This book is filled with antidotes of Carol's experiences as an American transitioning into life in Germany. There are moments that will make you laugh and things that will make you shake your head in wonder. It is both an accurate and entertaining account of living as an expat in German culture.

Photo Credit: Amazon

Carol brings you along on her adventures as she travels from the Baltic Sea of Germany to Switzerland, through Norway, Sweden, and into the Artic Circle to experience the Northern Lights. She cruises the Mediterranean coast with friends and later journeys into the Muslim world, exploring Turkey, Egypt and Tunisia as a single woman in her fifties. Carol is adventurous and shows her readers that life after retirement can be filled with international escapes, life changing experiences and new friendships along the way.

Carol’s book Out of My Comfort Zone: Retired Teacher Experiences Living, Working, and Traveling Abroad ]]> http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/blogs/hammockinparadise/2011/08/12/out-of-my-comfort-zone-by-carol-coffey/feed/ 0 http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/blogs/hammockinparadise/2011/06/10/sweet-hands-island-cooking-from-trinidad-and-tobago/ http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/blogs/hammockinparadise/2011/06/10/sweet-hands-island-cooking-from-trinidad-and-tobago/#comments Fri, 10 Jun 2011 20:59:29 +0000 Lisa Overman - Hammock in Paradise http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/blogs/hammockinparadise/?p=3739 My love for the Caribbean islands is everlasting. The beauty, people and food of the Caribbean have me hooked. Recently I discovered Sweet Hands, a cookbook of recipes from the island of Trinidad and Tobago. Just reading the recipes and looking at the pictures fills me with a wave of nostalgia for the islands.

Sweet Hands: Island Cooking from Trinidad and Tobago)

Each island offers its own flavors but many flavors can be found throughout the islands. One example is a Scotch Bonnet pepper, others include lime, coconut or sugarcane. These four flavors just seem synonymous with Caribbean islands. The Caribbean flavors are also impacted by the history of each island. The cultural food influences come from a mixture of local traditions and ingredients, colonial rule and the combined influences of indentures servents brought to the islands during Colonial rule. These include spices and traditions from India, China and African nations. The combination of these cultural influences have created the deep and delightful flavor varieties you find throughout the Caribbean.

Trinidad and Tobago’s cooking styles and flavors have been influenced by India, China and several African nations. The national dishes are a mix of Indian and African influence, with Curry, Callilou soup and Roti (an Indian bread) being every day staples. Sweet Hands Cookbook offers far more than just recipes. It offers a glimpse into life on Trinadad and Tobago. It includes a 15 page overview of the island, photographs of the island and of the many recipes included in the cookbook.

Chandra Ballayram’s Sadha Roti
According to the recipe this is the simplest version of the various griddle breads called Roti.

Makes 4 Roti
2 Cups of all purpose flour
2 Tbsp of Baking Powder
Pinch of coarse or kosher salt
1 Tbsp Canola oil
1/2-3/4 C warm water

Combine the flour baking powder and salt. Slowly add your water, until the dough comes together in a soft ball. Knead slowly and add in the oil in a steady stream. Knead intil the dough is smooth, about 2 minutes. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes.

Divide the dough into four parts and let it rest another five minutes. Heat a heavy bottom skillet over medium heat. Roll each ball into a nine inch circle and heat it on the skillet. Flip the dough after 20 seconds, continue cooking and flipping the Roti until it’s fluffy and lightly brown. Repeat this procedure with each of the four pieces of dough.

*If your Roti don’t puff up then heat them in the microwave for 40 seconds on high. When all Roti are cooked wrap them in a clean towel to stay warm. Roti is traditionally served with curries or stews.

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Vroom by the Sea By: Peter Moore
Peter is a well known writer and traveler. His story begins with one last adventure before impending fatherhood. He travels on a bright orange Vespa through Sicily, Sardinia and along the Amalfi Coast. He names his Rally 200 Vespa Marcello. This is Peter’s second Italian adventure. His first was on the back of Sophie a coffee colored Vespa that he rode from Milan to Rome.

Peter’s adventures on Marcello will keep you laughing; you’ll wish you were in Italy on a Vespa. From a crazy moment when he has to drive the wrong way on a one way street to having his Vespa worked on by a mechanic he wants to punch for making a dent, you’ll feel the authentic experiences right along with Peter. He meets Italians who love his Vespa; they share beer, coffee, conversations and their own Vespa memories with Peter. Along the way he collects refrigerator magnets of patron saints and they ride along with him on his journey, in the tiny glove compartment. Peter’s journey is one of freedom, fun and contemplation as he considers what the future holds with fatherhood around the corner.

For more about Peter Moore take a look at his website. Dreaming of your own Italian Vespa adventure? Through Peter’s website I discovered a website called ScooterBella ScooterBella offers trips through Tuscany, Provence, and Puglia. They also offer custom tours.

Sisters of the Sari By: Brenda L. Baker
This book is actually a novel based on Brenda Bakers own experiences in India. This book is compelling; it grabs your attention and keeps it. It draws you into the Indian culture. It touches your heart with the experiences of an American woman visiting India. Kiria has her wallet stolen and is helped by Santoshi, an Indian woman who lives in a short stay home for poor women. Kiria wanting to repay Santoshi’s kindness finds the short stay home to pay her.

Kiria is appalled by the poverty the women live in. She wants to do more for Santoshi and women like her. She embarks on a journey of building decent housing for poor women in Chennai. The book is filled with moments that touch your heart and wrench it at the same time. It is an outstanding book. I couldn’t put it down. I finished the 327 page book in two days. It gives you a look into the Indian culture, it’s beauty and complexity. Interested in your own India travel adventure? Beth Whitman leads Wandertours to destination in India and beyond.

Vroom by the Sea is available through Summersdale Publishing.
Sisters of the Sari is available through Penguin Books.

I received these books as review copies from Summersdale and Penguin.