10 of the best foods from around the world

1. Fish and Chips, England

As a Brit this is definitely going to be my food of choice. Over the years fish and chips have become an iconic British food staple. It is the perfect treat to accompany your day at the English seaside, and is best served with mushy peas and lots and lots of salt and vinegar.

2. Peking Duck, China

I don’t mean the foil-wrapped kind you can get from your local Chinese takeaway, I mean the real deal. If you are lucky enough to visit China, this classic roast duck with it’s garlicky sweet crispy skin  is the thing to try. Even ordering it will be a delight as you watch the duck being carved in front of your eyes, and served with steamed pancakes, spring onions and hoisin sauce. Finger licking stuff.

3. Escargots, France

Don’t be fooled by the fancy name, these little gems are none other then the slimy snails you can find in your back garden. Considered a delicacy in France, while you may not fancy them as a treat, they are definitely something you should ‘try before you die’. Thankfully they are usually smothered in garlic butter. This helps you forget what you are actually eating. Well, kind of.

4. Moussaka, Greece

The national casserole in Greece is a must-try if you are visiting the country. The Greek answer to the Italian lasagna  this dish is made of a layer of ingredients such as eggplant, beef or lamb, and artichoke. Have with a good glass of Greek wine and a shot of Ouzo to finish.

5. Hot dog, New York

Some say no trip to New York is complete without a famous street vendor hot dog. This iconic fast food staple has been refined over the years and now caters to a variety of different taste. Some of the different toppings include gherkins, cheeses, mustard and caramelized onions. The possibilities are endless. Buy and enjoy one as you walk around central park.

5. Green curry, Thailand

Though many of us are already avid lovers of this sweet curry, nothing beats tasting it in it’s native country. Famous for it’s green color  this curry consists of coconut milk, eggplant, pea aubergine, sugar, fish sauce, kaffir lime leaves and Thai basil leaves. Not as spicy as it’s sister the ‘red curry’, this native dish instead has a refreshing and original taste to it. Traditionally served in a bowl with white rice on the side, enjoy while on the beach watching the fire dancers in Ko Samet.

6. Goulash, Hungary

A personal favorite  this Eastern European dish is perfect to warm the cockles of your heart on a cold and wintry night in Budapest. Goulash is essentially a soup or stew of meat (normally beef), noodles, potatoes and vegetables, and seasoned with paprika and other spices. Indeed, it is the paprika which gives this dish it’s spice and what it is most famous for. Originating in Hungary, you can also find goulash soup throughout the eastern region of Europe. Perfect accompanied with crusty bread.

7. Jerk chicken, Jamaica

Without a doubt, wherever you go in the Caribbean, be it Jamaica or another beautiful island, you will surely come across the dish of Jerk chicken. That is if you are adventurous enough to leave the compound of your hotel and experience the lives of the locals. There are several ingredients which give this dish it’s intense flavor. One is the scotch bonnet pepper, one of the hottest chilies in the world. Jerk’s other iconic flavor is allspice, called pimento in Jamaica, where it grows wild. Traditionally, Jerk meat is slowly roasted over a fire made from pimento wood. It is best served with the traditional rice and beans.

8. Pasta bolognese, Italy

How can I make a list of the top ten best foods around the world and not include the country of Italy? Of course the classic Pasta Bolognese would be on the list, and no bolognese dish tastes as good as the one you get from it’s home town of Bologna. Bologna’s signature dish, the thick, rich sauce contains ground chuck, ground veal, and pancetta. Plus onions, carrots, tomatoes, red wine and cream. So this is not a dish to try if you are on a diet. If you are visiting the region of Bologna any time soon, enjoy a night of good music, good wine, and good pasta bolognese. It would be sacrilege not to.

9. Pierogies, Poland

The ultimate comfort food, pierogies are made from dumpling dough, and are traditionally stuffed with a potato-and-cheese filling. Normally served with sauerkraut  and on a cold winters day, this is comfort food at its best. A great alternative is to make sweet pierogies, using cream cheese, sugar and berries to fill them. These are good, trust me I know, my Grandma used to make them.

