too long of a drive. The staff at Utsav did a fabulous job in making sure everyone was well looked after. There are various experiences that will keep you entertained once you arrive at the camp from the evening sundowner trek, to the nature trail to bird watching along the lake, etc. Or simply enjoy the blessing of doing nothing at all. More slideshow photos of the camp.
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Please note that there is a pool if you like soaking in the sun. So be sure to bring proper swimming attire. Also, there is no alcohol offered at the camp, but you are welcome to bring your favorite libation with you.
All in all, a perfect glamping weekend.
This blog is our unsolicited personal opinion. By no means, a requested review from the owners.
Robindro Saikhom [email protected] www.serenejourneys.co
Robin is the founder of Serene Journeys, a gay travel company based in Delhi, a travel curator & a travel photographer, exploring the beauty of India, Nepal, Bhutan and Southeast Asia.
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Glamping with the Tigers Sariska Tiger Reserve, located less than two hours from Jaipur, is one of the few tiger reserves unknown to many travelers.
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1. What’s the last thing you ate? Ice cream, I think, last night.
2. What’s your favourite cheese? Pepper jack.
3. What’s your favourite fish? Salmon.
4. What’s your favourite fruit? Pineapple, even though it hurts my mouth to eat it raw.
5. When, if ever, did you start liking olives? I’m pretty sure I’ve always liked olives -- at least, the black ones. I used to take them from salad bars and eat them by themselves when I was little. Green olives are okay. I dislike Kalamata olives, though.
6. When, if ever, did you start liking beer? Probably like, after I turned 21. I disliked it for a long time until I tried things other than my mother’s Coors Light.
7. When, if ever, did you start liking shellfish? I’m pretty sure I’ve always liked shellfish, too. I don’t understand how people can not like crabs?
8. What was the best thing your mom/dad/guardian used to make? Uh. Nothing, really. My parents are pretty terrible cooks. Do cookies count? Because I can make those, too.
9. What’s the native specialty of your hometown? I don’t know. Scrapple? Delaware doesn’t have a lot of “native specialties.” Apparently muskrat is a thing that people eat there, even though I lived there until I was 24 and never once encountered it (thankfully).
10. What’s your comfort food? Goldfish, or peanut butter Captain Crunch. Also peanut butter M&Ms. And Reese’s.
11. What’s your favourite type of chocolate? Milk. 12. How do you like your steak? Medium rare. I thought I didn’t like steak for basically my entire life because I only ever had it more well done.
13. How do you like your burger? Medium, I guess? I’ve never really compared.
14. How do you like your eggs? Over easy, and preferably atop hash browns.
15. How do you like your potatoes? Fried and crispy. Mashed potatoes are good, too, though.
16. How do you take your coffee? With flavored creamer, or cream and sugar if it’s just regular cream.
17. How do you take your tea? Depends on the kind of tea. I like iced green tea, but only if it isn’t bitter -- so like, not from a teabag. And hot tea is okay, but I mostly just drink that to help with my throat or to relax; I don’t really love the taste, or anything. When I do drink it, though, I just drink it plain -- with the exception of some honey if I feel really bad, but again, that’s less for the taste and more for the effects.
18. What’s your favourite mug? A fox-shaped one that I got as a gift.
19. What’s your biscuit or cookie of choice? Peanut butter chocolate chip.
20. What’s your ideal breakfast? Uhh. Depends on my mood, I guess. But there’s a place in Haines City that has these apple cinnamon waffles that are pretty amazing.
21. What’s your ideal sandwich? Those Italian, oven-baked sandwiches from Domino’s. They are amazing. Turkey clubs are great, too.
22. What’s your ideal pizza: Light sauce with pineapple and jalapeno. Red Baron’s frozen Mexican pizza is awesome, as well.
23. What’s your ideal pie (sweet or savoury)? Pumpkin -- sweet. I wholly prefer sweet pie to savory.
24. What’s your ideal salad? The one you get at Olive Garden. That’s the only salad I can actually get excited about. Oh, or black bean and corn salad, oh my god.
25. What food do you always like to have in the fridge? Something easily accessible. It’s not a “food,” but I always like to have soda. And onions, preferably red.
26. What food do you always like to have in the freezer? Again, something easy to make. Oh, and burgers.
27. What food do you always like to have in the cupboard? Goldfish, cereal, candy, coffee.
28. What spices can you not live without? Salt is the only one I could probably actually not go without, but cilantro and cayenne are pretty excellent, too.
29. What sauces can you not live without? Eh. I can live without most sauce -- I prefer things to be more dry. Does salsa count as sauce? I tend to miss that when I don’t have it.
30. Where do you buy most of your food? Walmart. It’s right across the street, and it’s cheap. But we also go to Publix pretty often, too.
31. How often do you go food shopping? Usually about once a week, but it depends on when Jeremy’s and my schedules line up and when we start to run out of food.
33. What’s the most expensive piece of kitchen equipment you own? ...I’m drawing a blank. Jeremy’s dad got us a frappuccino maker that we’ve never used in the pantry. Oh, there’s a Keurig in the closet, but it doesn’t work. Does that count? I mean, we have a microwave and an oven, but we don’t own those. Maybe the toaster oven?
34. What’s the last piece of equipment you bought for your kitchen? A coffee maker, when the Keurig stopped working.
35. What piece of kitchen equipment could you not live without? The microwave, without a doubt.
36. How many times a week/month do you cook from raw ingredients? Me personally, never. Jeremy, for both of us to eat...probably a few times a month.
37. What’s the last thing you cooked from raw ingredients? Chicken enchilada casserole. It wasn’t very good, which is why I don’t cook.
38. What meats have you eaten besides cow, pig and poultry? Lamb and deer are the only two I can think of. They have a lot of alligator down here in Florida, though, and I’ve been meaning to try that. Oh, I tried frog once, and it was awful -- but granted, it was at a pretty awful restaurant.
39. What’s the last time you ate something that had fallen on the floor? Yesterday, a walnut fell onto the kitchen counter and I still put it in my ice cream. I probably ate something off the floor yesterday, too. It happens.
40. What’s the last time you ate something you’d picked in the wild? Years and years ago, when my friends and I went cherry-picking.
41. Arrange the following in order of preference: Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Sushi – Sushi, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, Italian, Indian. Although, I’ve only ever had Indian food once, and nothing there was very good except the naan. So maybe that place just wasn’t very good.
42. Arrange the following in order of preference: Vodka, Whiskey, Brandy, Rum – I haven’t had brandy in a while and I don’t really remember what it tastes like, so I’m going to leave that out of the equation. But probably rum, whiskey, vodka, although I like all three pretty well.
43. Arrange the following in order of preference: Garlic, Basil, Caramel, Lime, Mint, Ginger, Aniseed – I’ve never had aniseed. But otherwise -- lime, garlic, ginger, mint (as long as it’s in dessert), basil, caramel. If the mint is in something savory, then it goes at the very bottom; I really hate mint in savory things.
44. Arrange the following in order of preference: Pineapple, Orange, Apple, Strawberry, Cherry, Watermelon, Banana. – Pineapple, orange, strawberry, apple, banana, cherry, watermelon.
45. Bread and spread: What? Like, my favorites? I like pumpernickel bread, and...I don’t know. Mayonnaise? That chili spread -- the famous one with the rooster -- is pretty good, too.
46. What’s your fast food restaurant of choice, and what do you usually order? Probably Popeye’s -- spicy chicken, usually tenders, with red beans and rice.
47. Pick a city. What are the best dining experiences you’ve had in that city? Uh. Newark, in Delaware, has this pretty great Japanese buffet.
