#the answer to all of this is ''eat chicken salad'' btw

[princessnijireiki]

unrelated to the prior post: ultimate pickle of "can't take stimulants for ADHD bc I tolerate them poorly" vs "need to take stimulants for narcolepsy/IH because research & other drug availability is kinda ass despite still tolerating the stims poorly" + "low dose stims are often ineffective, high dose stims keep me awake but still leave me non functional due to side effects" with the added complicating factor of "stims ineffective & have worse side effects if I have not eaten enough, stims suppress appetite, un-/undermedicated ADHD will cause me to forget to eat and then tune out my stomach"

[iminyourwallsbabe]

Okay so question I stole from somebody on insta

The arcane cast has a house party, who's bringing what and what do they do at the party?

My theory is this:

Alright so

Caitlyn- Brings some bum ass potato salad, never let her handle that shit again oh my god

Vi- Defends said potato salad with her life and says she's trying her best, brings like store bought pie or something

Jinx- Brings some experimental bullshit that not a single person asked for, like NyQuil chicken with a side of Baja blast curry, nobody eats that shit. She does also bring cupcakes and Vi instantly gets uncomfortable

Mel- Brings something normal like Mac and cheese or some noxian dish

Ekko- Is the first to call out the potato salad and saves the day by getting on the grill and making real food (btw, he came with Haitian black rice)

Jayce- Brought drinks because he didn't feel like cooking, he is totally capable of cooking though. He also takes control of the music and plays imagine dragons and Drake

Viktor- Came to get a plate and leave but Jayce makes him stay, he's in the corner with the pets and also drinking vodka

I also think Vi and Jayce go out back to play some sort of sport or roughhouse with Isha and some other kids and it goes very wrong because you know the two of them together is always a bad sign.

The group will also play games and stuff, mainly guessing games and whatnot and Jayce and Vi will give the worst answers, Jinx will win by eating people's cards, Ekko will actually try to play the game, Mel just wants to watch, Caitlyn is asking all the questions, Viktor is giving correct answers to questions that nobody thought he'd know the answer to.

[carcin0-8]

my magnum opus btw

By Pete Wells (https://archive.ph/o/yQet8/https://www.nytimes.com/by/pete-wells)

        Nov. 13, 2012

GUY FIERI, have you eaten at your new restaurant in Times Square? Have you pulled up one of the 500 seats at Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar and ordered a meal? Did you eat the food? Did it live up to your expectations?

Did panic grip your soul as you stared into the whirling hypno wheel of the menu, where adjectives and nouns spin in a crazy vortex? When you saw the burger described as “Guy’s Pat LaFrieda custom blend, all-natural Creekstone Farm Black Angus beef patty, LTOP (lettuce, tomato, onion + pickle), SMC (super-melty-cheese) and a slathering of Donkey Sauce on garlic-buttered brioche,” did your mind touch the void for a minute?

Did you notice that the menu was an unreliable predictor of what actually came to the table? Were the “bourbon butter crunch chips” missing from your Almond Joy cocktail, too? Was your deep-fried “boulder” of ice cream the size of a standard scoop?

What exactly about a small salad with four or five miniature croutons makes Guy’s Famous Big Bite Caesar (a) big (b) famous or (c) Guy’s, in any meaningful sense?

Were you struck by how very far from awesome the Awesome Pretzel Chicken Tenders are? If you hadn’t come up with the recipe yourself, would you ever guess that the shiny tissue of breading that exudes grease onto the plate contains either pretzels or smoked almonds? Did you discern any buttermilk or brine in the white meat, or did you think it tasted like chewy air?

Why is one of the few things on your menu that can be eaten without fear or regret — a lunch-only sandwich of chopped soy-glazed pork with coleslaw and cucumbers — called a Roasted Pork Bahn Mi, when it resembles that item about as much as you resemble Emily Dickinson?

When you have a second, Mr. Fieri (https://archive.ph/o/yQet8/www.guyfieri.com/), would you see what happened to the black bean and roasted squash soup we ordered?

Hey, did you try that blue drink, the one that glows like nuclear waste? The watermelon margarita? Any idea why it tastes like some combination of radiator fluid and formaldehyde?

At your five Johnny Garlic’s restaurants in California, if servers arrive with main courses and find that the appetizers haven’t been cleared yet, do they try to find space for the new plates next to the dirty ones? Or does that just happen in Times Square, where people are used to crowding?

If a customer shows up with a reservation at one of your two Tex Wasabi’s outlets, and the rest of the party has already been seated, does the host say, “Why don’t you have a look around and see if you can find them?” and point in the general direction of about 200 seats?

What is going on at this new restaurant of yours, really?

Has anyone ever told you that your high-wattage passion for no-collar American food makes you television’s answer to Calvin Trillin (https://archive.ph/o/yQet8/www.thenation.com/authors/calvin-trillin), if Mr. Trillin bleached his hair, drove a Camaro and drank Boozy Creamsicles? When you cruise around the country for your show “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” rasping out slangy odes to the unfancy places where Americans like to get down and greasy, do you really mean it?

Or is it all an act? Is that why the kind of cooking you celebrate on television is treated with so little respect at Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar?

How, for example, did Rhode Island’s supremely unhealthy and awesomely good fried calamari — dressed with garlic butter and pickled hot peppers — end up in your restaurant as a plate of pale, unsalted squid rings next to a dish of sweet mayonnaise with a distant rumor of spice?

How did Louisiana’s blackened, Cajun-spiced treatment turn into the ghostly nubs of unblackened, unspiced white meat in your Cajun Chicken Alfredo?

How did nachos, one of the hardest dishes in the American canon to mess up, turn out so deeply unlovable? Why augment tortilla chips with fried lasagna noodles that taste like nothing except oil? Why not bury those chips under a properly hot and filling layer of melted cheese and jalapeños instead of dribbling them with thin needles of pepperoni and cold gray clots of ground turkey?

By the way, would you let our server know that when we asked for chai, he brought us a cup of hot water?

When you hung that sign by the entrance that says, WELCOME TO FLAVOR TOWN!, were you just messing with our heads?

Does this make it sound as if everything at Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar is inedible? I didn’t say that, did I?

Tell me, though, why does your kitchen sabotage even its more appealing main courses with ruinous sides and sauces? Why stifle a pretty good bison meatloaf in a sugary brown glaze with no undertow of acid or spice? Why send a serviceable herb-stuffed rotisserie chicken to the table in the company of your insipid Rice-a-Roni variant?

Why undermine a big fist of slow-roasted pork shank, which might fly in many downtown restaurants if the General Tso’s-style sauce were a notch less sweet, with randomly shaped scraps of carrot that combine a tough, nearly raw crunch with the deadened, overcooked taste of school cafeteria vegetables?

Is this how you roll in Flavor Town?

Somewhere within the yawning, three-level interior of Guy’s American Kitchen & Bar, is there a long refrigerated tunnel that servers have to pass through to make sure that the French fries, already limp and oil-sogged, are also served cold?

What accounts for the vast difference between the Donkey Sauce recipe you’ve published and the Donkey Sauce in your restaurant? Why has the hearty,

rustic appeal of roasted-garlic mayonnaise been replaced by something that tastes like Miracle Whip with minced raw garlic?

And when we hear the words Donkey Sauce, which part of the donkey are we supposed to think about?

Is the entire restaurant a very expensive piece of conceptual art? Is the shapeless, structureless baked alaska that droops and slumps and collapses while you eat it, or don’t eat it, supposed to be a representation in sugar and eggs of the experience of going insane?

Why did the toasted marshmallow taste like fish?

Did you finish that blue drink?

Oh, and we never got our Vegas fries; would you mind telling the kitchen that we don’t need them?