10. Baklava, Turkey

Last but not least, to finish up why don’t you try something a little sweeter? Turkish baklava is a desert that combines filo pastry, walnuts, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and a honey-lemon syrup. This is a great dish for any one with a sweet tooth who wants to try traditional Turkish cuisine  Why not enjoy with a hot Turkish apple tea? Or if your feeling a little more adventurous  why not try Turkey’s tipple of choice, Raki. This boozy aniseed beverage will have you in the mood for a party in no time.

Bon Appetite!

Bob Marley: 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Him

Now, I’d be the first to stand up and declare my love of Bob Marley’s music. His laid back and soulful tunes are the perfect potion for banishing the blues. His Rastafarian lyrics have symbolized hippy values for years, and continue to hold meaning for many. After all, he remains the ultimate hippy. His songs continue to spread the message of all things tree-huggers love. It’s all about peace man! And love and unity, right?
Well yes of course, and that’s why we love his music. He wouldn’t be the same Bob otherwise. However, as I often declare to be Bob’s number one fan, it’s sometimes nice to look beyond, and see the man behind the music. While he will always remain as one of the world’s greatest hippies, after years of obsessive reading on my behalf, I have discovered that he was also a pretty interesting man, who led a pretty interesting life. Here are ten facts that you probably didn’t know about him (and yes I realize I do come across as a bit of a stalker, but I’m not Eminem’s ‘Stan’ I promise):

1. Bob’s father was a 50 year old white British naval captain called Norval Sinclair Marley. Bob’s mum was a 19 year old black village girl named Cedella. Imagine the uproar THAT caused in both families.
2. ‘Tuff Gong’, the name of Bob’s record label, was the nickname Bob earned for himself in the Kingston ghetto of Trenchtown for being the wrong kind of guy to mess with.
3. Bob was twenty-one when he married the Trenchtown Sunday school teacher named Rita. Despite having countless affairs and numerous children with different women, he remained married to this Trenchtown beauty right up to his death
4. Football remained his great passion after music, and Bob was able to play to a professional level. His love for it was so strong that the fatal cancer which would end his life, emerged from a foot injury that had resulted from a game of football.
5. Bob was never bitter though. When he died, a football was placed within his coffin
6. As a little kid, Bob had a spooky knack of successfully predicting the future of people by reading their palm. Many have stated he even predicted his own future, and declared he would die at the age of 36. He did.
7. Of course, he was a devout Rastafarian. Ras Tafari is the name of a man who was crowned King of Ethiopia in 1930.
8. He was a massive flirt. In the end Bob had 13 children by 9 different women. Its even be said he had three children born in four weeks by three different women. (Bloody hell)
9. Bob’s ska band ‘The Wailers’ were originally called ‘The Teenagers’.
10. And lastly, nobody really knows what the word ‘reggae’ means, or where it originated.

Trinidad and Tobago: Two Islands, Two Unique Experiences

Heralded as the true Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago offers great value, beauty and a genuinely friendly culture. Sighted by the explorer Christopher Columbus in 1498, it is one of the wealthiest nations in the Caribbean due to its large reserves of oil and gas. Music, colour, culture and ethnicity unite the dual nation. Though many have hailed it as the ultimate carnival destination, there is much more to Trinidad and Tobago then a good party. Mesmerizing beaches and coral wonderlands cover its coast while luxuriant rainforests are perfect for hiking and bird watching.

Carnival celebrations are notorious on the larger island of Trinidad, with calypso music and steel drum bands reigning supreme. The Port of Spain is especially the place to go for a party. Soca music plays in the street, while women covered in bright feathers and beads gyrate to the music. Crazy steel-pan players can be found everywhere, proving a testament to the island’s love of music. As an island of colours, Trinidad is where you will find the party-loving carnival fans. However, don’t get me wrong – there is much more to be seen in Trinidad than what you see through the customary beer goggles. The island also has a rich array of natural wonders that invite bird watchers and hikers alike. It is home to hiking trails which lead you to cascading waterfalls and deserted lagoons, and the coast is home to untouched, rugged beaches. However, it is ultimately the Port of Spain and its carnivals which has become something of a legend on this island and is definitely worth a visit.