48. What’s your choice of tipple at the end of a long day? What’s a tipple?
49. What’s the next thing you’ll eat? I’m not sure. I might eat some cereal or Goldfish or something before work.
50. Are you hungry now? Sort of, but I don’t know what I want.
51. Do you eat your breakfast everyday? No. I’m never hungry when I wake up; I have to force myself to eat, like, a granola bar when I go to work.
52. At what time do you have breakfast? Whenever I get up and feel like it.
53. At what time do you have lunch? Whenever they give it to me at work, or just...whenever Jeremy and I get hungry.
54. What do you have for lunch? Different stuff. Usually burgers, hot dogs, fries -- something easy.
55. At what time do you have dinner? When I get home from work, so usually around 9:30-10.
56. What do you have for dinner? Again, different stuff.
57. Do you light candles during dinner? No.
58. How many chairs are there in your dining room and who sits in the main chair? There isn’t a dining room in our apartment, but there’s a table in the corner with four chairs. There isn’t a “main” chair; they’re all the same.
59. Do you eat and drink using your right hand or the left one? Right, usually.
61. Mention the veggies that you like most: Pickles, onions, jalapenos, tomatoes.
62. What fruit and vegetable do you like the least? Cantaloupe is my absolute least favorite fruit -- I can’t stand the taste. And my least favorite vegetable...probably Brussels sprouts.
63. You like your fruit salad to have more: Uhh. I haven’t had fruit salad in a long time. I guess strawberries?
64. You prefer your vegetable salad to contain more: Tomatoes.
65. What’s your favourite sandwich spread? Oh, I answered this earlier -- mayo or that chili spread. Admittedly, though, I haven’t had very many sandwich spreads.
66. What’s your favourite chocolate bar? Crunch.
67. What’s your favourite dessert? Peanut butter brownie sundaes.
68. What’s your favourite drink? I don’t know. I’ve been in a weird drink place lately where I don’t know what I want. Margaritas are pretty great, though.
69. What’s your favourite snack? Goldfish.
70. What’s your favourite bubble gum flavour? Just like, wintergreen, probably, or spearmint. I like lemony ones, too. They used to have a strawberry lemonade one that was really good -- I don’t know if it still exists. But I’m not a big fan of gum, and my teeth have like, no enamel, so I never chew it. Oh, I used to like Juicy Fruit a lot when I was little.
71. What’s your favourite ice cream flavour? Green tea. I can only ever find it from Haagen-Dazs at some Publix. Oh, and brown sugar. Baskin Robbins has one that has brown sugar in it and it’s fucking incredible, but I’m pretty sure it’s seasonal.
72. What’s your favourite potato chip flavour? Sour cream and onion, or just regular.
73. What’s your favourite soup? Chicken tortilla.
74. What’s your favourite pizza? Jalapeno and pineapple.
75. What’s your favourite type of dish? Sushi, or Mexican.
76. What food do you hate? Cantaloupe. Peas. Brussels sprouts. Oatmeal. Applesauce. Anything mushy like that. Oh, and oysters/clams. And frog.
77. What’s your favourite restaurant? Hibachi.
78. Do you eat homemade food, food delivered from outside? I eat both, but I prefer food that’s not homemade, usually.
80. Who cooks at home? Jeremy.
81. What kind of diet (e.g. low-fat, high-fiber, high-carbohydrate, balanced diet etc.) do you have? Uh. A really unhealthy, salty, fattening one.
82. How do you keep yourself fit? I don’t.
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Machias River Canoe Trip - Sunrise Canoe and Kayak
Sunrise Canoe and Kayak
Truly wild from headwaters to the sea, one of the few completely natural flowing rivers in the eastern US. 4 days, $590pp
Machias River, Eastern Maine
**Guided Canoe Trip Info for 2019**
PDF version
The Machias (muh-CHAI-yus) river flows through the remote woodlands of eastern Maine 75 miles from headwaters to the sea. Regarded as an adventurous and challenging wilderness canoe trip, the Machias is also nationally recognized for it's high concentration of valuable atlantic salmon rearing habitat.
In 1973 the last dam was removed from the Machias making the river and it's tributaries one of the largest naturally flowing river systems in the eastern United States. Today, nearly the entire Machias watershed has been preserved through conservation efforts ensuring the river's natural beauty, pristine wildlife habitat and recreational access for generations to come.
The word "Machias" is loosely translated as "bad run of water". True to it's name the river has a number of class III ledge-drop rapids spread throughout it's course which are a source for many fireside tales. These class III drops are relatively short and easy to scout which is advisable since the nature of these rapids can change as water levels fluctuate in early spring. Holmes falls is the only mandatory portage but depending on our itinerary and water levels we may elect to carry or line some of the hairier class III's.
Trip Overview
Dates: 4 days, May Cost: 4-day $59/person 30% non-refundable deposit to confirm dates Balance due 2 weeks prior to trip Where: Trip meets in either Machias or Bangor, Maine Included: all canoeing and camping gear, all food and meals prepared starting with lunch day 1 through lunch the last day, transportation arrangements to and from the river from Machias, guide services. Not included: sleeping bags, personal items/clothing (a packing list will be provided), personal beverages, guides gratuities, fishing licenses. Reservations: Sunrise Canoe and Kayak (207)255-3375 Email FB message
Our Guided Trips
Our canoe trips are led by Master Maine Guides who have worked as professional river guides for over 20 years. All of our guides started on the Machias river in the early 1990's learning the basics of whitewater canoeing on the lower stretches then challenging themselves on the upper river and tributaries. Today, the Machias still remains at the top of the list for spring whitewater.
Before Your Trip
Our goal is to meet if not exceed your expectations while providing a river trip you will not soon forget. Your trip forms are very helpful to us in striving to meet this goal. Each individual should fill out and return a completed trip form to us at their earliest convenience.
Your guide will be in contact with you prior to your trip to answer any questions you might have concerning the trip or preparing for it. Your guide will also want your input in preparing the menu for the trip and may have specific questions for you after receiving your trip forms.
First Day Of Your Trip
Your guide(s) will meet you the morning of your trip and travel to the put-in. At the put-in, they will cover canoe packing procedures and conduct a basic dry-land canoeing/river orientation including a safety briefing. Then you will put in and head down river where you will encounter rapids on your first day!
Instruction
The Machias will challenge and strengthen your whitewater canoeing skills and your guides will be right there to help you get the most out of your Machias river experience!
Scouting wilderness whitewater and making decisions on how to best negotiate a rapid is a crucial skill for a wilderness canoeist. Your guides have been making these decisions for themselves and the parties they've led for over 20 years and they have run the rapids on the Machias at many different water levels with loaded and unloaded canoes. Even so, many of the rapids on the Machias need to be scouted first before making a decision on how to negotiate them because the water levels can change from day to day. Your guides will discuss and share their experience with you at each rapid helping you to make the best decision on how to negotiate them considering your skills and ability.
Solo canoeing is a specialty of your guides! If you have the basic skills and some experience solo canoeing in whitewater then the Machias will be a very rewarding experience for you! Your guide will coach and help hone your skills as a solo canoeist. Your guide will have individual conversations with you about how to negotiate each rapid while sharing their knowledge and experience with you as well as making recommendations for you based on your skill level.
Canoe poling is another skill your guides rely on and will be happy to teach you the basics. Many of the rapids on the Machias are difficult to pole with ledge and rock bottoms that are easy to get a pole stuck in but there are also beautiful stretches of gravel bottom river to pole as well especially at lower water levels.
Camping
Camp sites on the Machias river will have a fire ring, but not always a picnic table or privy. Other than these simple improvements, there are no other facilities available along the river corridor.
