Monday, March 30, 2015

Creamy Vegetable Soup


What is the best way to get warm during the winter colds?

A soup is easy and simple to make and also many times a very frugal option.

Vegetable soup is light and convenient.

And the ingredients can often already be found in the refrigerator.

Preparation of a cream soup is simple.


Vegetables are cut up in pieces and boil in plenty of water or vegetable broth until soft.

Mashing can be conveniently done with the hand blender or food processor.

You can add to the finished the soup a little soy or coconut cream or cream cheese to soften the taste.

Also, a spoonful of cottage cheese, crème fraiche or sour cream and a pinch of fresh herbs will give the soup a nice finishing touch.


Gluten free tapioca or yucca bread is perfect to accompany vegetable soup.

Ingredients


12-13 oz of water
5 potatoes
2 onions
4 carrots
1 celeriac
2 parsnips
1 teaspoon salt, herbs
plenty of parsley, chervil or basil
(add  sour cream, soy or coconut cream or cream cheese to make the soup creamier)


Wash the vegetables and peel them. 

Finely chop the carrot and other vegetables into wedges.

Boil the vegetables until well done, about 30-40 minutes. 

Let sit for a little while. 

Puree the soup in a blender or sieve.

Heat the soup again, season to taste and add a bit of crushed herb seasoning.


Enjoy!

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Bolivia - A Country Of My Dreams


I cannot tell how excited I am to be able to share this with you.

I’m currently visiting Bolivia, translating for Finish Federations of Seeing Impaired and Ecuadorian and Bolivian Federations of Blind People.


It is an honor and a huge opportunity for me.

But also a dream come true.


Bolivia is one of the countries I’ve always dreamt of visiting.

And now I have the opportunity to do it!


I got a small taste of the wonderful and colorful culture during Napo province’s festivities here in Tena.

Embassy of Bolivia had prepared their presentation for the festivities.


And here are some pictures of what they did.

Hope you enjoy them!



And I will take more pictures while in Bolivia and be sure to tell you how my trip went!

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Vulcano Park - Ecuador's Largests Fixed Amusement Park


Where to go with children in Quito?

Vulcano Park is one of the main attractions for families in Quito.

 The amusement park offers your visitors entertainment through varied attractions that are suitable for all the public.

At over 3000 meters, the park is a must go if you are visiting the city.


What is Vulcano Park


The park includes mechanical distractions, technology and provides entertainment with its the varied attractions, games, and innovations.

There are also food stands where you can buy a snack or a meal for the kids, or the whole family.

It is suitable for everyone and every age with approximately 26 rides and attractions.


Even though not very grand at the international scale, Vulcano Park is the Ecuador’s largest fixed amusement.

The park is located on the slopes of Pichincha volcano and has an amazing view.

Guests can also ascend by cable car to Cruz Loma, where you will have a panoramic view of the city.


General Information


The rides vary in cost between $ 1.49 and $ 2.00.

There are days that some are discounted and are $ 0.35 per ride.

 The rides outside are cheaper than the games inside where you can win prizes.


The amusement park opens every day.


From  Monday to Thursday it is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

And from Friday till Sunday it opens from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Monday, March 16, 2015

Huevos Chilenos - Ecuadorian Mini Donut Centers


The "Chilean eggs" are a typical sweets from Ecuador.

They are a sort of donut or mini donut centers.

Why they are called Chilean when they are from Ecuador is a mystery to me.

The egg part is a bit more understandable, since they are small, about the size of an egg, and round.

But not exactly egg shaped.


The most important thing about them is that they are very delicious.

They are a very popular street food and sold everywhere.

But can also easily be made at home.

What you will need for the recipe:


Ingredients


1 dry yeast (or 2 and 1/4 tsp)
1 1/4 cup warm milk

Mix and add

3 eggs
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup softened butter
1 tsp salt
Caraway or aniseed essence

stir well

and add

5 cups of flour



Form soft dough and let rise.

Once to twice its volume stretch and cut the threads and form little balls with your hands.

Submerge the balls in boiling oil until they are golden.


Sprinkle sugar on the balls and ENJOY!

