Thank You Victor Vaughn Morris

For inventing the Pisco Sour, which might be one of the most refreshing drinks in todo el mundo! We only had a night in Lima, but there was enough time for one of these. There is some debate over who owns the drink, Chile or Peru, but I think most historians credit Mr. Morris, a guy from the USA who opened a bar in Lima, with the honors. Pisco-lemon juice-simple syrup-egg white-shake into an old fashioned glass + 1 dash of bitters...heavenly!

North Carolina is Sticky

Champion pre-funking with the finest materials on Durham Chapel Hill Blvd! Tomorrow the Western Washington Vikings will face the Duke Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor and I will be there! I still can't believe it!!! I hope I'm able to sleep tonight!

Stubbe's Haring

For my last meal in Amsterdam I decided to go with a local delicacy and hit a famous traditional fish stand for some herring. Apparently the Stubbe family has been selling herring for over 100 years and I think they have been so successful by keeping it simple. Fresh fish, sweet pickle slices, and onions on a fluffy bun. I was a little skeptical but it was perfect! I was expecting a strong fish flavor but that wasn't the case at all. The herring was very light and flavors of the onions and pickles worked with it brilliantly!

The Secret Annex & The Windmill Brewery

The weather in Amsterdam has been rainy. While its nothing I'm not use to, it was a little brutal to be standing in a downpour for 30 minutes while waiting to see Anne Frank's secret annex. It was a surreal experience to be in the space where she spent 2 years cooped up, unable to go outside or talk above a whisper. It made me feel stupid for being bummed about my rain soaked clothes and cold hands. We decided the best thing to lift our spirits was a trip to the Brouwerij't IJ brewery on the outskirts of the city with at the site of an old windmill. The beer was actually quite remarkable and the friendly clientele, all of which could speak a minimum of 3 languages fluently, were lively and highly concerned about upcoming presidential election. Everyone we encountered was team Obama. 

Amsterdam is My Kind of Place!

This pretty much sums it up so far!

Pis & Giggles

I'm convinced now more than ever that Belgium is one if Europe's best kept secrets. French is the dominant language although half of the country speaks Flemish, which makes me laugh because I have unfortunately come down with a wicked head cold and I'm producing phlegm in record volumes. I'm certain if I introduced Puffs w/lotion over here I would be filthy rich. What passes for tissue has the look of a fast-food chain napkin and it feels like rubbing pressed sawdust under your nose. Thank god they have the most wonderful beer in the world to ease my pain! The city also has various statues of peeing babies (manneken pis, and the lesser known jeanneken pis) which proves they don't take themselves too seriously around here. I have pretty much had a smirk on my face every time I step outside. Fromage je t'aime!

Brussels

Chocolate, Chimay Bleu, cheery tourists, I love Brussels! Not to mention they make the best fries I have ever had in my life. This is the view from our hotel room. So far, this is my favorite city we have hit this trip!