Meals
Morning and evening meals are prepared by your guide over an open fire. The entrees change each day. Typical morning meals include ham and eggs, french toast and bacon, and pancakes with sausage accompanied with fresh fruit, cereal, juice, coffee, and tea. Evening meals include chicken stir fry, breaded pork chops with green beans, marinated steak with rice, or pasta dishes with a hearty red or white sauce accompanied by appetizer, wine, and dessert. Lunches are buffet style with deli meats and cheeses, bread or wraps, fresh fruits and vegetables, pickles, chips, and cookies.
Your guide will go over the planned menu with you before your trip and welcome any input regarding personal preference or dietary requirements you may have.
Fishing
Fishing on the Machias river can productive for brook trout in the spring and generally decent action for smallmouth bass throughout the summer. The larger headwater lakes have healthy populations of white perch. Fishing licenses are required for anyone wishing to fish.
If you plan to fish, a Maine fishing license is required. 3-day, 7-day, and seasonal licenses can be obtained online through the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website (http://www.maine.gov/ifw/licenses_permits/fishing.htm) or at most fishing supply retailers.
Wildlife
Bald eagles are common sightings on the St. Croix and those with a keen eye may spot a couple nests along the way. Moose, white-tailed deer, black bear, and coyote also inhabit the St. Croix valley. Seeing a coyote or a black bear is extremely rare. It is possible to hear coyotes in the evening.
Bears along the waterway have not been a problem which may be an indication of how little use the river actually sees over the course of a year.
Last Day Of Your Trip
We will canoe to our take-out point on the morning of the last day planning to arrive there by noon. If your vehicle is parked in the Machias area this will ensure you are back at your vehicle and off to your next adventure by 2:30 pm. If we are transporting you party back to the Bangor area this will ensure we back at your hotel by 4:30 pm.
The Details
Trip Size
We typically run trips of 3-4 participants with 1 or 2 guides however if you have a larger group interested in running the Machias it's not a problem for us. A second guide will be added to your trip if there are at least 7 participants or 4 boats however a second guide may be added to your trip regardless of the number of participants.
Pricing
Pricing for 4-day trips is $590/person, both require a minimum of 3 participants to run the trip. A 30% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your dates.
Included in the price: services of registered Maine Master Guide(s), transportation to and from the river, all meals on-river which is typically lunch the first day through lunch the last day, and all canoeing/camping/packing gear.
Not included in the price: sleeping bag s, personal items and clothing (a personal packing list will be provided to you), personal beverages, transportation round trip from Bangor, and fishing licenses.
Getting Here
If you are arriving by car, your Machias river trip will meet in Machias, Maine. If you are arriving in Bangor by plane we can meet you at your hotel and provide transportation for your party (up to 6 participants) round trip from Bangor for an additional fee of $240.
Reservations
Contact Sunrise Canoe and Kayak, Rob Scribner
Located At: Sunrise Canoe and Kayak 168 Main Street, Machias Maine Toll Free: 1-877-980-2300 Local: (207)255-3375 Website: www.sunrisecanoeandkayak.com/ Email: [email protected] FB Page: facebook.com/sunrisecanoeandkayak/ FB Msg: m.me/sunrisecanoeandkayak Postal Address: 68 Hoyttown Road, Machias ME 04654
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Quick keep: Paschoe Home, Devon, UK
Michelin inspectors are conserving an in depth eye on Paschoe Home’s stratospheric rise into foodie heaven. Since its opening in August 2017, Paschoe Home has been on a hovering trajectory, awarded 5 stars by the AA for its discrete luxurious and on the verge of a 3rd AA rosette for its imaginative delicacies.
It’s a phoenix from the ashes story. By 2010 Juan Amador had run out of funds in his try and revive a grand 19th century home inbuilt Tudor Gothic fashion. The household house lay derelict for six years, till his daughter Tabitha, on the age of 26, revived a teenage dream. She raised the finance in four weeks, gained planning permission in 2 years and created an intimate 9 room boutique resort.
In the meantime, on a separate web page of historical past, Tabitha, now married as Mrs Fern, introduced chef Craig Davies to Paschoe Home. Having labored with a “Who’s Who” of nice British cooks, Davies is keen to develop Paschoe Home as one of many nation’s prime locations for lovers of nice meals and wine.
The welcome
When you fly into Exeter Airport or roll into an area railway station, Robin Fern will fortunately acquire you in Paschoe Home’s Land Rover Discovery.
There’s a pleasant welcome from workers as they take your baggage and offer you a picket tagged old style key to one of many nation themed rooms; Badger, Deer, Hedgehog, Rabbit and so forth.
Within the room there are home-made sweets in a Treasure Island fashion mini-chest, a jar of Davies’ cookies and contemporary milk for tea or espresso.
The room
That is country-living rewired for the 21st century. A mission-control panel opens and closes the curtains on a push of a button in addition to managing the lighting. Below-floor heating infuses heat by way of a neutral-tone carpet.
Tabitha, who project-managed and designed each room, has introduced Designers Guild wallpaper and a lightweight contact to conventional nation decor.
Down an extended, lengthy rural drive, the place even the birds are too relaxed for a lot of a daybreak refrain, this can be a place for deep restorative sleep immersed in a fluffy white cloud of pillows, sheets and quilt.
The toilet
A separate thermostat, initially set for 23 centigrade, with heat from beneath the sunshine gray slate end flooring tiles, retains the toilet toasty. Vibrant floral wallpaper and unique artwork work – “Operating Hare” by Rachel Toll and “Boxing Hares” by Kat Lightfoot in our Rabbit room – give a relaxed lounge vibe to a room the place company are inclined to linger beneath the rainfall bathe or loosen up within the roll-top tub.
When you fall in love with the artwork work or the Bamford toiletries and their refined aroma of geranium, lavender and peppermint – each can be found to buy as souvenirs to take house.
Services
Company journey from afar for the restaurant. The seven course tasting menu begins with canapés and drinks within the Library Bar or amongst the Morning Room’s luxurious sofas. A outstanding crunchy mini-haggis that includes Davies’ home-made succulent black pudding units the tone. It sits alongside a smoked haddock brandade and a mini onion cappuccino.
Shifting by way of to the eating room, with a press release 13th century stone hearth from the unique Paschoe Home, the tasting begins with a parsnip veloute: taleggio cheese bringing creamy flavours and parsnip crisps a contrasting crunch. Subsequent up is a young lobster tail, 10 minutes of sous-vide cooking seals in flavour, accompanied by Champagne in a wine-pairing that brings a glass for each course.
A pig cheek – so comfortable, flaky and refined that it’s finest complemented by one other white wine from the Rhone – has been sous vide cooked for considerably longer; 6 hours and 45 minutes at 85 C. It’s a constant method that preserves meals’s molecular integrity.
A Portuguese Dao is the one crimson amongst the pairings. It’s strong earthy flavours working effectively with the Christmas-on-a-plate course; a mini shoulder of crimson deer en-croute, a medallion of crimson deer loin, chestnuts, red-currants and a venison jus.
After the Snow Egg pre-dessert, there’s a decadent wealthy end. A glistening fragment of gold-leaf tops a whisky jelly on the centre of a concentric creation of Manjari, the Grand Cru of Chocolate – and the ultimate wine is a 10 12 months outdated Madeira.
Extra informally, a Informal Eating Menu is accessible within the Library Bar and Morning Room. In addition to the Tasting Menu there’s an A La Carte menu too.
Different good touches
Paschoe Home is a haven of experiences. The Clay Capturing days, starting with breakfast, resting for elevenses and taking a leisurely lunch are widespread.
Many company benefit from the chauffeur-driven Devon excursions taking in sights similar to Fortress Drogo and the market city of Chagford.
In summer time there’s tennis and croquet on the garden. And you may ebook spa remedies for the privateness of your individual room.
One of the best bit
Paschoe Home is foodie heaven. Tabitha has plans for a helipad in order that culinary aficionados can fly in from distance. Nor will they only be there for dinner. Afternoon tea, with tasty twists, taken within the drawing room, is widespread with each residents and guests alike.