Thanks

[restorerjourney]

FREEDOM

April 13, 2021

I slept at 9:30pm but woke up at 4:30am again. Perhaps it was because I was anticipating ending our quarantine. I can’t imagine what 14 days of quarantine is like. I usually start my morning doing my quiet time since it is literally quiet and peaceful. I usually have a lot of thoughts and prayers as well during that time. I’m not normally a morning person so this adjustment is something to get used to. 

Each room was assigned a certain time to get their rapid covid test and we all were negative! I was so relieved and immediately walked out. This quarantine not only allowed us to form a good foundation with each other, but it truly made me have a deeper gratitude for the so many things I take for granted...walking outside and enjoying the weather, the beautiful creation that is everywhere around us, SALAD, and the freedom to purchase what I needed. We decided to treat ourselves and eat downtown and wanted to get this well known sushi restaurant but we couldn’t because they were so busy and ran “Hawaian time”. For those who do not know, “Hawaiian time” is describing someone who is lax has no urgency and the total opposite of the east coast culture. This restaurant had one phone line and even when calling 20x right when they opened, when they finally picked up, ordering 3 rolls takes 2.5 hours...I was shocked and we decided to just eat at an American restaurant. I also was able to finally try Kona coffee for the first time! We went to Kona Coffee Cafe and I was able to sample so many different types and learn from the local the definition of Kona peaberries. These precious peaberries are grown on the volcanic slopes of Kona. They are expensive because they are rare and also require a lot of labor to harvest these peaberries. What you get though is the smoothest coffee I’ve ever tasted. I don’t like acidic coffee like Blue Bottle so this was perfect. Their dark chocolate covered roasted kona peaberry was amazing. I just got black macadamia nut vanilla ice coffee ( the additional flavors are natural oils added to the mixture). 

I also was reaffirmed by speaking to the local how much the locals really feared COVID because the majority lived with their elders. Yesterday all the students attended a zoom meeting where we were instructed the importance of wearing our masks when we are downtown because it is mandated by the state of Hawaii but also to respect and show love to the locals. Unfortunately YWAM last quarter did have an outbreak of 30 people, but thankfully we were able to contain it. Speaking with the local who ran the cafe, I heard her frustration of how some previous YWAMers (probably teenagers) didn't abide by the mask rule and how it can really hinder us from demonstrating the love of Christ to them. That meeting we attend really reminded me that wearing the mask was more than politics but a way to show Christ love to those around us and to represent the God that we serve. I pray that even the youth here will be obedient and despite the inconvenience to serve the locals this way. 

We then walked to the beach nearby and it was breathtaking. We sat down and just took the beauty of God’s creation in. The turquoise water, the  perfect weather we were experiencing, the clear blue sky were all perfect. I really felt that I was in Hawaii and I could not stop staring at the waters. On our way home we grabbed lunch at this American bar/grill restaurant since we didn’t have much time. I got a spinach salad with MahiMahi ( it was dry but I didn't’ care because it was VEGGIES). We also tried gelato at Gypsea Gelato for the first time. I got passion fruit and toasted coconut with chocolate shavings. It was really good and there we ran into the other team members that we haven’t met since we were quarantined. It was nice to see that the girls in our team were all truly sweet and kind to each other. I can see us getting along and I look forward to what God has in store for us. We realized soon that we had to meet back at the base to our work duty (which was the sustainable farm). Literally since we were downtown, we were DOWNTOWN..meaning the base was uphill. I quickly grabbed watermelon drinks for my other roomies who had one more day of quarantine and we ran up the hill. Since I’ve been out of shape, I was dying going up that hill. It was also pretty sunny and wearing that mask going up 5 flights of stairs was torture. We quickly dropped off our belongings, changed clothes, and went to the sustainable farm.

Thankfully we made it on time! I was sweating like a pig but I was so glad we were able to respect their schedule. Let me tell you about the farm.. It is amazing… I am astonished how everything is not wasted and the creative ways they utilize every component to make this base sustainable. I absolutely love their mission theme which is to train students the importance of sustainability, how to steward these gifts to teach underserved countries how to also become self-sustaining, and to feed the homeless here in Kona. All vegetables grown here are used to feed the students. They have sheep, pigs, rabbits, fish, and chicken but they are used to educate how to raise animals. One rule that we had to remember was that the animals are kind and we need to treat them with respect. If there is any misbehaving animal, they will be offered to the locals who can provide a donation and more likely will be eaten. 

We also get to learn the basics of aquaponics which was really cool and something you won’t really learn elsewhere. I pray that this experience will help me to appreciate food that is put at the table, the importance of knowing how to steward what God has provided. There were 6 restorer team members ( Winnie, Chloe, Chlo, Eunhye, Yaedam, and KC) and there were 6 other students who were part of a christian graduate farming sustainability program. 

Side note: Chloe changed her name to Chlo because there were 2 Chloes LOL. What a funny kid...this is my spunky roomie btw.

What’s funny though is that I had an epiphany why I was placed in the Restorer program with a bunch of Koreans. I focused on how it would benefit me, but little did I know how I was also sent to help translate for the other restorer students since I was the most fluent Korean American. Yes, me. I am surprised and my friends are probably laughing while reading this but the other students are so encouraging saying that I am doing a good job that it motivates me to really try my best. We were all given chores to do and I picked feeding the chicken and picking their eggs. Did you know chickens lay different colored eggs based on the color of the ears? Yes chicken has ears and earlobes LOL. I did not know. I saw pale blue and brown eggs for the first time. I will also help raise the rabbits and we have one male rabbit, 2 large female rabbits, and a bunch of teenager rabbits. Each day, one rabbit gets to run around the garden while the rest are caged and at the end of our shift we have to catch the rabbit LOL. I will one day catch the rabbit with my bare hands. We also have sheep, dogs, and cats all over this farm hanging out with us! 

A lot of us wore shorts so we were a buffet for the mosquitos so now we know long sleeves and pants are much needed. After orientation we went to the sustainable garden and helped reuse the pots that held the harvested cabbages and sort out roots, the pots, and the rocks. Tired, covered in bug bites, bug spray, sweat, and sunscreen, we walked back weary but excited to see how much we would learn. I’m glad to meet the other team members and to get to know them more as well. My roomies and I missed dinner at the cafeteria since it is still closed and they were packing them which we had to pick up so Winnie and I went downtown again to ABC to pick up dinner. We picked up oranges, egg sandwiches, and water. The sink water even with the strongest brita filter tastes pretty bad. It’s because the island is covered by salt water so it’s harder than other areas. Chloe stayed behind since she was working with the pigs that she voluntarily chose to do. Although she seems girly, she has a spunky side that is ready for challenging adventures which I love about her. Winnie is similar to me in that we love to exercise so we carried our groceries all the way up and enjoyed the exercise. Winnie and I had some one-on-one time which was nice and after we ate dinner, Chloe and I went to go see the sunset while Winnie showered. Although they are literally 20 (yes I feel like a great grandma), I am amazed at their maturity level and how it was so easy to connect with them. I was so blessed to hear that Chloe before she came to YWAM prayed earnestly for one of her roomies to be an American. I told her I prayed for diversity LOL, but perhaps it’s a different kind of diversity that God has in mind.

After seeing our first beautiful sunset, I showered (the water is still intermittent cold and hot) and we did our first load of laundry. Now we are working on our homework which is assigned for tomorrow. Wow this is the most I’ve written and I hope I can look back and remember such a wonderful day it was. We walked 17,327 steps. During quarantine it was 4,000 LOL. I will be sleeping well tonight :) 

Prayer request

Tomorrow our homework requires us answering very vulnerable questions to our team. This will be emotionally taxing and as much as I am looking forward to it, I am also nervous. Please pray that God would hold our hearts as we share probably the most deepest thoughts and events to each other and that this vulnerability will be sealed in His name so that this would be the first step of healing. 

