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Vegan in Hannover, Germany: The Loving Hut

10/29/2015

Orange "Chicken"

When I first moved to Hannover, my husband said, “Let’s welcome you to some vegan food.” Not knowing my soon-to-be favorite vegan restaurant was located a block behind Old Town and our apartment. I became excited as I assumed I would be lost without my Seattle vegan food.

The Loving Hut offers primarily Asian-inspired dishes while offering a few local favorites such as a vegan kebab, hamburger and bratwurst. Upon my first experience at Loving Hut, I ordered the orange “chicken.” The sweet and tangy flavors hit my lips with unexpected surprises. The flavor, texture and combination was unlike anything I’ve tasted. The Loving Hut really nailed the taste of the sauce. Mixed with brown rice and served with a small salad, the European portion-sized meal offers healthy portions that does not leave you hungry. You may get hungry an hour later, but the meals are worth it. (Some meals are larger than others).

Since my first visit I have become a loyal customer of The Loving Hut. They also offer vegan food truck offerings at festivals in Hannover. Their meals always surprise me with their concoction of sauces and one-of-a-kind flavors. My favorite is their donor kebab and doner tasche. The vegan tzakiki and tomato-like sauce is as wonderful as sipping a sangria on a Spanish island. Whoever made it seriously knows how to cook, concoct and create complimentary flavors.

The atmosphere is as cute as their staff. Cute, quaint and quiet, the staff are warm and welcoming which is not standard for German service. The Loving Hut offers other restaurants through out major cities in Europe and the world. The main vibe is to offer a combination of local flavor along with Asian food.

I love Loving Hut so much that I make it a point to visit different LH branches in the EU to try their local vegan flavor. I have to move home in the new year and now thinking, "What the hell am I going to do without Loving Hut in my back yard?" It's funny how sometimes leaping out of the comfort zone is the best thing we can do to discover some things better.

So, when in Hannover find some TLC at the Loving Hut – you will not be disappointed.

Chop Suey

Seitan curry noodles from Maschee Festival made by LH :)

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A Cute and Quaint Parisian Café: Lily of the Valley

10/28/2015

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I started my last day in Paris meandering the 3rd Ard. I heard shouts and screams from kids playing on the grounds at a local school. I turned a corner to notice several cute and quaint cafes of which I noticed Lily of the Valley.

Throughout my time of living in Germany, I began to cook and bake more when one day I realized I had potential. I decided to take my recipes and create a vegan cookbook, something I’ve always wanted to do. Throughout the creation of the cookbook, I finalized my visions of the photography. I wanted to use antique European plates and table clothes to fuse the old with the new.

When I walked past Lily of the Valley, I noticed Parisian women sitting outside while enjoying a pot of tea from historic-looking teapots and cups. I knew I had to go inside since the day prior I stared at 1700s floral dish ware in the Louvre from the Marie Antoinette era. Although small inside, the cute and quaint décor boasted a frency-femanine feel where flowers blossomed from the ceiling to the upholstery.Adorning exposed brick walls and faux flowers blossoming from the ceiling, Lily is the typical yet unique Parisian cafe.

With an extensive list of teas, I ordered a floral green tea infused with rose, mango and jasmine tea. This was one of the best deals I ordered while in Paris. For under four Euros I drank a pot of tea and quietly watched the locals come in and out. Some sat outside and smoked a cigarette while sipping on espresso and reading a book. They took their time and enjoyed a breath of fresh air. How cute. How quaint. How Parisian. I could get used to the lifestyle of lounging at cafes for hours – oh wait – I am used to it, thanks to Germany's love for cafes espresso and kuchen (cake). What seems like a cafe culture shock is having to sip and run to open more tables back in the states. So for now I must learn to enjoy the leisurely cafe experience now while I still live in Germany.

Along with teas, Lily of the Valley offers homemade baked bread and goods that are cooked daily from the owner. The owner's, married in real life, were some of the friendly Parisians I met during the trip in Paris.

If you want to experience a traditional Parisian café I highly recommend Lily of the Valley.
12 rue Dupetit Thouars
75003 Paris
France
Marais Nord, 3ème

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6 Reasons to Support Self-Published Authors

10/26/2015

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Unedited picture - something as simple and photographing pancakes takes hours of work.

If you rummage the Internet, you’ll find plenty of articles on why authors should self-publish, but nothing about why you should support self-published authors. Publishing is a tough and competitive industry. But, thanks to self-publishing authors have the ability to share their creativity with the world. Those who are not familiar with the business aspect can discover the what, why and how to better support self-published author.