Uniquely the breakfast buffet of cereals, fruit and morning pastries is delivered to your desk, accompanied by a miniature crate of bottles of fruit juices.
Egg dishes, a full English breakfast or pancakes with bacon in maple syrup are cooked to order.
Price
Rooms with B & B start from £139
The Tasting Menu is £80 with the Wine Flight costing £55.
Location
Paschoe Home is positioned on the Two Moors Stroll, an extended distance path of some 100 miles, by way of each Exmoor and Dartmoor.
Simply west of Crediton, it’s a couple of 25 minute drive from Paschoe Home to Exeter.
The ultimate verdict
Paschoe Home tweaks the nation home idea with quirky taxidermy, there’s a cheeky ostrich conserving eyes on the bar, and appreciable up to date fashion. An unlimited antler chandelier, within the entrance corridor, not solely performs to Paschoe’s rural heritage but additionally the stag’s antler brand too.
There’s a comfortable female contact to Tabitha’s makeover. By the logs crackling on the fireplace are sofas that includes delicate shades of aubergine, lovat and salmon. And Tabitha has considered the whole lot; a Boot Room stuffed with wellies for nation walks, popcorn to order for a film night time in your room, lavender bubble tub, chamomile tea baggage to float off to slide and jacketed mini sizzling water bottles.
Disclosure: Our keep was sponsored by Paschoe Home.
The post Quick keep: Paschoe Home, Devon, UK appeared first on Tripstations.
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Discover the Best Butter Chicken in Red Deer: A Flavorful Experience You Can't Miss!
When it comes to butter chicken in Red Deer, there’s one place that stands out for its authentic flavor, creamy texture, and perfect balance of spices—Tandoor N Flame. A dish that’s become iconic for its rich and indulgent taste, butter chicken is a staple of Indian cuisine, and at Tandoor N Flame, we’ve elevated it to an experience. If you haven’t tried our butter chicken yet, you're missing out on the best in town.
Why Choose Tandoor N Flame for the Best Butter Chicken in Red Deer?
At Tandoor N Flame, we understand that a great butter chicken in Red Deer starts with the right ingredients and the right approach. Our recipe is based on traditional Indian methods, passed down and perfected through generations. The result is a velvety smooth sauce that’s rich in flavor yet perfectly balanced. We take great care in every step of preparation—from marinating the chicken to cooking it in a luscious sauce made with fresh cream, butter, and aromatic spices.
Our chefs take the time to marinate the chicken, allowing the spices to infuse every piece with a deep, savory flavor. When the chicken is cooked, it becomes tender and juicy, soaking up the creamy tomato sauce that gives butter chicken its signature richness.
A Flavorful Experience That’s Unmatched
What truly sets our best butter chicken in Red Deer apart is the unique flavor experience it offers. The creamy tomato sauce is delicately spiced with a blend of traditional Indian spices, creating a rich yet subtle flavor profile. Unlike many others, our butter chicken is not overly spicy—it's a perfect balance that allows the creaminess to shine through while still offering a hint of warmth.
No matter your spice tolerance, our butter chicken can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you love a mild, comforting dish or prefer a bit of extra heat, we can adjust the level of spice to your liking. At Tandoor N Flame, we believe in delivering the perfect version of this iconic dish every single time.
Pairing Your Butter Chicken with the Perfect Sides
A great butter chicken in Red Deer is never complete without the right sides. At Tandoor N Flame, we offer freshly baked naan and aromatic basmati rice that are the perfect complement to the rich, creamy chicken. Our naan is soft and fluffy, perfect for scooping up the flavorful sauce, while the rice provides the ideal base to balance the creamy richness of the butter chicken.
Every bite you take will transport you to the heart of India, with the right mix of textures and flavors coming together in perfect harmony.
Why You Should Visit Tandoor N Flame Today
If you're looking for the butter chicken in Red Deer, Tandoor N Flame is your go-to destination. Whether you're celebrating with friends and family or enjoying a quiet meal on your own, we offer a warm, inviting atmosphere where every meal becomes a memorable experience. Our staff is friendly, attentive, and committed to making sure that every guest has a delightful dining experience.
#Best Butter Chicken in Red Deer#Butter Chicken in Red Deer#Best Butter Chicken#Butter Chicken#Chinese Lunch Buffet in Red Deer#Best Lunch Buffet in Red Deer
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Bald Head Island - A Travel Guide
Our family has been going to Bald Head Island for 26 years and when I think of the beach, I think of Bald Head! I always look forward to summer days spent relaxing and spending time with family. Nature surrounds you on the island and stress melts away as you transition to "turtle time"!
Bald Head is located at the mouth of the Cape Fear River and In order to travel there, you have to take a ferry from Deep Point Marina in Southport, which is about 30 minutes from Wilmington North Carolina, that is, unless you have your own boat. Be sure to look out for dolphins swimming alongside the ferry as your going over to the island!
Once you arrive, a tram service takes you to your accommodations. There are no cars on the island (with the exception of emergency vehicles and construction trucks), so once you get there, you scoot around in a golf cart, ride a bicycle, or walk. There isn't much hustle and bustle, just lots of swimming in the ocean, reading, wine drinking and conversation.
It's a pretty safe bet that any time you see a beautiful harbor and a lighthouse in the distance, you know you're in for a good vacation. So begins your time on Bald Head...you'll love the beauty of the island including moss covered trees as you ride through the largest maritime forest, and the quiet beauty of natural uncrowded beaches. This island is small and intimate and it will quickly start to feel like home.
One of the main attractions of the island is the Bald Head Island lighthouse, otherwise known as Old Baldy. Commissioned by Thomas Jefferson, it is the oldest lighthouse still standing in North Carolina. It was activated on December 23, 1794 and directed traffic to the Cape Fear River and the port of Wilmington. There is a replica of the 1850's lighthouse keeper's cottage next to the lighthouse where you will learn about the maritime past of Old Baldy! After touring the cottage and learning more about the history of the island, you'll definitely want to climb to the top of the lighthouse for a breathtaking view of the surrounding natural beauty!
Be prepared for a workout when you climb the steps to the top of the Old Baldy Lighthouse! You'll be so glad you did when you get to the top because the views are breathtaking!
While you won't find a water park on Bald Head, there are 14 miles of uncrowded beach to discover as well as opportunities to paddle board, kayak, fly kites, surf and canoe. There are two clubs located on the island with swimming pools and delicious restaurants. The Shoals Club is just steps from the beach and provides beach chairs and towels. After you've spent time on the beach, the Sandbar Grill has frozen cocktails, salads, seafood and burgers.
I love knowing that my grandson Hudson will grow up going to Bald Head!
I took this picture just about a month ago as I was sitting on the beach!
Long walks on the beach will feed your soul as you soak in all the beauty of this amazing island.
Golf cart rides and kayaking are about as crazy as it gets on Bald Head.
The Bald Head Island Club includes a golf course originally designed by golf course architect George Cobb and recently renovated by architect Tim Cate, the Bald Head Island Club golf course winds its way over dunes, around lagoons, along the ocean, and through a maritime forest.
The Bald Head Island Chapel is a charming destination for weddings and has a beautiful view of the marsh.
The Maritime Market is the only grocery store on the island, but it has pretty much everything you'll need for your stay!
Two of my favorite shops are All About Art, which features work from local artists as well as gifts, and Room Service, which carries beautiful candles and housewares and also offers design services. Other shops include Island Passage for the cutest selection of beachy fashion, Coastal Urge for clothing and gear, Island Hardware for all of your hardware store needs, The Silver Peddler and Bald Head Blues for the best selection of "coastal clothes" for men and women.
