Author Archives: admin

Dyssekilde, Denmark

Posted on by
Reply

With so much attention being given to the “free city” community of Christiania in Copenhagen at the moment, I wanted to shed light on a fascinating alternative-living project near Hundested in North Denmark.

Dyssekilde is a community of houses in an idyllic rural setting, built using alternative and environmentally-friendly methods. People have come from as far away as Australia and Mexico to buy plots here and as I write, several new projects are in the making and the village is full of people roughing it in caravans, wagons and tents as they build their homes.

People are using strawbale techniques, solar- and wind-power, recycled timber, bricks etc, permaculture and “living roofs” covered in grass among many others. Its an expanding community with organic food shop and bakery, craft shop and several artists (see www.livstrae.dk) and any interested visitors will receive a warm welcome.

If you want to really integrate and learn about the community you can stay and work on a nearby, closely-connected organic farm (www.roejle.dk) by joining WWOOF (www.wwoof.org).

La Semilla, Tarifa, Spain

Posted on by
Reply

La Semilla “the seed” is a little hippy haven tucked away in stunning mountains on the coast of Andalucia, with views to Morocco. It is a cultural association hosting several music/art workshops throughout the year, as well as being open at weekends in the summer as a vegetarian and organic restaurant. Prices are moderate, but if you love quality vegetarian food you may just find the meal and the views over the mountains and ocean to Morocco an overwhelmingly wonderful experience.

Wagons or a tipi in the surrounding land can be rented very cheaply per night, but also people from all walks of life come to volunteer at La Semilla for months at a time helping with building, vegetable growing, cooking, artistic contribution etc etc. If you are in the area of Tarifa on a summer weekend make it your mission to come here ; follow signs to Playa de Bolonia, follow the road up past the beach into the mountains, take the right at the fork, and follow the little signs, some on the road itself.
Enquiries: grahola@yahoo.es
See my Semilla photos: https://community.webshots.com/user/joannahruby

Alpujarra, Granada, Spain

Posted on by
Reply

the Alpujarra is a series of beautiful white-washed Andalucian-moorish villages high up in the mountains, producing loads of crafts like ceramics, rugs and strange little herbal tinctures and liquers. There’s a magical mix of influences in this area – the Arab touch from the previous Moorish settlement, a Buddhist monastery and retreat near Trevelez, open to visitors, a Mongolian gentleman selling yurts on the roadside…and near the village of Orgiva is a tipi community in a hidden valley, stop-off point for many new age travellers and home to many a full moon gathering. Alternative spirits are drawn to this area because of the beautiful mountains, valleys and springs, and the rich history.

I have some photos from la Alpujarra at the following site: https://community.webshots.com/user/joannahruby

 

Info:

Address:

Granada

Phone:

Fiji

Posted on by
Reply


South Sea Island Fiji

I’ve been wanting to visit Fiji ever since 1982 when my plane stopped there to refuel on my way to Auckland, New Zealand. I wished then I could hop off and check it out, but that wasn’t allowed then.
Most ex-pats like me sooner or later need to do a visa run. That is when your visa expires, you need to leave the country you’re in and go somewhere else, usually for a very short time. Then when you show up at the border again, they renew your visa for another stay.
So when it was time for my first visa run from Australia, I’m so glad I picked Fiji. It was cheap (A$500 rt) to get there from Brisbane, and it’s a relatively cheap destination to visit.


Bula Dance – The Fijian Welcome

Continue reading →

San Pedro, Almeria, Spain

Posted on by
Reply

San Pedro is apparently the remnants of what was once a port nestled in the cliffs of Cabo de Gata, Andalucia. It was discovered and is now the home to several permanent residents and many, many other travellers from all over Europe and the world, who may pass by. It is completely unreachable by vehicle – only accessible via a 1hr walk (scenic is an understatement) along the cliffs from the nearest village, las Negras.

Its a piece of paradise and a place where nature leaves you awed and humbled, by day and by night. Its also a place where, if you come with the right intentions, strangers will give you what you need. San Pedro welcomes those who like to leave without a trace.

Prince Edward Island, Canada

Posted on by
Reply

Prince Edward Island is totally dreamy – heaven on earth! There’s a large liberal progressive movement on the Island (particularly in the ultra hippie town of Breadalbane – a former commune). The Island is so liberal that even the conservatives there seem like liberal Democrats! There’s practically no crime, and the people are some of the most peaceful, caring, and community-minded souls on the planet. Stunning wide sandy beaches, friendly locals, temperate weather, and it costs next to nothing to live there – very inexpensive housing and living costs (see mls.ca – the homes are listed in Canadian funds). For the organic healthfood hippie, the peaceful, less touristy “Bays and Dunes” area of PEI (and Kings County in general) is more clean, green and wild than the central and western ends of the province. The northeastern part of the Island also has more farmers who use IPM or organic farming methods on the smaller percent of land that is farmed in this region.

The Island is small enough that the picturebook, gingerbread city of Charlottetown or the cute town of Montague are close to most points on the Island. The Island has one of the largest community of writers and artists in Atlantic Canada. See epinions.com – type Prince Edward Island in the epinions.com search, and click reviews for other opinions about the Island.