Countless Hours of Creativity & Sacrifice
Those who love to write are passionate about writing, creativity and their production. Even if they are not the most grammatically tuned writer, they write with love and passion. My memoir, Finding Om, took over two and a half years to produce. Of course, there were a couple lapses where I took eight weeks from writing, but those “off moments” were spent in reflection on how to produce a better memoir. To many consumers, writing sounds like a lavish dream where one sits in a beautiful garden and taps away at the laptop.

Although many writers have spent time in inspirational settings, most writers must face the hard reality of life. I can only speak from my experience, but I began writing my book while working a full-time job with a long commute. Ten hours of my day were dedicated to that job, which left my mind free of stress on weekends and before work. I gave up my social life and became dedicated to writing. Eventually, (I didn’t like my FT job anyway) I found a job where I could work around 30 hours per week, which left more time for creativity. But, with the weekly hours and wage per hour reduction, my life completely changed. Life became highly budget conscious in order to sustain ever-increasing rent in Seattle. Unless an author has a book advance from a mainstream publishing agency, authors must sacrifice something – time, budget or both in order to produce their work.

Seriously, Loads of Time
While living in Europe, I began my second book where I am focusing on vegan cooking. I worked as a vegan cook in college and I enjoyed the experience. That skill came alive while having to feed two people and two cats off of a small research stipend. Some recipes I’ve made for years, but most were new creations for the book. The above meal and image took about six to eight hours of work to produce one photograph. For most recipes you have to buy the ingredients, test them between one to three times (if the flavor is not right), think about staging, buy appropriate dishware/flowers, stage the dishware, photograph the food (I never thought photographing bread or pasta would take about 1 hour) and then eventually edit the image. So what sounds dreamy, does take a lot of time, money and creativity. Most authors’ I’ve spoke with say it takes about two years to produce one book.

Value of Their Work
One day in Hannover’s Old Town, a quirky-looking gentleman approached me as I photographed one of my meals. Fast-forwarding the conversation, he said that he wrote a Sci-Fi novel a couple years ago. Excited, I asked him if he was going to self-publish his work or find an editor. He said that he once had a publisher interested in his manuscript, but demanded a story change and to omit one of the characters. Long story short, he decided not to go with the traditional route as he could not morally “change” his book. As a full-time gardener he claimed that after he pays for rent, food etc. he has about 40 Euros in the bank each month. For him self-publishing is not an option. His dream was to become a writer, but fell short because of ethics and budget (which leads to the next point).
But for those who do not understand the publishing world, any author who publishes with a mainstream company does not have 100% control of their work. The editors and marketing team will think and brainstorm on how they think the story can sell. So this means changes to the author’s plots, characters, ideas etc. When an author self-publishes, he or she is in control of his or her own authentic work.

Authors Invest Their Own Money & Marketing
Today, many self-publishing companies offer services to prospective authors. During my time of quoting companies, some companies pitched a contract for $12,000 for editing, book design and distribution. Plus, any self-published author markets his or her own book. No self-published company offers marketing, unless the author chooses to pay an additional fee. So not only do authors spend years of unpaid hours writing, he or she does invest their own money for production and marketing. Most do it for the passion not the paycheck. But you get authentic creativity and endless dedication for those who will pay to have their work published.

Authors are Better Compensated
Let’s face it. No one expects to work for free. We all have bills to pay and mouths to feed. Over the last year I researched the publishing market. During this time, I read blog posts and attended various workshops. Many authors and business people encourage authors to self-publish. Why? Because authors are better compensated and the traditional methods are squeezing royalty rates BIG TIME. In the traditional realm, it is common that an author earns 7-10%, possibly 10-15% if they are a successful, multiple-book writer. If you do the math you know the earnings are peanuts, but with a team of people backing them up they can sell a lot of books. Many self-publishers earn better royalties – something everyone deserves from hardwork.

You Support a Small Business
Today’s business world is a battle between the small business and corporations. Small businesses cannot compete with corporate prices. The same is true with publishing. A major company that purchases 250,000 print copies will get large discounts and can sell 300+ page books for under $15.00. Self-published authors who use print on demand unfortunately cannot compete with big time publishers. BUT you are supporting a small and local business. Self-published authors are essentially running their own small business. It’s like buying organic peanut butter at your local health food store versus the all-natural Smucker’s sold at the big box grocery market. The health food store can’t get better wholesale prices because the quantity is too low. You may pay a little extra, but you know that money goes toward supporting someone living his or her dreams.

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The Other Ibiza: What to do in Ibiza Other Than Party

10/25/2015

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Ibiza is the world-renowned party island that brings the world’s best DJ’s to play at some of the most notable clubs on the planet. Ibiza is forever changing and that means there is more to do on the island than just party. Because let’s face it, not everyone is an electronic dance music lover.

