You have a gift, to paint a picture with words. I felt like I was there with you, slurping the soup & watching the other customers, imagining their lives, as you shared your memories. Thank you.
May you always travel back in time and share words that build reveries, extravaganzas or fond memories: “What a lovely time it was, of innocence and confidences”.
Tracey Chapman’s songs, the harmonious blend of spices and the tales of distant lands and untamed adventures also resonate clearly and are my every day’s companions.
Thank you for bringing this fascinating, obscure and transparent blend provoking a feeling of a spinning maelström.
If you’ve always been a writer/observer/note taker, why don’t you consider writing a book with a collection of all your travels and notes. Kind of a geographical memoir. Your music recollections can be your poetry while your knowledge of the environment can become a reason for debate and info for the audience.
"Food has a culture. It has a history. It has a story. It has relationships." Sitting on the Navajo County Courthouse steps eating Indian Fry Bread drenched in local honey drinking an Orange Nehi. Yep, the opening lines of a new Food Network Show. Lol.
Meeting friends at El Charro in Tucson enjoying Sonoran Cheese Enchiladas "chatas" made with masa, harina, eggs & smoky dried chiles with a required margarita & Mexican Flan accompanied by Mariachi music.
Living in Oklahoma eating fried catfish & hushpuppies with coleslaw by a lake illuminated with fireflies & enjoying home grown watermelon with the one I loved. And one of the loveliest memories: breakfasts in Germany with Strudel, Gingerbread, jelly filled donuts and Frankfurt Wreath cruising down the Rhine smiling and trying to speak to our tablemates.
A beautiful article, Alex bringing back really cool memories of food and friends. You are living the adage: "La vida escorta" Live passionately and feel happiness.
Thank you Sharon, I could taste it all while reading your lines. And yes, it brings back memories of enchiladas and friendship. Food, culture and frienship are themes that will always stay connected and there is so much more to write about this.
Thank you. I appreciated your piece today, having been reminded again of the irreversible impacts our species has had on ecological systems (Earth Commission report in Nature). More and more, I savor the decades-old memories of visits to functioning and even thriving places, as a way to buoy my spirits, still hoping we can make the anthropocene less awful for the innocent fellow inhabitants.
This is fascinating! Spent my night after the Debt Deal relieved so many anxieties, singing along to old favorites karaoke style on YouTubePremium. Haven’t done that in years! So nice the lyrics are provided to give an assist; reviving memories and adventures from the past. Felt so much happier. But without the taste of foods revered like you or in the company of others out for the evening. Great penmanship and mastery of the written word. Keep it coming, please! 😘
I'll need to brush up on my '80s song lyrics, I think. Didn't speak English back then at all. Also, historical references from that time - not my forte. I do love the storytelling and how memories, historical references, lyrics and the reality in front of you are all intertwined. Well written! Next time I'm in Den Haag, I will have coconut soup and risotto.
Poignant. Heady. Ebullient. Reminds me of the early 1990s. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Working at a high-end Italian ristorante. Leftover seafood and fried risotto balls. A midnight snack. Best seafood I've found, that far inland.
Thank you John, that’s a great memory. Reminds me of ordering a pizza Napoli during my first night in Naples. I thought that was the most natural thing to do. It wasn’t on the menu though, and when I asked the waiter said that any pizza in that city was a pizza Napoli.
If you are ever in Princeton, New Jersey, there are two places, with distinct pies. Contes, on Witherspoon Street, is thin crust, much like what is called "New York style" in the tri-state area. Apparently, Albert Einstein, was a regular, in his day. The other place in Princeton, worthy of a visit, is Teresa's Pizza, on Palmer Square. A more modern pie, made in a variety of traditions. BTW: The fried risotto balls and seafood, got packaged up in the sort of container, one would find fried rice. I even consumed these delights, with chop sticks. Pizza Napoli is very nice. A pleasant interplay, between dough, and sauce.
That sounds perfect, becoming as smart as Einstein by eating pizza ;-) I’ll remember it for the next time I’m in New Jersey. Ages ago I stayed there several weeks in Morristown. When I lived in New Haven, Ct, I remember how proud they were to have the restaurant voted to have the best pizzas of the US.
That is cool. Nothing like an establishment delivering on that promise. Contes' pepperoni, is out of this world. While one may not gain Einstien's grand visions, it is sure to inspire them! You are one cool dude, Alexander. Thanks for your pure wisdom.
You have a gift, to paint a picture with words. I felt like I was there with you, slurping the soup & watching the other customers, imagining their lives, as you shared your memories. Thank you.
Thank you Jean!
It’s wonderful to be transported via a photo, journal note, music, food or scent in the fragrant air...to a magical place in time.
Thank you Dawna 😊
May you always travel back in time and share words that build reveries, extravaganzas or fond memories: “What a lovely time it was, of innocence and confidences”.
Tracey Chapman’s songs, the harmonious blend of spices and the tales of distant lands and untamed adventures also resonate clearly and are my every day’s companions.