Mahalo,

Alicia

[thesecretlifeofmerribethc]

3.10-3.14.19

Yikes, realllllly slacking. Not in just updating my blog, but in my career stuff. Still proud of the small things though!

3.10.19 - Church! Service was good. It was short cuz dad had work but the message was good. After service I immediately sat down with tita Grace in the sanctuary and we just talked about marriage, relationships, and what tita Grace experienced at work this week (concerning visiting a friend of mine). Didn’t eat btw cuz we were so engrossed in talking. Ate some chicken and talked to tita connie for a little bit. Then I played with Rosita, Gabe and Mary Grace. After that we went homeee. Played Mario Party and still lost to Marvin lol Went to bed early lol But got to talk to dad on the phone from 12:40-1:00 am about cars before really shutting my eyes lol

3.11.19 - Happy Birthday Marvin!!! <33 Today, Marv turns 18 :’D Where did the time go? Woke up a bit late-ish. Didn’t get to greet Marv cuz he had school. Ate a light breakfast and then at around 3 got ready to pick up Marv and go to Leo’s. Manong couldn’t join us for dinner today because he had work and school. Anywho, mom, dad, manang and I picked up Marv and went straight to Leo’s on Telegraph near southland mall. Waited a bit in the parking lot for ne but then went inside to get a table. Sat down and maybe 10 minutes later Ne came. We ordered our food then ne told us that Toto was coming. Honestly I was so bummed when I heard that. Everyone was taken by surprised. She casually says, “Toto is coming. He’s on his way. He’s almost here” like it’s no big deal and proceeds to call him to ask for his order which takes like 6 minutes! Ends up ordering him a steak dinner. Anywho, it was just so awkward. No one was happy during the dinner, or at least manang, Marv and I. After Leo’s we went to the mall to walk it off and we just vented (Marv, manang and I) to each other at how disappointing that was. And also very rude. Like, Ne couldn’t have given us a heads up? And also, it’s Marvin’s birthday. He didn’t ask for him to come. Marv told us that that ruined the dinner. We all basically lost our appetites that day. Well whatever. Manang Marv and I didn’t buy anything at the mall other than some Froyo from Pinkberry. We also walked to Disc Replay but didn’t find anything. Went back to the car where dad was sleeping and about 20 minutes later mom comes and we leave (thank God). At home we took pics with Marvin, and then just sat around until Manong came home. Once manong came home we gave Marv his presents. He loved my toilet mug xD LOL He seemed a little disappointed at what he got (?) (Manang gave him Reese’s which was planned a long time ago when we bought it, but she bought Marv a game Capture that was on the hill so we couldn’t get it the day of), and manong got him Persona 5 on the PS4, and mom and dad got him $. lol After that I went to bed. Was so tired!

3.12.19 - Tuesday! Dad has work and everyone else lol. Got up and made dad’s shake, did some laundry, ironed dad’s uniform, and prepared dad’s lunch. Was gonna do the dishes but put them aside for later. Picked up Marv and manang then stopped by the hill so manang could get her gift that she ordered for Marv. Then went to Walmart in Woodhaven. Refilled the water jugs and got a few things but also picked up our online order for the other end of the bookshelf (since mom likes that as the TV stand rather than the IKEA one we got). Stopped by Ne’s to return some pots and pans but she didn’t answer her phone. Went home and I helped mom cut veggies for the pinakbet. Then I assebled the 2 box organizer and removed everything from the TV stand and bookshelf. After switching things up and then adding the legs on the IKEA stand, we decided (5 against 1) that the IKEA stand with the legs was wayyyyy better. Even Messenger video-chatted dad so he could see and tell mom not to complain xD LOL After that and putting the living room back the way it was, I washed dishes while mom watched SisterRakas or something with Vice Ganda and Ai Ai. Cooked rice then went to my room around 1 a.m. xP

3.13.19 - Wednesday. Gosh I’m typing these on Pi day (3.14) but I already can’t remember what I did yesterday O_O yikes....Ok, looking through my phone and I didn’t get up until 2:40 ish. Ate with the peeps, made dad’s shake and lunch, then drank some coffee while looking at cars with dad. Did some laundry and tidied a bit. Mom went to pick up manang and Marv. Cooked some eggs and hotdogs for the sibs once they got home as well as made salad. Oh also FB, Whatsapp and IG were down all day! Like you couldn’t refresh, post, like etc. Watched an Ai Ai movie with mom again (she becomes like the president of the Philippines lol) while manang and Marv were napping. Oh also manang gave marv her gift! He loved it! He just needs a better, faster computer now lol. Mom watched the sister Rakas movie again since she fell asleep last night. After that, took a little break, then watched “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” with mom, manang, and Marv and it was good! Ligo then bed!

3.14.19 - Woke up super early today! Like 7:25 lol Got ready and went with manong and Marv. Marv got dropped off to school and then manong drove us to Mcdonalds for breakfast. Had the breakfast burrito meals. Talked a bit and then made our way to the SOS at 8:50 and there was a line already outside (since it opens at 9). There were like 20 plus people in line. I was number 79 (I believe first number was 55). Didn’t take too long to get helped, but then I had to take the written test again xD Passed it tho! Then I had to go back in line. In all it took me 3 hours :P Manong also renewed his license to get the star! Apparently starting next year if your license doesn’t have the star yo won’t be able to board a plane O_O. Anywho, after the SOS I drove home. Btw I forgot to mention manong paid for the other half of my permit fee (it costs $25, I had $12.50 ❤️) I was pretty rusty but we made it. Once I got home I went to my room and tried to nap, but couldn’t until 1. Woke up at 2:45 ish and went downstairs. Mom and dad were in their rooms so I cooked myself egg and hotdog because i was starting to get cramps and needed to eat something before I can take the medicine. Did that, made dad’s shake, and then microwaved the heat bag since I was still hurting. Sat on the couch with a blanket and watched some youtube videos. Felt good after 15 minutes sitting on the couch. Mom and I then picked up Marv. Oh btw, I didn’t mention. Todays weather was so nice! Close to 60 degrees! But it was rainy though. Still nice. Tomorrow’s gonna be cold again :P. Anywho got Marv then got manang. Went to the Target on Ford Road cuz there was just traffic everywhere. Returned the letter “G” craft thing, bought popcorn then the 3 of us just sat at the cafe waiting for mom. I ordered a venti cloud iced caramel macchiato and it was good! A lot of foam though. The guy who made it was so nice to me. I asked him how his day’s been and he said “it’s good! How about yours?” and I said it was good, especially because of the weather. Then he asked for my name and I said Mary and he was like, “nice to meet you Mary” and I said “Nice to meet you too!” I shouldve asked his name SMH i’m a failure :(( Anyway after target we stopped by the Indian store then home. At home i added more fruit to the shake I saved for mom and drank that. Then I watched Nailed it - Mexico with manang and mom. After that we watched the musical parts from Hairspray. Then I ate corn beef and rice, with a boiled egg. After preparing mom’s stuff for the mango pie, I went to my room and ended up taking a nap lol. Woke up, washed my face and brushed my teeth, then tidied up my room. Now it’s 12:41 a.m. Have a dentist appointment tomorrow! Hope it doesn’t take long.

Life, I’m lovin’ it,

Bebet

[mamasgonewalkabout-blog]

Into The Mystic

Sailing Magnetic Island (Aka Maggie) – Apr 23, 2018

DISCLAIMER: If you hate seeing my ridiculous, lop-sided grin and reading a bunch of self-congratulating drivel, this blog is NOT for you! Consider yourself well warned!

