Posts Tagged With: food

Tuffi the elephant lives!

Posted on September 20, 2013 by erikamae82

Although this isn’t necessarily something I’d research to do abroad, being here with friends and having a local guide to take us made it sound entertaining. Side note, the other couple you see in the photos below are from the very first year I went to Oktoberfest. So great to see them again!

Phantasia Land has rides, treats, costumes and more! This place reminds me of Disneyland combined with Great America (a popular amusement park in California).

Just like most amusement parks, there’s crowds of families, friends and eager children searching for the next line. In other words, they’re looking to spend the next hour tangled within ropes that lead to what you think is almost the front, until you round another corner and realize that you haven’t even reached the half way point.

What park wouldn’t be complete with a foreign town?

A play house is always fun, especially when everything’s in the German language! Watch as we transform into child’s before your eyes. I apologize for the blurry photos, the lights and movement made it tricky to capture.

After a great weekend of kid play, we made time for a quick pit stop to see the famous hanging tram in Wuppertal. It is the oldest electric elevated system with hanging cars in the world! Rarely can you mention this railway to a German without hearing about the story of Tuffi the elephant. As a type of promotion, they put an elephant in the tram to escort around the city. Supposedly after getting spooked, Tuffi leaped out into the massive river below. Not only did she survive with minor injuries, but she lived for another 39 years! I obviously took some of the pictures below from the internet to show you development over several decades.

Although it was a quick visit, I still made time for this unique handstand duo photo!

As I’m wrapping up our visit in Recklinghausen, I realized I hadn’t shown you the place we we’re staying in. I make a point of this because in all of my travels, this apartment above a dance club ranks in my top 5 favorites! They were even recently put on a German television show for it! For a complete tour, check out the post from my last visit!

What do you get when a backpacker, an American and a German go to the store for snacks? A quirky combination that made me smile.

Morning comes and it’s a personal ride to the train station by Sebel in his bands “tour bus”!

Carina, Alex and Jenni, you made my trip back feel even more amazing than last year. I truly feel like I was just hanging out at home with my girls! The donated clothes, 5 haircuts, scrumptious food and priceless conversations are still being appreciated, thank you! To the boys, all of you made me laugh and speaking for Hayden, kept a good balance for us and our visit to Recklinghausen.

Next stop, Cologne!

Categories: Accommodations, Art, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Amusement park, food, Germany, Recklinghausen, tram, Tuffi elephant, Wuppertal | 1 Comment

Eat, drink, dance and feel the love in Amsterdam!

Posted on September 12, 2013 by erikamae82

Denise should look extremely familiar to those who have been peaking at this blog for the past 21 months as she has made many appearances. I met this magnificent lady years ago while we were studying in Alicante Spain. We reunited in Argentina for some volunteer work and more studies and have spent many of evenings dancing the night away in Amsterdam. Last year, I even lived with her family in Alphen aan den Rijn. Here is just a few pics from the years of memories that I’ve made with sweet Denise.

Now, I return again to replenish my craving for her presence and this time, I get to introduce Mike and Hayden too! (If you’ve followed for long enough, you’d know that last year she got to meet three other of my American friends, Ian, Mike D and Marshall!).

The day starts with the introductory as we sit outside at one of the many terraces offered in Amsterdam.

Time for a snack which leads us to a variety of options. Here in Holland, there are many typical Dutch bites to pick from. In Amsterdam however, you have a wide selection from many parts of the world. Specialty stands to Turkish, Mexican, Italian, Japanese and more. I suggest just wandering the streets until your eyes, nose or tummy decides for you. Today, I went for a home baked spelt bread cone that was filled with Salmon, sprouts and a dill spiced sauce.

The group of us decided on trying out an extremely typical plate here in Holland which consists of herring fish, onion and pickle.

Flashback moment! This construction site has been here every year that I’ve visited. Just for fun, we shot the first picture years ago and of course it has turned into an annual photo. Enjoy, year one, two and present!

After a fun walk around the city, we depart from the boys to go back to her home town of Alphen aan den Rijn for dinner with my (her) family before getting ready for a night out on the town. We made a pit stop by the work place of Denise’s little sister, Manouk. Her and I connected last year when I was adopted into her family. Unfortunately this year, she is working so she won’t be able to join us out and about. Here is her “sad I can’t come with you” photo, followed by the “glad I got to see you” smile.

