by Krista | Oct 18, 2012 | Bits 'n' Bobs
During my stay at the beautiful Italian country farmhouse, Casa Scaparone in Alba, Italy, I looked forward to breakfast every single day.
Not once did we have packaged cereal or dry pastries, instead everything was homemade and served with endless cups of just-made strong Italian coffee.
My first morning I had simple brown cake with home-canned peaches and fresh, creamy goat cheese made on the farm.
The second morning I had toast made from fresh, crusty bread and spread with soft goat cheese and homemade fig preserves.
How I loved those quiet mornings in the cavernous yet cozy farmhouse dining room. We usually rose before any of the other guests, so we often had the place to ourselves.
Such times are made for dreaming not talking, and my friend Margo and I sat in companionable silence, sipping and munching our way through meandering thoughts about life, relationships, goals, and whatever else entered our heads.
I had a lot to think about.
Eight weeks before I had sold or given away nearly everything I owned, packed what I could fit into two suitcases and a carry-on, and moved to Europe to start my life over.
Until the moment I got on that plane carrying me to Amsterdam, I was scared silly. I had been raised in a world where women were to submit, obey, and follow, not make their own decisions and definitely not move to the other side of the world. But somewhere I found the courage to listen to my own heart and pay heed to that “still small voice” that never, ever leads you astray.
I was gulping back tears as I walked by myself through that airport in Vancouver, Canada, leaving behind everything familiar and known. But the moment I sat my bottom down in that plane seat my fears slipped away and I was filled with so much joy and excitement I could hardly contain myself. Every fiber of my being was shouting YOU GO GIRL!!!
And I did. 🙂
Those three months I spent in Europe are precious to me. The beauty and friendships of the Netherlands, Italy, Prague, Germany, Malta and England were balm for my rattled soul and crumpled body. I had arrived a bit of a wreck, reeling from the stress of a stalker and having to go into hiding, the ravages of an illness that nearly killed me, losing my job, spraining my ankle, losing some close family relationships, etc, etc. Yep, I was in dire need of some healing.
So those mornings in Italy during my last weeks in Europe make me smile to this day. They were moments of peace, safety, reflection, and deep gratefulness for all I’d overcome and all I had experienced and everything I had to look forward to.
I’ve been recreating those mornings on my own goat farm in Australia.
I brew strong Italian espresso, toast olive sourdough bread, and add a bit of Danish salami or lovely brown eggs fried in butter until their edges are crispy and salty.
Then I sit quietly at my sun-drenched kitchen table and think through my life, my week, my day, pondering and dreaming and giving thanks.
Today I’m grateful for a new puppy – Frejya – who joined our family last night, for a garden that is flourishing in spite of two rampages by animals, and for the arrival of Spring and the hope it always brings.
What are three things you’re grateful for today?
by Krista | Oct 16, 2012 | Bits 'n' Bobs
Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in the world. Not simply because I have beloved family and friends there, but also because of its fascinating history and inimitable walkable-ness.
I love this city any time of year, but there’s something about late Autumn and early winter that tugs at my heart strings.
I love getting bundled up in woolens and a pashmina, mittens and suede knee boots, and walking wherever I please.
As many times as I’ve walked these streets, I never tire of them. There is always something new to see: luscious flowers at the market, peckish swans, and the ever present old bicycles.
I like the old vines climbing up brick walls, imagining how lush and green they’ll be in the Spring.
It makes me smile to see the names of boats and wonder who the person was that inspired the owner to name a boat after them.
I catch my breathe a little when the sun breaks through the clouds, suffusing buildings with golden warmth and light.
Red shutters never fail to make me happy. One day I will have red shutters too.
When the sun disappears again and icy winds whip off the canal, it’s time for me to go home.
I walk quickly, looking forward to cozying up on the couch to watch movies with my siblings, drinking cup after cup of my favorite Dutch coffee: koffie verkeerd.
This is the Dutch version of café au lait, and translates as “wrong coffee” since it has more milk than is considered right.
Originally it was not served with foamed milk, but nowadays, thankfully, it is. I love good, thick foam that always leaves a mustache if you drink it and needs to be spooned up.
