Helen Suk
Travel, food, photography blogger at Not Without My Passport
Fantastic images
Gorgeous
Agreed!
I saw it too. Fantastic gallery!
Thanks, Matt. I've been completely engrossed in this subject and I appreciate your perspective. The causes of the famine, apart from the potato blight, are indeed disturbing, specifically the actions of the British government. From what I've read, the pre-potato Irish diet was essentially dairy, meat, vegetables and cereal, so yes, I'd say that's pretty balanced, although I'm not sure of the quantities that were actually consumed and whether it was the rich or poor (or both) who enjoyed that balanced diet. I recently read an article about how the lumper potato has made a comeback in Ireland - the same variety Irish peasants were dependent on before the famine. One potato collector noted how people would come to him specifically for the lumper, hold it and be overcome with emotion because of its association with the loss of their ancestors. That's pretty powerful. We live in a very different time now but it does make me wonder how certain countries would cope if they experienced a widespread shortage of their food staples.
Thank you so much, Jeannie! I also learned the potato is the fourth largest crop in the world, and what's even more interesting is that China is now the largest producer. I never would've guessed it.
Me neither! I'm trying to remember if I've had potatoes with Chinese food but I don't think I ever have.
And I thought I knew Chinese food! Thanks for the info Jeannie.
Right? Such a fascinating peek.
Informative! I'm a righty, btw. TMI?
I'm a righty with everyday activities (including those involved with the bathroom!). I did see your post on FB, which is why I was going to submit it to Outbounding. That's when I found out your article was already posted :)
Wow. I'm embarrassed to say that I identify with the very emotions - indifference and a dash of resentment - that she writes about. It's kind of sad how we (by this I mean those who have been raised in the West) feel so disconnected from our cultural roots and the generations before us sometimes. I do a much better job at appreciating them though as I get older and realize how little time I have left with my mother. The article is quite funny as well - at least to me. My mother has the same sun visors - as one Korean man has put it, the ones that look like welding masks. Ha.
I swear, all these gift guides are killin' me. I mean, why would I buy these for other people when I want them all for myself? ;)
Aw... sorry to hear, Jeannie.
Loved this piece. And I can certainly relate!
Thanks so much, Matthew!
Thought-provoking post, and I appreciate the suggested alternatives to giving to begging children.
It's an absolute must in Turkey. I've never experienced anything like it!
Thank you, Sonja! It was a spectacular ride.
Well, that's embarrassing - albeit pretty funny. Thank you for pointing out the typo, Ellen - I just fixed it. I'm in Africa at the moment, and I'm using a terrible internet connection on my iPhone.
In high season, there can be as many as 150 in the sky at the same time!
Now I love this restaurant critic (I'm in Toronto) and I despise Trump. I may be in the minority here... but does anyone else think this review was too harsh?
I had no idea about this mini-series. Thank you!!
I just met a couple in Turkey who went to Mongolia for the eagle festival - they told me it was one of the best trips of their lives. It's on my list!
I just returned from East Africa and I can't tell you how many times I heard from hotel owners, taxi drivers and tour operators that business is down. Even though Spain and Portugal are closer to the Ebola-stricken countries than Tanzania and Kenya, the latter are taking a big blow. Really unfortunate.
As always, spectacular images from the Planet D.
Love the interactive features of this piece.
Interesting. I had no idea this site existed until now, so thanks.
Beautifully written. And I love the butterfly analogy.