A little time in the kitchen, a wonderful dinner at the table and a complete evening with one of my favorite Dutch families! Writing this page made me realize I didn’t get a photo of them… Next time.

To get back to the city, we hop on a bus that takes us to the train that brings us to the centeral station. From there, we get her bike again and ride to find the boys.

Along the way, Denise hinted to me that there would be a few more joining us this evening which is always great to hear… the more the merrier! News to me, it was a surprise from my dear friend Carina! All the way from Germany, she had traveled here with another sweetheart Jenni for a night out with us!

Details about Carina and Jenni will come later. For now, here’s a peak at what a girls night out in Amsterdam can look like.

Two fun surprises in the coat check! First we have Denise’s hairstylist that we danced with last year, always full of energy!

Next, this wonderful woman has been taking care of the jackets and wash room here at this specific club now for 20 years! The first photo is from last year followed by this evening!

Not feeling like a big dance party? Other evenings leave you with choices like a nice dinner on a terrace, a walk to a coffee house (not to be confused with a coffee “shop”) or one of my favorites, a picnic next to a canal. Depending on the neighborhood, time of day and weather, you can find several groups, big and small, gathering waterside. Tonight, 4 of us went to a local store, collected goodies then found a seat next to a canal for snacks and great conversation.

Who’s the fourth in the pictures? Lets pause for a moment and reminisce of the times with Simon. He was one of the fellow travelers I met in Argentina that I reunited for the hike in Machu Picchu with. Take a look!

Night walks can also bring unexpected surprises. On this evening, I followed the sounds of a beautiful acoustical set. These three kind girls have been playing to fund their future worldly travels. Of course I’ll donate to driven people doing something they love to support a journey they desire, well done girls! Your voices caught my attention and your attitude kept me intrigued. Keep on smiling and doing what you do!

On Mikes last night here with us, we decided to stay low key and chat at a local pub when this woman approached our table and in the sweetest voice offered us a “reading” based on our names and birthdays. Very interesting and certainly entertaining as she called us out on some personality quirks, especially because the boys and I have known each other for so long!

Leaving Amsterdam before us, after two weeks in Europe, Mike departs back to the states. I watch him walk away feeling gratitude for his company and happy for his experience. Mike, I truly value our deep conversations and friendly debates that not only stimulate new thoughts, but keep me on my toes. Cheers till next time my friend!

My favorite picture of the boys this trip!

A few more days in Holland and then you’ll find me bouncing my way through Germany. Get ready for curry wurst, live music and roller coasters!

Categories: Edibles!, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: Alphen aan den Rijn, Amsterdam, Bike, Bus, canals, club, Dancing, dinner, food, herring, holland, market, terrace, train | 4 Comments

Push ups on a dance floor?

Posted on May 29, 2013 by erikamae82

Remember during the last bus ride, how we were plotting out an opportuntiy to reunite with the brightly spirited newlyweds? Please officially meet Muli, a joyful man with a sincere presence and his equally happy wife that carries a genuine smile wherever she goes.

All of us agreed that sealing up the trip at a nice resort would be a delightful way to decompress (as if our life is hard) before the long flights home. Since I had already been there with Hayden, the guarantee of quality accommodations brought no hesitation as the bunch decided… Off to the Hilton we go!

Again, my camera just seems to disappear when my shower shoes come off. With that said, here’s a small piece of our luxurious ending!

Daytime fun!

I was able to learn some new German card games and I taught her a few that I grew up with as well!
Fun fact: In Germany, they call the Jack a “Bube” and the Queen a “Dame”.

Food fun!

Night time fun!

SIDE NOTE: To mix things up at the resort, we decided to act like a couple of kids and create a “list” of items to find or things to happen while staying here. Examples would be a polka dotted bikini, someone skipping, a “mom” tattoo, etc. Who ever spotted a “list” item first would then get to deliver a drink or dare to the other person.

Carina pointed out an elderly couple holding hands (also on the list) so I received the first dare. 10 push ups in the middle of the dance floor at the disco tech! Of course I waited until an Usher song, then randomly dropped for my set. Raise your hand if you’ll ever see me again?!