The island is a nesting location for endangered sea turtle populations and you won't want to miss going on a Turtle Walk provided by The Bald Head Island Conservancy. There is so much wildlife to see...be on the lookout for creatures like River Otters, White-tail Deer, and Red Foxes. The conservancy also works to protect the maritime forest, sand dunes, marsh properties and keep the waterways healthy. Over 200 bird species use the Smith Island Complex as a feeding and nesting ground or a stopover point in migration.
Dining on Bald Head Island
The Bald Head Island Club
The Grille - The Grille is the Club’s primary and most elegant dining venue where lunch and dinner are served daily in the clubhouse. The menu features land and seafood favorites as well as appetizers the whole family can share and desserts you won’t be able to resist.
The Palms - The Palms features panoramic views of the croquet greenswards and hole #10 & #18. The relaxed social setting is highlighted with large screen televisions, a fully stocked bar, and an informal place to enjoy a cold beverage after a round of golf.
The Palms Terrace - The Palms Terrace is the Club’s newest dining venue and features al fresco dining for lunch and dinner surrounded by stunning views of the golf course and croquet greens.
The Ocean Room - The Ocean Room conveys an ambiance that feels exclusive and reveals outstanding ocean and sunset views. Throughout the season, especially during the busy summer months, the Ocean Room hosts larger events such as the annual Easter Brunch or Thanksgiving Dinner which feature lavish buffets, complete with musical entertainment.
Other Restaurants on Bald Head Island
Aqua's at The Shoals Club - As the Club's premier dining venue, Aqua's talented chefs present simple, yet sophisticated preparation that allow fresh, regionally sourced ingredients to shine. The main dining room is family-friendly, perfect for either dinner for two or a large gathering with all the kids to end a spectacular day on the island, watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
Delphina Cantina - Delphina Cantina brings the fresh flavors of Latin cuisine to Bald Head Island. Located in the harbor this lively restaurant serves Mexican food with a Spanish and Cuban flair.
Mojos on The Harbor - MoJo's delivers imaginative food, welcoming hospitality and a relaxed family friendly environment. They offer outstanding wines by the glass or bottle and new specialty cocktails, icy cold beer and the best view on Bald Head Island.
Honey's BBQ Shack - Located next to Mojo's on the Harbor, Honey's BBQ Shack serves the best pulled pork, ribs, brisket, chicken and BBQ sauces ever.
Staying On Bald Head Island
Rent a house, condo or cottage through Bald Head Island Rentals.
The Marsh Harbour Inn - Overlooking the Marina on Bald Head Island, this 10,000 square foot property dominates the Harbour Village landscape. Open, common area decks and porches provide ample opportunities to bask in ambiance of a seaside village and get to know your fellow guests and owners.
The Inn at Bald Head Island - Artfully placed in the heart of the Harbor Village, the Inn offers 10 unique bedroom suites each with their own full bath.
I hope you've enjoyed my little tour of Bald Head Island! It's truly a place that will capture your heart!
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Day 9 - It's Always Rainy in Scotland
We all enjoyed arguably the best night of sleep of the trip, rising at 8am well rested and ready to go. The weather forecast for the day was not positive--lots of rain. And the clouds delivered on their promise. Strolling downstairs to breakfast, we learned that our hotel used to be the Scottish Royal Automobile Club, which explained all the car photos and decorations adorning the walls. The European breakfast was delightful as we have become accustomed to--the buffet featured many pastries, jams, porridge, cereal, fruits, meats and cheeses--even a Bloody Mary bar. We grabbed a map of Glasgow and headed down West George Street towards the city center again, rain jackets on, and ready to explore despite the poor weather. Again we purchased tickets to a Hop On Hop Off bus, and headed towards Glasgow Cathedral. On the outside, the black stained gothic architecture looked similar to the other cathedrals we have visited. First entering the nave, again it felt like just another on our list. But as we explored more, there were some very unique elements for us to enjoy. From the entrance, it is hard to see just how large this cathedral is, since it is divided into spaces. We even walked down a level to find a series of low-ceilinged chapels reminiscent of catacombs. Within this lower area was an altar to St. Kentigern, also known as "Mungo" (sweet nickname) who lived in the 6th century. He is the patron Saint of Glasgow--kind of a big deal. So big in fact, that a popular lager in town is called "St. Mungo" (didn't get to try it though). After Alex had his first emergency nature pee of the trip (look, it wasn't IN the cemetery, just right next to it), we jumped back on the bus in the rain, and headed towards the museum portion of our day. The bus slowly wandered through the city of Glasgow--revisiting the "Style Mile" (as compared to the "Royal Mile" of Edinburgh)--again, slightly unappealing department stores. Of course there was a lot of history to the area, none of which I can remember in detail (something about William Wallace discarding the bodies of English soldiers in a nearby well?), as narrated to us on our tour bus. Journeying along the River Clyde, we passed by the Science Center and SSE Hydro Center, which looks like a huge UFO. Our first museum to visit was the Riverside, with a funky shape I can only describe as melted aluminum facade with peaks and valleys--also slightly alien. This FREE museum was absolutely fantastic, especially for kids (but we loved it too)--the overall theme is transportation--the large space is filled with actual trains, cars, bicycles, motorcycles, subway cars, trolleys, and boats--a few you can actually step onto and explore. All are authentic feeling and the displays lean towards appreciating the physical design, size, and feel of the vehicles rather than reading lengthy descriptions or watching long videos. Beyond the vehicles themselves, were many displays of various toy trains, cars, classic clothing of the 50s and 60s, vintage Star Wars toys (my favorite), and loads and loads of scale models of boats. Some of these were at least 10 feet long (like the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth II) and incredibly detailed. What we could not find was a model of the Titanic, which somehow Alex is strangely fascinated by these days. There were some interactive exhibits for kids which Alex did particularly like, and gave us a slight respite from trailing him around the museum. Right outside the museum rests the tall ship Glenlee, harbored on the river and also free to enter. Alex immediately began scrubbing the deck with provided brooms and buckets for kids. If only he could put his shoes on in the morning with the same gusto to which he cleaned that ship. There were many areas to explore on the ship and interesting information about pirates, rum, and rats. We enjoyed lunch at the cafe--caesar salad and a soy marinated salmon, along with a Scottish beer called Froach Heather Ale--this was a golden colored ale with heather and bogmyrtle (you heard that right) and it was really nice--just a floral hint at the end, with a full flavor (and a great looking label). I would love to find this back in the states. As we left the museum, there was a mini-go cart that we had to try. Alex, the lone driver, laughed the entire way and only crashed into the air-inflated barrier once. A big hit for sure. Hopping back on the bus, we headed towards the University of Glasgow and the Kelvingrove Museum. As we approached the campus, we realized this is where we should have booked our hotel! This neighborhood was much more traditional and warm-feeling, with more pubs, restaurants, and green areas. The University itself looked exactly as one might expect from an old Scottish college--old grey buildings that could be mistaken for castles. The bus dropped us off in front of Kelvingrove Museum, that looked like it could easily be a train station or creepy sanitarium with its towering red sandstone facade. Upon entering, the main lobby was a high-ceilinged masterpiece, that felt a bit like Grand Central Station, yet with a giant pipe-organ lit with gaudy magenta, at the far end. This was another free museum amazingly enough (except for the special exhibit, which was the Art of Comic Books), and it was massive in its scope. We still cannot tell if this was a natural history or art museum--it contained quite a bit of both. First we ventured into an area on ancient Egypt, with sarcophogi, jars, statues, and of course mummies. Next was a huge hall with all types of animal displays, ranging from an actual bee hive (connected to a PVC pipe to the outside) to the skeleton of a Giant Irish Deer (the antlers must have been at least 7 feet across). There was so much to see and explore here--Alex again took Allison's iPhone and started snapping each display. Allison instructed him to "take one picture of each"--so he started snapping a single picture of every single organism in every single display. Often times he is more literal than me. One hallway in the museum housed a huge amount of stuffed animals--bears, an elephant, giraffe--and directly above it all was suspended a full-sized WWII airplane (not sure the relationship). Venturing on to more artistic areas, there was an exhibit on Scottish art (revisiting Charles Rennie Mackintosh and his peers), French art (including a Monet), and a single painting by Salvador Dali, which sadly, was on loan elsewhere. We finally exited the museum completely satisfied beyond expectations. Despite our reservations upon first entering Glasgow, we are glad we did. Finally, for dinner we ate at "Guys" restaurant, which was the only reservation we could get on a busy Friday night. The food was excellent--the atmosphere was a little stale, but both our lamb dishes (chops and shank) were perfect. Alex had a spaghetti and plowed right through our smoked duck appetizer. Sadly on the TV above our table (which of course we couldn't stop watching) was all the news of the world on BBC, including the Spain attack, Bannon being ousted, the result of the England vs. West Indies Cricket match, and Sir Bruce Forsyth's death (a British entertainer)--the latter receiving by far the most air time of all these events. We returned to the hotel exhausted and ready for our long travel day tomorrow, including a train to Wolverhampton, and my first time "hiring" a car (that means renting) to drive to The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold, our first destination in the Cotswolds of England.