Ibiza is unique as it attracts a variety of travelers. From Euro trash to jet set ballers, Ibiza has something for every body and pocket book. It’s like yin and yang, beautifully concocting an ecstasy-kale smoothie. Those who have visited Ibiza claim, "the energy is different." Whether its the quartz crystal that is piled up under the surface or the inspiration from creative hippies - you have to admit that Ibiza is its own energy center based on what is being created their - fashion, music, fitness, health and healing. If you want to enjoy something different follow these ideas and tips.

Spiritual Endeavors
If there’s one thing to do in Ibiza other than party, it’s to get in touch with your spiritual side. Travellers have endless choices on hippie-inspired towns, retreats and centers. Definitely explore the Las Dalias Hippie Market and visit the off-the-beaten path beaches that are not in Playa D’en Bossa and San Antonio.

Book a Reiki appointment with Cat or simply hangout in nature. Join a drum circle and bang some bongos on Sundays at Las Benirras Beach - the choices are endless. If you need any recommendations, please contact me. I’d be happy to help.

Bike Ibiza
Ibiza offers plenty of road bike tour companies that conduct tours and offer rentals. The island is not that confusing so with a good map and road skills, you can easily bike Ibiza. However, the road is shared and you should be cautious since roads are two lanes (one in each direction).

Get Fit
Fitness, yoga, massage and everything wellness are popular options for those who do not want to drink and do drugs. Detox centers offer weekly stays and plans so all you chia seed granola munching hipsters can chow down on some tasty organic delights.

Explore the Island
Rent a car and get lost. It’s hard to get completely lost. Ibiza was the first place in Europe that I rented a car. If I can drive in Ibiza, so can you. Driving in a foreign country scares the life out of me. Outside of Ibiza town, I found the island to be well marked, but I still recommend a GPS. Ibiza features fantastic beaches that are away from the party towns. Take it slow and explore the off the beaten path areas, and keep your eyes peeled for roadside lemon trees between San Antonio and San Rafael town.

Enjoy the Sunset
Ah yes, Café del Mar is the classy, most notable lounge on the sunset strip. Adjacent to the café is Café Mambo. Both offer ambient music and seaside views of the sunset. If you completely despise this type of music, head to a nearby beach for a quieter experience.

The Hippie Markets
Did I mention this already? Hippie markets are a fun and essential part of the Ibizan experience. If you are a modern gal (or dude) that is a hippie-at-heart than you’ll find a variety of options at the markets. Playa D’en Bossa offers a small daily hippie market. Las Dalias offers a grandiose market on Saturdays. Another big-time market is the Punta Arabi Hippy Market on Wednesdays in Es Cana. Expect to pay for parking and a shit-load of money for handmade chic trends. Seriously though, a 120 Euros for a handmade scarf - bowzers!

For a second-hand experience, explore the Car Boot Markets in San Jordi in the Hipodromo. Used bike tires, old t-shirts, anything goes and near everything is sold. If you love bongos, beat some drums on the spectator’s steps midday with fellow Rastafarian-souls.

Relax on a Beach
Once again, there are plenty of beaches, resorts and centers that are off the beaten path. Experience quiet nights and day in solitude at places away from Ibiza town, San Antonio and Playa D’en Bossa. Playa is not the prettiest beach and you'll hear beat-thumping music from morning to night. So if that's not your thing, stay on the other side of the island.

Search for UFO’s
That’s right you conspiracy theorists, you can search for UFO’s on Ibiza. And if you spot one it’s probably the real deal and not the kombucha. Head to the notable Cala Llentia where it seems UFO spotting’s are as common as DJ’s doped on Molly. Speaking of UFO’s, have you heard this song? It’s from my favorite Australian group and reminds me of living in AUS in 2008.

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10 Things Americans Can Learn From Germans (and Vice Versa)

10/20/2015

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German's know how to live a balanced life with equal parts of work and play.

Life is a box of lessons. You never know what you’re gonna get until you travel, live, eat and immerse yourself into another culture. With this being my fourth move abroad, there is something to learn from every culture, but funny enough I find living in Germany between the ages of 29-30 to be appropriate. Once you are this age, life organically changes and something’s like predictability and stability become important.

And well, there have been plenty of things I have learned from Germans and Germany. I love Germans and the Deutschland so I am forever thankful for the lessons that entered my life. But – we can all learn from each other. With further ado here are the many lessons Germans and Americans can learn from each other.

Not Being So Wasteful – It’s no secret Germans are the kings of energy efficiency. I am one of those people who naturally turn off the water while I am brushing my teeth and unplug every electronic device from the wall when its not being used. Germans understand the importance of this and are the world leaders saving energy (in my opinion). Certain pockets of America can improve on their energy saving techniques especially when it comes to leaving lights on all day and night in skyrise buildings.