Our new friends have departed and now Carina and I are left with one more van ride together as we make our way towards the San Jose airport. Can you see the difference in our eyes? The smiles just aren’t the same when you know that the next hug, will be the last one for awhile.

Carina, you are a friend that blesses us with your bright heart and fun loving spirit. You’re the type of woman that gives us all such a great example of “independence” being used with positive drive. You’re worthy of all the amazing things this life has to offer and I truly thank you for being you!

Next stop, USA! I’m flying directly into Oklahoma to visit my father and fabulous family that always has arms open, smiles waiting and eager ears to hear the stories I bring back. The photo below is the card I needed to get into Costa Rica and the document to get out.

This next stretch of travels will also allow me to put my hands to work for the victims of the EF5 tornado (strongest category measured) that destroyed over 17 miles of central Oklahoma. With packed winds between 200 and 210 mph and a rotation of almost 2 miles wide, several innocent families are left to pick up the remaining pieces of what was once their home. My thoughts go out to them and I’ll be there soon!

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Costa rica, Dancing, food, Hilton, Punteranas, Swimming | 1 Comment

Aguascalientes… more than just hot water

Posted on May 9, 2013 by erikamae82

After the memory filled days of exploring Machu Picchu, the boys took the long route and made it up even higher as Ann and I skipped the bus ride and walked back to Aguascalientes.

One of the outstanding features of this city, is how it sits hillside with a beautiful river running through it.

Even though it is fully stocked with several gift shops, craft markets and tienda’s, we went for the group effort and indulged in a game of “table hopping”.

This pleasant pause was with a local woman behind a card table, whom I believe was fully impressed with our enthusiasm for her amazing stuffed peppers and veggie potato snacks!

Not only did we find Jenga at this pit stop, we found one of the last empty blocks to make our mark!

Wrapping up our self entertaining excursion, we boarded a train to connect us to a bus, that finally dropped us off back for the walk to our hostel.

Tomorrow, the markets and inner streets of one of my favorite cities in South America… Cusco!

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Aguascalientes, Bus, food, Jenga, Machu Picchu, peppers, Peru, river, train, walk | Leave a comment

New friend + new path = F.U.N!

Posted on April 12, 2013 by erikamae82

It’s been a couple of days now and Sophie and I have stuck to our plans to head south together. Having a travel buddy adds a different energy to the journey and one that I’m always up for! (Hint-hint to all of the people who say they want to join me. When you want something strong enough… you make it happen. I know you can do it!)

We’re packed up and ready to depart from the Donkey Den and say farewell to the friends we’ve made here.

Another truck, another walk and another bus to get to our next destination.

I know exactly how you feel buddy.

We stopped here in Puerto Lopez for the gateway to visit the Isla de Plata, otherwise known as “The poor mans Galapagos”. I’m going to save the island tour as a completely separate post, simply due to it’s beauty and entertainment value.

A quick view at our new bedroom with a complimentary look at the guilt stricken face on Sophie as she “reconstructs” the ladder that she “disassembled”.

While cooking one morning in the outdoor kitchen, I starting talking with this guy from Argentina that is traveling around selling his jewelry. Of course I donated to his journey as he was eager to design one specifically for me. With the flame sealing the deal, you’ll see this anklet on me for awhile. Oh the days of backpacking at it’s best!

A walk around Puerto Lopez that leads us to the beach!

Instead of shopping our way through town, we decided to eat! Considering most items cost from $0.25 to $2, we thought to buy one of anything that looked interesting and share all of it! Let the taste buds begin! (This was done over a few days).

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Sunset brings a great evening before we rest up for our day on the island. Buenos noches!

Categories: Accommodations, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Beach, bunk beds, Bus, food, jewelry, market, pescado, Puerto Lopez, quail eggs, Sunset | 2 Comments

Streets of Panama City to the beaches of Santa Catalina

Posted on March 27, 2013 by erikamae82

I arrived safely to my new destination of Panama, a central American country located inbetween Costa Rica and Columbia. I have a day to play here before I catch a bus to my volunteering project that lies out of the city.

The budget hotel I’m staying at is nothing to boast of except it offers a free breakfast and complimentary ride from the airport. These two things eliminate a bit of stress, especially when first arriving to a new place.