As I’ve mentioned before, I am constantly embroiled in some sort of internal tug of war. Being intrigued, yet cautious (dare I say afraid). Adventuresome, yet stuck. Energetic, yet lazy. Young at heart, old in body!! I’d like to think I’m not the only one?? There’s a constant inner argument of what is or is not: Possible. Proper. Realistic. Folly. Stupid. Silly. Dangerous. Brave. Cowardly.

Sorry, went off on a bit of a tangent there. I blame sunstroke 😉 And the fact that I managed to accomplish many of my ‘be-brave-and-just-do-it’ moments yesterday. *I understand that most, if not all, of the things that I have never tried and/or been afraid of are old hat, or inconsequential, to many. I’m not looking for a medal, or kudos for doing something considered natural for most human beings! I guess I just want to record my journey and have something to look back on when I’m feeling the coward, or incapable of trying something new. And who knows, for as many who may shake their head at the triviality of it all, there may be just one who finds inspiration – hence my sharing.

Welcome aboard the Big Mama. She’s a beautiful boat and home to 3 of the nicest people you’ll meet. Lisa, Stuart and their son Fletcher (and their little dog too!). They ooze exactly what you’d imagine true ‘island cool’ to be. Sailors to the core. And the other 2 families that joined us for the day (both from other parts of Oz) were super friendly as well.

The morning started off with coffee and fresh scones (with jam & whipped cream). *OMG I could’ve eaten an entire platter! (There will be no pictures of food as we were too busy eating it! Sorry) Then it was over to another part of the Island to a private beach to go for a swim, kayak or paddle board.

Here comes first “Big Decision” moment. The sailboat couldn’t make it too close to shore (John says we were about 50 or so meters out? Sure, okay I’ll take it) So, we could either swim in or Stu would motor us in on the dingy.

  INTERNAL DIALOGUE:

“The water may be beautiful, BUT you still can’t see what’s going on below”

“It’s not that far, and look, others are doing it!”

“You are NOT a strong swimmer, remember? You sink like a stone. Your dog paddle is like something out of a ‘how not to swim’ demo in an after-school special��

“But the water is super salty and you can actually float here!”

“Go ahead, make a fool out of yourself and need rescuing half way across.”

SCREW IT! Let’s do this!

The real beautiful thing about this moment was that I did not attempt to race to shore, imagining the giant <insert your worst nightmare creature here> coming up to take a chunk out of me. I just floated along (so much salt, I don’t think I could’ve drowned it I’d wanted too!) and made my way across. The water was so warm. Like a liquid cocoon. And I made it to the beach. Victory is mine!

Then I started eyeing up those Stand Up Paddleboards. Like surfing, I’ve wanted to try them as well. Something about gliding over the water on your own steam. I ask Stu “What’s the trick to those?” he had a one-word answer, “Relax”. Huh? Okay, fair enough.

I watched the others for a bit. Now, watching most everyone’s multiple attempts produce wobbling and falling into the water (including Mr. I-Stood-Up-Surfing), did not inspire confidence! And that’s the truth! But, by God I was going to TRY. “Big Decision Moment” #2

I clambered onto the board and onto my knees. Okay, that wasn’t so bad. Using the paddle for leverage and balance in front of me (as I’d watched in Youtube videos LOL) I took a deep breath, took Stu’s advice “Relax” and pushed myself up. With one push I WAS UP. And it felt AWESOME. And, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t feel great to hear my compatriots hooting & hollering their congratulations behind me as I began paddling about. I even managed to ‘dismount’ with some sort of grace as well, I might add 😉

So, I practiced a while longer and PADDLED my way back, that 50+ meters to the boat. Now, if I may add a wee bit of humility here (going for total honesty of course!) As I approached the boat Lisa and Stu were having a good laugh. Apparently, I was BACKWARDS on the board AND I was also holding the paddle BACKWARDS. (No wonder it took all my energy! Huh!) So, my paddling dyslexia made things harder than they needed be, but I still did it. I shall take that embarrassment and turn it into a major success. BOOM!

Back on the boat, we were now invited to try Boomnetting. I’d never heard of it before. The idea of purposefully lowering myself into a large fishing net and being dragged along the water behind a boat (the word ‘bait’ comes to mind) had never really been on my Bucketlist, I must say. “Big Decision Moment” #3 Climbing into a giant net and hanging on for dear life. Why the hell not? I’m on a roll!

Back on the boat Lisa produced a feast of a lunch that can only be described as crazy delicious (where IS that thesaurus??) Baked Spanish mackerel with lemon, potato salad, a red beet coleslaw (reminded me a bit of my Oma’s Italian Salad, that pink color) green salad, chicken skewers, beef skewers and warm fresh rolls with butter. How she managed all that in that little galley kitchen –my hat’s off to you, lady! I then proceeded to plop myself, unceremoniously, into one of the many comfy beanbag chairs to digest as we sailed off to find a good snorkel spot on the fringing reef.

Next up: VERY, VERY OPEN WATER SNORKELING. “Big Decision Moment” #4 There is something very different about snorkeling near shore and snorkeling out in the middle of the Big Blue Ocean. I did it and I’m glad I did. The reef is RIGHT THERE underneath, some of the larger sea grass nearly touching me (eek!) My heart pounded the whole time and I got the hiccups (hiccups through a snorkel, sounds ridiculous btw!!) but I saw some amazing shaped coral and plenty of colorful fish.

Side note: As I was putting on my flippers, I turned to Stu “Am I putting these on the right feet? I’ve been known to do things backasswards you know?” He called me a ‘cheeky American’. Funny guy!

And then we proceeded to sail back. The water was definitely choppier than when we’d left and we did some rockin’ and rollin’, that’s for sure! Big Moment for My Tummy – I did not get seasick (as I thought I might) Even managed to scarf down some cookies and fruit for dessert. I just might be a pro, people! LMAO

It was an amazing day filled with adventure and camaraderie. 

And, I have to thank John for his support & playing photographer( so I would have ‘proof’ of my momentous accomplishments). He just shakes his head and let’s me do my thing, and that’s a major accomplishment for him! The patience of Job, that guy!

Anyways, I am tired and sore as I type. Even adventurous souls need a bit of R&R now and again. Nothing Ibuprofen and an afternoon by the pool won’t cure.

Big hugs to all and to all a good night! xoxoxo

[147pounds-of-sarcasm]

New Friends

Hey guys! Ok so for the sake of this story Dylan is single! I love Britt and there is no hate towards her at all, I just really wanted to write this! This does take place in Miami, Florida so for those of you who don’t know, Wynwood is an area in the art district. Artists paint murals on walls and there’s some good restaurants and shopping and even a club/bar to hang out in. It’s a really cool area! It takes place right after new year’s. This is my first time writing a fic so I hope you guys like it!

Words: 4300+

Warnings: idk…swearing I guess

Your life has never been anything unusual. You’ve always had a routine. You woke up and went about your day like usual, not knowing what today would hold for you. Christmas just passed and you had to go to the mall and return the things that didn’t quite fit you right. Luckily the mall wasn’t too crowded. Walking into the store, you made an effort to just return what you needed to and leave knowing that if you started to look around and shop that you would never leave. You were able to do this successfully at the first two stores, but at the third store, your favorite store, you just couldn’t help yourself. You had just returned a few things and had some money so a mini shopping spree was more than welcomed. You found a cute top and a matching skirt and you even found the cutest accessories to match. About an hour later you were finally finished with your returns and you had even managed some shopping so you decided to grab some lunch at the mall bistro. You walked in and headed to the register to place your order. Trying to stick to your new year’s resolution you decided on a simple salad and threw some chicken in for protein. A few minutes later your order was ready so you grabbed it and headed to a table. You decided on a table outside. It was a quite lunch but you didn’t mind it at all, it was nice. When you finished eating you threw out your trash and grabbed your bags to head home but what you saw next surprised you beyond belief. As you started heading towards the mall exit you saw someone. You recognized him but you couldn’t be sure it was him unless you got a little closer, so that’s exactly what you did. Once you were closer you couldn’t believe who was standing there. 

