Without a doubt, travel is one of my greatest passions in life. It may even border obsession. If you want to get my attention, just start talking about planning a trip and I’m all yours. There is nothing as invigorating to me as exploring a new country and a new culture.
I grew up in a small city with an even smaller mindset. People there seemed content just to be there. They all seemed to have their same conservative views and their same tired opinions of people and cultures they had never even taken the time to learn about. I always knew that I wanted more, that I was meant for more.
I was in my 40s before I was finally able to make that first trip to Europe. It was an absolute lifelong dream come true! We went to Paris and while seeing the Eiffel Tower and the Mona Lisa were moments I’ll never forget, it was the walking down cobblestone alleys to the most amazing bistros and bakeries that stole my heart. It was the evening crowds at the restaurants with people gathering at 8pm for their weeknight dinners with wine and conversation. It was buying cheese and the best mulled wine I’ve ever had from street vendors. It was immersing myself in their culture and embracing how they live their daily lives.
Since then, I have been back to Europe a few times and I’ve explored many other new countries as well. With each new place, I learn. My mind opens wider. My soul feels fuller.
I have a goal every year to go to two new places that I have never been, and one must be outside of the United States. But this year has been rough and I won’t make anywhere. The restlessness that is building inside of me is sooooo real. Wanderlust is a real thing and I’ve got it bad!
I think alot of people find it intimidating to travel to places where they don’t speak the language or know where anything is. I embrace that shit! There is something so freeing about it. So liberating. Here I am in this strange place and I don’t speak their language, but it’s okay! I got this! Figuring it all out is part of what I enjoy. (Modern technology helps, I won’t lie.)
My whole body knows it has been too long since I traveled. I swear I can feel it in my bones. I lay in my bubble bath at night and build fantasy itineraries for trips I’ll probably never take. I look at properties for sale on Lake Como and dream. But you know what? I would rather long for the rest of my life to travel again than to be one of those people who never leave their tiny little corner of the earth.
In honor of the wonderful mulled wine I had in Paris, our drink recipe this week has to be that! When making this recipe it is soooooo important not to let the wine boil or overheat. This cooks out the alcohol and nobody wants that!
Mulled Wine
1 Bottle Red Wine (dry is better. Can’t go wrong with a Cab)
1/4 Cup Brandy (optional)
1 Orange, sliced in rounds
8 Cloves (Whole)
4 Cinnamon Sticks (add more or less based on your taste)
2 Star Anise
2 Tbsp Sweetener (Honey or Sugar are best. Add more if you like it sweeter)
Mix all ingredients and simmer over medium high heat until it JUST begins to simmer Reduce to low and simmer for at least 15 minutes. Make sure mixture never boils. Garnish with orange wheels and cinnamon sticks. Sante!
