A Broad Wanders Abroad

15/08/2021

Some excellent tips here!

Class starts now.

31/05/2021

Since launching this project in January of this year, we've kept the pace of virtually visiting one new country each week. Together, each week we explore our dream travel itinerary; fun and unusual facts about that country; we make a special, traditional recipe from the region together; and read a b...

12/05/2021

This week in our virtual travels, we head... not to the US State that is often confused for it... but to the country of in the Caucasus region. There is much to learn about this often overlooked country that is the birthplace of the infamous Joseph Stalin as well as one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world. Let's take a look!

Today, we continue on our virtual backpacking trip through Europe, and our next stop is... Georgia! Let's go! The very first Europeans came from Georgia. This country as known as 'Georgia' only outside of it - Georgians call their own country 'Sakartvelo.' The Georgian language - Kartvelian - is use...

10/05/2021

Looking for your next show to binge? This one is a fun one (and quick - only five episodes in this first season). Watch it in French and turn on the English subtitles, and enjoy! It's the perfect way to bid farewell to a beautiful virtual week in . Thanks for joining me!

This week, I stumbled upon a show that was perfect for this project, and perfect for our current week in ... Lupin! This is a French Netflix original series that is set in modern day Paris. It came out this past year, and this first season was only five episodes, so we streamed an episode an....

08/05/2021

We didn't catch it when it was originally released, but always wanted to, so week was a great opportunity for a date night! I highly recommend Amelie!

The next film we watched along our virtual backpacking trek through Europe, at our current stop in was the 2001 movie, Amélie. I had not caught this film when it was first released, and it has been lingering on my wish list for years, so it was fun to finally watch it. At first, I had assum...

08/05/2021

Looking for a fun escape? I recommend this beautiful novel is a month-by-month chronicle of the first year of the life of couple who leaves their buttoned up UK life behind for a laid back, relaxing change of pace and the delicious food and drink in Provence, France!

This past week, I read three novels that took place in . My goal throughout this project has been to read one per week, but some countries are just so rich with literature, that choosing just one feels unnecessarily restrictive. The third novel I read was A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle. It...

08/05/2021

This outstanding and important read takes us inside the life of those on the front lines of World War II in Paris. I very much recommend it.

This past week, I read three novels that took place in . My goal throughout this project has been to read one per week, but some countries are just so rich with literature, that choosing just one feels unnecessarily restrictive. The second novel I read was The Room on Rue Amélie by Kristin H...

08/05/2021

I highly recommend this moving and important novel connecting the life of a modern day journalist and that of a Jewish family living in Paris, in 1942.

This past week, I read three novels that took place in . My goal throughout this project has been to read one per week, but some countries are just so rich with literature, that choosing just one feels unnecessarily restrictive. The first novel I read was Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. It....

08/05/2021

This week's meal is such a treat for me to share with you. How could I let virtual week come and go without rising to the challenge of Julia Child's Coq au Vin? Since this was such an intimidating challenge for me as someone who has always had kitchen anxiety, I was really proud of this meal - not so hard in the end, and it was so delicious!

In addition to the recipe, I shared below my reflections on the cooking aspect of this project, and how it has unexpectedly transformed me so far.

I highly recommend giving this one a try. Enjoy!

Today's task in this project of virtually backpacking through Europe was to make a meal from . Before I get into the recipe, I have to share a couple of things with you about it. I have not really mentioned it yet in these recipes, but when I started this project back in January of this year,...

07/05/2021

This week's virtual visit is the dream vacation for so many of us! Sunset by the Eiffel Tower; Sailing on the French Riviera; and enjoying some delicious Food in Provence...

Let's go to France! ❤

France is next on our virtual tour of Europe. This is the world's #1 tourism destination, and it is so easy to understand why. This is a country of so much romance, delicious food, and endless beauty, and so much to do while we are there. Thanks for coming along on our virtual visit - Hope you enjoy...

05/05/2021

Food, wine, literature and bicycles! This week, we are virtually visiting the world's most popular tourist destination... !

Let's go!

Today, we continue on our virtual backpacking trip through Europe, and our next stop is... France! We will really enjoy an exciting visit - even from afar - to the world's most popular (and for good reason) tourist destination! Let's dig in... The French are famous and beloved for their food. In fac...

02/05/2021

The second book I read during our virtual visit to , The Year of the Hare by Arto Paasilinna, was one of the most enjoyable books I have read yet during this project. It was a very clever and imaginative story, and I can understand why Paasilinna is one of Finland's most popular authors today!

This past week, I read two very different books that took place in . The second was The Year of the Hare, by Arto Paasilinna. First published in 1995, this novel was set in modern times and was a very clever, imaginative and fun read! At the beginning, we are introduced to two men - a journa...