Thank you for bringing this fascinating, obscure and transparent blend provoking a feeling of a spinning maelström.
Thank you Aida 😊
Thank you for taking me to such a lovely place, Alexander. I can almost taste the Thai soup. :>
You would love it 😊
Magical indeed :) Agreeing with all the other comments!
Thanks Mischa!
If you’ve always been a writer/observer/note taker, why don’t you consider writing a book with a collection of all your travels and notes. Kind of a geographical memoir. Your music recollections can be your poetry while your knowledge of the environment can become a reason for debate and info for the audience.
I love the idea. Perhaps it is time to write a book…
"Food has a culture. It has a history. It has a story. It has relationships." Sitting on the Navajo County Courthouse steps eating Indian Fry Bread drenched in local honey drinking an Orange Nehi. Yep, the opening lines of a new Food Network Show. Lol.
Meeting friends at El Charro in Tucson enjoying Sonoran Cheese Enchiladas "chatas" made with masa, harina, eggs & smoky dried chiles with a required margarita & Mexican Flan accompanied by Mariachi music.
Living in Oklahoma eating fried catfish & hushpuppies with coleslaw by a lake illuminated with fireflies & enjoying home grown watermelon with the one I loved. And one of the loveliest memories: breakfasts in Germany with Strudel, Gingerbread, jelly filled donuts and Frankfurt Wreath cruising down the Rhine smiling and trying to speak to our tablemates.
A beautiful article, Alex bringing back really cool memories of food and friends. You are living the adage: "La vida escorta" Live passionately and feel happiness.
Thank you Sharon, I could taste it all while reading your lines. And yes, it brings back memories of enchiladas and friendship. Food, culture and frienship are themes that will always stay connected and there is so much more to write about this.
Stunning prose. Tears ❤
🙏🙏🙏
Thank you. I appreciated your piece today, having been reminded again of the irreversible impacts our species has had on ecological systems (Earth Commission report in Nature). More and more, I savor the decades-old memories of visits to functioning and even thriving places, as a way to buoy my spirits, still hoping we can make the anthropocene less awful for the innocent fellow inhabitants.
Yes I feel it too that way. Memories help to remind is of how it should be and motivate us to do better
This is fascinating! Spent my night after the Debt Deal relieved so many anxieties, singing along to old favorites karaoke style on YouTubePremium. Haven’t done that in years! So nice the lyrics are provided to give an assist; reviving memories and adventures from the past. Felt so much happier. But without the taste of foods revered like you or in the company of others out for the evening. Great penmanship and mastery of the written word. Keep it coming, please! 😘
Thank you 🙏
Lovely! Like taking a mini vacation 😊
That’s what I hope to give all readers in the summertime: less politics and more nature and travel. Stay tuned in the next weeks :-)
Loved your graphic novel style photo.
I'll need to brush up on my '80s song lyrics, I think. Didn't speak English back then at all. Also, historical references from that time - not my forte. I do love the storytelling and how memories, historical references, lyrics and the reality in front of you are all intertwined. Well written! Next time I'm in Den Haag, I will have coconut soup and risotto.
You’ll love it 🥥 🍜
Poignant. Heady. Ebullient. Reminds me of the early 1990s. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Working at a high-end Italian ristorante. Leftover seafood and fried risotto balls. A midnight snack. Best seafood I've found, that far inland.
Thank you John, that’s a great memory. Reminds me of ordering a pizza Napoli during my first night in Naples. I thought that was the most natural thing to do. It wasn’t on the menu though, and when I asked the waiter said that any pizza in that city was a pizza Napoli.
If you are ever in Princeton, New Jersey, there are two places, with distinct pies. Contes, on Witherspoon Street, is thin crust, much like what is called "New York style" in the tri-state area. Apparently, Albert Einstein, was a regular, in his day. The other place in Princeton, worthy of a visit, is Teresa's Pizza, on Palmer Square. A more modern pie, made in a variety of traditions. BTW: The fried risotto balls and seafood, got packaged up in the sort of container, one would find fried rice. I even consumed these delights, with chop sticks. Pizza Napoli is very nice. A pleasant interplay, between dough, and sauce.
That sounds perfect, becoming as smart as Einstein by eating pizza ;-) I’ll remember it for the next time I’m in New Jersey. Ages ago I stayed there several weeks in Morristown. When I lived in New Haven, Ct, I remember how proud they were to have the restaurant voted to have the best pizzas of the US.
That is cool. Nothing like an establishment delivering on that promise. Contes' pepperoni, is out of this world. While one may not gain Einstien's grand visions, it is sure to inspire them! You are one cool dude, Alexander. Thanks for your pure wisdom.
Haha thanks. Honored:-)
Nice!
🙏
Alexander Verbeek! Tell me you are not a cynic when it comes to love 😔😮😉
All kidding aside, artistry in language 🙏
Haha thank you 😊