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Spondylus Route at the Ecuador's Pacific Coast


Spondylus Route at the Ecuador's Pacific Coast was formerly known as the Ruta del Sol or Route of the Sun.

It is the road that borders the Pacific Ocean from northern Peru to northern Ecuador.


The route has countless attractions and multiple beaches.

The name of the route comes from the spondylus seashell, or red spiny oyster, that was very important for pre-Columbian cultures of Ecuador and even used as currency.



What Spondylus Route has to offer


The small towns with hotels, restaurants, museums and other attractions, together with bigger towns and gorgeous beaches sprinkled throughout the route make it irresistible and a must for a traveler.


There are possibilities and facilities aquatic sports like surfing, snorkeling, fishing and scuba diving among others.

Other attractions included paragliding, horseback riding, local cuisine and culture, the wonderful sunny weather and friendly people.


Every town has its distinct way of life, culture, and culinary riches.

The beaches, food and opportunities for relax and partying varies from town to town.



History of Spondylus Route

The Spondylus Route on the coast of Ecuador displays the cultures that thrived from 8000 BC. 

Some of these cultures as Bahia and Manteña were among the most experienced sailors.
 

They were known as the "Phoenicians of the Americas" and aboard of their wooden boats of the Ecuadorian balsa traveled all the way from Mexico to the north and to the southern Chile.


One of the most important objects of the trade was the sacred "the Spondylus shell". 


It was also known as "Mullu" in Quechua (native language of the Incas).


The shell was one of the most sacred and sought out items in ancient times.


It was marketed and highly valued by the chiefdom of Ecuadorian and Peruvian Andes.


The shells or their remains have been found in almost all major archeological discoveries of the west coast of South America, such as the tomb of the Lord of Sipan in northern Peru.


In the small town of Valdivia is a museum that is dedicated to the different cultures that habited the Ecuadorian Pacific Coast.


Where to go



The beaches and towns stretch from Huaquillas at the El Oro Province in the Peruvian border till San Lorenzo in Esmeraldas Province right next to Colombia.


The Spondylus Route runs through a total of five provinces, all with different kinds of culture, traditions, nature, cuisine, animals, attractions, and beaches.


Montañita is the party central and the capital of surf, popular with both national and international tourists.


Los Frailes beach located in the Machalilla Natural Park is famous for its beauty and a quiet place to enjoy the sun, sand and water together with the nature.


Salinas, la Ciudad Blanca, or the white city has five-star accommodations and all the luxuries a demanding tourist might want, including shopping opportunities.


Puerto Lopez is famous for the opportunity to go whale watching and also for the fun loving lifestyle that has attracted many international tourists.

Playas has the charm of an old time balneary and there are opportunities to go dolphin and bird watching in the mangroves from the nearby town of El Morro.


There are numerous small towns with quiet and slow rhythm of life.

And other bigger ones bustling with tourists, music, and fun.



If you are planning a vacation keep Ecuador's Spondylus Route in your mind.

Spondylus Route is sure to offer something special for everyone!


Monday, March 9, 2015

Simple Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup


Broccoli and cauliflower is a combination that I can’t get enough of.

I love broccoli and I love cauliflower, so it was no stretch to imagine that I would like them together.

The only question was how I would prepare them.

But it was a quit obvious decision, since I love soup as much as I love cauliflower and broccoli.

This is a nice and easy soup that the whole family will enjoy.

And it is ideal for any situation.

Make the soup chunky or smooth, depending on your preference.

You can use either a blender or an immersion stick blender to puree the vegetables with the milk and broth.

Make sure the soup has cooled slightly before doing so to avoid splashing yourself with hot liquid.

Enjoy this soup with some fresh yuca (cassava) bread or a roll.



BROCCOLI AND CAULIFLOWER SOUP


INGREDIENTS
(For four)

300 gr broccoli florets
300 gr cauliflower florets
2 dl cream
2 dl milk
250 gr cream cheese
Salt and pepper to taste


1. Cook the broccoli and cauliflower florets with a little bit of water, only enough to cover them, until they are soft.

2. Pour the water away and add the milk and cream. Cook until it starts boiling.

3. Lower the temperature and add the cream cheese, let the cheese melt and mix with the soup.

4. Add salt and pepper.

5. Either serve the soup as it is, or let it cool slightly to puree the soup and serve.


ENJOY!