Take LONG Vacations – This is a big problem in the US. Germans gladly take their vacation – and long ones too. Most Germans I know fly to exotic places every corridor. I admire their sense of adventure and global views to want to see the world. Most Americans start with 10 days of vacation per year or have to work one year with NO time off in order to earn 10 days of vacation. When you live in a different state than your parents, you’re basically screwed in having to choose a trip home for Christmas or that vacation abroad. Most Americans are stuck either financially or trying to rise up the chain in their job and taking a vacation looks “bad.” Germans believe that when you travel you not only see the world, but you are more productive at work.

Take Off Sundays and Holidays – In America, everything is open all day, everyday and even on some holidays. Germany may have the one Lidl in town that is open 364 days per year, but most every business shuts down. When I first moved to Germany I was bored out of my mind on Sunday. But now I love sleepy Sundays as it allows you to relax, detox from consumerism and spend time outside or doing things the old-fashioned way. In America, Black Friday is now trickling into opening on Thanksgiving night. When do people rest? I read an article in 2014 where a manager of Pizza Hut was fired because he argued with the owner about closing on Thanksgiving. He eventually got his job back from corporate, but said, “If we can't rest on a holiday, when can we rest?”

Work Efficiency – Both Americans and Germans work hard. We share that same drive to succeed and find some of our identity through work. But, Germans are more efficient and work their 37-40 hours per week and go home. Some businesses work longer, but on the whole Germans are more efficient. I love the story of a couple German people I know who work in the states who do not understand people who work 10-12 hours per day but for three hours are spending time shopping online, texting and chatting on Facebook.

Celebration Christmas Longer – If there’s one thing that Germans love its Christmas. As an American, I love Christmas and find German Christmas markets the most magical thing ever. Christmas cookies and home items are out in the stores in mid-October and you see Germans filling up their baskets with the yummiest cinnamon and ginger cookies. I think Christmas should be a three-month celebration, but you know what the hell do I know?

Better Public Transportation – Poor planning of the fifties has screwed urban planning of the states. Suburban sprawl makes America car dependent and with a lack of public transit (or negative perception) a car is a necessity unless you live in a dense city such as NYC or SFO. Life is so much more enjoyable when you can hop on a bus or a train. The German methods of transit are efficient and dependable (except for the occasional late DB train).

Use Zoning Laws – Germans were so smart when they created their cities. Their zoning laws have created dense urban cities, towns and villages. Even small towns such as Magdeburg or dying Eastern German cities are vibrant in city center. Zoning laws have prohibited major retailors from doing their business outside of city center. Thus, all major shopping is downtown, and when there’s more people there are more cafes and restaurants too.

Healthy Eating – Many people believe German food is heavy. And yes, wurst and potatoes are dense, but Germans eat and embrace healthy eating. It’s funny traveling with Germans around the EU they find the “English breakfast” offered at some hotels to be “gross” as there is no variety and it’s too heavy. Fruits and vegetables are a part of the German diet and most who’ve visited America found it difficult to eat healthy. Many Germans do not understand why fruit and vegetables are so much more expensive in the states or why sugary drinks are a part of the American diet. I feel like our diet is half plastic and half pesticides. It’s exhausting the amount of energy we have to spend to figure out what the hell is in our food. Doner kebabs are Germany's number one preferred fast food, but half the meal consists of lettuce, tomato, onions, purple and green cabbage and cucumber.

Affordability - In most German cities, life is affordable from apartment rents, services to grocery prices. Germans earn average wages. An engineer in Germany will make less even in Euros compared to an American engineer. Part of this is due to cost of living, but another is from a sense of reasonable wages. I looked at several marketing consultants in the states to help me with my book, Finding Om. Some charged up to $600 per hour. How can a middle class author who spent 2.5 years writing a book for free afford that? In the energy healing world, I know many talented healers who charge $300-400 per session. This blisters my mind for two reasons. One - When comparing life to other cultures, American wages are relatively good, but most struggle because of high cost of living (and consumerism). Second, is that my heart and soul is pretty much a non-profit-mentality existing in a human body. People who charge those ungodly wages just contribute to the problematic cycle in America. The "regular" people who truly need an energy healer or consultant's help cannot afford those prices. I can't say for sure, but if a German charged this to average people, I am not sure if their business would survive in Germany? Germans are practical and could only see B2B charging these rates.

Quality of Life – As an American, I know that a person can become homeless or get into medical debt overnight. That is very unnerving and there is no sense of security especially if a person is lower middle class. After the crash, America has become very unpredictable and I believe part of this contributes to American mental health. In Germany, it is near impossible to be homeless unless you choose to be destructive and/or become a drug addict. Germany is gun free and Germans are diplomatic. Yes, there is still crime in Germany, but there is a sense of safety especially as a woman who sometimes travels alone. All, but especially the young, Germans love to enjoy the pleasures of life. Whether it’s at a techno, work or art party, Germans of all ages flock the dance floor and dance the night away. They don’t need to be wasted to dance and enjoy life.