What is your favorite hot drink?
Koffie Verkeerd
Serves Two
Ingredients:
1 cup strong black coffee
1 cup milk
sugar to taste
1/2 cup milk for foaming
Directions:
- Brew coffee according to your strength preference. I like it strong and made in a French press or Italian coffee pot.
- While coffee is brewing, heat milk in saucepan over medium heat. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t scald!
- Pour coffee into cups, add hot milk, stirring well. Add sugar if desired.
- Top with foamed milk.
- Serve immediately.
by Krista | Oct 14, 2012 | Bits 'n' Bobs
I have loved taking ferry rides ever since I was a little girl.
There was something so exciting about driving our car onto a ferry and getting to spend the voyage topside, either sipping hot chocolate indoors on stormy days or clinging to the railing outside with my brothers, not caring if the wind was turning my hair into a tangle of knots.
That love continues unabated to this day, so I was very excited when, on a road trip through Montenegro a few years ago, we found a ferry to take us across the water to Budva instead of having to drive all the way around.
My brother, friends and I waited happily on the pier, soaking up sunshine as we watching boats bobbing in the water and people queuing up for the ferry.
Finally it was time to board and we took our places along the railing, unwilling to miss a single moment of our surprise voyage.
It was a beautiful trip with balmy breezes, the occasional splash of water, and more gorgeous views than our eyes could take in.
We saw towering mountains and pretty little fishing villages, farms clinging to the hillside and opulent villas surrounded by stately Cyprus trees.
There were tower-topped islands and picturesque inlets and clusters of red-tiled buildings around every bend.
All too soon our splendid ride was over and we clambered back aboard our cavernous 9-passenger van, cranking up the air conditioning and the music as we rumbled our way off the ferry, down the road, and into the beautiful seaside city of Budva, Montenegro.
Do you like ferry rides too? What is your favorite one to take and why?
by Krista | Oct 11, 2012 | Bits 'n' Bobs
It has been pouring rain all day here in Queensland as I endure the throes of a ghastly cold with copious amounts of tea, coffee and hot, garlicky soup whilst watching Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries.
On such a stormy day I always think of the Netherlands, so I thought we’d take a visual jaunt to the canals outside Amsterdam while we stay warm and dry indoors.
We were a jolly party gathered on the shores of Broek in Waterland, jostling drinks, blankets, raincoats and other paraphernalia as we clambered aboard our whisper boats for a cruise through quiet villages out into the marshes.
We had such a splendid time motoring along, dreaming of buying homes along the canal, tidy yards overflowing with cheery nasturtiums and giant hydrangeas, colorful boats parked out front.
I especially liked the seating areas set up right on the water, quiet places surrounded by flowers with uninterrupted views of birds, lily pads and whoever motored past.
As we left the shelter of the watery neighborhood, we were assaulted with fierce winds. Casting a wary eye at dark clouds billowing overhead, we puttered along cautiously.
Within moments we were in the middle of a full-fledged storm, sleety rain pelting us with icy ferocity, white-capped waves dashing against the boats.
All those blankets we had tossed in merely out of habit were hastily rummaged from under our seats. We swathed ourselves as warmly as we would and huddled close for protection from the elements.
Sensible people would’ve turned around, but we were having far too much fun, feeling rather brave and adventurous out on the tossing waters. So on we went, backs against the wind and rain, laughing and shouting to be heard over the gale.
I loved it.
When we were sufficiently drenched and cold and ravenously hungry we headed back, encountering a few adventures along the way. Weeds tangled around our motor so my sis-in-law punted while my brother messed about under water getting rid of the foliage. We were chased by a rather ferocious swan and nearly got stuck when we veered too close to shore to look at something.
It was marvelously fun.
Finally we made it back to calm waters, the winds blocked by towering trees and sturdy brick buildings. We had the canals to ourselves, everyone else kept indoors by the inclement weather.
We motored back to the dock, shaking out dripping blankets and jackets before heading home to dry clothes, a hearty meal, and numerous cups of steaming Dutch coffee topped with thick froth.
It was a wonderful way to spend a stormy day.
