COVID and Wanderlust
In these strange times of self-isolation for those of us who love travel and exploring it is exceedingly difficult. I hope you and your families are staying safe and healthy and finding ways to cope in the day to day. Personally I have been savoring little things – from enjoying a delicious cup of tea to noticing the birds singing outside our kitchen window. Although it is virtually impossible for many of us to venture beyond our neighborhoods and supermarkets at the moment, I urge you to find other ways to explore and “travel.” Bring the world to your home!
Some interesting ways to do this are:
Travel Literature
Since forever I have delighted in discovering talented travel writers. Some of my favorites include Frances Mayes, Orhan Pamuk, Pico Ayer and Cheryl Strayed. Not only is reading (all genres) a magical way to transport yourself into a different place and time but it makes you feel expansive. Think of this time as an opportunity to get to know all the places where you would like to travel more deeply. In general, I have always found that doing some background reading, whether it be on history, works of local literary writers, or straight-up checking out my Lonely Planet, always makes for a richer experience when on the road. Maybe you will discover new (and unexpected) places to add to your bucket list?
If you can this is also a perfect opportunity to support local bookstores. Consider researching your nearest bookstore rather than ordering from Amazon. Small businesses are hit particularly hard in this time and many are “open” online and deliver.
FYI I will be posting book reviews of some of my favorite travel literature in the coming weeks. Check out the Literature tab!
Exploring International Cuisines
My husband and I love cooking and with less of an incentive these days to eat out we have been getting quite creative with what we eat. Instead of making the easiest meal we could scrap up we are trying new recipes. Why not travel through your kitchen? What I love about travel is that you are constantly immersed in something new and surprising. I’ve realized these past few weeks of trying to cook different cuisines is that you can so easily recreate this delight of discovery by exploring new ingredients and cooking techniques.
If you are new to cooking don’t despair! Start with looking up simple recipes of cuisines you naturally love and miss. For instance, something simple but delicious I have made recently is Korean egg fried rice. I’ve also noticed that the more frequently I cook the easier it is! So build it up! The neat thing is that over time you will naturally accumulate basic ingredients, spices and condiments that can be reused over and over again as you explore a cuisine. We now have quite an extensive spice rack (much of it used for Indian and Indonesian dishes)!
This is also a great opportunity to support your local ethnic supermarkets. Chinatowns and Asian supermarkets all over the world are experiencing a huge downturn of business in fear of COVID. Shop at these businesses from time to time rather than your major supermarket chain. You’ll probably find that you can purchase the same ingredients from these stores, with smaller crowds and find things that maybe sold out in other places!
I also will be putting up new content about cooking your way across cuisines in the next few weeks. Keep your eyes peeled and check out some of my posts on the various cooking classes i’ve enjoyed over the years in Chiangmai, Bali, Hanoi and more.
Indulge in Retail Therapy
Local, small businesses are facing a significant amount of strain at the moment but many offer one-of-a-kind products. There are plenty of local businesses around the world that can deliver beautiful goods to your door that carry with them an essence of a place. Here are some of my personal favorite small businesses from all of my travels (not sponsored and attest to purchasing and loving their products).
FYI, due to COVID shipping times may be delayed or held up in customs depending on where you are based. So be sure to check in advance!
Southeast Asia
Piyama – although they are an Australian company they produce beautiful cotton robes and pajamas from Bali. Perfect for the summer. I actually purchased matching robes for my bridesmaids from here!
Lilla Lane – bohemian shoes and leather goods designer. I’ve purchased multiple pairs of shoes from them and they are absolutely comfortable and very stylish.
The LAB Fragrances – as someone who tends to be rather picky with scents (not usually wearing perfume) it takes a bit to impress me. This Singapore-based company produces fresh scents that are surprising but absolutely wearable on a daily basis!
Sifr Aromatics – a Singapore legend in terms of perfumes. The first place where i’ve ever purchased perfume for myself. Scents are unique and layered. The owners are extremely knowledgable and if you are not sure what you are looking for they can help. In their stores they also create a unique blend for you based on consultation.
Yixing Xuan Teahouse – my favorite tea shop in Singapore that carries lovely teas from China, Taiwan and Japan. If you really want to learn more about the fascinating world of tea and enjoy expert insights you want to purchase your teas here (they also have beautiful teaware). The shop keepers are more than delighted to answer any questions you have about teas and where they source them from. They also deliver internationally and subsidize shipping.
Europe
Postcard Teas – by now you can see I am tea obsessed and for good reason! Postcard Teas in London works with only the most reputable small tea producers around the world. They really provide detailed knowledge about their teas and the few i’ve tasted are phenomenal. It also helps that the packaging is beautiful with antique postcard prints on front.
Companhia Portugueza do Chá – another wonderful tea shop in Lisbon. They carry some very interesting teas from Georgia and Nepal as well. If you purchase in larger batches the teas come in gorgeous, colorful, vintage caddies. Free shipping in Portugal and in Europe (for all orders above €45).
Sapataria do Carmo – this shoe store is the oldest in Lisbon and has existed since 1904. If you are looking for a great quality leather shoe that will last many years this is the place to look. Normally in other parts of the world (e.g. Italy) you would have to pay a premium for this kind of quality. The designs are also range from classic to fresh and interesting. Craftsmanship is immaculate.
JAK Shoes – if you are looking for a more casual, hip pair of everyday shoes this is the place. They carry beautifully crafted leather shoes that are perfect for walking in. The insides are plush and quite padded so even in hilly places like Lisbon you could be comfortable all day! Shoes come in beautiful, neutral colors.
Retrosaria Rosa Pomar – a fantastic shop for those who love to knit or sew! All of their yarns are 100% wool and produced from Portuguese sheep. There are so many varieties and colors to choose from. If you are looking to make reusable masks they also sell everything you need (e.g. cotton cloth, elastics and thread). Rosa, the owner is incredibly helpful with advice if you are a beginner and unsure of what to purchase for a project.
Claus Porto – luxury soap, skincare and perfume company. Their soaps on a rope are fun and the scents are truly classic. My favorite is their Banho collection which comes in a citrus verbena fragrance.
Africa
Africology – skincare and spa products from South Africa. All natural ingredients. Their scents are incredible and the range of options available from oils to perfumes are great. I personally love their body balms and Oud cologne for men.