Destination 2014 Selected - Morocco

After some careful thought and input from fellow trail-heads, I've decided that Morocco will be the destination of choice for the 2014 excursion out into the world. I had been toying with either going to Egypt or returning to Turkey this year, but in the end got sold on Morocco, the destination that lost out to Costa Rica this year.I'm more or less done with Latin America and the Caribbean Sea these days and am craving the solitude of a desert somewhere and what better than the Sahara, I ask myself? Been a few years since I've watched a sunset or sunrise over the desert dunes and next year seems as good a time as any to renew my acquaintance with it

So, it looks like it will be Africa after all - and I am quite jazzed over that! :)

Review: Kaya's Place, Puerto Viejo

I'm not usually one to do these sorts of things, but for Kaya's, I feel they deserve a round of rave review from me. This is a most excellent hostel, more akin to an eco-lodge than most hostels I happened to see while in Puerto Viejo. The only drawback to my stay at this place was the lack of computers to use to get online to update my blog, but with ATEC just five minutes down the road, and very cheap, this was NOT a large drawback at all.

The staff at Kaya's are very friendly and very knowledgeable about the surrounding area and are more than willing to offer all sorts of advice on things to do and alternates. From the best sodas to eat at, to the best places to go snorkeling, they have the lowdown and can help you get the most out of you stay.

There is an amazing array of food available in the kitchens, including wood fired pizzas - the Hawaiian Pizza was to die for, as was the bacon and egg sandwich. All reasonably and competitively priced. And let's not forget that there are ten available types of beer on tap, including craft beer, made by the proprietor, JT. The honey mango beer is to die for! :)

It is a short walk on the outskirts of the main town, just a few minutes to be precise, and the road at that point is lit enough and fenced on one side, so there is little concern of any shenanigans from locals who want to  help part you from your valuables. Truth be told, in a whole week, I never once felt worried about being robbed or otherwise. I am certain there are stories you will hear, some of them very true, but for Kaya's and its distance from town, there is little cause for concern if you take proper care to your environment. And you know, if you are worried about it, a cab will only cost at most 1000 colones (2 dollars) to get there from some of the bars on the far side of Puerto.

As for the rooms, they are clean, freshly laundered and cleaned every day should you wish it. Most importantly, they are bug free. The odd stray mosquito may get in if you leave your door open for any reason, but the window frames are netted to keep the critters out. My only bug related issues stemmed from sand fleas at the beach across the road, and this is not really a big issue. That being said, lol, I did hang my mozzy net over my bed nightly just to be sure - dengue is nothing to laugh at and take chances with.

All in all, I would totally recommend Kaya'\s to anyone who would be visiting Puerto Viejo... cost competitive and all the amenities you  would expect, minus the computers. Free wifi, water is safe (and backup systems in place should the mains be shut off by the city), even a pool table and common area to accomodate many visitors. Well worth the thought of a stay, especially if you choose to not be in the thick of the drunken mayhem of the village.

Trust me - if you want a nice relaxing place to spend your time, with easy access to the village and all of the beaches, Kaya's Place is the one place you need to consider...

Lizano Salsa - it didn't take me long at all!

You know, when in Costa Rica, there is Lizano salsa on every table in every restaurant and in every soda. You learn to love it and at the same time hate it, as the food just doesn't taste the same without it. It took me all of three days to cave in and go on the hunt for a bottle here in Quebec City. And i found it ~ costly at $9 for the bottle (700 ml), but hell, it is an import from Costa Rica after all. I had found a recipe to do a homemade version and one day I will try it, but for now, I sense a casado at home tonight! :)

Love and hate and rolled into one little bottle!

For those who would rather try to do it at home without all of the preservatives and such, here is the recipe and instructions to make it.

1-2 dried chiles, such as guajillo
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 small yellow onion
1 4-inch piece thick carrot, chopped
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon unflavored vinegar
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons fine salt
2 teaspoons molasses
2 teaspoons all-natural powdered vegetable broth base, optional

Remove the stems of the chiles and then slice the chiles in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and fibrous connective material attaching the seeds to the chiles. Pre-heat a 6-8-inch cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium heat. Lay the chile pieces in the pan and toast, turning after about 2 minutes. Add the water and lower the heat to bring the water to a simmer. Simmer for about five minutes. Remove the chile pieces from the pan and place in blender. Measure out 1 cup of the chile-infused water and add this to the blender with the chiles.

Add the onion, carrot, sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, molasses, bouillon if using. Blend until smooth. Taste for seasoning.

Sauce will keep in refrigerator for up to two weeks.