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Every year my husband and I argue about where to go on vacation. We've been married thirty-six years so that means we have had thirty-six Vacation Wars.
MY HUSBAND DOES NOT LIKE TO TRAVEL. I DO.
My husband, Cliff, likes to be home more than he likes to be away. I, on the other hand, prefer to leave home the minute our holidays begin and return in the wee hours of the morning just before going back to work. When vacation time rolls around, we both pull out our lists. We don't actually write them out, for after this many years, they are well-rehearsed. My list varies from year to year, but Cliff's never does.
It is not enough that I have set foot on four continents, stood by the shores of three oceans, and travelled to most of Canada and the United States.
I have enjoyed seeing the tulips in Holland, the Viking settlement in L'Anse aux Meadows NL, and the sand dunes on the Oregon coast, but I have not yet experienced Paris.
I have marvelled at the crashing waves in Cape Spear, NL and gazed at the Alps and London Bridge in England, but I have never driven across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, CA.
I have safaried in the Serengeti, resorted in Mombasa, and shopped in the Jerusalem Old City Market, but I have not been to Alaska.
I want to see more!
Our summer vacation war begins sometime in April or May.
After this many years, we have an unwritten script, and every year we faithfully repeat it.
WIFE: Where are we going to go on vacation this year?
HUSBAND: I don’t want to be gone for too long.
WIFE: We need to get away and have a break.
HUSBAND: At the end of my holidays, I don’t want to look back and see that I was hardly home.
WIFE: So, where would you like to go?
HUSBAND: We could take some short trips around here, and it would be cheap. We could spend the last half of the vacation at home.
WIFE: What are you going to do at home?
HUSBAND: I would like to organize my tools, and then sit in my chair and read or watch TV. I love being in my house. It is so quiet.
WIFE: QUIET? The house is way too noisy!
HUSBAND: NOISY? How can it be noisy?
WIFE: The house is always talking to me: the paperwork screams to be filed, the bed clamours to be made, the weeds laugh behind my back, and the plants yell to be watered. I can’t relax here!
And so the tense negotiations begin.
Fortunately, my husband loves to visit our families who live on opposite sides of the continent. When our three children were younger, driving was the only financially feasible way to visit. With the significant road time, I always hoped for potential stops along the way. This was a problem.
Cliff sits behind the steering wheel. His mantra is drive, drive, drive. His only focus is the final destination. Food and bathroom breaks are annoying interruptions that deter him from his mission of reaching his goal as quickly as possible. His warrior instincts kick in and he aims to conquer the road by passing as many vehicles as possible. I am not sure what he hopes to win, but I have seen the defeated look on his face when he watches all of the vehicles zoom by that he just passed. All stops to view waterfalls or scenic viewpoints only mean he has to pass the same cars again. Enjoying the journey between points A and B is not in his brain vocabulary.
My role is the navigator. I am not sure why my husband still trusts me, but he follows my directions. Over time, I have discovered that my husband has a vulnerable spot in his crusty no-breaks stance: if I can somehow get him to stop, he enjoys almost any place in the world.
I have learned a few ‘tricks’ to use this chink in his armour to my advantage.
TEN STRATEGIES FOR VACATION BLISS
1. Plan bathroom breaks for stops at Visitor Centres
Timing is important: bladder urgency is best when entering a new country, state, or province as visitor centres are usually close to the borders. If possible, also bring out snacks and suggest getting fuel. This will extend the visit so the children have time to browse inside the Tourism Center. Return to the vehicle armed with promotional literature describing the tantalizing local attractions down the road.
2. Get the children on side by creating interest in the above brochures
Start reading the tourism promo material out loud. The children will hopefully join in and want to visit the sites in the brochures. If the children are enthusiastic, Dad will probably agree to go to at least one.
This subtle strategy led to visits to the Terry Fox Monument in Thunder Bay ON, the Reversing Falls in St. John NB, the Statue of Liberty on our only visit to New York NY, a ride on Maid of the Mist at the Niagara Falls ON, and the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto ON. (My son, Stephen, found a brochure for the Toronto museum in a tiny Information Kiosk in rural Saskatchewan and kept it safe all the way to Newfoundland and Labrador and then back to Toronto. He insisted that we go to this museum, and none of us were disappointed.)
3. Get lost with purpose.
Lose the map-reading skills and give directions for an unplanned but desired location. As we were passing by Quebec City QC, my husband was adamant that we would not go into the city, despite my loving pleadings. Finally, I meekly said, “Well, we have to stop for lunch.” As the designated map-reader, I directed him across the bridge and then suddenly had trouble understanding the map. My husband trustingly followed my prompts for a confusing route, and somehow we happened to end up in the centre of old Quebec City.
There was no turning back as my husband now wanted to stay. He rolled down his windows to smell the “European-style” air, strolled around the Old City under the royal shadow of the Chateau Frontenac, toured the Citadel, and tried to have a conversation with the French locals at an ice cream stand. I got to go to Quebec City, and incidentally had no trouble reading the map to get back on to the highway.
4. Use This Would be Good for the Children - shamelessly
I wanted to see Ottawa ON. My husband did not. I dug deep into my manipulation bank and suggested that seeing the Parliament Buildings would be a great educational experience for our offspring. He grudgingly agreed but firmly announced that we would NOT be stopping. I agreed, of course.
When we arrived at the hub of our country's government, I reiterated that the children really did need to go on a tour. My husband, not wanting to be an obstacle to his children's academic success, unwillingly complied. Ten minutes into the tour, however, we would not have been able to drag him away. We stayed for an extra hour to watch the politicians in the House of Commons and then remained for yet another hour to observe the Question Period.
By now, my husband was hooked on seeing Ottawa and the family was free to explore the city. We visited not one, but two museums: the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum and the Museum of Canadian Civilization. After a driving tour of important landmarks and a leisurely supper on a restaurant patio, I eventually pointed out that it might be time to leave. My husband agreed, reluctantly. We had been in Ottawa for six hours.
5. Find destinations that are attractive to the children
In the interest of seeing something new, find activities the children would like to do. I wanted to see Shakespeare at Stratford. My husband and all three kids gave an emphatic, unified negative response. I acquiesced and instead we went to a Toronto Blue Jays Game in Toronto ON.