The Green Place

Posted on by
Reply

Very hip, cool place. Great hip hop/ R&B music. Friendly/helpful guy behind the bar. Clean bongs and vaporizers available for use. We smoked our own stuff in there. But the ambiance was fantastic. Outdoor seating available overlooking a lovely canal. We spent 4:20 on 4/20 there! We were staying directly across the street in the amsterdam escape apartments- which are also lovely!

Info:

Address:

Amsterdam

Phone:

Cafe Japan

Posted on by
Reply

Cafe Japan, Santa Rosa, California

California is a great place to get sushi.  After all the California roll is another unique California invention.  But finding good sushi restaurants can be problematic.  There are many in the SF Bay area, but quality varies.

The Cafe Japan does sushi and other Japanese dishes right, some with a typical California twist.  This delightful little place in Santa Rosa’s Courthouse Square, serves up delicious Japanese fare with an emphasis on organic ingredients and a good range of vegetarian dishes.

I ordered the Nabeyaki Soba Hot Pot, which was served with shrimp tempura, hard boiled eggs, napa cabbage, chicken, gourmet mushrooms and soba noodles in an excellent smoked tuna and kelp broth.  The broth, the noodles and the mushrooms were the highlights, while the chicken tasted very bland.  I’d say if the chicken had been grilled or at least flavored it would’ve enhanced the dish.

My friend shared a Yo Yo Combo sushi plate, with Nigiri sushi and a California roll.  The nice, large pieces of fish were melt-in-your-mouth fresh, really good.  The California roll was likewise very good, with real crab for a change!

I’ve heard the seaweed salad is excellent, and for vegetarians there’s a great mix of vegetarian rolls and veggie Nigiri – very unusual – with cherry tomato, fruit, tofu, cucumber and sprout options available.  It’s rare that vegetarians have a decent selection of items in a sushi restaurant.

You can sit outside on the patio and enjoy the nice square, or you can take a booth or table inside.  The decor is a relaxed mixed of colorful Japanese knick-knacks, and each table has photos of the Japanese chef in various costumes.

Like in most sushi restaurants, freshness and quality don’t come cheap.  Expect to pay around $20 per person for lunch, $30-$40 for dinner plus drinks.

Info:
Near 4th and Mendocino, Next to Wolf Coffee

Address:
98 Old Courthouse Square
95404

Phone: 707 566-7650

Gatip Classic Thai Cuisine

Posted on by
Reply

This excellent Thai restaurant is conveniently located on Lombard Street (Hwy 101) in Cow Hollow.  It’s close to many motels and the local nightlife.

I’ve been there probably four times, and I’ve never been disappointed by their food or service.  They offer inexpensive lunch specials, their own healthy rice (a whole grain blend), and authentic Thai recipes.

Everything I’ve tried, including the usual spicy salads and soups, pad thai, curries, etc. were all perfect.  You do need to remind them how spicy you like your food, otherwise you may be in for a surprise, as they like to make things HOT!

The menu at Gatip is extensive, covering nearly every dish you’d expect to find in a good Thai restaurant.  There are 80 dishes to choose from just for dinner!

The interior is not very big, and the tables are close together, but you never feel crowded thanks to the huge windows looking out onto Lombard Street.

Info:
Hours:

Address:
2205 Lombard Street
San Francisco 94123

Phone: (415) 292-7474

Parducci Winery

Posted on by
Reply

Parducci Tasting Room, Ukiah, California
California is famous for its wines, and Mendocino County has some of the best wineries in the state.  One of my all time favorites is the Parducci Winery, just outside Ukiah, California.

Parducci was founded by Italian immigrants, and it was the first winery established in Mendocino County, although grapes have been grown here since the civil war.

Parducci is now part of the Mendocino Wine Company, with several labels in production.  I’ve tried a number of them, and while some are good, I’m still partial to the Parducci label.

Parducci makes a range of reds and whites as well as blush wines. I recommend the reds over the whites, as they seem to do much better in the Mendocino climate and soil.

Out of the reds, two varieties are outstanding.  Their Petite Sirah is perhaps one of the best wines produced in the US, yet one of the most reasonably priced high quality reds you’ll find in all California.  Likewise their Cabernet Sauvingnon is excellent.  The Zinfandel is very good too.

I’ve enjoyed these wines for more than 30 years and the quality and consistency rarely varies.  You can put those reds down in your cellar for quite sometime and they will reward you handsomely.

The Parducci tasting room is free, and you can try all their varieties if you like.  Their Zig-Zag-Zin is another popular, tasty red wine, but it’s not a Parducci labeled wine.

Tip: Avoid their higher priced, non-Parducci labeled wines.  They’re more hype than substance in my opinion, and the high prices just aren’t worth it when the Parducci label offers superior quality at much more reasonable prices.

Parducci now claims to be the first "carbon neutral" winery in the USA. Visit their sustainability page to find out more.

Info:

Address:
501 Parducci Road, Ukiah CA
95482

Phone: 707 463-5350