On my own visit to the island I experienced Trinidad’s carnival and fun-loving nature. My tour guide gleefully explained to us the absence of wildlife: ‘as you can see there is no wildlife here in this forest. That is because we have eaten them all!’ This statement simply epitomizes the Trinidadian’s laidback and hedonistic outlook on life. While she may have been joking, Trinidad and Tobago seem to have a rich cuisine with an array of food sources; while I visited I was persuaded to try a shark burger, which in all honesty did taste like chicken… I’m not even joking.

Home of carnival, calypso and limbo dancing, this little nation packs a punch in diversity. Trinidadians are relaxed and integrate tourists in a natural way, making it clear that the tourist industry is not just what the nation is about. They specialise in liming (talking for talking’s sake). They are masters in all of life’s pleasures; dancing, partying, playing cricket and simply relaxing. Trinidad is definitely worth a visit for cricket fans as it boasts a good team and cricketers such as Brian Lara.

On the other hand, the quieter island of Tobago is the perfect destination for diving enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is peaceful and relaxed in comparison to its lively and densely populated neighbour. While Trinidad booms and party’s all day and night, the tiny island of Tobago (just 42 km across) bathes in the sun,pina colada

 in hand, with the picturesque view of its pristine beaches. It’s an island that should be proud of its rainforests, nature reserves and fantastic dive sites, and yet it seems perfectly content away from the tourist limelight. This is what makes it special. For someone who wants to experience the tropical beauty of the Caribbean without feeling like they are in the backdrop of Billy Ocean’s ‘Caribbean Queen’, Tobago is the perfect escape. While the island accepts tourists, it also allows them room to breathe and choose how to make the most of the tropical paradise; from laughing with the locals at an open-air bar, living bare feet in tiny guesthouses to experiencing luxury at the postcard perfect plush resorts. However, it seems sleepy Tobago is being woken up by the tourist industry of late so I’d suggest not to hesitate in visiting if you’re interested.

The islands are so diverse that on Trinidad you may also come across flamboyant temples or smell the rich aroma of curry, as you see how East Indian culture has been absorbed in the Caribbean. The two-island state is inhabited by mostly African and Indian descent. Whether you decide to visit sleepy Tobago or vivacious Trinidad, or both, you are guaranteed to experience the Trini way of life. Due to the booming oil and gas industry, Trinidadians tend to treat tourist in a blasé manner, which in a way creates more of an adventure away from the traditional tourist trappings.

For those who are looking for a taste of Caribbean partying and want to experience calypso dancing and colourful carnivals Trinidad is the place to be. For those who are looking to escape to a tropical paradise away from the tourist stereotypes, Tobago with its idyllic rainforests and untouched beaches is the perfect escape. Of course, for those who like a bit of both, why not combine both islands for a true Caribbean experience?

Marley

It is more than 30 years since Reggae legend Bob Marley died, yet his songs such as One Love, Buffalo Soldier and No Woman No Cry continue to sell, seen by many as anthems of love and peace. There have been numerous documentaries and autobiographies of the Jamaican singer-songwriter over the years, but a new film directed by Kevin Macdonald and executive-produced by Ziggy Marley and Island Records founder Chris Blackwell seems to be the first true act of homage to the Rastafarian star and musical hero.

The premiere was held in Emancipation Park, Kingston, Jamaica on 19th April 2012. Admission was free: a gift to the people of Jamaica from Marley’s family. Thousands of locals arrived to celebrate the nation’s hero, and a red, green and gold carpet was laid out (but then quickly replaced as it was deemed sacrilegious to walk over the colours of the Rastafari). The premiere of the film was timed to coincide with the preparation of Jamaica’s 50 years of independence celebrations, highlighting exactly what one small nation achieve.

This respectful film oozes warmth as the testimony Macdonald receives from Marley’s friends, family and fellow band members provides curious insight. All in all, the film gives a vivid picture of a man who rose from poor beginnings in Trench Town to become an international legend. The imagery within the film is colourful and fantastic, with Macdonald showing some wonderful still photographs of the Wailers on tour. Moreover, while Macdonald tells a compelling story of the life of Marley, the singer is placed at the centre of a larger narrative – the story of Jamaica itself and its struggle against gangsterism and crime.

It is not the people we come to play…

We come to play music.

