When I sat at my computer to write this post about a recent adventure, I wasn’t sure where to start. I thought ‘is anyone interested in walking France’s Stevenson Trail with a donkey?’ It’s virtually unknown in the United States, let alone a sought after vacation. But Europe is a different story. Stevenson is a popular trail in South Central France, with an estimated 6,000 hikers annually, many with a donkey. The furry companion carries backpacks and sometimes tired little children accompanying their parents on the walk. I realized it’s a trip you may want to take. Let’s start at the beginning. The Stevenson Trail follows the path of Robert Lewis Stevenson, author of Treasure Island. He and his donkey Modestine forged the 150 mile path in 1878 when it was largely inaccessible. Their 12-day adventure is chronicled in his book published the following year, “Travels With a Donkey in the Cévennes.” Fast forward 147 years. I was scrolling through Instagram and came across an influencer who walked the exact trail while living in France; although without a donkey. She walked it alone. Not organized with a group. My plan was hatched, only I was going to replicate Stevenson’s exploration and hire a ânesse — donkey — to lighten my load. The journey, although magical in many ways, took me way out of my comfort zone. I came to find out when meeting fellow hikers along the way, this feeling was mine alone. Planning the Walk The hiking season is May to October, with summer being the busiest. A handful of tour companies offer route planning, accommodations with meals, and detailed directions/maps. I chose La Pèlerine because they are one of the most established for the Stevenson. La Pèlerine provides shorter itineraries for those not exploring the entire trail. I
When I sat at my computer to write this post about a recent adventure, I wasn’t sure where to start. I thought ‘is anyone interested in walking France’s Stevenson Trail with a donkey?’ It’s virtually unknown in the United States, let alone a sought after vacation. But Europe is a different story. Stevenson is a
French cuisine, it’s synonymous for the best dishes in the world. Meals have a certain je ne sais quoi. An ingredient as simple as chicken is transformed into coq au vin to make your taste buds sing. I wanted to learn how France's master chefs produce master menus, so on a recent trip to Paris, I enrolled in Le Cordon Bleu cooking school. There were two particular classes that intrigued me. First, “Tasting Menus: Brittany.” This area is located on the northwestern coast of France, once part of the spice route, so I knew the workshop would focus on flavorful seafood and fish. The second session was “The Art of Making Sauces and Jus.” Given the the French reputation for the liquid toppings. I’d be amiss if I didn’t learn the secrets. Each student had their own station equipped with utensils and pre-portioned ingredients. For those of us who spoke English, a woman was translating Chef’s every word. One stark difference from classes I’ve taken in the United States is Chef assumed the students had a good grasp of cooking already. The five and a half hour workshop kept us hopping. No hand holding. Tasting Menus: Brittany The Brittany class had three courses: Velvety crab soup with croutons, artichoke purée and anchovy. Scallops (coquilles saint-jacques) with cauliflower and Colombo spice. Brittany flan with apples and rum macerated prunes. I found my favorite to be the scallops. Here’s the recipe: INGREDIENTS: Marinade: 1/8 cup currants 5 Tablespoons bottled water 2 1/2 Tablespoons olive oil 1 bay leaf 1 pinch of course gray salt (Chef used gray sea salt and it made a difference. It was smoother. It’s not expensive and last forever. Here’s the link to purchase: https://amzn.to/4bAirXo 1/2 sprig fresh thyme 1/4 teaspoon sugar Cheesecloth sachet Cheesecloth sachet: 1/2 teaspoon
French cuisine, it’s synonymous for the best dishes in the world. Meals have a certain je ne sais quoi. An ingredient as simple as chicken is transformed into coq au vin to make your taste buds sing. I wanted to learn how France’s master chefs produce master menus, so on a recent trip to Paris, I
Memorial Day is around the corner and it’s time to plan your summer vacation. But, traveling to far-flung destinations is not always feasible due to work, financial responsibilities, and other commitments. Destination dupes are the perfect alternative. These are duplicate travel destinations, that are closer and more affordable. These locations offer similar experiences, vibes and scenery as their popular counterparts. Most don’t require a passport and are easier to reach. They maintain more of the local culture and charm without the commercialization of high-profile spots. There are fewer crowds, meaning more relaxed visits. The following are five destination dupes I recommend having visited them all. Instead of Paris, France ➤ Montreal, Canada Montreal is the second largest French speaking city in the world. It is their official language, yet English is spoken by everyone. Perched on a 30-mile-long island at the convergence of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers, Montreal is the perfect blend of modernity and stunning historic architecture. I spent a week there and felt like I was in Europe! Why cross the Atlantic to France, when her beautiful twin sister resides in Northeast Canada? Old Montreal (Vieux Montreal) features cobblestone streets and Gothic architecture reminiscent of Paris’ Marais and Latin Quarter. Like Paris, Montreal has a thriving cafe and bistro scene with terrace seating, espresso culture, fresh croissants and a deep love for wine and cheese. It’s a creative hub with world-class art galleries, fashion designers, and music festivals - echoing Paris’ reputation for high culture and style. Getting around Montreal is easy and fast on the metro, which is similar to Paris’ underground. There are 68 metro stations and four different lines. Art installations decorate the walls of most terminals. I don’t recommend renting a car during your Canada trip because driving can be tricky.
Memorial Day is around the corner and it’s time to plan your summer vacation. But, traveling to far-flung destinations is not always feasible due to work, financial responsibilities, and other commitments. Destination dupes are the perfect alternative. These are duplicate travel destinations, that are closer and more affordable. These locations offer similar experiences, vibes and
