the Dragon

So I just came back from a three-week vacation to Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. Now I need a vacation from our vacation. Over the coming weeks I’ll post pictures and musings (Scotland and Ireland are both incredibly beautiful countries), but for now I just wanted to share a few tidbits I learned (and perhaps I should’ve known) about vacation planning and execution to…

Historically black beans and rice were introduced to Cuba by the Spaniards during its colonization starting in the 1450s. My only deviation from the recipe taught to me by my mother is I use red bell pepper instead of green. Ingredients: 1 lb dry black beans 1/2 tsp cumin 1 tsp ground oregano 1 tsp salt 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 3-4 garlic cloves, minced 1 medium onion, finely…

(via Everglades, South Florida)

In April of 2021 I went with my sister and my nieces on an airboat ride in the Everglades. It’s the largest subtropical wilderness in the US. It’s also a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a specially protected area under the Cartagena Treaty. It was breezy and a bit overcast that day, but it was probably for the best considering the…

Coconut Grove, Florida

(via Bay 13 Brewery & Kitchen)