He lives in LA so what was he doing in Miami? And why was he at this mall? What was he doing? You didn’t know any of these answers all you knew was that this man who you were pretty sure you were in love with was standing a few feet from you. You were pretty confident in your ability to stay composed in front of him so you decided you would never get another chance like this and you went up to him to ask for a picture. Trying not to prematurely be a complete fangirl you reminded yourself that he was a person just like you and that he loves his fans, at least that’s what you’ve heard him say in the countless interviews you’ve watched…. but that’s just it… you’ve watched. This is a guy you’ve only seen on TV or on a YouTube video and anyone who knows you is pretty sure it’s turned into a slight obsession but you ignore them. How can you just walk up to him and say hi?! Much less ask him for a picture! You’ve always been jealous of all these fans who run into him at the store but you just can’t do it. You start to turn around and retreat but it’s too late, he’s seen you. He looks at you with that smile and you just melt. He says hi and you freeze. Dylan O’Brien just smiled at you and said hi and if that wasn’t enough he’s still trying to get your attention but you can’t seem to move. What seemed like forever of just being frozen was only one second. When he walked up to you and put his hand on your shoulder you immediately calmed down.

“Are you ok?” he said with a smile and some worry in his eyes.

You were immediately shaken out of your trance. “Huh…oh yea I’m good. I’m sorry.” You returned the smile.

He laughed. “Nothing to apologize for, I’ve actually seen much worse. I’m Dylan.”

“I know.” You said with a giggle. “I’m Y/N.”

He shook your hand and said “Well, it’s nice to meet you Y/N.”

Suddenly much calmer you laughed and asked him for a picture. He was more than happy to take one with you and even stayed talking to you for a little while. He was sweet and down to earth just like you’d hoped. It turns out that he was here on vacation with his family to take a little break before starting to film for the third maze runner and they were gonna be here for another few days. The two of you spoke about a few different things. You were scared to bring it up but you were honestly concerned so you asked him how he’d been after his accident. He told you he’d been doing much better and was spending some time with his friends and family. He actually thanked you for asking. You guys had gotten to know each other a little bit and it was probably the best hour of your life. As much as you’d like to stay and talk to him forever, you knew you couldn’t so you thanked him for the picture, wished him luck and a good vacation and headed off. You were definitely on a high after what just happened to you. You couldn’t believe that you just met your favorite actor and the fact that you were calm enough to have a conversation was even more mind-blowing. You couldn’t wipe the smile off your face and you knew that from that moment forward nothing could ruin your mood. You walked to your car to head home but couldn’t figure out where you parked. After circling the parking lot, you realized you were a little disoriented after meeting Dylan and you had actually parked at the other end of the mall. So, you started walking to the other end, normally this would annoy the crap out of you but not today, not now. You were reaching the end of the mall when you heard a scream. It wasn’t just any scream though…it was more of a screech and you knew the cause. You turned around and saw a group of a few girls running towards you and you knew why. When faced forward again you saw Dylan a little ahead of you and he noticed you too and smiled at you, except this time you saw a little bit of panic in his eyes. You know he loves his fans and is always happy to take pictures but you also know he can be shy and somewhat anxious. The next thing you know the small mob of girls rushed past you and Dylan was immediately met with cameras and questions. Part of you felt you should’ve gone over there but you knew it was a ridiculous thought because he’s used to this and deals with it on a regular basis. So, you just smiled, waved goodbye, and continued walking towards the exit. You’re a few feet from the door and you hear your name. You turned and Dylan was walking towards you.

“Not gonna lie, I feel a little betrayed.”

You looked up and he had a smirk on his face. The same smirk that kills you every time you see it in a video but damn it was so much hotter in person. You were confused though.

“Betrayed?” You asked.

“I thought you’d break up the mob”

“I thought you were used to that?”

“Fans asking for pictures? Yea of course. Crazy mobs? Not so much.”

Now you kinda felt bad but you were also confused. He saw the confusion in your face and started laughing. You realized he was joking and became a little embarrassed and felt your cheeks turn a light shade of pink. He kept talking and started telling you how you’re actually one of the calmest fans he had ever met and that he was really happy to have met you. Now that light shade of pink was bright red. With a burst of confidence, you told him you were really happy to have met him too and the next time he was Miami he should look you up. You were being a little flirty trying not to over play it and it must have worked cause his response was more positive than you would’ve thought. He smiled at you and told you he would.

“I definitely will. But it might be easier if I had your number.”

You gladly gave it to him.

“Maybe I’ll see you again before I head back home.” He said with that sexy smirk of his.

“Maybe you will.” You told him.

With that you said your goodbyes, he winked at you and you went your separate ways.

The next morning your alarm woke you up. You could have sworn that what happened to you yesterday was a dream until your phone buzzed. You thought it was your best friend reminding you about your lunch plans so you wouldn’t forget again, instead it was a random number.

9:45 am

Good morning beautiful :)

You were confused. But then you realized…Dylan had your number but you didn’t have his. Could it be him? Would he really be texting you? You guys only met yesterday and would he really have any interest in you?

9:55 am

Dyl: It’s Dylan btw

Oh, shit you haven’t responded yet.

9:58 am

Y/N: Good morning :)

You couldn’t believe he was actually texting you. Yesterday felt like a dream but it wasn’t. It was very very real. You met Dylan O’ Brien and he asked for your number and now he was texting you. Speaking of which he hasn’t responded and it’s already been a few minutes. What if he changed his mind? What if… Oh well. You weren’t about to sike yourself out of a conversation with Dylan O’ Brien so you put your phone down, get out of bed, and go get ready for your day. You still can’t believe what’s happened to you though. You stand in front of your closet trying to decide what to wear. Finally, you pull something out opting for a cute sundress instead of your usual leggings a t-shirt. Next was shoes. You decide on a pair of converse. You then walk over to your dresser to put some make up on. You decide to attempt a winged eyeliner today hoping for the best. A few minutes later you were pretty proud of yourself and the sharp wings you just drew. Taking a look at yourself in the mirror, you were pretty proud of how you looked today but your pretty sure it has a lot to do with the great mood you’re in. It’s now 11:15 in the morning and you decide to go downstairs and make yourself a cup of coffee before heading out. You grab your phone and see a missed text message.

10:15 am

Dyl: What are you up to today? 

Holy shit that was an hour ago! It’s ok, right? Just respond like normal…I mean he can’t expect you to have your phone on you all the time, right? Right?! Ok deep breath.

11:25 am

Y/N: Nothin much. I’m having lunch with a friend later. Hbu?

 You really hoped he’d still respond. The last thing you wanted to do was screw this up. You hear your phone buzz. Thank god.

 11:30

Hey bitch! Don’t forget about lunch! We’re meeting at Wynwood at 1:30…try not be late this time

 It wasn’t Dylan. This time it really was your best friend reminding you about lunch. You really shouldn’t be late again. If you leave at 12:45 you should be fine and have time to park and everything so you have about an hour to chill. *phone buzzes*

 11:38 am

Dyl: Sounds fun. My mom found this cool place in the art district that we might go check out.

 Could he be talking about Wynwood?

 11:40 am

Dyl: I think it’s called Wynwood

 Well…now what. You knew you wanted to see him again and he had mentioned seeing you again before he left so maybe this was your chance.

