| May 14, 2012 |
| Regional Cuisine: the Delights of Southern BBQ |
 |
| Have you ever experienced the quintessentially American gastronomy known as “Barbecue”? Unique to the southern states – in particular the Carolinas, Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri and Texas – this usually pork-based dish is decidedly non-vegetarian fare. |
(click to enlarge) |
The Spanish introduced pigs as a source of sustenance to the colonies and the American Indians in the 16th century. The Indians subsequently introduced the Spanish to their particular method of slow cooking with smoke – and so American BBQ was born.
In the south, barbecue is more than just a style of cooking, and more than just a meal. It’s become a subculture with wide variations in flavour between regions, and fierce rivalry for titles at barbecue competitions.
What any Southerner will tell you is that it’s all about the sauce. Each region has its own distinct BBQ sauce preparation that sets its BBQ apart from the rest. For instance, Eastern North Carolina likes a vinegar-based sauce, but the center of the state enjoys a combination of ketchup and vinegar. Memphis BBQ is heavily tomato-based, while Alabama has its own mayonnaise and vinegar-based sauce. South Carolina prides itself on specializing in four distinct styles: mustard-based, vinegar and pepper, and light and heavy tomato-based.
I’m freshly returned from a trip to Columbia, South Carolina, which serves up barbecue that involves a mustard-based sauce characteristic of Carolina lowland cooking. Getting to experience this regional cuisine as part of a feast with friends and family was the highlight of my trip. I loved getting to try a type of cuisine that is second nature to the folks who live there, but brand new to me. Along with the pork, there was: succotash, buttermilk coleslaw, vinegary potato salad, mac and cheese, baked beans, hash, and – of course – a delectable key lime pie (I need another article to devote to this heavenly dessert!)
I wish I’d taken a photo of my plate! Heaped high with BBQ and all its fixings, it was a sight to see. The feast was prepared by Bone-In Artisan Barbecue, an award-winning local BBQ catering truck.
If you’re headed to any of the Southern States, eating at least one barbecue meal should be high on your “must do” list. ToursByLocals guides in Atlanta, Nashville, Kansas City, Raleigh, and Charleston will all be able to guide you to their favourite BBQ places as part of your private tour, so you too can get a real taste of the South on your travels. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| May 9, 2012 |
| Introducing the Latest TBL Addition: Alaska! |
|
| One of the newest additions to ToursByLocals is a guide who lives and works in a place many travelers have their eye on: Alaska. Based out of Anchorage, Steve has been guiding for 11 years and is equally comfortable being a guide-about-town as he is on multi-day wilderness excursions. |
(click to enlarge) |
As Steve explains, Anchorage is the perfect base to explore the Alaskan outdoors. Travelers can relax among the comforts of a cosmopolitan city, but still be only a 15 minute drive from the edge of true wilderness. And what a wilderness! Moose, grizzlies, mountain panoramas and crisp glacial lakes. It's a playground in both summer and winter, so long as you have the right gear! Steve likes to snowshoe and cross-country ski in the winter, and mountain bike, hike and play frisbee golf (yes, it is a real sport) in the summer.
With his wide range of knowledge and experiences, Steve prides himself on being able to offer tours that are custom tailored to a particular group's interests - in a relaxed manner. As he says, "Alaskans like to take our time and enjoy life. My tours reflect this lifestyle."
If you're headed to Alaska this summer, send Steve a message! He's eager to share with you the many charms of his rugged and beautiful state. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| May 7, 2012 |
| Five Places near Bangkok to Visit Floating Markets |
|
| Today Swai, a very popular and consistently well-reviewed guide in Bangkok, is sharing with us five excellent spots to experience Thai floating markets. While most of Thailand – like the rest of the world – has embraced the convenience of modern supermarkets, several floating markets still exist to give locals and visitors alike the chance to witness a piece of traditional Thai heritage. Head to one (or more) of the markets Swai suggests and make sure you have your camera ready! The floating markets are some of Thailand’s most photogenic sites. |
(click to enlarge) |
In Thailand, there have been several floating markets, mostly serving during the weekends starting in the early morning. It is a scenic type of traditional culture as the people sell merchandise by floating boat on a canal or a part of a river. All products are from local communities such as fruit orchards, handicrafts, local meals, etc. People come to visit floating markets not only for the floating market itself but also for touring around the nearby area to see local temples, and even to experience boating on a canal and purchasing and enjoying their own meal with family or friends during the visit.