I got my revenge by always cheering for the losing team, but secretly loved seeing everyone else enjoying themselves. This technique also worked for a trip to the Redwood Forest CA and for surfing in the Pacific Ocean. Dad hauled the RV trailer on the paper-clip shaped road to Tofino BC for one of our final vacations with our two youngest children.
6. Suggest activities that your husband will not be able to resist
Casually mention that the Pioneer Auto Museum is ahead in Murdo, SD. Read the sign, loudly, about the Anne Murray Centre in Springhill, NS. When in the vicinity of the OMNIMAX Theatre in Science World, Vancouver BC, read the titles of films now playing and ask if any of them sound interesting. The go-to-no-fail guarantee for a desired scenic detour is to find a restaurant that has great seafood, preferably with a lobster buffet. Since this method is so successful, I am already planning to use it for future vacations when we are close to Graceland, the White House, and Paris.
7. Occasionally, insist on your own choice and hope the family will enjoy it
The children complained long and loud when I insisted on a visit to Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island BC. Fortunately, they loved it all - the fountains, concerts, and variety of gardens. We stayed much longer than intended as they begged to see the lights in the dark.
8. Take advantage of unintended delays to see the local sights
Over the years, we have had our share of unexpected delays, usually due to vehicle problems. One year, we had planned be in Ottawa ON by July 1st but instead were stuck in Thunder Bay for Canada Day. We embraced our situation and found plenty of patriotic inspiration in the local fireworks and genuine community spirit. Another time, a belt broke on our vehicle in Portland OR on a weekend. While we waited for the part to be shipped in, we toured the International Rose Test Garden, rode the gondola across the river, and admired the famous bridges. We had similar stories when we waited for repairs in Jasper, Edmonton, St. John's, Halifax, and Milton.
A less pleasant memory is the week we spent in the Walmart parking lot in Red Deer AB waiting for our income tax refund to be deposited into our bank account so that we would have money to continue our holidays. Family tensions soared, but regularly browsing in Walmart helped to ease the friction. The friendly employees were very hospitable, and we found out later that the children created a home theatre for themselves by regularly watching the TVs in the electronic department.
9. Apologize for tactical errors
The day I asked to please see the ocean just one more time when we already were very behind schedule.
The year my detours took longer than intended and we had to drive 24/7 to get back to a wedding.
The time my creative trip planning for the longer scenic route took us through the middle of a dangerous storm, and we had to stop driving. Unfortunately, time was of essence. My husband was not pleased. I'm sorry!
Sometimes, I should just keep my mouth shut and be thankful for sights already seen.
10. Finance Creatively
When the amount of road stretches further than the money, find creative ways to pay for the last leg of the trip home. Increase credit card limits, go into overdrafts, and make late payment arrangements.
This usually is not a good idea, and will be sure to enter the Vacation War dialogue the following year. Your husband will likely adamantly declare he will NOT be going into debt for this year's vacation. In my opinion, he is just looking for an excuse to stay home!
The children are grown and no longer come with us on vacations, but the script remains the same.
Cliff wants to stay at home or just go away for a few days.
I want to see new sights and be gone for as long as possible.
A FEW YEARS AGO...
The annual War of the Vacation was over-shadowed by the pain in my husband’s aching leg. With his hip needing to be replaced for the fifth time, holiday plans were uncertain and unpredictable. The war was more of a discussion dance.
My husband graciously went on a few short trips with me to northern Alberta, the Kootenays, and Banff, which was all he could endure. We arrived home a week too late for Cliff and a week too early for me. When he offhandedly suggested that I could travel by myself for a week, I did not hesitate to accept the offer.
After some creative financing, for which I had plenty of experience, and passport in hand, I was soon on the road heading southwest to Montana. One state led to another – Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, and California. I stopped in San Francisco. It was definitely worth the five days of driving for a two-day visit!
I took a tour on the top level of a double decker bus and had to duck so that trees would not whack my head. I saw the painted ladies. After a short boat ride and a precarious stint on an old-fashioned street car, I strolled the busy pier while inhaling the scents and sounds. I did not go on the large tour boat to Alcatraz, however, as I wanted to wait so I could share that experience with Cliff.
I keyboarded the first draft of this article while gazing at the swell of the San Francisco ocean, intermittently wondering which of my schemes would work to get Cliff to San Francisco on a future trip.
But for that year, the Vacation War was over,and I had seen the Golden Gate Bridge.
TWO YEARS LATER...
Cliff got his fifth right hip and was able to travel again, so we decided to go to the Grand Canyon AZ. After my pressured persuasion and the promise of fresh seafood, he unenthusiastically agreed to a return trip home via the longer route up the west coast. His patience was as sketchy as my map reading ability, especially when the extra miles stretched into additional hours and days. His demeanour changed when we finally got to San Francisco CA. He loved everything about it - the harbour and bridges, the architecture, the roads, the wharf with its sea lions and buskers, and especially the seafood.
The best part for me was the hoped-for harbour boat ride to Alcatraz,and getting to share the view of the Golden Gate Bridge with my husband!
THIS WEEK...
My husband and I have had our annual Vacation War conversations. After we each said our piece, I read him the script I had written several years ago, and we had indeed repeated the dialogue almost word for word. Cliff was not amused.
My husband says that he would like to go on a road trip to the West Coast, but I think he would be just as happy with a drive to the other side of the city. I would like to travel to Yukon, the Arctic Ocean, and Alaska so that I could remove them from my Never Seen list.
So far, none of my strategies of gentle persuasion are working.
Not even the lure of a ferry ride, fishing, cute gift shops, gold panning, or seafood restaurants seems to be having any effect.
Cliff claims that the mosquitoes will be as big as dinasours.
I'm not sure how he knows, since he has never been to the Yukon or Alaska.
I am trying some new strategies to try to lure Cliff to a trip up north:
Enticement: I am hoping that my writing, pictures, and publicity will change his mind.
Manipulation: We could save money, as I now qualify for seniors discounts.
Guilt: Since I am getting older, this might be the last year I will be able to go on such a long trip.
If he bites, I will perhaps be able to ride a train in the Yukon, see dancing Northern Lights, relax by the Arctic ocean, eat baked Alaska, go to a museum, and experience travelling on the Alaska Highway. I have offered to just go by myself, but so far he has not agreed. He probably does not want me to have seafood without him.
In any case, the pysanka egg in Vegreville will have to wait for another year.
Thanks to my children, Stephen, Michael, and Julia (now 30, 28 and 25).
Without you, we would not have had any family vacations,
and I might have been a vacation widow.
Who do you think should win this year's vacation War?
Vote in the COMMENT SECTION BELOW
Originally published at https://www.marilynnewbury.com Subscribe: http:subscribe.marilynnewbury.com
PHOTO CREDITS
Some day, most likely in the very distant future, I will sort through thirty years of photos. Then I will have actual pictures of our vacations for the website. For now, I am grateful to pixabay, unsplash, and flickr for permission to use their photos.