After being served my complimentary breakfast of black coffee and dry toast (the usual around here) I decided to take my hunger on the road in search of fresh fruit or some other traditional eats that I could experiment with. After asking several people where I should go, the response was similar “Nada aquí” (nothing here) so I just decided to stroll in one direction to see what I could find.

Clearly this neighborhood isn’t on the “must see” list of Panama city, but it’s where my feet where leading with fingers crossed there would be food around. Just a few blocks up the way, I see a glimpse of what could be breakfast!

I decided on a plain yogurt from the mini market and this little baggie of fruit that I haven’t seen since Malaysia! Before I could stop them, they through the salt in the bag as the locals like it (not my favorite) and handed it over.

The one thing that stood out to me about Panama city was the clear division between modern higher quality shopping and street side discount vendors.

After my morning snack, I headed in a different direction to see what was near the water. Less than a few blocks later, this is my new view.

Perfect spot for the handstand shot!

After the friendly woman snapped the handstand photo for me, I asked her with my broken spanish where I could go for local shopping. With enthusiasm she pointed me towards the bike path with directions to follow.

Upon arrival, I realize that “shopping” was probably the wrong term to use, as what she was so excited about was the cities Grand Mall. Equipped with everything from Tommy Hilfiger to a McDonalds, you can imagine the amount of time that I didn’t spend here.
As if the mall doesn’t take enough cash from your wallet already, this place even has a casino inside.

Back to the hotel for a nights rest as tomorrow brings a trip from Panama City to Santa Catalina with two buses, 7 hours and a sweaty ride.

Morning shines and now I’m off! Can you spot my adorable little blue buddy? This isn’t the first time my backpack has gotten to ride roof top!

Pit stop in Soná leads me looking for a snack at the only store in town.

Here’s what I found for the remaining of the trip, simply scrumptious.

I took a picture of the only toilet offered here, but honestly the angle exposes probably more than you want to see. Well it’s in the journey, so just skip the next photos if you have a weak stomach.

At the end of the layover, I look over to see what appears to be a volcano erupting! Wouldn’t you think so? Judging from the lack of response from the locals, I shrugged my shoulders as I snapped a picture and boarded the final bus. Apparently it’s very common for the Panamanians to burn just about everything they don’t want or need.

The usual “out of the window” shots from the bus ride.

Check out this other public bus I spotted along the way. They’re everywhere here! Can you imagine your kids being picked up in this on their first day of school? Priceless.

I get kicked out of the bus (thankfully) at the bottom of a hill and pointed with the verbal command of “arriba” (up). Ok then, up I go holding fingers crossed that I’ll see some clue that my new home is this way.

A sign! Cabañas Time Out is the hotel in which I’ll be volunteering at for the next 10 days.

I arrived just in time for this gorgeous sunset hugging the poolside with a ocean view.

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Cabañas Time Out, food, fruit, mall, market, Panama city, Santa Catalina, Soná, streets | Leave a comment

Festival in Juayua, El Salvador

Posted on March 13, 2013 by erikamae82

We’ve made it to the weekend food festival to see what we can find while exploring the tiny streets of Juayua, El Salvador. This celebration happens weekly and brings other locals in as well as the random backpacker or traveling photographer.

Instead of the usual “story”, I’m going to break this post down into easy to view sections to give you a clear idea of this energetic day. You really cant make a wrong turn as you follow the streets lined with venders, music, people, and entertainment. So, please turn on your mind and open your eyes as you enjoy these photos!
I’m going to start out with my two favorite pictures of the day that capture the essence of the youth to the elderly of this brilliant village.

Entertainment! As you devour the local food and shop through the vendors, there is constantly stimulation all around you.

Care to get your nails done mid festival?

I’m sure you’re hungry by now…

Crazy corn! On the cob drizzled with a mustard mixture and red sauce then rolled in parmesan.

This is a lettuce bowl lined with boiled yuca, topped with coleslaw, salsa and chicharrón (fried pieces of pork rind or some kind of fatty fried pork… Yeh, not for me).

Snow cones!

Tamarind balls coated in sugar.

Fruit and veggies (my favorite!)

Finally, let’s just take a stroll and see what the streets have to say.

New friends…

…and a handstand of course!

I’ll leave you with my “creative” photo from the day. Thank you Juayua!

