Added Value

As an individual you have a strong power to make a difference. How? By adding value. Read the article ‘Added Value,  Storytelling and the economy of non-reproducible goods’ that I wrote at Klatergoud.com.

Avocado-tomaat Torentje

Bezoeken aan Frankrijk leveren keer op keer culinaire hoogstandjes op. Trouwens ook wijsheden. Tijdens en bezoek aan Chambord kwam de volgende wijsheid tot me: “If one concerns about the completion of things, one never starts anything.” Als je naar het kasteel van Chambord kijkt, begrijp je waar deze uitspraak vandaan komt.

Een restaurant ergens aan de Loire serveerde een heerlijk voorgerecht, dat ik gisteren aan A. presenteerde. Neem een rijpe avocado en blijf net zo lang prakken en roeren met een vork tot het spul haast vloeibaar is. Schep er een flinke eetlepel creme fraiche door en een handvol gesneden verse koriander. Breng op smaak met zout en peper. Snijd twee rijpe, smaakvolle tomaten in plakjes en bouw een torentje: plakje tomaat, laagje avocadomengsel, plakje tomaat etc. Heerlijk als voorgerecht of als garnering bij een stuk tonijn.

Iemand

Het verlangen naar iemand
groeit gelijk de behoefte aan niemand.

Iemand die voortkomt uit niemand
en niemand meer is.

Om te zijn met iemand
daar waar niemand ooit komt.

Feeding

Het duurde zeker zes minuten voor het achterlijfje van de mug op mijn hand die het boek vasthield dat ik van Gyro Gearloose voor mijn verjaardag kreeg in omvang was gegroeid van een gehalveerde hagelslagkorrel tot een gepelde zonnebloempit.

Highway 1 (part III) – Back to city life

(continued) Just a few exits past Morro Bay the exit of Los Osos leads to Montana de Oro State Park. This national park offers beautiful nature and rocks that are spread like fingers of a hand. Here you can hike, go mountain biking or horseback riding. It’s great for spending some hours in nature. Our trip continued to Santa Barbara. A lovely city where you find some nice places to hang out. State Street has many shops, cafes and restaurants. The last stop before arriving in Los Angeles is made in Ventura where we had lovely omelette and coffee at Savory Cafe and Bakery. Summarizing, Highway 1 is beautiful, diverse and breathtaking. Take your time exploring the road and everything that is to experience alongside it. (the end)

Beautiful view

 

Highway 1, California, US

Just consider

What might seem ‘perfect’ for now, might not be Perfect, but is perfect by all means.

Highway 1 (part II) – Listen nature calling

(continued) Big Sur attracted writers like Henry Miller and Jack Kerouac. Nowadays this area still has a mystical radius. When leaving this buzz of creativity you’ll pass Ragged Point. A wonderful cliff with fabulous views on the ocean. It is also a resort so you might want to consider staying there for the night and enjoy the water twinkling under the stars.

From Big Sur we headed further down. We passed Hearst Castle. The palais of William Randolph Hearst. He traveled a lot through Europe and shipped his ideas and the inspiration to the United States. A Roman swimmingpool decorated with gold, antiques and gardens full of flowers.

Our trip brought us along the beautiful nature of Cambria and we ended this second day in Morro Bay. Make sure you find a place to 

stay near the harbor, opposite to the giant rock that is located in the ocean. At night you’ll hear the seals and fire house.

 The next morning we had breakfast at Sunshine Health Foods on Morro Bay Blvd. This street has some lovely little shops and coffee houses. After a big smoothie we were again set to travel further south. (to be continued).

Highway 1 (part I) – Wondering at first

Highway 1 is by far one of the most beautiful roads of the US. Stretching on the east coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Go from north to south so you’ll be driving the seaside of the road. In three nights there’s so much to experience, but if you wish to stay longer there’s enough to find for a seven day trip as well. Find yourself surrounded by the endless Pacific ocean on the right and cloud covered mountains on the left. You’ll gently drive up and down the hills and pass beautiful sites.

Already a few miles south of San Francisco the cypress trees, that grow into the direction of where the wind blows, take away your breath. Drive further down and have a stop over at Santa Cruz and later on in Monterey to watch the large colony of sealions play in the water or resting on the shores. They are fun! Between Pacific Grove and Carmel by the sea is the beautiful 17 mile drive. It is definitely worth the couple of dollar entrance fee..

Make sure you catch the afternoon sun during the trip. The way the light reflects in the water is magical. Choose a nice spot to watch sunset before you check in to one of the many motels along the road or make your tent ready on one of the campgrounds. Not all towns are nice to stay, so be pickey. Big Sur is lovely. A true artist residence, where you’ll find lots of art work, nature and liberal natured people. (to be continued)

Pushing the boundaries

Discussing with entrepeneurial family members about how to run a business, the following quote came up. Referring to all the rules that are set that put blocks on the roads. One to remember: “It is better to ask for forgiveness, than to ask for permission.”