The following floating markets are some of my favourites in Bangkok and the surrounding area:
1. Damnoen Saduak: It is located in Ratchaburi Province, about 82 kilometers to the southwest of Bangkok. It is the most famous and the top ranked floating market since it is the oldest one in terms of the fame to the tourists. The area is covered with several fruit gardens such as bananas, coconut trees, papayas, and mangoes. There are also a lot of canals of the inner part where the native people spend their days, generation by generation, mostly as agriculturalists. The floating market is open daily between 7am to noon. In the past (1866), the canal was dug to join two main rivers, Tah Chin River and Mae Klong River under the command of King Rama IV.
2. Amphawa: This is one of the famous floating markets in Thailand because of its colorful lifestyle and the location. It is not too far from Bangkok, just about 68 kilometers. Amphawa Floating Market is unique because it is the only floating market starting in the late afternoon and staying open until after dark (9pm), not like others which all start in the dawn and close earlier. The market consists of a variety of local products serving only during the weekends including Fridays. The location is also a part of the area of the Gulf of Thailand where the Mae Klong River flows out from the land to the sea as the final exit way. Hop on a boat to watch the fireflies or lighting bugs at night time. And because of her beauty, Amphawa is also legendary for inspiring musicians and writers to compose great works of music and literature.
3. Khlong Lardmayom: The word, khlong means canal in Thai. There are more than a hundred canals linked as waterways of local people. Khlong Lardmayom floating market is quite new in the Bangkok area, running only during weekends between 7am and 2pm. The surrounding area is used by native people cultivating their land for fruit orchards. There is also a walk-way along the canal to explore the green area.
4. Taling Chan Floating Market: Also open during weekends from 7am-3pm. This is one of many floating markets located in Bangkok at Khlong Chakphra. Most people visit here for their choices of delicious prepared meals. And it is the most centralized urban floating market of Bangkok area which can be reached by local public transportation.
5. Bang Namphurng: It is located at Samut Prakarn Province on the western side of Phrapradaeng District. This floating market also runs during weekends between 7-3pm. The local products for sale are from the community of Morn ethnic peoples (one of the major old Thai local tribes). This floating market is within the Bangkok metropolitan area and can also be reached by public transportation.
There are still some more floating markets in Thailand’s rivers or canals in other provinces throughout the country. And don’t forget that the areas surrounding the floating market are good places to witness uniquely Thai traditions and cultures.
Thank you Swai, for this thoughtful and detailed explanation of some of the Bangkok region’s most accessible and appealing floating markets. If any travelers are headed to Thailand in 2012, consider getting in touch with Swai to learn more about Thai culture and history. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| May 4, 2012 |
| European Night of Museums |
|
| If you’re traveling to Europe this spring, chances are you’ll visit at least one museum. From the Louvre to the Guggenheim, the Rijksmuseum to the Hermitage, Europe’s museums are the thread holding together the continent’s cultural fabric. |
(click to enlarge) |
On May 19, 2012 the 5th annual Nuit des Musées (Night of Museums) event celebrates the role of the museum in European life. Over 3000 museums in 42 countries will be open and free until 1am to encourage both locals and visitors alike to enter and explore their galleries.
The European Night of Museums was created in 2005 by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication. It is sponsored by an impressive trio of cultural organizations: UNESCO, the Council of Europe and the International Council of Museums. As the sponsors, explain, “The Night of Museums aims to make museums more accessible to the general public and in particular to a new younger public... around a common festive and friendly event.”
The many exhibitions and collections people are invited to explore include ancient, modern and contemporary art, archaeology, decorative arts, photography, science and technology, anthropology, civil and military history, and rural and industrial heritage.
During the event, art lovers will be encouraged to explore museums in new ways via shows, events and lectures. But of course, simply wandering through the galleries in the middle of the night, soaking up centuries of great European painting and sculpture is perfectly acceptable too!
Whether you’re in Budapest, Copenhagen, Paris or Prague – or any one of the 42 countries participating on May 19th, don’t miss this magical night. And if you’re hoping to make it extra meaningful, arrange a tour with one of our local guides who specializes in art history to add more depth and context to your visit.
For more information, you can visit the event website: European Night of Museums. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home
Blog home
Submit an item
Archives
May 2013 (6)
April 2013 (9)
March 2013 (8)
February 2013 (8)
January 2013 (8)
December 2012 (7)
November 2012 (7)
October 2012 (9)
September 2012 (8)
August 2012 (6)
July 2012 (9)
June 2012 (11)
May 2012 (11)
April 2012 (12)
March 2012 (11)
February 2012 (13)
January 2012 (12)
December 2011 (12)
November 2011 (13)
October 2011 (14)
September 2011 (12)
August 2011 (14)
July 2011 (16)
June 2011 (16)
May 2011 (17)
April 2011 (16)
March 2011 (16)
|