Categories: Art, Edibles!, Travel talk, Uncategorized | Tags: crazy corn, Dancing, El Salvador, Festival, food, handstand, Juayua, Music, weekend | Leave a comment

Introducing the Tropical Farm!

Posted on March 3, 2013 by erikamae82

The morning starts off with a bus ride in which my brave mother followed my lead and took a seat. With one brow up, she was on high alert until eventually realizing that it’s all going to be ok… for now. (Enter mischievous grin here).

We get off at the appropriate stop to find our host Mauricio and a motor bike. He instructs mom to climb in behind him and for me to hop on the back with my gear (a backpack with all of our belongings in it). I didn’t snap any pictures of this circus, but it was extremely entertaining to me… As for mom, not so much. With a smile inside my helmet, I take in the surroundings as we make our way towards the farm.

Arrival to our new home, HARE KRSNA ORGANIC TROPICAL HOUSE!

We got an informative tour as Mauricio explains that everything you see on the property was either made from volunteers or the local kids using recycled material. Check it out!

All of the stone that’s used in this kitchen was collected from the side roads and within the village. The cylinder container was created with bamboo and broken glass that was cleaned off the streets.

As for the decor? It’s all recycled goods that’s been donated by creative people passing through. I even pitched in with a piece that I’ve been carrying for this entire journey.

Off to the garden to do some watering or for some of us, “aquatic organic therapy”.

This is our clean water tower followed by pictures that take you along the path to the outdoor “tropical shower”.

As the sun starts to set, we’re shown to our room and this my friends… this is when the experience begins to take a turn for my dear mom. Before leaving the states, we had a conversation in regards to the reality of volunteering in Central America. We discussed subjects such as limited food options, less comfortable accommodations, variety of transportation and the challenges of foreign language. Oh how we quickly learn that you can only prepare for so much, as the rest requires a flexible attitude and open mind!

With that said, I feel there are too many quality photos starting from dinner to the long night that’s ahead. I’m actually going to put it in a completely separate (and well deserved) post.

Until the next 12 hours on the farm, I’ll leave you with a couple of photos that find me enjoying a moment in one of the many hammocks.

Categories: Accommodations, Art, Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: Bus, farm, food, hammock, jungle, organic, scorpion, shower toilet, spider, walk | Leave a comment

Snacks, Japan style!

Posted on November 6, 2012 by erikamae82

This post is the first of few as I look back on my stay in Japan. I feel my time there was way too short and has left me searching the calendar for a return date.

Could it have been the fresh food and unlimited amount of tea options? Maybe it was all of the kind people with their gentle demeanor. Possibly a balance of all of the above in combination with the perfect host.
Meet my exceptional cousin Brandon. A man with a huge heart, a positive attitude, and a sense of humor that left me tearing up as the locals stared in confusion at our ability to laugh without breathing for minutes at a time.
He’s here starting his 6th year in the Navy as a Seabee construction electrician, which is just one example of his strong drive and self discipline.

Our grandmothers are sisters and have lived nearby one another for most of their lives. This means, that although Brandon and I weren’t raised side by side, we’d randomly connect over summer breaks and family holidays. Unfortunately I don’t have any embarrassing childhood photos of us on hand, but here we are now!

First category, edibles! We had way too much fun snooping around the local shops checking out what was lining the shelves. From confusing items (that to this day we still can’t figure out) to food that found us curious enough to purchase and try at home.

From the hundreds of food photos I snapped, here are a few from each section.
This first one took me for surprise since I assumed everything in Japan was tiny. Check out the size of this apple next to a lemon!

Pickled everything! This is flavored garlic with some type of herb. We both love garlic so we chose the pink one (you can see it in the background) to take home and try. I wish I could of captured the look on our faces with the first bite. Not only did it taste far from the distinct flavor of garlic, but we were left questioning if this was indeed even what we thought it was! Him and I spent the first half of my trip trying it everyday with high hopes that some new flavor would jump out all of a sudden. “No, I really don’t think this is garlic”, was the common response.

Care for a baked sweet potato? Here, we’ll just keep it warmed up over hot stones at your local grocery store… Love it!

Fish anyone?

As far as convenience is concerned, they’ve got snack size options dialed in. From fish jerky to pretzels, nuts, single packaged hard boiled eggs, a slice of raw salmon paired with cucumber, rice wrapped tuna and flavored seaweed kelp packs.

