Adventure Coordinators: middle east

Just in time for the holidays is this recipe I am going to cook!

Ingredients - makes 6 servings

1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed

1 medium eggplant, cubed

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

2 carrots, chopped

1 onion, chopped

6 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 tablespoon curry powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3/4 teaspoon sea salt

3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 (15 ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained

1/4 cup blanched almonds

1 zucchini, sliced

2 tablespoons raisins

1 cup orange juice

10 ounces spinach

Directions:

In a large Dutch oven place sweet potato, eggplant, peppers, carrots, onion, and three tablespoons oil. Saute over medium heat for 5 minutes.

In a medium saucepan place 3 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, turmeric, curry powder, cinnamon, salt and pepper and saute over medium heat for 3 minutes.

Pour garlic and spice mixture into the Dutch oven with vegetables in it. Add the garbanzo beans, almonds, zucchini, raisins, and orange juice. Simmer 20 minutes, covered.

Add spinach to pot and cook for 5 more minutes. Serve!

Drink with:

Curries can be paired with a nice bottle of Gewurztraminer.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Adventure Trips of a Lifetime

Having been blessed to have traveled through nearly 100 countries, you often ask me what the best adventure trip is I have ever done. So here is a top-ten of trips, in no particular order, I think everyone interested in adventure travel should do in their life:

1. National Parks ofthe West –the mountains of Yosemite, stunning Bryce Canyon and Monument Valley and the awesome Grand Canyon – this USA South-West trip is a gem. We have a walkingtrip too.

2. Essential Peru - the mysterious Nazca Lines, Machu Picchu in its incredible setting, spend the night in an island homestay, and the stunning Colca Canyon. Want to hike the Inca Trail and upgrade your hotels? Check out this adventure in comfort: Classic Peru.

3. Falklands, SouthGeorgia & Antarctica – the best trip, the best ship, the best guides, the best time for the ultimate expedition cruise. Looking for a shorter trip? - maximize yourtime in Antarctica.

4. Botswana Explorer – the best safari with the best guides and done in the most intimate way – best of all, no single supplements. E-mail me for dates and rates.

5. Kiboko Safari – showcasing all the best parks in East Africa – ask me how you can get a great deal and still see the famous wildebeest migration.

6. Egyptology – as of writing this (SEP2013) not a safe destination, but what would a top-ten list be without it? On this trip you will be guided by real Egyptologists and stay in 5-star hotels for a great price. See the pyramids and the Valley of the Kings in style!

7. Best of Italy – the classic highlights of Italy in a 2-week trip. If you want to experience more variety like stunning coastlines and small villages, ItalyUncovered is my best bet. Rome, Florence, Tuscany, Umbria, Venice, the Amalfi Coast - they are all waiting for you!

8. Ganges, Taj andRaj visits two of my favorite Indian sites – the Taj Mahal and Varanasi - India in a nutshell. If you want to do all of India in one trip, including Kerala, check out our IndiaExperience.

9. Best of Cambodiaand Vietnam - Angkor Wat is a must-see and can do easily be combined with Vietnam. This trip runs in the opposite direction as well.

10.Imperial Chinaand Yangtze River Cruise is arguably our best China trip as it covers Beijing, Shanghai, the Terracotta Warriors and so much more. If you have only two weeks, pick this adventure trip, or this trip with upgraded hotels.

Adventure Travel of course goes beyond these destinations too. The world is your oyster - email me to arrange your own perfect holiday!