Bob Marley

Marley was born the son of a white man who disappeared soon after. His mother, Cedella Booker, was an Afro-Jamaican who brought up Bob on her own. Many have stated that Marley’s mixed-race background gave him an outsider’s edge and a passion to get ahead. This, mixed with his private pain, created great music. His first single, recorded when he was just 16 years old, was Judge Not: “I know that I’m not perfect/ And that I don’t claim to be/ So before you point your fingers/ Be sure your hands are clean”, highlights the singer’s emotional intensity, even at such a young age.

Marley emerges from this film as a passionate supporter of peace, yet reluctant to be associated with politicians. Macdonald includes the famous moment at a free concert when Bob dragged the socialist Michael Manley on stage to shake hands publicly with the conservative leader Edward Seaga; a moment which defines Marley’s strife for peace. Furthermore, the director includes other moments in Jamaican history, such as the hysteria caused by the arrival of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1966, to the public mourning of Marley’s death in 1981. “He was a hero for Jamaica,” said one fan, who attended Thursday’s screening. “The film shows that.” Another fan said “It showed what a positive effect he had on the country”.

What is so interesting about this film is how it manages to celebrate how Marley is perceived as an icon of peace, while also depicting a much more in-depth and political mind. Indeed, stereotype often paints Marley and Jamaica as dreamy, sunny and laidback; the film instead highlights Marley as a driven, competitive and charismatic leader, who, while being political, was never boxed in by politics. Macdonald suggests that Bob Marley was increasingly loved due to his surviving idealism and charismatic innocence of the world. Cindy Breakspeare, a former Miss World and mother of Damian Marley, said the film was an emotional journey. “We miss him so much,” she said. “The whole world does.”

All in all, Marley is a very personal and intimate film, gifting the world with an authentic portrait of a singer-songwriter from the slums of Trench Town, and as the credits rolled, the opening bars of Get Up, Stand Up echoed through the Park, bringing the audience to their feet. As Chris Blackwell, the founder of Island Records states, “You learn about this man whose music you hear everywhere, you learn how he started the difficult life he had and how he treated people, his generosity of spirit, just about the man in general”. The Marley name now stretches beyond music. It has become a global brand, used to sell diverse products such as clothing and headphones, and to promote the Rastafarian ideal of peace. So, this film may be the beginning of a wider knowledge of Bob, as a man as well as a musician. “The film doesn’t commodity Marley,” says Macdonald. “It does the reverse…it strips away the poster image, the t-shirt image and says, ‘Who was Bob Marley?”

How To Choose A Caribbean Island

 

The Caribbean is extremely diverse with many nationalities, languages and cultures. Many make the mistake of believing pristine beaches, reggae music and cocktails are what epitomize the many islands of the Caribbean, but there is more to these islands then white sand and turquoise waters, with each island celebrating its own unique way of life. For anyone who is interested in visiting the paradise islands (and I highly recommend that you do!) it is best to make sure you pick the island which best ‘fits’ you.

 

For Diving Enthusiasts:

 

Bonaire

A government-protected Marine Park ensures that diving in Bonaire is Caribbean diving as it should be – untouched and unspoiled. This means that Bonaire is renowned for its pristine reefs and diverse marine life. For those visiting, it is definitely worthwhile to scuba dive or snorkel and experience the island’s inviting warm water (78 to 84 F all year round) and unsurpassed visibility.

Cayman Islands

The three islands of the Caymans are often considered the birthplace of recreational diving in the Caribbean. The three islands are essentially an exposed top of an underwater mountain which provides extraordinary diving locations. The intense variety of marine life, historic shipwrecks, still, warm waters and 100-feet-plus visibility means it is difficult to find a better diving location in the region. After visiting, I would highly recommend taking a tour of ‘Sting Ray City’ – where you will come face to face with wild stingrays and even feed them as you snorkel.

Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

The resting place of HMS Rhone, which sank in 1867 off Salt Island near Virgin Gorda, has become one of the most glorious dive sites in the world. Schools of tropical fish swim by the spectacular coral and sponges and for the more adventurous divers an exhaustive selection of caves, reefs and pools are guaranteed to quench their thirst of underwater exploration.

 

For Beach Lovers:

 

While the Caribbean boasts a lot more than exotic beaches, there is a reason why people picture white sand, turquoise waters and palm trees – with the exception of Saba (which has rocky shores) and Dominica (where the few beaches have dramatic black sand which absorb the sun; be careful of blisters!). Wherever you go in the area, the shorelines will not disappoint. Here are a few which, in my opinion, stand out from the crowd.