INTRODUCTION
(Golden Gate Bridge CA; Pysanka Egg,Vegreville AB) Golden Gate Bridge in fog; pixabay SuzyLu; Pysanka Egg pixabay Shaawsjank61; Globe in Hands pixabay Geralt
PLACES I HAVE TRAVELLED
(Tulips, Holland; Viking Settlement, L'Anse aux Meadows NL; Sand Dunes OR, Cape Spear NL, Alps, Switzerland; Tower Bridge, London, England; Serengeti Safari, Tanzania; Mombasa Resort, Kenya; Jerusalem Market, Israel)
Tulips in Holland by Louisa Mac CC BY 2.0 (cropped & resized); L'Anse aux Meadows Historical Park NL by Eric Titcombe CC BY 2.0 (cropped & resized); Sand Dunes OR pixabay Macmaus; Cape Spear NL by Matt Boulton CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped & resized); Alps pixabay violetta; London Tower Bridge pixabay peremon; Serengeti, Tanzania personal; Mombasa, Kenya pixabay benarudo; Jerusalem Old City Market by israeltourism CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped and resized)
PLACES I HAVE NOT SEEN
(Eiffel Tower, Paris; Golden Gate Bridge, CA; Alaska). Eiffel Tower pixabay Kaz; Golden Gate Bridge pixabay CC0 Public Domain; Alaska wolf pixabay Public Domain Pictures
TRIP NAVIGATION
Car Sign pixabay CopyrightFreePictures; Glasses with Map pixabay allysonmiller1969 border
STRATEGIES FOR VACATION BLISS
1. Plan bathroom breaks for stops at Visitor Centres. Welcome Center pixabay SooZ8
2. Get the children on side by creating interest in the above brochures (Terry Fox Memorial, Thunder Bay ON; Reversing Falls, St. John NB; Statue of Liberty, New York NY; Boat Ride, Niagara Falls ON; Royal Ontario Museum,Toronto ON)
Terry Fox Statue, Thunder Bay ON by Brett Vachon CC BY 2.0 (cropped & resized); Reversing Falls, St. John NB by Sonja CC BY 2.0 (cropped & resized); Statue of Liberty pixabay nyc_napa; Maid of the Mist, Niagara Falls pixabay CC0 Public Domain; Royal Ontario Museum by Carsten CC BY 2.0
3. Get lost with purpose. (Quebec City QC: Bridge, Old City; Chateau Frontenac; The citadel)
Quebec City Bridge unsplash Drew Coffman ; Old Quebec City pixabay Breaktime; Chateau Frontenac by Prayitno CC BY 2.0 (cropped & resized); The Citadel by Alonso Inostrosa Psijas CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped & resized)
4. Use This Would be Good for the Children - shamelessly (Ottawa ON: Parliament Buildings; House of Commons; Canadian Aviation and Space Museum; Museum of Canadian Civilization; Rideau Canal)
Parliament Buildings pixabay Festivio; House of Commons by Scazon CC BY 2.0 (cropped & resized); CH-113 Labrador chopper in Canadian Aviation and Space Museum by shankar s. CC BY 2.0; Museum of Canadian Civilization by sookie CC BY 2.0 (cropped & resized); Rideau Canal pixabay pcowan5188
5. Find destinations that are attractive to the children (Rogers Centre for Toronto Blue Jays Game,Toronto ON; Redwood Forest CA; Surfing at Tofino BC)
Rogers Centre Toronto Blue Jays by thatlostdog-- CC BY 2.0 (cropped and resized); Redwood Forest personal; Surfing personal
6. Suggest activities that your husband will not be able to resist (Pioneer Auto Museum, Murdo SD; Anne Murray Centre, Springhill NS; OMNIMAX Theatre in Science World, Vancouver BC)
Pioneer Auto Museum, Murdo SD personal; Anne Murray Centre, Used by permission from Anne Murray facebook page; OMNIMAX Theatre, Science World, Vancouver BC by David Stanley CC BY 2.0 (cropped & resized); Lobster pixabay Alina Kuptsova
7. Occasionally, insist on your own choice and hope the family will enjoy it (Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island BC)
Butchart Gardens, Vancouver Island, BC pixabay Walkways Photoman; Fountains marybettiniblank; Star Pond pwindsor; Foot Bridge Photoman
8. Take advantage of unintended delays to see the local sights (Canada Day in Thunder Bay ON; International Rose Test Garden, Portland OR; Walmart in Canada)
Canada Day Fireworks in Thunder Bay ON by Derek Hatfield CC BY 2.0 (cropped & resized); International Rose Test Garden, Portland OR by Neeta Lind CC BY 2.0 (cropped & resized); Walmart by Mike Kalasnik CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped & resized)
9. Be prepared for tactical errors
Driving in Rain by Jason Trbovich CC BY 2.0 (cropped & resized)
A FEW YEARS AGO...
Marilyn's Trip to San Francisco (San Francisco CA: Double Decker Tour Bus; Painted Ladies; Street Car; Pier 39; Ocean)
San Francisco: Double decker tour bus by Nick Ares CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped & resized); Painted Ladies by Jiahui Huang CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped & resized); Street Car pixabay jingoo10200; Pier 39 pixabay skeeze; Ocean pixabay suyashdixit
TWO YEARS LATER...
Cliff & Marilyn's Trip (Grand Canyon & San Francisco: Harbour & Bridges; Cityscape; Lombard Street; Busker's Guitar; Fishermans Wharf)
Grand Canyon: Photo by Alexandre Godreau on Unsplash (cropped & resized)
San Francisco: Harbour and Bridges pixabay jessebridgewater; Cityscape pixabay tpsdave; Lombard Street by Holiday Point CC BY 2.0 (cropped & resized); Busker's Guitar by Bob Doran CC BY 2.0 (resized and cropped) NOTE: I did not actually see this busker or his guitar; Fishermans Wharf pixabay sarangib
Boat Tour in San Francisco Harbour (Boat; Alcatraz; Golden Gate Bridge)
Boat to Alcatraz pixabay sarangib; Alcatraz Prison pixabay BKD; Golden Gate Bridge with blue sky pixabay kahsky
THIS WEEK...
Arrows pixabay geralt
Travel Destination Maps (Yukon; Arctic Ocean; Alaska/North America)
Yukon map by CC BY 2.0 (cropped & resized); Arctic Ocean by Dan Markeye CC BY 2.0 (cropped & resized); Alaska/North America map by CC BY 2.0 (cropped & resized)
Insects (Mosquito & Dinasour)
Mosquito and Dinosaur pixabay OpenClipart-Vectors
Yukon & Alaska Destinations
(Alaska Ferry; Fishing Salmon; Simply Salmon Gift Shop; Gold Panning; Crab Shack)
Alaska Ferry pixabay skeeze; Fishing Salmon pixabay LoveToTakePhotos; Simply Salmon by Public Domain; Gold Panning by CC BY 2.0 (cropped & resized); Crab Shack by CC BY 2.0 (cropped & resized)
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Craving variety? Visit Tandoor n Flame for the Best Lunch Buffet in Red Deer! Our extensive menu features something for everyone, ensuring a perfect dining experience every time
#Best Lunch Buffet in Red Deer#Best Lunch Buffet#Lunch Buffet in Red Deer#Red Deer Buffet Restaurants#Chinese Lunch Buffet in Red Deer#Buffet Red Deer#Indian Lunch Buffet in Red Deer
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Best Lunch Buffet in Red Deer, Perfect for casual lunches or special occasions, our inviting atmosphere makes it easy to enjoy a meal with friends, family, or colleagues. Join us for an unforgettable buffet experience that caters to all tastes and preferences!
#foodies#Best Lunch Buffet in Red Deer#lunchbuffetinreddeer#indianlunchbuffetinreddeer#tasty#fullservicecaterer
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Tandoor N Flame invites you to enjoy a delicious lunch buffet in Red Deer, featuring an array of authentic Indian dishes. Savor the rich flavors and variety, from aromatic curries to freshly baked naan, all served in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for a satisfying midday meal.For more details visit:http://tandoornflame.ca/
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Tandoor N Flame offers exceptional catering in Red Deer, specializing in authentic Indian cuisine that brings vibrant flavors to any event. Whether it's a wedding, corporate gathering, or private party, their catering service provides a diverse menu featuring signature dishes like tandoori meats, aromatic curries, and freshly baked naan. With a commitment to quality and presentation, Tandoor N Flame ensures that every catered event is a memorable culinary experience, tailored to meet the unique tastes and preferences of your guests.For more details visit : http://tandoornflame.ca/indian-catering-services-in-red-deer/
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