Friday, March 6, 2015

The Queen With The Frozen Heart - The Wedding


The wedding was huge.

The whole country was invited, even the people from the furthest communities.

And a lot of them made the voyage, at least all that could.

You didn’t see a prince to get married very often after all.


Besides the king was back and people wanted to be certain.

To see him for themselves and the queen was smiling again.

Everyone had heard about the adventure, of the quest the prince has made.

Of how he was turned into a monster by jester moon, Killa, and saved by his new bride.


And how valiantly the stars, Kuyllur and Lusiru, had fought to save the king and the warriors from the jaguar men.

The boa people were mixed up with everything somehow but nobody really knew how.

Just that you better respect them and make sure you didn’t talk badly about them, at least where they could hear you.

Everything was a like a tale of the old, the ones that wise men, kurakas, would tell around the fires at night.


The wedding was just as splendid as everyone expected.

The bride was gorgeous with her beautiful hair and traditional clothing.

The groom’s godparents haggled long and hard with her parents before they gave their permission for her to marry.

And the groom had to promise many gifts for her to make sure she would be a woman of independent means.


Just in case everything wouldn’t work out, you didn’t know with royals after all.

Who knew what kind of crazy quest the prince would want to make the next!

There was a lot of dancing, a loads of food and most importantly, there was chicha.

Vast amounts of chicha, enough chicha for everyone and then some.


An excellent wedding, everyone agreed.

The presents were superb and people still laughed about the bedding the couple got and the jokes the princes cousin made about the use it would get.

Yes, it was a wonderful wedding.

The bride’s mother told her to make sure the house would never lack chicha and to make it just like her husband liked it.


A wise advise, people nodded, she would make a great wife to the prince.

And a great queen for the country one day.

It was sad when just after two weeks everything was over and people had to leave for their homes.

But there was food to take with them, and chicha, and even some gifts.


Most of all, there were news, and the certainty that the country was in good hands once again.

And when it would be the time for the king and the queen to retire, there would be a very qualified couple ready to take their place.


The end


This is the thirty-eight, and last, part of the story.

To read the first part of the story, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 1  

To read the second part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 2 

To read the third part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 3

To read the fourth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 4

To read the fifth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 5.

To read the fourteenth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 14

To read the sixth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 6

To read the seventh part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 7

 To read the eight part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 8

To read the ninth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 9

To read the tenth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 10

To read the eleventh part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 11

To read the twelth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 12

To read the thirteenth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 13

To read the fifteenth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 15

To read the sixteenth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 16

To read the seventeenth part, go to the The Queen With The Frozen Heart 17

To read the eighteenth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 18

To read the nineteenth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 19

To read the twentieth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart 20



To read the twenty third part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart - At The Mouth Of The Cave

To read the twenty fourth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart - The Visiting Star

To read the twenty fifth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart - Time To Leave The Home

To read the twenty-sixth part, go to 
The Queen With The Frozen Heart - A Suitable Wife

To read the twenty-seventh part, go to 
The Queen With The Frozen Heart - Down In The Dungeons

To read the twenty-eight part, go to 
The Queen With The Frozen Heart - Savouring The Chicha

To read the twenty-ninth part, go to 
The Queen With The Frozen Heart - Flying With The Stars

To read the thirthieth part, go to 
The Queen With The Frozen Heart - The Monster Awakens 

To read the thirty-first part, go to 
The Queen With The Frozen Heart - A Cup Of Chicha

To read the thirty-second part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart - Riding The Storm 

To read the thirty-third part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart - The Magic Arises

To read the thirty-fourth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart - The Lightning In My Hand

To read the thirty-fifth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart - The Sacrifice

To read the thirty-sixth part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart - The Godparents 

To read the thirty-seventh part, go to The Queen With The Frozen Heart - My Love Is Alive