Antigua

Legend has it that there is a beach here for every day of the year. Most major hotels open directly onto a good beach, so you can’t miss the stunning shore. However, Antiguans claim their two best are Dickenson Bay, in the northwest, and Half Moon Bay, which stretches a mile along the eastern coast.

Palm Beach (Aruba)

This famous beach is what, some argue, put Aruba on the tourist map. Certainly, many publications have hailed it as one of the best beaches in the world. However, be careful as it inevitably does tend to get crowded.

The Gold Coast (Barbados)

Also called the Platinum Coast, some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean lie along the coast of Barbados. Certain beaches open to the public which are popular include Paradise Beach and Brighton Beach. You will also find here some of the swankiest and deluxe hotels in the Caribbean.

 

For Party Animals:

 

While night-time is simply sleep time for a majority of the island, there a few jewels which boast an extremely diverse and fun-filled nightlife that will not disappoint.

Trinidad

The home of carnival, the vivacious island of Trinidad boasts one of the loudest music scenes in the Caribbean. The Port of Spain especially is known for its calypso music and steel drum bands. Head here to witness for yourself the dazzling and glittering female dancers who take part in the carnival festivities.

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico contains all the ingredients for a great party, including bars and taverns, casinos, dance clubs which often feature a diverse range of music from western imports to salsa and meringue, and cabaret shows filled with feather-clad and glittering girls. This is definitely the place for the more hardcore who wish to stay up all night and nurse their Bacardi hangovers the next day on the beaches.

Curacao

Known as one of the Caribbean’s hotspots for gamblers, Curacao is known for its casinos. Salinja, situated in Willemstad, has lively bars where locals and tourists mingle and drink until the early hours of the morning, while live jazz often fills the air.

 

For Nature Lovers:

 

The Pitons, St. Lucia

One of the most iconic vistas throughout the entire Caribbean, the twin volcanic Pitons rise dramatically from the sea and can both be seen by a bus tour or alternatively, a boat tour. The Pitons management area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, includes tropical forests, coral reefs, waterfalls and hot springs. For the more adventurous you can take the challenge of hiking to the top of the 2,619 foot Gros Piton.

The Baths, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands

Along the coast of Virgin Gorda there are a jumble of ancient underwater boulders that form a series of caves, pools and grottos. The calm and sheltered waters mean that even the most novice snorkeler can experience this magnificent natural wonder of rock formations.

El Yunque Rain Forest, Puerto Rico

The Caribbean’s most famous rainforest, its 28,000 acres include staggering biodiversity – home to thousands of plants and hundreds of animal species. The park can often feel overwhelmed with visitors but quieter experiences can be had. For those who truly want to immerse themselves in the rainforest experience, hiking, fishing and camping are also available.

 

For Explorers:

 

Saba

For the more adventurous types who wish to travel a little off the beaten track, the island of Saba offers a unique and hidden experience. Saba is known as ‘The Unspoiled Queen’ and is accessible from St. Martin via a fifteen minute plane ride or an hour and a half ferry ride. Saba does not have the sandy beaches which have made the Caribbean famous; instead, it’s a volcanic island with cliff faces and rocky shores. There are four small villages on the island meaning Saba really does allow you to escape from the many tourist trappings of the area.

Jamaica

Music is the heartbeat of Jamaica, and this is, of course, the birthplace of reggae and its most famous star Bob Marley. Avid fans can tour the places most significant in his life. Visit Gee Jam in Port Antonio, the ultimate base for aspiring musicians and get some studio time yourself. Alternatively, visit the colourful childhood home of Marley in Nine Mile, in the rural heart of Jamaica. The singer lived here until he was 13 and it includes the inspirational stone where he supposedly sat upon to meditate. For avid fans of reggae it is worth a visit to Studio 1 and the famous dancehalls of Kingston.

Wherever you decide to go the Caribbean offers a unique range of travel delights from picturesque beaches and dive sites to colourful carnivals and pulsing dancehalls. Whether you decide to indulge in the Caribbean stereotype, pina colada in hand, or decide to venture further afield for a truly shipwrecked experience, I am sure the Caribbean will never disappoint.