 11:43 am

Y/N: No way! That’s where I’m going for lunch! It’s a pretty cool area and the food is pretty good

 11:50 am

Dyl: Oh cool! So I guess I will be seeing you again before I leave ;)

 11:55 am

Y/N: I guess so ;)

 Suddenly you were very happy with your outfit choice for the day. You looked pretty good and considering how he saw you yesterday (leggings and a baggy t-shirt that did nothing for your body) that was a good thing. You decided you should call your best friend and let her in on the recent developments in your life considering that they may cause you to ditch the group at one point or another. Normally you’d never ditch them for a guy but this wasn’t just any guy and she knew it. In fact, after you told her the story she encouraged you to. She couldn’t believe you met him. You’re definitely a bigger fan of his than she is but she was completely jealous. You hung up with her and started heading towards Wynwood. Once you arrived you met up with them and chose a restaurant. You caught up the rest of the girls over lunch. Your conversation was filled with laughs and each one of them mentioned how “Holy shit! Dylan O’ Brien totally likes you!” …yea it was an interesting lunch. You finished eating and you guys just sat there talking shit and hanging out for a while until your phone buzzed.  All the girls immediately reached for the phone but you were faster. They all kept asking who was texting you. “Oh my gosh oh my gosh who is it? Is it him?” You looked down and read the text.

 2:50 pm

Dyl: So I’ve been walking around Wynwood for a few hours and haven’t run into you yet

 You immediately smiled after reading the text and the girls knew it was him. They started asking “I knew it! What’d he say?!” You were reluctant to answer them but you read the text out loud and they all started screaming with huge smiles on their faces.

2:53 pm

Y/N: Maybe you just haven’t been walking around the right areas lol

 2:55 pm

Dyl: Clearly…so help me out then.

2:57 pm

Y/N: Well we just finished eating. We’re heading to the walls in a few minutes. Maybe you can try your luck there ;)

 3:02 pm

Dyl: Headed that way now

 You realized you’d been texting for a full 10 minutes almost so you put the phone down and notice the girls all staring at you with questioning looks wondering what was so interesting that you didn’t look up for 10 minutes. You said nothing, although none of them believed you but they let it go. You paid and headed to the walls. You had always liked walking through the Wynwood Walls because there’s always a new mural and they’re always pretty to look at… they make good pictures too. You and the girls walked around admiring the art and then you hear someone behind you. He cleared his throat to get your attention and all of you turned around to see Dylan standing there staring at you with the sweetest smile you had ever seen.

“So I guess I finally found you.” He said with a giggle.

You laughed and said “I guess so.”

Although you didn’t notice, the two of you were apparently just staring at each other until one of the girls introduced herself. Oh right, you weren’t alone. You finished introducing everyone and then the girls made a not so subtle exit. “Oh I totally forgot! I need to get something else from the restaurant for my mom!” and then another one “Yea and I actually need to head home…uh my dog needs to go out” and it kept going until all five had left. Dylan laughed and although the whole thing was awkward, so did you.

“I thought you were here with your family?” you asked him.

“Yea but they started to wander around. They like art a lot and wanted to see the different murals and take some pictures. I didn’t realize how many there actually were.”

“Oh ok. Yea there’s murals on every wall for I don’t know how many blocks so if they’re taking pictures of them all they might be at it for a while.”

He laughed and you felt a little relief knowing that you could be yourself. He told you that you looked nice today and you patted yourself on the back for your choices this morning. The two of you talked and walked around. You were just getting to know each other a little bit more. As a fan, you knew a little bit about him but you soon realized that there was so much more to him. You asked him questions and he asked you some in return and the two of you were honestly just getting to know one another and how you were as people. Usually you’d be paying attention to the murals but you found yourself unable to focus on anything but this great guy walking next to you. How you ended up walking next to your celebrity crush was a mystery to you but you were beyond ecstatic. An hour passes by and neither of you even noticed. You were still strolling through the streets and although you don’t remember when, at some point he intertwined his fingers with yours. A little while later he got a call from his parents. He had to go. You were sad that your amazingly wonderful afternoon was being cut but you understood.

“That was my mom. I guess they’re done exploring.”

There was silence as the two of you exchanged glances understanding that neither of you wanted the afternoon to end.

“Oh ok. Well I…” you started but you were cut off.

“I’m sorry. I really don’t wanna leave yet but I promised them dinner on the beach.” He said with an apologetic look.

You gave a gentle smile. “It’s ok don’t worry about it. You’re here on vacation with your family, I understand.”

He returned the smile. “I really am sorry.” He said.

After another moment of silence, he looked at you with a soft and caring face. Almost as if he was trying to communicate through looks.

“I’ll call you later?” he asked.

“For sure!” you said.

He gave you a smile, gave your hand (that you didn’t even realize he was still holding) a gentle squeeze and then said bye. You watched him walk away and decided to head to your own car. You got home and just threw yourself on your bed. You’ve just had two amazing afternoons with Dylan and you wouldn’t change them for anything. Your phone starts to ring and you were pretty sure it wasn’t Dylan because he told you he was going to dinner with his family but you got excited anyways. You picked it up and it was your best friend. Oh shit…you forgot about them. You answer the phone and she started bombarding you with questions. How was it? Did he kiss you? Is he nice? What did he say? You tried your best to answer all her questions but you had to laugh at how excited she was. Honestly, she was happy for you and you knew it. The two of you were on the phone for hours but that’s nothing unusual. You started doing what any other person does when they’re on the phone and you started roaming your house. You changed into something more comfortable, a t-shirt and some shorts. You picked up your room a little bit. You actually get a lot done when the two of you talk and its actually kind of funny. When you finally finished talking you hung up, sat on your bed, and pulled your computer out. You were in the middle of binge watching a new show you found and there was only half a season left. You spent the rest of night finishing the show and went to bed.

The next morning you got up and made yourself some coffee. You decided to stay home today and chill. You didn’t have any errands to run and your house pretty clean. You spent the day watching Netflix and relaxing on your couch. The day went by and you didn’t even realize it was night time outside. The entire day passed and he didn’t call. He said he would. Anxiety started to get the better of you and you didn’t know what to do. He leaves tomorrow and he said he’d call. Should you call him? Should you text him? No. It’s a bad idea. It was already late so you tried going to sleep but your mind wouldn’t stop. Why would he even be interested in you? He can have anyone he wants, why would he chose you? Even if he did by some miracle, he’s an actor so he would always be traveling and you’d never see him. Nothing good was coming out of staying up. You always overthink everything and the longer you were awake the more scenarios and reasons you came up with and each one was worse than the last. Eventually you fell asleep. You were woken up by your phone vibrating.

 10:13 am

Dyl: Good morning! Sorry I never got a chance to call you. I’ve been running around downtown with my parents. I leave tonight but I really wanted to see you before I left. Do you think we could meet for an early lunch?

You read the text and you immediately felt a flood of relief. You took a deep breath and calmed down. Every thought you had last night was completely wrong and pointless.

10:17 am

Y/N: Don’t worry about it! Yea I’d love to meet up! I hope you guys have been enjoying Miami!

