Fat Belly Traveler

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One of the things we love best about "road tripping" through America is the diverse culture that you find as you pass from region to region. And then of course there are the sub-cultures within each region for example, New Orleans is very different than Alabama, yet they are both very much "the South."

One of our favorite things to do is to seek out the unique characteristics (foods, past-times, behaviors, language, etc.) that each area specializes in because it's the vast diversity of our Country that makes it so unusual. Most known specialties were born of local custom turned mainstream, but also these legacy's originated as a way of life and for many, it still is.

This week we find FatBellyTraveler.com in the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina, in Franklin, just above the Georgia border. As you drive along these mountain roads a rather common site is the "roadside produce stands." Visiting the roadside stands is such a treat because each one offers a unique personality along with locally grown fresh produce and other food items specific to this region. One of the things this particular area is known for is Boiled Peanuts. They are hot, briny and soft- shelled and once you get a hankering for them, there is nothing else that can do the trick. These weren't in season this time around but if you're traveling through this area in Spring, Summer or Fall, be sure to give them a try!

Other local items that make this area special are the many varied Jams & Jelly's made by the Amish community up near the Virginia border, along with cheeses, brined hams and smoked meats.

We visited Tallent's produce (which has been around for 35 years!) located at 836 E. Main St., Franklin, NC. They can also be reached at: 828-369-2112.

Barbara Tallent say's:
"Come on down to Franklin, North Carolina" and when you do, be sure to stop at Tallent's.

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If you are lucky, you will someday find yourself sailing in the Aegean Sea from Greek Island to Greek Island. Join us for a bit of the afternoon sail into the port on Serifos.

We had fair wind and the waves had yet to come up. Good sailing and lots of fun. We had chartered boats with skippers from Kalimaki Marina near Athens. Both of the boats are in the 40' range and can sleep 8 with a galley and two heads.

Artists know that the light in the Greek Islands has a quality like no other. The blue is blue and the white is white and the color of sunset is a riot of orange and red.

Good Sailing!

Labels: greece, greek islands, greek sailing, sailing

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Saint Patrick is believed to have been born in the late fourth century and was the patron saint and national apostle of Ireland who is credited with bringing christianity to Ireland. Saint Patrick described himself as a "most humble-minded man, pouring forth a continuous paean of thanks to his Maker for having chosen him as the instrument whereby multitudes who had worshipped idols and unclean things had become the people of God."

Saint Patrick is most known for driving the snakes from Ireland. It is true there are no snakes in Ireland, but there probably never have been - the island was separated from the rest of the continent at the end of the Ice Age. As in many old pagan religions, serpent symbols were common and often worshipped. Driving the snakes from Ireland was probably symbolic of putting an end to that pagan practice. While not the first to bring christianity to Ireland, it is Patrick who is said to have encountered the Druids at Tara and abolished their pagan rites. The story holds that he converted the warrior chiefs and princes, baptizing them and thousands of their subjects in the "Holy Wells" that still bear this name.

Saint Patrick's Day has come to be associated with everything Irish: anything green and gold, shamrocks and luck. Most importantly, to those who celebrate its intended meaning, St. Patrick's Day is a traditional day for spiritual renewal and offering prayers for missionaries worldwide.

So, why is it celebrated on March 17th? One theory is that that is the day St. Patrick died. Since the holiday began in Ireland, it is believed that as the Irish spread out around the world, they took with them their history and celebrations. The biggest observance of all is, of course, in Ireland but many other cities around the world now celebrate St. Patrick's Day in massive numbers. Many of these celebrants are Irish by blood, others just want to be, at least for a Day.

Labels: Ireland, St. Patrick's

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Poetic legacy in a garden and house

In 1641 Shisendo was built by Josen Ishikawa. The house and garden are many people's favorite place in Kyoto. It is not of the scale of Heian Shrine or Kyomisudera, it is of a smaller, more human scale.

Ishikawa has left a legacy that has far outlived him. His study of the Classical Chinese poets of his era and his devotion to the teaching of Buddha with the wisdom of Confucius are evident in the simplicity and symbolism in the garden. The main room, open to the light of day on two sides is the quintessential meditation site. Hidden at the edge of a forest in Northeastern Kyoto this special garden is one to never forget.

Ishikawa was granted this land by the Shogun as retirement gift when his military career was ended by his over zealous attack again the Toyama clan in Osaka. Though he prevailed, he had broken ranks and attacked before the order. Consequently he could no longer serve Shogun Iyeyasu Tokugawa as complete obedience was required. Tokugawa must have never-the-less appreciated Ishikawa's willingness to battle on his behalf and granted him this land.

Labels: Japan, Kyoto, Shisendo