I watch children play outside and sometimes cried watching them because American children do not have the same life I had when I grew up in the eighties and early nineties. Here, kids and teenagers take public transit because it is okay and safe. These are the same feelings I felt when I lived in Australia. At times I’ve gotten so mad because it is now unnerving to go to a movie in America, which is probably one of the safest places for our teenagers to visit.

Germans can adopt American friendliness and those who do not travel to the US can overcome stereotypes.

What Germans Can Learn from Americans

Smile More – Northern Germany has a colder personality than the smiling Bavarian culture. I have many “non traditional” German friends who are the happiest creatures but sometimes the older crowd can add a bit more friendliness to their culture. And just to mention, even if an American says to you, we are not superficial – we are friendly. I believe there is a distinct difference between being honest, superficial and rude.

Better Customer Service – Americans work – a lot. The one thing that no one can beat Americans at is customer service. Sometimes I think the CS in the states is a bit overboard to where a person can bitch and complain until they get what they want, but German businesses can improve upon their customer service. When a waiter arrives at the table with no smile and says, “Was fur trinken?” (What do you want to drink?) it comes across as rude. Or when a business takes 4-8 weeks to reply to your email (or never replies) it’s mind-blowing as promptness is a part of customer service. I do not understand that logic of someone wanting to give you money but taking a month to respond.

Following Rules is Not a Law but Merely a Suggestion – For every article about Germany that expresses the whole standing-at-a-red-light-thing is true. It blisters my American rebel mind that following the rules while standing at a red light at 3:00 am while no traffic is around is still followed. It makes you feel so uncomfortable if you cross that light while others stare at you with Darth Vadar eyes. It’s okay to live outside of the box. I had a person once say that America is a country filled with rule-breakers. And well, I agree to that.

Breaking the Rules Can Lead to Innovation – To go with the above, breaking the rules can lead to world-changing ideas and innovation. When constantly in the box, its difficult to grow, expand and be creative.

Stop Assuming - To further go along with the above, many non-traveled Germans have a stereotype that Americans are fat, stupid and lazy. And in Germany’s defense, many European believe this. It’s not just Germany. People tend to assume these things, but yet consume our products and love our ideas. Yes, obesity is a problem, but Americans are hardworking, innovative and creative. Yes, we have our arrogant jet setters, but other cultures have them too. I remember being a kid and being so proud to be American as our athletes whooped the shit out of other countries in the Olympics.

Relax and Laugh - It's no secret that American humor pushes the buttons. In fact, I am ashamed that American humor has transformed into vulgar expressions that no longer shares good and clean jokes. I do think Germany is expanding their humor department, but some can let go and not take things so seriously. Uptight Germans can learn how to loosen their top button, smile and laugh a little bit more.

Being Too Private - I love how German's are private people. In fact, Americans can learn to be more private especially on social media. I can't blame Germans because of their history, but many locals find it "weird and creepy" about the US government spying on people's account. I agree, but I am also a realist that understands we live in a different world. And yes, what Obama did to Merkel is just down-right wrong. Many years ago when there was actually something worthwhile to watch on television, I saw a National Geographic show on terrorism. The program showed how the US government caught terrorists who communicated through world-wide online video games. So people from around the world plugged into this one game and communicated to each other through moves and weapons. So, for example if someone pointed their gun upwards twice it communicated a "yes" answer. Interesting, huh?

Most everything is rooted back to numbers, data and statistics. I really don't believe the US government gives two-shits about people posting about their vacation in Zanzibar or what they ate for dinner last night. They are searching for meta-data, keywords and continuous hits on a certain subject. It's a sensitive topic, but understanding the positive side to this is ideal. Because if the US wasn't doing it, the next money-making country, Germany would have to step in. And we all know Germany does not want to get involved with another war.

In the end, cultures are cultures and we all learn from each other. There are plenty of qualities that the two countries share, but those that are different, we can learn from one another and create a better world to live in.

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How a Conversion with a Hippie in the Lagos Changed My Life

10/17/2015

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Nimbin Business Hours Sign - Photo Courtesy of Google

Oh the Lagos. The ocean, the rocks, the beach – the energy is impeccable. I took a stroll along the coastline trail and stood atop of the towering rocks that empowered my spirit and being. I stood alone, inches away from the edge looking and watched the seagulls soar above and stand atop of the pillars.

