Exploring Asheville #1

This afternoon I got to go back into Asheville for a few hours, as a friend who had a function to attend let me accompany then into town. Now obviously there is way more to see in Asheville than what a few hours could afford, but on the drive into town I decided to Google some food venues within walking distance of where my friend would my friend would be.

So today, I made up my mind to visit Vortex Doughnuts and Noble Kava Bar.

First I went to Vortext Doughnuts. This is a really trendy little coffee house type place that, as the name suggests, specializes in doughnuts. Not being familiar with their offerings, I was hoping to get my usually jelly filled doughnut. However, as they were in their last hour of business for the day, they were out of the filled kind. So with some guidance from a very friendly staff member, I picked ... and ... I ended up getting two of each because as the guy behind the counter explained they don't use any preservatives, so all doughnut are BOGO during the last hour of business to limit what has to be thrown out; I really appreciated this, as wasting food was a top level sin in my family.

Over all, I highly recommend this place. The prices are reasonable, the dining area is clean, the atmosphere is great, and the staff is really friendly. It is also worth noting that they have a selection of vegan doughnut offerings equal to the regular non-vegan selections.

My second venue for the day was Noble Kava Bar. I had heard of this place before, but was unaware of its location, but as someone who has spend a few months in Vanuatu, the word "kava" got my attention. However, despite my time in Vanuatu, I had never tried kava... for multiple reasons this posting is not meant to discuss. So I was actually pretty excited to see what they had to offer, and to see if I could get my first taste of kava.

Now for those of you who are unfamiliar with kava, it is the root of a plant native to the South Pacific, and it is used by native peoples to make a drink. Please note that this is a non-alcoholic drink. However, the drink contains a compound from the root known as kavain which can have a numbing effect on tissues it makes direct contact with.

If it wasn't for the brightly colored sign, I might have just walked right past the place. As it is a very "hole in the wall" type venue. The atmosphere was quiet, and the lighting reduced, but inviting overall. After looking over the menu, I asked the cashier his recommendation for a first time Kava drinker. He said just try a regular double shot (again non-alcoholic) which is the price of a single for first timers. He ladled kava into a glass and garnished it with a slice of pineapple.

I took a seat off to the side and prepared to have my first taste of kava. The color looks a lot like ice coffee. However, know that this drink will not be sweet or chocolaty like a McCafe. Kava has a very unique taste that I can't quite describe other than to say it is kind of mineral-y. The place is trendy looking hangout, and I would encourage you to stop by if for nothing else other than for the cultural experience of saying that you have drank kava.

Back Home

Okay... I'm not back in my physical home, but back in Western North Carolina (WNC), my heart's home, and it feels good. This is actually just one of a number of trips planned this Summer and on into October.

The reason for this trip to WNC is two fold. The number one reason is because it has finally come time to close my mother's estate... which is bitter sweet. However, the second reason is because my birthday is coming up, and where else would I want to spend my 25th birthday than here in WNC?

While I have not officially lived in NC for a number of years, some of my best childhood memories, and closest childhood friends are based here. So returning for my 1/4 century celebration is the best possible outcome. Turning 25, marks the turning of not just a new chapter, but a new book. The next 25 years of my life will be completely different from the first 25, and I am so ready for the new adventures that are in store.

If At First You Don't Succeed, Try Again

Time to try again. The end of the Spring 2019 semester was a welcomed ending to a difficult past two semesters. My studies have been the biggest factor in my most recent hiatus from travel blogging; however, it is time for me to get back in the blogging game.

Now, I'll still be taking classes over the Summer, but they are all online which is good because I have some big travel plans this summer. So whether you are a faithful blog follower who has been checking back for updates, or you are new to my blog, stayed tuned for some really amazing announcements coming up.

Farewell, Mom!

At about 2:00 AM this morning, I arrived back home from my study abroad trip to Italy. However, though I was happy to be home, there was a noticeable presence absent in my welcoming party; it was my mom’s. Mom and I were always close, but on May 31^st (the day before I left for Italy) she passed into eternity. My mom played many roles in my life, and on that fateful day, I said goodbye to a friend, a teacher, a comforter, and of course my first travel partner.

As I was unpacking this morning from my latest trip, and got ready to put my passport away, I saw another passport; it was my mom’s. As I look at the stamps in her passport, each stamp tells a story that always involved the both of us. Together we have traveled tens of thousands of miles, via trains, boats, planes, cars, and even on foot to over 25 countries on 5 continents.

It was my Wondering Jew of a mom, with her adventuresome spirit who helped instill in me my deep love of travel, she always pushed me to go to new places, and to try new things. She was the one who taught me how to pack, book a flight, and maneuver through an airport; I owe so much of my travel experience to her.

It is a hard thought for me to think that mom and I will never travel on this earth together again. But just because she will not physically travel with me again, does not mean that I will not carry her with me; no matter where I go, she will always be in my heart.

So, I say: “Farewell, Mom; we’ll travel heaven together someday!”

Mendenhall Glacier, AK (2015)

My Next Adventure!

So, where is my next far off adventure going to be? Well, I'm going back to Italy!

I am one of 20 students at my college who's application has been selected to participate in a Greek & Roman Humanities study abroad trip. And this past Friday was the first of 6 state-side pre-trip meetings to be held regarding the upcoming trip.

To say the least, I am very excited as studying abroad is something that I have always wanted to do. Though this is only a "short-term" I am still very thankful for this opportunity.

Why did I choose to apply for the Italy study abroad trip? Well, even though I have been to multiple places in Italy, I did not feel that I got a very well rounded "Italian Experience." To be totally honest, Italy was one of my least favorite destinations, and I was really disappointing by my experience there. However, I always thought that if I had the opportunity to stay with an Italian family and to truly see the country through the eyes of the locals, even for a short time, I would for sure have a better understanding, and respect for the country. Which brings to why I felt that this particular study abroad offering was a good one as my group will be doing home-stays in Sicily.

There is still much to do before I leave for the trip, so stay tuned for more updates!