 The two of you kept texting and decided on a place and time to meet. You were meeting him at 12:30 and you still needed to shower and flat iron your hair…you needed to hurry. If this was the last time you were gonna see him then you were gonna look good. You were out the door by 12:15 looking very cute if you do say so yourself. You made it to the restaurant by 12:30 and saw him walking in. The two of you sat and just talked for a couple of hours. He told you about the maze runner, without spoiling anything of course. He started telling you about Italy from when filmed American Assassin. He even told you that there were a couple of projects he was waiting to hear back from that he was really excited for. He asked about you and your life and you assured him it wasn’t anything too interesting but he insisted on hearing about it. So, you told him a few stories and how you were starting your own business (because that’s probably the most interesting thing about you) and he was really happy to hear that and started asking questions about it. You don’t really like to boast or brag about yourself but he was honestly interested and made you feel really comfortable. He had to be at the airport by 3:45 so you knew your lunch was ending soon. When 3 o’clock rolled around he insisted on paying the bill and the two of you walked out. He walked you to your car and thanked you for making his vacation that much better. He didn’t want this to be the end but you knew that because of his crazy schedule and travelling that it would never work. He insisted the two of you at least give it a shot but you didn’t want to risk losing him completely so you kept telling him it wouldn’t work. He finally agreed with you but asked to stay in touch. You of course were open to that and the two of you agreed to stay friends and talk once in a while. He looked at you with a soft face and smiled. He glanced down at your lips and you at his but after what you just agreed on you both knew it wasn’t it a good idea. He pulled you in for a hug. You fit together perfectly and he smelled amazing. He kissed your forehead, gave you one last squeeze and started walking away. He turned around and winked at you knowing damn well what he was doing. You laughed and got in your car. Your drive home was bitter sweet. You just left lunch with Dylan O’Brien and who knew when or if you’d see him again but you’d just spent quite a bit of time with him over the last few days. You’d been home for a while already and you glanced over at the clock. 5:38 pm. He’s officially gone. It was fun while it lasted and it was definitely a week you will never forget. You were thankful for your new friend.

If you enjoyed this part, here’s part 2!

[eat-travel-live-repeat]

A Foodie’s Guide to Bir Billing – The Paragliding Capital of India

Bir is a town situated in the west of Joginder Nagar Valley in the state of Himachal Pradesh in northern India. Now popular as the “Paragliding Capital of India“, Bir is likewise a prominent centre for ecotourism, spiritual studies and meditation. Bir is also home to a significant Tibetan refugee settlement with severable known Buddhist Monasteries . While Billing is the take off site for paragliding and Bir is where the landing site is; collectively it is referred to as “Bir Billing”.

  In the past few years, Bir has become quite popular with the travellers, specially with those who are living the Digital Nomad Life. Popular hostel chains such as Zostel, The Hosteller, The Bunker etc have opened up properties in Bir, catering to the demand of the growing travellers, and likewise the Cafe culture has also grown and developed in the past 2-3 years.

  A lot of creative minds, who chose to escape the city life and move to the mountains, have made Bir their home now! And the fact that there are direct buses plying between Bir and Delhi on a daily basis, has contributed significantly in the growth of tourism in the Paragliding Capital of India. 

  All these factors have made Bir Billing not only a popular Weekend Getaway destination, but also one of India’s growing Digital Nomad Hotspot.

  I was fortunate to have spent around 2 weeks in March 2020 (Before Coronavirus aka COVID – 19 was declared an Pandemic by WHO), in Bir Billing, getting High on Himalayas, with a bunch of amazing people, and trying out different dishes to Eat in Bir Billing, on a daily basis, which helped compile this Bir Billing Food Guide, which mainly highlights what’s special to Eat in the different cafes and restaurants in Bir Billing.

  These places have been listed in chronological order, with respect to their location, as you walk from Choughan Chowk towards Landing Site in Bir.

  [toc]

  Steamed and Fried Momos – Ram Bahadur Cafe

If you have a craving Momos, there’s no place better than Ram Bahadur Cafe !

This small ordinary looking food joint, holds a special place in the hearts of everyone who stays in Bir!

They have got Vegetable / Chicken / Mutton as a filling, which can be enjoyed either steamed, or fried. And my recommendation would be the Chicken Fried Momos, with spoonfuls of the yummy spicy chutney!

PS – Their momo chutney is to die for – just yummmm!

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  Thukpa and Devil Momo’s – Nyingma Restaurant

Another few steps from Ram Bahadur Cafe towards Gandhi Chowk, and you’ll find Nyingma Hotel – a bright yellow structure, on the Left side of the road.

This will look like one expensive restaurant, because of the plush interiors, but trust me, the rates are pretty economical, and the food tastes yummy.

While the restaurant serves a variety of dishes, I found the Thukpa and the Devil Momos to be the highlights at Nyingma Restaurant. And Ginger Lemon Honey tea of course.

Unlike a lot of places, where the Thukpa turns out to be either bland, or too spicy, the Thukpa here is just perfectly balanced, and pretty heavy too!

Devil Momos are basically fried momos, tossed and served in a spicy garlic gravy.

If you are looking for a place where you can chat with your friends, while having some really sumptuous food, Nyingma Restaurant is the place to be!

TBH, I found this to be one of Bir Billings hidden gems, with respect to this Bir Billing Food Guide ! You will mostly find locals here, rather than the tourists and travellers!

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Hogging on Momos in Bir, be it fried, steamed or the devil momos, will forever remain one of my Most Memorable Experiences in the Himalayas.

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Home Cooked Food – Kuckie’s Cafe

Kuckie’s Cafe deserves a special mention in this Bir Billing Food Guide !

Why ? You may ask ?

Well, ask any one who has been staying in Bir for a while, where they go to when they crave some Home Cooked food, and the answer will be unanimous – Kuckie’s Cafe !

The food served by Kuckie Aunty is simple, but yummy, and not that heavy on the pocket. The moment you step in Kuckie’s Cafe, you’ll feel as if, you’ve entered the living room of your house, and having a few words with Aunty will make you feel at home.

Whether you are looking for a quiet place to read a book, or work, or simply have a conversation – Its very easy to find a  spot for yourself at Kuckie’s Cafe.

BTW if you are looking for a place to volunteer, Aunty is always on the lookout for a helping hand.

Yummy Home Cooked Food

Ghar ka Khaana

Kuckie’s Cafe

  Hot Chocolate – June16

The strategic location of June16 Cafe, makes it one of the most popular and frequented cafes in Bir Billing, where travellers can be seen throughout the day, sipping a hot beverage like hot chocolate or coffee chatting with other travellers, and Digital Nomads, engrossed in their work, while sipping some yummy Hot Chocolate, which is what I would recommend you to try out as well.

  Hot Chocolate @ June 16 Cafe

  Vada Pav and Cutting Chai – Bombay Local

If you are craving some authentic and yummy Maharashtrian street food, such as Vada Pav and Pav Bhaji, along with the famed Cutting Chai, Bombay Local is where you should go to.

The Vada Pav is economically priced at INR 40, and will definitely take you back to the streets of Mumbai or Pune.

  Vada Pav @ Bombay Local

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Pasta’s and Fresh Green Salads – Paloma Vegan Bistro

Probably the only Cafe in Bir Billing, that caters only to Vegan Food.

Paloma Vegan Bistro serves some really delectable cakes, pastas and fresh salads, which you should definitely try.

  Fresh Green Salad @ Paloma Vegan Bistro

  Himachali Siddu  – The Northern Cafe

The Northern Cafe is one of the best places to catch the famed sunsets of Bir, with a panoramic view of the landing site in front, and the mighty Himalayas on the back. 

While the food is a bit pricey here, its one of the few restaurants and cafes in Bir Billing, where you can have the traditional Himachali Siddu. Also to try are the yummy pakoras, while enjoying the sunset.

Also, if you are a Digital Nomad, and are looking for a quiet place to work, I would highly recommend you to make The Northern Cafe, as your workspace during the day, when there aren’t that many travellers present.

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  Mint Ice Tea – Musafir – The Traveller’s Cafe

If you are a traveler and are interested in the Indie Music scene, you might be aware about Musicathon Bir. Musafir Cafe is where it all started!

The Mint Ice Tea is sort of a legend, and I highly recommend you try it at Musafir – The Traveller’s Cafe, while enjoying the sunset, with soft Indie Music playing in the background.

If you are an artist, you are going to love the vibes at Musafir Cafe for sure.

I’ve also heard that their chicken curry is also quite sumptuous. So if you happen to stay here post sunset, you might want to check it out.