I may have went a little over board when I saw all of these individually wrapped snacks at a specialty store. Each time I visit home from abroad I bring my siblings a variety of treats from around the world that (especially being from a small town in Oklahoma) they’ve never seen and generally wouldn’t try.

Side note: This is a surprise, so if you know my family, shhh….

I wish I could tell you what all of these are, maybe after we try them I can give you my best guess. I know a few are fish based and some are sea greens. We found a tiny jar of marshmallow cream with a wooden spoon and several different chocolate treats.

I have no idea what these are. The circular item on the left has the texture of tofu or pressed cat food with no picture on the wrapper indicating what it might be. The other is a tube of liquid with what appears to be soggy meat, fish, tofu or dog food. Hmmm, we’ll see!

The first is an extremely popular item here that comes in a range of flavors. This is the original chocolate. The second photo is green tea and green tea with cherry blossom Kit Kat’s. Both along side a box of dark chocolate swirled with green tea flavored white chocolate.

If there is one thing I must add to the list of all countries have in common, its sweets! I suppose we should face the simple fact that most humans love sugar. At the stores in Japan, you can find a huge variety of desserts ready to be taken home and consumed with a small side of guilt… hold the regrets.

This is a sample of the red bean ice cream, delicious! So was the green tea, cherry plum and my favorite… sweet potato!

The white and green items are rice balls filled with a sweetened red bean paste and next to them is the brown bean paste coating the outside of a rice ball.

Oh no he didn’t… yes he did! This is a hotdog, sandwich styled, banana stuffed Twinkie!

A soft chocolate bread, slightly crispy on the top filled with some fudge like frosting.

The item at the bottom of the plate is a real baked sweet potato, coated in sugar dust. The other is the same rice balls from above except this time covered in sesame seeds.

After all of the store adventures, we’d often find dinner being an assortment of “Ooh, that looks weird” next to “Yum, let’s share that!”. Here is a sample spread… Can you spot the pink garlic that didn’t taste anything close to what it looks like? Its near the black stuff that pleasantly tasted like the ocean. Not to be compared with the sweet teriyaki flavored omelette or fresh salmon slices on Daikon radish. How about out the banana dog-o-twinkie?

This wraps up the grocery food to go. Next post… Restaurants!

Categories: Edibles!, Uncategorized | Tags: banana Twinkie, fish, food, fruit, giant apple, Grocery store, Japan, rice, sweets, veggies | Leave a comment

Penang part 1

Posted on October 26, 2012 by erikamae82

I was craving some “lost in a city solo” time so I thanked Kuldips family for the incredible week and priceless local experience as they dropped me off at the central bus stop. I heard that the island of Penang was one of the most culturally diverse states here in Malaysia. Sounds perfect!

A few hours in this bus and after crossing one of the longest bridges in Malaysia, I arrive at my new destination.

Cool effect pic from one of the bridges!

I had done my research as far as the hostel location, however I was unclear on which inner-city bus to snag to get there or if a $40 RM cab was worth it. I asked a friendly employee who referred me to a kind gentleman that was escorting an elderly woman (his mom) next to a youthful boy (his nephew). He was so helpful by drawing a map, verbalizing detailed directions and making sure I knew where I was going, then he says “You know what, I’m going that way, would you like a ride?”
(Family, take a deep breath… He didn’t offer any candy).

I felt safe and it was either him or a random taxi guy, so off we went. I kept the map in my lap so he knew that I was aware of exactly where we were going. Upon arrival he thanked me for the great conversation and gave me the spare change from his car and said, “Please use this to call me from a public phone if you need anything at all, God bless.”

What a way to start my adventure in Penang! A quick shot of my room, with the balcony, private bath and a sign that isn’t necessarily “comforting”. But for less than $20 USD I get a glimpse of what it’s like to have own place for a minute… I’m like a teenager with parents out of town for the weekend, almost tempted to jump on the bed in my pj’s!

I ordered a cup of hot water for some tea and this super cool thermos of boiling water came to my room, love it!

Right away, I put down all of my things and go for a wander. I’ve been slacking in the “fashion from a backpack” section, so here’s a classic mirror shot of my comfortable outfit to hit the road in.