What is the best adventure you’ve had in the rain?
by Krista | Oct 9, 2012 | Bits 'n' Bobs
I woke to a beautifully foggy morning, tree tops disappearing into the mist, everything wonderfully still and quiet.
What a lovely way to end a holiday and return to regular life.
Now the sun is shining, the sky is clear and blue, and everywhere I look something is blooming.
I had every intention of writing a post for you yesterday, but my plans were thwarted by the Great Goat Raid of 2012 in which a gaggle of goats got into my garden and decimated it.
This is not to be confused with the Great Chicken Raid of 2012 in which a passel of chickens did exactly the same thing a few weeks ago. Gosh. 🙂 There may have been a few frustrated tears spent and the air might have been tinged a slight blue after some choice words were expressed, but in the end there was nothing for it but to don my big gardening hat and get to work. Planting a garden once is a job in itself, but THREE TIMES in one spring? Sigh. 🙂
Needless to say we are taking steps to turn my garden into a veritable fortress, and Bear is giving me a trip to the nursery to get replacement seedlings, bless him. 🙂 So hopefully one day soon my garden will look like this again.
Aside from these minor catastrophes, I’ve had a fantastic stay-cation on this little Aussie goat farm I love so much. As a travel writer, few things make me happier than packing my suitcase and heading off to explore new places, but every now and then I need a real break, one where I can rest without the pressure of seeing and doing. That’s what I did on this Spring Break and it was marvelous.
I slept in, had long, leisurely breakfasts, read all sorts of interesting books, watched movies, took little day trips to various markets, thrift stores, and garden centers, tried out new recipe ideas that have been simmering away in my imagination, and started sorting through the boxes that were shoved in my wardrobe when I arrived and haven’t been organized since.
I’ve also been learning a new skill: wood-burning. So fun!! It’s like drawing next to a campfire, the intoxicating scent of burnt wood filling the air as I cover bare wood with all sorts of etchings. These are my first attempts at the craft, and I can’t wait to learn more.
Some really good things have happened too. I took on two more writing jobs that are proving to be so much fun: travel stories and a history book. I love the challenge of these projects and it’s great to shake out my rusty vocabulary and put a delectable array of marvy words to good use.
The best news of all is that I received confirmation this weekend that the first phase of my Australian visa has been granted and I am now eligible for Medicare. 🙂 HOORAY! HOORAY!!! I am beyond excited and so grateful. All these months of seemingly endless paperwork have been worth it.
Now, dear ones, I’m going to sit back with my coffee, enjoy this morning sunshine and attempt to get over the dreadful cold that hit me last night.
What are your favorite memories from the last two weeks?
by Krista | Sep 25, 2012 | Bits 'n' Bobs
Tomorrow is the start of my spring holidays in Australia and I’m so excited. I can’t stop smiling at the thought of sleeping in and indulging in random creative projects that I don’t have time for during the work week. Yay!!!
So things will be quiet around here until the second week of October while I get some much needed rest.
Until then I will leave you with one more series of black and white photos from an Autumn stroll through Paris.
Like this splendid bicycle that begs to be unlocked and driven to the nearest market, its basket filled to overflowing with fresh flowers, crusty bread, and an array of perfectly ripe fruits and veggies.
I love Parisian parks in Autumn, their broad pathways carpeted with crunchy leaves and lined with benches perfect for writing, musing and people-watching.
One of my favorite places to walk is along the Seine, watching artists of every imaginable race and background capturing the beauties of Paris with brushes and pencils.
I like wandering through old churches, around old buildings, admiring the exquisitely beautiful statues standing serenely in parks and alcoves.
And is there anything more inspiring that scouring the numerous bookstalls along the Seine, fingering old tomes, leafing through art books, music scores, and French novels looking for treasures.
Wishing you a beautiful Spring or Autumn, wherever you are. xo
“It was such a spring day as breathes into a man an ineffable yearning,
a painful sweetness,
a longing that makes him stand motionless,
looking at the leaves or grass,
and fling out his arms to embrace he knows not what.”
John Galsworthy
“Delicious autumn!
My very soul is wedded to it,
and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth
seeking the successive autumns.”
George Eliot
