Category: Coffee

Things People are Asking

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…What they are asking me – the woman who is traveling alone. Their Questions and my answers.

I’m in my second year post-divorce. What have I learned? So much, I have to gather my thoughts quite often.

I have learned that I enjoy traveling. I love to travel with the boyfriend. I love to travel alone. Presently, I am in the midst of a 2 1/2 month solo visit to South America.

Unusual Lifestyle?

I am also learning how this new lifestyle scares the hell out of some people. Or at least confuses the hell out of them. It’s become a fun little game of question and answer… or unsolicited statement and unsolicited reply.

  1. Next time you should experience this with someone you love.
    1. I am experiencing this with someone I love – Me.
  2. Who is driving you around?
    1. The bus driver.
  3. Be careful!!
    1. Of course.
  4. Aren’t you lonely?
    1. Sometimes. But everyone should experience loneliness from time to time. It helps one appreciate the presence of others.
  5. Do you need help with that?
    1. I sure do. Thank you!
  6. Do you miss home?
    1. I am home.

So, I don’t mind the questions or comments. Like everything else in my life, I just have fun with them!

 

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Ultimately, I am having a fine time. Meeting new friends. Staying in and binge-watching shows without being judged. Walking through city squares at night, people watching. Lots of Café con Leche!

Ecuador has become my new favorite place. Olon, in particular. But Lima, Peru has its charm as well.

 

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Staying Connected

My daughter and I have a scheduled weekly chat to check in about our lives and new adventures. And there’s the occasional text to and from my sons. My oldest will be joining me in Peru to celebrate Christmas. I miss my kids. Yet, I am so happy that they are all living their truth. Experiencing their personal journeys.

I really miss my granddaughters deeply. Thankfully, they are in good hands. My son and his wife are an excellent team as parents.

I really really miss the boyfriend. Fortunately, we have this understanding: We welcome these pauses in our relationship. No, It’s not an open relationship. We just are okay being apart and being alone at times.

Plans and Lessons

There were many plans made for this trek through South America. Unfortunately, it didn’t all work out according to said plans. But it never does. The back is injured again, interrupting surfing lessons. And I was doing so well! So I guess I will try again next year. 2019 is on its way, regardless of whether I give it permission to do so.

Then there’s the “shedding the excess” lessons. This need is surely what this trip is uncovering. And I have learned, more importantly, to ask myself some questions:

  1. Are you being you – living your truth?
  2. Are you living according to your values?
  3. Have you reviewed your values lately?
  4. Can you be happy regardless of any circumstance?
  5. Are you sincerely ready to let go of the past?

These questions are being answered along this journey through South America. I guess discovery is what adventure is all about, right? Stay Blissful My Friends. – e

 

Protein Drink Hacks – InfoGraphic

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Are you on a High Protein Diet?

Over a year ago, my doctor put me on the Ketogenic Diet.  Although I initially rolled my eyes at the thought of another diet, I went ahead with it.  Am I ever so glad I did! I had to lose 30lbs. for my back pain.

I have since lost said 30lbs and not only has my back improved, my health has drastically as well!

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There are many great products online and I had fun creating some protein drink hacks. I have always enjoyed Starbucks Passion Lemonade and was able to create a protein substitute of this drink – with only 1 gram of sugar per serving!

While I was in Croatia, Nescafe 3 in 1 was all the rage. Though this was against my plan, I chose to indulge as I enjoyed the beauty of this lovely country. So when I returned, I looked for a close substitute. This was easy, with Proteinwise Proticcino! My concoction is very low in sugar and high in protein!

Who doesn’t love Hot Apple Cider? Proteinwise Apple Drink has absolutely no carbs (this means no sugar!) Combined with Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice Tea, and you have a yummy Hot Apple Cider drink! Can’t even tell there is no sugar! It does contain Sucralose.

Where to Get These Yummy Protein Supplements

Disclaimer: I am affiliated with this company. Why?

  • Because they are awesome and sell all of the protein items listed below.
  • They provide free shipping on products over $69!
  • Additionally, every package I have received from Nashua Nutrition includes some freebies!

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Searching For A Great Cup-o-Joe Abroad

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Traveling abroad can be stressful and energy draining. It can also be adventurous! Finding a more than adequate cup of coffee proved to be part of the adventure. Walking through some nice places, not so nice places, getting lost, and trying to ask for directions from people who do not speak English – created much anticipation for that golden cup…of Joe!

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Athens, Greece

Mind the Cup

This was a lovely place to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful day while drinking our coffee. Located near the shopping area, it gave us just the right energy to walk through many streets and buy gifts for our loved ones.

We returned for another cup after shopping to get our second wind!

Tailor Made

Tailor Made was the first café we visited. After a loooong trek from our Airbnb spot, we arrived – 10 minutes before they opened. We found this out when the Barista rudely exclaimed this. So we took a couple seats on the patio table. After which, the Barista again reminded us that they were not open for another 10 minutes.

Although, I had a nice chat with a  waitress, who informed me that our Airbnb was located across the street from Lindsay Lohan’s nightclub. She then told me some stories about said club.

I cannot remember if the coffee was good because I could not get past the boorish barista! I would not recommend this place to anyone who enjoys good service.

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ΔΥΟ ΓΟΥΛΙΕΣ & ΔΥΟ ΜΠΟΥΚΙΕΣ

By far, this was the best place in Athens. We visited this place twice! The Barista was a friendly gentleman, who wore a butcher’s apron. He shared stories and news articles about Coffee competitions. Additionally, he selected the best treats for us and we just went with whatever he handed over. We were not disappointed at all!

The general vibe of this café was awesome! From the décor to the pleasant staff. The cappuccinos were splendid, as was the food. Hands down, it was the service that made our day. This is a must go to café in Athens!

Santorini, Oia

Passagio

We were welcomed by a lovely waitress named Sophia. She was on a smoke break and apologized. We laughed because Sophia was cute and funny in her apology. Sophia was a lot of fun, recommending that we eat as well as drink coffee.

My brother was especially amused by Sophia. This was a nice counterbalance to a stressful morning travel schedule. Just what the doctor ordered.

The view, friendly talks and of course, the coffee was perfect. If you are ever in Oia, GO to Passagio!

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Café Tramvaj

We had to laugh at the name of this place, which was about to close when we arrived. The Barista generously served us our much-needed cup of joe! The coffee was not the best, but we felt welcomed into this man’s world of Java!

My brother and I found that the people of Croatia were much friendlier than those of Athens.

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Nestle 3 in 1

This little packet of gold is huge in Croatia. Not that it is healthy to drink every day, I really enjoyed it!  So much, that I came home and created my own blend, sans the cream with partially hydrogenated oil.

Whenever you visit Greece or Croatia, take some time to check out these places…And Stay  Blissful My Friends!