I felt as free as a bird and opened my arms to the possibilities of life. For years, I’ve worked my ass off to become a writer – working full time – writing part time – all I knew was work. “Oh my god, I release a book tomorrow,” I thought. I have a plan, but I don’t have a plan. Being on the road constantly gets in the way of any detailed marketing strategies or business planning.

I ran into the two Germans who shared the same guesthouse and we walked the trails overlooking the Cliffside. I had to head back into town early as I scheduled a massage. I got into town with no problems and meandered through the Old Town streets in search of In Light yoga studio.

I walked past an open door and glittering crystals and stones caught my eye. Like any other hippie, I stopped, took two steps backwards and walked into the store.

I saw a barefoot hippie man, dressed in Bohemian pants sit on a ledge and his arms hugged his legs. I said, “Hello. What time do you close?”

The man looked perplexed as if I asked him the cure to cancer.

He replied, “Well. I’m not sure. I’ve had these postcards sitting in my office for a week now and I really need to go to the post office today, so I may close in the afternoon.”

“Ok no problem. So are you open everyday?” I asked.

Still confused he slanted his head to the side and squinted his eyes. I said, “So…kind of everyday?”

He replied, “Yeah. Yeah kind of everyday. You know if the door is open that means I’m open and if the door is closed that means I’m not here.”

In my head I think, “naturlich.” He continued, “Usually, I open around 10:30am and close for lunch. Your best bet is to come in the morning as the stones are best looked at in the morning.”

He looked lost yet complete at the same time. He did not have a nagging boss behind his head telling him he needs to promote his store better. He seemed content and flowed with the waves of life. It somewhat blistered my mind as the German methods of clarity have affected me deeper than I realized. When you know what to expect, unpredictability rocks the boat of defined operation methods.

I flashed back to the first time I visited Nimbin, Australia. An eclectic town ran by hippies and potheads, one could never get a defined answer on business hours. As seen in the picture above, these free-spirited individuals chose life before work and success. One of the greatest lessons I learned while living in Australia twice (study and then work) is that life must be balanced. There must be equal parts of leisure mixed with work in order to stay sane in an ever-evolving work-orientated culture.

There’s something that I envy about that mentality. In a way I am like that and in a way I am not like that. When people are removed from success they are free and detached from any labels or promotions. But the greatest challenge is planning for such things as retirement and savings.

I thought about this as I walked to the massage studio. My mind battles the dual worlds between being a free-spirited hippie and a put-together businesswoman. The next day, I would release my book, Finding Om, and I had a plan, but I also had no plan. What should I do? Should I be worried? I felt like I’m flying by the seat of my own pants, but then I thought of the hippies and Nimbin and thought, “Everything is going to be okay.”

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A Glimpse into One Day at Oktoberfest

10/12/2015

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Dirndl? Check.
Lederhosen? Check.
Party Shoes? Check.
Drinking Tolerance? Uncheck.

Oktoberfest is a worldwide spectacle that attracts beer and party lovers to unite under one tent. The clock struck 5:30 a.m. with ear-piercing sounds to remind us of our 6:26 a.m. train. After a long five-hour train ride from Hanover, we meandered through the Bavarian streets in search of our Airbnb apartment. Dirndl and lederhosen stands sparkled the streets with color and excitement.

At the apartment, we changed into our Bavarian gear and headed to the festival. Upon entering the gates, we belted, “Willkommen” as we sniffed the fresh aroma of sugared almonds and fried schnitzel. The grandiose display welcomed families to eat, drink, play games and be merry. What seemed like an innocent, family-friendly atmosphere in the streets was just a façade.

Upon entering the Paulaner beer tent, we snapped some pictures and walked past hundreds of rows of tables containing full-plate chicken dinners, liter beers and cheerful Bavarian smiles. Amused at the size of the “brezels” that were as large as my head, we thought, “Why not check out other tents?”

Adjacent to Paulaner, we walked into the famous Hofbräu (HB) tent. With just under 7,000 seats, our excitement jolted as we watched young, strapping men with beer guts stand on top of tables to chug a one-liter beer. At 3:00 p.m., we said, “Well this place looks fun. Why not drink a beer here?”

We joined into the merry cheers that initiated a “prost” with thy fellow tablemates. Australians, Irish, English, German, Korean, Swiss and other people from around the world clanged our beer glasses with smiles and half-closed eyelids. Two hours passed, and we thought, “What a fine time for pommes.” German fries are as popular as their bier steins. You can eat your fries with either ketchup or mayo and German pommes are eaten with a tiny two-pronged fork. Unfortunately, you cannot stay in the tents or tables without eating or drinking, which resulted in us ordering more beers.