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  South Indian Food – Avva’s Cafe

Strategically located beyond the Landing Site in Bir Billing, overlooking the green terraced fields, Avva’s Cafe, serves the best South Indian Food in Bir Billing. Period.

Yes, dining at Avva’s cafe, will be a bit heavy on the pocket, but the moment you’ll have your first bite, you’ll realise, that its worth every penny.

The idlis are going to melt in your mouth, the sambar is perfectly balanced and is neither too sweet nor too spicy, the coconut chutney is something that you’ll keep asking more and more, the dosas will be crisp with just the right amount of filling. And did I forget to tell that, you’ll get Rasam with kaala chana on the house.

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  Avva’s Cafe has one of the Best views in Bir Billing, from where you can see the gliders fly in the sky, all day long.

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Bnoffee Pie – Silver Linings

Another quaint cafe, famous with artists, digital nomads and the local community is the Silver Lining Cafe, just opposite Avva’s Cafe.

What usually happens is that, travellers have a heavy meal at Avva’s Cafe, and then cross the road and make their way to Silver Lining Cafe, where they just chill, connect with other travellers, and enjoy their cup of coffee!

The Bnoffee Pie along with Coffee is what I’ll recommend you to try at Silver Lining.

  Bnoffee Pie @ Silver Linings

  Anything and Everything – Kaafila

Tucked in the bylanes of Chaughan village, amidst bright yellow fields with the backdrop of snow clad peaks is a quaint cafe named Kaafila – from the streets of Bombay that offers you a slice of Bombay in the mountains.

From the iconic Bombay wada pav to pav bhaji and other mouth watering delicacies of mumbai street food, Kaafila serves it all.

Occasionally, you can find artistic souls creating soothing music or just leaving their footprints behind by painting a part of them on their art wall. Also, on bright sunny days they bake amazing sweet treats too giving you a complete experience of a guilty food trip filled with tons of entertainment as you connect with fellow travellers!

They also host pizza and burger nights, live sports streaming nights, BBQ and bonfire nights and gaming nights where the community of travellers meets and interacts with each other.

Musafir Cafe as mentioned above in this Bir Billing Food Guide, was previously where Kaafila, is today.

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  Vegetarian Thaali – Suryansh Bhojnalaya

This is the only place in this Bir Billing Food Guide, which is not near the landing site in Bir Billing, but on the highway from Bir to Palampur. Its 4 – 5 KM from the landing site, and the best way to go there is in a cab / your own vehicle if applicable.

The speciality of Suryansh Bhojnalaya serving only Vegetarian food is the Himachali Thaali and its pretty simple and straightforward affair. The food is sumptuous, healthy, and very economical.

One Thali for INR 150, is sufficient to feed two people, if they are not that hungry.

  Himachali Thali @ Suryansh Bhojnalaya

  Maggi and Chai – Multiple Places

This goes without saying, that the joy of having piping hot Maggi, while sipping Chai, is an experience thats synonymous with getting High on Himalayas.

Any any trip to the mountains is incomplete, if you haven’t sipped hot Chai, and slurped the Masala Maggi, while enjoying the view of the mighty Himalayas.

Getting Maggi and Chai in the mountains, is very easy, and can be found at multiple places through out Bir Billing, but the ones where you’ll have the best experience, are literally in the lap of the Mountains, away from the town.

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  What To Eat and Where to Eat in Bir Billing (Himachal Pradesh, India) | A Food Guide A Foodie's Guide to Bir Billing - The Paragliding Capital of India Bir is a town situated in the…

[inthenightsoupkitchen]

The Church Meeting

This week was the bimonthly congregational meeting which, because we are Methodists, is just one more excuse to get together and eat food. I came up in the Evangelical Free church, which I escaped in college for many, many reasons, but one that I didn’t even know about at the time was that they just do not take food seriously. Hot dogs and spaghetti dinners were the usual high points of food-eating time at my childhood church, and even those were few and far between. Then I found the United Methodist Church. Wow. 

My first United Methodist church (it was not a First United Methodist Church, although I have been to those as well, ha-ha) was a very small congregation indeed, about fifty people knocking around one of those beautiful old historic churches. But even with such a small group, the food was always A++. Monthly potluck just so everybody could get together and eat, plus Sunday morning snacks. It was great! I picked up some good good recipes there. Also, we were super-duper poor at that point in our lives, and people were incredibly nice about slipping us leftovers. Food is a love language, and it’s definitely one of mine. I honestly grieved for two years after we moved away because I missed that church so much. But it’s a happy story too, they’ve got 150 people now and are doing very well, so hey! 

In any case, you can’t have a church council meeting or a charge conference without dinner, that would be an abomination. My friend Aaron (I am changing peoples’ names here for privacy, btw) runs Week 1 of the Soup Kitchen and he’s also in charge of cooking for these meetings. He is really good at bulk cooking. The meal was gallons and gallons of chicken cassoulet, a big green salad, and these amazing rolls. So good. Typically after the dinner I go and help with childcare, my other ministry thing, but this time I had to stick around and get voted in. I then ended up almost missing it anyway because Aaron and Ross who runs Week 2 and I were trying to figure out how to move all the leftovers across the street to the soup kitchen. There was enough left that it could be the main dish for soup kitchen this week, saving everyone some money and time. 

Eventually we decided to do it after the meeting and I got back in there in time to become Officially In Charge Of The Thing. It took me almost the entire meeting and reading all the paperwork to figure out what my position actually is and when I need to get voted on again. Back in my little church, I was on the church council as well, but that also meant being part of the board of trustees and any other board need that happened to come up, because there were so few of us. I once became Vice President of the Board of Trustees because somebody volunteered me when I was out of the room. This church is a little bit more formalized than that, but I think I’ve got it figured out now. 

The pastor then preached a sermon, which was unusual but I totally rolled with it because it was super good. As any among you who are Methodists probably know, the church is currently losing its collective shit over the issue of whether gay people are worth giving equal rights to, and the current political atmosphere is doing nothing to heal that growing schism. He couldn’t tell us much more than that we have to wait, and that anybody who tells you this is a settled question or that they have the weight of the church behind their answer is lying, which is a useful message right now. But then he went on to talk about how to separate bad theology from good theology, and I wound up taking notes on a sermon for the first time in like a decade. 

Our theology is a message of love, mercy, and grace. Bad theology says God calls you to come to him where he is, and you have to somehow get there from where you are. Love says that God goes to you where you are, wherever you are. Bad theology says God helps those who help themselves. Mercy says that God helps, period. Bad theology says that God has a reason why he makes bad things happen to us. Grace says that God doesn’t make those things happen, but he can create reason and new purpose through the chaos and wreckage. It was a powerful message in a week when people were working hard to co-opt the message of the church with some very bad theology. (Wesleyan Covenant Association,yes that does mean you, and what the hell are you doing on Tumblr anyway?) 

Anyway, after the meeting wrapped up, it was time to move food. I got trapped into a meeting with the new mission board director, my new boss (I will discuss this meeting later), and by the time I finally managed to get to my cassoulet-moving, Aaron and Ross were both gone. Argh. So I got myself a little handcart and I pulled my little car up to the door, and I moved myself ten gallons of cassoulet and seven gallon bags of salad (lot of leftovers that night!) into my trunk and eventually across the street and into the kitchen at the other building. It was dark and spooky over there (this was almost 9pm by now), so I started singing hymns as I flipped on the lights to look for ghosts and murderers who might want to steal my cassoulet. Neither showed up, but one other church member did, and he was incredibly nice and helped me get everything labeled and washed and packed away for soup kitchen on Saturday. With his help, it didn’t take more than twenty minutes or so, and I didn’t have to sing the whole time, so extra bonus! But food is very important to us, we don’t want it to go to waste.