2013 in 4

2013 in 4 

Home away from home

De Ley

Middle USA

Is there a road that leads to "knowledge.?"

I hate recipes

I hate recipes, because life shouldn't be a scientific experiment. You should cook based on how your body and mind feels. Every so often I play around with recipes and make something sans exact recipes to learn something new. Cumin? Thyme? Parsley? It depends. Here is a recipe heavily inspired by my mother's cooking. It's spicy, but fun!

• Wild Alaskan Salmon
• Yellow Bell Pepper
• Red Bell Pepper
• Handfuls of Green Beans
• Tomato 
• Piper Guineense
• Red Onion
• Thyme
• Jamaican Curry Powder 
•  Brown Rice

Souq Waqif - Doha

Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif

Souqs are popular in Northern Africa and the Middle East, essentially they are open-air markets where goods are sold from food to clothing and sometimes animals. Outside of the Middle East, open-air markets are popular in other parts of Africa, South America and Asia. But, I must say the Qatari souq was unique in that it seemed relatively calm in comparison to other souqs I've been. The crowd was mixed with Qataris, expats, and immigrants, it made the souq feel like an aspect of daily life rather than a staged market. I managed to haggle my way to getting some beads, a ring, and mini camel. Because, I couldn't fit an actual camel in my carry-on? It's definitely a must see when you're around! 

State of P L A Y

During my stay in Doha, I had the chance to visit "PLAY," an interactive exhibit encouraging the collusion of gaming and education. Although, I'm a fervent believer in personal interaction in learning, I'm fascinated by the idea that students can lead their education through gaming. Essentially this piece of interactive artwork allowed me to create beats with geometric shapes, sounds, and colors. I encourage you to learn more about PLAY. But, not so fast. Enjoy some the creations we made through the PLAY exhibit. Not too shabby!

If not now, then when.

via Pinterest 

Simple, yet for some reason difficult. I guess it's time to get back to the basics and realize our happiness relies on proactive not passive participation. We have to hold ourselves accountable.

Cafe Fujiyama – Japanese Paradise in the midst of Italy

Venice is regarded as the city on the water; it’s a mysterious place with significant history.  Its history isn’t obvious rather embedded within the people and the walls. From February until June, I had the opportunity to become part of the mystery. Mi abbitto a Venezia. When I initially arrived in Venice I participated in the typical tourist trap, I traveled by water taxi from Marco-Polo to my destino. I ate a Rosso Pomodoro more than once, I bought gelato in San Marco Square, and I attempted to cross the bridge by the Doge’s Palace midday. Indeed I failed in many aspects to conquer all that is Venetian culture, yet I definitely found a nitch within arguably the most touristic place in the world. How did I find it? Through food of course.

Whenever I travel I always visit a flea market and/or vintage store to get a feel of local style and culture. As a foodie and fashion junkie, I harp at any opportunity to get new inspiration or a cool item with a story. Not going to lie, I’m “that girl” with the random bracelet from some random flea market in X country. It’s true. That’s me. Thus, Venice was no different. I researched all of the possible vintage stores in the area and compiled a list. For those who have never been to Venice, Venice isn’t simply a turn right/turn left destination that is easily navigated by maps rather it’s a crapshoot. In a way it’s challenging and cool, but in every other way it’s 100% annoying as you truly have to fight your way to find wherever you’re going. Note: Always use the creepy zoom-in tool through Google Maps, pictures help 100%.

Afterwards I wrote down directions through Google Maps and off I was, channeling the Canale Grande on the N*1 Boat. I got off at Ca’ Rezzonico and followed the directions I made. After walking up and down Calle Lunga for more than 20 minutes I noticed a small Bed & Breakfast named Cafe Fujiyama. Perhaps, I was drawn in by the smell of fresh brownies and cookies, was it the name?

Indeed, I found a Bed & Breakfast named after the infamous Japanese mountain range, located in Venice, Italy? About 5,000 miles away from Japan. Yet, I couldn’t find a local vintage shop. How did this happen? My interest pushed my entrance into Cafe Fujiyama where I had the opportunity to meet Elena, the current owner. I asked Elena if she knew about the vintage store, and unfortunately through our conversation I learned it had folded about a year earlier. Although, I never made it to that vintage store I was able to see another face of Venice.

 Elena is a native Venetian who unknowingly lived only minutes away from her future business as a child. Who knows the future? Although, Elena has lived and traveled the world, when she decided to start her business she began in her hometown, Venice. I was so captivated by Elena’s presence that I decided to interview her for my first of many interviews with entrepreneurs around the world and the United States. 

Most people who have visited Venice are familiar with the Academia Bridge, which connects one side of the Canale Grande with the other. Growing up, one tradition initiating Venetians into adulthood was jumping off the Academia Bridge upon conclusion of secondary school cumulative examinations. Elena proudly shared the moment when she too partook in the legendary swim from the Academia Bridge through the Canale Grande. As she recounted her story, I realized this rite of passage no longer exists.

            Venice is practically oozing with tourists who come through constant streams of Vaporetto rides; private taxis, cruise ships, and yachts by water on an hourly basis. These environmental decisions undermine Venetian culture and ecosystem. Therefore, a hidden gem like Cafe Fujiyama provides a retreat from the typical tourist trap but is in close proximity to Venetian attractions.

            You can spend your day in the calm serine garden covered with beautiful plants while reading a book on French Tea Recipes under an umbrella. Don’t forget to enjoy a freshly made delicatessen! And tea of course! After you’ve toured the Doge’s Palace or the Island of Burano, come back to Cafe Fujiyama to relax in your unique city themed room.

 Throughout Italy Bed & Breakfasts are common, yet this is the first B&B I have come across that provides a complimenting character of the history of tea within Asian cultures while honoring the complex history of the B&B location. Cafe Fujiyama does just that.

            Another takeaway I realized from simply exploring Calle Lunga was the prevalence of women owned businesses within Venice. Perhaps, Shakespeare should’ve written about women merchants? In the case of Calle Lunga a woman led practically each store. Although, Elena stated that they do not have a formal organizational body, she stated that they meet every so often to discuss updates regarding their businesses. Yes, Venice may be a mysterious city to people like you and me (the outsiders, who want in), yet Venetians are able to find and thrive within their community based on support.

For booking information- Please check

http://www.bedandbreakfast-fujiyama.it/intro.html

            P.S I’m concluding this article en route to Tokyo not too far from Fujiyama.

XO,

Jire

Trip to Russia in 9 Pictures

My first time camping would be in Russia with a few hundred or a thousand people while we bond over entrepreneurship or trying to change the world or something. Thanks to CAREEL for helping to organize a group of Americans to attend Seliger 2013. 

The hats and shirts speak for itself. 

Scarves blowing in the wind near monaster 

Nilov Monastery on Stolbnyi Island

Car in the field

The legendary #Moscow metro

Quintessential I've been to Moscow/Red square St. Basil Picture. So beautiful.

Clash of civilizations. Nigerian dress, Ecuadorian purse, Spanish jacket, and Russian graffiti backdrop. Perfect.  

Best hot chocolate I've ever had overlooking The Cathedral of Christ the Savior
If you're ever in #Moscow you MUST check out Bar Strelka . Really cool vibe and awesome food = Win Win