The tent became tighter and the people became drunker. Each group of friends wore something different to make them “recognizable” in the tent. With a bit of creativity, some men strapped a child’s pink unicorn balloon on their belt lederhosen, so their friends could find them easier. Other’s strapped stuffed animals on their shoulder resulting in, “If you see any of my mates with a stuffed animal on their shoulder, tell them to come here.” Upon the early evening an eclectic array of homo-erotic culture infused the tent to show the best of English-speaking behaviors while abroad. A group of Australian men formed a line and started a choo-choo train of humping eachother. Turning right, a group of British and American men sang songs to eachother while caressing each others face to Dirty Dancing music.

Next came the live music. The band belted out traditional tunes such as “Sweet Caroline” and the crowd went wild. By 8:00 p.m. we realized that the only time we left the tent was to get our friends who also visited from America.

We stood next to a bunch of Irish guys, they shared their beer and chicken dinners as if we were family. Their friendliness and drunken thoughts turned into a philosophical lecture about how happiness is more important than money. By 10:00 p.m., broken beer steins piled on the ground, including people who drank past their limit. By 11:00 p.m. it was time to figure out the best method to get home and what late-night snack to eat. Men who could not pass a sobriety test stumbled through the grounds while pondering whether to eat a wurst or a schnitzel. By midnight, it was lights out while nursing a pre-hangover headache.

Oktoberfest was an outrageous international party that united regular people with the occasional Canadian HGTV reality TV celebrity. The memory will forever be in my heart and I encourage everyone to check out Oktoberfest at least once in their life, especially the Hofbräu tent.

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The Right to (an Affordable) Vacation

10/10/2015

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Ok. I think I have officially converted into a German. I'm sitting in Hannover eating a two-Euro piece of "kuchen" (cake) and contemplating affordable travel. You see, living in Hannover is livable and affordable, and due to budget transport companies and hotels, traveling in Europe is possible when earning an average income.

In my world, or in my head, I believe it is our birthright to be free from constraint and stress. Modern living is lavish and luxurious as it chaotic and stressful. We are at a point in humanity where we have more resources, people in the workforce and incomes.

As an American, I’ve often cried in fear on how I could explore the world with only 10 days of vacation per year. But, cats out of the bag, I’m a freelancer at heart and I prioritize experience over income. After living abroad several times, I find it fascinating that other cultures have it better or worse than America. Many European and Australian companies have between four to six weeks off per year, which does not include public holidays. However, many Asian cultures work themselves into the grave just to make it ahead in life.

Throughout my time as fitness professional, I have coached and trained people from all walks of life. I find it fascinating that some of my clients would not take vacation for several reasons. Some would be so busy at work that could not “afford” the time off as the company is too dependent on their attendance. Others claimed that taking a vacation “looks bad” or requesting too much time off would ruin their hard-working image. Others simply could not afford a vacation so they would either not take time off work or vacation at home fixing up the lawn and house.

I never thought that Germany would affect my physical existence as much as it has after nine months. The one thing I admire most about Germans is that they live a balanced life. They take vacations, and long ones. Some people I know leave the laptop at work and travel the globe for three to six weeks at a time. In fact, I feel most Germans I know (who can afford vacation) are constantly traveling every quarter.

Now to get back to my point is that I have full adapted to the European lifestyle. Before I moved to Europe, I had one main job to support my living expenses, and earned between twenty to twenty-five thousand dollars per year. Pretty much that is a poverty level income, but I had to work a 30-hour per week job in order to write my book and pursue the world of freelancing.

Before I moved to Europe, I was deeply concerned about my income and the ability to explore Europe off my tiny savings. Europe has this perception of being overly expensive, which many cities such as London, Zurich, Stockholm and Oslo fit that description. But, thanks to Europe’s budget-friendly culture, travelers can backpack Europe without blowing their entire savings.

This made me think and appreciate the ability to see the world. Even a guesthouse I recently booked in Nice, France is 65 US dollars per night and is several blocks from the beach and Old Town. Many Europeans claim that traveling America is cheap (primarily due to the “old” Euro to dollar exchange). However, I somewhat disagree on that notion.

Living in Seattle for four years prior to moving to Germany, I watched hotel prices escalate and skyrocket. No longer can you sleep in downtown Portland or Seattle for under 100-dollars per night. On average, rooms in city center cost around 200-dollars per night. I use hotels.com due to their competitive prices and once I looked for a hotel in New York City. I decided to skip NYC as the cheapest room was a hostel for 250-dollars per night (during off-season months). My husband and I bought two Easy Jet plane tickets from Germany to Greece and a one week apartment rental for 300-dollars. In Spain and Portugal, I have stayed in really nice guesthouses and apartments for under 35-US dollars per night.

My dad is a traditional midwestern dude who likes to escape Cleveland winters. I can’t blame him. I’m 30 and dream of living on a beachfront apartment. He often scopes the rental markets and told me decent prices for a winter Florida rental are between three to five thousand per month. I told this to my German friend and she near soiled herself shocked because the rentals are more than her Euro income.

I find traveling in the states to be very expensive especially because driving or flights are the main modes of transportation. Buses and trains are either nonexistent or too inefficient for a person with only 10 days of vacation per year.

I find it sad that families who travel to Disney World have to take out a second mortgage on their home, some spending up to ten thousand dollars for a weeklong family trip. Should a family vacation really be that expensive? I could travel for three months in Europe for the same price to slap Mickey Mouse a high-five.

Another interesting observation is the increased prices due to Groupon and Living Social deals. Because many small-business hotels offer their discounted services, their regular rate “magically” increases in order to make a profit after the agency takes their cut.

We booked a weekend hotel deal from Groupon in Whidbey Island. The regular rate was 650-dollars and the deal offered a price just below 350-dollar for two nights. For a cheaper deal, you could share a bathroom and pay 299-dollars for two nights. Seriously, 300 dollars and you can’t even get a private toilet? In Europe, shared bathroom rooms cost less than 40-50 Euro per night with the exception of a really expensive city such as Zurich or the French Riviera. Sometimes it seems that the only affordable vacation left in the states is to camp at a park. And if you dislike sleeping on roots while freezing the whole night and worrying about wildlife encounters than camping is not for you.

I’m not against lavish or luxurious vacations, trust me I’d be the first one to book a five-star vacation, but I’ve worked with average people who earn a middle-class income and I am sadden that they can not travel because things are too expensive. They choose to work and skip vacation because it looks "better" to work and they can't afford trips on a middle-class income.

In short, it makes me appreciate Europe’s diversity to allow people from all walks of life experience other cultures and travel past their country's border. It is our birthright to be free, and when you travel you are free.

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Veggie in Ibiza: The Little Ibiza

10/5/2015

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The Little Ibiza – more like the amazing Buddha – was the first stop on my Ibiza itinerary. I checked into my apartment located on the north end of Playa D’en Bossa and meandered the boardwalk into the Ibizan town coastline. In the distance, I noticed flowered bushes with vibrant umbrellas waving tassels in the wind. I thought, “What is this place?”

Upon entering the café corridors, it was love at first hippie sight. Sparkling Ganesh statues, ambient music, multi-colored seat cushions and Buddha made me telepathically scream, “Jesus, I am home.” Operating out of a tiny white Spanish-style apartment building, my soul sang as I grabbed a front row table that offers seaside views.

The Little Ibiza is not a vegetarian café. They serve meat, but offer plenty of veg-friendly items. In the mood for something light, I ordered the hummus, pita and veggie platter for five euro. I waited for my food while gazing at the turquoise ocean. I thought, “Wow after ten years, I’m finally in Ibiza.” I feel that humans who are naturally attracted to places are so for a reason.

The Little Ibiza confirmed my love for the ocean, sun, lounge music and healthy street side cafes. I mean, come on, how awesome is it to sit outside in 80-degree weather and stare at the ocean while the sun beams life-force energy upon us?

I looked at a sign adjacent to my table that said, “Dance, Love and Live.” Yes, this seems to be the vibe of Ibiza. A Spanish guy sat at the table next to me, ordered a liter of Sangria and lit up his cigarette. He only gazed at the ocean and did not seem worried about one stressful thought or how cigarettes and alcohol are intoxicating on the system. It reminded me that all island and coastal towns I’ve been to have the same laidback, “live in the now” mentality.

Upon the arrival of my plate, I noticed two styles of hummus. The left seemed to have a bit of a spice-kick while infused with cumin. The right was a regular hummus – both delicious and tasty with a unique flavor. The café sits in a quiet area of town and the relaxing atmosphere is as soothing as the ocean. The café offers indoor and outdoor seating combining an electric yet relaxing atmosphere. The menu offers an array of Spanish tapas and Asian specialties. Other vegetarian options include egg rolls, veggie burger with potatoes and salads.

When looking for a great place to “reside” for a drink or eat – stop at the Little Ibiza. Happy hours are before 6pm and Trip Advisor reviews are positive.

To sign off, here’s a little inspiration I read on the walls of Little Ibiza:

“Live life. It’s heaven on Earth.”

The Little Ibiza
‪Paseo de Figueretas, 07807 Ibiza Town, Ibiza, Spain
#love #life #dance #vegan #ocean #sun #veganfood #vegantraveler #healthyeats

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Veggie in Ibiza: LIttle Ibiza.

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a feel good travel blog

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A Glimpse into One Day at Oktoberfest

The Right to (an Affordable) Vacation

Veggie in Ibiza: The Little Ibiza

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